Dear Neighbors:
The Municipal Budget: The municipal budget will be introduced at the Regular Mayor and Council Meeting on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. Once introduced, the budget will be available on the Borough website, www.usrtoday.org, and will be considered for adoption on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. The Governing Body’s goal is to provide our residents with exemplary services while remaining within the state mandated 2% cap. Our municipal taxes remain low for Bergen County while we remain one of the very few towns to provide backdoor garbage and recycling service. The average increase in the budget over the past five years has been just 1.0%.
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 16% of your taxes. Approximately 70% goes to the schools, K-8 and Northern Highlands, 12% to the County and 2% to the Library.
The Borough had another record year of tax collection in 2021. Our tax base continues to increase. Financial stability remains a major focus as we move forward.
Covid-19 Update: As of April 19, 2021, all NJ residents, aged 16 and above, are eligible for Covid-19 vaccines. Please visit www.covid19.nj.gov/vaccine for more information regarding Covid-19 vaccines. Appointments are available for the Moderna vaccine at the Alternative Care Facility Annex at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. NOW ACCEPTING WALK-UPS. Appointments can be scheduled at www.BergenCovidVaccine.com. Vaccine appointments can also be found via the state Covid-19 website, NJ Vaccine Appointment Finder. Vaccines are currently available for those who trying to obtain them. Those Bergen County residents (55+) needing assistance to schedule an appointment, can call the County Call Center at 201-967-4070 Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Currently, 29% of Bergen County residents have received a vaccine. The goal is 70% to allow a return to normalcy.
Congratulations to Assemblywoman DeAnne DeFuccio: Councilwoman DeAnne DeFuccio was elected by the Bergen County Republican Organization to fill Holly Schepisi’s assembly seat in a Special Election on March 31st. Holly Schepisi had been elected to fill the seat left vacant by Senator Cardinale’s passing and consequently resigned her assembly seat. Congratulations to Senator Schepisi and to Assemblywoman DeFuccio. Unfortunately, DeAnne had to resign her council seat as of April 9th in order to be sworn in to her new position on April 10th. In accordance with State Statute, the Republican Municipal Committee has 15 days to recommend three candidates to the Council. The Council will vote to appoint one of the three recommended candidates to fill the seat within 30 days.
DeAnne was the Class III member of the USR Planning Board, a member of the USR Youth Guidance Council and the USRA Coalition, and liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission. She serves on USR Cares and is active in the PTO. She served as a member of the Planning Board before joining the council as well. The Governing Body thanks her for her many contributions and wishes her much success in her new role representing District 39.
County Health Department and School Closures: As a follow-up to Mayor Minichetti’s message on April 1, 2021, a letter urging the safe return to school for our students as well as uniformity in recommendations made by health agencies to the state’s school administrators was sent to the Governor’s office, County Executive’s Office, Congressman Gottheimer’s Office and the State and County Departments of Health.
In addition, Mayor Joanne Minichetti brought the matter to the attention of Bergen County Commissioner Ramon Hache, former mayor of Ridgewood, at a meeting of the NW Bergen Mayors Association on April 10th. He serves on the Health Services Committee. He is in receipt of the letter and concerns. She also brought it to the attention of the Executive Director of the NJ League of Municipalities at a meeting of the Bergen County League of Municipalities.
Memorial Day: Due to Covid-19 restrictions in 2020, our annual Memorial Day ceremony was conducted virtually, but it looks like we will be able to enjoy a slightly modified Memorial Day parade this year followed by a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Details will be sent out via Swift Reach and on our website, www.usrtoday.org. A huge thank you to Scouts BSA Troops 133 and 933 and Cub Scout Pack 133 for placing American flags in front of each home in the Borough in honor of those lost in service to our nation. The flags were made possible by the Upper Saddle River Recreation Commission. Please have a safe Memorial Day weekend.
Upper Saddle River Police Department: Detective Captain Edward Kane would like to pass along the following message to our community. It should remind us of the importance of looking after one another. For the past 16 years, I have lived across the street from a couple who are now in their mid-nineties. We have grown to be friends and the relationship now extends to members of our families. We met years ago on a snowy night when my older son and I randomly rang their doorbell and offered to shovel their driveway. Since that night, we have met their children (including grandchildren and great grandchildren), helped them navigate cable television, delivered gifts on special days, and even ran to their aid for medical episodes and falls. Our relationship has taught our sons many valuable lessons. However, the most important lesson they learned is to be an ENGAGED neighbor. Be neither nosy nor apathetic. Be engaged! If you see someone who is alone, say hello. If you see someone who needs help, offer it. If you see something suspicious, report it. As Covid restrictions slowly ease, let us make an effort to up our level of engagement. Redefine “Neighborhood Watch.” Look after the people next door.
Voter Registration: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 is the deadline for all new voter registrations for the Primary Election, June 8, 2021. Registration forms are currently available at the Borough Hall weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On May 18, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., registration forms will be available at the Upper Saddle River Police Department. Forms should be completed and left with the dispatcher at that time. Forms can also be found at the County website: https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/voter-forms. Please note the following polling locations: District 1 & 2: Cavallini School gymnasium; District 3: Borough Hall; District 4 & 5: Upper Saddle River Public Library (Powers Room, lower level).
USR Clean Up Day – May 1, 2021: On Saturday, May 1st, from 8am to 12pm, the Upper Saddle River Recreation Commission will once again sponsor Town Wide Clean Up Day. Individuals, families, and organizations are encouraged to join in helping to keep Upper Saddle River beautiful. Check in at Lions Park anytime between 8am and 12pm. You will be assigned (or you can choose) an area in town to clean up. Areas include: Lions Park, Hess Park, and school grounds. Spend as much time as you are able. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Masks are required.
Help make this year’s Clean Up Day the best ever! Scouts, sports teams, and other youth groups are welcome. Please note that children must be supervised by an adult. Please contact Jon Silverman @ 201-236-0442 or e-mail jdsilverman@optonline.net with any questions.
USR Fishing Derby: The Upper Saddle Recreation Commission will again host this year’s Annual Fishing Derby scheduled this year for Saturday, May 15 at Liberty Park. The event will get underway at 9:00 am until noon. All Upper Saddle River residents, ages 5 and over are invited to bring your poles and bait and enjoy a great time. Masks are required. Bucky Rehain will be hand to offer assistance to children during the derby. Bucky will walk around the pond and provide answers to many questions about various fish and wildlife issues. If you should have any questions, please contact Bucky Rehain at 201-825-3767 or Recreation Director, Ed Gartner at 201-327-3634 or USRRecreation@aol.com Visit our website at www.usrtoday.org
USR Historical Society: Join the USR Historical Society on Tuesday, May 25 at 7 PM for a ZOOM presentation on the history of the Anona Park Club, presented by Bill and Dave Yeomans, grandsons of the club’s founder, William H. Yeomans. Photos and memories will take you back to a time when Anona drew scores of families from the crowded cities in Bergen and Hudson Counties who wanted to spend their weekends at a picnic table in the woods by Anona Lake. To register, visit www.usrhistoricalsociety.org and click on “Events”. On June 12 at 2 p.m., join us at the museum for “Fashions through the Decades from the Hopper-Goetschius House” modeled by Student Trustees and volunteers and emceed by Ronnie O’Neill. Included will be clothing, jewelry, hats and accessories from the late 1800s through the 1960s. There will also be displays of special items and photos. The event will take place outside. Distanced chairs will be set up and masks required. Visit our website for more information. The museum is hoping to be open this summer. Visit www.usrhistoricalsociety.org for updated announcements.
Library News: Summer reading begins in June; readers of all ages will explore the animal kingdom with the “Tails and Tales” summer reading program. It’s open to Pre-K through adults, with reading clubs, activities, prize drawings, story times and more. Kick off the summer program with a virtual show for all ages on June 9th at 4 pm, featuring Magician Steve Woyce! The Library of Things: Stop in and check out our “Library of Things,” a new collection of games and activities that cardholders can borrow for family fun. There are board games, Spikeball, cornhole, lawn croquet, Pickleball and more. Available after May 1, on a first come, first served basis, to card holders 18 and older.
Junior Woman’s Club Activities: The Saddle River Valley Junior Woman’s Club is proud to have remained an active part of our community during these challenging times. We have been able to host fun member events as well as continue to remain committed to giving back to our community. We welcome any new interests to our following upcoming events:
• May 5 at 8pm Virtual Business Meeting/Cinco De Mayo Mother’s Day celebration
• May 21 at 3pm new family Meet and Greet at Hess Park*
• June 16 at 8pm Mid-Year member installation and outdoor cocktail party*
*please note safety protocols will be followed at in person events. Please email contactus@srvjwc.com with any questions. We look forward to seeing current and new members.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event: There will be a Household Hazardous
Waste May 15, 2021 at Bergen County Campgaw Mountain Reservation, 200 Campgaw
Road, Mahwah, NJ and Sunday, June 13, 2021 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 or
contact BCUA at 201-807-5825.
BCUA Document Shredding, Electronics & Tire Recycling Event Date: The Bergen County Utilities Authority will sponsor this event on Sunday, June 5, 2021 at Bergen County Campgaw Mountain Reservation, 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ. Collection hours are 9am-2pm, rain or shine. This event is for Bergen County residents, ID required.
Garbage & Recycling:
If your regular pickup is missed, call Borough Hall at 201-327-2196. You can leave a voice message with your address, or email info@usrtoday.org. Service may take longer than usual but it is ongoing as it’s a public health matter.
The Recycling Depot is open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
DUE TO COVID, CLOTHING AND TEXTILES ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME.
USR GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONS – May 2021
Garbage: Every Monday & Thursday
Recycling:
West Side: Tuesday May 11 & 25
East Side: Tuesday May 4 & 18
NOTE: Must call by 10am the NEXT DAY to report missed Trash/Recycles.
Curbside White Goods: Thursday, May 6, 2021. Call 201-327-2196 x221 to schedule appointment for the appliance at LEAST three days prior.
Next Curbside Bulky Trash: Friday, June 18, 2021.
Mayor and Council Regular Meeting – Thursday, May 6, 2021.
The next Mayor and Council Meeting will be held on May 6, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. The meeting will be held via teleconference (Zoom) and the necessary credentials to join the meeting are as follows:
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Computer: Link: https://zoom.us/j/842319706
Meeting ID: 842-319-706
Phone: 1-669-900-6833 or 1-877-853-5247
Then dial meeting ID (842-319-706) followed by #, then #, #9 to raise hand.
Joanne L. Minichetti – Mayor jminichetti@usrtoday.org
Steven DiMartino – sdimartino@usrtoday.org
Jon Ditkoff – jditkoff@usrtoday.org
Vincent Durante, – vdurante@usrtoday.org
Joanne Florio, Council President – jflorio@usrtoday.org
Douglas Rotella – drotella@usrtoday.org