Written on 15 February 2018.

20170913 Village Council 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, SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 AT 8:00 P.M.

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

Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:03 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. Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, was absent.

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.

ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

Mayor Knudsen moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand, as of August 31, 2017, be accepted 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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of March 1, March 15, March 22, March 27, and April 5, 2017, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

PROCLAMATIONS

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

The following proclamation was read by Councilman Sedon.

GOLD STAR MOTHER’S DAY

The following proclamation was read by Councilwoman Walsh.

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WEEK

The following proclamation was read by Councilman Voigt.

WALKTOBERFEST

The following proclamation was read by Councilman Hache.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

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

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, commented on Mayor Knudsen’s statement, during the public portion of the September 6, 2017 Village Council Work Session meeting, that the Village Council follows rules of decorum. Mr. Halaby read the definition of decorum as, “behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety”. Mr. Halaby felt that the more important attributes in operating the Village Council include intellectual integrity, transparency, honesty, and respect for the intelligence of the residents of Ridgewood. Mr. Halaby recalled a question raised by a resident, during the public portion of the September 6, 2017 meeting, who asked which department will occupy the space in Village Hall after Ridgewood Water moves out. Mr. Halaby felt that the honest and transparent answer would have been to accommodate the Police Department’s expansion plans. He did not believe this was ever mentioned publicly and he questioned the lack of transparency.

Mr. Halaby questioned the use of the proceeds from the $13 million in capital funding. He understood that $1.6 million will go toward the acquisition of the Town Garage. He felt this issue was barely discussed at the Village Council level.

Referring to Resolution #17-278, Refer Study of Hudson Street Parking Lot as “Area in Need of Redevelopment” to Planning Board, Mr. Halaby asked if anyone determined why this area is in need of redevelopment. He also spoke of the importance of having Brigette Bogart, the Professional Planner this resolution authorizes to perform this study, work independently from the Village Council.

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, asked if the acoustics could be improved in the courtroom, as it is difficult to hear testimony during meetings. Ms. Lima felt the Music Fest was a big success. It was well attended and people were dancing and having a great time. Ms. Lima thanked the Village Council for proclaiming October, 2017 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As an ovarian cancer survivor, she hoped that one year, awareness for both types of cancers could be proclaimed together. Ms. Lima asked the Village Council to consider not charging residents for the parking valet service. She noted that Summit, New Jersey has parking for residents and parking for non-residents, that is tiered at different prices and at different times.

Ms. Lima asked for the Planning Board and the Ridgewood Historical Society to consider evaluating East Glen Avenue as more of a historic district. Many historical events have happened on East Glen Avenue, back to the American Revolution. Ms. Lima has reviewed books, atlases, maps, and census reports from the 1700’s and 1800’s. Ms. Lima has spoken to historians in Mahwah and Bergen County, as well as the Behnke Family, and the New Jersey/New York Historical Society. She has everything documented and resourced. She understood that the community has sent letters to the Ridgewood Historical Society, and possibly the Village Council, requesting a more formal evaluation of East Glen Avenue as a historic district. Ms. Lima asked to give the Village Council the packet she prepared at the end of the meeting for their review.

There were no further comments from the public at this time, and Mayor Knudsen closed the time for public comment.

STATEMENT ON DECLARATORY JUDGMENT ACTION

Mayor Knudsen stated that back in June, 2017, the Village Council decided that tonight would have been enough time to hold a Public Hearing to advise the public about the culmination of numerous discussions with the principles and attorneys of the KS Broad and The Enclave developments, which would be memorialized in a settlement agreement. Back in June, 2017, it was thought that the site plan applications of both projects would be completed and there would be additional revisions made to the initial site plan proposals that would be filed.

For the following two main reasons, the public hearing will not be going forward tonight:

At a Case Management Conference recently held in Superior Court on August 31, 2017, Judge Toskos was advised of the status of the four principle developments in the Village’s Central Business District (CBD). The Village attorney advised the Court that a public hearing had been scheduled by the Village Council for September 13, 2017, to approve a settlement of the discussions between the principles of The Enclave and KS Broad with the Village. The Court stated that there should not be a public hearing as of yet, because any settlement concerning Affordable Housing had to be approved by the Court. If the parties were able to work out an agreement on development, it would be presented to the Court at the “Fairness Hearing”, which is a public hearing that takes place in Court, but has not yet been scheduled. Additionally, if there were changes to the zoning requirements as a result of the “Fairness Hearing” and any Court approved settlement, there would need to be Master Plan amendments adopted and ordinance changes, both of which require public hearings.
The Court and the Village Council don’t want to burden or circumvent the Planning Board’s process with a standing settlement agreement prior to the Board’s decision on whether to grant or deny a site plan application. The Enclave’s revised site plan application has been through one hearing, and is expected to be resolved at future hearings that should finish by the end of October. The Planning Board should be left to make its own determinations, free of any outside influence from the Village Council or the Court at this time. As a matter of case law, the Planning Board cannot be influenced by actions of the Village Council or settlement of a law suit; it has to act as an independent, quasi-judicial board.

The reasons why the Village Council wanted to make this presentation tonight was to keep the public informed of the progress it was making in the discussions with the two developers, and advise the public of the considerations and directions being taken to provide more pragmatic development, lessen the aesthetic and infrastructure impacts, lower the density, make parking adjustments, and provide affordable and special needs residential opportunities that were not provided in the ordinances that were adopted in 2016. The discussions have proceeded in good faith, and all parties have been forthright and candid with their concerns.

The discussions have led to adjustments and revisions from the original site plan applications submitted by these two developers. Those adjustments and revisions can be seen in the amended site plan applications that have been filed by The Enclave and, most recently, KS Broad.

Additionally, many residents were aware of the lawsuit that challenged the adoption of the 2016 ordinances. This lawsuit has now been resolved by the Court.

One of the most important results of the discussions is that The Enclave application, as revised, makes realistic the opportunity for additional special needs housing in the CBD, if it is approved by the Planning Board. Both the Village Council and the developer recognized the benefit and the importance of providing such housing opportunity, and the developer, with the assistance of the United Way, will be working together to offer this to the qualified individuals, if the Planning Board decides to approve the application.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Municipal Court Annual Visitation - Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood’s Municipal Court received their annual visitation by the Bergen Vicinage Municipal Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. The visitation included a detailed comprehensive review of administration, procedures, financial records, management, reports, and security. A 42-page report outlined the results of the visitation. Municipal Judge David Pfund stated that, “the report clearly displays the efficiency of Municipal Court operations and identifies many areas where the Court staff excels. The legal, practical, and fundamental aspects of Municipal Court administration are interdependent and difficult. Receiving such an exceptional report this year, validates the expertise of the Village’s Court staff”. Ms. Mailander echoed Judge Pfund’s comments, and she praised the Municipal Court staff for their excellence.

Reports of Burglaries to Unlocked Vehicles - Ms. Mailander advised residents that in August and September, 2017, multiple reports were made to the Police Department of burglaries to unlocked motor vehicles parked in residential driveways throughout the Village. In addition, in the last two weeks alone, two unlocked motor vehicles have been stolen from residents’ driveways (the keys or key fobs were left in the vehicles). The Ridgewood Police Department would like to remind residents to lock their vehicles, even in their own driveway, and not to leave valuables visible in the vehicle at any time.

Office of The Bergen County Clerk - Ms. Mailander explained that the Bergen County Clerk currently has a temporary satellite office in the Annie Zusy Youth Center, which is located on the ground floor of Village Hall. Tomorrow, September 14, 2017, will be their last day there. The County Clerk’s Office will accept passport applications as well as take photos for the passports; file business trade names; issue notary oaths; and issue photo cards for veterans, senior citizens, and exempt firefighters.

9/11 Exhibit - Ms. Mailander stated that the 9/11 Exhibit in the Ridgewood Library Auditorium is on display through the month of September. The exhibit contains the portraits of the twelve Ridgewood residents who lost their lives on the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. Ms. Mailander encouraged everyone to visit this exhibit and to keep these people and their families close to their hearts during this difficult time.

Bergen County Multicultural Family Wellness Day - Ms. Mailander announced that Bergen County Multicultural Family Wellness Day will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Van Saun Park on Forest Avenue in Paramus, New Jersey. There will be activities for children, including an animal van, dancers, and face painting.

Fall Arts and Crafts and Food Street Fair - The Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the Fall Arts and Crafts and Food Street Fair on Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on East Ridgewood Avenue, from Maple Avenue to Oak Street. This is one of the best craft fairs in the area, and Ms. Mailander encouraged everyone to come out and enjoy the weather and the vendors.

New Senior Bus Route - Ms. Mailander explained that on Wednesdays, the new senior bus route will be making two trips to the Ramsey Interstate Mall, where there is a wide variety of different stores. Reservations will be accepted at the Village Manager’s Office at Extension 203. Today, eight passengers were on the bus. Ten is the maximum number of reservations per day. Ms. Mailander encouraged senior citizens to take advantage of this service.

Gold Star Mothers and Families - American Legion Post 53 is celebrating the contributions made by mothers and families, and their fallen family members at a ceremony on Sunday, September 24, 2017 in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square beginning at 7:00 p.m. Luminaries will line the path in the park for the 7^th annual ceremony.

VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS

Planning Board - Councilman Voigt reported that the Planning Board is meeting on September 19, 2017 with the continuation of The Enclave Development, which is located at the corner of Maple Avenue and East Ridgewood Avenue, and a discussion of the traffic studies in the area.

Village Hall Picnic - Councilman Voigt thanked everyone, including Ms. Mailander, who worked on the Village Hall Picnic held on Friday, September 8, 2017. He had a wonderful time, as did everyone who attended.

Coffee with the Council - Councilman Voigt stated that Coffee with the Council was held on September 9, 2017 at the Lester Stable. He had the opportunity to speak to several residents, including a nurse who cared for Ramone, Jr., while he was in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Installation Service for Rev. Sung H. Ahn - Councilman Voigt reported that, along with Councilman Hache and Police Chief Luthcke, he attended the installation service for Rev. Sung H. Ahn on Sunday evening, September 10, 2017, at the United Methodist Church located at the corner of Dayton Street and Prospect Street. Rev. Sung H. Ahn will be a great addition to the community.

Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) - Councilman Sedon reported that REAC met on September 12, 2017. Resident Bob Upton was chosen as the new Chairperson. REAC discussed working closely with the Green Team for funding environmental initiatives. A joint meeting will be set-up to make this happen. A whole slate of discussions, focusing on environmental issues, is planned to be held at the Ridgewood Library.

Shade Tree Commission - Councilman Sedon reported that the Shade Tree Commission met on September 12, 2017. The Village’s Tree Replacement Program was instituted in Areas “C” and “D”, as delineated on the Village’s recycling map. Tree replacement has been a line item in the Parks and Recreation Budget for two years. The first focus was Section “A”, where 25 trees were planted. The following year, the focus was on Section “B”, where another 25 trees were planted. This year, the Village’s Parks and Recreation Department was able to inspect 225 sites where trees had been previously taken down; and of these 225 sites in Sections “C” and “D”, 114 of them were suitable for planting trees. A site was deemed unsuitable if there were utility or sewer lines that may be adversely affected by tree roots. Smaller or decorative trees would be planted in areas where there are utility poles or service wires close to the ground. Planting will begin near the end of October or beginning of November. There were a few trees left over, and these were placed in Section “A”. This year, there were 27 trees sold through the “Adopt-a-Tree Program”, which is in its third year. One tree was carried over to the 2018 “Adopt-a-Tree-Program”. Councilman Sedon thanked Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser for considering trees when looking to improve the streetscape. This netted approximately 100 trees planted throughout the Village. More than 241 trees were planted, with an additional $15,000 being set aside out of the Tree Replacement Program to specifically look at the CBD. Work in the CBD will include tree plantings, as well as the rehabilitation of the tree wells where the new trees are going to be planted, giving them a better chance for survival. As trees are replaced in the CBD, root guards and watering systems will be added and the tree wells will be redesigned. Based on this, a total of more than 250 trees should be planted throughout the Village of Ridgewood in 2017. Councilman Sedon also thanked Timothy Cronin, Director of Parks and Recreation, and everyone in the Shade Tree Commission and Parks and Recreation Department who worked very hard to bring the Village to this point.

Ridgewood Arts Council (RAC) - Referring to Resolution 17-280, Request Permission for Dedication by Rider - Cultural Arts Purposes, Councilwoman Walsh explained that RAC wanted to be set up like REAC, so that any monies that come into the Village, that are earmarked for RAC, would go into the account entitled, Ridgewood Arts Council/Village of Ridgewood.

Councilwoman Walsh explained that on September 16 and 17, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Bergenfield, New Jersey Mayor Norman Schmelz is sponsoring “Mayors for Hurricane Victims” at International Wholesale Liquidators, 31 Portland Avenue, Bergenfield, New Jersey. Inventory will be provided at wholesale cost for people who donate to hurricane victims. There will also be a table at the Street Festival being held at the Teaneck Armory from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Donations such as clothing or toiletries will be accepted. Tommy Fox’s Irish Restaurant in Bergenfield will donate 20% of the shopping bill of customers that bring in the flyer toward this effort. Councilwoman Walsh asked that a link to the flyer be provided from the Village’s website to Bergenfield’s website.

Schedler Ad Hoc Committee - Councilman Hache reported that the Schedler Ad Hoc Committee had their third meeting of the entire committee. Because of the amount and scope of work, sub-committees were formed to handle particular areas. One sub-committee looked at Phase I of the clean-up for the Schedler House, and the dead trees, and determined that the work was completed in terms of what needed to be reviewed. As of last week, Councilman Hache has been meeting with all the sports teams to identify their field usage needs. Another sub-committee is looking at the design phase, and will be making several proposals to the entire committee. Feedback from residents, both inside and outside the Schedler area, sports groups, and Village Staff will be taken into consideration when coming up with designs.

Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) - Councilman Hache stated that the next CBDAC meeting will be held on September 14, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. in the Garden Room of Village Hall. Michael Pickholz has been appointed as a new member of the CBDAC. Mr. Pickholz is a Ridgewood business owner, a sports coach, a Dad, and all around great guy who will be a great asset to the CBDAC.

Estate Card - Councilman Hache reported that there will be a press release sent to the newspapers this week. The tax bills being mailed out on September 15, 2017 will contain a letter from Mayor Knudsen explaining the Estate Card.

Public Water Forum - Councilman Hache reminded everyone that the League of Women Voters will be hosting a Public Water Forum on Thursday, October 5, 2017 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Senior Center at Village Hall. The featured presenter is Richard Calbi, the Director of Operations for Ridgewood Water, and Daniel Timmeny, the Business Manager of Ridgewood Water.

Knights of Columbus Stick Ball Tournament - Councilman Hache announced that the Knights of Columbus will be hosting their annual stick ball tournament on Saturday, October 7, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The proceeds will benefit recently homeless men and women, who are troubled with addiction. People can sign up in coed teams with four members for $100 per team.

Highlights in Leisure Time (H.I.L.T.) - Mayor Knudsen reported that the H.I.L.T. Patio Picnic was held on September 7, 2017 and was enjoyed by many of Ridgewood’s Senior Citizens. The day included a delicious lunch and entertainment by a local magician. There were opportunities for senior citizens to sign up for a variety of field trips and programs. Everyone had a good time and Mayor Knudsen enjoyed speaking to many of the attendees. Mayor Knudsen thanked Deanna Schablik of the Parks and Recreation Department for arranging this event, and for all her hard work and commitment.

Chamber of Commerce’s 24^th Annual Car Show - Mayor Knudsen stated that the Chamber of Commerce’s 24^th Annual Car Show was held on Friday, September 8, 2017. The cars displayed were magnificent and the attendance was amazing. Mayor Knudsen felt the beautiful cars looked especially fitting in the CBD.

Coffee with the Council - Mayor Knudsen thanked Ms. Mailander for organizing this event. Mayor Knudsen said it was a treat to meet the new residents and it was a lovely morning.

World Explorer Club - Mayor Knudsen reported that the World Explorer Club held its grand opening on Saturday, September 9, 2017. Mayor Knudsen urged everyone to check out this amazing new business located at 113 Cottage Place. World Explorer classes are designed to introduce children to new cultures, including learning new languages, enjoying organic snacks, solving riddles, talking about architecture, dressing up as characters, and diving into history. Children aren’t even aware that they are learning because they are having so much fun. Councilman Sedon and Councilman Hache attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, along with Mayor Knudsen.

9/11 Commemoration - Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church held a Mass on September 11, 2017, reflecting on the event of 16 years ago, and in memory of all those Ridgewood residents who lost their lives. Mayor Knudsen read a proclamation during the Mass on behalf of the Village Council.

Historic Preservation Commission - Mayor Knudsen reported that the Historic Preservation Commission meeting scheduled for September 14, 2017 has been cancelled, since there are no applications.

July 4^th Committee - Mayor Knudsen stated that the July 4^th Committee will be meeting on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ridgewood Firehouse. Mayor Knudsen invited anyone to e-mail her with their July 4^th theme suggestions.

Master Plan Sub-Committee - Mayor Knudsen stated that the Master Plan Sub-Committee will be meeting on September 19, 2017, to continue formulating plans for the Village’s visionary process and the Village-wide survey.

Chamber of Commerce - Mayor Knudsen reported that she attended the monthly Chamber of Commerce meeting this morning, on behalf of Councilman Hache. There was a robust discussion about parking initiatives, including garage updates; the addition of CBD employee parking spaces at the North Walnut Lot; Train Station Valet Shuttle Buses; and the Village Council’s commitment to exploring all avenues to address CBD parking needs. Some Chamber of Commerce members expressed an interest in extending the parking meter hours to 8:00 p.m. Lamppost banners will be arriving soon. Estate Card opportunities for Ridgewood businesses, and the new, downtown website were also discussed. Chamber of Commerce members were sincerely grateful for the effort, time and money the Village is putting into the CBD.

Ridgewood Guild’s Music Festival - Mayor Knudsen stated that the Ridgewood Guild’s Music Festival was held on Sunday, September 10, 2017 in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. The festival was amazing, and featured local bands including: Blue Plate Special; Eugene Thomas and No Big Deal; Stilettos; The Declan Power Band; Country Joe Trio; and No Money Down. The event included fine food from local restaurants and a beer and wine garden. Anyone interested in finding out more about local events or joining the Ridgewood Guild should go to ridgewoodguild.com. Mayor Knudsen stated that this event reminded her of the effort that is put into making these events available to the community. This effort is driven by the local businesses and she urged everyone to support Ridgewood businesses.

ORDINANCES - RIDGEWOOD WATER

There were no ordinances for introduction and there were no public hearings on ordinances for Ridgewood Water.

RESOLUTIONS - RIDGEWOOD WATER

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 17-252, WAS ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:

ORDINANCES
INTRODUCTION - #3613 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - Parking, Prohibition of U-Turns, Prohibition of Stopping and Standing for Municipal Complex Parking Lot and Time Limit Parking on North Maple Avenue

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3613. 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 3613 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” AND SECTION 265-55, SCHEDULE V: “U-TURN PROHIBITIONS” AND SECTION 265-66, “NO STOPPING OR STANDING” AND SECTION 265-69, SCHEDULE XIX: “TIME LIMIT PARKING”

Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3613 be adopted on first reading and that October 11, 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

INTRODUCTION - #3614 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - Maltbie Avenue - 2-Hour Parking

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3614. 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 3614 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-69, “TIME LIMIT PARKING”

Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3614 be adopted on first reading and that October 11, 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

INTRODUCTION - #3615 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - Establish Bus Stop on Goffle Road

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3615. 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 3615 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-74, SCHEDULE XXIV: “BUS STOPS”

Councilman Hache moved that Ordinance 3615 be adopted on first reading and that October 11, 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

INTRODUCTION - #3616 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - Designate CBD Employee Parking Spaces - North Walnut Street Parking Lot

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3616. 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 3616 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”

Councilman Voigt moved that Ordinance 3616 be adopted on first reading and that October 11, 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

INTRODUCTION - #3617 - Amend Chapter 145 - Fees - Emergency Medical Services Third-party Billing Plan Fees

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3617. 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 3617 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 3617 be adopted on first reading and that October 11, 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

Ms. Mailander announced that there were no ordinances for public hearing.

RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-253 THROUGH 17-283, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 17-284, WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND WAS READ IN FULL BY THE VILLAGE MANAGER/VILLAGE CLERK:

Councilman Voigt explained that he voted “no” on Resolution #17-284 because he found the entire process of going through the Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) and the Special Projects Task Force rather opaque. He did not feel he had been given the opportunity to express his input or comments on the resolution, which he found strange because he was the liaison to the FAC. Councilman Voigt stated that he was not given the opportunity to choose members of the Community Relations Advisory Board (CRAB). He expressed a concern that if he wasn’t being informed, the public was not being informed either. He spoke of projects that he felt had minimal public input, namely the Hudson Street Garage, and the Town Garage lot, located at the southwest corner of North Walnut and Franklin Avenue.

Mayor Knudsen explained that the Special Projects Task Force was discussed at length during a Village Council Work Session. There was a tremendous amount of discussion leading up to the decision, and Councilman Voigt was present during these discussions. In terms of CRAB, there was a concern that for years, the Chairperson of CRAB received a list of appointed members, and every year the question was asked, “Are there any changes?” and there was either no response or, once in a while, a few changes. Mayor Knudsen requested a list of members from the Chairperson, who submitted a list of actively participating members, instead of appointed members. Unknown to the Village Council, most of the members on the appointed members list were no longer members of CRAB. Mayor Knudsen pointed out that everything is transparent and everything is discussed on the dais.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

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

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, expressed a concern with the $36,218 cost of the Central Valet Parking Services Pilot Program, approved under Resolution #17-268. He understood from the discussions on this issue, that no amount of money had been established regarding how much parkers would pay or if businesses would be willing to sponsor this program. Mr. Loving objected to awarding a $36,218 contract, that will begin on October 1, 2017, when it is still unclear how it will be managed and executed. He questioned if the contract holder has a minimum amount that they must be paid.

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, addressed Resolution #17-284, Rescind Resolution #13-88 - Establishing a Financial Advisory Committee (FAC). Ms. Loving stated that she attends almost every Village Council meeting, and she recalled that discussions on this issue were on-going. Members of the public commented, and there were heated discussions from the dais about it. Ms. Loving stated her full support for the rescinding of Resolution #13-88, evidenced by the statements she made previously during the public portions of Village Council meetings, as well as information she obtained through the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), which detailed communications among members of the FAC, which she felt indicated that some members had gone rogue.

Ms. Mailander noted that the pricing for the Central Valet Parking Services Pilot Program will be discussed at the September 27, 2017 Village Council Work Session. There will also be a Special Public Meeting held during this Work Session, so the Village Council can vote on the resolution.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Hache, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

_____________________________

Susan Knudsen

Mayor

________________________________

Heather A. Mailander

Village Clerk

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