Council Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 1 FEBRUARY 27, 2024 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024 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, Mr. Brennecke, Ms. Cericola, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Weber. Mr. Ramundo 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 attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting to report on what the Borough is doing in 2024. Also, there was a 5K meeting with more details to follow. Mayor Giordano and Steve met with the resident who came forward at the last meeting regarding the PFOA project on Schuler Avenue near Veterans Park. They are in agreement that after the project, some issues will be taken care of. Financial & Administrative Committee. Mr. Ritchie commented that they are finishing up the budget and hope to introduce on March 12. Fire & Police Protection Committee. Mr. Brennecke had a meeting with the Police Department and Fire Department personnel to go over procedure that they were all in agreement on going forward. Mr. Brennecke commented on the resolution for additional Fire Department by laws on for this evening. Finally, Mr. Brennecke brought up an issue with the fire apparatus the Borough recently purchased. Public Safety Committee. Ms. Cericola attended the Waldwick Access for All meeting last night. A notable achievement she is an issue discovered by Jim, a member of WAFA. He noticed that not all of street crossing buttons are not accessible to those in wheelchairs. As a result, he has been working with Steven to fix this issue. Steve has ordered the accessible buttons and has been in contact with the County as the intersections are all on county roads so the County will install them. Ms. Cericola reported that as of February 24th, the Ambulance Corps responded to 42 calls, with the majority of runs being on Saturdays and Sundays. The Corps responded to 31 out of 42 calls in under 5 minutes. Ashley Statuto attended the most calls at 16, John Papendick took a close second with 13 calls and Ken Gurian with 12 calls. WALVAC gave tour to the Girl Scouts on the 8th as well as a local child. The Waldwick Chamber of Commerce 5K is scheduled for May 5th and mutual aid partners will be advised. They will need three complete WALVAC crews. Finally, Adrian C. has been posting on the Instagram and created a “story” on the page to highlight small events and moments. Follow WALVAC Instagram account at waldwickambulance. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 2 FEBRUARY 27, 2024 Recreational & Health Committee. Mr. Martinello reported on Baseball registration being open for Pre- K-8th grade. Opening Day is April 27. On March 16, the Baseball Association will have annual clean up day with the Waldwick High School baseball and softball teams assisting on that day. Mr. Martinello will attend Junior Football’s first meeting on Thursday. Waldwick Football Club is having try outs for teams April 22-26. There is also a program for youth clinics. Midland Park Community School Junior Panthers Summer Camp registration is open. The camp runs July 1 – August 9. Public Works Committee. No report. Buildings & Grounds Committee. Mrs. Weber reported that the bulk of the WALVAC kitchen renovation is complete. The EV station is scheduled to be installed in March. There was a meeting with the Police Department regarding the upgrades to the pistol range. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Administrator. Mr. Neale went over the two ordinances on for public hearing tonight. The first puts the funding in place to purchase the property and the second is for the actual purchase of the property by the Borough. Next quarterly PFOS notice will go out the week of March 9. There is a resolution accepting the resignation of full-time dispatcher Adam Collura. Adam is accepting a position with Ridgewood Police Department. We wish him well. Under Unfinished Business, we have further budget discussion and introduce the budget on March 12. Municipal Clerk. Mrs. Halewicz reported about the upcoming 2024 Elections. Currently there are 638,000 registered voters in Bergen County. 30% of voters turned out for last year’s General Election. Many of the issues we encountered have been addressed. The County has committed to posting early voting results at 8:00 pm on election day; followed at 8:15 pm with preliminary vote by mail results and then every half hour updating results as they come in. The County also is putting together a step-by-step video on how to vote as well as vote by mail video. We are hoping to show those either before the Council meeting or during the Council meetings leading to the election as well as embedded on our website. Mrs. Halewicz provided the timeline for voters to change their party affiliation, vote by mail, register to vote and tracking your ballot. Finally, the County will be sending Superintendent of Schools a letter asking for students to become pollworkers for this year’s elections. Students age 16 & 17 can work a half day, get an hour for dinner as well as payment for mandatory training which will be done in the school. Also reached out to both party leaders for them to recruit voters in their party to become pollworkers. Grants Administrator. Mr. Guilder reported he received notice today that the EV station will be installed next week and he will coordinate with PD on making sure the area is clear of vehicles. Yesterday, Mr. Guilder applied for the NJ Board of Public Utilities Community Energy Plan Grant Program. A $10,000 award would assist the Borough in creating a Clean Energy Plan and an architectural firm is able to assist in this project if awarded. The awards will be announced on May 31. Mr. Guilder was contacted by Super Star Tennis Camp who rented two of our courts last year on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mr. Guilder will include more information in his memo this week. It will be discussed at the next Council meeting and with any increase in fees to be done by ordinance. Attorney. Mr. Bossong reported that the approved settlement for Bristol tax appeal has been executed with the first payment due on Thursday. The total amount is $203,000 and will be paid in installments. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 3 FEBRUARY 27, 2024 Mr. Bossong reiterated the two ordinances for public hearing are for the acquisition of property on Wyckoff Avenue and Brady Lane. Due diligence on the property will begin shortly. Mr. Bosson reported that the revaluation is complete and will be submitted on Friday. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2024-85 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 with the removal of 2024- 88 for a separate vote: 2024-85 Approval of Consent Agenda 2024-86 Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting, February 13, 2024 Policy Votes a. Jim Pellie requests to use Pavilion A on August 3, 2024 from 12:00 pm - dusk for a Family party with alcoholic beverages being served b. Robyn Brown requests to use Pavilion B on April 27, 2024 from 3:00 pm - dusk for Birthday party with alcoholic beverages being served 2024-87 Resolution of the Borough of Waldwick, County of Bergen, Opposing Assembly Bill No. 4/Senate Bill No. 50, Which Proposes to Overhall, The Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) in a Way that Imposes Unrealistic Obligations with Unrealistic Deadlines Based Upon Onerous Standards 2024-89 Authorize Amendment to Autocab License - In Style Car & Limo Service 2024-90 Accept Resignation of Full-Time Public Safety Telecommunicator - Adam Collura 2024-91 Approval of Appropriation Transfer 2024-92 Payment of Vouchers Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola X X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X X Mayor Giordano ********** REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 4 FEBRUARY 27, 2024 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-88 Authorize The Gifted Society, Summer Super Stars Camp to Use the Waldwick Municipal Pool for their Campers WHEREAS, The Gifted Society, Summer Super Stars Camp, requested the use of the Waldwick Municipal Pool for their campers; and, WHEREAS, approximately 65 campers, ages 5-14, will be give admission four days per week; and, WHEREAS, the dates are June 24 – August 9, from 1:00 pm to 3:15 pm; and, WHEREAS, the fee will be set at $5.00 per camper per day; and, WHEREAS, there will be a ratio of one counselor for every five (5) campers; and, WHEREAS, the campers will follow the rules and regulations on the Waldwick Municipal Pool; and, WHEREAS, a certificate of insurance and hold harmless will be provided by The Gifted Child Society. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipal Council of the Borough of Waldwick hereby authorize The Gifted Society, Summer Super Stars Camp to use the Waldwick Municipal Pool for their campers in accordance with the terms stated above. Discussion. Mayor Giordano discussed that this is a lot of campers for four days a week and it is not fair to those members who wish to attend. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola X X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X X Mayor Giordano PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE(S) - None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S) Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2024-#02 by title. Ordinance No. 2024-#02 - BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PURPOSES IN, BY AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $2,575,000 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 5 FEBRUARY 27, 2024 Council comments. Mr. Neale explained that this is the three-acre parcel on Wyckoff Avenue that extends to Brady. The Borough has not set plans but the property will be maintained as open space. Mr. Ritchie commented that the price seems high but we are hopefully to obtain grants to offset a large portion of this acquisition so the cost to the Borough should be substantially lower. Also, it goes a long way to keep our town green. 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 Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 7:30 pm or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X X Cericola X Martinello X X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano *********** Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2024-#03 by title. Ordinance No. 2024-#03 – AUTHORIZE THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS LOTS 6.02 AND 6.08, IN BLOCK 136, AS IDENTIFIED ON THE TAX MAP OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK, COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NJ, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 197 WYCKOFF AVENUE AND 9 BRADY PLACE Council comments. Mr. Bossong commented that this is the legal way to do this. In order for a municipality to purchase property, they must pass an ordinance to do so. There will be a public hearing on this ordinance. 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 Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 7:30 pm or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola X X Martinello Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X Mayor Giordano REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 6 FEBRUARY 27, 2024 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mayor Giordano requested a change in the order of business in this section. a. Take Home Vehicles RESOLUTION NO. 2024-93 Amend Resolution 2024-32 to Include the Position of OEM Coordinator to the List of Take-Home Vehicles for 2024 and to Include the Approval Process for Uses Not Pertaining to Commuting WHEREAS, the Municipal Council of the Borough of Waldwick approved the positions of Take-Home Vehicles for 2024 (Resolution 2024-32) at the Reorganization Meeting held January 6, 2024; and, WHEREAS, the position of OEM Coordinator was inadvertently left off the approved list; and, WHEREAS, the Municipal Council of the Borough of Waldwick recognizes that this position should be included on the Take-Home Vehicle list due to likelihood of having to respond to emergency incidents after hours, and shall be allowed to be used for commuting purposes; and, WHEREAS, any uses within the Borough not pertaining to commuting must be approved by the Borough Administrator in writing. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipal Council of the Borough of Waldwick hereby amends Resolution 2024-32 to include the position of OEM Coordinator to the list of approved Take-Home Vehicles for 2024 only. Discussion. Mr. Neale explained that the OEM vehicle was inadvertently left off the resolution at the Reorganization Meeting but should be included. As the Police Department and Fire Department have different uses, Craig and Mr. Neale came up with a policy at minimum that uses not pertaining to commuting must be in writing to the Administrator. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X X Cericola X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X Mayor Giordano ********** REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 7 FEBRUARY 27, 2024 b. Waldwick Fire Department Bylaw Changes RESOLUTION NO. 2024-94 Authorizing Approval of a Portion of Waldwick Volunteer Fire Department By-law Amendments WHEREAS, the Waldwick Volunteer Fire Department (“WFD”) have reviewed their by-laws and submitted to the Borough a comprehensive and substantial number of requested by-law amendments; and, WHEREAS, the requested by-law changes were organized into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2) and numbered 1-40 and are annexed hereto; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to Waldwick Borough Ordinance 12-6, all amendments to the WFD by-laws must be reviewed and approved by the Mayor and Council; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution 2024-77, the Governing Body approved certain by-laws but withheld some for further discussion and consideration due to some requested by-law amendments requiring Ordinance revisions; and, WHEREAS, after discussion, the Mayor and Council are hereby approving the below by-laws. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Governing Body of the Borough of Waldwick hereby approve the following WFD by-laws with the removal of Group 1 Nos. 14, 19 and 23: Group 1 By law amendment: #4-7, 14, 17, 19, 21, 23, 35 and 36 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Governing Body hereby approves the following WFD by-laws, subject to the Governing Body adopting the requisite corresponding Ordinance amendments at a future meeting of the Council as prescribed by law: Group 1 By law amendment: #1, 3, 12 and 13 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be provided to the WFD for their records. Discussion. Mayor commented that there were 41 changes, went to attorney and came back with recommendations. Mr. Bossong commented that the second set of bylaws have to be approved contingent upon ordinance changes. Next meeting we will have an ordinance change for these four. Group 1 listed, a lot of those reference state statutes and asked for clarification whether they would comply with state statute. One of concern proposed bylaw talks about dues and the fire dept no longer collects dues, vote it down. Group 1 number 19, and 23. These two bylaws allow one or multiple people to be on both the business side and firefighting side to serve in leadership positions on both sides of the aisle at the same time. This is not recommended and to keep those leadership positions separate. For best practices to keep those leaderships positions separate without crossover. Recommends not to remove those either and send them back. Mr. Brennecke was advised to recuse himself as he is a member of the Fire Department. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 8 FEBRUARY 27, 2024 Mr. Martinello agrees that on 19 the two sides should be separate. For any organization always want to have a clear segregation of duties and include multiple people in the decision-making process. Narrowing the scope of those people in practice I am opposed to for any organization. Mrs. Weber agreed that a little bit of a consolidation of power there so she is not in favor of that either. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke Cericola X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X X Mayor Giordano ********** RESOLUTION NO. 2024-94a Remand Certain Waldwick Volunteer Fire Department By-law Amendments Back to Fire Department for Further Review NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Governing Body of the Borough of Waldwick hereby remands the following WFD by-laws back to the WFD for further review: Group 1 Nos. 14, 19 and 23: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be provided to the WFD for their records. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke Cericola X Martinello X X Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X Mayor Giordano Mayor Giordano is concerned that bylaws are going to continued to be brought to us and our attorney will need to review them, costing us money. Is there a way we can get an idea how many changes there are and put a cap on it. Mr. Neale will look at it and put a number on it, check with Fire Department on it. Mr. Brennecke will take that on and obtain a plan from them. c. 2024 Municipal Budget Discussion Mr. Ritchie discussed that the appropriations and capital budgets are set. The discussion is do you want a 1.0% or 1.5% tax increase. With a 1%, taking more surplus would be used. Mr. Ritchie feels that with the increase many residents will see from the revaluation, increased school budget, increased county REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 9 FEBRUARY 27, 2024 budget and the fact that we have surplus, he is comfortable with plans for future to rebuilding that surplus over time. He would like to see a 1% majority tax increase. This really only handles inflationary costs, with no additional employees and covers just the day-to-day operations with the cost increases the rest of the country is seeing. Mr. Neale commented that the Council needs to consider the cost for water rate study $25,000; redevelopment study $15,000 and cost of new patrol officer. We need direction on that tonight if we add the new patrol officer. We could just take more out of surplus and would not need to make cuts. Council Members discussed the addition of a police officer; how does that affect the number of officers; there is one retirement and future retirements. We need to balance it and Bergen County Academy has reopened and if we put that person in March, they would be ready by mid-November. The Borough goes off a list and there is a candidate who is a resident of the Borough. Council Members discussed the 1% and 1.5% tax increase and all agree to a 1% tax increase with the understanding that the Borough will work to find new revenues through redevelopment and other means so as not to put the burden on the residents. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Brennecke discussed an issue with the new fire truck we have on order that came to his attention the other day. Englewood purchased same truck we have on order only a few thousand pounds lighter. Our Chief met with Englewood Chief took a look at the truck and went out. Going up inclines in the road, it goes 15 mph. The engine is underpowered. To fix this and replace with larger engine it is going to cost $58,753.00 and the manufacturer needs an answer by Friday. The Chief has a plan in the form of a letter sent to Mr. Brennecke and Steve whereby they can get the money they need without going to the town asking for an additional dollar. We should let them reconfigure the truck and move on. Mr. Neale explained that one explanation he was given was that at the time it was spec’d out, the motor that they are proposing now, was not available as an option. Now it is available. Mr. Brennecke commented that they are going to redesign suspension system, production trip removed and use of pre-paid credits, $34,628.11. The Borough would not see the credit. Mayor Giordano commented that someone should go down there to see what is going on, maybe not all of them. Council Members discussed this issue and provided there is a net $0.00 cost to the town, they can reconfigure the truck, otherwise we might have to think about canceling the truck. Also, documentation from the manufacturer should be provided with regards to the new engine power. Currently the truck is spec’d for 505 horsepower. They want to change to 565 horsepower. How much performance improvement are we getting for $58,753.00? What is their remedy for an underperforming truck. 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 only for the record. Al Coldon spoke to the issue of the Council Members speaking directly into the microphones. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 10 FEBRUARY 27, 2024 David Guy, Captain WFD spoke to the issue of being on the truck committee and involved with the purchase of the $1.9 million ladder truck. The original Cummings X12 525 horsepower Cummings engine spec’d was not discontinued due to EPA regulations going into effect in 2027. The department went with the PAC RMX 13, 510 horsepower, which Englewood just purchased but were not able to view performance had not been released to this area. Trying to void that here. We have ridden on the 605 which is powerful but the 565 is the middle ground. The urgency is that they need to know what engine in order to move forward with the motor block for the truck. Joe Oravetz spoke to the issue of supporting the 1% tax increase. Additionally, He OPRA’d the current ladder truck inspection reports for the last two years and believes you do not need the truck on order at this time. There is virtually nothing wrong with it. Syed Ahmed spoke to the issue of the email sent on Sunday to the Mayor and Council Members requesting the display of the Crescent where other faith symbols are displayed as well as a lighting ceremony on March 14 to kick off the celebration. The ceremony would be from 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm. Mr. Ahmed recognizes that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are important to you as leaders of a diverse community and to our town. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan in the year 2024 begins on March 10th and ends on April 10th. This year over 30 towns across Bergen County will be holding crescent lighting events and we would like to have our town also be part of these celebrations in 2024. Mayor Giordano explained that this was not on the agenda this evening as it was received on Monday morning and the cut off for our packets is Thursday. The Mayor clarified the crescent would be 5 ft tall and provided by Mr. Ahmed. The ceremony will last 45 minutes and not be political in nature. The library will have to give permission for this as well. Mayor Giordano to call Mr. Ahmed on Friday to discuss. Essam Abdalla spoke to the issue attending different events in town with friends. He would like to share his culture with his friends. We should have this in town. Theresa Sherman spoke to the issue of thanking David Guy for his explanation of the truck engine and making sure they do not need to cut anything they need to keep themselves or residents safe. Mrs. Sheman was unable to follow along with the FD Bylaws as she did not have the backup. Asked if it could be distributed. Mrs. Sherman provided an additional overview of the WALVAC meeting. CLOSED SESSION - Any matter permitted to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-95 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. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 11 FEBRUARY 27, 2024 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: 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. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X X Mayor Giordano The Council convened into Closed Session at 8:50 pm. At 9:10 pm the Mayor and Council came back on the record of the Regular Meeting. Present on roll call: Mayor Giordano, Mr. Brennecke, Ms. Cericola, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Weber. Mr. Ramundo was absent. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at its Regular Meeting on MOTION by Mr. Brennecke, seconded by Mr. Martinello and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned at 9:11 pm. Adopted: March 12, 2024 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK