Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • November 9, 2011 Waldwick The cleanup from the Oct. 29 storm cost the Borough of Waldwick about $12,000, but the resident feedback on the town’s handling of the emergency was extremely positive, borough officials reported last week. CFO Mary Ann Viviani said the additional moneys will have to come from funds in this year’s budget from an account that had already been overspent due to other emergencies earlier in the Borough freezes expenditures to pay for storm’s costs year. She told the mayor and council that $40,000 would be transferred into the account, and that all unnecessary purchasing of budgeted amounts had been suspended through the end of the year. “Only clean up and public safety purchasing is authorized. All department heads are cooperating,” Viviani said. She said the borough would apply for state and federal emergency relief, but she cautioned that even if awarded, those funds would not become available during this budget year. Viviani said most of the cleanup work by the DPW had not required overtime because it had been done during daylight hours as a precautionary measure. “The overtime might come at the end of leaf season if they are backed up,” she said. Viviani said that residents coming into her office to pay their taxes throughout the week indicated they had been overwhelmed by the storm but “happy the town had stepped up to the plate in the time of crisis.” Councilman Andrew Brennecke, the public works liaison, called a meeting of council members and DPW foremen on the Saturday of the storm to plan a course of action. This included cancelling leaf pick and white metal pickups and replacing them with curbside brush and branch collections by district. Residents were to be informed of the progress by email blast so they would be prepared when the cleanup reached their area. Leaf collection will be resumed once the cleanup is completed. Council members praised Brennecke for his initiative. “I compliment you. It was good for the community. You hear from everybody how much better the response was than the last time (Hurricane Irene),” Councilman Tom Giordano told Brennecke. After that September storm branches were not picked up curbside, but rather residents had to deliver them to dumpsters at two locations in town. “I am grateful to Andy for arranging Students step it up the meeting to decide what to do after the storm. He acted most prudently,” said Councilman Frank Palladino. Brennecke explained that a major asset in handling the latter situation had been that the DPW was geared up for leaf season and had the equipment on hand. “Then (Irene) we were into grass season,” he noted, adding that his department would continue assessing storms on an individual basis and plan according to the circumstances at that time. “We couldn’t do it ourselves. That’s what we need you for. Thank you for doing it,” resident Dave Marino told the council. “I applaud you for the ambitious program. It was very beneficial,” said resident Frank McKenna. He suggested that school routes such as Dante, Ridge and Lockwood be cleaned up first. Giordano praised the fire department, whose volunteer members worked hand in hand with the police and went door to door in some cases “making sure the community was safe.” He said carbon monoxide poisoning was a great concern. Giordano’s comments were echoed by resident John Livesey. He said when a live wire came down near his home, “the fire department was right there. They did a great job.” The brush and limb program is set to end early this week. According to the borough’s release, once the DPW completes each district, it will not be back. Small branches left behind after the DPW has gone through a district will be picked up on the second schedule pick-up once the leaf pick-up program is reinstated. Paul, Colleen, Erin, and Kelly walked to school on International Walk to School Day in Waldwick. They are pictured with Mrs. Juby, who has been a crossing guard for 36 years. The Waldwick Board of Health and Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission will be holding its annual free rabies inoculation clinic on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The clinic will take place at the Department of Public Works building, 19 Industrial Park. Dogs on leashes are welcome from Free rabies clinic offered 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Retractable leashes are not recommended.) Cats in carriers are welcome from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Pets of residents from other municipalities are welcome to attend. For more information, call Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission at (201) 445-7217.