BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

M I N U T E S

May 23, 2000

A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, May 23, 2000 at 8:00 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 200 Division Avenue, corner of the Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.

Mayor Torre stated that the meeting complied with the Sunshine Law, adequate notice of this meeting having been made to all members of the Council by personal service on December 28, 1999 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and The Herald News on December 28, 1999.

ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor William J. Torre, Councilman Andrew Link, Councilman Herbert D. Heeren, Councilman Justin DiPisa, Councilman Garrett R. Pepe, Councilwoman Marlene Verrastro, Councilman John Wassberg

Absent: None

 

YOUTH WEEK COUNCIL

At this point, Mayor Torre invited the Youth Week Mayor and Council to come forward and conduct the Youth Week Council Meeting. Steven Lucin took over as Youth Week Mayor.

 

ROLL CALL: Present: Councilperson Albunia, Councilperson Fascion, Councilperson Fabrizi, Councilperson Meyer, Councilperson Gagliardi, Councilperson Anam

Absent: None

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Youth Week Mayor Lucin recited the Sunshine Law statement and then led in the Salute to the Flag and Pledge of Allegiance.

 

YOUTH WEEK PROPOSALS

Councilperson Frank Albunia made a proposal regarding the new Municipal Building that would it be more economical to rent space as opposed to rebuilding. Councilperson Jennifer Fabrizi proposed that La Salle Avenue be made one way going west and Paterson Avenue one way going east making it safer for drop off of students at the Jr./Sr. High School. She also proposed retiring the 20 year old Fire Pumper truck and getting a new one, preferably red.

On a motion by Councilperson Fabrizi, seconded by Councilperson Anam, with all accepting, the foregoing motion was approved.

Councilperson Cariann Meyer proposed an ordinance making it a misdemeanor for children under 18 to have cigarettes in their possession, let alone smoking and that the law be strictly enforced.

On a motion by Councilperson Meyer, seconded by Councilperson Albunia, with all accepting, the foregoing motion was approved.

Councilperson Erica Gagliardi proposed a Community Bulletin Board at a central location of the Boulevard, preferably at the high school, with a small fee charged and students maintain.

On a motion by Councilperson Gagliardi, with no seconds or acceptances, the motion was tabled.

Councilperson Sardil Anam proposed a town bus designated to be used by senior citizens and the school to save the expense of a bus which is costly and sometimes not affordable.

On a motion by Councilperson Anam, seconded by Councilperson Albunia, with Councilperson Fabrizi saying no, and all others accepting, the foregoing motion was approved.

 

Mayor Lucin opened the meeting to the public.

Councilman Garrett Pepe spoke, congratulating the Youth Week Mayor and Council on a doing a great job and that they did spend a lot of money.

Mayor Torre commended them as well and thanked them for getting involved and to stay involved and get out there and vote.

Mayor Lucin adjourned the Youth Week Council Meeting.

 

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

COMMUNICATIONS: None

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (May 9, 2000)

On a motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, with all in agreement, the foregoing Minutes were approved.

 

PETITIONS: None

 

BILLS:

BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $151,523.87 specified in the schedule hereto annexed, having been examined and approved by the Finance Commissioner, or his Deputy, be paid and that warrants be issued therefore.

Signed Andrew Link III

Commissioner of Finance

On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.


REPORTS:

FINANCE , STREETS and TRANSPORTATION:

Under Streets, the Public Works Department reported that 7 sanitary manhole frames and 3 storm water frames were found to be cracked, have been ordered from Campbell Foundry in Harrison and will be replaced when they arrive, which requires clearing out a 5 or 6 foot area to do the repair work to the foundation underneath, replace new parts, and taper roadbed to lead directly into the frame. Under Trees, an extra unannounced branch pickup occurred due to the rainstorm of May 18. Branches were also picked up on normally scheduled times although the majority were not tied in bundles. He reminded residents that it is the borough ordinance to tie branches and shrub parts in bundles and place them at curb side for pick up. Under Finance, Councilman Link stated that the Current Fund Balance as of April 30 was $907,000 and that on March 31 was $1,297,000, a decrease of $389,000 for the month. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 6% interest. Cash receipts for the month of April totaled $1,603,000 of which $1,472,000 was for current taxes, $45,000 was delinquent taxes, $10,000 was grants and state aid, and $75,000 wasmiscellaneous revenues. Cash Disbursements for the month of April totaled $1,991,000 of which $1,039,000 was Local School Taxes, $382,000 was Salaries, $361,000 was for Debt Service and $208,000 Other Expenses.

 

POLICE:

Commissioner Heeren reported the Police department is gearing up for the sixth annual Bicycle Marathon to be held over Memorial weekend, starting Saturday through Sunday for 24 hours straight. Two hundred helmets and medals will be awarded to all participants who make the 24 hours. The 2000 Bicycle Safety program has commenced whereby children wearing helmets will be stopped by the policeman, given a card for a slice of pizza and soda, and a letter of commendation will be sent to the parents. If they are not wearing helmets, they will be warned and a letter sent as well. On May 1 the Seat Belt law went into effect, which allows police officer to stop a car if passengers are not wearing seat belts. In response to a petition received a few weeks, signs were posted on the Boulevard between Henry and Raymond Streets whereby all day parking will no longer be permitted, which was provided for in an existing ordinance. Five new portable radar units were acquired used in police cars to check speeders from the rear or front of the police car. State of the art shot guns will be replaced also. During the month of April there were 799 requests for service to the police desk, 116 were 9-1-1, 180 were relative to Rt. 17 and Rt. 46 incidents, and 24 to other communities. Regarding the accident in Carlstadt on April 24, two Hasbrouck Heights police were in pursuit of the truck and were at the scene. There were 408 summonses issued, 237 were for parking violations, of which 204 were overnight parking summonses, a drop of 100 from last year. Two police officers will be promoted to regular patrolmen from probationary patrolmen. Cars traveled over 11,000 miles over the month of March. He read a letter of appreciation to the Police Department, in particular for Jeff Werner, who showed respect and concern.

 

FIRE:

Councilman DiPisa thanked the Fire Department Chiefs and members for the Fire Inspection which was one of the best he has experienced with the equipment looking very spiffy. The Fire Report for April: Hasbrouck Heights, 34 calls, year to date 189; Teterboro 15, year to date 50; mutual aid 1, year to date 7; total for the month 50, year to date 246. Ambulance calls for April: Hasbrouck Heights, 78, year to date 243; paramedic assisted calls 17, year to date 139; Teterboro, 10, year to date 30; paramedic assisted 4, year to date 19; mutual aid, 8, year to date 27; paramedic assisted 2, year to date 4; total 119, year to date 462. A meeting for the fire committee is planned dedicated to purchase of a new pumper for June 1. Under Recreation, the Girl’s Softball program is underway, with Saturday clinics led by Leslie Gorgki. Summer Rec Trek had a first registration on Saturday, with two additional registrations planned on Wednesday, May 31, and Saturday, June 3. Applications for summer employment are available until May 25. The Senior Olympics is scheduled for June 8, with a raindate of June 9. Hasbrouck Heights is host with entertainment by Uncle Floyd and a disc jockey. Volunteers are still needed. Danielle Scipioni was voted as Recreation Director on May 15. She was commended for her job as acting director. Under the auspices of American Heart Association, the Stroke Assessment Evaluation was held on May 22, an action plan for preventing stroke is available at Borough Hall or from Councilman DiPisa at Rite Aid.

 

SANITATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES:

Under Sanitation, Councilman Pepe reported that the Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation, further investigation of an 8 inch sanitary line located in the fast lane of southbound Route 17 revealed two more areas needed rehabilitation. Underground Video has been contracted to repair both areas to install two fiberglass epoxy linings to that particular area. This is part of an ongoing effort to repair all infiltration problems. Under Public Facilities, the Fire Department temporary garage facilities have been awarded to a contractor in Ridgewood, Infante Associates. He was one of three bidders, and shop drawings were sent to the architect for approval. Once approved the building can be fabricated and shipped to the job site. Meanwhile, the contractor can go ahead with the necessary site work. Councilman Pepe said the Fire Department Inspection was a marvelous event, the equipment looked fantastic, and he said more residents should come out and see the pride that the Fire Department has.

 

LAND USE AND WELFARE:

Under Welfare, Councilwoman Verrastro reported 10 cases at the beginning of April; cases closed, 2; cases denied, 3; cases active 9 at the end of April; 3 families received food from the pantry; referrals to HUD, 4; and to other agencies, 8; state reports, 6; workshop were attended by Lee; transit cases, 2. Three baby layettes were given to clients donated by Corpus Christi Church Renew Group, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and Girl Scouts, and the families were very grateful. A local assistance board meeting was held during the month at which cases were discussed. The next meeting will be September. At the workshop meeting, the American Red Cross spoke of the services they provide. Computer training is still on hold. Nineteen families received Easter baskets. Under Zoning. Under Building, 41 building permits were issued; 4 permits were updated; alterations, 42; demolitions, 3; buildings permits, 36; electrical, 11; plumbing, 5. The total value of construction was $151,831. Property Maintenance sent out letters. She reminded the residents to check with the Building Department before beginning any work on their homes, and that contractor signs are not allowed.

 

HEALTH AND PARKS:

Councilman Wassberg reported that Under Health, births recorded 5, 1 male, 4 females; burial permits, 5; certified transcripts, 329 of which 2 for marriage, 10 for deaths, 317 for funerals; dog licenses, 66; with a total amount of fees collected for April of $2,503. There were 102 calls for various inquiries. Regarding the West Nile Virus, the county has formed a task force including representation from the Department of Health officers and epidemiologist, Office of Emergency Management, Mosquito Division, Veterinary Association, Rutgers Extension Service and Hackensack University Medical Center to develop a coordinated plan for mosquito control and prevention. West Nile Virus is a mosquito born virus previously found in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. It was first identified in the United States in late summer of 1999. Sixty one cases have been identified in the New York City area including seven deaths. There have been no human cases thus far in New Jersey but the virus has been isolated from both birds and mosquitos in the state. Control of mosquito breeding will be an essential part of prevention and will be conducted year long. Incubation of humans is five to 15 days but not all humans infected with the disease will become ill. Most infections include symptoms of fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, swollen lymph node glands. Severe symptoms include fever, rash, headache to meningitis, encephalitis, coma and death. The most serious illness tends to occur in elderly and those with weak immune systems. There is no specific treatment or vaccine, however, most people recover completely within two weeks. Most West Nile Virus is transmitted through a mosquito bite. A mosquito becomes infected when feeding on infected birds. It is not transmitted from person to person. He recommended some safety measures the public can take by disposing of empty cans, buckets, flower pots, trash cans, etc. Clean clogged roof gutters, change bird bath water and fountains weekly, stock ponds with gold fish, empty plastic swimming pools when not in use and drain pool covers.

 

REPORT OF MAYOR:

The Mayor started his report on a sad note with the passing of two individuals, first Richard Castellito, electric sub-code inspector, and tragically Matthew Ingenito, a young man killed in an automobile accident, and asked for a moment of silence.

 

APPOINTMENTS: Daniel Kroncke and Corey Lange from Probationary Patrolmen to Regular Patrolmen

A motion was made by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously approved, the foregoing Appointments were accepted.

Robert Rogers as Acting Electrical Inspector

A motion was made by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously approved, the foregoing Appointment was accepted.

He commended the Fire Chiefs on a successful inspection, and noted that he had had a family obligation, but had seen the story and pictures on the web site which looked great. He also made mention of the Bike Marathon over the weekend, stating that Chief Colaneri and Captain Castiglione and other police work very hard to make this event a success. On May 29, the annual Memorial Day Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Lawrence and Terrace Avenues with refreshments following at the American Legion and VFW. He congratulated two Borough employees who have served the Borough, Lee Kulakowski 41 years as Welfare Director, and Marilyn deRussy 25 years as Registrar, and read their proclamations (copies attached) into the record before making the presentations and having pictures taken.


CONSENT AGENDA:

89. Authorizing Raffle Licenses for Ridgefield Chapter to Deborah Foundation

90. Authorizing Reimbursement to Kundert Volvo for Utilities

On a motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously accepted, the foregoing Resolutions on Consent Agenda were approved.(Copies attached.)


RESOLUTIONS:

91. Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Skid Steer Loader

92. Authorize Compensation to Member of Fire Department

93. Authorize Change of Meeting Time for 2nd and 4th Tuesdays

94. Authorize Property Maintenance Code at 210 Kipp Avenue

On a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolutions were approved. (Copies attached.)



ORDINANCES ON INTRODUCTION:

ORDINANCE NO. 1896:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER 261 ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO INCLUDE THEREIN A PROHIBITION AGAINST THE PARKING OF ANY MOTOR VEHICLES OF A GROSS WEIGHT IN EXCESS OF 8,000 LBS. (4 TONS) UPON ANY PUBLIC STREET WITHIN THIS BOROUGH EXCEPT FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING OR DELIVERING GOODS OR MATERIALS OR RENDERING OF SERVICES" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on June 13, 2000.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 1897:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND §261-27 ENTITLED "OVERNIGHT PARKING" OF CHAPTER 261 ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO CLARIFY THE LANGUAGE CONTAINED IN THAT SECTION introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on June 13, 2000.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 1898:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY AND COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN OF THE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2000" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on June 13, 2000.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 1899:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT FOR USE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, TO APPROPRIATE THE TOTAL SUM OF $60,000.00 WITH $54,000.00 FROM A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE GRANT AND $6,000.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE SAME." introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on June 13, 2000.

ORDINANCE NO. 1900:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY AND COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2000" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on June 13, 2000

No. 1897 - Clarifying Verbiage in Ordinance Prohibiting Overnight Parking

 

ORDINANCE NO. 1901:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY AND COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS OF THE HASBROUCK HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 2000" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on June 13, 2000.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 1902:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $70,000.00 TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A DUMP TRUCK WITH PLOW ATTACHMENT AND OTHER NECESSARY APPURTENANCES FOR THE USE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS AND TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCING OF THE COST THEREOF IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE LOCAL BOND LAW BY THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OR NOTES NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF $66,500.00." introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on June 13, 2000.

On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on Introduction were adopted.

ORDINANCE(S) ON CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING:

Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinance No. 1895. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the public hearing on said ordinance.

This ordinance was carried due to late publication and that this ordinance is a replacement of a system that fills the air packs which was destroyed in the fire.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 1895:

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A HIGH PRESSURE BREATHING AIR SYSTEM AND ALL NECESSARY APPURTENANCES FOR USE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, TO APPROPRIATE THE TOTAL SUM OF $27,000.00 WITH $11,700.00 FROM INSURANCE PROCEEDS, $1,500.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND AND $13,800.00 FROM AVAILABLE CAPITAL SURPLUS FOR THE SAME." be now continued on public hearing until June 13, 2000 as publication date of May 18 was not sufficient time to conduct the public hearing.

On a motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinance on continued public hearing was accepted.

 

MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:

Mayor Torre opened the meeting for anyone wishing to speak. No one came forward.

 

ADJOURN:

There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, the public portion of the meeting was adjourned.

I, ROSE MARIE SEES, 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 May 23, 2000.

Rose Marie Sees
Borough Clerk

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