Upper Saddle River Achieved a 3.90% Property Tax Decrease in 2021: According to an article published by North Jersey Media, NJ taxes increased on an average of 1.9% across the state last year. Four towns saw their average property tax bills increase by more than 10%, while 70 towns saw their bills go up by twice the state rate. But some towns saw a decrease in property taxes. Of the top ten towns with a decrease in taxes, only three saw a larger decrease than Upper Saddle River, which boasted a decrease in each tax bill of 3.90%. Each tax bill includes payment to the K-8 schools, Northern Highlands, the County of Bergen and the USR Library.
Air Traffic: Due to ongoing concerns related to air traffic over our area, Mayor Joanne Minichetti appointed an Air Traffic Safety Committee at the January 6, 2022 Reorganization meeting. She appointed Council members DiMartino, Florio and Drennan to the committee. The Committee will continue to request that the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) primarily utilize the RNAV X-RAY approach plan over Rt. 17. This would decrease air traffic over residential neighborhoods in Northern Bergen County. The committee will also continue to advocate for a seat on the board of the Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee (TANAAC). At this time, all of the municipalities on the TANAAC board are located within 5 miles of the airport. In addition, committee members will attend quarterly TANAAC meetings. The first meeting in 2022 was held on January 26, 2022 virtually. Mayor Joanne Minichetti, Borough Administrator Ted Preusch and Councilwoman Sarah Drennan were in attendance.
Mayor Joanne Minichetti wrote a letter to TANAAC on September 28, 2021 regarding increased air traffic over Northern Bergen County and the Governing Body passed a resolution at the October 7th Mayor & Council meeting asking for relief. A response was received on October 21st, explaining the alternative flight paths and the best way to register a complaint.
If a resident would like to register a complaint regarding air traffic, please contact the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) directly by emailing 9-aea-noise@faa.gov or by calling 718-553-3365. Complaints can also be registered at Teterboro’s Noise Office at 201-288-8828, or noiseoffice@teb.com or online at https://aircraftnoise.panynj.gov/teb-airport-noise-office/. There is also a button available which allows complaints to be filed easily, at a cost of $40.00. Learn more at https://airnoise.io/. Complaints can be lodged via their website as well. Only caveat, TANAAC and FAA tally the total number of complaints received but also note the number from the same source.
On January 10, 2022 Mayor Minichetti wrote a letter requesting a seat on the TANAAC board. All of the above can be viewed on the Borough’s website, Teterboro Flight Information – USR Today. All correspondence and information were shared with Mahwah, Ramsey, Ho-Ho-Kus, Saddle River, Allendale, Oakland, Waldwick, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Midland Park and Glen Rock.
Because the FAA is a federal agency, Mayor Minichetti asked Congressman Gottheimer to help support our efforts to have the FAA utilize the RNAV X-RAY approach plan over Rte. 17. According to his office, the FAA is currently utilizing this path approximately 20% of the time. All correspondence and the resolution regarding this matter were provided to his staff.
On January 14, 2022 Mayor Joanne Minichetti attended a virtual meeting with the Congressman, Assembly members Bob Auth and DeAnne DeFuccio and several area mayors to discuss infrastructure funding. The topic of air traffic concerns was raised. The Congressman has agreed to set up a meeting with the Federal Aviation Authority, the Assembly members and Mayor Minichetti. Residents can add their requests for the Congressman’s support by calling his office at 201-567-2324 or by emailing Cheryl Krouse at Cheryl.Krouse@mail.house.gov.
In addition, on October 15, 2021, Mayor Minichetti had invited representatives from the FAA and Port Authority/Teterboro Airport to speak at a Bergen County League of Municipalities meeting. As a result, they have set up a meeting on February 8th for interested mayors to provide information and answer questions about the airport, flight paths and the FAA’s role in managing air traffic at the various airports in the NY/NJ metro area.
Updates will continue to be shared.
Private Well Water Testing: Several NJ towns have been notified that they have unsafe levels of PFOs in their public water. Most recently Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge and Mahwah received notice that their public water was affected. The state requires testing of public water systems and in 2021 mandated that systems be tested for PFOAs and PFOs. Anyone affected was notified. The majority of Upper Saddle River utilizes private wells. Information on private well testing and a list of NJDEP approved testing labs can be found on the Borough’s website under the Board of Health at https://www.usrtoday.org/well-water-testing-info/. It is advised that homeowners test their wells annually.
“The Private Well Testing Act” (NJSA 59:12A-26 et seq.) mandates the testing of private wells at the time of sale of any property. The test results are shared between the seller, buyer and NJDEP but are otherwise confidential. Accordingly, the Borough receives no record of these results. Without a resale, it is possible that homeowners may not test their wells on a regular basis.
Covid-19 Updates:
PCR Testing: Northern Highlands Regional High School is offering PCR Covid testing for all interested community members every Tuesday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Room 100 until further notice. Pre-registration is required. The link to pre-register is https://adamsdiagnostic.com/webform/englewood. Enter through the front entrance and follow signage to the testing site. Results will take 24-48 hours. Follow Northern Highlands on Facebook or Twitter for updates.
How to Order Free At-Home Test Kits: The U.S. Government is offering free at-home testing kits via the mail, four per household. To order your kits, visit www.COVIDtests.gov. The tests will ship in approximately 7-12 days so the idea is to order them and have them on hand for when you or a family member may need to be tested. There is a great deal of information regarding when to test, how tests work etc. on the site as well.
How to Obtain Free N95 Masks: The U.S. Government will be distributing free N95 masks via participating pharmacies such as CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreen’s, Shop Rite, Wegmans, Walmart and Costco. Masks should be available this month. Providers will display fliers which will include a QVC code to scan which explains proper usage. Each person can pick up three masks per day. Stores should be receiving the masks this month.
Vaccines and Boosters: Everyone, ages 5 and up, is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Children, ages 5-11, are eligible for the Pfizer Pediatric vaccine. Anyone age 12 and older who has been vaccinated is eligible for a booster five months after the primary series. Vaccines and boosters are widely available. Please speak with your pediatrician or physician if you have questions about vaccines or when to receive a booster. Let’s all do our part to keep our community healthy and safe, our children in school and our businesses flourishing.
Hackensack University Medical Center has issued data as of 1/5/22 regarding hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
With 1,062 Patients Hospitalized with Covid-19:
41% were vaccinated – (11% boosted)
4% partially vaccinated
55% not vaccinated
With 90 Patients on Ventilators:
23% were vaccinated – (0% boosted)
3% partially vaccinated
74% not vaccinated
With 143 Covid-19 Patients in ICU:
29% were vaccinated (7% boosted)
3% partially vaccinated
68% not vaccinated
USRA Coalition:
It is with great pleasure that the USRA Coalition, a joint coalition of Upper Saddle River and Allendale, announce the award of a $125,000 Drug Free Community (DFC) continuation grant from the White House Drug Policy Office. This is the third year the USRA has been awarded funding. Originally established in 2017, the USRA Coalition originally was awarded a Drug Free Community Mentor grant, working under the leadership of Mahwah. In 2019, the USRA was awarded a Drug Free Community (DFC) grant in the amount of $125,000 annually for five years, or a total of $625,000. At the completion of the five years, an additional five year grant is possible in order to continue the programming.
The USRA’s Chairperson, Upper Saddle River’s Mayor Joanne Minichetti, explained, “The USRA Coalition’s mission, working to educate our communities to help prevent substance and alcohol abuse, while also addressing related mental health issues, has never been more vital. Both substance abuse and health issues such as anxiety and depression have risen significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic – now moving into a third year. The collaboration of our many dedicated board members, the schools, governing bodies, police departments and community members make our efforts cohesive and effective.”
Joanne Minichetti added, “Each year, the Coalition must identify its efforts and progress. It is a testament to our strong collaboration that we have been successful in earning a continuation grant once again. That success rightfully belongs to everyone in our communities. We are all working towards the same goal – helping our youth navigate serious challenges while providing the support necessary to become healthy adults.”
DFC-funded coalitions encourage the engagement of multiple sectors of the community. The USRA is comprised of community leaders, parents, student members, teachers, religious and fraternal organizations, healthcare and business professionals, law enforcement and media.
Some of the projects the USRA has helped to fund in 2021 at Northern Highlands include the Chris Herren Heroin Awareness program for students and parents, the Signs of Suicide curriculum, an annual stipend for the Yoga and Wellness Club advisors and training for the Boomerang Mentorship advisors. The PRIDE survey, taken by students at Northern Highlands to help identify community issues, was funded by the USRA as well. The USRA helped fund, through Upper Saddle River’s Parent Wellness Academy, the Mykee Fowlin and Community Based Panel Discussions with Sabrina Coppola. The USRA Coalition spread their message at the Bike Rodeo, Friday Night Lights and Oktoberfest and provided a community wide Narcan Training program. In addition, Narcan kits were provided to the Allendale and Upper Saddle River Police Departments for each officer. The USRA also helps the community be aware of important available resources and targets mission-related messaging via Facebook and Instagram and its ongoing original podcast series, Let’s Talk About It.
“The partnership between Upper Saddle River and Allendale is a true win since we share our high school and student/parent community. The USRA makes the programming we provide at the regional level through the DFC funds inclusive of Ho-Ho-Kus and Saddle River students. Our goal is to make our communities safe and drug-free,” said Joanne Minichetti. “Awareness and education are powerful tools to counteract substance and alcohol abuse in our communities. We use this funding to help our young people make healthy choices and to feel comfortable in speaking out when in need of help. We look forward to continuing our work.”
Learn more at www.usracoalition.org and at USRA Coalition on Facebook and Instagram.
Joanne L. Minichetti – Mayor jminichetti@usrtoday.org
Steven DiMartino – sdimartino@usrtoday.org
Jon Ditkoff – jditkoff@usrtoday.org
Sarah Drennan – sdrennan@usrtoday.org
Arman Fardanesh – afardanesh@usrtoday.org
Joanne Florio – jflorio@usrtoday.org
Roger Masi – rmasi@usrtoday.org
A Message from the Upper Saddle River Police Department:
This is an important Community Crime Alert from the Upper Saddle River Police Department:
From January 1, 2021 to present the Upper Saddle River Police Department has investigated twenty (20) car burglaries and eighteen (18) car thefts. This is a dramatic increase from previous years. Four of the car thefts have occurred since January 1, 2022.
All of the stolen vehicles had key fobs left inside of them and the cars that were burglarized were left unlocked. Residents are urged to make sure they remove key fobs, personal items, and ensure their vehicles are locked when left parked outside their homes.
To assist residents, the Police Department would like to offer the following tips to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this type of crime:
- Many of the local car thefts have occurred during the late evening/early morning hours. Some though have occurred during the day.
- If you have a garage, use it. Please note that criminals have used garage door openers found inside open vehicles to open garage doors. We also recently had a resident’s vehicle burglarized during the early evening hours after criminals entered his open garage as he was on his rear deck.
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Keys of any type should never be left inside your vehicle. If criminals have access to your keys, they can, potentially, access your home.
Remember that thieves are opportunistic. If your vehicle is unlocked with the keys inside, it will likely be stolen or, at the very least, burglarized. Stolen vehicles have been involved in police pursuits and other serious crimes, which place officers and others in danger.
What To Do If You See a Car Break-in in Progress:
Immediately call 9-1-1 or the Upper Saddle River Police Department directly, at (201) 327-2700, to report the incident.
When talking to the Dispatcher, try to give as much information as possible, specifically:
- LOCATION OF THE INCIDENT
- DESCRIPTION OF THE SUSPECT
- DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
Please do your part in helping to stop these thefts from occurring. Over the years, observant residents have helped the Police Department solve many different types of crimes. This coordinated effort between the police department and community, undoubtedly, will help to make our community safer.
First Quarter Taxes Due February 1, 2022
The Tax Office wishes to remind residents that the first quarter 2022 taxes are due on or before Feb. 1, 2022. Upper Saddle River offers a ten-day grace period. If taxes are not paid by Feb. 10, 2022. State law requires that interest is then due from Feb. 1st to the date they are paid. Check or money orders only, no cash will be accepted. NO POST DATED CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
USR Tennis Permits Available for 2022
Tennis permits for the use of the USR tennis courts, located on West Saddle River Road
in front of Reynolds School, are available via email at USRRecreation@aol.com
Borough Hall or at the Tennis Courts from Tennis Pro Sharron Mattiace. A family
membership is $50.00 and an individual membership is priced at $30.00. All residents
must have a permit and display permit on the sign up board located at the entrance of
the courts. For more information, please call the USR Recreation Department at 201-
327-3634 or USRRecreation@aol.com. Visit the Boro website at www.USRtoday.org
for information about all Recreation programs.
Americans Soccer Club
The Americans Soccer Club, established in 1976, has a deep-rooted history within the Highlands region as one the oldest soccer clubs in North Jersey. Most children represent the home towns of Allendale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Saddle River, and Upper Saddle River, but children call the club theirs in over 25 neighboring or nearby towns. In addition to soccer, the club provides members social and team building opportunities (fun for the whole family). Competition ranges from selective EDP teams, competitive Northern Counties (NCSA) teams, to fun and instructive clinics, camps, and programs open to most ages. The club pairs well with recreational town soccer programs in the Fall, and many players choose to play both for their town and their club. USR Soccer and the USR Recreation Commission has a deep-rooted cooperation and partnership with the Americans and recommends the club for continued year-round soccer.
The club has many exciting options for the winter and beyond:
U4-U8 (2014-2018 birth years) Young Americans Clinics,
High School Teams,
Goalie Select Academy Training *NEW*,
Indoor Futsal *Coming Soon*,
Indoor Soccer Tennis *NEW-Coming Soon*,
Fitness Boot Camps *NEW-Coming Soon*,
and upcoming tryouts for Spring game spots…register now (plus potential for practice spots at all ages)!
email: info@americanssc.org website: www.americanssc.org
Highlands Spring Lacrosse Registration
The Highlands Lacrosse Association is currently accepting registrations for our K-8 spring lacrosse season. Our organization supports the growth of lacrosse in the community, representing players and coaches from the towns of Allendale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, and Waldwick.
Our program offers exciting opportunities for the 2022 spring season:
* Grades K-2: boys and girls clinics * Grades 3-8: boys and girls team play
Registration Deadlines:
* Grades 3-8: General registration closes on 1-16-2022 / Late registration closes on 1-31-2022 (Late registrants are subject to a $50 late fee per player)
* Grades K-2 deadlines: Registration closes at midnight on 3-15-2022. While there is no late fee for K-2, space may be limited.
Join us! Register at: https://hlalacrosse.teamsnapsites.com
Note: If you have any difficulty with registration fees or equipment costs, please email HLA at brian.robinson.17@gmail.com. All requests will be handled with complete discretion.
Woman’s Club Events
We welcome new members at any time! Our upcoming meeting will be on February 7, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Scot Beckerman, Superintendent of Northern Highlands will speak about the upcoming referendum. For more information, please email nona.maher@gmail.com
Friends of The Library
Thank you to all the residents who have been donating books. We continue to collect gently used current books––please no yellowed pages, magazines, textbooks, encyclopedias, or, textbooks. Those can be recycled at your home. If you wouldn’t buy it, please don’t donate it! Our volunteers are busy cataloging and shelving. Our monthly sales are now indoors and going smoothly with COVID restrictions on the number of buyers in the Book Room at one time. A new entrance procedure routes buyers around to the back of the building. Entrance is through The Powers Room where buyers can browse on their way to the Book Room.
Upcoming Saturday Sales will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 12, 2022. Friends Monday meetings will be February 7, 2022 downstairs at the Library at 10 a.m. All are welcome!
Library News
The USR library is pleased to offer an exciting mix of in-person and virtual programs for adults, teens and children in February. For a complete listing of upcoming events, and to register for events, please see the Calendar page of our website www.uppersaddleriverlibrary.org
2022 DOG/CAT LICENSE APPLICATION
Borough of Upper Saddle River, 376 W. Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Owner’s Name_________________________________________________Date_________________
Address_______________________________________________ Tel #_________________________
Dog or CAT: (circle one) Dog or CAT: (circle one)
Name___________________ Sex_______________ Name_____________________ Sex______________
Color_______________ Hair (long/short)_______ Color______________ Hair (long/short)_________
Breed_____________________ DOB____________ Breed__________________ DOB_______________
Dog size S / M / L
License Fee Dogs $15.00 License fee cats $5.00.
Non-neutered Dog Additional $3.00 Non-neutered Cat Additional $3.00.
There is a $5.00 late fee for licenses obtained after February 15, 2022.
Proof of rabies vaccination through October 2022 and proof of neutering/spaying is required for all dogs/cats.
___________________________________________________________________________
Brush Pickup
Bundled brush pickup will resume on April 1, 2022 and run through October 31, 2022. Bundles must be tied and able to be lifted overhead into a truck. No larger than four inches in diameter or greater than five feet in length.
USR GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONS – February
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.
- NO PLASTIC BAGS OF ANY KIND WILL BE TAKEN AT THE RECYCLING DEPOT.
Garbage: Every Monday & Thursday
Recycling:
West Side: Tuesday February 1 & 15
East Side: Tuesday February 8 & 22
NOTE: Must call by 10am the NEXT DAY to report missed Trash/Recycles.
Curbside White Goods: Thursday, February 3, 2022. Call 201-327-2196 x221 to schedule appointment for the appliance at LEAST three days prior.
Next Curbside Bulky Trash: Friday, March 18, 2022.37
Mayor and Council Regular Meeting – Thursday, February 3, 2022
The next Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council will be held on February 3, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. The meeting agenda can be found on the Borough website: www.usrtoday.org. The meeting will be held via teleconference (Zoom) and the necessary credentials to join the meeting are as follows:
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.