Village Council Public Work Session Minutes 20140226

A REGULAR WORK SESSION 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, FEBRUARY 26, 2014, AT 7:30 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 7:29 P.M., and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Riche, Walsh, and Mayor Aronsohn. Also present were Heather Mailander, Acting Village Manager/Village Clerk; Donna Jackson, Deputy 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 who serve as first responders in Ridgewood and throughout the United States.

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

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

Jim Griffith, 159 South Irving Street, said he wanted to pass on some favorable comments about his experiences working with senior citizens in Ridgewood, and the Community Center. Mr. Griffith stated that he has observed a greater cooperation within the Village toward getting the different elements of senior citizens together. For example; the SHARE group, a group never involved with any of the senior citizen activities, now is. The Hobbyists were formerly known as a group that stayed by themselves, and Mr. Griffith, as a member for the past 15 years, admitted to that. However, the Hobbyists have now asked for assistance from the senior citizens, both at the Community Center, as well as at the Public Library. Mr. Griffith pointed out that the programs supported by the Village Council at the Community Center and Public Library are now involving more members of the community, and the community benefits by what is being done. This has been a great surprise to Mr. Griffith, and he said he has discovered, in talking to many of these people, that they rely heavily upon the Community Bus. They refer to it as “their” bus, and they are happy to have it to use. Mr. Griffith believes there is a great possibility that the bus service will have to expand before too long, especially as the number of activities for senior citizens increase. Mayor Aronsohn thanked Mr. Griffith for his comments, and for his participation in so many of the activities. He also thanked Councilwoman Hauck and Janet Fricke, Assistant to the Village Manager, for their efforts on behalf of the senior citizens. Mayor Aronsohn added that there has been a concerted effort to do more for the senior citizens of Ridgewood, and it is due to people like Mr. Griffith that those efforts are now paying off.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, commented that, as the Councilmembers and Village Manager were already no doubt aware, the condition of the road surface of North Van Dien and South Van Dien Avenues between Glen Avenue and Grove Street is horrendous. Mr. Loving said that he has never seen potholes like he has seen along Van Dien Avenue. Numerous cars have been disabled from hitting the potholes, and Mr. Loving said his main concern is that Van Dien Avenue is the main ambulance route from towns entering Ridgewood from Grove Street. He hopes that there are plans to completely mill the surface and pave the road this year, and he thought he saw something to that effect on a previous Village Council agenda as a budgetary item. Furthermore, Mr. Loving believes that the road was to have been paved some years ago, but it was postponed due to the lack of a grant. The condition of the road surface now has considerably deteriorated since that time. Ms. Mailander answered that the potholes will have to be filled as well as Village workers are able to, using the cold patch method. In addition, Ms. Mailander stated that during the Manager’s Report, she would have additional information about information on the Village website which will enable residents to identify locations of potholes, and the Village will be able to acknowledge once that job has been completed. Regarding paving, Ms. Mailander believes that a grant, or portion of a grant, was received, but she will verify that information. However, she believes that the street is scheduled to be paved.

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

3. DISCUSSION

a. Budget:

1.) Reserve Transfer Resolution

 Ms. Mailander explained that this is an annual resolution in which funds are transferred from the 2013 budgets that have funds remaining to those budgets that do not have sufficient funds. The amount totals $122,000 in the current fund. This will be put on a resolution for the March 12, 2014, Public Meeting.

2.)  Award of Contract – Custom Data Collection Solution Provider – Water Department

 Ms. Mailander said this is the third year of a three-year contract with Kells Innovations. The Water Department has been satisfied with their performance, and the price for this year is $18,000, which has not changed throughout the contract. This will be put on a resolution for the March 12, 2014, Public Meeting.

3.)   Award of Bid – Sodium Hypochlorite Bid – Water Department

Ms. Mailander commented that this is another annual award. Three bids were picked up, and one was returned. The firms that did not offer bids were unable to meet the delivery methods. A total of 30 locations are included on a four-week rotating schedule, and the sole bid was from Miracle Chemical Company at $3.59 per gallon. They have performed professional services for the Village in the past, and this price is lower than the price they charge before, which was $3.83 per gallon. This would be the first year of a two-year contract with Miracle Chemical Company. This will be put on a resolution for the March 12, 2014, Public Meeting.

b. Policy:

1.)  Letter Requesting Donations for Community Center

Ms. Mailander explained that the letter in question asks for donations from individuals and corporate donors, to go into a Recreation Trust Fund to be used for recreational purposes in the Community Center. Councilwoman Hauck added that, as Mr. Griffith pointed out during the public comments, the Community Center Advisory Board has been working since September 2012. Last year was the first year that the Advisory Committee was re-formed. It had been dormant for a while during the time that Village Hall was closed for repairs after Hurricane Irene. Re-forming the group was difficult, because there was and is an active team group, led by Liz Kloak, that was doing mixers off-site, but no one paid much attention to the senior citizens, except for the Recreation Department, which had some regular programs operating out of various church basements and other areas around the Village. The Committee now numbers approximately 14 active members, and three of them are willing to spearhead a fundraising effort. It was decided to start small with a wish list of items included in a template, which is an example of what a fundraising letter would look like. The letter will be sent to a small list of targeted donors. The list includes such things as more comfortable chairs for senior citizens to sit on; soft chairs for the lobby for them to use while waiting for buses to pick them up after events; fabric to soundproof the ceiling in the Ann Zusy Center to mitigate the echo in that room; a suspension system for artwork on the walls; a flat-screen television for comfortable viewing; and a computer with a Nintendo Wii system. In addition, Councilwoman Hauck noted that she included two items at the end of the list that would be based on the Village Manager’s approval, because they would be considered facility upgrades. The first is fixing or upgrading the heating system on the lower level, because it is very cold throughout the ground floor. The second, at the request of the senior citizens, is a handrail for one side of the hallway on the ground floor. Councilwoman Hauck said the desire is to form this fundraising group that would be charged with raising approximately $10,000-$15,000 for the items on the wish list with their first efforts.

Mayor Aronsohn commented that he thinks this is a fantastic idea, and recalled the comments made by Mr. Griffith earlier in the meeting. Mayor Aronsohn commended Mr. Griffith and Councilwoman Hauck, as well as the other members of the Committee, for their efforts in resurrecting the senior citizens’ group and the building by injecting new life into both.

Councilman Pucciarelli noted that this dovetails with what the Ridgewood Arts Council will propose for Village Hall when they appear before the Village Council at a later date. Among other things, they will propose introducing more music and art into the building to liven it up and to make it look less institutional. The efforts outlined by Councilwoman Hauck would work well with that initiative. Councilman Pucciarelli asked to whom the letter would be sent, and whether it would be Village-wide, or to selected recipients. Councilwoman Hauck responded that her idea was to send it to people who already have an affinity for the Community Center, and would be likely to contribute. The list of prospective donors is a small one at this time. However, she pointed out that the members of the Committee would also like to ask a few of the businesses in Ridgewood to contribute.

Ms. Mailander asked for confirmation that the Councilmembers are in agreement about including the last two requested items, because a handrail will change the look of the hallway on the ground floor, and additional work may be necessary to make the requested changes in the heating system. Mayor Aronsohn said that the request makes sense to him, and it should be investigated. This will be put on a resolution for the March 12, 2014, Public Meeting.

2.)        Snow Removal in the Central Business District

Ms. Mailander noted that there are large amounts of snow in the CBD, and overnight parking is allowed in certain parking lots for residents who live in the apartments. This includes the Prospect Street lot by the bus station; the Hudson Street lot; the Cottage Place lot; and the Wilsey Square lot by McMurphy’s. However, an issue could arise when snow falls and those residents have their cars parked in those lots, making it difficult to completely remove the snow. In addition, the Hudson Street and Prospect Street lots are near churches, so if plowing is necessary on weekends, those people who use the lots for church parking or other downtown parking will not have easy access to those lots. Recently, with the very cold weather, the snow piles froze, making it very difficult to get those lots cleared. In this particular winter, the snow often fell during the weekend, and cars remained in the lots for 2-3 days without moving, making plowing impossible. Ms. Mailander recommended that the Councilmembers consider making available a limited number of spaces in each of those overnight parking lots, which is where the residents of the apartments nearby could park when there is snow. That will allow most of the area of each lot to be cleared, and the residents would still have access to their apartments. The tenants will be informed when they pick up their overnight parking permits about which spaces can be used for overnight parking. Ms. Mailander suggested that perhaps something could be stenciled on the poles of the meters, or perhaps there could be some other type of sign designating the overnight parking spaces. In addition, an ordinance is important to prevent private contractors in the CBD from pushing or dumping snow into the parking lots. This happened in the North Walnut Street parking lot this past winter, which added considerable time to efforts by Village staff to remove the snow. The two ordinances are presented for the Councilmembers to consider, and Ms. Mailander said that an ordinance could be drafted for a future meeting for more specific discussion. Mayor Aronsohn commented that this seems to be a very forward-looking attempt by Ms. Mailander to get ahead of this problem. He added that, assuming progress is made on this issue, one of the things that should be considered is to personally contact the people who use the overnight parking to let them know about these developments.

3.)  Snow Emergency – No Parking Areas

 Ms. Mailander pointed out that Jeremy Kleiman, Emergency Management Coordinator, called a local state of emergency, and it was realized that the ordinance regarding snow emergency – no parking areas did not designate specific streets. Therefore, Mr. Kleiman made a recommendation that when a local state of emergency is called, the parking prohibitions should apply to all streets not otherwise controlled by the County or the State. Ms. Mailander included in the information provided to the Councilmembers a copy of a similar ordinance in the Borough of Fair Lawn, in which specific streets are listed, as well as how long the parking prohibition lasts, and it allows for towing vehicles that are still parked on those streets. The Ridgewood ordinance allows the Village to tow if necessary, but Ms. Mailander believes it would be beneficial to be more specific and designate specific streets, or be more general, as recommended by Mr. Kleiman. A draft ordinance will be prepared for the March 5, 2014, Work Session Meeting.

c. Operations:

1.)  BCIA Proposal – Parking Garage 

Mayor Aronsohn reminded everyone that this is an issue that has been part of an on-going discussion over the past several years, and different proposals to build parking garages in Ridgewood are being considered. One of the proposals was put forward by the members of the Chamber of Commerce to consider the Gap parking lot, through an RFP, to see whether the property could be leased and use the revenue from the Leases to build two parking garages. The redevelopment zone has also been under consideration for several years, and discussions are now underway with the Bergen County Improvement Authority (BCIA). The discussions with BCIA have improved over time. Robert Garrison, the Executive Director of the BCIA, is ready to move forward with their proposals. Mayor Aronsohn said he had an opportunity to speak about this issue with Kathleen Donovan, Bergen County Executive, several weeks ago. Ms. Donovan expressed her full support for this project, and she and Mayor Aronsohn feel that the proposal has the potential to be a positive for Bergen County, as well as for Ridgewood.

The current status is that within the next couple of weeks, Mr. Garrison hopes to bring to the BCIA Board of Directors a proposal to move forward with putting out an RFP for a parking study to be done in Ridgewood. The study will be comprehensive and will look at everything from the need for additional parking spaces, to ideal locations for parking garages, to how many spaces would be needed, and what the charge for parking would be. It is estimated that the study would take approximately three months to complete, and if the conclusion is reached that Ridgewood needs a parking garage or two, the Councilmembers would meet with members of the BCIA to try to reach an agreement to move forward. If that occurs, BCIA might be in a position to assist with the design of the parking garage, as well as assist in financing, construction, and operation of the garage. There are many details yet to be worked out, but one thing is certain: once the financing has been taken care of, in approximately 20-30 years, which will be paid out of the revenue from the garage, from that point forward, the garage would be owned by the Village. The cost of the study would be borne primarily by BCIA, with Ridgewood paying for a portion of it. Any payment from the Village might not be due for some time yet. Mayor Aronsohn said he is hopeful for a positive report, because this could be a very good opportunity for the Village.

Mr. Rogers added that one of the advantages to the Village is the fact that the County/BCIA has agreed to make the RFP for the study. No action can be taken until the study is completed, and the RFP will set the parameters for the study, and what the costs will be. There is no commitment on the part of the Village to make any payments until responses are received to the RFP, after which time, there will be further discussions with the BCIA. The study is different than those that have been done already, because this type of study gets submitted for bonding purposes. The BCIA will initiate the bond and take care of all of the bonding work, but the Village must commit to some financial obligation once the responses to the RFP are received. That financial commitment is not yet known, because none of the costs are yet known. In addition, Mr. Rogers noted that he has made contact with representatives from New Jersey Transit (NJT), but there has not yet been any response. Mr. Rogers and the representatives from BCIA believe this proposal presents a significant benefit to NJT, and it is hoped that NJT will be willing to contribute to some of the costs of the study. The first step must be in agreement with BCIA to issue an RFP, which BCIA will formulate, and once the responses are received, further discussion will be possible.

Ms. Mailander agreed that it seems to be a great opportunity for the Village. There have been numerous proposals for parking garages made since Ms. Mailander came to work in Ridgewood, and perhaps it is possible that one might actually be built. It could attract more commuters, shoppers, and diners to the Village.

Councilman Pucciarelli thanked Mayor Aronsohn, Mr. Rogers, and Ms. Mailander for their efforts in pursuing this initiative, which he believes is creative and is a good example of working together with other governmental entities. A County organization that is capable of bonding, with a low-interest environment, makes Councilman Pucciarelli believe there is no better time to pursue this type of project. He also realizes that the debt service for those bonds will ultimately be funded in part from the revenues generated from the parking garage, as well as possibly from other sources in the Village. In May 2002, Councilman Pucciarelli and former Mayor Killion were part of a Parking Committee in the Village, and they commissioned a study that was performed by Rich and Associates. The report identified a need within 10 years for 2,000 parking spaces in the Village. Councilman Pucciarelli believes that number is accurate, and is perhaps even a rather modest estimate. He thinks it is time that some determination is shown to finally get this type of project done, with the help of the County, and it seems that this project will make some forward progress.

Councilwoman Walsh asked Mr. Rogers what is taken into account when a parking study is done, and if that would include the existing CBD, as well as any proposals that are on the Planning Board’s agenda. Mr. Rogers responded that he has not seen for himself the extent of what such a parking study entails, but in discussions about this project with Robert Tudor, the attorney who will be representing BCIA in this matter, it is Mr. Rogers’s understanding that the study includes such factors as trip generation and other normal information that is considered in a parking study, as well as projections; expenses and costs; discerning information concerning commuters; employee parking; and other items that the Village has been trying to investigate for a long time. However, the main thrust of the study is not only to determine the need but also the financial viability of the construction of a parking garage, and how and under what terms it could be repaid if it was constructed. Ridership information is requested from NJT, and Mr. Rogers is aware that BCIA has been in communication with NJT. He believes that a number of organizations will be providing the needed information. This parking study will be different than the others that have been done before because this one will be used by the banks and other organizations that are potential funding sources in order to determine if this project is something worth pursuing. To answer Councilwoman Walsh’s question, Mr. Rogers said that once the RFP is available and the responses have been received, that will give a more comprehensive idea about what will be included in the parking study so that the Councilmembers can discuss it. Councilwoman Walsh clarified that the parking study will set the parameters for the size, number of spaces, and other pertinent information. Mr. Rogers answered that it will certainly include recommendations, and although he has not seen the RFP or the responses, he envisions the process as one in which the RFP is reviewed to see what the components will be for any responding entities to come back with any proposals. Those proposals will also help to identify exactly what will go into the project, and what the final product will be if the study is allowed to proceed. No commitments will be coming from the Village until those two things are known, after which time it will be determined whether to proceed with the study. At this time, all indications are that the study is needed in order to move forward with the issue of providing a garage while limiting the financial impact of that garage to the Village. The first step is to discuss with BCIA the fact that the Councilmembers support issuing the RFP, then the responses can be reviewed and a decision can be made whether to proceed with the study. At that time, the discussion can include what the Village’s financial commitment will be with regard to the study, and any other options that the Village may have. If it is determined that the study will go forward, once the study has been completed, it should include recommendations as to the size of the garage, the number of parking spaces, and other parameters to guide the process.

Councilwoman Walsh asked if and how the RFP that is currently active will coincide with the RFP to be produced by BCIA. Mr. Rogers explained that there could be three things that will coincide, which include the RFP for the parking lot at the Gap location; the proposal currently being considered by the Planning Board regarding expansion of the potential uses in the redevelopment zone; and the RFP to be developed by BCIA. BCIA will be made aware of the other two situations, and they will certainly factor into the decision made by BCIA. They will also most likely affect the results of the study. Mayor Aronsohn clarified that there is no RFP at this time, but the discussions have led everyone to believe that the study will include the other two situations in its considerations. Mr. Rogers said that the Village will provide as much information as possible to help BCIA in their quest to be realistic about the need, if there is a need, and the type of structure that is needed.

Councilman Pucciarelli reminded everyone that the RFP for the Gap property on East Ridgewood Avenue was designed to lease land for commercial development, not necessarily for a garage. The proceeds from that land lease would be used to fund a garage somewhere else in the Village. Councilman Pucciarelli believes that dovetails the possibility currently under discussion. In addition, the redevelopment zone on Walnut Street and Franklin Street has been placing emphasis on a garage, and Councilman Pucciarelli does not believe that is likely to result in just a garage, but it is likely that some other type of development will be proposed that would provide funding for additional parking in that area, but probably not a freestanding parking garage.

Councilwoman Hauck asked for clarification that the BCIA would be building the garage, and the Village would be paying the debt service to the BCIA. Mayor Aronsohn responded that the payments would come from the revenues from the garage, plus potential additional sources. Councilwoman Hauck noted that the 2002 parking study stated that there was a deficit in the Village of 1,300 parking spaces, and she believes that deficit has increased. In addition, she pointed out that Millburn, New Jersey, started building a parking garage in June 2012, which was completed in October 2013. It took 16 months from breaking ground to completing the parking garage, which inspires Councilwoman Hauck to think that if the Village keeps trying, something will eventually happen. It sounds like a great arrangement to her, because it must start with the parking study, but after that, the potential for financing the garage and the debt service is much lower than if the Village tried to do this without any assistance.

Mayor Aronsohn pointed out that one of the things that the parking study will recommend is a preferred location. He has always believed that the Hudson Street location would be ideal for a parking garage, because it is close to the train station for commuters to make good use of it; and there are quite a few restaurants in that area that would lead to patrons making use of the garage. The study will determine if that assessment is right or wrong. In addition, one of the other things that the study will address is the fact that people need an incentive to park in a parking garage, which might require the Councilmembers to consider increasing the cost of the parking meters currently on the streets and lots in Ridgewood, as well as revisiting the time limitations on the meters. Mayor Aronsohn believes that if the study moves forward and those decisions need to be revisited, that would be the time to consider revamping the parking system in the Village. That would include the use of smart technology for the parking meters, as well as mobile apps for those who park in the Village.

Councilwoman Walsh asked if there is any potential for a site to be selected using eminent domain. Mr. Rogers said he has not heard that discussed at all, but he could not say it had been ruled out.

2.)  Extraordinary Unspecifiable Service – Foley, Inc. – Water Pollution Control Facility

 Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that on December 31, 2013, there was a widespread power outage. The generator at the Water Pollution Control Facility would not start or run. Foley was called, who came to take a look at it the following day. The initial generator failure was due to a water jacket heater leak. The switchgear was not functioning properly, meaning that the voltage regulator had to be tested, and it had to be replaced. A full preventive maintenance service was also done to ensure there were no other lingering issues. This diesel engine emergency generator at the Water Pollution Control Facility is the largest diesel engine system owned and operated by the Village. There were four work orders from Foley for this work, totaling $8,603.81. This resolution would award a contract to Foley for the work performed as an extraordinary unspecifiable service due to the immediate need of getting a contractor into repair the generator.

Councilman Riche commented that this is the latest in a series of requests for extraordinary expenses with no supporting information on the invoices. He pointed out that the first invoice references 181 hours of labor in the description, but there is no hourly rate shown. Councilman Riche found some inconsistencies in the various invoices. The first invoice referenced 98 miles of travel, and the travel labor for that mileage was $913.50. Another invoice shows 80 travel miles, for $435.00. Councilman Riche does not understand how the difference of 18 travel miles could lower the cost by more than half. Ms. Mailander pointed out that Foley responded on January 1, which is a holiday. Councilman Riche said it would be nice to have that explained in the invoice. He added that there are no hourly rates listed for anything. He continued by saying that the very last invoice, which shows a total of $1,691.00, includes a description that talks about “complete inspection with preventive maintenance; complete annual service; complete yearly inspection per contract,” with a listing for “contract enrollment,” which Councilman Riche understands is a contract renewal going forward, and would not be an unspecified emergency service. He asked Ms. Mailander to get more information so that a more detailed explanation can be provided to answer his questions before this is approved. Councilman Riche would like to know such details as to how many hours were actually worked; what is the hourly rate; what is the travel rate; were holiday rates charged; is the contract being extended without being put out for bid; and if there is an annual contract already in place, why is the Village being charged for the inspection. Mayor Aronsohn suggested that someone from the Water Pollution Control Facility or the Engineering Department could explain the charges.

4. MANAGER’S REPORT

Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that the RFP for the Gap parking lot has been advertised, and packets are available to any interested developers through the Village Engineering Department.

Regarding the Schedler house, Ms. Mailander said that the tarp that was covering the roof had to be replaced, but due to the mounds of frozen snow and ice surrounding the house, it was very difficult and dangerous to access the house. However, yesterday the Signal and Fire Departments worked together to position the Fire Department ladder truck and the Signal Department bucket truck in locations where they could reach the required areas to secure the tarp. Ms. Mailander thanked Captain Schmidt; Firefighter Ferraro, who actually walked the ridge beam to spread the tarp; Firefighter Zales; Firefighter Skoblar; and Firefighter Krug, and the Signal Department staff, led by Rich Charlton, for their efforts. Ms. Mailander said they demonstrated a great example of Village staff working together.

Ms. Mailander reminded everyone of a public service announcement that was issued yesterday regarding snow. There is the possibility of significant snow occurring again, and residents are reminded to shovel their sidewalks to provide a clear path for pedestrians within 24 hours of the snow falling. There is an ordinance requiring this, and it will be enforced because it has been observed that there are some sidewalks that have not been shoveled, many of which are on school routes. People living on the corner are asked to shovel a path to the street to allow for pedestrian access, because children might be walking to school, or there could be a bus stop adjacent to the property. Snow and ice should also be cleared from many fire hydrants that are located on or adjacent to private property. When shoveling or using a snow blower, property owners are asked to please remember to direct the snow back onto their own properties instead of into the street to avoid causing icy spots that can lead to accidents. If contractors are used, please ask them to refrain from plowing the snow into the street or across the street onto a neighbor’s curb. Cooperation from all of the residents is appreciated. If there is snow and ice on a regular garbage pickup day, residents are also asked to move their garbage cans to the end of their driveways for the safety of Village employees.

E-notices have been great tools to communicate with residents during the snowy winter. Ms. Mailander encouraged everyone to sign up for e-notices in order to receive important messages about dangerous weather, traffic issues, or adjustments to sanitation and recycling pickup schedules. Messages are sent by email and text to electronic devices. To sign up, residents can fill out postcards available in Village Hall, or they can register on the Village website at www.ridgewoodnj.net.

Ms. Mailander announced that a new service, Ridgewood Service Requests (RSR), will be launched on the Village website on Monday, March 3, 2014. This will allow residents to report potholes to the Village from their smart phones, tablets, or computers. Each resident reporting a pothole must register first in order to make a report, which includes an email address. Residents can then access the map and pinpoint the location of the pothole. Another option is to take a picture of the pothole, which can then be uploaded to the report. If a resident reports a pothole that is already been noted, the resident can simply vote for the pothole to be fixed. There is also a “Comments” section where residents reporting potholes can include the size of the potholes, or any other acceptable comments. Once the pothole reports have been reviewed by staff, the resident reporting the pothole will receive an acknowledgment at the email address provided, and when the pothole has been filled, the resident will be notified by email. Although the RSR will begin with potholes, it will be expanded to other types of service requests in the near future. Ms. Mailander thanked John Spano, Superintendent of Operations, for requesting this type of service, and Dylan Hansen, System Administrator, for creating the application that allows staff members to receive the service requests.

5. COUNCIL REPORTS

Ridgewood Arts Council – Councilman Pucciarelli noted that representatives of the Ridgewood Arts Council were to have appeared at the meeting this evening with some of their new initiatives, but Dotti Fucito, President of the Ridgewood Arts Council, had to step down due to an illness in her family. Another President is being sought at this time to continue with the initiatives, and Councilman Pucciarelli hopes that the representatives could attend a future Village Council meeting.

Historic Preservation Commission – Councilman Pucciarelli said the Historic Preservation Commission met last week and elected a new Chairperson. Dr. Vincent Perillo, a professor of history at William Paterson University, is the new Chairperson. He previously served as Vice-Chairperson.

Village Garage/Repair Facility – Councilman Pucciarelli stated that the Village Garage/Repair Facility has been under scrutiny by the Financial Advisory Committee. Ms. Mailander; Janet Fricke, Assistant to the Village Manager; and Joe Loprieno, Director of the Village Garage, are now working with Matt Highet and Roberta Sonenfeld, members of the Financial Advisory Committee, to evaluate issues like what the options are for building a new facility; can it be outsourced; and what are other communities doing in this situation. They have prepared a survey that will go out to other municipalities to see how they handle their vehicle maintenance and repairs, and they are also asking some private enterprises, such as Federal Express and UPS, for the same information. This will help to ensure that this initiative receives evaluation from all angles, and that all alternatives are pursued. One of the problems already noted is the fact that what is being repaired at the facility is already so old and run-down. It has been observed that at least one of the other communities has a much lighter repair burden because its vehicles are newer.

Public Library Board Of Trustees – Councilwoman Hauck said the Public Library Board of Trustees met last night. The members approved new rules of conduct for patrons to enhance the safety and comfort of visitors to the Public Library. The rules of conduct will be posted on the walls of the Public Library. Another subject that was discussed is the fact that Ridgewood Public Library patrons have access to digital magazines. Patrons need to type in their library card numbers when accessing the magazines, and there are over 100 accessible magazines. Some of these subscription rates for these magazines are in the hundreds of dollars, so if any Ridgewood residents currently subscribe to magazines on-line, they should investigate the possibility of accessing those magazines through the Public Library. The magazine subscriptions have been donated by the Friends of the Ridgewood Public Library, and the approximate cost is $2,500 annually. The Ridgewood Public Library is one of only 35 public libraries throughout New Jersey to offer digital access to magazines.

Community Center Advisory Board – Councilwoman Hauck commented that the fundraising efforts by the Community Center Advisory Board have been discussed. In addition, there is another “Let’s Stay Acquainted” lunch scheduled for tomorrow at Ridgecrest Senior Housing, so that Councilwoman Hauck can meet some of the other senior citizens who live in Ridgewood. At this time, 110 guests are expected. Ridgecrest currently has approximately 135 residents living there. The theme of the luncheon is “Love Yourself”. Two guest speakers are scheduled: Nancy Bordinger, who is a social worker specializing in adult day care centers; and Bushell Pearson, who has been a makeup artist for 35 years. After the speakers have finished, there will be a “Day of Beauty” for the senior citizens.

Mayor Aronsohn made a public service announcement that a Ridgewood High School junior, Molly Duggan, is a member of the Team Leads Program, and a Girl Scout. Molly is working toward her Gold Award, at her project is to do a blood drive this Saturday, March 1^st, in the parking lot of the YMCA from 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.

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.

Mike Sedon, 319 Franklin Turnpike, said he supports any kind of parking that could be added to the CBD. The proposal by the BCIA looks very promising. However, Mr. Sedon had several comments to make. First, he pointed out that several parking studies have already been completed, and they can be researched at the Public Library. One of them dates back to 1928, and using them for reference can only strengthen the position of those who believe there is a need for a parking garage in the CBD. Furthermore, the 2002 study seems to be a very comprehensive one, and Mr. Sedon believes its thoroughness might enable the Village to receive a reduced rate on the new parking study. Mayor Aronsohn noted that the conversation between the Village and the BCIA started last year when representatives from the Village gave a copy of the 2002 study to representatives from the BCIA.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, had some questions about the invoices from Foley. Mr. Loving wondered if the $8,000 charged is above and beyond the $15,000 that was previously approved. Ms. Mailander responded that it is, because it is a new charge. Mr. Loving pointed out that the taxpayers now have to pay $23,000 as a result of the incident. He was not happy about paying the $15,000, and his anger has increased with the additional $8,000 to be paid. Mr. Loving stated that, according to comments made by Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, the generator was not tested on a regular basis because Mr. Rutishauser said that the DEP regulations concerning diesel fuel emissions did not permit his staff to test the generator on a regular basis. Mr. Loving said he does not necessarily accept that excuse, and he asked what changes have been made with regard to generator testing of generators that are owned by the Village since the incident occurred. Ms. Mailander said she would have to get that information. Mr. Loving noted that there are corporations throughout the State of New Jersey that have data centers, as well as municipalities throughout New Jersey with police and fire departments, and they are all testing their generators on a regular basis. He said he is shocked that the Village accepted an excuse from one of the supervisors that he could not test the generator due to DEP regulations, and the taxpayers are now forced to foot the bill in the amount of $23,000. Mr. Loving believes there should have been some personnel action taken as a result of this failure. He demanded that the matter be followed up so that the Village does not end up with another huge bill to pay.

Regarding the donations requested by the Community Center Advisory Board, Mr. Loving asked what plans are in place to ensure that if a donation is received, it is not from someone who has a pending application before the Planning or Zoning Board. Mr. Loving reminded the Councilmembers that there is a gift ordinance in effect, although there appears to be a difference of opinion regarding how that is administered. Mr. Rogers confirmed that there is a gift ordinance, with rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Village Manager’s office. He added that he discussed the situation with Councilwoman Hauck, and recommended that if there are any donations that exceed a specific level or amount, or from someone or an entity with a pending application or some other type of request from the Village, they will be identified and discussed further to determine whether or not it could create any type of conflict or concern. Mr. Loving said he hopes those discussions are held in public.

Leonard Eisen, 762 Upper Boulevard, said that during the recent storm emergency, he received several automated calls from the Village, which he found very helpful. The information provided by Ms. Mailander tonight pertaining to clearing sidewalks and fire hydrants should also be handled by automated calls, according to Mr. Eisen. He believes more people can be reached in that way, rather than having them sign up for e-notices.

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

11. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

The following resolution, numbered 14-21, to go into Closed Session, was read in full by the Deputy Village Clerk, as follows:

12. ADJOURNMENT

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

                                                            PAUL S. ARONSOHN, Mayor

DONNA M. JACKSON, Deputy Village Clerk