20200115 Regular Public Meeting of Village Council
A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ON JANUARY 15, 2020 AT 8:00 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Hache called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Hache led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as in a Moment of Silence to honor the brave men and women serving in our armed forces and all our first responders.
- ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of December 31, 2019, be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Mayor Hache moved that the Village Council minutes of June 25, 2019 and December 11, 2019 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PROCLAMATIONS
- JAMBOREE DAYS
Councilwoman Knudsen thanked Ziggy, Isabella, Ann, Stacey, and Michael for all of the work that they do for Jamboree, and read the following proclamation:
- PROCLAIM JANUARY RADON ACTION MONTH
Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:
- PROCLAIM FEBRUARY 14, 2020 AS LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS DAY
Mayor Hache read the following proclamation:
- RESOLUTION OF APPOINTMENT AND SWEARING-IN OF TAX ASSESSOR ANTHONY RINALDI, JR.
- RESOLUTION 20-03 APPOINTMENT OF TAX ASSESSOR
The following resolution was read in full by Ms. Mailander:
- SWEARING-IN OF TAX ASSESSOR ANTHONY RINALDI, JR.
The Village Council swore in Anthony Rinaldi, Jr. and his wife, Yvonne, held the Bible.
- SWEARING-IN OF FIRE FIGHTER MARK BARONE
The Village Council swore in Fire Fighter Mark Barone, his wife held the Bible, while his daughter looked on.
- SWEARING-IN OF POLICE OFFICER CHRISTOPHER DONOGHUE
The Village Council swore in Police Officer Christopher Donoghue, and his parents held the Bible.
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Janet Anderson, 208 Fieldstone Terrace, Wyckoff, stated that as president of the League of Women Voters and on behalf of the League, she just wanted to thank the Village Council for issuing the Proclamation celebrating the League’s 100th Anniversary, and naming February 14, 2020 as League of Women Voters Day in Ridgewood. This is a momentous occasion for the League and they are most pleased that the Village has recognized this milestone. They hope to continue the collaborative relationship that they have had with the Village Council.
Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, stated that she would like to echo Ms. Anderson’s thanks for recognizing the League of Women Voters, it is such a wonderful civic organization and is currently helping with the census and many other initiatives in town. She would like to remind the Village Council that the League of Women Voters Water Committee submitted a suggested proposal about a year ago for a resolution to discontinue the use of municipal funds to purchase PET plastic water bottles. These are 100 times more expensive than Ridgewood tap water. She added that our grandparents didn’t drink from plastic water bottles and they are detrimental to our environment. Therefore, they ask again that the Village Council please consider this resolution and vote in favor of it.
Nancy Greene, Ridgewood Library, stated that she wanted to say to the League of Women Voters that she was here when they appeared last year and they decided at the Ridgewood Library that they would take up that advice. The Library has stopped serving water bottles and don’t buy them anymore. In fact, they are looking into getting a water bottle filler fountain.
Ms. Greene stated that for Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, this Friday they would be showing “Soundtrack for a Revolution” which is the history of civil rights, told in songs that inspired a generation. The Reverend Mack Brandon will be here in association with the Martin Luther King Jr Celebration Committee of Ridgewood and Glen Rock. The Repair Café is Saturday, February 1st from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., where experts will assist patrons with repairs to various household items.
There were no additional public comments, and Mayor Hache closed public comment.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that most of the Village Council brings their own water bottles, and it is just a matter of changing behavior. She added that as a member of the League of Women Voters, she wanted to thank Ms. Anderson for being an outstanding President and for the leadership that she has shown to the League of Women Voters over the past year and a half. Councilwoman Knudsen thinks the League as a whole is in a really good place and she attributes that to Ms. Anderson’s leadership.
- MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that a service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy will be taking place on Monday, January 20th at 10:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church on Dayton Street. All are invited to attend. The Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday will be observed on Monday, January 20th and all Village Offices will be closed that day. There will be no garbage or recycling pickup and the Recycling Center will also be closed.
Ms. Mailander stated that 2020 Calendars have been delivered to every resident and business in Ridgewood. Take a look at this calendar for contact information and service schedules. She thanked the businesses who support the calendar, through their placement of advertisements.
Ms. Mailander stated that Restaurant Week 2020 sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Valley Health System, began last Sunday, January 12th. New this year is three weeks of fabulous dining and more. Come to Ridgewood and treat yourself to a prix fixe lunch or dinner for $30.20. Parking is free on Sundays. The Chamber’s website RidgewoodChamber.com lists the participating restaurants and further details.
Ms. Mailander stated that Christmas trees would be picked up on Tuesday on the east side and Wednesday on the west side. Residents may bring their own trees to the Graydon Pool parking lot any day through January 30th. Please remove all decorations and lights from the tree, and no plastic bags will be accepted. Wreaths and garland will be collected with regular garbage pickup.
Ms. Mailander stated that leaf collection has been completed. Any resident wishing to dispose of leaves may bag them in biodegradable paper bags and bring them to the Recycling Center. Hours of operation for the Recycling Center are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Ms. Mailander stated that parking rates will increase on February 1st, $1.25 per hour on the street, and $1.00 per hour in the lots.
Annual parking permits are still available for sale at the Village Hall reception desk. All 160 premium permits, which can be used in all lots, are sold out. Permits which can be used at the Chestnut Street, North Walnut Street, and Cottage Place lots, and the Route 17 Park and Ride are still available. Ms. Mailander stated that Central Business District hangtags are available for those who work in the CBD and additional details are on the website.
Ms. Mailander stated that single use plastic bags were banned starting January 1, 2020. All supermarkets, street fairs, restaurants, and farmers markets are prohibited from handing out single use plastic bags. Plastic bags used to contain prescriptions, newspapers, dry cleaning, and those used to contain loose meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and bakery goods are exempt from this ban. She encouraged Ridgewood residents to bring their own reusable shopping bags with them and thanks residents for helping to preserve the environment.
Ms. Mailander stated that the upcoming Village Council meetings are January 29th for a Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M. February 5th is another Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., and then February 19th is the Village Council Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.
- COUNCIL REPORTS
Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Sedon stated that the Shade Tree Commission met and they were very excited about the upcoming tree inventory. Funding was put in place for the tree inventory and they also received a $10,000 grant which should cover the expense to document every street tree in Ridgewood. This will help them going forward in understanding exactly how many trees they have, how big they are, what kind of condition, the species, any kind of pertinent information you could want about a tree will be included. The tree inventory will be used as a road map for managing the canopy and the green infrastructure. The tree inventory will also allow the Village to apply for substantial grants, as some State grants for maintenance and planting of trees require the municipality to have a tree inventory. The tree inventory will assist the Village in understanding certain things that are happening to certain species, like the Emerald Ash borer. The tree inventory will allow the Village to establish a priority list of trees that will need to be taken down, and can give them an idea of where to plant trees. Councilman Sedon added that the tree inventory should be completed by April or May.
Mayor Hache added that in all of the discussions that they heard back from Shade Tree Commission, through Andrew Lowry and Ian Keller, they did a tremendous amount of work in getting the shade tree inventory together. He was very impressed with how the GIS works.
Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen asked residents to check the Village website if they were planning on attending Planning Board next week, because it might be canceled.
Ridgewood Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that HPC meets on December 12th in the Garden Room.
ACCESS Committee – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the ACCESS Committee met last month and some of the conversations revolved around the special needs housing, and some members were in touch with the United Way to have some assurances that the proper funding would happen for the Enclave, which is the combined affordable housing numbers that have been met through the special needs project at the old Sealfons building. She stated that a portion of the building has been completely gutted and they are moving forward at a good pace, with some of their permits in place. United Way has assured them that the funding is in place and they are comfortable moving forward. They are hoping people will be moving in there this time next year.
Stigma Free Task Force – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Stigma Free Task Force met yesterday afternoon. For the month of December they initiated a program called Cards of Joy as an effort to bring positive feedback and cards during the holidays to seniors in different locations at Share House, Ridgecrest, Newbridge hospital and veterans. This is to bring some good will, during a time when a lot of people are feeling very lonely and a lot of depression sets in. The program was initiated by the Stigma Free Task Force and they managed to deliver over 1,300 cards to those locations, which was a very positive experience. They decided to compile a list of birthdays and other important dates that are critical for seniors and residents to celebrate, so they are going to do that program throughout the remainder of the year.
Councilwoman Knudsen added that the Stigma Free Task Force is going to support Ridgewood High School students who are going to make a Stigma Free Zone at the High School and make sure that they have everything they need. She was thrilled that they have gotten so much accomplished in such a short time.
Village Tree at Bergen County Winter Wonderland – Councilwoman Knudsen thanked resident Elizabeth Anne who managed to find the Village of Ridgewood’s tree at the Bergen County Winter Wonderland undecorated, and decided to throw a decorating party.
Library Board of Trustees – Councilwoman Walsh stated that at tonight’s meeting, a resolution to appoint a new member to the Library Board of Trustees will be adopted, and she wanted to welcome Rebecca Rubenstein to the Board.
Parking Garage – Mayor Hache stated that the weekly parking garage meeting happened earlier today, which is the twenty-second meeting with Epic. They are still on schedule and were discussing the feedback from the Chamber of Commerce last week about putting up some signage about the project around the garage site. It is a great idea and Epic is working on getting the right materials, while bearing in mind that area at night is not very well lit. It would be a great way to promote the garage.
Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) – Mayor Hache stated that they had a discussion about what was going to happen with the garage going forward and they want to be able to provide some input on the allocations and distributions of how the spaces should be set. They want to come up with some recommendations of what they can do to improve on-street parking enforcement as well.
Bergen County League of Municipalities – Mayor Hache stated that he attended the Bergen County League of Municipalities Mayor’s breakfast and they discussed the newly minted Bergen County Parks Master Plan, which was presented by Jim Koth, Director of Bergen County Parks. They also talked about the Duck Pond, and the fact that work will not begin in January, as anticipated. Instead, the project has now expanded beyond just repairing the lining and restoring the pond to include some engineering and landscaping, in a $3.6 million project, to redo the entire park from Linwood Avenue to East Ridgewood Avenue. This will include new pavilions, a second walking path, and removal of the tool shed. There are also going to be environmental improvements on the engineering side, to catch some of the stormwater and filter it into the pond. Phase I, which is the pond and water run off, will start this year. Phase II, which is the landscaping and larger walking path, will be in 2021.
Martin Luther King Jr. Events – Mayor Hache stated that as a reminder, there are several other Martin Luther King Jr. events over the weekend. On Saturday, January 18th, the Day of Service Project will be held at the Glen Rock Annex, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. On Sunday, January 19th, there will be a gospel concert at Mount Bethel Baptist Church at 4:00 P.M. On Monday, January 20th, the Interfaith Worship Service at Ridgewood United Methodist Church, followed by the annual march at Van Neste Square, followed by the Fellowship Luncheon at Glenview Hall.
- RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-04 THROUGH 20-05, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER – NONE
- RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 20-06, WAS ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- ORDINANCES
- INTRODUCTION - #3775 – Bond Ordinance – Street Paving and Streetscape, Security for Village-owned Facilities and Buildings
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3775. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3775 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $2,308,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,192,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3775 be adopted on first reading and that February 19, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3776 – Parking Utility Bond Ordinance – Environmental Cleanup for Hudson Street Parking Lot
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3776. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3776 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $350,000 FOR THE DESIGN, MANAGEMENT, CONSTRUCTION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF THE HUDSON STREET PARKING GARAGE IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $350,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3776 be adopted on first reading and that February 19, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3777 – Amend Chapter 212 – Parks and Recreation Areas – Rules and Regulations for Tennis Courts - Pickleball
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3777. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3777 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 212, OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, SECTION 212, PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS, ARTICLE VII, RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 212-27 TENNIS COURTS
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3777 be adopted on first reading and that February 19, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3778 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Requirements for Lettering on Signs
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3778. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3778 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AT SECTION 122 E. ENTITLED “SIGNS IN THE B-1, AND B-2 AND C DISTRICTS” TO EXEMPT THE PORTION OF A LETTER THAT EXTENDS BELOW THE BASELINE OF A FONT KNOWN AS A DESCENDER LOOP OR TAIL
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3778 be adopted on first reading and that February 19, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3779 – Amend Chapter 165 – Garbage, Refuse and Recycling – Bulk Refuse Definitions
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3779. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3779 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 165 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, GARBAGE, RUBBISH, REFUSE AND RECYCLING AT SECTION 165-18, “DEFINITIONS”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3779 be adopted on first reading and that February 19, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3780 – Amend Chapter 165 – Garbage, Refuse and Recycling – Container Specifications & Setout Requirements
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3780. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3780 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 165 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, GARBAGE, RUBBISH, REFUSE AND RECYCLING AT SECTION 165-19, “CONTAINER SPECIFICATIONS”
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3780 be adopted on first reading and that February 19, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3768 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Permit for Two-Wheeled Motorized Vehicles in Park and Ride Lot and Garber Square Train Station Lot
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3768 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3768 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-33, “PERMIT PARKING”
Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3768 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3769 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Two-Wheeled Motorized Vehicles
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3769 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3769 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3769 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-07 THROUGH 20-23, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he believes the Village Council is aware that there are some technical difficulties that are preventing the live broadcast of this meeting, apparently the Fios issue has been going on for several weeks and apparently the Swagit televising isn’t working either. He stated that awhile ago, there was free Wi-Fi service in this room which Mr. Hansen had to take out due to some technical changes. It looks like the Wi-Fi service has been restored, a code is required to be able to use it. He added that it would be nice if the code was posted in this room, so that people could use it.
Mr. Loving stated that at the Work Session last week, he mentioned how upset he was that the pool could be closed for up to three weeks in June, and he was hoping that the Village Council would have a discussion at the next Work Session where they try to get to the bottom of this. He was upset that there was no representation from Parks and Recreation at the Work Session to give some guidance, as it was an important topic. He hopes there is somebody present in the room who can address all the issues that they have about this, the most important being that the membership rates for Graydon Pool were increased, and now there is discussion about reducing the season by three weeks, due to the lack of lifeguards.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she wanted to applaud the Village Council for Resolution 20-18, as she remembers when the Board of Education was completely unwilling to share the price of the School Resource Officer and she appreciated the negotiating work on behalf of the Village Council, because she believes it’s the right thing that the cost should be shared.
Linda McNamara, 575 Knickerbocker Road, stated that it was great about the School Resource Officer. She wanted to say that she was happy about the resolution for the Library, as it sounds like the compromise issues were important to a lot of people and everyone uses the Library, which is a gem of the Village. She stated that she heard the discussion regarding the policies for how they handle the requests for rallies and political events, and she really liked what Ms. Mailander had to say. Ms. McNamara spoke about when President Bush came in a helicopter to Veterans Field, which was a memorable event. She added that the only worries she has about a more open policy for anyone who wants to use public property is that there may be use of it for a political campaign, which is a little different than your sitting elected officials using the public property. She is concerned about security and how long the properties are being used, because residents might not be able to use that public property at a time when it is being used for a political or commercially sponsored event.
Nancy Greene, Library Director, thanked the Village Council and all of the people that offered comments about the Library concept plan. She thanked them for their support, and stated that the Library Board of Trustees and Library Administration are determined to make it a better plan, to make it wonderful for the community for years to come. She thanked the Village Council for appointing Rebecca Rubenstein to the Library Board of Trustees, who will be a wonderful addition. She stated that she was able to log onto the Wi-Fi in Village Hall, but the log on had to be done either through Facebook or by having the wireless code.
There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Hache closed public comment. He stated that there were comments about the use of Village property for political figures and candidates, and at the request of Councilwoman Walsh, they are not going to discuss it in Closed Session, but will bring it back to a future Work Session and have a discussion. One of the things that was initially discussed is the distinction between a sitting government official and a candidate and they welcome any feedback. Mayor Hache thanked Mr. Loving for bringing the Wi-Fi issue to their attention, and he thinks it’s a great suggestion about having the password posted in the Court room.
- RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #20-24 to go into Closed Session as follows:
- ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Knudsen, seconded by Councilman Sedon, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
______________________________
Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor
______________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
- Hits: 1838