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Village Council Public Meeting Minutes 20190814

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, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ON AUGUST 14, 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 July 31, 2019, 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
 
3.ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Mayor Hache moved that the Village Council minutes of March 8, April 3, April 24, and July 17, 2019 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
 
4.PROCLAMATIONS
A.COMMEMORATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF RIDGEWOOD’S AMERICAN LEGION POST 53 AND HONOR ITS MISSION AS A PATRIOTIC VETERANS ORGANIZATION DEVOTED TO MUTUAL HELPFULNESS
Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:
After the proclamation was read, Mayor Hache stated that it was an honor to have the members of the American Legion Post 53 here tonight and they were very grateful for their service in this country and the work that they do to ensure that their fellow soldiers and veterans are treated with the respect and dignity that they so selflessly earned and deserve.  Commander Bob Paoli thanked the Village for the Proclamation, adding that they would continue to aid the veterans and hopefully will be around for another 100 years.  He introduced Vice Commander Ray Stitz, of the Bergen County American Legion, who presented the Village with a 100th Anniversary coin.
B.DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER 2019 STATEWIDE CRACKDOWN
Councilman Sedon read the following proclamation:
C.DECLARE SEPTEMBER OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Councilman Voigt read the following proclamation:
D.DECLARE SEPTEMBER NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Mayor Hache read the following proclamation:
 
5.COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Jane Shinozuka, 825 Norgate Drive, stated that she wasn’t able to make the meeting last week, but she watched it as they discussed the Zabriskie-Schedler House.  She understands that the bids came in differently than expected, and it involves a lot more money than they thought, but as someone who has followed this for so many years, she asked if they could prioritize and remove the asbestos and put a roof on the house right away so that it doesn’t deteriorate any more over the winter.  Ms. Shinozuka added that she understands there is the concern about the cost, but like anyone who fixes their homes, she asked if additional contractors could be contacted for the additional work.  Time wouldn’t be such a pressing factor if they removed the asbestos and put on a new roof.
Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, stated that the tree wells are looking much better in town.  He explained that he always views the tree well in front of his store as an extension of it and he thinks that other businesses are realizing this as well.  There are a lot of common areas that need some attention, in addition to the planting of new trees, as there are some old stumps that need to be taken care of and would like the Village to do so, which would be terrific.
Mr. Damiano added that the Village is doing its best to promote the 125th Anniversary with a wonderful logo.  He has announced it at Movies in the Park and they plan to enforce it during their Musicfest with the banners on stage, and if there is anything else they can do to promote it, he will do so. 
He added that he is a proud member of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), and at the last meeting, they had an applicant who proposed painting their building orange.  The HPC’s purview is to see that the streetscape and landscape remain in a continuous flow, and he feels that the orange paint was wrong, as all the detail on the building is gone.  He added that the HPC’s purview is to protect the landscape, they went in the wrong direction by allowing the building to be painted orange, and he wanted to bring it to everyone’s attention.
Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, thanked the Village Council for their ovarian cancer proclamation.  She added that she sent a letter regarding the two parking spaces on West Ridgewood Avenue stating that she was not in favor of removing them.  Her current concern is regarding buses in town, as they are speeding, crossing yellow lines, and cutting corners to make their turns.  She thinks it is going to get worse with the multi-family housing developments as more people are going to be using buses.  This is something that should be looked into sooner, rather than later.
Ms. Lima stated that she was looking forward to the 125th Anniversary and wondered how 25,000 residents were going to celebrate this, as there may be some confusion about the 501(c)3 that was established to raise funds for various Village Boards and Committees, and asked if that was something that the Village Council could clarify. 
Changing the subject, Ms. Lima echoed that orange is not in an historical color scheme, adding that she would probably vote no for that as well.  She added that regarding the Zabriskie-Schedler House, the Village Council should figure out how to protect and preserve the land.  Ms. Lima added that in George Washington’s letters and military journals, it states that in 1776 the troops came over on this road through Paramus, through the Schedler property with 800 troops camped around the Old Paramus Church.  In 1780, British Hessians traveled through Paramus, and George Washington and his troops came through to the Hermitage.  There is so much history on those lands which can’t be disregarded.  Ms. Lima urged that the Village does what it can to preserve the house that is there.  Ms. Lima asked if they could get residents to try to raise more money to help out, and what could be done before the Village says no, and decides to demolish the house.
Peggy Norris, Elmwood Park, stated that she is one of the Historians for the Village, appointed by the Village Council.  She drove by the Zabriskie-Schedler House, and saw that the window vents were boarded up on two sides, so there were only vents on one side which wasn’t providing adequate ventilation in the building.  The roof tarp is torn around the chimney, which is the area that has historically had leaking problems.  She added that unless the Village Council votes to demolish the house tonight, it would be a good idea to have someone address those relatively simple maintenance issues, particularly the vents. 
Ms. Norris stated that the house is historic and tells the Village’s story of a journey from farm to suburb.  Imagine what Ridgewood would be like, without other buildings that tell part of the Village’s story, such as The Stable, Graydon Pool, the Train Station, Pease Library, the iconic buildings with the towers at the corner of Broad and Ridgewood, Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, the downtown buildings, and Village Hall.  All of these buildings and more, give life and texture to our community that would be bland without them. Ms. Norris pointed out that several of the buildings were highly controversial, just as controversial as the Zabriskie-Schedler House is today, and there were people who saw that those buildings would serve a function and would take a place in the community that has meaning and would be able to continue.  Ms. Norris added that both private and public buildings have been supported by both private and public money in the Village.  The decision about whether the historic Zabriskie-Schedler House should be supported has been made by previous Village Councils and the decision to tear down the house is itself an expensive proposition.
Joseph Suplicki, Elmwood Park, stated that he is Co-Historian for the Village of Ridgewood, and is also Chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).  He has two letters from the previous Presidents of the HPC reaffirming that they were in favor of a combination of saving the Zabriskie-Schedler House, as well as passive recreation, and that this could be achieved.  He stated that on March 14th they were in Trenton for the SHPO meeting that approved putting the Zabriskie-Schedler House on the State Register and sent it on for National Registration.
Phil Dolce, 625 Kingsbridge Lane, stated that in 1970 when The Stable came up for review, Village Officials deemed it unworthy and demanded it be taken down since it had no use.  Instead, a group of Village residents, led by David Bolger, a resident Philanthropist, saved The Stable which is now a valuable resource.  In the 1980s, the Village purchased the Habernickel property despite the great recession.  Residents of the West Side pledged to raise up to $500,000 to establish Habernickel Park.  Despite the fact that those residents did not raise that money, the Village took on this huge extra expense and completed the park over several years.  These are stories of Village Officials taking responsibility despite economic conditions and roadblocks, acting as stewards for the people.  Dr. Dolce added that these stories of courage and leadership come to an end with regard to the Zabriskie-Schedler House, which is over 200 years old and was in livable condition at the time that the Village purchased it, over ten years ago.  At that time, restoration would have been insignificant; instead, certain Village Officials decided to let it decay over the past ten years.
Dr. Dolce stated that local residents on the East Side donated over $10,000 to put tarps on the roof, and had meetings with officials and did everything in their power to make the Village do the right thing.  The Village and State Historic Preservation Commissions agreed that the house had great potential and could be used in the same way as The Stable for community meetings and historic education.  The deliberate deterioration of the house would have been a crime by any citizen of Ridgewood, but not for the Village.  This deliberate act by Village Officials became acceptable and these former officials now wait for this Village Council to continue their atrocious act by condemning the house because of the costs they deliberately engendered.  The residents of the East Side ask the Village Council to rise to the occasion and be stewards of the people or at least wait until Village residents come back from summer vacations and add their voice to the cause.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that there are a number of stores or buildings in town that have color, but regardless of that she thinks it is a mistake for us to assume that historic has to be bland, dull colors.  She recently traveled to Lisbon and Barcelona and the buildings are unbelievably colorful.  Bermuda has colorful buildings as well, and she didn’t see where color has to be associated with not being historic.  She added that she found it to be very sad that the HPC didn’t want to do something that was supportive of a business in the downtown.  If the store Racefaster wants their building to be orange, and it is eye catching, she doesn’t see a problem with that, and totally supports these colors.
There were no additional comments from the public.
Mayor Hache stated that regarding the discussion at the last meeting about the Zabriskie-Schedler House, the Village Councilmembers are stewards for the entire community, and if this was a personal renovation and the contractor showed up and doubled the estimate, there would be questions asked.  As stewards, the Village Council owes it to the residents to have that kind of diligence.  He added that the Village Council asked how the prices jumped so high and the answers that were provided at the Work Session were not sufficient.  He suggested any available alternatives that needed to be looked at and noted that it would have been a hasty decision to enter into a vote, if the members of the Village Council were not comfortable with the prices provided.  There will not be a vote to demolish the house, but rather a vote as to whether or not the contract will be awarded to move forward with the restoration and rehabilitation of the Zabriskie-Schedler House.  Mayor Hache added that he would delay a project even by a week to make sure that they have more answers and a better understanding of the process.
 
6.MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that the next Village Council meetings will take place on Wednesday, September 4th at 7:30 P.M. for the Work Session, and Wednesday, September 11th for the Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.
Ms. Mailander reminded all residents that the Hudson Street Parking Lot would be closing next Monday, August 19th through approximately June 2020 due to the construction of the new parking garage.  Hudson Street will continue to be open to one way traffic.  On Saturday, September 7th at 9:00 A.M., everyone is invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hudson Street Parking Garage.
Ms. Mailander stated that beginning on Monday, August 19th, the entire Cottage Place parking lot will be milled and paved.  There will be a Village staff member on hand to answer any necessary questions.
Ms. Mailander stated that last week, there was a discussion about Ford Escapes and floor mats and how much they cost, and she confirmed that the floor mats and cargo mats were $215.  The $1,571 difference was between the 2019 and 2020 model years for the Ford Escapes and they are actually paying the same price for these vehicles in both Water Department and Police Department.  The only difference is the $215 for the floor and cargo mats for the Water Department vehicles. 
Ms. Mailander stated that the Bergen County Utilities Authority sponsors free recycling events throughout the year, and this Saturday, August 17th, from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Bergen Community College, they will collect old tires, electronics, and computers and there will also be mobile paper shredding.  The event is rain or shine and requires proof of residency.
Summertime Restaurant Week is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and is being held this week through tomorrow and then August 18th to the 22nd as well.  Special prix fixe dinner menus will be available for $30.19.  Many restaurants as well as other food establishments will be participating and they can all be found at www.ridgewoodchamber.com.
Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool is in its late season hours, with weekend and holiday hours 10:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M., and Graydon Pool closes for the season on Labor Day, September 2nd.
Ms. Mailander thanked the Kasschau Shell Committee for putting on great musical entertainment throughout the summer.  Ms. Mailander also stated that the Ridgewood Guild hosts “Movies Under the Stars” twice a month on Wednesday nights in June, July and August at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square at sundown.  The last movie showing this summer will be E.T. on August 21st.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Chamber of Commerce Annual Car Show around Memorial Park at Van Neste Square and on East Ridgewood Avenue, will be held on Friday, September 6th from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.  There will also be some large and unique vehicles from the Village fleet available for inspection.  Trophies are awarded at 8:30 P.M. with lots of categories, as well as music and entertainment.  Bring the family to this great event.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Farmers Market, sponsored by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, is open every Sunday, through October 27th from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on the west side of the Train Station.  It is truly an old-fashioned Farmer’s Market, where residents can meet the farmers who grow and sell the food. 
Ms. Mailander stated that looking ahead, the Mayor’s Wellness Festival is slated for Sunday, September 22nd from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.  All local, health, fitness and wellness providers are welcome to participate, please contact the Village Health Department for further details.
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that all Village offices are closed on September 2nd in observance of Labor Day.
 
7.COUNCIL REPORTS
Ridgewood Community Foundation – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Ridgewood Community Foundation is a community development organization intended to build a stronger neighborhood or community through the support and development of Ridgewood community projects and events.  The mission is to promote the involvement of all persons in the events to cultivate a vibrant community.  She added that they were really excited at this opportunity that the Ridgewood Community Foundation has been organized as a 501(c)3 with a Board of Directors.  She added that they look forward to all that they will bring to the community. 
Zabriskie-Schedler House – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this afternoon, they were notified by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) that the Zabriskie-Schedler House was listed in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on August 14, 2019.  To all the people who worked so hard so many years ago, who had the foresight to add the Zabriskie-Schedler House into the historic element of the Village Master Plan document, this is an incredible and outstanding moment.  That house is actually the oldest structure in the Village of Ridgewood owned by the Village. 
Library Board – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Library takes off their meeting day in August, but the Library is still open and is a great place to take the kids on a rainy day or go to find a new book.
Citizen Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) – Councilman Voigt stated that the CSAC met last on July 18th.  There were three items for consideration, the blinking speed sign on South Walnut is likely to take place in September, there was consideration for putting a middle two way left turn lane along Franklin Avenue but the County has said no to that.  There was also a request for CSAC looking at a cross walk at Heights Road, crossing West Glen Avenue, at the yellow blinking light.
Water Rate Lawsuit – Mayor Hache stated that the Village has been involved in senseless litigation for the past seven years with the towns of Wyckoff, Glen Rock, and Midland Park over water rate increases.  Very recently, the trial decision was upheld by the Appellate Division.  The trial court decision was appealed by the other towns, the Village was satisfied with it. 
Last week, the Record published an article that the other towns won the case.  The other towns did not win.  The Village didn’t appeal the trial court decision; the other towns did.  The other towns did not win and the Village does not intend to appeal the Appellate Division decision.  Mayor Hache stated that both the Trial Court and the Appellate Division found that the other towns’ damage expert, whose theory of damages was presented, was not qualified to render any such decision about damages.  Therefore, the other towns were relying on someone who wasn’t qualified. 
Although there were inappropriate allocations of municipal fees into the water rate budget, the Court ordered Ridgewood to conduct a rate study to establish a rate necessary for the years in question by a separate qualified expert, which the Village did.  The expert, Howard Woods, was thought to be the best qualified person to conduct rate studies for the water utilities in New Jersey and throughout the northeast.  Mr. Woods found that the rate increases put in place were justified and could have even been increased more.  This rate study may be reviewed by the trial court.  Ridgewood Water provides potable water to its ratepayers at one of the lowest water rates in the geographic area.  Both courts also denied the other towns’ application to have Ridgewood pay their attorney’s fees.
 
8.ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
None.
 
9.RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 19-253, WAS ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:
 
10.ORDINANCES
a.INTRODUCTION - #3729 – Bond Ordinance – Acquisition of Vehicles for Parking Utility
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3729.  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 3729 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH ACCESSORIES FOR THE PARKING UTILITY IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $57,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $57,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF
 
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3729 be adopted on first reading and that September 4, 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
b. INTRODUCTION - #3732 – Bond Ordinance – Acquisition of Vehicles – Parks Department and Traffic & Signal Department
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3732.  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 3732 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF VEHICLES IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $79,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $75,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
 
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3732 be adopted on first reading and that September 4, 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
c.INTRODUCTION - #3733 – Bond Ordinance – Reappropriate Funds for Scarab Windrow Turner
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3733.  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 3733 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE REAPPROPRIATING $611,081.95, INCLUDING $593,892.95 OF PROCEEDS OF OBLIGATIONS NOT NEEDED FOR THEIR ORIGINAL PURPOSES AND $17,189 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A SCARAB WINDROW TURNER IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY
 
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3733 be adopted on first reading and that September 4, 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
d.INTRODUCTION - #3734 – Establish Reserved Parking Spaces at Train Station Parking Lot – NJ Transit and Concession Stand/Social Service Association
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3734.  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 3734 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-42, “RESERVED PARKING SPACES”
 
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3734 be adopted on first reading and that September 4, 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
e.INTRODUCTION - #3735 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Time Limit Parking on Monte Vista, Park Slope, Madison Place and North Hillside Place
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3735.  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 3735 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-69, “TIME LIMIT PARKING”
 
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3735 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 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
f.INTRODUCTION - #3736 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fire Prevention Fees
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3736.  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 3736 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “FEES RELATED TO CODE CHAPTERS”
 
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3736 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 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
 
g.INTRODUCTION - #3737 – Amend Various Salary Ordinances
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3737.  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 3737 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SALARY ORDINANCE 3608 FIXING THE SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION FOR WHITE COLLAR EMPLOYEES; AND TO AMEND SALARY ORDINANCE 3607 FIXING SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF AND FOR THE BLUE COLLAR EMPLOYEES; AND TO AMEND SALARY ORDINANCE 3618 FIXING SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF AND FOR THE SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES; AND TO AMEND SALARY ORDINANCE 3679, FIXING SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON-UNION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES; AND TO AMEND SALARY ORDINANCE 3680, FIXING SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON-UNION EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY
 
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3737 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 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

h.INTRODUCTION - #3738 – Amend Chapter 212 – Tennis Courts – Rules and Regulations
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3738.  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 3738 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 212 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, SECTION 212, PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS, ARTICLE VII, RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 212-27 TENNIS COURTS
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3738 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 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
 
i.INTRODUCTION - #3739 – Amend Chapter 18 – Environmental Advisory Committee – Name Change and Establish Membership
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3739.  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 3739 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 18 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AT SECTION 18-1 ESTABLISHMENT, SECTION 18-4 COMPOSITION AND SECTION 18-5 EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, MEMBERSHIP IN STATE ASSOCIATION
 
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3739 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 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
 
j.INTRODUCTION - #3740 – Amend Chapter 26 – Green Team
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3740.  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 3740 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 18 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, GREEN TEAM, AT SECTION 26-1 ESTABLISHMENT, SECTION 26-2 PURPOSE AND SECTION 26-3 MEMBERSHIP
 
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3740 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 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
 
k.INTRODUCTION - #3741 – Amend Chapter 190 – Signs – Regulations for Window Displays in the Business District
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3741.  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 3741 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AT SECTION 122 (E) ENTITLED “SIGNS IN THE B-1, B-2 AND C” DISTRICTS, TO CREATE A NEW SUBSECTION 190-122 E (7) ENTITLED “WINDOW SIGNS”, AND NEW SUBSECTION 190-122 E (8) ENTITLED “WINDOW DISPLAYS”, AND AMEND SECTION 190-3 ENTITLED “DEFINITIONS” AS IT PERTAINS TO “SIGN”, AND CREATE NEW DEFINITIONS IN SECTION 190-3 FOR “WINDOW AREA”, “WINDOW SIGN”, AND “WINDOW DISPLAY”
 
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3741 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 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
l.INTRODUCTION - #3742 – Amend Chapter 154 – Flood Damage Prevention
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3742.  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 3742 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 154 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
 
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3742 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 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
 
m.INTRODUCTION - #3743 – REMOVED FROM AGENDA
 
n.INTRODUCTION - #3744 – Designate Parking Spaces in Train Station Lot for Hudson Street Lot Permit Holders
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3744.  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 3744 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”
 
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3744 be adopted on first reading and that September 4, 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
 
o.INTRODUCTION - #3745 – Establish Loading Zone at Train Station Parking Lot
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3745.  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 3745 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-72, SCHEDULE XXII “LOADING ZONES”
 
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3745 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 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
 
p.PUBLIC HEARING - #3730 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Swimming Pools
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3730 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 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
Mayor Hache stated that Ordinance 3730 was not published in full, due to the newspaper’s error.  Therefore, the Public Hearing will be continued.  The Public Hearing was advertised for this evening, without the ordinance itself being published, so anyone wishing to speak on this ordinance may do so at this time.  The Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3730 be continued to September 11, 2019.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.  
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
 
q.PUBLIC HEARING - #3731 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Permit Real Estate Open House Signs
Councilwoman Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3731 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, and Walsh
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Hache
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”
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board reviewed this ordinance and recommended that it be amended to include wording from Chapter 190-119E of the Village Code, Visual or Physical Obstructions.  This is a substantive change to the ordinance, so Ordinance 3731 will be defeated this evening.  The Public Hearing for Ordinance 3731 was advertised for this evening, so anyone wishing to comment on the ordinance in its present form, may do so at this time.  The Public Hearing is now open. 
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he wanted to clarify this was another ordinance that was not advertised in full, and whether this public hearing would also be continued.  Ms. Mailander stated that it was being defeated.  Mr. Loving asked if this ordinance that was being defeated would be replaced by another ordinance at a different time.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that was correct. 
Mr. Loving stated that he was concerned with this ordinance how it was written and it sounds like he is also going to be concerned with the ordinance that they are proposing.  He spoke with a Real Estate Agent in town who was consulted about this ordinance and they encouraged wording be added to the ordinance about the time that the signs could be put out and the time that the signs needed to be removed, and indicated that there needed to be substantive penalties for not complying with these timeframes.  He added that his concern is that Real Estate Agents are going to put these signs out a day in advance and there is no need for that.  The Real Estate Agent he was speaking to said that there were some communities that you can put out open house signs one hour before the open house starts, and they must be taken down one hour after it ends.  He feels that the Village needs that kind of direction because these signs may go out very early in the morning and are going to stay out past the time that the open house closes. 
Mr. Loving suggested that in addition to the language about no visual obstruction, they put some language about the times that the signs can be put out and removed.  He added that he was against this ordinance, as he didn’t know why they needed more Real Estate signs, and why two signs are better than one.  If the Village Council is insisting on letting Real Estate Agents put two signs out, he thinks they need to add the wording about restricting how early the signs can be put out prior to the open house, when they need to be removed, and establishing substantive penalties if that is not complied with, because otherwise it is going to be out of control.
There were no additional comments from the public, and Councilwoman Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3731 be closed.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.  
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, and Walsh
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Hache
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3731 be defeated.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, and Walsh
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Hache
 
11.RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-254 THROUGH 19-276, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RESOLUTION 19-268, WHICH WILL BE READ IN FULL AND CONSIDERED SEPARATELY, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-268, 19-277, AND 19-278, WERE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
Regarding Resolution 19-268, Councilman Voigt stated that he has been concerned since fifteen healthy trees and the pocket park were removed at the train station, so his vote was no.
Prior to the vote on Resolution 19-277, Ms. Mailander stated that today they received additional information from Connolly and Hickey about the Zabriskie Schedler House.  Regarding the increase in price for the house, labor costs have increased significantly.  Some of this is due to the increase in minimum wage, and some of this is due to the scarcity of HVAC and electrical trade contractors.  In fact, the electrical subcontractors would not give their prices to the contractors until one day before the bid because the labor cost can change day to day.  In the last two years, prices for materials have increased from 8% to 40%.  Windows have increased 8% per year over the last two years, for an increase of 16%.  Copper costs have increased, which increases plumbing costs.  The contractors add to their overhead and profits to take into account the increasing prices for labor and materials.  She added that Mr. Connolly stated that they can’t see through walls and there may be issues that they don’t foresee.  Connolly and Hickey put allowances into their project costs to minimize any change orders.  There is an additional percentage added onto their drawings.  Connolly and Hickey have left almost nothing to chance, so there will be very few change orders if at all.
Ms. Mailander stated that if there were to move forward with awarding Project A and C they would bid out Project B again.  Prior to the bid, Connolly and Hickey would review the prior estimates and update them as needed.  They would also use the updated estimate to determine the amount of the grant that the Village should apply for with the Bergen County Historic Trust.
Prior to his vote on Resolution 19-277, Councilman Voigt stated that he was certainly for the renovation of the house but his concern is that it is being borne on the backs of the Village residents, and that the initial cost was $785,000 and he is looking at a memo from Mr. Rooney today with the cost now as projected to be $1.46 million which is double the cost.  The Village’s appropriation was originally $390,000 and now it is close to $900,000 which is a little over two times what the Village initially anticipated paying for it.  Councilman Voigt said he is deeply concerned about that.  He is also concerned that there is no plan to figure out how the Village is going to use the house from a revenue producing standpoint.  Based on that, his vote is no.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that she thinks everyone in the Village would appreciate that the Village Council has a difficult decision regarding spending half a million dollars.  Her questions last week were regarding the low bidder’s prices for line items, which dramatically differed from the other bidders’ prices for line items.  She added that she is in property valuation and has a good handle on construction costs.  She stated that they have to get this right or it is not going to be pretty for anyone.  Her concern with the project is that there are going to be cost overruns.  The Village Manager made a comment about prices of copper, so is she to assume that all of the piping is going to be copper and not PEX.  She asked where the guarantees of very few to no change orders are, as she would imagine that when Connolly and Hickey gives the Village a little more detail, that is all going to have to be spelled out.  This is critical, because there is going to be no money to go back to, because the amount of money currently appropriated will all be spent. 
Councilwoman Walsh added that the Village Council obviously wants to shore the house up, but she really doesn’t want to sign a blank check.  She also wants there to be some sort of meeting schedule for Connolly and Hickey to update the Village Council on the project, so that the Village Council can take a closer look if the project doesn’t seem to be going the way that they want.  Councilwoman Walsh emphasized that there has to be some oversight on the Village Council’s part.  She added that she was voting yes on this, but there needs to be a set schedule so that the entire Village Council has input as the stages go on.
Prior to voting on Resolution 19-278, Councilman Voigt stated that based on his last comments, his concern about the significant overruns and the fact that they don’t have a plan as to how the Zabriskie-Schedler House will be used, his vote is no.
 
12.COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Dorothy Barthold, 323 Stevens Avenue, stated that she was here on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Ridgewood of which she is Director.  She added that she didn’t quite understand the agenda as she thought that comments from the public would be before the motions.  On May 8, 2013 the League of Women Voters of Ridgewood presented its position regarding the renovation of the Zabriskie-Schedler House to the then members of the Village Council.  She read that the “League of Women Voters supports the initiative to save the abandoned wood framed 1820s Dutch house located on the Schedler property from demolition and ask the Ridgewood Village Council to conduct an investigation to restore, preserve, and maintain the structure.  The house, built by the Zabriskie family, one of the oldest in Bergen County, is deep rooted in the history of the Village.  It sits on historic property, the site of Revolutionary War skirmishes, and on property originally included in the old Paramus Church parsonage.  The League supports the preservation of historic sites under the purview of the Ridgewood Historic Preservation Commission in order to preserve valued historic characteristics of the Village.”
The League of Women Voters now encourages the Village Council to approve the contracts for Phases A and C, restoration of the Zabriskie-Schedler House, to preserve the exterior and remove asbestos before the hurricane and winter seasons are upon us.  They realize that historic preservation is costly, but so are delays in construction as the gap between the estimates of three years ago and today’s bid illustrate.  That is why the League of Women Voters urges the Village Council to approve the contracts tonight so that they can start the renovation process of the Zabriskie-Schedler House tomorrow.
Phil Dolce, stated that he wants to thank the Village Councilmembers for what they did tonight.  He has been in this for ten years and they have no idea what it is to be in it for ten years and fight almost day to day, putting tarps on, and talking to people.  The Mayor’s comments on the prices from the bidders for the Zabriskie-Schedler House are well-taken, as they know that he wants to be a steward of the people, but he also asks them to take into consideration why these costs are so huge.  The prices were infinitely smaller when the Village bought the house.  It is important not only to preserve the Zabriskie-Schedler House, but to put a stunning rebuke to former officials who allowed this house to decay over ten years.  There was an article this week in the Ridgewood News by a former member of the Historic Preservation Commission that they studied for ten to fifteen years what to do with the house, and they came up with no use.  The person who wrote that article said that since the house is in such terrible shape, it should be destroyed.
Dr. Dolce reiterated that the importance of this decision is a stunning rebuke to former members of the Village Council.  This restoration is important not only to the Village and the State, but also to this local community.  The East Side of Ridgewood has been neglected for years, and they are now going to rebuild it around the Schedler House.  He added that he could not thank the Village Council enough for what they did tonight.
Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, congratulated the Village Council for getting the certificate today for State recognition of the Zabriskie-Schedler House, and thanked them for adopting the resolution to award parts A and C of the bid to restore the house.  She wanted to make sure that everybody knows that she is happy to do anything and volunteer her time as much as possible.  She is here to support and do whatever it takes to continue the restoration of the Schedler property.
Ms. Lima stated that she finds it fascinating that there is a conversation about real estate signs, yet they think that a bright orange façade downtown is not distracting.  She feels like the Village’s priorities are sideways.  There is no orange in any historic colonial discussions, and when looking at National Historic Preservation, orange is not in their color wheel.  She understands if it is an accent, but to paint an entire facade a color that doesn’t match, they are relying on the Village Council to maintain policies.  She wants to make sure that the Village Council continues to march down that path and maintain the look and feel of historic Ridgewood.  She added that sometimes, they just need to say no to some of the businesses in order to stay within historic preservation.
Russell Forenza, 228 Emmett Place, stated that this is a very liberal State, county, and town and there is only one fiscal conservative on this Village Council.  He stated that he has worked 25 years on PILOTS (payments in lieu of taxes), and Ridgewood does not need to give out any PILOTS to anyone in this town.  All it is, is a tax break for the builder and whoever wants to put them in.  Paterson needs them, and they can generate money, but not Ridgewood.  Once you give a builder a PILOT, everyone is going to be looking for them.  He added that they are unnecessary.
Mr. Forenza stated that regarding sanctuary cities, supposing the Ridgewood Police Department took in an illegal immigrant and found out that he committed a murder, would they keep him overnight in Ridgewood’s cell or would he go to Bergen County jail where he would be detained?  If he went to Bergen County jail and was detained, they would immediately release him to the street, and then a murderer would be on the street.  This is what happens in California, and he asked if Ridgewood is like this.  There is an Attorney General and a Governor that are liberal in this State.  They should stop taking things off the tax rolls.  Every time they take stuff off the tax rolls, money is taken away from the taxes of residents and then taxes must be increased.
Mr. Forenza stated that the water from the Ridgewood Water Department tastes terrible.  He added that he doesn’t know what is going on with this water, it must be Hackensack water going through the system.  They have to do something about this water and straighten it out.  There have always been water restrictions in this town, so this water situation has always been going on and people still lose their lawns because people can’t use their water, but many new apartments are being built, and they will require additional water.  He asked how the Village Council could allow the apartments that are going to consume additional water to be built.  Mr. Forenza emphasized that the Village shouldn’t have all of the water going to these new apartments, when there isn’t enough water for the current rate payers.  He stated that PILOTS aren’t paying their full share, they are giving them a tax break and letting them off the hook and they will sue the Village if they can’t get the PILOTS.  Mr. Forenza reiterated that in 25 years working with PILOTS, it is not the way to go.
There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Hache closed public comment.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the request for a PILOT was made along with a request from The Kensington Assisted Living proposed project to designate the space on South Broad Street as an area in need of redevelopment, but it was just a request, and there has been no action.  In terms of the water and water restrictions and the apartment developments downtown, those ordinances were adopted by a former Council majority in 2016.  They had their site plans and in order to move forward with those developments, the site plans dictated a stipulation about the water availability, and water connections, in order to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.).
Mr. Rogers stated that the new multi-family housing can’t build unless there is a determination that there is sufficient water available for them, which was done quite some time ago.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked about the state of the C.O.  Mr. Rogers stated that the C.O. is required after the building has been built. 
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this Village Council has been clear that these are site plan applications from the Spring of 2016, before this Village Council majority was even sworn in.  These are the actions of a previous Village Council majority.  Councilman Sedon stated that he and then Councilwoman Knudsen fought tooth and nail and voted no on those ordinances the whole way through, and that was the first two years that he and then Councilwoman Knudsen were on the Village Council.  They were outvoted 3-2. 
Mayor Hache added that Ridgewood Water is sometimes everybody’s favorite punching bag.  The taste of the water today is much different from 1951, and what has happened since then is that many more terrible things have found their way into the water supply.  The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has become stricter on the maximum contaminant levels, and in order to kill those contaminants, there has to be more treatment to the water, which doesn’t help the taste of the water. 
Mayor Hache said that regarding the water restrictions, the Village went from summer water restrictions to permanent water restrictions, because it is a groundwater system and all the rain in the world is all runoff.  The aquifers are still running low and still require the permanent two day a week water restrictions.  In September, there will be a number of wells coming back on-line, but the quality of the water today from a contaminant standpoint has never been better.  To treat the contaminants, it costs money and changes the taste of the water.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she imagined that every water system is subject to the same contaminant levels and so they would be using the same chemicals to make the water safe for consumers to drink.  She added that she likes Ridgewood Water.  Mayor Hache stated that he consumes Ridgewood Water and lets his children drink it, adding that he is comfortable with it.
 
13.RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #19-279 to go into Closed Session as follows:
 
14.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 9:37 P.M.

____________________________
 Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                        
       Mayor    

______________________________
 Heather A. Mailander
      Village Manager/Village Clerk
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