20180523 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 MAY 23, 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 7:30 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 Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney; Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk.

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, the Paramus teacher and 10-year-old student who lost their lives last week in the tragic bus accident, and all those who are suffering through this tragedy.

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Before beginning Public Comment, Mayor Knudsen stated that Andrea Volter and Mary Ann Kranz of Olive R. Twist would be saying a few words about their business. Ms. Volter stated that Olive R. Twist Olive Oil Company at 34 Wilsey Square just opened. She stated that they were an olive oil tasting room, with approximately 64 different varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegars. The balsamic vinegars are from Modena, Italy, and a barrel aged. There are light vinegars and dark vinegars, and there are traditional and some infused with flavors. The olive oils are from around the world. Ms. Volter stated that right now they have the Northern Hemisphere crush which was crushed in November of this past year, and they have oils from Italy, Portugal, Spain and California. They also have about 30 different olive oils that are infused with flavors.

Ms. Volter stated that their website is www.olivertwistoliveoil.com and they would begin selling online shortly. Their hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Thursday from 12:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., and Sunday from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Ms. Kranz stated that they would be having their Grand Opening, which Mayor Knudsen will be attending, Saturday, June 2^nd at 10:00 A.M. There will be goodies, handouts and tastings. She added that they are truly a tasting room, so visitors can taste anything that they want before actually deciding to purchase it, which is a nice way to shop.

Cynthia Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that she was speaking as the President of the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands and a resident for 49 years. It came to her attention at Candidates Night that the Council must still be planning the destruction of the train station plaza. Both the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor spoke of increasing parking spaces there. Ms. Halaby stated that she has been paying careful attention to all Council Agenda’s since July 2017 and this topic has never come up. To her knowledge, there has never been a single Public Hearing on this and she thinks it is very wrong not to bring the public up to date with these very drastic plans that the Council has. She stated that the original plan was to eliminate the island by approximately 80%, cutting the 38-foot-wide strip to 9 feet. She added that the plan shows the cutting down of seven trees, and that only one needs to be removed because of its bad condition but the remaining ones are healthy, mature trees, most of which are just in need of pruning.

Ms. Halaby stated that this green and inviting area provides a pleasant vista to those using the train station and in good weather people enjoy the area, and during the summer season of the Farmers Market it becomes a delightful pocket park which attracts residents and visitors alike. She stated that she was aware that the Age Friendly group had been in contact with the Council because they would like to put benches there. When Age Friendly Ridgewood expressed their concern about the removal of much of the space, the Mayor’s response was the island would be reduced not eliminated, allowing for ample sidewalk and greenery. She questioned how it was possible to state that when there was a 9-foot strip with a 4-foot ADA compliant walkway in it, leaving 5 feet. Ms. Halaby stated that was not ample space for greenery.

Ms. Halaby questioned whether this area was listed in the Ridgewood Recreation Open Space Inventory. She stated that they must also be conscious of water conservation, as the replacement of grass with tarmac and cement would remove yet another porous area which provides precious water to our aquifers. She added this was a shame and a dreadful legacy that would be left by removing this area. Ms. Halaby stated that during the recent campaign, Preserving Our Village was a popular refrain, but this does exactly the opposite.

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, stated that she was pleased about the Historic Preservation Leadership Award that was received by Isabella Altano posthumously, and she wanted to remind everyone to carry that forward as there were suggestions of naming the Zabriskie Revolutionary Park but considering the award, she wanted to look at naming it after Ms. Altano. Ms. Lima stated that she wanted to thank Ms. Mailander for being flexible with some new approaches in the League of Women Voters and the elections. They tried to do things a bit earlier such as getting profiles about the candidates on their website. She added that following the storm last week, she knew that Ms. Mailander and the Council had been working hard to make sure that the town was in good shape afterwards.

Ms. Lima stated that she had seen a lot of police activity on East Glen Avenue, trying to control and improve the speeding and safety. She pointed out that it acts like a road where people drive very fast, but also like a street where there are children and pedestrians, and the additional police presence is very helpful.

Ms. Lima stated that she sat for an hour under the bridge watching the traffic near the Steel Wheel Tavern at their intended valet location and she can’t imagine valet, taxi drivers, and double parking happening on that corner. She added she was also concerned about the $31,000 that the Village is spending on TYCO, as she doesn’t think it was bid out and TYCO has been working with the Village for ten years, adding that they were great with the bears but not helpful with lost dogs.

Eleanore Howard, 218 North Maple Avenue, stated she was before the Village Council regarding the parking at the train station. She stated that she didn’t know the plan exactly, but she had heard a few things, and she was asking the Village Council to refrain from replacing or reducing the train station walkway at Garber/Wilsey Square. To squeeze 22 plus commuter parking spots for compact cars is really unnecessary at this time, fiscally foolish, and does not serve any increased commuter parking demand. Today many commuters partially remote for work and many residents order online; things are changing. Residents and visitors value the Village for much more than just parking spaces and open space. This plan to fiddle with the train station commuter lot feels like a major solution to parking problems and there are many other things to consider. Ms. Howard asked that the Village Council not spend taxpayer dollars on this unnecessary capital expense at this time because once done there is no turning back.

Ms. Howard stated that about eight years ago when the train station was refurbished with $40 million the Village went to great lengths to protect the island pathway as it presented itself as a natural greenway, open space to be preserved in a sea of parking macadam. She added that any transportation hub generally seeks such open space for the safety of pedestrians and the drivers within a very congested parking lot, also for storm water management and ambiance, as well as historical significance. Ms. Howard stated that it was about time they viewed transportation, public open space, and pedestrian usage holistically and plan accordingly. Pedestrians are commuters many people walk to the train station from the West Side and are running to the train on this very path as the lawn is free from the long line of hectic drop-offs. She added that children from the East Side of town walk there everyday to get to GW, apartment dwellers are there with dogs, and shoppers are strolling there. Ms. Howard added that she was there six days a week, twice a day.

Ms. Howard stated that commuters use the walkway to access their cars without worrying about being hit by the many drop-offs and parking commuters. She asked the Village Council to consider safety, as during peak pickup and drop-off times the parking lot is hardly a safe place to walk, especially now that Uber drivers unfamiliar with the area consistently clog the station at peak hours. Additional parking spaces will congest and back up the entranceway in both directions, causing traffic issues for Franklin and Godwin. It is difficult now and 22 more cars will make it worse. She added that emergency vehicles need room at the station. The open space may very well be utilized in the future for a transit emergency.

Ms. Howard urged the Village Council to consider development, as the town has three major upcoming developments underway. With such density of pedestrians and cars, the little open space needs to be maintained for the Village to retain some vestige of its popularity as a town people want to spend time in. Considering flooding, ever since the large trees were eliminated there is flooding at the entrance. She also asked the Village Council to consider the Farmers Market.

3. DISCUSSION - PARKING

1. Redevelopment Plan - Ordinance

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council had a request to the Planning Board to have a Redevelopment Plan prepared for the Hudson Street Parking Lot area, which is Block 3809, Lots 12 and 13. It was given to the Planning Board and her understanding is that they recommended to the Village Council for adoption. She added that Councilman Voigt and Mayor Knudsen were present at the meeting and asked whether they could fill in additional information.

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Village Planner, Brigette Bogart, went over the plan with the Planning Board. There were a number of questions and some concerns on the part of some members that this was the equivalent of their stamp of approval for a garage and they had to allay those concerns because this is not their approval of a garage, rather their approval of a Redevelopment Zone Plan. Ultimately, going through all of the discussion there was a thorough explanation by Ms. Bogart about the Redevelopment Plan, about the lots, and how they could be used. Mayor Knudsen added that Councilman Voigt asked whether or not high-density multifamily housing could be built there. The answer was no because it’s the Village property, so the Village has control over it and the lot now is going to be a garage which is already in the plan, which reflects that. Mayor Knudsen added that it was approved by a majority vote and the ordinance reflects the Redevelopment Plan.

Ms. Mailander moved forward to a Special Public Meeting to introduce the ordinance for the Redevelopment Plan. 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. DISCUSSION

1. Ridgewood Water

 

1. Award Professional Services – Water Rate Study

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this resolution was an extension of services for Howard Woods, the expert hired by the Village for the Water Rate Hearings. It is for an additional $9,000 since the Water Rate Hearings are continuing and Mr. Woods’ knowledge is critical in this matter.

Councilman Voigt questioned what the $9,000 was for, to which Ms. Mailander responded it was for his appearance and review of the expert report from the Plaintiffs as well as his preparation for June 25^th. Mayor Knudsen requested the total thus far, to which Ms. Mailander stated she would provide that.

1. Parking

 

1. Timeline for Hudson Street Parking Garage

 

Ms. Mailander stated that she wanted to lay out for the public as well as the Village Council what each step is going to be along the way. Tonight, the Redevelopment Plan was discussed and the ordinance was introduced to adopt the Redevelopment Plan. On June 5^th at the Planning Board Meeting, the Hudson Street Parking Garage will have a courtesy review by the Planning Board. On June 11^th at 7:00 P.M. in the Court Room there would be an Open House with various tables, Epic Management, Tim Haahs Architects, Mr. Rooney, Mr. Rutishauser, and it is not an official Council Meeting but an opportunity for the public to come in and look at the materials and ask questions. It is anticipated to run for about an hour or an hour and a half. This is an opportunity for the public to have input. June 13^th is a Regular Public Council Meeting where there will be a Public Hearing and consideration for adoption of the Redevelopment Plan for Block 3809, Lots 12 & 13. On June 14^th there will be a courtesy review by the Historic Preservation Commission of the Hudson Street Parking Garage Project. On July 1^st at the Village Council Reorganization Meeting the Village Council will introduce the Bond Ordinance for the construction of the Hudson Street Parking Garage. On July 18^th at the Village Council Regular Public Meeting there will be Public Hearing and consideration for adoption of Bond Ordinance for Hudson Street Parking Garage Project. On August 8^th, at the Village Council Regular Public Meeting there will consideration of the resolution for Award of Contract to Epic Management for the Hudson Street Parking Garage Project.

1. Budget

 

1. 2018 Estimated Tax Rate

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village was looking to do estimated tax bills as it does each year, to mail out no later than June 30^th. This way, the Village is assured that the third quarterly tax payment due date will not have to be extended due to delays at the County in certifying the Village tax rate. The total estimated levy is $150,451,749.56, this includes the municipal levy, municipal open space, the County levy, the Library, and the school levy, resulting in an estimated tax rate of 2.590 per $100 assessed.

2. Somerset County Cooperative Pricing – Fleet Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there are various cooperative purchasing organizations, and this Somerset County Cooperative Pricing System is a quick way to be able to obtain parts for Fleet Services that have been competitively bid.

 

3. State Contract Purchase – Police Department Carpet Replacement

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this was discussed last month, and it was going to be on the agenda for May 9^th, unfortunately the State Contract number was incorrect. It has been looked into further and the right State Contract number has been found, and it is ready to proceed for the June 13^th Public Meeting, and it will be awarded at that time.

1. Policy

 

1. Proposed Encroachment Agreement – Olive R. Twist LLC

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Olive R. Twist was looking for an Encroachment Agreement for goose neck lights on the store façade that will protrude over the sidewalk into the right of way of Wilsey Square as many other store fronts do. They have applied to the Historic Preservation Commission for this and the Village Engineer has prepared a resolution for the Village Council to authorize the execution of the encroachment into the right of way.

 

2. Paint the Town Purple & Orange Ribbons

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Paint the Town Purple is to bring awareness of the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life, and this is done through Ridgewood High School Project Interact. June 2^nd from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. they will be giving out fliers and collecting donations throughout the Central Business District and they would like to tie purple ribbons on the four large trees that face Ridgewood Avenue by Memorial Park at Van Neste Park.

In addition, for Gun Violence Awareness Month in June, the Ridgewood High School Project Interact (RHS PI) group would like to be tying orange ribbons around trees throughout the Central Business District. They will also be responsible for removing them at the end of June, and they were conscientious in saying that they would be removed before July.

Ms. Mailander stated that there is going to be a Public Forum on June 2^nd, which Deputy Mayor Sedon will speak about in his Council Report. Mayor Knudsen added that Project Interact is amazing as is Nancy Reilly, their Teacher Advisor.

 

3. A Frame Sign Ordinance

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the A Frame Sign Ordinance was signed and adopted in December 2016 to allow stores to put out A-Frame signs which had to be a certain size and width and couldn’t block the sidewalk. There is a thought to expand this ordinance to be a display area where there can either be A-Frame signs, a sheep, a mannequin bust, or some other type of display.

Mayor Knudsen stated that she and Councilman Hache had worked with Brigette Bogart on a couple of initiatives for some better signage and opportunities for businesses to promote themselves. She added that looking at the A-Frame sign and understanding that some businesses have received violations for different displays, they decided to think outside the box and recognize that the A-Frame sign takes up five square feet of real estate on the ground. What if they took five square feet and allocated it in any configuration that a store owner wanted to utilize as long as they got the appropriate permit. That would allow more flexibility and not confine anyone to just the A-Frame sign.

Councilman Hache stated that in the discussion at the second Central Business District Advisory Committee Business Forum, some of the concerns from the business owners was that there was not enough flexibility in terms of having their own expression in how they would like to market their business. He added that it doesn’t allow enough individuality for the businesses to market themselves. When the idea was brought up as having the A-Frame as that piece of real estate on the sidewalk it was well-received. Some of the concerns was that they were blowing away and laying flat, and they wanted to make sure from an enforcement standpoint it is specified what are the things that can be used to secure it. Councilman Hache stated that the change would bring a bit of life into the downtown.

Mayor Knudsen stated that before any work was done with Ms. Bogart or Mr. Rogers having to look at it, she thought everyone should have a conversation first and then the Council could decide how to proceed as it gives businesses an opportunity to promote themselves in a more individualized way. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that everything has to be approved by permit, so if somebody wanted to do anything that was out there they probably couldn’t get a permit for it. Mayor Knudsen agreed, adding that one business had a bicycle and it was chained to the building, so it was secured, but right now that would be a violation and that business would get a summons, but they could put products in their basket and decorate it. She added that with this change, Betsy the Sheep would be able to come back out as well. Mayor Knudsen stated that she would reach out to Ms. Bogart to move forward. Ms. Mailander stated that the ordinance would be brought back to the Work Session in July.

 

4. Extension of Electronic Signs in Windows of the CBD

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the enforcement on these types of signs in the Central Business District was suspended about this time last year, and then was extended again until June 30^th. At this point, the Council needs to make a decision whether to extend it again. She added that the Planning Board was going to be coming back with a recommendation as to how to handle this sign, but it has not yet been received and she wasn’t sure when it would be expected. Ms. Mailander stated that she wasn’t sure if the Council wanted to extend this to October 31^st or December so that the Council would definitely have the decision, as the Village Council would need two months to adopt it.

Mayor Knudsen stated that this was the television or LCD monitors that are in the stores as displays. She added that Little Skye Boutique has theirs orientated as a portrait and have it displaying clothing. There was a lot of confusion as to what exactly the Village Council was looking to fix in that, but it became difficult and cumbersome so for that reason it fell off the radar. She added that December 31^st is the best idea so they could sit with Ms. Bogart to clear up the language.

 

5. Authorization to Sign Seasonal Contracts/Agreements for Recreation Department

 

Ms. Mailander stated that every year, especially during the summer months, the Recreation Department accomplishes hires and completes agreements with various businesses. This includes entertainment venues for the day camp, camp supplies, and tent rentals. They have a festival day and also do bouncy houses. Right now, as with all agreements, it is Village policy for the Council to pass a resolution and for the Village Manager, the Mayor, and the Village Clerk to attest to the agreement. In order to expedite the process, especially for the summer months, Mr. Rooney, the CFO, is recommending that Nancy Bigos, the Director of Parks and Recreation, have the authority to be able to execute the vendor agreements of $5,000 or less without a resolution. Anything over that dollar amount would come to the Council. Then, the authorization would come again for the Village Manager, Mayor and Village Clerk to sign the agreement. Ms. Mailander stated that this would certainly make things go more quickly and would allow the Recreation Department to order the things they need to for their summer activities.

Councilwoman Walsh questioned whether a dollar amount could be added in the aggregate. Ms. Mailander stated that could be done, adding she would find out how much was usually spent total and then she would go from there.

1. Operation

 

1. Authorizing the Historic Preservation Grant for the James Rose Center

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the James Rose Center is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit educational foundation headquartered at the historic register listed former home of landscape architect, James Rose, a pioneer of American environment design, located on East Ridgewood Avenue near the High School field. They are seeking a grant from the Bergen County Open Space Trust to support their ongoing efforts to repair and improve this important site. In order to do so, they need the Village Council to say they acknowledge they are applying to Bergen County Open Space. This does not obligate any funds from the Village, it merely allows them to apply for this grant.

 

2. Reject Bids – School Bus Transportation Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated that bids were received on April 24^th for day camp transportation. It was discovered in the bids and bid documents that there was no provision for transporting disabled summer campers and therefore they are recommending that the bids be rejected, and the reference work be re-bid with an inclusion for transporting handicapped or disabled summer campers as well.

4. MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Last Week’s Storm – Ms. Mailander stated that she wanted to thank everyone for their help during last weeks storm, including Parks, Streets, Police, Fire, EMS, OEM, and everyone who was out there during that brief, intense storm. A lot of residents were without power and she wanted to thank PSE&G as they worked swiftly this time. She appreciated everyone coming together as a team and getting it cleaned up as quickly as possible.

Public Wi-Fi – Ms. Mailander stated that she was pleased to announce that Public Wi-Fi was now available at Village Hall, The Stable, and at Graydon Pool. It is a very simple process to register, with your name, email, and zip code. You may use the same name for all electronic devices that you have. She wanted to thank Dylan Hansen, IT Director, for getting this up and running in time for the Village’s busy summer recreation season.

 

Power Loss During Storms – Ms. Mailander stated that given the frequency of storms, if you lose power, please call PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734. If you continue to be without power, call PSE&G to notify them of that fact, since you may be one of only a few that don’t have power and PSE&G may not be aware of it. You may also download the PSE&G app on your electronic device to get updates of areas without power. All of this information can be found on PSE&G’s website: www.pseg.com.

Memorial Day Service – Ms. Mailander stated that on May 28^th there will be a Memorial Day Service at 11:00 A.M. in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square sponsored by the VFW.

Graydon Pool – Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool would open for the season on June 2^nd and will be open from 10:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. on that day. The Recreation newsletter has a family coupon for up to $40 off registration for Ridgewood residents, which expires July 15, 2018. Proof of residency will be required. Registration can be done online at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass or at the badge office, during regular pool hours.

Summer Day Camp – Ms. Mailander stated that Summer Day Camp registration, for Ridgewood children entering grades 1 through 6, is now open. This popular Day Camp usually has a waiting list, so please sign up as soon as possible. Registration is available online at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass.

Art in the Park – Ms. Mailander stated that on June 1^st, Art in the Park will be held at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, sponsored by the Ridgewood Guild. The Ridgewood Guild’s annual Music in the Night also begins on June 1^st. This provides musical entertainment, throughout the Central Business District on Friday nights, through August 31^st.

Primary Election – Ms. Mailander stated that on June 5^th, the Primary Election will be held. Polls are open from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. The last day for the County to receive a request for a Mail-in Ballot is May 29^th. Voters may vote in person at the County Clerk’s Office in Hackensack up until 3:00 P.M. on June 4^th.

60^th Annual Kasschau Memorial Shell Performances – Ms. Mailander stated that the 60^th annual Kasschau Memorial Shell performances will begin on Thursday, June 7^th at 8:30 P.M. This program brings free performances every Tuesday and Thursday night, through August 9^th. On Thursday, June 14^th, there will be a 60^th Anniversary celebration for the Kasschau Shell, with a performance by the Ridgewood Choral, which was the group which performed at the first performance at Kasschau Shell in June of 1958, where there were 3,500 people in attendance.

Village Office Closure – Ms. Mailander stated that all Village offices will be closed on May 28^th, in observance of Memorial Day. There will also be no garbage or recycling pickup on that day, and the Recycling Center will also be closed.

5. COUNCIL REPORTS

 

REAC and the Green Team – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that REAC and the Green Team met on May 15^th and there were discussions about the wrap-up of Earth Day and the Daffodil Festival and they have already started very preliminary discussions about next years event.

Gun Violence Awareness Program – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that on June 2^nd there would be a Gun Violence Awareness Program involving the Mothers Demand Action from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. near the front of Memorial Park at Van Nest Square. There will be some speakers and educational material about responsible gun ownership, safety, and education.

Arts Council – Councilwoman Walsh stated she wanted to thank everyone that attended the Film Festival. Scott Rosenfeld came for the Ridgewood Arts Council and it was wonderful and she thinks everyone really enjoyed his presentation. She wanted to thank Dana Glaser who invited him and put most of it together.

Chamber of Commerce – Councilman Hache stated that the Chamber of Commerce will have its 91^st Annual Installation Membership Networking and Recognition Dinner on June 12^th at 6:00 P.M. at Park West Loft.

Maple Field – Councilman Hache stated that work on the replacement of the turf at Maple Field has begun. The old turf was removed two weeks ago, and they have already started to install the new product and it looks great, as it is probably more than halfway done by now. This is a new generation of turf products with interwoven blades and once the turf is laid down and the infill is put in it will look even better because it will spruce up the blades and look very plush.

Charitable Contributions – Mayor Knudsen stated that there were a number of discussions about the charitable contributions as a deduction and how that would be set up, adding that they expect that the Village Attorney will work through some details on that and will talk about that on June 6^th. Ms. Mailander added that the Village is waiting for the State as they are going through the rule-making process currently. It is still questionable as to whether or not the IRS will accept this, but the Village would follow what the State does.

Library Board of Trustees – Mayor Knudsen stated that the Library Board of Trustees had a meeting on May 22^nd and they unveiled their renovation project which is a very ambitious plan. It’s broken into two parts, the Main Library and the Auditorium. The Main Library is to have a sweeping staircase in the center that is the focal point coming into the Library with a more flexible layout plan to accommodate different types of activities and private events as well. That one piece is about $5 million and if the Auditorium is squared off that adds another $1.5 million to the project. That does not include the landscaping on the exterior which would be impacted by the squaring off of the back of the Auditorium. They would require the Village Council to bond and would be seeking some grant money through the State of New Jersey which has made arrangements to have some funding available; it is a matching grant. Mayor Knudsen stated that they would be going public with the plan. They are anticipating that the Library will be closed anywhere from 10 to 14 months and they will know more details depending on the extent of the work. If they desire to do both parts of the project they would want to do them together putting a much bigger price tag on it.

 

Fifth Annual Michael Feeney’s Best Day Ever – Mayor Knudsen stated that the Fifth Annual Michael Feeney’s Best Day Ever is scheduled for June 9^th at 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., anyone interested on participating can register at CommunityPass. This year’s activities will include the color run, zip line, carnival games, inflatables, bandfest, food and drink, face painting, DJ and more. Tickets in advance are $20 per person, $50 for the family; at the gate $25 per person, $75 for the family. There will be a range of ages that will be accommodated.

6. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that for the last years they have been complaining about the quality of the sound in this building and he urged the Council to get it done as he tried very hard to listen and he couldn’t hear half of what was said. He added that something has to be done to improve the quality of the sound here. Mr. Halaby stated that he had no idea on the cost but that it was critical.

Mr. Halaby added that as part of the garage, last time when the firm came before the Council and he went to one of the presenters and stated that he needed to ask about the finances, he was told that his question needed to be submitted in writing to the Village Council. He assumes on the 11^th people will be allowed to speak openly and the engineering company will be open to really discuss things. He added that he was very concerned about the economics of the garage as at some point there had been talk about hiring a firm that would analyze this, but he doesn’t think he heard Ms. Mailander mention that. In the last two years, since the garage was turned down, a friend of his in the construction business said that costs are up as much as 30% and rates are up. He doesn’t have the comfort that the work is being done through someone independent who is responsible and would look after the Village’s interests in terms of the economics and would do a careful analysis. Mr. Halaby added that he feels very uncomfortable about the economics because he needs someone who is independent who can look at the economics and tell the Village what everything is all about.

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, stated that tonight there was talk about the Purple and Orange ribbons and she was wondering what donation the students were raising money for and if it was a specific cancer society. Ms. Mailander stated that it was the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life.

Ms. Lima questioned whether the grant for the James Rose Center was on the Village Master Plan as an historic building. Mayor Knudsen stated that she was sure it was. Ms. Lima questioned that when the Council agrees to allow them to pursue grant money if it was hurting any of the Village’s future grant money that it might need from the County or if it didn’t have any impact. Mayor Knudsen stated that this was public comment.

Ms. Lima stated that she noticed at the Habernickel Farm, that the barn which is supposed to be maintained by the town is in disarray and falling apart. So, before it gets demolished it would be great if someone could take a look and repair it before it would have to be torn down. She added that Vanderbeck House which is at 249 Prospect at the corner of Maple is falling apart as they are not keeping up with it. She is unsure if the Village owns it or if there is an owner there and she is concerned that down the road it would be demolished. Ms. Lima stated that the Zabriskie-Schedler House wasn’t on any agendas that she saw, and she was looking for a date for the replacement of the roof. She also questioned what the use of the house is going to be as she didn’t know what the final recommendations are and what the final designations of the land were.

Ms. Lima stated that the town garage, the contamination, and what the plans are for cleaning that up hasn’t been on the agenda for a long time. She added that the Duck Pond, which the town does not own, has been in disarray for several years and she was seeking the Village Council’s help to influence the County to see what they were planning to do because it is getting terrible. She added that it had been a few months since there was talk about Graydon and the tree and she wanted to know what the Village was planning to do with it and what would be replanted.

Ms. Lima stated that paving the rest of the lots in the downtown parking area has not been on the agenda and she was looking forward to understanding when that was going to get done. In looking at the Walker Report and listening to Epic Management she believes that they said the useful life is somewhere between 30-40 years depending on how well you keep up the maintenance and she was wondering what happens after that point. She questioned whether those fees for demolishing it would be included in the $10 million, if that was future or in these current economics.

Ms. Lima added that regarding the May 2^nd meeting related to TYCO and lost dogs. They don’t call back anyone and don’t even text. People have had to form their own network in Paramus, Ho-Ho-Kus, Glen Rock and Fair Lawn. There is a network that posts into 16 different internet pages and get in contact with the local police, but she felt that TYCO should be doing more. Ms. Lima added that for the Senior Center for twelve folding tables the cost was $7,800 and she felt she could go to Staples or Bed, Bath and Beyond and get them cheaper.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Wild Duck Pond Renovations, Saddle River County Park, County of Bergen for $1,350,000 Public Hearing on June 14^th in Hackensack. Councilman Hache added that it would be $2.3 million as there were two sets of funding, and they had to redo all of the engineering work that was done a few years ago because the aquifers are running so low and they were trying to use a gravity-based system to get the water into the pond. So, there will be some pumps and they will also spend money on improving the landscaping to make the place nicer. The lighting will also be redone for the pond.

Mayor Knudsen stated that the historic Vanderbeck House was actually sold as a foreclosure at an auction and is in private hands, and has been before the Historic Preservation Committee, but it is on both the State and National Registry. So, they are committed to doing at least the best they can to preserve it but there is a likelihood that it might be demolished.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that the Star Ledger and the Record’s websites reported earlier today that the IRS is issuing new rules and the IRS believes that what New Jersey is trying to do is nothing more than an attempt to circumvent the tax law and they have said that they will not have any part of that. He mentioned that because in Ridgewood there is an average property tax of $17,000, the cap now is $10,000 and tonight they have talked about a $10 million bond for the garage and perhaps a $6 million bond for the Library. Mr. Loving stated that they have to think now that since property taxes are no longer completely deductible to do they want to move forward with these types of projects.

He is particularly concerned about the garage because there has been discussion that they are going to try to build this garage and not have any impact on the tax rate in the Village. There has also been mention that any increased parking rates and change in time amounts to nothing more than an increase in tax. So, he was still somewhat perplexed about how the Village planned to move forward and spend $10 million if it hasn’t figured out how to pay for this without increasing parking rates and property tax. Mr. Loving added he was very much looking forward to the upcoming discussions, although he was somewhat concerned because there didn’t appear to be any date that was completely dedicated to talking about the finances. He added that with the IRS saying that there is absolutely no way the State can circumvent the new law, it was troubling to him that the Village was proceeding full speed ahead.

Mr. Loving stated that with respect to the Library, he was absolutely mortified that they planned to close for 10 to 14 months. He added that he didn’t think the Council should allow them to do that and should say no way to any bond unless they could figure out how to keep that building open and continue to serve patrons through their renovation. Closing for 10 to 14 months is totally unacceptable as you can see at any time how busy that building is. He encouraged the Village Council to not allow them to do it.

Mr. Loving stated that there was an item on the Closed Session Agenda that is somewhat unclear because there are acronyms used that the public is not aware of, so he would appreciate an English explanation of what WPCF-NSU is so that the public has some idea what is being discussed in Closed Session. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that WPCF is the Water Pollution Control Facility, Ms. Mailander added that NSU is the bio-gas project.

6. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Deputy Village Clerk Donna Jackson read Resolution #18-165 to go into Closed Session as follows:

7. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Sedon, seconded by Councilman Hache, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 8:38 P.M.

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                                                                                                     Susan Knudsen                            

Mayor                        

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              Donna M. Jackson

           Deputy Village Clerk