BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS MINUTES October 23, 2018 A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, September 25, at 8:00 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 Josephine 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. INVOCATION: The invocation was given by Councilman Kistner APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to accept the minutes as read for the October 9, 2018 Regular Meeting and Work Session, January 9, 2018 Regular Meeting and Work Session, January 2, 2018 Sine Die Meeting and Reorganization Meeting which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilwoman Ciocia and carried with Councilman Gonzalez abstaining for the minutes of January 2, 2018 Sine Die Meeting and Reorganization Meeting. COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Letter from Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission advising of the new Public Hearing date, 12/6/18, to address the City of Newark s appeal of the denial of the request for reconsideration of the amount assessed by PVSC 2. Invitation to the Regional Veterans Day ceremony at the Aviation Hall of Fame, scheduled for Sunday, 11/4/18, at 11 am 3. Letter from Evan Jacobs of Neglia Engineering copying the Mayor and Council on the application submitted application to the NJDOT for FY 2019 Municipal Grant Mayor De Lorenzo asked if anyone would like to have any of the communications read into the record, hearing no one, he requested a motion to approve the communications as read which was made by Councilman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilman Lipari and unanimously carried. 1
BILLS: 2 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 October 23, 2018 WHEREAS, claims and accounts amounting to $382,821.64 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 DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve the Bills Resolution which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Gonzalez and unanimously carried. REPORTS: PUBLIC SAFETY: Councilman Kistner reported the following: POLICE: On October 11, 2018, New Jersey Department of Corrections conducted an inspection of the PD holding cells. The Police Department delivered wagons, controlled traffic and handled crowd safety in support of Halloween in the Park. He went on to compliment Sgts. Baker and Werner, the two officers assigned to detail that evening. The department will once again be providing trick or treat bags to all students in K-2 nd grades. All parents and children be advised that the Boro 9pm curfew will be enforced on October 30 th and October 31 st and a zero tolerance policy for any damage will be strictly enforced. YTD 4,795 parking and moving violations issued so far this year as compared with 4,246 issued in 2017. The Officers are out there patrolling the streets and keeping us safe. The total number of calls that came into the Police desk from 9/1-9/30/18 was 1,181. FIRE: EMS had a very busy month from 9 /16/18 10/15/18. It s amazing the number of calls that they get and we appreciate all that they do. FINANCE: Councilman DiPisa reported the following: The Current Fund cash balance at September 30 th was $2,525,642.87 and as of August 31 st was $5,835,038.43 which represents a decrease of $3,309,395.56. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 1.86%. Cash receipts for the month of September totaled $668,146.79 of which $187,356.31 was for Current Taxes, $32,567.65 was for Delinquent Taxes, $281.06 was for Prepaid Taxes, $311,108.70 was for State Aid and $136,833.07 was Miscellaneous Revenues. Cash disbursements for the month of September totaled $3,977,542.35 of which $2,433,851.00 was for Local School Taxes, $638,953.70 was for Salaries and $904,737.65 was for Other Expenses. The Tax Collector's Office, located at 320 Boulevard, will be open Saturday, October 27 th, from 9:00 AM until 12:00 Noon for the collection of fourth quarter taxes due on November 1 st. The formulation of the 2019 budget has begun. We have limited information on exactly how the Budget and Levy Cap s will be treated for next year but we expect more information within the next few weeks. After the close of October, department heads will receive 2019 budget request forms which are to be completed and returned to the Finance Officer. The Finance Committee will begin preliminary budget meetings and will ultimately get back to meeting every week as the deadline to introduce the budget approaches.
SOCIAL SERVICES: Councilwoman Ciocia reported the following: There were 70 visitors to the Food Pantry from 10/1/18 through 10/22/18; an average of 17 patrons per week. Many thanks for the generous donations from the residents of our community. 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. LIBRARY: Councilwoman Ciocia reported the following: For the month of September 8,968 items were circulated, 6, 954 walked through the Library doors, 44 new library cards were issued, 788 reference questions answered and 1,327 packages were forwarded to other libraries. Future events at the Library included Friday, 11/22, The 29 th Annual Lego Night from 7pm 9 pm and Wednesday, 11/14, Taste of HH and Friends at the Fiesta from 6 pm 9 pm. Councilwoman Ciocia also shared that she had the opportunity to attend the Fire Department Open House on Sunday afternoon and found it to be informative and enjoyable. RECREATION: Councilman Lipari reported the following: The Recreation Department would like to thank the following organizations and people for their support at last week s Halloween in the Park. The Mayor and Council especially Councilman Ron Kistner for loading the families onto the wagons all night. DPW Superintendent Bill Spindler and the HH DPW, Chief Colaneri, Ian Robertson and the HH police Department, the HH Fire Dept, Mike Perreli from the Bergen County Parks Dept, Suzanne Caines and her student volunteers from the HH High School, Residents Al DeAngelo, John Barrata, and Brandon Irabarne. Also Thank you to Recreation commissioner Russel LiPari for his support in our recreation programs. Adult mens Basketball meets on Monday nights in the HH High School new gym 7pm-9pm, this program is free of charge, all members must be 25 and older, a HH resident or alumni. Adult Coed Volleyball meets on Wednesday evenings at the HH high school new gym 7pm-9pm. Special Needs Recreation fall/winter schedule is available by calling the rec office or emailing the program supervisor Jamie Woyce at jwoyce@gmail.com 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 tomorrow Wednesday October 24 th 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. If anyone missed registering for wrestling or basketball you can still do so by stopping in the rec office and filling out the program registration form. 3
For more information on current or upcoming recreation programs call 201 288 4143, or email hhrec@aol.com, like our facebook page! HEALTH: Councilman Lipari reported the following: During the third quarter of 2018 the Health Inspector conducted 57 food inspections, 3 spot checks, 18 grease trap inspections and 47 complaints of various natures. Along with food inspections the Health Dept. also inspects all public swimming pools in the Borough. The Health Department collected $11,002.00 in fees during the third quarter of the year and issued 1258 dog licenses. The Borough Registrar of Vital Statistics issued 527 certified transcripts and collected $7,830.00. The department also recorded 285 non-resident deaths and 22 resident deaths. Fifteen marriage licenses were issued and 27 babies were born to town residents all during the third quarter of 2018. Annual Dog License s must be renewed during the month of January. The fee for an altered dog is $12.00 and $15.00 for a non-altered dog. Late fees will apply after January 31 st. With over 1200 registered dogs, owners are reminded that the dog(s) must be immunized against rabies for the first 10 full months of the licensing year. The Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro provides free rabies immunizations twice a month. Please call the Animal Shelter at (201) 229-4600 for scheduled dates. DPW: Councilman Gonzalez gave the following report: Streets The Department of Public Works responded to a possible sewer blockage at 280 Springfield Avenue. The DPW found that the Borough sanitary sewer main line was flowing and the blockage was in the residents lateral sewer line. The resident had the line videoed inspected and learned their line had collapsed. Boulevard in Bloom project has come to a close for the season as the 60 flower pots were removed by the DPW. Before the pots are placed in storage at the DPW facility, the Hasbrouck Heights Garden Club members remove the bulbs for the winter to replant in the spring. Five (5) tons of asphalt was used for pothole repair this month. Public Facilities On Monday, the flow meter was removed from the Franklin Avenue Pump Station by Dynamic Engineering, who is conducting the study of flow and discharge for Briad Development Corporation regarding the proposed new Hilton Hotel development. Results and recommendations will follow as information is processed. Parks The DPW assisted the Recreation Department this month with Town Day and Halloween in the Park. A thorough maintenance of the park was performed by the DPW prior to each event. On Town Day, the DPW setup, moved picnic tables from the pavilion to the grass area, and cleaned up. The DPW provided leaf bags and stadium seat cushions with the message that Hasbrouck Heights Recycles! For Halloween in the Park, the DPW provided two (2) trucks and employees to pull the hay wagons. The hay was made available through the Fletcher Creamer Construction Company and was picked up and returned by the DPW. 4
A question was raised about the results from the survey of the sanitary sewer system in relation to the proposed new hotel in Wood-Ridge. Mr. Kronyak advised that he believes it will take another week as the results are with the Borough Engineer for his analysis. 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 2 nd Wednesday of the month). The bus also provided transportation to the Senior Wellness luncheon this 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 117 Councilman Hillmann reported that there was a Community Access for All meeting on 10/22/18. The Ombudsman for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, Paul Aronsohn, attended to give guidance on where the committee should go and what should be done and the committee is looking forward to getting some things done. MAYOR S REPORT: Mayor De Lorenzo reported that he and Councilman Lipari met with the Senior Citizen s Advisory Committee to discuss some trips that they are interested in, a Christmas trip as well as some ideas for the Spring, which the Recreation Department is working on. He shared that he heard great things about Halloween in the Park and congratulated all involved in making that event such a success. He wished everyone a safe Halloween and indicated that we won t have another meeting prior to Veteran s Day and asked that everyone take a moment to honor the Veteran s and if you know a Veteran in town, to please provide his/her name to the Recreation Director, or Borough Clerk s office, so that we are able to scroll their name on the Board by Borough Hall to recognize them for their service. CONSENT AGENDA: 171. Authorizing Raffle License for Corpus Christi Church 172. Authorizing Approval of 2018/2019 License for Commercial Sale of Certain Motor Vehicles Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to approve the consent agenda which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Lipari and unanimously carried. RESOLUTIONS: 173. Authorizing Cancellation of 4th Quarter Taxes for year 2018 Block 104, Lot 8, due to Disabled Veteran Exemption WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has notified the Clerk that as per N.J.S.A.54:4-3.30 as amended, the following taxes are to be cancelled for 4 th quarter of the year 2018 for the following property, the reason being that he is a 100% Tax Exempt Disabled Veteran: Block Lot Name Location Amount 104 18 Paladino Jr, William 420 Franklin Ave $2,381.99 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Tax Collector is hereby authorized to cancel said taxes. 5
Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to approve Resolution No. 173 which was made by Councilwoman Ciocia, seconded by Councilman Kistner and unanimously carried. 174. Authorizing Approval of 2018/2019 License for Commercial Sale of Certain Motor Vehicles WHEREAS, in the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights, County of Bergen, New Jersey, an application is required to be submitted and annual licensing fee is required to be paid by commercial enterprises in the business of selling certain motor vehicles; and WHEREAS, the fee has been paid, and pending approval by the Police Department, Fire Prevention and Building Department; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights, County of Bergen, hereby approves the licenses of the following to operate for the period October 23, 2018 through February 28, 2019: NAME OF BUSINESS ADDRESS SUITE # PARKING New SPACES NYC Leasing LLC 92 Railroad Ave 229 23, D26, D68 Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to approve Resolution No. 174 which was made by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilwoman Ciocia and unanimously carried. 175. Authorizing Entry into an Employment Contract with the Hasbrouck Heights Unit of the Policemen s Benevolent Association Local 102 for the Years 2018 and 2019 WHEREAS, the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights recognizes the Hasbrouck Heights Unit of the Policemen s Benevolent Association Local 102 officers as the exclusive bargaining representative for the purpose of collective negotiations in respect to all negotiable terms of employment of all those members specified in its contract with the Borough, and WHEREAS, the current contract between the Borough and the Hasbrouck Heights Unit of the Policemen s Benevolent Association Local 102 expired on December 31, 2017, and WHEREAS, this Body duly established a subcommittee for the purpose of meeting with representatives of the Hasbrouck Heights Unit of the Policemen s Benevolent Association Local 102 for the purpose of negotiating the terms of a new contract, and WHEREAS, the Borough s subcommittee and the representatives of the said P.B.A. have amicably reached an agreement as to the terms and conditions for the extension of the said contract for employees in the rank of Police Officers and for employees in the Superior Officers Association, for the years 2018 and 2019, upon the more certain specific terms as appear in the Memorandum of Understanding, a copy of which is attached hereto, and WHEREAS, this Body agrees with the terms and conditions contained in the said Memorandum of Understanding and finds and determines the same to be in the best interest of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights, County of Bergen and State of New Jersey, that the Mayor and Borough Clerk be and are hereby authorized and directed to execute a collective bargaining agreement with the 6
Hasbrouck Heights Unit of the Policemen s Benevolent Association Local 102 reflecting the terms and conditions contained in the said Memorandum of Understanding and in such form as may be approved by the Borough Attorney. This contract shall be placed on file in the office of the Borough Clerk and shall be open for inspection by the public during the regular business hours of that office. Mayor De Lorenzo advised that the Governing Body would go into closed session to review items pertinent to the approval of Resolution No. 175 and that the Mayor and Council expected to take action upon return. The Clerk read Resolution No. 176 authorizing an Executive Session. Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion approving Resolution No. 176 which was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by Councilwoman Ciocia and unanimously carried. Upon return from Executive Session, Mayor De Lorenzo advised that the resolution will be embodied into the contract and if approved will go to the Attorneys to be finalized. Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to approve Resolution No. 175 which was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by Councilwoman Ciocia and unanimously carried. Mayor De Lorenzo noted that this resolution was approving both the Patrolmen and the Superior Officers. RESIGNATION: None APPOINTMENT: None ORDINANCE(S) ON INTRODUCTION: None 7
ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: No. 2415 AN ORDINANCE TO FURTHER AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 28 ENTITLED FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS IN ORDER TO CONFORM ITS TERMS TO THOSE OF THE NEWLY ADOPTED AND APPROVED 2018 BYLAWS OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to open the meeting for public comment on Ordinance No. 2415 which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Kistner and unanimously carried. Mayor De Lorenzo invited members of the public to come up to comment on Ordinance No. 2415. A member of the audience came up to comment on something unrelated to the Ordinance at which time Mayor De Lorenzo advised that at this time public comment is for Ordinance No. 2415. Seeing no one else come forward he requested a motion to close the public portion of the meeting, which was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by Councilwoman Ciocia and unanimously carried. Mayor De Lorenzo then requested a motion to approve the adoption of Ordinance No. 2415 which was made by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilman Kistner and unanimously carried. MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to open the meeting for public discussion on any topic which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Kistner and unanimously carried. Mayor De Lorenzo asked if there was anyone who would like to come forward to speak. Mr. Chris Stanton, 141 Cambridge Ave., Saddle Brook, PBA Local 102 President came forward, with a number of members of the audience standing in support, to request information about a PBA member who had received notice of termination and subsequent notice of reinstatement. Mayor De Lorenzo advised that the Council had been made aware of the situation and this has been turned over to the Attorneys, with action expected to be taken next month. Seeing no one else come forward, Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to close the public portion of the meeting which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilwoman Ciocia and unanimously carried. Mayor De Lorenzo requested a motion to adjourn which was made by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilman Kistner and unanimously carried. Submitted by Laurie Varga, Acting Borough Clerk 8