Issues of 2013: What May Be Expected in the Coming Year

Whereas 2011 was said to be a challenging year, 2012 followed bringing with it a some significant changes to the borough of Hasbrouck Heights.

The election of the first Democratic councilperson in years and the placement of new administrators at all four district schools are just some of the major events that occurred this past year Now as 2013 gets underway, the people of Hasbrouck Heights will see how some of these new developments may carry over as new year begins.  

Some change in municipal government

The borough’s governing body will get started with 2013 business at the Jan. 1 reorganization meeting where the first Democrat to serve on the council in years will be sworn in. Christian Semenecz,  went up against two Republican incumbents in the November election, causing an upset in the election unseating one of the Republican councilmembers. 

The presence of a Democrat on an all-Republican council may have some wondering if this could possibly stir up some differences in opinion however the Republicans continue to have the majority with five council persons and Republican mayor.

This is not the first time Semenecz will sit on the dais as he had previously served as a councilman nearly three decades ago. Republican Councilman Russell Lipari was also elected to a second term and will also be sworn in on New Year’s Day.

Class size

As there were some big changes in administration at all the schools over the past year-plus parents likely hope that no such further changes will be needed and instead focus can be placed on more pressing issues such as class size concerns.

Parents have cited numerous complaints over the past year of overcrowded classrooms. Enrollment has continued to increase from year to year. Adjustments have been made at the middle school/high school to try to create more class space.

Board of Education members and Superintendent of Schools have said they are looking into solutions and more is expected to come of this in the new year.

School safety and security

The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in mid-December has forced all school districts to take a closer look at their security measures, Hasbrouck Heights included.

School administrators immediately took action working with the police department to instill some initial changes however as the new year gets underway the district will have to continue to look into what types of measures can be taken to better protect the students.

Municipal budget

Borough officials said the sacrifices made in 2011 with staff reductions and slashing of departmental budgets helped result in a slight increase in the municipal tax levy for the 2012 year of roughly 1 tax point.

The 2013 budget process is currently in the early stages and it’s too soon to tell what taxpayers can expect of their tax bill for the coming year. It was hoped that new ratables would come in over the past year to spread out the tax burden however it’s not certain if new developments such as the apartments being built next to the VFW are to hit the tax rolls this year.

Some other developments are also in the works such as plans for another hotel on Route 17 South and the borough is also in the process of selling a piece of property intended for a one-family home on Central Avenue.

Police department personnel

Another new face may soon be seen in police uniform as the borough’s police department is currently in the process of recruiting for one new officer keeping department running at 29 members.

The department lost two of its veteran officers in 2012 as Lt. Thomas Archer retired after 27 years and Jack Delorenzo retired after 25 years.

Some restructuring had been done when Archer left as he was head of the traffic division which is now being controlled by two officers. Over the summer the department took on one new officer and its former parking enforcement officer moved up in the ranks to patrolman brining the department back up to 29. After Delorenzo left at the end of October recruiting for a new officer began.

Emergency communications

The main issue coming out of Superstorm Sandy’s impact on the borough is the need for improved communication during emergencies. 

The topic has been widely discussed by borough officials and emergency management officials over the past two months since the storm hit. In early December the borough brought residents together to discuss ideas and needs for improvement following the storm.

One of the things the police department has already put in place is the county’s Swift 911 alert system which will call and text important information during emergencies however officials said they would continue to explore other options.

Library staffing

The borough’s free public library began 2012 with the loss of two of its full-time librarians as financial woes forced cuts at the very start of the year. The library has continued to operate with a smaller staff and has yet to be able to reopen on Sundays which was implemented towards the end of 2011 also due to financial woes.

Mid-year the library was able to add two part-time staff members but there has been no word as to whether reopening on Sundays will be possible in the coming year.

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