Council Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 1 SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 AT 7:30 PM Mayor Giordano called the meeting to order and read the Statement of Compliance. Mayor Giordano asked for a roll call. Present on roll call: Mayor Giordano, Ms. Cericola, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Sciolaro, Mrs. Sherman and Mrs. Weber. Mr. Ritchie was absent. Also present: Steven J. Neale, Borough Administrator; Matthew Guilder, Grants Administrator; Kelley Halewicz, Municipal Clerk and Craig Bossong, Municipal Attorney. Mayor Giordano asked everyone to join in the Pledge of Allegiance, remain standing for a moment of silence honoring our Veterans and to remain standing for the prayer. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS – None. MAYOR’S REPORT AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Mayor’s Report. Mayor Giordano reported that now that school is back in session, there are a lot of fundraisers for various clubs as well as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. He asked the community to be generous and support them. Mayor Giordano commented on the new wall behind him which provides a little update to the room and thanked the DPW for the work. Also, the flags look different with special holders. Mayor Giordano commented that after discussion with the Administrator all employees will have the opportunity to wear a pink shirt to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This will be extended to the Council Members to wear to the two meetings in October as well. Another option for staff during the summer months is to wear golf shirts with the Borough logo. This will also be extended to Council Members to wear during the summer meetings. Financial & Administrative Committee. Mrs. Sciolaro had no report. Fire & Police Protection Committee. Ms. Cericola reported that the Fire Department had seven calls for service since the last council meeting. Activated Fire Alarm – 3; Utility Pole Smoking – 1; Mutual Aid Request – 3; Vehicle Fire in Ho-Ho-Kus (HHK); Fire Alarm in Saddle River and Motor Vehicle Accident in Ho-Ho-Kus. Members attended the New Jersey State Firefighters Convention which was located in Wildwood. The meetings were held on Friday 9/15 and Saturday 9/16 at the Wildwood Convention Center. Fifteen members attended the New Jersey Firefighters Association. During the convention, the Waldwick, Ho-Ho-Kus, and Saddle River Fire Departments responded to all calls together from Thursday at 12:00 pm to Sunday at 1:00 pm. On Thursday, 9/21 members attended Bloodborne Pathogens training and HazCom which is part of their annual required JIF training. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 2 SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 Ms. Cericola reported that the Police Department is working on the traffic safety study recommendations. Public Safety Committee. Mrs. Sherman reported that she attended the September 18 WALVAC meeting where two new members were announced. Everyone wished the new members well. October 13 – 15 15 members will attend the EMT Convention, which is local and offers members the ability to take classes to renew their certification and test out new equipment. Mrs. Sherman attended a Family and Friends CPR course offered at the Library on September 14. Fifteen residents were in attendance and she learned a lot of tactics and information. They used manakins to practice chest compressions as well as learning how to use an AED device. This included placing the pads on the patient. Finally, they learned how to dislodge an object from an infant’s mouth who is choking. This class will be offered again in late autumn. Mrs. Sherman reported on an electrical problem at the Ambulance Corps building and discussed this with the Administrator. Mrs. Sherman commented that the Ambulance Corps will participate in Warrior Night Out on October 20 at the Bubble, sponsored by the Waldwick Police Department. There will be a lot of activities as well as organization represented. The Ambulance Corps will be on standby at the Waldwick High School Football games. They also thanked residents for the generous donations they received last month. The Corps is accepting nominations for officers and executive board. Mrs. Sherman explained the sprint car the Corps is looking to acquire making it possible for the Head EMT to go directly to the scene while other members go to the building and get the ambulance. This car will make it possible for medical treatment to start earlier than if the crew arrived together. Mrs. Sherman discussed this with the Mayor and Steve and while there were two used police cars coming off, they were deemed unsafe to continue. There is an SUV coming off shortly and that one will be looked at for this purpose. This could help save lives by getting medical attention to the patient quicker. Recreational & Health Committee. Mrs. Weber thanked everyone for a successful pool season and to watch for a survey coming out in an email on members experience and comments about the season. September 13 was our last Summer Concert and we look forward to 2024 season. November 2 is the Free Rabies Clinic, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm in Borough Park, Pavilion B. Mrs. Weber commented that Tamaron residents and other seniors were provided with flu shots. The National Food Safety Month/Food Handling Month. Clean: Wash your hands before and after handling food and wash your cutting boards, countertops, dishes, and utensils with hot soapy water. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water. Separate: Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods in your grocery cart. Use separate cutting boards for fresh produce and raw meat, poultry, and seafood. Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure that raw meat, poultry, seafood, and egg products are cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature to destroy any harmful bacteria. Chill: Refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and other perishables within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing. Refrigerate within 1 hour if the temperature outside is above 90° F. Never thaw food at room temperature, such as on the countertop. Public Works Committee. No report. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 3 SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 Buildings & Grounds Committee. Mr. Schatz reported that he attended the Environmental Committee meeting and there will be another Styrofoam Recycling on October 14 at the Recycling Center with Allendale. The DPW has been cleaning up the rain garden. There was discussion about working with Ridgefield and using their densifier as well as discussion about hosting composting classes at the library. Mr. Schatz reported that PSE&G was out to replace a pole for the charging station so the lines can be run in the ground. The Borough closed on the loan for the water treatment system and tree work and soil borings have begun. Once a firm timeline is established, this will be sent out to the residents and posted on our website. Mrs. Schatz reported that they are working on the final plans for WALVAC to fix the building and finish before the end of the year. The footbridge project is waiting for soil boring test results. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Administrator. Mr. Neale commented that water flushing in districts 4 & 6 are ongoing and a webpage has been created to show those streets that are complete. That does not mean your water cannot still be discolored just because your street is done. This is constantly being updated. Also, Waste Disposal Day is Saturday, October 7 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm rain or shine at the Recycling Center. Municipal Clerk. Mrs. Halewicz commented that for resolution 2023-294 received all documentation for this raffle license Families for Families. Mrs. Halewicz reported that Vote by Mail Ballots were mailed to those Waldwick residents on the County’s list yesterday. On the website is a link to a video on how to complete your vote by mail ballot. VBM ballots should be dropped in a drop box – Waldwick’s is on 15 E. Prospect behind Fire Co #1. Our signs are out to direct voters to the drop box. October 17 - Late night voter registration. My office is open until 8:00 pm. Mrs. Halewicz reminded residents that Friday last day to schedule White Goods pickup for Monday, October 2. October 1 - Last BCUA Recycling Event for paper shredding, computers & electronics, unwanted medications and tire recycling. BC Campgaw Mountain Reservation, 200 Campgaw Road, 9 am – 2 pm rain or shine. Weekly Curbside Yard Waste Collection ends October 13. (10, 11, 12) October 14 - Styrofoam Collection 9:00 am – 1:00 pm or until bin is full at the Waldwick Recycling Center. October 26 - Curbside Leaf Collection beings with District 1. The schedule is posted on our website and we have copies of the schedule here. Bulk Collection online scheduling form is available to residents who wish to add their bulk items to the monthly collection list. Name, address, maximum 2 non-metal items. Waldwicknj.org look for the scrolling Garbage & Recycling icon, just click on the icon. When the page opens, you will see in Bulk Collection and in blue the ONLINE FORM HERE. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 4 SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 Grants Administrator. Mr. Guilder reported application are open for CDBG and runs through December 15. The Borough typically uses this grant for road improvements; however, another option in construction and improvements to public facilities. After discussion with our engineer, DPW Superintendent and Administrator, I will call the county to see if our water system improvement project is an option for funding. Attorney. Mr. Bossong received information from counsel regarding settlement with DuPont and 3M for the PFOS litigation. We do not know yet how the monies will be distributed but there is a November deadline for any entity to object to the settlement. After that period once the District Court in SC approved the settlement, the Court will have to figure out how to distribute the monies to those entities that submitted claims. Mr. Bossong will be working with Steve and counsel on a packet to get back to the Courts. We are in a good position as we just closed on the loan and have numbers to put down as opposed to other claims that are not as far a long in the process. We hope to recover some money in the future. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2023-289 Approval of Consent Agenda BE IT RESOLVED that the following resolutions herewith listed by consent having been considered by the Governing Body of the Borough of Waldwick are hereby passed and approved: 2023-289 Approval of Consent Agenda 2023-290 Approval of Minutes – Regular Meeting, September 12, 2023 Policy Votes a. Matthew & Jessica Addeo request to use Pavilion A on September 30 from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm for a Private Party with alcoholic beverages being served b. Kim Coleman request to use Pavilion A on October 1 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm for a Private Party with alcoholic beverages being served c. Katie Vincent request to use Pavilion A on October 21 from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm for Private Party with alcoholic beverages being served d. Megan Catanzariti request to use Pavilion A on October 22 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm for Private Party with alcoholic beverages being served e. John & Heather Gatti request to use the Municipal Pool Parking lot on October 14 from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm for wedding guest to a wedding at 59 Hopper Avenue 2023-291 Appointment of Full Time Crossing Guard – Karen Giacormarro 2023-292 Appointment of Per Diem Crossing Guards – John Guglielmotti and Robert Occhipinti 2023-293 Appointment of Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicator/Police Radio Dispatchers – Patrick Balabat and Austin Reid 2023-294 Approve Raffle License 2023-#06 for Families for Families 2023-295 Authorize Retention of Dumpster Escrow – 12 Maple Avenue 2023-296 Cancellation of Taxes – Block 120.01/Lot 9 2023-297 Payment of Vouchers REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 5 SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X X Ritchie X Schatz X X Sciolaro X Sherman X Weber X Mayor Giordano PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE(S) – None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S) – None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mrs. Sherman discussed the Beautification Committee’s September 16 work day where they weeded out, trimmed back bushes and collected a lot of litter at the Rt 17 bus stop. They did find that some of the wildflowers they planted there on Earth Day did come up. They will have another work day in a couple of weeks. Mayor Giordano explained that in front of the building an Eagle Scout has made a flower box and bench. The flower box is planted and the Scout will finish up the bench soon. There will be a ceremony when it was done to thank those who assisted him with his Eagle Scout project. Also, another Eagle Scout project is the brother of the Scout who started the trail in HCA Park. This project will complete the trail. NEW BUSINESS Ms. Cericola commented on the Ragamuffin Parade and specifically the Trunk or Treat which has been light in the past couple of years. She would like the Mayor and Council to hand out candy together. Also, if the Borough could purchase candy so that people can give it out to the kids that would be great. Also, there was some work going on at the NJ Transit overpass and she did not see anything about it and asked what is going on. Mr. Neale responded that he has been hounding NJ Transit to fix the overpass but they were actually working on the walkway. He has not received an update from NJ Transit but will continue to reach out and update the Council on what he finds out. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Giordano asked if any member of the public wished to come forward and to discuss anything and if so, please state your name for the record. Ted Sanzo commented on being in support of veterans going tax free but asked what the recourse is from VA to recoup the loss. Mr. Neale responded that there is not mechanism in place. Michele & Doug commented on the work being done on Dora Avenue in connection with the charging stations and were concerned they were not contacted prior to the work being done as they had been in the past. They had attended a Zoom meeting early on with the plans. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 6 SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 They were overall not pleased with this project as it has taken a once private area and made it part of the downtown because you can hear everything that is going on. They hear doors closing, police officers talking. The garbage was relocated to that side of the parking lot. They also do not believe the pole looks nice and not pleased about the two transformers being added. The EV stations should be relocated to be on the M&T Bank side of the property. The fence needs to be repaired and maintained. Some of the trees do not look to be in good shape and it is going to take a long time to get their privacy back. There are weeds and it generally looks bad. Mayor Giordano commented that the DPW should be here every morning to clean up our building, weed, and do general maintenance. Mr. Neale commented that the generator is temporary as we are waiting for a part to repair ours. Once it is fixed, the temporary one will be out of there. With regards to the pole work, the Borough has a one- month window that PSE&G was going to come and do this work. We were surprised they showed up as we did not receive a call that they were coming. Our intent would have been to let you know ahead of time but we were unable to do that. The EV stations are set to go where they originally were on the plans. This part of the project was significantly funded by PSE&G and DEP grants. CLOSED SESSION – None. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at its Regular Meeting on MOTION by Mr. Schatz, seconded by Ms. Cericola and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned at 8:13 pm. Adopted: October 10, 2023 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK