Village Council Public Meeting Minutes 20140409
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, APRIL 9, 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, Pucciarelli, Riche, and Mayor Aronsohn. Also present were Roberta Sonenfeld, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. Councilwoman Walsh was absent.
Mayor Aronsohn asked the members of Webelos Cub Scout Pack 44 to lead 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 March 31, 2014, be accepted as submitted. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Riche, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Walsh
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Riche asked for an exception for line item number 13-04415.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Village Council minutes of February 5 and March 12, 2014 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilman Riche seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Riche, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Walsh
ABSTAIN: None
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. Proclaim April as Tree Planting Month and April 25, 2014 as Arbor Day
Councilman Pucciarelli read the following proclamation:
B. Proclaim April 26, 2014 LAX Day in Ridgewood
Councilwoman Hauck read the following proclamation:
Ms. Mailander noted for the record that Councilwoman Walsh arrived at the meeting at 8:07 P.M.
5. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL KARCHER
Mayor Aronsohn administered the Oath of Office to Police Officer Michael Karcher, while his wife held the Bible as his parents looked on.
6. PRESENTATION BY CUB SCOUT PACK 44 – OIL MEMORIAL SCULPTURE
Mayor Aronsohn introduced the members of the Webelos Cub Scout Pack 44, who came to the meeting to make a presentation.
Charlie Glazer, Brett Karp, Peter Joseph, Alex Sloman, Paul Masser, and Den Leaders Dana Glazer, Dave Sloman, and John Masser presented an oil sculpture created by members of the Pack to bring awareness to oil dependence, for which all of the materials were donated. It was built and placed in front of Ridge School two months ago. They proposed that the structure be relocated to Memorial Park at Van Neste Square for Earth Day. Mr. Glazer explained that the sculpture was created by members of the Pack bringing items that were either made from oil products, or brought about as a result of oil, which encompasses nearly everything, and fashioning them together to create the sculpture. The front of the sculpture also contains a sheet, which was read by the members of the Pack, explaining what the sculpture represents: “We are calling this sculpture ‘R.I.P. OIL’ because oil is a limited resource, which means that it will go away someday if we use it all. We have made this oil memorial for three reasons: 1. Most people don't think of oil as a limited resource, so they waste too much of it. 2. Most people don't know how many things have oil in them or got here because of oil. 3. We want people to start thinking about preparing for when oil runs out.”
Mayor Aronsohn commended the members of the Pack for their presentation, as well as for their project, which he said was very thought-provoking and creative.
Councilwoman Walsh commented that she has been working with the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) on Earth Day, and there will be many Earth-friendly vendors at the festivities, as well as Earth-friendly displays. This sculpture will fit perfectly with the theme of reducing, reusing, and recycling. In addition, Councilwoman Walsh says that another sculpture made by high school students that is based on garbage will be displayed at Ridgewood High School. She believes this is a wonderful example of how the youth of the Village are getting involved with being energy and environmentally conscious.
7. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Aronsohn asked if anyone from the public wished to speak regarding any of the agenda items.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, followed up her request from last week that the Councilmembers consider allocating funds to an investigation of the anonymous email sent to the employer of Village Council candidate Mike Sedon. It is Ms. Loving’s firm opinion that it is in the best interests of the Village that this matter be resolved, and the identity of the person be revealed. Although Mr. Sedon was the target, the fallout from this affects the entire community, as the election process has been compromised. Ms. Loving asked if there was any update available on the situation. Mayor Aronsohn responded that he, Ms. Mailander, and Ms. Sonenfeld have discussed the matter several times. Ms. Mailander added that the situation is being reviewed to see what other action might be possible, and she mentioned that she needed to speak to Mr. Sedon, and asked him to wait after the meeting was over so that she could briefly discuss the matter with him. There is no definite course of action at this time, but Ms. Mailander said the incident is being investigated. Mr. Sedon filed a complaint with the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC), and a police report has been filed for the record. Councilman Riche asked if it is possible for the Village to file a request for a status report with ELEC, or to become part of any investigation conducted by that organization. Ms. Mailander said she would find out that information, and get back to Councilman Riche. Ms. Loving said she believes this was an attack on the Village, and the Village should be proactive about clearing up the matter.
Leonard Eisen, 762 Upper Boulevard, said he read about the incident mentioned by Ms. Loving in the newspaper, and he is very upset about it. He called the author of the email a coward. Mr. Eisen believes it was a terrible thing to do. He said he does not even know how to respond to something like this, and he hopes it never happens again.
There were no other comments from the public at this time, and Mayor Aronsohn closed the time for public comment.
8. MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Sonenfeld followed up on her discussion from last week regarding the coin theft with an update on the current situation. She said that she has had meetings with insurance representatives, particularly from the Joint Insurance Fund (JIF), to get the forensic reviews done. The JIF has recommended two companies to perform the forensic audit, and an RFP will be issued shortly. Ms. Sonenfeld said she would also be interviewing the companies, and some fee-sharing would be involved. She hopes to get all this done within the next two weeks.
Regarding the Village Vehicle Repair Facility, no discussion has been held on this matter for quite some time, and she wanted to make everyone aware of the current status of this project. Ms. Sonenfeld reminded everyone that the proposal was to build a joint facility with the Borough of Glen Rock. Councilman Pucciarelli requested that the Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) review the proposal, and the members of the FAC agreed that an analysis of the needs for a new garage facility should be undertaken so that a wide range of options could be considered. Information was gathered from other municipalities, as well as the County and other public companies. After approaching the County, Ms. Sonenfeld said it was learned that the County is building a new, state-of-the-art facility that is expected to be operational in November 2014. Moreover, the new facility is in Paramus. The new County facility will contain washing equipment, which the current garage does not have; and loaner vehicles will be offered. The facility will be set up for County use first, but it is anticipated that it will serve other municipalities. Ms. Sonenfeld said that serious consideration must be given to this possibility, as well as other ideas. As a result of this information, the members of the project team has been changed to add Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer; and Frank Moritz, Director of Operations, to the original membership roster, which includes Janet Fricke, Assistant to the Village Manager; Mac Highet of the FAC; Ms. Sonenfeld; and Joe Loprieno, Supervisor of the Village Garage. Ms. Sonenfeld stated that it is hoped that several of the committee members will be meeting with representatives from the County within the next two weeks to discuss potential collaboration on this project. It is projected that the study analysis can be presented to the Village Council and the public by September 2014.
Ms. Sonenfeld noted that the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands is nearing completion of its Broad Street beautification project, and the Streets Department did a lot of work on this project. The celebration of the completion of the project, as well as the Daffodil Festival, will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2014.
Flo’s Market is now open and ready for business at the train station.
Saturday, April 12, 2014, from 9:00 A.M.-12:30 P.M. is “Shred Day” at the Village Recycling Facility.
On Saturday, April 26, 2014, 10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M., the Village will participate in the National Take Back Initiative for Drugs. Anyone who has prescription drugs that are outdated can bring them to the Ridgewood Police Department headquarters at Village Hall.
The American Biogas Council today awarded Ridgewood the “Biogas Project of the Year” award for a renewable energy project implemented at the Wastewater Treatment Plant owned by the Village. The American Biogas Council selected the project in the municipal category because of its excellence in all of its criteria, innovation, technology, collaboration, and complexity. The goal of the project was to enhance anaerobic digestion in a municipal wastewater treatment plant so that enough biogas is produced to provide 100% of the heat and power needed to run the plant.
9. COUNCIL REPORTS
Bergen League of Municipalities – Councilwoman Walsh said she and Ms. Sonenfeld attended the Bergen League of Municipalities meeting this past Wednesday morning. The Bergen County Sheriff, representatives from the American Red Cross, and a representative from Bergen County Social Services spoke to the members about emergency preparedness and what is done throughout the County, as well as how those entities could assist the municipalities in emergencies. Sheriff Saudino discussed some of the things he could do with his facilities, and how they are a benefit and revenue producer for the County.
Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) – Councilwoman Walsh stated that REAC met last night, and they are making their final preparations for the Earth Day festivities. Everyone is encouraged to come, and if anyone wants to exhibit at Earth Day, space can be found.
Shade Tree Commission – Councilwoman Walsh noted that the Shade Tree Commission met right after the REAC meeting. Their plans are moving forward, and they will be meeting with members of the Department of Parks and Recreation and Ms. Sonenfeld to discuss some of those plans.
Village Garage – Councilman Pucciarelli responded to Ms. Sonenfeld’s comments, noting that when she was on the FAC, she was very firm in taking a less aggressive approach toward building an entirely new facility. Instead she preferred to wait and try to find alternatives to simply replicating what already exists with a more modern version. Councilman Pucciarelli said he is delighted to see that alternative thinking starting to bear fruit, particularly now that the County has taken an initiative.
10. ORDINANCES
a. Introduction – #3411 – Amend Redevelopment Zone
Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3411. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Riche, Walsh, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3411 by title:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE NORTH WALNUT STREET REDEVELOPMENT AREA
Councilwoman Hauck moved that Ordinance 3411 be adopted on first reading and that May 14, 2014, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Riche, Walsh, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
b. Introduction – #3409 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Establish Fees for Use of Mobile Concession Stand
Mayor Aronsohn moved the second reading of Ordinance 3409 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Riche seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Riche, Walsh, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3409 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145-6 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
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. Councilman Riche seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Riche, Walsh, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3409 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Riche seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Riche, Walsh, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
c. Public Hearing – #3410 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Graydon Pool – Establish Membership Fee for Resident Patron with a Permanent Disability
Mayor Aronsohn moved the second reading of Ordinance 3410 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Riche, Walsh, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3410 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145-6 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “FEES”
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 Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Riche, Walsh, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Riche moved that Ordinance 3410 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Riche, Walsh, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
11. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 14-83 THROUGH 14-104, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
12. 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.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, had a question with respect to comments made by Ms. Sonenfeld about the coin theft incident. He noted that she mentioned the need to get the forensic review under way, and Mr. Loving asked what plans are under way with respect to a review of the security process and the coin collection process. Ms. Sonenfeld responded that the review will be twofold: there will be a forensic review of the accounting, and the same firm will also analyze the process involved in coin collection, as well as any processing of those coins. The JIF will be paying for the forensic review of the accounting, and the Village will pay for the forensic review of the coin collection process. Therefore, a firm that could do both of those things will be sought when the RFP is issued. Any firm selected will be tested, and if they prove satisfactory, they will be asked to do a review of every area in which cash and checks come into the Village, and the process attached to that.
Next, Mr. Loving wanted to follow up on comments made by Councilman Riche when he omitted certain bills from his approval. Mr. Loving asked why Councilman Riche did this. Councilman Riche recalled that some months ago, there was a discussion about the telephone maintenance for the Village, and the contract was awarded to another vendor. He pointed out that none of the Councilmembers were aware of the fact that when that contract was awarded, the Village would be required to pay a two-hour minimum on every service call, even if the service call only lasts 10 minutes. In essence, the Village is now paying more for every service call made by the new vendor for telephone service. In addition, Councilman Riche noted that some new equipment was also billed on that invoice at the rate of approximately $600 per unit, and the units are available through Amazon.com for approximately $325 apiece.
Chris Dobson, 408 Eton Court, said he saw an article in the Bergen Record this week about municipalities with the highest payouts for unused vacation and sick leave. The quote for Ridgewood was approximately $6.4 million. Mr. Dobson asked if this is something that the Village can afford, and what is the plan going forward regarding such payouts. In addition, Mr. Dobson asked if there is any schedule available for the repaving of roads this spring. Ms. Sonenfeld responded that she has a draft schedule for repaving, and it is scheduled to begin on or around April 15th. She is now trying to firm up the schedule, after which it will be made public. Regarding Mr. Dobson’s other question, Ms. Sonenfeld said she read the same article, and Ridgewood has the second-highest level of payouts in Bergen County. She said the issue has been “grandfathered,” and it is impossible to get rid of the $6.4 million worth of liabilities at this time. However, Ms. Sonenfeld said the goal is to try to prevent that from happening again. Some of the work done by the FAC, as well as some of the labor contract negotiations to be held this year and next year will help to alleviate some of that going forward.
There were no more comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn closed the time for public comment.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Riche, seconded by Councilman Pucciarelli, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 P.M.
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Paul S. Aronsohn
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk
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