20191113 Regular Public Meeting 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 NOVEMBER 13, 2019 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, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. Councilman Sedon was absent.
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 October 31, 2019, be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
- ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Mayor Hache moved that the Village Council minutes of June 5, June 26, July 10, September 11, and October 7, 2019 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
- PROCLAMATIONS
- DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER – 2019 YEAR END HOLIDAY STATEWIDE CRACKDOWN
Councilman Voigt read the following proclamation:
- ACCEPT DONATION FROM COLUMBIA BANK – COMPUTERS FOR COMMUNITY CENTER –
Mayor Hache stated that Thomas Kennedy, President and CEO of Columbia Bank, and some of the officers from the Ridgewood branch, as well as some of the representatives from the Columbia Foundation were present. They have made a tremendous donation of laptops to the Village’s Senior Center. Mayor Hache said that this is community building at its finest, with a local business giving back to its community and helping to support the Village’s older adults. He added that this was tremendous generosity and welcomed his Council colleagues to the floor to do the presentation.
Deanna Schablik, the Recreation Program Coordinator, thanked the Village Council for coming to her with this opportunity from Columbia Bank. The computers for the seniors will give them the ability to Skype with family members, and also provide some instructional programming for Village middle school and high school students. Ms. Schablik also thanked the members of the Community Center Advisory Board, adding that every month they have a meeting where they think about what they can do for the community. Ms. Schablik also mentioned Helen Leonard, who is the new president this year, and Dylan Hansen, the Director of MIS, who helped her over the last few weeks putting all of the information for the computers together.
Mr. Kennedy stated that they were happy to help out and added that their Corporate Foundation is the third largest in New Jersey, and it gives them a chance to share their success with the wonderful Village.
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Gwenn Hauck, 174 Cottage Place, stated that she saw on the agenda that they were introducing Police Department salary ordinances but it didn’t elaborate anything. She asked if they would be hearing anything about it. Ms. Mailander stated that additional information would be available at the Public Hearing.
There were no additional comments from the public.
- MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander encouraged residents to come celebrate and commemorate the Village of Ridgewood’s 125th Anniversary on Saturday, November 16th. During the day, there will be Happy Birthday Ridgewood programs in the Library Auditorium from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., with crafts, a story time and games for all ages. Peggy Norris and Joe Suplicki, Village Historians, will present “The Making of a Village: 1894-1905,” to be followed by a gala that night from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. that will include live musical performances and a taste of Ridgewood at Felina Restaurant and Events at 54 East Ridgewood Avenue. Tickets can be purchased through PayPal or by sending a check to the Ridgewood Community Foundation.
Ms. Mailander stated that all Village offices will be closed November 28th and 29th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. There will be no garbage or recycling collection on Thursday. There will be eastside garbage pickup and recycling collection in Area 4 on Friday. The recycling center will be closed on the 28th and 29th, but it will be open on Saturday, November 30th.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Guild will sponsor the 10th Annual Winterfest in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on Saturday, November 30th from noon to 3:00 P.M. There will be live music, ice sculptures, elves, candy canes, trackless train rides, and horse drawn hayrides. This free event is to help start the holiday season.
Saturday, November 30th is also Small Business Saturday. Ms. Mailander encouraged everyone to come and shop at Ridgewood’s many fine local shops and then have a bite to eat at the wonderful Ridgewood restaurants.
Ms. Mailander stated that on Friday, December 6th, the Chamber of Commerce is planning for the 34th Annual Downtown for the Holidays. There will be a special Fire and Light event in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Village of Ridgewood. There will be musical performances, a trackless train, the Grinch, and Santa will be in his house to hear everyone’s Christmas wish list.
Ms. Mailander stated that the remaining Village Council meetings for this year are a Work Session on December 4th at 7:30 P.M., and on December 11th, there is a Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.
Ms. Mailander stated that a resident survey will be sent out through an E-notice and will also be accessed through the Village website. She encouraged everyone to fill it out, as it will give them insight into residents’ thoughts about different aspects of the Village and its services. The deadline for responses is November 30th.
As a reminder, starting January 1st no single use plastic bags will be provided by supermarkets, street fairs, restaurants, or any other places in Ridgewood. Residents are urged to bring their own shopping bags to the stores, and if the shopper doesn’t have one, paper bags will be provided. Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood is one of dozens of towns in New Jersey that have passed such bans, which is in response to the damage to our waterways and sea life.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Farmer’s Market will be open for only two more Sundays, November 17th and 24th, from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., at the Ridgewood Train Station.
- COUNCIL REPORTS
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that HPC meets tomorrow evening in the Garden Room.
125th Anniversary Gala Event – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that anyone who is interested in tickets for the 125th Anniversary Gala Event, the link is on the Village website, has been in an E-notice, and it’s all over social media. She added that ticket sales are brisk, and encouraged everyone to get their tickets soon.
Downtown for the Holidays – Councilwoman Walsh encouraged everyone to attend Downtown for the Holidays and stated that they hoped there would be nice weather for the event.
Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Walsh stated that she had the Chamber of Commerce meeting this morning and they are supporting the ordinance that the Village Council has on this evening for the enclosures at several of the eating establishments. Another topic that came up is the senior bus, as they were hoping that perhaps they could discuss with Ms. Mailander other uses for the senior bus, on the days that it is not in use.
Councilwoman Walsh asked for the total number of premium commuter hangtags that will be sold in 2020, now that additional spaces have been added at the train station. Ms. Mailander stated that she would get that number for the Village Council. Councilwoman Walsh stated that there was a discussion about this at the Chamber of Commerce meeting. Although spaces were added at the train station, they displaced some commuters from the Hudson Lot, so she didn’t want to give a number of premium commuter hangtags that will be sold, without confirmation from Ms. Mailander.
Councilwoman Walsh added that at the Chamber of Commerce meeting, they also had a discussion about the free holiday parking resolution. She asked how the public was going to be notified, especially those who aren’t residents of the Village and she talked about signage or the portable sign being placed on East Ridgewood Avenue.
Citizens Safety Advisory Committee – Councilman Voigt stated that the flashing speed sign has been installed on North Walnut Street, between Linwood Avenue and Franklin Avenue. He thanked the Village for installing it and taking the time to make sure that it is functioning. Councilman Voigt was sure that residents on the street were very happy about this installation.
Elder Dinner – Councilman Voigt stated that this past Sunday, he and Mayor Hache attended the Elder Dinner, which was attended by over 150 seniors. There was tremendous enthusiasm at the event, including volunteers from Healthbarn, Age Friendly, Ridgewood Parks and Recreation, Community Center Advisory Board, students from the schools, and it was a really nice event. Old Paramus Church hosted and he thanked them as well.
Mayor Hache added that Reverend Miller is always very gracious in hosting the event, and it seems to be growing every year. He mentioned that the Kapoor Family from Glen Rock has been donating the food.
Veterans Day Ceremony – Mayor Hache stated that this past Monday, the Veterans Day Ceremony at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square was held. He wanted to thank Commander Bob Paioli of American Legion Post 53 for putting together a tremendous display of respect and dignity for our military.
Grand Opening – Mayor Hache stated that there was a grand opening today for Tutor Doctor and Duterra Essential Oils, which are part of a series of businesses at 4 Wilsey Square, Suite 9, that share the suite. Tutor Doctor is helping people with better study habits and time management. He encouraged everyone to go and take a look at these new businesses.
- ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
None.
- RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-362 THROUGH 19-370, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- ORDINANCES
- INTRODUCTION - #3755 – Police Department Salary Ordinance
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3755. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen recused herself from the vote.
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3755 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF AND FOR POLICE OFFICERS AND POLICE SUPERIOR OFFICERS OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN, AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3755 be adopted on first reading and that December 11, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen recused herself from the vote.
- INTRODUCTION - #3756 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees, Parking Meter/Kiosk/ Parkmobile Rates
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3756. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3756 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”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3756 be adopted on first reading and that December 11, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Before placing his vote, Councilman Voigt stated that he was voting no because he feels that they can still lower the rates as it relates to the addition of kiosks, and they can certainly afford a lower rate than $1.25 across the board. Mayor Hache stated that he was also voting no because after discussion with the business owners, he was reminded that the reason why they have the kiosks is that they were supposed to make up for about a 25 cent difference in the rate.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen and Walsh
NAYS: Councilman Voigt and Mayor Hache
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen emphasized that without the rate increase, the Village won’t be able to pay for the Hudson Street Parking Garage. Ms. Mailander stated that the ordinance was not introduced this evening, because there were not enough votes to do so. Councilwoman Knudsen added that as she said a few weeks ago, everybody knew the parking rates would have to increase, once the parking garage was approved. There is a bond and debt service that needs to be paid. Everyone knew it all along and they have known about the Walker Report for years. The Village Council also knew it when they put their shovels in the ground for the parking garage.
Mayor Hache stated that the Walker Report didn’t include the revenue increase from the kiosks. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they heard from Bob Rooney, the Village CFO, and they have to have some level of confidence in him and rely on his expertise in this matter. Those voting against this increase are dismissing the person that they have chosen to do this job, and she is dismayed and disappointed that this is now the new tact that everybody is taking. She added that this is a new Facebook thing where they are going out in the world and saying that they aren’t raising the rates.
Councilman Voigt stated that there are a number of different options on the table. Related to what Mr. Rooney has projected as it relates to kiosk increases, they are looking at a 22% per year increase in revenue, in comparison to parking meters. The first year, with seventy-five cents off- street and $1.25 on-street can be afforded, based on Mr. Rooney’s projections. In the second year it may be tight, but it looks like they can afford it as well. Councilman Voigt’s suggestion is that they go to a lower increase and they can still afford it. Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Councilman Voigt was a CFO, adding that if in fact there is a shortfall, there is only one place to go and that is to the taxpayers, rather than the end user. This is a serious matter and it shouldn’t be a sound byte to look good, they are putting the Ridgewood taxpayers at risk.
Mayor Hache stated that another benefit of the kiosks is the ability to obtain real live data, and determine where the revenue is tracking versus a year ago. If that trend isn’t there, and the rollout of the kiosks doesn’t produce enough revenue, they can always do a second increase in parking rates. He added that he was in favor of the second increase, but to build a buffer wasn’t the best course of action.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that she notified the Chamber of Commerce at their meeting that the Village Council would be discussing the rate increase and that it would be $1.25 across the board, and there were a couple of questions about it, but no one asked her to come and say they were opposed to it. The other thing is that the Cottage Place lot still has vacant employee parking spaces, and while the kiosks and Parkmobile will help, she thinks the $1.25 is the proper increase. She agrees with Councilwoman Knudsen that they need to pay for the garage, and they need to have a plan, because it is always harder to go back and make money up if the original increase is not enough.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this is like taking a mortgage out on your house and then quitting your job the next day. This is irresponsible, and she agreed with Councilwoman Walsh. Ms. Mailander stated that they would put this back on for discussion at the December 4th Work Session. There was agreement from the Village Council to do so.
- INTRODUCTION - #3757 – Amend Chapter 265, Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions in Hawes School Area
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3757. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3757 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-67, “PARKING PROHIBITED CERTAIN HOURS” AND SECTION 265-68, “NO STOPPING OR STANDING CERTAIN HOURS”
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3757 be adopted on first reading and that December 11, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3758 – Amend Chapter 105 – Animals – Definition of Kennel
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3758. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3758 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 105 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, ANIMALS, AT SECTION 105-1, “DEFINITIONS”
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3758 be adopted on first reading and that December 11, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3759 – Amend Chapter 105 – Animals – Cat Licensing
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3759. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3759 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 105 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, ANIMALS, AT SECTION 105-46, “LICENSE REQUIRED”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3759 be adopted on first reading and that December 11, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3760 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Cat Licenses
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3760. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3760 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3760 be adopted on first reading and that December 11, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3761 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Winter Door Enclosures for Restaurants
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3761. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3761 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AT SECTION 190-37B, TO ALLOW WINTER DOOR ENCLOSURES ONTO EXISTING RESTAURANTS AS EXEMPT DEVELOPMENTS, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SITE PLAN EXEMPTION COMMITTEE
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3761 be adopted on first reading and that December 11, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3751 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Parking Permits and Central Business District Employee Parking Stickers and Hangtags
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3751 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3751 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.
Councilwoman Walsh commented that they were increasing all of these fees to the tag holders, but if they were not raising the fee on the street, exponentially they were increasing these fees. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she agreed. Mayor Hache stated that a $25 increase on a $1,300 parking permit is not the same as a 66% increase or even a 33% increase. Councilwoman Walsh stated that these people were paying the Village in advance for their parking permits. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that furthermore, those purchasing the parking permits were already impacted by a significant rate increase several years ago, twice, so their actual increase is significantly higher. If it is broken down to an hourly rate, they are paying more than the seventy-five cents per hour that those on the street would be paying.
Mayor Hache stated that the meters were raised by 50% and what is being proposed tonight was another 66% on top of that, that is not the equivalent to the increase of the RPP pass. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if you base it on the hourly use, they are paying a higher rate. Councilman Voigt stated that they were not there all day. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that then they were even paying more. Councilman Voigt stated that he wasn’t sure of Councilwoman Knudsen’s arithmetic but he wasn’t going to sit here and argue about it.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that the only reason that they are increasing the fee for the parking permits is because that revenue is going to the Parking Utility, which is then going to pay for the parking garage. Councilman Voigt stated that it was de minimis. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it wasn’t de minimis if it was coming out of your pocket, and that he was being very cavalier with everyone else’s money.
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, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3751 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Before placing her vote, Councilwoman Knudsen asked Ms. Mailander to come back to her because she wanted to think further on this ordinance.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: Councilwoman Knudsen
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3752 – Management Salary Ordinance
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3752 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3752 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON-UNION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2019
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. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3752 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3753 – Non-Union Salary Ordinance
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3753 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3753 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF NON-UNION EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2019
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. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3753 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
- CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - #3748 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development - Driveways
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3748 by title on third reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3748 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, AT SECTION 190-121G TO REQUIRE DRIVEWAYS ON LOTS WHERE A GARAGE EXISTS, AND REQUIRE THAT THE DRIVEWAY EXTENDS TO CONNECT COMPLETELY TO THE GARAGE
Mayor Hache stated that Ordinance 3748 would be defeated tonight, as further discussion is needed by the Planning Board on this ordinance. Since the Public Hearing was advertised, they were going ahead with the Public Hearing. Mayor Hache continued the Public Hearing.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, thanked the Village Council for defeating this ordinance because he understood the purpose of this ordinance is to ensure that nobody ripped out their driveway to add to their land that they could build on. However, the way that this was written raised his concern that a future Building Official could require people to build driveways needlessly. He suggested Mr. Rogers write this ordinance in the future, in a way that is more clear. He added that he didn’t want people to have to build improved driveways if they didn’t want to have an improved driveway. Councilwoman Knudsen thanked Mr. Loving for his input.
There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3748 be defeated. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion. Ms. Mailander indicated that an “Aye” vote is to defeat the ordinance.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
- RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-371 THROUGH 19-388, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-389 THROUGH 19-390, WERE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
Before casting her vote on Resolution 19-389, Councilwoman Walsh commented that her family plans to donate a bench, so she is going to recuse herself from this vote.
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache closed public comment.
- RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #19-391 to go into Closed Session as follows:
- ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Voigt, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:51 P.M.
______________________________
Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor
______________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
- Hits: 2030