20180425 Village Council Work Session

A REGULAR WORK SESSION 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 APRIL 25, 2018 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

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

Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 7:31 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilman Hache, Deputy Mayor Sedon, Councilman Voigt, Councilwoman Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Donna Jackson, Deputy 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, our first responders, and all those who are victims of needless or senseless violence.

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Laurie Weber, 235 South Irving Street, stated that she would like to say a couple words about the parking garage, she was one of the people who was skeptical as she knows that corner and knows people who have been injured there. She was concerned when she saw the original plans that were going to narrow the street while drawing more traffic into the area. As a resident of 34 years who did commute to Manhattan and had a child who commuted to Manhattan, she was one of the people who did not see the need for such a large parking structure on that corner. However, she came to the Work Session to express her appreciation for this process because she knows that she is glad that the Village Council didn’t follow her opinion because in doing that she would have a Village Council that would have given weight to the opinions of some and therefore ignoring the opinions of many.

Ms. Weber added that she was grateful for a group that doesn’t do that and she wanted to thank everyone on the dais, and she particularly would like to thank Mayor Knudsen and Deputy Mayor Sedon as she feels ashamed that she hasn’t come here sooner. As a resident she finds the ability to feel that the community can be brought together on these issues instead of bickering is of such great value.   She stated that tonight everyone was going to be able to agree on something, to agree to disagree on something, and then to be able to move on and get something done. She really just wanted to come to the Work Session and finally say a hearty thank you in person.

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that firstly, Councilman Hache should be censured by the Council for the robocall that was sent out. Mayor Knudsen stated that she was going to call a point of order, as Mr. Halaby’s comments should be general and not directed at anyone. Mr. Halaby stated that he was directing his comments to the Village Council as a whole about the dignity of one of the members who in his opinion should be censured, because he sent out this robocall officially as a Councilmember slandering Mr. Hans-Jurgen Lehman, and basically called him a liar for the voter’s remorse mailer that was sent out. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that Councilman Hache was correct when he did that. Mayor Knudsen added that some of the Village Council might agree. Mr. Halaby stated that he was being interrupted. Mayor Knudsen stated that Mr. Lehman was present at the meeting and he certainly could speak for himself, she added that she was going to be calling a point of order because Mr. Halaby shouldn’t even be referring to another resident in his public comments.

Mr. Halaby reiterated that Councilman Hache basically called Mr. Lehman a liar for the voter remorse mailer that was sent out, stating that Councilman Hache said he read it with disbelief because none of it is true. Mr. Halaby stated that he challenged Councilman Hache and anyone else to show him where any of the statements were not true. He stated that the most egregious statement on Councilman Hache’s robocall was when he states Mr. Lehman charged Mount Carmel Church, where Councilman Hache is a parishioner. He also charged them with colluding with Mayor Knudsen which is a new low in politics. Mr. Halaby stated that Mr. Lehman never charged Mount Carmel with colluding with the Mayor. His point, which is one that Mr. Halaby shares, is that the Mayor should have returned the $25,000 raffle winnings to the Church as it is not a lottery. A raffle for a charitable organization and the optics considering the position the Mayor took on the Hudson Street garage, which apparently was a hot issue at the Church, did not reflect well on the ethics of the Council.

Mr. Halaby stated that Mayor Knudsen insulted Alexandra Harwin by referring to Ms. Harwin as a purported lawyer, he questioned whether the Mayor knew the meaning of the word purported. He stated that Ms. Harwin is a lawyer, and a distinguished one to boot, which made him think that the Mayor’s resume and the League of Women Voters website which says the Mayor was C.O.O. of a multi-million-dollar corporation. He questioned if someone could tell him which organization the Mayor was C.O.O. of. Mr. Halaby stated that the Mayor also insulted Ms. Harwin by saying that she was ethically and morally challenged. He stated that he wondered if the Mayor speaking from the dais as an elected official and running for re-election can use her position as Mayor to insult someone running against her.

Mr. Halaby stated that the Mayor and her followers would want residents to believe that the Village was required by State law to give priority to residents in Public Safety jobs. The Village has the option to have such a requirement, but it is not required by State law to do so. Mr. Halaby stated that his understanding of the debate which took place between the Council in the Summer of 2014, was whether to keep the requirement for Village employees, Public Safety and otherwise. The vote was to keep the requirement for Public Safety employees but not otherwise. Mayor Knudsen stated that she was going to continue shaking her head in disbelief at these lies. Mr. Halaby questioned if Mayor Knudsen was calling him a liar. Mayor Knudsen called a point of order and stated that his time was up. Mr. Halaby stated that his time was not up as he was interrupted. Mayor Knudsen asked him to please sit down.

Mr. Rogers stated that he felt the record would show that although he was interrupted earlier, he asked a direct question to the Mayor by asking if she wanted to answer, which was the interruption. Mr. Rogers stated that if Mr. Halaby had a few more comments he would say to finish them up quickly or please sit down.

Mr. Halaby stated that he had a few more comments to finish quickly and stated that listening to the tape of the Village Council meeting of July 4, 2014 it can be heard that the Mayor, then just a Councilmember, advocating strongly to maintain the requirement for Public Safety employees. Mr. Rogers stated that this seemed like it was going to be a lot more than a few comments. Mayor Knudsen stated that she was going to stop Mr. Halaby’s public comment period.

Hans-Jurgen Lehman, 234 Union Street, stated that at a recent Council meeting the Mayor referred to Mr. Rogers as her attorney, and unless she was paying Mr. Rogers a separate retainer, a serious ethical violation all by itself, he believes that Mr. Rogers is paid by the residents of this Village through the real estate taxes they pay. As such, he believes Mr. Rogers’ job is to represent the residents on this Council and to make sure that the Village Council performs its duties as prescribed under law. Mr. Lehman stated that he would also like to raise the point that the Mayor’s speech at the April 11^th Village Council meeting sounded suspiciously like a campaign speech. He stated that if you need to defend yourself against certain accusations during a re-election campaign there is a time and a place for that, a Council meeting is neither that place or that time. Mr. Lehman directed a comment to Mayor Knudsen stating that during Council time, the peoples time, referring to one of her election opponents that she would advise anybody running for Village Council who purports to be an attorney is both morally and ethically challenged, stating there is no purporting about that candidate’s qualifications as an attorney; talk about campaigning on the Village’s dime.

Mayor Knudsen stated that public comments were now closed, and she was going to address a couple of the comments that had been made. Mayor Knudsen stated that for the record, the ethics violation that was filed against her by Mr. Halaby’s group was dismissed by the State of New Jersey as there was no raffle ever held or supported by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The raffle ticket she purchased was for a raffle at Academy of Our Lady School in Glen Rock, New Jersey, this is a sister school to the Church and has nothing to do with the Church. Furthermore, the suggestion, and it is there in the writings, that there was collusion to rig a raffle to pay her off for stating that the garage was too big is a remarkable accusation against a Catholic Church and one that each and every one of these individuals should be ashamed of themselves for addressing.

Mayor Knudsen stated that if anyone wants to put words in her mouth, that’s exactly what Mr. Halaby is doing. He has perpetrated a fraud on Ridgewood residents and there is no doubt about it, as he took a document and told people to go to a period on a YouTube video stream where she states she doesn’t understand why the Council wants to take jobs away from Ridgewood residents, our residents know our streets, they know our neighborhoods, they can unlock Village Hall in the event of an emergency. She stated that Mr. Halaby wrote the line that she was advocating strongly for Police and Fire, but if he told people to move that slider on the YouTube video just two minutes before, the Village Manager is heard saying that the discussion excludes Public Safety titles because in fact, in the statutory framework, the Council does not have the authority to change what is a requirement. The Village is formed under Civil Service Title 11A as a Civil Service community, and Mr. Rogers is going to speak to that. The Village had a requirement by New Jersey statute to maintain a residency preference shown for Public Safety officials. Mayor Knudsen stated that when Mr. Halaby and Mr. Lehman choose to hang their wash and go outside their front doors let the Council know because right now Mr. Rogers is going to speak to it, and she is going to speak to the next item.

Mayor Knudsen stated that she has celebrated every single one of her birthdays for the last ten years donating her money, volunteering her time and services to the Jamboree need-based scholarship fund. She has never tried to make any money but has given money, she has helped raise thousands of dollars for a need-based scholarship program, directly benefitting our High School students who couldn’t otherwise afford to go to college. The suggestion that she profited off of this is an outrage and is disgusting.

Mayor Knudsen also stated that the charge that the coloring book that she is using to indoctrinate children in second and third grade into the Mayoral campaign, however it is not a coloring book, it is a two sided sheet of paper, which on her free time she is required to do Village Hall tours for second and third graders and scouts. She developed Color with the Mayor where they complete the word search on the back to reinforce the lessons that are learned in the Court Room with her. Mayor Knudsen stated that the children are then sworn in after using all those government terms, as wonderful, kind, decent, civil, second and third graders and taught that they treat people the way they want to be treated. The teacher is given a packet that they bring to their classes to reinforce those government terms; agenda, minutes, budget, Council, lawyer, attorney, Manager, and Chiefs. It is a word search. She was asked if she was generous to herself with the image on the front of the sheet, stating absolutely.

Mayor Knudsen stated that Mr. Lehman should be ashamed of himself from start to finish. The whole thing is a lie and a fraud, and he defrauded the good people of Ridgewood and she stands by her statement that anybody who is advancing these lies is morally and ethically challenged, and she includes him. She stated that Mr. Rogers was going to speak to the rest of it. Mayor Knudsen called a point of order on Mr. Lehman and stated that she was going to have him removed from the Court Room if he did not sit down. Mayor Knudsen stated that if Mr. Lehman thought she was going to sit there any longer and spend 40 hours per week on behalf of this Village while he sends a mailer to every single home and distributes emails that are baseless lies, she is not going to tolerate it anymore. She also stated that she will not tolerate Mr. Lehman politicizing the Board of Adjustment.

Mr. Rogers stated that if everyone takes a perspective on what they are there for and what they are trying to do here in terms of running the government, he thinks everyone should calm down a bit. He stated that at the Council meeting on April 11, 2018, he was requested to prepare a memorandum regarding the relationship between the Civil Service hiring process and residency preferences as a condition of employment in the Village, and it is recognized that as part of this discussion it may involve consideration of an ordinance that precludes nepotism in the hiring process in the Village. As he believes everyone is aware, he is not the Village Labor Attorney for a number of reasons, most importantly due to the potential conflicts of interest in litigation matters; having to defend and represent individual Village staff and Departments in litigation matters and the possibility of having to deal with discipline issues concerning staff personnel. Additionally, during his tenure as Village Counsel, he has provided legal advice to the Council, the Village Manager, individual Council members, Department Heads, individual staff, represented Departments and individuals in litigation as needed and requested. This requires providing individual legal advice which is confidential to any person who has either requested or under circumstances where he believes it is warranted and helpful. Mr. Rogers stated that this is only provided to assist the individual in each individual’s capacity as a Village employee and not provided to anyone for personal purposes. As a matter of law and ethics, he cannot represent a Council member on anything that does not involve their position as a member of the Council.

Mr. Rogers stated that his task was helped in this memorandum by contacting the Village Labor attorney as he deals with these issues concerning Civil Service and employee hiring practices on a regular basis. Although he can research the issue presented, which he did, research doesn’t provide all the insight and understanding in dealing with such matters on an everyday basis; there is no substitute for experience. The response and conclusion of the Labor Attorney is that Civil Service laws and procedures were adopted by the State Legislature to provide employment opportunities for the most qualified persons by testing and the application of other criteria to make other considerations and to remove politics, nepotism, and favoritism and make them arbitrary considerations and take them out of the employment decision. Its design was to require that employment, particularly the hiring process, be based on merit so that citizens could rely on having the best possible work force in local government.

Mr. Rogers stated that by imposing a merit-based hiring process, which is Civil Services, which Ridgewood had chosen many years ago, the applicable process under Civil Service factors out nepotism for residency and may be considered by local government entities. Civil Service law and statues provide the candidates for Civil Service positions can only be bypassed or deemed ineligible for reasons specifically provided in the law, it does not allow candidates to be bypassed as a result of familial relations or a local anti-nepotism policy. As a result, bypassing or precluding a candidate who has qualified to be on the eligibility list for a specific Civil Service position because of a familial relationship would run counter to applicable Civil Service regulations and would subject the Village to litigation or legal challenges to any position filled in accordance with such a policy. Mr. Rogers stated that the likely outcome of such a challenge would require the municipality to hire or appoint the individual to the position sought, backpay for the time from the non-hiring date to adjudication, and the payment of legal fees for that individual.

In addition to receiving that opinion from the Village Labor Attorney, he researched several court decisions pertaining to the enforcement of Civil Service regulations and complaints where an eligible candidate was bypassed due to political and other reasons that are not expressly permitted in the Civil Service law. In each instance the Appellate Divisions of the Superior Court of New Jersey ruled that bypassing an eligible candidate can only occur in accordance with the reasons prescribed in the Civil Service law and regulations. Mr. Rogers stated that in rendering the opinions he researched, the Appellate Courts reason that the minimum requirements for a position on a Civil Service test must be announced before the test is given. That has to be established by the Department of Personnel at the State, and the scope in the requirements that applicants must meet are also established by that Department and they have to be specified in the examination announcement. It is the Department of Personnel who certifies the names of the candidates who can be included on the eligibility list.

Mr. Rogers stated that the courts have also ruled that and discretion that may be exercised by a local government unit in the hiring process, such as the rule of three, may not be exercised in a manner inconsistent with merit considerations. The Courts of New Jersey have long held that all Civil Service appointments must be made according to merit and fitness to be ascertained as far as practical by the examination for the position, in other words the test. Mr. Rogers added that as a result of this additional research that he performed, he agrees with the opinion of the Labor Counsel that any regulations restricting hiring for Civil Service positions based on familial relations run counter to Civil Service law and would likely subject the Village to litigation if adopted and utilized. The Village Council is without authority to change the Civil Service regulations and law and the manner in which those regulations are applied to the hiring of candidates for Civil Service positions in the Village, including residency preferences.

Mayor Knudsen thanked Mr. Rogers, and stated that she was going to waive her Attorney-Client privilege on this matter and she was going to post this document so that everyone can understand that this Village Council has no plot in the hiring process and that they are formed under Title A, New Jersey Department of Personnel Civil Service, and as such the Village complies and strictly adheres to those laws. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he wanted to add that he thinks that the mis-information that is being spread around by a certain group and unnecessarily dividing this community and taking away from what’s important which is the issues, needs to stop.

Councilman Voigt stated that he was a little confused as he looked at the Municipal hiring of Police and Fire Departments, N.J.S.A. 40A.14-10, 1A and 123.A. The wording is as follows, and is why he’s a little confused: It says “in any municipality of this State, before any person shall be appointed as a member of the Police Department Force, the appointing authority, i.e. the municipality, may classify all the duly qualified applicants for the position or positions to be filled in the following classes, residents, other residents of the County, other residents of the State, etc.”  He questioned if the Village is required to follow that statute. Mr. Rogers stated that the Village was required to follow the Civil Service statute. Councilman Voigt stated that the statute says “may” classify. Mayor Knudsen stated that she wanted to explain to Councilman Voigt that he fails to read the entire statute, and if he just goes down to a subsection under 11A, requesting that Mr. Rogers please explain to him the law. Councilman Voigt stated that he would like to finish, as that was why he was a little confused, because it says that the Village doesn’t have to do this but can chose to do it which the Village has chosen to do.

Mr. Rogers stated that the Village chose a long time ago to be a Civil Service hiring community for Police and Fire, and once that is adopted it is followed, until the Village would decide not to do it any longer. He stated that if there is a choice to be made, it is somewhere down the line, but right now and for the last number of years, Ridgewood has been a Civil Service community for Police and Fire, adding that he is not a Labor Attorney, but the Village has to follow it because it chose to. Councilman Voigt stated that this seems to be a hot issue, to which Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that it was only a hot issue because certain people were making it a hot issue, where it was actually a non-issue.

Councilman Voigt stated that Mr. Rogers had said he was not a Labor Attorney, to which Mr. Rogers clarified that he was not the Village of Ridgewood Labor Attorney. Councilman Voigt questioned if that could at least be figured out. Ms. Mailander stated that in Section C of that same statute, it says that “Any such municipality operating under the provisions of Title 11A of the New Jersey Statute, that is Civil Service, for classes of qualified applicants defined in Subsection A of this Section, shall be considered a separate and successive list of the eligibles and the Civil Service Commission shall, when requested, to serve the eligible’s for positions specified in this Section, make such certifications from classes separately and successively.” Ms. Mailander stated that what those classes were, as a reminder, are residents of the municipality, other residents of the County in which the municipality are situated, other residents of the State, and then all other qualified residents. She then went back to the Statute and stated “and certify such persons until all persons in the preceding class or classes have been appointed or have declined offers of appointment.” Ms. Mailander stated that indicates that under Civil Service, which is what Ridgewood is, this is what they have to do, so the Village has to start with residents, then other residents of the County, the other residents of the State, and then all other qualified residents, because there was an update to that because New Jersey First was enacted by Governor Christie when he was in office and that means that only residents of New Jersey can be hired, so there wouldn’t be other qualified residents. So, she just wanted to point out that was Section C of the same Statute that Councilman Voigt was reading.

Mr. Rogers added that the Village is Civil Service for Police and Fire and that it was required that the Village follow that preference regarding the hiring process. Councilman Voigt stated that he would feel better if the Council had a Labor Attorney look at this because he is confused, and he thinks that the residents are confused, as well. Mayor Knudsen addressed Councilman Voigt and stated that there was no confusion unless he was looking to confuse people. The Statute and that Subsection is very clear. Her sons took a Civil Service test, they qualified and ranked highly on that test a year before she ran for Village Council, the State of New Jersey ranked them and certified that list and delivered it to the Village Manager on May 6^th days before she was even elected, the fact that her one son was a Volunteer Firefighter for seven years, and when he took the Civil Service fire test he was the second top scoring candidate. She has one son that has a degree in Criminal Justice. Mayor Knudsen stated that this whole attack, this team smear campaign to malign her is not only an attempt to impugn her reputation but it is also libelous, and she is no longer going to sit back and tolerate this, not on a campaign for re-election or any day of the week, would she tolerate this team smear campaign against her and her family. She added that the Village is formed under Title A and is required to have these preferences as defined in the Statutory framework and that is how it is, nothing here is confusing.

Councilman Voigt addressed Mayor Knudsen and stated that she was not a lawyer and not a Labor Attorney, and all that he was asking for was for the Council to get an extra opinion as to whether or not this was the correct thing. Mr. Rogers stated that it was not him who decides, it is the Council who decides, but reiterated not to forget that he is not the Labor Attorney, and he did contact a Labor Attorney before putting the memo together and he read into the record what his opinion was in regard to this. Mr. Rogers stated that the Labor Attorney stated that the Civil Service Statutes were adopted with the particular purpose of basing hiring on merit, and that it should be based on merit so that citizens could rely on having the best possible work force and by utilizing that process, the process factors out nepotism. Councilman Voigt questioned what Mr. Rogers meant when he said merit. Mr. Rogers stated that it was the testing process. Councilman Voigt questioned if the testing process ranked the people. Mr. Rogers responded that depending on how an individual does on the test, it gets reviewed by the State and they get ranked.

Councilman Voigt questioned if that testing process has been modified, and the Village modified it based on one its ordinances. Mr. Rogers stated that the testing process doesn’t get modified by the Village, as the Village is not allowed to modify it, Councilman Voigt stated that it does, as ordinance 3429 basically says that if people are residents they go right to the top of the list. Mr. Rogers responded that wasn’t for Civil Service, which was the distinction, the Civil Service test for Police and Fire is really administered by the State, and the Village doesn’t do that and doesn’t have the authority to change that. Councilman Voigt questioned if someone was at the top of the list and the Village changed its ordinance to make sure some people were at the top of the list, at which point Mr. Rogers stated that it had nothing to do with it. Mr. Rogers stated that Councilman Voigt could get the Labor Attorney into a Council Session to tell him that, but he was talking apples and oranges. Councilman Voigt stated that he thought the Council needed a Labor Attorney. Mr. Rogers stated that he thought Councilman Voigt was off base on it, but if the Council wanted to get the Labor Attorney in here, they were more than welcome to do so.

Mayor Knudsen stated that it was her opinion that the Labor Attorney Dominic Bratti already gave input and it was read into the record by Mr. Rogers that the residency requirement of the residency preference is as determined by statute and she thinks that was pretty clear and if the Council wants to change things to have some fantasy to fit the lies and propaganda it could be done all day, but the facts are the facts and they can’t be changed. Councilman Voigt stated that he did not appreciate the condescending attitude and he would appreciate an apology. Mayor Knudsen stated that had Councilman Voigt just considered reading two more paragraphs he would have read the law and it is simple and clear.

Mr. Rogers stated that if the Council wanted to get the Labor Attorney in here to discuss it, certainly he has no problem with that. Mayor Knudsen asked the Council if anyone else was confused. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he was not confused. Councilwoman Walsh stated that she was not confused, but the State test is the State test, and if 100 people take they are ranked 1 to 100, and if someone that is a resident of Ridgewood on the State test ranks number 20, in Ridgewood they are number 1 on the list, and maybe that was the clarification that needed to happen. Mayor Knudsen stated that was a State regulation and the Village does not make the rules, it is the State Statute and Administrative Code.

Councilman Hache stated that he was also not an attorney, and he knows he has had miniature United States flags waved in his face and the Constitution of the United States, but he’s pretty sure that because he serves on the dais, he doesn’t check in his First Amendment rights at the door. He added that to anyone that suggests censorship for him stating his opinion, it runs counter to the argument of people feeling they can say anything they want, which they are entitled to. Just because you have the right to do something doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do which he thinks is an important distinction. Councilman Hache stated that he didn’t just live under the Constitution, but he took an oath to defend it so he’s pretty well aware of what those rights are, and he wasn’t born in this Country, but chose to be here, so he also appreciates the freedoms that this Country allows him and everybody else at the same time.

Mayor Knudsen stated that she wanted to thank Councilman Hache for his robo-call because it was the right thing to do, and it was honest. She stated that with that the Council meeting would be moving on.

3. DISCUSSION - BUDGET

1. Award Contract – Tree Trimming

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Award Contract for Tree Trimming was parkland on Crest Road at the View. The Village had obtained quotes in July of 2017 and because of the fact that the Village wanted to meet with the residents on Hillcrest, which is below the View to let them know what was going on and what was going to take place. The Village had two meetings with those residents, so they understood what the Village was going to do, which took time. The Village wasn’t able to use the quotes that were obtained because usually they expire within 60 days of the date submitted unless that person or entity providing quotes is willing to extend it.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village went out for another RFP and had three registered plan holders who picked up specifications. The Village received one quote for $17,450 from Downes Tree Service. The Village contacted the other two plan holders, one did not return their phone call, and the other, Kens Tree Care, stated that they were too busy following the winter storms and they did not want to backlog the work for the Village.

Ms. Mailander stated that what will happen is that the road will be closed in this area for a day and then the tree service will do their job. The Village Parks Department will come in and chip the trees, and it will be done within a day. Ms. Mailander stated that the residents of Hillcrest Road, as well as the residents of Crest Road, are aware it is going to be closed off and this will be taking place once the Village has the day selected.

1. Award Contract – Financial Advisor – Hudson Street Parking Garage

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village is in the process of evaluating several candidates for the design and construction of the parking garage, the project is approximately $11 million-$11.5 million. Engaging a Financial Advisor to guide the Village through the alternatives available to obtain the lowest most favorable interest rates and financing structure would be very beneficial. Ms. Mailander stated that they were recommending Acacia Financial Group. She added that she knows Councilman Hache had spoken to several banks and they had recommended that the Village hire a Financial Advisor, and the name of Acacia kept coming up.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village did meet with a representative, Josh Nyikita and actually Mr. Rooney had worked with him originally when the Village was going to work with BCIA for funding, and Acacia Group was the Advisor that was used then. She added that it has nothing to do with the BCIA, they are not affiliated with the BCIA, but he had a history of working with Mr. Nyikita during that previous time. Ms. Mailander stated that this was to award the contract to Acacia in an amount not to exceed $25,000.

1. Award Professional Services Contract – Green Acres Diversion Property – South Broad Street

Ms. Mailander stated that there was a parcel property on South Broad Street which was given up as parkland, at one time it was a playground and play area for children, but it was given up as parkland and affordable housing was built there. She stated that this was known as the Green Acres Diversion because the Village diverted Green Acre property to another use. This shouldn’t have been done; however, this was back in the 1970s and early 1980s. Therefore, the Village is now in the process of trying to find a replacement for this land that was taken off of parkland on South Broad Street. Part of this process is that the Village needs two certified appraisals on that South Broad Street property, and then when the Village finds replacement land they will also have to get two appraisals on that property.

Ms. Mailander stated that this was the first appraisal for the South Broad Street property, just the land, and the Village must use Green Acres approved appraisers to do so. The first appraiser that the Village would like to hire is Mark Henricks of Hendricks Appraisal Company out of West Orange at a fee not to exceed $3,000. Ms. Mailander stated that if the Village Council did approve this, Mr. Hendricks could be available on May 3, 2018. She is hopeful the Village can do this and will notify the residents of that property that Mr. Hendricks will be there.

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Council would take a motion to suspend the Work Session and convene a Special Public Meeting. Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the motion, and Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:             Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

4. SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING - SEE SEPARATE MINUTES

Mayor Knudsen called for a motion to adjourn, there was a motion by Deputy Mayor Sedon to adjourn the special meeting and reconvene the Work Session.   Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:             Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

5. PRESENTATION

 

1. Hudson Street Parking Garage – Epic Management

 

Epic Management stated that present at the meeting were representatives of Epic Management; the Construction side of the Design-Build entity; and Tim Haahs and Associates the Design side, the Engineering side. Joel Lizotte stated present from Epic Management was Bill Costello who is the Project Executive, and also present were Jim Zullo and Mike App from Tim Haahs. Mr. Lizotte stated that some residents might recall back in February when they were present before the Village Council when they responded to an RFP which at the time requested three options for garage designs. At this point, they have been asked to present on one option, and that is what will be heard tonight, the way it has evolved from February until today, and then a brief discussion about actual schedule and cost.

Mr. App stated that as Mr. Lizotte mentioned, they were asked to provide three concepts and have narrowed that now to one that they have felt is more appropriate and have gotten some good feedback from the Councilmembers. He wanted to express that this is meant to be a collaborative process and they will be working with the Village. What people are seeing are suggestions they think are appropriate, and some things that they are recognizing. Mr. App stated that he does not live in Ridgewood, so as a visitor to Ridgewood, there are certain things that he notices and thinks are very special about Ridgewood. As it is new for him and that’s what’s special, he is hoping these things are reflected, which is what he is hoping to draw out.

Mr. App displayed an image of the site, at the corner of Hudson Street and Broad Street where the garage is to be located. He showed the footprint of the garage, the ground level of the garage, and there are a couple things to keep in mind. One being that there is a service parking lot that is behind the garage that serves those businesses that face Ridgewood, and because of that there’s an easement that comes through the property that they are required to maintain. So, that means that access to that back service lot will be through the garage. He stated that there is a moment when entering the garage and when parking in the garage, an individual would go upstairs, but the easement is meant to access through to that surface lot. Mr. App displayed an image showing how they were maintaining that access through the garage.

Mr. App stated that he wanted to walk everyone through the operation of the garage and how traffic would flow through the garage. He stated that everyone is coming off of Hudson Street, so the entry/exit point is on that street very similar to the way the surface lot works now. They are reducing all of the access points that the surface lot has right now, which they think helps from a safety standpoint especially as a pedestrian as there is just one place where cars are coming in and out. Mr. App stated that it was not at the corner, they were doing the entry/exit mid-block, which is normal for their business as that keeps the movement of cars that are pulling in and out away from the intersection.

Mr. App stated that there is some parking on the ground level, for which the use will be determined as they work through the design process, but could be used for short term parking or could be some kind of dedicated parking. Some of the initial conversations were about how they would collect revenue on the garage. The gate cannot be right at the entry point as that would be a bad feature of the design. It would bottleneck right at the entry. Mr. App stated they think that there may be parking on the upstairs levels that’s more long term and parking on the lower level that is more short term.   He added that once someone decides that they are more of a long-term parker, perhaps a commuter from the train station, they would then proceed to the levels above. He displayed an example of what those levels would look like. He stated that towards the North edge, or rear of the garage was the ramp, and that an individual would make a left turn, climb the ramp and then get to the parking level which would be a flat level. He pointed out that the main stair tower is in the northwest corner, which they feel is the appropriate place to locate that, as they want to build the garage for the retail opportunities that are available in Ridgewood. They would like to place individuals out on the street close to retail and restaurants, and also access to the train station. Mr. App pointed out that there is a secondary stair because they need to have two stairs for egress by code, which is in the lower corner, but depending on who is using this, people going to the Church are free to use that stair possibly.

Mr. App displayed the top level and stated it was very similar to how the second level works. He stated that they were providing a turnaround in the design, as opposed to a donut where people would circle around and then come back down. There will be a moment where a car would pull into a dedicated turnaround type of spot and then pull back out, so if they can’t find parking they look for spots all the way to the top then at that moment would have the opportunity to pull into that turnaround spot and go back down. Mr. App stated that there would be a spot counter, as shown in one of their elevation drawings.

Mr. App stated that if at some point in the future of this parking garage there is some desire for more retail space and less parking, the garage is going to be designed so that it can accommodate that. It is a trend in most garage designs today to turn that ground level over to be some type of retail space, and this garage will have that opportunity. He displayed two examples of what that could look like.

Mr. App stated that he wanted to describe Epic Management’s process, adding that they have been before the Village Council a couple of times over the last few years looking at Ridgewood, which he thinks is very charming, and they have looked at several of the buildings for the design inspiration. This concept is taking a look at the Blue Mercury and Mount Carmel buildings and he thinks both are very attractive. They are pulling some design features out of those two buildings so that this garage feels like it belongs in this neighborhood. The original sketch was to get some of those ideas onto paper, which has now evolved a bit. Mr. App displayed where they were currently with the concept and reiterated that it was not the end as they would continue to work on it. Mr. App stated that from a design standpoint the corner in Ridgewood is a very important one, and just about every one of the major buildings has a very attractive corner and usually has a special roof design, and that is a neat thing that they want to bring into this garage as well and will continue to work with the architectural fabric that Ridgewood has. He stated that in their design the corner piece is a bit more ornamentation.

The tower that is to the far left of the image that Mr. App displayed is where they have the stairs and the elevator, and because of how the elevator is going to be configured in the space, there isn’t the opportunity to have a window into the elevator which is something that they would normally do for safety and security. He pointed out that the elevator and the stairs will have windows on the alley that is facing the store to the North, so there will be some access and if someone is on the street they will still be able to see. What fronts Broad Street will be more of the solid wall which they think is a nice opportunity for something else like some type of artwork, advertisement, or announcements. Mr. App stated that thinking that Ridgewood has a lot of restaurants, he thinks there is an opportunity to do something nice there and maybe even change it seasonally.

Mr. App stated that the Hudson Street side, which is facing Mount Carmel, it is a big building and they are trying to break down the size so that it somewhat emulates a bit more of the traditional retail scale that these old towns have. He stated that the roof line at the very top of the garage is being changed to get some rhythm going, and within the façade itself there are different heights of the main material. They are also showing awnings and some of the openings will emulate some of the other openings around town and to pull some of those different architectural features. He displayed an image that showed a stone that is made into the piece of precast material, which are the samples that he brought to demonstrate that precast concrete has a lot of different opportunities for different types of material. They can make it look like concrete, but also embed brick or other types of stone into it. They even make form liners that can replicate just about anything. Mr. App stated that he thinks it is appropriate for the Village to bring stone into this, but it is something that they think can be done in the precast and bring that out.

Mr. App stated that they are bringing back one thing that’s historical item, which is the sculpture that was saved from the Fire Station that once existed on this site. They were going to reuse that in the design. It is a small thing relative to the size of the garage, but they feel that it is something that can go right on the Broad Street side of the garage. Mr. App displayed the image from the Church side. He stated that what they were trying to accomplish was not only the parking count of 240 cars but now they are right now at 255 spots which includes 10 motorcycle spots, which was also in the RFP. He wanted to express that this was all normal 90-degree type parking. There would be no parallel parking or things that were uncomfortable for most folks, and it was also not code compliant to do that on the ramp. The garage first floor is also going to be a bit taller due to the easement which is 13 feet tall. So, they have to make that first floor a bit taller which is good if this was to ever become a retail space then you would want a higher ceiling for duct work and sprinklers. He added that from an experience standpoint, things that are low and dark are uncomfortable, and people don’t like that, so you want to create something that is lighter and more open which will be safer, as well.

Mr. App displayed a rendering from the main intersection showing the corner which is very important, and they are trying to emphasize that. They widened the corner on the sidewalk and because of that intersection and the way that cars are turning out, that was going to be necessary for visibility. So, he thought it was a good thing to do from an architectural but also a safety and functioning standpoint.

Mr. Zullo stated that the sidewalks are about ten feet wide and at the corner there are some safety concerns, but it is a very comfortable sidewalk and a very significant corner. So, it improves the sightline, and they have really made the effort to try to increase the walkability and the comfort of that sidewalk, which is very important in a parking garage. He stated that the first level would have a good head height. They would whitewash the underside of the first level which has LED lighting. This would give it a comfortable and modern feel which he thinks is very important in a town that cares about the sensitivity which would be a great feature. He stated that he comes from an operational background and that they design a facility and help the Village set up the proper operations with everyone’s input as to what makes sense.

Mr. Zullo stated that the parking facility may not necessarily be gated, there may be different types of access and revenue control, and these were things they would be looking at and working on with the town. He stated that the most important thing is that when the garage is built and designed that it is going to be a very user comfortable facility and it is also going to be very well-designed to be operated. He added that also very important is maintenance as this is a significant investment for the Village. The garage would be designed with all of the latest technology and strategies to make it very durable. Mr. Zullo stated that what Epic Management does, as a firm, after the building has been up for 11 months, they come back and do a thorough inspection. Then, they make sure that any issues, that may arise, that are still under warranty, will be corrected. Then, they, as a firm and as a testament to their commitment to the Village, they will come back every year for three years thereafter, and do an inspection of the facility. They will write a report for the municipality to make sure that all items are being addressed and taken care of. He stated that it was very important with the investment that the Village would be making sure that they are sure that this important asset is maintained and serves the Village for decades to come.

Mr. Lizotte displayed the schedule and stated there were four main bars, the design phase is six months, flowed by two months of approvals, a nine-month construction period, and one-month close-out. He said before moving further, one of the most important things you do when building a parking deck is to get the precast concrete on site. That opens everything up as it is the structure itself. Four months into the design phase, they will buy the precast and fast-track the process. They will get the foundations to precast out first, because they can purchase the precast four months into the process. There is a seven-month period to get the precast on site by the time the drawings are done. Having the material fabricated and brought out will accelerate its arrival on site. Mr. Lizotte stated that on the construction bar there were three months before the precast was on site. During that period they construct the foundations and clear the site, and there were some special foundations to be done, some underground work, utility work, so they would be ready to go when the precast arrives.

Mr. Lizotte said this design-build method with their partners at Tim Haahs, allows them to fast track the process. Things like directional signage, glazing, doors, roofing over the elevator shaft, can all be designed later. He stated that they would accomplish the important things first to keep the job going and be able to reduce the schedule. One thing he wanted to assure everyone was that they would not close the existing service lot until they were ready to go, start the job and then close the lot, the Village wouldn’t have use of it until they are done. They will backtrack from when they know the precast is arriving on site, build in time for those preliminary activities, and then wait until the very end.

Mr. Lizotte stated that the close out phase is really after the garage is occupied. He has built 15 or so garages over the course of his career, and in his experience, he thinks nine months for a garage of this size on this type of site is reasonable and naturally they would do everything that they could to deliver it a little early. Mr. App wanted to reinforce that the lot is open for use until the construction begins. So, all during design and approvals the lot will be accessible and in use as it is, and they would minimize that construction phase as best they can knowing how important it is to the Village.

Mr. App stated that in summary, this team makes sense for the Village of Ridgewood, stating that the construction side of Epic built 26 parking garages in the State of New Jersey, and built six of them with Tim Haahs, who have 30 parking structures in the State of New Jersey. They are working together on several other garages. As he has stated, this is a collaborative process and the way that the Village has put forward this opportunity, this product delivery model, lends itself to an inclusive all-encompassing group trying to make this something that is going to last and will be favorably viewed for a long time. Mr. App stated that he understands that it has taken some doing to get it to this point and they hope that doing it the way they are will maximize everyone’s view of it and the benefits of it.

Mr. App stated that the parking garage will be built on the site, they are not encroaching on any other property or taking over any of the sidewalk. They are building it on the existing property and maximizing the 255 spaces. He stated that residents heard about the flexibility, as they are trying to be forward-thinking, and that residents also heard how Epic was going to help them and the Village work through the maintenance and how it is going to be structured as far as the pay. They are trying to not just be builders and designers but really a partner and he thinks that was the goal of the Council in the project delivery model.

Mr. App added that Epic Management isn’t new, as they were in Ridgewood for the Board of Education’s last program in 2010-2012, where they were the fiduciary and protected resident’s financial interests and they expect to hope to do that again.

Mayor Knudsen thanked Epic Management and opened the meeting to questions from Councilmembers. Councilwoman Walsh thanked the presenters for all of the work they had done. She asked where everything was sourced from, and what the process was, for example the concrete. Mr. App stating that they have found most of their materials are locally sourced, certainly the labor is locally sourced. However, the largest component of the project is the precast concrete and chances are that would be fabricated outside of New Jersey. There are six firms that fabricate precast for this area of the country, two are located in New Jersey, one in Vermont, and the others in Pennsylvania. So, that is generally where it will come from. Mr. App said there may be some other items, such as the elevator, that may not be local. He stated they find it will be local subcontractors, local labor, and mostly local materials. One thing they will try to do that they have done in the past is compel the subcontractors to buy locally, where they can, and try to get the community involved as well.

Councilwoman Walsh asked Mr. App what the staging process is. Mr. App stated that it would be erected in an eastwardly direction, trucks would arrive onto the site and the crane would erect the first sections. The main reason to get that section erected first is because of the elevator. They would like to get started on the stairwell and elevator as soon as possible as it is something that generally takes a while. Also, it would lend itself to the traffic flow onto the street with the delivery trucks. Mr. App said that certainly not all of the trucks can fit onto the site, but they would not have the trucks stacking along the road. Mr. App stated that the precast contractor would secure an off-site location where they would bring the trailer and drop them there, and there would be a tractor trailer truck that would run the trailers back and forth to the site. Generally, load one trailer on top of another, and one cab would take that back. Mr. App stated that there are requirements in their documents and specifying the developers job, like they do for all of their projects. There can’t be precast or concrete trucks stacked on Hudson Street, and they would be a good neighbor and stay out of everyone’s way. He stated that precast is something that would definitely have a staging area off-site and that is typical.

Deputy Mayor Sedon thanked Epic Management for their presentation. He stated he remembers back in February they spoke about a valet service and they were trying to accommodate some commuters as the garage is being constructed when the lot is not in use. He was wondering if that was still part of the plan. Mr. App stated that they recognize that this is such a critical lot and their intent is to limit the time it is out of use, as much as possible. They spoke to some valet operations, SP Plus, about operating a valet to help mitigate some of the loss of parking. In the proposal, they provided a cost associated with that. Basically, they would ask if that was something the Village would want to proceed with and would bring in an operator to work with the Council. They would discuss where to do it, how to do it, and look at the most efficient way to operate it to accommodate the downtown shoppers, restaurants, or train commuters, whatever the most demand is in terms of the Village. Mr. App stated that it recognizes that the Village is trying to do something to try to mitigate the loss of parking while the garage is being constructed.

Mr. App displayed the schedule and stated that one thing that they neglected to mention was that this project is being delivered under a guaranteed maximum price. Based on the design that is presented at this time for 255 spaces and what they know about the site, their guaranteed maximum price is about $11 million, just to give a sense of scale to this particular project and how it is laid out. Mr. Lizotte pointed out how the space counter would be mounted to the exterior of the garage so people driving on Hudson Street can see what space is available. It is very convenient in that it eliminates people driving in and having to leave without parking, and it is fairly inexpensive to implement.

Councilman Voigt questioned the guaranteed maximum price and how long it was good for if there were delays, such as if the Council decided to move the project out another 5-6 months what would happen to that price. Mr. Lizotte stated that they bid the project out on the street to various subcontract trades and at that point, they would see, but their expectation is based on their experience in doing this that this price should be good for the near term. He can’t say if it were to extend out for 6-8 months before they get a chance to begin their process that they could guarantee that. Councilman Voigt questioned if they would anticipate price increases if it is delayed. Mr. Lizotte stated that he wouldn’t in the near term, and they have taken into account that including a contingency within their proposal based on their knowledge and experience of what could happen in the market. He added that they have taken into account to the best degree they can project increases within a reasonable amount of time.

Councilman Voigt stated that this would affect Mount Carmel Church for a period of time as far as the traffic flow during the nine months that it is being constructed. Mr. Lizotte stated that they would not be working on the weekends, and as Mr. App stated previously they take very specific precautions in each of the bid packages. So, that each bidding subcontractor knows exactly the rules of the road that they collectively want and those rules are always made not just in a vacuum by Epic and Tim Haahs and the Council, but that could include rules by Police, Fire, EMS, and the Church. There could be specific weeks with respect to what they are allowing contractors to do or not. The important thing to know is that it is all in the bid documents so there is no surprise when they are told they can’t be there the following week. All of these things from their experience, are things that they have learned, it’s best to be proactive and not reactive.

Councilman Voigt stated that since they anticipate working with traffic and with the Church in ensuring that there is reasonable traffic flow and parking availability during the weekend masses. This would be the biggest issue for the Church and having it accessible and making sure that people can park in and around that area. Mr. App stated that they are working during the week, and that an equal concern to the Church are the local businesses and restaurants. They have to work with everyone. He just wanted to reinforce that they are limited to the site and don’t plan on trucks being out in the street. He added that it was physically impossible to have the crane erect the last bay, a 30 by 30-foot area from inside the site, and that would have to be done with a small crane from the street. That would have to be coordinated with what is going on.

Councilman Voigt questioned if they would put together a model, so people can actually see how the parking structure is going to fit and look before its built. Mr. App stated that they have some preliminary renderings, and they can have some discussions as to what technological tools might be desired to interact more with the community to get a better sense. Obviously, they want everyone to have a very good understanding of what the garage will look and feel like. Councilman Voigt stated that he thought that would help in making people understand. Mr. Lizotte added that hopefully Councilman Voigt could get a sense from the renderings how much sidewalk space they are leaving, that they are not encroaching on anything. He added that they expect to develop more renderings and not literal models, but some physical computer driven things that everyone will be able to participate in.

Mayor Knudsen questioned what the width of the sidewalk was on both lengths of the sidewalk and what the corner would be. Mr. App stated that it was 10 feet along the sides, and that he wasn’t sure what the exact dimension on the corner was, but he was assuming maybe 15 feet. Mayor Knudsen stated that the corner is particularly generous, and it added a nice sense about the parking garage. She questioned if they were comfortable with that amount of space being enough room for trees and the type of greenery Epic was depicting which softens everything. Mr. App stated that they were.

Mayor Knudsen asked about the caulking, as there were previous discussions about it and she knows that the caulking has temperature issues. So, she was wondering if it was being done in the off-site process and if it was contingent on temperature issues. Mr. App stated that the sealing is done on-site, and it is weather sensitive, as is any traffic toppings. They must have that as there are some rooms below the ramp and that must be done with a waterproofing agent. This is dependent on when an agreement is reached with the Village as far as the design and they move forward. Hopefully, we do not have to work through the winter weather. Mayor Knudsen asked ideally for the on-site work that has to be done, what is the time frame that Epic wants to be there ready to finish that work. Mr. App stated that from a seasonal standpoint, operationally, they would like to be done somewhere before the middle December and then it is March before it gets kind of warm. He stated that there were other things such as the concrete for toppings inside the garage for drainage, which is weather sensitive, and any wet trades such as that. Mr. App added that in a garage it is always cold and since concrete absorbs a lot of cold temperature, it takes a while before it warms up. He added that looking out 17 months from now, optimally if the Village was able to go forward soon, they would like to deliver it before the holiday season of 2019. He added that would also beat the weather.

Deputy Mayor Sedon stated he was wondering how Epic would address drainage in the structure because of salt and those issues which could eat away at concrete; drain placement; and the degree of slop inside. Mr. Lizotte stated that Mr. App could speak to the particulars but drainage itself and getting water out of the garage is the most important thing there is to do as it puts a lot of wear on the garage on the connections. Even though there is stainless steel in a lot of cases it puts a lot of wear and tear on them. They have made changes where if the pitches don’t look like they are going to fully work, they have countersunk drains to create enough pitch. At the openings they have to be cognizant of how the drainage is installed due to rain, and on the top deck where there would be water. He added that they put a sealer over the concrete and that will protect against the de-icing salt. As a component of what their firm does, they would put together a maintenance manual, which would include products that don’t damage concrete. Obviously the salts that do the damage are brought in by cars, but they recommend an annual wash down of the facility. They are confident in their maintenance manual and instruction and with adherence the garage will perform very well, be well maintained, and last for a very long time.

Mr. Lizotte added that they had spoken at one of the meetings about a very simple thing like extra hose bibs, just for ease of operation and little things allowing for maintenance people to access it more readily. Mr. App added that there were two small roofs, but they would also be tied into the rest of the storm sewer system so there really wasn’t the opportunity of the water coming down and splashing on concrete. He stated that in addition to water splashing down from rain or cars the water would go right down into the storm sewer. He added that anything on the top level in New Jersey is considered a surface lot so that would go right to the storm drain. Anything below, because they added the hose bibs, becomes a washing process which then has to go into sanitary. They then always have an oil water separator so they are not sending anything down into the sewer that they wouldn’t want.

Mayor Knudsen asked whether the presenters could explain the types of lighting that was up on the corner of the building because she didn’t think it was shown in the rendering. Mr. Lizotte stated that it was not shown. They would have a pole lamp type of fixture, and most of those types of fixtures now have lenses that push the light down so there is not a lot of spread. They need a little to light the deck to make it safe, but they can manage that with a side-shield on the fixture or the lens itself that can push the light down. He added that he thinks naturally they would be utilizing LED lighting, which provides a dramatic difference in terms of the level of lighting and the type and color of the lighting. Mr. App added that there would be occupancy sensors so if someone is on the deck the lighting will go up, but most of the times they are down and can be set to certain levels. So, there are a lot of things that they can do from a control standpoint.

Councilman Hache stated that seeing the finished product gives a greater appreciation for what it looks like. There is a lot of focus on aesthetics and car count but it is hard to understand the journey for how they arrived at where they were now as it is not an easy process and there was a pretty broad selection of companies to work with. He added that his challenge coming away from the meetings was how comfortable he would be moving forward, and he commended Epic for coming very well prepared to the meetings. Due to their transparency and generosity with the contingency, he felt comfortable that there were enough contingencies as to what could be encountered along the way.

Councilman Hache also stated that he appreciated their sensitivity and thoughtfulness to all of the different aspects and what would be impacted during construction. First trying to get a timeline around a busy holiday season, and thinking about the impact that it would have on the commuters that park there. So, Epic was already including the valet service for the commuters which he thought was great. Also, coming in and doing their homework looking at the dramatic corners of Ridgewood. He added that when talking about the technical aspects of construction one of the things that he was really impressed with was the process of discovering the soil borings. There was one area that was questionable in terms of the integrity of the soil and they came up with an ingenious but cost effective way to manage that. Councilman Hache commended them for keeping that number as small as possible.

Councilman Hache added that Epic Management was also the contractor that had the most improvement when the Council started talking about the concept which originally started at a $12.4 million price tag pre-GMP. Then it went down to slightly below $10 million pre-GMP and now, which is a significant cost reduction as the Village is very cost conscious. He stated that he wanted to thank them for being so transparent, well prepared, and for really working with the Village, stating that he appreciated their patience in doing so.

Mayor Knudsen thanked the presenters, as well and stated that this has been an amazing process and journey adding that her sense is that this is really the right design, size, and the structure seems so much more appropriate for the lot and immediate area and surrounding structures. She added that getting the on-street parking back and filling those spaces was important because those are the most valuable spaces where there is the most turnover. Mayor Knudsen stated that she would suggest that if there were any residents that had questions they were welcome to email those to the Village Manager and they would field those questions to Epic. She added that there were two members of the Historic Preservation Committee and stated that they would probably want to get a courtesy review on schedule for HPC and Planning Board, and have it coordinated so that it is appropriately taken care of.

Ms. Mailander stated that she wanted to discuss the process that the Village would be going through regarding the parking garage. She stated that the Village Council would need to adopt a redevelopment plan as well as adopt a bond ordinance to fund this purchase, and to proceed with that she would come up with some dates to do so. Then, once those have been adopted, the Village can award the contract to Epic Management and then they will get going. Ms. Mailander stated that probably in May 9^th, which is a Public Meeting, we will do a resolution to direct the Planning Board to look at a redevelopment plan. They will do so at the May 15^th meeting and then it will come back to the Village Council at that time. Ms. Mailander stated that was what she was looking at, however, those dates may be subject to change.

6. DISCUSSION

1. Ridgewood Water

 

1. Award Contract – Year One of Two Year Contract – Landscaping Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the first discussion was for a resolution for landscaping services for Ridgewood Water. There were five bids picked up and four bids were received. For a two year contract the prices ranged from $122,000 to $380,000. It includes a $25,000 allowance for miscellaneous services, and the base service cost is $36,000 per year. Ms. Mailander stated that the decrease in this cost from the previous year is probably because sidewalk snow removal was removed from the bid, what will happen now is Ridgewood Water employees will be doing the sidewalk snow removal. The current contract expires on May 31^st. The services will include spring cleanup, edging, trimming, debris cleanup, mowing, fall clean up, and gutter cleaning at system locations such as wells, pump houses, tanks, and offices. Ms. Mailander stated that the recommendation is to award year one of a two-year contract to the lowest responsible bidder, LTI, Inc of Montville, New Jersey, and the money is in the water utility operating budget.

2. Award Change Order #2 – Water Main Stream Crossings

 

Ms. Mailander stated that in 2015 an award was given to Mott MacDonald and Change Order #2 is now needed which is $32,084.56, this is required for engineering charges resulting from contractor schedule overruns and non-owner changes. In addition, Ridgewood Water requested field changes to match map records and to replace an adjacent main to facilitate the tie in of the crossing.

Mayor Knudsen asked if Mr. Calbi could explain the engineering charges resulting from contractor schedule overruns. Mr. Calbi stated that unfortunately the contractor that was hired didn’t complete the project on time. The original completion date was December 1^st or late November. There was about a three-month extra delay in completion. During that time the extra services of a consultant were employed to assist Ridgewood Water with construction and during that whole time frame, they deducted that whole amount from the contractors pay request, so the money has been held and will be utilized to pay for this change.

 

3. Award Change Order #2 – Installation of Backup Power at Critical Facilities

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Change Order #2 was for the installation of backup power at critical facilities. The design project was awarded in 2016 to Arcadis U.S. Inc. At this time, an additional $66,802.00 is required for extra work beyond the original contract scope and would be awarded to Arcadis U.S. Inc, the original contractor. This includes additional permitting relating to efforts associated with Planning Board approvals at the Township of Wyckoff, Borough of Midland Park, and Village of Ridgewood, as well as subsequent changes to designs requested by the permitting agencies.

Ms. Mailander stated that the design changes include installation of bollards around the generator unit, evaluation and re-placement of the generator unit to a different location at the site, and evaluation of additional fencing and landscaping. Additional effort is needed to finalize permitting with NJDEP. An easement onto Village of Ridgewood property will be required at the Carr Facility, therefore an easement survey and description will be prepared.

4. Award Contract – WaterSmart

Ms. Mailander stated that a presentation was made by WaterSmart several weeks ago, and then a representative came in to give additional information including figures and more information about increases in participation by customers requested by Councilmembers.

Mr. Calbi stated that unfortunately he had been unable to attend the February Council meeting where the representative from WaterSmart spoke and questions were asked. He stated that on March 2^nd during Budget considerations a lot of the areas that were considered in the 2018 budget were highlighted and the assumptions were made on the purchase of WaterSmart.

Mr. Calbi provided a presentation for the Council outlining the savings that Ridgewood Water anticipates each year based on implementation. In addition to that, he thought further back and wanted to let the Council know that this is strictly a goal of the utility. That they sought back in 2016 to provide a software platform that will improve their customer service and allow them to engage better with their customers. He stated that after coming on board in 2015 and years of estimated bills he felt they need to put a new face to the utility and need to engage their customers differently. In today’s world a lot of people like to do that via cell phones or computers and this gives Ridgewood Water the opportunity to do that.

In 2016, Ridgewood Water explored different options and when Mr. Timmeny came on a year ago, he made a decision that WaterSmart was the best alternative. At that point, they continued with a public bid to get a system that they would want what’s comparable to the WaterSmart model and they were the bidder on that project. Mr. Calbi stated that he wanted the Council to focus on what they are looking at in terms of cost annually, and in looking at a five year projection based on timing. Where they are at the first year implementation will be a lot less because it would not be a full year with four letters and notifications to customers, so that will probably be cut down to two letters, possibly even one. The 2018 cost is looking at being no more than $120,000. In addition to that, there is possible even a prorate of the annual fee because it is based on 12 months. So, looking at balances of this year, that additional item would be reduced as well.

Mr. Calbi stated that 2019 will be another critical year for Ridgewood Water, expecting to get at least three reports, as touch points, to the customer. Then every year after, they considered two reports, to give the customer an idea of what their usage is most likely. One in a peak time and another off peak of the season. So, they have a comparison. He added just to clarify that these are not reports that the customer generates but reports that Ridgewood Water generates. There is a set number as these are detailed letters that come out of the system and are graphical, colorized, and cater to Ridgewood Water’s needs. When a customer logs in to their account and prints a report, there is no additional charge. Through the four years the total projected cost is about $460,000, with the largest cost being in 2018 and then, each year thereafter being much less. Mr. Calbi added that there is a minimum requirement each year, and they did not have to do any notifications. If Ridgewood Water went straight out with just the software, they were just looking at $37,000 per year for the base software to keep it running.

Mr. Calbi stated that the excel spreadsheet that he provided had columns showing the actual savings that he evaluated and projected. The first column shows an anticipated reduction of 2.5% in water usage based on the software; however, he anticipated that for 2018 they would get zero of that because it would be starting 6 months into the year. In future years, he was taking percentages of that and applying it to parts of the budget where Ridgewood Water would see those savings in energy costs, treatment costs, chemical costs, associated maintenance, and repair of equipment. The second column is staff reduction savings, where they do anticipate there will be changes to staffing as a result of this usage. For 2018 a very small percentage of that was taken, but it really kicked in for 2019 and moving in thereafter, applying a 2% inflation on that number.

The third column is the savings for customer service outsourcing, where as part of the budgeting process in 2017, Ridgewood Water had budgeted approximately $110,000 to provide a call center for customer service. That goes away with WaterSmart and Ridgewood Water no longer needs that engagement. Mr. Calbi stated that the fourth column is a notification cost. In this year’s budget the notification line was significantly cut down on the assumption that WaterSmart was going to be implemented. This is going to be the main means for getting in touch with customers as this will give the opportunity to email or ping their accounts, so that when they login there is a message with any type of notification. He added this would be huge for Ridgewood Water as right now they don’t have the capabilities to have that type of engagement with customers.

Mr. Calbi stated the last column, to him is the most important. Those touch points of conservation and what it does for customers is priceless. They need to rebuild the character of this utility and WaterSmart is one step in that process, which is why he is back before the Council. He firmly believes that this is an important part of what they do for the utility. Pulling the savings across each year and at the end of the five-year projection the savings outweigh the cost significantly.

Mr. Rogers added that over the past two months he and Mr. Calbi had a conversation about what the impact of WaterSmart might be on some of the litigations they have had. He can say over the last three years, they have been in court three separate times. One in the Superior Court, one in the Administrative Law Courts, and another in the Administrative Law Courts with regard to a variety of issues regarding servicing meters, access to the house and meters, and estimated fess for water usage. He thinks, that as it was discussed, those were the three that went to litigations, and there were numerous others, but WaterSmart would have probably resolved those without them every coming to light. Mr. Rogers stated that he thinks there is an advantage that he told Mr. Calbi he would bring up, as an attempt to try to alleviate some of the contests that go on in an individual’s basis between the property owner and the water utility.

Councilman Voigt stated that the representative from WaterSmart mentioned something about a randomized control trial, and he was wondering if that was an option for Ridgewood Water. He stated that he could potentially see where they could have people use the system and people not use the system and see where preferences were over time. We could also see whether or not Ridgewood Water is saving water or not. Councilman Voigt added that he thinks it was mentioned that if the Village didn’t find a difference then it might not have to move forward with the system and could get out of the contract, asking Mr. Calbi if that is an option. Mr. Calbi stated from what he recalled, it wasn’t a free trial, in that he was offering an opt-out that if there was any point where Ridgewood Water was not satisfied with the service they could get out of the contract. He would definitely stress for having that clause.

Mr. Timmeny added that on the topic of the randomized control trial, even the 2.5% reduction number comes from utilities like Ridgewood Water; a randomized control trial sample is their recommendation. As part of the package WaterSmart wants to study their own product and see what works there. So, if Ridgewood Water wanted a baseline, it gives them and WaterSmart more data to study.

Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he wanted to thank Mr. Calbi once again. When he stepped into this utility it was a disaster and he has gone above and beyond to turn it around by being honest and giving all of the information that was needed by the Council to come to better decisions. His involvement outside of the utility, for instance Earth Day, is really incredible and he is doing a very good job at servicing not only the residents of Ridgewood but those of other towns as well.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she got her water bill today, which was $100.71. Her prior bill was $129.21 and the bill showed all of her usage all the way back more than a year. Including her information such as address and account number. She subsequently got an email because she had also signed up for an email reminder that her water bill was due. She stated that as a ratepayer, she feels what they are getting is sufficient right now and she didn’t know if spending this amount of money was the wisest thing. If she doesn’t opt in, they are still paying the fee, and everyone would have to opt in to this program in order to get the full effect. Councilwoman Walsh stated that it was like the reusable grocery bags, and people still using the plastic ones. She added that in terms of reductions, once the reduction is done there is no other savings, and it was put in for several years but that would no longer be the case if the person was no longer there. She was concerned that, at this point in time, there was no added benefit for her as a ratepayer for the implementation of WaterSmart.

Councilman Hache stated that he was reviewing the columns showing the realized cost savings moving forward with this software, a staff reduction, and customer service outsourcing and that he was wondering about the amount. Mr. Calbi reiterated that there was $110,000 that was budgeted for additional customer service outsourcing. There would be a second phone number that customers could call to obtain information on their bill and that would be removed totally with the implementation of WaterSmart. He was able to project a savings of 50% of that cost out of the budget each year. Councilman Hache questioned the $60,000 that was removed from the 2018 budget for customer notifications, and now the question is if they don’t go with this system what would happen to that $170,000 gap and how would it impact the services that are delivered to ratepayers.

Mr. Calbi stated that right now the budget for 2018 is proposed and about to be approved in May, so the budget is what it is and has those savings locked into it. If they did not go with WaterSmart they would have those reductions and have to do their best to cut expenses in other areas to make up for it. Councilman Hache stated that then the money would be saved anyway, it would just be a one-year issue and Ridgewood Water would have to rethink the budget for 2019. Mr. Calbi stated that he was correct.

Mayor Knudsen stated that she didn’t have any questions, just that the Council had to decide if they were interested in moving forward with it, or not. Ms. Mailander stated that Councilwoman Walsh indicated that she did not think it was necessary at this time. Councilman Hache added that he was still not convinced. Councilman Voigt stated that he needed to think about this, adding that he thought it was more important to evaluate this over time and do a trial and see if it actually does save money. He needs to understand it a bit better, suggesting he speaks with the vendor to understand how that might play out. Then he may be interested.

1. Parking

1. Payment for Parking Transactions Using Mobile Technology and Other Related Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated that in December, the Village went out for an RFP for parking payment transaction using mobile technology and other related services. Fourteen packages were sent out and the Village received five responses from various vendors; Parkmobile, CALE America, Pango, PaybyPhone, and Passport. All of the respondents met the requirements, none of them provided an acceptable License Plate Reader System which was in the bid, and so the Village will go out separately for that.

Ms. Mailander stated that no vendor proposed an end user fee that would require the Village to incur merchant services fees which is currently what is happening with Parkmobile with the current contract. Some vendors proposed user fees of $0.35 with no merchant service fees, set up fees and costs for permit parking transactions were higher than Parkmobile. Parkmobile is nationally known and serves over 350 cities and 3,000 locations across the US. They are the leader in smart parking and mobility solutions. Ms. Mailander added that they are the only company that provides both on-and-off street parking and reservations in one single app. She added that at this point if the Village were to change from Parkmobile, it would require replacing all signage and meter labels at an additional cost.

Ms. Mailander stated that this was reviewed by Mr. Rooney, the Parking Utility Director and CFO, Sergeant Jay Chuck, and herself, and the recommendation was to continue with Parkmobile for providing services for the period June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019, with an option to renew for one additional year. Ms. Mailander stated that Mr. Rooney provided a synopsis in the grid that he provided, stating that the new contract with Parkmobile would be a $0.40 per transaction fee for the user and then there will be no cost to the Village at all.

Councilman Voigt questioned Mr. Rooney as to how much this saves the Village from the prior contract based on transactions. Mr. Rooney stated that the prior contract was costing the user $0.35, but it cost the Village $0.15 per transaction plus 3% of the gross revenue, adding that those costs are gone. Councilman Voigt questioned if he had that number available from last year, to which Mr. Rooney responded that he did not but he had provided Council with that analysis. Councilman Voigt estimated it was about $50,000. Mr. Rooney added that the Village was also trying to integrate the parking permit program with the same vendor, so that way the License Plate readers can be integrated to PEO’s. So, when someone buys a parking permit they register their license plate and then they move forward with that. Parkmobile was the only one to come back with a reasonable number for what that cost was with very little implementation costs. As a package, they succeeded in meeting all of the criteria and providing service for the least amount of cost.

Deputy Mayor Sedon thanked Mr. Rooney for putting this together and for contracting Parkmobile for really no cost to the Village. Councilwoman Walsh stated that she agreed with Deputy Mayor Sedon, adding that there are a lot of people that use Parkmobile and that it is definitely useful for the Village. She added that her only question was the $1.00 per permit per month and what that was for in the parking permit system. Mr. Rooney stated that the Village has 356 permits roughly annually, so they would charge $1.00 per each permit per month, so the total came out to $4,200. Councilwoman Walsh questioned if that was for Parkmobile to put it into the system, and the cost was for the Village. Mr. Rooney stated that was correct, implementing the system so the Village would get rid of what it has now, and residents or users would be able to go to the website to purchase permits and provide necessary documentation, so it is all one package.

Ms. Mailander added that this was something that the Village was looking into for 2019, and it is certainly something that they are interested in. Mr. Rooney added that the permits would be an option that the Village could determine when it would want to do this.

1. Budget

 

1. Award Contract – Year Two of Two Year Contract – Disposal of Recyclable Materials

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the award of contract for year two of two-year contract for disposal of recyclable materials would be awarded to Atlantic Coast Fibers, LLC. She added that they did reduce the amount that the Village was getting for the base prices for corrugated, paper, and comingled, but they were holding them for the second year of the contract.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she had been watching documentaries about plastic bags and the overuse of the plastic bags and there were a lot of communities where grocery stores were charging for using or not recycling plastic bags. She added that she didn’t know if it was something that REAC addressed. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that Elle Gruber and Lisa Sommers have presented at the Council. For several months they have been researching in other communities to see how it works with banning plastic bags, charging a nickel to use plastic bags, or even looking into grants to buy reusable bags and then distributing them through REAC. He added that they anticipated it might take about a year to look at all the options and then bring it before the Council with recommendations.

 

2. Award Contract – Eradication of Bicycle Lane Markings – Portion of Westbound Garber Square

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Police Department conducted a traffic study of Garber Square last June. The recommendation was to extend the combined right turn only/bike lane from 180 feet from the intersection to 360 feet from the intersection. This would require the removal of approximately 856 square feet of the existing green bicycle lane markings. There are two options for this, to grind off the markings or coat the green color with a specific product.

Ms. Mailander stated that the total cost for coating the green color and then installing new directional markings is $11,503.70. She added that there was money in the budget for this project. It will be done with a Black Street Bond Coating which is recommended by the Police Department, and it is a proprietary product to Pavement Impressions, Inc. who also did the original bike lane.

Councilwoman Walsh questioned as there is talk about the developments and Franklin Avenue and the Safe Routes to School, bike lanes are part of that process. So, she stated that the Village should think about their designs and if it would be similar to the plan for Grove Street. She added that this one is very specific to the trestle area, but she thinks it should be brought up in future discussions. Mayor Knudsen added that the cases of side swipes were significantly increased over this, and she has found that everyone is lined up in the bike lane. She thinks this is a positive move forward.

 

3. Award Contract – Crossing Guard Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village of Ridgewood outsources its crossing guard services, and it did go out for bid again this June. There were two registered plan holders, and one bidder. The sole bidder is All City Management Services with a quote of $387,369.45 for 31 morning and 31 afternoon school crossing guard posts for one school year. The second planner did not bid, they had certain concerns that were raised by their legal department.

Ms. Mailander stated that All City Management was the current provider, and the increase was due to the fact that the Village did add an additional post and gave a cost of living increase for wages for the crossing guards. It had been two years since they had received an increase. She added that this contract is for one year with an additional two year contract option. Ms. Mailander stated that this has been a very successful endeavor and the Village has saved having Police Officers manning school posts. It truly been beneficial because now the Police Department can be enforcing traffic around the schools instead of covering as crossing guards. The most recent information she received was that there were only two school posts in the school year that the Police Department had to cover where prior, they were covering a majority of the crossings on certain days.

Councilwoman Walsh questioned if the cost of living allowance is assuming that all of the crossing guards are returning individuals. Ms. Mailander stated that Councilwoman Walsh was correct. Apparently the crossing guards were at a minimum base rate which previously was $17.70 and went up to $18.05. Councilwoman Walsh questioned if a new individual would be coming in at the higher price. Ms. Mailander stated that the amount was the minimum base rate and after that they would probably get more if the rate goes up. She agreed to find that out for Councilwoman Walsh.

 

4. Award State Contract – Replacement of Carpeting – Police Department

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the carpeting in the Police Department is the same carpeting that was there in 2005 when they moved in. It has started to become bare and buckles in some places with fraying edges. They have newly polished hallway floors in the Police Department and it would be nice to add to the improved appearance with new carpet. Ms. Mailander said that this purchase was under State Contract, and the quote provided by Brother’s Carpet and Flooring of Hackensack was in the amount of $31,850.00 which is in the capital account.

 

5. Discuss Contract for Professional Planner – Affordable Housing Planning Consultant

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this professional services contract was for a professional planner as Affordable Housing Planning Consultant, Elizabeth McManus, who has worked with Mr. Rogers on affordable housing. This is her contract for the year 2018.

Mr. Rogers stated that the Village is hopefully going to resolve what is declaratory judgment action sometime during 2018. We are still in settlement negotiations with the Fair Share Housing Center dealing with trying to determine how to approach future zoning in the Village and the components of overlay zones and which properties should be considered. Those are the last two items that need to be resolved, and he does not think the Judge will give the Village much time to resolve them. They hope to have it completed sometime within the next three to four months. Mr. Rogers stated that they may be back before the Council with regard to a discussion on a potential settlement with Fair Share and seeking court approval of that settlement.

Mayor Knudsen added that Ms. McManus is remarkable and tops in her field. She is certainly in an area of expertise and she has been very helpful to the Village.

 

6. New Five Year Lease – Pease Upper Levels

Ms. Mailander stated that the Main Level and the Balcony of the Pease Library are rented out currently to Ridgewood Medical Media and the tenant has been there since 2009. Their lease expires on May 12, 2018. Ridgewood Library went out with an RFP and they did receive the sole bidder which again was Ridgewood Medical Media. The proposal has been examined by a Trustee of the Library and administrative staff and was approved by the Library Board. They proposed and initially said five years with two three-year renewable options. Mr. Rogers reviewed the contract and has recommended an initial lease of three years with one three-year renewable option, and Ridgewood Medical Media is willing to go with that.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Library would like to approve this so they can enter into a new lease with Ridgewood Medical Media as of May 13^th.

 

1. Policy

 

1. Blade Sign Ordinance

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Brigette Bogart, Village Planner, had worked with Mr. Rogers regarding the blade sign ordinance. Ms. Bogart said that there have been a number of discussions at the Planning Board regarding the pedestrian safety aspect of the downtown and how to make the downtown more inviting. There was a lot of talk about signage and the current signage regulations. This particular ordinance only focuses on one particular type of sign, called the blade sign, which is basically any sign that runs perpendicular to a building façade. She handed out a document containing pictures of blade signs which gave different examples of how blade signs are used to make communities more walkable.

Ms. Bogart stated that right now, when walking down the street and trying to identify the building, most pedestrians would have to step out to the curb to identify the business that they want to patronize, because the Village has all signage parallel with the building facades. What the blade sign does is make it safer for pedestrians and make the streetscape more pedestrian oriented versus more vehicle oriented. Ms. Bogart stated that she drafted an ordinance that would permit the blade signs in the B-1 and the B-2 district and there are some conditions and regulations that were set up in draft form for review. She added that the HPC committee would have control and review of all blade signs because this is a new concept for the Village and they want to make sure that they are controlling the applications as we move forward.

Ms. Bogart stated that they were suggesting in the draft ordinance that blade signs would be permitted in addition to any other permitted signs that are currently in the regulations. There would be one blade sign per business unless it was a corner building and then there could be two or a caddy-corner blade sign. If the blade sign was encroaching on the right of way, the business would need an encroachment permit as the Village requires for all awnings at this time for lighting. Blade signs can only be located on the first floor, cannot exceed two feet in area, and cannot intrude more than two feet into the right of way. The ordinance suggests that all blade signs cannot exceed a thickness of six inches, and the bottom of the blade sign for safety purposes, has to be a minimum of eight feet above ground level. Ms. Bogart added that they must be double sided, and they can be externally illuminated but their illumination must be reviewed by the HPC committee and must conform with the lighting regulations set forth in the Village code as they presently exist. The blade signs would have to be mounted on a separate architectural bracket that has some visual interest, and they must have the same consistent design theme as the main signs located on that same retail space.

Mayor Knudsen thanked Ms. Bogart, Councilman Hache, and Bill Gilsenan for all their work. This was a collaborative effort and the Village has been trying to rethink sign ordinances. This is a terrific first step and a great opportunity to become a more pedestrian friendly and more visually interesting Central Business District.

Councilman Voigt stated that he thought it was a good idea. Councilwoman Walsh questioned if the Village had any challenges with the signs lately, and what was the reason that these would be added as the Village has traditionally preferred less signage, and then the signs were added to the corners to give some direction. She asked what was the reasoning behind it, and it was because the businesses were uncomfortable with the present signage. Mayor Knudsen stated that several years ago she started rethinking the sign ordinance, and then there were additional draft documents related to that. She added that a couple of years ago when FISH restaurant came before the Historic Preservation Committee, because of the structure and the recess of the front door, they wanted to include perpendicular signage. In order to do so, they would have had to go before the Board of Adjustment. It was the only way that restaurant would have been visible from the sidewalk. Mayor Knudsen added that very often the Village finds that the sign ordinance is actually very restrictive. They were looking to update and give more visual interest in the CBD, and become more pedestrian friendly, and give businesses the tools they need to succeed. She added that they were trying to up the ante so that businesses do have access to those tools.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that what was presented was great samples of how it works, but with awnings and then signs on the awning and window signs and then this blade sign, how is the ordinance going to be written so that there is a limit and there aren’t signs everywhere. Ms. Bogart stated that the rest of the sign ordinance really needs to be updated and brought to current standards, but they wanted to address this issue first because it is really focusing more on pedestrian safety than visual interest. The second portion that will be updated is the balance of the sign code and we must coordinate that and make sure it stays consistent, but there was the additional safety net of requiring the HPC committee to review it. Ms. Bogart added that the Planning Board has been talking in detail about the signage ordinances that need to be revised tastefully.

Councilman Hache stated that one of the revisits to this was the CBD Business Community Forum in January and a good portion of the discussion centered around signage in the CBD. One of the concerns was that the look and the feel of the CBD can be somewhat sterile as there are very stringent regulations on the signs. He added that businesses expressed their willingness to have just a bit more individuality in promoting themselves. He knows that some of the discussion has been about ordinances being outdated which has also triggered a review of those. Councilman Hache questioned how one would balance bringing in individuality without making it look like the Las Vegas Strip, so it is coming up with something that is tasteful. Particularly in Europe the blade signs add a lot of charm and character to the downtowns. He added that another aspect was the safety aspect as driving past a business people need to turn their head to see what they are passing, or looking down at their GPS. There is a lot of driver distraction and it was one of the safety issues that was talked about.

Councilman Hache added that in Ireland the bracket is lit so instead of having the outside source of lighting to reflect on the sign it actually reflects down from the rod itself, so it adds uniformity, but it is also a nice touch and keeps things very clean. He questioned whether Ms. Bogart had seen those applications in the United States, to which Ms. Bogart responded that she would have to think about that. She also said that they do allow in the draft for external illumination to be reviewed by the HPC Committee and it must be in compliance with the lighting regulations which doesn’t permit glare and it has to be directed at the sign. The HPC Committee also requires a six-month review for any lighting being proposed, so that can be controlled, and it can be seen what comes about from any proposals.

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Planning Board would like to have more pedestrian visibility, and visual interest, and just to Councilwoman Walsh’s point, they have already had a number of discussions about the type of signage and how much signage, and to rethink the issue because it is presently very restrictive. She added that what has been done and discussed regarding the A-frame signs is that they take up a certain amount of square footage. So, if a business wanted their square footage to be an A-frame, but someone else could have square footage that equals Betsy the Sheep, allowing the ordinance to expand and to say a business could have a certain amount of square footage to use as they wish. Mayor Knudsen added that what they were trying to create more visual interest and not to be so restrictive. She added that having HPC take a look, is helpful because when speaking about architectural bracketing and signage, you want to make certain it is all appropriate.

Mayor Knudsen stated that this draft ordinance would now be taken to the Planning Board. Ms. Bogart stated that it would have to be introduced before the Council and then the Planning Board would be reviewing it. Then it would be brought back before the Council to be adopted. Mayor Knudsen questioned Mr. Rogers if this was something that he put together and if he was comfortable with it. Mr. Rogers responded that Ms. Bogart put it together and he reviewed it. He asked for several amendments, particularly the definition of a blade sign, but he was very comfortable with the ordinance. Mayor Knudsen stated that the Council would get the ordinance on the schedule so that once it is introduced they would put it on the schedule for Planning Board and then move it forward. There was discussion on whether the Historic Preservation Committee should be involved. Mr. Rogers responded that for applications it may be something they should be involved in at the review stage.

 

2. Amendment to Village Code – Backyards – Bands and Music

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village has a section called Nuisances Enumerated, which is Section 172-618 of The Ridgewood Village Code and it says that unnecessary blowing of whistles, sirens and horns, ringing of bells at any time, and the loud playing of radios after 11:00 P.M. is something that should not exist. Any radio shall be deemed to be playing loudly if the noise from the same is of a sufficient volume to disturb the sleep of persons in the immediate vicinity.

Ms. Mailander stated that the recommendation is to add to the loud playing of radios, it would say bands or music, and then any radios, bands, or music shall be deemed playing loudly. This would allow for individuals who may have backyard parties with a DJ or a wedding, or something of that nature, this way it would allow and encompass the bands and the music being played.

Mayor Knudsen stated this was brought about by a resident who reached out because the code did not address this. The question is whether or not the Village wants to specify certain nights because they certainly don’t want someone to have a backyard band on a Wednesday night. She stated that the question was that the individual went to the Police Department to get a permit and there was no permit process. They were told that if someone calls in at 8:00 P.M. and the resident could have the entire event shut down even if they paid for the band to play to a later time. Mayor Knudsen stated that anyone could have a band any night of the week and if no one calls, it isn’t a big deal, but we could specify it might go to 11:00 P.M. in case someone does call. It adds to that piece where there is some comfort level where you can go to a certain time without being shut down.

There was agreement among the Council to change the Amendment to state Saturday night. Ms. Mailander added that as Mayor Knudsen indicated band night could be any night of the week as long as it’s not called in that it can go on. Mayor Knudsen stated that this is just a comfort level for someone that is going to pay for a band to know that they are not going to be shut down early. Mr. Rogers stated that the Village has to be careful that it’s not too subjective, as the ordinance could be defeated for being too vague. Ms. Mailander stated that the noise would have to disturb the sleep of persons in the immediate vicinity. Mr. Rogers stated that one of the concerns would be who was going to determine that. Ms. Mailander stated that was how the wording possibly existed, and to change it would involve changing the existing ordinance. Mr. Rogers agreed that may have to happen.

7. MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Earth Day – Ms. Mailander stated that Earth Day was a wonderful day in Ridgewood and she hoped a lot of people got out to see everything that was there, there were a lot of booths and many of the Village staff were there. It was also the Daffodil Festival held by the Ridgewood Conservancy for Public Lands. Held at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, it was a beautiful day. Ms. Mailander stated that she was thrilled with the level of attendance and she wanted to thank everyone who helped to make the event a great success. There were many Village Departments present: Engineering; Health; Recycling; Water; and a lot of different types of booths.

The League of Women Voters Candidate Debate – Ms. Mailander stated that The League of Women Voters Candidate Debate is on Monday, April 30^th at 7:30 P.M. in the Court Room. It will be broadcast live on Cablevision channel 77 and Verizon channel 34, but anyone wishing to come is encouraged to come and enjoy the debate in person that evening.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Reminder – Election Day – The Municipal Election is Tuesday, May 8^th, and the polls are open from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Registered voters should receive a sample ballot in the mail approximately a week before the election. There are four candidates running for two Village Council seats.

Budget Newsletter – Ms. Mailander stated the Budget Newsletter is being prepared and will be mailed to all residents some time next week. The Public Hearing for the 2018 Village of Ridgewood Budget will be held Wednesday, May 9^th at the public meeting which begins at 8:00 P.M. in the court room.

“Spring Fling” – Ms. Mailander stated that each year Ridgewood High School students hold a prom-type dance for senior citizens. This is a free event and includes all seniors in Ridgewood. It took place tonight at Ridgewood High School. The Village supported the event by providing transportation through the Village bus.

Turf Field – Ms. Mailander stated that she just received an update it is going to be replaced as the Council did vote to award a contract. The work should begin approximately the week of May 7^th and run through the entire month of May to be done by the end of May or beginning of June. Some of it is weather-dependent, but they will certainly be ready for the start of day camp at the end of June, and also for any summer activities and the Fall going forward. She stated that she wanted to thank the Council for moving that forward so the sports teams and camp can use that field again.

8. COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Planning Board – Councilman Voigt stated that the Planning Board met on April 17^th and approved a minor subdivision on Franklin Turnpike for two homes.

 

Library Board of Trustees – Councilman Voigt stated that the Library Board of Trustees met on April 24^th. There were several items of note. The Friends of the Ridgewood Library had their author luncheon today and was attended by well over 400 people at Seasons in Washington Township. The author was Nicole Krauss of Forest Dark. Paul McCarthy, President of the Friends, as well as Rebecca Rubenstein put on a very well attended and interesting luncheon. The monies that were raised go to the Friends of the Library and also the Library itself.

Councilman Voigt stated that the Ridgewood Library is working on digitizing local newspapers, the Ridgewood News, from 1891-2011, so they are going to be easily searchable when that is completed in the next three or four months.

There is an upcoming presentation by Vic Aurora, one of the Board of Trustee members, on Data Breaches of Equifax and Facebook, he is an IT professional, and the presentation will be May 1^st at 7:00 P.M. in the Library auditorium. There is an upcoming Library Foundation Clam Bake on Saturday, June 16^th at the Ridgewood Country Club. It is a fundraiser for the Library and there are tickets for sale online.

Earth Day – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that it was a great day in the park. Nancy Bigos of the Parks Department did a great job, and Vic Amoroso did an excellent job with setup. He also wanted to thank George Wolfson who has been a driving force behind the Earth Day celebration. He is involved in all of the meetings and is a tremendous asset on many of the committees that the Deputy Mayor serves on as well.

Citizen Safety – Councilwoman Walsh wanted to report on the Shared Keys program, Sheila Brogan, a Board of Education member, reported that on April 19^th there was a conference which attracted 75 participants, high school age drivers, parent or guardians. She gave compliments to the Ridgewood High School staff for organizing, and coordinating the program aimed at improving the safety and skills of young drivers with the support and involvement of adult family members.

The HSA liaison, Melinda Cronk, reported the Annual Crossing Guard Appreciation Breakfast is scheduled for May 3^rd at 9:00 A.M. in the Education Center and that is sponsored by Federated HSA.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that the May Citizen Safety meeting is going to be cancelled so that everyone can attend the Living to 100 conference which is scheduled for May 17^th, which is actually full and there is a wait list that has been established. It will be a program discussing health benefits but also how to get around, mobility, and things of that sort.

Signal Division – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Signal Division will be working on the mounting of signs for the traffic control devices. Some residents are reporting difficulty viewing the signage.

Arts Council – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the next artist talk, which is part of the Guild’s Film Festival, will be Scott Rosenfeld on May 10^th at 7:30 P.M. and one of the theaters will be their theater for this talk. Mr. Rosenfeld is best known for Home Alone, Mystic Pizza, Teen Wolf, Smoke Signals, and Extremities, so it will be very exciting, and the film festival will be on as well. Tickets can be purchased at Mango Jam.

Maple Field – Councilman Hache stated it was a much needed decision to bring the field offline, but it was a necessary choice, and he is happy with the work that was done to get this field up and running very quickly. Nancy Bigos, Dan Cramblitt and Rich Brooks, worked very hard against a tight deadline and also worked with the different sports groups to make sure that the Village fulfilled the needs for the fields as there are five different sports played on that field counting Co-Ed. That is eight different programs, not to mention the summer camp for Graydon. He added that it was going to be completed earlier than he thought.

Central Business District Business Forum – Councilman Hache stated that the second Central Business District Business Forum would be held Monday, May 14^th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Village Hall. He encouraged business owners to join the forum and stated that last time a lot of good ideas came from the discussion. He thinks that the sign ordinance is being discussed and other aspects of the ordinances that effect the business flow in the CBD, are a good outcome from the first forum. Councilman Hache stated that the forums have opened up a dialogue with the Village Council which is the best outcome.

Mayor Knudsen added that she thought the CBD Business Forum was one of the best meetings they ever had because all the business community was there and it was a lot of incredible input.

Bergen County Historic Preservation Award – Mayor Knudsen stated that she received a notice in her mailbox from the Bergen County Historic Preservation Office requesting recommendations for candidates to be the recipients of the Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards for Historic Preservation. The moment she received the notice, she asked everyone to help recommend Isabella Altano for the award. Ms. Altano was a Planning Board and Historic Preservation Commission member and worked tirelessly to preserve the historic Schedler House, one of the last remaining Dutch Colonial homes in the area. Letters were sent in with Ms. Altano’s biography and many people stepped up, including Janet Fricke who organized everything. Mayor Knudsen just learned that Isabella Altano has just been selected to receive the 2018 Bergen County Historic Preservation Award posthumously and she has been cited in the category of Preservation Leadership, which is one of the greatest honors that the Village could have for Ms. Altano.

9. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Mr. Rogers stated that he would like to make a comment about decorum and the manner which the ordinances say that the public comment section should proceed. This issue has been dealt with and addressed before, but it’s worthwhile saying again. Under Section 320 of the Village Code, it states that any person who shall disturb the peace, make slanderous remarks, or conduct themselves in a boisterous manner while addressing the Council shall be barred from further audience before the Council, except if the speaker submits to the proper order of these rules, permission for them to continue can be granted by a majority vote. He added that it does say that the comments in the way of addressing the Council must not be boisterous or at least disruptive to the Council. There can be comments that are critical, its not as if nothing bad can be said, but the manner and decorum and the way that the speech is delivered is important and whether or not it is considered to be disturbing. Mr. Rogers stated that aspect of the ordinance could be enforced and to encourage everyone to maintain proper decorum going through this process.

Laurie Weber, 235 South Irving Street, stated that she owes a great debt of gratitude to Heather Mailander as she has emailed her, and she has to say that Ms. Mailander is so friendly and respectful, and actually gets things done. Ms. Weber went through a nightmare with leaf removal and ongoing snow removal issues, and Ms. Mailander was always pleasant and willing to help. She wanted to thank Councilman Hache because his robo-call was the first one she ever listened to from beginning to end and she found it very comforting after the very disturbing yelling that she had witnessed earlier in the week.

As a 34-year resident, the level of vitriol that she has witnessed in this recent race for two seats by certain campaigns and certain proponents of that campaign is unnerving, and disheartening. She had hoped as a citizen, she and her neighbors could somehow be instrumental to never let this happen again because it is beyond an embarrassment. It is a dark cloud hanging over people who feel compelled to answer these things everyday on social media or with neighbors. It has been horrible, and she wasn’t soothed after leaving the podium and it brought to mind a certain email she received regarding a term of attack dogs used to describe individuals who come to Council meetings. Ms. Weber stated that she was insulted when she saw that, but now she thinks maybe that was directed at the two men who got up after her. She was unnerved sitting just a few feet away from there.

Ms. Weber stated that she owed a lot of credit to the Councilmembers for being able to sit through some aspects of the public comment and being willing to serve because she had a hard time just sitting across the aisle from it.

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that for the record there was a terrific event that took place last Sunday, the Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Fair, and how sad for Deputy Mayor Sedon to not give credit to the one person who made it happen, his wife Cynthia. He stated that Earth Day was going nowhere until Cynthia and the Conservancy came in and really tapped the talent of the Village to make it happen.

Mr. Halaby also stated that Mayor Knudsen called him a liar and he’s not sure what the rules and regulations of the town are for a Mayor to call a resident expressing his view a liar, but it was ok because coming from the Mayor it was a compliment. He stated that regarding the Church, he never said it was a Church raffle and neither did Mr. Lehman. He made it very clear that it was the Glen Rock School that was associated with the Church. He stated that he never said anything about collusion only that the right thing to do with a charity like that is to give the money back.

Mr. Halaby stated that as far as the discussion that took place between Councilman Voigt and Mr. Rogers, he understood that they cannot use any anti-nepotism law to discriminate against people on account of familial relationships. For instance, if Ms. Mailander has a niece who decides to apply, she should be given every chance. However, he is sure that Ms. Mailander would recuse herself and announce to everyone that her niece was applying and make sure that she was totally out of the picture as far as making any decisions. Mr. Halaby stated that the point he is trying to raise is that there is no State Law that says a municipality has to offer its citizens priority over other people, it is a choice of the Village.

Glen Rock and other towns do not have this, and he would like a lawyer to tell him if there is a State law that requires Ridgewood to give priority to its residents, because as he understands it there is not. Mr. Halaby stated that if that was the case, why was there a debate on whether this ordinance should have been changed if nothing could have been done about it. Why was there any kind of debate. His point to the Mayor, reiterating that he has nothing against her sons, is with someone on the Council not disclosing that one of their children is on the list. He read a list of test results of individuals on the Civil Service list, pointing out that Jack Knudsen was number eight on the list.

Mayor Knudsen stated that in Mr. Lehman’s email and in his mailer, he directs people to go to a part of a video tape, where to start the video tape, and inserts language there that she never said. The truth of it is that if a viewer went back, they would hear Ms. Sonenfeld say that this discussion excludes Police and Fire safety. When she made that statement, she was talking about jobs like Clerk Typist, Receptionist, Mechanic, civilian positions, and the official minutes are there. The fact is that nothing was hidden. Roberta Sonenfeld had a certified list from the State before she was ever elected, Mayor Knudsen couldn’t keep a secret, and all Councilmembers knew it.

Mr. Halaby stated that talking about his group, it includes just him as he is a highly independent thinker and he can’t even include his wife in his group. He stated that he loves this Country and this Village, and he sees similarities between what is happening in Washington and happening here, and it is scary.   Mayor Knudsen stated that she agreed there was a swamp atmosphere, but it is not from the Council. They are just trying to give the facts and the legal information. She stated that she would send Mr. Halaby all of the minutes so that he could see it.

Mr. Rogers stated that Mr. Halaby brought up a couple of legal questions that he wanted to clarify. He pointed out that his memo shows that Civil Service is designed to prevent familial relationships having an impact on the hiring process, as it tries to get the best person hired. Reading the Civil Service statute and regulations, they talk about preferences given for disabled persons, veterans, and it also recognizes that municipalities can have residency preferences. The residency preferences in Ridgewood were here before he became the Village Attorney. From the standpoint of being able to change the Civil Service regulations and what they call by-passing or jumping over someone, if you don’t fit the criteria to jump over someone you can’t do it. The threshold criteria for the job is set before the test is even given. The abilities or the certain aspects of the job that are pertinent to the position and the test are also stated at the time of the announcement of the test.

Mr. Rogers stated that all of those things are done from the State, and from a nepotism standpoint, from a familial relationship, that is not a criteria that can be used to bypass or jump someone. He stated that if he remembers correctly, of those first seven individuals, someone went to the Bergen County Police Department, another individual went somewhere else. He added that people take the test and are put on the list by the State. That doesn’t mean that they are the ones that are going to be hired because they go elsewhere, take another job, or may not want to work in Ridgewood. Mayor Knudsen stated that she would send all of the documents to Mr. Halaby and they could have a discussion.

Mayor Knudsen thanked Cynthia Halaby and the Conservancy for all of their work on the Conservancy.

Hans-Jurgen Lehman, 234 Union Street, stated that he wished to commend the Village for moving ahead with the garage on the Hudson Street lot. It was a very informative presentation, and he felt encouraged that not too far down the road something would be happening there that would be a benefit to the Village.

Mr. Lehman stated that his second observation was that when the Council speaks from the dais it seems like they treat it like a bully pulpit. When his name was dragged though the mud he didn’t hear Deputy Mayor Sedon ever call point of order, as things got heated and he is put at a disadvantage because there are certain things he cannot say but certain things can be said about him.

Mr. Lehman stated that he has never objected to the Mayor’s children being Civil Servants in the Village of Ridgewood. The process was properly handled, people were certified, they applied to the position and were given the position. If they hadn’t gotten the position, someone else would have gotten it, it would have cost the Village the same amount of money no matter what. His objection is that early in the tenure of the Councilwoman, she voted on a Civil Service related ordinance in an affirmative vote, and he feels that she should have recused herself in that vote.

Mr. Lehman stated that he is not working on behalf of a campaign, but he is speaking for himself because he is upset and deeply disappointed by the Council’s performance. He addressed Councilman Hache and stated that at no point would he ever say that a House of Worship in this town would collude with anyone on this dais for any particular reason. He just thinks for Councilman Hache to use the word collude, and to accuse him of using the word collusion, is totally and egregiously incorrect. His objection is to the optics, when a sitting public official takes any amount of money, it looks terrible for the Village of Ridgewood.

Mr. Lehman stated that he is painfully familiar with how Civil Service works, and he understands it very well. He is also painfully familiar with the issue of ethics and optics. Mayor Knudsen stated that she did not take money, and before dragging people’s names through the mud at least ask them to respond before emailing to people.

Jim McCarthy, 153 Hope Street, stated that generally he tries to adhere to the country saying to never wrestle a pig in the mud because you get dirty and the pig likes it, except when the pig nails the mud to his front door. He thought that the inferences contained in the mailer and the email were stunningly riddled with falsehoods, there inferences were clear and unmistakable. He stated that what Councilman Hache did was difficult and out of character for someone who is not up for election, but he applauds him for rejecting something that he thought was morally repugnant for the implication. If it’s a random game of chance as he believes it is, the Mayor took nothing, she won something, it’s the same as being hit by lightning with its randomness.

Mr. McCarthy stated that he sees nothing but mean-spirited false unnamed sources and reports. If you go to Jamboree and ask if there is any record of the Mayor profiting from her 10 plus years of involvement they would say there is no record of that. Those cascading seeds of doubt are vile poison put out for the purpose of discrediting the Mayor today, and tomorrow it could be anybody else. He thanked Councilman Hache for trying to set a higher bar for the conduct and the discourse in the Village.

Greg Brown, 444 Linwood Avenue, stated that he wanted to thank the Council for their service. He added that the Hudson Street garage is the nicest of all of the iterations that he has seen to date and he especially liked the fact that there is the opportunity to possibly convert space into retail at a certain point. He felt they should not put meters back on the street parking but place some sort of paying kiosk for both sides it would be great. Secondly, he wanted to bring up, as we get into Spring and Summer, that Ridgewood seemingly has more restrictive ordinances related to what residents can do with water, and as far as he knows they haven’t quite passed anything that restricts the other towns in the same ways.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he agrees with Councilwoman Walsh regarding WaterSmart, as he also got his bill this week. He received his electronic notice before the paper bill and paid it immediately. Upon receiving the paper bill he felt there was enough information for all of his needs, and he did not see spending $500,000 for more information. How much he used and how much he owes is really all he needs to know.

Mr. Loving stated that he was somewhat disturbed about the proposal regarding bands. As 11:00 P.M. is the time for many adults to go to sleep, but he is a grandparent to a four-year-old and an eight-year-old that go to sleep earlier. There have been occasions where bands are playing very loud, so having a band play until 11:00 P.M. is not good. Who determines whether it is loud or not. If you are right next door to people with a rock band playing, 11:00 P.M. is kind of late if you have children. Granted if there are nothing but adults that’s one thing, but he doesn’t know many neighborhoods with nothing but adults. The reason that people move to Ridgewood is for the schools, and there are a lot of kids that need to get to bed early at night. He added that he would strongly object to one or two nights a week when a band can play until 11:00 P.M. It doesn’t make a difference how loud they are, there has to be a decibel level restriction put on this, and there must be something that the Police can do if it is really disturbing. Mr. Loving encouraged the Council to think about the children before passing anything.

Gail McCarthy, 153 Hope Street, thanked the members of the Council for serving. She also thanked the Council for presenting a very nice compromise to what was presented a few years ago. She thinks the garage is a very nice design and she thinks a lot of people would be excited about it. As far as the design goes, she is concerned as a young man from Northern Highlands jumped off of the Garden State Plaza parking garage fifth level recently, so she asked that when the Council is looking at the open level on the top floor, to consider putting the railings that curve out so that it makes it difficult for anyone to do something like that.

Lorraine Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Avenue, stated that a few minutes ago, they heard Mr. Lehman say he never said Mayor Knudsen voted on Police and Fire. She wanted to read from his email which he sent that seemed to negate his statement. She stated that she listened to the tape, and that everyone should listen to the full tape, which she summarized to say that they are talking about non-competitive Civil Service civilian jobs, which is what the Mayor was advocating for. Ms. Reynolds added that at the end of the tape the former Mayor of the Village stated that he was glad the Village had residency requirements for Public Safety.

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she wanted to quote and paraphrase slightly, earlier this evening Councilman Hache said something that really bears repeating, just because you have the right to do something does not mean it is the right thing to do, which she thought was perfect.

10. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Deputy Village Clerk Donna Jackson read Resolution #18-144 to go into Closed Session as follows:

11. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Walsh, seconded by Deputy Mayor Sedon, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 10:53 P.M.

______________________________

                                                                                                     Susan Knudsen                            

Mayor                        

______________________________

              Donna M. Jackson

           Deputy Village Clerk