20190925 Village Council Public 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 SEPTEMBER 25, 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 7:31 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, and Mayor Hache.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney; and Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk.  Councilwoman Walsh 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.

 

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Manish Shrimali, 625 Terhune Street, stated that he is requesting transparency from the Village Council regarding the Schedler Project, which is going on.  A lot of work has been done by the Engineering Department in the last few months, and as a neighbor of the Schedler project and a member of the Shade Tree Commission, he would like to see if they can get quarterly updates from the Engineering Department in a public forum where they can hear more about it and if possible, ask questions.

 

There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Hache closed public comments.

 

3. MANAGERS REPORT

 

Village Council Meetings – Ms. Mailander stated that the next Village Council meetings will take place on the following dates: October 2^nd Work Session at 7:30 P.M.; October 7^th Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M. – this is a Monday due to Yom Kippur on Wednesday, October 9^th; and October 23^rd Work Session at 7:30 P.M.

 

Mobile Shred Event – Ms. Mailander stated that there is a mobile shredding event this Saturday, September 28^th from 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. in the Graydon Pool Parking Lot and being held rain or shine.  Place your items for shredding in a paper bag or cardboard box.  No plastic bags allowed.  Limit five file size boxes per vehicle.  This event is sponsored by Ridgewood Recycling and is free to all residents.

 

Gold Star Mother’s Day – Ms. Mailander stated that Gold Star Mother’s Day will be celebrated by the American Legion Post 53 on Sunday, September 29th in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square at dusk.  Please note that the Ridgewood calendar date was incorrect.

 

Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Sidewalk Sales – Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce will host a Sidewalk Sale October 3^rd through 5^th.  She encouraged people to come and shop and stay for lunch or dinner at one of our fine restaurants.

 

Deadline for Voter Registration – Ms. Mailander stated that the deadline for voter registration for the November General Election is October 15^th.  Anyone who is not yet registered to vote or has moved into Ridgewood since the last election should register or re-register to vote.  Voter registration will take place on October 15^th from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. in the Village Clerk’s Office and then from 4:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. in the Ridgewood Public Library lobby.

 

Bergen County Board of Elections – Ms. Mailander stated that the Bergen County Board of Elections is still looking for poll workers to work at the November 5^th General Election from 5:30 A.M. to 8:30 P.M. right here in Ridgewood.  You must be 18 years old, a Bergen County resident, registered to vote, and must attend a two hour training class.  The pay is $200 for the day.  If interested, please call the Bergen County Board of Elections at (201) 336-6230.

 

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Green Ridgewood and the Green Team – Councilman Sedon stated that Green Ridgewood and the Green Team met last week and all plans for the roll out of the single use plastic bag ban have been finalized and residents will see them on weekends starting to hand out some free reusable bags and some information, and they are also looking into getting some assistance from other civically-minded groups in the Village.

 

Visioning Workshop – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that last week the Planning Board Master Plan Advisory Committee met downstairs on Saturday from 9:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. for a Visioning Workshop which is the culmination of the Visioning Survey and the steps toward a new Master Plan.  The workshop was attended by about 30 people.  Everyone had an opportunity to review the results of the survey and then break into individual workgroups to go through the survey and prioritize what would be important going into the future.  She added that there is an additional Visioning Workshop this Saturday from 9:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. that she hopes more residents can attend.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this is not something that they are doing for today, but they are really looking to 20, 30, 40 years from now and the Ridgewood that will exist in the future.  So, they hope to have some young folks with kids attend and would like everyone to come and participate.

 

ACCESS Ridgewood 2019 – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that ACCESS Ridgewood was celebrating ten years embracing our unique abilities, special gifts, and special needs.  This is their special needs programming and will occur Friday, October 11^th, Saturday, October 12^th, and Sunday, October 13^th.  Many have come to appreciate the ACCESS Ridgewood programming, especially this particular weekend as it really highlights the talents and gifts of our special needs community.  She added that it is incredibly educational and really brings our community together.

 

Citizen Safety Advisory Committee – Councilman Voigt stated that Citizen Safety met last Thursday, September 19^th, and discussed Safe Routes to Schools and were wondering if it was possible to ensure that all sight lines for students and motorists at intersections are in compliance with Village Code as he believes there are a certain height that bushes need to be.  This month there is going to be a speed limit blinking sign installed around mid-street on North Walnut.  Ms. Mailander stated that they were hoping to get it before the end of the month.

 

Councilman Voigt stated that CSAC would like the Village to look into what might be done to ensure safe crossings at Hillcrest/West Glen and at Heights/West Glen.  There are sidewalks, but the issue is kids crossing the streets, especially during school hours as there doesn’t seem to be a safe way to get them across the street.

 

Councilman Voigt stated that there was a question about the bagged parking meters that appear to be 24/7 in the CBD and the question was can some of the bags be removed at least on weekends for additional parking downtown.  There are still concerns about pedestrian safety with the fenced-off sidewalks on South Broad and Hudson Streets as there have been people walking in the street.  Starbucks drivers continue to ignore the cones and make U-turns going around the cones, especially going east.

 

Ms. Mailander mentioned the interim parking spaces for the people who parked in the back lot behind the Hudson Lot.  There is a legal easement there and the Village is obligated to provide them with parking.  They are monitoring the usage and are hopeful to restore some of them back to meters so that people will be able to park.  Mayor Hache stated that in a discussion with the property owners, we initially thought that there would be less spaces needed, but they said they would need all 33 spaces and we want to make sure that all of those spaces are utilized before putting them back into the inventory.

 

Apricot Lane Grand Opening – Mayor Hache stated that last Saturday, there was the grand opening for Apricot Lane at 111 East Ridgewood Avenue.  It is a women’s fashion boutique and it was a great event.  There was a great welcoming event and they also met some of the other business owners that will be having grand openings in the coming months.  There are five scheduled by the Chamber of Commerce in the month of October.

 

Parks and Recreation Committee – Mayor Hache stated that there was a Parks and Recreation meeting last night and they saw a presentation from a Junior in High School working on his Eagle Scout project to improve the access to Kings Pond from McKinley Place.  There were some concerns about the disruption in Kings Pond as some vandals created a bike trail and destroyed about one acre worth of wildscape which is a concern.  One of the suggestions was to have the installation of cameras there, but it was also discussed to take a look at any ordinances that the Village has regarding vandalism to include the destruction of wildscapes.

 

They also discussed a community beehive project with Frank Mortimer talking about the project.  They outlined the basic costs and are looking to partner up with some of the troops to do the actual construction work.  They are looking into Kings Pond and trying to find the best location to be mindful of issues with flooding.  This would be an opportunity for businesses in the community to sponsor a beehive as it’s an educational opportunity.  Also, they will have extraction day, and it could also be a good funding mechanism for local businesses.

 

125^th Anniversary Gala Committee – Mayor Hache stated that on Monday, the 125^th Anniversary Gala Committee met and sent out a flyer for the event on social media.  It will be Saturday, November 16^th from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. at Felina’s new event space.  It will be a community building event and there will be other restaurants participating, which he is getting enthusiastic feedback about from the restaurants.  They already have some donations from local businesses. 

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they were doing a Recycle Ridgewood and Celebrate the 125^th Anniversary by creating ornaments for the Bergen County Winter Wonderland Ridgewood Community Tree.  They will invite businesses, community groups, and organizations to take old soup cans and paint them and decorate with their businesses.  A slide show will give instructions, but this engages the community and helps celebrate 125 years.

 

Mayor Hache stated that he was reaching out to Uber and Lyft to see if they could provide round trip rides to the gala event, but all the details will come out as they get everything finalized.  They expect to have the tickets on sale in about a month.

 

Hudson Street Parking Garage Update – Mayor Hache stated that they had the weekly construction meeting today with Epic regarding the Hudson Street Parking Garage and the good news is that everything is lined up so that by next week the alternate access to the parking lot for those businesses on East Ridgewood Avenue will be opened up so they can do deliveries and drop offs. 

 

5. DISCUSSION

             

1. Budget

 

1. Award Grant – Professional Design Services – Safe Routes to School Grant

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is a proposal from NV5 to prepare the Preliminary Engineering, Final Engineering, and Support Engineering services for the Safe Routes to School Grant.

 

Councilman Voigt stated that he was looking at the fee summary and the overhead for each of the particular tasks and was astounded how high the overhead was as it is 144% of the amount of this proposal and he was curious as to why it was so high.

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that the award to NV5 is for them to do the design services regarding the Safe Routes to School Grant.  They are the approved Consulting Engineer for DOT.  The Village met with DOT in January 2018 regarding the design services and they offered a list of three consulting firms that were acceptable to them, and that is their cost to do it.  The cost will be born by DOT and not the Village taxpayer at the end.  The $157,000 award is for the Preliminary Engineering work.  The total of the Finals Design and Consulting is around $268,000.  He added that these are Federal Grants and they have a lot of requirements.  Councilman Voigt asked if the cost was going to be born by the taxpayers.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that at the end of everything no, but the money has to be fronted in the beginning to get everything moving and will then be reimbursed by DOT.  The complexity of the Federal grant process makes the cost so high.

 

2. Award Professional Services – Construction Inspection and Testing Services – Hudson Street Garage

 

Ms. Mailander stated that proposals were received in August and there were three plan holders eligible to bid and they received one bid from NV5 for a quote of $56,260.  They would like to award this contract so that the special inspections can be done during the construction of the garage.

 

2. Parking

 

1. 15 Minute Parking Space – East Ridgewood Avenue

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Central Business District Advisory Committee is recommending the creation of a 15 minute parking space by the UPS Store on East Ridgewood Avenue to help offset the lost spaces in the Hudson Street lot where people used to be able to go in the back with their packages.  This is the first meter west of Prospect Street to be changed to a 15 minute meter.

 

2. Surrounding Property Owners of the Hudson Street Garage

 

Mr. Rogers stated that they are going to be considering some resolutions tonight.  One dealing with Ridgewood properties, which is located on South Broad Street directly adjacent to the North west corner of the Hudson Street lot.  The second is the Francese property which fronts on East Ridgewood Avenue, and then the third they are considering is 22 Prospect Street.  There is an agreement for access with regard to all three of these that access is needed during the construction phase of this particular project for the excavation of footings.  The one issue with 22 Prospect Street is that they are going to be taking approximately 185 square feet of their property to round out that northeast corner of the Hudson Street lot.  All three agreements are for consideration and are needed during the early construction phase which will last about a month and a half to two months.

 

Mr. Rogers added that the driveway lane between the buildings and the Hudson Street property will be used as access by the businesses that have the floating easement right that has been recorded regarding their access over the property.  He stated that he thinks everyone is in agreement.

 

3. Policy

 

1. Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this grant was found through Millennium Strategies, and is a recreational opportunity for individuals with disabilities.  Last year they authorized a grant application for children with disabilities to be able to participate in a cooking class which was approved by the Council and the Village was awarded that.  Those classes have begun, and it is a ten week course.  This grant is going to go for programming for young adults, ages 19 through 23 with special needs disabilities focusing on culinary arts, gardening, shopping, nutrition, and more.  It is a $20,000 grant and the Village will provide $4,000.  This will be run through Healthbarn and held at The Stable.

 

6. SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING - SEE SEPARATE MINUTES

 

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

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        Councilwoman Walsh

ABSTAIN:      None

 

7. DISCUSSION

 

1. Ridgewood Water – None

 

2. Parking

 

1. Parking Rates

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Bob Rooney, CFO and Parking Utility Director, did this analysis and as discussed at the last meeting, we do need a rate increase.  The Walker Study projected that, in addition, without doing so the Village will not have enough money to be able to pay the debt service.  She added that the Village Council asked for Mr. Rooney to see how long it would take and how much it would cost to put kiosks throughout the Village, and so this first page of the document had the assumption that they were going to purchase kiosks.  She added that the permit increase is $25, a $5 increase for the CBD permits. 

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they estimated 15% increase in kiosk revenues, however, it may be more than that, but Mr. Rooney wanted to be conservative in his numbers.  With a permit-only increase they are in a deficit, but with permit increase and an increase in on and off street parking to $1.00, there is a positive in 2020 but a deficit in 2021.  If there is a permit increase and $1.25 increase for on street parking in 2020 and 2021, there would be a positive result.  If there is a permit increase and then an increase to $1.25 across the board, which is what Walker recommended, an even greater increase is created.  This extra revenue will be used for debt payment and additional reserve for maintenance for the garage which was recommended by every contractor who presented on the garage project.  This could also go to maintenance, paving of the lots, and also salaries for our PEO’s.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the next page shows different assumptions if they were to lease the kiosks.  The permit only increase, permit increase and to $1.00 which has a positive result in 2020 and a deficit in 2021, and assuming $1.25 on street only it would be positive but much less in 2021, and everything $1.25 it would be positive.

 

Mayor Hache stated that one thing that didn’t add up was looking at the first page of the assumption was if they purchase the kiosks and permit increases assuming increase to $1.00 on and off street they end up with a smaller deficit than they do if they lease the kiosks.  He added that he would think if they were leasing the kiosks it would be less.  Ms. Mailander stated that the leasing actually ends up costing more.  Mayor Hache stated that it should cost more in the long run, but in the first year you shouldn’t see that kind of a difference.  Ms. Mailander stated that the last page shows the kiosk prices, which she reviewed with the Village Council.  Mayor Hache stated that when leasing you are paying for the depreciation of the asset but they are bonding for the full cost of the asset, so he was thinking that it would cost more to buy than to lease.  Ms. Mailander stated that the lease has additional lease maintenance costs, but with the bonding they get an additional 36 month maintenance period.  She added that they can discuss this at the next meeting when Mr. Rooney is present. 

 

Mayor Hache asked if Mr. Rooney could also explain what the increase in revenues has been where they have deployed the kiosks, as he sees a 15% increase when he thought they were talking about three times that amount.  Ms. Mailander stated that Mr. Rooney is basing it only on what is happening in the lots, and so to be conservative he wanted to do a 15% increase.  Councilman Voigt stated that to the Mayor’s point, their experience has been more than 15% and in the Pittsburgh case study they doubled the revenues.  Ms. Mailander stated that Mr. Rooney would like to evaluate it between January and April as he is concerned that they may even need an additional meeting.  She added that whatever increase they choose; Mr. Rooney is advising that they should be wise and not be on the low side because then they may need to have an increase again in July.  The only real data that they have is from the couple of lots that they have had the kiosk in for awhile and not overall.  Sometimes the kiosks go down or are jammed up, and during that time frame they are losing some revenue, as well.

 

Councilman Voigt stated that Mr. Rooney must have more history now that he can look at and see what has happened from the baseline and that may help a little as far as the 15%, which he thinks is a little light.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she feels far more comfortable with the conservative approach even though they had anticipated 20% but they are better off taking the conservative approach to account for any drop off.  Ms. Mailander asked the Village Council to think about the permits themselves.  Then they need to determine if they are going to $1.00 on and off, $1.25 on street and $1.00 in the lots, or $1.25 both, or $1.25 on street and leave the lots at $0.75.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she thinks it is easier to keep it simple across the board.  Ms. Mailander stated that through the analysis they found that $1.25 is the most revenue.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they don’t want to increase it twice, so they should do it across the board and be done. 

 

Mayor Hache stated that the only reason it was brought up is that it was incentivizing people to park in the lots.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she didn’t think it was an incentive on a quarter.  Councilman Sedon stated that it might help with repeat parking and employees, but the average visitor coming in isn’t going to be hit that hard with it, but the people parking in front of their store might find another way to get there or park in the parking lots and leave the street open.  He added that he thinks they should see if the incentive works to free up some street parking.  Ms. Mailander asked the Village Council to think about it because they need to introduce the ordinance on the 7^th so that it is effective in December as that is when they begin selling permits, and the parking meter increases would go into effect January 1^st.  She added that they also have to make a decision as to whether or not they want to lease or buy the kiosks as there is a lead time of six to twelve weeks depending on what they decide to do. 

 

Mayor Hache asked what the length of the lease is.  Ms. Mailander stated that the length of the lease is 36 months.  Councilman Sedon asked then what happens.  Ms. Mailander stated that at that point they could re-up the lease but the terms could change.  Councilman Voigt asked if they could find out what the benefits are for a purchase versus a lease.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that on its face, she would say bond it and buy.  Mayor Hache asked what the life expectancy was of the kiosks, and what the point of indifference was for the Village.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the technology at that point may also be outdated, and added that they just need more information as to what comes along with that.

 

3. Budget

 

1. Award Contract – Roofing of Graydon Pool Buildings

 

Ms. Mailander stated that quotes were sought for new roofing of all buildings at the Graydon Pool facility, this includes the Frist Aid/Managers Office, the Concession/Badge building, the restrooms, and the garage.  They went out for proposals and the lowest bid was from Tri-State Roofing and Siding of Elizabeth in the amount of $19,500.  There is funding in the capital budget.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen asked where they were with the bathrooms at Graydon Pool.  Ms. Mailander stated that there would be a report on that next week.

 

2. Award Contract – All Terrain Emergency Vehicle – Emergency Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this was discussed at the last meeting, where EMS wants to purchase an alternative support apparatus, ASAP, and the alternative was a Gator.  Acting Chief Ryan Savaria prepared a memo for the Village Council, and he discussed the process that they used to choose the ASAP vehicle.

 

Acting Chief Savaria stated that through the 2019 capital budget process they requested to purchase a replacement for their 1996 John Deere Gator which they use to access, transport, and treat patients at various events, calls, and emergencies in the town.  They started looking into this about eight years ago.  The Gator replacement has been prioritized by other items in the budget but is now one of their top priorities.  He and the Leadership Team from the Department looked at the available units.  There are other alternatives to the ASAP unit, but they are all based on what they would consider a skid mount unit.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that they are either replacing a pickup truck body on a utility vehicle or sliding something into it that allows you to transport a patient.  That adds length to the units but doesn’t change them overall.  You are still out in the open.

 

Acting Chief Savaria stated that they looked at two other units that are made by other manufacturers.  They moved forward with the request to purchase the ASAP as they have seen in various towns that have them and they have both a Gator and have moved to an ASAP, and they all use the ASAP over a Gator for a number of reasons.  First, is the safety of the patient and the crew.  They used the Gator two weeks ago and transported three patients who were all out in the public.  Patient care starts when they get to the patient and bring them to the ambulance, which is all happening out in the open.  It is unsafe and they are unable to transport them in the proper seating position depending on the nature of the injuries.  He added that having a controlled environment is very important, as it provides a location to calm down and care for the patient.

 

Acting Chief Savaria stated that they have used ASAPs before through mutual aid, and the difference is something that you would have to see to understand.  He added that they provided all of the specifications for both a Gator and an ASAP.  They will transport on a regular stretcher as it allows ease of movement and the patient can be loaded like an ambulance.  The ambulance certification falls under DOT and they won’t certify this vehicle because it is not highway legal.  You could transport during mass emergencies, but 99% of the time they are taking someone they can’t normally access from that location, rendering care to a transport location, and then sending them to a hospital.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that sometimes in the winter they can’t access the streets or homes, and even though they run a plow truck, the ASAP will make it through the snow.  He added that this adds to the access to patients and allows them to bring the patient out of a situation and to a waiting ambulance.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if it was a four wheel drive vehicle.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that it was.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if there was traction in the ice and snow.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that was correct.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that some of the confusion that came up was regarding the suggestion that the unit would be used to transport to the hospital but then couldn’t actually enter the hospital driveway so the patient would then be removed from this unit, put into an ambulance in the driveway of the hospital and then the ambulance would drive them in.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that the patient would be taken to a staged location miles from the hospital before being moved.  He referenced a fire that had happened in the Village down a very long, narrow alley with Fire operations and they did not put an ambulance in the back due to access.  He could put an ASAP in that alley in case of a problem with a firefighter, transport them to a location to render care, and then if necessary transport them in the ambulance to the hospital for additional care. 

 

Councilman Voigt asked generally how far the distance was that they are using the ASAP for, from a point of injury to an ambulance.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that for a special event they are going to go half a mile depending on the size of the event and where the injury would occur.  With other units they have done five miles along the full length of the bike path and then back out to the street.  They have also used them for search and rescue, amber alerts, and Alzheimer patients.  On average, it is about half a mile to a mile. 

 

Councilman Voigt asked what the standard of care is for all terrain vehicles in Bergen County, and does everyone else have an ASAP.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that there are 20 ASAP units currently operating in the state.  Councilman Voigt asked out of how many units.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that there was one in every town and then hospital units.  Councilman Voigt asked how many of the towns had Gators.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that he didn’t know off-hand, but primarily they would call mutual aid if they needed something.  There is no standard that requires an ambulance service to provide this service.  They started this is 1996 to stay on the leading edge of what is the best treatment for patients, and they are hoping to evolve it to provide that service and level of care to the residents as best they can.  He added that next they hope to be able to test blood sugar, which is time sensitive when helping a patient, but that is more stuff they have to carry and the ASAP will allow that.

 

Councilman Voigt asked what the cost differential was between a Gator and an ASAP.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that the ASAP is about double the cost, but you are not getting something that is comparable for that number.   He added that with the ASAP units you are buying a standard generator, which would not fit on the Gator.  This allows them to provide temporary power, heating, lighting, and air.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they know that in a crisis seconds count, so presumably they are using the striker stretchers.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that it could, but they currently don’t have a fourth stretcher as they have changed all of the ambulances over to a power load stretcher.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if not a power load stretcher, they have a regular stretcher that isn’t working with the hydraulics, they have someone in the box and have to get them out and into another box.  She added that it seems more cumbersome going from the ASAP as opposed to the Gator.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that based on the way that EMS operations work, it wouldn’t be.  In their request for the 2020 capital budget they are looking to purchase a fourth striker stretcher as a backup unit.  In this case if they purchased the ASAP unit, the spare stretcher would be used twice, in the unit and then in an ambulance.  As far as moving the patient, there will be a stretcher in the unit that is power lift but manual load, and all of the patients are placed on linens and it is much easier to move a patient from a stretcher into an apparatus with a sheet lift.  He added that it is much more controlled.  Even in a sitting up position, a sheet lift is easier than trying to lift someone up as opposed to by their limbs.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen asked what the cost was on the power load.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that they are in the area of $20,000.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that what would happen in the best of circumstances, they would be able to take the patient from the ASAP on the stretcher and into the ambulance, so if everything matched brand and style they just move out and in.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they needed a decision on the way to go.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was more comfortable than she was before, but she doesn’t want to find out that then they need a Gator.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that the Gator does need some repair, but it is serviceable and they are still using it, and there has also been some interest from Parks in the unit.  Councilman Voigt asked if they were sure that they can’t charge for mileage on the Medstat 500 from a reimbursement standpoint as then at least they are getting some money out of that.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that it was possible, and maybe they could put it in as another thing that they are using.  Councilman Voigt stated that he would feel more comfortable if they could charge some of this to an insurance company. 

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if they had the ASAP and to Councilman Voigt’s point it takes someone from point A to point B and then they are power loaded from that to a non-Ridgewood ambulance, the question is of they are transporting in that and then have to power load off and on to a different company ambulance who is billing on insurance.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that in that case it would have to be the transporting agency, which wouldn’t be Ridgewood at that time.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that at that point they have no billing.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that happens today regardless of how he transports you, as if you are in a building and there are more patients than they have Ridgewood ambulance for and the Ridgewood guys take you and put you in a Glen Rock ambulance, Glen Rock is the transporting agency.

 

Mr. Rogers stated that once you begin to provide medical services with the materials or items on the truck them you are able to bill.  With the Gator you weren’t able to do anything, but if you are providing a medical service and there is apparatus on the new vehicle that provides medical services as they are being transported that would be one of the things that would incur insurance liability.  Councilman Voigt stated that if he knew with certainty that you could get insurance coverage with the ASAP as opposed to with the Gator, it would make him more comfortable saying yes to this.  He added that this is the Cadillac of temporary transportation.

 

Mayor Hache asked why there are only 20 different municipalities using this throughout the state, so where would this fit into Ridgewood that it is not adopted everywhere else.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that one of the things is cost, and also other towns just choose not to provide that service.  Some towns don’t have the parks or festivals or things that we have in this town.  He added that it is an agency specific thing to get into as far as what they are looking to provide for medical care.  It is not something that the state would require.  Some towns also don’t require that two EMTs ride on an ambulance.  He added that when they found they had a need to access patients all of the time, the Gator was the only vehicle available at that time.  As things progress, and agencies wish to provide this service, the companies are catching up.   They want to give the tools to the EMT’s, so they are able to do the best job possible for the best outcome for the patient, from a minor injury to a CPR call.  While it is the higher end of the options, there aren’t many other options, and it doesn’t give them anything that they don’t need.  It is a place to work and the ample space for a patient, paramedic, and driver.

 

Acting Chief Savaria stated that a situation could come up with a canvas or plastic cover, they would use the ASAP in cases of fire and it wouldn’t burn.  The ASAP manufacturing company also does testing, and there are seat belts in the unit.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that not to put a price on public safety or patient comfort, maybe they could get an answer to that question.  Bob Krane, Department Public Information Officer, long-time EMT for various towns, stated that he has been using the ASAP for the last ten years on the state EMS task force.  There are about 20 throughout the state, and they are throughout the state and depending on the level of care and the gold standard that the towns have, the ASAP fits with the gold standard of the Village.  In terms of billing, he would say if they decide to bill Refusals of Medical Attention (RMAs), as right now if that truck goes out they are not billing if the patient refuses.  He added that some towns bill if they only give out a band aid, so it is not necessarily only a transport to get the money for the ASAP.  If they go to an event and bring someone in the ASAP to a treatment tent, you can bill those patients.  What you get from the insurance might be another story.  Mr. Krane stated that the ASAP could be billed that way.

 

Mr. Krane stated that the standard of care today is not to use a backboard as it does more damage to the patient.  At accidents today, they will do a scene size up, and if they walk out of the car, they may not have a collar or a backboard.  In a Gator, you must backboard them and put them in a collar, because it won’t be safe.  You are manipulating the patient, getting them out of the Gator, and bringing them to the ambulance, they have to take them off the backboard, so now you are delaying care.  He added that he has used the ASAP at major events, and he was the one that went out to the people in the presentation that used ASAPs and Gators.  The standard of choice is the ASAP as you can start the care right away and don’t have to wait to get the patient someplace else.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the value added to this explanation is that the ASAP will accommodate a stretcher seamlessly from here to there without doing all of that manipulation which she finds valuable.  Mr. Krane stated that New York City is now using a lot of ASAP vehicles, and it takes six months to get them.  He added that they took ten ASAPs to the Virgin Islands as well.  All of the other towns have dwindling volunteers, and Ridgewood can man the vehicle themselves. 

 

Mayor Hache asked if there were any other departments that could use the Gator such as Parks and Recreation.  Ms. Mailander stated that it was possible, she didn’t know off hand, but she could find out.  Acting Chief Savaria stated that they started this process a while ago, and in the past Tim Cronin was interested in using that unit.  Mayor Hache stated that he was good with it.  Councilman Voigt stated that he wanted to talk to the billing guy about whether they could bill for this.  Councilman Sedon asked if it could be taken off the consent agenda, as that would be the easiest way to more forward and then have it voted on in full.  Ms. Mailander stated that she would get the information about the billing before the next meeting.

 

3. Award Contract – Genesis Rescue Tools – Fire Department

 

Ms. Mailander stated that these new jaws of life will replace the nine year old battery operated rescue tools that will be traded in.  They are used to enter buildings, extricate passengers from car wrecks and save victims from confined spaces.  The new tools are built stronger, the batteries last longer and are more powerful to be able to handle the stronger metals used in today’s cars.  The battery rescue tools will be mounted on the new Rescue Truck to back up and compliment the Hydraulic Rescue tools.  The tools will be purchased through NJ State Contract, Howell Rescue Systems out of Dayton, Ohio.

 

4. Award Contract – Ford Escape – Parking Enforcement

 

Ms. Mailander stated that in June 2019 the Village Council passed a resolution authorizing the purchase of two Ford Escapes for our Parking Enforcement Officers.  The vendor was selected through a Sourcewell Contract however they were not able to meet the timeliness of our needs since the vehicles would not be available for three to four months.  They went out for quotes instead, and identified Whitmoyer Auto Group of Pennsylvania as the lowest and best to meet our needs.  The cost is $23,700, and they will add $1,750 for striping and $3,676 for safety lighting, for a total of $29,126.  They anticipate replacing the second vehicle by the end of the year.

 

4. Policy

 

1. Permit for Winter Door Enclosures for Businesses

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there was a request from a local business to allow winter enclosures as is done in New York City and various other places to prevent the cold winter wind from going inside.  Tom Yotka, Building Department Director, indicated that it can be erected for more than seven months in any one year, there are encroachment regulations, the plans would have to be made by a licensed architect, and it would have to be reviewed.  Any structure erected for less than 180 days would have to comply with the fire code.  In addition to the required building permit, any electrical or mechanical work for the structure would require permits.  The Village will also require an encroachment agreement and these enclosures may affect restaurants outdoor dining layouts and permits.  It is an alteration to the existing structure so there would be fees for this as well. 

 

Mr. Carlo, Steel Wheel Tavern owner, stated that they have one external door as opposed to an internal vestibule.  This is a way to mitigate some of the wind on North Broad Street.  His interest was the health of his hostesses who are six to seven feet from the front door, and he has given thought how to relocate them but the way that they are laid out there is no good spot for them to be.  He added that he placed extra heat by the inside door, but if it is a cold night and the door opens they will feel it.  He added that his patrons in the bar are also going to feel it as well.  To him it is a health and a comfort issue.  Mr. Carlo stated that based on what Mr. Yotka laid out, it all sounds okay to him.  He researched companies but would look to get advice and opinions from a few different sources as well as quotes.  The materials vary and he doesn’t foresee this vestibule causing a problem as far as traffic and he will meet whatever building requirements are imposed.

 

Mayor Hache stated that most of the vestibules he has seen have the door in a different orientation from the front door.  Mr. Carlo stated that there seems to be a wind tunnel effect on Broad Street and his concern is that the wind actually heads north.  He may prefer a western orientation, but if that determines whether he is compliant or not he can deal with a south facing door.  Councilman Voigt asked if this was going to be temporary.  Mayor Hache stated that it was similar to the café license.  Mr. Carlo stated that it would be nearly that long and he thinks the seven months is more than he would need.  Councilman Sedon stated that he didn’t think it would work everywhere as certain sidewalks are much longer and can accommodate additional structures, so the design of the downtown would dictate who would and wouldn’t be able to use this.  Mr. Carlo stated that in the summer he would lose outdoor seating and so for him it is a winter application and he would think that anybody else would feel the same way, as well.  There was some additional discussion by Mr. Carlo about sizing of the structure versus the sizing of his existing outdoor tables.

 

Councilman Sedon stated that once the vestibule goes out, the tables would go in and not create an impact.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they have had this conversation a few times.  Mr. Carlo stated that he appreciated that the Village Council has decided to take this on.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that presumably the door would have to be ADA complaint, so she would have a problem if the door was oriented out into the sidewalk and taking away that space.  She would need the opening to be to one of the sides and they would have to get into the details of Code because seven months seems a little long.  She would also be curious how this affects the outdoor café ordinance which they specifically extended so the sidewalks would be clear for a period of time to clean and do repair work.

 

2. Bike Depot

 

Ms. Mailander stated that some of the commuters ride their bikes and then take the train.  Unfortunately, there have been some thefts and one of the residents recommended that the Village look into a bike depot.  It is a room that is locked and then you pay a monthly fee to use it.  There are bike racks in there where the bikes can be locked and they have a key fob to get into the locked area.  This is something that they currently can’t provide at the train station however, they are looking to put it into the parking garage and the architect is working on putting it into the plan.  It is an area that is enclosed but still visible so that the thefts don’t continue and it is close enough to the train station to also be used by commuters. 

 

Mayor Hache stated that he loves the idea, and they received a lot of information from a local resident about this and he thinks it fits well with the garage.  Councilman Voigt asked how many bikes would be able to fit.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they already allocated the spaces for the bike racks, and this is relatively large.  Councilman Voigt asked if the Village charges the monthly fee.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she thinks that the bike depot actually operates it.  Ms. Mailander stated that the Village can set the fee.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she didn’t know what happens when someone wants a day trip on the bike.  Ms. Mailander stated that they would have bike racks available, and she didn’t think there was a day pass available.  Councilman Voigt asked what the security is.  Ms. Mailander stated that you can also see into the room.  Councilman Voigt asked if there would be a camera there, as well.  Ms. Mailander stated that there were cameras throughout the garage.  Councilman Sedon stated that a lot of commuters are parking their bikes outside on racks or at the train station, so locking them in the depot would free up more space for people who want to ride their bike in for the day.

 

3. Village Code – Pertaining to Signs and Building Colors

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that a couple of weeks ago an HPC application came before the Commission from Walgreens, and something unusual happened that for the first time ever a sign came before them that had a descending letter.  Their sign ordinance reads that the messaging is measured 16 inches top to bottom and when that tail is included it shrinks the sign to 12 inches.  It made sense to her that when the ordinance was written it didn’t intend for the tail to be included.  She went back and spoke with Mayor Hache and then she made some sign samples.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen displayed the panel and showed the difference between all capitalizations and the lower case lettering.  She also showed what would happen if the tail was included in the measurement.  The first piece of the ordinance would be 16 inches from top to bottom excluding any descending letters.  If there are descending letters or no ascending letters they would need to say that measurement then has to be the total top to bottom of all of these.  That would prevent certain scenarios from happening that she displayed reading various sizing that would be acceptable.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen suggested sending to the Planning Board that the height of the letters could be 16 inches excluding any descending letter.  Mr. Rogers pointed out that the ordinance clearly states that there is guidance for two rows, as well.  Councilwoman Knudsen agreed and stated that they could write it up and send it to the Planning Board for their review.  Mayor Hache asked if Walgreens had encountered this anywhere else.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that he had said that in his 28 years he had never encountered this.  She added that she asked Neil Desai and he had encountered that scenario but agreed that the four inch buffer was accounting for that scenario.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the other piece is the color.  In the Village Code is states that bright or brilliant colors shall be used only for accent and shall not substantially depart from the character of existing neighborhood colors so as to detract from the overall appearance of the neighborhood.  This came up because Racefaster came with the orange, and this piece of the Code hadn’t been discussed before.  She added that the conversation that came up during the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), was whether or not bright or brilliant could be defined as warm or cold.  One of the things that they note in the by-laws of that it indicates that no commentary is necessary when it is exterior or interior painting.  This is very subjective, so she wanted to see if this was something that should go back to Planning Board for comment.

 

Mayor Hache stated that Mr. Rogers mentioned that you have to be careful as to not be subjective.  Mr. Rogers stated that when you are dealing with colors and appreciation, the ability to interpret language is pretty wide and almost gets to the point of vagueness.  You want to try and keep it from being a discretionary thing, and it is one of those reasons that HPC has been given the authority that it has, but at the same time is a recommending authority and not decision making.  Mr. Rogers stated that you can’t make it a subjective decision, and even the way that it is worded is a close call.  Mayor Hache suggested having the Planning Board look through it with regard to vagueness.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they would bring these to the Planning Board and then bring them back to the Village Council.

 

4. Flag Ordinance

 

Mr. Rogers stated that one particular question is the discussion about how intricate some of the constitutional protections are with regard to the types of flags and how they are considered a form of speech.  It warrants a further discussion about what types of flags or what the purpose of the flagpole is meant to be.  He had some assumptions that they didn’t not want to consider this to be a pole for commercial flags, which is one thing that can be regulated.  There were some other considerations from a personal standpoint and was this the type of thing that they wanted to let people do.  There are many different things that people may want to display for personal reasons and he needed to get some guidance with regard to that.  Each one of these different types requires certain protections and you want to make sure that you specifically state it clearly enough so that the Clerk’s office is going to know what kind of flag can be flown there.

 

Mr. Rogers stated that this is a flagpole that is to be used for public forum type issues, so he suggested something from the standpoint of a non-commercial public interest type item.  He doesn’t know if they defined exactly what it is to the standpoint that he can go ahead and finish this.  They talked about permits and fees, time limits with regard to when you want to fly the flag and how long in advance you can apply for it and the application has to be in so it can be considered along with other ones.  He added that if everyone is on the same plane with regard to a non-commercial public interest type item.  That gives him the direction that he can get a draft pretty soon.

 

Mayor Hache stated that when Mr. Rogers mentioned about keeping it relevant to public forum type issues.  Mr. Rogers stated that he also mentioned campaigns in his email and political advertising.  There was additional discussion about political flags.  Mayor Hache asked about the train trestle signs and how that is organized, and if they could adapt that.  Ms. Mailander stated that in that sense they allow Ridgewood groups who are non-profits.  Mayor Hache asked how it was scheduled.  Ms. Mailander stated that it was the length of time that they are allowed, but if there is available for more than a week and they want two weeks then they allow that.  Mayor Hache asked how far in advance.  Ms. Mailander stated that people do it sometimes a year in advance because they want a specific date.  Certain events are every year so they put in for it.

 

Councilman Voigt asked who manages the trestle signs.  Ms. Mailander stated that it is with the reception desk and this would probably be with the Village Clerk’s office.  Mr. Rogers stated that they may look to what they do with holiday displays where they can’t apply earlier than 4 to 6 months in advance but you can’t apply any later than a month before the date that you want to fly it.  The other thing is that the time period is that you can ask for a month because many of the political interest issues are for a month.  They want to make sure that they allow for that and give them that time, and also give the time in case a second flag wants to go up there and make the adjustment properly and fairly.  They would need the specifications from the Engineering Department.  Mr. Rogers added that they also have the United States flag code.  Mayor Hache stated that Mr. Rogers had also mentioned the issue of offensive speech, and he asked at what point in time they could step in.  Mr. Roger stated that there are some limitations and room to step in to regulate that content.  Also, things of defamation and things that possibly may create chaotic or riotous behavior.

 

Mr. Rogers stated that he would get this to the Village Council in October and they would go from there.

 

5. Operations

 

1. Schedler Property Update

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there has been the beginning of the building of a berm and tree removal near Route 17.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Village Council received their preliminary drawings for what they are designing for the site.  They have added a couple extra features for consideration and pricing and are working on getting the drawings done.  The Village staff are constructing the berm.  Mayor Hache stated that it was free dirt, to which Mr. Rutishauser stated that it was low cost because there were fees involved.

 

Mayor Hache stated that there was some concern that was brought up about the design of the berm having trees on top if the berm and then the roots on the other side by the field.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he spoke with Mr. Madden about that, and he recommended they have a wider berm than the planned six foot top at seven or eight feet, and they will see if they can do that but it will require considerably more material.  Councilman Sedon stated that Mr. Madden stated that the current design may not promote tree growth.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that if you mulch the berm it protects the root ball.  Councilman Sedon asked if Mr. Madden would be brought in to advise or create another set of solutions.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he speaks with Mr. Madden frequently about the trees.

 

Mayor Hache stated that he drove by and the difference already in the noise and sound by having the berm there is huge.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the loaders are piling up what is larger than what the berm will be because they still have to flatten the top with a bulldozer and some other equipment do the final shaping of the berm.  Councilman Sedon asked if he could run down some ranges of timelines.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they are going to finish design, they don’t need many regulatory approvals, they hope to bid it out in the next month or two, and they are in that portion of the construction season where it is crunch time because of winter.  They will continue with placing the soil to give a good indication how much more they may need.  They will continue to acquire soil that can be demonstrated with test results that it has been examined that it meets the criteria for residential direct contact.  They are working with PSE&G to get a utility pole relocated.  For the asbestos remediation, they already installed a water line but that will have to be extended further into the property with the final development.

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that he spoke to Mr. Madden about the tree work that needs to be done and to get estimates for the work as they would like to get that done soon.  They will see if they can get a bid out and that was it.  Councilman Sedon stated that in the winter they will see possibly the completion of the berm and then work being done on the house.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the permits for the asbestos remediation was approved today and they are going to be starting now.  The site development is going to take a backseat to that.  He added that what is being done right now is an engineering estimate for the drawings that were before the Village Council.  As soon as it is completed, it will be forwarded to Ms. Mailander and the Village Council.  He added that the pricing may change as the market dictates.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the group is eligible to apply for a Historic Preservation Trust Grant, so they have the opportunity to double that amount and will proceed from there.

 

2. Major Soil Permit – 142 Elmsley Court

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the individual is building a home at 142 Elmsley Court.  They presented their project to the Village Zoning Board of Adjustment and it was approved on

June 25^th.  This requires a resolution.  Trucking routes will be coordinated with the Village’s Police Department.  The applicant intents to move approximately 3,600 cubic yards of material, but most of that will remain on the property.

 

8. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Manish Shrimali, 625 Terhune Street, thanked Mr. Rutishauser for the update on the Schedler property progress.  He requested that since there was a large set of trees which were removed, he would like to know the timing of when the new trees will be planted and how many trees were removed.  All of that calculates net growth or decline in the Village of Ridgewood for the Shade Tree Commission.

 

Hans Lehmann, 234 Union Street, stated that he wanted to speak to the Village Council about the way that his friend Mr. Halaby was treated at the meeting two weeks ago.  He and Mr. Halaby had to earn their citizenship the hard way and prove that they deserved to become citizens before they were handed naturalization papers.  The journey to come here was arduous and it is for these reasons that they treasure their rights as citizens and speak out at these Council meetings, because they care and want to protect what was given to them and make the Village just a little bit better through their participation.  He added that everyone on the Village Council are citizens by birth and had to do nothing to earn that status.  Everyone who comes up to this podium has the right to five minutes of the Village Council’s time.  Mr. Lehmann stated that the Village Council’s job is to listen and they then have all the time in the world to rebut what they have just heard.  He asked them to be cautious with how they treat residents’ time.

 

Mr. Lehmann stated that when Mr. Halaby said that the Village Council was corrupt, he was not talking about receiving bribes or other favors.  He is pretty sure that he was expressing his frustration with how business is conducted by the Village Council.  He prefers to use the word corrosive.  They are shouting down residents and steal time from speakers who do not agree with them.  He added that he feels they are revoking speakers’ rights to freedom of expression.  He stated that we practice our democracy in a representative system, and residents elected the Village Council to represent them.  As of late, some of the residents do not feel well-represented.

 

Mr. Lehmann stated that he had the displeasure of attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the parking garage, and he was struck by how the Village Councilmembers had no problem congratulating themselves for the great job they did with the garage.  It will cost $12 million when they could have had a larger and less expensive garage in 2016.  He is concerned about the way that the Village Council spends taxpayer money.  He stated that they bought the ugliest building in the Village for offices for the Water Company and now there is talk that the entire building will have to be gutted at costs far higher than initially offered.  He added that he heard they may be demolishing the building and building another one at a tremendous cost to us.

 

Mr. Lehmann stated that the Schedler Project is coming with tremendous cost overruns.  Now they want to pay $50,000 for a tree study after they turned the train station into one of the saddest place in the Village.  He added that he cares for the Village and only wishes that the Council would care just as much and act as wisely.

 

Leonard Diamond, 131 Cottage Place, stated that he brought up the idea of the bike depot idea on one of the Village Facebook pages.  When you see something on the agenda it doesn’t give an idea of a context, so he had no idea that they were thinking about it in the parking garage.  Just this year the Village committed large amounts of dollars to make driving within the CBD easier.  The parking garage, the reconfiguration of the train station lots, and over the years there have been many other projects by the Village and the BOE dedicated to making it easier for driving in the Village.  He stated that everyday the Village roads are choked with traffic twice a day with drop offs and pick up, and in the afternoons schools are surrounded by a gauntlet of idling cars poisoning their own children with the car exhaust.

 

Mr. Diamond stated that a tremendous amount of the Village Council time is taken up by car related issues.  During this time, very little has been done by the Village to encourage active transportation such as walking and bicycling.  The most visible project, the bike lane under the trestle, has been misunderstood, partially destroyed, and left without any other lanes to connect to.  A big accomplishment was getting an unused bike rack from the schools and installing it near the train station, but is inappropriate for commuters and is hard to lock a bicycle to.  That only happened after there was a proposal by the previous Village Council to allow them to clip the locks of bicycles locked to other Village property. 

 

Mr. Diamond stated that in New York City there are metrics that they have to add a certain number of bike racks, and he suggested adding a part to the parking meter bases.  He added that you can fit almost 20 bicycles in the amount of space for one car.  Recently, they have had the theft of some bikes and the two typically largest obstacles to him commuting to the train station is lack of safe routes to the train station and lack of secure parking for his bike.  He stated that it is only a positive when residents choose to use their bicycles to get to and from the train station. It reduces congestion, pollution, and is healthy for the riders.  The Village should provide safe, secure parking for the residents who ride bicycles as it does for residents who drive cars.

 

Mr. Diamond stated that the bike depots that he had looked at in Montclair and other towns are right adjacent to the train stations, just like the cars are parked adjacent to the train stations.  He asked the Village Council to work with the coalition, but added that given the choice, the bike riders deserve the same consideration as the car drivers because the garage is two blocks away from where they need to be.  He suggested looking at the lower level of the taxi stand which he understands has no purpose right now.  Mr. Diamond stated that there is another company that makes a freestanding bike depot as well, but he doesn’t know if their business model works as well for the Village.

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he was thinking along the same lines as Mr. Diamond as they are going to pay $10,000 to come up with a restoration for the taxi stand but that building is not used for anything at this point in time.  He asked why it couldn’t be turned into a bicycle depot.  He heard a rumor that the taxi stand was being earmarked as a place where a public restroom was going to be, but right now it is not being used for anything.  He suggested having bicycle parking, as that is much more convenient for bicycle users than having to go two blocks away.  His other concern with a bicycle depot in the parking garage is that now you are going to have bicycles, pedestrians, and cars all trying to get into the same location.  If they can separate the bicycles, that is a good idea.  Mr. Loving stated that the taxpayers were going to pay to have the building restored, so if they are paying to restore it why don’t they think how they can fit something into the lower level that makes sense.

 

Mr. Loving stated that regarding the roofing project at Graydon, he hates to be cynical, but he knows the way that things operate in municipal government.  He asked why the Village was going to put a roof on that restroom now and then renovate the restroom at a later date.  He doesn’t think that is a good idea, and they should renovate the restroom first and then put a roof on the building.  Something is going to happen during the renovation project that is going to destroy the new roof.  Mr. Loving suggested holding off on putting up the new roof until the restroom is renovated.  He asked if that was possible, or if the person who they are giving the roofing contract to has to do the work now.  In the interim, he suggested holding off on starting the roof project until they know what is involved in the renovation of the restroom as he smells trouble.

 

There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Hache closed public comment.

 

Mayor Hache stated that to clear up some things brought up during the comments, not everyone on the dais is a birthright citizen, as he himself was born in the Dominican Republic and came to this country and appreciates the opportunities that he has been given and the things that he has earned.  He stated that no one on the Village Council has set out to limit anyone’s speech, and everyone who comes up has the same amount of time.  In terms of ground rules coming up to talk, there is a decorum that has to be observed when coming up to speak to the Village Council and that is what they try to ensure that everyone adheres to.  To go up to the podium and address members of the Council by name is not allowed, and that is all that they are trying to enforce.  They are not trying to limit anyone’s speech.  Another correction is, he wasn’t opposed to the parking garage.

 

Mayor Hache stated that there were plans that were presented to the Village Council regarding demolishing the Elks Club, but that is not what they decided upon.  They went with the lowest cost and most simple plan of all the options that were provided.  In terms of spending money, the projects that they have gotten behind are ones that are being done through our separate utilities.  These are projects that have an offset on the revenue side one way or another.

 

Mayor Hache stated that with regard to the bicycles, he thanked Mr. Diamond for elevating this issue and sending the Village Council the information.  He invited him to engage with the Village Council and help them explore some possibilities and help them find better ways to bring the usage of bicycles into the downtown.  They are doing a lot of things to increase the walkability downtown and are looking at ways to make the downtown safer, and now is the time to incorporate a lot of these things.  When they remove the parking meters there are some old stems from the meter head there, maybe there are missed opportunities here that they can look at.  He added that this is a very exciting time for the Village, but this is the right time to incorporate a lot of these good ideas and bicycle usage is certainly one of them. 

 

Mayor Hache stated that there were some concerns about the entrances for the bikes, pedestrians, and cars, but the parking garage has separate entrances for all.  They have look at all of these options and the entrance for the bicycles is right next to the room for the bicycles.  Vehicles enter on the opposite side from the bicycles and pedestrians.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that there is a lot of information out there, and they work really hard as a Village Council, and some of the misinformation regarding the Elks Club which is coming through the utility.  She added that everyone is always welcome to email with any questions.

 

9. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Deputy Village Clerk Donna Jackson read Resolution #19-327 to go into Closed Session as follows:

 

 

10. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Knudsen, seconded by Councilman Voigt, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 10:13 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                                                                                                      Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                              

                                                                                                                        Mayor                          

 

 

 

______________________________

              Donna M. Jackson

           Deputy Village Clerk