June 22, 1999 A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on June 22, 1999 at 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 248 Hamilton Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. Mayor Torre stated that the meeting complied with the Sunshine Law, due notice having been made to all members of the Council by personal service on January 1, 1999 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and the Herald News on January 4, 1999.
ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor William J. Torre, Councilman Andrew Link III, Councilman Herbert D. Heeren, Councilman Justin A. DiPisa, Councilman Garrett R. Pepe, Councilman John Wassberg Absent: Councilwoman Marlene Verrastro
SALUTE TO FLAG: Mayor Torre led in the Salute to the Flag.
COMMUNICATIONS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (May 25, 1999 & June 7, 1999) Councilman Link motioned, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, to approve the Minutes of the above noted meetings. Roll Call: Ayes: Link, Heeren, DiPisa, Pepe - on 5/25/99 minutes, Wassberg Nayes: None Abstain: Pepe - on 6/7/99 minutes
PETITIONS: None
BILLS: BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $77,582.59 specified in the schedule, having been examined and approved by the Finance Commissioner, or his Deputy, be paid and that warrants be issued therefor. Signed Herbert D. Heeren/Commissioner of Finance On motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.
REPORTS: STREETS, TRANSPORTATION & LAND USE: Under Land Use, Councilman Link reported that 58 permits were issued by the Building Department. Under Streets, he reported that the Department of Public Works has advertised for the receipt of bids for a new street sweeper. The present sweeper is 12 years old and it would not be cost effective to repair it. Approximately 60% of yellow curbs in the Borough were painted by the inmates of the inmate labor program. The Borough Engineer is preparing plans and specifications for the 1999 road resurfacing program. Streets to be included in the project are Henry St., Burton to Oak Grove, LaSalle Ave., Terrace to Boulevard, and Walter Ave., Terrace to Burton.
FINANCE & RECREATION: Under Finance, Councilman Heeren reported that at the end of May the current cash balance was $2,555,000 all of which was invested, earning approximately 4 3/4% in interest. Cash receipts for the month totalled $3,057,000 of which $2,057,000 was from current taxes and $44,000 and $56,000 was from miscellaneous revenues. Cash disbursements totalled $2,281,000 of which almost $1,000,000 was for local school taxes, $545,000 for County taxes, $10,000 for interfund transfers, $354,000 for salaries and $373,000 for other miscellaneous expenses. Under Recreation, he reported that over 200 children have already registered for the summer camp program. He mentioned that next year the senior citizens olympics will be held in this Borough.
POLICE: Councilman DiPisa reported that there were 891 calls for services, 95 via 911. This month, the Department emphasized on stop sign violations. For the month of June, the Department will concentrate on speeding violations. The 5th annual bikathon was recently held with 192 children participating. He then read two letters of commendation thanking Police Department members for their assistance during the writers' time of need.
FIRE & PUBLIC FACILITIES: Under Public Facilities, Councilman Pepe reported that the Department of Public Works is presently updating its 1999 Right To Know Survey for all its facilities. Employees have been provided with training and education covered under the Act. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection has completed an inspection of all Borough buildings and the Borough has satisfactorily met the provisions of the Right To Know Act. Under Fire, he reported that for the month of May there were 35 fire alarms for the Borough, 194 year-to-date, 6 for Teterboro, 64 year-to-date, and 9 for mutual aid, 31 year-to-date, totalling 50 fire calls, 289 year-to-date. There were 49 ambulance calls for the Borough, 351 year-to-date, 31 paramedic assisted calls, 150 year-to-date, 3 calls for Teterboro, 47 year-to-date, 4 paramedic assisted calls, 21 year-to-date, and 13 for mutual aid, 58 year-to-date, 3 paramedic assisted calls, 16 year-to-date, totalling 103 ambulance calls, 643 year-to-date. He mentioned that one of the Borough's Fire Department's volunteers, Deborah Greco, graduated from the NYC Fire Department Training Academy with honors as an EMT. Ms. Greco graduated in the top 10% of her class and was #1 for physical fitness and health in a class of 65 men and women. Through research, he discovered that at least ten other volunteers have gone on to careers in Fire Departments, Police Departments and DEA Agencies. He recommended that anyone interested in these types of careers should begin by volunteering with the Fire Department.
HEALTH: Deputy Commissioner DiPisa reported that for the month of May there were 19 births recorded, 9 males, 10 females, 44 burial permits issued, 287 certified transcripts, a total of $2,843.00 in fees was collected, 17 dog licenses issued and 3 pool licenses issued.
WELFARE: Deputy Commissioner Wassberg reported that for the month of May there were 5 cases at the beginning of the month, 17 cases serviced, 1 case closed, 20 interviews and referrals, 2 cases pending, 5 food distributions from the pantry, 1 case denied, 3 conferences, 10 correspondences, 5 reports and $840.00 was expended. For Mother's Day, 15 baskets of personal items which were donated by the Girl Scouts were distributed along with food, certificates and clothing to welfare clients. Since the Borough of Lodi transferred its welfare department to the County Welfare Dept. of Social Services in Rochelle Park, our Welfare Office has received many calls from these clients requesting assistance. Their complaints were transportation, lack of money, long waiting and lack of referrals. These individuals have been informed that our office cannot give them any assistance. This proves that Welfare is best served by the municipality where immediate requests are taken care of.
SANITATION & PARKS: Under Parks, Councilman Wassberg reported that new playground equipment has been ordered for Miers Park. The area will be slightly enlarged and a new fence will be installed. Under Sanitation, the Department of Public Works has completed the 1999 Municipal Recycling Assistance Program Application. This year's allotment is $26,748.04, a huge reduction from last year's grant of $51,480.55. The reduction is related to lower tipping fees charged by the County at the landfill.
REPORT OF MAYOR: Appointments: Library Steering Committee - Leisure Club Ex Officios - Paul & Rose Mulle, Michael Bizzaro, Judy & Enrico Ventola On motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing appointments were made. Mayor Torre wished a speedy recovery to Library Trustee Thomas Verrastro from his recent surgery and Fireman Frank Pistilli who was recently involved in an accident which involved the Borough's ambulance. He commended the Department of Public Works, Fire Department and Police Department for their preparation of the Governor's recent visit to the Borough to dedicate Woodland Park's new playground equipment. He congratulated all of the 1999 graduates and wished them all the best of luck and success in the future.
NEW BUSINESS: CONSENT AGENDA: None
RESOLUTIONS: 109. Payment of Fees to State - Construction Fees 110. Issuance of Checks for Mary B. Quigg Scholarship Fund 111. Authorizing Renewal of 1999 - 2000 Liquor Licenses 112. Authorizing Cancellation of Balances in Capital Ordinances 113. Authorizing Contract With Charles R. Melli, Jr. Esq. to Perform Special Legal Services on Behalf of Borough 114. Opposing Increase by Cablevision On behalf of the Governing Body, Mayor Torre expressed outrage towards Cablevision increasing its rates by 6 1/2 percent. During negotiations with Cablevision for the renewal of its contract with the Borough, Cablevision was asked to at least give a discount to Senior Citizens. Mayor Torre said there was not a strong enough lobby for this since the different municipalities with Cablevision renew there contracts at different times. A letter was sent to each Bergen County municipality urging their town to also request a discount for seniors. Another letter will be sent to these towns urging them to express their opposition to this outrageous, unwarranted increase. On motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolutions were adopted. (Resolutions attached)
ORDINANCE(S) ON INTRODUCTION: ORDINANCE NO. 1866: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40:8A-5 et seq. TO AUTHORIZE A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY OF BERGEN TO PROVIDE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES UNDER THE LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES ACT FOR THE REMAINDER OF 1999" BEING ORDINANCE NO. 1860 ADOPTED MAY 25, 1999" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be and directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on July 13, 1999 at 8:00 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO. 1867: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT SECTION 28-9 A AND D OF CHAPTER 28 ENTITLED "FIRE DEPARTMENT" THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO AMEND CERTAIN OF THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THAT DEPARTMENT" introduced this date be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and the Borough Clerk be and directed to advertise notice of public hearing on said Ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Borough Council on July 13, 1999 at 8:00 p.m. On motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on Introduction were approved.
ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Torre commented on Ordinance No. 1862. This ordinance will provide for the refurbishment of the all purpose field and no trees will be removed. A sprinkler system will be donated by various sports organizations in the Borough. Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinance Nos. 1862, 1863, 1864 and 1865. There being no one wishing to speak on said Ordinances, Mayor Torre closed the meeting to the public.
ORDINANCE NO. 1862: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPAIR, REFURBISHMENT AND RESTORATION OF CERTAIN EXISTING OPEN AREAS IN WOODLAND PARK BY THE GRADING THEREOF TO ALLOW THE INSTALLATION THEREIN OF AN UNDERGROUND SPRINKLER SYSTEM BY OTHERS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE INSTALLATION THEREON OF NEW LAWS, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $85,000.00 FOR THE SAME AND TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCING OF THE COST THEREOF IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE LOCAL BOND LAW BY THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OR NOTES NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF $80,750.00" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights.
ORDINANCE NO. 1863: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD "SIGN" IN SECTION 275-6 ENTITLED "DEFINITIONS" OF CHAPTER 275 ENTITLED "ZONING" THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights.
ORDINANCE NO. 1864: BE IT RESOLVED that and Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT VARIOUS PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN SUBSECTION E ENTITLED "SIGNS" OF SECTION 275-21 ENTITLED "REGULATIONS GOVERNING CERTAIN ACCESSORY STRUCTURES AND USES" OF CHAPTER 275 ENTITLED "ZONING" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights.
ORDINANCE NO. 1865: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $110,000.00 TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A STREET SWEEPER FOR THE USE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS AND TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCING OF THE COST THEREOF IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE LOCAL BOND LAW BY THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OR NOTES NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF $104,500.00" be now passed on second and final reading and the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to publish said Ordinance, same to be published in The Observer, a newspaper circulating and published in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights. On motion by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on final adoption were approved.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: Mayor Torre opened the meeting to the public for anyone wishing to speak. Borough Attorney Ralph Chandless came forward and said Assemblywoman Rose Heck has been working very hard on a bill to provide for substantial grants for new libraries and improvements to libraries. The bill will be before the House of Assembly for a vote this week and the Governor has already given her blessing for the bill. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Torre closed the meeting to the public.
CLOSE FOR PENDING LITIGATION: WHEREAS, the Governing Body desires to meet for the purpose of a closed session to discuss pending litigation; and WHEREAS, the Open Public Meeting Law does specifically authorize a public body to exclude the public from a meeting for certain specified purposes; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights that a closed meeting shall take place immediately and said meeting shall be closed to the public and to the press. The results of the discussion of the closed meeting will be released to the public when the reasons for discussing and acting on the subject matter set forth above no longer exists. Motion to go into Closed Session was entertained, motioned, seconded and carried.
ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, 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 Regular Meeting held on June 22, 1999.
Barbara Maldonado, RMC
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