Council Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 1 JULY 16, 2024 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, JULY 16, 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. Ramundo, Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Weber. 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, moment of silence for Police Officer Christopher Goodell on the 10th anniversary of his death, moment of silence for former PA Fire Chief Corey Comperatore who was killed at the rally as well as those who were injured at the rally and to remain standing for the prayer. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS a. Derek Miano Eagle Scout Project presentation Mayor Giordano commented that Derek came in to see him and was not able to attend tonight’s meeting. He is designing a bench like the one in front of the Administration building at the Library. He made a presentation to the Library Board, and they approved the project. Mayor Giordano signed off on the project. Mr. Miano will now start to fundraise for the project. The Mayor offered to advertise any of his fundraising events. MAYOR’S REPORT AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Mayor’s Report. Mayor Giordano performed a wedding on Friday night for two Waldwick residents who were previously from the Bronx where he is from. Financial & Administrative Committee. Mr. Ritchie discussed the two bond ordinances which will allow the Borough to move monies from one line item to another to utilize the ARP monies for other projects. Also, with regards to the water main break, the cost is roughly $80,000. That money will come out of the budget under water capital budget. Fire & Police Protection Committee. Mr. Brennecke reported that the Fire Department has had 24 alarms this month, structure fire and mutual aid calls. One apparatus is out of service but should be back shortly. Public Safety Committee. Ms. Cericola reported that for June, WALVAC had a total of 59 runs. Ms. Cericola thanked the 18 members who responded this month. The top responders for June start with April Trainor who went on 33 runs, Ashley Statuto who went on 32 and Adrian Comayagua who went on 28 runs. There were a number of town events that WALVAC attended in June including the Car Show, HS Graduation, CPR training at the library, and Jr. Police Academy. On June 15, WALVAC, WPD, and Valley Paramedics responded to a bicyclist who had experienced cardiac arrest while cycling on Crescent Avenue. CPR was performed on the patient, shocks were delivered via AED, and our Lucas device was used to maintain chest compressions. The patient resumed spontaneous REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 2 JULY 16, 2024 circulation and regained consciousness within the ambulance on the way to Valley Hospital. The patient made a full recovery after a stent was placed in his artery due to a 95% blockage. They have a few new members; some in college and some in high school. Recreational & Health Committee. Mr. Martinello will attend the quarterly meeting at the Health Department on Thursday. Rec Football Camp is taking place this week but was canceled for today due to the extreme heat. They will make the day up on Friday. Waldwick Football/Cheer is holding a Warrior Magnet fundraiser. Soccer is looking forward to fall season. Public Works Committee. Mr. Ramundo reported that DPW is replacing catch basins on the roads that they are paving. Water filter work is ongoing to get all the wells online and we are working with a third- party vendor to complete. Stumps and dead bushes were removed in front of library and eventually they will replace the tree. Hydrants and curb boxes and stops are being replaced as needed. DPW is handling in-house mechanical work on all police cars and DPW vehicles as opposed to going outside. This week they did work on Yvonne Street and removed a fence there. They will be removing dead bushes and shrubs on the west side of the building. Buildings & Grounds Committee. Mrs. Weber reported that this spring and summer have been quite interesting here. We had a flood downstairs from a hose bib as well as flooding from fire suppression. Issues with HVAC in a couple of different buildings. Everything is back up and running. DPW helped with repairs on the first floor. HVAC all up and running. We are looking to have buildings put under preventative maintenance, particularly the HVAC systems. Mrs. Weber reported that with regards to PFOS all wells are in service. There is some preliminary testing that still has to go on. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Administrator. Mr. Neale commented on 2024-211 for the promotion of Sgt. Passaretti to Lieutenant. The Chief and two current Lieutenants sat in on interviews with the top three candidates. This promotion is effective January 1, 2024 but they wanted to start training now. Municipal Clerk. Mrs. Halewicz reported on the items added to the agenda as well as 2024-196 as having all the documentation required from the Waldwick Lions Club for Council approval. Also, 2024-197 having all the documentation required from All County Car & Limo LLC for Council approval. Mrs. Halewicz reported that the Summer Concert scheduled for tomorrow night has been canceled again due to the heat and forecast weather conditions. The band requested the cancelation this time and will provide dates in August. Grants Administrator. Mr. Guilder commented on ARP grant of $55,000 and the monies are in the current budget cycle. The Fire Department will provide a quote for what they are going to buy. With regards to the charging stations, the Borough received $50,000 from PSE&G and $75,000 NJDEP to offset those costs. Mr. Guilder reported that the Borough received one bid for the roll off truck which was expected as they wanted the Borough to use a national cooperative but the paperwork in long and the State would prefer towns go out to bid. For the ADA curb ramps, the Borough received six bids and the award listed is for Marini Brothers. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 3 JULY 16, 2024 Attorney. Mr. Bossong reported that the County Tax Board hearings took place, and they will be deliberating next week. The Borough should learn the results of those deliberations in two to three weeks. All the documentation has been submitted for PFOS litigation. We should hear what the Borough is awarded shortly. There is a second PFOS suit that paperwork has been submitted for. We are hoping to recoup additional monies from this suite as well. There is one item for Closed Session with no action to be taken. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2024-189 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: 2024-189 Approval of Consent Agenda 2024-190 Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting & Closed Session Meeting, June 11, 2024 Policy Votes a. Catherine Woods requests to use Pavilion B on July 20, 2024 from 4:00 pm to dusk for a party with alcoholic beverages being served b. Stryker requests to use Pavilion A on July 24, 2024 from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm for a party with alcoholic beverages being served c. Richard MacDonnell requests to use Pavilion A on July 28, 2024 from 10:30 am - dusk for a party with alcoholic beverages being served d. Lauren Goodell requests to use Pavilion A on August 10, 2024 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm for a party with alcoholic beverages being served e. Lauren Goodell requests to use Pavilion B on August 31, 2024 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm for a party with alcoholic beverages being served f. Kalsie Rudman requests to use Pavilion B on September 21, 2024 from 11:00 am to dusk for a party with alcoholic beverages being served g. John Klimowich and Paige Masiello, 40 Cyli Place request to install a fence in their backyard with a sanitary sewer easement that runs through their property as described in the attached letter and drawing of July 9, 2024 with DPW to inspect the holes prior to contractor installing post and concrete over the easement h. Waldwick Futbol Club request request to use Veterans Park Field from August 15 – November 20: Mondays 4:00 pm – dark, Tuesdays 4:00 pm – dark, Wednesdays 4:00 pm – dark, Saturdays 1:00 pm to dark and Sundays 8:30 am – 12:30 pm and approval to add light tower for October – November i. Waldwick Chamber of Commerce requests to “Turn the Town Teal” for the month of September for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month as per letter dated July 11, 2024 2024-191 Award Fair and Open Contract to Marini Brothers Construction Company, Inc., for 2024 Road Resurfacing Program, ADA Curb Ramp Upgrades, $154,201.85 2024-192 Award Fair and Open Contract to Hudson County Motors Inc., for Single Axle Roll Off Truck, $135,141.00 2024-193 Authorize Amendment to Resolution No. 2024-141 for the Award of Fair and Open Contract to D&L Paving Contractors for 2024 Road Rehabilitation Project, $474,031.33 2024-194 Award a Non-Fair and Open Professional Services Contract to H2M for Rehabilitation of Water Storage Tanks 1 and 2, Engineering, Legal, Permits, Contingencies, $126,000.00 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 4 JULY 16, 2024 2024-195 Award Non-Fair and Open Professional Services Contract to Community Grants, Planning & Housing for Housing Rehabilitation Administrative Services and Case Management Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $55,800.00 2024-196 Approval of Raffle License 2024-04 for Waldwick Lions Club 2024-197 Approval of Autocab License - All County Car & Limo LLC 2024-198 Authorize Release of Dumpster Escrow - 6 Brady Street 2024-199 Authorize Release of Dumpster Escrow - 56 Grove Street 2024-200 Appointment of Registrar, Deputy Registrar and Alternate Registrar of Vital Statistics 2024-201 Accept Resignation of DPW Laborer Philip Sosebee 2024-202 Appointments of Clerk 1 Recreation 2024-203 Accept Donation of Bottled Water 2024-204 Certification of the Annual Audit 2024-205 Approval of Chapter 159 - 2024 ARP Firefighter Grant, $55,000.00 2024-206 Redemption of Tax Title Lien #23-00638 2024-207 Payment of Vouchers 2024-209 To the Execution of an Order of Provisional Authorization and Designation of an Acting Municipal Court Administrator between the Municipality of Waldwick and the Municipality of Ramsey 2024-210 Authorize Refund of $100 to Samantha Turco for Pavilion Security Deposit 2024-211 Promotion of Sgt. David Passaretti to Lieutenant 2024-212 Authorize Cancellation of 2024 Taxes - Block 134.01 Lot 9 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X X Cericola X Martinello X Ramundo X X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE(S) Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2024-#21 by title. Ordinance No. 2024-#21 - AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE WALDWICK HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION BALL, INC. FOR USE OF THE OLD DPW COMPLEX Council comments. Mayor Giordano feels strongly that this ordinance should be approved to preserve the tradition of future WHS Senior Classes. Next year’s class is not going to use it but we will secure it and keep it for the class after that. Public comment. None. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2024-#21 was advertised and on second reading is adopted. This ordinance will go into effect immediately after approval and publication according to law. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 5 JULY 16, 2024 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola X X Martinello X X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S) Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2024-#22 by title. Ordinance No. 2024-#22 - BOND ORDINANCE TO AMEND IN ITS ENTIRETY THE BOND ORDINANCE (ORD. NO. 2023-08) ENTITLED: "BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAKING OF VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ACQUISITION OF NEW ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY, NEW COMMUNICATION AND SIGNAL SYSTEMS EQUIPMENT, AND A NEW FIRE TRUCK AND NEW AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, INCLUDING ORIGINAL APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, IN, BY AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $4,341,500 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO APPROPRIATE BOROUGH OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND MONEYS, A PSE&G GRANT, AND FEDERAL, STATE AND COUNTY GRANTS, 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," ADOPTED ON APRIL 11, 2023. Council Comments. Mr. Neale explained that this ordinance change will be for the Malcolm Street Pump Station project. 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 August 13, 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 Martinello X Ramundo X X Ritchie X Weber X X Mayor Giordano ********** Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2024-#23 by title. Ordinance No. 2024-#23 - BOND ORDINANCE TO AMEND IN ITS ENTIRETY THE BOND ORDINANCE (ORD. NO. 2023-09) ENTITLED: "BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAKING OF VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ACQUISITION OF NEW ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 6 JULY 16, 2024 MACHINERY AND A NEW AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE, INCLUDING ORIGINAL APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, IN, BY AND FOR THE WATER UTILITY OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $1,306,600 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, 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," ADOPTED ON APRIL 11, 2023. Council Comments. None. 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 August 13, 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 Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X Mayor Giordano ********** Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2024-#24 by title. Ordinance No. 2024-#24 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 2021-#10 STORMWATER CONTROL ORDINANCE CHAPTER §97-88 THROUGH §97-101, ARTICLE IX SITE PLAN REVIEW Council Comments. Mr. Neale explained that these changes are mandated by the State. 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 August 13, 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 Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X X Mayor Giordano ********** REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 7 JULY 16, 2024 Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2024-#25 by title. Ordinance No. 2024-#25 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 87 – SWIMMING POOL, MUNICIPAL, SECTION 87-4 RULES & REGULATIONS FOR MUNICIPAL POOL TO ADD AA. HATE SPEECH POLICY Council Comments. Mayor Giordano explained that there has been negative and nasty language at the pool, and it will not be tolerated. Mrs. Weber asked that the language be changed in child offense two so that the child would be sent with a parent or guardian. We should not be sending children home alone, especially if they are supposed to be at the pool. 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 August 13, 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 Martinello X X Ramundo X X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Giordano reported that he received a letter on July 2 from a resident in Allendale asking us to open the dead-end street on Dana Drive in Waldwick to accommodate a driveway for them. The residents on Dana Drive bought their homes in part because it was a dead-end street and is quiet. The Council Members discussed the issue, and it is not a benefit to our residents in Waldwick. Also, our building inspector concurred there is no benefit to our residents. The Administrator will reach out to the Allendale resident and let them know the Borough will not accommodate their request for a driveway onto Dana Drive. Mr. Martinello commended all the officers who participated in the 38-mile bike ride for Officer Goodell this past weekend and it was a really hot day and to see the support of the officers for their fallen brother was a great experience to be a part of and thankful for those who came out to support. 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. Ted Sanzo spoke to the issue of the Grad Ball and the garage being a one-year lease. Mayor Giordano explained that we do this every year, but this year we will keep the keys until next year. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 8 JULY 16, 2024 CLOSED SESSION - Any matter permitted to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-208 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. 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 8:10 pm. At 8:32 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. Ramundo, Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Weber. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at its Regular Meeting on MOTION by Mr. Martinello, seconded by Mr. Brennecke and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned at 8:33 pm. Adopted: August 13, 2024 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK