M I N U T E S April 23, 2002
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 Herbert D. Heeren, Councilman Justin A. DiPisa, Councilman Garrett R. Pepe, Councilwoman Marlene Verrastro, Councilman John Wassberg Absent: Councilman Andrew Link III
SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Torre led in the Salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance.
RESOLUTION: Authorizing Michael Kronyak as Deputy Municipal Clerk On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was approved.
PRESENTATION OF
CERTIFICATES: Friends of the
Library
COMMUNICATIONS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (March 26, 2002) On a motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Minutes were approved.
PETITIONS:
None BILLS: BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $588,328.32 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 On a motion by Councilman Pepe seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.
REPORTS: FINANCE AND SANITATION: Under Finance, in
Commissioner Link’s absence, Councilman Heeren gave the Finance report. He reported
that the Current Fund cash balance as of March 31, 2002 was $1,409,965 and at February 28,
2002 was $3,334,391, an decrease of $1,924,426. The entire balance was invested and
earning approximately 1.85%. Cash receipts for March totaled $237,967 of which $101,652
was for Current Taxes, $15,709 was Delinquent Taxes, $56,711 was Grants and Aid and
$63,894 was Miscellaneous Revenues. Cash Disbursements for March totaled $2,162,393 of
which $1,134,249 was Local School Taxes, $706,220 was Salaries, and $321,923 was
Other Expenses. He reported that the Tax Collector’s office would be open April 27.
HEALTH, STREETS & TRANSPORTATION & SOCIAL SERVICES: Under Streets,
Commissioner Heeren reported 100 trees were planted this Spring. A Fall planting is
planned and anyone wishing to have a tree could contact the DPW. Potholes were presently
being repaired and residents were invited to report any others to the DPW. potholes and
two catch basins on Ravine Avenue that had collapsed were reconstructed. Under Health,
Commissioner Heeren gave the following report for March: 11 births recorded, 4 male, 7
female; burial permits 64, out of town 63, in town 1; certified transcripts 553, marriage
3; death, 13; funeral directors requests 537; Fees collected: dog licenses, $390; burial
permits, $63; certified transcripts, $2,765; food licenses and late fees, $45; marriage
licenses, $84; vending machines, $80, with total fees collected $3,748. Total deaths
recorded, 63, residents in town 2, residents out of town 5; non resident 56. Food licenses
issued 3, vending licenses issued 2, marriage licenses 3, marriages recorded 6; and a
total of 89 calls to the office.
RECREATION: Under Recreation, Commissioner DiPisa reported that the Men’s Over 30 Basketball and Adult Coed Volleyball were going well. The director was thinking of setting up a court in Woodland Park for outside play for Volleyball. Girls Softball had four teams in each of the two divisions, a 3rd, 4th and 5th grade league, and 6th, 7th and 8th grade league, with two coaches per team. All eight teams had a set game and practice schedule. Registration for summer camp would be in early May. The new Youth and Tract Field program for grades 5-8 had 72 children registered so far. Senior Olympics was set for June 5 in Rutherford, with practice beginning in May for six different events. New programs coming in June include an Adult Fitness Club, Senior Line Dancing, Senior Walking Club, Community Dog Walking Group and Senior Assistance Program. The Family Program called Ready, Set, Relax was underway and interested parties should contact Councilman DiPisa. The Recreation Advisory Board is in the process of being organized.
FIRE AND PUBLIC FACILITIES: Commissioner Pepe
gave the Fire Prevention report for March: $35 was billed, 47 local inspections, 14 LHU
inspections, 11 re-inspections, 4 LHU re-inspections, one follow up inspection for a total
of 59 local inspections and 18 LHU inspections. There were two miscellaneous permits for a
total of $70. There were 95 letters sent out, 43 for violations, 43 certificates of
inspections, seven notice of violations and two new business registration forms. Fire
report for March: Fire Alarms: Hasbrouck Heights, 31 calls, year to date 127; Teterboro
12, year to date 35; mutual aid 2, year to date 4; total for the month 45, year to date
166. Ambulance calls for March: Hasbrouck Heights, 51, year to date 323; paramedic
assisted calls 33, year to date 107; Teterboro, 12, year to date 52; paramedic assisted
13, year to date 21; mutual aid, 8, year to date 28; paramedic assisted 2, year to date 8;
total 119, year to date 539. Signs were placed around town asking for volunteers who were
urgently needed. A grant application was submitted on April 4, for 20 Scott Air packs in
the amount of $82,500 with $74,250 federal funds and $8250 being a local match. He
announced that the Fire Department Inspection would be held on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m.
at the Masonic Lodge. The new Engine 1 Pumper should arrive in time to be included.
POLICE AND LAND USE: Under Land Use,
Commissioner Verrastro reminded residents to please check with the Building Department to
see if permits are needed before beginning any construction project. The Property
Maintenance officials would be checking projects. She also asked residents to keep grass
cut.
PARKS: Under Parks, Commissioner Wassberg reported all necessary repairs to the play area and restrooms had been completed in Woodland Park and the field area hydro seeded and fertilized. This summer all the telephone poles which line the back roadway in the Park will be removed as many of them were deteriorated. Park improvements are continuing.
REPORT OF MAYOR: Mayor Torre began
his report that no information has been received regarding the budget and extraordinary
aid requested. He congratulated the Police Department in apprehending the suspects of the
Trust Company bank robbery. Little league had its grand opening on April 20 with 400
children enrolled and congratulated the many parents who volunteer their time. He also
commended the DPW who lend their assistance. He had attended the 200 Club Valor Awards
ceremony, commenting on the good deeds of the club in helping families of policemen and
firefighters and encouraged people to become involved in this worthy cause. The Fire
committee had met recently and a representative from the 200 Club was guest speaker, who
noted that since the Fire Department covers Teterboro, the department is eligible for
funds or grants from the 200 Club. On the following Sunday the Rau-Fitzgerald Run would be
held.
APPOINTMENTS: None RESIGNATIONS: None NEW BUSINESS:
CONSENT AGENDA: None RESOLUTIONS: 78. Authorizing a Refund for Taxes Overpaid for the Year 2001 to 174 The Boulevard Realty Inc. On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously accepted, the foregoing Resolutions were approved. (Copies attached)
ORDINANCES ON INTRODUCTION: ORDINANCE NO. 1965: BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance entitled ‘AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 84-6 ENTITLED "CLOSING HOURS" OF 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 May 14, 2002. On a motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinance on Introduction was approved.
ORDINANCE(S) ON
PUBLIC HEARING: None MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: At this point the meeting was open for comments from the public. Linda Raguseo, 440 Washington Place, a resident for 21 years, regarding the paper street adjacent to her home from 436 to 440 Washington Place. She began by thanking Mr. Vella and the police department. She has written three letters regarding this property, plus sent photographs to the borough engineer. She said she had received correspondence from the borough attorney that this was her property, which she found debatable. She felt it was dangerous, has a drainage problem, and within the past year was a haven for children for smoking, etc., and being used as a thoroughfare by area residents. The borough attorney explained the law regarding this property. For many years the borough did nothing, but with policy changes, the DPW made necessary repairs to make this a non-hazardous condition. He explained that the Borough has two alternatives, to fully accept and bear the consequences or to vacate entirely in which case the property owners could go on it. Mrs. Raguseo’s property lines were discussed as well as the history of what has been done throughout the years to alleviate this problem. The value of the property was discussed. The borough attorney suggested a meeting with the borough engineer, which was made into a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman DiPisa and unanimously carried. Douglas Lanzo, 87 La Salle Avenue, had several questions. The first was as to when the Fire Department was to be relocated which was answered earlier in the meeting. His next question was whether the structures to be placed on Central were the ones currently on Hamilton. He was told no, they were going to be reconstructed at the DPW, and it was noted these were paid for by the insurance company. He asked which way the fire trucks would travel on Central and was told toward the Boulevard. He asked who was on the building committee and was told the Mayor, Councilmen Pepe and DiPisa, the construction managers, the architects, and Ralph Chandless. He asked what other projects had the councilmen and attorney been on. He was told that every member had a special purpose, and it was interjected by the borough attorney that there was also a special construction attorney who was well experienced. The mayor noted that his family is in the construction business and was also involved when the original municipal building was expanded, Councilman Pepe has a degree in construction and is present at the construction site at least two to three times a day. Carol Skiba, 191 Field Avenue, asked if any consideration was given as to the type of businesses that would be allowed in the commercial district as the type proposed by Bayside. She was told that the council was working with another town in establishing new law and introducing new legislation. The entire usage of Route 17 was being reviewed with a planner. She said that she and her neighbors would be happy to volunteer their time to this cause. Douglas Lanzo, 87 La Salle Avenue, questioned the estimated cost of the building project and was told $9.5 million that will be reduced by $4.5 million in insurance proceeds, over $300,000 in grants, with the net being between $4 and $5 million to the taxpayers. The $6 million of insurance is the total number with $4.5 million for construction and $1.5 for infrastructure costs. Cindy Schwabb, 167 Field Avenue, asked if the new laws and regulations will be in place prior to Bayside making an appeal. The mayor said that a meeting had already been held with the planner and the whole Route 17 corridor, and that another town was interested in joining, and how the state statute can be changed. She asked what if Bayside came back in the meantime, and was told they would have to show changed circumstances. They were working as expeditiously as possible so that nothing like this happened again.
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 April 23, 2002. Rose Marie Sees, RMC |