MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
BOROUGH OF WANAQUE
MINUTES
Re-Organization Meeting
January 4, 2010The 2010 Re-Organization Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque was held on Monday, January 4, 2010, at 7:00 P.M. at the Wanaque Municipal Building, 579 Ringwood Avenue, Wanaque, New Jersey 07465.
The Mayor called the meeting to order with the flag salute.
INVOCATION:
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Donald DeGroat, Midvale United Methodist Church.
MASSING OF COLORS AND FLAG SALUTE: By the VFW and American Legion.
SUNSHINE STATEMENT:
The Mayor read the following Sunshine Statement: Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the Mayor and Council by e-mailing notice of this meeting to the Suburban Trends and the News newspapers on December 16, 2009 stating therein that this meeting would be held on Monday, January 4, 2010 at the time of 7:00 P.M., in the Wanaque Municipal Building, 579 Ringwood Avenue, Wanaque, New Jersey, and a copy of this notice was posted on the bulletin board in the Wanaque Municipal Building on December 16, 2009 and a copy is on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.
ROLL CALL:
On roll call, the following Council Members responded: Balunis, Cisco, Pasquariello, Pettet, Theoharous. Also present were Anthony Fiorello, Borough Attorney and Michael Cristaldi, Borough Engineer.
OFFICIALS TO BE SWORN INTO OFFICE:
The Mayor asked Assemblyman Scott Rumana to come forward and administer the Oath of Office to Councilmen George Theoharous and Thomas Balunis.
MAYOR'S ADDRESS:“Good evening and Happy New Year. Welcome to the annual reorganization meeting of the Wanaque Mayor and Council.
I would like to start by thanking our Assemblyman Scott Rumana for taking time out his busy schedule to attend our meeting. I would also like to congratulate both George Theoharous and Tom Balunis on their re-election to the Council I would like to offer a very special congratulations to George Theoharous, as his re-election represents the ninth time that he has been elected to this Council. George is currently one of the longest serving Councilmen in the State of New Jersey, having completed his 25th consecutive year on the Wanaque Council. This consists of being elected to 8 three year terms plus an appointment to a one year unexpired term. The New Jersey League of Municipalities has a “Hall of Fame: for long serving municipal officials and I am submitting George’s name to the League for this honor. At this time, in recognition of his service to our community I think we should all give George a round of applause. Thank you George.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome out newest Councilman, Dominick Cortellessa. Dom has been a very active member of the board of Directors at Wanaque Reserve and as a member of the Wanaque Board of Adjustment. Dom is a very intelligent and dedicated individual and we know he will do a great job on the Wanaque Council.
I would also be remiss in not thanking Ed O’Connell for his nine years of service on this Council. We are all extremely proud of Ed as he will be sworn in as a Passaic County Freeholder this Thursday. I am confident that he will do a great job in representing Wanaque and all of Passaic County.
When I became Mayor three years ago the economy was still strong as were the Borough’s finances. We were in the midst of two consecutive years where we had no increase in the Municipal portion of the tax levy and the Council had great plans for the future of Wanaque. However, the economic downturn in 2008 and 2009 has presented a new set of challenges.
We had established 8 redevelopment zones in town and were planning for the construction of a new municipal building. At present, only the Haskell Town Center project has been completed. The developer of the Candle Factory project has gone bankrupt and we are pursuing their bonding company funds to repave the section of Fourth Avenue near the Boulevard. The two redevelopment projects in Midvale have stalled and the plans for a new Municipal building has been suspended indefinitely. The US Aluminum project has been moving very slowly. The Borough’s rights to this property are being assigned to a developer who will fully reimburse us for our costs. The developer has proposed commercial condominiums for this property which will be used by businesses such as plumbers, electricians, contractors, small machine shops and light manufacturing. They intend to present their concept to the Planning Board once the property has received environmental clearance from NJ DEP. In December, the Council cancelled the $2 million bond appropriation for this project. This money was never borrowed.
We are still working with a developer to redevelop Ringwood Avenue south of Doty Road (across from CVS). But this project is also moving very slowly due to the poor real estate market. We recently declared an area next to Route 287 southbound ramp as a redevelopment area to try to attract a highway compatible business We will be again reaching out to Cracker Barrel and to similar establishments for this area.
In early 2009, we received a $127,000 Community Development grant to reface the four buildings along Ringwood Avenue between Second and Third Avenues. This is the area that includes Kressaty’s. This was a new program and the project became bogged down in Federal bureaucracy. We are hoping to get this project moving in early this summer. We were recently notified that we would be receiving an $83,000 community Development grant in 2010 to alleviate storm water runoff problems along Second Avenue. We also recently received notice that we received a transportation corridor enhancement grant from Passaic County which will be used for a new “Welcome to Wanaque” sign a the intersection of Ringwood Avenue and Union Avenue. Last week the Council approved the contract for the installation of new lighting at Memorial Field. This project is being funded by a $150,000 grant from Passaic County Open space and a $150,000 low interest loan from Green Acres.
During 2009, we continued using Transportation Trust Fund Grant money to improve our neighborhoods. First Street and Second Street, along with the second half of Laura Avenue, were rebuilt with curbs, sidewalks, water mains and new roadways. While upgrading the roadway, we also made it safer to walk to Wanaque School. We have already received a grant to do the same work in 2010 on Melrose Avenue and Furnace Avenue. PSE&G replaced the gas mains and paved half the roadways in the Rainbow Valley Lake section of Haskell. In 2009 the Borough paved the other half of these roadways and installed underground drains on Evergreen Avenue to help alleviate flooding problems.
In 2009 we completed the renovation of our 1 million gallon water tank in Haskell. This is an investment in our infrastructure, and this work guarantees a long life for the tank. We added two cellular telephone carriers at the water tank, generating an additional $50,000 per year for the Borough. In 2009, we welcomed a new firetruck and a new ambulance, equipment that keeps us safe day in and day out. And after a long delay, the Holiday Inn Express on Union Avenue finally opened.
Currently, we are also very close to finalizing the purchase of the Pulte sales office in Haskell and leasing the building to Passaic County. Under the terms of the 10 year lease with Passaic County, we will be receiving in excess of $82,000 per year in rent for the first five years with increases in rent for years 6 through 10 based on the percent increase in real estate taxes. The County has the option to extend the lease for an additional 10 years to 2029. This lease is “Triple Net” which means that the tenant will pay virtually all operating costs. The net annual effect of this lease, net of lost municipal taxes, will be approximately $70,000 of additional income to our budget. Passaic County will be using this building for Social Services and an up-county Clerks office. As a result, residents of Wanaque and surrounding up-county towns will no longer have to go to Paterson for a variety of services including probating wills and obtaining passports.
Our Borough employees are like a family, and this year we lost Gerri Marotta, our longtime secretary to the Planning Board, board of Adjustment and in the Construction Office. Gerri passed away in July after a short illness. Gerri did her job well, and was the backbone for the Boards she served, as well as the Construction Office. We miss her, and our prayers are with her husband Vince and her family.
In 2009, Police Sergeant Lee Smith and Water Supervisor George Kostro retired. Each of these men dedicated over 25 years of service to our community. Lee Smith is continuing to serve our community as Chief of our volunteer Fire Dept. We wish both of these gentlemen well in their retirement.
Wanaque is not immune to the economic problems of our State and Country. For our 2010 budget, we are looking at lower revenues and mandates from the State which go against every principle of good financial management. In May 2009, we appeared before the State Local Finance Board and were ordered to use all of our surplus and over anticipate 2009 revenues. When we asked “What about next year” the Board’s reply was “We don’t care about next year.” Since Governor Corzine did not get re-elected, these Board members will not be reappointed. They do not have to live with the consequences on the 2010 budget, but we do. By the way, the consequence of not following their recommendations was that we would have lost a $330,000 Tax Levy Waiver and a $350,000 pension deferral in 2009. The prospect of cutting $680,000 from our budget over the last 7 months of 2009 would have meant that we would have been forced to layoff almost 20% of our Borough employees, including Police officers. This was not a feasible option.
Going into the 2010 budget process, we have four less employees than we had in 2009. Our negotiations with the Police Union resulted in the elimination of the costly Traditional health benefit plan and the move of all employees to a HMO point of service plan. The Police Union also gave back 2 holidays. We renegotiated our dental insurance and achieved a 20% savings. We participated in a joint bid with the other communities for garbage disposal, which resulted in a 20% decrease in costs which stay at that price for the next five years. These are some of the things that have been accomplished in the past year alone. But our work is not done. We all know that the 2010 budget process is going to be difficult. We already have reduced the office hours for the Health Department and the Tax Assessor. We have two less employees in the Road Department, which effects grass and leaf collection, snow plowing, grass cutting and road maintenance. We are not like the big cities that can absorb cuts without reducing services. With probable reductions in State Aid, increases in State Pension costs and a tight tax CAP, we are facing more reductions in services. All of us sitting up here, along with the Administrator and all of our employees, must be creative and enterprising to give our residents the level of service they expect. We must think “outside of the box” in both how we generate revenue, how we spend it, and how we operate.
In closing, I would like to thank all of our Borough employees, volunteers, veterans, and friends who have supported me for the past three years as Mayor. With your help, we can weather this storm and keep Wanaque moving forward. I would also like to thank my wife Marie and my family for their continued support in allowing me to be Mayor of this great town.
I enjoy the opportunity to serve as your Mayor and as a result I am happy to announce that the Republican party recently approved me to seek a second term as Mayor in 2010. Thank you and God Bless America.”
COUNCIL ADDRESSES:Councilman Pettet:
“Good evening. It’s been said that brevity is the soul of whit. With that being said, I find myself often being very unwhitty! I’ll be brief.
2009 was an incredible year in my opinion. Seems like everyone from folks who drive nails for a living to folks who sell food were experiencing the toughest economic climate I believe I have seen for many, many years.
I think of the words of one of our founding fathers: “We must all hang together, or we’ll surely all hang separately”. This past year was a picnic compared to Revolutionary War times but I believe the spirit of that saying is helpful today. I also believe, if we Americans adhere closely to that which made us great, we will make it out as we always have. I have strong opinions of what is going on in Washington, but I will save them for another occasion.We as council members, while not charged with the task of formulating policy to stimulate National economy, do have the responsibility, among other charges, to make sure the services of Wanaque are provided in a way that promotes the highest possible quality of life in our community at the lowest possible cost to each taxpayer. I am confident that each member serving here, has in his or her heart, the desire to do just that. For the past few years, we have been represented by both political parties, and I’m hard pressed to find a town that can say it’s council members work “together for the good”. This does not mean we always agree. However, as I mentioned a few meetings back, if we all agree all the time on every way of seeing things, one of us, is unnecessary. It’s refreshing to see different points of view as they proceed through committee fashion themselves into policy that is always “to serve Wanaque’s people” in the best possible way. Our critics, once again, have the right to criticize. Sometimes it is painful to hear words of criticism, but there have been occasion where constructive policy has been formed due to a concerned citizen, “having his or her voice heard”. Constructive, caring, criticism is always helpful. It is motivating. It distinguishes itself from the vain, self serving, criticism that serves no purpose, save the thought of political gain or mere verbal attack due to a less than affectionate view of a member or members. Constructive criticism is lasting. It is helpful. It is “for the good”.
As we enter 2010, I look forward with anticipation, to serving the people of the town I love. The Borough of Wanaque. Thank you and Happy New Year.”
Councilman Pasquariello:“Good evening. I would like to thank everyone for coming out tonight for our annual reorganization meeting. I would like to congratulate Tom and George on their victory and returning to the Council. I would also like to welcome Dominick to the Council. I am sure he will bring a new perspective that will benefit all of us.
We face a lot of challenges going into the New Year. We read what is going on in Trenton, and their financial mess comes right down on our backs. All of us need to work together to put a good budget together, maintain services, and keep our town strong.
I would like to thank our Borough employees, the Police officers, Fire Department members, First Aid Squad members, and all of the volunteers who perform such a great service to Wanaque. They make our community what it is today.”Councilman Balunis:
“Good evening and Happy New Year to everyone. I’ve always considered it a great honor to serve the people of Wanaque as a Councilman and as Mayor. I’m proud to say that I possess the same passion and commitment today as I did in my first year on the Council.
There are three promises I can make to the citizens of Wanaque today with complete confidence. One; I will continue to work hard at serving our town to the best of my ability. Two, I will continue to act and make decisions based on what I believe to be the best interests of our town. And three, I will listen and respect the ideas and opinions of all our Wanaque citizens.
The last couple of years have been very difficult for our town, our state and our county. The challenges we face in 2010 and beyond are daunting to say the least. Our State has a new Governor, but the problems facing our state and municipalities remain the same. I could go on about the need for property tax reform. I could complain about reductions in state aid, unfounded mandates or soaring pension costs, but where does that get us? The answer is nowhere.
Rather than complain about things we have little or no control over, or point fingers and assign blame; I believe we are far better served in concentrating our efforts on the many things we do have control over. There are many decisions this Mayor and Council have make, and will make, that will greatly impact our residents in 2010 and in the years to come.
I also believe we have an obligation to the people of Wanaque to preserve and enhance our quality of life issues, there can be no second class citizens or second class neighborhoods.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our Wanaque Borough employees for their conscientious work and dedication throughout the year. I also want to thank all the many volunteers who serve our town. There are so many volunteers ranging from PTA, to Recreation to Scouting and they serve important roles. I especially want to especially thank the Wanaque Fire Dept. and First Aid Squad. These are two special groups of volunteers who unselfishly devote so much of their lives in the name of protecting property and saving lives, often while putting themselves at great risk.
In closing; I must pay homage to the men and women of our armed forces who are serving our country all over the world. We have seen many brave young and men and women from our town serve our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some have served multiple tours of duty in combat zones and returned home safely, while others remain in harm’s way. For those, and all our American soldiers, I ask that you join me in praying for their protection and safe return. Thank you and may God Bless America.”Councilwoman Cisco:
“Good evening everyone. I’d like to wish everyone a healthy, happy and most successful New Year.
In the past 2 years I have taken this opportunity to speak to the people of our town to convey my deepest thanks to the members of the Wanaque Police Dept., to our Fire Dept. and to the membership of the Wanaque First Aid Squad, and once again, I would like to express my thanks to members of each of these departments for their care, compassion, their professionalism to and for the people of our community throughout the year. With that said, I realize that this year may well be my last year on the Council, should I chose not to run again or not be re-elected this November, but, what I am doing is putting the rest of the governing body of elected officials of Wanaque on notice that I can not and will not go quietly into the night. For the last two years I have attempted to do anything I could for the people of the town that I live in and love. For two years, I have attended any and all committee meetings and all Borough Council meetings and quietly made my opinions and my thoughts known. I can honestly say that during my time on the Council I have not spoken behind anyone’s back, nor hid behind anyone when making comments and my opinions known. With this said, I also have to say “it’s time to put up or shut up”. I’ve tried for 2 years to work the “professional” way, through committees, by not waving a flag or putting up banners, however in the last two years very little has been accomplished under the leadership of this governing body, which I must include myself in.
During 2009 we had the Freeholder Director of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders come to one of our meetings and basically blew her off…except of course for the postings on various websites after the meetings. We have totally ignored residents who have written letters asking for guidance on property matters. Some of us have left the comments, the concerns and criticisms fall on a deft ear and just carry on as if someone else will take care of the problem. I myself was personally very, very happy to see the article that appeared on the front page of yesterday’s Trends newspaper. I am thrilled to see that there will be a race within the Republican party for the office of Mayor and Council. Maybe that will put a little fire under the pot of some to truly accomplish something for the people of our town and not just have things continue as they have.
As I said, whether I’m here in 2011 or not, do not expect me to go quietly in the night. There is much to do and to look forward to in 2010. The County opening up a satellite office in Haskell, there is a Wanaque Fire Department Anniversary Parade and the Library renovation to name just a few. I ask each of the members of the Mayor and Council to work, and I mean work, for the betterment of the town and not for their own political gain. Thank you.”Councilman Cortellessa:
“Well I guess it’s easy to be the new person on the Council and being that I would like to congratulate Tom and George and Ed for their elections, so congratulations. And I also would also like to thank the Council for the nomination and the approval of my nomination, so thank you for that. But I think you need to know that my wife Dorothy and I, you saw her up here are new to New Jersey. We moved here to be closer to our grandchildren but Wanaque has become our home. We’ve only been here for about three years and we live in the Wanaque Reserve but it is our home and as a result of that I’m committed to work hard with my colleagues on the Council to help make the Wanaque Reserve and the Wanaque community the best it possibly can be. And that I think is critical and important. And for those who’ve gotten to know me and support me I want to thank you and for those who really don’t know me yet and have not supported me well I expect through my hard work and dedication and commitment to the people of Wanaque that you will get to know me and that you’ll support me in the future. So for everyone else I wish you a very Happy New Year. We have a lot to do and I expect this New Year, I’m very much a positive attitude type of a person, optimist, that will make this New Year a wonderful new year. I want to thank you all.”
Councilman Theoharous:“Well there are a few things on my mind that I’ve talked about and I’ve seen over the last twenty some years good times and the bad times. The bad times are mostly financial times and we are about to partake on some bad financial times. It is limited what we on the Council can do and we will do our best and make our best effort to keep the people in mind. You look at people on fixed income and the trials and tribulations that they’re going through just to keep their homes it’s hard. And when you get to meet people from being in office and the people you meet and the stories you hear it’s very tough for some people. It lights a fire to try to help people out. I can sit and talk to people for hours and see what we could possibly do for them but there are limits as to what we can do for them and some times people look at us but we do what we can. The people put us in office and the people gave me the chance for the last twenty some years and I consider it a great honor for them to put their faith me and I will do everything I can to help the citizens of Wanaque. The next couple of years are going to be very, very tough and we’re going to do what we can. I would like to reiterate about our organizations in town. Our hats off to the First Aid Squad, to the Police Department, the Fire Department, Little League, to all the volunteers and organizations in town. We have a great program. I’m proud to say I’m from Wanaque and I would like to thank the public for putting me into office because I’ve really enjoyed the last twenty five years. With that I would like to wish everybody a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year.”
ROLL CALL:On roll call the following Council Members were present: Balunis, Cisco, Cortellessa, Pasquariello, Pettet and Theoharous.
APPOINTMENTS:
The Mayor presented the following names of professionals for the year of 2010:
Ferraioli, Wielkotz, Cerullo & Cuva, P.A- Charles Ferraioli - Auditor
Richard A. Alaimo Associates – Michael Cristaldi - Engineer
Richard A. Alaimo, P.E./Kenneth Albert
COAH Planner – Art Bernard
Michael F. Kelly, Esq. - Public Defender
Michael Foulon – Assistant Public Defender
Ralph Fava, Esq. - Prosecutor
Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC - Sean Dias - Labor Counsel
Hawkins, Delafield & Wood - Bond Counsel
Polaris Galaxy, Inc. – John Serapiglia – Multi-Line – Workmen’s Comp.
UHY Advisors – Joseph Rude - Health
Robert Benecke – Economic Development Consultant
Fred Suljic, P.P. – Highlands Planner
William Kelly, P.E. – Sewer Engineer
Alaimo GroupOn entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Theoharous moved a motion to approve the aforementioned appointments.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.SPECIAL POLICE OFFICERS:
Patricia Norton Wayne Rundecker
Robert Roach Mark Oliveri
Robert Passarella Lisa Robataille
Kathleen Kollmann Chris Vnencak
Shane ReiglerCHAPLAIN - FIRE DEPARTMENT: Theodore Luciani
CHAPLAIN – POLICE DEPARTMENT: Pastor Donald DeGroatOFFICERS - FIRE DEPARTMENT:
The Mayor presented the following names as Officers for the Wanaque Borough Volunteer Fire Department for the year 2010:
Chief: Lee Smith
1st Asst. Chief: Scott Bracken
2nd Asst. Chief: Mark OliveriCaptains - Co. #1: Glenn Cisco, Jr.
Co. #2: John Powers
1st Lieutenants - Co. #1: Thomas Luciani
Co. #2: George Schamble
2nd Lieutenants - Co. #1: James Sheridan
Co. #2: Matt HaywardFIRE MARSHALLS:
The Mayor presented the following names as Fire Marshalls for the year 2010:
Pat Spadaccini Adolph Crescente
Theodore Luciani
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU - FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST:The Mayor presented the following names as Fire Prevention Bureau - Fire Prevention Specialist for the year 2010:
Fire Official - Kevin Platt
Fire Inspectors - Dennis Dondero, William Roberto, John Roberto
Robert DeStaffenOn entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Theoharous moved a motion to approve the aforementioned appointments of Officers for the Fire Department.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS:Recreation Commission:
The Mayor appointed Councilman Thomas Balunis as Council Liaison.
Planning Board:
The Mayor appointed John Shutte and Mark Reuter as Class IV members to a Four (4) Year Term each and Councilman Dominick Cortellessa as Council Liaison.
Library Board:
The Mayor appointed Anna Hagstrom to the Library Board for a Five (5) Year Term and Mayor Daniel Mahler as Mayor’s Representative.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS:Planning Board:
Kevin Platt appointed as a Class II One (1) Year Term and Councilman Dominick Cortellessa as a Class III One (1) Year Term.
Board of Adjustment:
Peter Hoffman and Eric Willse were appointed to a Four (4) Year Term each, Joseph D’Alessio was appointed as an Alternate for a Two (2) Year Term and Councilwoman Karen Cisco as Council Liaison.
Board of Health:
Alice Beam and Amelia Bertelloni were appointed to a Three (3) Year Term each and Councilman George Theoharous as Council Liaison.
Human Resource Board:
Georgiana D’Amico was appointed to a Four (4) Year Term and Councilwoman Karen Cisco as Council Liaison.
Open Space:
Appointments were held to the March meeting and Councilman Robert Pettet as Council Liaison.
Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority:
Councilman Dominick Cortellessa as Council Liaison.
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Pettet moved a motion to approve the aforementioned appointments.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.STATUTORY APPOINTMENTS: One (1) Year Terms
1. Susan Boyhan - Assistant Treasurer
2. Nancy Vesce - Assessment Search Officer
3. Nancy Vesce - Tax Search Officer
4. Thomas Carroll - Public Agency Compliance Officer
5. Thomas Carroll - Fund Commissioner NJIIF
6. Thomas Carroll – Solid Waste Advisory CouncilOn entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Pettet moved a motion to approve the aforementioned appointments.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.EMPLOYEE BONDS:
1. Tax Collector 5. Judge
2. Chief Financial Officer 6. Deputy Court Administrator
3. Deputy Tax Collector 7. Cashier – Water Department
4. Court Administrator 8. Tax ClerkOn entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Theoharous and Pettet moved a motion to approve the aforementioned appointments.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.CONSENT AGENDA: Anything placed on this agenda has been deemed to be non-
controversial in a matter of routine business and will be
voted on by one motion.RESOLUTIONS:
Resolution #1-0-10:
Re: Signature ResolutionBE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor, Borough Clerk and Chief Financial Officer be and are hereby authorized to sign all checks and issue payments for the Borough of Wanaque; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council President be authorized to sign in the absence of the Mayor and the Assistant Treasurer in absence of the Chief Financial Officer.
Resolution #2-0-10:
Re: Transfer Resolution
BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer be authorized to issue transfer checks on her signature alone, to transfer Borough funds from one account to another, but no funds are to leave the credit of the Borough.Resolution #3-0-10:
Re: Interest Resolution - Delinquent TaxesBE IT RESOLVED that interest on delinquent taxes be 8% per annum on amounts of less than $1,500.00 and on any amounts in excess of $1,500.00 the rate shall be 18%; and
BE IT RESOLVED that a 6% penalty will be charged on delinquencies in excess of $10,000.00 at the end of the calendar year; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a grace period of ten (10) days shall be provided within which the installment of taxes may be received without charge for interest.Resolution #4-0-10:
Re: Interest Resolution - Unpaid AssessmentsBE IT RESOLVED that interest on unpaid assessments shall be at the rate of 8% per annum on amounts of less than $1,500.00 and on any amounts in excess of $1,500.00 the rate shall be 18%; and
BE IT RESOLVED that a 6% penalty will be charged on delinquencies in excess of $10,000.00 at the end of the calendar year; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a grace period of ten (10) days shall be provided within which the installment of taxes may be received without charge for interest.Resolution #5-0-10:
Re: Cancel property Tax refunds or delinquencies of $10.00 or lessWHEREAS, Chapter 82, Public Law of 1987, known as N.J.S.A. 40A:5-17.1 permits authorized employees to process cancellation of property Tax refunds or delinquencies of $10.00 or less without further action of the Governing Body; and
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector is responsible for property Tax collection;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council do hereby authorize the Tax Collector to cancel property Tax refunds or delinquencies of $10.00 or less.Resolution #6-0-10:
Re: Tax Sale 2009
BE IT RESOLVED that the Tax Collector shall have a Tax Sale for 2009 and Prior Delinquent Municipal Charges during the calendar year of 2010.Resolution #7-0-10:
Re: Investment ResolutionWHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Borough of Wanaque for the uses of modern techniques of money management of excess funds in all accounts; and
WHEREAS, on such acceptable and sound technique is the use of cash flow when balances become available in secure legal investments and certificates of deposit; and
WHEREAS, it has further been determined that the Borough Auditor has recommended, due to the instability of the financial market that the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer be hereby authorized to invest current excess funds in all accounts, as she deems necessary, in order to obtain the highest interest rates;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Borough of Wanaque, that the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer be and she is hereby authorized and directed to invest all excess cash funds in all accounts in Certificates of Deposit and Money Markets at the highest interest rate, as she deems necessary, when the Borough has the funds available, in those banks as legally designated by the Mayor and Council;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer is further authorized and directed to report, in writing, to the Governing Body at the meeting next succeeding the date when any investment is made pursuant to this Resolution and such report shall include the amount, description, interest rate, financial institution and maturity date of such investment.Resolution #8-0-10:
Re: Change Fund ResolutionBE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque that a change fund be established as follows:
TAX COLLECTOR...............................$200.00
WATER CLERK...................................$100.00
HEALTH DEPARTMENT..................... $25.00
SEWER CLERK……………………….$100.00Resolution #9-0-10:
Re: Enumerated Claims for PaymentWHEREAS, all claims for payment by the Borough are required to be first submitted to the Borough Council of the Borough of Wanaque, for consideration before payment is made; and
WHEREAS, due to the nature of certain claims and timing the particular meetings involved, certain claims which are statutory and regular in nature should be paid when presented, other than for the next meeting of the Borough Council due to the nature of said bills.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Wanaque, as follows: 1. This Borough Council does hereby approve of the payment between meetings of the following enumerated claims for payment, and the same are presented to the Borough Treasurer of the Borough of Wanaque:
A. The Standard Insurance Company
B. Bergen Municipal Employee Benefit Fund
C. Wanaque Board of Education
D. Lakeland Regional High School
E. Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage AuthorityResolution #10-0-10:
Re: Civil Rights Compliance OfficerWHEREAS, there must be a Civil Rights Compliance Officer designated to oversee the Civil Rights Act;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque, the Borough Administrator is hereby designated the Civil Rights Compliance Officer for the Borough of Wanaque to oversee Civil Rights.Resolution #11-0-10:
Re: Affirmation Action Program for Equal Employment OpportunityAFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM FOR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
A. DEFINITION - "An Affirmative Action Program is a set of specific and result-oriented procedures; the objective of which is to achieve equal employment opportunity, and in doing so to recognize and overcome the effects of racial, sexual and social discrimination in employment.
B. STATEMENT OF POLICY - The Borough of Wanaque is committed to ensuring equal opportunity and participation to all of its volunteers, employees and applicants for employment. The treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, marital status, sexual orientation or affectional preference in all employment decision, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, all other terms and conditions of employment except as provided by law.
The Borough of Wanaque intends to advocate this Affirmative Action Program to clearly reflect in increased distribution and utilization of minority group employees
C. RESPONSIBILITY - The Borough Administrator of the Borough of Wanaque is responsible for implementing the Affirmative Action Program. He or she is responsible for ensuring equal opportunity for all employees and volunteers.
The Executive Director shall be responsible for reviewing the progress of the Affirmative Action Program to ensure that equal opportunity exists in fact. The Executive Director will be responsible for all necessary actions and efforts to support the Affirmative Action Policy.
Resolution #12-0-10:
Re: Alcoholism and Drug AbuseThe Borough of Wanaque is sympathetic to personnel with substance and alcohol problems, but it will not tolerate situations in which drug or alcohol dependency causes unsatisfactory position performance and/or substandard behavior and where it jeopardizes the Borough's reputation and position in the community.
When drug dependency or alcoholism results in unsatisfactory position performance and/or substandard behavior, the Borough of Wanaque consider termination of employment to be a business necessity. Unsatisfactory position performance and substandard
behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:
- consistent and/or excessive lateness or absences.
- inability to carry out assigned duties on at least
an average level.
- inability to follow instructions.
- lack of cooperation.
- lack of self-sufficiency and self-control.
Management will evaluate such situations if patterns of poor work performance and/or substandard behavior occur.
Employees will also be subject to immediate dismissal if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or are in possession of or sell alcohol or illegal drugs on Borough time or property.Resolution #13-0-10:
Re: 2010 Salary Resolution (Police Only)BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque, in the County of Passaic and State of New Jersey, as follows:
Payroll for the Borough of Wanaque for 2009 is provided on Schedule A. (See attached)Resolution #14-0-10:
Re: Budgetary TransfersNone.
Resolution #15-0-10:
Re: Payment to Library - 1st Quarter Allotment: $115,905.00BE IT RESOLVED that payment be made to the Wanaque Public Library for the 1st Quarter Allotment in the amount of $115,905.00.
Resolution #16-0-10:
Re: Mailing of Notice for the Tax Sale in place of advertisingWHEREAS, Chapter 99 of the Public Laws of 1997 as further codified in N.J.S.A. 54:5-26 permits a maximum fee of $25.00 for each notice by regular or certified mail sent in lieu of advertising for two of the four weeks proceeding the week of the tax sale.
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector is to hold a tax sale yearly for delinquent Municipal charges.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council hereby authorize the Tax Collector to charge $10.00 for each set of mailings done in lieu of the advertising for the tax sale.Resolution #17-0-10:
Re: Approve Surety Bond – County Road OpeningRESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE TO ISSUE AND EXECUTE A BOND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE "PASSAIC COUNTY RIGHT OF WAY ENTRY RESOLUTION".
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque need to make certain repairs on roadways which are located within the borders of the Borough of Wanaque and are owned by the County of Passaic; and
WHEREAS, in September of 1991, the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders adopted a "Right-of-Way Entry/Opening Resolution" requiring all municipalities to comply with certain requirements before making any repairs to a County road; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the above requirements and prior to the Borough of Wanaque undertaking any repairs, a Bond must be posted with Passaic County to insure that the Borough of Wanaque will properly excavate and restore the surface of any County roadway; and
WHEREAS, the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders have indicated that they will accept a municipality's own Bond in lieu of a Bond issued by a Surety Bonding Company; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque desire to satisfy this requirement in order to undertake all necessary roadway repairs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque does hereby authorize the issuance and execution of a Bond in the amount of $30,000.00.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk are hereby authorized to execute any and all instruments relating hereto and that a copy of this Resolution along with the Bond be forwarded to the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders.Resolution #18-0-10:
Re: Adopting Tort Claim NoticeBE IT RESOLVED that the attached Tort Claim Form be and is hereby approved for all Title 59 notifications.
Resolution #19-0-10:
Re: Award of Professional ServicesWHEREAS, on December 4, 2009 the Borough of Wanaque announced through its official Municipal Website, HTTP://www.wanaqueborough.com that it was soliciting proposals for various professional services under the “Fair and Open” provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq; and
WHEREAS, those proposals were received on December 16, 2009 by the Borough Administrator, who opened them and read them aloud; and
WHEREAS, upon review by the Borough Council it is agreed to make certain appointments under the “Fair and Open” provisions of the law;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following professional appointments are made for the year 2010 in accordance with N.J.S.A.40A:11-5 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq.:Borough Auditor: Ferraioli, Wielkotz, Cerullo & Cuva-Charles
Ferraioli
Borough Engineer: Richard A. Alaimo Associates-Michael Cristaldi
Borough Planner: Richard A. Alaimo, P.E./ Kenneth Albert – Benecke
Economics
Public Defender: Michael Kelly, Esq.
Assistant Public Defender: Michael Foulon
Borough Prosecutor: Ralph Fava, Esq.
Borough Labor Counsel: Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC-Sean Dias, Esq.
Bond Counsel: Hawkins, Delafield & Wood
Borough Insurance Broker: John Serapiglia-Multi-line, Workmen’s Comp.
Joseph Rude, UHY Advisors-Health
Economic Development Consultant: Robert Benecke
Highlands Planner: Fred Suljic, P.P.
Sewer Engineer: William Kelly, P.E.
Alaimo GroupBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be published in the Suburban Trends as required by Law.Resolution #20-0-10:
Re: Borough Newspapers:WHEREAS, Section 3d of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 requires that certain notice of meetings be submitted to two (2) newspapers, one of which shall be the official newspaper; and
WHEREAS, the second newspaper designated by this body must be one which has the greatest likelihood of informing the public within the jurisdictional boundaries of this body of such meeting;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque, County of Passaic, State of New Jersey, as follows:First: The Suburban Trends is hereby designated as the official newspaper of the
Borough and it is to receive all notices of meetings as required under the
Open Public Meetings Act.
Second: It is the opinion of this body that the Herald & News shall be designated as
The second newspaper as it has the greatest likelihood of informing the
public within the jurisdictional area of this body of such meeting.
This Resolution shall take effect immediately.Resolution #21-0-10:
Re: Meeting Schedule:BE IT RESOLVED that the Work and Regular Meetings of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque shall be as follows:
WORK MEETING: 2nd Monday of the Month - 7:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING: 2nd Monday of the Month - 8:00 P.M.On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilman Theoharous and Councilwoman Cisco moved a motion to approve the aforementioned Resolutions.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.Resolution #22-0-10:
Re: Temporary Budget – Current and Water Utility
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Pettet moved that,WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A:4-19 provides that where contracts, commitments, or payment are to be made prior to final adoption of the 2010 Budget, temporary appropriations should be made for the purposes and amounts required in the manner and time therein provided; and
WHEREAS, the date of this Resolution is within the first thirty (30) days of January 1, 2010; and
WHEREAS, said total temporary appropriations are limited to one quarter of the total appropriations in the 2009 Budget exclusive of any appropriations made for debt service, capital improvements fund, or public assistance in said 2009 Budget;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque, that the following temporary appropriations be made and that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Treasurer for his/her records.BOROUGH OF WANAQUE
TEMPORARY BUDGET
2010
CURRENT FUND APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL GOVERNMENT: Allocation
For 2010
Administrative & Executive
Salaries & Wages $25,000.00
Other Expenses $5,000.00
Municipal Clerk
Salaries & Wages $15,000.00
Other Expenses $5,000.00
Mayor & Council
Salaries & Wages $7,000.00
Elections
Salaries & Wages $-
Other Expenses $-
Financial Administration
Salaries & Wages $18,000.00
Other Expenses $1,500.00
Annual Audit $5,000.00
Miscellaneous Other Expenses Data Processing $7,000.00
Collection of Taxes
Salaries & Wages $11,800.00
Other Expenses $1,500.00
Assessment of Taxes
Salaries & Wages $5,500.00
Other Expenses $700.00
Legal Services
Retainer $4,485.00
Fees $5,000.00
Prosecutor $2,000.00
Engineering Services & Costs
Other Expenses $5,156.00
Other Expenses - Contractual $-
Public Buildings
Salaries & Wages $10,000.00
Other Expenses $10,000.00
Planning Board
Salaries & Wages $2,000.00
Other Expenses $500.00
Bd of Adjustment
Salaries & Wages $2,000.00
Other Expenses $500.00
INSURANCE:
Other Insurance-Premiums $354,387.00
Group Insurance $284,800.00
Unemployment Compensation $-
Police
Salaries & Wages $470,000.00
Other Expenses $27,000.00
Purchase of Police Cars $-
$-
Fire Department $-
Salaries & Wages $1,000.00
Other Expenses $5,000.00
$-
Fire Prevention Bureau $-
Salaries & Wages $2,500.00
Other Expenses $1,700.00
$-
Emergency Management Services $-
Salaries & Wages $3,000.00
Other Expenses $1,700.00
$-
First Aid Squad
Other Expenses $8,000.00
Road Repairs & Maintenance
Salaries & Wages $121,000.00
Other Expenses $15,000.00
Sanitation/Garbage
Other Expenses $174,321.00
Recycling
Other Expenses $32,767.00
Board of Health
Salaries & Wages $12,000.00
Other Expenses $3,000.00
Administration of Public Assistance
Salaries & Wages $2,200.00
Other Expenses $613.00
$-
Wanaque Golden Age Club
Other Expenses $500.00
Parks & Recreation
Salaries & Wages $6,800.00
Other Expenses $10,000.00
$-
Construction Code Official
Salaries & Wages $12,459.00
Other Expenses $1,000.00
Plumbing Inspector
Salaries & Wages $2,591.00
Electrical Inspector
Salaries & Wages $3,500.00
UNCLASSIFIED
Celebration of Public Events
Other Expenses
Street Lighting $-
Gasoline $8,604.00
Telephone $8,000.00
DEFERRED CHARGES
Deferred Charges
Emergency Authorizations
Public Employees' Retirement System $-
Social Security System $34,500.00
Police and Firemen's Pension Fund $-
Unemployment Compensation Insurance $-
Judgements $-
TOTAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS $1,757,583.00
"WITHIN CAPS"
GENERAL OPERATIONS
(A) OPERATIONS EXCLUDED FROM "CAPS"
Municipal Court
Salaries & Wages $13,911.00
Other Expenses $3,501.00
Maintenance of Free Public Library
Other Expenses $116,490.00
INSURANCE:
Other Insurance-Premiums $-
Group Insurance $-
Public Employees Retirement System $194,747.00
Police and Firemen's Pension System of N.J. $507,803.00
Reserve for Tax Appeals $-
Other Expenses $-
TOTAL OTHER OPERATIONS $836,452.00
EXCLUDED FROM "CAPS"
TOTAL TEMPORARY BUDGET $2,594,035.00On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Resolution #23-0-10:
Re: Bank Depository:On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Theoharous moved that,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of Wanaque that the official depositories for the Year 2010 shall be Lakeland State Bank, Wachovia Bank, PNC Bank, MBIA Class New Jersey, New Jersey Cash Management Fund, TD Bank, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, Bank of New York and Hudson City Savings.On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
COUNCIL COMMITTEES:
COMMITTEE COUNCIL MEMBER
COUNCIL PRESIDENT Councilman Robert Pettet
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS Councilwoman Karen Cisco - CHAIRWOMAN
Councilman Dominick Cortellessa
Councilman Robert PettetEXECUTIVE Mayor Daniel Mahler - CHAIRMAN
Councilman Robert Pettet
Councilman Donald Pasquariello
FINANCE & INSURANCE Councilman Robert Pettet - CHAIRMAN
Councilman Donald Pasquariello
Councilman Thomas BalunisFIRE Councilman George Theoharous - CHAIRMAN
Councilman Thomas Balunis
Councilman Robert PettetFIRST AID Councilwoman Karen Cisco - CHAIRWOMAN
Councilman Donald Pasquariello
Councilman George TheoharousINVESTMENTS & BONDING Councilman Robert Pettet - CHAIRMAN
Councilman Dominick Cortellessa
Councilwoman Karen CiscoNEGOTIATIONS Councilman Thomas Balunis – CHAIRMAN
Councilman Robert Pettet
Councilwoman Karen CiscoORDINANCES, STATE PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Councilman Robert Pettet - CHAIRMAN
Councilman Dominick Cortellessa
Councilman George TheoharousPERSONNEL Councilman George Theoharous - CHAIRMAN
Councilman Robert Pettet
Councilman Donald PasquarielloPOLICE Councilman Donald Pasquariello - CHAIRMAN
Councilman Dominick Cortellessa
Councilman George TheoharousPUBLIC RELATIONS Councilman Dominick Cortellessa - CHAIRMAN
Councilwoman Karen Cisco
Councilman Thomas BalunisRECREATION Councilman Thomas Balunis - CHAIRMAN
Councilman Robert Pettet
Councilman Donald PasquarielloROADS Councilman Dominick Cortellessa - CHAIRMAN
Councilman Donald Pasquariello
Councilman George Theoharous
SEWER Councilman Dominick Cortellessa -CHAIRMAN
Councilwoman Karen Cisco
Councilman Donald PasquarielloSHARED SERVICES Councilman Donald Pasquariello - CHAIRMAN
Councilman Thomas Balunis
Councilwoman Karen CiscoVETERANS Councilman Thomas Balunis - CHAIRMAN
Councilman Dominick Cortellessa
Councilman George TheoharousWATER Councilman George Theoharous - CHAIRMAN
Councilwoman Karen Cisco
Councilman Thomas BalunisLIASIONS
WANAQUE BOARD OF EDUCATION Councilman Thomas Balunis
LAKELAND BOARD OF EDUCATION Councilman Robert Pettet
BOARD OF HEALTH Councilman George Theoharous
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Councilwoman Karen Cisco
LOCAL ASSISTANCE BOARD Councilwoman Karen Cisco
WANAQUE VALLEY REGIONAL SEWERAGE Councilman Dominick Cortellessa
AUTHORITY
LIBRARY BOARD MEMBER Mayor Daniel Mahler
OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE Councilman Robert Pettet
PASSAIC COUNTY FREEHOLDER BOARD Councilwoman Karen Cisco
GOLDEN AGE CLUB Mayor Daniel Mahler and
Councilwoman Karen CiscoOn entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Cortellessa moved a motion to approve the Council Committees.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
The Mayor opened the Public Discussion.
Dave DaSilva, 108 Monroe Street, Haskell said are there any meetings on holidays this year and can I get a copy of the temporary budget.
The Mayor said the April meeting is going to be the third Monday, April 19th and the October meeting is going to be the first Monday, October 4th. You can have a copy of the temporary budget.
Sandy Lawson, 28 Haskell Avenue, Haskell said can I have a copy of the committee list it says it is attached but it is not.
The Mayor said yes.
The Mayor closed the Public Discussion.ADJOURNMENT:
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Pettet moved a motion to adjourn the meeting; meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
___________________________
Katherine J. Falone, RMC, CMC
Municipal Clerk