BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

M I N U T E S

April 23, 2002


A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Thursday, April 23, 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 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:
English as a Second Language Tutors
The ESL Tutors were welcomed and asked to come forward by Mayor Torre along with the Council President, Justin A. DiPisa. They included Nancy Pirilli, Elizabeth Gulino, and Anthony Gulino.

Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Library were welcomed and asked to come forward by Mayor Torre along with the Council President, Justin A. DiPisa. They included Marie Fitzgibbons, Janet Caccamese, Frances Visco, Joan Tscherne, William White, Lucretia White, Peter Prato, Susan Gaffney, Susanne Kepsel, Michie Maschio, Dorothy Ortiz, Eileen Reid, Barbara Smith and Audry Burr.

 

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
Commissioner of Finance

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.

Under Sanitation, in Commission Link’s absence, Councilman Heeren reported that the BCUA Municipal Tire Recycling Program is free of charge and that recycling markets continue to decline. Presently the borough was being paid $5 per ton for newspapers and cardboard and $25 per ton for bottles and cans. Five years ago it was between $100 and $150 per ton for newspaper and cardboard and $60 for bottle and cans.

 

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.

Under Social Services, he reported 19 qualified families received Easter baskets, including donations from the Kiwanis Club and residents. The Contemporary Club donated Shop Rite gift certificates. Eleven office interviews were conducted. The director had attended a workshop.

 

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.

Under Public Facilities, he reported value engineering and budgets were being set for the public safety building, with the floor plans and elevations reviewed at the last meeting by the mayor and council and approved. The architects are working on the interior elevations and mechanical drawings. Some of the walls were being poured for the municipal complex and continuing. Structural steel would begin the week of May 15. The schedule to erect the temporary fire house was accelerated so that when the structural steel is complete, the temporary fire house will be also. Demolition plans and specs for the old municipal building should be ready within a few weeks.

 

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.

Under Police, 927 calls were received for the month of March. Training sessions were held and the entire department has been certified in CPR, Defibrillator, pepper spray and firearms. Chief Colaneri and Lt. DeLorenzo met with the Community Awareness Class to discuss cleaning up Woodland Park as a class project. On June 26, a Junior Police Academy will be conducted for eighth graders. On May 1 the Police Department will be conducting a DWI demonstration for 11th grade students using a golf cart with fog glasses to assimilate the feeling of driving under the influence. The Bicycle Marathon will be held on Memorial Day Weekend. She read a letter to Chief Colaneri from the Commander Dan Croce (who is formerly from Hasbrouck Heights) of the Commander Coast Guard Activities in New York for use of the police vehicle roof mount and emergency lights which were used after 9-11.

 

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.

He reported on funding received thus far for the municipal complex and public safety building: a $120,000 grant had been received from Community Development for an elevator for the public safety building, an amount of $339,000 has been received thus far from Community Development grants and more will be applied for, a grant of $769,000 was received for the library from State Aid plus and about $6 million in insurance. He continued it was hoped to have the municipal complex ready for occupancy by the end of the year or early next year, and that the plans for the public safety building have been approved and an informal meeting will be held with all residents within 200 feet of the public safety building. He discussed the ordinance to be introduced tonight regarding the ABC hours of closing to be 2 a.m. and that comment was welcome. He congratulated Rob Brady and the Girls Track Team who were ranked number one in Bergen County and for a fine job with the new recreational track program.

 

APPOINTMENTS: None

RESIGNATIONS: None

NEW BUSINESS:

 

CONSENT AGENDA: None

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

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
Borough Clerk

[ Back to Index of Mayor & Council Minutes ]