20170712 - VillageCouncil Public Meeting - Minutes

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, JULY 12, 2017 AT 8:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE - MOMENT OF SILENCE

Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:01 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, Village Manager/Village Clerk and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.

Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and held a Moment of Silence for all the men and women serving our nation and all first responders.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

Mayor Knudsen moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand, as of June 30, 2017, be accepted as submitted. Councilman Sedon 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 March 9, March 27, and April 12, 2017 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

None

 

 

 

 

 

5. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE SERGEANT SALVATORE D’AMICO

Sergeant Salvatore D’Amico was sworn in as a Police Sergeant by Mayor Knudsen while his wife held the Bible and his parents looked on. There was a round of applause and congratulations from everyone in attendance.

6. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments from the public.

Robert DeLorenzo, 16 Griswold Place, Glen Rock, New Jersey, explained that even though his wife, an employee of a store in Ridgewood, has a Central Business District Employee Parking Permit and she parks in the employee lot. He stated that she has received three parking tickets erroneously. The vehicles are registered in Mr. DeLorenzo’s name. The tickets were either placed on the windshield or mailed. One ticket was not received by Mr. DeLorenzo, and he subsequently received a Failure to Appear Notice. That notice came a day before the family left on vacation. If Mr. DeLorenzo hadn’t responded, his license would have been suspended. It appears that the application used by the Parking Official does not always work properly. This situation is time consuming, since Mr. DeLorenzo and his wife must appear in Court to have the tickets dismissed. It costs them money; it costs the Village money, and it affects Mr. DeLorenzo’s employment, because as a government employee, a license suspension could cost him his job.

Mr. DeLorenzo stated that he has spoken to Mayor Knudsen and offered his help, as an IT professional, to help solve this problem and to find a way to have these errors administratively dismissed.

Mr. DeLorenzo will e-mail copies of the ParkMobile paid stubs to Mayor Knudsen and Ms. Mailander. Mayor Knudsen stated that this documentation will be reviewed.

Mr. DeLorenzo inquired about the measures being taken to help alleviate the parking problems in the Central Business District (CBD). He stated that the lack of parking is hurting businesses and that his wife is uncomfortable walking to the employee lot in the dark, because it is a distance away from the CBD.

Sheila Brogan, 302 Kensington Drive, appeared as the Co-Chairperson for Age Friendly Ridgewood. She spoke on behalf of herself and Beth Abbott, who could not attend tonight’s meeting. Ms. Brogan thanked the Village Council for their support and interest in Age Friendly Ridgewood, and she reported on the following activities of this group:

• On June 19^th, Age Friendly Ridgewood hosted a walkability study of the CBD and Franklin Avenue, performed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and their consultants. Ms. Brogan thanked Councilman Sedon for being an active participant in this study.
• This summer, Age Friendly Ridgewood will be paying for Graydon Pool passes for Ridgewood residents, 62 years of age and older, who are eligible for food stamps, Medicaid or PAAD. Flyers have been prepared, and the group will make every effort to let senior citizens know about this opportunity. This initiative grew out of the senior citizens’ picnic held at Graydon Pool in late June, and the response was positive. Ms. Brogan thanked Mayor Knudsen and Councilman Voigt for taking the time to join the senior citizens at Graydon Pool for the picnic.
• In an effort to open up opportunities and experiences in Ridgewood, Age Friendly Ridgewood is working with Janet Fricke, Assistant to the Village Manager, to extend the senior bus service for senior citizens who would like to attend the Tuesday evening concert series at the Kasschau Memorial Shell. Senior citizens interested in riding the bus to the Kasschau Memorial Shell will be provided with a chair and bug spray, so they can enjoy the evening in comfort.
• The Ridgewood New Players Association is offering senior citizens a discount of $5.00 on the ticket price for the summer, New Players’ shows at Ridgewood High School. Age Friendly Ridgewood will support the cost of an additional day for the senior citizens’ bus service, starting after Labor Day. The plans for this extra day for the bus are being finalized and the details will be announced soon.
• Age Friendly Ridgewood is aware that some residents who receive food stamps and have a low income, have difficulty buying paper goods, personal grooming products, and cleaning supplies, since food stamps cannot be used to purchase such items. Last month, Age Friendly Ridgewood placed a bin at the Ridgewood Library to collect these items. The bin was full when it was picked up. The bin has been moved to Graydon Pool for the month of July. In August, the bin will be moved to the Lester Stable. In September, the bin is tentatively scheduled to be in Ridgewood High School. In October, the bin will be in Christ Church. These items will be donated to Social Service Association, Ridgecrest Senior Housing, SHARE House and the Neighborhood Assistance Program.
• In the spring, Age Friendly Ridgewood launched their website, agefriendlyridgewood.org. The website lists organizations and programs related to housing, transportation, health services and community services for senior citizens.

Ms. Brogan described Ridgewood as a wonderful community and a great place to grow up and to grow old.

Mayor Knudsen thanked Ms. Brogan and Ms. Abbott for all of their work and their generous support of Graydon Senior Days.

Ann Marie Agnello, 31 Clinton Avenue, stated that she was not opposed to changing the hours when Clinton Avenue is open; however, she was opposed to the language in the amended ordinance where it states “closed street” as opposed to “no through traffic”. The term “no through traffic”, allowed those servicing homes or visiting family and friends to be able to come and go, the same as the residents.   This did not present a problem because this did not happen often. A “closed street” requires nonresidents to demonstrate or document a need to access a residence. Ms. Agnello spoke of the hardship associated with restricting the hours a health care professional can visit a residence, which she described as an unnecessary burden for a family. At a Citizens Safety Advisory Committee meeting, Ms. Agnello was told that Access Link could not access a residence when a street is closed. Access Link is a critical service to residents. Ms. Agnello suggested that restricting the access of disability-related services may go against the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Ms. Agnello stated that Clinton Avenue has not experienced safety issues under the present ordinance and she urged the Village Council to change the wording of the ordinance from “closed street” to “no through traffic”.  

Michelle Katzman, 35 Clinton Avenue, stated her appreciation that, at the last Citizens Safety Advisory Committee meeting, everyone’s comments about opening up Clinton Avenue for most of the day, were heard and all the points were made to ensure safety first. Ms. Katzman felt this was a solution in search of a problem. She felt that prohibiting cars on Clinton Avenue was still the safest plan, noting that this is supported by statistics. Clinton Avenue is unique, and as a street closed to cars on school days, it acts as a sidewalk, making it a complete street. Ms. Katzman noted that South Murray Avenue is open to anyone who chooses to use it.

Ms. Katzman also noted that opening Clinton Avenue during school hours will provide more parking. At the last Citizens Safety Advisory Committee meeting, she heard Sheila Brogan say that, currently, schools do not have enough on-site parking and the ten to fifteen-minute congestion at drop-off and pick-up times occurs at all of the Ridgewood Schools. Ms. Katzman felt that this will be less of an issue with the implementation of the new traffic plan. Ms. Katzman stated that, in the 24 years she has lived on Clinton Avenue, she has never experienced a safety issue. She urged the Village Council to settle this issue once and for all.

Jane Remis, 118 Madison Place, presented photographs of Clinton Avenue to the Village Council. Ms. Remis did not feel the intention of the amended ordinance was to restrict services such as health service providers or Access Link. She questioned how to define and enforce the “need” to access a residence.

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, stated that truck drivers patronizing the Starbucks located on Route 17, are parking along the highway, creating a dangerous situation for vehicles coming off the ramp and entering the site. She suggested posting a “No Parking/No Standing” sign.

Ms. Lima commented on Ordinance 3605. She stated that she understood the purpose of the ordinance is to minimize indiscriminate removal and cutting of trees upon lots, to avoid increased storm water runoff, soil erosion, and decreased groundwater recharge to the groundwater aquifer- supplied potable water system. Ms. Lima questioned how a tree’s location would be identified, considering that a tree, because of its size and age, may not fit perfectly in one lot and block. She asked for a description/definition of the procedure that will be used when a tree is bordering property lines. Ms. Lima also questioned the replacement tree requirement, as it relates to erosion, if a tree cannot be replaced on-site. Planting a tree in another section of the Village will not help to avoid an increase in storm water runoff on the original property. Ms. Lima noted that the ordinance calls for any replacement tree to have a minimum 1.75 inch diameter at breast height (DBH); however, there is no mention about a minimum height. A tree canopy from a 100-foot tree should not be replaced by a six-foot tree with a minimum 1.75 inch DBH. She asked to see a minimum height standard added to the ordinance.

There being no other comments from the public, Mayor Knudsen closed the public portion of the meeting.

7. MANAGER’S REPORT

Family Events in and Surrounding Ridgewood - Ms. Mailander listed the following family events in and around Ridgewood for families:

• On July 14, 2017, the Disney movie, “Moana” will be shown on the beach at Graydon Pool with admission beginning at 7:00 p.m. and the movie beginning at sundown. This is open to all Ridgewood residents at a cost of $5.00 per person. Any Ridgewood day campers may get in for free, as long as they are wearing their Ridgewood Day Camp Shirt.
• Bergen County is sponsoring movies in different County parks, including Van Saun Park in Paramus, Darlington Lake in Mahwah, and Riverside Park in North Arlington. These movies are free and begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. The movie “Pete’s Dragon” will be shown on July 14^th at Van Saun Park, and the movie “Jaws” will be shown on July 19^th at Darlington Lake. Additional information can be found on the Village’s website.
• Graydon Pool registration is still open. Graydon Pool offers a beach area, a kiddie pool, areas of shade, a ramp to get into the deeper water for those with mobility challenges, a volleyball net, a playground area, and the Water’s Edge Café, which serves snacks and drinks.
• The Kasschau Memorial Shell has entertainment every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 p.m. The performances are free and open to the public. On Thursday, July 13^th, “Bucky Pizzarelli and Friends” will perform. On Tuesday, July 18^th, the “McVey Family” will perform various Broadway songs.
• The Ridgewood Guild sponsors “Music in the Night” and “Art in the Park” every Friday evening through September 1, 2017.   These programs provide various types of music throughout the Central Business District (CBD) and artwork for sale at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, benefiting the Ridgewood Guild.
• Walking through the CBD, families can enjoy the flowers and plantings provided by The Ridgewood Conservancy for Public Land.
• Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert in the CBD, after shopping at local merchants.

Estate Card - Ms. Mailander reported that the Estate Card will be available to Ridgewood taxpayers in late August. This card is a debit card. By shopping and dining locally, various local merchants and restaurants will give reward points. The reward points will accumulate and once per year, the rewards points will be used to reduce the taxpayer’s property tax bill. A letter from Mayor Knudsen containing information about the Estate Card will be included with the tax bills, which will be mailed out in late August.

Paving - Ms. Mailander stated that paving within the Village continues with two contractors working. Morningside Road has been completed. The drainage work on Bogert Road is continuing and, once this is completed, the road will be resurfaced. Paving will continue through the fall.

Ridgewood Water - Ms. Mailander noted that Ridgewood Water is working daily on Linwood Avenue, reconnecting pipe crossings in the brook. This is one of four locations that this type of work will be done over the next few months.

Age Friendly Ridgewood - Ms. Mailander thanked Age Friendly Ridgewood for their offer to fund the purchase of Graydon Pool badges and the additional day for the senior bus in the fall. Applications for Graydon Pool badges are available at the Lester Stable.

E-Notices - Ms. Mailander reminded everyone to sign-up for E-Notices. E-Notices will enhance communication to residents by updating dangerous weather conditions, traffic issues, and sanitation and recycling pick-up schedules. Messages are sent via e-mail and text to electronic devices. Residents may sign-up for E-Notices on the Village website by clicking on the “SwiftReach” logo.

8. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS

Shade Tree Commission - Councilman Sedon reported that the last Shade Tree Commission meeting was held on July 11, 2017. The Shade Tree Commission met the new Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Daniel Cramblitt, and found him to be excited, energetic, and happy to be in Ridgewood. A discussion was held on the Capital Budget Tree Replacement Program, with the goal being the planting of $55,000 worth of trees this year. Councilman Sedon explained that trees are being planted in Ridgewood in specific areas, as delineated on the Ridgewood Recycling Map. Last year, approximately $8,500 worth of trees were planted in Section “A” and between $8,000 and $9,000 worth of trees were planted in Section “B”.   This year, $20,000 worth of trees will be planted in Section “C” and $20,000 worth of trees will be planted in Section “D”. Then, with the regular line item budget, planting will begin again in Sections “A” and “B”. The remaining $15,000 will be used toward remediating the tree wells in the Central Business District (CBD). There is a Shade Tree Commission Sub-Committee that will look specifically at ideas, designs, and soil adjustments for the tree wells.

Ridgewood Arts Council (RAC) - Councilwoman Walsh stated that the RAC met on July 11, 2017 and conducted their reorganization meeting. Audrey Fink will continue as the Chairperson. Rosie McCooe and Dana Glazer will be Vice Co-Chairpersons. The next “Artist’s Talk” will be on July 29, 2017, starting at 11:00 a.m., and will feature graphic artist Ashley Zielinski, who will be conducting a 3D Printing Workshop. The suggested ages for this workshop are middle school age and above. The next “Artist’s Talk” will be held on August 17, 2017, and is entitled, “Art of the Editorial Illustration”, featuring Drew Martin and Michael Thompson.

Historic Preservation Commission - Mayor Knudsen reported that the Historic Preservation Commission will be meeting on July 13, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. in the Village Hall Garden Room.

Planning Board - Mayor Knudsen reported that the Planning Board will be meeting on Tuesday, July 18, 2017. The agenda includes The Enclave application, located on North Maple Avenue. Mayor Knudsen asked everyone to check the Planning Board’s agenda, on the Village website, to confirm that this application will be heard.

9. ORDINANCES - RIDGEWOOD WATER
10. INTRODUCTION - #3606 - Water Capital Ordinance ($1,600,000) - Purchase of Elks Club Property

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3606. 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 3606 by title:

            AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $1,600,000 FROM THE WATER UTILITY             CAPITAL FUND FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN AND BY THE         VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY

Councilman Hache moved that Ordinance 3606 be adopted on first reading and that August 9, 2017 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:             Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS: Councilmembers Voigt and Walsh

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:       None

1. PUBLIC HEARING

None

10. RESOLUTIONS - RIDGEWOOD WATER

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-197 THROUGH 17-200, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 17-201, WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND WAS READ IN FULL BY THE VILLAGE MANAGER/VILLAGE CLERK:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. ORDINANCES

1. INTRODUCTION - #3607 - Blue Collar Union Salary Ordinance

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3607. 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 3607 by title:

            AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION,        OF AND FOR BLUE COLLAR EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD,      COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3607 be adopted on first reading and that August 9, 2017 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

1. INTRODUCTION - #3608 - White Collar Union Salary Ordinance

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3608. 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 3608 by title:

            AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION,        OF AND FOR THE WHITE COLLAR EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF         RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Councilman Voigt moved that Ordinance 3608 be adopted on first reading and that August 9, 2017 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

1. INTRODUCTION - #3609 - Amend Chapter 145 - Fees - Establish Fees for Tree Protection

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3609. 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 3609 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 3609 be amended to reflect the cost of the replacement tree to be $125. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion to amend the ordinance.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:             Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS: Councilman Voigt

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:       None

Councilman Hache moved that Ordinance 3609 be adopted, as amended, on first reading and that August 9, 2017 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:             Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS: Councilman Voigt

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:       None

1. INTRODUCTION - #3610 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - No Stopping on Portion of West Ridgewood Avenue

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3610. 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 3610 by title:

            AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE         OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-66, “NO STOPPING OR STANDING”

Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3610 be adopted on first reading and that August 9, 2017 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

1. INTRODUCTION - #3611 - Enact Title 39 on All Public School Properties

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3611. 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 3611 by title:

            AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE PROVISIONS OF N.J.S.A. 39:5A-1 TO BE      APPLICABLE TO ALL OF THE PREMISES AND PROPERTY OWNED AND           OPERATED BY THE RIDGEWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SUBJECT TO THE         APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION OF THE STATE            OF NEW JERSEY

Councilman Hache moved that Ordinance 3611 be adopted on first reading and that August 9, 2017 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

1. INTRODUCTION - #3612 - Unlawful Enrollment of Students in Ridgewood Public Schools

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3612. 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 3612 by title:

            AN ORDINANCE TO PREVENT THE UNLAWFUL ENROLLMENT OF SCHOOL        CHILDREN IN THE RIDGEWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM AND TO PROVIDE      PENALTIES THEREFORE

Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3612 be adopted on first reading and that August 9, 2017 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

1. PUBLIC HEARING - #3601 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - Establish Stop Signs at Upper Boulevard and Glenwood Road

Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3601 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon 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 3601 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”

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 Voigt moved that Ordinance 3601 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

1. PUBLIC HEARING - #3602 - Amend Chapter 222 - Power Tools, Landscaping, and Yard Maintenance Equipment

Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3602 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon 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 3602 by title:

            AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 222 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE         OF RIDGEWOOD, “POWER TOOLS, LANDSCAPING AND YARD MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT” AT SECTION 222-1, “COMMERCIAL USE”

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

Councilman Hache moved that Ordinance 3602 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

1. PUBLIC HEARING - #3603 - Authorize Special Emergency Appropriation - Master Plan Revision ($250,000)

Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3603 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon 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 3603 by title:

            AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION         PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53 FOR THE PREPARATION AND EXECUTION             OF A MASTER PLAN REVISION IN THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

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 3603 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

1. PUBLIC HEARING - #3604 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - Hours for Closure of Clinton Avenue to Through Traffic

Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3604 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon 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 3604 by title:

            AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE         OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-64, SCHEDULE XIV, “STREETS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC”

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 Hache moved that Ordinance 3604 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:             Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS: Councilman Voigt

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:       None

1. PUBLIC HEARING - #3605 - Amend Chapter 260 - Trees and Shrubs

Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3605 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon 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 3605 by title:

            AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 260 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE         OF RIDGEWOOD, TREES AND SHRUBS

Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open.

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, wanted confirmation that the purpose of Ordinance 3605 was to preserve existing trees. She expressed concerns that builders would be willing to pay the $125 per tree fee to allow them to cut down as many trees as they wish. She felt that, in order to discourage this, the fee needed to be increased.

Councilman Sedon explained that the purpose of Ordinance 3605 is to help maintain soil erosion and also to preserve tree canopies. The Village loses over 200 trees per year as a result of the sidewalk replacement program and storms, and this ordinance will help replenish trees throughout the Village.

Ms. Lima stated that Ordinance 3605 did not contain a required height for replacement trees. Councilman Sedon explained that the industry standard is to measure the trees diameter at 4.5 feet from the ground (DBH). Any replacement tree proposed must have a minimum DBH of 1.75 inches.

Ms. Lima felt that the language contained within the ordinance describing trees that are dead, damaged, or a threat to the safety of others, was well-written. However, she felt that the wording concerning the removal of trees, especially considering the current practices of knocking down older homes to build larger homes, was not clear or strong enough. Removal of trees that border property lines would affect residents other than the lot owner. Ms. Lima questioned whether the decision of the removal of a tree rests only with the property owner. She suggested having a committee make this decision, especially if the tree is bordering other properties. Village Attorney Matthew Rogers explained that the property owner makes the decision to remove a tree. Ms. Lima felt that the ordinance should clarify who makes the decision to remove a tree when it borders more than one property line.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, expressed a concern that Ordinance 3605 does not require the posting of a tree removal permit. He felt that language should be added to the ordinance requiring that a permit be prominently posted, so that residents and enforcement authorities can easily tell that a permit was issued.

There being no further comments from the public, 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

Councilman Sedon moved that the vote on Ordinance 3605 be carried to the August 9, 2017 Public Meeting. 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 17-202 THROUGH 17-222, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF 17-215, WHICH HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 17-215, WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND WAS READ IN FULL BY THE VILLAGE MANAGER/VILLAGE CLERK:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under questioning by Councilman Voigt regarding Resolution #17-215, Mayor Knudsen explained that the Schedler Ad Hoc Committee was discussed several times both in Public Session and in Closed Session, and there were a variety of e-mails that came in from residents. Councilman Hache recommended Michael Winograd and Matthew Cunningham. Other residents made inquiries, and the Village Manager recommended representatives from Parks and Recreation and Engineering. Councilman Voigt felt there should also be a representative from the Open Space Committee on the Schedler Ad Hoc Committee. He recommended Ralph Currey.

Mayor Knudsen recommended approving the resolution as it is written now, and then determining if there are any other interested people whose names could be added in the near future. Mayor Knudsen pointed out that the number of residents who expressed an interest in being appointed to the Schedler Ad Hoc Committee had to be significantly narrowed in order not to have too big a committee.

Councilman Hache agreed with Mayor Knudsen to approve the resolution as it is written now, since, to date, no members of the Open Space Committee expressed an interest in being appointed to the Schedler Ad Hoc Committee. If this occurs, the name could be added next month. Councilman Sedon and Councilman Voigt agreed.

 

13. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments from the public.

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, presented Mayor Knudsen and the Village Councilmembers with a book entitled, “The Death of Common Sense”. Mr. Halaby stated that the ordinances that are passed by the Village Council tax his logic. Referring to Ordinance 3609, Mr. Halaby stated his objection to residents being required to obtain and post a permit to cut down trees on their own property, in order to minimize tree removal. Mr. Halaby felt the Village should be properly maintaining existing trees.   Referring to Ordinance 3596, which allowed parking in certain areas and during specific times on Bogert Avenue, Mr. Halaby suggested that the request for parking restrictions along Bogert Avenue was made by a friend of Mayor Knudsen. He felt that children who are old enough to walk to school are old enough to navigate around parked cars. Mr. Halaby felt the bigger danger comes from large, moving vehicles such as SUV’s. Mr. Halaby felt the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee should be doing more to acquire better traffic signals and more stop signs to slow traffic down. Mr. Halaby felt that instead of passing one ordinance after another, the Village should concentrate on doing the right things.

Mayor Knudsen stated that she took great exception with the suggestion that an ordinance, which was put in place for the safety of children walking along Bogert Avenue, was enacted because it was requested from a friend of hers. Mayor Knudsen said that this kind of manipulation of the facts needs to stop.

Jane Remis, 118 Madison Place, pointed out that children under the age of 10 are not safe walking in any kind of traffic alone. Ms. Remis thanked the Village Council for passing Ordinance 3604, which closes Clinton Avenue to through traffic only during certain hours. She hoped it will be used as a tool to get vehicles off the road during those hours.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, asked for clarification on Resolution #17-211, Title 59 Approval, Paint Curbs Yellow. He understood this would be done throughout the Village, not just on specific street corners. Councilwoman Walsh and Mayor Knudsen also understood that it would be done throughout the Village, as well. Mayor Knudsen felt Resolution #17-211 was a good starting point, and would give the Village an idea of how well it works once it is implemented. Ms. Mailander explained that after these specific street corners are painted, and public reaction is received, another resolution will follow for painting curbs yellow throughout the entire Village.

Mr. Loving stated that the walkway leading from the James Ten Hove Plaza up to the sidewalk on Maple Avenue is not lit in the evening. He stated his concern with people tripping and falling, and the possibility of litigation. Ms. Mailander stated that the trees have been pruned in the area and a request has been made to PSE&G to install a pole light. Ms. Mailander stated that she will contact PSE&G to see if this installation can be expedited. Mr. Loving asked for ground lighting. Ms. Mailander stated that this would be very expensive. The pole light will be tried first, especially since there is not a lot of ground available where lighting could be placed. If lighting from the pole does not work, other options will be considered.

15. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

Ms. Mailander read Resolution #17-223 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 Councilman Voigt, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m.

                                                                                    _____________________________

                                                                                                Susan Knudsen      

                                                                                                       Mayor

_______________________________

            Heather A. Mailander

                 Village Clerk