Council Regular Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 1 JUNE 23, 2026 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 23 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 (via phone), Ms. Smith and Ms. Wingate. Also present: Tatiana Marquis, Borough Administrator, 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. MUNICIPAL BUDGET UPDATE Mr. Martinello shared that he would like to provide a budget update at each Council meeting, including the status of the municipal budget, pending grants, and contracts up for renewal, giving Council the opportunity to ask questions and provide input. To date, the Borough has expended 35% of the water budget and 47% of the municipal budget. He noted that some budget lines have not yet been expended because certain payments, such as bond obligations, are not yet due. Mr. Martinello reported that the Borough received approval for a $700,000 matching grant for the purchase of 197 Wyckoff Avenue, pending final congressional approval. He recognized Mrs. Halewicz for her efforts in preparing and submitting the grant application. He also reported that the Borough received a $1.2 million federal appropriation request through Senators Gottheimer and Booker and is hopeful the funding will be approved later this year. In addition, there are several pending grant applications for the Erie Railroad Station, Borough Park and pool paving, Veterans Park and basketball path improvements, and Zazzetti Street improvements, totaling approximately $2.3 million. Mrs. Marquis added that funds are available in the Snow Trust Account to cover unpredictable snow removal expenses. She noted that the Borough experienced several snowstorms last year and is hopeful for a milder winter this year. Mrs. Marquis also explained the timeline Bruno & Associates follows to identify and secure grant opportunities for the Borough. She noted they are successful in securing many grants and encouraged Council members to share any grant opportunities they may come across. She noted the garbage collection contract with Gaeta will expire on December 31, 2027. This is an opportunity for the Borough to look at what options may be available. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 2 JUNE 23, 2026 MAYOR’S REPORT AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Mayor’s Report. Mayor Giordano attended the ECLS Graduation in Ho-Ho-Kus, as well as the Middle School Promotion Ceremony and Waldwick High School Graduation. He thanked the Council members who attended and congratulated the graduates. He also recognized the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for their speeches. Financial & Administrative Committee. Mr. Martinello reported that the Finance Committee will meet with the Board of Education on Monday to discuss the potential impact of a PILOT agreement on the Board of Education. He also reported that the PBA contract is scheduled for approval at this meeting. He thanked Borough Administrator Tatiana, Borough Clerk Kelley, CFO Colleen, and the PBA representatives for their work throughout the negotiations. The contract will remain in effect through 2030. Mr. Martinello also noted that the purchase of a CAT loader and snowplow attachment is on the agenda for approval. The equipment was included in the 2026 Capital Budget and will provide the DPW with updated equipment to perform their work efficiently. Fire & Police Protection Committee. Mr. Brennecke reported that the Fire Department has responded to 15 calls so far this month. He noted that the Department will provide coverage for Wyckoff for a portion of the day on Saturday. He also shared that the Fire Chief is one of several individuals from across the County serving on the World Cup Fire Protection Task Force, which will assist with fire protection during the games in Rutherford. Mr. Brennecke also reported that the Police Department has been busy responding to several incidents, including DUIs, motor vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, juvenile incidents, and the service of warrants. Public Safety Committee. Ms. Wingate reported that she attended the WALVAC meeting last Monday and was pleased to see several new volunteers in attendance. She also reported that WALVAC provided standby coverage at the Junior Police Academy and High School Graduation ceremonies and will also provide coverage for the Wyckoff Fireworks celebration. Recreational & Health Committee. Ms. Smith wished everyone a happy summer and highlighted several upcoming recreation and community opportunities featured in the Friday Newsletter. She reported that registration for the Waldwick Pool Swim Team remains open and that the Summer Tennis Program will be held at Veterans Park for all grade levels. Flyers with additional information are available in the hallway. Ms. Smith highlighted that the library’s weekly "Guess That Dinosaur" event is underway. She reported that Access for All held its quarterly meeting at Veterans Park. Although she was unable to attend, she spoke with Michele Weber, who provided updates on ongoing projects being coordinated with Tatiana. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 3 JUNE 23, 2026 Public Works Committee. Mr. Ritchie reported that the Sewer Authority passed a resolution last week authorizing a study to determine the cause of the odor and identify potential mitigation strategies. He noted that he is pleased with the progress being made by the Sewer Authority. Buildings & Grounds Committee. Ms. Cericola-Drake reported that a second quote is being obtained for the HVAC repairs on the second floor of the Administration Building due to the cost of the project. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS Borough Administrator. Mrs. Marquis addressed questions she received from Hudson Avenue residents regarding the paving project. She reported that Hudson Avenue remains a priority for the Council. The Borough received NJDOT Municipal Aid grants in 2025 and 2026, which will be used toward the cost of the project. The remaining project cost was included in the 2026 Capital Budget, which was approved by the Council at the May 26 meeting. She also noted that a resolution authorizing the advertisement for bids for the paving and resurfacing project was approved. The project is currently in the surveying and design phase and is expected to be advertised for bids later this summer or early fall, pending NJDOT approval. Mrs. Marquis also provided an update on the Harrison Avenue project. She reported that the demolition of the houses on the property has been completed and that a meeting with the Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, June 29. Municipal Clerk. Mrs. Halewicz reported that Resolution No. 2026-197 is the final liquor license renewal, and that all State and local requirements have been met. She informed the Council that Pat Carroll stopped by the office earlier to renew her pool membership and expressed her appreciation for the shed that was installed near where the Seniors sit at the pool. Mrs. Halewicz wished everyone a happy summer. Attorney. Mr. Bossong had no report. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2026-190 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: 2026-190 Approval of Consent Agenda 2026-191 Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting & Closed Session Meeting, June 9, 2026 Policy Vote(s) a. Warriors FC (Adrian Mohorovich) requests to use Pavilion A on June 26, 2026, from 5:30 pm – dusk for Year-end Party with alcoholic beverages being served REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 4 JUNE 23, 2026 b. Dana Wekarski requests to use Pavilion A on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm for a Graduation Party with alcoholic beverages being served c. Michele Weber requests to use Pavilion A on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm for a Graduation Party with alcoholic beverages being served d. Nicole Clauberg requests to use Pavilion A on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm for a picnic with alcoholic beverages being served 2026-192 Authorize Shared Services Agreement with Bergen County for Snow Plowing/Salting of County Roadways within the Borough for 2026-2028 2026-193 Authorizing Inclusion in the Bergen County Community Development Program 2026-194 Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with the County of Bergen to Supersede the Cooperative Agreement Dated July 1, 2024, and Amendments Thereto Establishing the Bergen County Community Development Program 2026-195 Authorize Execution of Collective Bargaining Agreement - Waldwick PBA Local #217 2026-196 Award Fair and Open Contract to Foley for a CAT Loader and Snowplow Attachment, $354,878.60 2026-197 Authorize Liquor License Renewal 2026/2027 - RVK NJ Inc/Liquorland 2026-198 Appointment of Part Time Clerk 1-Recreation for the Department of Public Works 2026-199 Cancelation and Refund of Taxes: Block 25, Lot 19 2026-200 Authorize Redemption of Tax Title Lien #25-00643 2026-201 Authorize Redemption of Tax Title Lien #24-00639 2026-202 Payment of Vouchers Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X X Ritchie X Smith X X Wingate X Mayor Giordano PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE(S) – None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S) Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read Ordinance No. 2026-#10 by title. Ordinance No. 2026-#10 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINACE NO. 2022-#01 FIXING THE COMPENSATION, SALARIES AND WAGES OF THE OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK FOR THE POLICE Mayor Giordano stated that a motion is in order to move and pass the ordinance on first reading and that it be advertised as required by law, setting a public hearing for Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 7:30 pm or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 5 JUNE 23, 2026 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola-Drake X Martinello X X Ritchie X Smith X Wingate X X Mayor Giordano UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Martinello thanked the Mayor and Councilman Ritchie for their work with the Sewer Authority and for helping move the matter forward. He expressed hope that the study will identify the cause of the odor and provide a resolution. NEW BUSINESS Mrs. Wingate addressed the vandalism of the Pride flag, expressing her disappointment over the incident. She stated that while she was not personally fearful, she recognized that members of the LGBTQ+ community may feel differently and emphasized the importance of ensuring everyone feels welcome and safe in Waldwick. She thanked the Mayor, the Police Department, and the DPW for their quick response in replacing the flag. Mrs. Wingate also shared a conversation she had regarding concerns felt within the LGBTQ+ community and emphasized the importance of acceptance and supporting others. She noted that a Pride flag is displayed at the high school and expressed interest in working with the Board of Education to maintain or enhance that display. She also thanked resident Cassie for creating and distributing "Love" signs throughout the community. Ms. Smith thanked the residents for their response following the incident. She specifically recognized Jamie Stanton for representing the community during an interview with NBC News and for conveying that acts of hate and vandalism do not reflect the people of Waldwick. Mr. Martinello stated that acts of violence and hate do not represent Waldwick and that the Borough has always been a safe and welcoming community. He noted that regardless of the motive behind the incident, it does not reflect the character of the town. Mayor Giordano stated that he was not responsible for removing the Pride flag and expressed his frustration over accusations made against him regarding the incident. PUBLIC COMMENT Bert Hartmann thanked the Governing Body for the budget update and asked whether the information presented would be included in the meeting minutes for public review. He also inquired whether the Council had considered any changes to the placement of the Pride flag following the recent vandalism. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 6 JUNE 23, 2026 John Vervoort inquired about the redevelopment project and asked whether the demolition of the properties means that the Borough is no longer collecting property taxes on the site. He questioned what would happen if the redevelopment project did not move forward and whether the Borough would lose potential tax revenue as a result. CLOSED SESSION - Any matter permitted to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 Mayor Giordano recused himself from Closed Session and left the meeting at 8:05 pm. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-203 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: 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 X Ritchie X Smith X Wingate X Mayor Giordano The Council convened into Closed Session at 8:06 pm. At 9:44 pm the Council came back on the record of the Regular Meeting. Present on roll call: Mr. Brennecke, Ms. Cericola-Drake, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ritchie, Ms. Smith and Ms. Wingate. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 7 JUNE 23, 2026 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council at its Regular Meeting on MOTION by Ms. Smith, seconded by Ms. Cericola-Drake and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm. Adopted: July 14, 2026 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK