Council Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 1 AUGUST 13, 2024 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 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, Ms. Cericola, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ramundo, Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Weber. Mr. Brennecke 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 welcomed home John Vervoort. The Mayor announced that the logo shirts will continue to be worn at meetings in September. There are a lot of events going on in August, check our website for details. Finally, school is opening soon. Financial & Administrative Committee. Mr. Ritchie commented on the being at these meetings and signing purchase orders throughout the meeting. After taking a hard look at how we were signing purchase orders, we came up with a more streamlined process, freeing us up to pay more attention. With regards to health insurance, the Borough is looking at another 15-17% increase for next year. We are fully prepared to handle this including looking at outside options and paving a path forward to reduce exposure to it. With regards to redevelopment, the first are the Borough received positive response from public with more looking to be included. The committee is looking to move this forward and believe a marketing campaign that would showcase the town in various aspects could be done. This would assist in making the case for the right developers to come and will also get Chamber of Commerce input. Fire & Police Protection Committee. Mayor Giordano read the following report from Mr. Brennecke. Since the last report on July 16, the Waldwick Fire Department has responded to 29 calls for service. The calls that were responded to were fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, outside electrical issue, odors of gas, vehicle fire, vehicle accident, mutual requests, basement water pump out, and a medical assist. On July 25, members trained on the vacant house on Wyckoff Ave stretching hose lines. On August 1, members attended the monthly business meeting at Company 1. On August 13, JA Montgomery Risk Control performed a Risk Control Survey at Co.1 and Co.2. Public Safety Committee. Ms. Cericola reported that for July, WALVAC went on 46 total runs. The top responders were April Trainor at 34 runs, Ashley Statuto at 29 runs and Madeline Benitez at 24 runs. Almost 24% of July runs occurred on Wednesdays. The majority of calls were due to breathing problems and falls. For almost 90% of the calls, a unit arrived in under 5 minutes. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 2 AUGUST 13, 2024 Recreational & Health Committee. Mr. Martinello reported that Waldwick/Midland Park Football and Cheering are ready for the season which opens the first weekend after Labor Day. Waldwick Soccer season is coming up soon as well. Midland Park Summer camp and the Waldwick Pool are winding down for the season. Mr. Martinello urges residents to supports the sports organization in town as well as the school teams this fall. Public Works Committee. Mr. Ramundo reported that valve work is being done on Waldwick Avenue and should be finished this evening. The DPW took care of some issues on Hudson Avenue with paving repairs. Mr. Ramundo thanked Mr. LaTorre and his crew for maintaining the Borough property here. Buildings & Grounds Committee. Mrs. Weber reported that the pool will be closed after Labor Day for the season. It has been a rough Summer Concert Series but there are a few more concerts in the park, Mid-Life Crisis band on August 30 and Waldwick Band on September 4. Concerts are at Borough Park and start at 7 pm. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Administrator. Mr. Neale reported that the Borough is hiring a Laborer I for DPW. An application is required to be either brought in or emailed to him. Additional information is on the website. The rest of his report will be throughout the meeting on different items. Municipal Clerk. Mrs. Halewicz reported that for Resolution 2024-219 all paperwork is in order for Council approval. For Ordinance No. 2024-#26, Mrs. Halewicz surveyed surrounding municipalities, MP, HHK, Allendale charging $100, Wyckoff charging $300 and Franklin Lakes $50. Waldwick’s ordinance was established in 2000 and amended in 2010. Fee has been the same $75.00 since 2010. With regards to Park & Ride the Clerk’s office sold 200 Park & Ride permits and collected $50,000 for those permits. No more permits will be sold. The office worked through 63 names on the wait list. 37 of them either were no longer interested or never responded to pay within the 48 hours. 26 of the 200 permits were purchased by people who were on the wait list. - There are currently 65 names on the wait list for next year. Tatiana and I will continue to monitor the lot for the next few weeks to see how full it is. Tatiana is in the process of updating vehicle information in Edmunds so that PD can start enforcing in September. Mrs. Halewicz reported that in addition to the information Steve provided in his memo to the Council last week regarding dog licensing, there were an additional 36 dogs licensed since 8/6. Mrs. Halewicz reported that the Borough is now utilizing Constant Contact platform now for all community email blasts and monthly newsletters. At some point, all Nixle users who wish to receive this Borough community email blasts and newsletters must sign up with Constant Contact as Nixle will only be used by the Police Department. The one-page Community news and updates started going out on August 1. We are working on a monthly newsletter that will cover department news and information as well as flyers. The monthly newsletter will start in September. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 3 AUGUST 13, 2024 Mrs. Halewicz will start reporting on Elections as this is a Presidential General Election and there is a lot to cover. If you wish to opt out of receiving Vote by Mail ballot, there is a Vote by Mail Removal form on the elections page of the Borough’s website. Complete the form and either mail or email to the Bergen County Clerk’s office. Vote by Mail Ballots will be mailed beginning September 21. On the elections page of our website is a link to a video on how to complete your vote by mail ballot. There is also a video on how to use the voting machines. October 15 is the last day to register to vote in the General election. My office is open until 7:00 pm. Grants Administrator. Mr. Guilder reported that pool membership was up 10% from last year at 1,718. Also, guest passes were up from 559 last year to 597 this year. All great news for the pool. Mr. Guilder will be applying for NJ Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards for the EV charging stations. Additionally, the Northeast Recycling Council award for the Styrofoam Recycling Program. Attorney. Mr. Bossong reported that the Bergen County Board of Taxation met, and the Borough was prepared, which reflected the awards given out. There are two items for Closed Session this evening. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2024-212a 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: 2024-212a Approval of Consent Agenda 2024-213 Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting & Closed Session Meeting, July 16, 2024 Policy Votes a. Teresa Clarke requests to use Pavilion A on September 14, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm for a party with alcoholic beverages being served b. Brittany Rodriguez requests to use Pavilion A on September 15, 2024 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm for a party with alcoholic beverages being served c. Teresa Impemba requests to use Pavilion B on September 15, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm for a party with alcoholic beverages being served d. Eric Lam requests to use Pavilion A on October 5, 2024 from 11:30 am - dusk for a party with alcoholic beverages being served e. Waldwick Soccer Association request to use Veterans Park Field from August 19 – December 2: Thursdays & Fridays 4:30 pm – dark, Saturdays 8:30 am – 1:00 pm, Sundays 12:00 pm - dark and request DPW to line the field and reline as needed and explained in email dated July 31, 2024 f. Waldwick/Midland Park High School football team request to use the Waldwick Municipal Pool on Friday, August 23 from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm for a team building event as explained in email dated August 7, 2024 g. Maria Zaukas request to hold a Block Party on September 20 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm with Rustic Drive to be closed between Ackerman Street and Ackerman Street with alcoholic beverages being served REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 4 AUGUST 13, 2024 h. Appointment of Harrison Durant as a Senior Member of the Waldwick Fire Department 2024-214 Approve Renewal of Contract with eRevival LLC for Logistics and Recycling Services for Used Electronics 2024-215 Authorizing Membership to the North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Pricing System 2024-216 Award Fair and Open Contract to Skylands Area Fire Equipment & Training LLC for the Purchase of Fire Department Personal Protective Equipment, $46,037.15 2024-217 Authorize Advertisement and Receipt of Bids for Water Storage Tanks Rehabilitation 2024-218 Authorize Renewal of Membership in the Bergen County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund 2024-219 Authorize Amendment to Autocab License - In-Style Car & Limo Service Inc./N Style LLC 2024-220 Accept Resignation of Full-Time Public Safety Telecommunicator - Christian Gormley 2024-221 Appointment of Full-Time Public Safety Telecommunicator - Danielle Dougherty 2024-222 Cancellation and Refund of Taxes, Block 35/Lot 77 2024-223 Cancellation and Refund of Taxes, Block 44 /Lot 24 2024-224 Requesting Approval of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to Establish a Dedicated Trust by Rider for Replacement Tree Fund 2024-225 Payment of Vouchers Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola X Martinello X Ramundo X X Ritchie X X Weber X Mayor Giordano PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION 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 both bond ordinances are amendments to prior bond ordinances to now include ARP funding for the projects on Malcolm Street and the water storage tanks. Public comment. None. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2024-#22 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 AUGUST 13, 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 ************ 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 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. Mr. Neale explained this is for water capital ordinance that was adopted last year. Public comment. None. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2024-#23 was advertised and on second reading is adopted. This ordinance will go into effect immediately after approval and publication according to law. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola X Martinello X Ramundo X X Ritchie X Weber X X Mayor Giordano ************ REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 6 AUGUST 13, 2024 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 this ordinance incorporates new requirements from NJDEP. Public comment. None. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2024-#24 was advertised and on second reading is adopted. This ordinance will go into effect immediately after approval and publication according to law. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola X Martinello X X Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X Mayor Giordano ************ 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 commented that there has been a lot of cursing and other inappropriate language at the pool. To tone things down and hold individuals responsible for their words, we are adopting a Hate Speech Policy. Public comment. None. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2024-#25 was advertised and on second reading is adopted. This ordinance will go into effect immediately after approval and publication according to law. 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 AUGUST 13, 2024 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S) Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2024-#26 by title. Ordinance No. 2024-#26 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 48 – FEES, SECTION 97-123.4 ZONING – OUTDOOR CAFÉ PERMIT FEE TO INCREASE FEE COLLECTED Council Comments. Mrs. Halewicz commented that she surveyed surrounding municipalities, MP, HHK, Allendale are charging $100, Wyckoff charging $300 and Franklin Lakes $50 for outdoor café permits. Waldwick’s ordinance was established in 2000 and amended in 2010. The fee has been the same $75.00 since 2010. 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 September 10, 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 ************ Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2024-#27 by title. Ordinance No. 2024-#27 - ESTABLISHING A NEW CHAPTER 90, ENTITLED “TREES AND SHRUBS”, OF CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK TO REGULATE THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF TREES Council Comments. Mr. Neale commented that this ordinance regulates the removal and replacement of trees and shrubs on both private and public property. The NJDEP requires every town in NJ to adopt this ordinance. We have taken it down to what we believe is fair as many of the requirements in the original were onerous on residents. Mr. Ritchie reiterated that this ordinance is required by the State of NJ but is a good middle ground. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 8 AUGUST 13, 2024 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 September 10, 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 ************ Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2024-#28 by title. Ordinance No. 2024-#28 - AMENDING CHAPTER 94-2, ENTITLED “WATER AGENT: APPOINTMENT; TERM OF OFFICE”, OF CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK Council Comments. Mr. Bossong explained that this title is required and is under the CFO title. There should be no ramifications with pension and benefits. 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 September 10, 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 X Weber X Mayor Giordano ************ Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2024-#29 by title. Ordinance No. 2024-#29 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-#05, FIXING THE COMPENSATION, SALARIES AND WAGES OF OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK TO ADD THE TITLE WATER AGENT TO THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/TAX COLLECTOR POSITION TITLE Council Comments. Mr. Bossong commented that this just adds the title to the salary 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 September 10, 2024 at 7:30 pm or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 9 AUGUST 13, 2024 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 Mr. Ramundo spoke about the Environmental Committee and the Styrofoam Recycling Collection where they filled three quarters of a dumpster. The Environmental Committee has published their Summer issue which is on the website and will be included in the September monthly newsletter. The 2025 Styrofoam Recycling Collection schedule is 1/4, 4/5, 7/26 and 1/3/26. Mr. Ramundo reported at the Planning Board meeting there was one application for Master Cha. Mayor Giordano commented on the September 11 Ceremony, 6:30 pm at Company No. 2. We made this change as many residents were unable to attend in the morning. A letter went out to all our emergency services organization, the Waldwick Band and churches. 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. John Vervoort presented the Mayor with an American flag that was flown in the Middle East during his deployment. Mr. Vervoort asked about the businesses knocking on his door. He thought he was on the Do Not Knock List. Mrs. Halewicz explained that once you are on the list, you stay on the list, and it is provided to each solicitor who is licensed in the Borough. We currently do not have any solicitors permits out. When this happens, residents should contact the Police business line to report it. Mr. Bossong commented that Optimum is regulated by the BPU, and they are exempt from the Do Not Knock list. Al Coldon asked about the tree ordinance and does it pertain to dead trees. Mr. Neale responded that the tree ordinance covers all trees, dead, live, diseased and hazardous trees. Dead trees still require a permit but there is no charge. Mr. Coldon reported on a Senior grant he learned about in an article he read this week where towns can receive $70,000 to $100,000 and asked if the Borough was going to apply for this. Mr. Coldon commented that Waldwick could learn something from Vernon on how they treat their seniors. Senior busses instead of a car would be a great option. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 10 AUGUST 13, 2024 Mr. Guilder responded that if the Borough is eligible, he will apply for it. Tony Celeste commented on the tennis courts and how great the facility is but is it causing issue with being able to get on a court. There are a lot of out-of-town people coming in. Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm are packed with people waiting. There needs to be a way to reserve time, maximum an hour or whatever it is. Provide a pass or something. Mayor Giordano commented that Steve will look into a way to do this on our Parks & Rec module in Edmunds. Eric LaPorta spoke to the issue of the sewer authority with trucks coming in between 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm as well as early parking at Giant Market early in the morning. When he reached out to the Police department, he was told there was nothing they could do. Steve will clarify the process with the sergeants. CLOSED SESSION - Any matter permitted to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-226 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 Potential Litigation 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 X Martinello X Ramundo X X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 11 AUGUST 13, 2024 The Council convened into Closed Session at 8:20 pm. At 8:46 pm the Mayor and Council came back on the record of the Regular Meeting. Present on roll call: Mayor Giordano, Ms. Cericola, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ramundo, Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Weber. Mr. Brennecke was absent. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at its Regular Meeting on MOTION by Mr. Ramundo, seconded by Ms. Cericola and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned at 8:47 pm. Adopted: September 10, 2024 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK