Council Regular Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 1 APRIL 29, 2025 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025 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, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ramundo and Mrs. Weber. Ms. Cericola-Drake and Mr. Ritchie were absent. 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 asked Tom McCormick, Executive Director of the Environmental Committee to make a presentation on Slow Mow Summer, 197 Wyckoff Avenue and Solar Powered Flower Boxes on Hopper Avenue. Financial & Administrative Committee. Mr. Ritchie was absent, no report. Fire & Police Protection Committee. Mr. Brennecke will hold his report to the next meeting. Public Safety Committee. Mrs. Cericola-Drake was absent, no report. Mayor Giordano did report that the President reported and thanked everyone for their participation in the PBA Easter Egg Hunt and look forward to attending the Chamber of Commerce 5K. Recreational & Health Committee. Mr. Martinello reported that Waldwick Soccer Registration is open for the fall. Waldwick Baseball had to postpone their opening day due to rain. The event will be on Saturday, May 3 and we look forward to showing everyone the improvements made to the fields. Public Works Committee. Mr. Ramundo had no report. Buildings & Grounds Committee. Mrs. Weber reported that the Public Safety Complex fire suppression is nearly completed. We are working to relocate the bus stop which has been approved, and the contractor should pour the new pad soon. Mayor Giordano commented on the Sewer Authority survey where 200 odors were detected. Not all the reports are in, but 10 odors were attributed to the plant, with a 1 out of 5. 68 odors were mulch related and detected at a 4 out of 5. Others were household or restaurant odors. They will provide a report when it is complete. The Sewer Authority did report a sinkhole on their property and notified Tatiana and Steve of this. A Nixle was sent out as they were going to being doing repairs over the weekend with lots of noise and lights. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 2 APRIL 29, 2025 DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Administrator. Mr. Neale reported that the Borough’s Water Engineer, H2M, has been working on the Hydraulic Model project in which they have begun conducting hydrant flow testing at several locations and will continue this work. The data continues to be collected and will be submitted for review. Municipal Clerk. Mrs. Halewicz reported that there is a link to the Primary Election sample ballot on our website. The ballot is also included in the Friday email blasts for voters to familiarize themselves with. Voters who are signed up to receive VBM ballots should start to see them being delivered to their homes as they were mailed from the County last week. We do have a step-by-step video on our website under the Elections page, Voter information to assist voters with filling out and either mailing or putting the ballot in our dropbox located behind the Police station. There is also a video on how to vote in the new voting machines. There are some voters who have not used the new machines and watching the video is a good way to familiarize themselves with the new machine process. Tuesday, May 20 is the last day to register to vote in the June Primary Election. The Clerk’s office will be open until 7 pm on Tuesday, May 20 for late night voter registration. There is also a link on our website under the Elections page, Voting forms will find online registration as well as paper registration forms to register to vote. Mrs. Halewicz reported that with regard to the Business Insurance Registry, letters went out and we are receiving forms and payment from businesses and owners of rental units as well as multi-family of fewer than four units with one being owner occupied. Mrs. Halewicz currently has 919 dog licenses issued. Reminder if you have licensed your dog(s) to please pick up your license at the Borough Clerk’s office. Melissa has been reaching out to remind residents. Both Alarm registrations and tenant registrations are up from last year. Thank you to Melissa for being diligent in following up with these registrations. Alarm: 220 approved licenses – 189 (2024) Tenant: 155 approved license – 79 (2024) Confidential Assistant. Mrs. Marquis reported that Pool registration will soon be open as there is a glitch on the back end with the vendor. She encourages everyone to read the changes to the new pool structure on the Borough’s website. Attorney. Mr. Bossong reported on the PFOS litigation and will have figures for the May 13 meeting as they have percentages for the DuPont/3M litigation. For the second round, TYCO/BASF we are waiting for those percentages. Mr. Bossong will have two matters for Closed Session with no decisions to be made. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 3 APRIL 29, 2025 CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2025-130 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: 2025-130 Approval of Consent Agenda 2025-131 Approval of Minutes - April 15, 2025 Regular Meeting Policy Votes a. 93 Longview Drive requests to replace two existing sheds over Borough easement with one shed over the same Borough easement b. Alexandra Byrne requests to hold a Block Party on May 17, 2025 from 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm with Smithfield Road to be closed between 38 Smithfield Road and 58 Smithfield Road with alcoholic beverages being served c. Mary Mulvaney requests to use Pavilion A on June 28, 2025 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm for a Baby Shower with alcoholic beverages being served d. Christopher Sanchez requests to use Pavilion A on June 29, 2025 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm for a Birthday Party with alcoholic beverages being served 2025-132 Authorizing Execution of a Mediation Agreement with the New Jersey Builders Association in Regards to the Borough of Waldwick’s 4th Round COAH Obligation 2025-133 Authorize Use of Borough Park Pavilion A with Alcoholic Beverages and Exceptions Being Requested by the Waldwick High School Booster Club 2025-134 Authorizing the Borough of Waldwick’s Qualified Purchasing Agent to Issue Contracts Between $17,500 and the Bid Threshold 2025-135 Accept the Resignation of David Berger as Full Time Telecommunications Officer Effective April 26, 2025 2025-136 Authorize Cancellation of Taxes for 197 Wyckoff and 9 Brady Due to the Borough of Waldwick Purchasing the Properties 2025-137 Cancellation and Refund of Taxes, Block 2/Lot 16 2025-138 Authorize Release Escrow - 71 Lyon Road 2025-139 Authorizing Premium of $59,600 to Escheat from R. Rothman to Borough of Waldwick for Tax Sale Certificate #19-00623 2025-140 Payment of Vouchers 2025-145 Appointment of Full Time Communications Officer – Sumbal Nadeem Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke x x Cericola-Drake x Martinello x Ramundo x x Ritchie x Weber x Mayor Giordano Mr. Martinello & Mrs. Weber recused from 2025-133. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 4 APRIL 29, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE(S) RESOLUTION NO. 2025-141 Waiver of Reading in Full of the 2025 Municipal Budget WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-8 permits that the Budget as advertised may be read by its title providing that at least one week prior to the date of the hearing a complete copy of the approved budget shall: a) be posted in a public place where public notices are customarily posted including the Borough website, and b) is made available to each person requesting the same during said week and during the public hearing, and WHEREAS, the Borough of Waldwick has complied with the aforesaid requirements. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Borough is hereby permitted to waive the reading in full of the Municipal Budget for the year ending December 31, 2025. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke x x Cericola-Drake x Martinello x Ramundo x x Ritchie x Weber x Mayor Giordano ********** RESOLUTION NO. 2025-142 Self Examination of 2025 Budget WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-78b has authorized the Local Finance Board to adopt rules that permit municipalities in sound fiscal condition to assume the responsibility, normally granted to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, of conducting the annual budget examination, and, WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:30-7 was adopted by the Local Finance Board on February 11, 1997, and, WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:30-7.2 thru 7.5 the Borough of Waldwick has been declared eligible to participate in the program by the Division of Local Government Services, and the Chief Financial Officer has determined that the Borough meets the necessary conditions to participate in the program for the 2025 budget year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the governing body of the Borough of Waldwick that in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:30-7.6a & 7.6b and based upon the Chief Financial Officer’s certification, the governing body has found the budget has met the following requirements: 1. That with reference to the following items, the amounts have been calculated pursuant to law and appropriated as such in the budget. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 5 APRIL 29, 2025 a. Payment of interest and debt redemption charges b. Deferred charges and statutory expenditures c. Cash deficit of preceding year d. Reserve for uncollected taxes e. Other reserves and non-disbursement items f. Any inclusions of amounts required for school purposes. 2. That the provisions relating to limitation on increases of appropriations pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.2 and appropriations for exceptions to limits on appropriations found at N.J.S.A. 40A:4- 45.3 et seq. are fully met. (Complies with the “CAP” law). 3. That the budget is in such form, arrangement, and content as required by the Local Budget Law and N.J.A.C. 5:30-4 and 5:30-5. 4. That pursuant to the Local Budget Law: a. All estimates of revenue are reasonable, accurate, and correctly stated; b. Items of appropriations are properly set forth c. In itemization, form, arrangement, and content, the budget will permit the exercise of the comptroller function within the municipality. 5. The budget and associated amendments have been introduced and publicly advertised in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Local Budget Law, except that failure to meet the deadlines of N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5 shall not prevent such certification. 6. That all other applicable statutory requirements have been fulfilled. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution will be forwarded to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services upon adoption. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke x Cericola-Drake x Martinello x x Ramundo x Ritchie x Weber x x Mayor Giordano ********** Public Hearing on the 2025 Municipal Budget Mr. Neale stated that there were many required increases, and yet we were able to get a lot accomplished in this budget without much of an impact to the tax payer. We are looking at a 3.4 percent tax increase at about $79 per average homeowner per year. Tom McCormick commented on garbage removal and working with a company for Borough composting as food waste is 40% of garbage collection and it could help with the budget moving forward. ********** REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 6 APRIL 29, 2025 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-143 Adoption of the 2025 Municipal Budget SEE ATTACHED SHEETS 41 & 42 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke x x Cericola-Drake x Martinello x Ramundo x x Ritchie x Weber x Mayor Giordano ********** Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2025-#06 by title. Ordinance No. 2025-#06 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 91 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, SECTION 91- 14a, PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES ON CERTAIN STREETS TO INCLUDE AREA BETWEEN 20-2 AND 20- 3 ZAZZETTI STREET Council comments. Mayor Giordano commented that this is an area that is determined not to be big enough to park between the two driveways. Public comment. None. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2025-#06 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 X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano ********** Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2025-#07 by title. Ordinance No. 2025-#07 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 91 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, SECTION 91- 20, ONE-WAY STREETS TO ADD AND ALLOW ONE-WAY TRAFFIC ONLY EAST ON SUMMIT AVENUE BETWEEN NORDHAM STREET & RIDGE STREET DURING CERTAIN HOURS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 7 APRIL 29, 2025 Council comments. Mayor Giordano explained that the next three ordinances are for safety in and around the schools for drop off and pick up which came with collaboration from the Police Department, Board of Education and Safety Committee. Public comment. None. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2025-#07 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 ********** Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2025-#08 by title. Ordinance No. 2025-#08 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 91 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, SECTION 91- 25, TURN PROHIBITIONS TO ADD AND ALLOW NO LEFT TURN FROM RIDGE STREET ONTO SUMMIT AVENUE ON CERTAIN HOURS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR Council comments. None. Public comment. None. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2025-#08 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 X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X X Mayor Giordano ********** REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 8 APRIL 29, 2025 Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2025-#09 by title. Ordinance No. 2025-#09 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 91 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, SECTION 91- 35c, REGULATION FOR THE MOVEMENT AND THE PARKING OF TRAFFIC ON ALL OTHER PRIVATE PROPERTY TO AMEND NO LEFT TURN HOURS FOR 155 WYCKOFF AVENUE Council comments. Mr. Brennecke commented that this is another traffic ordinance as there is concern about the large volume of cars in and going through Waldwick that were not here even 10 years ago. Again, working with the Safety Committee, Police Department and Board of Education we are working together to address the problem. Public comment. Lena Isaacs commented that the Borough should look at West Prospect Streets as parents park on both sides of the street idling and it is 15 minutes of chaos in that area and very dangerous. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2025-#09 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 X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X Ramundo X X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S) Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2025-#10 by title. Ordinance No. 2025-#10 - AN ORDINANCE BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK AMENDING THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK CODE OF ORDINANCES TO REPEAL AND REPLACE CHAPTER 52 ENTITLED “FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION”; TO ADOPT FLOOD HAZARD MAPS; TO DESIGNATE A FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE Council Comments. Mr. Bossong commented that this ordinance is being revised based on input provided to NJDEP by the Federal government as per the new FEMA regulations. 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 May 13, 2025 at 7:30 pm or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 9 APRIL 29, 2025 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X Ramundo X X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano ********** Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2025-#11 by title. Ordinance No. 2025-#11 - AMENDING CHAPTER 97, ENTITLED “LIGHTING AND SOUND SYSTEMS”, OF CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK TO REGULATE LIGHTING RELATED RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS Council Comments. Mayor Giordano explained that this ordinance came out of a resident coming forward to complain about extremely bright lights shining over from his neighbor’s house. Mr. Bossong commented that we worked with our engineer for the national standard and this ordinance provides for maximum foot candle so that lights do not spill over into a neighbor’s property. 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 May 13, 2025 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-Drake X Martinello X X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X X Mayor Giordano UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Martinello asked Steve for an update on the water main breaks last week. Mr. Neale said last week there were three main water breaks, which were significant, and three service breaks at residential homes. There was a malfunction in the system from one of our valves which caused a surge in pressure to the system wide which caused these breaks. The DPW went from one break to the next and has made repairs. Please reach out if you see water running so we may address it as quickly as possible. Mayor Giordano thanked Tatiana for handling the watermain breaks and for keeping the residents and Council informed as to what was going on. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 10 APRIL 29, 2025 NEW BUSINESS Mr. Ramundo thanked the Environmental Committee for a great presentation as well as for their hard work, time and team effort for Sunday’s cleanup. We are hoping to get the Beautification Committee and Green Team numbers back up, so that we can work together on these upcoming projects. Mr. Ramundo is hoping we can also reach out to the school’s Environmental Team. Mr. Ramundo also spoke to the flowers by the off ramp onto Sheridan Ave. There is a person in town that is willing to help support what kind of plants will be more proactive and not require as much water and maintenance. Mr. Bossong commented on an attorney who contacted him regarding an estate on Richard Drive. There is a rear utility easement from 1949. His team is investigating this, but so far nothing has come up as all utilities are in the front of the street. If everything checks out, there will be an ordinance to vacate this easement on the May 13 agenda. Mayor Giordano commented on the newly planted tree and statue in front of the library that was donated in memory of one of our former Mayors, Frank McKenna. Mr. Goodell planted the tree as well as the one a Fire Company #2 to thank the Borough for supporting his family on the passing of his son Police Officer Christopher Goodell and for keeping his memory alive. 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 spoke to the issue of a great meeting, non-contentious. He applauds the efforts of the Environmental Committee, working together for the betterment of Waldwick. CLOSED SESSION - Any matter permitted to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-144 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 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 11 APRIL 29, 2025 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 X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X Ramundo X X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano The Council convened into Closed Session at 8:45 pm. At 8:57 pm the Mayor and Council came back on the record of the Regular Meeting. Present on roll call: Mayor Giordano, Mr. Brennecke, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ramundo and Mrs. Weber. Ms. Cericola-Drake and Mr. Ritchie were 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 Mr. Brennecke and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned at 8:59 pm. Adopted: May 13, 2025 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK