Boro Police Officers Honored
Sergeant Michael Spina and Officer John McIntyre were presented with USR Honorable Service Medals for their proactive police work in the arrest of a driver for theft of stolen mail, packages, property, and drugs, and for motor vehicle violation(s).
Mail Thefts and Identity Thefts
Police Chief Patrick Rotella stated that borough mail thefts totaled 25 in calendar year 2022, and almost doubled in 2023 to 48 reported mail thefts. He said that personal checks and business checks were being sought by the thiefs. He suggested that residents mail their outgoing checks at the post office rather than place them in unlocked home mail boxes. He also stated that scammers have increased their calls looking to steal indentities via cell phone scam calls. He asked that residents be vigilant.
USR 130th Anniversary Celebration
Upper Saddle River’s 130th Anniversary will be celebrated on Saturday, September 28, at Lion’s Park from noon until 5:00 pm. There will also be a movie shown in the evening for residents at Lions Park.
Borough Departmental Reports Received and Bills Paid
Reports were received from the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, and the Construction Code Official.
Bills were approved to be paid in the amount of $3,749,089.31, of which 92% are for the public schools.
Approval of Ordinance to Amend Chapter 145 of Borough Code on Vehicles and Traffic
This ordinance prohibits parking along East Crescent Avenue and Lake Street adjacent to the new athletic field located at that intersection. It is recommended that homeowners interested in this ordinance amendment consult the borough’s website: www.usrtoday.org and look under the Agendas and Minutes Heading for the August 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting Regular Agenda PDF. The full statement of this amendment is located as an attachment to the agenda.
Approval of Ordinance 8-24 on Alarm Systems
This ordinance amends “in entirety” chapter 28 of the borough code with respect to alarm systems. Some of the provisions include: Any person or entity must file an application with the borough police department within 30 days of the installation of an alarm system. A system of fines has been created for recurring false alarms. Many other provisions are covered. It is recommended that homeowners with or contemplating the installation of alarm systems review Ordinance 8-24, which can be found online on the borough’s website: www.usrtoday.org under the Agendas and Minutes Heading for the August 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting Regular Agenda PDF. The full rendering of this ordinance is located as an attachment to the agenda.
Eagle Scout Requests Support
Jonah Kim’s Eagle Scout Project is dedicated to the collection of hygiene kits for the City Relief Organization. There is a box located at borough hall where residents can drop off hygiene supplies or kits such as the following items: toothpaste & toothbrushes, dental floss, shaving cream & razors, shampoo & conditioner, body wash, deodorant, hand sanitizers, and masks.
Louisa Quarto Appointed to Library Board
Louisa Quarto was named Representative Alternate of the Mayor and Council to the USR Library Board
Open Public Comments
Clear Cutting of Trees and the Shade Tree Commission
Sheryl Romano addressed the mayor and council stating that trees had been “clear cut in 2022” at property located at 430 West Saddle River Rd. She stated that since the house still, to this day, remains under construction, she requested more information on this property’s tree application and approval from the borough’s Shade Tree Commission. She said that she believed that there was no application made and no permit has been issued by the Shade Tree Commission. However 65 trees were cut down, she reported, and only 4 or 5 trees remain. There is no replanting plan on file, she stated. The myaor responded that this issue was discussed with Boswell Engineering and the USR Planning Board. Our engineer indicated that many of the trees at this property were diseased thus causing them to be removed. He also indicated to the mayor and council that there is an extensive replanting plan for this home and property, which is still under construction.
Ms. Romano also stated that the property located at 436 West Saddle River Rd was recently clear cut. She stated that the application made to the Shade Tree Commission requested approval for cutting trees for “eye appeal and safety.” She stated that now every tree has been cut down and a replanting plan has not been made available.
Public Comments Restricted to In Person Residents/Affordable Housing/Bow Hunting
Eric Friis expressed his disagreement with the mayor and council’s recent decision to restrict public comments to borough residents attending meetings in person. The mayor responded that inappropriate verbal comments were made online during a recent meeting by non-residents and that is the reason for this decision.
Mr. Friis also requested that the borough join “17 NJ municipalities” that have passed a resolution regarding “the allowing of developers to steamroll the towns forcing towns to build things that they don’t want to build.” The mayor stated that the council is are aware of this resolution and is following its course as it proceeds.
Mr. Friis also commented on the bow hunting of deer in Saddle River backyards stating, “I hope there will be no trophy hunting in our town.”
Grove Resident Request
A resident of Cinnamon Dr at The Grove development requested that the DPW place a lock on a particular gate adjacent the development to prevent people from entering the area.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 pm