Council Regular & Budget Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 1 FEBRUARY 11, 2025 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 AT 6:30 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- Drake, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ramundo, Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Weber. Also present: Steven J. Neale, Borough Administrator; Tatiana Marquis, Confidential Assistant; 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 commented on the last open seat for the Board of Adjustment. He would like to appoint Joseph Myerjack, Jr., to fill the Alternate No. 2 position. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-82 Appointments to Board of Adjustment BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Waldwick hereby appoint Joseph Myerjack to the Board of Adjustment as Alternate No. 2 Member to fill an unexpired term through December 31, 2025. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X X Cericola-Drake X X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano Mayor Giordano commented on his meeting with the Bergen County Mayor’s Association on Saturday. The speaker was John Danubio. He answered a lot of questions regarding rates and how they are calculated. Some towns went up, like Waldwick and Franklin Lakes, other towns stayed the same, and others were reduced. Mr. Danubio suggested going back to I&I program as it seemed to help lower costs for the borough in the past. They have cracked down on haulers coming in after hours. One was caught and suspended for a month. If it happens again, they will no longer be able to use the Authority. With regards to capacity, they are at 50% and are confident that they can handle any development from the surrounding areas and Waldwick. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 2 FEBRUARY 11, 2025 Today Steve and the Mayor met with Mr. Danubio to discuss the ongoing odor issues. They are watching our meetings and wanted us to know that they are investing a lot of money in the Authority. Mr. Neale reported that they have personnel working overtime to monitor the whole area after 4:30 pm until morning. They are installing H2S meters that will test different odors and file reports on their findings. Also, supervisors will attend training on how to speak with residents. In addition, they are working to help residents report issues easier. The Borough has offered to assist in that process and have a link to their website or we create a form for residents to report to us and we share that information with the Authority. The data that is collected will be used in a more detailed study. The Borough still does not have someone on the Board and as the host community, that needs to be filled immediately. The Mayor submitted names and resumes to the County Executive. Mayor Giordano reported that that Water Quality Committee met, and Steve provided the following report on that meeting. Mr. Neale reported that there were introductions, and they caught up on the timeline from June to the present day. All issues were discussed, and they are working on a path forward and strategy. We will schedule an open public forum sometime in April for residents to come and speak with our professionals on their issues. There is another meeting scheduled for next Thursday with the public representative as well where H2M will discuss their proposal for a hydraulic model. The borough has provided them with All GIS data/mapping, GIS will go online this month and will share with H2M. We will also apply for our own GIS license and house it here, so we own the data. Mayor Giordano reminded the public about the Louis Bay III Scholarship that is available to all Waldwick students either juniors or seniors. It is a $1,000 scholarship. Mayor Giordano received an email from the Baseball Association regarding Waldwick High School baseball needing a place to practice this season due to the installation of the turf field at the high school. Only the Municipal Council can grant this permission as the Baseball Association is not permitted to sub-lease the field. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-83 Authorize Waldwick High School Baseball to Utilize Borough Park Fields for this Season WHEREAS, the Board of Education is installing a turf field at Waldwick High School this spring; and, WHEREAS, this would displace the baseball team for this season only; and, WHEREAS, the Waldwick Baseball Association leases these fields from the Borough and the contract does not permit the Waldwick Baseball Association to sub-lease the field space, only the Borough can approve such a request. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Waldwick hereby authorize Waldwick High School Baseball to utilize Borough Park fields for this upcoming season while their turf field is being installed; and, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 3 FEBRUARY 11, 2025 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the attached sub-lease agreement with the Waldwick Baseball Association authorizing the sub-lease of the fields for this baseball season only due to the construction at the High School. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X X Mayor Giordano Mayor Giordano has postponed Story Time at the Library and will now read on February 28 at 3:30 pm. Financial & Administrative Committee. Mr. Ritchie explained that at the last meeting we went over the capital budget. Tonight, the Council will go over the operating budget although we do not have all the pieces, covering the majority of the budget discussion line by line. At the last meeting there were comments about the Water department and budget with some emails regarding same. He asked Council President Ramundo if he would clarify those questions so Mr. Ritchie could go back and provide details. Mr. Ramundo and Mr. Ritchie had an exchange of ideas to clarify items that will stay in and those that will not as well as projections reflecting salaries. Also, some items will not go back this year like the purchase of the property. Mr. Ritchie commented that we should look at all the allocations in the water budget. We will go back and look at the allocations and what will be carried forward if we were to sell and what would remain. Mr. Neale believes that could be pulled together before the next meeting. Fire & Police Protection Committee. Mr. Brennecke had no report. Public Safety Committee. Ms. Cericola-Drake reported that so far this month WALVAC has had 32 total calls with 6 calls to Bristal; 5 General calls (taken outside of Duty Crew hours); 1 Mutual Aid (Allendale). 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 me or Adrian directly or contact us through info@waldwickems.com. Ms. Cericola-Drake reported that Waldwick Access for All’s postcard hit mailboxes last week. She commended them on a great effort creating this piece to spread awareness and encourage growth within their group. Recreational & Health Committee. Mr. Martinello reported on the Health side that the Child Health Clinics are on the third Wednesday of each month. The NWBRHC has events listed on their website and resources for free. Mr. Martinello reported that the Waldwick Baseball Association registration is open Pre-k through 8th grade and thus far has 250 children signed up. There is sponsorship for teams and banners available. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 4 FEBRUARY 11, 2025 There will be a golf outing on April 10 with sponsorship available. Highlands Lacrosse program has just closed but he is confident if someone reached out, they would include them. Mr. Martinello reported on the Ramadan Ceremony on February 27 at the Library, Heart Screening on March 5 and the BCUA Household Hazardous Waste on March 8. Pool registration will open on April 1. February is Heart Screening Month sponsored by the Sean Fischer Foundation. His parents moved out of the area but still sponsor this important health screening for students. Mrs. Weber commented that she credits that important screening for her son who later developed a heart issue, and they were able to use that initial screening as his baseline. Everyone should take advantage of this screening. Public Works Committee. Mr. Ramundo reported that DPW has done an excellent job in clearing the snow from the past two storms: best in the area. In speaking with Mike LaTorre, the F350 requested is necessary as it is used to plow. Buildings & Grounds Committee. Mrs. Weber reported that the WALVAC elevator has been repaired. It is old and needs updating. This year it is important that we do preventative maintenance on our heating and AC units at all buildings. We have been spending a lot of money on surprise issues. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Administrator. Mr. Neale reported that he is reviewing safety requests from the community. He met with PD who will be conducting updated traffic counts. HCA has requested a crossing guard at E. Prospect and Sheridan Avenue. PD would like to install additional speed limit signs by the school. Sgt. Garci requested this from the county, they accepted, and their Road Division will install the signs. We are waiting for the weather to break in order to install the blinking crosswalk signs at Crescent and East Prospect. They have a meeting that will be meeting with the Board of Education to discuss safety concerns. Mr. Ramundo asked if HCA provided the petition on their own or secured monies from the town? Mayor Giordano responded that at the Board of Education meeting, the residents presented it, not from the Board of Education on their own and gave it to us. Steve is reviewing with PD. Municipal Clerk. Mrs. Halewicz reported that the 2025 calendar digital version is available on our website. Please take the time to review the information contained in the calendar. The dates and deadlines for scheduling heavy metal, electronics and bulk pickup are included on each month, recycling collection each week, special events and Borough holidays. Borough offices, Recycling center and Library are CLOSED on Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents’ Day. There will be normal Monday garbage collection on Monday, February 17. My yearly Primary Election Petition memo was sent to the party leaders earlier this month. The legislature did pass, and the Governor signed the bill increasing the number of signatures required on a petition. For Waldwick that means 50 valid signatures are now required on petitions. April 16 - Deadline for Change of Party Affiliation Declaration forms. The form is on the Election page of our website. With regards to dog licensing, Melissa has done an excellent job keeping up with the licenses and cleaning up the rolls even more. We have issued 750 licenses to date. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 5 FEBRUARY 11, 2025 We are now in the process of renewing alarm registrations. The office has collected $1,320.00 thus far in fees. Attorney. Mr. Bossong had no report. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2025-76 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 Resolution No. 2025- 79 amended: 2025-76 Approval of Consent Agenda 2025-77 Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting & Closed Session Meeting, January 14, 2025 and Closed Meeting, January 28, 2025 Policy Vote a. Sheeba Baumgart requests to use Pavilion A on May 4, 2025 from 1:00 pm – dusk for a Confirmation Celebration with alcoholic beverages being served b. Waldwick Futbol Club requests to use Veterans Park Field from March 1 through July 31 for U8, U9, U10, and U11 practices and games as shown in the February 3, 2025 email with the stipulation that the DPW will paint lines in the field initially and after that Warriors FC will be solely responsible for painting lines plus removal of all garbage left on field areas each day c. Superstar Tennis requests to rent two tennis courts at Veterans Park from May 26th to August 28th on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 -7:00 pm at the cost of $1,500 per court d. Waldwick High School requests permission to use the Waldwick Municipal Pool on Thursday, June 12, 2025 (rain date June 13) from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm for the Senior Class Barbeque with lifeguard staff requested e. Waldwick Chamber of Commerce request to hang the W5K banner on the fence located at the end of East Prospect Street beginning April 1, 2025 as well as mounting a 3’ x 5’ American Flag over Hopper Avenue bridge across from the Borough pool beginning May 1 to be removed after May 4th f. Waldwick Chamber of Commerce requests assistance of the Police, DPW, CERT, and Fire Department with the Chamber of Commerce 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk on Sunday, May 4, 2025 2025-78 Authorize Execution of Agreement with Phoenix Advisors for Water Utility Evaluation in an Amount Not to Exceed $15,000 2025-79 Approval of Support for A4649 to Provide Periodic Cancer Screening for Volunteer Firefighters Through the SHBP 2025-80 Accept Resignation of Per Diem Crossing Guard - Taher Rizkalla 2025-81 Payment of Vouchers Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 6 FEBRUARY 11, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE(S) Mayor Giordano 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 reminded the Council and the public that this ordinance is to bring the Borough into compliance with the new updated stormwater management requirements issued by NJDEP. Public comment. None. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2025-#01 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-Drake X Martinello X X Ramundo X X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S) – None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 2025 Municipal Budget Discussion. CFO Colleen Ennis was present for this discussion. Mr. Neale explained and answered questions from Council Members in each department for the highlighted items as well as general questions as they arose for the Operating budget funding which includes: General Administrative and Mayor & Council; Borough Clerk; Audit Services; Tax Collection; Liquidation of Liens; Assessment; Legal/Engineering; Planning Board/Board of Adjustment; Construction Code; Insurance; Police; Emergency Management; Park and Ride; Fire Prevention; Road Department; Snow Removal, Park & Ride, Traffic Control Devices; Sanitation/Recycling; Buildings and Grounds. Traffic Study. Mr. Ritchie commented that the traffic study that was completed has not been implemented on a wide scale. This comprehensive plan with a total cost of $650,000 would go a long way to stop speeding cars and make it safe for residents to walk, bike and run. Mr. Ritchie commented that the capital budget was $600,000 below last year and he would recommend that we include $600,000 in the capital budget for these improvements. The next step would be implementation and an engineer. Mr. Neale commented that he has been working with PD on the lower hanging fruit from the study. Increasing the LED signage, pedestrian signs, spending around $25,000. He continues to work with PD and where should we focus on. Mr. Ritchie would like to discuss this traffic study with the Police Department at the next meeting to see what their recommendations are. The study was comprehensive and would do a lot for safety on our streets. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 7 FEBRUARY 11, 2025 Ms. Cericola-Drake commented that it should be revisited as we spent a lot of taxpayer money on this study. Sewer Authority. Mr. Ritchie commented on the open-air sewerage tanks at the Authority smell on a regular basis. We were going to work on a petition and that was the intention. We also need to have our State representatives be more aggressive on this issue. Residents should do petition and reference the resolution. Council Members discussed this issue with disagreement on a resolution being passed including a petition, other town support but agreeing that something has to be done about the smell. Mr. Bossong commented that a Council Member as a private citizen can put together a petition. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-84 Authorize Attorney to Redraft Resolution to the NBCUA BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipal Council of the Borough of Waldwick hereby authorize the Borough Attorney to redraft the resolution to the NBCUA for consideration at the next meeting. 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 Ms. Cericola-Drake asked why a specific committee was set up to handle Water Quality issues when a Council committee already exists. Difference between their mandate and the DPW committee. Mr. Neale explained that this committee is focusing solely on water quality and water clarification issues. Everything else goes through the DPW Committee. The committee will outline our meeting schedule next time with the public member. How are we going to get information out to the public. Mr. Ritchie believes this is an all-hands-on deck, developing a public relations strategy. The residents have questions. How are we going to get this information to the residents. NEW BUSINESS – None. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Giordano asked if any member of the public wished to come forward and to discuss anything and if so, please state your name only for the record. No one from the public came forward. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 8 FEBRUARY 11, 2025 CLOSED SESSION - Any matter permitted to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 None. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at its Regular Meeting on MOTION by Mr. Ramundo, seconded by Mr. Brennecke and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned at 8:53 pm. Adopted: February 25, 2025 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK