20181010 Village Council Public Meeting
A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOD, NEW JERSEY ON OCTOBER 10, 2018 AT 8:00 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Hache called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Hache led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as in a Moment of Silence to honor the brave men and women serving in our armed forces and all our first responders.
Sonia Aurelia, owner of Soni’s Skincare Studio, stated that she is a licensed skincare specialist who has been practicing in the State of New Jersey for almost fifteen years. Their mission and goal is to offer highly personalized beauty treatments. Ms. Aurelia stated that she is humbled and grateful for the opportunity that the Village of Ridgewood has given her store, which will soon open its doors in the next two to three months. Soni’s Skincare Studio will be located at 27 Godwin Avenue.
- ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of September 30, 2018, be accepted as submitted. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Mayor Hache moved that the Village Council minutes of September 12, 2018 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PROCLAMATIONS
- NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH
Councilman Voigt read the following proclamation:
- BLINDNESS AWARENESS MONTH AND RECOGNITION OF 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF VISION LOSS ALLIANCE OF NEW JERSEY
Councilwoman Knudsen read the following proclamation:
- RECOGNITION OF “THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA’S STORY – THE WALL” TRAVELING EXHIBIT IN RIDGEWOOD
Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:
Mayor Hache invited Commander Bob Paoli of the American Legion to accept a copy of the Proclamation to honor the traveling exhibit. Commander Paoli stated that “The Spirit of America’s Story – The Wall” is a National traveling exhibit and this is the first time that it will be in the Northeast and in the State of New Jersey.
- PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION – 2018 U.S. NATIONAL TAEKWONDO CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM
Mayor Hache congratulated Master Kim and his students on their performance at the 2018 U.S. National Taekwondo Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the school continued to have success in this competition. There were over 5,500 athletes participating from all over the United States. Mayor Hache stated that most of the students present at the Council Meeting tonight received at least one medal, earning eight gold medals, eight silver medals, and six bronze medals. He commended their hard work, discipline, and courage.
One of Master Kim’s students, Tony, stated that Taekwondo All-In, has been attending local, State, and National Championships for half a decade. This gives athletes an opportunity to show their passion for the sport, and an opportunity to compete at a World Class level. Tony stated that one of the students is ranked number one nationally. He spoke about commitment and sacrifices that all of the students had to make, stating that the athletes trained almost daily throughout 2018.
Mayor Hache presented Master Kim with Certificates of Recognition from the Village of Ridgewood for each of his students and coaches.
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Charles Reilly, 448 North Maple Avenue, questioned whether the Village Councilmembers knew that when they voted to restore the public vote on the school budget that the schools would be closed for their spring break, when the vote would occur. He stated that a substantial number of parents and others would be out of town on that date, and it would be an unfair election because many people are out of town, particularly those that are directly affected by the vote on their children’s education. Mr. Reilly stated that saying that Absentee Ballots would be available is not acceptable, since this provision is a burden as compared to being able to go down to the voting booth and voting yes or no.
Mr. Reilly stated that the Village Council has the job of ensuring that any public vote maximizes the participation of all of those involved. Since the Village Council’s decision causes a vote to occur when a substantial number of people will not be in town, they are burdening a substantial number of potential voters and creating an unfair election that cannot be cured by an absentee vote. He added that there was a substantial question whether the Village Council was buying itself a lawsuit by having a vote when they know many voters would not be in town on Election Day.
Mr. Reilly stated that instead of rushing over the summer to vote on changing the date of the Board of Education election, and ignoring the advice of the Board of Education, the Village Council should have considered that any vote would be occurring on a day that was inappropriate for such a vote. He stated that the Village Council should reconsider their vote to move the Board of Education election to April in 2019, and agree to rescind that decision.
Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, stated that the Building Department has come down hard on a lot of the businesses in town. He heard of a new incident last week with Playa Bowls being given a citation for putting balloons outside the door for an event. He added that when the owner questioned the Building Department regarding receiving a warning, the answer was that no warnings are given for this and they should go to the website to see what the ordinances are. Mr. Damiano added that he felt that it was creating a turmoil throughout the CBD, and encouraged the Village Council to take a look at it.
Mr. Damiano stated that regarding the kiosks, if a customer comes into town for a $1.25 coffee, they are now paying seventy-five cents to park the car. He stated that the kiosks should accept quarters, and many people are expecting the machines to make change after putting a dollar in, which it doesn’t. Mr. Damiano questioned if the pole where the meter heads had been and the arrows are now pointing to the kiosks, if that was a temporary situation or if it would be happening throughout town because he thinks they look awful.
Mr. Damiano stated that he had a customer from Suffern who stated that they use the Ridgewood Train Station parking lot at the three hour meters, and uses the Parkmobile app to recharge the meter for the past year. He added that nothing is being done to monitor this repeat parking.
Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, stated that there are no longer Absentee Ballots in New Jersey, and they have been replaced with Mail-In Ballots. She added that it is a very easy system, and other states that only have vote by mail, their participation is very high and they are very informed. She stated that Mr. Loving pointed out at the Board of Education meeting, that some people are on vacation on Election Day in November, and they use Mail-In Ballots.
Ms. Gruber stated that she wished to thank Ms. Mailander and Mr. Rutishauser for getting Bergen County to assist with the de-snagging of Kings Pond, adding that she really appreciates it, as it will make a great difference. She also stated that she was happy to see the bond ordinance on the Zabriskie-Schedler House on the agenda. Ms. Gruber added that she agreed with Ms. Loving that a unisex bathroom would be appropriate for this house.
Ms. Gruber stated that at the Historic Preservation Awards last year the theme was “This Place Matters,” and they talked about the beauty of rehabilitating structures, adding that she was happy that the Village was undertaking the Zabriskie-Schedler rehabilitation because it was money well-spent for the future.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he attended the Board of Education meeting this past Monday, where the topic of the school board election date was discussed. He stated that he was happy that the Village Council adhered to the regulations of the Open Public Meetings Act and did not participate in that meeting, because the notice of a joint meeting between the Board of Education and the Village Council was not given. He added that he appreciated that the Village Council did not put themselves in the position of being criticized or having legal action taken against them by participating in that meeting.
Mr. Loving stated that he attended the Board of Education meeting during the public comment section, and there were twenty-five people who spoke about the topic at hand, of which twenty-two were in favor of having the election in April and three believed it should remain in November. He added that of the three individuals who wanted to keep the election in November, not one mentioned that they would be away in April.
Mr. Loving stated that it is pure speculation to suggest the number of people who might be away during the course of that week, and unless Mr. Reilly and the Board of Education has some data, it is purely speculative. He thanked the Village Council for taking the necessary action to move the election to April, as he believes that is the best time for it to be held.
Hyun-Ju Kwak, 278 Claremont Road, thanked the Village Council for making what she thinks is the right decision regarding moving the Board of Education election to April. She stated that it was really about preserving the right to vote. She added that it was suggested that the Board of Education is the only entity capable of making a decision on a budget of this size, however, there are no specific qualifications for elected Board of Education members. Ms. Kwak stated that as a taxpayer, citizen, and resident of this community, she wants to be part of the dialogue and feels she should have the right to vote on the budget and that can only happen in April.
Ms. Kwak stated that when the Village Council decided to move the Board of Education election from November to April, it was done in a bona fide process. She added that there was a robust discussion that was held, which was well attended. Finally, she pointed out that vote by mail does not invalidate the voting process at all. She added that moving the election to April is about preserving residents’ rights to have a dialogue about the budget, which can only be done when there is a vote.
Mayor Hache addressed some of the concerns that were raised during public comment. He stated that in regard to moving the Board of Education election, it was not about what was convenient, instead, it is about a fundamental right to vote on the budget. He added that it is inappropriate to not listen to people and to assume that the Village Council rushed into this decision is incorrect, as they have had numerous discussions regarding the Board of Education vote. Mayor Hache added that it was also inappropriate to assume that voters are too stupid to vote on the budget because they don’t have the expertise of going line by line on a school budget.
Mayor Hache stated that going into effect as soon as Monday, the parking kiosks will function as the old parking meters did, by accepting coins, with a quarter giving twenty minutes. Parkmobile, however, will continue with a one-hour minimum. He added that the poles where the old meters were will remain for the time being, because they are a convenient place to put the signs directing individuals to the parking kiosks. Mayor Hache added that once the parking kiosks go into effect throughout the downtown, they won’t need the poles anymore.
He added that regarding the individual who was doing repeat parking at the train station with the Parkmobile app, with the kiosks, the license plate readers allow for better enforcement, and focus on the zones rather than the space. Once an individual has hit the three hour limit in that zone, it doesn’t matter what space is being used, it is all in the same zone and will eliminate the moving of the same cars amongst two or three parking spaces, which happens quite often.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that regarding the Board of Education election, a statement was made about the importance of public participation in a vote and a concern in regard to school vacation in April. However, presently there is zero participation in a budget vote, because it is not accessible to the public with the election in November. She added that at the League of Women Voters Luncheon, Sheila Oliver, New Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor, spoke so eloquently about her passion for preserving historic sites and buildings throughout the State of New Jersey. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that after hearing the Lieutenant Governor speak so eloquently about the Schedler property, it reinforced all of the hard work that the Village Council is doing at that property.
- MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood Water is hosting a series of Open Houses to provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about Ridgewood Water’s regular maintenance, system upgrades, and compliance with new and evolving regulations for drinking water. There will be no formal presentation; instead, professional staff and technical experts from Ridgewood Water will be there to speak one on one regarding water quality matters of interest or any other Ridgewood Water matters, such as water usage at one’s home. Two community Open Houses were held last week in Midland Park and in Wyckoff. They will host one tomorrow night in the Annie Zusy Youth Center in Village Hall from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., and then in the Glen Rock Borough Hall on October 15th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Public participation in these Open Houses is encouraged.
Ridgewood Water and the League of Women Voters are sponsoring a Water Forum on October 17th at 7:00 P.M. in the Ridgewood Library Auditorium. The featured speaker will be Debbie Mans, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Ms. Mailander stated that the leaf placement schedule begins next week in Yard Waste Area A, on October 16th. A yellow postcard has been mailed to all homes in Ridgewood, which lists the 2018 leaf placement schedule for each area. Leaves may be placed in the street, along the curb line, only during the specific leaf placement dates for each area. Once a street has been picked up, a picture is taken with a date and time stamp. Ms. Mailander explained that if residents put their leaves out after the final placement date for their area, they may receive a summons. She encouraged residents to make their landscapers aware of this schedule, if necessary. This schedule, as well as any weather-related changes, can be found on the Village website.
Ms. Mailander congratulated the Ridgewood Fire Department, as they have been awarded six sets of ballistic vests and helmets for their trained members through the Bergen County Department of Emergency Management. All of the Ridgewood Fire Department personnel have been trained in active shooter and this award is based on them having this training. The Village of Ridgewood was one of only four municipalities in Bergen County that was awarded this equipment.
Ms. Mailander stated that Fire Prevention Week is this week. She attended a fire prevention luncheon along with Councilwoman Knudsen and Councilman Sedon, held for all school principals after fire drills at each of the schools. George Washington Middle School got everyone out of the school the fastest. As a reminder, the Fire Department Open House will be held October 21st from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at the Fire House.
Ms. Mailander stated that the final day for voter registration for the November 6th General Election is October 16th. Registration will take place in the Village Clerk’s Office from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., and then from 4:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. in the Library lobby. Those who have recently moved to Ridgewood, or those who have moved within Ridgewood should register as there may be a change in their polling location.
Ms. Mailander stated that Mayor Hache will begin ‘Meet the Mayor’ this Saturday, October 13th from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. in the Caucus Room on the fourth floor of Village Hall. Please call the Village Clerk’s Office to make an appointment.
- COUNCIL REPORTS
Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Sedon stated that the Shade Tree Commission met yesterday evening, and he will have a lot of great things to report at the next Council meeting. He stated that the elm tree, which will replace the sycamore tree at Graydon Pool, has arrived. They also received an assessment of the Village trees in the tree wells in the Central Business District (CBD), from a consultant who has been working with the Shade Tree Commission. The Shade Tree Commission will make a presentation on this at a future Village Council meeting. Councilman Sedon stated that in reviewing the report initially, a lot of the trees in the CBD are in very bad shape.
ACCESS Ridgewood – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this weekend is ACCESS Ridgewood 2018. On October 12th, all of the Village schools will be offering films and discussion about special gifts and special needs. Senior Programming entitled, Aging Smartly, is 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. on Friday at the Village Hall Community Center. Martha Masters and Jester Jim will perform from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on Friday evening in the Library Auditorium, including pizza and ice cream. On Saturday, October 13th the family concert will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. in the Library Auditorium, and the Community Fair will be held immediately after that, in the courtyard between the Library and Village Hall. The highlight of the weekend is the fashion show in the Auditorium from 1:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. There will be food and music in the courtyard following the fashion show. RSA at BF will be Ridgewood High School girls’ soccer taking on Village Police and Fire Departments. Sunday, October 13th is the Interfaith Community Service at 303 Prospect Street. This is all part of the Community Access Committee which meets monthly and works all year long to put this program together, amongst other things.
Ridgewood Arts Council – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Ridgewood Arts Council is working on a couple initiatives, including looking at the future Hudson Street garage and the art banner installation they might consider for a section of the new parking garage. They are also looking to find some old bike racks within the Village that a metal worker is then going to clean, scrape, and paint them fun and exciting colors and put them all throughout the Village.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they were also working on an empty storefront initiative and have drafted a letter to send out to shop and building owners. They will hopefully be working with the CBD Advisory Committee, and will reach out to Councilwoman Walsh for the Chamber of Commerce and the Ridgewood Guild to see if they could work collaboratively to put together a list of empty storefronts and do an outreach to register them to have an artist go in and do an installation.
Councilwoman Knudsen added that they have also had a discussion about a holiday window contest, and they are hoping that the Village Council will be the judges. This will foster excitement and more foot traffic in the CBD during the holidays.
Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board meets Tuesday evening.
Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Chamber meeting was this morning, and the topic of the parking kiosks and Parkmobile came up. She expressed to the members that the kiosks are new, there is a learning curve, and the better the kiosks work, the more kiosks there will be throughout the Village. This allows the Village to track how many people are parking, the hours they are parking. She reiterated all of the benefits of using the kiosks in terms of knowing where parking is needed, and the new parking hours in the CBD. She added that the Chamber members were very grateful that the kiosks are there and working, but understand that there are some glitches in the process.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that Parkmobile is still working and people can continue to use that as opposed to going to the kiosks. She stated that one individual requested that Parkmobile allow half hour increments.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that there were between twenty-five and thirty women for Ladies Night Out sponsored by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, and they visited stores and service providers from the west side to the east side. Ridgewood Sale Days were very successful as well. Restaurant Week will be in January, and some restaurants are looking into the possibility of a third week, because last year was very successful.
She added that November 30th will be Downtown for the Holidays, and encouraged people to mark their calendars.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that CBDAC had spoken about the Plastic Bag Challenge, and some of the merchants were concerned about what they could do if someone hadn’t brought their own bag as it could be costly to provide paper bags.
Councilwoman Walsh added that Jeanne Johnson has done a great job with organizing Walktoberfest, and the Chamber wanted to remind everyone to walk into Ridgewood and shop.
Community Center Advisory Committee – Councilman Voigt stated that the Community Center Advisory Committee was meeting next week. He thanked Ms. Mailander and Dylan for installing a projector in the Community Center Annie Zusy Room.
Citizen Safety Advisory Committee – Councilman Voigt stated that next week is the Citizen Safety Advisory Committee meeting.
Central Business District Advisory Committee – Mayor Hache stated that CBDAC meets tomorrow and will continue the discussion regarding single-use plastic bags.
Senior Bus – Mayor Hache stated that he had a discussion with some of the residents at Ridgecrest and there was some concern that the senior bus has not been very reliable and has broken down a few times. He reached out to Bergen County which has significant resources, and they will lend the Village a vehicle which will be used as a backup vehicle. The vehicle the County can lend the Village is not the same type of vehicle that the Village currently uses, but in the next couple of weeks the same vehicle will become available to the Village for use.
Oktoberfest – Mayor Hache stated that October 18th is the Oktoberfest celebration hosted by Park West Tavern. All proceeds will go to the Grosso family.
- RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-296 THROUGH 18-299, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- ORDINANCES
- INTRODUCTION - #3674 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Designate Flex Parking Spots for Central Business District Employee/General Public Parking – Cottage Place Parking Lot
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3674. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3674 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-1 “DEFINITIONS” AND SECTION 265-29, “PARKING METER ZONE DESIGNATED.”
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3674 be adopted on first reading and that October 24, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3675 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Parking Permits and Central Business District Employee Parking Stickers and Hangtags
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3675. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3675 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS.”
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3675 be adopted on first reading and that October 24, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3676 – Bond Ordinance – Zabriskie-Schedler House Restoration and Rehabilitation
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3676. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3676 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $400,000 FOR PHASE II IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ZABRISKIE-SCHEDLER HOUSE IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $380,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF.
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3676 be adopted on first reading and that October 24, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: Councilman Voigt
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3677 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Designate Fairfield Avenue as Through Street
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3677. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3677 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-58, “SCHEDULE VIII: THROUGH STREETS.”
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3677 be adopted on first reading and that November 28, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3678 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Stop Intersection at Driveway and Parking Prohibited on Driveway into Irene Habernickel Family Park
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3678. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3678 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX “STOP INTERSECTIONS” AND AT SECTION 265-65, SCHEDULE XV “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES.”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3678 be adopted on first reading and that November 28, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3679 – Management Salary Ordinance
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3679. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3679 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON-UNION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2018.
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3679 be adopted on first reading and that November 28, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3680 – Non-Union Salary Ordinance
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3680. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3680 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF NON-UNION EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2018.
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3680 be adopted on first reading and that November 28, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3681 – Amend Chapter 105 Animals – Poultry and Fowl
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3681. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3681 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 105 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, ANIMALS, AT SECTION 105-18, “POULTRY AND FOWL.”
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3681 be adopted on first reading and that November 28, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3682 – Amend Chapter 260 – Trees and Shrubs
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3682. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3682 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 260 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, TREES AND SHRUBS.
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3682 be adopted on first reading and that November 28, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3672 – Amend Chapter 3, Administration of Government – Article VIII – Residency Requirements for Civilian Titles
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3672 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3672 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, ARTICLE VIII OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, ENTITLED “RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS.”
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3672 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3673 – Amend Chapter 244 – Smoking
Mayor Hache stated that ordinance 3673 was introduced by the Village Council on September 26, 2018. This ordinance must obtain input from the Planning Board, due to the fact that it also amends zoning. Due to the fact that the Planning Board will be meeting on October 16, 2018 to discuss this ordinance, the Public Hearing on ordinance 3673 will be continued to a Special Public Meeting to be held on October 24, 2018. Anyone wishing to comment on this ordinance this evening may do so, since the Public Hearing was advertised for tonight. In addition, anyone may comment on this ordinance at the October 24, 2018 continued Public Hearing. Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3673 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3673 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 244 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE
OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “SMOKING”, TO CREATE A NEW ARTICLE IV
ENTITLED “TOBACCO SHOPS, CANNABIS SHOPES AND ELECTRONIC
VAPOR SUBSTANCE INHALATION SHOPS
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing on ordinance 3673 be continued to October 24, 2018. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-300 THROUGH 18-312, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RESOLUTION 18-311, WHICH WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-311, 18-313, AND 18-314 WERE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
Prior to the vote on Resolution 18-313, which is to authorize the purchase of 111 North Maple Avenue (the Ridgewood Elks Club), Councilman Sedon stated that there were many options provided to the Village Council and not going with this option they would be left with renovating the Wortendyke property in Midland Park, which floods easily. The building at Wortendyke is roughly 100 years old, and it would generate a number of change orders. The price to renovate that property is relatively close to the cost of the Elks Club property. He added that the purchase of the Elks Club will allow Ridgewood Water to consolidate their offices, and it is also important to bring the Water Department and the control system out of the flood plain. Councilman Sedon stated that given all the options he was voting yes.
Councilman Voigt stated that he has the utmost respect for the Water utility. He explained that the Elks Club property was valued at $900,000 and they are spending $1.1 million. The original estimate was in the $1.5 to $1.6 million range for upgrading this property, that estimate then went to $2.5 million to $2.7 million, and the revised estimate is now $4 million to upgrade this particular property, which concerns him. He added that the Water Utility is currently in litigation with its ratepayers in surrounding towns which has the possibility of costing millions of dollars.
Councilman Voigt stated that regarding PFOA and PFOS contamination, this issue will cost Ridgewood Water tens of millions of dollars, if not more, to filter our water. He added that there was an article in The Record today that talked about a $3 million cost for each 1 million gallons per day. Councilman Voigt added that there is a 100 year old Water Utility infrastructure which is in desperate need of replacement pipes and pumps, that he feels should take precedence over buying a building. He added that there were also several wells that were off-line which created water restrictions in the Village. This $1.1 million could be better spent to get the wells back
on-line. He also added that the Village Council was provided with a worst case estimate of $150,000 to renovate the vacated space in Village Hall, which has not been factored into the total cost.
Councilman Voigt stated that at the end of last year, Ridgewood Water had about $11 million in short term assets on the balance sheet. There are exposures to more important issues and exposures to capital improvements well in excess of $11 million. He felt that paying another $4 million with $2 million from a bond ordinance doesn’t make sense. He added that the Village Council has a fiduciary responsibility to do their best to control costs. Councilman Voigt added that Ridgewood Water needs to do some upgrades, including the SCADA system and bathroom upgrades at the Wortendyke facility, but that won’t cost $4 million, so his vote was no.
Councilwoman Walsh agreed that she has the utmost respect for the Water Company employees, who were gracious enough to take the Village Council on a tour of all of their facilities so they had a true understanding of the Water Department and why they wanted to consolidate. She felt that there wasn’t an argument for consolidating, and the challenge that she has had since the beginning of the process is that for twenty-five employees they are going to be housing them in a state of the art building costing upwards of $4 million. She added that there was a possibility that the building could also be demolished and rebuilt, which was one of the options that may be considered, depending on what is found as they explore the building.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that she felt strongly that there was a lot of vacant office space in the immediate area, perhaps not in Ridgewood, but an easy and commutable distance from Ridgewood. She added that this project was perhaps too much for the Water Department and that they could find some other office space nearby for less money. She is not as concerned with owning the last property adjacent to the municipal campus as she is with spending $4 million for a building to house twenty-five employees.
Mayor Hache stated that he went back and forth on this decision, adding that from the original proposal he was initially in favor with the understanding that they are in the middle of a large capital infrastructure improvement project for the Water Utility which extends beyond tanks, pipes and wells, and goes into operational efficiencies. His hope at the time was they would have enough offset in terms of the sale of other properties, resulting from a consolidation of personnel and other things into this new space, that they would have a hard dollar offset. When looking at the locations and challenges of those locations, it doesn’t appear that the market value to create that offset is there. Mayor Hache added that it still doesn’t negate the fact that Ridgewood Water could benefit from the operational efficiencies and the ability to consolidate.
He added that he wasn’t concerned with having the last contiguous space on the municipal campus either, but they have looked at some of the efficiencies in terms of having some Water Utility operations consolidated into the current Elks Club building. Mayor Hache stated that when they looked at all of the options they were left with having to demolish and reconfigure this facility somewhere else, which would cost slightly more, and in some cases significantly more, than it would be to fund this project, so he was voting yes.
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Charles Reilly, 448 North Maple Avenue, stated that he wanted to thank Ellie Gruber for clarifying the procedure for Mail-In Ballots. He added that this is the same cumbersome procedure that is involved with Absentee Ballots, the only difference being that you don’t have to prove why you are using the ballot. He stated that the Village Council doesn’t need data as to where parents are in February and April recess. He added that when his children were juniors, he was looking at colleges, which isn’t even mentioning the other activities which occur during that time.
Mr. Reilly stated that in terms of the qualifications of School Board members, he was the President of the New Jersey School Board Association which is mandated by statute to instruct and teach school board members through many hours of training to be a school board member, including school finance. School board members have books that they have to study and be tested on, on three different levels of school finance and school budgeting. They have to study and earn credits, and many school board members become Master School Board members.
Mr. Reilly asked any attorney to show him in the New Jersey or United States Constitutions where there is the fundamental right to vote on a school budget. When the New Jersey Legislature passed legislation six years ago saying that school boards could eliminate the vote on the school budget, provided they stay within the mandated caps, 97% of school boards did so with no challenge. He added that the school board members don’t think that residents can’t review school budgets and make a decision, his concern is that the Village Council is not prepared to review a Board of Education budget within the short timeframe that they have to do so. Mr. Reilly stated that historically, if a budget wasn’t passed, it went back to the school board. To have someone come in to reduce the Board of Education budget who has no responsibilities relating to day to day operations of the schools, is not appropriate.
Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that she spoke at the School Board meeting and she felt that having a school board election during a school break was inappropriate. While she understands the motivations, they need to put the pause button on moving the Board of Education election to April now that they know the date, and reconsider this decision. Ms. Winograd stated that there were three ways that the Village Council could do this, which Ms. Mailander had mentioned, through referendum, on the ballot as a non-binding referendum to get a pulse check from the community, or citizens can petition. She stated that she is concerned, because when the school board presented before the Village Council in July, they provided great reasoning and the Village Council didn’t take the time to let it marinate. She feels the Village Council should have taken the time to think about the vote. Ms. Winograd added that she thinks the non-binding referendum is a great way to determine whether the majority of residents wish to change the Board of Education election to April.
She added that Newton, New Jersey is currently talking about consolidating their services which is a great pulse check and could be on the ballot to get a general idea as to how the whole community feels about this. Ms. Winograd added that there has been a lot of talk about the Mail-In Ballots, however, New Jersey as a State has not undergone a significant marketing campaign regarding the Mail-In Ballots. Chris Christie as a Governor vetoed AVR a number of times, and there hasn’t been much progress with voter rights. She added that at the State level, they haven’t begun to explore voter rights fully. She stated that in November 2017, 432 Ridgewood residents voted by mail-in ballot, and in May of this year, 403 Ridgewood residents voted by mail-in ballot.
Ms. Winograd stated that when talking about voting statistics, there are approximately 17,000 voters registered and 25,000 residents. She stated that when adults begin to fight about these things, the kids lose. When the Board of Education budget gets cut, it means less services for the kids, typically on the chopping block are bussing, and extracurricular activities. She added that the last time they reduced the budget it was by 0.01%.
Ms. Winograd stated that the League of Women Voters questioned Sheila Oliver specifically about this, as she believes Ridgewood is one of the outliers in terms of off-cycle elections. She added that these off-cycle elections where there are 6% to 7% of the population voting, the Council should be looking at enhancing that vote. She truly feels that the role of government should be to increase the general vote.
Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, stated that with all respect to Mr. Reilly, 97% of school boards voted yes to change the date of the Board of Education election, which doesn’t mean anything because the school boards wanted to change the date of the election, and we don’t know what the residents wanted. She added that Ms. Winograd’s point that there are 17,000 registered voters in Ridgewood, she finds very high, considering the total population and the number of children.
Ms. Gruber stated that this could all be solved by the school board in next year’s calendar by changing the date of the school break in April to accommodate the election, which would make it easier for everyone to vote in April.
She added that Celeste Walsh’s program is excellent for the Girl Scout Award, and she suggested giving Councilman Voigt a reusable water bottle that he could fill at the refillable water bottle station.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that one of the Councilmembers had said that if the school board election is in November, no one can vote on the Board of Education budget, but if it is in April, everyone can vote on the Board of Education budget. She pointed out that there were six months between now and April, and if the BOE was bound and determined to get a lot of people out, they have six months to do it. She added that voting by mail is very easy, and for some people it is easier than going to the polls. She felt it was insulting to suggest that people won’t vote by mail.
Ms. Loving stated that it is becoming increasingly clear that the argument against the April voting is not whether the April date conflicts with the school vacation, to her it sounds very clear that there are some people that just don’t want citizens to have the right to vote. She added that she completely agrees with Mayor Hache that voting is a fundamental right, whether it be for a local political office in a small town or for the President of the United States.
She added that she was shocked to hear a formal board member suggest that possible legal action might be taken against the Village Council when what the Village Council did was restore the residents’ legal right to vote.
Steve Kim, 291 Highland Avenue, stated that regarding the school budget voting, he tells his kids that voting is empowerment. He added imagine if he told them that voting is empowerment, except when there is school vacation week or because he can’t find the mailbox or doesn’t want to do research, is wrong. He stated that with the right to vote, there is voting participation, and when there are zero rights there is zero participation. Mr. Kim pointed out that China, North Korea, and Russia have close to 100% voter participation but zero voting rights. He stated that in the United States, we have the right to vote and people should also have the option to vote. He added that the Board of Education budget should be communicated to the residents, and sold to the residents, because the residents are funding the Board of Education budget. Mr. Kim added that almost everybody could figure out the school budget and he was happy to assist anyone in reviewing the school budget.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that it is that time of year where they are approaching election season and he has written a letter to the Village Manager that they are seeing election signs that have been unlawfully placed between the curb and the sidewalk. He added that last year, the Village Council passed an ordinance that prohibited that, but for some reason there are still election and other signs which are posted in that location. Mr. Loving stated that the reason the ordinance was adopted was because it is a safety hazard, and creates sight line difficulties for drivers and pedestrians.
He added that he spoke with a Village employee about one of those signs in front of the Park West Tavern, and he was told by that Village employee that he wasn’t authorized to remove the sign. Mr. Loving stated that it was his opinion that every Village employee should be deputized to remove the election signs that are unlawfully placed. He added that since it is a safety hazard, he doesn’t see why it is only the responsibility of the Code Enforcement Officer, as the Police Department should be allowed to do the same thing.
Mr. Loving stated that there was talk about the parking kiosks this evening, and there was some confusion on Columbus Day as to whether money was due in the meters and kiosks. He stated that the Village Code makes it clear that it is a holiday, however, it has been reported that people were being directed to pay that day. He added that he asked the Village Manager if any summonses were issued, and she promised she would get back to him. Mr. Loving added that it was his thought that if any summonses were issued, they should be voided without having to come to Municipal Court, and if these summonses were already paid, they should be refunded.
Mr. Loving added that he believed there was an error in Resolution 18-314, because the lot and block number listed are the same for the well and the private property that Ridgewood Water is buying.
Mayor Hache stated that there was no discussion from the Village Council about when and where people were going on vacation during the time of the April election, and he added that the qualifications of the school board members was never brought into question. He emphasized that residents have a fundamental right to vote, which is one of the beauties of being a citizen of the United States of America, regardless of what the vote is. Mayor Hache added that he was at the Board of Education meeting on Monday, and he will ask for a transcript, but he remembers Mr. Reilly speaking about the Councilmembers not being qualified to vote on the Board of Education budget, but also the residents not having the capacity or understanding of the school budget to be able to vote on it, which offended people who were there.
Mayor Hache stated that Ridgewood wants to pride itself on being different from the other 97%, and for people to move here and put their kids in school because they are like 90% of the State, he felt that the Village should strive to do better than the majority. He added that with 25% of the population not being registered to vote, in speaking with Dr. Fishbein regarding the SRO and his contention that only 25% should be funded by the school board, because only 25% of the residents are in the schools.
Mayor Hache added that he didn’t know why the campaign signs were not being removed. Councilwoman Knudsen asked whether people had to be deputized to remove those signs. Ms. Mailander stated that an E-Notice will be going out, as well as being placed on the website. Within the ordinance, several people were deputized to remove the signs. Councilwoman Knudsen asked whether stickers could be created that state that the sign is illegally placed in the right of way, when the sign is put back on to the residents’ lawns. Mr. Rogers added that there was a difference between enforcement and being able to remove an illegally placed sign. If a sign is in the right of way, there is no authority needed to remove it, and to write a summons on it is different. He added that if a sticker is being placed on the signs, his thought is the signs may as well be removed. Councilwoman Knudsen added that when she sees signs in the right of way, she finds them visually distracting and it becomes dangerous. Ms. Mailander stated that they would move forward with removing the signs placed between the curb and sidewalk.
There were no additional public comments.
- ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Knudsen, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 10:07 P.M.
______________________________
Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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