20171108 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, NOVEMBER 8, 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 8:01 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 Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, and Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk.
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 October 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 May 24, and October 11, 2017, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved 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
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments from the public.
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, thanked the League of Woman Voters for inviting the New Jersey Foundation for Open Government to speak on the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). Mr. Halaby stated that transparency reflects honesty. He felt that all records, with some exceptions, should be available to the public. He felt that even draft documents should be made available to the public.
At this point, Mr. Halaby said that it pains him to see what is happening with the Village Council over the last couple of years. Mr. Halaby urged Mr. Rogers to take a lead, since he is beholding to Mr. Halaby, as a Village resident, and not to Mayor Knudsen, as a Mayor. He said that the realizes the pressure individuals come under when a Mayor is as strong and as domineering as this present Mayor, who if people don’t behave themselves and do what she says, they have a “big X” on their backs. Mayor Knudsen called a point of order, stating that this is totally unacceptable, inappropriate, and simply not true. Mayor Knudsen said that there will be no personal attacks at Village Council meetings, and that a professional on the Village’s staff will not be attacked. Mr. Halaby stated that Mayor Knudsen is interfering in his rights to express himself, as he left the podium.
Ketan Patel, 416 Colwell Court, expressed concerns about inadequate sidewalks located primarily on artery roads like West Glen Avenue. He has observed pedestrians, including children, struggling to walk on the heavily trafficked, uneven, hilly roadway. The sidewalks on West Glen Avenue are not wide enough to accommodate a child’s stroller, and are in disrepair. Artery roads provide pedestrian access to the downtown area, and Mr. Patel urged the Village Council to review the possibility of improving and/or connecting the sidewalks on West Glen Avenue. Mr. Patel will e-mail photographs of West Glen Avenue to Mayor Knudsen and Councilwoman Walsh.
There were no further comments from the public at this time, and Mayor Knudsen closed the time for public comment.
- PRESENTATION
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to Ridgewood Police Officers
Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke stated that this presentation is in appreciation of Officer Michael Karcher and Officer Kyle Monton. These Police Officers made the highest number of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) stops this year. Officer Karcher and Officer Monton were recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Drive (MADD), which was started to help individuals affected by drunk driving accidents. MADD has helped numerous families and has reduced drunk driving deaths, through education and training, by approximately 50% since the organization began in 1980.
There were congratulations and a round of applause from everyone in attendance.
- MANAGER’S REPORT
New Parking Allocations - Village Manager Heather Mailander alerted the public to the new parking allocations in the municipal parking lot, located adjacent to Village Hall. Signage has been added to define the allocations, and Ms. Mailander asked everyone to adhere to the rules, as this will benefit everyone’s experience when visiting Village Hall or the Ridgewood Public Library. There are delineated spaces for the playground; for the Parking Enforcement Officers; for short-term visitors to Village Hall; and for visitors to the Library.
Veterans Day - Ms. Mailander noted that Veterans Day is on Saturday, November 11, 2017. In honor of the service of Veterans, American Legion Post #53 will hold a service in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square at 11:00 a.m.
Bergen County Executive James Tedesco and the Board of Chosen Freeholders invite all Bergen County Veterans and Active Duty Military to play a round of golf on any Bergen County golf course, free of charge, on Friday, November 10th or Saturday, November 11th, in recognition of Veterans Day.
In observance of Veterans Day, all Village Hall offices will be closed on Friday, November 10th. Sanitation and recycling will not be picked up on that day, and the Recycling Center will be closed. The Recycling Center will be open on Saturday, November 11th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
To honor all Ridgewood Veterans, Ms. Mailander read a list of the Village employees serving and protecting our country’s freedom, or who have done so in the past by serving in the Armed Forces:
James “Jackson” Loney SPF 4, US Army Water Pollution Control
Paul Albanese PFC US Marine Corp Plumbing Inspector
Michael Cafarelli SP4, US Army Planning Board Secretary
Ed Bethune Corporal, US Marine Corp Supervisor of Sanitation
Thomas Yotka Chief Petty Officer, US Coast Guard Construction Official
Justin O’Connor Sergeant, US Army Firefighter
Matt Bombace Sergeant, US Marine Corp Firefighter
Jason Kane Senior Airman US Air Force Firefighter
Tim Bombace Sergeant, Army National Guard Firefighter
Oscar Martinez CWO2, Army National Guard Firefighter
Chris Meade First Lieutenant, Army National Guard Firefighter
Christopher Eidschun Petty Officer 2nd Class, US Coast Guard Firefighter
Tom Landers 2nd Lieutenant, US Air Force Recycling
Glen Ender Petty Officer 3rd Class, US Coast Guard Police Lieutenant
Miguel Torres Lopez Staff Sergeant, US Marine Corp Police Officer
Hector Perez, Jr. Senior Airman, US Air Force Police Officer
Brian Pullman Staff Sargent, US Army Police Officer
Surplus Vehicle Sales - Ms. Mailander announced that some Village vehicles have been disposed of using the on-line auction site, “Gov Deals”. The Village has a wide range of vehicles for sale and most of them are in medium to poor condition. So far, three vehicles considered in poor condition have been sold, for a total of $6,500.
Leaf Placement Schedule - Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that the yellow postcards with the 2017 leaf placement schedule have been mailed to every household. If you did not receive the yellow postcard, please contact the Village Manager’s Office or go onto the Village website and click on the falling leaf icon. Please put leaves out on the street only on the leaf placement dates for your area.
Central Valet Service - Ms. Mailander stated that the Central Valet Service at Van Neste Square began on Friday, October 27, 2017, and will continue every Friday and Saturday night from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. through December 30, 2017, with the exception of December 1st, which is “Downtown for the Holidays”. It will cost $5.00 per vehicle, and is open to the public. Merchants will be given the choice to validate the cost to their patrons. Ms. Mailander stated that more and more people are using the service, and saying great things about it, especially senior citizens and families with young children, who find it difficult to walk a long distance.
Elder Thanksgiving Dinner - Ms. Mailander announced that a free Elder Thanksgiving Dinner is being offered, including transportation, to senior citizens in Ridgewood. It will take place at the Old Paramus Reformed Church on Sunday, November 12, 2017. Reservations are required. All food, entertainment, and volunteer time are donated for this event.
Community Thanksgiving Service - Ms. Mailander announced that a Community Thanksgiving Service, sponsored by the Ridgewood Interfaith Group, is scheduled for Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Old Paramus Reformed Church at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Estate Card - Ms. Mailander noted that the Estate Card is now available. The debit-like Estate Card offers property tax savings by purchasing locally, as well as on-line. The Estate Card will generate rewards, which will then reduce the cardholder’s Ridgewood property taxes. An even greater level of reward is offered at certain times by certain merchants. Tax rewards are applied annually to the third quarter tax bill. Cardholders do not have to preload the $800 each month onto the debit card; they simply have to make a transaction at least once every-other-month. Additional information can be found on the Village website and at ridgewoodestatecard.com.
Farmer’s Market - Ms. Mailander announced that the Farmer’s Market will extend their operations through Sunday, November 19, 2017. The Farmer’s Market is held on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Ridgewood Train Station Parking Lot.
Hazardous Waste Disposal - Ms. Mailander stated that The Bergen County Utilities Authority will be collecting household hazardous waste materials on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at their facility on Empire Boulevard in Moonachie, New Jersey from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine. This service is free and county identification is required. Items accepted are car batteries, paint thinners, aerosol cans, fire extinguishers, fluorescent lightbulbs, propane gas cylinders, kerosene, used motor oil, insecticides, and gasoline.
Village Offices Closed - Ms. Mailander announced that Village Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24, 2017, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
- VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Planning Board - Councilman Voigt reported that the Planning Board met on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. There were two agenda items discussed. The first agenda item was a minor reconfiguration of lot lines located at 144 North Murray Avenue, which resulted in a diminution of the nonconforming variances, and was approved unanimously. The other agenda item was a major site plan, located at 200/210 South Broad, where there continues to be an issue as it relates to the number of parking spaces. The applicant is planning to provide 10 parking spaces; however, the Planning Board members felt that 30 parking spaces were needed, and asked the applicant to figure out where these additional 20 parking spaces could be located. Two physicians’ offices are proposed for the site. The applicant will be back before the Planning Board on either December 5, 2017 or January 16, 2018. The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for November 21, 2017.
Elder Thanksgiving Dinner - Councilman Voigt thanked the following sponsors of the Elder Thanksgiving Dinner for their generosity: Ridgewood Parks and Recreation; the Old Paramus Reformed Church; HealthBarn; No Fuss Lunch; Ridgewood Senior Housing; Age Friendly Ridgewood; SHARE; and Whole Food Market.
Shade Tree Commission - Councilman Sedon reported that the Shade Tree Commission put together a great discussion on November 8, 2017 that focused on urban forestry. The discussion was led by Andrew Hillman, an urban forestry expert. Mr. Hillman came to the discussion an hour early to take some Shade Tree Commission members downtown to look at some of the tree wells and offer suggestions to increase the viability of trees planted in the CBD. Councilman Sedon thanked Mr. Hillman and the members of the Shade Tree Commission.
Chamber of Commerce - Councilman Hache reported that he went to the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting on November 8, 2017 and spoke about the discussions held at the November 1, 2017 Village Council meeting regarding modifications that may be necessary to the Zoning Ordinance to encourage redevelopment in the CBD. He stated that the Chamber of Commerce members were in favor of anything that will simplify the Village Code in the B-1 and B-2 zones. The Chamber of Commerce members are pleased with the Site Plan Exemption Committee, and would like it used more often, keeping in mind the balance of uses for any approvals going forward. There was also a discussion on sidewalk decorations, and the Chamber of Commerce members unanimously supported businesses finding unique ways to decorate their storefronts. The Chamber of Commerce members also noted the importance of maintaining enough clearance on the sidewalk for pedestrian safety.
Site Plan Exemption Committee -Mayor Knudsen stated that the Site Plan Exemption Committee (SPEC) met recently. SPEC is a system put in place to simplify the application process at the Planning Board. Mayor Knudsen explained that during the public comment portion of the meeting, someone suggested that the Village Council was “tying the hands” of businesses. Mayor Knudsen pointed out that the Village Council’s efforts have been pointed toward simplifying the Village Code and to allow businesses to have more opportunities.
Special Projects Task Force - Mayor Knudsen stated that the Special Projects Task Force met on November 6, 2017. Deputy Mayor Sedon was also at the meeting. The Special Projects Task Force has been broken into two groups. The first group is continuing their detailed study of the energy costs throughout the Village. It is a daunting task; however, the Special Projects Task Force is moving along at an amazing pace. A full report should be available shortly. The second group is conducting a detailed analysis of traffic studies done over the last four or five years within the Village to see if there are any discrepancies or similarities. The group’s findings will then be forwarded to the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee.
Interfaith Community - Mayor Knudsen reported that the Interfaith Community met on November 7, 2017. Mayor Knudsen attended this meeting, and advised the members about what is before the Planning Board regarding housing, development project initiatives, and happenings around the Village. As always, the Interfaith Community was sensitive and thoughtful with all of their comments, and will continue to work on behalf of the Village, as a whole. There was also a discussion about future candlelight vigils and how best to handle those with so many things going on in the country and the world. One suggestion was made to hold a Village-wide Moment of Silence.
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) - Mayor Knudsen reported that the HPC’s next meeting will be on November 9, 2017 in the Garden Room at Village Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Master Plan Subcommittee - Mayor Knudsen announced that a Request for Proposal (RFP) has been executed for a visioning process. Once the RFP responses are returned, the Master Plan Subcommittee members will be better able to understand how to approach the visioning process, which is a community-wide effort to better understand the future of the Village and what people expect the Village to look like in the future. The next Master Plan Subcommittee meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
- 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 RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-331 THROUGH 17-335 WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- ORDINANCES
- INTRODUCTION - #3623 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - Establish Stop Signs at Cliff Street and First Street
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3623. 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 3623 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX “STOP INTERSECTIONS” AND AT SECTION 265-60, SCHEDULE X “YIELD INTERSECTIONS”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3623 be adopted on first reading and that December 13, 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 - #3624 - Amend Chapter 265 -Vehicles and Traffic - Establish Stop Signs at Various Locations at Intersections with West End Avenue
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3624. 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 3624 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”
Councilman Hache moved that Ordinance 3624 be adopted on first reading and that December 13, 2017 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3625 - Amend Chapter 190 - Land Use and Development - Allow Certain Illuminated Interior Signs in the Central Business District
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3625. 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 3625 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AT SECTION 122 (E) ENTITLED “SIGNS IN THE B-1, B-2 AND C DISTRICTS”, TO CREATE A NEW SUBSECTION 190-122 E (7) ENTITLED “INTERIOR DISPLAYS”, AND AMEND SECTION 190-3 ENTITLED “DEFINITIONS” AS IT PERTAINS TO “SIGN” AND ADD A NEW DEFINITION OF “INTERIOR DISPLAY”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3625 be adopted on first reading and that December 13, 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
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3618 - Supervisors Salary Ordinance
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3618 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 3618 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX A SALARY, WAGE, OR COMPENSATION OF AND FOR THE SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN, AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY
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 Sedon moved that Ordinance 3618 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
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3619 - Non-Union Salary Ordinance
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3619 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 3619 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF NON-UNION EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2017
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 3619 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
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3620 - Management Salary Ordinance
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3620 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon 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 3620 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON- UNION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2017
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 Voigt moved that Ordinance 3620 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
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3621 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - South Hillside Place
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3621 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 3621 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-52, SCHEDULE II: “MIDBLOCK CROSSWALKS” AND SECTION 265-65, SCHEDULE XV: “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES” AND SECTION 265-67, SCHEDULE XVII: “PARKING PROHIBITED CERTAIN HOURS” AND 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. 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 3621 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
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3622 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - Establish Stop Signs at Hope Street and Gilbert Street
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3622 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 3622 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX “STOP INTERSECTIONS” AND AT SECTION 265-60, SCHEDULE X “YIELD INTERSECTIONS”
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open.
Kimberly Kent, 365 Gilbert Street, thanked the Village Council for reading the many emails sent by residents and hearing their concerns about the safety of their street corner. Over the last two years, there have been two serious accidents at that corner. Ms. Kent explained that she requested a stop sign be put on Gilbert Street in 2000; however, a yield sign was put there instead, and she never followed through. Ms. Kent pointed out the residents of Gilbert Street, who were in the audience, who are in support of a stop sign on the street. People use Gilbert Street to cut off Maple Avenue, and the vehicles travel very fast, creating a dangerous situation. Children play on Gilbert Street. She again thanked the Village Council for their consideration in replacing the yield sign with a stop sign.
Kelly Brandt, 366 Gilbert Street, felt replacing the yield sign with a stop sign was a responsible action. This intersection is located within the route her son walks to school. Ms. Brandt expressed her appreciation on behalf of the safety of her family and the residents of Gilbert Street.
Rance Johansson, 371 Gilbert Street, explained that people use Gilbert Street as a cutoff from Maple Avenue. Vehicles stop at the stop sign at Spring Avenue, but not on Gilbert Street. Mr. Johansson’s family was in one of the car accidents. He thanked the Village Council for considering this ordinance.
Lisette Ramos, 351 Gilbert Street, stated that her sons, as well as many other young children, walk to school and play on Gilbert Street. For the safety of these children, Ms. Ramos urged the Village Council to approve this ordinance replacing the yield sign with a stop sign.
Eric Jones, 365 Gilbert Street, stated that he has seen many vehicles go through the intersection as if the yield sign wasn’t there. There are many families living on Gilbert Street. Mr. Jones spoke of an accident at this intersection which resulted in an overturned vehicle. Mr. Jones urged that stop signs be placed on both of the intersecting streets.
Mayor Knudsen thanked the residents of Gilbert Street for being proactive and bringing this issue to the attention of the Village Council.
There being no other 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
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3622 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
Under questioning by Mayor Knudsen, Ms. Mailander explained that it takes 20 days for the ordinance to be effective. The stop sign will be installed sometime after November 28, 2017.
- RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-336 THROUGH 17-364, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RESOLUTION #17-360, WHICH HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-365 THROUGH 17-367, WERE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND WERE READ IN FULL BY THE VILLAGE MANAGER/VILLAGE CLERK:
- 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 Resolution #17-337, which approved the sum of $26,000 to be turned over to the Treasurer of the Village of Ridgewood to become part of the general municipal revenue for 2017, as a result of a tax lien that had not been redeemed within five years of the date the property was sold. Mr. Loving questioned why it took five years to turn this money over to the Village. He also noted that the on-line tax records indicate that the property was last sold in 1990, when the resolution indicates that the property was sold in 2012. Mr. Loving asked the Village Manager to find out this information for him.
Saurabh Dani, 390 Bedford Road, noted that the plans for the parking garage were approved first, before the RFP went out to bidders. He cited two other instances when the RFP was sent out to bidders before the plans were approved by the Village Council; the firehouse roof replacement and the planting of trees within the Village. Mr. Dani wanted to bring this to the Village Council’s attention, as it suggests that specifications could be designed to get a particular company to bid.
In response to Mr. Loving’s question regarding the tax lien redemption, Mr. Rogers said that he will look into this issue. He explained that the process works with adjusting and perfecting liens, as a result of nonpayment of taxes. It does not necessarily deal with the amount; it deals with the number of quarters the property owner is behind in terms of taxes, which is why it seems to have taken some time. Ms. Mailander added that Resolution #17-337 is allowing the Village to deposit the money into the General Fund Budget, because the property was purchased in 2012 as a lien and it hasn’t been redeemed. When a lien hasn’t be redeemed, there is a five-year waiting period before the money can be deposited into the General Fund Budget. The fact that the house was last sold in 1990 has nothing to do with the lien against the unpaid taxes. The lien against the unpaid taxes was purchased by a third party.
In response to Mr. Dani’s comments, Ms. Mailander explained that Title 59 approval is not for the RFP. Title 59 approval deals with the protection that the Village has based on the RFP; it does not authorize the RFP to go out. Title 59 approval protects the Village against errors in the specifications.
Councilman Sedon added that the tree planting program is new this year. This year, when streets are paved, trees are being planted in a spot where a tree can fit or in a spot where a tree was taken down several years ago. This is due to the fact that this year, the planting of the trees was included in the bid for the paving contract. Unfortunately, the contractor awarded the paving bid did not want to plant the trees, so the Village went out and received three separate quotes from other bidders, with the lowest one being in line with the normal cost for this type of work. The money for planting the trees was already in the paving budget, which allows the Village to plant the trees at this time.
Mayor Knudsen further explained that the RFP for the garage was very different, because it was such a big issue that the Village Council brainstormed over and then put all their ideas together. Mayor Knudsen appreciated Mr. Dani’s comments, and she will look into having all bids and bidders listed on the Village website for the public’s information. This information will also be included in all resolutions. Mr. Rogers pointed out that the Village Council does have this information before approving an RFP, which addresses Mr. Dani’s concern that specifications could be designed to get a particular company to bid.
- RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #17-368 to go into Closed Session as follows:
- ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
_____________________________
Susan Knudsen
Mayor
_____________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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