BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS MINUTES May 22, 2018 A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, May 22nd, at 8:50 p.m., after the Youth Council Meeting, at Borough Hall, 320 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. Mayor DeLorenzo 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 DeLorenzo, Councilman Ron Kistner, Councilman Justin DiPisa, Councilman Russell Lipari, Councilman David Gonzalez, Councilman Christopher Hillmann Absent: Councilwoman Ciocia SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor DeLorenzo led in the Salute to the Flag and Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor DeLorenzo requested that a moment of silence be observed for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and those in the Military who made the ultimate sacrifice. INVOCATION: The invocation was given by Councilman Lipari APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to accept the minutes as read for the May 8, 2018 Regular Meeting which was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by Councilman DiPisa and unanimously carried. COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Letter from Corpus Christi Parish for permission and assistance for their Feast of Corpus Christi celebration on Saturday, June2nd and Sunday, June 3 rd 2. Invitation from Boy Scout Troop 17 to attend the inaugural ceremony of the newly completed ceremonial fire pit at VFW Post 4591 on Tuesday, June 12 th at 7 p.m. 3. Letter of thanks from a resident, to the DPW, for the great job that they did selecting and planting of trees 1
4. Letter from Chief Angelo Roccamo advising of the resignation of Hook and Ladder company member Jay Belleza from the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Dept. 5. Invitation from County Executive Tedesco and the Board of Chosen Freeholders to attend a Public Hearing on Transportation Funding for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday, June 13 th at 9 a.m. 6. Invitation to the Mayor and Council to attend the Hasbrouck Heights High School Annual Senior Scholarship Assembly on Thursday, June 7 th at 7:00 p.m. in the Kiefer Auditorium 7. Letter from Health Department requesting permission to use the Central Ave parking lot for a Blood Drive on August 13 th from 2 p.m. 6 p.m. Mayor DeLorenzo asked if anyone would like to have any of the communications read into the record. Councilman Kistner requested that communication #3 be read. After it was read, Councilman Kistner thanked Supt. Spindler and the DPW for another great job. Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve communication #1 from Corpus Christi Parish, which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Lipari and unanimously carried. Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve communication #7 which was made by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilman DiPisa and unanimously carried. BILLS: WHEREAS, claims and accounts amounting to $88,516.68 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. Justin A. DiPisa Commissioner of Finance 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 POLICE: Councilman Kistner Reported the following: Sgt. Baker attended the 8 th Grade Trip to Washington DC. Inmates from the Bergen County Jail were at Headquarters to paint the entire Police Department interior. The inmates and DPW also painted the Rt. 46 overpass which is a project that was planned for months ago. 2
REPORTS (cont d): Sgt. Scott Adamo retired on May 1, 2018. Councilman Kistner reflected on the great job that Sgt. Adamo did as a police officer as well as when he worked for the DPW and wished him the best in his retirement. On May 4, 2018 the Euclid School Kindergarten class toured Police Headquarters. It was a busy month for school escorts throughout town to Depken Field, Police Headquarters, etc On May 16, 2018 Chief Colaneri, Capt. Rinke, LTs. Colaneri and Robertson attended the Bergen County Police Memorial Service and presented a wreath in memory of Hasbrouck Heights Ptl. Gerard DeLamater who was killed in the line of duty in 1939. He also thanked Chief Colaneri s wife and son for their efforts in decorating the Police Memorial. Total tickets issued for the month were 2,299. Our Officers do a great job enforcing traffic and parking violations to keep our residents safe. Over 1400 calls came into the police desk for the month of April. FIRE: Councilman Kistner commended the department for the presentation of their vehicles at annual inspection. During the month there were 81 ambulance calls. Our volunteers are to be recognized for the number of calls and quality of service that they provide to our residents. LAND USE: BUILDING: Councilman Kistner reported that during the month the department issued 58 permits. Two businesses on the Boulevard were sold and 18 residents sold their homes with COs issued. Total income for the month was $21,015. The property maintenance officer received 20 complaints, made 28 follow up inspections and 12 phone calls. He issued 12 warnings and 7 summonses for high grass. Residents should be aware that no warning notices are necessary for failure to maintain grass. Before his Finance report, Councilman DiPisa offered thanks to Councilman Kistner for his donation of flags for the Police Memorial. FINANCE: Councilman DiPisa reported the following: The Current Fund cash balance at April 30 th was $2,390,457.79 and at March 31 st was $3,647,743.43 which represents a decrease of $1,257,285.64. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 1.368%. Cash receipts for the month of April totaled $3,899,752.15 of which $3,742,904.48 was for Current Taxes, $41,831.99 was for Delinquent Taxes and $115,015.68 was Miscellaneous Revenues. Cash disbursements for the month of April totaled $5,160,228.94 of which $2,362,363.00 was for Local School Taxes, $654,048.95 was for Salaries and $2,143,816.99 was for Other Expenses. The 2018 Municipal Budget was adopted May 8 th, 2018, and copies have been transmitted to the Division of Local Government Services for approval. As of today, the county and state budgets have not yet been adopted, which will hold up the certification of the tax rate. The Borough can not issue final tax bills until the total tax rate has been certified therefore the Mayor and Council is adopting a resolution tonight authorizing the Tax Collector to issue estimated third quarter tax bills. 3
REPORTS (cont d): HEALTH: Councilman Lipari reported the following: Annual Dog Census The Hasbrouck Heights Board of Health announces that the Annual Dog Census will begin on Monday, June 25 th, 2018. School Crossing Guards will be making a door-to-door visit to verify that every dog owner received a current 2018 dog license. Dog s seven months of age and over must have a valid rabies vaccination and current dog license for 2018. The Health Dept. asks residents who may not be home to please leave a copy of their current 2018 dog license in a visible place for the crossing guards to see. The guards will be wearing their uniforms and will have Borough identification. The census will be conducted between the hours of 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm Monday thru Friday. If you have any questions or doubts about the person visiting your home, please contact the Health Dept. at 201-288-1636 or Police Dept. at 201-288-1000. Annual Food Licenses All annual licenses for Food Establishments will be expiring on June 30, 2018. Renewal applications will be mailed the last week in May and must be returned by June 30 th. This includes all Retail Food Establishments, Schools, Milk Trucks, Mobiles, Seasonal, Fraternal, Massage Therapy, Barber Shops, Beauty & Nail Salons and Public Pools. As the warm weather approaches the Board of Health would like to remind all Food Establishments it is prohibited to leaving any door or window open for ventilation purposes without the protection of screening. All openings to the outside must be effectively protected against the entrance of insects and rodents. Board of Health Meeting Just a reminder, the next Board of Health meeting on Wednesday, June 13 th will be the last meeting before the summer months. There are no scheduled meetings in July and August unless it is necessary. The Board will continue their monthly meetings Wednesday, September 12 th. 2018. RECREATION: Councilman Lipari reported the following: The Recreation Track and Field team went to the NJ strider qualifier meet last Sunday in Hackensack NJ. This year we had the most recreation track athletes qualify ever for the regional championships! This year s program will be winding down after Memorial Day weekend. The Recreation Softball program will ending its regular season in the next few weeks and then the summer travel program will begin. This year we will have a 16U, 14U, 12U, & 10U teams. The girls will play against great competition and have the opportunity to raise their level of play. The travel season begins in June and ends in early July. Recreation Adult Volleyball meets on Wednesday nights 7:00pm in the new gym at the high school. This free program is open to men and women, 18 and older. Recreation Men s over 25 Basketball meets on Monday nights 7:00pm in the high school new gym,, the program is free and available to Hasbrouck Heights residents and alumni. 4
REPORTS(cont d): Special Needs Recreation Basketball has begun, the program meets on Thursday nights at Euclid School gym 6:15pm, for info email hhrec@aol.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. There will be a Recreation Advisory Board meeting Wed May 30 th 6pm in rec office, these meetings are open to the public if anyone would like to attend. HH Recreation Summer Camp will begin on Monday June 25 th the camp is open to boys and girls ages 6-14, the summer camp trip registration will be held Wednesday May 30 th 7-9pm in the recreation office. For more information on current or upcoming recreation programs call 201 288 4143, or email hhrec@aol.com, like our facebook page. DPW: Councilman Gonzalez reported the following: Streets On May 15 @ 4:30 pm a serve storm cell with winds up to 50 to 70 MPH brought down six (6) trees in town. Two (2) of trees were on private property. The DPW was dispatched within the hour after the storm had passed to clean roads that were blocked with limbs to provide safe passage for all emergency vehicles. All Borough trees that fell during the storm were removed. PSE&G are addressing two (2) that are involved with the high tension wires. DPW crews were out for three (3) days removing branches for our streets, parks, and borough properties. The Route 46 overpasses at the Boulevard and Terrace Avenue were painted by the Bergen County Work Release Inmate Program and the DPW. Seven (7) tons of asphalt was used this month to repair potholes. Public Facilities American and Military Flags were hung around the Borough Hall. 20 new Flags and hardware was order to accommodate the new lamp posts that were installed as part of the streetscape. The Flags are a tribute to all those that have served in the Military and to display the patriotism of our community. The Public Safety Building was power washed and the Borough Hall is scheduled for next week. A new roof was installed on the Police Range Fieldhouse as it had major water damage from the leaks. An in-house repair was made by the DPW on their garages that had several leaks. Parks Veterans Memorial Park was decorated with all Military Branch Flags and America Flags in preparation for Memorial Day activities. The winter blanket that covered Woodland Park Soccer Field was removed by the DPW under the direction of the Borough Engineer. Schedule of events at the Municipal Complex was as follows for this month: 5
REPORTS(cont d): Community Room- 24 Caucus Room - 11 Senior Center - 11, not including Senior activities. Council Chambers - 6 At the conclusion of his report, Councilman Gonzalez wished Sgt. Adamo all the best in his retirement. TRANSPORTATION: Councilman Hillmann reported the following: 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 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 113 SOCIAL SERVICES: Councilman Hillmann reported the following: There were 73 visitors to the Food Pantry from 4/30/18 through 5/21/18, with an average of 18 patrons per week. Many thanks to 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. Corpus Christi Parish is working on an initiative to provide extra supplies for school aged children, of Food Pantry recipients, to ensure that they receive continued nourishment during the summer months while school is not in session. Donations can be brought to the Borough Clerk s Office Monday Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. MAYOR S REPORT: Mayor DeLorenzo reported that the members of the American Legion asked him to mention that Corpus Christi will be recognizing Veterans at a special Mass this Sunday at 12 noon. A few weeks ago he spoke with Steven from Senator Booker s office and answered some of his questions regarding our resolution requesting that they consider grants and funding for COPS in schools. An overview of the program was provided as well as an explanation of why it would be beneficial to the school districts in New Jersey. Steven will relay this information to Senator Booker and keep us advised. Mayor DeLorenzo thanked Police Chief Colaneri and Councilman Kistner for meeting once again with Dr. Helfant to discuss our future school security plans. He thanked Brenda and Kevin Colaneri for decorating and caring for our Police Memorial. He also had the honor of speaking to Weeblo Pack 17 on the topic of what it takes to be a good citizen. It was a pleasure to share the night with honored guest Mr. Paul Carris who educated the young men on the events he experienced on 9/11. Earlier this evening the Mayor was happy to attend the Girl Scouts/Brownie Bridging Ceremony. The 6
REPORTS(cont d.) ceremony was very well attended and it was very nice to see the excitement of all the girls at this important event. It was also great to see so many High School girls in attendance and helping the younger girls. Many of us will be attending the Memorial Day Parade on Monday. The Mayor asked that everyone please take a moment to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and remember our Veterans and those who payed the ultimate price. He offered best wishes to Scott Adamo on his retirement. CONSENT AGENDA: 94. Authorizing Approval of Renewal of License for Dealer of Commercial Sale of Certain Motor Vehicles Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve the consent agenda which was made by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilman DiPisa and unanimously carried. RESOLUTIONS: Mayor DeLorenzo request that Mr. Kronyak provide an overview of the Scholarships related to Resolutions 91, 92 and 93. Councilman Hillmann had a question about the selection process and Mayor DeLorenzo provided a brief overview. 91. Authorizing Treasurer to Issue a Check for Mayor s Scholarship Award AUTHORIZING THE TREASURER TO ISSUE A CHECK FOR MAYOR'S SCHOLARSHIP AWARD BE IT RESOLVED that a check be drawn on the Current Fund to the order of undisclosed recipient in payment of a Mayor s Scholarship awarded to a graduate of the Class of 2018, Hasbrouck Heights High School, in the sum of $500.00, charged to Current Account 141.204 Celebration of Public Events. Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve Resolution No. 91 which was make by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Kistner and unanimously carried. 92. Authorizing Treasurer to Issue a Check for the Andrew Feintuch Memorial Scholarship Award AUTHORIZING THE TREASURER TO ISSUE A CHECK FOR THE ANDREW FEINTUCH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD BE IT RESOLVED that a check be drawn on the Trust Fund to the order of undisclosed recipient in payment of an Andrew Feintuch Memorial Scholarship Award to a graduate of the Class of 2018, in the total sum of $500.00. Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve Resolution No. 92 which was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by Councilman Lipari and unanimously carried. 7
RESOLUTIONS(cont d.) 93. Authorizing Treasurer to Issue a Check for (7) Mary B. Quigg Scholarship Awards AUTHORIZING THE TREASURER TO ISSUE CHECKS FROM THE TRUST FUND FOR MARY B. QUIGG SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS BE IT RESOLVED that checks be drawn on the Trust Fund to the order of the following in payment of scholarships awarded to seven graduates of the Class of 2018, Hasbrouck Heights High School, from the Mary B. Quigg Scholarship Fund in accordance with the attached letter from the Hasbrouck Heights High School, said checks to be in the total sum of $3,500.00, charged to Trust Account 308.204 Miscellaneous Deposits, with said disbursements to be reimbursed from the Scholarship Fund: Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve Resolution No. 93 which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Gonzalez and unanimously carried. 95. Authorizing Estimated Tax Bills WHEREAS, the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights adopted its budget on May 8, 2018; and WHEREAS, until the County of Bergen receives certification of their tax levy from the Division of Local Government Services the County cannot certify a total tax rate for the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights; and WHEREAS, without a 2018 Certified Tax Rate the Tax Collector of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights will be unable to issue 2018 Tax bills on a timely basis; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights as follows: 1. The Tax Collector of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights is hereby authorized and directed to prepare and issue estimated tax bills for the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights for the third installment of 2018 taxes. The Tax Collector shall proceed and take such actions as are permitted and required by Chapter 72, Public Laws of 1994 and N.J.S.A. 54:4-66.2 and 54:4-66.3. 2. The entire estimated tax levy for 2018 is hereby set at $49,244,272.00. The estimated tax rate for 2018 is hereby set at 2.867. Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve Resolution No. 95 which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Gonzalez and carried with an abstention by Councilman Hillmann. RESIGNATIONS: Jay Belleza from the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to accept the resignation of Jay Belleza from the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department which was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by Councilman Lipari and unanimously carried. 8
ORDINANCE(S) ON INTRODUCTION: No. 2407 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT ARTICLE II ENTITLED SPECIAL POLICE OFFICERS OF CHAPTER 55 ENTITLED POLICE DEPARTMENT OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO ADDITIONALLY PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED CLASS THREE SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AUTHORIZED BY PL 2016, CH 68 ENACTED ON NOVEMBER 30, 2016 (TO BE EFFECTIVE ON FIRST DAY OF THE SEVENTH MONTH FOLLOWING ENACTMANT) Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve the introduction of Ordinance No. 2407 which was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by Councilman Gonzalez and unanimously carried. ORDINANCE(S) ON PUBLIC HEARING: No. 2405 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND 236-16 ENTITLED VEHICLES ON SIDEWALKS AND CURBS OF ARTICLE III ENTITLED USE OF STREETS AND SIDEWALKS; MAINTENANCE OF CHAPTER 236 ENTITLED STREETS AND SIDEWALKS OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO CONFORM WITH CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES RELATED TO TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PRESENT NEEDS Mayor DeLorenzo opened the meeting to public hearing for this ordinance. Seeing no one come forward he requested a motion to close the public hearing which was made by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilman Kistner and unanimously carried. Prior to casting his vote, Councilman Hillmann shared his view on parking on the sidewalk, which the Mayor suggested should be discussed amongst the Police Committee. Councilman Kistner noted that this is being addressed by the Police Chief. No. 2406 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND 198-9 ENTITLED PROHIBITION OF ARTICLE IV ENTITLED POSSESSION OF CIGARETTES OR TOBACCO BY MINORS OF CHAPTER 198 ENTITLED PEACE AND GOOD ORDER OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTS SO AS TO CONFORM TO STATE STATUTE Mayor DeLorenzo opened the meeting to public hearing for this ordinance. Seeing no one come forward he requested a motion to close the public hearing which was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by Councilman Lipari and unanimously carried. MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC: Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to open the meeting to the public which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Lipari and unanimously carried. Rose Heck from 501 Collins Avenue came forward to speak about the basin on Rt. 17 and the fact that there is no fence around it. She spoke about past fight with the DOT, in opposition of the basin. Mayor DeLorenzo advised that there were two different fences installed, both of 9
MISCELLANEOUS FROM PUBLIC(cont d): which were hit many times and taken down. During the most recent remediation of the basin, the DOT made the determination that it was actually safer to keep the fence down. Mrs. Heck went on to express her concerns of not having a fence for the safety of children. She feels as though the DOT is walking all over the town. Mayor DeLorenzo discussed the numerous communications that have been sent to the DOT over the years. Councilman Kistner shared that there are some new people at the DOT so possibly the engineer can send another letter. Councilman Hillmann advised that he wrote a letter to the Department of Intragovernmental Affairs and mentioned the basin. Councilman DiPisa commented that the Borough s appeal from a health standpoint due to mosquitoes and standing water. How do we get the state to realize that have responsibility. Mayor DeLorenzo noted that prior letters will be reviewed with the Borough Attorney to determine how to move forward. Mrs. Heck requested that the Engineer provide a report at the next meeting as to what has been done regarding the basin. Mayor DeLorenzo 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 Lipari, seconded by Councilman Gonzalez and unanimously carried. Mayor DeLorenzo asked for a motion to adjourn which was made by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilman Gonzalez and unanimously carried. Submitted by Laurie Varga, Acting Borough Clerk 10