EMERSON—In addition to providing an update on local mayors’ efforts to help resolve Teterboro Airport noise pollution overhead, Mayor Danielle DiPaola and Borough Administrator Robert Hermansen gave updates on several town initiatives at the Feb. 15 meeting of the governing body.
The Emerson Volunteer Ambulance Corps is covering local emergency response calls on Mondays and Tuesday overnight shifts, and the borough remains covered during all other times via a new contract with Holy Name Medical Center Emergency Medical Services, Mayor Danielle DiPaola reported.
She said the corps was “in desperate need of volunteers” and said individuals who can handle stressful situations and “be around blood and guts” should please call the EVAC or borough clerk Jane Dietsche at (201) 262-6086 to volunteer.
“Right now they are running the two shifts … we are very grateful for that and we look forward to them continuing to add shifts,” said DiPaola.
She said the council “acknowledged there was an issue with ambulance service” and solved it by signing a $25,000 one-year contract with Holy Name EMS to cover for and provide back-up to EVAC.
Blood pressure, covid, and flu vaccine clinics Feb. 23
DiPaola said that Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission — which serves Emerson and other Pascack Valley towns — will offer a free Covid-19 and flu vaccine clinic on Feb. 23 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Waldwick EMS Headquarters, 22 Whites Lane, Waldwick. Call (201) 445-7217 to make an appointment.
While Covid vaccines are free, the only insurance accepted for the flu vaccine is Medicare Part B. For all other insurances, the cost is $25 (regular vaccine) or $35 (high-dose vaccine).
She said both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be offered, plus the flu vaccine. Pre-registration is required and all vaccines are free. DiPaola noted the health agency will restart its monthly blood pressure clinics.
She said the Emerson Board of Health and NWBRHC will provide a public health nurse for free monthly blood pressure testing at the Senior Center, noon to 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month.
DiPaola said that locally, January saw 315 reported cases of Covid-19, while February to date had recorded 13, “which is great news and we hope that Covid is on its way out the door.”
She noted every U.S. homeowner is eligible for four free Covid home test kits. These can be obtained at covidtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
Military tribute banners
Hermansen said military tribute banners that honor local veterans can be purchased for $150. The banners will be installed on a light pole in town for six months to honor the veteran. He said one inquiry was received so far this year.
DeBaun House
He noted the 250-plus-year-old DeBaun House, owned by American Legion Post 269, is scheduled for demolition “very, very soon” after securing permits.
Another holdup, he said, was a water line hot box shutoff needed to be installed before demolition as an underground water line runs below the home that services 14 affordable veterans’ apartments behind the house.
In its place are planned four one-bedroom affordable apartments for veterans, which will include a community room for meetings/events to be held by the American Legion post.
Due to its structural issues, mold, and water damage to the second floor caused by a plumbing leak, the building had not been used for years.
(See “Time’s Up For DeBaun House: Home Served American Legion, Generations of Emersonians, Pascack Press, Nov. 6, 2021.)
Local Open Space Trust Fund
To advance local open space efforts, DiPaola said she would appoint a local Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Committee to assess the value of creating a local Open Space Trust Fund to help the borough and possibly prepare for a referendum.
Hermansen said such a local fund serves many purposes, adding he “believes this is a positive thing for the borough” that also helps with historic preservation, open space, and recreation needs. Many towns use local open space funds to provide matching grant funds to obtain larger county and state open space grants for field improvements.
(See “Six towns share in Open Space grants,” Pascack Press, Jan. 8, 2022.)
DiPaola said after the advisory committee meets to discuss a referendum on an Open Space Trust Fund the topic would be discussed by the mayor and council.
Benkovic Field lighting
Emerson received $77,340 for Benkovic Field lighting and cameras, part of the Hillman-Villano field complex. The project cost was estimated at $230,200. Emerson originally was going to contribute $115,100. It was unclear what the reduced funding would mean for the project.
The lighting was anticipated to be equipped with MuscoVision camera technology to record sports games so footage may be reviewed by teams or coaches, or publicly broadcast, said the grant proposal. Installation is planned for May–June.