Village of RIdgewood Council Public Meeting Minutes 20190717
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 JULY 17, 2019 AT 8:00 P.M.
1.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.
2.ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of June 30, 2019, be accepted 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
3.ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Mayor Hache moved that the Village Council minutes of March 1, March 4, March 6, March 27, and June 12, 2019 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
4.PROCLAMATIONS – None
5.COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he had a Facebook post from Councilman Voigt regarding Schedler House and how the cost is overrun by $400,000, which he acknowledged is a preliminary number and the final number may be different. If this is any guide, costs for projects like this only go up. He cited the Elks Club and rising costs. His advice was that not a penny be spent on Schedler until three questions are answered: why; what for; how much. Mr. Halaby stated that the Village put together a laughable two page paper trying to answer these questions but we should go back to square one to answer these questions honestly and thoroughly.
Mr. Halaby stated that the Village should hire an independent historical authority who would give an evaluation of the historical importance of the house and why it should be preserved, adding that this has not happened. Mention was made of the historical restoration firm the Village is using, touting the house’s historical nature, but he stated that they were biased. He asked if there was a need for a venue for baby showers and other similar events, and how would the house be preserved internally with the same layout that they now have or would the walls be moved to create bigger rooms. Lastly, he asked how much this house will cost, including the maintenance costs. Mr. Halaby stated that this project smacks too much of political pork and precludes an open and honest discussion. He stated that he was led to believe that it was to be placed in the National and Federal Historic listing, but now he is led to believe that it is more of a County historic place, which is a big difference. He asked that the Village Council not spend any more money.
Patty O’Meera, her partner Tom Burato, and her son Thomas O’Meera, stated that they were there to talk about their recent experience at The Stable Gallery, where Thomas had his first solo art exhibit. Ms. O’Meera stated that on the evening of July 11th, Thomas was given the opportunity to hold his first artist reception, where family and friends came together and celebrated Thomas’s artwork and his abilities. There were close to 70 friends and family who attended. As Thomas is an artist, he is also a young adult living with autism and his greatest challenge is utilizing language. Upon discovering Thomas’s artistic abilities, they were able to see that his way to express himself and his greatest strength was through his arts.
Ms. O’Meera stated that they advocated for art classes for him and through the years he has refined his craft. Thomas also still meets with an art teacher who exposes him to more variety and mediums. To say the evening was a success is an understatement. People were stunned by the various pieces of art he created, and many were unaware of his capabilities and the detail to which he achieves. There was much love and support for Thomas. She stopped by The Stable in the morning and afternoon and each time she did there was an air of excitement, you could feel something great was occurring and the smile never left her face. Nothing could break the power of what would soon become one of the most memorable nights of her life.
Ms. O’Meera stated that as a parent of a child with special needs, life can sometimes be lonely. They find it is easier to live a bit sheltered than to go into situations that can create stares or conversations that may be hurtful. She added that sometimes, there is a predetermined notion that their kids are less than others. She truly believes on the night of July 11th many people left with a new sense of admiration for her son and hopefully others. Several people in the special education world were there, and they took pictures to show their students and parents to encourage them to never give up.
Ms. O’Meera stated that Thomas attends the Quest Autism Program in Midland Park, has two paying jobs, and volunteers at several places, including The Stable. She thanked the Village for providing this venue to bring inclusion, understanding, acceptance and to educate others. She thanked Nancy Bigos and her wonderful staff, who made the unimaginable a reality, for taking a chance on Thomas, adding that they would be forever grateful and never forget this opportunity.
Thomas stated that he wanted to thank everyone for allowing him to have his first art exhibit at The Stable. He is very proud of his work and it makes him happy for everyone to be able to see it. He encouraged everyone to learn about art.
There were no additional comments from the public.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that in response to the Zabriskie-Schedler House, in the spring of 2014, the State of New Jersey issued a Certificate of Eligibility recognizing the historic significance of the house, so if they are looking for eyes on this to appreciate the historic value, she thinks that the State of New Jersey Historic Preservation Office would certainly be an authority. This came from Art Wrubel and a number of other local historians.
A.MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that the next Village Council meeting is in August, due to a reduced meeting schedule over the summer. The dates are August 7th for the Work Session at 7:30 P.M., August 14th for the Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M, and September 4th for the Work Session at 7:30 P.M.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Hudson Street Parking Lot will no longer be used as of August 19th. A fence will be placed around the lot, which will stay up for the duration of the construction. Hudson Street will continue to be open to vehicles until sometime in January 2020.
Ms. Mailander stated that residents would soon see a new senior bus driving through Ridgewood, as it was delivered last week and is in the process of being registered at DMV. The original bus came to the Village through a New Jersey Transit grant in 2009 and they expect this bus to be in service for another ten years. This will provide a reliable vehicle to transport older residents to all of the places that they go.
Ms. Mailander stated that she had news from Rich Calbi, Ridgewood Water Director, that they have 52 wells with 39 wells that are operational. The good news is that by the end of this year, 8 to 9 wells that are currently off-line will be brought on-line. This is a 20% increase in the number of wells that provide water to Ridgewood Water.
Bergen Bites Back is a Bergen County mosquito control initiative which recommends controlling breeding sites by emptying any containers that hold water, cleaning drains and gutters, and keeping swimming pools adequately treated with recommended products. It only takes seven days for mosquitos to grow.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Guild sponsors Art in the Park evening events with the next one on Friday, August 2nd at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square Take a stroll in the park and enjoy music and artwork by local artists. Art is for sale those evenings with proceeds benefitting the Ridgewood Guild.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Guild is also sponsoring a Shakespeare in the Park Festival on Sunday, July 21st and 28th from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Othello and then Romeo and Juliet will be presented and there is no admission charge.
Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool is open from 10:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. There are all sorts of amenities, spray fountains, Adirondack chairs, a shade system, the Water’s Edge Café, swim lessons, story time, and more.
The Kasschau Memorial Shell on Veterans Field features popular music concerts on Tuesday and Thursday evenings into early August. Bring a chair or a blanket to enjoy these free concerts under the stars which begin at 8:30 P.M. This program is presented thanks to the generous sponsorship of several local businesses and the Village of Ridgewood. The senior bus is available for transportation to several of these performances and encouraged anyone interested to contact the Village Manager’s Office. Front row lawn chairs are provided by Age Friendly Ridgewood for the senior bus riders.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Guild hosts Movies Under the Stars twice a month on Wednesday nights in July and August, at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, at sundown. Sleepless in Seattle will be on July 24th, The Sixth Sense on August 7th, and ET on August 21st.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. in the parking lot on the west side of the train station. It is a real farmers market and is brought to us by the Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that parking in all Village-owned lots after 3:00 P.M. does not require a permit; however, time restrictions and parking fees are still in effect.
B.COUNCIL REPORTS
Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC)/The Green Team – Councilman Sedon stated that yesterday, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee and The Green Team met. They have been coming together over the last few months and they would like to combine them officially and in reviewing the ordinances The Green Team is actually noted as a subcommittee of REAC. They are going to rebrand REAC to call it Green Ridgewood, and then clean up some of the ordinances and submit them for discussion by the Village Council in August. This will go along with the campaign to educate people about the single use plastic bag ban.
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that HPC met last Thursday evening. They had one residential application for a historic structure on Madison Place, and two businesses. One is a new French Bakery going in at Wilsey Square, and Racefaster on Broad Street is moving to Ridgewood Avenue. She added that they appreciate that Aiden from Racefaster continues to believe in Ridgewood and is investing in Ridgewood, where they belong.
Citizen Safety Advisory Commission (CSAC) – Councilman Voigt stated that CSAC is meeting tomorrow evening.
New Business – Mayor Hache stated that last Friday, he attended the grand opening for Cookies Connection. The concept is tremendous, they have a wide variety of cookies, deliver, and are open until 2:00 A.M.
Water Panel Discussion – Mayor Hache stated that tomorrow, he will be moderating a panel discussion sponsored by the Association of Environmental Authorities and the Drinking Water Coalition of New Jersey at Middlesex County College from 9:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. with very interesting presenters on the panel, including Rich Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water.
Parking Garage Groundbreaking – Mayor Hache stated that on September 7th, there will be a ceremonial groundbreaking at 9:00 A.M.
C.ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
None.
D.RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-211 THROUGH 19-220, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
E.ORDINANCES
a.INTRODUCTION - #3728 – Designate Parking Spaces in Train Station Lot for Hudson Street Lot Permit Holders
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3728. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3728 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-29, “PARKING METER ZONE DESIGNATED”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3728 be adopted on first reading and that August 7, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3728 be adopted on first reading and that August 7, 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
b.INTRODUCTION - #3729 – Removed from Agenda
c.INTRODUCTION - #3730 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Swimming Pools
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3730. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3730 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO CHAPTER 251, SWIMMING POOLS
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3730 be adopted on first reading and that August 14, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3730 be adopted on first reading and that August 14, 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
d.INTRODUCTION - #3731 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Permit Real Estate Open House Signs
Councilwoman Knudsen moved the first reading of ordinance 3731. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, and Walsh
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
Mayor Hache recused himself.
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3731 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, AT SECTION 190-122 “SIGNS”
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3731 be adopted on first reading and that August 14, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3731 be adopted on first reading and that August 14, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, and Walsh
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
Mayor Hache recused himself from the vote.
e.PUBLIC HEARING - #3723 – Amend Outdoor Café Fees – 2019 & 2020
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3723 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3723 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145-6 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATED TO CODE CHAPTERS” UNDER CHAPTER 156-70(F) ENTITLED “OUTDOOR CAFÉ LICENSE, ANNUAL FEE PER NUMBER OF SEATS” TO AMEND THE FEES CHARGED FOR OUTDOOR CAFES
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3723 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
f.PUBLIC HEARING - #3724 – Amend Chapter 154 – Update FEMA/FIRM Maps – Flood Damage Prevention
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3724 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3724 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 154 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3724 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
g.PUBLIC HEARING - #3725 – Reappropriate Funding in Capital Ordinance – Renovation of Tree Wells in Central Business District to Conducting a Tree Inventory
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3725 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3725 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE AMENDING A PORTION OF THE DESCRIPTION CONTAINED IN SECTION 3(s) OF BOND ORDINANCE NUMBERED 3644 OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, FINALLY ADOPTED MAY 9, 2018
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved the Public Hearing was closed. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3725 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
h.PUBLIC HEARING - #3726 – Ridgewood Parking Permits for Building Owners with Offices in Central Business District
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3726 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3726 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHCILES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-33, “PERMIT PARKING”
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved the Public Hearing was closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3726 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
i.PUBLIC HEARING - #3727 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Parking Permits
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3727 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3727 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”
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3727 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
F.RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-221 THROUGH 19-243, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-244 THROUGH 19-247, WERE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
Prior to the vote on Resolutions 19-245 and 19-246, Councilman Voigt stated that until there is a plan on how the Village will use the Zabriskie-Schedler House, he was voting no.
G.COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, asked for the Village Council to help him understand the significance of public comments because supposedly the public is not supposed to get feedback, but in his case, the Deputy Mayor responded to his questions which then means he has a chance to respond to her. Mayor Hache stated that at the Reorganization Meeting on July 1, 2018, it was decided that going forward in the Public Meetings, the Village Council would answer any questions that are presented during public comments. There is no two-way exchange and the protocol still remains that the speaker addresses the Mayor and there is no communication with anyone else.
Mr. Halaby stated that he thinks it’s irrelevant that four or five years ago someone said that the Zabriskie-Schedler House has historical significance. Secondly, he still doesn’t have an answer if the house is eligible for listing on the National Historic Register. He asked if it was State or County because it makes a big difference as to how much money is put into the renovation/restoration of the house. Mayor Hache stated that it was still public comment, and that questions may be answered at the end. Mr. Halaby stated that they were spending over a million dollars of his money and he hoped that they had a good answer as to whether this house is eligible for listing on the National Historic Register, or was it just State or County.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that the past two or three Village Council meetings the Village Manager has made an announcement about parking after 3:00 P.M. not requiring a permit in any lot, and asked for clarification if that includes the CBD employee parking permit lots. He added that there was confusion because it says all lots, but he believes the Parking Enforcement Officers are covering those lots after 3:00 P.M.
Mr. Loving stated that there was a lawsuit with the Glen Rock Council, and it concerned him that a previous speaker stated that he had obtained information from a Village Councilmember’s Facebook page. He believes that Glen Rock went through a problem because the Facebook page that the Councilperson in Glen Rock was maintaining, many people were blocked from seeing it. He asked what are the rules to maintenance of Facebook pages by Councilmembers. In Glen Rock there were 100 or so people that were blocked, somebody wanted the list and the Councilperson refused to give that information, and the lawsuit were settled in favor of the complainer. There is a Code of Conduct in the Village with respect to the maintenance of Facebook pages by the Village Council. Mr. Loving asked about the circumstances of the Facebook post, for input from the Village Attorney, and how it applies to the Code of Conduct that was established.
There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Hache closed public comment.
Mayor Hache stated that the intent of the change for the parking lots was to be applied to any of the lots that are commuter lots, and it did not contemplate employee parking. It was meant not to require a resident parking pass after 3:00 P.M. in those lots.
Mayor Hache stated that the precedent that was set by the Glen Rock case is that any social media page that is used by an elected official to communicate with the public, cannot block certain residents from that page, and it becomes part of the public domain. There is a social media policy in the Village that has outlines with what should and should not be done.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that most of the employee spaces are now flex spaces so you wouldn’t be required to have a permit. Ms. Mailander stated that they were flex in Cottage Place. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they don’t have to worry about a hangtag or permit because they are flex spaces. Councilwoman Walsh stated that you still have to have the resident sticker to park in the Train Station lot. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she thinks they are going to be making the rest of the permit parking spaces for Central Business District employees flex spaces.
Mayor Hache asked if there was an update on the applications for the historic registry. Ms. Mailander stated that she wanted to make sure to give the right information and would provide an update. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the registry is National and State.
6.RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #19-210 to go into Closed Session as follows:
H.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 8:47 P.M.
______________________________
Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor
Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor
______________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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