Hasbrouck Heights



SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1BOROUGH OF HASBROUCK HEIGHTSM I N U T E SSeptember 26, 2017A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights was held on Tuesday, September 26, at 8:11 p.m. 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, 2017 and transmitted to The Observer, The Record and The Herald News on January 4, 2017.ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor John DeLorenzo, Councilman Ron Kistner, Councilwoman Pamela Link Councilwoman Josephine Ciocia, Councilman Justin DiPisa, Councilman Russell Lipari, Councilman Peter Traina Absent: SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor DeLorenzo led inthe Salute to the Flag and Pledge of Allegiance.INVOCATIO INVOCATION:The invocation was given by Councilman Traina as follows: “Oh God of Creation, you have blessed us with the changing of the seasons. As we embrace these autumn months, may the earlier setting of the sun remind us to take time to rest. May the crunch of the leaves beneath our feet remind us of the brevity of this earthly life. May the steam of our breath in the cool air remind us that it is you who give us your breath of life. May the scurrying of the squirrels and the migration of the birds remind us that you call us to follow your will. Amen.” Mayor DeLorenzo announced that the meeting would be going out of order to have the Appointments of Junior Firefighters APPOINTMENTS:Ryan Moots as HHFD Junior FirefighterDuncan McCabe as HHFD Junior FirefighterNicholas Cali as HHFD Junior FirefighterEdward Finch as HHFD Junior Firefighter APPOINTMENTS (cont’d): Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve the appointments of the Junior Firefighters which was made by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilman Traina, and unanimously carried.APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (August 22, 2017 Regular Meeting, September 12, 2017Regular Meeting)Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve the minutes as read which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilwoman Ciocia and carried with Councilwoman Link abstaining for August 22nd due to absence and Councilman Traina abstaining for September 12thCOMMUNICATIONS: SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 11) Request for permission from Bill O’Shea’s Florist and Gifts to host annual Halloween Window Painting Contest on Oct. 18th between 3 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. with a raindate of Oct. 19th.Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve the Halloween Window Paintingrequested in the first communication which was made by minutes as read which wasmade by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilman DiPisa and unanimously carried. 2) Letter from Laura Baker and the Mayor’s Celebration Committee updating the Mayor and Council about the Ragamuffin Parade and Munchkin MashMayor DeLorenzo asked if any member of the Council wished to have the second itemread. Seeing no one, Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to accept thecommunications as read which was made by Councilman Lipari, seconded byCouncilman Traina and unanimously carried.BILLS: SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1WHEREAS, claims and accounts amounting to $139,108.21 specified in theschedule hereto annexed, have been examined and approved by the FinanceCommissioner, or his Deputy; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in theaccounts listed for payment of the claims; BILLS (cont’d):NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the claims be paid and checks be issued on the funds and accounts indicated on the attached schedule./s/ Councilman Justin A. DiPisa Commissioner of Finance SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve the Bills resolution which was made by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Traina, and unanimously carried. SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1REPORTS:POLICE: Councilman Kistner reported that schools are open and all Crossing Guards have returned including our Walking School Bus. The new traffic pattern at Lincoln School has started and seems to help keep vehicles away from the school during school hours. The solar powered pedestrian crossing sign has been installed in front of the High School. We would like to that Bill Spindler and his crew for installing the sign; thereby saving the Borough money. The Police Department will again be making a walk through all schools in Hasbrouck Heights at random times. We have a wonderful and safe community due to the great job that our Police Department does. From 8/1-8/31 this year there were over 1200 calls, of varying severity, made to our police desk. A resident also sent a note of thanks for the assistance that Police Officer Nick Brunetti and Police Officer Chris Connors gave during her recent call for an ambulance.PUBLIC WORKS: Councilman Kistner reported that two solar powered pedestrian crosswalk signs with LED flashing lights were installed on the Boulevard in front of the High School. The DPW worked on the project along with our Police Traffic Division.The DPW painted yellow curbs, white pedestrian crosswalks, and slow school warnings throughout the Borough before the start of school. The HVAC systems were serviced as part of the service maintenance agreement at all facilities. Additional certified playground mulch was applied at the Central Avenue Park and Miers Park playgrounds. Town Day is on September 30. The DPW has ordered leaf bags and give-a-way items to be distributed at the event. TRANSPORTATION: Councilwoman Link reported that 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 monthly as on schedule and the HH Leisure Club monthly on 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 or from the Bus Driver. Number of riders for the last month – 97.REPORTS (cont’d.)SOCIAL SERVICES: There were 82 visitors to the Food Pantry from 8/28/17 through 9/18/17, a decrease of 10 from last month’s activity. Thanks to Girls Scout Troop 60517, the Barapanque Family, Karen McDowell, Lynn Petronelli, Frederick Landy, The Jr. Woman’s Club, 1st Reformed Church, Carney family, Josephine McLaine, Bev and Rich Fleischer in Memory of Adeline “Dolly” Scaglione and Rose Marie and Ed Sees in Memory of Adeline “Dolly” Scaglione for their generous donations.We appreciate the following volunteers who supervised the food pantry during these weeks: Janice Cooney, Vivian Leidenfrost, Dorothy Petroulas, Betty Spiedel, Elsie Sternbach, Joyce Belbo, Brian Callahan and Warren Nelson. Thank you all for your time and support. Although donations are received on a daily basis, during the summer months, donations do drop off and the pantry shelves become sparse. All types of non- perishable food items, paper products, cleaning products, shampoos and soap are most appreciated. All donations are accepted in the Borough Clerk’s office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (June-August) and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (September – May).LIBRARY REPORT: Councilwoman Ciocia reported that the Library’s total circulation of materials to date shows an increase of 16.76% compared to last year’s figures at this time (87,552 vs. 74,980). For the months of June, July, and August 28,503 people came to the library. 5,492 packages were forwarded to other libraries. 118 new library cards were issued (84 adults, 34 children). Total library card holders is 6,255. There were 2,301 reference questions answered.RECREATION: Councilman DiPisa gave the Recreation report submitted by Robert Brady, Director of Recreation. October Recreation Programs:Recreation Wrestling Registration?10/3 & 10/10 7pm-9pm Rec officeRecreation Basketball Registration10/4 & 10/11 7pm-9pm Rec officeHalloween in the Park?Tues 10/17 Rain Date Wed 10/18Woodland Park (tickets required)Senior citizens Halloween PartyWed 10/25 12-3pm in Sr CenterMen's over 25 Basketball every Monday?New HS Gym 7pm-9pmAdult Coed Volleyball every Wednesday?New HS Gym 7pm-9pmREPORTS (cont’d)Senior Center ActivitiesAdvanced line Dancing every Tuesday 10amBeginners line dancing every Tuesday 11:45amSenior Yoga every Tuesday & Thursday 2pmSenior Zumba Gold every Friday 12pmSenior Stretch & Flex 1st,3rd,&4th Weds 2pmFun bingo and movies twice a month on Fridays(Check senior center monthly schedule for changes)FINANCE: Councilman DiPisa gave the following Finance report:The Current Fund cash balance at August 31st was $5,773,012.43 and at July 31st was $2,416,824.20 which represents an increase of $3,356,188.23. The entire balance was invested and earning approximately 0.70%. Cash receipts for the month of August totaled $8,688,908.50 of which $7,989,003.40 was for Current Taxes, $63,085.67 was for Delinquent Taxes, $466,663.05 was for State Aid and $170,156.38 was Miscellaneous Revenues.Cash disbursements for the month of August totaled $5,332,235.27 of which $2,668,200.00 was for Local School Taxes, $1,118,921.00 was for County Taxes, $81,314.89 was for Interfunds , $663,835.97 was for Salaries and $799,963.41 was for Other ExpensesFinal fourth quarter 2017 tax bills have been mailed. Included on the final bill is the fourth quarter payment, which is due November 1, 2017, as well as the first and second quarter payments due in 2018. Please take the time to read the letter included with the bill, it gives details on tax due dates, tax rates and State Aid.HEALTH: Councilman Lipari shared the report submitted by Lori French. Senior Wellness LuncheonThis years Senior Wellness Luncheon on Thursday, September 21st was a big success. There were over 100 seniors who enjoyed the complimentary lunch donated by Care One of Wellington of Hackensack. Public Health Nurse, Joanne Wendolowski spoke about Senior health topics. Adult & Children’s Flu ProgramThis years Flu Program will be held on Wednesday, September 27th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. The Nurses from H.A.R.P. administrated the vaccine. Another Flu Clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the Senior Room.AARP Safe Driving CourseThe Health Dept. has scheduled another AARP Safe Driving Course to be held on Tuesday, October 24th in the Borough Hall. This program is open to all ages and residence.SENIOR NEWS: Councilman Lipari reported that a bus was rented for the Senior’s to take a trip to the Tropicana in Atlantic City. Unfortunately the number of people who went on the trip was minimal. Another trip is scheduled for October 19th to the Sands in Atlantic City. The cost will be $35. per person for which each person will get a $20. voucher and $5. for food.FIRE/EMS: Councilman Lipari reported that from 8/16/17 through 9/15/17 the department handled 72 EMS calls and 22 Fire calls.BUILDING AND ZONING: Councilman Lipari shared the following report: The total receipts for this month were $15,288. No new homes were started last month. All revenue was for remodeling or repair projects. We also issued permits for the fit out of one commercial tenant. 112 initial UCC inspections were done during the past month with 95 passing and once again the not ready creeped up to 13.The Property Maintenance Inspector had 24 initial inspections and followed up 48 times with those same residents. 4 warnings were issued. There were no court appearances this month. One summons was issued. No photos were taken to support any complaints.The Zoning Board of Adjustment will be meeting on Thursday and will hear an amended application from last month which has been scaled back considerably, a resident with side yard and front yard relieve sought and a use variance for a spa which wants to locate on Terrace Avenue. There has been a submission of a Soil Movement application but so far there are no applications for the Planning Board. This town owes its overall appeal because of the wonderful job most residents and business owners do in keeping their property neat and clean. We are supporting those individuals by getting after the people who don’t keep their property tidy.TECHNOLOGY:Councilman Traina reported that the new website is live. All municipal emails have also transitioned. There is a new feature on the website “Contact Us” for questions to be emailed. We are in the final stages of setting up on line payments, which will allow payments through the website, with final completion anticipated by the end of the year.MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor DeLorenzo gave the following report:I am happy that we are all able to announce the new borough website, Hasbrouck-, this evening. I would like to thank the entire committee for their time and input; Former Councilwoman Sonya Buckman, Councilwoman Josephine Ciocia, Laurie Varga and Councilman Peter Traina. They all put a lot of time into this and I appreciate that. I also want to thank Borough Administrator Mike Kronyak and now, Acting Borough Clerk, Laurie Varga for overseeing this project over the summer with weekly meetings to ensure that it was completed on time for its launch on September 5th. He thanked the police department and the fire department for their participation in our 9-11 memorial vigil. He also thanked the DPW for their work in preparing for and cleaning up after the ceremony. The speakers that evening included Councilman Justin DiPisa and Reverend Susan Nelson-Colaneri who both shared some personal memories of September 11, 2001 and the days following. Father Pat from Corpus Christi and Reverend Eric Dammann also participated. The remembrance was attended by a large number of residents, many of whom thanked us for continuing the ceremony. Thanks to Laurie Varga for putting that together. Congratulations to Corpus Christi Church on celebrating their 120 years and to Father Ray on his retirement.CONSENT AGENDA:162.Expressing Opposition to Legislative proposals, Senate Bill Nos. 1045 and 1046 regarding the Open Public Meetings Act and Open Public Records Act 163.Authorizing Change Order Number 1 in connection with the 2016 Road Program164.Authorizing a raffle for Concerned Parents of Corpus Christi School 147.Authorizing a Raffle License for the Hasbrouck Heights Parents for AthletesMayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to approve the foregoing Consent Agenda whichwas made by Councilman Lipari, seconded by Councilman DiPisa and unanimouslycarried.RESOLUTIONS:NoneRESIGNATIONS:NoneORDINANCE ON INTRODUCTION:NoneORDINANCE ON PUBLICE HEARING: NoneCONTINUANCE OF HEARING:Platinum Auto Group, 380 Terrace AvenueMayor DeLorenzo invited Mr. Chandless to speak on this Continuance of Hearing. Mr.Chandless reported that Zoning Officer, Gino Tessaro, has advised that the situationwith Platinum is totally under control and thought that the Mayor and Council wouldconsider withdrawing the action of potentially suspending the license. After further discussion, and under advisement of Mr. Tessaro and Mr. Chandless,Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to end the action of suspension of the licensewhich was made by Councilman Kistner, seconded by Councilwoman Link andunanimously carried.MISCELLANEOUS FROM THE PUBLIC:Mayor DeLorenzo requested a motion to open the meeting to the public which wasmade by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Kistner and unanimouslycarried.Mr. Carl Caravaglia representing the Hasbrouck Heights Pistol Club came forwardRequesting permission to begin to use the Police Shooting Range again. He noted thathe received permission to do so from the Chief Colaneri and was advised to seek thepermission of the Mayor and Council as well. There was a prior issue with bullets beingcontained which will not be an issue going forward. Chief Colaneri advised that he hasno problem with the Club using the range. Councilman Kistner made a motion to allowthe Hasbrouck Heights Pistol Club to use the Hasbrouck Heights Pistol Range whichwas seconded by Councilman Traina and unanimously carried.Seeing no one else wishing to speak in the public portion of the meeting, MayorDeLorenzo requested a motion to close the public portion of the meeting which wasMade by Councilman DiPisa, seconded by Councilman Traina and unanimously carried.ADJOURN:Mayor Delorenzo requested a motion to adjourn which was made by CouncilmanTraina, seconded by Councilman DiPisa and unanimously carried.I, Laurie Varga, Acting Borough Clerk of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights, dohereby certify that the foregoing Minutes are to the best of my knowledge a true accountof the Mayor and Council Meeting held on September 26, 2017. ____________________________ Laurie Varga, Acting Borough Clerk ................
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