BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

M I N U T E S

January 22, 2002

A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Thursday, January 22, 2002 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, 2002 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and The Herald News on January 1, 2002.

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

Absent: Councilman Garrett R. Pepe

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

PROCLAMATIONS: A Proclamation was read by Council President DiPisa and presented to John De Rosa for his service during the Korean War

APPOINTMENTS:
John M. DeLorenzo III from Police Sergeant to Police Lieutenant

On a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Link, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Appointment was approved.

Joseph F. Cronin from Police Sergeant to Police Lieutenant

On a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Appointment was approved. At this point, Mayor Torre diverted from the Agenda and appointed John DeLorenzo from Police Sergeant to Police Lieutenant and Joseph F. Cronin from Police Sergeant to Police Lieutenant. The Oath of Office was read by Mayor Torre to each officer as his family surrounded him.

COMMUNICATIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (December 18, 2001, December 27, 2001, Sine Die and January 1, 2002 and January 8, 2002)

On a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Link, and unanimously carried except for Councilman DiPisa abstaining from the minutes of December 27, 2001 as he was absent, the foregoing Minutes were approved.

PETITIONS: None

BILLS:

BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $558,406.42 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 Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.

FINANCE AND SANITATION:

Under Sanitation, Commissioner Link reported the Department of Environmental Protection awarded the borough a Clean Communities Grant of $15,284, however because this fund has not yet been re-authorized by State legislation, the borough will receive $2,184 for 2002 and if the program is not re-authorized beyond 2002, there would be no grant money received. Garden State Paper owned by Enron was going out of business and was presently accepting our newspaper, magazines, cardboard and commingled containers. Another recycling company is being looked for. Bergen County landfill would be closing soon and the property was being sold to an investor from Florida. The sale of this property would enable the BCUA to pay off more than $90 million in outstanding bonds.

Under Finance, he reported that the Current Fund cash balance as of December 31, 2001 was $2,265,880 and at November 30, 2001 was $3,994,187, an decrease of $1,678,307. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 1.85%. Cash receipts for December totaled $432,527 of which $101,925 was for Current Taxes, $67,648 was Prepaid Taxes, $103,613 was Inter funds and $159,341 was Miscellaneous Revenues. Cash Disbursements for December totaled $1,930,546 of which $1,134,249 was Local School Taxes, $448,727 was Salaries, and $347,570 was Other Expenses. He reported that the 2001 Annual Debt Statement was completed and submitted to the Division of Local Government Services by the statutory deadline of January 31, 2002, and the Finance Officer was working on the Annual Financial Statement which must be submitted by February 10, 2002. He continued the Tax Collector’s office would be open January 26 from 9 a.m.-12 noon for first quarter taxes due February 1, 2002.

HEALTH, STREETS & TRANSPORTATION & SOCIAL SERVICES:

Under Health, Commissioner Heeren gave the following report for December: 6 births recorded, 5 male, 1 female; burial permits 61, out of town 55, in town 6; certified transcripts 396, marriage 16; funeral directors requests 380; Fees collected: dog licenses $27, of which $20 was late fees; certified transcripts, $1,980; food licenses and late fees, $1,030; marriage licenses, $84; with total fees collected $4,815. Total deaths recorded, 66, residents in town 7, residents out of town 11; non resident 48. Food licenses issued 6, vending licenses issued 57, marriage licenses 3, marriages recorded 4; and a total of 67 calls to the office.

Under Streets, the Commissioner reported the DPW had removed in January,18 dead trees and another 12 were scheduled to be removed by PSE&G. New trees were on order from Princeton Nurseries for the Spring planting.

Under Streets and Transportation, there was no formal report, but mention was made regarding Ottawa Avenue curbs and sidewalks almost completed and paving would be done in the spring.

Under Social Services, the Commissioner reported that in December, 25 families were remembered at Christmas with donations received from the Kiwanis, Contemporary, Woman’s, Junior Woman’s Clubs, Bergen Commercial Bank, Lincoln School, Corpus Christi Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and Elks Club. He reported the director had received calls from neighboring towns as Garfield, Lodi and Wallington wondering what help could be given their towns since the welfare program had been turned over to the county. Through the generosity of various organizations, Hasbrouck Heights was able to help residents. The director advised them to call the Salvation Army, and such. She had attended a workshop where the Hackensack University Medical Center Social Services Director spoke on its various programs.

Under Recreation, Commissioner DiPisa reported on the Men’s Over 30 Basketball and Adult Coed Volleyball going well, the Youth and Traveling Basketball Programs in full swing, and that new programs were being researched for summer camp. Softball registration will be held in February with year round clinics to be held. A meeting with the Leisure Club would be held soon to discuss new programs. Anne Ciavaglia, director of senior services for Bergen County and a resident of the Borough, offered her help. New spring programs under consideration include Men’s Open Basketball League, Adult Coed Softball League, Youth track and field program, Coed Soccer for high school students and a youth dance team for girls 5-13, with Jill Sgroi and Nicole Florio offering their expertise.

PUBLIC FACILITIES:

Under Public Facilities, Commissioner DiPisa gave the report, noting that the contract for the excavation of soil and the construction of a foundation for the proposed Municipal Complex was being authorized tonight to be given to Niram Inc. of Boonton, New Jersey. Six bids had been received this morning for structural steel and would be reviewed and awarded soon. The Municipal Complex 90% drawings are under review. The Fire Report was given by Councilman Wassberg.

POLICE AND LAND USE:

Under Land Use, Commissioner Verrastro reported for December 37 new permits were issued with total construction costs at $452,000. She reminded residents to get a permit before beginning any construction.

Under Police, she reported that for the month of December, there were 906 calls. An overview of the year reported 12,700 calls, 9,400 parking summonses and moving violations issued, 143 drunk driving arrests, as compared with 35 three years ago, promotions included James Miller and Charles Lesho promoted to sergeant, state grants were received with the help of Assemblyman Rose Heck, Assemblyman Guy Talarico and Senator Louis Kosco upgrading the radio system, purchase of a four-wheel drive vehicle and the police pistol range improved with the help of police volunteer and DPW, and two new police vehicles received. Under community policing program, the junior academy under the direction of Lieutenants DeLorenzo and Cronin expanded to two weeks. The junior auxiliary helped at the July Fireworks and Christmas Parade. The Bike marathon was held. An award from AAA was received for pedestrian safety, drunk driving arrests and prevention program. The badge program with each class assigned one officer was a success. The DARE program was taught by Sgt. Mullins to fifth graders and junior high school students. Awards included Patrolman Caccavella and Ian Robinson for EMS Excellence for saving a borough resident, Sgt. Lesho, Patrolman Rinke and Patrolman Adamo received a life saving award from PBA for resuscitating a 3 year old girl. Officer Caccavella received outstanding achievement from PBA for apprehending a wanted murderer from Maine while conducting a routine motor vehicle stop on Route 17.Sgt. Lesho and Patrolman Sisto received a CPR life saving award from PBA for successfully reviving a man from cardiac arrest. On September 11, officers were detailed to security detail at New York city crossings and local airports.

PARKS AND FIRE:

In Councilman Pepe’s absence, Commissioner Wassberg gave the fire report for December noting that the Firematic year ends in November: Fire Alarms: Hasbrouck Heights, 36 calls, year to date 36; Teterboro 7, year to date 7; mutual aid 0, year to date 0; total for the month 43, year to date 43. Ambulance calls for December: Hasbrouck Heights, 88, year to date 88; paramedic assisted calls 1, year to date 1; Teterboro, 11, year to date 11; paramedic assisted 1, year to date 1; mutual aid, 7, year to date 7; paramedic assisted 4, year to date 4; total 106, year to date 106.

Under Parks, some leftover grant money was to be used to improve the parks.

APPOINTMENTS: Councilman John Wassberg as Library Liaison Alternate

On a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Appointment was approved.

RESIGNATIONS: Kevin Cappadona from the Ambulance Auxiliary as of January 17, 2002

On a motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resignation was accepted with regret.

He continued that the borough received a $40,000 state grant for repavement of Baldwin Avenue. Over three miles of streets were repaved in 2001, with grant money being received in part and it was hoped to receive grant money this year also. He was pleased to announce the award of Bid Package #1 under resolutions with the excavation and removal of soil and concrete foundations, that the bid for Structural Steel and main structure coming out soon. On the budget, he reported the records closed for 2001, tax collection rate was 98.1% with the surplus increased by about $10,000, and now over $1,400,000. The finance committee was meeting to finalize the 2002 budget, with cutting to be done. Some out of control increases were in health benefits and sewerage fees. A preliminary budget was proposed for February. It was hoped to receive discretionary aid this year.

CONSENT AGENDA: None

RESOLUTIONS:
23. Ratifying and Confirming Sale of Bond Anticipation Note

24. Authorizing Promotion of John M. DeLorenzo from Police Sergeant to Police Lieutenant

25. Authorizing Promotion of Joseph F. Cronin from Police Sergeant to Police Lieutenant

26. Approving and Adopting the Standard Tort Claim Notice

27. Authorizing Contract for 2002 with the County of Bergen Department of Health Services

28. Awarding of Bid Package #1 - Foundation, Excavation, and Concrete Work for Municipal Complex

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

BE IT RESOLVED that 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 2002" was 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 February 12, 2002.

On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinance on Introduction was approved.

ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: None

MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:

At this point, Mayor Torre invited anyone wishing to speak to please come forward. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed this portion of the meeting.

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 January 22, 2002

Rose Marie Sees, RMC
Borough Clerk

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