20190605 Village Council Work Session

A REGULAR WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ON JUNE 5, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG    SALUTE

Mayor Hache called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney; and Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk. 

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. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Paul Evers, 27 Sherman Place, stated that he was here in reference to the parking on Sherman Place.  It is a small dead end street between Washington Avenue and Ridgewood Avenue.  A professional building on Ridgewood Avenue was allowed to expand which closed off their entry and exit and forced an entry and exit onto Sherman Place.  This has caused Sherman Place to become an extension of their parking facilities, and the traffic situation has degraded.  For the last five years the neighborhood has been communicating to the Village Council that there has been issues with safety, parking, congestion, and they feel that it is time to act. 

Mr. Evers stated that a few months ago they appreciated the Village Council’s recommendation, but they didn’t agree with the recommendation and were asked to provide a counterproposal including maps, documentation, and pictures.  He added that they were excited to submit it but were disappointed that their recommendations weren’t included in the proposal that is being presented today.  Their neighbors on South Sherman and Garfield are concerned that the problem is just going to be pushed down to their streets.

Mr. Evers stated that he was asking that they hold off voting on this proposal and convene a meeting of the neighborhood with the town to come up with a proposal that solves the root cause of the problem and that they can all agree to.

Paul White, 152 Woodside Avenue, stated that he and his wife have lived in the Vilage for 40 years.  He used to be a runner and then a biker, and the roads are in terrible condition.  He added that he has emailed the Village Council, called the Village Manager and the Engineering Department.  He stated that the Mayor told him that $2 million had been spent on the roads, but more needs to be done.  When he goes down from his house to the County park and takes Prospect, it is a mess.  When you turn off Woodside it is a disgrace, and he was told by his neighbor that there was a work crew that had attempted to fill in potholes.  He added that he tried to go down Spring and it is as bad, if not worse.  Mr. White added that he wanted to encourage the Village Council to find more resources as he has never seen the roads in this kind of shape.  He understands the budgetary pressure, but the roads are in bad shape and it needs to be addressed.

Chris Reid, 112 Stanley Place, stated that he agreed with Mr. Evers, and that you can only get to his house on Sherman Place and he would love if the town had a sub-committee to discuss parking issues in the neighborhood.  If the neighbors could get together and discuss things with someone from the town that would be incredible and it can probably be used as a template for other areas in the town.

Kim Schwartz, 56 Sherman Place, stated that she agreed with Mr. Evers and Mr. Reid about the Sherman parking issue.  There needs to be a sub-committee and they don’t want to push this problem down the road.  There are a lot of issues there and they need to study this before they just do something.

Jen Schnell, 43 Sherman Place, stated that she was here to ask for the formation of a subcommittee to address the parking on Sherman Place as well as the entire George Washington Middle School neighborhood.

Rolf Edelman, 106 North Walnut Street, stated that they do have some good ideas to follow up on Councilman Voigt’s ideas and they would like to follow up on his proposal and let the Village Council know that they are here.

There were no additional comments from the public.

Mayor Hache stated that the Village Council was not voting on anything tonight, they were just having a discussion.  He liked the idea of a subcommittee of having residents and Village staff and perhaps a couple of members of the Village Council, but they would discuss later.

3. MANAGERS REPORT

Graydon Pool – Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool opened on Saturday, June 1^st.  The early season weekend hours are from 10:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M.  Weekday hours are noon to 7:30 P.M.  Residents can purchase memberships in person at the pool office or a ridgewoodnj.net/ communitypass.  Regular season begins June 24^th through August 11^th, and then the late season is August 12^th to September 2^nd.  Various program offerings and amenities include spray fountains, Adirondack chairs, a shade system, recreational game area, picnic area with tables and charcoal grills Wi-Fi accessibility, the Waterside Café from noon to 7:00 P.M., swim lessons, story time under the pavilion, a lending library, and special events include movie nights, concerts and more.

Kasschau Memorial Shell – Ms. Mailander stated that the Kasschau Memorial Shell located on Veterans Field behind the Library, will begin its season tomorrow night.  Free live concert popular music concerts are presented on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:00 P.M. in June, July and August.  Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy these concerts under the stars.  This program is presented due to the generous sponsorship of several local businesses and the Village of Ridgewood.  The Senior Bus will be available for transportation to several of these performances.  If you are an older resident and wish to go to one of these performances please call 201-670-5500 extension 203 for details and for which performances they will have the bus available.

 

Dog Licenses – Ms. Mailander stated that dog licenses are due for renewal in the month of June.  After July 1^st a $20 late fee will be charged.  Dog owners were reminded by an email or mailing to complete the renewal form and to return it with a check to the Health Department.  Office hours are 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday to Friday.

 

Ridgewood Guild – Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Guild provides Movies Under the Stars on Wednesday nights twice a month in June, July, and August in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square at sundown.  The Postman Always Rings Twice will be shown on June 12^th, and The Wizard of Oz on June 26^th.  Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the show.

 

Art in the Park – The Ridgewood Guild also sponsor three Art in the Parks evening events.  Friday, June 7^th, July 12^th and August 2^nd.  Take a stroll in the park and enjoy music and artwork.  Art for sale those evenings have proceeds benefitting the Ridgewood Guild.

 

Age Friendly Introduction to the Senior Bus –  Ms. Mailander stated that Age Friendly Ridgewood sponsored an Introduction to the Senior Bus last week with morning and afternoon bus rides provided for ten residents each trip to learn more about our Central Business District and other local activities.  Along the route Ridgewood representatives me the bus and spoke with the riders, sharing fun facts and providing bags with additional information.  Please call 201-670-5500 extension 203.

 

Registration for Summer Day Camp – Ms. Mailander stated that registration for summer day camp has started and will be open until the cutoff on June 10^th, after that time there is an additional $50 fee.  Day Camp begins Tuesday, June 25^th.

 

Household Hazardous Waste Collection – Ms. Mailander stated that Sunday June 23^rd from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Bergen County Utilities Authority will collect Household Hazardous Waste at Bergen Community College on Paramus Road in Paramus rain or shine.  Bergen County residency is required.

 

Parking in Village-Owned Lots after 3:00 P.M. – Ms. Mailander reminded residents that parking in all Village-owned parking lots after 3:00 P.M. does not require a permit.  There are still time restrictions of three hours and parking fees are still in effect.

 

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Community Center Advisory Board – Councilman Voigt stated that the Community Center Advisory Board met last week.  Don Liebrich is stepping down as chair of the CCAB, and they would like to thank him for his service as he has been doing so for four years. 

On May 31^st, Ridgewood became the 355^th community in the US to be enrolled in the AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities.  This network encourages municipalities to prepare for the rapid aging of the U.S. population.  Councilman Voigt stated that Age Friendly Ridgewood under the leadership of Sheila Brogan, Beth Abbot, Sue Ulrich and Deanna Schablick have done a really nice job and should be congratulated for all they have done.  President of the AARP, Livell Jones and Senior Program Specialist, Bridget Quinn were on hand to present the award to Mayor Hache.  Julia Strombus, Program Director for the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation were also present.  The Taub Foundation has been a huge contributor to Age Friendly Ridgewood and they thank them very much.

June 1^st Age Friendly hosted a senior breakfast at Graydon Pool, it was attended by over 70 seniors and they had a great time.  Music, food and friendship.  He thanked Sheila Brogan, Beth Abbot, Sue Ulrich and Deanna Schablick for coordinating this.

Tuesday June 11^th there will be a ArtBeat concert at the Kasschau Shell, acapella, rock, and blues students will be there for entertainment.

Councilman Voigt added that they spoke about West Glen, and Mr. Rutishauser stated that they would continue to pave the sidewalk west of Hillcrest up the hill.  They will also fix Union Street with more prominent one way signage and one way turn signs out of the physician’s office.

Councilman Voigt added that Starbucks coffee on Franklin has continued issues, and they will have a person there to help move the traffic into the property and will put an additional sign on the left side of the exit so drivers know to turn right instead of left.

Councilman Voigt stated that there was a request from a resident on Walthery Avenue that cars are driving at excessive speeds on that road, which Ms. Mailander has agreed to look into.  Monte Vista is something they will also talk about.

Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board met last night.  There were a couple zoning reviews.  One was to correct an inconsistency in Chapter 251 as it relates to pools, so they are just cleaning up some inconsistencies.  Also, a review of a zoning ordinance to extend the historic Central Business District to include the bus structure.  This will allow the Village to seek grant opportunities and to communicate with SHPO and make certain that the award winning design is preserved for future generations.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she had an email from a resident that warrants discussion.  She was not here at the May 22^nd meeting and evidently there was an exchange regarding the November versus April vote on the Board of Election.  Councilman Voigt indicated that if the BOE budget exceeded 2% it would automatically kick in a vote.  There was an interpretation that meant that if the BOE budget exceeded a 2% cap then there would be a vote in November and that is not necessarily true.  Because of exceptions, exemptions, and the use of CAP Bank, the increase could be significantly higher than 2% and there would be no budget vote necessarily in November.  April elections guarantee that regardless of what the budget increase is, there will always be a vote.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Village Council for years has not gone over their 2% and have banked the difference in the CAP Bank which sits for three years and then expires.  They could take that CAP Bank at any time and increase the tax levy.  She added that it was important to understand that just because the BOE exceeds a 2% necessarily does not guarantee a vote.  It depends on what that overage is made by.

Mr. Rogers stated that he gave a comment that 2% exceeding would warrant a vote, but he could do some research and report back next week.

Pride Month Celebration – Mayor Hache stated that on June 1^st they had a celebration of Pride Month, celebrating Ridgewood’s diversity at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.  They raised the Pride flag and there was a lot of support from the community and from our elected and public officials throughout the state.  Each one brought a unique perspective, and the support was so strong and overwhelming it was great to be a part of Ridgewood that day.  There were a lot of volunteers that stepped up and the weather couldn’t have been any better.

Roadway Paving – Mayor Hache stated that regarding the conditions of the roads we have had brutal winters and the progress in paving is also slowed down by the wet weather.  That makes it very difficult to pave our road, but the money is there and the paving schedule is on the Village website.  They didn’t make it through last year’s schedule because of the weather, but he appreciates resident’s patience with this as they move through the process and the timeline.

 

5. DISCUSSION

 

1. Ridgewood Water - None

 

1. Parking

 

1. Parking on Sherman Place

 

Ms. Mailander asked Mr. Rutishauser and Sergeant Jay Chuck to please come up to discuss this with the Village Council.  As the residents mentioned, they do have a challenge because their street has nearly become the parking lot for the professional building. 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that Sherman Place is a very short street, and they were concerned with the portion just north of Washington Place.  There is a medical office building on West Ridgewood Avenue that has an exit driveway onto Sherman Place.  The intensity of use in the office building has increased, resulting in more vehicular traffic.  The current suggestion they have is to make the traffic in the southbound direction no parking and allow parking in the northbound direction.  They have recently put up some signage there.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked that they took the parking on the east side of the road and left parking there for two hours, and then on the west side of the road removed parking and then changed it so there was no U-turn.  There is also the Do Not Enter sign.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Do Not Enter sign refers to the driveway of the office building, which is one way and occasionally people ignore that and cut through there, hence the reason for the sign.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if she is facing north, parked on the east side of the road, if she can’t make a U-turn she can’t get out of the street.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that was something that was discussed at previous meetings and it seemed to be the decision of the Village Council to not have that U-turn ordinance.  It was still a discussion item, and if the Village Council feels it’s not warranted, they can eliminate it from the ordinance.  He added that tonight, he would like to get a feel for what the Village Council and residents would like on that street and then they can prepare an ordinance accordingly.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she has spoken to a lot of the residents and has read their emails, and several weeks ago suggested to one of the residents that an ad-hoc committee be organized. We don’t want a situation as similar to Pomander where there was a shift of cars that migrated from one street to another.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they see that all too often in the Village.  The parkers move to the next block where there isn’t a restriction.  He added that it is a constant battle and it is tough to gauge how far you would have to create an area to get them to go further away.

Councilwoman Knudsen wondered if she asked for the resolution of approval for the office building when it occurred 30 years ago. Mr. Rutishauser stated that he thinks they have looked for it.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it might be useful to have that and see if there is any availability of the original site plan and the resolution.  If there was a representation that there was X amount of activity going on there and a representation of anticipated vehicular activity, they might have something in there.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he does feel that the office building has intensified its use which could be due to a change in type of physician.  From his experience, the resolutions of 30 years ago are not as detailed as they are currently, but they would look for the file.

Councilman Sedon stated that he wanted to know how the U-turn would work for people to get out of North Sherman.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they could make a 3-point turn if there is room.  Councilman Sedon stated that he thought there would be a value in getting together with residents because they have experience from living there but then it may also be helpful for Mr. Rutishauser to explain his position, as well, because there may be specific guidelines that have to be followed.

Mayor Hache asked Councilman Voigt if there was any further discussion in CSAC.  Councilman Voigt stated that as it related to this situation there was no further discussion but he did have a couple of questions.  He asked Sergeant Chuck about parking spaces on Ridgewood Avenue and if they were used at all.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they were used all day.  Councilman Voigt asked the types of businesses that can be there with regard to the zoning, are they sure that the types of businesses that can be there are there.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he would have to take a look at it as he didn’t have the zone committed to memory.  Councilman Voigt stated that it seems like there is a fairly high intensity use of those offices and he wanted to make sure that whoever was in there was compliant with what was supposed to be there.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she believes they saw a site plan at CSAC a few years ago, and there is a garbage receptacle there that is not on the original plan and that the site plan did show exit only and that there was not a two way.  She added that the challenge with this block is that it is not just that building, as it’s also school parking and there has to be a balance for the residents.  The challenge is restricting from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. then the residents don’t get to use the road as well.  She stated that with the new sign they would make sure that there is only exit, but when they exit it takes up the west side of the road but then there are only a couple of parking spots there.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it has to be 50 feet on the stop sign side and 25 feet on the other side.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that without parking on the west side there would only be a couple of spaces that would be available on the east curb.  Sergeant Chuck stated that you would be cutting the parking in half.  Councilwoman Walsh asked how do you find the balance because if you count residents, there are 11 homes.  Even if you had only one spot for them to have a spot for a guest than anybody else would be pushed onto the other streets.  So, she wasn’t sure how to find the balance other than cutting down the amount of spots there.

Mayor Hache stated that it isn’t easy, but instead of trying to find the situation that is just right, the idea of creating the sub-committee to get a working committee with Village professionals and two Village Council members is the next step.  He asked for anyone who would like to volunteer for the subcommittee to write to the Village Council.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if the Do Not Enter sign that was installed as enforceable, and who had jurisdiction over that.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is a regulatory sign and he believes it can be enforced.  Sergeant Chuck stated that was unenforceable because it is a Do Not Enter sign on private property.  The one concern that the Police Department has is the no U-turn, as they look at the street 360 degrees and that is just a problem of the overuse of the commercial space, but they think about grandmas visiting, landscapers, are coming from Washington Place and if you remove U-turn restrictions you can’t leave the road.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the experience on her street, Bogart, Pomander, and Sherman, the uniqueness of these neighborhoods is best understood by the residents and neighbors and they typically come up with the best solutions, so she supports letting them help work on this as a more comprehensive approach.

Ms. Mailander asked for whoever wants to be a spokesperson to contact her, so they will be the one who will email and notify the other neighbors on the street.  They will set up a meeting internally with two Councilmembers, neighbors, and the professionals to come up with the best solution with Sergeant Chuck for the entire area and not just one part of it.

 

2. Monte Vista Avenue Parking Restrictions

 

Ms. Mailander stated that at the last meeting there was a resident who requested that there be restrictions because there were issues with commuters parking there all day.  There are six cars who park there consistently.  Sergeant Chuck stated that the Police Department looked into that and they are non-Ridgewood residents parking there every day and are going over to the train station.  That neighborhood has time limit restrictions to relieve the neighborhood from long term parking, and so that road is wide enough to have parking on both sides of the street, but if the Village Council is interested in addressing the long term parking they would recommend time limit restrictions.  That neighborhood has two, three, and four hour restrictions, and they find that three hours works the best but four hours gives a lot of time.

Councilman Voigt asked if this related at all to what is going on with parking at the train station, or has this been in existence for a long period of time.  Sergeant Chuck stated that he thinks that it has been in existence for a long period of time and he doesn’t think it is related to the construction.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that currently there is parking on both sides for two hours between 7:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. on Madison.  Sergeant Chuck stated that Madison is an anomaly as there are about nine parking restrictions there, which was one of the things that they looked into and sent to Mr. Rutishauser to streamline.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that with all the different time restrictions, if the goal is to dissuade commuters a two or four hour duration would suffice.  A shorter time restriction could be detrimental to the Women’s Club for the events that they have and it is hard to gauge when they have events, but a four hour time limit should cover a great majority of what they do and the people that have to park on the street should be covered.

Mayor Hache asked if anyone from the neighborhood was here, and there wasn’t anyone.  He added that they should discuss this with any residents and make sure that this works and then see what the feedback is before they put it on the agenda to introduce.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she agreed with Mayor Hache and asked if this was a situation where they should send a letter to the residents.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they could do this if the Village Council wished, and they would take the property tax listing and send them a letter.  Councilman Sedon stated that he was a fan of sending letters.

1. Budget

 

1. Award Contract – National Cooperative Agreement – Caterpillar Backhoe Signal and Water Pollution Control Divisions

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village’s Traffic and Signal Division and Water Pollution Control Division share a 1983 Ford Backhoe which is old and ill-suited for repairing sanitary sewer breaks.  They are trying to repair more sanitary sewer breaks in-house as opposed to going to an outside contractor.  The Village joined Sourcewell last year, and working with the Sourcewell vendor Caterpillar through their local dealer, Foley, Inc. they have found a rubber tire backhoe in an amount not to exceed $145,961.  This is under the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing and their recommendation is to purchase this vehicle, funding is in the 2019 Capital account.

 

2. Award Contract – Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – 2020 Fire Pumper

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is going to be purchased through the Houston-Galveston Area Cooperative Purchasing Program.  It will replace two of the Fire Department’s current pumpers, a 1994 Pierce fire pumper and a 2000 Pierce fire pumper.  The 2000 Pierce fire pumper will be traded in within 30 days of the purchase order being issued with a $28,000 trade in value.  The 1994 Pierce pumper will be sold on GovDeals when they receive the 2020 pumper.  The cost to purchase the pumper is $478,703.15. 

The fire pumper committee consisted of Captain Schmidt, Lieutenant Zales, Firefighter Jacoby, and Chief Van Goor.  They put together the specifications and it will take one year from the time it is ordered to when it is delivered.  Right now there are five pumpers, and they realized they only use four consistently, so they will all be newer models.  The space in the garage that now occupies the fifth pumper will be occupied by the ambulance that they use to respond to medical emergencies.

 

3. Authorize Online Auction Service – Sourcewell

 

Ms. Mailander stated that GovDeals is now operating through Sourcewell, so they just need to authorize Sourcewell as the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement so they can continue to use GovDeals.

 

4. Award Professional Services Contract – Certified Lake Manager

 

Ms. Mailander stated that because the Village is dredging Kings Pond, among the condition in the DEP permit are the careful removal of any fish in the pond prior to lowering the water and dredging the pond and also that the sediment be sampled.  Princeton Hydro out of Ringoes, New Jersey as a Certified Lake Manager on staff and they can do these required items for a contract not to exceed $12,000.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they have had this dredging conversation for a while versus de-snagging, and Jeanne Epiphan had recommended de-snagging.  Her recollection was that the dredging upset the eco-system under the water.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Village has dredged this pond a number of times in the past, including in 1999 right before Hurricane Floyd which promptly filled it up and it had to be dredged again.  The pond is a sediment trap and it also was subjected to a very large effluent discharge from the Northwest Bergen Sanitary Sewer that had a significant failure.  He added that de-silting and de-snagging is not allowed to change the elevations of a water body very much, and they are doing much more than that and are digging out all of the muck since 1999.

 

5. Award Contract – National Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Roll-Off Truck with Salter – Street Division

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Streets Division has Capital Funds to purchase a new roll-off truck with salter.  The new truck will replace two old Volvo dump trucks that were acquired in 1999.  They were declared surplus and taken out of service in 2015 due to corrosion issues and cracked frames.  They also had issues with their braking systems.  This is going to be purchased through the Sourcewell vendor and their local dealer, Gabrielli Kenworth, in an amount not to exceed $273,506.80.

 

6. Award Contract – Disposal of Grass Clippings

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this needs to be done annually because they cannot store yard waste materials at the Lakeview Compost Site.  Jersey Mulch Products gave a sole quote.  The Village went out to three companies and only received one back, in an amount not to exceed $90,000 at $20.00 per cubic yard.  This is approximately 4,500 cubic yards of grass clippings and in previous years the Village had anticipated 7,000 cubic yards, so they may have to do an additional award.

Councilman Voigt asked where the additional $40,000 would come from.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that was something that he would discuss with Ms. Mailander and Mr. Rooney.  Right now we are in a very vigorous growing cycle, but maybe the weather will change.  Councilwoman Walsh suggested people mulch the grass and leave it on their lawns.  Councilman Voigt asked why there was a 33% increase this year.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the solid waste field is under increasing regulations from NJDEP.  One of the vendors the Village contacted wouldn’t give a price, but the Village also couldn’t consider them because they would not give their NJDEP N-Source number.  When the Village gets audited for operations at Lakeview they have to show a complete trail of where the grass clippings go.  Another entity that the Village has done business within the past was also unresponsive.

 

7. Award Contract – Selective Clearing for Berm Construction at Schedler Property

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they received bids on Thursday, May 23^rd.  There were two plan holders eligible to bid and they received one bid.  The only bid received was from Downes Tree Service in the amount of $37,535.  She added that the Village Council received a sketch of the property and where the trees will be removed.  It will be a different look for the neighbors in the area, but this will be to create the berm which will create better shielding from Route 17.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they could confirm that all of the soil that has been deposited there has been tested and certified clean.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have had tests of the soil.  The construction fill pile generated by the Water Department was tested and found to be satisfactory.  They provided an extensive report from a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) for the material from the Dayton project.  He added that he could email this information to the Village Council.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that questions have come up.  Mr. Rutishauser added that it has been tested and confirmed safe for its intended purpose which is a recreational field/facility where the exposure is to the youngest members of our community.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that the trees that are being removed are essentially going to be replaced because the berm that is being created is going to have trees planted on that.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have an alternating pattern of evergreens and also Councilwoman Walsh requested fencing on top which will be incorporated.  There will be the screening effect of the evergreens and the safety effect of the fence.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if this was consistent with the plan that was developed by the committee that included members of the immediate surrounding neighborhood.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he believes it is.  Mayor Hache stated that the original estimate didn’t have a line for the selective clearing for berm construction.  He asked if this was adding to what they had originally or was this something else.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he broke out the work, as he didn’t put it in one large bid because they were able to do that and because he was instructed to get this project moving along.  His office is currently doing the design for the parking lot, and they hope to get that out and the berm construction bid out in the next month or two.  Mayor Hache asked if the tree removal and the free soil were a wash on cost.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he would have to check that.

 

8. Release of Maintenance Bond – 44 Godwin Avenue

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this maintenance bond was for work done at Whole Foods in an amount of $30,648.45.  The required site improvements have been satisfactorily completed and the bond can be released, so they need a resolution for next week’s meeting.

 

9. Award Contract – Cooperative Pricing System – Rental of Interim Sewage Transfer Pumps – Andover Pump Station

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village of Ridgewood Andover Pump Station recently experienced a failure of its two pumps.  They have ordered two new pumps which should be delivered by the end of this year.  In the interim, due to the failure of the pump station’s two pumps, they needed to install a temporary pump to keep the station operating.  There is a resolution to approve Pumping Services, Inc. to provide rental pumps, hoses, and connections for the rental pump setup.  The cost is approximately $2,356.20 per month.  Also included are service charges, pump setup and when done, pump breakdown costs.  At this time they anticipate a budget of $60,000.  There is money available for this.

Councilman Voigt asked why it was taking so long for the pumps.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have to be manufactured as they are of a special size and power requirements and are not an off-the-shelf item.  The pumps are also coming from Europe so he is hoping there is no negative impact due to trade tariffs.  Councilman Voigt asked if the rental is an expense.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is an expense but it is capital because it’s in the interim.  Ms. Mailander stated that they would confirm that with Mr. Rooney.

 

10. Award Contract – Surface Restoration of West Façade of Village Hall

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they contacted at least five contractors to come and look at painting that they wanted done.  They received two proposals and there are some concerns with the low proposal regarding the type of cleanup that would occur.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they did an informal solicitation for bids for work to the west façade.  Five vendors were contacted and they received two bids.  Both vendors had language in their proposals where they could be leaving paint chips in the landscaping beds and they felt that was not good.  Both presented that would be the Village’s problem, which would be aesthetics and otherwise.  He added that they checked the quotes with the State law on prevailing wages, and both quotes the vendors would be required to pay their staff prevailing wages and provide certified payrolls to the Village.

Ms. Mailander stated that they would go back to the vendors and discuss that with them and if it is found that they do not pay prevailing wage they will have to go back out to bid.  If they can move forward they will, but if not they will possibly bring it back for July.

 

11. Award Contract – Underground Storage Tank System Repair

 

Ms. Mailander stated that at Fleet Services one of the alarms went off for one of the underground storage tanks.  Betts Environmental of Butler was hired to investigate the alarm condition.  The tank was taken out of service.  Betts responded to Fleet and excavated the tank area.  Betts found a failure in a vent riser pipe from the interstitial space that permitted ground water to enter the interstitial space causing the alarm condition.  Betts then had an independent agency test the tank to confirm the tank was tight and not leaking.  This was confirmed, and then the tank was brought back online.

The Village’s EJIF insurance fund was notified and they have been apprised of the results and followed up on a request and recommendation to have the waste oil tank tested and a monitoring probe installed.  The system is approximately 32 years old and will need to be replaced in the next few years.  The current system of underground storage tanks were installed after a major spill and subsequent cleanup which also resulted in the Village purchasing a home on Oak Street, at the time.  Ms. Mailander stated that they have a resolution to pay Bett’s for the emergency work they did as well as work requested by the EJIFF to keep the waste oil tank compliant with NJDEP regulations in an amount not to exceed $30,536.  This may be funded partially through insurance.

Councilman Voigt stated that this memo refers to no funds in the capital accounts.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that currently they have no capital funding for replacement of the UST’s so he was glad that they found a problem that could be fixed and did not confirm that the tanks were cracked.  The cost for replacing those tanks is in the range of $400,000 to $600,000.  Ms. Mailander added that this was something they should think about for next year’s capital budget.  Councilman Voigt asked if there were no Capital funds for the fix or for the new tanks.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that definitely not for the new tanks, but for the fix he would defer to Mr. Rooney.  Ms. Mailander added that Mr. Rooney assured her that they would find the funding.  Mr. Rutishauser added that they brought EJIF in because the alarm could mean that the tank was cracked which had happened before.

Councilman Sedon asked if the only breach that occurred was in the interstitial space.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that was correct.

 

12. Award Contract – Cooperative Purchasing Program – Bucket Truck Chassis – Parks Department

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for the purchase of a Western Star truck chassis for the Parks Department in the amount of $106,566.  The vendor is Hudson County Motors of Secaucus.  The forestry body and crane for the bucket truck will be provided and assembled by Timmerman Equipment Company.  This was approved in the 2019 Capital Budget.

 

13. Award Contract – Cooperative Purchasing Program – Bucket Truck Aerial Lift – Parks Department

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is a purchase under the Educational Services of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Contract for an aerial lift in the amount of $170,823.  The vendor is Timmerman Equipment Company, and it was approved in the 2019 Capital Budget.  The truck chassis and the aerial lift will go together and the Parks Department will be using it for their work.

1. Policy

 

1. Guidelines for Use of Flagpole in Public Forum Space

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this was regarding the flagpole at Memorial Park in Van Neste Square.  Mr. Rogers stated that with the success of the flagpole, someone brought to the attention that they may need to look at some type of ordinance outlining the use of the flagpole, this is in case there is more than one proposed user of the flagpole at one time.  They can set up some guidelines as to how it might be used.  He added that Mr. Rutishauser would get to him regarding the secs of the flagpole and what weight it can take.  They should consider time periods as to how long a particular flag can fly.  Other things to look at are in case there is more than one group that wants to get on at a particular time, how do they discern or decide one from another, so the Village Council has the authority to set up some guidelines with regard to that.

Mr. Rogers suggested setting up an application designating a responsible party and the time periods that they would like to fly the flag.  This was done with holiday displays, and these are things that they can take a look at and put together.  Mayor Hache asked what the timelines are for banners.  Mr. Rogers stated that they have banners at the train trestle that are for non-profits normally, and there are regulations regarding displays.  They don’t have any other regulations out there for banners.  Mayor Hache asked for the public forum space, were there any other guidelines.  Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t believe there were any regulations.  Ms. Mailander stated that Janet Fricke handles the banners.

Janet Fricke, 223 Woodland Avenue, stated that she was here as a resident tonight and usually because they want to help the non-profits, it is usually a one week commitment but sometimes they could leave it for two weeks.  She added that it could be defined better than it is today.  Councilman Voigt asked Mr. Rogers how this differs from the flagpole at Village Hall.  Mr. Rogers stated that it doesn’t differ, but this is a flagpole at Van Neste Square that can be used for flying flags for various uses.  Councilman Voigt asked if they were doing this here, why weren’t they doing it at Village Hall.  Mr. Rogers stated that would be where they would be flying the flags.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it was a public forum space.  Councilman Voigt clarified that Village Hall is not a public forum space.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was made aware by email of the flagpole donation, and asked if there was a procedure where they had to accept a gift or donation and she doesn’t know where or when the gift was accepted.  Ms. Mailander stated that she has a resolution on for next week’s meeting for acceptance of the flagpole.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they have already established a time frame for a flag in their mind by virtue of a month.  Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t think they had.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Pride Month is during the month of June, so next year they couldn’t just do a week.  Mr. Rogers stated that Pride Month is for the month, Breast Cancer Awareness month is the month of October, so in the consideration of these things in the public forum, they are going to find that these are not regulations that are going to stand as it’s not the purpose of the forum.

Mr. Rogers stated that if you were allowing this to be the public forum flagpole then you have to allow these purposes and you can’t cut it off for a week when the purpose is to fly a Pride flag for the month of June.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they would have to be consistent with the guidelines of a month.  Councilman Sedon suggested saying up to a month.  Mayor Hache asked about the trestle banners, the Village puts them there and if there are not additional requests it could stay there all year.  Mr. Rogers stated that the trestle is not a public forum spot, and they are dealing with a public speech issue here.  Mayor Hache asked if the Village would have a subordinate right to put up what it deemed appropriate for a minimum amount of time as well.  Mr. Rogers stated only if they wanted to regulate it by ordinance, but it’s different from the public forum which is allowing speech to be freely expressed.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they weren’t abridging anyone’s freedom of speech.  Mr. Rogers stated that they were comparing apples and oranges with the trestle and the public forum space.

Mayor Hache stated that in the public forum space, a flag can go up two ways, the Village puts it up or somebody requests it and it goes up, are they then saying that the Village is also subject to a time restriction.  Mr. Rogers asked if the Village owns the pole, or just the space where it was erected as he thought the pole was donated.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the pole was given as a gift and they were accepting the gift.  Mr. Rogers stated that they were accepting the use of the flagpole for that purpose.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they were accepting the gift of the pole and have installed the pole, so the pole now is owned by the Village, and she asked Mr. Rogers if that was accurate.  Mr. Rogers stated that he would assume.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the people who gave the gift are not retaining ownership.  Mr. Rogers stated that he was assuming that the flagpole is there for the purposes of a public forum for the opportunity of speech. 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that to the Mayor’s point, the Village has jurisdiction over the pole, so if they decide during the off times if they want to put up a sign of their choice they could do that.  Mr. Rogers stated that if they regulate the pole for those purposes then that’s fine.  Mayor Hache stated that it was something to look at.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it is a public forum space and so her opinion is that they should make the pole available because that was the intent of it as it was donated.  Mr. Rogers stated that he assumed that this was going to be for public speech.  Mayor Hache stated that specific to the time restrictions, can the Village as owner of the pole, say everyone can put it up for a week, but the Village can put it up for as long as it wants.  Mr. Rogers stated that if they were using it as a public forum that would be restrictive.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that the easiest way to look at the pole is using Pride Month as an example.  It is celebrated for a month and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to fly the flag for the entire month.  If they say the intent is to let residents express themselves, they are going to give each person a week to do that.  If there is nobody else then they can fly it until the next person, and if there are no requests they can fly the American flag as the default.  Mayor Hache stated that was the conversation with the donors, that the default will always be the American flag.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she didn’t see how they could expect to get a month for the Pride flag if it was going to be an entire month.  Mr. Rogers stated since they can regulate time, place, and manner, they can provide for an extended period and regulate it for one week.  As long as it doesn’t interrupt another request then they can grant the request fully.  He suggested that the application can’t be filed to the Village Clerk’s office no sooner than 60 days ahead of the time but no later than 30 days ahead of time.  He added that you need parameters between the time that you can make the application and the time where you can no longer make the application.  Councilwoman Walsh agreed.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked what if somebody wanted to put up a flag, and then somebody wanted to put up the same flag right after.  She asked if it was the same message that would be on the timeframe, or would it be the actual message that is restricted.  Mr. Rogers stated that they would have to put it up in the application process, adding that even if it is accepted there is the possibility that if something comes in that interrupts that they may be given preference.  He added that they have to find out if they fly two or three flags, adding that they would have size limitations that would adjust how it is used.  Mayor Hache asked if the size of the flag was determined by the size of the pole.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he submitted a request to Signal to get information from the manufacturer as to what can be flown on this type of pole.  Mayor Hache stated that he read something in New Jersey based on the speed of the wind the size is determined to be five feet by eight feet.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is usually a 6:1 ratio on the height of the flag.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if flagpoles need an annual inspection.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Signal Division does take a look at them, as periodically they need their lanyards of hoisting mechanisms lubricated, maintained, or replaced.  Ms. Mailander stated that she would meet with Mr. Rutishauser and Mr. Rogers to come up with something and get it back before the Village Council end of June or beginning of July and they can go forward from there.

 

2. Amending Chapter 190 Land Use Development – Illuminated Signs in Business District and Extend Suspension of Ordinance for Certain Illuminated Signs in Central Business District

 

Ms. Mailander stated that in December the relaxation of the suspension of the ordinance expired and they put it to June 30^th.  Now that they have a proposed ordinance from the Planning Board they are going to have to extend it again.  If the Village Council is agreeable to what the Planning Board is proposing, they could introduce it next week, adopt it in July, and it would be effective in the beginning of August, but maybe they should select a date of October 30^th so they don’t have to extend it again.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this is probably one of the most difficult ordinances they have had to work on because of the number of different types of illuminated displays, what the criteria would be for the information that can be on the display.  She added that she thinks at this point, they were comfortable with the way they concluded this and Chairman Joel sent a letter saying that this is the proposed ordinance that the Planning Board agreed to.  She deferred to everyone else because it was so difficult to figure this one out.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she thinks some illuminated signs may be tasteful and others may not, and once they go down that path what is going to be the approval process for the signage color, and type.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it would be no different than having a T.V. monitor.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that you could, in theory, have a neon sign with a monitor.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Samba Bowls has theirs on an angle.  She added that they were happy to put it on hold and everyone could take a walk downtown and see what they think about the monitors that are existing and maybe there is additional feedback that would help.  She suggested holding it as you would hate people to get tickets because they aren’t getting it right.

Mayor Hache stated that although he thinks it is an improvement, there is still a lack of specificity and he thinks it needs to be refined a bit more.  Ms. Mailander suggested the Village Council review it on their own and Mr. Rogers would look at it so they could come back with individual recommendations.  The recommendation was that they do the resolution to extend the ordinance enforcement to December 31^st.  Ms. Mailander added that this does permit unlettered balloons and banners for a grand opening and they cannot exceed seven days, which she thinks is a good improvement.  Mayor Hache suggested limiting the number of times that balloons can be put up.  Ms. Mailander stated that they would have a way to enforce that.

 

3. Establishment of Turn Lane on Franklin Avenue

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council received a new map this evening.  This is on Franklin Avenue from Cottage Place to Oak Street.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is a concept sketch that Engineering and the Police Department have been working on to address some concerns about traffic going into Starbucks and Ben and Jerry’s with left-hand turns.  One way they could possibly make this work better is through a center left turn lane as they are used in many other parts of the country.  They can be at first a little bit scary without knowing the other driver’s intent.

Sergeant Chuck stated that the Police Department was very excited for this proposal as it was the first time that the Village has used newer traffic habits to make improvements and are managing the problem instead of saying no.  They found it difficult to manage no left turns into one parking lot, and the safety concerns were traffic getting backed up.  This would open it up so the turns would be stopping the free flow, so the turns would be in the middle and would turn during the gaps.  This would reduce the frustrations that they have seen and it will probably help with the intersections.

Mr. Rutishauser stated that if the Village Council is in favor of this, they would then have to approach Bergen County Engineering because this is a County road.  Mayor Hache asked if the narrowing of each land of traffic would have the unintended consequence of slowing things down.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it would, and there would also be clear markings.  Visual narrowing has proven to lower the speeds of motorists.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that when they met with the County about that corridor, this appears to be consistent with that effort.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he believes it is consistent with some of the County’s thoughts, but he would still like them to opine upon it if the Village Council would like to move forward with this.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if this in anyway impacts the other plan.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he thinks it can, but he would want to talk to the County Engineering staff to see their thoughts on it.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she knows that a lot of this is a result of Starbucks.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it was Starbucks and Ben and Jerry’s.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the cones created a problem for Ben and Jerry’s.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have met with Starbucks and they understand the severity of the Village’s concerns with the traffic there.  If this was to be adopted, exiting traffic would still only be allowed to make a right turn exiting.  Mayor Hache stated that the problem is going to be how to paint straight lines on a crooked road.

Councilman Sedon stated that he knew they had talked about adding parking on Franklin Avenue when it gets repaved.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it would effect this area, and the other thing that could work in their favor is that they could stripe this now and give it a trial run before the road gets resurfaced in the coming years.  He added that if the County agrees with the Village Council he would like to get this done as soon as possible.

Councilman Voigt asked about the width of the center lane and if it would be consistent with the other two lanes.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have it as 11 feet for the center turning lane and 12.5 feet for the outer lanes.  Councilman Voigt asked about the in and out for Ben and Jerry’s and also for the North Walnut Street, it looks like you can go left and right out of Ben and Jerrys and out of North Walnut Street Parking Lot.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that Ben and Jerry’s off Franklin is enter only, and for North Walnut Street Parking Lot they can look at it but right now you can exit left or right but they would have to look at it as he doesn’t think that parking lot has a lot of turnover.  Councilman Voigt stated that he assumed that TD Bank and Valley National Bank was right only.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they were right only.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if it was time to do a traffic count at this point because they have some studies from Planning Board in the past and it seems to her that traffic is getting worse and it might be a good time to do an interim count because all of those at the other end of Franklin at the corner of Broad have a look-back count that they would have to do so they should have these numbers on hand.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they could certainly do it, but he thinks this management plan is going to help.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she agreed. 

Ms. Mailander asked that the Village Council was in agreement that they would do a traffic count and then reach out to the County about getting this work done.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Mr. Rutishauser had any idea on how long it would take for this work to get approved.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that if the Village Council would adopt a resolution at next week’s meeting because then the full weight of their voices can be seen by the County and then he would make the recommendation and get their concurrence as soon as possible.

 

1. Operations

 

1. Authorize Access to North Walnut Street Parking Lot – Monitoring Wells

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the owner of the Town Garage property on Franklin Avenue had hired Brinkerhoff Environmental Services who wanted to sample the Village’s monitoring wells in the North Walnut Street parking lot.  Mr. Rogers had indicated that there has to be a reason given by the company, so the Village has received an email and their indication is that ground water flows from their client’s site toward the North Walnut Street redevelopment district and access to the Village’s wells would allow them to avoid installing additional wells on the Village’s property.  They are required to delineate the extent of the plume on their client’s property per NJDEP regulations.  Mr. Rogers stated that is sufficient.

 

2. North Walnut Street Traffic Calming

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there was a traffic study done on North Walnut Street between May 21^st and 26^th of this year.  Approximately 12,000 cars during that week were on North Walnut Street.  Just over 700 cars were traveling at speeds above 36 mph, 80 cars were going over 40 mph, the average speed was about 31 mph, there were less than 400 cars traveling 15 mph or less.  There was more traffic traveling south towards the CBD than north, and that’s where the speeding was taking place, for the most part.

Ms. Mailander added that a traffic study was also completed on North Walnut Street last June, and the numbers were almost identical.  They are going to propose some engineering solutions, and one of them is a permanent speed sign midway between Robinson Lane and Franklin because that is where the speeding going towards the CBD is taking place.

Mr. Rutishauser stated that they looked at a number of traffic improvement suggestions and have had a number of discussions at the Citizen Safety Advisory Committee.  Some ideas and suggestions were not looked at in favor by the residents.  One of the suggestions they did look at is a solar powered sign that will flash the speed limit of the approaching car.  They do have them in some of the school zones, and it gives a very quick feedback of your speed.  He added that Sergeant Chuck made a recommendation that they can program it to only flash up to a certain speed limit.  Sergeant Chuck stated that this recommendation encourages trial and error, because some people might try to beat their speed the next time.  Ms. Mailander added that in addition to the speed sign, they will have increased enforcement on the street, but they are confident that this will help to reduce the speeding.  There are other measures they could take which includes a double yellow line down the street.  The neighbors don’t want this, so they would like to try the speed sign and see how it works.

Councilman Voigt asked if Sergeant Chuck would have access to the data from the sign over a period of time.  Sergeant Chuck stated that he would.  Councilman Voigt asked if this would be on a pole or a telephone pole.  Sergeant Chuck stated that Signal Division would erect its own pole.  Councilman Voigt asked how obtrusive this sign would be, such as would it be flashing and bother a neighbor.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they automatically have daytime and nighttime settings, but there would definitely be a yellow light flashing when a car drives down the street.  Councilman Voigt asked if that was alright for the neighbors and he received a response from the neighbors.

Mayor Hache stated that he circulated some information to the residents and wanted to make sure that it was something that they were okay with.  Ralph Edelman, 106 North Walnut Street, stated that he thought it was a great first step and they really appreciated it.  Two weeks ago, they were talking about lowering the speed limit and he was curious what the feedback was.  He added that he had some other ideas that could maybe be built upon later, adding that there is an initiative called Vision Zero which is about reducing traffic fatalities.  If the road does get repaved, they would love to see crosswalks around Robinson, and the yellow line solution to narrow the line of vision.  A more aesthetic way of doing that would be to paint a bike lane which may be a way to calm traffic.

Councilman Voigt stated that there is a huge volume of cars on that street.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it is actually closer to 14,000 cars a day.  Councilman Voigt stated that is one of the higher volume streets that we have in the town.  Sergeant Chuck stated for a tertiary road it is high, but Oak Street is almost four times that.  Councilman Voigt stated that maybe they can find a way to lessen the volume.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it is an access point from a main road to downtown.  There are a lot of homes on that street also, so how many times are people leaving their homes every day.  He added that they did this over a holiday weekend which probably increased the number because it was such a nice weekend, but it probably wouldn’t make a huge difference in this count.  Councilman Voigt stated that it may be something they could think about in Citizens Safety Advisory Committee to reduce volume on that street.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Sergeant Chuck had the detailed study on this and if the Village Council could obtain a copy so she could understand the hours.  Sergeant Chuck stated that he would share that.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the high speed travel is a problem all through Ridgewood.  She added that while they are looking at this and figuring out how to slow folks down, she thinks that at some point they need to look at the entire Village.  She added that they have to look at a Village-wide solution.  Sergeant Chuck stated that the Chief is in agreement, and she just bolstered the Traffic Bureau with at least one officer dedicated to enforcement all day long, which is supplemented by Patrol Officers.  He added that is directly related to the concerns they have been hearing.

Mr. Edelman stated that in terms of reducing volumes of traffic, there are three entrances to Stop and Shop, and suggested restricting the entrance on North Walnut Street to commercial only or restrict it to just enter or exit.  He added that there is a lot of traffic coming out of there.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that when she goes to Stop and Shop depending on the time of day, she can no longer make the left onto Cottage.  So she either has to go out to the right on Cottage and then make a left onto Franklin, or go out of the Franklin exit and make the left.  Sometimes Franklin is too crazy to make the left, so she oftentimes goes out onto Walnut so she can get home and not feel like she’s in a compromised position making a left.  She said there are two perspectives.  Mr. Edelman stated that a lot of the things the proposed are things that can be implemented town wide and he doesn’t think a lot of that costs a lot of money.  He added that he was curious what the pushback was to reducing the speed limit.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they had deployed the speed trailer for the count.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they like to get as natural raw data as possible, so when they are planning to place the speed counters they wipe police from the area.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they were going to deploy that in the interim as it would give some real information.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it is absolutely available, but it is at the Train Station and they put the curb around it but they would get it over there soon.

 

3. Alternate Court Administrator

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they did a resolution designating Kimberly McWilliams as the Acting Court Administrator for the Ridgewood Municipal Court, and the rate was $35 an hour.  At the time of adoption of the resolution, Maria Doerr was not designated in a reciprocal agreement with Glen Rock.  Kim McWilliams has now been appointed as Municipal Court Administrator for the Wyckoff Municipal Court, as a result of a new shared services agreement with Glen Rock and has designated Maria Doerr as Acting Municipal Court Administrator for the Wyckoff Municipal Court.  Now that there is a reciprocal agreement in place, she has drafted a new resolution which omits compensation for the emergent services.  Ms. Mailander added that she doesn’t know that it has ever happened that our Municipal and Deputy Court Administrators were not available, but now it will work through a barter system and they will not be charged by the alternate designee.

 

4. Ordinance to Adopt New FEMA/FIRM Maps

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that FEMA/FIRM have finally issued new flood maps for the Village that will be effective August 28^th this year.  The changes for the Village will be very minor.  The big fear they have are that the last time this occurred, a lot of the properties with a Letter of Map Amendment without the structures in the flood plains that didn’t need flood insurance were all tossed out and they have to work with the US Representatives to get them reestablished.  The ordinance before the Village Council is a total rewrite of the Village of Ridgewood flood ordinance in the code based on what the DEP has issued for communities to adopt.  The flood insurance program is significantly in arrears and the flood insurance program is looking at tightening up what people have that could be effected by a flood.

Councilwoman Walsh asked if any new properties were impacted by the new flood map that were not in the flood zone prior.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that there may be a few properties that the flood reach has now touched and are enjoined, but they haven’t identified those yet.  Councilwoman Walsh asked if they had a responsibility to notify those property owners.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they don’t, an individual only needs flood insurance under specific circumstances, if you have a mortgage a lender will require it.  He added that they do know of residents that are in flood hazard areas that do not have flood insurance because they have inherited their properties, do not have a mortgage, and have decided to take that risk upon themselves.  The properties that have been put into the flood hazard area; those lenders would be contacting the homeowners.  If they have questions, they would encourage them to come to Engineering.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she saw that there was a grievance period where they could challenge.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the challenge requires getting a surveyor to do elevations.  FEMA/FIRM does a much higher level review and there may be individual conditions that a homeowner has that elevates them out of the flood region and if they can prove that through a survey at their own cost, a homeowner may be able to get a LOMA.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked about the Bergen County Court of Appeals being designated to hear and decide appeals and request for variances from the requirements of this ordinance.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he formulated that section in coordination with Tom Yotka, as the Village dissolved the Village’s Board of Appeals and went to the County.  So they were having the County Board of Appeals in this ordinance be the entity of last resort for the individual that does not agree with the determination of the engineer’s office or the construction official’s office.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked for clarification on the variance piece.  Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t think they were talking about a variance under municipal land use law, but they were talking about a deviation from the map itself and the designations.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if that was something for a construction board to handle.  Mr. Rogers stated that there wasn’t any other body in this municipality that can handle that type of appeal.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they had to provide a venue where someone could appeal that determination and the Bergen County Court of Appeal is the most suitable venue for something for that.  Ms. Mailander added that they have to adopt it prior to the end of August.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the state DEP would require a copy to be submitted to them to show that the Village has satisfied its requirements.

 

5. 2020 Village Calendar Theme

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they had a couple of suggestions for the 2020 calendar theme.  One is trees which the Shade Tree Commission has proposed.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that when she learned of the Shade Tree Commission idea, she loved it and always finds that the pictures are always muddy and she thought it might be a benefit to use the free line art that is available and to take a different approach with the images.  Ms. Mailander stated that the final recommendation was hidden or not so hidden treasures of the Village.

Councilwoman Knudsen added that she wanted to elaborate on Jeanne Epiphan’s comments, adding that she isn’t good with plants but one thing Jeanne explained was native and invasive species and the impact on the birds.  There is a whole cycle that goes on, so she thought that was a good reason to incorporate her ideas with Shade Tree.  She added that from an educational perspective it was important to understand what the invasive species are doing to our environment.

Councilman Voigt stated that he had a couple of suggestions, such as places of worship, and unique homes of Ridgewood.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she liked the hidden idea because often someone will ask have you ever seen this, and there are urban legends in Ridgewood which might be fun for people to get involved in.  People can pick locations and send them in.  Councilman Sedon added that he was partial to both tree ideas, adding that there were heritage trees and merging that with some line art to bring in some focus and detail might be interesting.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that Ms. Epiphan asked if Kings Pond is a hidden treasure.  She isolated the different species that could be found at each of the different locations.  She added that the Shade Tree Commission has done an incredible job in the Village bringing attention to the importance of the tree canopy and they have learned a lot about invasive species that she thinks should be imparted to the larger community.

Mayor Hache added that he likes them all, but definitely the quality of the pictures are a problem so he would like to see if they could do something.  Ms. Mailander added that color or nicer paper increases cost.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that working with what they are working with, the front cover because of the quality of the glossier paper always makes it sharper, but when you go into the calendar you always find a muddiness.  Mayor Hache asked if they could get a mockup of what it would look like to have one versus another.  He suggested using two or three themes and seeing which one looks best.  Ms. Mailander stated that they could do this, but they would have to pay the printer.  Mayor Hache asked to just see the pictures of the concepts over one or two pages.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that she sent samples of the work from Ms. Epiphan, and line art is essentially coloring pages so there is an opportunity to make the calendar more of an experience.

 

6. REVIEW OF JUNE 12, 2019 PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Ms. Jackson stated that this was a review of the June 12, 2019 Public Meeting Agenda.

Proclamations include: Bee City USA National Pollinator Week.

Resolutions for Ridgewood Water: Award Contract – Roof Repairs for Various Ridgewood Water Properties; Award Contract Under State Contract – Geographic Information System for Data Migration; and Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – 2019 Ford Escape.

The following ordinances are scheduled for introduction:  3723 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Certain Illuminated Signs in the Central Business District; 3724 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Ridgewood Parking Permits to Include Ridgewood CBD Building Owners with Offices in Their Own Building; 3725 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Ridgewood Parking Permits for Central Business District Building Owners with Offices in their Own Buildings; 3726 – Amend Outdoor Café Fees – 2019 & 2020; 3727 – Amend Chapter 265 Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions on Sherman Place; 3728 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions on Monte Vista Avenue; 3729 – Amend Chapter 154 – Flood Damage Prevention; 3730 – Reappropriate Funding in Capital Ordinance – Renovation of Tree Wells in Central Business District to Conducting a Tree Inventory; and 3731 – Establish Turn Lane on Franklin Avenue.

Ordinances for Public Hearing include: 3722 – Prohibit Use of Single Use Plastic Carry-Out Bags.

Resolutions include: Waive Fourth of July Vendor Fees; Grant Permission to Fireworks Company for Fireworks Display; Title 59 Approval – Disposal of Grass Clippings; Award Contract – Disposal of Grass Clippings; Title 59 Approval – Surface Restoration of West Façade of Village Hall; Award Contract – Surface Restoration of West Façade of Village Hall; Title 59 Approval – Underground Storage Tank System Repair; Award Contract – Underground Storage Tank System Repair; Award Contract Under State Contract – Geographic Information Systems for Various Departments; Award Contract Under State Contract  - Bulletproof Vests; Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – Stump Grinder – Parks Department; Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – 2019 Ford F250 Pickup Truck – Public Works; Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – On-line Auction Services; Award Contract Under National Cooperative Agreement – Caterpillar Backhoe – Signal and Water Pollution Control Divisions; Award Contract Under National Cooperative Agreement – Roll-off Truck with Salter – Street Division; Award Contract Under Houston-Galveston Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – 2020 Fire Pumper; Award Contract Under Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Rental of Interim Sewage Transfer Pumps – Andover Pump Station; Award Contract Under Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Bucket Truck Chassis – Parks Department; Award Contract Under Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Bucket Truck Aerial Lift – Parks Department; Award Partial Contract – Sidewalks on West Glen Avenue; Award Professional Services Contract – Certified Lake Manager – Dredging of Kings Pond; Appoint Village Attorney; Appoint Village Bond Attorney; Appoint Village Labor Attorney; Appoint Village Prosecutor and Assistant Village Prosecutor; Appoint Public Defender; Appoint Alternate Court Administrator; Appoint Community Development Representative; Appoint Representative to Open Space Trust Regional Committee; Appoint Members to Planning Board; Appoint Members to Zoning Board of Adjustment; Appoint Member to Stigma Free Task Force; Appoint Members to the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee; Appoint Members to the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board; Appoint Members to the Green Team Advisory Committee; Allocation of Affordable Housing Trust Fund Money to The United Way for The Enclave Special Needs Housing; Extend Suspension of Ordinance for Certain Illuminated Signs in Central Business District; Authorize Tax Collector to Charge for Mailing of Tax Sale Notices; Declare Property Surplus – 2000 Packer Truck – Recycling Division; Authorize Access to North Walnut Street Parking Lot Monitoring Wells; Authorize Village of Ridgewood to be a New Jersey Future Aging Friendly Community; Endorse Bergen County Historic Preservation Grant – James Rose Center; Accept Donation – Flagpole at Public Forum Space of Memorial Park at Van Neste Square; Authorize Release of Maintenance Bond – 44 Godwin Avenue; Approve 2019-2020 Renewals of Liquor Licenses; and Appoint Village Councilmembers as Liaisons to Various Boards and Committees.

 

Mayor Hache added that this Saturday at 10:00 A.M. at Van Neste Square is the Gun Violence Awareness, wear orange, and the High School students are driving this there will be speaks and musical performances.

 

7. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she wanted to echo what Ms. Mailander said about Graydon opening, they were there Sunday and it was beautiful, the snack bar is really nice and they have salads.  Councilman Sedon was there, and the pool looked great and it was nice to have it open again.  She added that last year or the current year there was a whole page of errors and corrections, holidays that were missed or duplicated, and she asked that they consider having someone that is a professional proofreader check it because more than the drawings or photos is the accuracy of the content. 

Councilwoman Knudsen added that part of the reason they brought up the theme was they made a determination that the calendar should be ready much earlier, so in speaking with Ms. Mailander they made the decision to start the process earlier on to make sure that those errors are address beforehand.

8. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Deputy Village Clerk Donna Jackson read Resolution #19-154 to go into Closed Session as follows:

9. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Voigt, seconded by Councilwoman Knudsen, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 10:01 P.M.

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                                                                                                  Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                                  

                                                                                                             Mayor                                     

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              Donna M. Jackson

           Deputy Village Clerk