Council Reorganization Meeting

1 MINUTES FOR THE REORGANIZATION MEETING OF THE MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK HELD ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024 AT 12:00 PM Clerk Halewicz called the meeting to order at 12:25 pm and welcomed everyone to the Reorganization Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Waldwick. 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. Clerk Halewciz read the November 7, 2023 General Election results as certified by the Bergen County Clerk on November 22, 2023: Thomas A. Giordano 1,579 (Challenged) Andrew M. Brennecke 1,452 (Challenged) Joseph V. Martinello, Jr. 1,425 (Challenged) Also, the Council held a Special Meeting on November 19, 2023 to temporarily fill the Council vacancy until the next General Election, November 5, 2024 and appointed Mark Ramundo at that meeting. At this time, we will have the oath of office for Thomas A. Giordano as Mayor by The Honorable Judge Helene Herbert. Once sworn in, the Mayor will take his seat at the Council table and run the remainder of this meeting. Mayor Giordano explained that next order of business is for Council-Elect Andrew M. Brennecke and family come up and Sean M. Brennecke, Esq., will administer the Oath of Office. Mayor Giordano explained that next order of business is for Council-Elect Joseph V. Martinello, Jr., and family come up and The Honorable Judge Helene Herbert will administer the Oath of Office. Mayor Giordano explained that next order of business is for Council-Elect Mark Ramundo, and family come up and The Honorable Judge Helene Herbert will administer the Oath of Office. Mayor Giordano asked everyone to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence Honoring Veterans. Additionally, he acknowledged the passing of former Mayor and Council Member Buddy Litchult. Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to call the roll. Present on roll call: Mayor Giordano, Mr. Brennecke, Ms. Cericola, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ramundo, Mr. Ritchie 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 Marion Giordano, Regular Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026 Donna Guy, Regular Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026 Keri Tone, Regular Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026 Anthony Paradiso, Alternate No. 1 Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025  2 b) Library Board of Trustees Jo Ann Mitchell, Regular Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2028 Anita Bozzo, Regular Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2028 Michele Weber, Council Liaison - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 Heather Del Piano, Superintendent’s Liaison - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 c) Board of Adjustment Ken Gurian, Regular Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2027 Marty Nieman, Regular Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2027 Stan Wekarski, Regular Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2027 Phil Centineo, Jr., Alternate No. 2 Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025 d) Environmental Advisory Committee Joseph Oravetz, Executive Director - unexpired term January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025 Dr. Raina Parvanov-Dawson - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026 Thomas McCormick – unexpired term January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024 e) Waldwick Access For All Daniel Spreen - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026 Karen Macleod - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026 Regina Flanagan - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026 Detective T.J. Palaia - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026 f) Office of Emergency Management Detective Sgt. David Passaretti - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 Anthony Paras - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 Loucas Nestoros - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X X Cericola X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X Weber X X Mayor Giordano  3 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS - Not subject to Council confirmation Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read the Mayor’s Appointments: a) Planning Board Mayor Tom Giordano, Class I Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2027 Russell Anderson, Class IV Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31 2027 Paul Schatz, Class IV Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 Stan Kowalski, Class IV Member - January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2027 Joseph Mysliwiec, Class II Member - January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 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. Ritchie (Chair), Mrs. Weber, Mr. Martinello b) Fire & Police Protection Committee: Mr. Brennecke (Chair), Mr. Ramundo, Mr. Martinello c) Public Safety Committee (Ambulance Corps): Ms. Cericola (Chair), Mrs. Weber, Mr. Brennecke d) Recreation & Health Committee: Mr. Martinello (Chair), Mr. Ritchie, Ms. Cericola e) Public Works Committee: Mr. Ramundo (Chair), Mr. Brennecke, Ms. Cericola f) Buildings & Grounds Committee: Mrs. Weber (Chair), Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ramundo MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read the Mayor’s Appointment of Liaison Representatives: a) Board of Education - Councilman Joseph Martinello b) Emergency “911” Coordinator/OEM Team - Councilman Andy Brennecke c) Chamber of Commerce - Mayor Tom Giordano d) NWBCUA - Councilwoman Katie Cericola e) Environmental Advisory Committee & Green Team - Councilman Mark Ramundo & Beautification Committee Liaison Councilwoman Michele Weber f) Waldwick Access For All Advisory Committee - Councilwoman Katie Cericola CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2024-01 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 with the removal of 2024- 30: 2024-01 Approval of Consent Agenda 2024-02 Establish Cash Management Plan 2024-03 Designation of Depositories for the Borough  4 2024-04 Designation of Depository - Dog Account 2024-05 Designation of Depository - Court Accounts 2024-06 Fixing Interest Rate on Delinquent Taxes 2024-07 Fixing Interest Rate on Delinquent Water Rents 2024-08 Fixing Interest Rate on Delinquent Sewer Charges 2024-09 Year End Penalty of 6% on All Outstanding Balances 2024-10 Authorize the Cancellation of Tax Overpayments or Delinquent Amounts Less than $10.00 2024-11 Authorize CFO to Clear All Inter-funds 2024-12 Authorize the Colleen Ennis, CFO to Maintain a Petty Cash Fund in the Amount of $400.00 2024-13 Designation of Meeting Dates, Times & Locations for 2024 2024-14 Adoption of Regular Meeting Agenda Format 2024-15 Designating Official Newspaper 2024-16 Authorize Hiring of Emergency Temporary Help 2024-17 Appointment of Appointing Authority - Steve Neale 2024-18 Appointment of Tax Searcher - Colleen Ennis 2024-19 Appointment of Assessment Searcher - Kelley Halewicz 2024-20 Appointment of Subdivision Searcher - Boswell Engineering 2024-21 Appointment - Class III Member, Planning Board - Mark Ramundo 2024-22 Appointment of Prosecutor - Joseph DeMarco 2024-23 Designation of Municipal Agent for Initiation, Settlement and Defense of Tax Appeals - Angela Mattiace 2024-24 Appointment of Public Agency Compliance Officer - Steve Neale 2024-25 Appointment of Municipal Recycling Coordinator - Steve Neale 2024-26 Appointment of Qualified Purchasing Agent - Matthew Guilder 2024-27 Appointment of Municipal Housing Liaison - Steve Neale 2024-28 Appointment of Designated Employee Representatives 2024-29 Appointment of 2024 C.E.R.T. Members 2024-31 Appointing the JIF Commissioner & Alternate JIF Commissioner to the Bergen County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund 2024 2024-32 Approval of Take-Home Vehicles for 2024 2024-33 Adopt Interlocal Agreement for a Mutual Aid Plan and Rapid Deployment Force 2024-34 Execute 2024 Well Child Care Services Interlocal Agreement with Allendale, Franklin Lakes, Ho- Ho-Kus, Mahwah, Midland Park, Oakland, Ramsey, Upper Saddle River, and Wyckoff 2024-35 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 2024-36 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” 2024-37 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 2024-38 Adoption of Cyber Incident Response Plan 2024-39 Award Non-Fair & Open Professional Services Contract for Borough Attorney - Craig Bossong of Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt, Cappelli, Tipton & Taylor LLC 2024-40 Award Non-Fair & Open Professional Services Contract for Borough Labor Attorney - Mark Ruderman of Ruderman & Roth, P.C.  5 2024-41 Award Non-Fair & Open Professional Services Contract Borough Engineer - Stephen T. Boswell of Boswell Engineering 2024-42 Award Non-Fair & Open Professional Services Contract Borough Auditor - Gary Vinci of Lerch, Vinci & Higgins LLP 2024-43 Award Professional Services Contract Bond Counsel - Steven Rogut 2024-44 Award Professional Services Contract for Public Defender - James D. Addis 2024-45 Award Professional Services Contract Borough Planner - Paul Phillips of Phillips, Preiss, Shapiro Associates, Inc. 2024-46 Appointment of Municipal Court Judge - The Honorable Helene Herbert 2024-47 Execute Agreement with BCUA to Act as the Borough’s Certified Recycling Professional and Submit Annual Recycling Tonnage Report to NJDEP 2024-48 Authorize Service Contract with West Bergen Mental Healthcare of Employee Assistance Program and Municipal Allocation 2024-49 Authorize Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch 911 Handoff Service Fee 2024-50 Award Contract for Animal Control Services to Tyco Animal Control 2024-51 Authorize Shared Services Agreement with Bergen County for Limited Tree Removal Services for 2024-2028 2024-52 Award Non- Fair & Open Professional Service Contract for Affordable Housing Administrative Agent to TKLD Consulting LLC 2024-53 Authorize Contract with Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission for Local Public Health Services, 2024-2025 Discussion. Clerk Halewicz requested that Resolution 2024-30 Adoption of 2024 Council Manual as she was unable to complete this in time for this meeting. The Council will consider at the January 23, 2024 Regular Meeting. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X Cericola X Martinello X Ramundo X X Ritchie X X Weber X Mayor Giordano  6 APPROVAL OF THE 2023 TEMPORARY BUDGET Mayor Giordano asked the Clerk to read the 2023 Temporary Budget RESOLUTION NO. 2024-54 Approval of the 2024 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, 2024; and, WHEREAS, the total appropriations in the 2023 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 $14,645,930; and, WHEREAS, 26.25% of the total appropriations of the 2023 budget exclusive of any improvements made for Debt Service, Capital Improvement Fund and for Public Assistance is the sum of $3,844,557; 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 2023 budget is the sum of $1,573,726; and, WHEREAS, 26.25% of the total appropriations of the 2023 Water Utility Budget exclusive of any appropriation for the Debt Service and Capital Improvement Fund is the sum of $413,103; and, WHEREAS, the 2024 Temporary Budget has been distributed to the Governing body, and is satisfactory to the Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following 2024 Temporary Budget is hereby authorized and adopted and that a certified copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Chief Financial Officer for the Borough’s records. Council Member Motion Second Ayes Nays Abstain Absent Brennecke X X Cericola X Martinello X Ramundo X Ritchie X X Weber X Mayor Giordano  7 2024 Temporary Budget 2023 Current Fund General Appropriations Budget - Sheet 29 $16,230,681 (-) Bond Principal Budget - Sheet 27 -$1,145,000 (-) Payment of BANS Budget - Sheet 27 $0 (-) Interest on Bonds Budget - Sheet 27 -$108,260 (-) Interest on Notes Budget - Sheet 27 -$109,650 (-) Infrastructure - P&I Budget - Sheet 27 -$11,741 (-) Capital Improvement Fund Budget - Sheet 26 -$210,000 (-) Public Assistance Budget - Sheet 15b -$100 $14,645,930 26.25% 2024 Temporary Budget-Current $3,844,557 2023 Water Utility Utility Appropriations Budget - Sheet 33 $1,874,433 (-) Bond Principal Budget - Sheet 32 -$160,000 (-) Payment of BANS Budget - Sheet 32 $0 (-) Interest on Bonds Budget - Sheet 32 -$16,615 (-) Interest on Notes Budget - Sheet 32 -$39,980 (-) Infrastructure - P&I Budget - Sheet 32 -$74,112 (-) Capital Improvement Fund Budget - Sheet 32 -$10,000 $1,573,726 26.25% 2024 Temporary Budget-Water $413,103  8 MAYOR’S MESSAGE Good afternoon, Judge Herbert, Sean Brennecke Esquire, Former Councilmembers, Sue O’Dwyer, Chuck Farricker, Joe Oravetz, Paul Schatz, Police Chief Mark Messner, Planning Board Attorney Cliff Singer, Borough Attorney Craig Bossong, my wife Marion, daughter Ali, the Brennecke Family, the Martinello family, the Ramundo family and all our residents here today, welcome to the Borough of Waldwick’s 2024 Re-organization meeting. I would first like to thank the residents of Waldwick who have given me the opportunity to sit here for another four-year term as your mayor. I will do my hardest to deliver significant and meaningful accomplishments while being a mayor that all residents will be proud of. When I first took office as Mayor, I created a Mission Statement that I to this day have followed. This statement is hanging on the wall in my office downstairs to remind me that the residents of Waldwick are the sole reason I am Mayor. I am and will always be committed to working hard for all residents. My goal as Mayor is always to provide a fiscal, responsible, and effective Local Government, so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of living in the place we all call home Waldwick. I have and will continue to follow these words as your mayor. To Councilman Don Sciolaro, we were saddening to accept your resignation as a Councilman. You have served the Borough of Waldwick since 2005 when we both were sworn in as Councilmen. You were a great asset to our borough as well as an advisor to me. We are truly going to miss your knowledge and wisdom. To Councilwoman Theresa Sherman thank you for your three years of service on the town Council and Councilman Paul Schatz for your six years on the town council. Don, Paul and Terry, thank you for your hard work, tireless efforts and genuine love for Waldwick. You have served the Borough of Waldwick and our residents with dedication, your efforts on the Council, and all that you do for our community and residents, did not go unnoticed. Thank you for your support while on the council as well as your friendship. To our newly elected Councilmen Andy Brennecke Joe Martinello and Mark Ramundo congratulations on your election and welcome to this Council, whose sole focus is to serve the residents of Waldwick and to strive to make this community a wonderful place to live and raise a family. To Councilmembers Katie Cericola, Mike Ritchie and Michel Weber, all of you as well as Andy, Joe and Mark will continue to devote countless hours and much energy to Borough Business. The Borough is very fortunate that this 2024 council is willing to be public servants always working for our residents as we continue to pass ordinances and budgets that make your quality of life here in Waldwick a little easier. Our success on the council is mostly due to the support and love we receive from our spouses, my wife Marion, Andrew Drake, soon to be husband of Katie, Jen Ritchie, Steve Weber, Carol Brennecke, Joanne Martinello and Kellie Ramundo, thank you for always being there for us and being so supportive and proud of all that we do for our community. Marion, thank you for always being there for me and for coming with me to many of the town events I attend. Many residents tell you this, and it is true, you are the First Lady of Waldwick.  9 To make local government work better for our residents we need committed and dedicated men and women who work hard for us daily. I would like to thank our New Administrator Steven Neale, Borough Clerk Kelley Halewicz, CFO Colleen Ennis, Assistant Borough Clerk Tatiana Marquis, Grant Administrator Mattew Gilder, Waldwick Police Dept., Fire Dept., Ambulance Corps, DPW, CERTS and all our borough employees, you are the backbone of our community and without your dedication, professionalism and love for your jobs we would not be able to function as a Borough. I would like to thank our appointed professionals and consultants for your diligence in providing guidance throughout the year. To all our residents who volunteer and put in many hours on different town committees, clubs and other organizations in Waldwick. Thank you for Volunteering your time and energy, Volunteers are the fabric of small-town life and the backbone of our community. Without you, we could not accomplish all that we have and be the borough that we are, To the members of the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Waldwick Library, Environmental Committee, Green Team, Beautification Committee, Access for All, Waldwick Board of Health thank you for the hard work that you do for Waldwick and our residents. I would like to thank our businesses and welcome the new businesses that have made Waldwick their home this past year. Please support all our Waldwick businesses by shopping locally – your patronage is so important to their success! As we look to 2024, some potential projects include: CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS: • Install PFAS treatment facilities at the wells supporting the Waldwick water system. • Will use grant funding from the Bergen County Open Space funding to improve Lions Park Playground and make the playground fully accessible. Also looking to utilize County and State funding for the development of an Open Space and Recreation plan to help guide future open space development. • Complete the Revaluation of all property in Waldwick. • Continue Borough Park concerts and possibly add other events in partnership with other community organizations. • We will continue our open dialogue and working together relationships with the Board of Ed, Chamber of Commerce, businesses clubs and organizations, with an added focus on economic development and downtown revitalization in our downtown area and around our train station. • We will have the traditional Ragamuffin Parade and Trunk a Treat in conjunction with the Waldwick Community Alliance • 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 contest, Menorah Lighting Ceremony. • 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. • Continue our Road program, continue to upgrade our buildings, parks, and pool.  10 • Strong focus on making sure all our facilities are up to standard and making the necessary improvements to important infrastructure like our roads to address stormwater management, flooding, and drainage issues. • Exploring the possibility of adding newer amenities at the Pool for children of all ages and hosting a few special events throughout the year like a movie night or summer concert • 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. • We would like to see Waldwick become certified in the Sustainable Jersey Program and pursue various grant opportunities in the areas of energy efficiency and resiliency planning. • 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. Continue the work of the Beautification Committee and expand its volunteer base to cover more areas and pursue new initiatives, with a focus in the downtown area along Prospect. • We will be sitting down to work on our Operating and Capital Budget. • Our capital budget will focus on critical infrastructure improvements and facility upgrades. • We will explore more grant opportunities to leverage additional State and Federal funds to limit increases to the budget. • We will look to increase services while maintaining a controlled budget by utilizing different technologies and processes to create better efficiencies. The seven of us who are sitting in front of you are committed to working hard together as one governing body for all our residents. We will accomplish amazing things with the reward being that we will have an inclusive, prosperous community to live, work, and raise our families in. This Council does not look backwards for a very long time. We keep on moving forward, opening new doors with new ideas. We are curious and curiosity will lead us down new paths that will lead to success. Today is a day of promises and setting goals. It is a day in which we rededicate ourselves to a shared vision for our community’s future. Henry Ford once said Coming together is the Beginning Keeping together is Progress. Working together is Success Let us together look at our past and learn from it, together let us look at the present and be proud of it and together look at the future with hope and pride that all of us will work hard to create a community that will be strong, successful for all of us, our children and their children. I have a positive outlook for 2024, and I look forward to working with Mike, Katie, Michele, Andy, Joe and Mark, our Administrative Staff, volunteers, and our residents to continue to keep Waldwick a community that is always looking to the future that will be stronger then yesterday and more powerful for all our tomorrows.  11 Let us never let the light of Waldwick burn out but rather let the light of Waldwick light the way to our future. May God continue to bless our country, our residents and the place we call home Waldwick. Happy New Year. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mr. Brennecke is thankful for the being back on the Council. There are challenges that we have to face and we are a changing borough. When he first moved here, no one knew what a condo was and now we have to. We are going to face the challenges and move forward to fix those problems the best we can to serve the majority of residents of the Borough. We understand that we are not going to please everyone all the time but we are going to do the best we can all the time. Mr. Brennecke is proud and honored to be back on this dais and pledges to work diligently to bring Waldwick positively forward for the future. Mr. Martinello thanked his wife and boys for coming today and supporting me in this process, as it is very important to him. When he moved here 15 years ago, he didn’t know many people. He began volunteering right away. Volunteerism is the core of what Waldwick is about. He’s coached baseball, wrestling, football and even soccer for a couple of years. He knows every kid in town from the age of 20 to 6 and probably coached most of them. That spirt of volunteerism was instilled with him from his father who was his coach and getting involved in the community was something his brothers also did. The Mayor approached him to run last year. He thought he would take a bit of a break between coaching and town politics but the opportunity presented itself. Something he wanted to do. If you ask him to do something for this town, family or friends, he always says yes. Looks forward to bringing that energy and commitment to the Council on a larger scale. Look forward to working the mayor and council to address the issues we have in town and to build on the finance and stability and conservative values we have in Waldwick. He looks forward to serving for the next three years. Mr. Ritchie congratulated the three Council Members. Mr. Ramundo thanked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to serve. I have had an opportunity to volunteer for Boy Scouts, Environmental Advisory Committee and Volunteer Fire Department. My father always told me it’s important to give back. Waldwick has given a lot to me and my family over the years. He thanked his wife for giving him the time to do this as it takes a lot of time from the family. Hopefully I can fill Don’s shoes and make sure I do what the town needs. 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. Adele Badalamenti wanted to acknowledge the contributions of former Council Member Don Sciolaro. Thank you for your dedication, knowledge and professionalism as Councilman. To Mark, bring your own shoes they will do us well. Condolences to the family of Buddy Litchult.  12 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at its Reorganization Meeting, on MOTION by Mr. Ritchie, seconded by Mr. Martinello and on roll call the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 1:10 pm. Adopted: January 23, 2024 ______________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK