Council Welcomes New Borough Clerk During Thursday Meeting

Belleville native AnneMarie Krusznis has found a new home starting this week as she takes over the borough clerk's position from Toni Falato who previously retired. Falato was appointed to the borough clerk's position in 2009 after serving as the deputy clerk.

"For the first time tonight we have with us our new borough clerk Annemarie Krusznis," Mayor Richard LaBarberia said. "We welcome her to the Paramus community and wish her the best of luck for many years to come."

Krusznis, a 1984 Belleville High School alumn, followed in her families tradition of working in Belleville in the municipal court prior to making her way to Paramus. Her mother, Mary Lou Hood, was the longest serving borough clerk in Belleville up until her death.  Her brother Charles, is a recently retired deputy police chief who now works in the township’s IT department while another brother, Jack is a police captain.

The council also awarded bids to Barbato Nursery of Holbrook, NY for this fall's extensive tree planting project. The borough is intending to plan a total of 400 new shade trees by November 3.

"The tree plantings have been backlogged for three seasons," Shade Tree Director Joseph Sexton said. "The contractor is supplying 259 trees and the remainder are coming from the borough's nursery. We projected the estimated cost between $125,000 to $150,000 but this was underneath that."

Barbato Nursery, which was the third lowest bidder, stated in his bid packet that he could supply 259 trees at a total cost of $21,602 and perform all the plantings for $24,346.

"This is one of two aggressive projects we're taking on this fall, the tree plantings and street work," LaBarberia said. "We've not really been able to catch up. Last year our priorities shifted due to the storms but now with a storm free summer, we can focus in and get these things done."

Barbato Nursey as the third lowest bidder was awarded the project after the first two lower bidders had to withdraw over concerns of completing the plantings in a shortened time period.

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