Village Council Public Meeting Minutes 20140716

A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURTROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2014, AT 8:00 P.M.

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

Mayor Aronsohn called the meeting to order at 8:33 P.M., and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn. Also present were Roberta Sonenfeld, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.

Mayor Aronsohn led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Mayor Aronsohn then asked for a moment of silence to honor the men and women in the United States Armed Forces who protect and defend our freedom every day, as well as those serving as first responders.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on hand as of June 30, 2014, be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

There were no minutes to be approved.

4. PROCLAMATIONS

There were no Proclamations to be considered this evening.

5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mayor Aronsohn asked if anyone from the public wished to speak regarding any of the agenda items.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, recalled that Mayor Aronsohn stated at the conclusion of the Village Council meeting last week that representatives from Bergen County would be attending this meeting to make a presentation about the parking garage. That item appeared on the agenda that was originally posted on the Village website, however members of the public who came tonight can see that the agenda has been revised and the representatives from the County are not in attendance. Mr. Rogers explained that the Councilmembers have no control over what the representatives from the County will do. He added that information was received this morning that the representatives could not come tonight, but they will come on August 6th.

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

6. MANAGER’S REPORT

Ms. Sonenfeld gave a financial update for 2014. On the revenue side, there has been no increase in revenue over the same period last year. However, the Police Department has shown a significant increase in revenue, based on their outside details and the changes that were made in the fee structuring for those details. There was also some higher revenues in the Building Department, due to UCCs, as well as the fact that many new buildings were erected, which bring in higher revenues. On the other hand, there was a decrease in sewer usage fees due to conservation, and a decrease in Municipal Court fines, due to the fact that the Police Department was not fully staffed to issue parking tickets. The number of police personnel is now being increased, so that revenue should increase.

Regarding expenses, there was an increase in expenses, but Ms. Sonenfeld believes the year to date figure is still pretty close to the same period last year. Legal fees have increased, which are mainly attributable to some significant human resource issues that have been discussed.

Ms. Sonenfeld noted that the one area in which she believes there might be some risk is in the Recycling Trust Fund. This is one of the funds that was used to offset both expenses and the 0% tax increase. At this time, it looks as if the Recycling Trust Fund will have a shortfall of $235,000 at the end of the year, based on lower-than-expected revenues. That is something that Ms. Sonenfeld said will have to be monitored through the rest of the year, so that a plan can be developed to deal with that situation.

Next, Ms. Sonenfeld gave an update on the quarter theft issue. The forensic auditor is scheduled to begin the audit during the week of July 28th. They will be interviewing everyone involved in the process of meter collection, including collection, accounting, booking, reconciling, and monitoring. Ms. Sonenfeld stated that she did not respond to Mr. Forenza’s remarks because several months ago, she had gone through the chronology of how the quarter theft situation developed, and she is willing to do it again at some future date. However, to respond to one of the items mentioned by Mr. Forenza, she noted that the Tiger Team did not look at the revenue. Furthermore, when Ms. Sonenfeld reviewed the revenue, she has some concerns about why the decrease in revenue was not noticed by anyone. On the other hand, the overall revenue figures did not show such a significant discrepancy in the revenue. When going through each line item, such as the UP3 revenue and parking meter revenue, the decrease was more evident. She plans to go over that with the forensic accountant.

In her Response to Residents section, Ms. Sonenfeld said this week there was a call about a significant amount of graffiti around North Irving Street and Veterans Field, as well as around the pump house, the ramp, and the bridge. Ms. Sonenfeld and other Village staff members, with the Police Department, spoke to the resident who had expressed concern. The pump house has already been repainted, and the other graffiti is currently being removed. The Police Department has increased patrols and surveillance in that area.

Tomorrow, Bucky Pizzarelli and Friends will be performing at the Kasschau Band Shell, starting at 8:30 P.M. On July 23rd, "The Wizard of Oz" will be at Memorial Park, with "Finding Nemo" the following week. Hillary Clinton will be at Bookends tomorrow evening from 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. Ms. Sonenfeld said that no streets are scheduled to be blocked during her visit. The sidewalk in front of the store will be blocked to allow only people who have pre-purchased wristbands. Part of Cottage Place parking (30 spaces) will also be closed for almost the whole day.

7. COUNCIL REPORTS

Ridgewood Arts Council (RAC) – Councilman Pucciarelli mentioned that the Ridgewood Arts Council will meet tomorrow evening at 7:30 P.M., in the Garden Room. The RAC has been expanded, and Councilman Pucciarelli believes they will provide even more creative thinking about the display and encouragement of art in the Village.

Councilman Pucciarelli reminded everyone that next Wednesday, July 23rd, there will be a citizens’ forum in the Courtroom to speak about issues in the CBD, but not about any applications that are currently pending before the Planning Board. The focus is to find ways to improve and enhance the CBD.

Historic Preservation Commission – Councilwoman Knudsen said she attended the Historic Preservation Commission meeting. The committee members are working very hard to ensure that the CBD retains its historic elements and charm. Councilwoman Knudsen is pleased to see the number of businesses that are seeking appropriate signage for display in the CBD.

Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen attended a Planning Board meeting last night, with comprehensive reports from Ridgewood Water and the Open Space Committee. The reports discussed the impact of the high-density housing applications on water in the Village, and on open spaces. Councilwoman Knudsen noted that Michele Peters, a Planning Board member who was also in attendance at this Village Council meeting, was very vocal and passionate about an issue that concerns everyone, pertaining to Planning Board processes, including how applications are reviewed. Councilwoman Knudsen echoed Ms. Peters’ sentiments when she said it is hoped that the applications that seem to be cumbersome and protracted will move forward in the Planning Board so that they can get on track to do a re-examination of the Master Plan.

Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) – Councilwoman Hauck attended her first Financial Advisory Committee meeting. Two other members were also new to the committee, and there are also three other members, and Steven Sanzari, Chief Financial Officer. Councilwoman Hauck said it was a very interesting evening, although they did not delve into any particular projects or any specific information, because it served as a kind of orientation for the three new members. One other new member has just been approved for membership, so the committee will expand by one more person. Councilwoman Hauck said she looks forward to working with this committee.

Parks, Recreation, & Conservation (PRC) Board – Councilwoman Hauck announced that the Parks, Recreation, & Conservation Board will be hosting its second annual Ridgewood Duck Derby/Come Alive Outside event on Saturday, July 19th. Last year, 400 people attended, and 400 people are expected again this year. Councilwoman Hauck encouraged families and anyone who likes to have fun outside to come to this exciting event. They will also be a barbecue, and a sand castle sculpture contest.

Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Sedon said he has not attended any meetings so far, but some members of the Shade Tree Commission met with him and Councilwoman Hauck this past Monday at The Gap parking lot in the CBD to pull ivy off some of the trees in the tree wells along East Ridgewood Avenue. They hope to continue doing this, weather permitting, every Monday at 9:30 A.M., to try to remove the ivy that is choking and will eventually kill the trees.

Planning Board – Mayor Aronsohn echoed Councilwoman Knudsen’s comments about the Planning Board meeting, especially with respect to Ms. Peters’ comments at the end of the meeting. Mayor Aronsohn agreed with Councilman Knudsen that most people share those frustrations about the Planning Board processes.

Mayor Aronsohn stated that Shakespeare in the Park, sponsored by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, will be on Sunday, July 20th, in the afternoon.

Finally, Mayor Aronsohn said that before he came to the Village Council meeting tonight, he went to the monthly meeting of the Community Relations Advisory Board. Several years ago, they began a "Respect" campaign in the Village, which started out as an anti-bullying initiative. Mayor Aronsohn was invited to the meeting because of the comments made last week at the Village Council meeting regarding the need for more civility in public discourse, whether at a Village Council meeting, a Planning Board meeting, or just the way people treat each other in general. The Board would like to get involved and take their campaign to the next level by engaging community leaders, and Mayor Aronsohn looks forward to working with them.

8. ORDINANCES

a. Introduction – #3423 – Establishment of a Green Team

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3423. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3423 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE RIDGEWOOD GREEN TEAM AS A PERMANENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Councilwoman Hauck moved that Ordinance 3423 be adopted on first reading and that August 13, 2014, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

b. Introduction – #3424 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Emergency Street Openings on Newly Paved Roads

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3424. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3424 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 249 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS, AT SECTION 249-44, "GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS"

Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3424 be adopted on first reading and that August 13, 2014, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion, and pointed out that, as discussed last week, the Village Manager can waive these fees.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

c. Introduction – #3425 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Surface Parking in C-Zone

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3425. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3425 by title:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 190, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, AT SECTION 190-114, C COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN ORDER TO PERMIT SURFACE PARKING LOTS AS A PRINCIPAL USE IN THE C-ZONE DISTRICT

Councilman Pucciarelli moved that Ordinance 3425 be adopted on first reading and that August 13, 2014, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

d. Introduction – #3426 – Amend Ordinance for Site Plan Procedural Requirements

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3426. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3426 by title:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AMENDING CHAPTER 190, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, IN ORDER TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL

Councilwoman Hauck moved that Ordinance 3426 be adopted on first reading and that August 13, 2014, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

e. Introduction – #3427 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Stop Signs at Heights Road and Madison Place

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3427. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3427 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"

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3427 be adopted on first reading and that August 13, 2014, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

f. Introduction – #3428 – Water Capital Ordinance ($94,000) – Water Valves

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3428. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3428 by title:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $94,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF WATER VALVES FOR THE WATER UTILITY FROM THE WATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND

Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3428 be adopted on first reading and that August 13, 2014, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

g. Introduction – #3429 – Amend Chapter 3, Article VIII – Residency Requirements

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3429. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3429 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, ARTICLE VIII OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED "RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS"

Councilwoman Hauck moved that Ordinance 3429 be adopted on first reading and that August 13, 2014, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

h. Introduction – #3430 – Valet Parking in Central Business District – Valet Parking Operator

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3430. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3430 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A NEW CHAPTER OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD TITLED "VALET PARKING SERVICES"

Councilwoman Hauck moved that Ordinance 3430 be adopted on first reading and that August 13, 2014, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

i. Introduction – #3431 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Loading Zones and Valet Parking

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3431. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3431 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-26, "LOADING ZONES" AND AT SECTION 265-72, SCHEDULE XXII "LOADING ZONES"

Councilman Pucciarelli moved that Ordinance 3431 be adopted on first reading and that August 13, 2014, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

j. Public Hearing – #3421 – General Capital Ordinance

Mayor Aronsohn moved the second reading of Ordinance 3421 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3421 by title:

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $1,356,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $1,290,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3421 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

k. Public Hearing – #3422 – Amend Chapter 18 – Environmental Advisory Committee – Chairperson of the Committee

Mayor Aronsohn moved the second reading of Ordinance 3422 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3422 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 18, OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE CODE, ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AT SECTION 18-4(C), RELATING TO THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE

Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

Councilman Pucciarelli moved that Ordinance 3422 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

9. RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 14-179 THROUGH 14-197, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

10. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mayor Aronsohn stated that they would again have comments from the public and asked anyone wishing to address the Village Council to come forward.

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, agreed with Councilwoman Hauck’s comments about the Duck Derby last year, saying that it was an "absolute riot" and "so much fun". However, she did remind everyone to pre-register, because many people who did not do so were closed out last year. Councilwoman Hauck said 800 ducks were purchased for this year’s Duck Derby. She said that it makes it more difficult if people do not pre-register, because packets are prepared with wristbands and other information for registrants.

Next, Ms. Loving thanked the Councilmembers for Resolution 14-195, honoring Mr. Wiegand. Ms. Loving said it seems unimaginable that Mr. Wiegand is no longer here, and she thanked the Councilmembers on behalf of many of his neighbors and friends for honoring him in that way. Mayor Aronsohn responded that the Village Council is also working with Mr. Wiegand’s niece and nephew to work out a date on which to hold the reception to make a formal presentation of all of the different memorials to Mr. Wiegand.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, asked for clarification of some details on two of the resolutions that were adopted. In Resolution 14-191, there is a reference to an Administrative Order, and Mr. Loving asked if there was any fine associated with that order, and if so, how much was the fine. Ms. Sonenfeld explained that there was an Administrative Order for Ridgewood Water, and the intent of the resolution was to be able to work with a firm to address all of the issues included in the Administrative Order. Ms. Sonenfeld said that, to her knowledge, there has not yet been a fine levied. Mr. Loving then asked about Resolution 14-193, which indicates that one of the bus shelters will be located at Race Track Road. Mr. Loving said he could not recall that there is a bus stop at Race Track Road. He believes that the bus stops between West Saddle River Road and Race Track Road, and he asked if that is where the shelter will be located. Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, said that the replacement shelter will be at the same location where the current one is, at the base of the pedestrian bridge over Route 17. There is a small "notch" where the buses can stop to allow passengers to embark and disembark on the northbound side. The other two shelters will be located in the Park-and-Ride lot on the southbound side. Ms. Sonenfeld added that the design was chosen, and it is to be the Ikea in black.

With respect to valet parking, Mr. Loving believes it is a great idea, but he is curious to know why it is limited to the CBD. His reason for asking is because Mr. Loving is aware that valet parking is often provided at the Ridgewood Women’s Club, which is not in the CBD, and Mr. Loving does not understand why regulations would be imposed on people operating valet parking services in the CBD, but not on valet parking operators in other locations in the Village. In addition to the Ridgewood Women’s Club, Mr. Loving believes that valet parking is sometimes offered at weddings at the various houses of worship in Ridgewood. He thinks the same regulations should be imposed on those groups, too. Ms. Sonenfeld answered that all of that would have to be reviewed. She added that part of the reason for not imposing regulations on the events mentioned by Mr. Loving is because usually, those are one-time events, as opposed to daily occurrences, such as in the CBD by restaurants and other business establishments. Mr. Loving suggested that this could also be a solution to the parking problem at Ridgewood High School. Perhaps valet parking could be offered to students who are willing to pay for it. He recalled an article in the Bergen Record several weeks ago that said that students in Fort Lee, New Jersey are paying up to $20 for car service rides to take them one mile to their homes. Ms. Sonenfeld reiterated that those types of situations could be reviewed, and that it is hoped that the ordinance regarding valet parking could be passed sooner rather than later.

There were no more comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn closed the time for public comment.

11. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

The following resolution, numbered 14-198, to go into Closed Session, was read in full by the Village Clerk, as follows:

12. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Pucciarelli, seconded by Councilwoman Knudsen, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:07 P.M.

PAUL S. ARONSOHN, Mayor

HEATHER A. MAILANDER, Village Clerk

 

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