Council Regular & Budget Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 1 JANUARY 28, 2025 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR & BUDGET MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 AT 6:30 PM Council President Ramundo called the meeting to order and read the Statement of Compliance. Council President Ramundo asked for a roll call. Present on roll call: Mr. Brennecke, Ms. Cericola-Drake, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ramundo, Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Weber. Mayor Giordano was absent. Also present: Steven J. Neale, Borough Administrator; Kelley Halewicz, Municipal Clerk and Craig Bossong, Municipal Attorney. Council President Ramundo 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. Proclamation in Honor of Lunar New Year – Clerk Halewicz read the proclamation in honor of Lunar New Year. b. Mayor’s 4th Annual House Decorating Contest Winners – Council President Ramundo presented the following winners with gift card for the contest: Jason Chrzanowski & family, 65 Lilyan Street – Most Creative; Theo Gatsonis & family, 48 Sycamore Drive – Most Outlandish; and Theresa Chronopoulos & family, 119 Longview Drive – Best Overall. Congratulations to all. MAYOR’S REPORT AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Mayor’s Report. Council President Ramundo read a report from Mayor Giordano. Mayor Giordano attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting where he provided the members with an overview of projects in 2024 and what we hope to accomplish in 2025. Mayor Giordano met with the new WALVAC Captain and President. Mayor Giordano will assist them with recruitment. The Chamber of Commerce 5K will be held on May 4 with the theme May the 4th be with you, Star Wars and the Borough will support them as they do every year. The Mayor will read to children at Borough Hall on February 14 with a craft from the Library staff. The library will host the Ramadan Crescent Lighting on February 27 at 6:00 pm. If anyone has anything to discuss with the Mayor, please email or call and he will get back to you. Financial & Administrative Committee. Mr. Ritchie commented that this is our first budget meeting where we will review last year’s budget as well as the proposed 2025 capital budget under New Business. Fire & Police Protection Committee. Mr. Brennecke reported that there have been 19 calls of various types this month. There was an ice rescue drill at Whites Pond with the Police department, Fire department and WALVAC which was heavily attended and very informative. We have five members in Level II at the academy taking a fire instructor’s course. Recreational & Health Committee. Mr. Martinello reported that he attended the Reorganization Meeting of the Board of Health. The officers are the same as last year. Please visit their website for a lot of information regarding clinics and blood pressure screenings. The Ramadan Crescent Lighting ceremony is on February 27; Bunco will be held at the library with first Wednesday of each month; February 6 will be a Harry Potter event; Quilted Hearts for grades 4-8 on February 13; Girl Scout troop 97306 is collecting used purses to benefit Oasis. As previously mentioned, Mayor Giordano will read here at Borough Hall on REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 2 JANUARY 28, 2025 February 14 at 3:30 pm as part of the Library’s Community Helper Storytime. A Valentine’s treat and craft will be provided. On the Recreation side Waldwick Baseball Softball Association has opened registration for the 2025 season with already over 200 boys and girls signed up. Opening Day is April 26, and he invited the community to come out and cheer the players and coaches on for the parade. Public Works Committee. Mr. Ramundo had no report. Buildings & Grounds Committee. Mrs. Weber reported that there was a frozen pipe at WALVAC which they caught early and minimized the damage. The library had a broken window; a police report was filed. The issue has since been fixed. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Administrator. Mr. Neale discussed the water clarity issues the Borough is experiencing. Our engineers prepared a summary of our awareness of water clarity and taste issues that some customers have reported starting around late August to September 2024, including steps we have taken, and planned next steps. This is on our website under Departments/Water. The next phase will be to work with our Water Engineering firm to assist with investigation of potential sources and to help develop a plan to identify, address, and correct the issue. Once that comprehensive plan is ready, it will be posted on the website as well. We have old infrastructure in these areas, and we will be looking at repairs with lining or complete replacement or other options available. We appreciate everything that everyone experiences, and we are trying to push forward as quickly as possible. We are working on it. This will also be included in our weekly newsletter starting this Friday and monthly newsletters with additional information. There was an issue last night where we had some work starting on Sheridan Avenue. The contractor inadvertently opened a hydrant causing many residents to lose water pressure. Our Water department flushed the area and water pressure was quickly restored. We realize there may be some discoloration issues and residents should continue to flush their cold-water line, and it should clear up. If it persists, please call us. Municipal Clerk. Mrs. Halewicz reported that the digital version of the Borough Calendar is available on our website. Please take the time to read as the information contained in the calendar is up to date and accurate. The 13-month 2025 calendars started to be mailed over the weekend, and all residents should have one in the next couple of days. This will be another big year with the Gubernatorial Election which will all be discussed at the BC Election officials Annual Election meeting on February 28 in Hackensack. Governor Murphy signed legislation into law rescheduling the June 2025 Primary Election Date. A-5152/S- 3965 moves the June 2025 Primary Election date from June 3 to June 10 due to the observance of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. The new law also requires the Secretary of State to make all necessary adjustments to all deadlines required to be met ahead of the Primary Election and publish a calendar with the adjusted dates, except for nominating petitions which are still due by 4 pm on March 24th. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 3 JANUARY 28, 2025 In addition, we are all watching A-5117, a bill that would increase the number of signatures needed on a nominating petition, which has been passed by the Assembly and has been amended by the State Senate. There is a possibility the bill could be enacted within the next few weeks and impact on the petitions being circulated for the 2025 Primary which are due on March 24th. If enacted as currently written, a nominating petition for Waldwick candidates will need 50 valid signatures on their petitions. April 16 is now the deadline for Change of Party Affiliation Declaration forms. Forms are available on the Election page of our website. Dog licensing is ongoing and our main focus right now. Melissa has done an excellent job keeping up with the licenses and cleaning up the rolls even more. We have issued 567 licenses to date. Melissa is also doing an excellent job keeping up our Borough events calendar as well as beginning to work and posting items on our website. She has been a tremendous asset to me and Tatiana. Melissa just received her notary. Alarms registrations will be going out shortly followed by tenant registrations. This month we have received an increased number of OPRA requests that has also kept us busy. These are separate from the 12-20 I forward to the Police department each week. On a personal note, I wanted to thank Mayor Giordano for attending the BCMCA Holiday Meeting where he swore in the Executive Board including me as President for 2025. I was also appointed President of the Board of Health in the town I live in. Ms. Cericola-Drake arrived at 6:51 pm. Attorney. Mr. Bossong reported that on the agenda is Resolution 2025-60 for the binding resolution for the fourth round of COAH. Once adopted, the next step is to file the declaratory judgement, which has already been prepared and awaiting the adoption of the resolution. Any objections are due at the end of February and then there is a timeline from there that we will deal with then. Mr. Bossong has two items for Closed Session with no action taken when the Council comes out of Closed. Public Safety Committee. Ms. Cericola-Drake reported a few highlights since December end for WALVAC: Officers were sworn in at the January 7th Reorganization meeting. They appreciate the invitation from the town and council. Two members received CPR instructor certifications and will be offering free hands only CPR training to local organizations and businesses that are interested. If anyone is interested, they can reach out to Loucas or Adrian directly or contact them through info@waldwickems.com. WALVAC Sprint Car 592 deployed in service to improve incident response times and level of care to the townspeople, more updates to come. They provided crew to standby at a Wrestling Tournament on January 5th at Waldwick High School, they also provided crew to cover Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Ambulance Corps on January 8th during their holiday party and provided crew to cover Allendale Volunteer Ambulance Corps on Jan 10th during their holiday party. WALVAC participated in an Ice Rescue training with WFD on January 16th. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 4 JANUARY 28, 2025 CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2025-58 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: 2025-58 Approval of Consent Agenda 2025-59 Approval of Minutes - Recessed Meeting of December 23, 2024; Reorganization Meeting of January 7, 2025 Policy Vote a. Annette Gordon request to use Pavilion A on August 23, 2025 from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm for Family Reunion with alcoholic beverages being served 2025-60 A Binding Resolution of the Borough of Waldwick, County of Bergen, Committing to DCA’s Fourth Round Affordable Housing Present Need and Prospective Need Numbers As Modified And Directing The Borough Attorney To Take Appropriate Additional Actions 2025-61 Authorizing Acceptance of the 2024 Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Municipal Program Grant for Municipal Park Improvements – Memorial Park: Playground Equipment Surfaces and Entrances, Landscaping and Fencing 2025-62 Endorsing Resolution for Bergen County Community Development Block Grant for ADA Curb Ramp Improvements Project 2025-63 Authorizing Execution of an Agreement with the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council to Become a Member for the Period of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2026 2025-64 Authorize Shared Services Agreement with the County of Bergen for 9-1-1 Communication Services 2025-65 Award Non-Fair and Open Professional Services Contract to Peter J. Lupo Esq. of Hoplite Communications LLC - Telecommunications Attorney In an Amount Not to Exceed $5,000.00 2025-66 Award Non-Fair and Open Professional Services Contract for Risk Manager - Frank Covelli of Professional Insurance Associates 2025-67 Authorize Contract with Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission for Local Public Health Services, 2025 - 2027 2025-68 Authorize Vehicle Auction 2025-69 Amend 2025 Council Regular Meeting Notice to Change Time for Council Regular Meetings - February 11, 2025 and February 25, 2025 2025-70 Authorize Amendment to Autocab License - In-Style Car & Limo Service Inc./N Style LLC 2025-71 Appointment of Clerk 1 - Lindsay Rulli 2025-72 Appointments to Board of Adjustment 2025-73 Authorizing Refund Senior Activities Donation 2025-74 Payment of Vouchers Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X X Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X Mayor Giordano REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 5 JANUARY 28, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE(S) – None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S) Council President Ramundo asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2025-#01 by title. Ordinance No. 2025-#01 - AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING THE BOROUGH’S STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE TO COMPLY WITH UPDATED NEW JERSEY DEP REQUIREMENTS Council Comments. Mr. Bossong commented that this ordinance updates our current ordinance as required by NJDEP. We adopted this ordinance last year in the short form but the County request the Borough adopt the long form. 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 February 11, 2025 at 6:30 pm or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X X Mayor Giordano UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None. NEW BUSINESS Ms. Cericola-Drake reported that there is currently a State requirement for full-time paid firefighters to have access to periodic cancer screenings, but no aid for volunteer firefighters. She has been working with Chief Agugliaro and Assemblyman Bob Auth to support these benefits for our volunteers. Assemblyman Auth is the primary sponsor of Assembly Bill 4649 that offers the same cancer screenings to volunteers. She proposed that Waldwick adopt a resolution supporting this bill and Assemblyman Auth will send that to Trenton and Governor Murphy. Mr. Ritchie inquired that since we are starting to discuss redevelopment in town, does it make sense to add a tab on the website where residents can go to see the plans as well as the overall goal. Mr. Neale responded that he is planning to do this, and the tab will be the central place for all things associated with redevelopment including the plans, ordinances and associated information as well as COAH obligations. We want to make it as open and available as possible. Mr. Ritchie commented that the sewer authority is smelling more and more every day. Mr. Ritchie believes we need a committee formed to work on this issue and provide information to Assemblyman Auth and offered to act this issue. This should include residents and Council Members. We should not have these odors in the middle of winter let alone at all, but definitely not in the winter. Our sewer bill increased $210,000 as well as not being able to enjoy the outdoors. We need Assemblyman Auth to REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 6 JANUARY 28, 2025 advocate and put pressure on the Authority. They keep tying in more and more communities and they need to take the steps to enclose. Mr. Ritchie commented on the traffic easing measures report and asked if it was shared with everyone on Council. There were some really nice recommendations in the report, and he thinks it should be made to the public. The overall investment was $600,000 and would be transformative for this side of town. It should be shared on the website as well. Mr. Neale responded that he has been working with the Police Department, and they are putting together a master list of traffic safety equipment of which they are requesting. In the capital budget, the traffic safety line was increased in the budget for some of these safety items. We can adjust as needed to get this done. Mrs. Weber reported that she, the Mayor and Councilman Brennecke were invited to attend a meeting with the Board of Education Safety Committee which included board members and six parents to address safety in and around the schools. One issue was the buses on the other side of the town, another is the students who cross on the other side of Route 17, and they need a crossing guard at Sheridan Avenue. They are requesting signage to keep the parents moving during drop off. Another issue the Board of Education is looking to implement are four officers in the schools, with one at each school. They would be retired police officers, hired through our PD, with weapons housed in our police station where they would report each day before going to their respective school. The Board of Education is looking to split the cost with the Borough on this. They will provide us with the cost information. The next meeting is on February 13. Mr. Brennecke commented that we are at the beginning stages and there is a lot to discuss. The idea is a good one with a lot to work out. The Police department needs to be part of the discussion. Mr. Martinello commented that a lot of other school districts have already implemented this measure with police officers in their schools. The Board of Education has not had any threats that would require them to implement this program, but they are trying to be proactive. These special officers would work during the school year and not receive a benefits package. There would need to be clearly defined roles and responsibilities as well as public expectations for these special officers. Mr. Ramundo suggested the hiring of additional officers or substitutes in case someone is out. Ms. Cericola-Drake suggested that we reach out to other school districts to review what steps they took to enact this program. Mr. Martinello commented about the water as it has been a long and suffering problem. He wanted to make sure we are lauding our professionals and DPW staff who work on this issue every day. They are doing their best to solve the issue. They live here as we do and to answer some of the negative comments on social media, we can, and we are working hard to solve this issue. Steve works on it every day as well as other staff and the DPW. Mr. Martinello commented on the students who will be participating in Martin Luther King, Jr. Week of Service. Students will be going out to various places offering volunteerism. It is a great program and represents what Waldwick is all about. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 7 JANUARY 28, 2025 2025 Municipal Budget Discussion Mr. Ritchie commented that there will be four meetings and thought it would be helpful to start with high level overview of the 2024 budget and line items. There are three different budgets: General budget dealing with day-to-day appropriations, salaries and costs associated with the Borough; Capital budget where we bond out this portion for infrastructure projects like our buildings, roads and equipment for various department which are all purchased on credit through bonds; and Water Utility with its own General appropriations and Capital budget. The Council goes through all of those budgets each year to make sure the Borough has all our needs answered, we plan for the future for infrastructure and try to keep taxes low while our statutory costs continue to increase. 2024 Overview 2024 General appropriations were approximately $15.3 million 2024 Reserve for uncollected taxes were $977,000 Total General appropriations not including the schools or county was approximately $16.3 million The Borough then has to pay certain interests and principle on bonds that we have out. We currently have $24 million in debt or 1.5 % of our total net valuation. Maximum allowable is about 3%. The Borough has a bond going out to encompass the last five years of capital, which will increase our total debt to $33 million. This year and hopefully in years to come, there is a major effort to decrease the debt burden on the Borough, so we do not put ourselves in some serious trouble downstream and reduce the amount of principal and interest we pay each year. In 2024, we paid just under $1.5 million debt interest and principal toward those infrastructure projects that have accumulated over the last roughly 20 years. We pay 5% of each capital budget into our appropriations, 2024 was $223,000 in down payments to the debt that we took out. To recap, we have $16.3 million in total appropriations, added new $4.4 million debt and $223,000 in down payment monies on that debt for those infrastructure projects. This year the plan is to bring the capital budget down to $2 million. What are those key infrastructure projects we need to take on for 2025. Revenue side Misc revenues refer to construction fees and various fees collected were $4.2 million Taxes were just under $9 million Library tax was $700,000 that brings in all the programs and a worthy investment Grants were $50,000 Surplus used to balance last year's budget was $2.2 million from our saving account. That is the focus this year and years to come as we are drawing down on our savings account and we need to look at that differently. Water $2 million in revenue was from water fees that residents pay. Offset by $1.9 million appropriations. Of that we are allocating salaries, wages and items from day to day into that appropriation. Not all would go away. Allendale sold their water and if Waldwick did that, we would lose $2 million in revenue, but we would not cut out $400,000 in costs. Mr. Ritchie provided the Mayor and Council Members with the water utility budget. Finally, fund balance savings account between 2009-2023 were $2 million to $7.5 million. Last year was the first year we started to really take from that. We will not have 2024 numbers until the audit is complete. It was a very tight budget, and we will probably put very little back but that is subject to the budget. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 8 JANUARY 28, 2025 For the statutory appropriations we know that PERS went down $32,000 but PFRS went up $55,000, insurance went up $25,000 and garbage went up $53,000. They are relatively small and can be absorbed but the sewer authority is difficult at $210,000. That should add $300,000 on top of the $16.3 million from last year. Our appropriations are not the issue, and we pay our employees less than in other towns and have a bare bones budget. We need more sources of revenue and that is why he is a big supporter of redevelopment. If we can keep the capital budget at $2 million that’s a good start. That would cut out $100,000 out of capital down payment. Mr. Martinello thanked Mr. Ritchie for the information. He asked if there was a remedy to challenge the sewer authority to challenge the additional costs. Mr. Ritchie responded that this just needs to be a priority from the Council, and ultimately maximum pressure from community and Council. They don’t want bad press down there or the attention, but it’s time they get the attention. If we have to pay an additional $200,000, we should not have to deal with the consequences of living with it. Ms. Cericola-Drake asked if the Authority provided us with a breakdown of what the additional money is being used for and are other towns paying more. Would it not go down if they brought in other towns. Mr. Neale responded that he would gather that information and send it out as it does provide a breakdown. Some towns are paying less; Waldwick and Franklin Lakes are paying a lot more. Mr. Martinello asked coming off revaluation, what is the impact of that is on our tax base. Mr. Ritchie explained that last year the net valuation of all properties (residential and commercial) was between $1.7 and $1.8 billion total valuation. Our total valuation increased by $2.2 billion with this revaluation. This will bring the tax rate down and hopefully the tax increase will not have as much impact as last year. Mr. Ritchie asked Colleen to prepare a 2% ($588,000 additional revenue) and 2.5% ($634,000 additional revenue) tax increase. Mr. Neale commented that this Budget Meeting is just for General Capital and has not yet met with the Fire Department, but not expecting big change. Administration A-1 Improvements to Schuler Avenue – This project is ready to go with two years of funding and will include additional drainage. A-2 Improvements to Hudson Avenue Phase 2 – This item can be held off for another year as we apply for additional 2026 DOT grants to offset the cost and include additional drainage. A-3 HVAC Upgrades Various Buildings – This is what we need to upgrade the PD and Borough Hall. A-4 Lions Park Playground Improvements – The funds are in place for this project and the drawings are also complete. A-5 Various IT equipment – This is in the capital budget every year and we use all of it to try and keep our staff with the latest IT. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 9 JANUARY 28, 2025 A-6 Admin & Public Safety Sprinkler Improv & Insulation – There have been issues in both buildings with the most recent in the lieutenant’s office, which we caught with minimal damage. We need to convert to a wet system which also means the attic space needs to be insulated. A-7 2nd Floor Renovations – Office space – There are funds leftover from 2024 for the office space in the Administration Building on the 2nd Floor. We abandoned the idea of utilizing the space for the Northwest Bergen Health Commission, but we would like to utilize this space and are brainstorming ideas internally. We are not asking for additional funds this year for this project, but it’s something we would like to discuss moving forward. A-8 Signal Tower – The paint is peeling; wood needs to be replaced and roof needs new shingles. The monies would come out of our Open Space funds. A-9 Replace Pool Furniture – The furniture at the pool is in desperate need of replacement. This would go a long way to make the pool look much better. A-10 Roof at Administration Building – This is a 2027 project. Council Members requested to carry the projects all the way out so as we push projects to another year, we start to see how those years develop with capital projects. DPW D-1 Road Resurfacing – Mr. Neale stated that in 2024 the Borough was aggressive with road paving and got a lot done. Not as much work will be needed in 2025, but we are requesting $500,000 in additional funding for paving on roads such as Rustic Drive, Ackerman Street, Grove Street from Nordham Street to Ridge Street, Charles Terrace, Albert Place and Herbert Drive. He went on to say that we will have to pave Evergreen and Hemlock as part of the Water Meter Replacement Project which will keep costs down on the actual project. D-2 New 654 – a 6x4 - One vehicle is requested this year for one of our supervisors’. Significant repairs to his current vehicle would have to be made, therefore, it may be time to replace the current vehicle with a new one. D-3 ADA Ramp Upgrades - Mr. Neale stated that we applied for CDBG for ADA Ramp Upgrades. There are not as many projects in our zone that are eligible for CDBG projects, but with ADA, we can utilize them anywhere within the Borough. We are trying to use it towards ramps, therefore, no additional out of pocket for that will be needed. D-4 Traffic Devices – Pedestrian safety signs are costly, however, valuable for pedestrian safety. Blinking Crosswalk setups will go on Crescent Avenue and East Prospect Street. Pedestrian crossing signs will be swapped out for solar LED signs. D-5 Thermoplastic striping & D-6 Tree Removal/Replacements – We did not replace as much in 2024 and are looking to replace more in 2025. At Borough Park there are various dead trees in need of removal. D-7 Ride on Leaf Blower, D-8 Storm Water Repairs & Grates, D-9 Snow Raider Machine for sidewalks and D-10 Undercarriage cleaner - The equipment should help us prolong the life of some of our equipment and vehicles for the DPW. D-12 Loader – not for this year but on the list to keep it in mind. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 10 JANUARY 28, 2025 D-13 Generator at Public Safety – no discussion ensued. D-14 Garage Door Replacement – no discussion ensued. D-15 Inflow & Infiltration – This will also be pushed for next year. D-16 New 662 International – no discussion ensued. D-17 Sweeper – Mr. Neale explained that we are exploring possible shared services opportunities. Either hosting or utilizing shared services. The streetsweepers are out every day. They are well utilized but are costly. Fire F-1 Turn Out Gear & PPE – This is in each year’s capital budget. F-2 Pagers – This item is spread over 5 years starting in 2026. F-3 Fire Hose & Appliances – This item is in each year’s capital budget. F-4 Shed/Storage – An item for 2026. F-5 Engine – There is a placeholder for 2027 replacement. WALVAC W-1 Key Fob System - This is the only item WALVAC requested. There are too many keys out there and the key fob system would also work for those renting the upstairs room. Police P-1 LawSoft Software Upgrade, Forms, Mugshot system – Mr. Neale stated that we would like to put focus on streamlining the Police Department’s systems. They have an abundance of paperwork, and a lot of their requests are digitizing and upgrading digital processes. They currently utilize LawSoft for some of their programs but would like to extend to even more so that they can manage everything through there. P-2 License Plate Reader Hardware & Software – The license plate hardware/software is at its end of life. This is a must for the Police Department. We would like to focus on updating their communications and digitizing them as much as possible. Patrol Vehicle/Upfit – The Police Department is looking into purchasing a new Tahoe which should come directly out of Trust as there is a healthy number of monies in the account. P-3 Pistol Range HVAC – Mr. Neale explained that the plans for the Pistol Range is to deconstruct the whole range, which was not anticipated originally, but we feel confident that an additional $300,000 will be able to complete that project. P-4 Vector training & Officer Tracking System – There is a new accreditation process at the Police Department. This is a computer program to track all the training and also complaints filed against an REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 11 JANUARY 28, 2025 officer, able to analyze different trends. With the new certification requirements, this will help centralize and track things more efficiently. PUBLIC COMMENT Council President Ramundo 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. JoAnn Mitchell spoke to the issue of fabulous snow removal by DPW as well as fast response to water main break on Richard Drive. As a 38-year resident, she is still having issues with her water that has never happened before. Mrs. Mitchell asked when the Borough would have a solution to this issue. Mrs. Mitchell was concerned that this meeting started at 6:30 pm but the website said 7:30 pm. Mr. Neale explained that the Borough does not have a timeline yet as we are still trying to determine what is happening. Now that we have hired a new Water engineer, that is the goal to provide them with what they need to tell us what and where the problem is and solutions to fix it. There will be a full town hall meeting on this issue once we have a timeline and plan. Eric LaPorta spoke to the issue of the sewer authority and looking for the Borough to assist with a petition to put pressure on the Authority. Council Members expressed interest in a resolution to add to the pressure. Also, the Borough should have representation on the Board as well as wanting to know what the Authority’s plan is deal with the increased waste from ongoing increased housing all towns are being required to build. Assemblyman Auth can work behind the scenes with the Mayor and Committee. Mr. LaPorta spoke to the issue of veteran services that are available in their homes and if qualified with their property taxes. Council Members suggested we reach out to John Vervoort for assistance. Joseph VanAllen spoke to the issue of scheduling an item for bulk pickup, but it was not collected. Clerk Halewicz explained that she has his address, and she will schedule it for pickup tomorrow. CLOSED SESSION - Any matter permitted to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-75 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: REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 12 JANUARY 28, 2025 Contract negotiations It is anticipated at this time that the above-mentioned 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-Drake X X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X Mayor Giordano The Council convened into Closed Session at 8:16 pm. At 8:40 pm the Mayor and Council came back on the record of the Regular Meeting. Present on roll call: Mr. Brennecke, Ms. Cericola-Drake, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ramundo, Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Weber. Mayor Giordano 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 Ms. Cericola-Drake and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned at 8:41 pm. Adopted: March 25, 2025 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK