BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS
M I N U T E S
October 26, 1999
A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on
October 26, 1999 at 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 248
Hamilton Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.
Mayor Torre stated that the meeting complied with the
Sunshine Law, due notice having been made to all members of the Council by personal
service on January 1, 1999 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and the Herald News
on January 4, 1999.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mayor William J. Torre, Councilman Andrew Link III, Councilman Herbert D. Heeren,
Councilwoman Marlene Verrastro, Councilman John Wassberg
Absent: Councilman Justin A. DiPisa and Councilman Garret R. Pepe
SALUTE TO FLAG:
Mayor Torre led in the Salute to the Flag.
COMMUNICATIONS:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
(September 28, 1999 and October 12, 1999)
On motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously
carried, the Minutes of the foregoing meetings were approved.
PETITIONS:
None
BILLS:
BE IT RESOLVED
that the claims and accounts amounting to $322,670.35 specified in the schedule,having
been examined and approved by the Finance Commissioner, or his Deputy, be paid and that
warrants be issued therefor.
Signed Herbert D. Heeren
Commissioner of Finance
On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously
carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.
REPORTS:
STREETS, TRANSPORTATION & LAND USE:
Commissioner Link reported that under Land Use, fees collected for the month of September
$7,010.00, total area of 15,138 sq. ft. and total volume of 186,000 cubic feet of
construction, remodeling, additions, and so forth. Total value of construction was
$1,806,677.00. The Zoning Board did not meet during the month of September. Under Streets,
DPW Supt. Bob Heck has applied for the Year 2000 NJ Tree Planting Grant of $10,000 funded
through the state and administered by the NJ Forest Service Community Forestry Program.
This grant is being offered for the first time and designated for tree purchasing and
planting on public property. NJ trees experienced stress caused by the drought, causing
many to die.
FINANCE & RECREATION:
Under Finance, Councilman Heeren reported that the cash fund balance at the end of August
was $3,030,596.00 and end of September reduced to $1,947,966.00, a decrease of
$1,082,000.00. The entire balance was invested and earned approximately 5.25%. Cash
receipts for the month of September aggregated $523,567.00 of which $79,090.00 was current
taxes, $382,000 was from State aid and $62,000.00 was miscellaneous revenues. Cash
disbursements for September totalled $1,602,000 of which $1,039,000 was Local School
Taxes, $356,000 was for Salaries, and $206,000 other miscellaneous expenses. The 2000
municipal budget is in the process of being formulated with the budget committee to begin
meeting to be ready for presentation late this year or early next year. The Tax
Collector's office is open this Saturday from 9-12 noon and also on Election Day. Under
Recreation, despite the fact the Director has been hospitalized for 10 days or more, and
was wished a speedy recovery, he was able to send a report, namely the Halloween in the
Park cancellation due to the encephalitis scare cash refunds will be made to the 575
ticket holders on Saturday, Nov. 6 between 10 and 12 a.m. in the Recreation office. Biddy
basketball registration is Nov. 1 for boys and girls 4th through 6th grades. Wrestling
registration is Nov. 15 for boys 7 through 14. Basketball for over 30 and Co-Ed Adult
Volleyball programs have begun
POLICE:
Commissioner Heeren read the Police Dept. report in Commissioner DiPisa's absence due to
illness Warnings and summonses were issued to people doing construction without permits,
especially by the new officers, in particular Patrolman Baker. Statistics for September
were 1,073 calls for service, 102 were 911 emergency calls, 4 in person, 635 telephone and
248 radio calls, majority on the 3-11 shift. The records show violent crimes are down.
Curfews will be in effect this Saturday and Sunday nights. Through the extreme efforts of
the Department, the life of a 2 year old was saved, when an accident occurred last Sunday
night at Cleveland and Terrace Avenues. Four letters were received by Chief Colaneri
commending prompt action on incidents that took place on Sept. 12. Directed to Det. James
Miller, Officer Thomas Tozzi, Det. Sgt. Joseph Cronin, Officer Charles Lesho and Officer
George Netelkos, their promptness solved a motor vehicle burglary in several hours.
FIRE & PUBLIC FACILITIES:
None, as Commissioner Pepe was absent.
HEALTH & WELFARE:
Under Health, for the month of September, there were 6 statistics reports, 13 births, 4
males and 9 females; 41 burial permits issued, 1 dog license issued, 44 deaths reported, 6
food licenses issued, 20 marriage licenses issued. There were 193 phone calls received by
the Department. Flu shots were given out today and 195 people received flu shots and 30
people received the pneumonia shot. Under Welfare, Councilwoman Verrastro reported cases
beginning at the month of September were 5,cases opened 2, cases pending 3, total cases
heard 10, cases active 6, referrals to other agencies 14, food from the pantry 8, meeting
and workshop was 3, cases denied 2, interviews 10, finger imaging 2, conferences with the
State 8, money expended for the month $1,129.00. The Jr. Woman's Club outfitted five
children for school for a total of $323 and donated gift certificates for shoes for those
children. Food baskets for Thanksgiving will be made up for the needy, and donations of
turkeys or any help is appreciated, noting that the Welfare Dept. is a separate entity
from Friendly Neighbors.
SANITATION & PARKS:
Under Sanitation, Councilman Wassberg reported that next year's recycling calendars will
be delivered in mid-November to all residents and available from the DPW or Tax Office.
The third quarter flow report was received. So far 340 million gallons of sanitary flow
has been received by the BCUA, a reduction of 55 million gallons over the same period last
year. This data is used to determine sewer charges for the year 2000. Since 1997 the
figures have decreased every year. The DPW is actively seeking infiltration into the
sanitary lines, especially along Route 17, which they will repair. Another form of inflow
into the system is the unilateral from basement sump pumps and foundation drains. He asked
residents who own a sump pump to check if connected to the sanitary sewer lines. This will
help reduce the inflow into the sanitary system saving tax dollars.
REPORT OF MAYOR:
Appointments:
Nomination of Dona DeFranco to the Board of Health.
On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Link, and unanimously carried,
the foregoing appointment was accepted.
Resignations:
Resignation of Cynthia Sonzogni from the Board of Health with regret.
On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried,
the foregoing resignation was accepted.
Resignation of Frank Serek as First Assistant Fire Chief.
On motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried,
the foregoing resignation was accepted.
Resignation of Angelo E. Talignani as School Crossing Guard.
On motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously
carried, the foregoing resignation was accepted.
Mayor Torre reported that the Borough received another $50,000 grant toward the proposed
Senior Citizens Center from Bergen County Community Development. He thanked
Co-Representative Rose Heck, Councilman Heeren, Administrator Michael Kronyak, as
alternates and the committee itself. The total is now approximately $280,000 committed
toward that structure. On tonight's agenda, he continued, on public hearing is the notice
of the Borough entering into the Energy Aggregation Program with about 15 towns, 280,000
line items, over $3 million dollars in billing, being better able to negotiate a lower
rate for the town. Phase II of the Pedestrian Safety Program is up and going on the
Boulevard with the sturdier signs, and the use of the other signs in cones and placing
them at churches. Additional signs are in black and white urging drivers to slow down,
yield to pedestrians, it's the law. Crosswalks are also being repainted. He announced a
press conference tomorrow at the Teterboro Pump Station where a fund of $1 million from
legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Heck for flood control studies, design, engineering
and construction projects in the Hackensack River Basin area and specifically Riser Ditch.
Lastly, he reminded everyone about the Ragamuffin Parade on Saturday beginning in front of
the Municipal Building to the Masonic Lodge where refreshments and a Magic Show will take
place.
NEW BUSINESS:
CONSENT AGENDA:
177. Authorizing Hasbrouck Heights Jr./Sr. High School PTSA Chinese Auction and On-Premise
Raffle
178. Authorizing Renewal of Membership in the North Jersey Inter- governmental Insurance
Fund for Workers Compensation and Employers Liability, General Liability Coverage, Motor
Vehicle and Equipment Liability Coverage, and Property Damage.
On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried,
the foregoing consent agenda resolutions were adopted.
RESOLUTIONS:
179. Authorizing Support of Legislation S-2177 that would appropriate $80 million from the
Surplus Revenue Fund to provide flood disaster relief to residents and business owners
180. Interfund Transfer
181. Authorizing Checks be Drawn to the Bank of New York for Principal and Interest on
Bond Anticipation Note No. 3-98
182. Authorizing Replacement Check to Bergen County Soil Conservation District
183. Authorizing Trust Check to Refund Halloween in the Park Tickets
184. Authorizing Hasbrouck Heights Junior Woman's Club 50/50 Raffle and Merchandise Raffle
On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the
foregoing Resolutions were adopted. (Resolutions attached)
ORDINANCES ON INTRODUCTION:
ORDINANCE NO. 1872:
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE GRANT
PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13 OF AN EASEMENT 4 FEET IN WIDTH AND 70 FEET IN LENGTH FROM
THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY ALONG THE EASTERLY SIDELINE OF LANDS AND PREMISES APPEARING ON THE
CURRENT ASSESSMENT MAP OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS AS LOT 16 IN BLOCK 48 TO ALLOW
THE PASSAGE OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO THE REAR YARD OF LOT 15 IN BLOCK 48" introduced
this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Acting Borough Clerk
be and directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the
regular meeting of the Borough Council on November 9, 1999 at 8:00 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO. 1876:
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS
28-20 AND 28-24 OF CHAPTER 28 ENTITLED "FIRE DEPARTMENT" OF THE CODE OF THE
BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS IN RESPECT TO GRATUITIES AND COMPENSATION PAID TO THE MEMBERS
OF THAT DEPARTMENT" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on
first reading and the Acting Borough Clerk be and directed to advertise notice of public
hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on
November 9, 1999 at 8:00 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO. 1877:
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: ""AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND
SUPPLEMENT SECTION 194-4 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS TO FURTHER PERMIT
THE USE OF THE PISTOL RANGE BY FORMER OFFICERS RETIRED FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF THIS
BOROUGH WHO PRESENTLY RESIDE IN THIS BOROUGH" introduced this date be and the
same is hereby passed on first reading and the Acting Borough Clerk be and directed to
advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of
the Borough Council on November 9, 1999 at 8:00 p.m.
On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the
foregoing Ordinances on Introduction were approved.
ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING:
Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinances No.
1875. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the meeting to the public. ORDINANCE
NO. 1875:
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: ""AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS TO IMPLEMENT SECTION 45 OF THE ELECTRIC DISCOUNT & ENERGY
COMPETITION ACT" be now passed on second and final reading and the Acting Borough
Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance, same to be
published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of
Hasbrouck Heights.
On motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously
carried, the foregoing Ordinance on Public Hearing was adopted.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:
Francis Calton, 171 Field Avenue, asked the mayor if he received a letter dated Oct. 18
from the county, and what would be done about it. The mayor told how the town had
approached the county regarding Riser Ditch last year, to take over jurisdiction since it
runs for four or five miles through Bergen County, and even if the section in Hasbrouck
Heights was cleaned every week, it would still have to be maintained by the towns south of
Hasbrouck Heights. He continued that Assemblywoman Rose Heck had obtained the one million
dollars for this reason. He was disappointed with the letter. Calton was told by the
county that it was the town's responsibility. Ralph Chandless, Borough Attorney, having
been involved with this over the years, felt the letter was inaccurate. Each town has
jurisdiction over their portion of the ditch. A permit to clean by Hasbrouck Heights was
obtained five or six years ago which is still in effect. Unless the towns south of
Hasbrouck Heights clean up their section, the problem will remain. Calton continued that
the flooding of Field Avenue has been a problem since Mayor Dominick. Chandless,
Councilman Wassberg and the Mayor reiterated that they did seek help over the years. The
Mayor invited the people to come see the Ditch and why the problem arises. Regarding the
sanitary sewer line on Field Avenue, Bob Heck, DPW Superintendent said it is maintained,
the block usually occurs on Route 17. The storm sewer lines were cleaned the day before
the storm and continued to be cleaned during the storm, according to Mayor Torre who was
on the scene. Councilman Link suggested that the Mayor and Council, Borough Attorney and
Administrator go to a County Freeholders Meeting.
Audrey Maisch, 132 Division Avenue, asked if the other towns involved with the Riser Ditch
were having the same problems. She was told the towns below Hasbrouck Heights do. However,
she was told that most of those affected are not residents of those towns, but businesses,
which maybe could be a cause for the lack of concern. Recently, Assemblywoman Heck took a
group people on a walking tour through the Ditch area. Wassberg explained where the gates
were located. The mayor said it is definitely a regional problem.
Al Gunnell, 175 Field Avenue, asked if anything had been done specifically to alleviate
the Field Avenue problem. He was told by the mayor that the lines were being inspected,
TV'd and cleaned out if necessary with problems being looked at and determined if they can
be fixed. Also, the mayor said that if you were to build a house in the Field Avenue area
now, the code requires that a back flow device be installed.
Betty Calton, 171 Field Avenue, said she was disheartened after the last council meeting
of September 28. She came for help and although they have had a flooding problem over the
years, they put up with it. But this time having sewerage in her basement, she feels
something has to be done. The mayor asked how many times she had sewerage and was told
two, the other time a few years ago, but they did not come to the Mayor and Council. She
questioned the grease traps on Route 17 and if the pump station was big enough. She was
advised that the businesses will be responsible for reports regarding the grease traps and
that homes will be surveyed regarding sump pumps and illegal pumps will have to be
removed. Discussion continued on the Riser Ditch. As was discussed at the September 28
meeting, the Mayor again said that if FEMA will give you a back flow device, take it.
Gina De Florio, 148 Field Avenue, asked if any of the Mayor and Council had an illegal
pump. She was told nobody. The Mayor said that the inspectors have been looking for
illegal pumps for the past year. She also asked why all the restaurants in Wood-Ridge
connected to Hasbrouck Heights lines. She was advised that Fridays and Wendys are the only
two. Michael Kronyak informed her that these businesses pay to have their sewer connected
to Hasbrouck Heights. He said that this was done by resolution when she asked why the
residents weren't notified. Dialogue continued regarding size of pipes, permits and if you
had a check valve, where would the flow go. She also questioned who will pay for the check
valve. She had spoken with FEMA and felt they would only give her a loan. The Mayor said
they have been out there with all the problems and can only do their best.
Grace Bayerlein, 323 Division Avenue, told of how she had two trees at either end of her
property which were cut down by the town many years ago and replaced with one town tree
planted right over her septic system which she feels causes her septic to back up every
spring. Before the town would come and rotor rooted it out and everything would be fine.
But now, she said, the town has now stopped this practice, with the owner being
responsible for laterals, and she now must pay for it herself. Dialogue went back and
forth with the question being who should be responsible for the tree and the problems with
the sewer lines. The Mayor asked the Borough Clerk to place this on the next work session
agenda.
Linda Rinaldi, 176 Field Avenue, for her parents, regarding the $1 million dollar press
conference, was this for a study.The Mayor said no, quoting the record twice, it was for
flood control studies, design, engineering and construction projects. She wondered if the
county knew of this, and Chandless, thought so, pointing to a certain portion of Leonard
Kaiser's letter, regarding where the county would assist in any drainage or cleanup
efforts, if he means the mechanical cleanup, that is exactly what the county has provided
for as long as he can remember. The permits from Hasbrouck Heights are on file.
Al Gunnell, 175 Field Avenue, came up again and made the comment it is almost the year
2000, some of the lines on the ditch were built by Dutch farmers over 300 years ago. Where
is the progress.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the meeting to the public.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, the meeting was
adjourned.
I, ROSE MARIE SEES, Acting Borough Clerk of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights, do hereby
certify that the foregoing Minutes are to the best of my knowledge a true account of the
Regular Meeting held on October 26, 1999.
Rose Marie Sees
Acting Borough Clerk
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