Council Regular & Budget Meeting

Regular Meeting Minutes: 1 March 10, 2026 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026, 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- Drake, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ritchie, Ms. Smith and Ms. Wingate. Also present: Kelley Halewicz, Municipal Clerk and Craig Bossong, Municipal Attorney. Tatiana Marquis, Borough Administrator arrived at 7:58 pm 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 a. Girl Scout Troop 98163 – Bronze Award Fairy Garden Project Mayor Giordano welcomed and invited members of Girl Scout Troop 98163 to the podium. Akhila S. shared that her Troop plans to build fairy houses. Julia M. shared she is excited to make fairy houses as she feels it will be a fun project. Natalie B. feels excited to bring joy to children who see the fairy houses. She added that it will benefit because everyone needs happiness in their lives. Lara A. is also excited about building fairy houses. Shanna Anderson clarified the troop is working on a bronze award. To obtain this they must identify an area in the community that can use improvement. The Troops have held meetings at the Ambulance Corp for four years. They are requesting to build a fairy garden around the flagpole along the walkway to give back to the community. The girls plan to use natural materials to create houses. They would decorate with flowers and kindness rocks. Mayor Giordano shared that the Troop would contact the Borough when plan to start. The DPW will ensure the area is safe and clean. The Ambulance Corp President has been notified and is onboard with the project. The liaison will attend WALVAC’s next meeting and explain what will be taking place. Ms. Smith inquired about what a fairy house is. Regular Meeting Minutes: 2 March 10, 2026 Ms. Anderson explained that a fairy house is a miniature handmade home. It looks like where a fairy would live. She recommended visiting South Mountain Ferry trail to see them. The Troop plans to raise money for the supplies. The Mayor asked the Council if they were good with this. Everyone agreed that the Girl Scouts should proceed with the project. MAYOR’S REPORT AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Mayor’s Report. Mayor Giordano reported that he attended an ATAR Ceremony at the Mariott in Teaneck. Topics such as unity and everything that Waldwick stands for were discussed. Yesterday he attended Gottheimer’s Mayor’s Round Table event at Bergen Community College. Mayors and Administrators discussed funding from the government. He shared that the Borough applied for a Grant through Gottheimer for a new fire truck. Financial & Administrative Committee. Mr. Martinello reported that work continues on the Municipal Budget. Last week the committee had a meeting about the audit with the CFO, Administrator and Clerk. He emphasized that there is more discussion that needs to be had as a Council. He emphasized that some difficult decisions will be made. There is no additional space to be cut into the budget without affecting services. There will be a meeting on Saturday to discuss the budget in detail. The only increase in the Water Budget is on the I Bank loan that will have to be paid. There was filing due from the grants for congressional money. The team is working on that to receive additional funding from the Government. Fire & Police Protection Committee. Mr. Brennecke shared that they have welcomed back the tower ladder. He thanked the Glen Rock Fire Department for showing their ladder truck to Waldwick FD as he hopes we will be receiving the same one. He will keep everyone posted when he knows more. Public Safety Committee. Ms. Wingate shared that WALVAC continues to focus on recruitment. They are still in need of EMTs. The costs for training are covered by WALVAC. In February there were a total of nine calls. Ms. Wingate attended the last Board of Education meeting. They are expanding their curriculum with a new variety of courses. The new superintendent was introduced. She and Councilwoman Smith attended the high school production Bye Bye Birdy. She congratulated the cast and staff involved as she said it was impressive. Recreational & Health Committee. Ms. Smith shared that Lions Playground has been completed, however the weather has kept them from officially opening it. The committee plans for a ribbon cutting in the Spring when the snow is gone and kids will be playing baseball. She attended WAFA’s first meeting and they will also be involved in the planning of the ribbon cutting. Regular Meeting Minutes: 3 March 10, 2026 Public Works Committee. Mr. Ritchie provided explanation for the Resolution regarding the Northwest Bergen Utilities Sewer Authority. The Northwest Bergen Utilities Authority is a sewage treatment plant in Waldwick. All sewage from Northwest Bergen County towns travels into Waldwick. This is where the smell of raw sewage comes from. Mr. Ritchie met with the Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director of the Sewer Authority with the Mayor and Tatiana. He conveyed that something needs to be done with the odor as the gases produced from the plant can potentially cause harm if released into the air. He shared at the end of their meeting; there was an acknowledgment from both parties that something should be done. There was a willingness from the Sewer Authority to check into remedies to curve the smell. Buildings & Grounds Committee. Mrs. Cericola-Drake reported that the Pistol Range project is in its final phase and should be completed by the end of the month. At the Administration Building the DPW made repairs to the kitchen ceiling tiles and sheet rock that were damaged from the recent snow. Additionally, the upstairs meeting room was painted last Friday and is complete. The Robotics Club was contacted about starting to use the space this week, but they are still looking for a permanent home. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Administrator. Mrs. Halewicz provided the Administrator report. The Borough submitted a $1.5 million fiscal year 2027 community project funding grant through Congressman Gottheimer’s office. The same request was also sent to Senator Booker and Senator Kim through fiscal year 2027 congressionally directed spending appropriations. The Borough will not hear back until July or August. The grant is requesting $1.2 million in federal funding to support the replacement and improvement of targeted segments of the municipal water distribution system. The remaining $300,000 will be provided through the Borough funding sources including capital improvement funds, and/or financing mechanisms available through the State infrastructure program. H2M will attend the next council meeting to present their Hydraulic Study Findings and Determinations from that report. They will conduct a presentation and a Q&A to the Council and the public. This is posted in the newsletter and on the website. Municipal Clerk. Mrs. Halewicz reported that Resolutions 2026-89 & 80 are renewals of limousine licenses. April 8 is the deadline to file a change of party affiliation declaration form for elections. They are available in her office and can be found at the County Clerk’s office. 723 dog licenses have been issued to date. She reminded residents who were called or emailed to pick up their tags. Mrs. Halewicz provided dates for upcoming free rabies clinics in various neighboring towns. All the information can be found on the website. Regular Meeting Minutes: 4 March 10, 2026 Mrs. Halewicz reminded the council that elected officials training will be on April 14 at 6:00pm with PIA. At the next meeting there will be a Resolution to approve the special closed session meeting for Risk Management Seminar, Employment Practices, Liability and Title 59. Attorney. Mr. Bossong explained that Resolutions 2026-85 & 86 are the endorsement of the housing element fair share plan and affirmative marketing plan. The Planning Board had their public hearing on the housing element fair share plan which is a requirement of the State in relation to the 4 th round of COAH. Mr. Bossong further explained the Ordinance that is on for public hearing amends zoning to make the small changes required as part of the agreement with fair share housing center. There is one item for closed session, and no action will be taken. Mrs. Marquis arrived at 7:58 pm. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2026-83 Approval of Consent Agenda BE IT RESOLVED that the following resolutions herewith listed by consent having been considered by the Governing Body of the Borough of Waldwick are hereby passed and approved with the addition of Resolution 2026-98: 2026-83 Approval of Consent Agenda 2026-84 Approval of Minutes - Regular & Budget Meeting, January 27, 2026; Regular & Budget Meeting & Closed Session Meeting, February 24, 2026 Policy Vote(s) a. Ashley Asplint request to hold a Block Party on May 30 from 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm Grove Street to be closed between Nordham and Ridge b. Waldwick Community Alliance request to hold the Annual Car Show event on Sunday, June 7 from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm (rain date June 14) as described in letter dated March 5, 2026 2026-85 Endorsement of Borough of Waldwick’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan and Spending Plan 2026-86 Adoption of the Borough of Waldwick’s Affirmative Marketing Plan 2026-87 Authorizing Execution of Homeowner Program Agreement for Waldwick Home Improvement Program with Mark Van Buren and Michelle Van Buren for the Property Located at 83 Manhattan Avenue 2026-88 Authorize Waiver of Permit Fee to the Board of Education for a Tree Removal Application 2026-89 Authorize Amendment to Autocab License - In-Style Car & Limo Service Inc./N Style LLC – 2022 Lexus 18330 2026-90 Authorize Amendment to Autocab License - In-Style Car & Limo Service Inc./N Style LLC – 2022 Lexus 20641 2026-91 Appointment to Board of Adjustment - Bert Hartmann Regular Meeting Minutes: 5 March 10, 2026 2026-92 Appointment of Executive Director to the Environmental Advisory Committee - Mark Ramundo 2026-93 Release of Escrow - Hirig LLC 2026-94 Authorize Refund for Park & Ride Payment 2026-95 Authorize Refund for Water Overpayment - 132 Bergen Avenue, Account #1196-0 2026-96 Payment of Vouchers 2026-98 Resolution Demanding the NBCUA Address the Odor and Public Health Issues from the Facility Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X X Ritchie X X Smith X Wingate X Mayor Giordano PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE(S) Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2026-#02 by title. Ordinance No. 2026-#02 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 97 - ZONING TO AMEND AHO-1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE-1; AHO-2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE-2; AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONTROLS AND DEVELOPMENT FEES Council comments. Mr. Bossong explained this is the comprehensive review to update the affordable housing zoning to comply with the 4th round in the recently amended legislation. The most significant change is in the affordable housing zones. The maximum permitted density has increased from 10 units per acre to 15. Public comment. No one wished to be heard. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2026-02 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 Ritchie X X Smith X X Wingate X Mayor Giordano Regular Meeting Minutes: 6 March 10, 2026 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S) - none UNFINISHED BUSINESS No unfinished business as the Municipal Budget Discussion will be held at the Special Meeting on Saturday. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Martinello congratulated the Waldwick High School Varsity Basketball team for winning the Group 1 Section 1 State Championship last week. They will play again tomorrow against Shabazz in the Group Semifinals. He wished them luck in tomorrow’s game. PUBLIC COMMENT Ted Sanzo inquired if the Ho-Ho-Kus Special Election concerned the school budget and asked if they were in trouble because of their prior year PILOT program. Mayor Giordano explained that he spoke to the president of the Board of Ed, and he said that the election is about the budget. He does not have any other information. Ted Sanzo is interested in the continued updates of the sewer remedies. He continued to speak on the $1.5 million grant that was previously mentioned in the Administrator’s report. He inquired whether the Borough’s grant writer receives a set annual fee or a cut for each grant. Mrs. Marquis explained that the Borough has a professional services contract with the grant writers and there is a set amount for the year. She clarified that the $1.5 million they are submitting is an appropriation. Robert Corderi inquired if the Borough receives financial compensation for other towns’ sewage coming to Waldwick. Mrs. Marquis answered that the Borough does not receive compensation. The service charge is split by all municipalities that are serviced by the Utility Authority. Mr. Bossong explained that statutorily there is no host community fee permitted. Mr. Corderi inquired if there was new treatment in the water as he noticed odor in the water. Mrs. Marquis shared no new treatment but there is a flushing program that is making its way from one side of town to the next. The odor and potential discoloration may be due to the system being flushed out. Mr. Corderi shared that he noticed that West Prospect Street is a two-way street, however once cars are parked on either side it turns into one way. He noticed that after school it is difficult for any car to go up or down. He asked if it could be made into a one-way street. Regular Meeting Minutes: 7 March 10, 2026 Mrs. Marquis will confirm if a traffic study has ever been done on West Prospect Street. John Vervoort asked Mr. Ritchie if the Sewer Authority provided his requested response by this evening. Mr. Ritchie responded no. Mary Mulvaney asked who provides the grant previously mentioned in the meeting. Additionally, she inquired if it had to go towards the water. Mrs. Marquis responded that it is the congressional appropriations and Senators. It does not have to go towards water. Ms. Mulvaney shared that she would like to see a portion of those funds go towards the crossing at the railroad for accessibility. She shared that NJ Transit needs to be pushed per a meeting that she attended. Ms. Mulvaney inquired when the Sewage Plant was built. Mrs. Marquis said it was built in the 1950’s. Mr. Ritchie shared that the complaint to the Sewer Authority is not only about the odor but also safety of the residents. Ms. Mulvaney agreed this needs to be addressed. Mr. Martinello said to make it a point to call the Authority to notify them anytime they smell an odor. 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. CLOSED SESSION - Any matter permitted to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-97 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: Personnel Matters It is anticipated at this time that the above-mentioned subject matter will be made public within 60 days Regular Meeting Minutes: 8 March 10, 2026 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 Ritchie X X Smith X Wingate X Mayor Giordano The Council convened into Closed Session at 8:16 pm. At 8:28 pm the Mayor and Council came back on the record of the Regular Meeting. Present on roll call: Mayor Giordano, Mr. Brennecke, Ms. Cericola- Drake, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ritchie, Ms. Smith and Ms. Wingate. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at its Regular Meeting on MOTION by Mr. Ritchie, seconded by Ms. Cericola Drake and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned at 8:28 pm. Adopted: March 25, 2026 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK