Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • August 15, 2012 Waldwick The economic downturn in recent years has left many towns to deal with the effects of foreclosed homes, and Waldwick is no exception. As the lenders take over defaulted mortgages or residents simply walk away from homes they can no longer support, many houses take on a deserted look, and neighbors complain to the municipality about the unkempt conditions. As a last resort, the borough council authorizes placing a lien on the offending property to pay for the services of a landscaper to take care of the uncut lawns. Five of these homes have come to the governing body’s attention over the past few months. “We let the property owners know about the lawn, and if they do not take care of the conditions, a notice of vio- Tax liens get the property maintenance job done lation is issued. If they still do not take care of them, then we have a landscaper take care of it for them, and they are billed for it by putting a lien on the property,” Mayor Thomas Giordano said. Borough Administrator Gary Kratz said the liens can run anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on how much work needs to be done to bring the property into compliance. The process which allows the town to file the liens for failure to maintain the property is permitted by state law. “It’s a very cumbersome process due to the legal requirements of the state law, but it gets the job done,” Kratz said. He said price quotes are obtained from landscapers, and the lowest bid is assigned the task. He said the town’s Department of Public Works employees do not get involved because of administrative considerations. “It’s cleaner if a contractor does the work,” Kratz said. He explained that property owners usually have ten days (or the number of days specified in the notice of violation) to cut the lawn or have the work done before someone is sent in to do it. “We have and will continue to follow all the rules that are set forth for us in our codes and in our policies. We as a governing body must make sure that Waldwick continues to be a community that people would want to move into. We must always preserve its beauty and its warmth,” said Mayor Giordano. “We must make sure that our properties are kept up with and make sure that any problems never go without being taken care of.” The Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps is accepting donations for its newly established scholarship in memory of long time member Art Barthold. The scholarship is to be awarded to a Waldwick student going into the medical field. In addition to his involvement with the ambulance corps, Barthold, who died on July 14, was also a member and past president of the Waldwick Lions Club. The public-spirited Barthold was a 13-year member of the Waldwick Council and served as council president. He coached for the Waldwick Baseball Association, Junior Football League, and the Waldwick Soccer Association. He also was the chairman for many Waldwick graduation balls. The ambulance corps is planning to host a golf outing in the fall to help fund the new scholarship. Donations made to the fund will be specifically earmarked for the scholarship and not comingled with the corps’ regular donations. Anyone who would like to contribute to the scholarship may send donations to the Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 20 Whites Lane, Waldwick, NJ 07463 and mark the check: Barthold Scholarship Fund. The ambulance corps is seeking new members for its ranks. Residents can apply to the corps at 16 years old. The 120-hour emergency medical training course, Corps establishes memorial scholarship Art Barthold provided to the volunteer at no cost, qualifies for three college credits. For more information or to join call (201) 445-8772.