M I N U T E S June 25, 2001
A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Monday, June 25, 2001 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 June 8, 2001 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and The Herald News on June 8, 2001.
Absent: Councilman Justin A. DiPisa
SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Torre led in the Salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Letter from Conchita C. Parker to Mr. Zaks regarding public hearing on June 25, 2001, of charges of Property Maintenance Code Violations for Block 1.2, Lot 78, 67 Lincoln Avenue. (Copy attached.) 2. Census 2000 Count Question Resolution (CQR) program from the State of New Jersey Department of Labor office which was implemented to respond to challenges to the Census 2000 housing unit and group quarter counts 3. Letter from M. "Bill" Pavlou, 156 Hasbrouck Avenue, thanking the Police Department and Maintenance regarding concerns in his neighborhood, and relating a few concerns that haven’t been fully resolved. (This letter was read in total-copy attached and referred to the departments involved.) 4. Announcement of the Bergen County Senior Citizens Picnic at Van Saun Park on August 8, 2001. 5. Letter from DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., Secretary of State sharing a copy of a proclamation by Acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco encouraging municipalities to include a reading of the Declaration of Independence as part of any 4th of July events. 6. Thank you notes from recipients of Mary B. Quigg Scholarship. 7. Copy of letter from Mayor of South Hackensack, Nicholas Brando, to Robert Franks, James McGreevey and Bret Schundler regarding Teterboro Airport. 8. Letter from William G. Dressel, Jr., Executive Director, New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding contacting Assembly Speaker Collins and Assembly Representatives to vote No on Home Based Business Bill A-1193 before June 28. A motion to adjourn to the next public meeting was made regarding Item #1, as the homeowner was out of the state and discussion continued that this property was in disrepair for the past six months and that something should be done. Dr. Zaklama said he would now continue to upkeep the property according to a phone call with the Administrator. Councilman Pepe made a motion to increase the amount to $2,500 and allow him to come in July and if he doesn’t then the Council would do whatever it had to do. It was seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously approved. Motion: A motion to waive the
reading of any item of correspondence at length into the record and to accept the
correspondence and place the same on file was made by Councilman Pepe, seconded by
Councilman Heeren, and unanimously approved.
BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $174,154.61 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 Wassberg, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted.
REPORTS: FINANCE, HEALTH AND SANITATION: Councilman Link gave the following Board of Health Report: For the month of May, 7 births recorded, 4 male, 3 female; burial permits 58, out of town 57, in town 1; certified transcripts 440, marriage 5, Death 2, funeral directors requests 433; Fees collected: dog licenses $351, of which $60 was late fees; certified transcripts, $2,200; vending machines, $125, food licenses and late fees, $1,000; marriage licenses, $168; food handlers course, $1,530; miscellaneous $950; child health conference, $60; with total fees collected $6,091. Total deaths recorded, 58, residents in town 1, residents out of town 4; non resident 53. Food licenses issued 7, marriage licenses 6, marriages recorded 9; and a total of 129 calls to the office. Eleven summonses were issued, as reported on the Police Report. Increase in fees schedule was passed and now in effect and being send out when notices are due. Under Finance, Commissioner Link reported that the Current Fund cash balance as of May 31, 2001 was $3,218,680.44 and at April 30, 2001 was $2,385,492.72 an increase of $833,187.72. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 4%. Cash receipts for May totaled $3,123,347.49 of which $2,998,578.17 was for Current Taxes, $35,226.67 was Delinquent Taxes, and $89,542.65 was Miscellaneous Revenues. Cash Disbursements for May totaled $2,290,159.77 of which $1,067,503.91 was Local School Taxes, $386,950.69 was Salaries, and $534,883 was County Taxes and $300,822.17 was Other Expenses. Under Sanitation, Commissioner Link reported that the State of New Jersey had reinstated the funding for the Recycling Tonnage Program. A check was received for $7,365.15 for 1999 which reflected total number of tons recycled by both residential and commercial businesses. These funds would be used to purchase recycling equipment.
WELFARE: Under Welfare, Councilman Heeren reported that during the month of May, there were eight Welfare cases, one was opened, two were closed, 14 interviews held, two cases denied, six referred to other agencies, and at the end of the month seven active cases. Several food certificates were distributed and the director attended a workshop. A total sum of $1,260 was expended predominantly for rentals. With more State consolidation of local boards, and computerization requirements by July 1, after due consideration the Welfare Board met with Mayor Torre and the administrator to go along with the State recommendations and turn over this program to the County. All active cases have been turned over. The director would now be the Social Services Administrator who will continue to conduct food distributions, referrals, food gift certificates, etc.
STREETS AND TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES: Under Buildings and Grounds,
Commissioner Pepe reported that the Borough took title to properties at 210 and 214
Central Ave, which will be included in the New Municipal Complex. The DPW had arranged to
remove all utilities in preparation for demolition. Also asbestos shingles and asbestos on
heating pipes must be abated from one of the homes, and this is under contract.
PARKS AND RECREATION: Under Parks, in Councilman DiPisa’s absence, Councilwoman Verrastro reported that Summer Camp had started today with 181 children registered. Trips and special days were planned. For the first time the Recreation Department with the Leisure Club of Hasbrouck Heights, would host a senior picnic for all seniors in Hasbrouck Heights. More information would be forthcoming. An free outdoor concert in Woodland Park is planned for Aug. 9 featuring the Blue Chip Chorus of Bergen County. She continued that Recreation Director Danielle Scipioni would be leaving to take a position as a teacher in Lincoln School. The opening was advertised in The Observer and The Record.
POLICE AND LAND USE: Under Land Use, Councilwoman Verrastro reported that Property Maintenance Officer Pat Vella had been visiting the businesses, asking that they maintain the property in front of their location, and asked them to take measures to clean up cigarette debris. She reported there were 78 construction permits issued for a total of $571,000.00. She reminded residents to check with the Building Department if permits were needed. Under Police, she congratulated the four officers who became permanent patrolmen, namely Michael Colaneri Jr., Brian Donohue, Scott Smith and Scott Adamo. There were a total of 1,115 calls to the Police Department for the month of May. She read a letter from someone who had been stopped by a police officer (Michael Colaneri Jr.) for a vehicle violation and praised the officer who treated her politely and kindly. She also thanked Sgt. DeLorenzo, Sgt. Mullins, Sgt. Cronin, Capt. Castiglione and Chief Colaneri for a great Bicycle Marathon and Kundert Motors for his time and generosity. She thanked the people who attended the Teterboro Airport Rally, Pat Vella for distributing the flyers, and resident, Gary Wells who made over 200 posters.
Commissioner Wassberg thanked the Fire Department also for their help with the Bicycle Marathon. He had read an article in the newspaper regarding State aid and it mentioned that Hasbrouck Heights would receive funds for a new ambulance. He gave the Fire Report for May: Fire Alarms: Hasbrouck Heights, 45 calls, year to date 236; Teterboro 10, year to date 54; mutual aid 7, year to date 21; total for the month 62, year to date 311. Ambulance calls for May: Hasbrouck Heights, 96, year to date 526; paramedic assisted calls 18, year to date 144; Teterboro, 17, year to date 104; paramedic assisted 5, year to date 42; mutual aid, 6, year to date 43; paramedic assisted 1, year to date 14; total 119, year to date 673.
REPORT OF MAYOR: APPOINTMENTS: On a motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Appointment was approved.
Mayor Torre next began his report expressing his sadness on the death of Monsignor DeDomenico, commending his accomplishments. He also expressed his sadness on the loss of Victoria Borsett, a member of the Zoning Board for over 20 years, a County Committeewoman and volunteer for Hasbrouck Heights. The flags would be flown at half mast for one week in their honor. He asked for a moment of silence. He continued with his report noting he attended the Teterboro Airport Rally, commending Councilwoman Verrastro and those residents who attended. He urged residents to show their support. He had also attended another function and hoped the gubernatorial candidates would oppose any expansion. He welcomed the Farmer’s Market for the second year, commending Tom Meli, the Chamber of Commerce, and Councilwoman Verrastro. The Mayor and Council would be participating in September. He congratulated the Youth Week students for doing a great job, and the teachers as well. He had attended a 200 Club meeting in Hasbrouck Heights (a county organization that raises money to help police, fire or emergency management members and their families in a time of crisis, as well as a scholarship fund.) He congratulated the Class of 2001 students from kindergarten through high school.
NEW BUSINESS: CONSENT AGENDA: None
91. Authorizing the Borough Clerk to Advertise for Bids for Acquisition of a Pumper Truck for the Fire Department 92. Authorizing the Borough Clerk to Advertise for Bids for a Sewer Line Inspection System for the DPW 93. Authorizing the Award of Contract to Motorola for Acquisition of Communications Equipment It was explained that Resolution No. 93 would upgrade the communications equipment to eliminate any black spots that now exist. Some of the cost was obtained through legislative grants. The Fire, Police and DPW were commended. On a motion by Councilman
Wassberg, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously accepted, the foregoing Resolutions
were approved. (Copies attached) ORDINANCE WITHDRAWN: ORDINANCE NO. 1938: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY AND COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2001" was withdrawn due to incorrect numbers and replaced by Ordinance No. 1939. On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinance on Public Hearing was withdrawn.
ORDINANCES ON INTRODUCTION: ORDINANCE NO. 1939: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY AND COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2001" 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 July 10, 2001.
ORDINANCE NO 1940: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $190,000.00 TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE UPGRADE OF POLICE AND FIRE EMERGENCY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR THE USE OF THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS AS PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED FOR IN ORDINANCE NO. 1915, TO APPLY SO MUCH OF ANY SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE GRANT HEREAFTER COMMITTED FOR SUCH PURPOSE TO THE COST HEREOF, AND FURTHER 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 $180,500.00" 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 July 10, 2001. On a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinances on Introduction were approved.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: At this point, Mayor Torre invited anyone wishing to speak to please come forward. No one stepped forward.
CLOSE FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Mayor and Council adjourned for Executive Session to discuss any matter involving the employment, appointment, termination of employment, disciplinary action unless individual requests a public meeting.
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 June 25, 2001. Rose Marie Sees, RMC
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