20230119 - CSAC Minutes

CSAC Meeting--January 19, 2023-- MINUTES (Prepared by Shayan Farooqi with contributions from Henry Ratcliffe)

CSAC Meeting January 19, 2023

CSAC Members/ Liaisons: John Prieto, Jovan Mehandzic , Barbara Sacks, Jane Remis, Lorraine Reynolds, Ray Tarino, Anastasia Bamberg, Harold Ratcliffe, Mary Micale, Shayan Farooqi, Sheila Brogan

Others: Susan Kwon, Anton Federov

OLD BUSINESS

1)  Franklin Avenue Corridor-- { CJR: Repaving complete- awaiting completion of all pavement markings by Bergen County}; Corridor repair in the future; We will have a better timetable in the Spring.

2)  Pedestrian/ Bike SRTS Grants--  Construction possibly in 2023. The design is complete and is being reviewed by an engineering firm. This is moving along slowly and steadily with matters being verified as they come up. This project may or may not happen in 2023.

3)  CBDAC-- Discussions continuing regarding establishment of a Special Improvement District. Obtaining funding from business or obtaining grants for safety improvements. Items and points reviewed included discussions relating to: the closing of streets for pedestrians and dining corrals, special improvement district, Main Street USA designation, parks placements, improving the appearance of store fronts, transit route village designation, bicycle pedestrian improvements, ‘early development, etc.

4)  Glen Avenue Sidewalks-- { CJR: In process}. Design plus retaining wall; This will be a part of next year's capital budget. The inception of the designing phase has begun, so we are still months away from completion. We touched base on the allocation of funds, the awareness and input from the local residents, and the span of the sidewalks.

5)  Smart Street NJ-- Spoke about the decorative snowflakes being up through the end of February. Touched base in the safety banners which will go up later on this year to promote driver and pedestrian safety. Finally, the group had a short discussion about the Farmers Market, its location and making it a more vibrant and appealing destination.

6)  Sight Triangle/ Obstructions-- All were encouraged to report locations for review to Engineering to improve and expedite the review and resolution of sight triangle questions and issues. Similarly, the Village could assist in the reporting of maintenance items (such as damaged or missing signs) by encouraging staff to report defects as part of their duties while on Village streets. The intersection between Van Dien and Overbrook is no longer an issue. Various locations where shrubs and bushes causing line of sight or interfering with pedestrian traffic were mentioned.

7)  Union Street-- Refurbishing of markings is scheduled for the spring. There is an optimum temperature for striping and marking.

8)  Franklin Turnpike/ Nagle Street-- The Police were requested to update the suggestion offered by Sgt. Chuck at the CSAC's November 2022 meeting regarding furnishing the school crossing guard with pre-warning devices. Engineering is being asked to consider the addition of an In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign (MUTCD R-1-6a). { CJR: Need to see what is approved in the budget} In addition, the committee and Officer Tarino discussed various elements of ensuring crossing guards are present in the afternoon where they are assigned and what steps can be taken to find coverage in the event of absenteeism. We also discussed the placement of placards and bollards at various points of crossing and at crosswalks. Officer Tarino advised one issue was the placards being hit by motorists during off hours.

9)  Mr. Prieto suggested CSAC document safety issues and tracking member observations at the monthly meetings. Members and the public brought up various intersections and locations. It was suggested a global spreadsheet be created for documentation.

NEW BUSINESS

1)  Councilmember Reynolds is designated to continue as Council Representative to CSAC in 2023. Also, Sheila Brogan is back on as the Board of Education Representative.

2)  The article submitted by Ms. Sacks regarding video enforcement of school bus passing laws in NY State was discussed. It was noted that video enforcement is not legal in New Jersey. Officer Tarino advised of the finer points of investigation versus enforcement when it comes to tracking traffic and pedestrian use patterns.

3)  Safety, traffic enforcement and school issues were noted as frequent topics at CSAC. The great value to both residents and CSAC members of having the Police and Board of Education designees attend CSAC was discussed. The active participation and input of these representatives or designees always enhances the efforts to address and better respond to problems as they occur. In-person attendance is always encouraged. Various visibility, speed device, and monitoring tools and signs were discussed across the wide array of technology based and simpler methods based on mobility, effectiveness, and usage. Also, in addition to the discussion of various problematic intersections and locations, there was a disambiguation of the circumstances and laws relating to school drop-off and pick-up procedures and protocols dependent on location.

4) i. A person sustained an injury when two automobiles crashed at the intersection of Linwood Avenue and Northern Parkway, Ridgewood on Sunday afternoon, 01/15 ii. A two vehicle head-on crash on 1/13 at the intersection of Fairmount Road and North Monroe Street, Ridgewood caused serious injuries iii. vehicle vs. pedestrian collision at the intersection of Northern Parkway and Linwood Avenue, Ridgewood on Tuesday morning, 11/15.  Follow up on these accidents/collisions for the facts and addressable safety issues. Officer Tarino touched base on these as needed and with the details he was able to disseminate.

5) Ridgewood Police Department reports or items LOE would like to discuss. Spoke about the possible creation of a dangerous intersection list, patrol devices, and various enforcement issues. Spoke about the impact of new development and housing with the Village. There are going to be new advanced traffic lights having the ability to communicate with one another on Franklin to improve traffic.

6) Maryam/Anton Fedorova, Ridgewood Resident- traffic safety issue at East Glen (intersection with Bogert and East Glen) which may be resolved with better lighting/traffic control devices. Operation Bright Idea was mentioned and its impact on residents in the area.

7) Open for any new business/discussions

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM in the Garden Room at Village Hall