<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1pcfMm_0wMhcsrQ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1pcfMm_0wMhcsrQ00" width="1739" height="978" >HILLSDALE—In a brief Zoom meeting on Oct. 23, the Borough Council approved several key items, including a leaf recycling contract, funds for a group home project, and a contract for road improvements.The council unanimously approved a “not to exceed” $150,000 contract with Gaeta Recycling of Paterson to provide two leaf packers and two operators for this season’s leaf removal. Councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk was absent for the vote. Previously, the borough had advertised bids for leaf recycling on Aug. 7 and Sept. 5, but received no bidders. Interim Superintendent Barry Peterson then negotiated a contract with Gaeta Recycling, specifying a daily rate “not to exceed” $4,800 to deploy two trucks with leaf hoppers to assist the Department of Public Works.Council members also endorsed a new agreement with Bergen County United Way, allowing the borough to use affordable housing trust funds to complete a four-bedroom group home at 40 Central Ave. No dollar amount was specified in the resolution, but it noted that the funds are essential to prevent a lapse in Hillsdale’s affordable housing credits.In another unanimous vote, the council approved a $168,583.79 contract with Smith-Sondy Construction Company of Wallington for improvements to Melville Road, funded by a state transportation grant.Additionally, the council approved the borough’s “Best Practices Checklist Inventory” report for submission to the state Division of Local Government Services. Certified by the chief finance officer, administrator, and municipal clerk, the report reflects Hillsdale’s adherence to state-recommended practices for local government.Councilman John Ruocco raised concerns about a recent state mandate requiring Hillsdale to add 220 affordable housing units by 2035. He noted that this would demand an average of approximately 147 new units per year over the next decade, estimating it would require developments on the scale of “almost six Patterson Street projects” in that period. “Where are these units going to go?” Ruocco asked, urging the council to closely scrutinize and respond to the mandate. Mayor Michael Sheinfield added that the town’s affordable housing committee and planner would address the issue in an upcoming meeting.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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Council approves leaf contract, group home funds, road upgrades

HILLSDALE—In a brief Zoom meeting on Oct. 23, the Borough Council approved several key items, including a leaf recycling contract, funds for a group home project, and a contract for road improvements. The council unanimously approved a “not to exceed” $150,000 contract with Gaeta Recycling of Paterson to provide...