--------- on. >> Yes, safes on. >> This recess portion of the December 16th, 2025 regular meeting is being held in conformance with the sunshine law. Notice of time, date, and place has been furnished to the Bergen record. Notice
has also been posted on the bulletin board of the administration building. The clerk kindly take the role. >> Mayor Gerardano >> here. >> Mr. Brennick >> here. >> Mr. Takola Jake here. >> Mr. Martinelloo >> here. >> Mr. Roundo >> here. >> Mr. Richie >> here. >> Mrs. Weber here. >> Defend resolutions and resolutions of
the governing body. >> Be it resolved that the following resolutions herewith listed by consent having been considered by the governing body of the Burough of Wald are hereby passed and approved. 2025 327 approval of consent. 2025328 approval of minutes regular and close session meeting of
December 16, 2025 2025 329 Appointment of Police Sergeant Christopher Cone 2025 330 appointment of police lieutenant Kyle Moore 2025 3331 Appointment of Chief of Police Troy Seaffort 2025332 authorized execution of settlement
agreement 202533 approval of budget appropriation transfers and 2025334 approval of vouchers Do I have a motion and a second to accept? Motion by Joe, second by Michelle. Anyone have a question on these appointments of our new police
chief, lieutenant, and sergeant? This was all held at our last meeting on December 16th. Tonight, we are just putting it on the consent agenda. >> Clerk, please take the role. >> Mr. Bren, yes. Mr. Sarah Kadre, yes. >> Mr. Martinelloo, yes. >> Mr. Roundo, yes. Mr. Richie, yes. Mrs. Weber,
>> yes. Tonight, I am honored on behalf of the town council to honor a dedicated and devoted member of the Waltick Fire Department who celebrated 50 years of service to the fire department in our community in 2025, Joe Orbitz.
Joe Levitz joined the Republic Fire Department in the Junior Fire Brigade in 1972. He became a 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 chief of the department. Joe is also deputy municipal fire coordinator, department trustee, a member of the Raldick Fire Department Exempt Association, and a life member of the state association.
Joe did not stop with just serving as a firefighter given back to his burrow. He was a two-term councilman, a two-term member of the planning board, executive director of the environmental committee, and in 2024, Joe joined the Waldick
Volunteer Ambulance Corps as a driver. Joe always said what was on his mind. It might have not have been the right thing, but he always said what was on his mind. And he only did that because he had a love and a care for what he believed in. And that is a good trait of
any individual. As I said before, when I honor any firefighter for their 50 years of service, a firefighter's heart is the heart of compassion. It is a heart of giving. A heart wants to save lives. It
is a heart with a yearning to produce meaningful acts on behalf of society. A firefighter's heart fills itself with raw courage at a very moment when courage is mostly needed. A heart will make ultimate sacrifices to
do the right thing. A heart that accepts the burden of an entire community in its worst moment. A heart that says, "Yes, I will take your burden on my shoulder. I will in all humanity be your hero." A heart is willing to place his or her
body in incredible physical demands so that they can protect their neighbors. A heart will always beat for others and will never stop caring for those who are 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'd like to present you with this plaque and read it before you accept it. Honoring 50 years of service,
1975 to 2005, firefighter Joseph Orvitz. Thank you for your loyal and dedicated service to the Waldick Fire Department and to the Burough 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 Waldick. Joe, thank you very much for your 50 years of service and we know we're never going to get rid of you and you'll always be here forever. And I'd like for Joe to come up with his
wife and his son who is here to accept this plaque. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] [applause] >> First time Jay's lost the words. That's good. Thank you.
Tonight we say goodbye to Councilwoman Michelle Weber and Councilman Mark Rundo who has served on the Walter Council. I would like to personally thank you Michelle and Mark for your dedicated and tireless service to the B of Waldick and all the residents as chairpersons. You have done an
outstanding job. You have been a great asset to all of us and especially to me more than you'll ever know. You always listened very attentively, spoke your mind, and always questioned things as you should. Whenever asked to do something or to represent me at an
event, you never said no. You just did what you were asked to do. You truly dedicated yourself to our residents and volunteered countless hours on business of the burrow and you truly enjoyed doing it. I always remember you coming with me to a lot of the grand openings
and a lot of events and I think you were more excited than the people that were having the grand opening. Your agenda with Waldick and to make Waldwick the best it can be. You truly have a great love for Waldwick and Waldick is a better community for having
you both as a council person. It is once said, "Some people come into your lives and leave footprints on your heart and you never ever are the same." Thank you, Michelle and Mark, for being part of all our lives. We are all better people and a better community for knowing you and
having you represent us. Please accept these plaques and I thank you from a very proud mayor and a council in the community. I want to thank you very much for your time served and I know we're not getting rid of you because you'll be in the audience.
So, if you'd like to come up and please accept your plaques. Would [applause] [applause] you like to say a few words? >> I want Michelle first. >> Before they say a few words, our citizen of the year is not here with us tonight.
the citizen of the year and the family has a they had the flu and they didn't want to come out. So, at our next meeting, like we've done in the past, when someone could not make it, we will honor that person. Um, good evening, mayor, council colleagues, bur administrator,
department heads, employees, and residents of Waldwick. Serving on the Waldick Burough 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 people who stand
behind you. The late nights, the long meetings, and the constant conversations that come with the responsibility. To my husband and my 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 shared a commitment to doing what we believed was the best for Waldwick. Respectful debate is essential to good government. And I am proud of the work we accomplish together. To our burough employees and department heads, thank you for the work you do every day to
keep Waldo running. Much of the dedication happens behind the scenes, and it truly matters. To the residents of Waldick, thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your willingness to speak up. Whether you supported me, challenged me, or simply stopped me in
passing to to share a concern, those conversations shaped my service and kept me grounded in who I serve. As my term comes to close, I want to congratulate our incoming council women elect. I wish you clarity, confidence, and success as
you begin important work. While I may be stepping away from the seat, I am not stepping away from this community. Waldo is my home. Titles may change, but my responsibility to this community does not. Thank you for the privilege of serving.
[applause] [applause] Uh good evening welcome friends and neighbors. Uh council members uh 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 your character and drive success.
That advice has served me well both personally and professionally. Tonight is truly an honor to stand before you, not only as an outgoing council president, but as a fellow resident who loves the 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 were always there to guide me and help answer questions about conducting ourselves properly in the public forum. Tatiana, Kelly, and Melissa were a constant guiding light, keeping us informed and upto-date so we could 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 burrow. To Andy, Joe, and Michelle, my fellow council members, thank you for your guidance and advice and 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 Gordano. You consistently put
Waldwick first, never your own personal interest, 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 also 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 the families as well, and I am deeply grateful 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. Serving Old has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Over the past few years, we have worked together to strengthen our burough, focusing on smart redevelopment, fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and
public safety. As a lifelong volunteer, I've always believed in showing up, not just for meetings, but for cleanups, community events, and the causes that matter most to our residents. You've 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 pan 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 Waldick, the light in the woods. Thank you. Have a great night. [applause] [applause] Do I have a motion to adjurnn? We have a motion by Michelle, second by Mark. All
in favor? >> All those opposed? We'll take a two-minute break and then we'll begin our 2026 first meeting for the the Part: 2
Okay, we're on. >> This meeting is being held in conformance with the Sunshine Law. Notice of date, time, and place has been furnished to the Bergen record in the Rididgewood News. Notice has also been posted on the bulletin board of our administration building. Would the clerk
kindly do the election results and swearing in of the council members? the November 4th, 2025 general election results as certified by the Bergen County Clerk on November 19th, 2025. Angela A. Smith, 2352
votes and her um her contest was challenged. Allison Courtney Winggate 231 and her contest was also challenged. >> Yep. >> We'll have U Angela Smith first come up to be sworn in.
>> [cheering] [applause] >> Wait. Okay. that I will faithfully and partially inducted for a year January 1, 2026.
December 31st, 2028 according to the United States and theit and [applause] [applause] take that.
And now we'll have Councilwoman elect Allison Courtney Winggate come up with her FAMILY [applause] and all the duties. January 1,28. United States
of Jersey. You ready? [cheering] [applause] >> [applause] >> right there. >> Now you got [laughter] Now they got to start. Now you have to start to work. Come on.
Would everyone kindly rise for the pledge of allegiance? To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
>> Let us have a moment of silence for all Waldwick veterans and all veterans across our country have given the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country, defend our country even times given up their lives so we could remain free and live in a country that we are living in right now.
the court, please do the prayer. >> We thank you for everyone gathered here now. Thank you that you know each of us by name and have caused us to walk with you. We say that we are dependent on you and our trust is in you completely as we surrender ourselves in adoration. We ask that you would come by your Holy Spirit
and inspire our hearts today. Come fill our lives with your love. Fill our conversations with your grace and truth. Fill this meeting with your presence. We ask this for your glory and praise. Amen. >> Amen. Okay, we'll begin with uh the mayor's appointments. Appointments subject the council confirmation.
>> I'm sorry. We'll do a roll call first. >> Mayor Gerardo, >> I'm here. >> Mr. Brennan, >> I'm here. >> Miss Sarak Drake >> here. >> Mr. Martinelloo >> here. >> Mr. Richie >> here. >> Miss Smith >> here. >> Miss Windgate >> here. Now we will do may appointment subject to council confirmation.
You want me to read that? >> Yeah. >> Board of health members Kathy Hilling House uh January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2028. Donna Paladino, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2028. Greg
Hosley, uh, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2028. Allison Larrow, alternate 1, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2027. Library Board of Trustees, Donald Chilero, January 1, 2026 to December
31st, 2030. Dave Bidlesen, uh, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2030. Councilman Joe Martinelloo, mayor's alternate January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2026. Heather Delpiano, uh, superintendent's alternate January 1,
2026 to December 31st, 2026. Board of Adjustment. Nadia Lepino, January 1, 2028 to December 31st, 2029. Bruce Mitchell, Alternate 2, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2027. Environmental Advisory Committee. Thomas
McCormack, Executive Director, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2028. Mohammad Assan, uh, PhD, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2028. Dan Montella January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2028.
Michelle Weber to fill an unexpired term January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2027. Waldwick, Access for All. Christina Kachi, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2028. Jim Laughlin, January 1, 2026 to
December 31st, 2028. And Michelle Weber, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2028. Office of Emergency Management, Lieutenant Dave Pasaretti, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2026. Anthony Paris, January 1, 2026 to December 31st,
2026. Lucas Nesto, uh, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2026. >> Do I have a motion and a second to accept? Motion by Mr. Bren, second by Mr. Martinelloo. Anyone have a question? >> Yes. >> I'll I'll uh recuse myself from Nadia
being appointed. Very good. Thank you. >> I'll note that. Thank you. >> Anyone else? Clerk, please take the role. >> Uh, Mr. Bren, >> yes. >> Miss Sarakola, >> yes. >> Mr. Martinelloo, >> yes. >> Mr. Richie, >> yes. >> Miss Smith,
>> yes. >> And Miss Winky, >> yes. Correct. >> May of the appointment non not subject to council's approval. >> Planning board, Mark Raundo, class 4 member to fill an unexpired term January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2026. Joe
Mislewick, class 2 member, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2026. James Schultz, alternate number two member, January 1, 2026 to December 31st, 2027. >> Okay. Okay. Now, nominations are now in order for council president.
>> Mr. Mayor, I nominate Joe Mortell. >> Okay. Nomination Joel. Anyone else would like to be nominated? Nope. Clerk, please take the role. Mr. Bernick, >> yes. >> Miss Sakola Drake, >> yes.
>> Mr. Martinelloo, >> yes. >> Mr. Richie, >> yes. >> Miss Smith, >> yes. >> Miss Wing Gate, yes. >> Okay. Chief, got to keep an eye on him because make sure I'm still alive. >> Okay. Mayor's appointment of standing
committees not subject to council confirmation. >> Sorry. Uh, finance and administrative committee, Mr. Martinelloo, chair, Mr. Richie and Mr. Brennan. Fire and police protection committee, Mr. Brennick, chair, Miss Winggate and Mr. Martinelloo. Public safety committee, which is the ambulance corp, Miss
Winggate, chair, Mr. Bren, and Mr. Richie. Recreation health committee, Miss Smith is the chair, Mr. Martinelloo, and Miss Sakola Drake. Public works committee, Mr. Richie is the chair, Mr. Brennick, and Miss Saraka. Buildings and Grounds Committee. Uh, Miss Sarak Drake is the chair, Miss
Winggate, and Miss Smith. >> Mayor's appointment of Leazison representatives. Board of Education, Councilwoman Courtney Windgate, Emergency 911 Coordinator Coordinator Team, Councilman Andy Brennick. Uh, Northwest Bergen
County Utilities Authority, Councilman Michael Richie. Um, Environmental Advisory Committee, Green Team and Beautifification um committee, uh, Mayor Tom Gordano. Waldick Access for All Advisory Committee, Councilwoman Angela Smith, uh, Walick Library Board of uh,
board mayor's liaison is Councilman Joe Martinelloo. Then resolutions and resolutions of the governing body. He resolved that the following resolutions herewith by cons by consent having been considered by the governing body of the burough of Waldick are hereby passed and approved. 20261
approval of consent. 20262 established cash management plan. 20263 designate um office of depository for the burrow. 20264 designation of depository for the dog account. 20265 designation of depository for court accounts. 202606
Fixing interest rates on delinquent taxes. 20267 fixing interest rates on delinquent water rents. 20268 fixing interest rates on delinquent sewer charges. 20269 year-end penalty of 6% on all outstanding balances. 202610
authorized the cancellation of tax over payments or delinquent amounts less than $10. 202611 authorize CFO to clear all inter funds. 202612 authorize Colleen CFO to maintain a pity cash fund in the amount of $400. 202613
designation of meeting dates, times, and locations for 2026. 202614 adoption of regular meeting agenda format. 202615 designation of the official newspaper. 202616 authorized hiring of emergency temporary
help. 202617 designation of municipal agent for initiation settlement and defense of tax appeals Angela Matise. 202618 appointment of tax searcher Colleen Enis. 202619 appointment of assessment searcher Kelly Howitz. 202620
appointment of subdivision searcher Boswell Engineering. 202621 appointment of prosecutor Joe Demarco. 202622 appointment of um appointment of appointing authority Tatiana Marque 202623. Appointment of public agency compliance
officer Tatiana Marque 2026 24. Appointment of municipal housing leaison Tatiana Marque 202625 appointment of designated employee representatives 202626 appointment of deputy OEM coordinator Anthony Paris 202627
appointment of 2026 members 202628 appointment of class 3 member planning board councilwoman Katie Sarakola Drake 202629 appointment of the GIF commissioner and alternate GIF commissioner to the Bergen County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund for 2026 6 202630 approval of take-home
vehicles for 2026 202631 adopt interlocal agreement for mutual aid plan and rapid deployment force 202632 adoption of form required to be used for the filing of notices of tort claims against the burough of in accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey
Tor claims act NJSA598- uh 8-6 202633 governing body certification of the compliance with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's enforcement guidance on the consideration of arrest and conviction records in employment decision uh decisions under title nine
of the civil rights act of 1964 uh I'm sorry title 7 sorry uh 202634 resolution to affirm the burough of Waldwick 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 202635 awarded non-fair and open professional professional service contract for the burough attorney Craig Bassong. 2026 uh 36 award non-fair and open professional service contract for burough uh labor
attorney Mark Rutderman. 202637 award a non-fair and open professional service contract for burough engineer Kevin J. Boswell of Boswell Engineering 202638 award a non-fair and open professional service contract for burough border Gary Vincy of lurch
Higgins LLP 202639 award a professional service contract bond council Steve Roget 202640 award a professional service contract for public defender William Cork Esquire 202641 award professional service contract burough planner Paul uh Phillips of
Phillips Price uh Shapiro Associates 202642 award a non fair and open professional service contract for affordable housing administrative agent to TKLD Consulting LLC. 202643 certify Walbeck as the provider of basic
life support to the Burrow of Walwick um for 2026. 202644 execute agreement with BCUA to act as the burough certified recycling professional and submit annual recycling tonnage report to NJP. >> Do we have a motion, a second to accept?
Motion by Joe, second by Angela. Anyone have a question? >> Nope. Clerk, please take the role. >> Mr. Brennick, >> yes. >> Miss Sarah, >> yes. >> Mr. Martinelloo, >> yes. >> Mr. Richie? >> Yes. >> Miss Smith? >> Yes. >> Miss Wingate? >> Yes. >> Yep.
This is resolution 202645, approval of the 2026 temporary budget. >> Do I have a motion to second? Motion by motion >> by Andy, second by Gourney. >> Anyone have a question? If not, clerk, please take the role.
>> Mr. Bren, >> yes. >> Miss Coldri, >> yes. >> Mr. Martinelloo, >> yes. >> Mr. Richie? >> Yes. >> Miss Smith? >> Yes. >> Miss Wingate? >> Yes. >> Okay. Good evening everyone. Before I deliver my mayor's message, I would like to ask everyone to turn to your left, turn to
your right, turn in front of you, turn in back of you, and introduce yourselves to each other and say hello. >> [laughter] >> This is what family does. And we better get used to it cuz that's what we're going to be doing in 2026. Good evening, happy new year, and thank
you for attending the 2026 reorganization meeting of the Burough of Waldwick. I would like to thank Councilwoman Michelle Weber and Councilman Mark Raundo for their service on the town council. Thank you for your hard work, tireless effort, and genuine love for Waldwick. We definitely will
miss you. To our newly elected councilwoman Angela Smith and Courtney Windgate, congratulations on your election and welcome to this council whose sole f focus is to serve the residents of Waldick and to strive to make this community a wonderful place to
live and raise a family. To council members Katie Sakola, Drake, Mike Richie, Annie Brennick, Joe Martinelloo, thank you for your hard work and unselfish dedication this past year in moving Waldwick forward. to Mariah Marian and to all the council members
spouses. Thank you for all your support, love and understanding you give us each day as we work together for the betterment of Waldworth. I want to welcome our new administrator Tatiana Maris, our new police chief, Troy Seafford, and wish them great success in
their new roles. I look forward to working with both of you as we strengthen Waldwick even further. to our burough clerk, Kelly Hallowitz, our CFO, Colleen Inis, assistant clerk, Meliss Melissa Labreezy, our great Waldwick
Police Department, our fantastic fire department, our ambulance corps, who is always there for all our residents, DBW ser, and all our burough employees. You are the backbone of our community, and without your dedication to your job, we would not be able to function as we do
as a burrow. 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 many hours on different town committees, clubs and organizations in Waldwick. I
have always said there is a spirit of service here in Waldick that is at the very heart of our community that holds us all together. Without you, we cannot accomplish all that we have done and be the burrow that we are. I would like to thank our businesses and welcome all our
new businesses who are here in Waldwick and let them know that this is their new home. Please support all our Walwick businesses by shopping locally. Your patronage is so important to their success. This past year, we had many accomplish accomplishments and
improvements throughout the burrow. We continued with our goals and projects for our residents and community. Here are some of the work that we have done. Please look at our website for a complete list of all the projects that have been keeping us very busy. The bureau added two special law enforment
officers to the police department roster in support of our relationship with the board of education. These CEOs provide added security at the school and traffic support during drop off and pickup times. The program has been a tremendous success. The police department is also
under new leadership with Chief Seafford. We wish Lieutenant Paseretti and newly sworn in Lieutenant Moore and their entire department a safe and successful 2026. To our fire department and our ambulance squ being sworn in today, thank you very
much for all your service, your time, and your dedication to our burrow. The bur replaced all the pre playgrounds equipment at Lions Park in Burough Park. We are excited for a ribbon cutting in the spring to officially open new playgrounds, which we know will be a
busy community meeting location for many of our families in town. The burrow invested in new servers, firewalls, security cameras, and computer hardware, increasing added efficiency, productivity, scalability, and an increased cyber security footprint. The
burrow completed paving on the following roads in 2025. Rustic Drive, Aceman Drive, a portion of Grove Street, Richard Drive, Charles Terrace, Albert Place, Herbert Drive, a portion of Floral Lane, and Shoula Avenue. We also
completed work on Hudson Avenue in preparation for future paving. A major HVAC and roofing renovation is underway at the pistol range and is expected to be completed in early 2026. This value facility allows our police
department to meet rigorous training requirements without leaving Waldwick and serves as a training facility for other local agencies. We we made a creation of a water quality subcommittee led by a professional water consultants. We address safe traffic
safety concerns, especially around the schools. New Blinken cross walks were installed on Crescent Avenue, near the school, and near the library. 2026 will be an opportunity for the burrow to continue providing highquality services
that residents have come to expect. From the exceptional service provided by our first responders to garbage and recycling collection to snow and leaf removal to the road repaving program to easy accessible accommodating burrow employees. We strive to help all
residents to the best of our ability by providing vital information on programs aimed at helping seniors, veterans, and business owners. While in while while inflationary pressures and increased cost of goods
and services continue to affect all municipalities the same way our residents are dealing with the same challenges at home. We are forced to make difficult budgetary decisions. The wal water department will be our primary focus. Together with our professionals,
we will lay out a roadmap to continue addressing the issues that our residents have dealt with firsthand. We are very concerned about what's happening to our residents and want to make sure that everything is being done right. We will use all resources available to the burrow to
better understand our water systems challenges and make improvements. These are just some of the items we are working on with much more that will come up. There will be challenges in 2026 and we as a council will respond to them with diligence, determination, hard
work, and bold decisions. In Waldwick, we do not look backwards for a very long time. We look on moving forward, opening new doors with new ideas. We're curious. We are curious and curiosity will lead us down the path that will lead to
success. Albert Einstein said, "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. Our destiny is ours to determine. How we go is ours to control." Let us continue our destiny to lead Waldig forward. Never looking back,
but always looking to our future. Let us never let the light of Waldick burn out. Rather, let the light of Waldig light for the way to all our futures. As we enter 2026, may we find inspiration all around us and motivation within us to be
the very best version of ourselves. May we heal from the past, live fully in the present, and dream boldly for the future. Let all our dreams turn into reality and all efforts into great achievements. May 2026 bring all of us
good health, joy, peace, prosperity, and happiness. May God continue to bless all of you, our country, and the place that we all are proud to call our home, Waldwick. Happy New Year. [applause]
[applause] At this time, we will have the oath of office administered to the Waldig Volunteer Ambulance Court. The members of the court could kindly come up with >> me. and justice.
>> 2026. >> December 31st, 2022. My name >> of the United States. >> The Constitution of the United States. >> And I will alleian the United States.
>> [applause] [applause] >> And now we're going to ask the Waldick uh fire department to kindly come up to be sworn in. >> You've been talking too much. I >> faithfully >> faithfully. All the beauty
is gone. Constitution of the United States to the government of the United States. people. [applause] [applause] Congratulations. >> Don't trip. >> President,
>> sir, >> congratulations. Be careful. Don't fall. Don't fall. Watch the wire. >> Congratulations. Don't fall. Congratulations. >> You're welcome. >> Before we have public comments, anybody from the council would like to say a few
words. >> I have a few words to say. First, thank you, Kelly, for swearing me in. I so appreciate it. Yep. And I want to thank my son Luke and my sister Beth for standing by my side like they have for so many times through struggles, through
challenges, and through loss. Taking this oath is one of the greatest honors of my life, and I'm deeply grateful to the trust that has been placed in me for the chance to serve. As I look out over the faces in this room, there are so many people I could thank by name. Not
wanting to hear the Academy Award Times Up music, I'll simply say this. You know who you are. There are three people who are no longer with us, but whose spirits are the reason I raised my hand to run
last year. My parents, Michael and Arlene Pascalio. Yes, I went from a name with half the alphabet to one people think is an alias. They taught us to give more than we take, to listen more than we speak. I'm
still working on that one. And to do our homework. They believe service wasn't something that you talked about. It's something that you lived. The third person is someone many in this room knew or wish they had. My late husband,
Michael Chestn. I had to read through this five times to keep him crying. What can I say about Michael's remarkable life that hasn't already been said? At the entrance to our new accessible high school bleachers hangs a plaque entitled A Seat for All. It tells
the story of a young man whose life changed at 17 when he was paralyzed in a car accident. It speaks of grace, of humor, and of resilience. And it ends with words that guide our family and
friends who knew him dearly every single day. Be better, not bitter. This is not just a motto. It is a choice. And it is a choice I make in sitting here today.
I stand before you or sit before you not just someone elected to serve but as one of many who love this town just like everybody sitting in this audience. Wald's tradition of caring for one another is my compass. It's where I begin and where I will always return.
Courtney and I ran on a message of inclusivity, civility, and unity because leadership should bring people together and not pull them apart. Your voices across age, ability, background, and belief matter. They will
shape the work that we will do together. I encourage everyone, no matter where you stand, to participate. Civic responsibility is a two-way street. Positive change happens when we choose
action over a grace over cynicism. We will disagree a lot and often, but we are not enemies. So, I'll end where I began. I will be a voice for all Waldians, especially those
who feel unheard, unseen, or left behind. That is who I am. That is why I ran. And that is my promise to you. to serve with heart, with humility, and with the unshakable belief that this
community is always capable of being better, not bitter. Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Angela. I just want to say a few thank yous myself. I A few people um
you know encouraged me to run. Um a few people have had to leave, but I want to say thank you to uh Laura and Cassie who really helped us with Angela helped guide me as well through the campaign. I want to thank my friends and family. Some of my friends came out to support
me, so your support means everything to me as well as my family. Thank you so much. as well as um thank you to some of the other council members and the mayor who supported us. That meant a lot. Um stood up for what um they believed in
and I will take that with me. I'm just going to do my best, stand up for what I believe in. I've always considered myself passionate and about doing what's right and I'm going to carry that with me through this uh term in serving Wallick and making it a wonderful place
to live. So, thank you. ANYONE [applause] ELSE? NO. OKAY. Public's comments. Anybody from the public would like to comment? Are you together? >> We Yes.
>> Oh, okay. We >> Good evening. I'm Bergen County Commissioner Mary Emaroso and I have to say I was thinking about when I first joined my town council in Mawa how exciting it is right to sit in your seat for the first time even if someone has
to remind you to move up. Um public service in local government is a big responsibility. You are responsible after all for your town's financial viability and your citizens quality of life. I have to say
when I was on the town council, one of the things I found most pleasurable was driving down a newly paved street in town and I would say to myself, I was part of this. So I knew you were talking
about paving tonight. Very important. Um, you guys will feel the sacrifice that it takes public service, but I also hope that you
feel the wonderful gift that it is that you get to shape your community uh and participate in the lives of your citizens. It's really a wonderful thing. I have commendations for our new council people. If you'd like to come down,
we'll just hand them out to you. So, the these are both the same for Angela Smith and for Courtney Windgate in honor and recognition [clears throat] of your swearing in as a member of the Waldwick Council. On behalf of the
nearly 1 million residents of Bergen County, we thank you for your commitment to public service and for ensuring Bergen County remains a great place to live, to work, and to raise a family. Thank you both. Take care.
Thank you. We'll do a picture. [applause] Thank you. Thank you so much. [applause] Good evening, Mayor Jordano, members of the Burough Council. Uh, thank you for having me. My name is Jared LZ, deputy chief of staff to Burton County Executive Jim Tedesco. Unfortunately,
the county executive could not be here. There are 70 communities in Burton County. I think about 20 of them have reorganization ceremonies tonight. But I am very pleased to be here on his behalf and uh congratulate our two new council women on being sworn in. Thank you so much for the sacrifice that you guys have made. It's not easy to put your
names on the ballot and put yourself out there for election. And thank you to the entire council uh for the sacrifices that you and your families make every day to serve the residents of Waldwick. Uh we here at the county are very excited to work with the burough of Waldwick on anything that your residents need to help make their lives better. Um
I also have certificates and uh I would like to invite the council women up to accept uh certificates from the county executive. They read uh in honor recognition of your election to the council for the burough of Waldwick and in appreciation of your commitment to the betterment of the burrow, its residents, and to the county of Berlin.
So, thank you very much. >> There we go. Thank you. >> Thank you. BEFORE [applause] the meeting started, I I spoke with Jared a little bit and lance up that Jared and Patiana are very good friends.
I got your business card, Jared. We're going to be calling you. >> Anyone else from the public? >> Yes, sir. >> I know that I'm uh a little late to the dance, but uh could I have a minute? >> Absolutely. I just want to uh first of
all I want to congratulate the newcomer to the council and I'm looking forward to many different share new ideas different I'd also like to say to to Mark and Michelle what a great opportunity
was to work with You are really assets to your brother. It was a pleasure meeting with you and to thank you
[applause] on TV land. >> No questions. If there's no questions, I have need a motion, a second to uh adjourn the meeting. Motion by Angela.