BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS MINUTES August 28, 2018hasbrouck-heightsnj.org/minutes_agenda/8.28.18...

Borough of Hasbrouck Heights Regular Meeting Minutes August 28, 2018

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BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

MINUTES

August 28, 2018

A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, August 28th, at 8:01 p.m., at Borough Hall, 320 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.

Mayor De Lorenzo declared the meeting in Session and Acting Borough Clerk Laurie Varga 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 4, 2018 and transmitted to The Record and The Herald News on January 4, 2018.

ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor De Lorenzo, Councilman Ron Kistner, Councilman Justin DiPisa, Councilwoman Ciocia, Councilman Russell Lipari, Councilman David Gonzalez, Councilman Christopher Hillmann

Absent:

SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor De Lorenzo led in the Salute to the Flag and Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence took place in observance of the passing of two very dedicated members of our community, former Fire Chief and retired Police Sergeant Vincent Monahan and former Councilman and Police Commissioner, Franklyn Robbins.

INVOCATION: The invocation was given by Councilman Lipari

PRESENTATION: Certificates were presented to the 2018 Northern Bergen County Girls U14 Spring Soccer League champions.

APPOINTMENTS:

William Peer to Class III SLEO Officer – effective August 28, 2018 Louis Ruffel to Class III SLEO Officer – effective August 28, 2018 Frank Saraceni to Class III SLEO Officer – effective August 28, 2018 Mark Shaw to Class III SLEO Officer – effective September 1, 2018

Harold VanWinkle to Class III SLEO Officer – effective August 28, 2018

Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to approve the appointments to Class III SLEO Officer which was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by Councilwoman Ciocia and unanimously carried. Mayor De Lorenzo then gave the Oath of Office to Officers Shaw and Ruffel who were present at the meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to accept the minutes as read for the August 14, 2018 Regular Meeting and Work Session which was made by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilman Gonzalez and unanimously carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:

1. Notice of Public Hearing RE: Petition for Approval of Increase in rates for water service

2. Letter from Borough of Lodi with proposed Traffic Ordinance


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3. Letter from Neglia Engineering RE: Proposed Development in Borough of Wood-Ridge with Sanitary Sewer Connection to Hasbrouck Heights


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Councilman Kistner requested that Mr. Chandless send a letter to Suez Water and the Mayor’s association objecting to the utility’s request for an increase of approximately 16%. Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to move forward with this request which was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by councilman DiPisa and unanimously carried. Councilman DiPisa agreed that the utility should not be able to do this.

Mayor De Lorenzo asked if anyone would like to have any of the communications read into the record. Councilman Lipari requested that communication #2 and 3 be read. Mayor De Lorenzo advised that communication #2 had been referred to the Police Department to get their opinion and discussion with the Police Committee. Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to approve the communications as read which was made by Councilwoman Ciocia, seconded by Councilman Hillmann and unanimously carried.

BILLS:

WHEREAS, claims and accounts amounting to $73,285.95 specified in the schedule hereto annexed, have been examined and approved by the Finance Commissioner, or his Deputy; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in the accounts listed for payment of the claims; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the claims be paid and checks be issued on the funds and accounts indicated on the attached schedule.

Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to approve the Bills resolution which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Gonzalez and unanimously carried.

REPORTS: PUBLIC SAFETY

POLICE: Councilman Kistner reported that the Chief and the Police Department along with the Police Committee have been busy with the Class III Officers so that they are ready for the opening of school. New 2-hour parking signs were installed by the DPW along the Boulevard business district. The HHPD is working with the Lodi PD with regard to Madison and Central Avenues at Woodside Avenue becoming 4-way stop intersections. The entire lengths of Burton and Oak


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Grove Avenues will become 4-way stop streets. This has been a long-time work in progress. The department has received the mandated active shooter training and would like to thank the Hasbrouck Heights Schools for allowing the training in the schools. Schools will open on September 5th and all crossing and walking guards will be on post. Motorists are reminded to give themselves extra time in the morning. There has been an increase (approx.. 900) in the number of summonses issued when compared to 2017. He noted that he has observed the officers are out and enforcing speed limits. Councilman Hillmann asked a question about pedestrian signs being installed on Terrace Ave as indicated in Councilman Kistner’s June report and when that would take place. Chief Colaneri advised that stop signs went up first and that the pedestrian signs would be going up. He indicated that we do have them and will schedule to get the up. Mayor De Lorenzo commented that there are a lot of new signs going up around the Borough and Chief Colaneri also noted that the lines were also being painted on the roads in preparation for the school year.

FIRE: For the period of July 16th through August 15th, EMS responded to 110 calls and the FD responded to 28 calls. He also reported that Samantha Salerno, a member of our EMS, passed her State EMT exam today.

BUILDING/ZONING/PROPERTY MAINTENANCE: Councilman Kistner reported that the total revenue collected totaled $17,570. Included in this amount were 13 residential Certificates of Occupancy and 3 commercial property Certificate of Occupancy. The Planning and Zoning Boards are on vacation this month. There were 133 scheduled inspections during the past month with 108 passing on the first inspection giving us an 81% passing rate. 6 inspections failed, 5 inspections were cancelled and 10 were not ready. The property maintenance inspector made 26 initial inspections and went back for 23 re-inspections. 11 warnings notices were issued. The inspector issued 5 tickets. As a hint for homeowners – cutting grass every two weeks is a good rule of thumb for not having growth get out of control.

FINANCE: Councilman DiPisa gave the following report which was prepared by Mr. Kronyak. The Current Fund cash balance at July 31st was $2,090,681.10 and at June 30th was $1,841,373.91 which represents an increase of $249,307.19. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 1.717%. Cash receipts for the month of July totaled $4,413,198.62 of which $4,174,323.00 was for Current Taxes, $23,836.98 was for Delinquent Taxes, $46,119.00 was for State Aid and $168,919.64 was Miscellaneous Revenues. Cash disbursements for the month of July totaled $4,163,891.43 of which $2,458,851.00 was for Local School Taxes, $667,507.56 was for Salaries and $1,037,532.87 was for Other Expenses. The Borough has received the final certified tax rate for 2018 and Final fourth quarter tax bills will be mailed shortly. Included on the final bill is the fourth quarter payment, which is due November 1, 2018, as well as the first and second quarter payments due in 2019. Please take the time to read the letter included with the bill, it gives details on tax due dates and rate comparisons.

Councilman DiPisa also complimented Mayor De Lorenzo on taking the initiative to have Hasbrouck Heights designated as a Stigma Free town. He advised that the Stigma Free Program is a County-wide program which aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and to support them. The program is meant to educate, raise awareness that mental illness is a disease, provoke public interest in learning what Stigma Free is, providing residents with the


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opportunity to become involved and allowing people living with the disease to feel supported in the community. Councilman DiPisa also indicated that he has received information from local Church Clergy who would like to take part in this initiative.

SOCIAL SERVICES: Councilwoman Ciocia reported that there were 85 visitors to the Food Pantry from 7/30/18 through 8/27/18; an average of 17 patrons per week. Many thanks for the generous donations from the residents of our community. Special thanks to the Euclid Lodge #136 for their generous donation.

We appreciate the following volunteers who supervise the food pantry: Janice Cooney, Vivian Leidenfrost, Dorothy Petroulas, Barbara Juliano, Elsie Sternbach, Al Kinsley, Godfrey Liedenfrost, Marge Heeren, Rosemarie Willard, Joyce Belbo, Brian Callahan and Warren Nelson. Thank you all for your time and support. Donations can be brought to the Borough Clerk’s Office Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

HEALTH: Councilman Lipari reported the following: Senior Wellness Luncheon - the Board of Health will be sponsoring their Annual Senior Wellness Luncheon, which will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2018. The luncheon will begin at 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Senior Room at Borough Hall. Care-One at Wellington of Hackensack will be providing the complimentary Lunch.

Senior Flu Program - This year’s Senior Flu Program will be held on Tuesday, September 25, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am in the Council Chambers and Tuesday, October 2nd from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm for Children & Residents in the Senior Center at Boro Hall. There will be no Pre-Registration date; seniors will register on date of distribution. The Nurses from H.A.R.P. will be administrating the vaccine.

AARP Safe Driving Program - The Health Dept. has scheduled another AARP Safe Driving Program to be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 in the Borough Hall. The cost for the class is $15.00 for AARP member and $20.00 for non-members. Completion of the course, which is renewable every three years, will allow a two-point reduction from your driver’s license and a five percent deduction on car insurance premiums. To pre-register, please contact the Hasbrouck Heights Health Dept.

at 201-288-1636.

Child Health Conference - With the beginning school year fast approaching the Board of Health, Child Health Conference provides free Well-Child care services, which include immunizations for children up to age 18 years old for preventable diseases. The Health Clinic facility is located in New Milford, contracted through Mid-Bergen Regional Health Commission. The pediatrician and nurses with New Milford provides a complete health screening and immunization program. This service is offered to the children of Hasbrouck Heights residents who do not have Health Insurance or a plan that does not cover immunizations. For further information please contact Laura French at 201-288-1636

RECREATION: Councilman Lipari reported the following: Congratulations to our U10 Recreation Softball Travel team for winning the Bergen Travel Softball Championship this year. Congratulations to the girls, parents, coaches, and manager Tim McGuire

Hasbrouck Height’s Town Day will be held on Saturday September 29th 10:30am-3:30pm at Woodland Park. There will be rides, music, free food, information on many great town organizations, and Halloween in the park tickets will also be for sale. If your local organization would like to request a table you can call or email the recreation department.


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Halloween in the Park will be held Tuesday October 16th at Woodland Park, tickets will be available Town Day at the recreation department table. There will be rides available through the haunted Woodland Park every 15 minutes starting at 6:15pm ending at 9:30pm.

Recreation Adult Volleyball & Recreation Men’s over 25 Basketball will take the summer off. These programs will resume in early September.

The Hasbrouck Heights Senior Center has a monthly schedule of activities. Activity calendars are available in the center or in the recreation office. Programming is based on wellness and socially fun games. We offer line dancing, senior stretch & flex, Zumba gold, line dancing for beginners, tai chi, chair yoga, games & coffee, mah jon, and many more.

The Annual Senior Halloween Party will be held on Wednesday October 24th 12pm-3pm Costumes Preferred. This a free party sponsored by the Hasbrouck Heights Recreation Department, there will be a hot lunch served with snacks and desert. You can sign up for the party in the Senior Center after September 15th

For more information on current or upcoming recreation programs call 201 288 4143, or email [email protected], like our Facebook page!

DPW: Councilman Gonzalez gave the following report:

Streets The Department of Public Works responded to a request from Construction Code Official Melfi to place barricades around 141 Boulevard as the front parapet was collapsing onto the street. The owner was notified and a commercial contractor is doing the repair.

30 NO PARKING, 80 STOP and 52 STREET SIGNS have been delivered to the DPW facility. Under the direction of the Police Department Traffic Division, the DPW is in the process of replacing signs throughout the Borough. Also, the DPW is continuing the painting of yellow curbs.

This past month severe storm cells produced temporary flash flooding in town including the DPW facility that borders Riser Ditch which is a tidal basin.

Eight (8) tons of asphalt was used this month to repair potholes.

Public Facilities The Franklin Avenue Sanitary Sewer Pump Station was in flood mode several times this past month due to the serve rain events and the infiltration of illegal sump pump connections into the Borough’s sanitary system by private homes.

At the Borough Hall, a new timer switch that controls the outdoor lights was replaced along with a new control switch in the Library meeting room. All quarterly elevator inspections were done at all facilities.

Parks The summer Recreation Camp has concluded. The DPW is now able to address several dead tree issues in the park.

Schedule of events at the Municipal Complex was as follows for this month:

Community Room- 07

Caucus Room - 09

Senior Center - 16, not including Senior activities.

Council Chambers - 04

mailto:[email protected]


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Councilman Gonzalez advised that on September 1st, the recycling container will be in the Central Avenue lot from 7 am – 12 noon and the second annual shredding event will take place in the Central Avenue parking lot on September 8th from 9 am – 1 pm.

TRANSPORTATION: Councilman Hillmann gave the following report: The Senior Bus is used to provide transportation for our Senior Citizens (age 62 and older) living in Hasbrouck Heights to various shopping destinations, such as Shop-Rite weekly on Wednesdays, Stop&Shop weekly on Fridays, Walmart monthly as on schedule, Paramus Park or Bergen Towne Center monthly as on schedule and the HH Leisure Club monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of the month).

The bus has easy access and seats 22 passengers.

To register, senior residents may reserve a seat by calling the DPW at 201-288-1072 and leaving their contact information.

A monthly schedule of destinations may be obtained at our Senior Center, on the Borough Website or from the Bus Driver.

Number of riders for the last month – 102

Councilman Hillmann also advised that there will be a community access for all meeting on September 17th.

MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor De Lorenzo thanked Dr. Helfant and the Board of Education for utilizing a portion of the over $900,000 in extra funding, that was received by the schools, for tax relief of approximately 1 tax point. He went on to point out that the Borough has been under-funded for approximately 20 years. It is a nice gesture on behalf of the citizens of Hasbrouck Heights who have supported the schools with their needs over the years.

CONSENT AGENDA: 143. Authorizing Raffle License for Corpus Christi Church and Heights Parents Association for Athletes

144. Authorizing Award of Contract for Community Development Block Grant 2018 Road Program to D&L Paving Contractors, Inc. 145. Authorizing Appointment of Class III Officers 146. Authorizing and Amendment of the Restrictive Covenant of the Deed to Prime Developers dated September 15, 2006

147. Authorizing the Immediate Correction of Certain Property Maintenance Code Violations Upon Premises Known and Designated as Block 64, Lot 27, Commonly known as 291 Terrace Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey and Owned by Harry H. Chandless, Jr.

Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to approve the consent agenda which was made by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilwoman Ciocia with all resolutions unanimously carried


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except for Resolution No. 146 to which Councilman Lipari and Councilman Hillmann voted No. RESOLUTIONS: 148. Authorizing Raffle License for Lions Club of Hasbrouck

Heights

Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to approve Resolution No. 148 which was made by Councilman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilman Hillmann and unanimously carried.

RESIGNATIONS: None ORDINANCE(S) ON INTRODUCTION: None

ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: None

MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC:

Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to open the meeting for public discussion on any topic which was made by Councilman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ciocia and unanimously carried.

Mayor De Lorenzo asked if there was anyone who would like to come forward to speak.

Mr. Patrick Foley, residing at 7 Franklin Avenue, came forward with a concern over sewer backup. On May 29, 2017 there was a sewer backup into his home. On July 25, 2018 there was another sewer backup into his home which caused even more damage. He advised that his insurance company is hesitant to pay the claim because it is a recurring issue. He asked the Mayor and Council to please see that this issue is taking care of. Mayor De Lorenzo advised that he will see what happened with the scope of the line that took place today and suggested that Mr. Foley follow up with his insurance company to put through the claim.

Tara Eckert, residing at 255 Williams Avenue, came forward to ask the Mayor and Council to reconsider their request to the Board of Education, to use a portion of the additional funds received from the state, for tax relief for the tax payers of Hasbrouck Heights. She feels that based on her calculations, the amount used for tax relief spread across the tax payers does not have as great an impact as if it were used in a lump sum for the benefit of the students and the schools, possibly for projects such as installing lights on the field behind the High School.

Christine McGovern, residing at 233 Central Avenue, came forward in support of Ms. Eckert’s request. She also noted that she loves the new stop signs and that the curbs on Central Avenue are beautiful.

Michael Ciano, residing at 291 Burton Avenue, came forward to thank the Mayor & Council, DPW and Police Department for the stop signs on Burton and Paterson. He feels that it has made a significant difference in the number of cars and the speed is down significantly.

John Baratta, residing at 269 Walter Avenue, came forward to make a comment about the Stigma Free town and how important it is for parents to support their children and be more aware of depression and bullying. He also commented that as a tax payer for 20 years, he and other borough tax payers have paid higher taxes for all of the other towns that received more school support over the years because Hasbrouck Heights has been underfunded. He feels that no matter the amount he will take whatever is offered. He also mentioned the state’s ranking as 2nd worst to retire in. We need to be aware that taxes are affecting retiree’s ability to reside in Hasbrouck Heights.


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Mayor De Lorenzo asked if there was anyone else who would like to come forward, seeing no one, he requested a motion to close the public portion of the meeting which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Kistner and unanimously carried.

Mayor De Lorenzo announced that the meeting would move to a closed, Executive Session. He advised that there was no anticipation of any action being taken this evening and that the session was just for discussion.

Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to go into Executive Session which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Kistner and unanimously carried.

When the meeting returned from Executive Session. Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to adjourn which was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by Councilman Gonzalez and unanimously carried.

Submitted by Laurie Varga, Acting Borough Clerk

BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS MINUTES August 28, 2018hasbrouck-heightsnj.org/minutes_agenda/8.28.18...

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