Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • January 16, 2013 Waldwick Waldwick Planning Board Chairman Scott Lemmon retired from the board at year’s end after 38 years, 18 of those years as its chairman. Mayor Thomas Giordano presented Lemmon with a plaque prior to the annual New Year’s Day reorganization meeting in recognition of his years of service. “Scott has always been a dedicated resident who has been involved in our community and in our local government. He is a very knowledgeable person when it comes to the laws and rules of Waldwick and what can be done or not, and he is very protective about keeping Waldwick a community that we can all be proud of. He has a deep love for Waldwick,” Giordano said. “We are going to miss Scott but we know your phone number so we will be calling you for answers and advice,” the mayor added. “He was fair, concise, and concerned that the borough get the best of what the planning board is all about,” commented board member Robert Ryan, who served with Lemmon for 12 years. “He wanted the best for the citizens and the applicant,” he added. Mayor Giordano named Frank Walsh to fill Lemmon’s unexpired term, which would have run until December 31, 2015. Lemmon steps down from board The Waldwick Board of Education may have to make hard decisions as it plans its 2013-14 budget this winter. Business Administrator John Griffin told the board last week during its annual reorganization meeting that the projected health benefits premium will be $500,000 higher than this year, even though employees now make financial contributions to their health plan. This prompted Board President Patti Levine to comment that the board would have to “seriously consider options to make up the money.” Levine suggested that one option would be to charge students an activity fee, perhaps $300 to $500 per family. Another option might be not absorbing some costs associated with recreational activities. She said a meeting with the recreation organizations would be held in the near future to discuss facilities use. “We can’t keep up. The 2 percent cap is putting a stranglehold on us,” Levine said. Griffin said that benefits went up 14 percent last year, but that had fallen short of costs at the state level, resulting in an additional 15-20 percent this year. During the reorganization meeting, Levine was reelected to head the board, and trustee Dawn Monaco was reelected vice president. Levine, Daniel Marro, Sr. and Martha Walsh were administered the oath of office to their new three-year terms. Levine, Monaco and trustee Dr. Dominic J. Novelli will continue serving on the negotiations committee. Levine asked other trustees to let her know their committee preferences so she can make appointments at the next meeting. Benefits increase forces hard choices