Council Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 1 OCTOBER 24, 2023 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 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. Ritchie, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Sciolaro, Mrs. Sherman and Mrs. Weber. Also present: Steven J. Neale, Borough 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 a. Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps Recognition CPR On November 14, 2022, WALVAC responded to 134 Hopper Avenue at the Superdome for a 43-old male who was experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing. Upon arrival, WALVAC found the patient laying on the running track, adjacent to the soccer field. Waldwick Police has administered oxygen prior to our arrival. Patient was pale, experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath. Patient also stated that he was experiencing numbness in both arms. Patient was placed onto stretcher, secured and moved to the ambulance for transport. Paramedics from The Valley Hospital arrived on scene and began patient assessment and treatment inside the ambulance. Following the initial assessment by Valley Paramedics, WALVAC began transporting the patient to The Valey Hospital with both Valley Paramedics on board. While in route, Valley Paramedics noticed the patient was presenting with an abnormal hear rhythm based on their EKG reading. The patient was experiencing ST-elevation myocardial infarction or STEMI, a type of heart attack that has a great risk of serious complications and death. The patient suddenly stopped breathing and became pulseless during transport. CPR was initiated. Approximately 2 cycles or CPR were administered by BLS (Jack Rosen provided compressions and Ben Hymson provided ventilations) with Valley Paramedics providing shock. Resumption of spontaneous circulation was achieved approximately 60-90 seconds after the start of the arrest. Upon arrival at The Valley Hospital, the patient was brought into the Emergency Department and assigned to Room 21 where Valley Emergency Department staff assumed patient care. The following WALVAC members participate in this call: Lyndsie Leger, Jack Rosen, Shane Daly and Ben Hymson. Child Birth On January 5, 2023, WALVAC responded to 58 Smithfield Road for a report of a 32-year-old woman in labor. WALVAC arrived to find the patient kneeling on the bathroom floor holding her just delivered baby. The patient stated her daughter was born 7 minutes after midnight. Patient stated that she had gone into labor about one hour before WALVAC arrival. WALVAC moved the patient and her baby onto the stretcher and into the ambulance. WALVAC clamped the umbilical cord in two places and severed the umbilical REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 2 OCTOBER 24, 2023 cord between the clamps. There were no complications with cutting the cord. Paramedics from The Valley Hospital were also on scene providing patient care to both mother and child. WALVAC transported the patients to Pascack Valley Hospital at patient’s request. WALVAC and Valley Paramedics continued to monitor patients’ vital signs during transport. Patient care of mother and child was transferred to the Labor & Delivery staff at Pascack Valley Medical Center. The following members participated in this call: Shane Daly, Ben Hymson, Morgan Hoffman and George Silebi. The Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps has a long tradition of providing high quality service in meeting the emergency medical needs of Waldwick. Its caring outlook often finds the Corps in the forefront of emergency care. The members of the organization are all volunteers with many other responsibilities who devote a great deal of their spare time to the Corps. The satisfaction derived from helping people in a direct, visible way is their compensation. Members also feel their work fulfills their civic obligation in a meaningful fashion. It takes a special person to be a member of an Ambulance Corps. And here in Waldwick our Ambulance Corps is a special group of people who put others first without asking for anything in return. The fund Raise on their own and all that they receive from our residents go to the purchase and upkeep of their ambulances. From the Newest member to the Offices of the Ambulance Corp. I thank you for keeping our residents safe and for being involved in our community as you are. Your dedication will never be forgotten and will always be admired. MAYOR’S REPORT AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Mayor’s Report. Mayor Giordano reported that the attended the last Waldwick Board of Education meeting to thank them for naming the field First Responder Field. The Board let them know that they were unable to name Forum Way, First Responder Way so the documentation was sent to name the roadway Warrior Way. Mayor Giordano then asked if they had any funding left over to consider installing sidewalks on both sides of Hopper by the fields. The Board explained that they did have remaining funding for this project. The Board then thanked the Mayor and Council for waiving of the permit fees for this project. Financial & Administrative Committee. Mr. Sciolaro reported that there was information in our packet on health benefits, with state health benefits going up 7.4% for 2024. Additionally, the BCJIF where the Borough receives it property and casualty insurance as well as worker’s comp is gong up 16% next year and that does not include assessments and is on top of the 10% increase the Borough realized this year. Mr. Sciolaro mentioned that the state pension fund figures are not posted yet but he will check back. Mr. Sciolaro reported that he attended the Library Board meeting. One project they are looking to complete before the cold weather is the installation of bollards by the parking spaces as there were two accidents this past year. DPW staff will install those bollards. The library is renovating the bathrooms which is a long overdue project. They have selected a contractor and have all the permits. Mayor McKenna and his wife were huge supporters of the library. The Board is looking to find a sculpture that complements the one just inside the entrance for outside. Finally, the Library had its year end audit and there were no issues. Fire & Police Protection Committee. Ms. Cericola reported that the Fire Department has been busy this month with 24 calls for service so far, made up of fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, a mutual aid request, vehicle fire, and a motor vehicle accident. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 3 OCTOBER 24, 2023 Members went to the schools in town on Tuesday 10/10 and Wednesday 10/11 to teach the students about fire prevention and fire safety. On Thursday 10/12 was our Annual Fire Prevention Open House at Fire Headquarters. The event was very well attended. The annual fire hose, apparatus fire pumps, and ground ladder and aerial ladder were completed on 10/17, 10/18, and 10/19. On 10/20 members attended the Warrior Night out at the Sports Dome along with the WPD and WALVAC. On 10/28, members will be assisting with the annual Ragamuffin parade by helping along the parade route and participating in the trunk or treat at the train station. Ms. Cericola reported on the Police Department that Warrior Night Out last Friday was a great success. She thanked the police department for planning this event for our Borough residents. Detective TJ Palaia and Officer Connor Walsh were the primary coordinators for that. There were a couple of DWI arrests. Also, a male actor (age 35), stole a bicycle at the train station. While he was being processed, it was discovered that he had done the same thing in several other nearby jurisdictions. Subsequently, it was determined that he was stealing bikes and selling them for drug money in Paterson. He was turned over to the Passaic County Sherriff’s Office as there were warrants in Passaic County for the same thing. Public Safety Committee. Mrs. Sherman thanked the mayor for honoring WALVAC and his kind words. It is a well-deserved. Mrs. Sherman attended their October 16 meeting where they accepted a new member. They also have a driver who is enrolled in EMT classes. Mrs. Sherman mentioned that WALVAC received a thank you note for outstanding service from a resident who child was in distress. The child was taken to The Valley Hospital and is doing well. The family provided pizza to the Corps as a thank you. Mrs. Sherman mentioned that WALVAC had a table at Waldwick High School Back to School Night. They also continue to standby at Waldwick High School Football games. They attended Warrior Night Out and had a table to promote themselves. They will attend the Ragamuffin Parade on Saturday and hand out candy as well. Finally, WALVAC will assist with the Veterans Day Parade and have nominations for a full slate of officers and executive officers for 2024. Mrs. Sherman thanked the public on behalf of WALVAC for their ongoing contributions to the Corps, which they give back to the community with medical supplies and ambulances. Also, a reminder they have wheelchairs, crutches and canes for any one in need; just give them a call. Mrs. Sherman commented that the plans for the new bathrooms are complete. They are working on the electricity issues as well. Recreational & Health Committee. Mrs. Weber reported that October 26, 7 pm the library will host Trivia Night; October 27, 7 pm is Warrior High School Football Playoff game; October 28, 10 am sharp WCA Ragamuffin Parade followed by the Trunk or Treat. There will be free refreshments and pumpkins. November 7, 6 pm – 7:30 pm is the Free Rabies Clinic in Borough Park, Pavilion B. Dogs must be on leashes (no retractable) and cats in carriers. Finally, the Thanksgiving Food Drive is ongoing until November 13 in the lobby of Borough Hall. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 4 OCTOBER 24, 2023 Public Works Committee. Mr. Ritchie reported that Leaf Collection begins shortly. The schedule is posted online. The DPW/Water Department attempted a tank cleaning last week that was not as straight forward as suspected, hydrants were flushed and the project has been put on hold for now. Winter is here, well not this week but DPW is prepping for inclement weather. Buildings & Grounds Committee. Mr. Schatz reported on the Styrofoam Collection this past Saturday in the pouring rain. He thanked those on the Environmental Committee for helping out. They collected half a dumpster. With regards to PFAS, general work is being done pouring slabs and cutting trees as well as ordering parts. It is moving along. The charging stations have been pushed back to November/December to address some issues. The Borough is preparing for stormwater GPS which is required by the State and it will be used to keep track of the location of storm sewers. The pool shade is complete. WALVAC bathroom project is moving along with proposals out to three contractors. This project has been budgeted this year. Next, they will work on the kitchen. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Administrator. Mr. Neale discussed the 2023 Best Practices Inventory as he and the CFO met today to finalize the Borough’s submission by November 3. The inventory assesses our compliance with various laws and evaluates the implementation of fiscal and operational best practices. There are 67 questions among three scoring categories: core competencies, best practices and unscored survey. The Borough needs a minimum score of 29 to receive full final aid payment. We currently have 36 points and just need to speak with our Construction Official to go over some questions he would have the answers to. Mr. Neale will provide the Mayor and Council with a completed copy. Municipal Clerk. Mrs. Halewicz provided the calendar regarding mailing of sample ballots, in person early voting, deadline to apply by mail and in person for vote by mail ballot. Mrs. Halewicz provided the polling locations and requests voters bring their sample ballot to the polls for quicker check in. As Councilwoman Weber mentioned the Thanksgiving Food Drive is ongoing and they picked up the first barrel full this morning. We will collect food through November 13. Mrs. Halewicz asked everyone to mark Your calendars for our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting – Friday, December 1, 7:00 pm Borough Park. Grants Administrator. No report. Attorney. Mr. Bossong had no report but there is one Closed Session matter listed. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2023-309 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 as amended with the removal of 2023-312 for discussion: 2023-309 Approval of Consent Agenda 2023-310 Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting, October 10, 2023 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 5 OCTOBER 24, 2023 Policy Votes a. Chamber of Commerce request to hang the “SHOP SMALL” banner on the Route 17 fence line beginning the first week in November through late December b. Michele Martini request to use Pavilion A on November 4 from 12:30 pm – 6:30 pm for a Birthday Party with alcoholic beverages being served 2023-311 Endorsing Bergen County Community Development Block Grant for ADA Curb Ramps Installation Project 2023-313 Payment of Voucher Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X X Ritchie X Schatz X X Sciolaro X Sherman X Weber X Mayor Giordano Mr. Sciolaro recused himself from Resolution 2023-310 as he was absent from the meeting. PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE(S) – None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S) Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2023-#21 by title. Ordinance No. 2023-#21 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 91-34, SECTION A, OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HEREBY REMOVING HANDICAPPED PARKING SPOTS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENCE AND UPDATING HANDICAP PARKING PERMIT NUMBERS Council Comments. Mayor Giordano explained that this ordinance is just housekeeping. Residents who have these permits must renew with MVC every three years and when permit holders pass away, the parking space goes back to a regular parking spot. This cleans all of that up. Mayor Giordano stated that a motion is in order to move and pass the ordinance on first reading and that it be advertised in the official newspaper of the municipality as required by law, setting a public hearing for November 21, 2023 at 7:30 pm or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X X Ritchie X Schatz X X Sciolaro X Sherman X Weber X Mayor Giordano UNFINISHED BUSINESS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 6 OCTOBER 24, 2023 Mrs. Sherman attended Warrior Night Out with the Beautification Committee. The Police Department did a wonderful job bring the community together and the event was well attended. Congratulations to Officer Walsh and Palaia for making it a beautiful Waldwick night. Mrs. Sherman attended the Chamber of Commerce Taste of Waldwick at The Hermitage last night and it was a lovely event. Lots of food to sample from our restaurants and door prizes. Great event to meet with residents. Mrs. Sherman requested that in the email blast we mention residents or their landscapers not blowing yard debris into the streets or neighbor’s property. Mrs. Sherman asked about the section of fence out at the pool. Mr. Neale explained that they had to get the pool shade base in and had to take the section of fence out to do it. It was immediately replaced. NEW BUSINESS – None. 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. No one from the public came forward. CLOSED SESSION - Any matter permitted to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-314 Authorize Closed Session WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(1-9) permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and, WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council is of the opinion that such circumstances exist. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Waldwick, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows: The public shall be excluded from discussions of the Closed Session. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows: Possible Acquisition of Real Property It is anticipated at this time that the above stated subject matter will be made public within 60 days or as soon thereafter as it is deemed to be in the public interest to do so based on the conclusion of the matter. This resolution shall take effect immediately. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 7 OCTOBER 24, 2023 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X X Ritchie X X Schatz X Sciolaro X Sherman X Weber X Mayor Giordano The Council convened into Closed Session at 8:07 pm. At 8:17 pm the Mayor and Council came back on the record of the Regular Meeting. Present on roll call: Mayor Giordano, Ms. Cericola, Mr. Ritchie, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Sciolaro, Mrs. Sherman and Mrs. Weber. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at its Regular Meeting on MOTION by Ms. Cericola, seconded by Mrs. Sherman and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm. Adopted: November 21, 2023 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK