20190626 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 26, 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 Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk; Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer; and Rich Calbi, present in the absence of Village Manager Heather Mailander.

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

Douglas Wolmsley, 119 Monte Vista Avenue, stated that at the Village Council Work Session on May 22^nd he raised the issue of all day commuter parking on the designated section of Monte Vista Avenue between Heights Road and Monroe Street.  He thanked the Village Council for their attention, adding that at the Village Council meeting on June 5^th, Sergeant Chuck and Mr. Rutishauser reviewed the matter and shared their findings.  He added that he was in agreement with their suggestion of three hour parking, adding that multiple commuter parking on that section continues through today.

Mr. Wolmsley added that the issue of multiple commuter cars on that section of Monte Vista continues even through today.  Since that meeting, they received a letter from Mr. Rutishauser suggesting a four hour limit, and he would support that proposal.  He added that he has a slight preference for a three hour restriction due to Park Slope currently having a three hour restriction.  This addresses the crux of their issue which is all day commuter parking on that section of Monte Vista.  He added that he would submit his comments in writing to Mr. Rutishauser.

Patricia Smesko, 89 Monte Vista Avenue, stated that her section of Monte Vista has no parking from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., which isn’t working because people are still parking there and she is then forced to call the Village and they are then ticketed.  Sometimes they park at 10:00 A.M. and then can park all day long.  She added that people are parking on Heights as well as Madison, Monte Vista, and Sheridan.  People fly down Heights Road very fast also and there are cars parked on both sides of the street creating a narrow passageway.  Ms. Smesko added that in the Village, there are empty spots at the new spots in the Train Station and suggested that they find parking there.  

Michelle Bors, 138 Monte Vista Avenue, stated that she was in favor of the parking restrictions as she sees the commuter parking every day, and when the landscaping trucks come to do work it creates a very narrow throughway.  She added that Monte Vista has become a cut-through for a lot of people and it makes it very dangerous.  There are no sidewalks, so you have to go into the street to walk up to Heights and with parking on both sides it becomes a dangerous situation.

Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, stated that a year or two ago she was walking on the corner of Kenilworth and Spring and an accident happened right in front of her.  There was discussion afterwards about making the intersection of Kenilworth and Spring into a four-way stop, but she gathered that because of Sergeant Chuck’s or Mr. Rutishauser’s evaluation it wasn’t appropriate to put a four way stop there.  There is a brand new stop sign in the roadway that is three or four feet round, and drivers coming down Kenilworth can’t possibly miss the sign.  She added that it is a very good solution.  The pedestrian perspective is that from twenty feet away its invisible, so you don’t get the signage pollution from down the street.  Ms. Perron added that it was a solution that she would like to see elsewhere in Ridgewood.

Danielle Flynn, 146 Monte Vista Avenue, stated that she would support measures to eliminate the commuter parking Monday through Friday.  She added that she hoped restrictions would not be on the weekend as that would only be effecting residents.  She wondered if the Village Council would consider some sort of placard they could put on their cars if they had workers there during the week or needed to park on the street during the day.

There were no additional comments from the public.

Mayor Hache asked if placards were something that had been implemented in the Village previously.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that placards or stickers for a particular neighborhood becomes a problem of enforcement.  This is an issue raised by residents over the years and is a popular request but he deferred to the Village Council.  Mayor Hache suggested that it was something to look into.  Mr. Rutishauser added that the ordinance that he notified the residents that is for a four hour limit, which the Police Department felt was a limit that allows a landscaper to service a lawn, delivery people to come and go, and is only from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Mayor Hache asked about the Stop sign decal that was installed.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have installed one of the two decals, which are thermoplastic, and they will install the other on the northbound direction of Kenilworth.  He was glad to hear from a resident about the stop sign decal, and added that it was another tool in the toolbox and it was important to mix it up for motorists.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked about the location on Monte Vista that is currently 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. and whether the Parking Enforcement Officers in the interim could check that area and start to enforce.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he would put that request in to Sergeant Chuck.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Mr. Rutishauser could explain the reason the four way stop sign could not be placed at the Kenilworth and Spring intersection.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that four way stop signs are a traffic control device, however, it needs to meet a number of warrants that the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control requires.  Right now they did not find any warrants that would support a four way stop intersection, but things change over time and they would continue to work with the Police Department in case anything changes in the future.

3. MANAGERS REPORT

Village Council Work Session – Mr. Rutishauser stated that the next Village Council Work Session is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10^th at 7:30 P.M. in the Court Room.

Train Station Parking Lot – Mr. Rutishauser stated that the expansion of the Train Station parking lot is almost complete.  The striping was completed last Saturday, and it is open and ready to be used.

Fourth of July Celebration – Mr. Rutishauser stated that Fourth of July Celebrations would be underway next week.  If residents would like to put out chairs they are welcome to.  The parade is from 10:00 A.M. to noon, and the celebration continues on Veterans Field where the gates open at 6:00 P.M. and there is music and fireworks.  The sale of tickets is critical to support the cost of the event.  Tickets are available for sale at Bookends, Backyard Living, Connect One Bank, the Daily Treat, Goffle Brook Farms, Hillman Electric, Town and Country, and The Wine Cellar.  Fireworks tickets and the 50/50 tickets are also available for purchase at the Ridgewood Public Library and at the Farmers Market.  Advanced tickets are $10 each for ages 6 and up, ticket prices increase at the gate to $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 12.  Children five and under are admitted for free.  Firework tickets are required for entry to Vets Field.  Donation and ticket information is available at RidgewoodJulyFourth.com.

Dog Licenses – Mr. Rutishauser stated that dog licenses are due for renewal in the month of June, and after July 1^st a $20 late fee will be charged.  Dog owners were reminded by mail and email to fill out the form, enclose a check and mail it into the Health Department.  The Health Department is open from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday if residents have any questions related to dog licensing or other health matters related to your dog.

Farmers Market – Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Farmers Market is open for the 2019 season, on Sunday, June 23^rd.  It is open every Sunday through October 22^nd on the West Side of the Train Station from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.  He encouraged people to come and meet the farmers, in addition there is a Jam Man, Bella Mozzarella, Pickelicious, Bounty Bakery.  The Ridgewood Farmers Market is a real farmers market and is brought to us by the members of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce.

Ridgewood Recreation Day Camp – Mr. Rutishauser stated that Ridgewood Recreation Day Camp began yesterday, and has over 400 children participating from grade 1 through 6.  Lots of fun and special events are planned for this summer.

Ridgewood Guild Art in the Park – Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Ridgewood Guild is sponsoring Art in the Park evenings Friday, July 12^th and August 2^nd.  Take a stroll in the park and enjoy artwork and music.  Art is for sale those evenings with proceeds benefitting the Ridgewood Guild.

Graydon Pool – Mr. Rutishauser reminded everyone that Graydon Pool is open for the summer season, with weekend hours 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.  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 – Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Kasschau Memorial Shell located on Veterans Field behind the Library, provides free live concert popular music concerts on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:30 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. Front row lawn chairs are provided by Age Friendly Ridgewood for the bus riders.

 

Ridgewood Guild – Mr. Rutishauser 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.  This summer they will be showing Chicago on July 10^th, Sleepless in Seattle on July 24^th, The Sixth Sense on August 2^nd, and ET on August 21^st.  Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the show.

 

Parking in Village-Owned Lots after 3:00 P.M. – Mr. Rutishauser 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.

 

Mayors Wellness Festival – Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Mayors Wellness Festival is slated for Sunday, September 22^nd 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, contact the Parks and Recreation office for further information.

 

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee – Councilman Sedon stated that the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee and the Green Team met last week and are coming up with a plan to educate residents about the single use plastic bag ban and will hopefully finalize it by the next meeting in July and will start rolling it out in July and August and kick it in for the Fall months leading into the winter when there is more activity in town.

Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Planning Board meets next Tuesday at 7:30 P.M.

 

Fourth of July Committee – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the 50/50 tickets will be available also at MacMurphy’s July 3^rd in the evening from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.  50/50 tickets have been $100 apiece and they have sold up to 600 over past years, this year they have reduced the price to $20, and the tickets will also be available on the field which will allow the committee to sell more tickets.  If there is anybody who is interested in tickets you can visit Ridgewood July 4^th website and there is information on how to reach Tara Masterson.  E-Tickets are available for the field as well, and she encouraged everyone to purchase a 50/50 ticket, consider making a donation, and be reminded that this is an all-volunteer program as a 501(c)3 organization.  She thanked everyone who continues to volunteer and donate to make this event a great success year after year.

State Library Grant Applications – Councilwoman Walsh stated that granting applications for the State Library Grant is coming out on July 1^st, they will have 60 days to review and send questions back, and then thereafter they will do the grant application.  The Library did a video that they will submit for everyone to see via social media to give everyone a better idea of the process and why this grant application is going to be filled out by the Library.  This will give the public the opportunity to give some feedback.

 

Citizen Safety Advisory Committee – Councilman Voigt stated that the Citizen Safety Advisory Committee met last Thursday.

Next Monday, Councilman Voigt and Mayor Hache will be meeting with residents to discuss parking issues in and around Sherman Place.  Starbucks continues to be an issue as the cones are not a deterrent.  The mid center lane being considered between Oak and Cottage will be presented to the County.  The Village will also be extending the sidewalk on Hillcrest past Heights on the south side of West Glen this summer, as well as on the north side of West Glen towards Monroe.  They examined some of the issues with cars speeding in the lawns section, and Engineering is considering installing island marking and the Village will be looking at installing a school bus stop on Newcomb Road.

Councilman Voigt stated that Jane Reymus, as part of the Stop, Look and Wave Organization has been working with the schools to find safe places to drop off students in the morning, such that they can cross the streets easily and the cars don’t create traffic around the schools.

Maypole and Mid-Summer Celebration – Mayor Hache stated that last week there was a Maypole and Mid-Summer celebration in the children’s sensory and butterfly garden at the Stable.  He thanked the Ridgewood Conservancy for Public Land for hosting, as well as Apiarist Frank Mortimer and his wife Sophie, and the Parks and Recreation Department for hosting this event as part of National Pollinators Week.  He congratulated Frank Mortimer for being recently appointed to the Parks and Recreation Conservation Board and thanked him for stepping up to volunteer and serve. 

 

Central Business District Advisory Committee – Mayor Hache stated that CBDAC met on June 13^th and was looking into how business improvement districts work, and whether it was something for the Village Council to consider exploring.  They also spoke with a representative who will be designing a new website for the Central Business District.

Chamber of Commerce – Mayor Hache stated that on June 18^th, he and Councilman Voigt attended the Chamber of Commerce 92^nd Annual Dinner and swore in the new slate of officers.  There were several individuals honored at the event as well, including the owners of Jekyll and Hyde with the Community Business Award.  Life Opportunities Unlimited received the Community Service Award.  The College Club also received the Community Giving Award. 

Mayor Hache congratulated the new Board of Directors, with Scott Leif continuing as President.

RHS Class of 2019 – Mayor Hache stated that on June 20^th, the Village Councilmembers attended the Ridgewood High School Class of 2019 Graduation and it was a beautiful celebration.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked about the school bus stop on Newcomb Road.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he wasn’t clear if it was a Ridgewood Board of Education bus stop or if it was a private school bus stop, but they were going to investigate signage as a resident brought to their attention that there were also some sight issues.

 

5. DISCUSSION

 

1. Budget

 

1. Declare Property Surplus – Fire Department

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that there was a resolution for the Village Council’s consideration to declare a piece of Fire Department apparatus surplus so that it can be traded in against the purchase of their new piece of equipment.

 

1. Operations

 

2. Appointment to Parks Recreation Conservation Board

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that there were a number of residents who were being appointed to the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board.

 

Councilman Sedon made a motion to suspend the Work Session and convene a Special Public Meeting.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

6. SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING - SEE SEPARATE MINUTES

Mayor Hache called for a motion to adjourn, there was a motion by Councilman Sedon to adjourn the Special Public Meeting and reconvene the Work Session.   Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

7. DISCUSSION

 

1. Ridgewood Water

 

1. Award Change Order #1 – Professional Services for Engineering Consultant for Eder, Lakeview and Southside Pump Stations

 

Mr. Calbi stated that this is the first change order for this professional services contract with D.J. Egarian & Associates for $6,000, bringing the contract total to $103,000.  The change is necessary due to the need to upgrade the power service at the property that was not originally anticipated.  There is a redesign associated with that upgrade and for the engineer to coordinate with Orange and Rockland who is the utility provider in Wyckoff at this location.

 

2. Award Change Order #1 – Professional Services for Engineering Consulting for Passaic Valley Water Commission Pipeline Project

 

Mr. Calbi stated that this is the first change order on a different design project with Suburban Consulting Engineers who was hired to design the Passaic Valley Water Commission pipeline interconnection.  They had to move a stream crossing on Harristown Road in Fair Lawn, and now will be crossing an open cut matter instead of a trenchless matter which requires permits from the NJDEP.  This change order for $10,000 is necessary for that permit work.

Councilman Voigt asked if the permit was $10,000.  Mr. Calbi stated that it was for preparing and submitting the permit.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if that was something that should have been anticipated.  Mr. Calbi stated that the design document and RFP had planned to go trenchless, but they had to move to the other side and found it was more cost effective to go open cut because otherwise they would have to acquire property.

 

3. Additional Award Contract – Line Stop and Valve Insertion

 

Mr. Calbi stated that this is a two year service contract that was awarded in 2017 for 2018 and 2019.  They recommended and the Village Council did approve an award not to exceed $100,000 for this year’s services.  They exceeded that amount already this year due to the number of water main breaks.  They are looking to add an additional amount to the not to exceed and they pay based on the original prices that were in the original bid.

Councilman Voigt asked what it meant that they were having a lot of emergency main breaks.  Mr. Calbi stated that they are doing a lot of maintenance on the system as a result of the Water Quality Accountability Act they are now required to turn the valves on a five year rotation, as a result of that many of the valves break.  There was an issue Memorial Day Weekend with three breaks in a row as a result of some maintenance and paving work.  Councilman Voigt asked how an emergency main break happens.  Mr. Calbi stated that the system in many areas is as old as 100 years.  So, the pipes deteriorate as a result of soil conditions, or material wears or the soil may corrode it, or they get water hammer, or the valves break off and water comes out of the ground.  They are forced to put in insertion valves to control and isolate that break to avoid shutting down hundreds of homes.  The cost is worth avoiding that nuisance, and these are long lasting, so in the event there is an issue in that area, they have better control and can last for 50 years.

Councilwoman Walsh asked about the initial $100,000 and the additional $150,000.  Mr. Calbi stated that the original contract had no total, so they arbitrarily picked an amount.  There is no telling what is going to happen each year in terms of emergencies.  They are looking at what is going to happen this year based on what has happened already, and they don’t want to come back with additional work toward the end of the year.  Finance will give a purchase order in parts, and when that is utilized they get another piece.  Councilwoman Walsh asked if they had completed everything that was planned and were doing additional work.  Mr. Calbi stated that was correct.  They had done above what was planned.

 

4. Declare Property Surplus – 2004 Ford F250

 

Mr. Calbi stated that this vehicle has already been replaced but has been sitting around, so they could finally declare it surplus and sell it on GovDeals.

 

1. Parking – None

 

1. Budget

 

1. Ridgewood Senior Citizen Housing Corporation

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that MaryJo Gilmour, Tax Collector, created a resolution for the Village Council’s consideration because they are exempt from property taxes and have a payment in lieu of taxes.

 

2. Declare Property Surplus – Parking Meter Housings and Mechanisms – Department of Public Works

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that Traffic and Signal has been removing a lot of the individual and duplex meter housings with the implementation of multi-space meters, which are new surplus.  They will declare them surplus and then seek to sell them anyway possible, and it is just the housings not the mechanisms.

 

3. Award Contract – Vehicle Tracking Equipment

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that this is a program that has been initiated by Mr. Calbi and they have found this to be very successful.  It has been used for a lot of the Public Works Departments processes, and can be utilized to see the frequency of plowing and leaf collection on a street.  It also helps in enforcement if they clean a street they know when it was done in collaboration with the Code Enforcer’s operations.

Councilwoman Walsh asked if the unions are aware of this and if it conforms to the Human Resources Manual.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the unions are aware of it, not necessarily which units have the mechanisms which is strictly in managements hands.  The units are also programmed for a geofence, so that if a vehicle leaves a designated area, an alarm would be sent to the responsible Director so that they can see any activity.  They have had a discussion with all unions and they are fully aware of it.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked from a blue collar union perspective, do they appreciate that as in a way it is a benefit.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the detriment in the staff’s eyes is that they feel that big brother is watching them, and in the eyes of management they see it as providing a value to the taxpayers and they can immediately take an action to inform the operator of that vehicle that they are off task.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if the GPS would provide information as to how much time was spent in a specific area.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they do have features to tell if a vehicle is idling or is parked.  Employees are allowed to go pick up a lunch but can’t spend three hours doing so.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was thinking how long it takes somebody to collect garbage in a specific area, from an efficiency perspective.  Mr. Calbi stated that right now they are looking to complete the fleet, as it is on 70 vehicles and they would like to get it on the remaining 50.  They could export the route data as it shows the track of the vehicle over time and they can put it on a map and see how long it takes each route and then decide that maybe there was something they could change.  They can also see the speed of the vehicle, to confirm whether the vehicle is speeding.

 

4. Release of Escrow – Flo’s Market

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that Flo’s Market is the vendor for the concession stand in the Train Station.  Due to the economics of the operation, there is a lower yield to the Village and rent that they are paying so there is an excess amount of escrow being held by the Village and they are asking that it be refunded.

1. Policy – None

 

1. Operations

 

1. Memorial Park at Van Neste Square – Village Tree Assessment

 

Declan Madden, Village of Ridgewood Certified Tree Expert, stated that on June 12^th he performed an inspection at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square and seven trees were in bad shape and need to be removed.  Four ash trees, two oak, and one Norway maple.  Upon inspection it was decided that they need to be removed.  Since it was such a large amount of trees in one particular area, they put it before the Village Council to consider it. 

Councilman Voigt asked if there was a problem with the area that was causing this.  Mr. Madden stated that the ash trees have ash yellow or ash decline that is a disease that messes up the vascular system of the tree and interrupts the tissue underneath the bark which stops the trees ability to take nutrients and water out of the soil.  The oak and the maple have structural problems like large cavities and defects in the stem that could cause the trees to break out in a storm.  Councilman Voigt asked how old the trees are.  Mr. Madden stated that the oaks are probably 100 years old, the ash are younger, and the Norway maple is probably 50 to 60 years old.  He also provided pictures to the Village Council.  Mr. Madden stated that the ash trees need to be taken down quickly because they are in the worst shape.

Councilwoman Walsh asked if he would make a recommendation to plant new trees in that area.  Mr. Madden stated that right now there are no plans to replant, but he was just there to speak about the removals.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if it was overcrowded in that area in his opinion.  Mr. Madden stated that when they remove the trees he doesn’t think it is going to be a huge impact because there are trees flanking the corners.  Councilman Voigt asked if they would remove the trees as a town or contract this out.  Mr. Madden stated that they would do it in-house.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked when they were planning to take them down.  Mr. Madden stated that they were booked out but would try to do it as soon as possible in the interest of public safety.  Councilman Voigt asked if they were to put other trees there, would they thrive.  Mr. Madden stated that proper trees selected for that area would be fine.

Mr. Rutishauser asked if Mr. Madden could comment on ash bore as the report said that none was evident there.  Mr. Madden stated that there was none evident there, but they did get positive detection on the 500 section of Wyndemere.  Those trees have been positively detected.  The bore when it exits the tree leaves exit holes, and there are none.  There is also no woodpecker damage or bark splitting, so there is no indication that it has it at this time.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked who owned the trees that are afflicted.  Mr. Madden stated that they are Vilage trees.  Mr. Rutishauser added that he has seen the trees and the great majority that are in poor shape are in the public right of way.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Mr. Madden has availability if it is a public safety issue, why do they need a resolution to remove the trees.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they do a lot of resolutions for actions so the Village Council can express their voice, and in public works a lot of residents come up and ask what they are doing.  With a resolution in hand, it helps explain that the governing body is fully aware of the actions being taken.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if it is a public safety issue and he has availability, Mr. Madden could remove the tree in the interest of public safety before the meeting if necessary.

 

2. Authorize Execution of NJDEP Permits for Draining of Kings Pond

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that they are currently in the fish salvage operation phase, and that has necessitated about three or four additional permits with NJDEP and they all need a signature.  They have a tight timeframe to do the actual dredging with the County.  Councilman Voigt asked where they put the fish.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they are getting relocated to Gypsy Pond.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked what happened with the carp.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the carp were killed, as the NJDEP considers them an invasive species and the NJDEP has deemed them not to be repopulated.

 

8. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that beginning on June 24^th weekdays the pool opens at 10:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. through August 14^th.

Mr. Loving added that there was a comment made about available parking at the Train Station and he observed the same thing, noting that there were more than two dozen spaces and on another day more than a dozen available spaces.  He added that perhaps the reason the lot isn’t filling up is because there are no permit holders to fill it up. So, maybe a good idea would be to open up additional permits and prorate them for the year as those spaces may remain unused unless additional permits are offered.  He added that if the spaces don’t fill and people aren’t going to buy permits, have they reached the saturation point with parking and enough parking for commuters, and should they rethink things that are going to happen down the road.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that by design those spaces that are underutilized, as the garage build moves forward, the cars that are displaced is the exact number that is in that train station lot.  So rather than do the ride share and upset the residents routine, they are going to be able to use their Hudson Street Parking Pass and move over to the train station lot during those months.  The open spaces presently serve an important purpose so that they don’t inconvenience the permit holders from Hudson Street.  Councilman Sedon added that Hudson Street Lot would be closed at the end of July or beginning of August.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that they are looking at a very short window of time that those spots would remain vacant, and are comfortable moving forward that is exactly the allocation required for the displaced vehicles.

Mr. Loving added that there were questions about the pricing of Hudson Street versus the Train Station, and whether they were going to have to make up for that pricing difference if they could now park at the Train Station.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it would be the luck of the draw.

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that there was a suggestion made on social media that maybe on the night of the Fourth before the fireworks begins, some collection buckets could go around at some of the unpaid viewing spots.  She didn’t know if that would be appropriate but it was a thought that some of the volunteers may be able to do that.  

There were no additional comments from the public.

Mayor Hache stated that the next meeting is on July 10^th for a Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., and he wished everyone a safe and happy Independence Day.

9. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 8:37 P.M.

______________________________

                                                                                    Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                        

                                                                                                        Mayor                            

______________________________

              Donna M. Jackson

           Deputy Village Clerk