Wyckoff Council Debates Fire Engine Purchase and Infrastructure
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
03/05/2024
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Recording Published:
01/29/2024
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Duration:
53 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Wyckoff
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting of the Wyckoff Town Council, discussions centered on the authorization and purchase of a new fire engine, which sparked debate among council members and residents. The need for the new fire engine, based on National Fire Protection Agency standards, was justified by the council but met with skepticism from a resident during the public comment period. This issue rose to prominence alongside the announcement of a $56,000 grant awarded to the Whitecough Fire Department for the purchase of spare structural firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE).
The debate over the fire engine purchase was not the only infrastructure issue addressed. The council also discussed the need to replace the roof of a municipal building, citing extensive leaks. Solutions architecture was commissioned to conduct a budget analysis comparing asphalt and slate roof options.
The administrator’s report provided an overview of the township’s activities, including budget transfers, contract approvals for roof replacement, and the commencement of road improvement work. The report also detailed the submission of grant applications for various projects, such as a distracted driving campaign, local recreation improvements, community forestry management, energy initiatives, and clean energy projects. The display of commemorative flags for Heart Health, Black History Month, and Women’s History Month was noted, as well as the planned issuance of a summer newsletter. The administrator’s updates underlined the township’s stance on community development and maintenance.
Public safety and community involvement were also focal points of the meeting. Discussions included the Department of Public Works’ repair of areas damaged by snowplows, preparations for a rabies clinic, and the Environmental Commission’s announcement of upcoming events, including a composting event, an environmental film festival, Arbor Day, a tidy-up day, and a shredfest and styrofoam collection. The police department reported on its programming study and the repair of Wi-Fi access at the Len house.
The council lauded the fire department’s performance in recent inspections, with a visiting fireman from Massachusetts praising the department’s enthusiasm, preparation, and equipment. The fire commissioner underscored the dedication of the volunteers and the necessity for a new ladder truck.
In terms of community engagement, the council acknowledged the Fire Department Awards dinner, which recognized Company One’s win in the fire inspection. The flow festival was mentioned, with a call for increased promotion to enhance attendance. The proactive efforts of the Department of Public Works in conducting spring clean updates were commended.
The council also touched on other municipal matters, such as the signing off on the 2023 annual financial statement, the mailing of the 2024 tax assessment cards, and the setting of the tax appeal deadline. It was reported that OSHA 300 forms and new labor law posters had been posted in all municipal buildings, with electronic versions to be added to the township’s website.
Furthermore, the council discussed the recent hiring of a new football coach for the Ramapo Indian Hills board and the basketball team’s progress in the state semifinals. The upcoming meeting of the design review board was mentioned, including the need to select a chairperson.
During the public comment period, a resident criticized the lack of communication from the police department to the town’s people and suggested alternative revenue-generating ideas for the township, such as the sale of Larland property and holding raffles to fund the volunteer fire department.
Pete Melchionne
City Council Officials:
Rudolf E. Boonstra, Thomas J. Madigan, Timothy E. Shanley, Peter Melchionne, David Becker (Township Attorney)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
03/05/2024
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Recording Published:
01/29/2024
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Duration:
53 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Wyckoff
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