20190116 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 JANUARY 16, 2019 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.
- ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of December 31, 2018, be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Knudsen 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 October 3, October 24, November 7, November 28, and December 12, 2018 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PROCLAMATIONS
- JAMBOREE DAYS
Councilwoman Knudsen read the following proclamation:
Dave McCarthy, Jamboree Producer, stated that on behalf of the Producers, creative team, crew, and many people including 147 parents who give up a lot of time to put on this production, they wanted to thank the Village Council, members of the Village government, and all of those individuals in town who have supported Jamboree year after year. He stated that it is part of the community service fabric of this town, which makes Ridgewood a special place.
- SWEARING-IN OF POLICE OFFICER PATRICK DALY
Ms. Mailander swore in Police Officer Patrick Daly, while his mother looked on and his girlfriend held the Bible.
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, stated that on behalf of the League of Women Voters Water Committee, they have drafted and submitted to the Village Council a resolution for their review regarding the Village no longer buying PET single use plastic water bottles, with public funds, because they are ridiculously expensive. She added that the water isn’t better than the tap water, and the unrecycled plastic bottles are terrible for the environment. From a taxpayer’s point of view, paying 200 times more for water in bottles than tap water doesn’t make any sense, as it is a needless expense. Ms. Perrin stated that as ratepayers, they pay for and fund a safe, well-run water utility. The League asks that the Village Council show their faith in the Ridgewood Water utility. She added that the manufacturing of plastic and the garbage it produces, is devastating our water, air and soil. She encouraged the Village Council to educate residents and lead by example when they adopt this resolution.
Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, stated that she wished to continue what Ms. Perron had stated in conjunction with the League of Women Voters, adding that she would like to recite what the resolution entails. The resolution is to discontinue non-emergency municipal purchase of bottled water. She continued to read the resolution, emphasizing that Ridgewood Water tests our drinking water over 42,000 times a year, maintains stringent disinfection treatment practices, monitoring, and high operational standards in accordance with Federal and State Drinking Water Quality Acts. Ms. Lima added that just 28.4% of PET bottles are recycled, and the volume of plastic debris in the waterways and ocean harms marine life.
Yishane Lee, 235 Emmett Place, stated that she was continuing the League of Women Voter’s proposed resolution. She stated that Ridgewood parks and fields fill with discarded plastic water bottles that Village employees must clean up, at taxpayer expense. She completed reading the resolution and encouraged the Village to no longer purchase PET plastic water bottles except for emergency situations. She encouraged reusable drinking bottles and increasing the availability of potable water for refilling of these bottles.
Robert Upton, 172 West Glen Avenue, Chair of the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC), stated that he was speaking in support of the League of Women Voters’ bottled water resolution, and offered additional supporting facts. He stated that the drink companies produce 500 billion single use plastic bottles per year, and it is estimated that the energy used to create the bottles is equivalent to filling each bottle one-quarter full of oil. Mr. Upton shared additional facts, adding that the bottles break down into micro plastics that enter the food supply. He shared brands where micro plastics were found in the water. He added that bottling companies do not have to publish their testing results.
Claire Hurst, stated that she has lived in Ridgewood for 25 years, and added that in addition to the data cited in the resolution, it is mentioned that the bottles themselves have petroleum resins. She added that for the U.S. demand alone, more than 1.5 million barrels of oil per year are used to manufacture these bottles, which is equivalent to the amount of petroleum it would take to fuel about 100,000 cars per year. It is stated that about 28%-29% of the bottles are actually recycled, and that fewer companies are purchasing these end products for recycling. Ms. Hurst stated that as of last year, China is banning the import of foreign waste, and we are scrambling to find places to export our garbage. These materials never completely degrade, but break down into micro plastics and it might take 500 years or more for them to do so. It takes seven times more water to create the bottles as the bottle themselves contain. She added that it was sad for her to see that there was more and more trash around town, pointing out that if there was just one more thing that the Village could do to help this situation by adopting the resolution, then they should.
Hans Lehman, 234 Union Street, thanked the Mayor and Village Manager for their help with the ice on Union Street, adding that he felt additional help was required. He asked the Village Council what they wanted to be remembered for, because over the last two years he has wondered about this. He spoke about the parking garage, which is space neutral, because when adding the number of spaces on the lot to those that were available on the two defunct car dealerships (Brogan and Ken Smith), you gain very little. There will be 33 parking spaces created at the train station, to the chagrin of some residents, yet the Village is still short some 1,000 spaces by most estimates. Mr. Lehman stated that the Village Council stood against high-density housing, and despite their objections, all four projects are proceeding.
Mr. Lehman stated that the leaf collection has had mixed results. He spoke about the leaf collection that occurred on their street, pointing out that he had to clean up the apron of his driveway and bring the leaves to the recycling center himself. He added that Mr. Rutishauser and his team had been out to take care of the leaves that were left.
Cathy Brienza, 364 Graydon Terrace, stated that she was there supporting the League of Women Voters, in asking that the Village not use public funds to pay for single use plastic water bottles. She added that they are bad for everyone’s health. She was not going to go over the statistics again, but pointed out that the Village Council must think about Ridgewood’s identity. She stated that using public funds for something that damages people’s health should be contradictory to what residents stand for as a Village.
Nancy Greene, 125 North Maple Avenue, Director of the Ridgewood Public Library, stated that she and the Library Board President, Gail Campbell, wanted to give an update on how the library is doing. She thanked the Village Council for their outstanding support and stated that she was going to focus on their adult programs tonight, and the things that bring people together in discussion. She stated that they have seven different book discussion groups currently, which serve 20 different community groups. They have ongoing classes in creative writing, memoir writing, and conversation groups in various languages. Ms. Greene reiterated that she appreciates the support of the Village Council that enables the people from our community to come together and discuss things.
Gail Campbell, 221 Greenway Road, stated that as the President of the Library Board of Trustees, she wanted to address the issue about having an alternative to the original Reimagine the Ridgewood Public Library Plan. She stated that right now, the Library Board of Trustees do not believe that an alternative plan is needed, as the current plan is only in the concept phase of the design process and can be modified, if necessary, in later stages of that project. The New Jersey State Library Board has been slow in issuing regulations for New Jersey Libraries to apply for the $125 million grant that was approved in November 2017, under the New Jersey Library Bond Act. The amount of the grant that the Village receives will have an impact on the scale of any renovation project that the Village undertakes. Ms. Campbell stated that to conserve money at the current time, especially because the regulations have not been issued, they were not planning to engage an architect to create a new plan. They have continued to refine the original plan, while seeking further community input, and beginning to raise support through donations. They have formed a Capital Campaign Committee and are planning to launch their campaign to seek private donations in the near future.
Ms. Campbell stated that they were proud to announce that Harlan Coben, Willie Geist, and Rosie Pope have graciously agreed to be the honorary Chairs of the Capital Campaign. She added that if anyone has questions about the project, they were happy to respond, and welcomed members of the public to attend their Board meetings. The next Library Board meeting is Tuesday, January 22nd at 7:30 P.M. at the Library.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she recently worked with Charles, in the Ridgewood Library’s computer lab, who was fantastic. She added that she didn’t understand why Bond Ordinance 3698, will establish funding for both street paving and the purchase of a bus, which seemed like an odd combination.
Paul Vagianos, 280 Rivera Court, stated that he saw a few ordinances to amend the café ordinance in town, and asked if he could get a copy of the proposed ordinance so that they could review it. Ms. Mailander stated that she could send it to him tomorrow, as it isn’t something that is given out prior to the meeting because sometimes there are changes until right before the meeting. She added that she would also email it to the Guild and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Vagianos asked if they would also have an opportunity to comment on the ordinance changes. Ms. Mailander stated that he was welcome to come to any meeting to comment on it, and could also speak at the Public Hearing on the outdoor café ordinance February 13th.
Councilman Sedon added that there were also copies of the ordinance that he could look at in the sunshine binder. Ms. Mailander added that was correct.
There were no additional comments from the public.
Mayor Hache asked Ms. Mailander why street paving and the senior bus were on the same bond ordinance. Ms. Mailander stated that the Village adopts part of the General Capital Bond Ordinance early on, so that the funding is available to bid out certain items. Paving is essential so that it can be bid out in early March and hopefully begin soon after that. She added that the current senior bus is not as reliable as it once was, and so they would like to be able to have the funding available in early March, so a replacement bus can be bid out. She added that these two items have been deemed necessary to do early on, and an overall General Capital Ordinance and Regular Budget, as well as the Water Capital Ordinance and Parking Utility Ordinance, will be introduced in March or April, and then adopted in April or May.
- MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that on Friday, January 25th from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Glenwood Road from Upper Boulevard to Ho-Ho-Kus will be closed all day because the Village will be doing tree trimming and removal work during that time. This notice is on the website, and the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus has also been notified. Information may also be posted in the Ho-Ho-Kus Train Station. She added that the Village hasn’t heard back as to the final decision from NJDOT regarding their final decision on whether Glenwood Road will be made one-way or closed down completely, going to the Ho-Ho-Kus train station.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Premium Parking Permits have sold out. Non-Premium Permits are available for $975 which allows parking in the Chestnut Street Lot, North Walnut Street Lot, Cottage Place Lot, and the Route 17 Park and Ride. There are Hudson Street Permits available for $1,300. She added that all of these are prorated by month, and the Hudson Street Permits will be converted into a ride share program when construction of the parking garage begins. It also requires the purchase of a 2020 Hudson Street Permit to continue the ride share program while the parking garage is being completed. She added that anyone who would like to purchase a permit must bring in their driver’s license and registration, or a photocopy of them, with their application. Ms. Mailander added that there are applications on the Village website, where they can be filled out, downloaded, and brought in to the Reception Desk in Village Hall.
Ms. Mailander stated that Christmas trees are being collected through the month of January. Tuesdays on the East side, and Thursdays on the West side between 8:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Residents can also drop off their trees in the roped off section of the Graydon Pool parking lot.
Ms. Mailander reported that leaf collection has finished in the Village. Leaves can be collected and placed in biodegradable paper bags and put between the curb and sidewalk, or if there is no sidewalk then at the edge of the street. Once the leaves are in bags, the Streets Department should be called to pick them up. The pickup of the bagged leaves will continue through the end of January. Leaves can also be brought to the Recycling Center for disposal, but leaves may not be placed in plastic bags.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration will take place Monday, January 21st at 10:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church at 100 Dayton Street. The theme is “Lift Every Voice, Now More Than Ever”. The guest preacher will be Reverend Gregory Jerome Jackson and the guest speaker is Ms. Nancy Giles.
Additional events this weekend include a film, ‘King in the Wilderness’ on Friday, January 18th at 7:00 P.M. at the Ridgewood Library. Saturday, January 19th at 4:00 P.M. there is a Social Justice Panel Discussion led by Attorney General Gurbir Grewal at All Saints Episcopal Church in Glen Rock. Ms. Mailander added that on Sunday, January 20th at 4:00 P.M. there will be a gospel concert at Mount Bethel Baptist Church.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village of Ridgewood will be hosting its Inaugural Floodplain Management Symposium on Tuesday, January 21st at 7:30 P.M. in the Court Room. Staff from the Engineering Division and Building Department will host an open forum on topics ranging from purchasing in the flood plain to filing a flood related insurance claim with insurance companies. Village staff would like to hear from realtors and insurance agents about their experiences and residents are invited to hear firsthand about this topic. Additional discussion will be about flood preparedness and flood protection.
Ms. Mailander reported on the Zabriskie-Schedler property, stating that the historic architects are currently in the process of pre-qualifying contractors and will then have them bid on the project. The Ridgewood Building Department has reviewed the initial plans for the historic preservation of the house and submitted them to the architect. She added that within the month of January the written report on the results of the archaeological investigation on the property should be completed. The Village Council should be able to discuss this report in February.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Chamber of Commerce and Valley Health System will be hosting three restaurant weeks. One is this week, and then the 20th through the 24th, and the 27th to the 31st. Each location that is participating is preparing a three course prix fixe menu at $30.19.
Ms. Mailander stated that in the Graydon Pool fee ordinance, it states that the Graydon Pool Non-Resident Guest fee was not applicable as previously there was no fee. The proposed fee is $20. In other words, the reason it is non-applicable is because previously, the Non-Resident Members were able to bring guests and were charged the regular guest fee. The guest fee for Non-Resident Members is now a separate category, with a $20 fee.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Bergen County Housing Authority was pleased to announce the opening of the Section 8 housing choice voucher program waitlist. They will accept pre-applications through this Friday, January 18th. A random selection lottery will be conducted to select 350 applicants to be placed on the waitlist and the applications are online. You must be 18 years of age or older, or be an emancipated minor in order to apply. This waitlist only opens once every several years, so she encouraged residents to pass along the information to those who may be eligible for this housing.
Ms. Mailander stated that all Village Offices will be closed on Monday, January 21st in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. There will be no recycling or garbage pickup on that day and the Recycling Center will also be closed.
- COUNCIL REPORTS
Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) – Councilman Sedon stated that last night, REAC and the Green Team met and had some good discussion items taken care of. A short presentation to wrap up a yearlong outreach that REAC has done for banning single use plastic bags will be coming before the Village Council. A discussion by the Village Council regarding moving the ban forward will then follow at that meeting. They are beginning the application for Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification, which is to be submitted in the Spring of 2020. It is 400+ pages, so they are gathering information to recertify at the same level. There is a tentative date of May 18th for a Styrofoam collection pickup and they are in the process of trying to secure the Graydon South parking lot for this event. This initiative was brought by Sustainable Jersey’s Bergen Hub, and Ridgewood is participating with several other towns that received a $20,000 grant to hold several collections throughout Bergen County. Their next meeting will be February 19th at 7:00 P.M., at which time NV5 will speak about the environmental components of the Master Plan.
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the HPC met last Thursday evening and there was one application for a restoration of a home in a historic district on North Pleasant Avenue. She added that it was an interesting remodel, and they were always appreciative of residents that purchase homes and choose to restore and maintain the integrity of the historic districts.
Fourth of July Committee – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Fourth of July Committee met Monday evening and are working on their themes, which impacts the elementary schools for their floats. She added that hopefully by the next Public Meeting they will have a theme in place to announce, and will know who the Grand Marshall is and what the activities will be for the evening entertainment.
Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board meeting was canceled last night; however, the Master Plan Advisory Committee, which is a subgroup of the Planning Board, did meet. They went over a number of items on the Visioning Process. On VisionRidgewood.org they have added a new feature, “Map Your Vision.” She encouraged everyone to go there and explore the feature. They will continue to work on their Village-wide mailer and anticipate it will go out in mid-February. She added that based on the feedback from the mailer, they will be scheduling two workshops for some time late-April or early-May and will be wrapping up this process in July to begin the process of the new Master Plan.
Community Access Network – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Access would meet tomorrow evening at 7:30 P.M.
Citizen Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) – Councilman Voigt stated that CSAC will meet tomorrow evening at 7:30 P.M. and the meeting is open to the public.
Meet the Mayor – Mayor Hache stated that Meet the Mayor was this past Saturday, and it was a lively session with good discussion and some important issues were raised. He added that he was taking all of the feedback and working with the Village Manager and Village staff regarding some of the issues that were highlighted.
Councilwoman Knudsen added that for her Village Council colleagues, NV5 would be reaching out to each of them for their committees and coordinating so that they would have access to all of those individuals. Mayor Hache stated that NV5 was at the Central Business District Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday, adding that everyone was very engaged and walked away feeling like they were plugged into what was happening. He added that there are some follow-up meetings that will happen with a round table of commercial property owners, realtors, and other folks who hear a lot about what it happening other places.
- RESOLUTION
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 19-02, WAS ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-03 THROUGH 19-19, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- ORDINANCES
- INTRODUCTION - #3698 – Bond Ordinance – Street Paving and Streetscape, Purchase of Senior Bus
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3698. 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 3698 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $2,137,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,030,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3698 be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 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 - #3699 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking at Train Station Lot after 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3699. 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 3699 by title:
AN ORDINANACE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT “SECTION 265-33, “PERMIT PARKING”
Councilman Sedon made a motion to amend ordinance 3699 to include the language that no parking permit is required at the Train Station on Saturday, but regular rates apply from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3699, as amended, be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 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 - #3700 – Amend Chapter 156 – Food and Food Handling Establishments – Outdoor Café Regulations
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3700. 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 3700 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE VIII OF CHAPTER 156 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FOOD AND FOOD HANDLING ESTABLISHMENTS, AT “ARTICLE VIII”
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3700 be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 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 - #3701 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Outdoor Cafes
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3701. 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 3701 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”
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3701 be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 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 - #3702 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Ridgewood Premium Parking Permit for Hudson Street Parking Lot and Use of Rideshare Program
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3702. 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 3702 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-33, “PERMIT PARKING”
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3702 be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 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 - #3703 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Parking Permit for Hudson Street Lot
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3703. 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 3703 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 3703 be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 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 - #3694 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees – Adopt a Tree and Memorial Benches
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3694 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. 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 3694 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES OF THE VILLAGE CODE – PARKS AND RECREATION – PARKS/SHADE TREE DIVISION
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open, there were no comments from the public, and he moved the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3694 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3695 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish Regulations for Temporary Storage Containers
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3695 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 3695 by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AMENDING THE PROVISIONS IN CHAPTER 190, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, CONCERING PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open, there were no comments from the public, and he moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3695 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3696 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Temporary Storage Containers
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3696 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. 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 3696 by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AMENDING THE PROVISIONS IN CHAPTER 145, FEES, FOR PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing was closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3696 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. 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 - #3697 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Graydon Pool Membership Fees
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3697 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. 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 3697 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES, OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIP FEES
Mayor Hache stated that the Village Council has discussed this ordinance at length, and has unanimously decided to remove the expiration date for the coupon books. This is not a substantive change to the ordinance, so it will be amended on the floor.
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3697 be amended under the section, “Resident Memberships – Coupon Booklets” to delete the sentence which states, “Coupons expire at the end of the season.” Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing, on Ordinance 3697, as amended, was open.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that the Village Manager explained the situation with respect to N/A as it applies to the Non-Resident Guest Passes, adding that there was no explanation given to the numbers that were given at the last work session where 985 Non-Resident Guests were brought into Graydon Pool last year. He questioned that the number seemed very high to him, he added that there is a need to set the Non-Resident Guest fee at $20, adding that there was mention that the Village would gain $5,000 in revenue based on the 985 Non-Resident Guest passes that were purchased. He questioned that number, as it seemed very high to him.
Mr. Loving stated that with respect to ordinance 3697, there was a continued Public Hearing for ordinance 3688, and some of the items in ordinance 3697 are also included in ordinance 3688, in particular the change in Non-Resident and Resident Guest fees. He asked if there was any resolution with respect to the 985 Non-Resident Guest Pass figure during the course of last summer.
Ms. Mailander asked if Ms. Bigos had any additional information, to which Ms. Bigos stated that she did not. Ms. Mailander stated that the Parks Department went through each piece of paper for a guest, and so any time it was a Non-Resident Member’s Guest, it was counted. The number may have been higher than it should have been, but she believes they looked back at whose guest it was, and if it was a Non-Resident Member then it was counted to get to that total number.
Mr. Loving stated that it sounds to him that there were 985 Non-Residents who came to the pool, but many of those may have been sponsored by Residents. Ms. Mailander stated that it was possible, but she believes that they checked the names of the Member to see if that Member was a Resident or a Non-Resident. Mr. Loving stated that the issue here is that the 985 number is being
used by the Village Council to make a determination as to whether to charge $20 or $15, and it is his belief that the $5,000 loss is an inflated number and that there is no $5,000 loss and that they could charge $15 to the Non-Resident guest and not lose a lot of money. The Non-Resident Members are already paying a premium to the Members as opposed to Resident Members, which to him was a double slap. Mr. Loving added that he disputed that number, and to base the decision on that number was erroneous, as he didn’t think there would be a $5,000 loss in revenue if a guest of a Non-Resident Member was charged the same price as a guest of a Resident Member.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that her decision hasn’t factored in the $5,000, but the importance of having accurate information would be very helpful. Her understanding was that the number couldn’t have been credible because the Non-Residents couldn’t bring a guest last year. Ms. Mailander stated that the Non-Resident Member could bring a guest, but they were charged the same guest fee as a Resident Member’s guest. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that there was no way to take the data out and figure out who brought who to the pool, so it may be that the Non-Resident Members could have brought no guests. Ms. Mailander stated that there could be Non-Resident Members who brought no one, but there could be Non-Resident Members who brought a guest or guests every time they came.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if Resident Members could bring a guest regardless of where that guest is from, they are being charged $15. She stated that they were going to have to look at this and maybe, in the future, have that piece of information available so that when they look at this next year, maybe they want to tweak it. She thought it was important to have accurate information.
Mr. Loving stated that in the absence of having any data to support that there would be a loss in revenue, why would a Non-Resident Member be charged more to bring a guest than they would charge a Resident Member, as the Non-Residents are already paying a premium to be a member. He added that he would also like to know why this is covered in two separate ordinances.
Mayor Hache stated that regarding his decision, he didn’t see it as a loss, but an opportunity cost. He agreed that he has no expectation that if he goes to another town to use a local amenity that he would be treated the same as a resident. He added that he didn’t think guests of Non-Residents should be charged the same rate as guests of residents.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that her preference all along has been to leave them at the same rate, but at this point it was something to get done as they need to get these rates set in stone. She added that they could always go back and rethink it in the future.
There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing was closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Ms. Mailander stated that they would try to separate out the numbers regarding the Non-Resident Member Guests and determine how many there were. She added that there were two ordinances because ordinance 3688 was introduced and then they wanted to be more specific and add in the coupon booklets. Due to the fact that the original ordinance said Non-Resident Guest Sponsored, the title was changed to be more specific. She noted that the items listed in ordinance 3688 will be superseded by the items listed in ordinance 3697.
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3697, as amended, be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - #3688 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Graydon Pool Membership Fees and Tennis Membership Fees
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3688 by title on third 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 3688 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIP FEES AND TENNIS MEMBERSHIP FEES
Mayor Hache stated that the hearing on ordinance 3688 was continued to this evening’s meeting so that the Village Council could review additional information about fees for non-resident member guest passes and coupon booklets. These matters have been discussed, and the Village Council has decided that Ordinance 3688 is ready to be adopted, as proposed.
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was continued. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was closed.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3688 be adopted on third 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
- RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-20 THROUGH 19-36, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, stated that last week Ms. Mailander mentioned that they were on the point of purchasing equipment to improve the sound system here and that is wonderful. She asked what the problem actually is, what the treatment will be, and she also asked about the qualifications of the person who diagnosed the problem.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he is aware that there is an ordinance in the Village Code that prohibits the discharge of sump pumps into the sanitary sewer system; however, he has noted during the past several weeks that there are many streets in Ridgewood that are very icy because the water table is extremely high and the sump pumps are discharging the water into the streets, where it is freezing immediately. He added that the high water table is creating a dangerous situation, because people have to discharge their sump pumps some place other than the sanitary sewer. He added that Marshall Street, portions of Franklin Avenue, and Lake Street had dangerous situations. Mr. Loving asked if the Village Engineer could find ways to ease the pain of motorists and pedestrians, adding that although this is an unusual situation, it looks like it is something that will continue all winter long.
Mr. Loving added that a Dunkin Donuts may be opening on Route 17 where the Shell station was, and he has concerns about people driving on Route 17 North who may park on the shoulder and run across the road to get something. He added that several years ago, there was someone who was hit and killed trying to do this in another location. He stated that in Secaucus on Route 3, in addition to the concrete barrier, the DOT has added a chain-link fence to the top of the barrier. He recommended looking into this to prevent people from attempting to go over the barrier.
There were no additional public comments, and Mayor Hache closed public comments.
Ms. Mailander stated that they were having one additional sound company come in at the end of the week, which will be a total of three companies who have looked at the sound issue. She added that it seems to be due to the shape of the room, and what the sound companies are recommending will improve the sound, and the new camera system will also be an improvement. Mayor Hache stated that the ceiling, floor, and speakers are all part of the issue of poor sound in the Court Room. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this is a design flaw that doesn’t work for a sound system, but she was comfortable that it will be corrected because they recognize that the sound is traveling and being muffled around the ceiling.
Mayor Hache stated that regarding the sump pumps emptying onto the streets, they have been looking at the issue and Mr. Rutishauser, the Village Engineer, is aware of it. In addition to the sump pumps, they also have the issue of the catch basins overflowing in neighboring municipalities as well.
- RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #19-37 to go into Closed Session as follows:
- ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 P.M.
______________________________
Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor
________________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
- Hits: 2351