BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

M I N U T E S

March 27, 2001

A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 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 January 1, 2001 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and The Herald News on January 1, 2001.

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 E. Wassberg

Absent: None

SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Torre led in the Salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance.

On a motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Minutes were accepted.

PETITIONS: None

BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $101,175.26 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 a motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.

FINANCE , HEALTH & SANITATION:

Under Health, Councilman Link reported that the regular meeting of the Board of Health was held on March 19 which was changed from March 12 to accommodate the special meeting of the Planning/Zoning Boards. He continued that for the past five years the lower schools were conducting a program called "Market Day" which came to the Board of Health’s attention only this past January. Food items are sold and a $50 fee should be imposed as periodic inspections by the Health Inspector are required. A meeting of the schools and Board of Health will be held soon. The Food Handler’s Course will be given in the near future for 177 food handlers who need recertification. For the month of February 20 births recorded, 10 male, 10 female; burial permits 51, out of town 48, in town 3; certified transcripts 452, marriage 1, funeral directors requests 446; fees collected $4,221. Total deaths recorded, 56, residents in town 3, non resident 48. Food licenses issued 32, marriage licenses 4, marriages recorded 3; and a total of 72 calls to the office.

Under Sanitation, he reported that two new voice activated alarms were installed in the sanitary pump stations with the Franklin Pump Station alarm never working properly. This unit was replaced and the alarm operational at this time. Since January three miles of sanitary sewer lines were cleaned and two miles video taped. Six areas were in need of repair which would be made. A 300 foot section of sanitary line was reverse pitched and was scheduled for excavation in the summer. The Riser Ditch was not draining properly and the Bergen County Mosquito Commission was notified and a large accumulation of tree branches were removed as the possible cause.

Under Finance, Councilman Link reported that the Current Fund cash balance as of Feb. 28, 2001 was $3,415,457.70 and at Jan. 31, 2001 was $2,061,598.45 an increase of $1,353,859.25. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 5.50%. Cash receipts for February totaled $3,995,017.96 of which $3,920,716.78 was for Current Taxes, $16,040.16 was Delinquent Taxes, and $58,261.02 was Miscellaneous Revenues. Cash Disbursements for February totaled $2,618,978.64 of which $1,315,579.91 was Local School Taxes, $550,129.32 was County Taxes, $394,024.76 was Salaries, and $359,244.65 was Other Expenses.

WELFARE: Under Welfare, Councilman Heeren reported that during the month of February there were five cases, two cases denied, one is pending and one new case. Twenty interviews were held in office and four investigations from home. The Welfare Director had attended a workshop on terminally ill clients and had 10 referrals, with 19 phone calls. Food was distributed to five families and certificates were given out. The next quarterly meeting would be held April 2.

Under Parks, Councilman DiPisa reported the parks were being cleaned up and wood chips were to be added to play areas in Miers Park and Woodland Park. Water meters were installed and turned on in Woodland Park and the Little League fields. State owned property as part of the highway right of ways were scheduled to be cleaned of litter. The Bergen County Clean Communities Department was notified and would complete the project. He congratulated Property Maintenance Officer Pat Vella who was helpful with parks clean up, especially Miers Park. He also thanked Assemblywoman Rose Heck who has been working towards grants for fencing at Miers Park to protect children from falling debris from Route 46 highway. Regarding Woodland Park Utility Field, he had met with DPW Supt. Heck and town sports groups. This field would be for the younger sports programs only as another playing and practice field.

Under Recreation, Councilman DiPisa reported the Senior Olympics would be held on June 6 at Randolph Township, with a rain date of June 7. There were still some openings and anyone interested should contact Danielle Scipioni. There were 97 girls signed up for Girls Softball. He thanked the Coaches for volunteering and that there would be a traveling team consisting of the top players from the whole league. Wrestling was still going on with two wrestlers, Brian Fill and Joe Fiayad advancing to the states. Summer Camp will start June 25 and end Aug. 10. Employment applications were available. Registration sheets would be handed out through the elementary schools and available in the Recreation Department. With the help of Michael Stillman, Junior High School teacher, a Jr. Recreation Commission was established to allow an interface between the Recreation Department and the students. Ms. Scipioni had attended the Recreation Conference in Atlantic City and had gathered many new ideas. He continued the Anti Drug Council had sponsored a "Clean Your Medicine Cabinet Program" on March 25, which allowed people to take medicines they had questions on and check them out with Mr. DiPisa. He thanked the Anti Drug Council committee.

The Mayor interjected and thanked Councilman DiPisa for his help with the Anti Drug program.

STREETS AND TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES:

Under Trees, Councilman Pepe reported new tree planting had been started including October Glory, Crimson King Red Maple and high branched Kwanzan Cherry trees.

Any resident who wanted a tree should call the DPW. Under Snow Removal, he reported the DPW had salted and plowed borough streets for a total of 624 hours, spreading 200 tons of salt and 100 tons of sand. Bergen County was billed $8,070 for plowing county roads that the DPW maintains. Under Public Facilities, Councilman Pepe reported that Langan Engineering was retained to provide asbestos consulting services at 248 Hamilton Avenue. A New Jersey-certified laboratory would analyze the samples, with Langan evaluating the information and preparing an outline for removal of all identified asbestos containing materials. The Building Committee consisting of Mayor Torre, Councilman Pepe, Councilman DiPisa, Michael Kronyak, Ralph Chandless, Architect Anthony Iovino, at special times special counsel Joseph Rotolo and Bob Heck will be conducting interviews for a Construction Manager on Tuesday, April 3 and Friday, April 5. Four potential firms will be interviewed out of 16 possible. This Construction Manager is intended to be put on as soon as possible to assist with the design and preconstruction services and will be the borough’s representative during the construction process.

POLICE AND LAND USE:

Under Land Use, Councilwoman Verrastro reported that the Planning Board had held their regular meeting on March 20 at which time Gateway Realtors were awarded their request for the building on Longworth and Boulevard. She reminded residents to check with the Building Department before starting any renovations to their home. She asked dog owners to please pick up after their dogs, that it is a health problem as well as a messy one.

Under Police she reported that for the month of February there was 1,115 calls to the Police Department. She attended the 5th Grade D.A.R.E. Graduation and congratulated Shawn Mullins for a wonderful job.

FIRE:

Commissioner Wassberg gave the Fire Report for February: Fire Alarms: Hasbrouck Heights, 34 calls, year to date 120; Teterboro 10, year to date 29; mutual aid 1, year to date 10; total for the month 45, year to date 159. Ambulance calls for February: Hasbrouck Heights, 85, year to date 238; paramedic assisted calls 18, year to date 75; Teterboro, 14, year to date 40; paramedic assisted 6, year to date 18; mutual aid, 13, year to date 30; paramedic assisted 2, year to date 8; total 112, year to date 308. He congratulated the Fire Prevention Committee for their Fire Safety Contest.

REPORT OF MAYOR:

APPOINTMENTS:
Robert Zappatelli to the Library Senior Citizen Steering Committee

On a motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Appointment was approved.

Regarding the Library/Senior Citizen/Municipal Center and Public Safety Building, Mayor Torre reported that the project was approved at the public meeting of the Planning/Zoning Boards. As was mentioned previously by Councilman Pepe, Mayor Torre continued that a Construction Manager will be chosen, and he hoped that the project would be bid by late summer or early fall and construction started by the end of the year. He attended the elementary schools Anti Drug Day Rallies and was impressed with the education they were getting and commended the Police Department and the Board of Education. He also attended Dr. Seuss Reading Day and read to one of the classes. He reminded residents that April 7 was the Easter Egg Hunt. He reported the field in Woodland Park will be ready for use on May 15. He congratulated the Council and Budget Committee on the budget, including Michael Kronyak and Ralph Chandless, with the rate going down a tenth of a point and he was very proud of this accomplishment, especially that neighboring towns’ rates were going up. He continued he has been advised by the mayor of Wood-Ridge that the Curtis Wright property was to be declared a redevelopment area, and solicitation of bids would be made for new construction there. He asked the borough clerk to direct a letter to the Borough of Wood-Ridge to reserve a large amount of green space on the border of Hasbrouck Heights and Wood-Ridge to be used for fields, Woodland Park or open area or jointly developed as park space. He then congratulated Morgan Horner who was State Championship Wrestler.

RESIGNATIONS: None

CONSENT AGENDA: None

RESOLUTIONS:
48. Authorize Sale of Bond Anticipation Note

49. Authorize Tenant Assistance to a Tenant of 320 Boulevard

50. Authorize Award of Bid for Radio Maintenance

51. Authorize Award of Contract for Service of Motorola Mobile Data Terminals

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

Before the Ordinances were introduced, Mayor Torre reported that every effort had been made to not take anyone’s property or home away and successfully negotiated the sale of properties to be acquired and contacted all tenants with the premise of helping them to relocate.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE ACQUISITION FOR PUBLIC PURPOSE OF LOT 19.4 IN BLOCK 48 COMMONLY KNOWN AS 320 BOULEVARD, LOT 19.2 IN BLOCK 48 COMMONLY KNOWN AS 322 BOULEVARD AND LOT 19.1 IN BLOCK 48 COMMONLY KNOWN AS 202 MADISON AVENUE BY CONDEMNATION IF THE BOROUGH CANNOT ACQUIRE TITLE THERETO BY AGREEMENT WITH ITS OWNER" 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 April 10, 2001.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:12-5 TO ACQUIRE PREMISES COMMONLY KNOWN AS 214 CENTRAL AVENUE IN CONSIDERATION OF THE SUM OF $350,000.00 FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING THE SAME IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED MUNICIPAL BUILDING TO BE LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE BOULEVARD BETWEEN CENTRAL AND MADISON AVENUES" 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 April 10, 2001.

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:12-5 TO ACQUIRE PREMISES COMMONLY KNOWN AS 210 CENTRAL AVENUE IN CONSIDERATION OF THE SUM OF $260,000.00 FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING THE SAME IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED MUNICIPAL BUILDING TO BE LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE BOULEVARD BETWEEN CENTRAL AND MADISON AVENUES" 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 April 10, 2001.

On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on Introduction were approved.

Councilman Pepe reiterated that every effort was made to negotiate for the properties fairly, as well as protecting the taxpayers.

MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:

At this point, Mayor Torre invited anyone wishing to speak to please come forward.

Gregory Gurrisi, 92 Ottawa Ave., regarding the problems with the sewer backup on Ottawa Avenue, thanked the Council for their efforts on his behalf, that the insurance adjuster had visited his home, that the sewer had been videoed and the problem noted.

James Velardo, 330 Hackensack Street, Carlstadt, representing the Utility Workers Union of America, Local 534 read a letter regarding the privatization of the Bergen County Utilities Authority requesting that Hasbrouck Heights consider passing a resolution against this privatization.

Mike Orokowski, 5 Ottawa Avenue, asked if the Mayor and Council would consider the request of Mr. Velardo, and Mayor Torre said that the information had been distributed and he had asked the Public Works Dept. to make a recommendation.

Carolyn Claussen, 320 Boulevard, had some questions and comments regarding acquisition of properties for the Municipal Complex, and how she was to be helped to relocate as she resided in the apartment building.

Sharon DeMarco Stun, 71 Ottawa Avenue, regarding the sewer backup on Ottawa Avenue and the report of the adjuster, and when she would be receiving an answer.

CLOSE FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION:

The Mayor and Council adjourned for Executive Session to discuss any matter involving any pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation.

ADJOURN:

There being no further business to be conducted by the Mayor and Council, 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 March 27, 2001.

Rose Marie Sees, RMC
Borough Clerk

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