Council Regular Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 1 MAY 13, 2025 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 13, 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, Ms. Cericola- Drake, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ramundo (via phone), and Mrs. Weber. Mr. Ritchie was absent from the Regular Meeting. 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 Mayor Giordano presented Michael LaTorre with Certificates of Recognition for his 30 years of service to the Borough of Waldwick in the Department of Public Works. Mayor Giordano presented Marcus Rutkowski with a Certificate of Recognition for his over 30 years of service to the Borough of Waldwick in the Department of Public Works. MAYOR’S REPORT AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Mayor’s Report. Mayor Giordano commented that May is Mental Health Awareness Month and provided the Clerk with a Proclamation to put in the lobby of the Administration Building for the month of May. The Mayor attended the Mayor’s Monthly meeting on Saturday where they were shown the new voting procedures. They also discussed budgets and emergency services. They try to help each other where they can. Financial & Administrative Committee. No report. Fire & Police Protection Committee. Mr. Brennecke reported serval types of calls including multiple fire alarms, carbon monoxide, and utility accidents, all of which were handled without need for mutual aid. May is the month of the year when Fire Members get together and put plants on graves of deceased members. He hopes this tradition is kept every year. The Fire Department recently went to the Academy for live burn training. There will also be a mass fit test later in the month. There will be a memorial service up at the Fire Academy in Mahwah for all members who have passed in 2024. Public Safety Committee. Mrs. Cericola-Drake reported, for the month of April, WALVAC answered twenty-seven calls including one mutual aid. The town held a fantastic 5K event with the help of Allendale, Ho Ho Kus, Midland Park and Bergen County EMS on standby. All the EMT’s attended an updated Scope of Practice training at Valley which will allow them to use a glucose meter and administer albuterol to our patients. Finally, she congratulated April who was promoted to Senior EMT and Driver, Nicole, to an EMT and Gabe to a Senior EMT. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 2 MAY 13, 2025 Recreational & Health Committee. Mr. Martinello reported that the Baseball Opening Day was a great event. He thanked the members of the Council who were able to come out and support. He also thanked the Waldwick Fire & Police Department for accompanying them on the parade route. A retiree was honored at the event and was touched by the recognition. He also reported that pool registration is currently open and reminded of important dates to note. The Waldwick Swim Team and Waldwick Jr Football Camp are also open for registration. Public Works Committee. Mr. Ramundo congratulated Mike and Marcus on their hard work and dedication to the town. Buildings & Grounds Committee. Mrs. Weber reported that the fire suppression system in the Public Safety building is complete. There was an issue with the overhead door at the Ambulance building that will be repaired next week, which is why the rigs are outside of the bays. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Administrator. Mr. Neale reported that there are a few important Resolutions on tonight’s meeting. The first is the Award of the 2025 Road Paving Program. The bids came in under our proposed budget, so we are hoping to add a couple of roads or the pool parking lot to that list. There is also the award of the new grant writing firm to Bruno Associates. This will help us secure more grant money. We are closing out the Water Main Replacement Project on Hemlock to Evergreen and Bergen to Sheridan. We also have the authorization to advertise and receive bids for three of our larger capital projects which includes Improvements to Schuler Avenue, Improvements to Lions Memorial Playground and Roof and HVAC replacement at the Pistol Range. We also have the resignation of one of our full-time dispatchers and will be appointing a new per diem dispatcher. We are still looking for another full-time dispatcher and if anyone is interested to please reach out to Lieutenant Seifert. 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 as this is the new block style where candidates are grouped by office not party. There is also a video on how to vote in the new voting machines. Watching the video is a good way for voters 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 Borough Clerk’s Office is open until 7:00 pm. 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. June 3 Last day to apply for Mail in ballot by mail. June 3 – June 8 early voting. Monday-Saturday 10 am – 8 pm; Sundays 10 am – 6 pm. Two closest locations Tice Senior Center, 411 Chestnut Ridge Road in Woodcliff Lake & Wyckoff Public Library, Shotmeyer Room, 200 Woodland Avenue in Wyckoff. The complete listing is available on our website under the Elections page. NJABC License Renewals At the May 27 meeting, I will start to include a resolution for NJABC license renewals. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 3 MAY 13, 2025 Confidential Assistant. Mrs. Marquis reported that pool membership is going well, and the portal is open for registration. The Borough has taken in $28,000 so far with about half coming from family memberships. The Borough has collected $2,000 so far for the Swim Team which is open to Waldwick and Midland Park swimmers. We have also seen an increase with senior membership. Once registered, Waldwick and Midland Park members will need to have their memberships validated in the office so that the ID cards can be printed. Attorney. Mr. Bossong reported that he spoke to the attorney who is handling the PFAS litigation on behalf of the Borough. The Claims Administrator has set the numbers for the 3M and Dupont Settlements. We do not know yet how it breaks down to actual dollar amounts, but the settlement amount will be 13.47 percent of what the adjusted base score is. Once we find out the dollar figure there will be a 10 % hold back by the Court for future claims, attorneys fees and class counsel fees. The big issue is we are waiting to find out how they are going to pay it out. The belief is 25% of the settlement’s funds will be paid out by the end of the second quarter, which is in June of this year. Approximately 50% will be paid out by the end of the third quarter this year, and the balance will be paid out over ten years, like the Opioid Settlements were. A second set of settlements are being worked on by other companies such as Tyco. He also reported that he has been working with the Planner and Steve regarding the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan to effectuate the COAH numbers. He thinks there will be good news once everything is reviewed. This must be adopted under state guidelines by June 30. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2025-146 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: 2025-146 Approval of Consent Agenda 2025-147 Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting & Closed Session Meeting, April 29, 2025 Policy Votes a. Appointment of Aiden Tencza as Junior Member of the Waldwick Volunteer Fire Department b. IASCW requests to use the Pool Parking lot on Saturday, May 17 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm for parking for club outing c. The Village School requests to use The Oval on June 11, 2025 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm for our eight grade graduates to gather for yearbook signing d. Melissa Agugliaro requests to hold a Block Party on May 25, 2025 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm with Highwood Avenue to be closed between Cortlandt Street and Summit Avenue with alcoholic beverages being served e. Erica Egan requests to hold a Block Party on June 28, 2025 from 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm with Longview Drive to be closed between Pineview Drive and Lindbergh Parkway with alcoholic beverages being served f. Nancy Estell requests to use Pavilion A on June 1, 2025 from 10:00 am - dusk for a Birthday Party with alcoholic beverages being served g. Ashley Hari requests to use Pavilion A on June 15, 2025 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm for a Birthday Party with alcoholic beverages being served REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 4 MAY 13, 2025 h. Angela Scrivanich requests to use Pavilion b on June 21, 2025 from 9:00 am - dusk for a Soccer End of Season Party with alcoholic beverages being served i. Stephen DePaola requests to use Pavilion A on July 5, 2025 from 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm for a Birthday Party with alcoholic beverages being served j. Michael Albanese requests to use Pavilion A on September 20, 2025 from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm for a Birthday Party with alcoholic beverages being served k. Teresa Impemba requests to use Pavilion b on September 28, 2025 from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm for a Family Reunion with alcoholic beverages being served 2025-148 Award of Fair and Open Contract to P.M. Construction Corp. for 2025 Road Rehabilitation Project, $395,501.87 2025-149 Award Non-Fair and Open Professional Services Contract to Community Grants, Planning & Housing for Housing Rehabilitation Administrative Services and Case Management Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $55,800.00 2025-150 Award Contract to Bruno Associates, Inc. for Grant Writing Purposes in the Amount of $30,000 for One Year 2025-151 Change Order No. 1-Final and Final Payment to AJM Contractors for Evergreen Street to Hemlock Street and Bergen Avenue to Sheridan Avenue Water Main Improvements, $7,713.60 2025-152 Authorizing Execution of Homeowner Program Agreement for Waldwick Home Improvement Program with Soo Jin Lee for the Property Located at 109 Lincoln Place 2025-153 Authorizing Annual Appointment of Municipal Representatives to Bergen County Community Development Regional Committees, FY 2025-2026 Covering Period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 2025-154 Authorize Advertisement and Receipt of Bids for Improvements to Lions Memorial Playground 2025-155 Authorize Advertisement and Receipt of Bids for Improvements to Schuler Avenue 2025-156 Authorize Advertisement and Receipt of Bids for Police Firing Range: Roofing & HVAC Replacement 2025-157 Accept the Resignation of Brian Skettini as Full Time Telecommunications Officer Effective May 31, 2025 2025-158 Appointment of Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicator Officer - Emily Jordan Fontana 2025-159 Appointment to Board of Health 2025-160 Appointment of 2025 Pool Lifeguards 2025-161 Authorize Refund Permit Fee 2025-162 Cancellation of Taxes, Block 162.11/Lot 18 2025-163 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: 5 MAY 13, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION 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 ensures that the Borough is compliant with the new NJDEP and FEMA regulations. Public comment. Cassie Hartmann asked if this would change insurance for homeowners. Mr. Bossong responded that it was handled already and those that would need additional insurance were already notified. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2025-#10 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 Ritchie X Weber X 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 commented that this ordinance came out of a resident coming forward with a real issue on very bright light shining onto his property and in his home. Public comment. Joan Fytelson commented on lights being on at the WHS track until late. Mayor Giordano closed the Public comment. Ordinance No. 2025-#11 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 X Martinello X Ramundo X REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 6 MAY 13, 2025 Ritchie X Weber X X Mayor Giordano INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S) Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2025-#12 by title. Ordinance No. 2025-#12 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 89 TOWING & STORAGE REGULATIONS, SECTION 89-2(12) APPLICATION FOR PLACEMENT ON EMERGENCY DUTY LIST TO INCREASE PAYMENT OF LICENSING FEE TO $500 Council Comments. None. 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 Tuesday, May 27, 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 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-#13 by title. Ordinance No. 2025-#13 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK CREATING THE POSITION OF SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND SETTING FORTH THE QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE SAME Council Comments. Mayor Giordano said at the beginning of the year a Safety Committee was formed by the Board of Ed consisting of three members from the BOE and three from the Council. At this time discussion ensued regarding the hiring of retired Police Officers in the schools. This is set up so that we can have additional safety in the schools. There is also a possibility of these officers helping with the school traffic. 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 Tuesday, May 27, 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 X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X X REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 7 MAY 13, 2025 Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano ********** Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2025-#14 by title. Ordinance No. 2025-#14 - AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE VACATION OF AN EASEMENT LOCATED ON BLOCK 18.04 LOT 2 BY THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK AND EXTINGUISHING ANY RIGHTS THAT THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK MAY HAVE IN SAID EASEMENT Council Comments. Mr. Bossong said this is an easement that was created a long time ago at the rear property of Richard Drive. The residents are looking to sell their house, and the easement came up on the title search and survey. We received confirmation that the Borough has not installed anything there and the recommendation was to release and vacate this easement. 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 Tuesday, May 27, 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 X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X X Mayor Giordano ********** Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2025-#15 by title. Ordinance No. 2025-#15 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-#05, FIXING THE COMPENSATION, SALARIES AND WAGES OF OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK Council Comments. Mr. Neale said that this sets the salaries and ranges for every position in the Borough that is not associated with a Bargaining Agreement. 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 Tuesday, May 27, 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 X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X Ramundo X REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 8 MAY 13, 2025 Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Giordano asked if anyone on the Council had an issue with the Memorial Day Parade & Service on Monday, May 26 as has been previously done. No one on the Council had any issue with the event. Mr. Martinello commented on the chatter on social media regarding the closing of two businesses in town – Giant Market and Rite Aid. Mayor Giordano responded that he spoke with the owner of the property where Giant’s Farmers Market once was. They discussed ideas and he found that they do not want to make any alterations to the building. With regard to Rite Aid, he found out through a Mayor’s Meeting that a number of Rite Aid locations will receive additional monies to remain open but there is no word yet as to which will receive said monies. He has also been in touch with their realtor and corporate office. 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. Elise Dittamo spoke to the issue of the Farmer’s Market being sold to a new owner. Cassie Hartmann is excited to hear of the PFAS money that will be coming in. She asked if there is a plan in place for what the money will be used for. She also inquired if the monies are restricted to only PFAS related. She also inquired if the safety officers in schools will be carrying firearms and when they will be carrying the firearms. Mr. Neale responded that there is no plan in place yet because we do not have a solid amount. He would like to earmark it for the filter media change outs, which is a significant expense. It is not to Mr. Neale’s or Mr. Bossong’s belief that the monies are restricted to only PFAS. Mayor Giordano provided a response to Ms. Hartmann’s question regarding the safety officers. He does not know yet about the officers managing traffic. He stated that the officers will have to pick up their gear at the Police Department each day before the start of their shift. Joan Fytelson spoke to the issue of the Friends of the Library little libraries and when Council was going to vote on it. Mr. Neale and members of the Council responded, stating that it was already voted on and approved. He went out with members of the DPW yesterday and marked some locations such as Veterans, Borough & Ted Bell Park and the pool. Joan congratulated the two new firefighters. She asked about the Safety officers and how it will work. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 9 MAY 13, 2025 Mr. Neale responded that two officers will start in September, and it will run as a pilot program. The two officers will commit to all schools, and we will reevaluate with the Police Department to see the need for additional officers in the future. CLOSED SESSION - Any matter permitted to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-164 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 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 X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X Mayor Giordano The Council convened into Closed Session at 8:16 pm. At 8:32 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. Ramundo (via phone) and Mrs. Weber. Mr. Ritchie was absent. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 10 MAY 13, 2025 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at its Regular Meeting on MOTION by Mr. Martinello, seconded by Mr. Brennecke and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned at 8:33 pm. Adopted: May 27, 2025 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK