Council Reorganization Meeting

1 MINUTES FOR THE REORGANIZATION MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2023 AT 7:30 PM Mayor Giordano called the meeting to order at 7:45 pm. This meeting is being held in conformance with the Sunshine law. Notice of time, date and place has been furnished to The Bergen Record and The Ridgewood News. Notice has also been posted on the bulletin board of the Administration Building. Mayor Giordano asked everyone to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence honoring our Veterans and the prayer. Clerk Halewicz read the November 8, 2022 General Election results as certified by the Bergen County Clerk on November 21, 2022: Donald E. Sciolaro 2,155 (Challenged) Michele S. Weber 2,095 (Challenged) At this time, we will have the swearing in of the newly elected Council Members. Once sworn in, please take a seat at the Council table. Council-Elect Michele S. Weber and family come up and The Honorable Judge Helene Herbert will administer the Oath of Office. Council-Elect Donald E. Sciolaro, and family come up and The Honorable Judge Helene Herbert will administer the Oath of Office. Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to call the roll. Present on roll call: Mayor Giordano, Ms. Cericola, Mr. Ritchie, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Sciolaro, Mrs. Sherman and Mrs. Weber. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS – Subject to Council confirmation Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read the Mayor’s Appointments subject to Council Confirmation: a) Board of Health Members Kathy Hillringhouse, Regular Member - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Donna Palladino, Regular Member - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Greg Hazley, Regular Member - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Allison Larro, Alternate No. 2 Member - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X Ritchie X Schatz X X Sciolaro X X Sherman X Weber X Mayor Giordano  2 b) Library Board of Trustees Don Sciolaro, Council Liaison - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023 Heather Del Piano, Superintendent’s Liaison - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X Ritchie X X Schatz X Sciolaro X Sherman X Weber X X Mayor Giordano c) Board of Adjustment Jesus Mones, Regular Member, January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2026 Nadia Luppino, Regular Member - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Richard Cericola, Alternate No. 1 Member - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024 Phil Centineo, Jr., Alternate No. 2 Member – January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X Ritchie X Schatz X X Sciolaro X X Sherman X Weber X Mayor Giordano c) Environmental Advisory Committee Mark Ramundo, Executive Director - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Mohammad Quamrul Ahsan, Ph.D. - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Dan Montella, Regular Member - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X Ritchie X Schatz X X Sciolaro X X Sherman X Weber X Mayor Giordano  3 d) Waldwick Access For All Cristina Colacci - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Jim Laughlin - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Angela Smith - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X Ritchie X X Schatz X Sciolaro X X Sherman X Weber X Mayor Giordano e) Office of Emergency Management Detective Sgt. David Passaretti - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023 Anthony Paras - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023 Loucas Nestoros - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X Ritchie X X Schatz X Sciolaro X Sherman X Weber X X Mayor Giordano MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS - Not subject to Council confirmation Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read the Mayor’s Appointments: a) Planning Board Paul Posillico, Class IV Member -January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2026 Joseph Oravetz, Class IV Member - January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2026 Joseph Mysliwiec, Class II Member - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023 Stan Kowalski, Alternate #1 Member - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024 ELECTION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT Mayor Giordano reported that the outgoing Council President was Mrs. Sherman. Mrs. Sherman thanked the Mayor and Council Members for the honor of servicing as Council President this past year. Mrs. Sherman is tasked with nominating her successor. This Council person is very dedicated to the Council and very active on all assigned subcommittees. It is with great pleasure to  4 nominate my running mate PAUL SCHATZ to serve as Council President for 2023. Mr. Sciolaro seconded and on roll call the nomination and appointment carried. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES - not subject to Council confirmation Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read the Mayor’s Appointments of Standing Committees: a) Financial & Administrative Committee: Mr. Sciolaro (Chair), Mr. Schatz, Mr. Ritchie b) Fire & Police Protection Committee: Ms. Cericola (Chair), Mr. Ritchie, Mr. Sciolaro c) Public Safety Committee (Ambulance Corps): Mrs. Sherman (Chair), Mrs. Weber, Mr. Schatz d) Recreation & Health Committee: Mrs. Weber (Chair), Ms. Cericola, Mr. Schatz e) Public Works Committee: Mr. Ritchie (Chair), Mrs. Sherman, Ms. Cericola f) Buildings & Grounds Committee: Mr. Schatz (Chair), Mr. Sciolaro, Mrs. Sherman MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read the Mayor’s Appointment of Liaison Representatives: a) Board of Education - Michael Ritchie b) Cable Television - Joe Perrone c) Emergency “911” Coordinator/OEM Team - Kathleen Cericola d) Chamber of Commerce - Mayor Tom Giordano e) NWBCUA - Michele Weber f) Environmental Advisory Committee & Green Team - Paul Schatz g) Waldwick Access For All Advisory Committee - Theresa Sherman CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2023-01 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: 2023-01 Approval of Consent Agenda 2023-02 Establish Cash Management Plan 2023-03 Designation of Depositories for the Borough 2023-04 Designation of Depository - Dog Account 2023-05 Designation of Depository - Court Accounts 2023-06 Fixing Interest Rate on Delinquent Taxes 2023-07 Fixing Interest Rate on Delinquent Water Rents 2023-08 Fixing Interest Rate on Delinquent Sewer Charges 2023-09 Year End Penalty of 6% on All Outstanding Balances 2023-10 Authorize the Cancellation of Tax Overpayments or Delinquent Amounts Less than $10.00 2023-11 Authorize CFO to Clear All Inter-funds 2023-12 Designation of Meeting Dates, Times & Locations for 2023 2023-13 Adoption of Regular Meeting Agenda Format  5 2023-14 Designating Official Newspaper 2023-15 Authorize Hiring of Emergency Temporary Help 2023-16 Appointment of Appointing Authority - Patrick Wherry 2023-17 Appointment of Tax Searcher - Colleen Ennis 2023-18 Appointment of Assessment Searcher - Kelley Halewicz 2023-19 Appointment of Subdivision Searcher - Boswell Engineering 2023-20 Appointment - Class III Member, Planning Board - Paul Schatz 2023-21 Appointment of Prosecutor - Joseph DeMarco 2023-22 Designation of Municipal Agent for Initiation, Settlement and Defense of Tax Appeals - Angela Mattiace 2023-23 Appointment of Public Agency Compliance Officer - Patrick Wherry 2023-24 Appointment of Municipal Recycling Coordinator - Patrick Wherry 2023-25 Appointment of Qualified Purchasing Agent - Patrick Wherry 2023-26 Appointment of Municipal Housing Liaison - Patrick Wherry 2023-27 Appointment of Designated Employee Representatives 2023-28 Appointment of 2023 C.E.R.T. Members 2023-29 Adoption of 2023 Council Manual 2023-30 Appointing the JIF Commissioner & Alternate JIF Commissioner to the Bergen County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund 2023 2023-31 Approval of Take-Home Vehicles for 2023 2023-32 Adopt Interlocal Agreement for a Mutual Aid Plan and Rapid Deployment Force 2023-33 Execute 2023 Well Child Care Services Interlocal Agreement with Allendale, Franklin Lakes, Ho-Ho-Kus, Mahwah, Midland Park, Oakland, Ramsey, Upper Saddle River, and Wyckoff 2023-34 Adoption of Form Required to be Used for the Filing of Notices of Tort Claims Against the Borough of Waldwick in Accordance with the Provisions of the New Jersey Tort Claims Act, N.J.S.A. 59:8-6 2023-35 Governing Body Certification of Compliance with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s “Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964” 2023-36 Resolution to Affirm the Borough of Waldwick’s Civil Rights Policy with Respect to All Officials, Appointees, Employees, Prospective Employees, Volunteers, Independent Contractors, and Members of the Public that Come into Contact with Municipal Employees, Officials and Volunteers 2023-37 Adoption of Cyber Incident Response Plan 2023-38 Award Non-Fair & Open Professional Services Contract for Borough Attorney - Craig Bossong of Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt, Cappelli, Tipton & Taylor LLC 2023-39 Award Non-Fair & Open Professional Services Contract for Borough Labor Attorney - Mark Ruderman of Ruderman & Roth, P.C. 2023-40 Award Non-Fair & Open Professional Services Contract Borough Engineer - Stephen T. Boswell of Boswell Engineering 2023-41 Award Non-Fair & Open Professional Services Contract Borough Auditor - Gary Vinci of Lerch, Vinci & Higgins LLP 2023-42 Award Professional Services Contract Bond Counsel - Steven Rogut 2023-43 Award Professional Services Contract for Public Defender - James D. Addis 2023-44 Award Professional Services Contract Borough Planner - Paul Phillips of Phillips, Preiss, Shapiro Associates, Inc.  6 2023-45 Execute Agreement with BCUA to Act as the Borough’s Certified Recycling Professional and Submit Annual Recycling Tonnage Report to NJDEP 2023-46 Authorize Shared Services Agreement with Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority (NBCUA) for TV Inspection Services 2023-47 Authorize Service Contract with West Bergen Mental Healthcare of Employee Assistance Program and Municipal Allocation 2023-48 Authorize Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch 911 Handoff Service Fee 2023-49 Award Contract for Animal Control Services to Tyco Animal Control Discussion. Mr. Sciolaro explained that there are many aspects to a new calendar year with finance and setting accounts and interest rates but also making appointments for the professional staff that serve in additional capacities throughout the year as well as our professionals who help support our programs and services, which are done annually. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X Ritchie X Schatz X X Sciolaro X X Sherman X Weber X Mayor Giordano APPROVAL OF THE 2023 TEMPORARY BUDGET RESOLUTION NO. 2023-50 Approval of the 2023 Temporary Budget WHEREAS, Section 40a: 4-19 of Revised Statutes of the Local Budget Law provides that where any contracts, commitments or payments are to be made prior to the adoption of the current year budget, temporary appropriations be made for the purpose and amounts required in the manner and time therein provided; and, WHEREAS, the date of this resolution is within (30) days of January 1, 2023; and, WHEREAS, the total appropriations in the 2022 Current Fund budget exclusive of any appropriations made for interest and principal of debt, Capital Improvement Fund and for Public Assistance in said budget is the sum $13,498,193; and, WHEREAS, 26.25% of the total appropriations of the 2022 budget exclusive of any improvements made for Debt Service, Capital Improvement Fund and for Public Assistance is the sum of $3,543,275; and, WHEREAS, the total appropriations in the Water Utility Budget exclusive of any appropriations made for interest and principal of debt and Capital Improvement Fund in the 2022 budget is the sum of $ 1,541,647; and,  7 WHEREAS, 26.25% of the total appropriations of the 2022 Water Utility Budget exclusive of any appropriation for the Debt Service and Capital Improvement Fund is the sum of $404,682; and, WHEREAS, the 2023 Temporary Budget has been distributed to the Governing body, posted on the bulletin board, and made a part hereof and is satisfactory to the Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that said 2023 Temporary Budget be and the same is hereby adopted. Discussion. Mr. Sciolaro explained that when we adopted the budget in 2022, it ended December 31, 2022. In order to meet our obligations in 2023, we approve a temporary budget and based on state formula and it includes are all our needs until we can adopt the 2023 budget. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Cericola X Ritchie X X Schatz X Sciolaro X X Sherman X Weber X Mayor Giordano  8 2023 Temporary Budget 2022 Current Fund General Appropriations Budget - Sheet 29 15,168,170 (-) Bond Principal Budget - Sheet 27 -1,170,000 (-) Payment of BANS Budget - Sheet 27 0 (-) Interest on Bonds Budget - Sheet 27 -117,035 (-) Interest on Notes Budget - Sheet 27 0 (-) Infrastructure - P&I Budget - Sheet 27 -11,742 (-) Capital Improvement Fund Budget - Sheet 26 -371,100 (-) Public Assistance Budget - Sheet 15b -100 13,498,193 26.25% 2023 Temporary Budget-Current 3,543,276 2022 Water Utility Utility Appropriations Budget - Sheet 33 1,805,073 (-) Bond Principal Budget - Sheet 32(b) -160,000 (-) Payment of BANS Budget - Sheet 32(b) -0 (-) Interest on Bonds Budget - Sheet 32(b) -17,865 (-) Interest on Notes Budget - Sheet 32(b) -0 (-) Infrastructure - P&I Budget - Sheet 32(b) -75,561 (-) Capital Improvement Fund Budget - Sheet 32(b) -10,000 1,541,647 26.25% 2023 Temporary Budget-Water 404,682  9 MAYOR’S MESSAGE Good evening: All our friends and neighbors, welcome to the Borough of Waldwick 2023 Reorganization Meeting. Before I deliver my 2023 message, I would like to ask everyone to bow your heads for a moment of silence for all our residents who have passed away in 2022. “Those we love don’t go away. They walk besides us every day, Unseen, Unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and forever dear. May they rest in peace.” I would like to start by thanking Councilman Greg Bjork for his service on the town council. Thank you for your hard work, your tireless efforts and your genuine love for Waldwick. I would like to congratulate Councilman Don Sciolaro on his reelection to another term as Councilman. Don’s dedication to his position and to the Borough of Waldwick is second to none. I am very appreciative to Don for his valuable commitment to the welfare of our residents and for the knowledge and information he brings to the council. I would also like to congratulate our newly sworn in Council member, Councilwoman Michele Weber. I know Michele will bring a wealth of information and new ideas to the Council and she will do everything in her power to represent our residents with honesty, hard work and dedication. To Councilmembers Paul Schatz, Terry Sherman, Katie Cericola and Mike Ritchie, thank you for your hard work and unselfish dedication this past year. The six of you devote countless hours and much energy to borough business. You are always willing to work hard for all residents as we continue to pass ordinances and budgets that make the quality of life in Waldwick a little easier. To our Borough Administrator Patrick Wherry, CFO Colleen Ennis, Borough Clerk Kelly Halewicz, Deputy Borough Clerk Tatiana Marcius, Grant Administrator Matt Guilder, our Police Department, DPW and all our Borough Employees you all are the backbone of our community and without your hard work that you do every day we would not be able to function as a Borough as we do, being the BEST. I say it often, this borough is well protected by our Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Corps and Certs program who continue to serve and protect all of us here in Waldwick. You never know what you will encounter on each call, but you proceed with the same level of commitment and service. Everyday. Thank you for your dedication, thank you for volunteering and thank you for protecting Waldwick and our residents. I would like to thank our appointed professionals and consultants for your diligence in providing guidance throughout the year. To all our civil minded neighbors who sit on various boards and committees, thank you for your dedication and determination in making a difference in Waldwick. I appreciate all of your goals which is the betterment of Waldwick. I would like to congratulate the Waldwick High School Football Team having a great season and winning the title League Champs, the Waldwick High School Boys and Girls Soccer Teams for winning the title  10 Sectional Champs and Co-League Champs and to all Waldwick students who won this past year awards, and citations, Great job we are proud of all of you. Warrior Nation lives on and is stronger than ever. I would like to thank our businesses and welcome the new businesses that have made Waldwick their home. Please support all our businesses by shopping Locally, your patronage is so important to their success. This past year we had many accomplishments and great things happening in Waldwick. Much was accomplished, some highlights include. 1. Completed Ted Bell Park project 2. Supported the Waldwick School District building upgrades by waving almost $400,000 in fees 3. Moved all polling places out of school facilities to address school security concerns 4. Insulated the Police Department portion of the public safety building to improve energy efficiency 5. Completed construction to increase parking spaces by 50 spots at the library, Public Safety Complex, and Administration Building 6. Began a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment study around train station to evaluate if there is an opportunity to improve the use of properties in the area. 7. Began the Waldwick Volunteer Goose Patrol, where volunteers and their dogs chase geese from Borough parks. 8. Began a traffic study north of East Prospect, between Franklin Turnpike and Rt 17 9. Completed improvements on Frederick Street and Walter Nightingale Place, including new sidewalks on Frederick Street, drainage improvements, and roadway repaving. 10. Named Everson Drive, a newly formed street in a subdivision off of Monroe Street. Mr. Everson is a Civil War veteran who died during war time. We also amended our Borough Code to reflect that when considering names for any new roadways, preference will be given to Veterans who lost their life during wartime. 11. Paved East Prospect Street 12. Moved Christmas Tree Lighting to Borough Park and purchased a new Menorah 13. Added holiday lighting to Borough buildings 14. Waldwick Police Department held their first annual Waldwick Warrior Night at the Superdome, which included food, music, games, laser tag, an inflatable obstacle course, and more. The Police department held the Second Annual Police Academy. 15. Police Department began using body worn cameras 16. Received $75,000 from The State of New Jersey and $50,000 from PSEG for the installation of two Level 3 (DCFC) electric vehicle chargers in the Administration Building parking lot. 17. Received $28,000 from the New Jersey Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the purchase of turnout gear ensembles. 18. Held the Mayors 2nd Annual House Decorating Contest.  11 As we look to 2023, some of the potential projects include: 1. Install PFAS treatment facilities at the wells supporting the Waldwick water system 2. Will use grant funding from the Bergen County Open Space Municipal Park Improvement program to fund the permitting and construction of a pedestrian bridge and walking paths in Brook View Park. 3. Revaluation of all property in Waldwick 4. We are trying to have 8 concerts in Borough Park, Last year we had six concerts 5. We will continue our open dialogue and working together relationships with the Board of Ed, Chamber of Commerce, businesses clubs and organizations. 6. We will have the traditional Trunk a Treat in conjunction with the Waldwick Community Alliance 7. We will have our Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony once again in Borough Park making it bigger and better for all our residents, will continue the Christmas House decorating contes, Menorah Lighting Ceremony. 8. We will be working on new banners on poles in Waldwick where families can purchase a banner of their loved one who is deceased of still alive who served in the military. We will always remember our residents who served our country so that we can be free. 9. Continue our Road program, continue to upgrade our buildings, parks and pool. 10. Our Environmental Committee will continue to improve the quality of life for our residents. They started Styrofoam Collection Events and hold meetings regularly that are opened to the public where they come up with programs to better our Environment. They will continue to serve in an advisory capacity and shall provide information, advice and make recommendations to the Mayor and Council relating to environmental issues which impact or are perceived to have a potential impact on the Borough. 11. Our Beautification Committee will continue to meet to work on areas in our community where it needs to be cleaned up and flowers planted so that we continue to make Waldwick clean, filled with beauty and color. 12. We will be sitting down to work with on our Operating and Capital Budget. These are just some of the items we are working on with much more that will come up. There will be challenges in 2023 and as we always do, we will respond with diligence, determination, hard work, creativity and bold decisions. We will start tonight to work hard for our residents to accomplish amazing things in 2023. A New Year is like a new sunrise of hope of prosperity, of happiness. It is like a new beginning of thoughts of words of actions. It is like a new day of energy of strength of ideas. It is like a bunch of whole new things of prayer of friends of love. Let us mark today as a new start a new journey. Please join with myself, Don, Paul, Terry, Katie, Mike and Michele in our journey in continuing to make Waldwick a community built on hard work, family values, service to others, open minded, caring, transparent community. Helen Keller said, “alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Let us tonight start to work together as a family, a Waldwick family to make our home a most desirable place to work, raise a family and enjoy life.  12 As I have always said since I became Mayor, I believe that our best days lie ahead. I ask each of you, once again, to join with us in our journey to lead Waldwick forward into a future that we all can enjoy and be proud of what we all created. May 2023 bring Happiness to your door, may it knock early, stay late and leave the gift of Peace, love, joy and good health behind. God Bless all of you, our country, veterans and the place we all call home Waldwick. Happy New Year. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mrs. Sherman congratulated Councilman Bjork for his 11 years on the Council. She appreciated his asking the tough questions and allowing her to think about things differently. She appreciated his sharing his knowledge with her and teaching her about being a council member. Most of all she appreciated his sticked with his beliefs and his dedication to the town. Mrs. Sherman congratulated Michele Weber on her election and wished her good luck on Health & Recreation. Ms. Cericola congratulated Don and Michele and looks forward to working with them this year. Mr. Schatz thanked the Council for his appointment as Council President and will do his best. Mr. Schatz congratulated Michele and Don as well as the hard work and dedication of all the Council members to the town. Mr. Schatz thanked Patrick, Colleen, Kelley and Tatiana for their hard work. Mr. Schatz commented on Mr. Bjork’s 11 years of hard work and dedicated service to the town. He was never afraid to speak up, share his thoughts and allows us to think. Mr. Ritchie congratulated Michele and Don. Mr. Ritchie commented on his move to the other side of the dais and Happy New Year to everyone. Mrs. Weber thanked the Council Members and is honored to be with all of you; it is a little overwhelming but very exciting. Mr. Sciolaro commented on the appreciation for his family who give him the time to do this and make sacrifices so that he can be a Council member. Mr. Sciolaro thanked the residents for the confidence to serve. He and Michele were out there talking to residents and getting ideas from them as well. We like to talk about the future and our shared vision. Pleasure to serving with everyone over the years. Mayor Giordano commented on thanking his wife Marion for allowing him to serve. 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 and address for the record. No one came forward.  13 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at its Reorganization Meeting, on MOTION by Mr. Ritchie, seconded by Mrs. Weber and on roll call the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 pm. Adopted: January 24, 2023 ______________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK