Sine Die Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 1 RECESSED MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2025 MINUTES FOR THE RECESSED MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2025 MAYOR & COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WALDWICK TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026 AT 7:00 PM Mayor Giordano called the meeting to order and read the Statement of Compliance. Mayor Giordano asked for a roll call. Mayor Giordano, Mr. Brennecke, Ms. Cericola-Drake, Mr. Martinello, Mr. Ramundo, Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Weber. Also present: Tatiana Marquis, Borough Administrator; Kelley Halewicz, Municipal Clerk and Rob Devaney, Municipal Attorney. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2025-327 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: 2025-327 Approval of Consent 2025-328 Approval of Minutes - Regular and Closed Session Meetings, December 16, 2025 2025-329 Appointment of Police Sergeant Christopher Cron 2025-330 Appointment of Police Lieutenant Kyle Moore 2025-331 Appointment of Chief of Police Troy Seifert 2025-332 Authorize Execution of Settlement Agreement 2025-333 Approval of Budget Appropriation Transfers 2025-334 Approval of Vouchers Discussion. None 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 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 2 RECESSED MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2025 RECOGNITION OF JOSEPH ORAVETZ - 50 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE WALDWICK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Mayor Giordano commented that tonight, I am honored, on behalf of the Town Council, to recognize a very dedicated and loyal member of the Waldwick Fire Department who celebrated fifty years of service to our community in 2025 — Joe Oravetz. Joe Oravetz joined the Waldwick Fire Department through the Junior Fire Brigade in 1972 and became a full member of the Fire Department in 1975. From 1975 to 1990, Joe held the ranks of second and first lieutenant, second and first captain, second and first assistant chief, and in 1991, he became Chief of the Department. Joe is also the Deputy Municipal Fire Coordinator, a department trustee, a member of the Waldwick Fire Department Exempt Association, and a life member of the State Association. Joe did not stop at serving as a firefighter; he also gave back to his Borough in other ways. He was a two- term councilman, a two-term member of the Planning Board, Executive Director of the Environmental Committee, and in 2024, he joined the Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps as a driver. Joe always said what was on his mind. He did this because he has a love and care for what he believes in — a trait that defines any great individual. As I said before, when I honor any firefighter for fifty years of service, it is important to recognize what a firefighter’s heart truly is: a heart of compassion, a heart of giving, a heart that wants to save lives and produce meaningful acts on behalf of society. A firefighter’s heart finds courage when it is most needed. It makes ultimate sacrifices to do the right thing. It accepts the burdens of the entire community in its worst moments. A firefighter’s heart says, “I will take your burden on my shoulders. I will, in all humanity, be your hero.” It is willing to endure incredible physical demands to protect neighbors. A firefighter’s heart always beats for others and never stops caring for those in need. Joe is that type of firefighter — with a heart that cares, understands, protects, sacrifices, and loves. Joe, on behalf of the Town Council, a proud mayor, and most importantly, a friend, I would like to present you with this plaque and read it before you accept it: “Honoring 50 years of service, 1975–2025. Firefighter Joseph Oravetz, thank you for your dedicated service to the Waldwick Fire Department and to the Borough of Waldwick. Firefighters save more than homes; they save hearts, memories, and dreams. Never forget the difference you make every day. You are greatly appreciated by all of us in Waldwick.” Joe, thank you very much for your fifty years of service. CITIZEN OF THE YEAR The Citizen of the Year and family could not attend tonight’s meeting. They will be recognized at the next meeting on January 27. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 3 RECESSED MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2025 RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COUNCIL MEMBERS Tonight, we say goodbye to Councilwoman Michele Weber and Councilman Mark Ramundo, who have served on the Waldwick Council. I want to personally thank you, Michele and Mark, for your dedicated and tireless service to the Borough of Waldwick and its residents as chairpersons. You have done an outstanding job, and you have been a great asset to all of us — especially to me, more than you will ever know. You always listened attentively, spoke your mind, and questioned things as you should. Whenever I asked you to do something or represent me at an event, you never said no; you simply did what was asked. You truly dedicated yourselves to our residents and volunteered countless hours on the business of the borough — and you genuinely enjoyed doing it. I remember you came with me to many grand openings and events, and you were often more excited than the people hosting the events. Your agenda was Waldwick, and your goal was to make Waldwick the best it could be. You truly have great love for this community, and Waldwick is better for having you both as council members. It was once said that some people come into your life and leave footprints on your heart, and you are never ever the same. Thank you, Michele and Mark, for being part of all our lives. We are all better people, and our community is stronger, for knowing you and having you represent us. Please accept these plaques as a thank you from a very proud Mayor, Council, and community. I want to thank you very much for your time served and know that we are not getting rid of you — because you will still be in the audience! Michele Weber took turn at the podium. Good evening Mayor, Council colleagues, Borough Administrator, Department Heads, employees, and residents of Waldwick. Serving on the Waldwick Borough Council has been a true honor. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community. I want to begin by thanking my family. Public service asks a great deal of the people who stand behind you—the late nights, long meetings, and constant conversations that come with the responsibility. To my husband and children, thank you for your patience, support, and encouragement. I also want to thank my fellow Council Members, past and present. While we do not always agree, we share a commitment to doing what we believe is best for Waldwick. Respectful debate is essential for good government, and I am proud of the work we accomplished together. To our Borough employees and Department Heads, thank you for the work you do every day to keep Waldwick running. Much of this dedication happens behind the scenes, and it truly matters. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 4 RECESSED MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2025 To the residents of Waldwick, thank you for your trust, engagement, and willingness to speak up. Whether you supported me, challenged me, or simply stopped me in passing to share a concern, those conversations shaped my service and kept me grounded in who I serve. As my term comes to a close, I want to congratulate our incoming Councilwomen-elect. I wish you clarity, confidence, and success as you begin this important work. While I may be stepping away from this seat, I am not stepping away from this community. Waldwick is my home, and my responsibility to this community will not change. Thank you for the privilege of serving. Mark Ramundo took turn at the podium. Good evening Waldwick friends and neighbors, and council members. Growing up, my father gave me very sound advice: remember to give back to the community that has given you so much, as it helps build character and drives success. That advice has served me well both personally and professionally. Tonight is truly an honor to stand before you, not only as Council President, but as a fellow resident who loves this community as deeply as you do. I would like to take a moment to thank those who supported me through my journey over the past two years of service on this council. To our administrative staff, who are always there to guide me and help answer questions about conducting ourselves properly in the public forum — Tatiana, Kelley, and Melissa were a constant guiding light, keeping us informed and up to date so we can serve Waldwick effectively. Colleen was a beacon of clarity in all financial matters, providing accurate and concise information that allowed us to make the right decisions for our Borough. To Andy, Joe, and Michele, my fellow council members, thank you for your guidance and advice and for always putting what’s best for Waldwick first. I consider you not only valued colleagues, but true friends. I look forward to Joe and Andy continuing to prioritize our residents in the years ahead. To our Mayor, Tom Giordano, you consistently put Waldwick first, never your own personal interests, and I am proud to call you my friend. You showed up for every organization that represents our town and always took the time to understand and support their needs. I would like to especially thank my wife, Kelly. Her patience, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout this term made everything I do possible. Public service requires sacrifice not just from those who serve, but from their families as well, and I am deeply thankful for her understanding and support every step of the way. Most importantly, I want to thank the residents of Waldwick. Your trust, encouragement, and engagement have meant more to me than I can ever express. Whether it was a conversation at a community event, a message with concerns or ideas, or simply a kind word of support, you reminded me every day who we serve and why this work matters. It has been an absolute privilege to represent you. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: 5 RECESSED MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2025 Serving Waldwick has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Over the past few years, we have worked together to strengthen our Borough, focusing on smart redevelopment, fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and public safety. As a lifelong volunteer, I have always believed in showing up — not just for meetings, but for clean-ups, community events, and causes that matter most to residents. You have seen me there, not for the spotlight, but because service is at the heart of who I am. Ronald Reagan once said, “Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.” This past campaign was not about politics; it was about people. I wish Angela and Courtney the very best as they represent Waldwick in this next chapter. I believe in Waldwick, I believe in our potential, and I believe that when we work together, we can achieve great things and continue building a stronger, more vibrant future for Waldwick — a light in the woods. Thank you. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at its Recessed December 16, 2025 meeting on MOTION by Mrs. Weber, seconded by Mr. Ramundo and on roll call carried the meeting adjourned adjourned at 7:16 pm. Adopted: January 27, 2026 __________________________________ KELLEY HALEWICZ, RMC/CMC MUNICIPAL CLERK