BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

M I N U T E S

February 26, 2002

 
A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Thursday, February 26, 2002 at 8:00 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 200 Division Avenue, corner of the Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.

As Mayor Torre was to be late, Council President DiPisa started the meeting and 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, Councilman Garrett R. Pepe, Councilwoman Marlene Verrastro, Councilman John Wassberg

Absent: None

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

COMMUNICATIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None

PETITIONS: None

BILLS:

BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $147,545.10 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 Pepe, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.

FINANCE AND SANITATION:

Under Finance, Commissioner reported that the Current Fund cash balance as of January 31, 2002 was $2,080,108 and at December 31, 2001 was $2,265,880, a decrease of $185,772. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 1.85%. Cash receipts for January totaled $2,113,628 of which $1,988,583 was for Current Taxes, $43,865 was Delinquent Taxes, and $81,179 was Miscellaneous Revenues. Cash Disbursements for January totaled $2,295,503 of which $1,403,634 was Local School Taxes, $392,805 was Salaries, $385,488 was Other Expenses and $113,575 was for Debt Service. He reported that the 2001 Annual Financial Statement was completed and submitted to the Division of Local Government Services by the statutory deadline of February 10, 2002. The Budget Committee was working on the 2002 budget and anticipated introduction was the first meeting in March.

Under Sanitation, Commissioner Link reported that the BCUA solid waste transfer station was scheduled to cease operations on May 31, which was to help reduce their debt by $91,000,000 and redevelop a portion of the Hackensack Meadowlands District. This would require finding alternative locations which could have an impact on the cost. On Feb. 7 the BCUA issued bid specifications in an effort to secure disposal capacity for Bergen County municipalities and this cooperative marketing program would enable them to enter into inter-local agreements with the BCUA and may provide additional cost savings. Bid proposals are to be submitted on April 8. The DPW submitted a Cooperative Marketing Program Interest form to be included in the co-op.

HEALTH, STREETS & TRANSPORTATION & SOCIAL SERVICES:

Under Social Services, Commissioner Heeren reported calls had been received regarding rent subsidies, rent control, Medicaid, Social Security, food stamps, Medicaid Gold, Hackensack Hospital clinics, apartment rentals, immigration policies, etc.handled by referrals and office interviews. One case involved an eviction and the Bergen County Social Services involvement. Gift certificates for food and clothing were distributed. The Social Services Board met in January. Mrs. Heeren remained as chairman and Mrs. White as secretary.

Under Streets, the Commissioner reported construction of the new Municipal complex had begun and on Feb. 22 Central Avenue between the Boulevard and Burton was closed to through traffic for resident protection and for heavy equipment on site. Five storm water catch basins needed repairs at various locations throughout the Borough. Trimming of trees along Borough streets and in Woodland Park was proceeding on schedule, with an outside contractor engaged in the park project.

Under Health, Commissioner Heeren reported the reorganization meeting had been held. He then gave the following report for January: 12 births recorded, 8 male, 4 female; burial permits 54, out of town 52, in town 2; certified transcripts 430, marriage 7; funeral directors requests 423; Fees collected: dog licenses $4,698; burial permits, $2; certified transcripts, $2,150; food licenses and late fees, $500; marriage licenses, $56; vending machines, $1,495, with total fees collected $9,083. Total deaths recorded, 56, residents in town 3, residents out of town 8; non resident 45. Food licenses issued 2, vending licenses issued 41, marriage licenses 2, marriages recorded 4; and a total of 128 calls to the office.

At this point Mayor Torre entered and presided over the meeting.

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 in playoffs, and that new programs were being researched for summer camp. The wrestling program was in a district tournament and all wrestlers who placed first and second advance to the next tournament. Softball registration will be held in February with year round clinics to be held. Mail registration would be utilized. A meeting with the Leisure Club was held to discuss new programs and ideas. A bulletin board would be located at Assemblywoman Heck’s Boulevard office.

FIRE AND PUBLIC FACILITIES:

Commissioner Pepe gave the Fire report for January (Firematic year is 12/1-11/30): Fire Alarms: Hasbrouck Heights, 26 calls, year to date 62; Teterboro 6, year to date 13; mutual aid 2, year to date 2; total for the month 34, year to date 77. Ambulance calls for January: Hasbrouck Heights, 89, year to date 177; paramedic assisted calls 20, year to date 46; Teterboro, 15, year to date 26; paramedic assisted 3, year to date 4; mutual aid, 7, year to date 14; paramedic assisted 1, year to date 5; total 111, year to date 217. Under Fire Prevention, for the past year $32,241 was collected in receipts, 623 local inspections, 129 LHU inspections and total correspondence was 477. This year there have been 5 local inspections, LHU 30 and correspondence at 42.

Under Public Facilities, he also reported on the construction of the Municipal Complex with an artist rendering now available. Residents were asked to be cautious with the heavy trucks going in and out. A letter had been received noting that the fire department found the floor plan for the Public Safety Complex acceptable. He had attended the Polar Bear Swim at Point Pleasant in which 8 police officers including Chief Colaneri, officers Bassett, Lesho, Rinke, Lange, Baker and Michael Colaneri Jr. and raised close to $1,000 for Special Olympics.

POLICE AND LAND USE:

Under Land Use, Commissioner Verrastro reported there were 23 property maintenance summonses issued and eight inspections. She reminded residents to please check with the Building Department to see if permits are needed before beginning any construction project.

Under Police, she reported that for the month of January, there were 972 calls. Work at the pistol range was near completion, with the DPW assisting in the final stages of the project. A ribbon cutting ceremony would be scheduled. A DARE parents night was held at the high school and was well attended. DARE night at Sports World was held on Feb. 7 attended by 150 children. She reported that on Monday, March 5, the graduation for the 5^th grades of Euclid and Lincoln Schools would be held. She had received water restrictions from the county emergency management department and read them aloud. She read a report on the overnight parking permits request (copy attached).

A motion made by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried to adopt the findings and conclusions of the overnight parking report read by Councilman Verrastro was approved.

Councilwoman Verrastro had attended a press conference on Teterboro Airport with the Coalition that afternoon which was well attended and referred to the resolution on the agenda to submit funds for a tort claim as a very important issue.

PARKS:

Under Parks, Commissioner Wassberg reported the remodeling of the restrooms in Woodland Park is near completion, with a new roof, fixtures and partitions installed. Upgrades to plumbing and electric were in progress and the eaves were replaced, all work done by the members of the DPW. In the playground area, the carousel was removed and will be replaced with a safer ride and rubber mats were ordered to go in front of the swings. One hundred cubic yards of wood carpet will be added after repairs are completed. Fifteen new picnic benches were being built by the DPW. He thanked Supt. Heck and the DPW for their work.

APPOINTMENTS: Craig Ferdinand as Deputy Court Administrator effective October 10, 2001

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

(Dr.) Daniel J. D’Alessandro as member of Fire Department Engine Company 1

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

RESIGNATIONS: Norma Wilke from Committee of Community Celebrations

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

Mayor Torre continued regarding the start of construction of the Municipal Complex and asked residents for their patience. He also invited residents to attend a March 5 Planning Board meeting at the Jr./Sr. High School at 8:30 p.m. for an important issue and opportunity for the residents to speak. He explained that he was late this evening as he had attended a special program by Michael Fallon at the high school. Regarding the Coalition, he thanked Councilwoman Verrastro and concurred that every effort should be made to fight the expansion and noise of Teterboro Airport and also made reference to the resolution on the agenda. He also thanked Councilman Heeren for his work in this area over the years. He continued that this evening before the council meeting, he along with Councilman Heeren, Councilwoman Verrastro, the engineer, administrator and clerk had met with residents of Summit Street regarding its reconstruction in late spring.

He had toured various libraries around Bergen County with Library Director Michele Maiullo and the architect Anthony Iovino for ideas and input for the Hasbrouck Heights Library. He had attended a Community Development meeting where the Borough has an application for a new elevator for the Public Safety Building and application for new barrier free curbs which should be reviewed by next month. He sent best wishes to First Assistant Fire Chief Thomasey following his recent surgery. He referred to the resolution on tonight’s agenda appointing Boswell Engineering as special projects engineer and said the purpose was to have expertise in the flooding area of Ottawa Avenue and give additional depth to this ongoing problem. It did not affect the current engineer. Lastly he made reference to the TEA-21, a transportation grant application to the federal government requesting funds to improve traffic safety and improvements on the Boulevard.

CONSENT AGENDA:
40. Raffle License for Corpus Christi Rosary Society

On a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Consent Agenda Resolution was approved.

RESOLUTIONS:
41. Authorizing Boswell McClave Engineering as Special Projects Engineer

42. Authorizing Additional Funds for Coalition for Health And Public Safety Regarding Teterboro Airport

43. Authorizing Refund of Taxes Overpaid for 177 Route 17

44. Authorizing Execution of Lease Hold Mortgage and Related Documents for the Refinance of the Loan Obligation of Housing Development Corporation of Bergen County in respect to Senior Citizen Facility on Franklin Avenue

45. Binding the Borough to the Obligations Contained in the Resolution of the Bergen County Planning Board in Respect to its Approval of the Proposed Municipal Complex on the Boulevard in Lieu of a Performance Bond

46. Authorizing the Borough Clerk to Advertise for Bids for the Purchase of a New Ambulance

47. Authorizing a Transportation Enhancement Proposal to be Submitted to the New Jersey Department of Transportation

Councilman DiPisa asked that Resolution No. 41 be held for further discussion in the closed session of the meeting.

On a motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously accepted, the foregoing Resolutions, except for No. 41, were approved. (Copies attached)

BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT USE REGULATIONS OF CHAPTER 275 ENTITLED "ZONING" OF THE CODIFICATION OF ORDINANCES OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS IN RESPECT TO PERMITTED PRINCIPAL USES IN THE B-1 "CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT" ZONE" 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 March 12, 2002.

BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT SECTION 275-6 ENTITLED "DEFINITIONS" OF ARTICLE II ENTITLED "WORD USAGE AND DEFINITIONS" OF CHAPTER 275 ENTITLED

"ZONING" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO INCLUDE AMONG THE WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED THEREIN THE PHRASE "COMMUNITY-ORIENTED BUSINESS" AS SUCH PHRASE APPLIES TO PERMITTED BUSINESSES IN THE B-1 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ZONE" 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 March 12, 2002.

On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, Ordinance No. 1956 and Ordinance No. 1957 on Introduction were approved.

BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT SECTION 261-45 ENTITLED "SCHEDULE XV: PARKING PROHIBITED CERTAIN HOURS" OF CHAPTER 261 ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO INCLUDE THEREIN THE PROHIBITION OF PARKING BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10:00 P.M. AND 2:00 A.M. ON CERTAIN PORTIONS OF CERTAIN PUBLIC STREETS IN THE VICINITY OF ROUTE 17" 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 March 12, 2002.

On a motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, Ordinance No. 1958 on Introduction was approved.

BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 84 ENTITLED "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO INCLUDE THEREIN A NEW ARTICLE TO BE NUMBERED VIII ENTITLED "IDENTIFICATION CARDS FOR CERTAIN PERSONS" 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 March 12, 2002.

On a motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, Ordinance No. 1959 on Introduction was approved.

MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:

At this point the meeting was open for comments from the public.

Councilwoman Verrastro congratulated Father Louis Papera of Corpus Christi Church on his becoming permanent Pastor.

Peter Brown, 160 Terrace Avenue, asked for a copy of the Police Committee report for Overnight Parking Permits, stating he was not happy about it , commented on why he did not understand the concept, but said at least there was a response given.

There being no others coming forward to speak, the meeting was closed for Executive Session for any matter involving the purchase, lease or acquisition of real property with public funds, any pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation, or any matter involving the employment, appointment, termination of employment, disciplinary action unless individual requests a public meeting.

RE-OPEN OF PUBLIC MEETING:

The following business was conducted upon re-opening of the public meeting.

BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 63 ENTITLED "RECREATION COMMISSIONERS, BOARD OF," OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS AND TO REPLACE THE SAME WITH A NEW CHAPTER TO BE NUMBERED CHAPTER 63 ENTITLED "RECREATION PROGRAMS ADVISORY COMMITTEE" ESTABLISHING SUCH A COMMITTEE TO CONSULT WITH THE RECREATION DIRECTOR AND TO ADVISE THE GOVERNING BODY ON MUNICIPAL RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS" 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 March 12, 2002.

On a motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, except for Councilman Link voting No, Ordinance No. 1960 on Introduction was approved.

BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 84-6 ENTITLED "CLOSING HOURS" CHAPTER 84 ENTITLED "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO CHANGE THE HOURS DURING WHICH THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES UNDER A PLENARY RETAIL CONSUMPTION LICENSE IS PROHIBITED" 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 March 12, 2002.

On a motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, Ordinance No. 1961 on Introduction was approved.

RESOLUTIONS:
41. Authorizing Boswell McClave Engineering as Special Projects Engineer

A motion to restore Resolution No. 41, as written, on the agenda when the meeting was again to be opened was made by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, with Councilman DiPisa and Councilman Pepe voting nay, and Councilmen Link, Heeren, Verrastro and Wassberg voting aye.

48. Authorizing Lilker Associates, Technology Solutions Group as Technological Engineering and Consulting Firm for New Municipal Complex

On a motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, Resolution No. 48 was approved.

ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: None

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 February 26, 2002.

Rose Marie Sees, RMC
Borough Clerk

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