M I N U T E S October 22, 2002
Council President DiPisa 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 Andrew Link III, Councilman Herbert D. Heeren Councilman Justin A. DiPisa, Councilman Garrett R. Pepe, Councilwoman Marlene Verrastro, Councilman John Wassberg Absent: None
SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council President DiPisa led in the Salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATIONS: The following correspondence has been received as of this date: 1. Letter from William G. Dressel, Jr., Executive Director of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee public hearing on bills to re-establish the Clean Communities Program on Thursday, Oct. 24. 2. Announcement of Law Enforcement vs. The Harlem Wizards Charity Basketball Game, Monday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at Fair Lawn High School Gymnasium. Proceeds to benefit the Bergen Regional Medical Center’s 9/11 Memorial Fund. A motion to accept the Correspondence was made by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (September 10, 2002 and September 17, 2002) On a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, and unanimously carried, with Councilman Pepe abstaining from the September 10, 2002 meeting, the foregoing Minutes were approved.
BILLS: BE IT RESOLVED that the claims and accounts amounting to $381,355.16 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 Councilwoman Heeren, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolution was adopted. At this point Mayor Torre arrived and presided over the meeting.
REPORTS: FINANCE AND SANITATION: Under Sanitation,
Commissioner Link reported all equipment was in operation and the department is operating
fully.
HEALTH, STREETS & TRANSPORTATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES: Under Health,
Commissioner Heeren gave the following report for September: 15 births recorded, 8 male, 7
female; burial permits 56, out of town 52, in town 4; certified transcripts 433, marriage
1; funeral directors requests 439; Fees collected: dog licenses, $91 of which $40 was late
fees; burial permits, $52; certified transcripts, $2,165; food licenses and late fees,
$160; marriage licenses, $140; with total fees collected $2,771. Total deaths recorded,
61, residents in town 6, residents out of town 6; non resident 49. Food licenses issued 6,
marriage licenses 5, marriages recorded 15; and a total of 109 calls to the office. Flu
shots by pre-registration will be administered to senior citizens on November 4 between 10
and 11:30 a.m.
RECREATION: Commissioner DiPisa began his report commenting that flu shots were primarily for those in poor health. Under Recreation, he reported Adult Co-ed Volleyball and Men’s over 30 Basketball are in progress at the new high school gym, Children’s Arts and Crafts began Oct. 16 and runs for six weeks and include holiday crafts, with over 50 children registered. He continued Men’s Flag Football began last Sunday with five local teams playing a five week regular season and two week playoff schedule. Registration would begin for Youth Basketball, Wrestling and a new Cheering Program was in the works. He invited everyone to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Service which would honor those who died by placing a plaque at the Memorial in Veterans Park on Terrace Avenue.
FIRE AND PUBLIC FACILITIES: Commissioner Pepe
gave the Fire report for September: Fire Alarms: Hasbrouck Heights, 35 calls, year to date
360; Teterboro 8, year to date 88; mutual aid 1, year to date 19; total for the month 44,
year to date 467. Ambulance calls: Hasbrouck Heights, 41, year to date 660; paramedic
assisted calls 21, year to date 281; Teterboro, 6, year to date 122; paramedic assisted 2,
year to date 54, mutual aid 5, year to date 62; paramedic assisted 1, year to date 14;
total 76, year to date 1,195.
POLICE AND LAND USE: Under Land Use,
Commissioner Verrastro reported 64 new permits were issued and three permits updated for
the month of September. Permits issued include four for new building, one for addition, 55
for alterations, inside and outside work and seven for demolition. Total cost is $766,730.
She reminded residents to obtain permits for construction projects.
PARKS: Under Parks, Commissioner Wassberg re-emphasized the invitation for all to attend the Vietnam Memorial. He was happy to report that there were 49 requests for the pavers for the Veterans Memorial Walkway, that the cut off date is February 1, 2003. The permanent 9-11 plaque is complete and will be installed permanently at the Boulevard Circle. He continued with regard to the Public Library that all children’s programs are in progress, as well as numerous programs for adults and children, including the Leggo my Leggo Night which is very popular. Cash received: fines $798.50; lost books $470.45; lost cards $6; info library $35; use of copier $184.
REPORT OF MAYOR: Mayor Torre thanked Councilman Wassberg and Councilman DiPisa for working with the veterans groups in helping to make the Vietnam Memorial a reality. The Ragamuffin Parade is this Saturday from Kipp Avenue to the Masonic Lodge. He was invited to march in the Columbus Parade in Garfield and Lodi which he enjoyed. He thanked the organizations who participated in Town Day and the Recreation Director Rob Brady for a great event. He reported that the Teterboro Noise Commission which had stopped meeting, after meeting for about 15 years, was now reinstated. There were now senior citizen discounts for cable and encouraged seniors to call Cablevision. He summarized grants recently applied for: Bergen County Open Space Grant for a portion of the cost of a pocket park by the Swim Club; D.E.P. Statewide Livable Communities Grant for the balance of the cost of the pocket park; Statewide Local Americans with Disabilities Act for additional funding for the elevator in the Municipal Complex; Statewide Local Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant for Police Department message signs, Fire Department vehicles and pagers, and Ambulance Squad equipment; Livable Communities Pilot Program for improvements to the Boulevard, and CD Block funds for additional funding for the Municipal Complex elevator. He continued that applications submitted to the DOT for Ottawa Avenue and Kipp Avenue have been approved and that over one million dollars has been received for grants for the Municipal Complex.
APPOINTMENTS: None
CONSENT AGENDA: 190. Authorizing Contract with Robert L. Galantucci, Esq. To Defend a Policeman 191. Authorizing Contract with Robert M. Biagiotti, Esq. To Defend a Fireman 192. Authorizing Arcari & Iovino as Designers of Furniture, Furnishings and Equipment for the Municipal Building Complex On a motion by Councilwoman Verrastro, seconded by Councilman Pepe, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Resolutions on Consent Agenda were approved (Copy attached).
RESOLUTIONS: 194. Authorizing Renewal of Bond Anticipation Note #3-2002 195. Authorizing Treasurer to Draw Checks for Payment of Principal and Interest on Bond Anticipation Note 3-01 Maturing November 1, 2002 196. Authorizing Check Made Payable to Kubler Electric for Temporary Fire Department Building Work 197. Authorizing Cancellation of Taxes Receivable for Disabled Veteran On a motion by Councilman Pepe, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously accepted, the foregoing Resolutions were approved. (Copies attached)
ORDINANCE(S) ON INTRODUCTION: None Mayor Torre asked that Ordinance No. 1984 regarding towers which was on the agenda for introduction be held until it was discussed at the Police Committee Meeting on Saturday. The borough attorney advised that the ordinance should be introduced before the end of year deadline. There were no objections to holding this ordinance.
ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. 1979: Mayor Torre opened the meeting for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinance No. 1979. There being no one wishing to speak, the public hearing on this ordinance was closed. BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO INCLUDE THEREIN A NEW CHAPTER ENTITLED "CHAPTER 25, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION," CREATING AN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION IN AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS AND PROVIDING FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP AND POWERS" 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 a motion by Councilman Wassberg, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, the foregoing Ordinance on Public Hearing was adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 1982: Some of the council members engaged in discussion regarding the increased number of the members of the Recreation advisory committee which this ordinance would provide, commenting that it might be too large. Mayor Torre recounted the number of the committee with inter-local needs, the upcoming Senior Center and the need for a recreation center. The committee representation was also discussed. A motion to have Ordinance No. 1982 continued on public hearing was made by Councilman Link, seconded by Councilman Pepe. Councilman Heeren recommended voting on this ordinance tonight, with the intent of reducing the number of members, if decided on after further discussion. A roll call was held with the vote on whether to continue this ordinance on public hearing or to approve which resulted as follows: Councilman Link, Councilman DiPisa and Councilman Pepe voted to continue on public hearing; Councilman Heeren, Councilwoman Verrastro and Councilman Wassberg voted to approve this ordinance. As this was a tie vote, Mayor Torre, as tiebreaker, voted that Ordinance No. 1982 be placed on public hearing.
ORDINANCE WITHDRAWN: As Ordinance No. 1980 provided for a Recreation Advisory Committee of 13 members, and Ordinance No. 1982 was to be voted on public hearing, it was recommended to withdraw this ordinance. ORDINANCE NO. 1980: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER 63 ADOPTED ON MARCH 12, 2002 AND ENTITLED "RECREATION PROGRAMS ADVISORY COMMITTEE" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SUPPLEMENTING ITS DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES, INCREASING THE MEMBERSHIP THEREOF TO THIRTEEN (13) MEMBERS, IMPOSING A TERM LIMITATION ON CERTAIN MEMBERS THEREOF AND PROVIDING FURTHER QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP" On a motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman DiPisa, and unanimously carried, Ordinance No. 1980 was withdrawn.
ORDINANCE(S) ON CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Torre opened the meeting for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinance No. 1981 and Ordinance No. 1983. There being no one wishing to speak, the public hearing on these ordinances was closed. It was announced that the Planning Board had not met and submitted their recommendations on these two ordinances, if any, as yet and asked that these two ordinances be continued on public hearing.
ORDINANCE NO. 1981: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO FURTHER AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND SITE PLAN REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS PURSUANT TO THE MUNICIPAL LAND USE LAW," BEING ORDINANCE NO. 1407 ADOPTED ON MARCH 23, 1987, AS THE SAME HAS BEEN HITHERTO AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, SO AS TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT TO SIDEWALKS CONTAINED IN THE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR SUBDIVISIONS" introduced on October 8, 2002 be continued on public hearing and notice of public hearing of said ordinances to be held at regular meeting of Borough Council on November 12, 2002.
ORDINANCE NO. 1983: BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT SUBSECTION J WHICH PROHIBITS SEXUALLY ORIENTED ADULT ENTERTAINMENT AS AN ACCESSORY USE IN ALL ZONES AND WHICH IS CONTAINED IN 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 AND TO FURTHER AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT SECTION 275-20 ENTITLED "REGULATIONS GOVERNING CERTAIN PRINCIPAL USES" OF THE SAME CHAPTER SO AS TO REPEAL SUBSECTION K THEREOF WHICH PROHIBITS AS A PRINCIPAL USE STORES FOR THE SALE OF CERTAIN PORNOGRAPHIC BOOKS AND MATERIALS AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW SUBSECTION K THAT PROHIBITS ALL SEXUALLY ORIENTED ADULT ENTERTAINMENT AS A PRINCIPAL USE, AND TO FURTHER SUPPLEMENT BOTH OF THOSE SUBSECTIONS SO AS TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION ALLOWING SUCH ENTERTAINMENT IN CERTAIN SPECIFIED AREAS OF THE BOROUGH UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIED CONDITIONS" introduced on October 8, 2002 be continued on public hearing and notice of public hearing of said ordinances to be held at regular meeting of Borough Council on November 12, 2002. On a motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilwoman Verrastro, and unanimously carried, for foregoing Ordinances were continued on public hearing.
ORDINANCE (S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. 1982: Mayor Torre opened the meeting for anyone wishing to speak on Ordinance No. 1982. There being no one wishing to speak, the public hearing on this ordinance was closed. BE IT RESOLVED that an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER 63 ADOPTED ON MARCH 12, 2002 AND ENTITLED "RECREATION PROGRAMS ADVISORY COMMITTEE" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SUPPLEMENTING ITS DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES, INCREASING THE MEMBERSHIP THEREOF TO FIFTEEN (15) MEMBERS, IMPOSING A TERM LIMITATION ON CERTAIN MEMBERS THEREOF AND TO PROVIDING FURTHER QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP" 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 a motion by Councilman Heeren, seconded by Councilman Wassberg, with Councilman Link, Councilman DiPisa and Councilman Pepe voting nay, Councilman Heeren, Councilwoman Verrastro and Councilman Wassberg voting yes, with Mayor Torre voting yes as tiebreaker, the foregoing Ordinance was approved.
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: At this point the meeting was open for comments from the public. Christian Semenecz, 415 Jefferson Avenue, asked what the mayor and council were doing with regard to the pending Fire and Police dispute. He was advised that meetings had been held which could not resolve the issue and that a third party would now be brought in. Mr. Semenecz asked what would happen once the dispute was resolved, that there would be continuing problems and what would be done. He was advised that the mayor and council would be available for continuing problems, if any. Chief of Police Michael Colaneri commented that there were several meetings including himself and Fire Chief Knobloch where all agreed that this was one incident, that there was no riff between the two departments and did try to resolve the incident. Ann McGill, 139 Field Avenue, asked that this riff be resolved, that it was silly and avoid any further time. Albert Saulnier, 77 Columbus Avenue, that when tragedy occurs, everyone comes together, that even though there is a riff, it can be worked out. Councilman Pepe noted that this is an isolated incident, and that public safety has not suffered.
CLOSE FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Torre announced that the meeting would close for Executive Session for any pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation, and 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 October 22, 2002. Rose Marie Sees, RMC |