Primary Election Tuesday, June 4, 2019:
Voting will take place from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the following polling places:
District 1 & 2 – Cavallini School Gymnasium
District 3 – Borough Hall
District 4 & 5-Upper Saddle River Public Library (Powers Room)
Please call Borough Clerk Rose Vido (201) 934-3963 if you have any questions.
The Municipal Budget: The municipal budget was introduced at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council on May 2, 2019. It is available on the Borough website, at https://www.usrtoday.org/2019/05/03/2019-introduced-budget/borough-of-upper-saddle-river-introduced-2019-budget/. A public hearing on the budget will take place on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. at Borough Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearing.
Our municipal taxes remain low for Bergen County. In fact, our 2018 municipal tax rate is the 7th lowest of the 70 Bergen County towns according to the State of New Jersey 2018 Abstract of Ratables. Visit the following link to read more: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/pdf/lpt/ratables/bergen2018.pdf. Meanwhile, we remain one of the very few towns to provide backdoor garbage and recycling service. The Governing Body’s goal is to provide our residents with exemplary services while remaining within the state-mandated 2% cap. The average annual municipal budget increase has been 1.45% in the last five years, and 1.5% in the last ten.
Each tax payment made to the Borough includes payment to the USR schools K – 8, Northern Highlands, the County of Bergen and the USR Library. The Borough has control over only 15% of your taxes. 70% goes to the schools, 13% to the County and 2% to the Library as dictated by a State formula.
The proposed increase on the average assessed home is $61.00 annually. For examples, a home assessed at $500,500.00 will see an increase of $40.00 annually, a home assessed at $612,200.00, $49.00 annually; a home assessed at $988,600.00, $79.00 annually; and a home assessed at $1,300,300.00, $105.00 annually.
Upper Saddle River is rated by Moody’s as Triple A – the highest rating possible. Tax collection is a major driving force behind this rating. The Borough had another record year of collections in 2018. As a result of the Triple A rating, in the last five years, the interest rate has been an average of 1.3% in the financing of capital improvements programs. This is significant in light of the fact that the State of New Jersey has been downgraded 11 times. Financial stability will remain a major focus as we move forward.
USR Recognized for the Receipt of Federal Grants: On May 20, 2019 the Borough of Upper Saddle River was acknowledged by Congressman Josh Gottheimer for being one of the most successful municipalities in District 5 in efforts to obtain federal grant funds through the LESO Program. Upper Saddle River was awarded $290,116.13 through the program from 2017 through 2018. The original requisition price of the equipment would near $500,000.00. Mayor Joanne Minichetti and Borough Administrator Ted Preusch attended the award ceremony in Oradell, NJ.
Since 2014, the Borough has received equipment through the LESO program which would otherwise be purchased with taxpayer dollars. Items include a fork lift, generators, a generator trailer, computers and servers, lighting and other necessary equipment for emergency and public works purposes.
Locating grant opportunities as a way of cost cutting for our taxpayers is a priority for the Governing Body, whether through the County of Bergen, the State of NJ or the U.S. Government. Upper Saddle River has received grant monies to clean and clear the Saddle River, repair bridges, purchase essential equipment, resurface roads and to educate the community on substance abuse and mental health matters. Please see below photographs of Mayor Minichetti with Congressman Goettheimer
Clean Communities Grant: The Governing Body is pleased to announce that the Borough of Upper Saddle River has been awarded $19,914.48 in the 2019 Clean Communities Grant funding. New Jersey Clean Communities is a statewide, comprehensive litter abatement program. The funds are used to purchase equipment, promote anti-littering events and provide education to reduce waste and litter.
Clarification of Police Incident: There has been discussion on social media claiming that the Borough of Upper Saddle has been served with a lawsuit in the amount of $3,000,000.00 involving the police department. As always, social media and rumors are not the best source for credible information.
To clarify, there has been no notice of impending litigation nor any tort claim received by our Borough attorney or office. A tort claim would be filed in advance of any impending litigation.
Municipalities can be sued at any time for a multiple of reasons, both in frivolous matters and with just cause. For this reason, municipalities have insurance. The Borough of Upper Saddle River participates with the Joint Insurance Fund (JIF). At first indication of litigation, JIF is always contacted immediately. There has been no contact regarding any litigation at this time.
As dictated by NJ State Statute, all personnel matters must be kept confidential. However, the Police Department matter is under the jurisdiction of the Bergen County Prosecutor and is being handled by their agency.
Curbside White Goods: Thursday, June 6, 2019. Call 201-327-2196 x 221 to schedule an appointment for appliance pickup at least three days in advance.
Curbside Bulky Trash: Friday, June 14, 2019.
Household Hazardous Waste: There will be a Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Sunday, June 23, 2019 at Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ. The collection hours are 9am-3pm rain or shine. Free of charge for Bergen county residents, ID required. Visit www.bcua.org for additional information.
Adult Walk-In Health Clinic: Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Borough Hall. Services include a Health History Evaluation, Blood Pressure Measurement, Height and Weight, Individualized Counseling and Education, Referral and Follow-up and a Confidential Consultation with a Public Health Nurse. This is free of charge to adult USR residents on the 4th Thursday of each month through the Borough’s contract with the County of Bergen Health Department. For more information, please call 201-327-2196.
The Woman’s Club of Upper Saddle River: The 18th Annual Baby Shower will be held on June 4, 2019 at 6:45 p.m. at Savini Restaurant in Allendale and the cost is $50 per person. Donations of unwrapped new baby items, diapers (sizes 3, 4, and 5) and baby clothing up to size 5T would be greatly appreciated. Items will be donated to the Children’s Aid and Family Services baby program and the woman’s shelter in West Milford, NJ. Checks, made payable to Woman’s Club of Upper Saddle River, can be mailed to 18 Candlestick Lane, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. Any questions, contact Maria DiMartino mardimar@me.com
Filling Birthday Bags for Emmanuel Cancer Center is an ongoing project. We donate unisex party bags which include a cake mix, a can of frosting, unisex birthday plates, cups and napkins for 6-12 people, candles, and balloons. For those who wish to donate to either cause, please contact Nona at nona.maher@gmail.com.
Our Club has grown to close to 70 members, and provides companionship, educational and fun events, as well as a way to give back to the community. Come join us! For membership information, contact Nancy at nancylst@optonline.net.
Saddle River Valley Lions Announce Annual Car Raffle: The Saddle River Valley Lion’s Club is presently selling raffle tickets for a 2019 Ford Mustang. (Black EcoBoost Coupe – Retail value $28,710)
Tickets are $10.00 each and the drawing will be held on June 1, 2019 at Lions Park at 10:00 p.m.(You need not be present to win) Proceeds will benefit Sight & Health-Related Charities and Community Organizations For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.srvlions.org, call 201-954-7601or email murphmove@gmail.com.
Bergen Highlands United Methodist Church:
62nd ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL – Saturday, June 15, 2019 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To commemorate a time when Bergen County was known as the Strawberry Capital of the World, we will be serving our wonderful strawberry shortcake made with fresh, hand-picked strawberries from local farms, atop homemade pound cake with ice cream and whipped cream. Beverages and freshly grilled hamburgers and hotdogs will also be served. Eat in or takeout will be available. Throughout the day, enjoy games, crafts, entertainment, shopping at the artisans’ and merchants’ booths on the front lawn, and bidding on the silent auction items inside the building. The event will take place, rain or shine. Proceeds of the festival will continue to aid us in our commitment to various missions including youth, outreach to Paterson, and our local community.
Brush Pick-up Instructions
Municipal brush pick-up will run every other week through October 31, 2019. Brush must be tied and in manageable bundles so that a single man can lift it over his shoulders into the truck. Bundles should be no longer than five feet in length. Email any questions to dpwf@usrtoday.org