village council public meeting minutes 20180612
A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOD, NEW JERSEY ON JUNE 13, 2018 AT 8:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as in a Moment of Silence to honor the men and women serving our nation and our first responders.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Knudsen moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of May 31, 2018, be accepted as submitted. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of February 7, March 16, March 26, March 29, April 25, and May 23, 2018 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. RECOGNIZE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF KASSCHAU MEMORIAL SHELL
Councilman Voigt read the following proclamation:
B. BEE CITY USA AND NATIONAL POLLINATORS WEEK
Deputy Mayor Sedon read the following proclamation:
After the proclamations were read, Jo Delaney, a member of the Kasschau Memorial Shell Committee, stated that the Kasschau Memorial Shell will be having concerts on Tuesday and Thursday evenings through early August. She added that music is so important in all of our lives, and thanked the local businesses for their support. Ms. Delaney thanked the Village Council on behalf of the entire committee. Mayor Knudsen thanked Ms. Delaney and the entire Kasschau Memorial Shell Committee for all of their hard work.
Frank Mortimer thanked the Village Council for the Bee City USA Proclamation, he added that there would be a number of events next week. Mr. Mortimer stated that it was great that the Village has pulled together to do so many things for pollinators, he thanked Parks and Recreation, the Library, Shade Tree Commission, Health Barn, the Women Gardeners, the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands, the Plant Society of New Jersey, Bookends, Rohslers Nursery, New Jersey Audubon Society, and the Northeast New Jersey Beekeepers for their participation.
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Cynthia Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place and President of the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands, stated that she was here to follow up on her appearance on May 23rd at the Village Council meeting in reference to the train station plaza. At candidates’ night, she heard the Mayor and Deputy Mayor state that they would be increasing the parking at the train station. For those who do not know, this project will entail the destruction of the 38 foot wide grassy area in the train station parking lot, and the cutting down of seven mature trees. This would result in a nine foot strip, four feet of which would be a walkway. She stated that since this topic has not been included on any Village Council agenda since last summer, she wanted to find out the true status of this project. Ms. Halaby stated that she wanted to find out if the grassy area was listed on the Recreation Open Space Inventory (ROSI) and when the Village Council would be opening up the discussion of this project for Public Hearing. She added that since she was speaking during the Public Comments portion of the Village Council meeting, Mayor Knudsen told her she was not allowed to ask questions, even though other residents did receive answers when they asked questions during the Public Comments section of the Village Council meeting.
After the Village Council Work Session on May 23rd, she emailed her questions to the entire Village Council, Mr. Rogers, and Ms. Mailander. Only Councilman Voigt responded to her inquiry about the ROSI designation. On May 28th, still not having receive a reply, she emailed Mr. Rogers and Ms. Mailander with copied the Village Council, asking them how she should obtain answers to her questions. Ms. Halaby stated that Mr. Rogers responded by telling her to go through the Village Manager’s Office. She then wrote to set up a brief meeting with Ms. Mailander, but she never heard back. Ms. Halaby stated that she found it very strange that no one, other than Councilman Voigt and Mr. Rogers, finds it important to address her questions. Since the Mayor refuses to answer her, she wondered if other Village Councilmembers and the Village Manager are not allowed a voice.
Ms. Halaby stated that she still would like to know whether this project remains under discussion. She added that if it is, she would request that the Village Council put it on an upcoming agenda so that the public knows what they have in mind for the train station plaza. Mayor Knudsen thanked Ms. Halaby for her comments. Ms. Halaby asked when she would get an answer to her questions.
Gregory Brown, 444 Linwood Avenue, stated that with all of the deception that is going on with the parking garage he wanted to bring up his idea again as the Village Council looks at funding and increasing the hourly rates. His idea is taking out the meters and putting in more kiosks. He added that he knows there is a cost associated with that, but hopefully it would generate additional revenue, because it would cut down on people pulling into spaces where there is already time on the parking meters.
Changing the subject, Mr. Brown asked about the status of similar restrictions on water in the other towns that are serviced by Ridgewood Water. He also asked how the Village can work to make sure that they are on an even playing field with all of the municipalities that Ridgewood Water serves.
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, suggested that the Village Council get together under the leadership of Mr. Rogers to come up with a consistent set of rules, as the Mayor cannot answer some questions and not others. He stated that somehow she answers questions for her friends and refuses to answer others, which is reckless. Mr. Halaby stated that the Mayor has to be consistent, one way or the other.
6. MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that the next Village Council Work Session, scheduled for June 20th, has been cancelled. The next Village Council Regular Work Session will be held on July 11th. There will a Special Public Village Council meeting on June 25th at 7:00 P.M. to continue the Public Hearing on the water rate ordinance increases.
Ms. Mailander stated that on Sunday, July 1st at noon is the Village Council Reorganization meeting, and everyone is invited to attend.
She reminded everyone that under the water conservation regulations, watering is allowed for odd numbered houses on Tuesday and Saturday, and for even numbered houses on Wednesday and Sunday. Ms. Mailander stated that a smart controller is a weather based system that controls watering, and using this system, you may water any day between the hours of midnight to 10:00 A.M.
Graydon Pool is open on weekdays noon to 7:30 P.M., and weekends 10:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. Registration is through CommunityPass or at the badge office during pool hours. Ms. Mailander stated that further information is available on the Village website.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Guild sponsors “Music in the Night” which is live, free outdoor entertainment every Friday night throughout the Central Business District, through the end of August.
The Kasschau Memorial Shell hosts musical performances every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 P.M. to the beginning of August. Ms. Mailander encouraged everyone to bring a chair or blanket to enjoy a wide variety of free live music under the stars. Ms. Mailander stated that as mentioned in the Proclamation, June 14th is the big anniversary celebration. 60 years of music at the Kasschau Memorial Shell and 90 years of music for the Ridgewood Choral who will be performing that evening.
Ms. Mailander stated that Movies in the Park, sponsored by the Ridgewood Guild, are free outdoor movies in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square every other Wednesday night at 9:00 P.M. Tonight’s movie is ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon.’ June 27th is ‘Big’ and it is the 30th Anniversary of this movie. Other films in this series are ‘LaLaLand,’ ‘Toy Story,’ ‘Mrs. Doubtfire,’ and ‘Planet of the Apes.’
Ridgewood Walks is sponsoring several walking tours during the month of June. Each walk has a different theme, such as iconic buildings in Ridgewood, some on the National Registry of Historic Places. Arts and Architecture of various unique buildings in Ridgewood; a Pizza, French Fry and Ice Cream tour in the Central Business District; a “Me Time” tour to help you unwind; a hike along the Dunham Trail; and a bike ride around Ridgewood. Ms. Mailander stated that residents could register for these tours on RidgewoodWalks.com.
Ms. Mailander stated that July 4th festivities begin with a flag raising at the train station at 9:00 A.M. The parade begins at 10:00 A.M. rain or shine, and fireworks begin at approximately 9:00 P.M. The rain date for the fireworks is July 5th.
As a reminder, all Village offices will be closed on July 4th in observance of Independence Day. There will be no recycling or garbage pickup on that day, and the Recycling Center will also be closed. Graydon Pool will also close early on that day.
7. COUNCIL REPORTS
Eagle Scout Court of Honor – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that on Saturday, he attended an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for James Schimmel. It was the sixth one in the past several weeks, so it is good to see that there are young leaders stepping up, by earning the highest ranking they can in the Boy Scouts.
Muslim Community of Ridgewood – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that on Sunday he had the honor of attending an iftar by the Muslim Community of Ridgewood, hosted at Saint Elizabeth’s Church. It was a beautiful ceremony and it was a great event to attend. He would also like to thank Anne Loving, because he really enjoys gardening and was happy she gave him flowers to plant, earlier this evening.
Shade Tree Commission – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Shade Tree Commission met on June 12th and there are a lot of things they are working on at this time. The Graydon Pool tree replacement has come down to a decision between either another sycamore tree or a blight- resistant American elm and the arborist is doing a little more research. They should have a presentation in July with the recommendation as to what tree species to put on the island, at Graydon Pool, which should be planted this fall. Also discussed was the tree nursery on the side of the Parks building at the recycling center. There are about 125 trees in their second year and hopefully they will be moved to a more permanent location once it has been established, as they are thriving.
Citizens Safety Advisory Committee – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee is having their meeting on June 21st.
Central Business District – Councilwoman Walsh stated that she was in the Central Business District and watched some really bad driving and parking along Ridgewood Avenue. She took several pictures and sent them to the Village Manager because it was as if no one cared. There were trucks parked illegally, people leaving cars, and she knows that the Police Department was in town giving out tickets. Residents were posting on social media that they also were observing the same thing. This relates to safety, enforcement, and being neighborly.
Chamber of Commerce – Councilman Hache stated that the Chamber of Commerce held its 91st annual recognition and installation dinner last night at Park West Loft. The co-honorees were the CBD Advisory Committee and the Tobacco Shop, receiving the Community Service Award. It was a great event that was well attended. Mayor Knudsen swore in the new slate of officers. Scott Lief was sworn in as the new President of the Chamber. He has served as Chamber President previously and has served on the Board in other capacities as well, and is also a mortgage professional in town.
Mayor Knudsen congratulated Mr. Lief and stated that the Chamber has great new leadership that is dedicated and very capable. She congratulated the CBD Advisory Committee for their recognition.
ESL Library Luncheon – Mayor Knudsen stated that Friday was the Ridgewood Public Library ESL Library Luncheon, hosted by Friends of the Library. She stated that it was an amazing program as 34 countries were represented, with 128 students and 48 volunteer tutors that work with those students to help them with their English. She added that it was a terrific program with people that dedicate their time to helping others.
The Mayors Fair Lawn/ Ridgewood Mayors Weight Loss Challenge – Mayor Knudsen stated that the recognition and awards were held on Monday evening for the annual Fair Lawn/Ridgewood Weight Loss Challenge. There was a cumulative weight loss of all the participants of 414 pounds. Everyone really worked hard, they see their nutritionist regularly, and have started to exercise and pay attention to what they are eating. This is really exciting for a lot of people, as this is a new lease on life for many, as some were actually unable to walk. It is an incredible journey for so many.
Hudson Street Parking Garage – Mayor Knudsen stated that the Hudson Street Parking Garage Design Open House was held Monday evening, there were some residents in attendance. She thanked Epic Management for their attendance.
Art Beat – Mayor Knudsen stated that on the evening of June 12th, at the Kasschau Memorial Shell, Ridgewood High School students participated in the Art Beat program. She added that it was an amazing program, where the students performed a capella, rock bands performed, and there were also a lot of visual arts. This is a student-run program, where the students organize everything, put the acts together, reserve the Kasschau Memorial Shell, and do everything start to finish.
Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee – Mayor Knudsen stated that the July 4th Committee is selling 50/50 raffle tickets. It is hoped that 600 raffle tickets will be sold for $100 each, for a grand prize of $25,000 if all of those tickets are sold. There will be an additional ten prizes of $500 each. This is a great opportunity to help keep this tradition alive. Go to Ridgewood4thofJuly.com or google “Ridgewood 4th of July” and see the locations where tickets will be available. She added that they were hoping that everyone would not only purchase tickets to the fireworks, but also participate in the 50/50 raffle.
8. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 18-169, WILL BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:
9. ORDINANCES
a. PUBLIC HEARING - #3639 – Amend Chapter 212-31 – Skate Park Rules and Regulations
Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3639 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3639 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 212 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS, AT ARTICLE X SECTION 212-31, “SKATE PARK USE RULES AND REGULATIONS.”
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Hache moved that ordinance 3639 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
b. PUBLIC HEARING - #3646 – Establish Valet Parking Area on North Broad Street
Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3646 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3646 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-29, “PARKING METER ZONES DESIGNATED” AND AT SECTION 265-72, “SCHEDULE XXII LOADING ZONES.”
Ms. Mailander stated that Glenn Carlough, the owner of The Steel Wheel Tavern, who is interested in having the valet parking was present at the meeting.
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he recalled that there was some discussion about this during the Work Session last week. He stated that a member of the Village Council raised a concern that because valet parking had previously been allowed for other restaurants, there may be an obligation on the Village Council’s part to allow it in this case. No opinions were given by the Village Attorney as to whether there is an obligation on the Village Council’s part to offer valet parking to a restaurant or any business that applies for it.
Mr. Loving said that personally, he doesn’t think there is an obligation because in the case of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, residents come in for variances yet because one resident receives a variance, it doesn’t mean that all variances are approved. Mr. Loving stated that he didn’t think that the Council had any obligation because valet parking was approved in the past, that it has to be done again. He stated that valet parking should be treated on a case by case basis, and in this case, there is concern by two Councilmembers that the location that is proposed is relatively dangerous. Mr. Loving recalled that Mr. Rutishauser indicated that he believes that once the valets pick up the car, they will make a right turn and park at some place that was not identified.
Mr. Loving stated that his concern is that the Village Council all know the intersection of Franklin Avenue and North Broad Street, and it was fine if the valet would make a right turn, but what if someone lived on the west side of town and tried to make a left turn out of the spot where they picked up their car, and then cut across two lanes of traffic to go under the trestle. Mr. Loving indicated that there could be an ordinance that if someone picked up their car from the valet, they can make a right turn only. Mr. Loving stated that he agreed with the Councilmembers who felt that it was a dangerous location to be offering valet and he objected to the notion that because it was done for someone in the past, there might be an obligation to do it for someone else.
Ms. Mailander invited Mr. Carlough to come to the microphone and tell the Village Council where it was that the valet would be parking the cars. Mr. Carlough stated that the valet would be parking across Franklin Avenue, at the Ken Smith lot. The valets would be going straight, rather than turning. He added that didn’t address the previous question regarding pickup and if people would make a left hand turn after pickup.
Councilman Voigt questioned whether Mr. Carlough could find another parking lot to have the valet service park, as it makes the situation more precarious if they are going straight across a busy intersection. Mr. Carlough stated that the valet service has an arrangement with the property owner at Ken Smith, and it is where they park the automobiles for the valet parking at Roots. He did not know if there was another location to park the cars, but he would have to find out from them. When he made the application and suggested that they use the three parallel spots that are closest to the corner of North Broad and Franklin, it was essentially an attempt to eliminate as few parking spots for the public as possible, while providing this valet service.
Mr. Carlough stated that as an alternative, perhaps they could use spots further south on Broad Street so that the cars upon leaving would have a more reasonable opportunity to go from the right lane to the left lane if need be, if they wanted to make a left under the trestle. He reiterated that he was hoping to have the least impact possible on the parking, as they were trying to help the situation. Councilman Voigt questioned whether Mr. Carlough could tell him about his patronage and the issues that they may be having with parking at the busy times at his restaurant. Mr. Carlough stated that he has had numerous conversations with folks who come in on a Tuesday night and say they were planning to come on Saturday, but after numerous laps of the Village and not being able to find a spot, they went to somewhere else that was not in town. Councilman Voigt questioned if Mr. Carlough received that complaint often. Mr. Carlough replied that it happened more often than a Ridgewood restauranteur would like to hear.
Mr. Carlough stated that he understood while the valet service was something that The Steel Wheel applied for and are paying the permit for, inevitably, other businesses on Broad Street will also use the valet service. Therefore, he felt that there was a greater good then just The Steel Wheel Tavern. Councilman Voigt questioned who the other restaurants might be. Mr. Carlough stated that it was not a free service, and so as a result, patrons couldn’t be forced to walk into The Steel Tavern after using the valet service, but he was envisioning Mediterraneo, and S. Edigio may have customers using the valet service. He added that he wants people who are thinking about coming to The Steel Wheel Tavern to see that the Steel Wheel Tavern understands that there is a parking challenge and they are going to do their part in trying to alleviate that.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he would need to hear from the Engineering Department because at the last meeting, it was said that the cars would be making a right, which he thought was a bit precarious at the time, but this was different now as the valet would be pulling out into the traffic and could be challenging depending on the time of day. Mr. Carlough questioned if they were talking about people who had picked up their cars from the valet. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he was talking about parking the cars at Ken Smith, as the Village Council had been told they were making a right onto Franklin Avenue, so in his mind, that seemed to work better than having the cars merge with traffic. However, the Engineering Department didn’t seem to know that traffic would be going straight, instead of making a right. Mr. Carlough stated that was an easy fix, as he could talk to the valet company about changing the route and they could make a right hand turn around the block, to get into the left lane, in order to go straight into the Ken Smith lot. He stated that the challenge is what happens after the customer is back in their car and upon leaving, they decide to make the left and go under the railroad trestle. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he would have to hear from the professionals again, because this makes a big difference in his decision. If they were going right onto Franklin Avenue, he was undecided, but going straight he feels that he would need to hear from the Engineering Department, to see if they feel it is acceptable.
Mayor Knudsen stated that when Mr. Carlough suggested that the spaces for the valet could be changed to spaces further away from the Franklin Avenue intersection, what the Village Council has in front of them is an ordinance very specific to individual parking spaces. Therefore, if they were to contemplate an alternative scenario, that would mean defeating this ordinance and then introducing a new ordinance, with different parking spaces allocated for the valet parking.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that she was confused, as Steel Wheel Tavern made the application but she was unsure who was responsible for the valet service. Mr. Carlough responded that it was Tri-State Valet Service. Ms. Mailander stated that Mr. Carlough would be hiring the valet. Councilwoman Walsh questioned whether Mr. Carlough was going to pay and manage them on behalf of this application. Ms. Mailander stated that the valet company takes out the permit, but it is basically for The Steel Wheel, but as Mr. Carlough indicated, if others were to use this they certainly could. Councilwoman Walsh questioned what would happen if everyone started using the valet service but no one went into The Steel Wheel. Her concern is who would be the oversight. Ms. Mailander stated that it would be the valet company themselves, as they have mangers on-site who would be responsible to make sure that the valet drivers are licensed and driving appropriately.
Councilwoman Walsh agreed that she would need to hear from the Engineering Department as she was under the impression that anyone using the valet would only be making a right turn onto Franklin Avenue. Mr. Carlough questioned if the right lane was a right-turn only lane. Councilwoman Walsh stated that it was a right-turn only lane. Mr. Carlough stated that then clearly no one would go straight from the valet, and everyone would make that right turn. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that otherwise, they would have to cut across the right-turn only lane to go straight to drop off cars. Mr. Carlough stated that he misunderstood initially. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that was his concern, as they would be cutting across the right hand turn lane to go straight from the left turn/straight lane. Mr. Carlough stated that he would put up some cones between the right and left lane, such that once you are in the right lane you are making a right, so that coming out of the valet spots there is no option and they can’t make a left turn. He added that if he had a concern, it would be people deciding to make a left across the double yellow line, from heading southbound on Broad Street, as he knows it happens on Chestnut Street. Mr. Carlough stated that he would suggest cones where it is obvious that you can’t make the left from southbound on North Broad into the valet parking queue.
Mayor Knudsen stated that her concern was the circuitous route to get to the Ken Smith lot, which would add traffic, congestion, and confusion which would set up a difficult and dangerous situation. Her position was to defeat the ordinance this evening. Mr. Carlough stated that he had the opposite view, as they are alleviating that very same problem by providing the valet service. If potential customers are going around the block, and they are doing that repeatedly in order to find a parking spot, and now all they have to do is pull into the valet parking queue, he felt they would significantly decrease the amount of traffic going around the block. He felt the valet service will alleviate the problem of cars going around the block multiple times to find a parking space. Mr. Carlough felt that traffic cones would get the job done, and that the valet service would remedy people circling the block.
Councilman Voigt questioned if Mr. Carlough would be amenable to looking at some of the angled parking in front of the restaurant, or a bit south of that, instead of the three parallel spots. Mr. Carlough stated that he believed that if things went according to schedule, that this service could be in place by around July 3rd. He stated that prime time for his restaurant is July and August, and stated that they should come up with a couple of easy fixes to the current plan, otherwise this would be postponed until September. Ms. Mailander stated that as Mr. Carlough and Mr. Rutishauser mentioned, using angled spots for valet parking would require more than three parking spots. They would need about five angled parking spots for the valet queue. Councilman Voigt stated that using the angled spots seemed more manageable to get over into the center left lane to use the Ken Smith parking lot. Mr. Carlough stated that at some point, people make a decision which lane they are going into and at that point, the drivers are making it clear which direction they are going. He reiterated that he would suggest the use of traffic cones to help any confused driver.
Councilman Hache questioned whether the parking spots at the Ken Smith lot were procured by The Steel Wheel Tavern or the valet service. Mr. Carlough stated that the valet service procured the spots. Ms. Mailander stated that this was an unusual situation because this valet was also the same one used by Roots, so they are already using the Ken Smith lot. Mayor Knudsen stated that she understood that Mr. Carlough wanted to get this done, but there were a couple of moving parts. There was the suggestion about the angled spaces, but that does not comply with this ordinance, which means that this ordinance gets defeated. She stated that the other piece is whether or not they put cones to direct traffic, and she didn’t know if any of the other Councilmembers would be comfortable making those types of decisions, without having professionals weighing in on it and telling them exactly how it would work. Mayor Knudsen stated that she was more comfortable taking this up at a later date. Mr. Carlough stated that he was not advocating for the cones to be placed permanently, as he thought they could be used during the hours of valet operation.
Councilman Voigt questioned Ms. Mailander as to if the Village Council were to defeat this ordinance tonight, how quickly it could be back on the agenda. Ms. Mailander stated that if the Councilmembers needed more information and wanted to discuss it in public, it would have to be July 11th and it could be introduced that evening, but the earliest there could be a Public Hearing and adoption would be August 1st. The ordinance would then become effective on August 21st, if it were adopted. Mr. Carlough stated that he would trust the Village Engineer to decide how to handle this, and if the Village Engineer gave the Village Council reason to believe that this would work, he doesn’t know why anyone would question why it couldn’t be done safely. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the issue is that the Village Engineer gave the Village Council reason to believe that it would work if the valet was going right. However, now that they are going straight and have to cut into the traffic, that becomes the issue, as it is different from what was presented last week.
Mr. Carlough stated that he thought it was established that from the right lane they could not go straight, so therefore the valet would be making the right-hand turn. Councilman Voigt stated that it was really enticing to just cut across rather than go around the block. He added that unless Mr. Carlough could find another place to park the cars, his concern was that it created a precarious situation for the North Broad Street and Franklin Avenue intersection. Mr. Carlough clarified that the concern was that the valet service would fail to turn right. Mayor Knudsen stated that the Village Council did not know what was in other people’s minds, but their concern was not specific drivers but rather whether or not they were setting up a dangerous situation without having the appropriate input from professionals. There was input from the professionals that indicated the vehicles were making a right, and her understanding was that there was a parking lot that they were going to, located further down on Franklin Avenue.
Mayor Knudsen stated that there were two issues, someone might cut across to go straight, someone else might adhere to rules, but no matter what, there would be cars that even if they did make the right turn, they would have to make other moves to get to the parking lot across the street. Councilman Hache stated that the valet would have the same route going back, as they could not go straight out of Ken Smith and cross the double yellow line as an illegal U-turn. Mayor Knudsen stated that she wasn’t comfortable with all of the extra movements at this time. Councilwoman Walsh stated that at the beginning of the meeting, she made a comment that behaviors of drivers in the Village are not good, so in her mind this valet service is setting it up for bad behavior to continue. Perhaps not for the valet, but for the people picking up their car. There is a solid white line, which no one can pass, which creates an illegal movement. She stated that there wouldn’t need to be any cones there, but the behaviors that have been seen throughout the town could be some of the reasons as to why the Village Council is hesitant on this. Councilwoman Walsh added that she didn’t think the valet service, as proposed, would be efficient, safe, or make any sense. She said that it would almost be easier to have patrons pull directly into the Ken Smith lot, without the use of a valet service at all.
Mayor Knudsen agreed with Councilwoman Walsh, stating that perhaps there was a sign denoting Steel Wheel parking being located at the Ken Smith lot, then someone could drive across the street and park their own car, and use the crosswalk to get to the restaurant. She stated that there may be a different alternative to achieve the same thing. She asked if Steel Wheel was tagging onto the Roots valet, or if they were independent. Mr. Carlough stated that the valet service had an arrangement with the Ken Smith parking lot and would be setting themselves up at his location. Ms. Mailander stated that unfortunately it didn’t look favorable, but that the Village Council, Mr. Carlough and the professionals could meet before the July 11th Work Session to discuss it again. In the meantime, perhaps the valet company could find a parking lot further down Franklin Avenue, and perhaps there were some other solutions for this parking. Ms. Mailander stated that perhaps it may be easier for there to be a sign directing patrons to Ken Smith, and then have the valet there to stack the cars, or whatever needs to be done. The meeting would include Sergeant Chuck, as the Traffic Control Officer.
There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that Ordinance 3646 be defeated on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
c. PUBLIC HEARING - #3647 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish Regulations for Blade Signs in Central Business District
Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3647 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3647 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AT SECTION 190-3 ENTITLED “DEFINITIONS” TO ADD A NEW DEFINITION OF “BLADE SIGNS” AND AT SECTION 190-122 ENTITLED “SIGNS” TO CREATE A NEW SUBSECTION AT 190-122(H)(10) ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR BLADE SIGNS.
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Hache moved that ordinance 3647 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
d. PUBLIC HEARING - #3648 – Amend Chapter 172-6 – Nuisances Enumerated – Bands and Music
Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3648 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3648 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 172-6 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “NUISANCES ENUMERATED.”
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he spoke about this during a work session regarding bands, and having just read the ordinance and how it rewrites the Village Code, he was confused as to whether the purpose of this was to permit bands to play unchecked until 11:00 P.M. or was it to include bands among the nuisances. Mayor Knudsen stated that this was to allow someone to hire a band without fear of having it shut down, up to a reasonable hour on a particular night. Mr. Rogers stated that it could be shut down for other reasons, but the purpose of this ordinance was just based upon noise.
Mr. Loving stated that as it stands now, prior to the passing of this ordinance, what was the situation with respect to bands. Mayor Knudsen stated that the band could be hired, but they could play until 2:00 A.M. in theory without a problem. Or someone else might hire a band and they might get shut down at 10:00 P.M. This ordinance was to give everyone the chance to have a band play until 11:00 P.M. Mr. Loving questioned if he found the band was too loud at 9:00 P.M. in the past, he could call the police and have them shut down, but now he would not be able to do that until 11:00 P.M. Mr. Rogers stated that if the band got to be too loud, the police would stop by, based on a citizen complaint. Now there is an absolute aspect to it, where 11:00 P.M. is the witching hour where it all has to be terminated and has to stop.
There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that ordinance 3648 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
e. PUBLIC HEARING - #3649 – Redevelopment Plan – Block 3809, Lots 12 & 13 – Hudson Street Parking Lot
Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3649 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3649 by title:
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE HUDSON STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN.
Mayor Knudsen stated that due to publishing deadlines, the legal ad for this ordinance was published with the incorrect version of the ordinance. The reason the version of the ordinance was incorrect is due to the fact that some changes to the ordinance, which were recommended by the Planning Board, were not incorporated into the published version of the ordinance. The version of the ordinance given to the public and the Village Council on May 9, 2018 was the correct version of the ordinance, with the changes recommended by the Planning Board. The correction notice for this ordinance was published in The Record, but the person in the legal ad department neglected to include the corrected copy of the ordinance in the legal ad, even though it was sent for publication. The Village Attorney will summarize the changes to the ordinance, as recommended by the Planning Board, which are not substantive.
Mr. Rogers stated that in the packet was the corrected version, but he wanted to make sure that he explained to the public what the corrections were. There were three areas of the ordinance that needed to be corrected. First, in the first paragraph in the preamble to the ordinance, the proper lot and block numbers were in the original ordinance, however when it came back from the Planning Board it read 13 parcels when really it is just two parcels. Second, on the third page of the ordinance, in section two called ‘Access’ and the third bullet point, the change is that for some reason it said there was one pedestrian lobby, when there are actually two pedestrian lobbies. Both lobbies will have stairways, but only one lobby will have an elevator. Third, on page four in paragraph five, dealing with parking design standards, the dimensions of a parking stall which is 8.5 feet by 18 feet, was added for clarification.
Councilman Hache moved that the amendments to ordinance 3649, as summarized by the Village Attorney, be adopted. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing, on the ordinance as amended, was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Hache moved that ordinance 3649, as amended, be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
10. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-170 THROUGH 18-193, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
11. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that during last week’s Work Session, a number of residents came during the public comment to speak about Graydon Pool and in particular expressed their concern about the inclement weather closing procedures, and also their concern that there was no place where the public could go to determine whether Graydon Pool was open or closed. He stated that he believed that Ms. Mailander was going to provide a report to the Village Council at this meeting with respect to the inclement closing procedures and whether anything could be done about having a place where the public could be notified; however, he heard no report this evening and was wondering whether it could be provided.
Ms. Mailander stated that right now, closings will be posted to the website, and they will certainly work on looking to find a better way to notify the public about inclement weather closings of Graydon Pool. An E-notice will most likely be sent out, with the information about notification to residents about the closing of Graydon Pool in inclement weather, as well as other topics.
There were no additional public comments.
12. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #18-139 to go into Closed Session as follows:
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Sedon, seconded by Councilman Hache, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 P.M.
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Susan Knudsen
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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