Village Council Public Meeting Minutes 20161012
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 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016, AT 7:30 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE – MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Knudsen 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 Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen. Also present were Heather Mailander, Acting Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on hand as of September 30, 2016, be accepted as submitted. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of August 3, and August 10, 2016, 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 Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH
Councilman Hache read the following proclamation:
5. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION – 2016 U.S. NATIONAL TAEKWONDO CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM
Mayor Knudsen welcomed the recipients of the 2016 U.S. National Taekwondo Championship Team, who competed in the National Championships in Richmond, Virginia. The students won eleven gold medals, three silver medals, and eleven bronze medals. Each member of the group from Ridgewood won at least one medal with over 5,500 competitors from all 50 States. Mayor Knudsen stated that these students deserve praise and recognition for their outstanding representation of the Village of Ridgewood.
The instructor thanked the Village Council for their recognition of the accomplishments made by the National Taekwondo Championship Team, who were successful in winning a total of 108 medals. He said that some of his students train as many as five or six days a week and he introduced one of his students, who is a junior at Ridgewood High School and a gold medal winner. She stated that as a result of training for several years, she has developed focus, discipline and respect. She has made a tremendous commitment to training for almost three hours a day, in addition to all of her other activities, which resulted in less time for her phone, TV and her friends. She was excited and nervous to go to the National Championships in July, but was ready to perform her best after all the training. She had to compete against the best athletes from all 50 states and she also coached the younger athletes, while at the competition. She competed in two events and won two gold medals, and she thanked the Village Council for their support of the team who has spent endless hours preparing for this competition.
Mayor Knudsen said that she is very proud of the discipline and achievements of these athletes. She asked each member of the team to give their name, age and belt level. Mayor Knudsen presented each member with a Certificate of Recognition from the Village Council acknowledging their achievements and thanked them for their wonderful representation of the Village of Ridgewood.
6. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, recalled that last year, the Ridgewood Guild purchased $1,200 worth of holiday decorations to adorn the park. He said that the plan is to fully decorate the Memorial Park at Van Neste Square by the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The Central Business District (CBD) will be prepared for Black Friday, followed by Small Business Saturday, when the Guild does their Winterfest.
Mr. Damiano stated that $1,000 has been allocated to plant five trees in front of five Guild businesses throughout the Village. The Guild will also be donating $1,000 to help with the lighting project at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. Mr. Damiano explained that the Guild will benefit from this lighting project, including the up lighting, that will be a tremendous help during the Movies in the Park program.
Mr. Damiano thanked Councilman Voigt for his creativity in coming up with viable solutions to help with the parking problems in the Village. The suggestion of lowering the meter price to 25 cents/hour at Cottage Place, in addition to increasing the timeframe to eight hours, will have a tremendous impact on employee parking. Mr. Damiano expects these changes to discourage employees from parking on the street and will draw them to the parking lot at Cottage Place, which is where they belong. Regarding the trolley to the Graydon parking lot, he said he wasn’t sure how that proposal would work; however, he thought that a trial period would be a good idea. There will be a cost involved for the vehicle rental, gas and maintenance, in addition to the driver. He recommended a cost of $2 for a round trip ride, which is equivalent to four hours of meter parking. Mr. Damiano thanked the Village Council for considering these steps that could be taken to attack this problem now; however, the Village still needs to plan for the future.
Kathryn Schmidt, 123 South Irving Street, said that she understands the reasons why the Village Council is considering an ordinance relative to Air BnB. She stated that the sharing economy is here to stay and from the perspective of both an Air BnB user and as a host, there are many pros and cons to be considered. There might be ways of leveraging Air BnB to the advantage of the Village, while also protecting the residents. Ms. Schmidt recommended reaching out to people to understand how this initiative could be used to the advantage of Ridgewood residents.
7. MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that the League of Women Voters recently toured the Ridgewood Water Facility. She received a note from them thanking Rick Calbi and his team for educating them and demonstrating what good government can accomplish for the people. They came away with the feeling that Ridgewood Water provides the best water possible.
Ms. Mailander received another letter from a 90-year old resident, who was concerned about an appointment she had to get to during the time that her street was being paved. She contacted the Village and spoke to Carlos Rodriguez, of the Engineering Department, who said he would make sure she got to her appointment on time. He offered to have a police officer assist her with the two block walk where she would meet her ride. A neighbor helped her walk the distance to the waiting car and Mr. Rodriguez was there to help her get into the car safely. In her letter, she said that it was a delightful surprise to be treated with such courtesy. Ms. Mailander thanked Carlos Rodriguez for helping this resident.
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that leaf collection begins October 24th and by the end of this week, they will have all of the information posted on-line regarding leaf pick up. Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the Streets Department. The phone number is noted on the flyer that was mailed to every household.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Fire Department is holding their annual Open House this Sunday from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. It is a free event and will include a fire extinguisher training and demonstration and engine ladder and rescue company demonstrations. Refreshments will be served and the rain date is October 27th.
Ms. Mailander announced that there would be a demonstration of the new lighting at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on October 17th at 7:30 P.M. The new donated lighting will be turned on so that everyone can see what the park will look like when this volunteer project is complete. This project is being done in collaboration with the Ridgewood Conservancy for Public Lands and the lighting design firm of Jan and Brooke.
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone of Household Hazardous Waste Collection to be held on October 16th, from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., rain or shine at Bergen Community College. Proof of Bergen County residency is required.
Ms. Mailander announced that the last day for voter registration is Tuesday, October 18th and the Deputy Village Clerk will be in the lobby at the Library to register voters from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Anyone who has recently moved to Ridgewood or has changed their name through marriage must re-register. She added that the last day to return mail-in ballot applications to the County is Tuesday, November 1st.
8. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) – Councilman Voigt reported that the Financial Advisory Committee meeting will take place tomorrow night.
Planning Board – Councilman Voigt stated that the Planning Board meeting will take place on October 18th and the Board continues to listen to information on the site plans. There will be live broadcasts of the hearings on the first and third Thursdays of the month through the end of the year so that residents can follow the hearings. There are four site plans for consideration, including The Dayton, located behind Mt. Carmel Church and the Ken Smith development on the old Ken Smith lot. They will hear testimony on Chestnut Village, located behind the YMCA, at the next meeting, which will be followed by a hearing on The Enclave at the corner of Ridgewood Avenue and Maple Avenue. Councilman Voigt encouraged everyone to educate themselves by attending the meetings or by watching the live broadcasts
Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) and Shade Tree Commission - Councilman Sedon stated that in light of the holiday, both the REAC meeting and the Shade Tree Commission meeting were rescheduled until next Tuesday.
Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) – Councilman Hache reported on the initial meeting of the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC), which took place last week. He anticipated that the meeting would last for an hour, but it actually lasted over two hours. The Committee reviewed some of the ideas on parking that had been presented on October 5th and there was a discussion of underlying factors affecting the Central Business District (CBD). Councilman Hache said that the Ridgewood website needs to be enhanced with information on shopping and dining. He pointed out that the Montclair website has information on all of the downtown businesses and dining establishments listed alphabetically, with links to their websites. The Montclair website also has information on where to park and the CBDAC discussed upgrading the website to provide information for residents and non-residents. Councilman Hache reported that the Committee discussed “the cool factor” that would make the downtown area of Ridgewood a destination. He added that it would be wonderful to have a media partner work with Ridgewood to create a buzz.
Councilman Hache said that the CBDAC discussed the addition of a central valet in the Village. There are complaints that valuable parking spaces are taken up in front of restaurants and that there are too many cars in and out of the downtown area. This service could potentially clear the streets of up to 300 cars searching for parking spaces. A central valet in the middle of town, possibly located at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, for the loading and unloading of diners was suggested. When the diner retrieves their car from the valet, they would be directed down to East Ridgewood Avenue, where there is less traffic. The valet parking ticket would have to be validated by the restaurant where the driver had dined in, so that the usage of the service can be measured. The valet service would be funded by the restaurants using it. This service in a central location would be managed by one company and is a good way to create foot traffic. Councilman Hache stated that this is a great way to draw attention to Memorial Park at Van Neste Square and discussions will continue as to how the system would work, what it would cost, and details as to specifically how congestion would be eased.
Hero Recognition – Mayor Knudsen reported that Boiling Springs Bank recently hosted a Hero Reception in recognition of Village Police Officers and Emergency Responders. The staff at the bank thanked members of the Police Department for the heroic work they do to keep the community safe.
Mayor Knudsen stated that on Friday evening, the Village Council was invited to attend the Blue Star Family Dinner at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Mayor Knudsen thanked Commander Bob Paoli of the American Legion, Post 53 for organizing this beautiful tribute. Food for this event was provided by Applebees and Councilwoman Walsh and Mayor Knudsen had the privilege to serve those who serve. Mayor Knudsen thanked the Blue Star families and their family members who serve the nation.
Mayor Knudsen said that she attended the 50th anniversary of The Hobbyists Unlimited last night. This is a non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood. The Club cultivates the activities of the retired and semi-retired members living in Ridgewood and the surrounding area. Since the club began in 1966, it has grown from 25 members to over 420 members. Mayor Knudsen explained that the purpose of the organization is to foster fellowship among members, while enjoying various hobbies and activities.
Historic Preservation Commission - Mayor Knudson stated that there have been no new applications before the Historic Preservation Commission in the last several months; however, serval new applications will be heard at a meeting on Thursday. The agenda contains a sign application in the CBD and two historic residences seeking guidance on projects.
Access Weekend – Mayor Knudsen announced that Access Weekend begins on Friday. She said that there is a poster in the lobby downstairs detailing the items on tap for the weekend. The schedule is jam packed and includes school programs on Friday; day long events on Saturday, including a family concert, therapy dog and fashion show; and concludes with an Interfaith service on Sunday from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Mayor Knudsen said she received a memo from the Acting Village Manager after the Blue Star Dinner stating that “P” signs for parking in the CBD had been posted. She thanked the CBDAC, as well as Councilmembers Hache and Walsh, for diligently working on the parking issues and the changes.
9. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
There were no ordinances this evening.
10. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 16-296 THROUGH 16-301, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
11. ORDINANCES
a. Introduction - #3555 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Section 156 – Food and Food Establishments – Retail License Fees
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3555. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3555 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 156, “FOOD AND FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS”
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3555 be adopted on first reading and that November 9, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
b. Introduction - #3556 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3556. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3556 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-67, SCHEDULE XVII “PARKING PROHIBITED CERTAIN HOURS” AND SECTION 265-69, SECHEDULE XIX “TIME LIMIT PARKING”
Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3556 be adopted on first reading and that November 9, 2016 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
c. Introduction - #3557 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking in the CBDs
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3557. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3557 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” AND SECTION 265-33, “PERMIT PARKING” AND SECTION 265-80. ARTICLE X, “CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT EMPLOYEE PARKING”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3557 be adopted on first reading and that November 9, 2016 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
d. Introduction - #3558– Amend Chapter 145– Fees
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3558. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3558 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 Sedon moved that Ordinance 3558 be adopted on first reading and that November 9, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
e. Public Hearing - #3548 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Regulations- Brookside Avenue Violations and Penalties – Increase Parking Ticket Fines
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3548 by title on second reading and that the public hearing be opened. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3548 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-69, SCHEDULE XIX “TIME LIMIT PARKING”
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3548 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
f. Public Hearing - #3549 – Repeal of Ordinance 3532 – Audio/Video Recording of Public Meetings
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3549 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3549 by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AMENDING CHAPTER 3 AT SECTION 20 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “DECORUM TO REGULATE THE MAKING OF VIDEO AND/OR AUDIOTAPE RECORDINGS AT PUBLIC MEETINGS” BY REPEALING ORDINANCE #3532
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3549 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
g. Public Hearing - #3550 – Amend Chapter 275 – Yard Waste Regulations
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3550. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3550 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 275 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, YARD WASTE
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. Tom Landers, 413 Meadowbrook Avenue, referred to Section A, which states that grass clippings cannot be placed in the same container as brush and leaves, and residents will have to separate vegetative waste from grass clippings. He asked if Village employees would have to guess which container holds which item. Mr. Landers questioned whether or not the number of pickups was changing or if bulk pickup was changing. He noted that at this time, vegetative waste is picked up four times a month and this new ordinance would only allow brush and vegetative waste to be picked up twice a month. It seems likely that Village employees will have to inspect the biodegradable bags to find out exactly what they contain. Mr. Landers also was concerned that he wouldn’t have enough time to get his leaves out for specific collection dates.
Ms. Mailander stated that the collection schedule has changed since last year. Mr. Landers said he hadn’t received this year’s schedule yet. Ms. Mailander advised Mr. Landers to check the Village website where he will note that each section of the Village has ten days to get their leaves out onto the street and the Village will begin leaf pick up after that ten-day period. Mr. Landers was concerned about residents who live on North Maple Avenue opposite the Skate Park at Graydon Pool. They generally put their leaves on the other side of the street, due to safety concerns. Mayor Knudsen said that she is sure that there are areas in the Village where the placement of leaves could be hazardous and someone has to make a judgement call where flexibility is warranted. Mayor Knudsen stated that there is no plan to decrease any pickup services. Ms. Mailander said that the reason for the separation of brush and grass is that the Village has to get rid of the grass as quickly as possible. The brush is ground into mulch and the Village will make some money through the sale of this material.
Richard Calbi, Director of Operations, said that Mr. Landers is correct in his thinking that some retraining of employees will be necessary. The Village anticipates an increase in costs for disposal of the waste and this is an opportunity for the Village to make some money by separating the grass from the brush and other vegetation. Mr. Calbi said that this ordinance won’t go into effect until 2017 yardwaste collection season, which gives them a lot of time to get information to the public. He was considering proposing some other pick up changes to the Village Council; however, they can decide to keep the schedule as is.
Mr. Landers pointed out that Section B doesn’t indicate that grass clippings can’t be put in containers with the brush, which is a problem when the container reaches the composting facility. They may want to make this addition to Section B.
Mr. Landers stated that the $50 minimum fine has been removed from this ordinance section and has been replaced by a $2,000 fine which seems to be harsh. Mr. Rogers said that the amount of the fine is up to the Judge. He suggested the Village Council consider a warning first, followed by a minimum fine of $25.
Mayor Knudsen said that Mr. Landers may be correct and they will review the fine schedule, which can be amended. Mr. Rogers explained that the Judge looks at different criteria to determine the amount of the fine, which will be determined by the number of violations that have been issued to that property owner. Mayor Knudsen pointed out that the fine could be the minimum amount of $20, and Mr. Landers said that this minimum amount should be specified in the ordinance.
Mr. Calbi explained that the tickets have a minimum amount, which varies based on court costs. The first offense wouldn’t be subject to a court appearance and the amount of the fine would be the minimum amount.
Mr. Landers said that the mere fact that there are leaves in front of your house does not mean that you should be subjected to a fine. Someone else could have placed the leaves there and the person who put the leaves out should be the one who is fined. Mr. Landers commented that this seems to be an effort to generate revenue for the Village. Mr. Rogers said that Mr. Landers is saying that a summons shouldn’t be issued unless someone sees what is happening. If the ordinance doesn’t have any viability the program will not work, and this has to be balanced with the inconvenience to the residents and the ability to run the program.
Mayor Knudsen referred to last year, when there was a lot of controversy about the leaf program and the fines that were issued. She said that the goal is to get the leaves collected in an orderly and efficient manner, while keeping everyone safe.
Lorraine Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Avenue, asked if small items such as mums and perennials could be put out in the street with the leaves. Mr. Calbi stated that small materials, including pumpkins, can be placed with the leaves. They will not take huge tree limbs.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that as Mr. Landers indicated, there is nothing in the ordinance that would prohibit placing grass clippings in the street with the leaves. It was stated earlier that the Village wants the ability to sell compost, but the price would be reduced if the compost contains grass clippings. Ms. Mailander confirmed that the Village does not want grass clippings in the street. She said she would like to have the ordinance amended per Mr. Landers’ suggestion. Mr. Loving said that as he understands it, the NJDEP permit for the Lakeview Compost Facility does not allow the Village to dispose of grass at that location. Mr. Loving concluded that the fines would be associated with any violation of this ordinance and are not limited only to having leaves in the street at an inappropriate time. Mayor Knudsen said that this is correct.
Ms. Mailander stated that the end of the first sentence in Section B of the ordinance should contain the additional wording “or grass clippings”. Mr. Rogers advised that this could be amended tonight because it is not a substantive amendment.
There were no further comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Councilman Voigt moved that the ordinance be amended as stated by Ms. Mailander. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3550 be adopted on second reading, as amended, and final publication as required by law. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
h. Public Hearing - #3551 – Amend Chapter 3 – Administration of Government Section 3-13 (A) – Order of Business Relating to Public Comment
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3551 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3551 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AT CHAPTER 3, ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT, AT SECTION 3-13, “ORDER OF BUSINESS” AND SECTION 3-19, “MANNER OF ADDRESSING COUNCIL”
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3551 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
i. Public Hearing - #3552 – Various Capital Improvements at Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch ($26,000)
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3552 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3552 by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY APPROPRIATING $26,000.00 FROM CAPITAL FUND BALANCE FOR VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD’S SHARE FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AT NORTHWEST BERGEN CENTRAL DISPATCH
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, asked how much money Glen Rock was paying toward improvements at Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch. Ms. Mailander replied that it is the same amount as Ridgewood is paying.
There were no further comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3552 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
j. Public Hearing - #3553 – Amend Ordinance #3547 – Sale of Dogs and Cats
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3553 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3553 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 105 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, ENTITLED “ANIMALS” TO CREATE A NEW SECTION TO REGULATE/BAN THE SALE OF DOG AND CAT MILL ANIMALS IN PET SHOPS
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3553 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
k. Public Hearing - #3554 – Amend Valet Parking Ordinance –Chestnut Street
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3554 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3554 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 ZONES DESIGNATED” AND AT SECTION 265-72, SCHEDULE XXII “LOADING ZONES”
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Hache moved that Ordinance 3554 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
12. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 16-302 THROUGH 16-326, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
Resolution #16-316 was considered separately, and read in full. Prior to the vote on this resolution, Mayor Knudsen said she would vote against it because Ridgewood would lose decision making control over the parking garage, which would include determining parking rates and who would be able to utilize the parking garage. Councilman Voigt said he wants to approach New Jersey Transit to see if this might be something that would make sense for the downtown.
13. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Isabella Altano, 656 Kingsbridge Lane, thanked the Village Council for approving resolution #16-311, authorizing the application for the Bergen County Trust Fund grant for the Zabriskie-Schedler House. This is a wonderful beginning and she also wanted to thank Janet Fricke, Heather Mailander and the Village Engineer for cooperating with her team and for coordinating and completing the application.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, referred to the yard waste issues highlighted by Mr. Landers. Mr. Loving noted that the Acting Village Manager stated that the details have not yet been discussed with the Village Council, but Mr. Loving commented that these details have been discussed somewhere. He warned the Village Council that “the devil is in the details” and he asked them to listen to the details very carefully, because the residents may object to some of the new proposals.
Mr. Loving referred to the discussion on approaching New Jersey Transit (NJT) to see if they might want to get involved monetarily in the construction of a parking garage. He agreed with Councilman Sedon that this is not likely to happen, since the Federal government will probably mandate that certain programs be put into place, which are going to be very costly for NJT. Mr. Loving spoke about the Park and Ride lot and asked whether it is really that bad that the Village doesn’t have control over this parking lot. He advised the Village Council to look at the big picture, as opposed to trying to retain complete control over everything at all times.
14. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read the following resolution, numbered #16-327, to go into Closed Session as follows:
15. ADOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Voigt, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:22 P.M.
_________________________________ Susan Knudsen Mayor
_________________________________ Heather A. Mailander Village Clerk
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