Haworth public meetings in 2024
18 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The committee reviewed a completed survey of 650 trees in green spaces and discussed the 2025 Work Tree Plan. Members are planning a new Forestry Management Plan due by December 31, 2025, and are proposing a "Tree Trust" to fund plantings using fines and permits.
- Tree planting budget of $8,000 with actual costs between $5,000 and $6,000
- Proposed 2025 Work Tree Plan including 60 tree removals
- Survey of 650 trees in green spaces completed
- Discussion of maintaining mature trees at Mass Ave Housing Development
- Proposal to hire Liz Stewart for a new Forestry Management Plan
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council introduced an ordinance to limit public access to specific areas in municipal buildings to enhance security. The body also appointed an acting borough clerk and expressed support for amending the Fair Housing Act.
- Ordinance 2024-30: Establishes restricted areas at 300 Haworth Ave, 271 Park St, 261 Park St, and 71 Hardenburgh Ave
- Resolution 2024-199: Appoints Gregory Zagaja as acting borough clerk for one year, retroactive to November 21, 2024
- Resolution 2024-204: Supports NJILGA's proposed amendments to the Fair Housing Act
- Appointments to Green Team: Alisa Saporito, Alanna Davis, Mary Beth Postman, Greg Zagaja, Carolyn Lee, and Thomas Runge
- Completed infrastructure projects: Lakeshore work and Massachusetts sidewalk project
Mayor Council
The council introduced a new zoning map (Ordinance 2024-29) that adds affordable housing zones and modernizes the map after 50 years. They also adopted a salary ordinance amendment (2024-28) to adjust compensation for the court administrator due to a shared services agreement with Norwood. Other actions included authorizing shared services for sewer inspections with NBCUA, approving an IT services contract with Dart Computer Services at $155 per hour, and appointing Greg Zagaja as Acting Borough Clerk.
- Adopted Ordinance 2024-28 amending salaries (Court Administrator range $30,000-$88,160) due to shared services with Norwood
- Introduced Ordinance 2024-29 to update the zoning map with new affordable housing zones
- Authorized shared services agreement with Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority for sewer TV inspections (2025-2026)
- Approved IT services agreement with Dart Computer Services at $155/hour
- Appointed Greg Zagaja as Acting Borough Clerk effective November 21, 2024
Mayor Council
The Haworth Mayor and Council adopted Ordinance 2024-027 amending land-use regulations for floor area ratios (FAR) on residential properties, approved shared-service agreements for public health and sewer maintenance, and streamlined window-contract awards. The council also amended a DPW contract to offer step advancement for new hires with CDL and Firefighter 1 certifications.
- Adopted Ordinance 2024-027 (FAR amendment) on second reading with a 6–1 vote (DiIorgi opposed).
- Approved Resolution 2024-178, a two-year shared-services agreement with Bergen County for public health services (2025–2026).
- Approved Resolution 2024-181, a shared-services agreement with North Bergen County Utilities Authority for sewer jetting at $0.70/ft (2025) and $0.72/ft (2026).
- Adopted Resolution 2024-179, delegating authority to the Qualified Purchasing Agent to award window contracts between $17,500 and $44,000 without formal bids.
- Approved Resolution 2024-187, amending the DPW contract to allow new Laborer/Driver hires with CDL and Firefighter 1 certifications to advance to Step 2 after a six-month probation.
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council approved several contracts and administrative appointments. The body decided to extend waste collection services for 2025 and authorized the purchase of a new vehicle.
- Contract extension with Interstate Waste Services of New Jersey, Inc. for 2025 waste and recycling services for $684,611.00
- Contract award to Hudson County Motors for a Tri-Axle Roll Off Chassis for $176,264.00
- Appointment of Larry Ross as a Class II member to the Planning Board
- Resolution authorizing the establishment of a Green Team
- Interlocal services agreement with the Borough of Old Tappan for mechanical maintenance and repair services
Mayor Council
The Haworth Mayor and Council passed several ordinances and resolutions, including emergency funding of $27,500 for the swim pool utility due to unexpected cost increases, and approved the purchase of a new police department SUV for $47,985.95. They also established a stipend program for volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members, set guest fees for pickleball, and required residents to remove refuse containers from streets after collection. A sewer easement was granted to the Haworth Paddle Club, and a contract was awarded for a leaf collection attachment. The council also adopted a consent agenda covering routine items and entered a closed session to discuss confidential matters.
- Ordinance 2024-20 created a stipend program for Haworth Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Corps members
- Ordinance 2024-25 established a guest policy and fees for pickleball
- Ordinance 2024-26 requires residents to remove refuse containers from streets after collection
- Resolution 2024-156 approved a $27,500 emergency appropriation for the Swim Pool Utility due to higher chlorine and preparation costs
- Resolution 2024-145 authorized the purchase of a police SUV for $47,985.95
Mayor Council
The council unanimously introduced an ordinance establishing a stipend program for active members of the Haworth Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Corps to boost retention and recruitment. They also authorized bids for a DCA-funded bike path on Lake Shore Drive, approved the purchase of police radios for up to $16,680.50, and introduced ordinances updating park membership fees and requiring residents to remove refuse containers after pickup. A shared services agreement for a court administrator with Norwood was also approved.
- Ordinance 2024-20: Creates a stipend program for active volunteers in the Fire Department and Ambulance Corps.
- Resolution 2024-140: Authorizes advertisement for bids for the DCA Grant Bike Path project on Lake Shore Drive.
- Resolution 2024-136: Authorizes purchase of Motorola radios for police department, not to exceed $16,680.50.
- Ordinance 2024-25: Amends park membership fees and guest policies, requiring pre-booking through a platform.
- Ordinance 2024-026: Requires residents to remove refuse containers from streets after trash, recycling, or yard waste pickup.
Mayor Council
The council adopted two salary ordinances for borough employees and the DPW, certified the annual audit, and approved a corrective action plan. They awarded a $485,653.60 road paving contract to D&L Paving Contractors for the NJDOT Roadway Program. A paddle club proposed installing a sewer line connecting to the swim club, with all costs covered by the club.
- Awarded $485,653.60 contract to D&L Paving Contractors for 2023-2024 NJDOT Roadway Program
- Adopted Ordinance #2024-23 fixing salaries for borough employees
- Adopted Ordinance #2024-24 fixing salaries for DPW employees
- Tabled DCA Bike Path Grant on Lake Shore Drive pending engineer info
- Paddle Club seeks permission to install sewer line to swim club, covering all costs
Meeting
The Haworth Shade Tree Commission (HSTC) reviewed progress on a $15,000 state grant for a tree survey of green spaces, requiring matching volunteer hours; discussed the approval of a revised tree ordinance; and reviewed a $72,950 draft budget that has been submitted but not yet approved. The commission also addressed outstanding tree issues at multiple locations and updates on social media outreach.
- Tree survey grant: $15,000 awarded, requiring matching volunteer hours (approx. 90 from HSTC); 33.5 hours logged, 350 trees tagged across 12 areas.
- Tree ordinance: Revised ordinance approved on 6/14/24; implementation form being finalized by construction code official.
- Draft 2024 budget: $72,950 total including $35,000 for contract program (WTP), $25,000 for emergency pruning/removals, and $8,000 for tree purchases.
- Mass Ave Development: HSTC requesting more deciduous and shade trees; awaiting response from borough and planning board.
- Outstanding tree issues: Addresses include 34 Summit, 438 Sylvan Pl, 375 Harland, and several others requiring pruning or removal review.
Mayor Council
The Haworth Mayor and Council adopted the 2024 municipal budget and an ordinance to exceed budget appropriation limits. The council also introduced new ordinances regarding salaries, wages, and benefits for borough employees and DPW staff. Additionally, the council approved a contract award for the Massachusetts Avenue Project.
- Adoption of 2024 municipal budget (Resolution #2024-117)
- Ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits (Ordinance #2024-14)
- Contract award to Cedar Contracting Co., Inc. for Massachusetts Avenue Project (Resolution #2024-119)
- Payment of $37,028.09 for swim club painting (PO 24-00535)
- Amendments to Swim Club and Pickleball fees (Ordinances #2024-21 and #2024-22)
Mayor Council
The Council approved updated guest fees for the Haworth Swim Club and new summer pickleball memberships for college students. They also awarded a contract to Landtek Group, Inc. for netting at Memorial Park. Additionally, the council appointed a temporary Acting Clerk to assist in the clerk's office.
- Ordinance #2024-21: New Swim Club guest fees ($25/adult, $10/child for residents)
- Resolution 2024-106: $22,000 contract to Landtek Group, Inc. for Memorial Park netting
- Ordinance #2024-22: Summer pickleball memberships for college students ($50 Haworth residents)
- Resolution 2024-115: Appointment of Gregory Zagaja as temporary Acting Clerk at $95/hour
- Resolution 2024-108: Sale of $36,000 Special Emergency Notes
Mayor Council
The Haworth Mayor and Council met to adopt the 2024 municipal budget and several ordinances. Key actions included approving a stormwater control ordinance and introducing a new stipend program for volunteer fire and ambulance members. The council also discussed property revaluation processes during public comment.
- Adoption of the 2024 municipal budget and authorization of estimated tax bills
- Adoption of ordinances regarding tax map preparation and stormwater control
- Introduction of a stipend program for Haworth volunteer fire and ambulance members
- Contract award to replace a burst pipe at 440 Anstatt Way
- Professional service agreement with Schwanewede Hals & Vince for surveying services
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council approved a temporary capital budget and a bond ordinance to fund improvements at the Haworth Swim Club. The Council also introduced new ordinances regarding salt sheds and park regulations. Discussions were held regarding a bike path grant for Lake Shore Drive and tree management.
- $115,000 bond ordinance for Haworth Swim Club picnic area upgrades
- Contract award to Rugiles Kitchen, LLC for Swim Club snack bar operation
- Introduction of Ordinance #2024-12 regarding privately owned salt sheds
- Introduction of Ordinance #2024-13 amending parks and recreational areas code
- Funding approved for sidewalk replacement at 226 Haworth Avenue
Mayor Council
The Haworth Mayor and Council adopted Ordinance #2024-9 to set 2024 tennis court membership fees for residents and non-residents. They approved Bond Ordinance #2024-11, allocating $115,000 from the Swim Pool Utility to upgrade the picnic area at the Haworth Swim Club. A proposed tree management ordinance was introduced on first reading but tabled pending revisions to align with state stormwater requirements.
- Ordinance #2024-9 adopted: sets 2024 Haworth tennis fees (e.g., resident family $230, non-resident junior $55)
- Bond Ordinance #2024-11 approved: appropriates $115,000 to upgrade the picnic area at the Haworth Swim Club
- Ordinance #2024-10 introduced on first reading to regulate tree management and clear cutting; tabled for substantive revisions
- DPW employee Kyle Kaneshige advanced to Step 2 pay scale after meeting licensing requirements
- Public hearing opened for resident comments on street paving status and proposed tree regulations
Mayor Council
The Haworth Mayor and Council approved updated membership fees for the town swim club and pickleball courts, which will apply through Labor Day. They also advanced a fee amendment for tennis facilities and collectively passed routine resolutions covering budget appropriations, zoning map preparation, and department stipends. A proposal to vacate a portion of Beech Street was tabled after residents raised concerns about how the change would affect building permits and property expansion.
- Ordinance #2024-5: Approved Haworth Swim Club 2024 membership fees (e.g., $800 early bird household rate) with added pickleball court access.
- Ordinance #2024-8: Adopted updated 2024 Pickleball Fees following vendor meetings and preseason planning.
- Ordinance #2024-9: Introduced first reading for amended tennis fees, with initial categories increasing by $5.00 and new mid-season rates added.
- Resolution #2024-63: Authorized SchwaneWeDe Hals & Vince Engineering to prepare new zoning maps within approved spending limits.
- Ordinance #2024-7: Tabled request to vacate a portion of Beech Street (Block 1001, Lot 4) pending attorney review of permit and setback restrictions.
Mayor Council
The Haworth Mayor and Council passed ordinances regarding updated membership rates for the Haworth Swim Club and new player fees for pickleball. The council also moved forward with an ordinance to vacate a portion of Beech Street, formerly known as Brook Street. Discussions were held regarding upcoming salt storage and tree ordinances for stormwater management.
- Ordinance #2024-5: Updated 2024 Haworth Swim Club membership fees
- Ordinance #2024-8: New 2024 pickleball player fees
- Ordinance #2024-6: Established salaries for the 2024 Summer Recreation Program
- Ordinance #2024-7: Vacating a portion of Beech Street (formerly Brook Street)
- Discussion on upcoming salt storage and tree ordinances for stormwater management
Mayor Council
The Council approved ordinances setting salaries for the 2024 summer recreation program and pool personnel. They also authorized a $33,060.00 contract for the winter tree program and various budget transfers. An ad-hoc committee will be formed to address the local deer population.
- Ordinance #2024-6: Salaries for Summer Recreation Program positions
- Contract award of $33,060.00 to Arrow Tree Service, Inc. for winter tree program
- Purchase of Borough Hall chairs not to exceed $15,426.32
- 2024 Summer Recreation Program rates: $975 early bird or $250 per week
- One-time $5.00 late fee for dog licenses
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council met for a recessed meeting to finalize several administrative items. The council approved a new salary tier structure for Department of Public Works employees and authorized bidding for the Shade Tree Commission's winter tree program.
- Approved DPW contract featuring a transition from 12-steps to a 10-steps salary tier
- Approved Shade Tree Commission’s 2024 Winter Tree Program recommendations and upcoming bids for tree/stump removal or pruning
- Confirmed the Fire Department Stipend Program was finalized effective January 1, 2024
- Noted the transition to a '.GOV' domain is awaiting the opening of a State request portal