Village Council Public Special Work Session minutes 20140716

A SPECIAL WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGEOF 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 8:02 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 and asked for a moment of silence in honor of the American men and women serving in our Armed Forces, as well as those serving as first responders.

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

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

Doug Goodell, 234 Mulberry Place, said he sent a letter in early July to Mayor Aronsohn and the Village Manager, with a copy to the Village Engineer, about some flooding issues. One of the items mentioned in the letter had to do with a tree that had completely fallen across the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook near Mulberry Place, and Mr. Goodell pointed out that such blockages need to be removed to avoid causing floods. Soon after that, someone from the Parks Department responded, as well as someone from the Bergen County Mosquito Control Commission, who cut the tree out of the brook and prepared it for removal by members of the Parks Department, which is scheduled for tomorrow. Mr. Goodell thanked the people involved for their prompt response.

A second item mentioned in Mr. Goodell’s letter had to do with the fact that on July 3^{rd, there was a significant rainfall event, although not one of the worst that has occurred. Mr. Goodell checked the United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauge at Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, and found that the gauge reading was much lower than the actual water level, which indicated that there was a serious problem downstream causing a backup, as well as something else that was not understood at the time. Mr. Goodell asked Mr. Rutishauser, Village Engineer, if he or someone from his Department could take a look at the situation. Mr. Rutishauser responded promptly that his Department had noticed the same thing, and that one of the important characteristics of the Ho-Ho-Kus gauging station is that the Ridgewood Police Department uses it for flood warning. Fortunately, they also look at what is occurring in the fields. They ignored the information provided by the gauges, and issued the appropriate warnings. Within the next couple of days, members of the Engineering Department checked on the gauge, and found that it still seems to be malfunctioning, so they alerted the USGS. The USGS reported that there was a malfunction with the gauge, which they fixed, and new data was obtained. Mr. Goodell expressed appreciation to the members of the Engineering Department for their prompt response in this matter.}

The third item mentioned in Mr. Goodell’s letter related to some articles in the newspaper, mainly from Westwood, where they were seeking support to relax the regulations controlling what municipalities can do about de-silting and de-snagging streams. Mr. Goodell said he has always been under the impression that the regulations were very stringent, and that there are very strict limitations. Less stringent regulations only apply to streams that are less than 15 feet wide, and less than 500 feet long, which Mr. Goodell says serves no purpose whatsoever. The articles he read supported relaxing the regulations to apply to streams that are 50 feet wide, and of unspecified length. Mr. Goodell commented that it is important to do stream maintenance periodically, in order to mitigate flooding. He is not sure how Ridgewood stands on relaxing regulations or supporting those efforts, but Mr. Goodell believes the Councilmembers should consider supporting those efforts to get the State regulations relaxed so that actions on stream issues can be taken more rapidly. Mayor Aronsohn thanked Mr. Goodell for bringing those issues to the attention of the Village Council.

Russell Forenza, 228 Emmett Place, said he wished to address his questions to everyone on the dais, not just the Councilmembers. He asked that those who knew the answer to the questions should just raise their hands, and Mayor Aronsohn responded that Mr. Forenza could ask rhetorical questions, but he was prohibited from asking direct questions of the Councilmembers or any of the other people on the dais. Mr. Forenza said he wanted it to go on record as to whether they knew the answer. Mr. Rogers stated that Mr. Forenza could ask any question he wanted to ask, but he could not direct anyone on the dais to give a response, or how they should respond. Mr. Forenza wanted to know how someone could take $460,000 in quarters without anyone being aware of what is going on for over two years, and if that was true. Next, Mr. Forenza asked how someone could have a master key to enter a room in which money was stored. He also wanted to know why the money collected from the meters was not taken directly to a bank to be counted, but was placed in a room, and then taken to a bank. Mr. Forenza inquired about the procedures with respect to taking in money, cash or checks. He asked if any revenue projections had been done by the Tiger Team when they did their analysis of the budget, so that they could have seen in that specific line item over a two-year period of time that money was missing.

Another question posed by Mr. Forenza was about the bike lane in the Garber Square construction, from West Ridgewood Avenue to Franklin Avenue and North Broad Street, and who made the decision to put it there. Finally, Mr. Forenza commented that he believes the ordinance that allows anyone on the Village Council who also sits on a Board to have two votes should be changed, because he thinks that is incorrect and should not be allowed. For example, both the Mayor and one Councilmember sit on the Planning Board, so they have one vote each on the Planning Board, as well as one vote each on the Village Council for issues which may come before both the Planning Board and the Village Council.

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

3. DISCUSSION

a. Policy:

1.) Valet Parking in Central Business District

Ms. Sonenfeld reminded everyone that this is a discussion that was continued from the Village Council meeting last week. She believes this is an exciting way to address the parking issue in the CBD from a short-term perspective, and possibly even a longer-term perspective. It also supports the public good in the CBD by providing potentially hundreds of additional parking spaces.

The ordinance that is being considered establishes a Valet Parking Operator Permit Program. It utilizes the current loading and unloading zones by repurposing them as valet zones in the evening hours, while still using them as loading and unloading zones during the day. This will also take into account vehicular and pedestrian safety. The ordinance also provides requirements for the Valet Parking Operator, including such things as a map of the routes to be used to the off-site parking lots; a copy of the agreement between the business and the owner of the off-site parking lot; the hours and days of operation; and many other requirements. In addition there are many operating requirements that include such things as signage; a prohibition against occupying any metered parking spaces; a prohibition against obstructing pedestrian walkways; and employing a sufficient number of parking attendants so the streets will not be impeded or cause any kind of queuing. Ms. Sonenfeld explained that the process starts with an application for a permit. The Village Engineer, or his/her designee, will review the application and ensure that the dropping off and picking up is workable and safe. That person will also determine whether the Police and Fire Departments need to be consulted. The initial application fee will be $250, and the annual operating permit fee will be $1,000.

Mayor Aronsohn thanked Ms. Sonenfeld and her staff for putting this proposal together, because it attempts to address a very serious issue in the CBD. This should effectively provide hundreds of additional parking spaces in the CBD, especially on the busier nights.

Councilman Pucciarelli also thanked Ms. Sonenfeld for putting together this proposal, which he thinks is a great idea. He believes everyone should understand that the valet parking operator can be an entity that only does valet parking and could possibly serve one or several restaurants; or the restaurant can provide its own valet parking service, parking only the vehicles of its patrons. Any restaurant owner that elects to provide a valet parking service will be required to comply with the same regulations as a dedicated valet parking service would. Councilman Pucciarelli believes that flexibility for the restaurant owners is a good thing. In addition, he believes it would be a good idea for the Village Manager to have the discretion to add new regulations as this new service is implemented, because it is quite likely that there are requirements and regulations that are unknown at this time. For example, it may be discovered that there is a need to have the valet parking attendants identify themselves in some way, whether by uniform, badge, or in some other manner. Councilman Pucciarelli said common sense dictates that they have valid New Jersey drivers’ licenses. It has encouraged an amendment whereby the Village Manager could promulgate rules and regulations as the service is implemented throughout Ridgewood, so that it would not be necessary to have the ordinance come back to the Village Council to be amended. However, any additional regulations proposed by the Village Manager would have to be approved by the Councilmembers.

Councilwoman Knudsen thinks this is a fabulous idea, and she thanked Ms. Sonenfeld for putting it together. It is a very comprehensive proposal.

Ms. Sonenfeld thanked Mr. Rutishauser and Blais Brancheau, Village Planner, for their input and assistance in this proposal. She added that the members of the business community have also been very helpful.

Mr. Rogers commented that when this ordinance is introduced, there are two amendments that should be included in the ordinance itself, so that introduction of the ordinance covers the items that were just discussed. Those include the suggestion made by Councilwoman Knudsen that Village parking lots cannot be used for valet services. He noted that the two sections that have to be amended are Section 3(C)2, to provide that a properly permitted Valet Parking Operator may not utilize the streets and public parking lots of the Village of Ridgewood as a thoroughfare for the performance of services. He also referred to number 8 in that same Section, which provides that each parking attendant shall meet the requirements of the ordinance, and be subject to the rules and regulations as promulgated by the Village Manager, and presented to the Village Council for adoption.

Councilwoman Hauck applauded this creative idea. She thinks it is an innovative and positive way to address one of the biggest problems in Ridgewood, which is parking in the CBD. This handles the problem in a professional way, and will help to relieve traffic and frustration in town.

Mayor Aronsohn stated that this idea is not only innovative and important in addressing a pressing need, but it was also handled in an exemplary manner.

2.) RFP for North Walnut Street Redevelopment Zone

Ms. Sonenfeld said this is the beginning of a discussion about the North Walnut Street Redevelopment Zone RFP. It was decided that before writing the RFP, the Village Council and the public should be solicited for input about what should be included in the RFP.

The RFP will require construction of a parking structure, which should provide a net minimum of 100 spaces. It will also require identification of operational characteristics of the parking structure, such as the fee collection and enforcement system. The RFP will also demand at least 5,000 square feet of commercial space, preferably with frontage on Franklin Avenue. If housing is proposed, it must include an affordable housing component. The architectural design must be in line with the historical elements of the CBD. The developer will provide information about whether they are providing space for ownership or rental, including statements of the existing easements and property rights; proposed acquisition of proposed easements; or modification of easements. The RFP will also state that the Village does not want to lease its own parking structure, and that the Village would prefer not to own or operate the private components. The developer must remediate the environmental contamination. The developer must also provide his/her proposal for property tax arrangements. In addition, the developer’s qualifications and experience will be evaluated.

Mayor Aronsohn reminded everyone that the Redevelopment Zone, which is the area around North Walnut Street and Franklin Avenue, now includes a municipal parking lot and the business property known as the Town Garage. It was designated a Redevelopment Zone in 2007, and some proposals for development were considered in 2009, but nothing ever came of that. The Village Council is now revisiting the issue. The primary purpose central to this Redevelopment Zone is parking. Therefore, any proposal must include a significant parking feature, with a minimum of 100 spots available, as Ms. Sonenfeld noted.

Mayor Aronsohn asked why there would be a requirement for at least 5,000 square feet of commercial space. Mr. Brancheau explained that page 3 of the Redevelopment Plan states first that the objective of the Redevelopment Zone is to provide expanded parking, and the second objective states that it must promote new development that is pedestrian-oriented and reinforces retail activities at the street level. While the Plan does not give a specific square footage, Mr. Brancheau noted that 5,000 square feet is minimal for that type of development, and is in accordance with the stated objective.

Next, Mayor Aronsohn asked if the affordable housing component is State-mandated. Mr. Brancheau responded that what is applicable in a Redevelopment Zone is one of the gray areas. The Village is not requiring that housing be built, but if a developer proposes housing to be built, Mr. Brancheau believes the Village is in a better legal position, and is better-protected against a challenge, if an affordable housing component is required. No percentage is specified, but that would be subject to an economic feasibility study that is required whenever affordable housing is required.

Councilman Pucciarelli commented that he saw the genesis of this plan at the Planning Board, where the emphasis was on parking. However, Councilman Pucciarelli feels that it is equally important to create a streetscape on Franklin Avenue, which is in desperate need of some type of revitalization. It is hoped that this will be the ignition to create that streetscape, so Councilman Pucciarelli said he is very eager to see the retail component at the street level. He thinks it is important to be flexible. An assisted living facility was proposed to the Village Council some months ago, and Councilman Pucciarelli does not want anyone to think that is the only thing that is possible under a Redevelopment Plan.

Councilwoman Knudsen agreed with Councilman Pucciarelli’s assessment of that area as being in dire need of revitalization. She noted that the RFP does not mention any compliance with zoning ordinances, and she wondered if that is something that is significantly different because of compliance with local redevelopment and housing law, or if there is some other reason. Mr. Brancheau explained that a Redevelopment Plan, even though it is called a "plan," has the effect of law. The Plan has zoning standards included in it, so compliance with a Redevelopment Plan is already in compliance with zoning laws.

Councilman Sedon asked if it would make sense to include a maximum height allowance. Mr. Brancheau answered that it is already in the Plan, and there is a maximum height restriction of 60 feet. Councilman Sedon asked if that could be included with the RFP to highlight the requirement. Mr. Brancheau and Ms. Sonenfeld said that it could be done. Mr. Brancheau added that some of the more salient points of the Redevelopment Plan will be included in the RFP, including the height restriction, so any prospective developer has at least a rough idea of what is required. The RFP should also refer any potential developer to the Redevelopment Plan, so the developer can review it in more detail.

Ms. Sonenfeld said she will begin working on the RFP based on the criteria discussed, as well as including the salient points of the Redevelopment Plan.

b. Operations:

1.) Support A-900 – Allow De-Silting Efforts in Local Streams

Ms. Sonenfeld stated that this is a request from other northern New Jersey communities to support legislation A-900, which allows for cutting the red tape for stream cleaning. It appears to decrease the cycle time, and hopefully the expense, of de-silting and de-snagging streams. After discussing this with Mr. Rutishauser, Ms. Sonenfeld said it seems to both of them that this leaves more decisions up to local governments, specifically the Village Engineer. Other municipalities have already signed this resolution, and this is a request to add Ridgewood’s support to theirs.

Mayor Aronsohn noted that this piece of legislation has been around for several years, and he does not understand why it has not gone through the legislature. Many people have come to understand the need for this type of legislation in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, and the inability of the Village to do any type of efficient cleanup. The Councilmembers agreed to adopt the resolution.

4. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Hauck, seconded by Councilman Pucciarelli, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 P.M.

PAUL S. ARONSOHN, Mayor

HEATHER A. MAILANDER, Village Clerk