Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • December 22, 2010 Waldwick The Waldwick Council recently recognized multiple borough employees who have been serving in various capacities for five, 10, 15, 20 -- and, in one case -- 40 years. Loyal employees Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the crew! The Waldwick Borough Council and the police union have agreed to a one-year contract even as an arbitration filing continues for future contract years. The governing body last week approved the agreement with the PBA covering the year 2010. Under the terms of the agreement, union members will receive a 3 percent salary raise retroactive to Jan. 1, 2010. The net increase, however, is slightly more than half that amount, according to Borough Administrator Gary Kratz, because in May union members began paying 1 ½ percent of their salary towards their health benefits, as now required by law. The one-year agreement was reached following a protracted mediation session on Nov. 29. The parties had filed for arbitration with the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) on Jan. 15, 2010, and had two mediation sessions before moving to arbitration. A hearing is now scheduled for the end of January. “We were hoping for a long-term contract, but we felt that it was best at this stage to come to an agreement for 2010 and then work with the arbitrator for succeeding years,” said Det. Sgt. Douglas Moore, PBA gets one-year pact; arbitration still continues a member of the PBA negotiations committee. Under the terms of the agreement, the lieutenant’s salary will be $130,992, and a sergeant’s will be $123,551. A police officer’s salary will range from a minimum of $37,164 for the academy step to $115,781. The new agreement also adds an 11th step to the patrolmen’s salary guide, making the academy step extend for a full year instead of the previous half a year while a new recruit attends the police academy. Now a patrolman will have to work an additional half a year before reaching the top step, Kratz said. Another change accomplished through the settlement is to equalize the amount of money separating each step of the upper levels of the guide. Kratz said that the previous guide in some cases provided raises of $12,000 to $13,000 from year to year. “We will have a uniform step schedule,” Kratz said. At present the borough’ police force is comprised of a lieutenant, a detective sergeant, two patrol sergeants, and 12 active patrolmen, in addition to the chief. ������������� ���� ����� ��� ����� ������� ASE Certified SHOTMEYER BROS. “We’re the Energy Experts!” 11 Crescent Ave., Waldwick • 201-445-2722 Randy’s Auto Repair Keeping Families Warm Since 1929. 12-22-10----Randy’sXmas3x4 3col x 4” Ester... from Janine SantaSUVN98c381k.eps/art/chrstmas (MET1298/p31) The Finest Heating Oil and Service Company in the Industry! AUTOMATIC DELIVERY! COMPLETE INSTALLATION! EMERGENCY SERVICE! Dependable, Reliable Service for Over 80 Years! Serving All Your Home Heating Needs Prompt, Reliable Service You Can Depend On, Plus The Personal Attention You Deserve. • Oil Heat Systems Serviced & Installed • Automatic Fuel Oil Deliveries • Tank Insurance Available Cash ts Discougn il n O On Heati s Deliverie 24 Hour 201-891-1000 Emergency Service ����������������������� Call Us Today! 973-427-1000