MEETING MINUTES – October 19, 2023

CSAC Meeting of October 19, 2023

Members in Attendance:  Barbara Sacks, Jane Remis, Shayan Farooqi, Henry Ratcliffe, John Prieto, Lorraine Reynolds, Jovan Mehandzic, Sheila Brogan, Ofc. John Ward (RPD), Chief Forest Lyons (RPD)

Visitors in Attendance:  Julia Bruno, Rurik Halaby, Dana Glazer, Bob Fuhrman, Rob Fitch, Susan Ruane

OLD BUSINESS:

1.Follow-up: Morningside Road and Hamilton, concerns regarding safety and dangerous conditions at the intersection.  A potential solution of road paint was discussed; RPD advised there have been no reported accidents in the area for 2022-2023 and will continue to monitor the area. The idea of starting a petition by local residents for road painting was raised.  Also, an apparent sight triangle obstruction location at the intersection was discussed which will be forwarded to Engineering for review.

2.Visitor Concerns:  Mr. Halaby discussed his concerns regarding the need for a pedestrian crosswalk signal at the intersection of North Maple and Linwood; the need for improvements for road surfaces and at critical pedestrian crossings; and the need for a comprehensive proactive plan by the Village to ensure pedestrian safety.  These issues will be discussed further at the next meeting.

3.Visitor Concern:  Mr. Fitch raised concerns over the process for addressing sight triangle obstructions.  A review of the relevant code section was discussed. It was decided that the RPD would observe and forward a prioritized list of critical STO locations (such as at schools); in addition, the STO review process would be discussed with the Village Manager.

4.Follow-up: The concern of parked vehicles at the curve on Berkshire Road near Grove St was discussed. RPD observed the area including the approach westbound on Grove St and noted the change in speed limit entering the Village; no other concerns were observed at the intersection. The idea of residents starting a petition to add a no-parking sign at the curve was raised.

5.Follow-up: The need for a stop sign at the intersection of the Franklin Avenue extension at North Irving was discussed.  This issue will be discussed further at the next meeting.

6.Follow-up: Concerns over lighting in the CBD in the area of Franklin Ave and Broad St were discussed. RPD reported that a list of light locations in need of repair was sent to PSE&G and the Village Manager.

7.Follow-up: Concerns over safety issues at Clinton Road near Ridge School were discussed. RPD has been observing the area and has undertaken a safety campaign to educate drivers.  It was reported that new signage has been installed.  The idea of notifying local parents about safety issues was raised; this will be discussed with the Board of Education.

8.Follow-up: The issue of adding a double-yellow line on Bellair Road was discussed.  RPD reported on the results of a speed/volume study conducted in September; it was recommended that specific enforcement be carried out and that a double yellow line along with white edge (“fog”) lines be considered. It was decided that the need for local resident feedback would be discussed with the Village Manager.

9.Follow-up: The issue of funding for replacement of the pedestrian bridge on Kingsbridge Road was discussed; it was reported that funding is targeted for the 2024 budget.

10. Follow-up: Progress on Franklin Avenue corridor project – nothing new to report.

11.Follow-up: Pedestrian/Bike SRTS grants – nothing new to report.

12.CBDAC: The following updates in the CBD were discussed: On Thursday evenings during the holidays, retailers will be open and parking will be free; the Village is undertaking a feasibility study to explore the benefits of creating a special improvement district in the CBD; the tree streets in the CBD will be paved in November after dining corrals are removed; the ordinance to limit parking on Walnut St failed to pass due to lack of resident support. There was nothing new to report regarding the pedestrian tunnel/mural project.

13.Site Triangle Obstructions: locations will continue to be sent to Engineering for review, including the location of Spring Ave and South Van Dien.

14.West Glen Avenue sidewalks: It was reported that recent discussions with local residents resulted in overall positive feedback for the project as well as for the crosswalk flashing light at Hillcrest.

15.Intersection proposals: It was reported that a new electronic speed sign was installed on East Glen Avenue near Bogert Avenue. RPD will follow-up on the progress of an in-street crosswalk sign at Bogert.

NEW BUSINESS:

1.Comments from the public. In addition to the aforementioned items, the idea of sending safety information to new parents was raised (e.g., ‘Stop-Look-Wave’); the work of School Resource Officers in this regard is ongoing.  

• Safety Committee
  January 21, 2021
  
  Held on Zoom
  
  Attendance:  Anastasia Bamberg, Sgt. Jay Chuck, Robert Fuhrman, Jane Remis, Christopher J. Rutishauser, Barbara Sacks, Kelly Buchsbaum, Joyce Docktor, Lorraine Reynolds, and Sheila Brogan.
  
  Lorraine Reynolds chaired the meeting in Charley DiMarco’s absence. Meeting called to order at 7:54PM
  
  Old Business
  1.    Franklin Ave Corridor -  Chris Rutishauser reported that the Village is communicating with Bergen County, but since much of the Bergen County employees are working from home, the response time has slowed.  The Village is still waiting for a response from the county.
  2.    Pedestrian/ Bike SRTS Grants – Chris Rutishauser reported that NV5 was still working on the grant implementation.  Because this is a Federal grant it is complex.
  3.   CBDAC – Anastasia Bamberg and Chris Rutishauser reported out.  The Village is reviewing the idea that restaurants purchase, move and maintain a system of bollards to place around their outdoor dining areas.  The Village will continue using the yellow barricades to close streets when weather is warm enough to allow for outdoor dining and the closure of streets in the CBD.
  4.    SSTAF – Nothing to report at this time as schools are in session for ½ days only.
  5.    West Glen Avenue sidewalks – Chris Rutishauser reported that sidewalk plans have to be finalized.
  6.   West Glen Ave and North Monroe – Chris Rutishauser reported that the signal division has been hit hard by COVID 19, so progress on upgrading signal is stalled.
  7.    W Glen Ave and Hillcrest – Chris Rutishauser reported that the Ped-Actuated Crossing Signal – Warrants/Design – were part of the capital budget being proposed to the Council for next year’s budget.
  New Business:
  8.    Street Smart NJ – No one had information on this, so will table until next meeting.
  9.    Other business: Sgt. Chuck reported a complaint the police received re the NJ Transit buses travelling on Ridgewood Ave in the CBD.  He suggested that plans to move the bus station to the train station area, west side parking area, be reconsidered.  It was noted that when first discussed there were objections to this plan, but now there might be less traffic and parking congestion at the station as more people may work from home and the parking garage is complete. In the meantime, the police have spoken with NJ Transit about the routes (travel times have been adjusted so drivers have a bit more time between stops) and parking so as not to block Oak Street by the current bus station.
  Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM

AGENDA

OLD BUSINESS:

1)  Franklin Avenue Corridor--County Engineer Review of Preliminary Plans? Status of Municipal Agreements. (Engineering/ Reynolds)

2)  Pedestrian/Bike SRTS Grants-- Progress report on NV5 work. (Engineering)

3)  CBDAC-- Activities Report. (Bamberg)

4)  SSATF-- Any Activity? (Bamberg/Remis/Shinozuka)

5)  West Glen Avenue Sidewalks-- Concept Study Progress Report. (Engineering)

6)  West Glen Avenue/ North Monroe Street--Design Progress Status? Schedule? (Engineering)

7)  West Glen Avenue/Hillcrest Road Ped-Actuated Crossing Signal-- Warrants/Design Criteria (Engineering)

NEW BUSINESS:

1)  Street Smart NJ-- NJTPA Program in Fair Lawn, etc.

2) Other

NEXT MEETING: February 18, 2021
______________________________________________

Topic: CSAC Meeting
Time: Jan 21, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81831170857?pwd=U0ZpYXRyOHd1RU1Va3RCc21zOGNSUT09

Meeting ID: 818 3117 0857
Passcode: 285490
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,81831170857# US (New York)
+13017158592,,81831170857# US (Washington D.C)

Dial by your location
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 818 3117 0857
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keAxmh0e15

E-mail received with no Attachments

AGENDA
 
OLD BUSINESS:
 
1)  Franklin Avenue Corridor- County Engineer Review of August, 2020 Submission; Status of Municipal Agreements. (Engineering/ Reynolds)
 
2)  Crosswalk at Van Emburgh Avenue/ Hampshire Road--Status? (Engineering)
 
3)  Pedestrian/ Bike SRTS Grants-- Update/ Status of NV5 Project. (Engineering)
 
4)  CBDAC-- Activities Report. (Bamberg)
 
5)  North Walnut Street--- Speed Sign Evaluation. Further Studies Needed? (Police/ Engineering)
 
6)  SSATF-- Any Actions Planned? (Bamberg/ Remis/ Shinozuka)
 
7)  West Glen Avenue-- Report on Heights Road-North Monroe Street Concept Study Progress. (Engineering)
 
8)  West Glen Avenue/North Monroe Street-- Design Progress Status? Schedule? (Engineering)
 
9)  Safety Enforcement and Policy re: School/Recreational Facilities/ Residential Areas. Additional Actions/Discussions? ( Sacks/ Police)
 
10) West Glen Avenue/ Hillcrest Road Ped-Actuated Crossing Signal-- Criteria/ Warrants? Recommendations?(Engineering)
 
11) Kenilworth Road/ Spring Avenue-- STOP Logo on northbound approach removed during recent repaving to be replaced per Engineering.
 
 
NEW BUSINESS:
 
1)  Other 
 
 
NEXT MEETING