M I N U T E S - REORGANIZATION MEETING JANUARY 1, 1998
The Reorganization Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on January 1, 1998 at 12:00 noon in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 248 Hamilton Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. The Oath of Office was administered to Herbert D. Heeren and John E. Wassberg as Councilmen by Assemblywoman/former Mayor Rose Heck. Mayor Torre declared the 1998 Reorganization Meeting in session and stated that the meeting complied with the Sunshine Law, due notice having been made to all members of the Council on December 30, 1997 and to The Observer, The Record and the Herald News on December 19, 1997.
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 Following the Salute to the Flag, the Invocation was offered by Reverend D. Shellaway of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Mayor Torre and Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Fire Councilman DiPisa and Councilman Pepe administered the Oath of Office to 1998 Fire Department Officers. (list of names attached) On behalf of the TIP Organization, Chairman/Councilman Heeren, presented a Thermal Imaging Camera to the Fire Department. Fire Chief Tony Greco accepted the camera on behalf of the Department and thanked all those who made this moment possible. Appointment: Alan Baker to Police Dispatcher On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Link, and unanimously carried, the foregoing appointment was made. Mayor Torre administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Baker. Councilman DiPisa nominated Councilman Heeren for President of the Council. The nomination was seconded by Councilman Wassberg. There being no further nominations, Councilman Heeren was unanimously elected President of the Council for 1998.
Mayor Torre assigned the 1998 Council Committees as follows: Commissioner of Finance Andrew Link III Deputy Commissioner of Finance Herbert D. Heeren Commissioner of Police Herbert D. Heeren Deputy Commissioner of Police Justin A. DiPisa Commissioner of Fire Justin A. DiPisa Deputy Commissioner of Fire Garrett R. Pepe Commissioner of Health Marlene Verrastro Deputy Commissioner of HealthJ ohn Wassberg Commissioner of Strs. & Transp. John Wassberg Dep. Commissioner of Strs. & Transp. Herbert D. Heeren Commissioner of Land Use Andrew Link III Deputy Commissioner of Land Use Marlene Verrastro Commissioner of Sanitation Garrett R. Pepe Deputy Commissioner of Sanitation Andrew Link III Commissioner of Parks John Wassberg Deputy Commissioner of Parks Justin A. DiPisa
Commissioner of Recreation Marlene Verrastro Deputy Commissioner of Recreation Justin A. DiPisa Commissioner of Public Facilities Justin A. DiPisa Dep. Commissioner of Public Facilities Garrett R. Pepe Commissioner of Welfare Garrett R. Pepe Deputy Commissioner of Welfare John Wassberg Senior Citizens' Ombudsman Herbert D. Heeren Juvenile Outreach Ombudsman Garrett R. Pepe Library Liaison John Wassberg Drug Alliance Chairperson Justin A. DiPisa Municipal League Liaison Marlene Verrastro Intergovernmental Services Liaison Andrew Link III
CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Petty Cash Funds 2. Authorize CFO to Invest Idle Funds 3. Authorize CFO to Prepare Payrolls 4. Authorize CFO to Pay Medical 5. Designate Official Depositories for Borough Funds 6. Authorize Signatures for Borough Checks 7. Designate Official Newspaper 8. Set Meeting Dates for 1998 Council Meetings 9. Temporary Budget 10. Continuing Tax Settlement Committee 11. Authorizing Continuance of Prescription Drug Program 12. 1998 Debt Service Budget 13. Designating Number of Hours per Week as Minimum Requirement for Full Time Status On motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried the foregoing Resolutions on the Consent Agenda were adopted. (Resolutions attached)
APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Torre made the following appointments and requested confirmation by the Council:
POSITION APPOINTEE TERM Borough Attorney Ralph W. Chandless, Jr. 1 Year Borough Engineer Kenneth G.B. Job 1 Year Administrator/Treasurer Michael J. Kronyak 1 Year Borough Clerk Barbara Maldonado Tenure Borough Auditor Paul Garbarini 1 Year Superintendent D.P.W. Robert Heck 1 Year Construction Code Off./ Terry Naletko 1 Year Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Plumbing Inspector Richard Vanatta 1 Year Electric Sub-Code Richard Castellitto 1 Year Official Public Defender Thomas Mason 1 Year Prosecutor Frederick H. Allen 1 Year Borough Historian Louise Davenport 1 Year Board of Health Andy Papparozzi 4 Years Karen Olobardi 4 Years Margaret Sherlock Expires-1/1/01 Rodger Powell-Alt. 1 Expires-1/1/99 Louis Castellitto-Alt. 2 2 Years Local Assistance Board Richard D'Amico 4 Years General Assessment Board Joanne Monteleone 3 Years Board of Adjustment Victoria Borsett 4 Years Patricia Link - Alt. 1 Expires-1/1/99 Bill Kremer - Alt. 2 2 Years Planning Board Terry Naletko-Class II 1 Year Jesse D'Amore 4 Years Gil Hunt 4 Years Ron Kistner-Alt. 1 1 Year David Roche-Alt. 2 2 Years Free Public Library - Marcia Imken 5 Years Trustee Rent Leveling Board Joseph Torre 1 Year Joseph Ciano 1 Year Ronald Monteleone 1 Year Roy Perham III 1 Year Josephine Foresta 1 Year Charles Stenger 1 Year Recreation Commission Dennis Dinallo 5 Years Committee of Community Celebrations Audrey Ascione 1 Year Dorothy Bernice 1 Year Anthony Bernice 1 Year Victoria Borsett 1 Year Michael Ciano 1 Year Madeline de Velasco 1 Year Erin Gallagher 1 Year Patricia Link 1 Year Penny Mazzeo 1 Year Richard Torre 1 Year Elizabeth Torre 1 Year John Pirilli 1 Year Nancy Pirilli 1 Year Mary Russo 1 Year Norma Wilke 1 Year Rosemary Willard 1 Year Doug Lanzo 1 Year Coleen Lanzo 1 Year Doris Bruno 1 Year Joanne Ciano 1 Year Vincent Gareffa 1 Year Mary Alice Gareffa 1 Year Ann O'Donnel 1 Year Vincent Romano 1 Year Connie Romano 1 Year Betty Messery 1 Year Craig Messery 1 Year Debra Ciano 1 Year Joseph Giancaspro 1 Year Valerie Giancaspro 1 Year Helene Searle 1 Year Shelley Claude 1 Year John Giaquinto 1 Year Mark Ciano 1 Year Renee Verrastro 1 year Susan Verrastro 1 Year Design District Advisory Committee Mayor William J. Torre 1 Year Mayor's Alternate: Ronald Kistner Marlene Verrastro 1 Year Harold Jacobus 1 Year Arnold Steinhauff 1 Year Doreen Rutt 1 Year Doug Lanzo 1 Year Valerie Nucera 1 Year Nancy Marino 1 Year Chief Radio Communications Officer Dr. Roger Szanto 1 Year Special Law Enforcement John Krisinski 1 Year William Pols 1 Year Thomas Rubino 1 Year Police Matrons Karen Carney 1 Year Susan Paul 1 Year Teryl Meagher 1 Year Borough Examining Drs. Louis Napolitano, MD 1 Year Thomas Bellavia, MD 1 Year Mark Delcalzo, DC 1 Year School Marshals Lillian Buffone 1 Year Karen Carney 1 Year Lillian Dwyer 1 Year Esther Long 1 Year John Mazotas 1 Year Robert Meindl 1 Year Catherine Passaro 1 Year Frances Senkeleski 1 Year Helen Treptow 1 Year Frank Pagan 1 Year Lois Carucci 1 Year Joan Wiley 1 Year Rita Nedellec 1 Year Substitutes: Hiag Chongoushian 1 Year Joseph Attilio 1 Year Donald Cudworth 1 Year Jean Reyngoudt 1 Year Doris Holden 1 Year Josephine Bruno 1 Year Fire Official U.F.S.A. Arthur Jackson 1 Year Inspectors Frank Pistilli 1 Year Albert Saulnier 1 Year Kenneth Kubler 1 Year Angelo Roccamo 1 Year Arthur Knobloch 1 Year Edmund Carter 1 Year Kevin Todd 1 Year Mechanics Eng. Co. No.1 Kevin Todd 1 Year Eng. Co. No.2 Robert Thomasey 1 Year Hook & Ladder Peter Kolodziej 1 Year Emergency Trk. Joseph Taylor 1 Year Ambulances Deborah Greco 1 Year On motion by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Appointments were confirmed and approved. Mayor Torre stated that the next order of business was the appointment by the Council of the representative to the Planning Board. Councilman Heeren nominated Councilwoman Verrastro as representative to the Planning Board. The nomination was seconded by Councilman Wassberg. Councilwoman Verrastro was unanimously appointed to the Planning Board as a Class III Member for the term of one year.
MAYOR'S ANNUAL MESSAGE: Mayor Torre began his annual address by welcoming all those who were in attendance. He welcomed back newly elected Councilmen Heeren and Wassberg. He stated that the overall condition of the Borough is very good. In 1997, the Municipal tax rate was increased by 2 points, being approximately $39.00 per the average household. The main reasons for the increase were the loss of $140,000 in state aid, an increase in pensions by almost $100,000 and a decrease in ratables of almost $8,000,000 due to tax appeals. He commended the Finance Committee on doing an outstanding job. The Committee cut spending last year by $162,000 without cutting any services. In the last four years, the Borough's tax rate increased by less than 1%. The Borough was among 40 towns to receive a citation from Governor Whitman for having tax increases less than the rate of inflation, 3%. Under the Police Department, the Department answered approximately 10,300 calls to date, a slight decrease over last year. He commended the Department for doing an outstanding job and thanked Police Chief Bruce Werner for his services. Last year, a new state of the art police console was purchased to replace the 20 year old console. He mentioned the importance of the console and that it will be in working order at all times. New mobile radios were installed in the police vehicles. Last year, two new patrol cars were purchased. At least two vehicles are purchased every year, otherwise the maintenance and downtime will become overwhelming as they are used 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Through a COPS More grant, the Borough received two additional mobile data terminals, terminals installed in the police vehicles which enable the Officers to communicate directly with the Police Desk and the State Police to obtain records and information. Two additional crossing guards were appointed and two new posts were designated at each of the end schools due to the results of data and input given by the Board of Education, parents, and the PTA. The Department has continued its tradition of reaching out to the community with the successful weight room program at Franklin School gym for the youths of this Borough and Operation Reassurance which gives Senior Citizens a lifeline in the event that they need assistance. Under the Fire Department, the Department responded to a record of 637 fire calls. He commended the volunteer fire fighters of this Borough. He commented that as the number of calls become more risky, newer and better equipment is needed to save lives. He thanked the TIP Organization for their hard work in making the receipt of a Thermal Imaging Camera, an infrared camera enabling fire fighters the ability to locate individuals trapped in smoke and fires, a reality. A new KAME pumper truck was purchased and will be delivered next month, replacing a 21 year old truck which is at the end of its useful life. New lighter and efficient Scott air packs were also purchased. Two aging Fire Department vehicles were replaced last year by one new 1997 Suburban 4 wheel drive truck which also functions as a command center. The fire horns in the Borough have been eliminated and replaced by a new fail safe paging system. It is anticipated that this system will allow a better response without the intrusion of piercing fire horns. He commended Fire Chief Tony Greco and the Fire Department for all of their hard work and service to the community. Under the Department of Public Works, he commended DPW Superintendent Robert Heck and the Department on its efficiency in saving the Borough money, i.e. doing its own carpentry and electrical work and refurbishing a tree truck in house, saving the Borough approximately $8,000. The Department has been trimming trees block by block on a trial basis. In the last year, the DPW has trimmed one half of the Borough trees and expects to trim the remaining trees by the end of 1998. Last year, 150 new trees were planted, tripling the amount of trees normally planted. In 1997, the resurfacing of Lawrence Ave., between the Boulevard and Terrace Ave., was completed with a state grant. Parts of Roosevelt and Franklin Aves. were also resurfaced. This year, it is anticipated that Burton Ave., from Williams and Passaic Aves., under another state grant will be done. Long overdue, Jefferson Ave., from Terrace to Oldfield Aves., was completely reconstructed. The laying of the final topcoat and planting of 30 new trees will take place in the spring. During 1997, improvements were also made to the Boulevard circle, with the installation of new higher curbing and the widening of the road, protecting the circle from damage created by trucks jumping the curb. Under the Health Department, he thanked the Board of Health and its Secretary/Registrar Marilyn deRussy for their many hours of dedication. Under the Recreation Department, the Department had another record year with its Recreation Director celebrating his 27th year as Director. He thanked the Recreation Commission and its Director for making the Department the success it is. Under the Welfare Department, the Welfare Director Lee Kulakowski has implemented the finger imaging program to prevent fraud, saving many tax dollars. He commended Ms. Kulakowski for her aggressiveness in her investigations in combatting fraud and he thanked her for all her years of service. For the future, obtaining a new library would like to be explored. Our library is known throughout the County as having a very high circulation for such a small library. Through funding from the Friends of the Library and the State Library, access to the internet is available at the Library. He commended Library Director Michele Maiullo and her staff on their professionalism. He stated how proud the Borough was of Ms. Maiullo for instating the Borough's first Height's Night, a non-alcoholic New Year's Eve celebration. He thanked all in attendance for their support in 1997 and allowing him to serve as Mayor.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM THE COUNCIL: Councilman Link extended seasons greetings and a healthy New Year to all residents. He commented that this Governing Body will be fiscally responsible even though it does not always have control over certain expenses. He commended the Tax Settlement Committee for the excellent job it did in settling tax appeals. He commented on the loss of trees in the Borough and advised residents that if trees are available, to contact the DPW Superintendent to request the planting of a tree where maybe one or two had been taken down. Councilman Heeren thanked the dedicated Borough employees for doing a great job. He also thanked Borough volunteers for their outstanding work, especially the Fire Department members who lay their lives on the line. He wished all a very happy, healthy and blessed New Year. Councilman DiPisa thanked all the residents, especially his wife and children for their love and support all year. He also thanked the Mayor and Council and commented what a privilege it is to be on the Council and serve the Borough. He mentioned that the American Heart Association chose this Borough as a "Town With A Heart", being one of only two towns in the County to receive this award. He commented that the title of the award is appropriate for this Borough. He wished all a very healthy, happy and safe New Year and assured those in attendance that he will continue to work as diligently as he had in the past for the good of the Borough. Councilman Pepe extended a happy New Year to all residents. He gave thanks for the support and reelection of Councilmen Heeren and Wassberg to the Council. He commented that these two Councilmen are extremely dedicated and very hard workers. He thanked the Mayor, Council, all Department Heads, employees and volunteers for a very rewarding year. He particularly thanked the DPW Supertintendent and Welfare Director whose Departments he was Commissioner of. He thanked those present for their attendance and support. He extended gratitude to his wife and children for giving him the support and strength to be on this Council. He also extended a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to all. Councilwoman Verrastro congratulated Councilmen Heeren and Wassberg on their reelection. She commented that the Council works very hard and how many things could not be accomplished without the help of the Borough employees and volunteers. She extended her services to anyone in need of assistance and wished all a very happy and healthy New Year. Councilman Wassberg wished all the residents a healthy and happy New Year and gave thanks for their support. He also gave thanks to his wife and daughter for all of their support. He stated that the Mayor and Council have the best interest of the residents in their hearts. He thanked all the Borough employees and the many volunteers. He commented that in the coming year the Mayor and Council will continue to make sure that the Borough serves its citizens to the best of its ability. Councilman Heeren invited those in attendance to gather in the Fire Room after the meeting for food and beverages.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM THE PUBLIC: Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak. Former Mayor and Assemblywoman Rose Heck came forward and on behalf of Assemblyman Guy Talarico and herself, congratulated Councilmen Heeren and Wassberg on their reelection and wished them the best. She extended their assistance to the Mayor and Council. She commended Councilman DiPisa on his initiative of trying to preserve and progress at the same time and offered her assistance with the improvement of Woodland Park. She said that working on certain projects for the betterment of the Borough has always been in their hearts. As Editor of The Observer, she commented on the importance of a community newspaper not only to this Mayor and Council but also to the residents of this Borough as an information piece. She commented on its importance of giving assistance to the TIP Organization in obtaining donations for the Thermal Imaging Camera. She thanked the Mayor and Council for appointing The Observer as its official newspaper and extended a happy New Year to all. Robert Searle, 51 Henry Street, came forward and said he had read a newspaper article in reference to the consolidation of Municipal Courts with other towns. He said that while researching the idea, he discovered that our Municipal Court generates well over $100,000 a year after expenses are paid, news he was very happy to hear. He said he just wanted residents to also be aware of this. Michele Maiullo, Library Director, came forward and reiterated the many comments about the great assistance from volunteers and on how Height's Night would not have been able to take place without the help of volunteers and support of the Mayor and Council. She said she would like to see the same support put towards a new library building. She said the existing library has been in the same building for 80 years and all the space is filled to its capacity. It would be a wise investment for all. Mayor Torre said he believed the Governing Body will be seriously looking into this issue in 1998. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the meeting to the public. There being no further business to be conducted by the Mayor and Council, the meeting was adjourned. I, BARBARA MALDONADO, 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 Reorganization Meeting held on January 1, 1998.
Barbara Maldonado, RMC Borough Clerk
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