August 21, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 Waldwick Open space referendum to be on November ballot When Waldwick’s registered voters go to the polls on Nov. 5, they will be asked to decide on a renewal of the borough’s open space program. Sweet wheels! Waldwick Borough Administrator Gary Kratz explained that the referendum will essentially ask voters whether the borough should continue the open space program as Two youngsters take a turn at the wheel during the Lions Club Carnival, which was held ear- lier this month. it currently exists. Because the open space program is already included in the tax base, continuation of the fund would not result in a tax increase. He pointed out that the present program calls for an obligation of approximately $21 per year for the owner of a house assessed at the borough’s average value of $416,000. Due to a sunset provision in the program that was previously approved at the polls, a referendum on this issue is required every 10 years. Kratz said the borough’s existing program has allowed for many recreation-related projects to be carried out in Waldwick. As a result of the current open space program, he reported, “We have made improvements in every one of the parks we have.” According to the resolution approved by the council last week, the question that will be submitted to the borough’s voters will read: “Shall the Borough of Waldwick con- tinue a dedicated tax program and impose an annual tax levy at the current rate being paid of $0.005 per $100 of assessed value for a period of 10 years for any or all of the following purposes, or any combina- tion thereof, as determined by the govern- ing body: acquisition, development, and maintenance of lands for recreation and conservation purposes; acquisition and preservation of farmland and historic prop- erties; and debt service for any of these pur- poses?” The resolution indicates that the amounts raised under the open space program are to be deposited into a designated trust fund and used for designated purposes within Waldwick. Those funds are to be disbursed for projects only after a public hearing is conducted. In a previous interview, Kratz said that the funds raised over the past 10 years, coupled with county open space grants, had gone to make park improvements and to maintain areas in which substantial invest- ments in landscaping had been made. He indicated that the borough still has plans for further improvements. He noted that, when people move into Waldwick, they look for recreational opportunities, which the borough aims to provide. Waldwick projects undertaken with open space funds have included the rebuild- ing of Veterans Park, installation of new playground equipment at Emmet Park, and upgrades at Borough Park, including the installation of a special needs playground and the rehabilitation of the park’s comfort station. Police Department Report Officer Kyle Moore arrested a 38-year- old Waldwick man on July 21. The resident was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and terroristic threats. The arrest came after the defendant threatened to assault another Waldwick resident with a knife. On July 29, Officer Chris Goodell arrested a 21-year-old Waldwick resi- dent and charged him with possession of marijuana after stopping the defendant’s vehicle for a motor vehicle violation on Franklin Turnpike. Officer Dave Passaretti arrested a 39- year-old Waldwick woman on Aug. 3. She was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The arrest was made on Crescent Avenue after the defendant’s vehicle was stopped for a (continued on page 15)