Written on 15 November 2019.

Village Council Public Meeting Minutes 20191007

A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AT 8:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE

Mayor Hache called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.

Mayor Hache led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as in a Moment of Silence to honor the brave men and women serving in our armed forces and all our first responders.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of September 30, 2019, be accepted as submitted. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

3. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

Mayor Hache moved that the Village Council minutes of May 1, 2019 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

4. PROCLAMATIONS

A. NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH

Councilman Voigt read the following proclamation:

B. RECOGNIZE OCTOBER 13, 2019 AT METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY

Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:

C. DECLARE OCTOBER NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

Councilman Sedon read the following proclamation:

5. RESOLUTION OF APPOINTMENT AND SWEARING-IN OF TAX COLLECTOR JESSICA ARNOTT

A. RESOLUTION #19-330 APPOINTMENT OF TAX COLLECTOR

The following resolution was read in full by the Village Manager/Village Clerk:

B. SWEARING-IN OF TAX COLLECTOR

Ms. Arnott was joined by her family on the floor where Mayor Hache swore her into a four-year term. Her son held the Bible, as her family looked on.

6. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION – 2019 U.S. NATIONAL TAEKWONDO CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

Master Kim’s associate stated that they went to Minnesota with twenty-three athletes and more than twenty received medals. Liam Woods stated that every week, he and his team train for seven hours and fifty minutes to improve their outcome. During the summer, they mainly focus on conditioning training and for the rest of the year, they do strategy training. He thanked his teammates, coaches, and parents. He spoke about his training and competitions, and representing the USA at the National Championships in Uzbekistan. He added that he uses his losses as motivation to do better in the future. Mayor Hache stated that with Liam’s humility that he expressed tonight and recognition of how his teammates contributed to his success, he is already a winner.

7. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Cynthia Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated she was there to speak about the Kensington Assisted Living proposal. She was interested in reading Councilman Voigt’s letter on the subject in last week’s Ridgewood News. She watched a very compelling presentation by Kensington to the Village Council a few weeks ago and she was disappointed that after relatively little deliberation, public input, or discussion, the Council dismissed the proposal with a vote of three against and two in favor. A few years ago, the Kensington had a different proposal and at that time, there was more public discussion.

Ms. Halaby stated that she and her husband attended the first Visioning Workshop, and during the breakout session, their group strongly recommended adding assisted living, to facilitate aging in place. She urged the Village Council to invite Kensington to discuss their proposal further, since by the time they are ready for their project, the Dayton Apartments construction will be finished. She added that she has a vested interest in this project, as she has lived in the Village for almost 50 years and her mother is now 101 and she would like to have the option to continue to live in Ridgewood.

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, referenced the United States Constitution, which the Village Council swore to uphold, and paraphrased the First Amendment. He showed a book that the Village distributed to commemorate its 100th Anniversary. There was an event each month that showed residents’ pride in its history, and the planning started an entire year ahead of time. Regarding the 125th Anniversary, he asked if there was an organizing committee and who chairs it. Mr. Halaby stated that the Deputy Mayor made it clear that no one from the dais is chairing the 125th Anniversary committee. He placed an OPRA request and received 92 pages of emails sent by the Mayor or Deputy Mayor addressed to various parties regarding meetings. Reading the emails, it was clear to him that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were acting as chairs. He added that he also had copies of minutes from a couple of meetings that were submitted by the Deputy Mayor. Mr. Halaby stated that it was a shame that 2019 has gone by, as a waste and a fiasco.

Jean Theisen, 354 Fairfield Avenue, stated that there are some things going on in town which concern her, and one of those things is the amount of money that is being spent. She added that it is extremely concerning that they are spending so much money by Schedler. When she attended the visioning meeting, it didn’t seem like the money that the consultants were charging was justified by the amount of work they were doing. It was something that was fairly elementary and it was something that they could have done within the resources in the Village.

Ms. Theisen added that there was a concern as to if there was an historic recognition of the Zabriskie-Schedler house, that there should be some stronger purse strings on the Village’s money. She asked the Village Council to think about it like it was their own money, instead of looking at it as a fairly wealthy community with an open pocketbook. Ms. Theisen added that when she looks at the fact that they are using parking meter collections to pay for a parking garage, she sees it as injuring the Central Business District (CBD). She suggested having nights of free parking to encourage and support the CBD, adding that she was concerned about the businesses that are in the community.

There were no additional comments from the public.

Mayor Hache stated that there is a 125th Anniversary Committee, and the committee is being spearheaded by a group of local residents who are volunteers, and they are getting together to plan events for the public. Councilwoman Knudsen added that there were many times that the Village Manager announced that there would be a 125th Anniversary committee and anyone who was interested should contact the Deputy Clerk. She added that they are grateful for the residents who did step up to help.

8. MANAGER’S REPORT

Ms. Mailander stated there are many projects underway which include the Engineering Division. These projects include the parking garage construction; Schedler house restoration with asbestos abatement, roof and exterior renovation; Schedler park development with a berm being formed along Route 17; street paving throughout the Village, plus curbs and sidewalks at various locations; handicap ramps have been installed on East Ridgewood Avenue; at Kings Pond, the dredging is almost complete, and new curbs will be installed to define the grass and street areas; and tennis court restoration with two tennis courts at Glen School being reconfigured into four pickleball courts. All of this while addressing residents’ questions about site plans and drainage issues.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Water Carr Treatment Facility has been turned on and will provide an additional one million gallons of water per day to Ridgewood Water customers.

Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood Water would like to remind its customers that October 23rd is “Imagine a Day Without Water” day. There would be no water to drink or make coffee. This is the fifth annual day to raise awareness and educate America about the value of water.

Ms. Mailander stated that upcoming Village Council meetings are October 23rd and November 6th are Public Work Sessions at 7:30 P.M., and November 13th is the Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.

Ms. Mailander stated that in observation of the Columbus Day Holiday, all Village offices will be closed next Monday, October 14th. There will be no garbage or recycling pickup on that day and the recycling center will also be closed.

Ms. Mailander stated that in anticipation of the leaf collection season, with leaf placement starting on Monday, October 21st, every household received a bright yellow postcard with details about the leaf placement dates for the various areas, which is based on the yard waste areas, A through D. She asked residents to review the details explained on the postcard. To find an area, residents should go to My Services Lookup located on the Village of Ridgewood website, www.ridgewoodnj.net.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Bergen County Utilities Authority will sponsor a free recycling event on Sunday, October 20th from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Bergen Community College. Items that will be collected are aerosol cans, fluorescent lightbulbs, paints, varnishes, propane gas cylinders. This event is rain or shine and requires proof of Bergen County residency.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Farmers Market will be open every Sunday until November 24th from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Ridgewood Train Station.

Ms. Mailander stated that Tuesday, October 15th, is the deadline for Voter Registration for the November 5th General Election. Registration will take place from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. in the Village Clerk’s Office on that day, and then from 4:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. in the lobby of the Ridgewood Public Library. Please remember that if you are new to Ridgewood or have moved within Ridgewood, you must be registered to vote with your new address.

9. COUNCIL REPORTS

Green Ridgewood – Councilman Sedon thanked Robin Ritter, of the Library, and Bob Upton, Chair of Green Ridgewood, for assisting last Thursday with a program they held for children ages 4-7, about the environment

Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Sedon stated that tomorrow is a Shade Tree Commission meeting at 7:30 P.M.

Ridgewood Arts Council – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this year, the Ridgewood Arts Council will again be holding a Holiday Window Display Contest. Businesses should fill out the flyer that they received, send it in, and then decorate their windows. There will be awards and recognition in the Village calendar. She also asked Councilwoman Walsh and Mayor Hache to reach out to the CBD Advisory Committee and the Chamber of Commerce and remind them to encourage participation, because the window decorations will make the CBD lively during the holidays.

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that HPC meets Thursday evening in the Garden Room.

ACCESS Ridgewood – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that ACCESS Ridgewood is celebrating ten years this weekend, on Friday, October 11th, Saturday, October 12th, and Sunday, October 13th. They are celebrating ten years embracing our unique abilities, special gifts, and special needs. She added that the schools participate in ACCESS weekend by showing some educational videos and conversation. She detailed some of the events occurring over the weekend, including the fashion show from 1:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., and food from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday. The Ridgewood Soccer Association game will be held on Saturday and the Interfaith Service will take place on Sunday.

Ridgewood Fire Department Open House – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Ridgewood Fire Department Open House was yesterday and was fabulous. There were new demonstrations that were incorporated into the program, including a burn house. She thanked the Fire Department, volunteers, and EMS for making it a special day.

Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Walsh stated that she will attend the Chamber of Commerce meeting on Wednesday morning and will inform them about the holiday window decorating contest. Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Councilwoman Walsh could also mention that if there are any landlords that are currently experiencing a vacancy, the Ridgewood Arts Council is happy to do their own installation to decorate and make it lively.

Ridgewood Public Library – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councilman Voigt and she attended an event on Thursday evening celebrating the life and philanthropy of David Bolger. One of the highlights of the evening was JT Bolger and the Bolger Foundation have issued a challenge to the Village that if the residents can raise $1 million towards the library renovation, the Bolger Foundation will match it. Anyone who has an interest can contact Nancy Green at the library. Councilman Voigt shared Councilwoman Walsh’s sentiments about the celebration, and added that the Village is lucky to have the Library Foundation in the Village, and especially thanked the Bolger family, for their extremely generous gift.

Central Business District – Mayor Hache stated that he attended a couple of Grand Openings this past week. On Friday night was Stretch Recovery Lounge at 29 Godwin Avenue, which is for tightness and mobility issues. On Saturday, was Café de Royal, the new French bakery in town at 12 Wilsey Square.

Bicycle Racks – Mayor Hache stated that there was a gentlemen who came to a Village Council meeting and spoke about the need for more bicycle racks and bike lanes around the Village, as a way to encourage people to use bikes to get around and also reduce vehicular traffic. They spent the morning walking around downtown and looking at potential sites of what they can do with bicycles. Mayor Hache added that the resident had some amazing ideas about what they can put in and locations, and is helping to look at grants that can help the Village do some of this.

10. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER

None

11. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-331 THROUGH 19-333, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

12. ORDINANCES

a. INTRODUCTION - #3751 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Parking Permits and Central Business District Employee Parking Stickers and Hangtags

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3751. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3751 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”

Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3751 be adopted on first reading and that November 13, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

b. INTRODUCTION - #3752 – Management Salary Ordinance

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3752. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3752 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON-UNION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2019

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3752 be adopted on first reading and that November 13, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

c. INTRODUCTION - #3753 – Non-Union Salary Ordinance

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3753. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3753 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF NON-UNION EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2019

Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3753 be adopted on first reading and that November 13, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

d. PUBLIC HEARING - #3747 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3747 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3747 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX: “STOP INTERSECTIONS” AND AT SECTION 265-60, SCHEDULE X: “YIELD INTERSECTIONS”

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3747 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

e. PUBLIC HEARING - #3748 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development - Driveways

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3748 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3748 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AT SECTION 190-121G TO REQUIRE DRIVEWAYS ON LOTS WHERE A GARAGE EXISTS AND REQUIRE THAT THE DRIVEWAY EXTENDS TO CONNECT COMPLETELY TO THE GARAGE

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing on ordinance 3748 will be continued to next month’s Public Meeting, due to the fact that the required comments from the Planning Board have not yet been received. The Public Hearing on ordinance 3748 was advertised for this evening, so anyone wishing to comment on this ordinance may do so at this time. He stated that the Public Hearing was opened.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he was confused by the language in this ordinance, particularly the first sentence. He reads it as you are required to have a driveway whether you have a garage or not. He spoke to the Deputy Mayor about this and she said that was not the case, but the way the sentence reads is confusing. He added that where he lives, in the
R-2 district, it makes it seem that everyone must have a garage and if there is no garage, a driveway must lead to where the garage should be.

Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t write the ordinance, but looking at this, if there is a house that has been built and a garage wasn’t part of it and hasn’t been there, it is grandfathered and is not required for that house. This ordinance refers to when a garage is required after an application to a Board or to the Building Department. So not every house is required to have a driveway, because some are grandfathered. The issue is any new or rebuilt houses would be required to have a driveway that goes to a garage. In other words, it requires someone coming in with a new home or a new garage to make sure that a driveway goes all the way to the garage.

Mr. Loving asked if in the R-2 district a garage is required. Mr. Rogers said yes, but there are grandfathered properties where they are not required, unless something changes with the house. Mr. Loving stated that the ordinance says nothing about grandfathering, which is confusing to him. Mr. Rogers agreed and stated that if the Village Council agrees, they may be able to amend that, because it doesn’t change the intent, it just may clarify it. Mr. Loving stated that would be great. He added that they have someone on his street who has a garage but there is no driveway to the garage. The way he reads the ordinance, they would be required to construct an improved driveway to the garage. Mr. Rogers stated that it may not be required because it is grandfathered in as a condition of the way it is right now. Mr. Loving stated that this ordinance needs to be clarified. Mr. Rogers stated that he understands what Mr. Loving is saying, and he brought up a couple of points that they could add language stating, “unless otherwise grandfathered” to the ordinance.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she thinks that the grandfathered piece is covered elsewhere because that’s a non-conforming pre-existing condition. Mr. Rogers stated that the problem is that it is covered elsewhere but it is not covered in this ordinance. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the intent of the ordinance was to address a loophole that if you have the improved driveway, whether it is impervious or not, would be calculated into your improved lot coverage in a zoning application. This is relevant because someone may take out their driveway to install an addition. So no matter what’s there, that calculation will include the length and width of the driveway. She added that this was something that was brought to the Village Council.

Mr. Loving stated that he understands that this was to try to cut off a loophole, but that first sentence throws him because he doesn’t want to see people constructing driveways needlessly and simply because there is an ordinance that says you need to have a driveway if you have a garage. He reiterated that this section of the ordinance needs to be clarified. Councilwoman Knudsen asked if adding that language required the ordinance being re-introduced. Mr. Rogers stated that since input is required from the Planning Board, when the Village Council goes and discusses the ordinance with them, she can make that recommendation. Councilwoman Knudsen asked if that language is a substantive change. Mr. Rogers stated that he would look at it as a clarification, and not a substantive change. Mr. Loving added that he was trying to avoid confusion when they are all not around, and all of a sudden a new Zoning Officer says someone has to add a driveway.

There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3748 be continued to November 13, 2019. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

f. PUBLIC HEARING - #3749 – Establish Reserved Parking Spaces at Train Station Parking Lot – NJ Transit and Concession Stand/Social Services Association

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3749 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3749 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-42, “RESERVED PARKING SPACES”

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3749 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

g. PUBLIC HEARING - #3750 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – 15 Minute Parking Meter on East Ridgewood Avenue

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3750 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3750 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-29, “PARKING METER ZONE DESIGNATED”

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3750 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

h. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - #3746 – Bond Ordinance – Zabriskie-Schedler House – Phase III

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3746 by title on third reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3746 by title:

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO ZABRISKIE-SCHEDLER HOUSE PHASE III IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $158,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $78,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing and final vote on Ordinance 3746 was continued to this evening’s meeting so that the entire Village Council could vote on it. The Public Hearing is now continued. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3746 be adopted on third reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Before placing his vote, Councilman Voigt stated that he was all for preserving our history in this area but he was concerned that there isn’t sufficient outside private financial support for building and maintaining the Zabriskie-Schedler House. If revenues were being generated from it, he would be in favor of it, but since there are no revenues, his vote is no.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: Councilman Voigt
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

13. RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-334 THROUGH 19-346, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RESOLUTION 19-344, WHICH WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 19-347, WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:

Before casting her vote on Resolution 19-347, Councilwoman Knudsen stated that some of the comments really warrant a response. This Village Council did not purchase the Schedler property or apply for or acquire a certificate of eligibility from the State Historic Preservation Office. This Village Council did not sit on its hands for ten to twelve years and allow the house to fall into disrepair. Had former Village Councils addressed the house at that time, the repairs would not be what they are today. They are now looking at a Community Development Block Grant for a handicapped-accessible ramp, making this historic structure accessible to all members of our community. She finds the conversation about the house generating revenue peculiar, because there is a purpose for this house, which will likely generate some revenue. This conversation needs to be in the context of this Village Council, whose members did not purchase the property, allow the house to fall into disrepair or allow the property to become overgrown, but they are doing what they believe to be right. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was voting yes.

Before placing his vote, Councilman Voigt stated that he was all for preserving the history of our Village, but not on the backs of our residents. He was concerned there are not enough outside private financial resources to support this from both a building and maintenance standpoint. There needs to be a well thought out plan for a revenue stream, which there is not, so he was voting no.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that listening to her Council colleagues, the question is do they always purchase properties with the hope of generating revenue and she didn’t know if that was their purview. She thinks that they purchase properties that will have a benefit to the community and she doesn’t think they always have to generate revenue. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was in agreement. Councilwoman Walsh stated that she was voting yes.

14. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that the Village Council adopted unanimously resolution 13-345, and he was perplexed because there were no names there for the people who were appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council did the interviews this evening, therefore it is one person who is being appointed to Alternate #1, Daniel Perlman. Mr. Loving asked if there was a reason the name wasn’t read this evening when Ms. Mailander read the resolution. Ms. Mailander stated that the name wasn’t in the title of the resolution and the resolution was read by title only. Mr. Loving stated that he took objection to the fact that a position was approved and the public was not provided with the name and he had to ask for the name. He added that he hopes that doesn’t happen again.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Ms. Mailander could read it again. Ms. Mailander stated that she could. Mr. Loving asked if it was understood that a position was filled and no name was provided to the public. Mr. Rogers stated that there are times where the authorization to appoint happens before the authorization to do work occurs. They did it with regard to the access agreement in regard to the property owners who were adjacent to the access road for the Hudson Street Parking Garage. Then once everything was in line and approved by the attorneys, the authorization to sign was already given in the previously adopted resolution. Sometimes, in order to get things done, you have to get them done in advance so the Village Council authorizes it. In this instance, the Village Council appointed someone after having made their decision in a Closed Session, which was held immediately prior to tonight’s Public Meeting.

Mr. Loving stated that he understands that happens. Mr. Rogers stated that in instances like tonight when it happens simultaneously, they could have read the resolution in full. Mr. Loving stated that if he was Mr. Perlman, it would concern him that his name wasn’t read in, and people might wonder was there a reason why that name wasn’t read in.

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that regarding the holiday window displays, she wasn’t sure if they were reaching out to the store owners and those businesses that are not members of the Chamber of Commerce or the Ridgewood Guild. There are some businesses that don’t join those two entities. She stated that regarding the Gold Star Mother’s Event, she wishes the name could be changed to include Gold Star Families, to be more inclusive, as mothers aren’t the only ones who suffer a loss. She added that regarding the proclamation that Councilman Sedon read about bullying, she supports that, but the way that the proclamation is written, it indicates how bullying affects children and adolescents, but there is also the fact that adults can bully adults, and adults can bully children. It would be nice if the proclamation could be directed to all age groups.

Jean Theisen, 354 Fairfield Avenue, stated that in response to the comments on the Schedler property, her comments earlier were about the large amount of money being spent on the project. There are situations where the Village buys properties and they are in disrepair, but she knows that there is a plan in doing renovations and minimal money is spent in doing so. She added that right now, the Village should be looking at its purse strings and if there are things that can be done to stop the disrepair, they should be done. She stated that there are properties where the Village isn’t going to generate revenues, but the Schedler Property gave the opportunity to ask others, such as sports groups, to invest in our community. Ms. Theisen added that there were more options that were available, but in our community she would like to look at the project to determine if it is what the Village needs to spend that money on right now. She referenced the two new cars for the Parking Authority that are not necessary, because the Parking Enforcement Officers walk around and write tickets for the parking meters. She suggested looking at every dime and asking if it was something that needs to be bought right now or if it was something that could be put off until next year.

There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Hache closed public comment.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Ridgewood Arts Council went out and did a full sweep of the CBD for the downtown windows, so it wasn’t exclusive to the Chamber of Commerce and Ridgewood Guild members. She added that regarding the Parking Enforcement Officers walking around and writing tickets at the parking meters, many residents are not aware that the Parking Enforcement Officers enforce throughout the Village, so they have to drive numerous miles in order to do so.

15. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

Ms. Mailander read Resolution #19-348 to go into Closed Session as follows:

16. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Knudsen, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:16 P.M.

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Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor

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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk

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Village Council Public Meeting Minutes 20191007

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