20191106 Village Council Work Session

A REGULAR WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ON NOVEMBER 6, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

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

 

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

 

Mayor Hache led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as in a Moment of Silence to honor the brave men and women serving in our armed forces and all our first responders.

 

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

The Pickleball Community, stated that they were there to say “Thank You” to the Village Council as they did something so wonderful for them.  She wanted to introduce Mady Soukis, who has been teaching them pickleball and has brought it to their community for the past four years, and the Parks and Recreation, and did a wonderful thing for them.  They have the best pickleball courts in all of Bergen County.

 

Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, stated that she was President of the Ridgewood Wildscape Association.  She wanted to say that on Halloween, last Thursday, during the day a really destructive thing happened on Dunham Trail.  When Andy Batista passed away, a group of residents led by Sheila Connors and her daughter, Jennifer Smalls, collected money from all of the residents who wanted to give.  They bought a beautiful bench and the Village put it in cement, added it had a plaque and was situated in Andy’s favorite place.  On Halloween, sometime during the day, that bench was smashed to smithereens, ripped off its base, and chopped up all over the place.  Wildscape is anonymously offering a $500 reward for anyone who knows anything.  Jennifer wanted Ms. Gruber to read a statement regarding the act, which suggested a punishment for the person who did this that they not only pay for a new bench but do community service.  It will be in the paper and was also posted on Facebook.

 

Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, stated that he was here with HPC members past and present.  He pulled the by-laws for HPC and they were enlightening.  They by-laws are not being adhered to and as he said the last time he was here, being President of the Ridgewood Guild, it is very important to follow by-laws.  He discovered that the appointment of members of HPC is actually done by the Commission and the Mayor needs to write the resolutions.  He doesn’t believe the five appointments this past year had resolutions and were not memorialized at a Village Council meeting.  He then named the individuals who were appointed this year.  Mr. Damiano stated that he thinks it is important that these are resolved by the Mayor and presented before Council and memorialized.

 

He added that also, as the Councilmembers vote in the Mayor and Deputy Mayor is it also listed that the HPC votes in their own Chair and Vice Chair.  This has not happened.  They at HPC need to regroup and figure this out.  Mr. Damiano stated that with the appointment of every member, a Class has to be assigned, A, B, or C, which he recently discovered.  A couple of meetings back, he questioned Melanie’s qualifications, and he thinks he didn’t have the right to do that because she is a Class C member.

 

Mr. Damiano stated that in regard to a budget, they don’t have one and according to Section 29-7, the governing body needs to create a budget for them.  Getting back to the orange building, he never got an answer from the Village Council on what to do if a business has not followed an ordinance.  It clearly states in the ordinance that no bright or brilliant colors are to be used, and the building must fit within the streetscape, which it clearly does not.  The use of bright or brilliant colors are to be used for trim only.  The other violation, as far as he can see, is that Racefaster used their existing sign.  At their presentation before the HPC, they said they were manufacturing a new sign with their logo on it.  He added that the old sign doesn’t even match their color, with traditional gold lettering and a serif font.  They need answers, need to get back on track, and to follow these by-laws.

 

Steve Kim, 291 Highland Avenue, stated that when people show up here to speak they are trusted to speak the truth to the Village Council and to the residents of Ridgewood.  No one is under oath, however that doesn’t mean that it is acceptable to bend the truth.  Library Admins violated that implicit trust when they said that it had raised $1.85 million in private donations.  They now know the sum part of that is operating reserves.  Operative reserves is public money.  It is not private funds that can be donated.  They also know that Friends of Library funds were pledged as donations, and that mission isn’t about facility upgrades.  All of those who donated to that fund are being misled, in effect.  He added that they know Bolger’s commitment is that of matching.  If you have $1 then it’s $2 in total, if you have $0 then its $0 in total.  Mr. Kim stated that until $1 million is raised privately, $1 million of Bolger cannot be counted as matching. 

 

Mr. Kim stated that second is that of principle.  The Library might say while it’s not a huge amount, accounting is about principle.  When the core principle is breached, all aspects of what has been prevented come into question and compromised.  Third, is what is right for the Village.  Rocco was kind enough to do some work on the plans, and he noted that an alternative plan is possible.  That plan would allow the Library to deliver the same services as the original plan and would cost half the original, $2 million.  If the Library raises $2 million in private donations, if they get $2 million in grant, then they have $4 million to get that plan in action and to completion.  Incremental burden is then passed to the taxpayers.

 

Mr. Kim stated that given all that has been laid out, broken trust, compromised principles, and its not what most residents want.  He asked the Village Council to hold off on the bond resolution labeled Library Reimagine and let the project get done using private donations and grants.  If the bond resolution is introduced and does pass, himself and others are willing to bring this to a referendum and let the residents vote on it.

 

Bill Sosas, Midland Park, stated that he was here tonight to talk about something that trickled down to Midland Park and it came from the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee and has to do with the single use plastic bag ordinance that is going into effect in January.  He stated that it wasn’t an issue with the ordinance, but it was more an issue about the methodology and solution that was being proposed and is being trickled down to Midland Park.  Basically, the problem is whenever solutions are proposed they should do a number of things.  First of all, there should be a problem statement where you are trying to identify the problem and you are addressing the root cause.  You also want to do a pareto analysis on all of the problems.  Looking at plastic bags, this is part of a huge problem and the numbers are staggering. 

 

Mr. Sosas stated that they were shifting the blame from the manufacturers, and producers, onto people whether they be small businesses or residents, and that is not going to work.  With 78 million tons of plastic that are being created in the world, only 28% of that gets recycled, and of that, only 2% actually gets accepted.  In 2017, China stopped accepting America’s garbage.  It is important not to kow tow to France or anything like that.

 

Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that a couple of weeks ago she read about the Kensington proposal, and she went by and she had originally thought it was closer to town.  She turned around and was a little shocked because right across the street was the parcel of land that was taken in the late 1980’s as a park.  When she was a student at Orchard there was a park on Broad Street where the peninsula comes out, it was a tiny park.  At some point that park was improperly taken by the Village.  Once that was taken and identified as a mistake, the DEP and the State of New Jersey said taking a park is really bad and there was a penalty clause to replace it with two acres.  She has been writing to the Village Council trying to follow up on this, and there is a lot to it with the divergence issue.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that she has called the DEP and has looked around and there are some things that she wanted to bring up.  They have had so much large parcel development, and she thinks that to not include the replacement park in future discussions is a little short sighted, as maybe they could have talked to Kensington about helping the Village replace it.  She added that the two acres do not have to be contiguous, and they can be inclusive of observing paper streets.  She stated that she thought Trenton was so helpful and she had great conversation with them and she has a lot of ideas.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that the actual law reads it has to be replaced anywhere in the Village, but she feels somewhat strongly that it should be replaced in that neighborhood.  Now that they know that it could be a sprinkle, she wanted to say that her neighborhood is that neighborhood, and they are going to be welcoming a lot of new people and they don’t have a park and she thinks it would be wonderful to have the part of the park come back to the neighborhood where it was taken.  When she spoke with Trenton, there are three quarter of a million dollars on hold until this obligation is fulfilled so she thinks that the time has come for them to be a little creative.  She added that she would like to see this park as part of the future discussion for land development.

 

Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, stated that a new flagpole has been installed at Van Neste Square.  She understands the Village Council is considering how to allow private individuals and groups to use that flagpole and how they should regulate it.  She assumes they will draft an ordinance that is content neutral, and that restricts time, place, and manner.  If the Village rationally denies a particular individual or group to fly a flag, she hopes that the ordinance will pass Constitutional muster.  She added that she hopes the ordinance will fend off lawsuits alleging infringement of free speech or equal protection of the laws or discrimination, but she does have a request.  She asked that they not fly the American flag on that new pole, and not to use that new pole for government speech.  Village Council has protected the dignity of the American flag by reserving the flagpole at Village Hall for our nation’s flag only, which she thinks was the right decision.  Instead, they have directed private groups to the traditional public forum, our park, Van Neste Square.  The public forum is the place for the diversity of private ideas and viewpoints.

 

Ms. Perron stated that in the 1960’s her mother was one of the organizers of civil rights demonstrations at Van Neste Square, and was there marching holding her with one hand and her poster with another.  On this new public forum flagpole, they may get all kinds of flags.  In fact, some flags may fly that symbolize ideas that we consider disgraceful or base, but allowing such expression is the strength of our democracy that shows the health of our government.  Tolerating what may be contemptible expression, will be the sign of our strength and the Village Council’s legitimacy. 

 

Ms. Perron pointed out that the American flag not only flies here at Village Hall, but it is at nine schools, the train station, the post office, Habernickel, and at the pre-existing flagpole at Van Neste Square.  She stated that was government speech and wasn’t what the public forum is for, and asked that they please not fly the American Flag on the new pole.

 

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, stated that there were a lot of people trying to weigh in on the Library.  She personally trusts that the Village Council will do the due diligence and validate that $16.58 is accurate.  She stated that regarding Historic Preservation, as she has recently been approved to be on the Preservation of New Jersey Committee for Policy.  She has had a lot of opportunity to look at some of the tools and training around the palates for colors.  The bright colors are to be decorative and it is not only about selecting the right colors but actually where they are placed within the architecture.  She stated that if there was anything she could do to help give some tools or insight to that, please let her know, but she doesn’t think that orange on two stories would match what the definitions are by the National Trust of Historic Colors.

 

Ms. Lima stated that a few months ago, she was talking about buses.  It is very important to have different types of mass transit and with the new developments coming in, it was even more important.  She added that she feels it is getting worse, the speeding of the buses, the lane sharing, the improper lane turning is getting at its worst where people are swerving away especially on the Ridgewood Avenue corridor.  On September 13^th she spent about 15 minutes observing the bus stop, and seven buses were parked at one particular time for the 15 minutes at that bus location with ten people that were coming and going.  They are stopping there to rest, and one of the buses took three meter parking spaces for the entire 15 minutes.  She took pictures of the congestion, and added that they are idling there.  She added that they need some discussion with NJ Transit to get some more information about the schedules and how frequently they are coming and going.

 

Andrew Lowry, 441 Hawthorne Place, stated that he was speaking about the Shade Tree Commission.  When he was here a couple of weeks ago they said they were coming back to get some more focus on a pretty important part of the Village.  He was here tonight because he had a meeting with Chris Rutishauser last week, and he was trying to understand why it was that the things that they had talked about for the last year hadn’t gotten done in the Village.  He was looking at what they could do better, and Mr. Rutishauser told him to talk to the Village Council.  Trees are more than beauty and pollution reducing, they are a really important part of global warming defense.  He thinks that everyone understands that we are not a global warming hot spot, there was an article in the Washington Post on August 13^th about New Jersey.  We are already over the two centigrade limit which is the one that people around the world are really worried about.  The only thing you can really do locally to address this is plant trees.  There is practically nothing else that can make a difference locally.  He was bringing that up as an issue, because when they take down big trees and plant little ones, it takes a long time for the equalization to occur.  As they go forward with capital budgeting, he would like the Village Council to keep that in mind.

 

Lynn Brady, 350 Vesta Court, stated that she was Vice Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, and had come to talk about colors and building colors.  She is an artist and an architect so she really appreciates colors and buildings, and wanted to bring that as her expertise.  Colors have three attributes that artists use to define colors.  One is the actual hue, value, and the most important attribute pertaining to buildings, is saturation.  The purer the color, the more saturated it is.  Saturated colors attract the most attention, too much saturated colors can hurt the eyes and you can’t really stand looking at a pure saturated color for any length of time.  She thinks the less saturation the color, the easier it is to look at.  As far as general colors, red, orange, yellow, and neon are the ones that really catch the eye.  The greater the contrast of a color with its surroundings, the more prominent it would appear.  The attributes of colors have to be taken into account when they are talking about the Village ordinances.  Ordinance 980-89 under Buildings, and number 3A, talks about promoting a desirable visual environment which is harmonious with the existing development and enhances the character of the surrounding neighborhood and Village as a whole.  It avoids adversely effecting the value of adjacent or nearby properties.  Ms. Brady added that she thinks that should be looked at.

 

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

 

Mayor Hache stated that there was a lot of enthusiasm about the pickleball courts this evening, and he wanted to thank Nancy Bigos for all of her hard work in getting the project done in employing all possible resources, and staying on top of the Village Council regarding that.  It is an amazing amount of support for pickleball and his understanding is for the 55 and older community it is the fastest growing sport.  When they talk about aging in place and the activities available throughout the town, you can see through the enthusiasm how many lives Ms. Bigos has touched and he thanked her for that.

 

Mayor Hache stated that there was some issue brought up about HPC and the by-laws, and he asked for Mr. Rogers to sit down with them so they can discuss the current by-laws and have a meeting with the HPC and go over the by-laws and the purpose and some of the things that have come into question in the Village.  Mr. Rogers stated that Mr. Damiano was kind enough to call him today and they had a discussion about that, and one of the things he asked Mr. Damiano to do is to send him the by-laws because Mr. Rogers wasn’t aware of them.  If they say something to the effect of the committee appointing its members, there is an ordinance that would override it.  He stated that at the next meeting HPC has, Mr. Rogers will attend and go over the administrative aspects of what their process is and also talk about the authority and how they should be focusing if it was anything different than what the ordinance says.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she would send Mr. Rogers the by-laws for HPC as she had them in front of her.  She added that there were a couple of statements that were made that an individual here identified herself as the Vice Chairman to HPC was in fact appointed as Vice Chairman by a motion by another member of HPC that is sitting to her side.  Then there was a second and HPC members voted on that.  This sitting Chairman, Mr. Joe Suplicki and the individual who was appointed Vice Chairman made the motion to appoint him, and then they all voted on that.  The suggestion that HPC did not vote for Chair of Vice Chairman contradicts the reality of what went on and the minutes.  Additionally, the by-laws and cherry picking by-laws is a concern, but one of the lines is a report of the Historic Preservation Commission is not necessary for exterior or interior colors of painting.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that there are conflicting ordinances and that they will get to the bottom of it and send it to Mr. Rogers, but she wanted to be clear since she is a stickler for that process, there is no doubt in her mind that the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson were based on a motion, a second, and a vote by the members of the HPC.

 

Mr. Rogers stated that he thinks there is a meeting scheduled for the 14^th of November, and he would be willing to come that night and go through this with them.  Mayor Hache added that he felt Mr. Rogers should do that, especially if there were no applications for that night it would be a good night to meet and go over some of these issues.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she thinks Mr. Rogers was scheduled to come to a meeting in August, but that meeting was canceled.

 

Ms. Mailander added that every time a resolution appoints members to the HPC, it appoints them to a certain class and that was another item that was brought up.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she believes that the last appointment that was made was the Mayor’s appointment that was adopted by the Village Council and the individual appointed was a Class C member.  She added that at the last HPC meeting she reviewed the Class A, Class B, Class C members and she thinks that Tony and Tess and Lynn were absent from the last meeting and, so they didn’t have the opportunity to hear that explanation.

 

3. MANAGERS REPORT

 

Veteran’s Day Service, Monday, November 11^th – Ms. Mailander stated that the Veteran’s Day Service would be conducted Monday, November 11^th, at 11:00 A.M. in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square by American Legion Post #53 to honor all Veterans who have served in our military.

 

Ridgewood Water is Hosting a Water Quality Open House – Ridgewood Water is hosting a Water Quality Open House on Tuesday, November 12^th at the Midland Park Fire House Social Hall from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  Customers and interested residents in Midland Park, Glen Rock, Ridgewood, and Wyckoff are invited to attend to learn more about Ridgewood Water’s maintenance systems upgrades and compliance regarding new regulations for drinking water including Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, and PFAS.  PFAS are man-made chemicals that are found to be widespread and extremely persistent in the environment.  Ridgewood Water’s professional staff and technical experts will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about what the utility is doing to provide customers with reliable, quality drinking water.  Please stop by at your convenience.

 

Village of Ridgewood’s 125^th Anniversary Gala – Ms. Mailander encouraged residents to stop by and commemorate the Village of Ridgewood’s 125^th Anniversary at the Gala with live music, cocktails, and a taste of Ridgewood’s fine dining restaurants on Saturday, November 16^th, at Felina Restaurant, 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.  Tickets are $75 per person, which can be obtained through PayPal or by check payable to the Ridgewood Community Foundation.

 

Village Offices Closed – Ms. Mailander stated that Village Offices will close on November 11^th in observance of Veteran’s Day.  Rear yard garbage and recycling collection will be suspended.  The Recycling Center will be closed.  They are also closed on Thursday, November 28^th, and Friday, November 29^th.  November 28^th, both garbage and recycling collection is suspended and the Recycling Center is closed.  November 29^th rear yard garbage collection and recycling collection will resume.  The Recycling Center will be closed, but will be open that Saturday.

 

Upcoming Village Council Meetings – November 13^th is the Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.  December 4^th is the Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., and December 11^th is the Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.

 

REMINDER: Starting January 1^st, no single use plastic bags – Ms. Mailander stated that starting January 1^st, no single use plastic bags will be provided by supermarkets, street fairs, or restaurants in Ridgewood.  Residents are urged to bring their own reusable bags to the stores, if they do not, paper bags will be provided.  Ridgewood is one of dozens of towns in New Jersey that have already passed such bans which is in response to the damage to our waterways and sea life.

 

Ridgewood Farmer’s Market – Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Farmer’s Market, sponsored by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, will be open every Sunday until November 24^th, from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Ridgewood Train Station.

 

Parks and Recreation Events – Ms. Mailander stated that tomorrow there is “Snakes and Scales” which is a live animal presentation in the Village Hall Youth Lounge.  That is $5 per person.  “A Plastic Ocean” is an award winning documentary revealing the global effects of plastic pollution.  Learn why the Village’s ordinance banning single use plastic bags is so important.  Green Ridgewood and Ridgewood Parks and Recreation invites you to attend on Friday, November 8^th at the Unitarian Society.  Doors open at 6:45 P.M. and light refreshments will be served.

 

Sunday, November 10^th “Elder Thanksgiving Dinner” – Ms. Mailander stated that the “Elder Thanksgiving Dinner” will be held at the Old Paramus Reformed Church from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.  This event is free for senior citizens and reservations are required.  Transportation is provided at no charge.  It is sponsored by the Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department, Age Friendly Ridgewood, and the Healthbarn Foundation.

 

Save the Date – Friday, December 6^th The Chamber of Commerce 34^th Annual Downtown for the Holidays – Ms. Mailander stated that this event will have something new this year to commemorate the 125^th Anniversary of the Village of Ridgewood.

 

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Ridgewood Arts Council – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Ridgewood Arts Council met last night and once again has launched their Annual Holiday Window Display Contest.  A number of businesses have already filled out the form and are participating.  They will be launching a “People’s Choice Award”  on social media.

 

ACCESS – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that ACCESS weekend was in October, but she wanted to give a shout out to Jersey Mike’s who came through the morning of the fashion show with 100 kids lunches and sandwiches.

 

Ridgewood 125^th Anniversary Committee – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that while they were promoting the 125^th Anniversary Gala Event on Facebook, someone posted that instead of doing this why don’t they just plant trees.  She suggested they do both, and launched the Ridgewood 125^th Anniversa-Tree Program and asked everyone to lean in and plant trees on private property, which was well received.  She acknowledged Carolyn and Arlene who were the first two to plant a tree in honor of the 125^th Anniversary of Ridgewood and 30 years as friends and neighbors.

 

Valleau Cemetery Veteran’s Day Flags – Councilwoman Walsh stated that Veteran’s Day is Monday, the 11^th, and then on the 16^th, Saturday, anybody is welcome to show up at Valleau Cemetery at 9:00 A.M. and they remove the American Flags and the American Legion destroys them properly.

 

Community Center Advisory Board – Councilman Voigt stated that the Community Center Advisory Board met October 24^th at The Stable.  He added another reminder about the “Elder Thanksgiving Dinner.”  He thanked Age Friendly Ridgewood, Parks and Recreation, and Healthbarn for all they do in putting this together.

 

Wednesday, November 13^th, Columbia Bank will be presenting a $10,000 check to the Community Center of the Ridgewood Foundation.  They have purchased a number of computers which will be a nice added benefit for the Community Center.

 

Jim DelGiudice is a Professor at Montclair will be back to host a couple of new lecture series this December, March and May.  The December lecture is on “From Equinox to Solstice” which is a focus on the changing of the seasons and the celebrations that take place.  In March is “Suffrage to the ERA” which coincides with the Women in History Month.

 

Councilman Voigt stated that Age Friendly Ridgewood and the EMS are partnering to help place medical information on magnets on senior refrigerators to help facilitate faster treatment, just in case.  He added that the voicemail system at The Stable needs repair, there needs to be a panic button in the Community Center, and he knows that the doors are going to be looked at.

 

Water Quality Open House – Mayor Hache stated that Ridgewood Water is hosting a Water Quality Open House on Tuesday, November 12^th and he suggested everyone attend.  He participated on Friday, October 25^th and has participated on the panel at the Rutgers Environmental Health Summit.  Through that he realized how much information Ridgewood Water shares with the public and it made him appreciate Ridgewood’s efforts in doing that.  They talked about contamination levels as parts per trillion, so they got a sense of what that means.  One part per trillion is the equivalent of a single drop of the contaminant in two Olympic size swimming pools.

 

Community Events – On Tuesday, October 29^th, Mayor Hache had the honor of attending the 107^th Birthday of Quentin Wiest.  They prepared a proclamation from the Village, and he had a chance to meet with four generations of the Wiest family and it was an amazing event.

 

On Sunday, November 3^rd, there was a Grand Opening at The Nesting Place, Allison Herman welcomed them.  It is a wellness center for pregnant women to educate, nurture, and empower women during and after pregnancy.  They have doula’s on staff, lactation consultants, and nutrition experts.

 

Fields Committee – Mayor Hache stated that the Fields Committee met yesterday morning and covered the process of scheduling the fields.  They also discussed that tomorrow night the Village of Ridgewood will be before the Bergen County Open Space Trust Advisory Board to ask about helping to fund the Maple Field lighting project.

 

125^th Anniversary Gala – Mayor Hache stated that the 125^th Anniversary Gala is on Saturday, November 16^th.  That morning from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. everyone is invited to the Ridgewood Public Library for the 125^th Library celebration and that is going to be a fun event for the family with games, crafts, and story time.  Also, in the afternoon is the Ridgewood Public Library celebration of the incorporation of Ridgewood in association with the Historical Society of Ridgewood with a slide presentation.  The Gala is from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 16^th at Felina.

 

5. DISCUSSION

 

1. Award Contract – Grant Writing Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this was discussed at a previous Work Session and there were some questions that the Village Council asked.  One was regarding the outcome of the grants that were due to be awarded September of 2019.  They are waiting for two grants; the Target Youth Soccer Program and the New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry Stewardship Grant.  They are both still reviewing the applications and anticipate awards will be made before the end of the year.  There are also two pending; the FEMA Assistance and Firefighters Grants, which were due in September.  Although FEMA has released awards, they do so in multiple rounds and there has not yet been confirmation as to whether or not there are more awards to be made.

 

As a reminder, Ms. Mailander stated that Millennium Strategies usually charges $3,000 per month, but through negotiations the Village is able to get it down to $2,500 per month for 2019 and they are willing to hold that price for 2020, with an optional year in 2021 also.  Millennium Strategies has a listing of numerous grants and they go through and cull them and present them to Ms. Mailander and the Department Directors, with those which would be applicable to the Village.  If the Village expresses interest, Millennium Strategies collects any information they may need from the Village and then they write the grant proposal.  The amount of time it takes for Millennium Strategies to identify, research, and write the grant proposal allows the Village to apply for additional grants beyond those they normally apply for.  Ms. Mailander added that Millennium Strategies has also allowed the Village to become aware of new grant opportunities that they did not know existed, many of which are funded through corporations or non-profits.  In addition, many of the larger grants they applied for could not have been done in-house due to lack of expertise and lack of staffing.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that she was recommending that they renew for this year with Millennium Strategies.  It is $2,500 per month for the next year, so that is a total of $30,000.  They did obtain grants in the amount of $26,500 and those four pending grants that were due in September which have not been awarded total $625,319.  So, even if the Village just gets a fraction of that, it pays back what has been paid out.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she went back to all of their documents, discussion and materials from this time last year and they were almost at the same point.  Councilman Voigt had asked for some additional information, and last year was a similar deficit, so she feels that they are up in the air and it seems consistent that they are getting about $25,000 back and putting $30,000 in.  She sees it as a repeat from last year and added that she was not in support of moving forward.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she read through Ms. Mailander’s analysis of how it assists the Village staff, but obviously the dollar doesn’t match and she asked if there was a way to go back to Millennium Strategies and ask if they could do it for six months and then re-evaluate.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that there was still staff time involved as they were looking at the grants and not getting the money back.  She added that the interesting read was last year and this year as the same situation.  Councilwoman Walsh was in agreement, adding that if it was a break even it may be more palatable.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they just don’t know, and for September there were grants totaling $625,319 that they just don’t know about yet.  There are also grants that are due with estimated responses in January 2020, that the Village has applied for already.  She added that the awards haven’t been realized in the year of the contract, but they have been applied for and they just haven’t received the results yet.  Ms. Mailander added that she found it helpful, as the bigger grants the Village isn’t going to be able to apply for and one of the biggest ones that she wishes they would get is the Cops Violence in Schools Grant to get radio transmissions within the schools.  She stated that they didn’t get it, but Millennium does go back to the entities and see if they can get information as to why the grant wasn’t awarded to the Village.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked if Millennium Strategies gets a percentage of the grant awarded.  Ms. Mailander stated that it was just a flat fee that was paid to them monthly.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Ms. Mailander would see if Millennium would negotiate a deal where they would take a percentage of the grants that they obtain.  Ms. Mailander stated that’s not how they do it.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that in terms of the different grant opportunities, Congressman Gottheimer was sending the Village grants on a regular basis and for a couple of them the Village chose not to submit for, and others there was a commitment that was greater for the Village than they were interested in making.  There are other grant opportunities that come to the Village.  Ms. Mailander agreed, and added that there may be smaller grants that they are able to do in house, but the larger grants they would be able to move forward with.  Ms. Mailander added that she would encourage the Village Council to vote yes.

 

2. Purchase of Portion of 22 Prospect Street

 

Ms. Mailander stated that it is a portion of the area of the Hudson Street lot which is irregularly shaped and they need it to be able to square off the lot for the parking garage and the owner and the Village have come to an agreement that they can purchase that piece of property for $17,500.  Mr. Rogers added that it is an agreement that they discussed in closed session.  There is that section of 22 Prospect that sticks into what would otherwise be a rectangular shaped parking lot.  The agreement has been in place but it’s just formalizing it through a contract.  This resolution authorizes the Mayor and the Clerk to sign the contract and also sign any necessary documents for the purchase at closing.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen made a motion to suspend the Work Session and go to a Special Public Meeting.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

6. SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING - SEE SEPARATE MINUTES

 

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

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

7. PRESENTATIONS

 

1. Relandscaping of War Memorial at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square

 

Paul McCarthy, 303 Bedford Road, stated that on behalf of his colleagues on the Conservancy of the Ridgewood Public Lands, he was thanking the Village Council for including them on tonight’s agenda.  Their mission is to preserve and restore our Village’s parks and public spaces.  For their next project, he is seeking the Village Council’s blessing and their approval through passing of Resolution 19.  Their project is rooted in the desire to beautify a public space and honor the memory of Ridgewood residents who gave their lives for our country.

 

Mr. McCarthy stated that Memorial Park, on the west end of Van Neste Square, whose centerpiece is the beautiful war memorial pillar, is overgrown.  They want to redesign the landscaping around the war memorial to breathe life into the space for every day.  They believe it is important that we show our children that the sacrifices made by those heroes still matter today.  The landscape design is by Chris Raimundi, who will give a deeper dive into the plan.  The Conservancy will raise the funds necessary to execute the plan and will work with Parks and Recreation throughout the final design and planting phases.  Mr. McCarthy pointed to the success of the Children’s Sensory and Butterfly Garden, which was gifted to the Village in 2018, and has transformed the space behind The Stable.  Memorial Park is a truly sacred place.

 

Chris Raimundi, stated that he was representing the Conservancy as well as being a Landscape Designer and Horticulturalist.  They have taken the time to walk the site with Ms. Bigos and representatives from the group and looked at some of the positives and negatives that they are currently seeing in the park.  Currently, there are overgrown shrubs and when they have ceremonies around the monument it is limiting the number of people who can be around the monument.  The benches are old and in disrepair and they are anticipating replacing those benches as part of the project.  They will not touch the brick alley around the monument.  Mr. Raimundi stated that their thought was to open this area up, so that it could be seen from all four sides of the park and highlight the monument the way that it should be which will give the ceremonies there space to have a large group assemble. 

 

Mr. Raimundi stated that they want to replace the benches, and they would be pushed back onto the turf area.  They are suggesting the same benches as at the New York Botanical Garden.  They are proposing removing the overgrown shrubs and will consider planting around the monument a border of green that can be stepped on and to contrast between the brick and stone of the monument.  Additionally, there are two large dogwood trees that are in great shape and will remain.  Mr. Raimundi stated they were suggesting adding some shrubbery with hydrangeas and azaleas to get seasonal color throughout the whole season.  For summer color they suggest a day lily, cone flower, and black eyed Susan’s, giving them three seasons of color.

 

Mr. Raimundi stated that if it is approved, the Conservancy will go out and gather the funds.  There would be naming opportunities on some of the benches and larger plants, and if their fundraising drive is successful they could take this planting concept and put it into effect on the other corner.  He added that it’s a simple project and its worthy of the Conversancy’s efforts because of the value of this monument.

 

Councilman Sedon stated that he thought this was a great idea, and the bright colors throughout the various seasons will pop and bring more attention towards the monument.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked about the planting around the monument.  Mr. Raimundi stated that they were planning to do it. 

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it concerns her that she has often observed that people climb up on the monument and kids jump on the monument, and she was worried that the planting may create a tripping hazard as she didn’t think they could stop people from climbing on the monument.  Mr. Raimundi stated that they can’t stop that, but this is a plant that could be trampled and still live, and if it doesn’t work they could pull it out.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that a hardier plant creates more of a tripping hazard, and she suggested thinking about that.  Mr. Raimundi asked if she would prefer having nothing there.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it would be cleaner, with less maintenance and less of a hazard with nothing there.  She asked if they were at all concerned moving the benches onto the greenery due to divots.  Mr. Raimundi stated that he would talk to Parks about that detail, whether they cement them in or set them on bluestone.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she liked the bluestone.  Mr. Raimundi stated that he would suggest that they screw the benches to the bluestone to make it vandal proof.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked what the distance is from the stone to the bench.  Mr. Raimundi stated that it was at least ten feet.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that sometimes the grass is uneven or has divots.  Mr. Raimundi stated that there are a lot of divots in that turf area, but they would expect to put some topsoil in that area and reseed it.  This is a spring project and they would like it finished for the Memorial Day ceremony.

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that area seems to be very shady, and she asked if everything they were planting would be good in partial shade.  Mr. Raimundi stated that the plants that they are collecting that would live under there are shade loving, and the plants that are closer to the sidewalk are in a sunnier area.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that a couple of years ago they added the stars to the corners because kids were skateboarding on the sides.  Mr. Raimundi stated that his main thought with the greenery was for the contrast of color.

 

Councilman Voigt thanked the Conservancy for all that they do.  He asked if they had an idea of how much this was going to cost.  Mr. Raimundi stated that their goal is to raise $20,000 to $30,000.  Councilman Voigt asked if they would give instructions to people as to how to give money to the effort.  It was stated that there would be mailings.

 

Mayor Hache thanked them for all of the work that the Conservancy has done.  He added that he is grateful for the work that they are doing in Van Neste as it’s the geographic center of the Central Business District.  There are many ceremonies there, and he observed over the years that you don’t get to appreciate what’s there due to the growth.  He was happy that they would have a more open view of that project.  He added that he has seen children playing at the monument, and asked if there was anything there that asks people to stay off the monument.  Mr. Raimundi stated that he didn’t see anything and maybe that was something they could add.  Mayor Hache stated that some additional signage could help protect it.

 

8. DISCUSSION

             

1. Ridgewood Water

 

1. Award Contract – Pipe, Appurtenances and Service Materials

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood Water received bid proposals in October for 2020 and 2021 for pipe, appurtenances, and service materials.  A total of six bid proposals were picked up, and four proposals were submitted.  The award of bid is based on a low bid by category, on a per unit basis and the lowest unit price for hydrant items.  This is one where they award to various suppliers and they are on an as-needed basis.

 

2. Award Professional Engineering Services – Linwood Replacement Well

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for hiring a firm.  Proposals were solicited from pre-qualified engineering firms with Mott MacDonald providing the lowest cost.  They are out of Iselin, New Jersey and it is for $44,500.  Ridgewood Water is continuing to modernize and upgrade its water treatment and distribution system by initiating this project to activate the newly drilled replacement for Linwood Well.  Water quality results indicate the need to treat the water there.  Mott MacDonald will develop a draft feasibility report, including conceptual drawings, cost estimates and funding options.  The study will also include options to treat the Linwood and the Irving Well at the Ridgewood Water Carr Facility.  Funding is in the Ridgewood Water Capital Budget.

 

3. Award Contract – Line Stop and Valve Insertion Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is a two year contract, and this would be the first year.  They accepted bid proposals for both years.  One bid specification was picked up, with one being received.  The bid was from Carner Brothers of Roseland, New Jersey, who have previously performed these services for the utility in a very professional manner.  These are specialized operations, and they become necessary when pipe or valve repairs require an extremely large shut down that would place a large number of customers out of service.  This is a two year contract, not to exceed $200,000.

 

4. Award Contract – Servicing and Repairing of Electric Source

 

Ms. Mailander stated that bids were received for this project, with a total of three bid packages picked up, and one bid was received from Vanore Electric, Inc. of Hackensack.  Pricing for the years 2018 and 2019 were $105 per hour, this bid came in at $107.22 per hour.  Mr. Calbi is recommending the award of year one to the lowest responsible bidder, Vanore Electric.

             

2. Parking

 

1. Parking Meter Rates

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council agreed with a majority to go to $1.25 per hour on the street and in the lots, as well as for the Central Business District employees.  They will evaluate it six months after the kiosks have been installed to see if they are making more revenue than anticipated.  She and Mr. Rooney confirmed that the rates according to Walker would not go up again for five years.  She added that this was something that is going to have to be evaluated, also they are going to have to decide in January, February, March what they are going to do for the garage. 

             

3. Budget

 

1. 2019 Budget Transfers

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is an annual resolution which takes place any time after November 1^st.  This transfers money from those Departments which may have extra funds to those that do not have enough money.

 

2. Award Contract – State Co-Op Purchasing Program – Ammunition for Police Department

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is their annual purchase of ammunition for mandatory training and use.  It will be purchased under State Contract from Eagle Point Gun/T.J. Morris & Son of Thorofare, New Jersey in an amount not to exceed $26,022.64.

 

3. Award Contract – State Co-Op Purchasing Program, Education Services Commission of NJ Co-Op and Sourcewell Co-Op Purchasing Program – Mason Dump Truck Chassis, Body and Snow Plow – Fleet Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this will replace an old rusted out vehicle.  This bid has been sourced from three different locations.  The truck chassis is through the New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Program, the truck body is through the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey, and the snowplow is from the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program.  By doing this they are getting the best price, and the actual vehicle that they want.  The total amount is not to exceed $34,868.00.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if when they have these documents, could the truck number on the truck inventory be identified so that they can see which is being replaced.  Ms. Mailander stated that they could do that going forward. 

 

4. Award Contract – State Co-Op Purchasing Program – 2020 Ford F550 Pickup Chassis – Fleet Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for the replacement of a service vehicle under State Contract.  It is a Ford F-550 Super Cab, 4WD, equipped as necessary for Fleet Services operations.  This is a vehicle that goes out if a truck gets a flat tire, and replaces the flat tire there instead of having to get the vehicle towed back.  The award under State Contract is to Route 23 Automall in an amount not to exceed $43,627.00. 

 

5. Award Partial Contract – 2019 Road Resurfacing and Repair of Various Streets

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is the award of an additional partial contract for paving that has already been awarded to American Asphalt and Milling Services of Kearny.  In reviewing available Capital Funds from prior projects, Engineering found additional funds in the amount of $351,883.69 which can be awarded to the contractor.  This will allow them to do additional paving.  They are getting to the end of the paving season as it gets colder, so they will continue to pave until such time as its too cold to continue to do so.  Any of those listed streets that were not done this year will be pushed forward to next spring.

 

6. Award Contract – Education Services Commission of New Jersey and New Jersey Co-Op Purchasing Program – Mechanic’s Service Truck Body and Chassis – Fleet Services

 

This is for the truck chassis and will be awarded under the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey Co-op to Cliffside Body Corporation of Fairview, New Jersey in an amount not to exceed $65,879.61.

 

7. Award Contract – Sourcewell Co-Op Purchasing Program – 2021 Leach Rearloader and Mack Chassis

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for a Leach Rearloader and Mack Chassis through the Sourcewell Contract in an amount not to exceed $278,351.60.  This vehicle is being used by the Recycling Division for the curbside collection of fibers.  The purchase has been accounted for in the 2019 Recycling Capital Budget.  This one replaces vehicle 268, which they will continue to use until they get the new one because it takes approximately 8-12 months to get a Packer truck.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she thought it was helpful to have that vehicle number.  Ms. Mailander stated that they would do that from now on.

 

8. Approve Mailing of Tax Sale Notice

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is an annual resolution.  There is an allowance for notice to be given by regular or certified mail.  It allows the Tax Collector to charge $25 per mailing.

 

9. Approve Refund and Canceling of Taxes for Disabled Veteran – 378 Stevens Avenue

 

Ms. Mailander stated that state statute provides for a total exemption of property taxes for 100% disabled Veterans.  Recently, the Village received the certification for a 100% disabled Veteran.  This resolution will refund the 2018 and 2019 property taxes previously paid in full and cancels the 2020 preliminary taxes.

 

10. Award Contract – Valley Community Health – Nursing Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated this is an annual resolution for Valley Community Health for nursing services for communicable disease investigations, child health clinics, adult health clinics, school audits and influenza clinics.  The cost to the Village is $11,853.01.  There is no increase from the hourly rate of $49.39.  They only bill for hours used and in previous years haven’t exceeded $10,000.  Valley also provides health education services which include the annual weight loss challenge and wellness festival as well as various required programs throughout the year at no charge to the Village.

 

11. Award Contract – Physician for Child Health Conference

 

Ms. Mailander stated this is an annual resolution.  This is a shared services with Glen Rock and Fair Lawn.  The past ten years, Dr. Wayne Narucki has been the physician.  Dawn Cetrulo went out to eight pediatricians for this and only Dr. Narucki responded.  The maximum amount for each town will be $1,950.  The clinics generally run approximately 2-3 hours per month and are help 10 months out of the year.

 

12. Award Shared Services Agreement – 2020 Child Health Clinic

 

Ms. Mailander stated this was approving the Shared Services Agreement with Glen Rock and Fair Lawn.

 

13. Police Department Salary Ordinance

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they have had a Memorandum of Agreement between the Village of Ridgewood, the PBA Local 20 and the PBA SOA for quite awhile.  She has been going through the contract and is going to meet with the PBA and PBA SOA members and go through the contract with them.  There is a lot of historical information in the current contract and they are going to take out all of that.  It will pertain to the years 2018 to 2021.  She wants to introduce a salary ordinance in November and adopt it in December so they can get paid by the end of the year.  By that time the contract will be ratified as well, she is sure.  Ms. Mailander wanted to thank the PBA and the PBA SOA for cooperating with the Village and being willing to give back.  They were very reasonable and saw that certain things within the contract weren’t sustainable and doable for the Village, so she appreciated that understanding with them.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this wasn’t on the agenda that she received, so it must have been added at the last minute, so she is recused from any of this discussion.

 

4. Policy

 

1. Permit for Winter Door Enclosures for Businesses

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Planning Board discussed this and listened to the testimony of Glen Carlo who owns Steel Wheel Tavern and brought this to the Village’s attention.  The Planning Board indicated that they would allow them onto existing restaurants as exempt developments at the discretion of the Site Plan Exemption Committee if someone wanted to pursue it and it does incorporate all of Mr. Yotka’s requirements.  A lot of these are also done through the UCC.  This topic will be on the agenda for next week. 

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was sure that they made a determination in the Planning Board that it shouldn’t be up for more than four months of the calendar year and there were points that it had to be during a time when the sidewalk cafes were off.  There also has to be at least that one week where everything was clear, and she recommended they go through this before doing the introduction.  Ms. Mailander asked if Councilwoman Knudsen could let her know so they could introduce the correct ordinance.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the door cannot swing into the sidewalk.

 

2. Proposed Ordinance to Amend Chapter 190 – Driveways

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this was up for continued public hearing.  It was reviewed by the Planning Board and they recommend that the Village Council adopt the ordinance, however, in the last sentence of the section the word impervious should be changed to pervious.  She asked Mr. Rogers if this is substantive.  Mr. Rogers said that it was meant to be pervious.  Ms. Mailander stated that they could amend it on the floor then.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they said that in the meeting too.  Ms. Mailander stated that they would continue to hearing on this next week, and amend it on the floor, and then adopt it or consider it for adoption.

 

3. Village Code – Pertaining to Signs

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this was the dimensions of any message in the Attached Principal Signs.  The Planning Board came back that the message from the top edge to the bottom edge could not exceed 16 inches.  When the message contains both upper and lower case letters, the descending part of a letter would not be calculated in the permitted 16 inches.  The Planner could draft an amendment to the ordinance and they could introduce that hopefully next week, as well.

 

4. Village Code – Pertaining to Building Colors

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they reviewed the ordinance language about building colors.  The Planning Board finds that the language used in the section regarding “Use of color” is vague and recommends that the language be removed and that more specific language regarding use of color be employed.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they spoke with the Planner and are working on it with her, but everyone agreed that the language was so vague.  A lot of the discussion revolved around the suggestion of color palettes, but the Planner did not recommend the use of color palettes.  Mayor Hache stated that the language on one hand is very vague but you don’t want to get too specific.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they have come to realize that some people like brighter colors and others don’t.  Ms. Mailander asked if they wanted to remove that section and leave it at that.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the section referring to bright and brilliant colors would be removed. 

 

Mr. Rogers stated that it would make sense to him to see if there is some wording that can be more descriptive and at the same time allow for what color is meant to be.  There are three different aspects of color as someone presented today.  Rather than delete and amend and add why don’t they try to get it done quickly.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that when you talk about color saturation are they going to legislate the percent of color saturation.  Mr. Rogers said that you really can’t.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the disagreement that exists regarding shades of color is detrimental to allowing businesses to identify themselves and be seen.

 

Ms. Mailander asked if everyone was in agreement with Councilwoman Knudsen to just remove it and not put anything in its place.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that they should review some other municipalities that have a similar CBD to the Village because a friend of hers is on the HPC in New York and theirs is so restrictive it limits to historical colors, and they are very specific in the area.  The next tier is still historical but not as restricting.  She suggested looking at other municipalities and see what they were talking about in terms of color.  The challenge is if you approve one then you have to approve the next and we could have a rainbow that may not be pleasing once you get all the way down a block.

 

Mr. Rogers stated that his feeling was that it may be something they are going to decide that they don’t want to deal with but a lot of towns approach it in ordinances and it might be worth it to take a look.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that in 2014 she said that in the absence of a color chart they were at everyone’s whim as to what they like or dislike.  Mr. Rogers stated that he agreed with her, as well.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Commission was resistant because there is a desire to have historic preservation and also a desire to have some freedom, but that then clashes.  Councilwoman Walsh was in agreement that you want to be fair.  Ms. Mailander stated that they would look at other towns and bring it back in December.

 

Mayor Hache stated that they should look at what they can find, because they have to go back to the Planning Board.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated this part already went to the Planning Board, and any changes would have to go to the Planning Board.

 

5. Restrictions on Vaping and Related Illnesses

 

Dawn Cetrulo, Director of the Health Department, stated that currently the Village has four businesses that are selling electronic smoking devices in town that paid the $1,200 as part of the ordinance that was passed last year.  Renewals are due at the end of the year, but she hasn’t received any back yet so she isn’t sure how many will continue to sell.  Mr. Rogers stated that he sent around a memo with some remnants of a discussion from last meeting and what the legal analysis are with regard to an outright ban of the selling of e-cigarettes or any vaping products.  Washington Township adopted an ordinance that banned it from all of its zoning ordinances.  He called the attorney for Washington Township with regard to it but is awaiting a response.

 

Mr. Rogers stated that he did some research with regard to the constitutionality of an all out ban and it is one of those things that they cannot do legally.  There are a number of towns throughout the state that have adopted ordinances that are all out bans, and he thinks they are doing it to see if people will pay attention to it.  He doesn’t believe it will withstand a constitutional challenge.  You can limit based upon considerations of distance from residences or schools and types of facilities that you think are important aspects of maintaining some type of a buffer or at least removing a relationship that they may have geographically with some of those things.  You can ban them from being close to one another.  Mr. Rogers stated that right now they allow only one location which isn’t including the four that are already selling.  They only permit new ones in one particular area which is the small strip mall on Route 17 between Paramus Road and Linwood Avenue.  The ordinance indicated that they were banning all THC or cannabis products and uses, but there are a number of different constitutional cases dealing with other aspects such as commerce with adult stores, and such.  Unless the State or the Federal Government has taken a stand to ban them, we can’t ban commerce in our community.  This is different than alcoholic beverages that are controlled by the State.  No one has challenged this yet, and he feels certain that they couldn’t completely ban it, but the way it’s set up right now there wouldn’t be any new places.

 

Mayor Hache asked if there was anything preventing them from raising the fee from $1,200 to $12,000.  Mr. Rogers stated that he thinks that you have to deal with it from a standpoint of reasonableness, and if they went to $12,000 it may be an issue that they have to back up.  He can check other towns and their licensing fees, but you would tie it into whatever might be health costs or things that might be related.  They would have to show that its pertinent to the operation of the Village and how it would impact the Village.  Mayor Hache asked what if the Village was to dedicate the proceeds from those fees to a fund to help those that are now ill because of the use of the vaping.  Mr. Rogers stated that he thinks that other than dealing with it from what he might call more of a virtual type concept, you have to have some realistic aspect of how they can help out.  He added that they could work on that and try and figure out some things that they could relate that to, but it can’t be a number that they pick out of the air arbitrarily because there needs to be some constitutional aspect that would be maintained with the court.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she thinks they should at least have an ordinance that reflects the particular location.  Mr. Rogers stated that they already do, and they only allow any new establishments in that one location.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she forgot that they had already put that in.  Mr. Rogers stated that it is going to take a long time to legalize marijuana.  Councilman Voigt asked if there was anything they could do here.  Mr. Rogers stated that they already took a major step by zoning the way they did a year ago, in anticipation of dealing with some of the issues that they felt were going to be coming around.  They can take a look at upping the licensing fees, which are things that can actually be done. 

 

Councilwoman Knudsen asked who is monitoring the current locations where the product is available and who monitors the new businesses or other businesses, so they aren’t starting to sell.  Ms. Cetrulo stated that they did an inspection last year and will do one again this year, and the State is also hiring people to go out and monitor to see if they are selling to minors.  This is also something that they can do on a local level.  She added that they will use word of mouth and social media, and go directly into stores.  She added that she would talk to Karen Blumenfeld, the expert from Global Advisors on Smokefree Policy (GASP), who had provided information previously.  Mr. Rogers stated that GASP takes the position that it should be banned, and added that Ms. Bloomfeld didn’t help with the Village’s ordinance.  Ms. Cetrulo stated that she could talk to her and find out what other towns are doing from a licensing standpoint. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked what information the Village produces for parents and the community.  On social media last year, a mom posted an old iPhone charger with a prong on it that was a charger for one of the vaping pens.  She asked what the Village sends out.  Ms. Cetrulo stated that the High School did a program and the State does have information that is easily shared on social media.  She added that they do run some articles in the Ridgewood News, but she could step up the sharing of the information that they get from the State on the Village website.  She also has some emailing groups that she emails to the schools.  Ms. Cetrulo added that it may not necessarily be what they are getting in the stores that is causing the serious damage, but it may also be what they are getting online or by putting THC in the vaping pens.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they would get that additional information and then bring it back before the Village Council.

 

6. Amendment to Cat Ordinance

 

Ms. Cetrulo stated that the Cat Ordinance was changed in the 1990s and has remained very confusing for the years she has been with the Village.  This year she had a rabid cat in Ridgewood and it turns out there were three rabid cats in Bergen County from January to June.  Because cats can roam free, there tends to be a higher incidence with rabies.  She has wanted to work on the ordinance for a long time to make it easier for residents to understand and easier for the Health Department to process.

 

Ms. Cetrulo stated that one of the changes is the definition of kennel.  It was not consistent in the code, so she wanted to change so it was consistent.  She also wanted to change the fees.  The cat fees have not been increased since 2008, so her proposal was to increase the fees minimally, but to get rid of the multiple cat fees.  The proposed fee for unspayed/unneutered cat would be $15, spayed/neutered $12, a three year license for unspayed/unneutered $45, and a three year license for spayed/neutered would be $36.  One of the reasons for this is that it is difficult for the Health Department to process multiple cats.  With the system, they have to go in and find out when the first cat was licensed.  It is a lot more work on their end figuring out the few dollar discount, and she found that other towns don’t discount the multiple cat licensing.

 

Ms. Cetrulo read a portion of the ordinance regarding licensing and rabies shots, and made an additional explanation regarding the August and January calendars for licensing.

 

5. Operations

 

1. Eagle Scout Project – Kings Pond Park

 

Mayor Hache introduced Alexander Vestor, a student at Bergen Catholic High School, who was working on his Eagle Scout Project.  Ms. Bigos also introduced Alex Charles Vestor to the Village Council, and stated that he is a Life Scout in Troop 5 and is a junior at Bergen Catholic High School.  They have been working together for several months and have visited the site, conferred with the Engineering Division on his project, he has presented his proposal and been approved by the Parks, Recreation and Conservation (PRC) Board.  She added that he would explain his Eagle Scout proposal to the Village Council.

 

Alex stated that mid-summer he reached out to Ms. Bigos to find an Eagle Scout project that would satisfy the rank of Eagle Scout as well as help the community.  They key requirements are that it needs to show leadership, help the community, help the community overcome a problem, and it needs to include members of the community and the troop in the actual creation and carrying out of the project.  His project is making a cleaner, safer, and more accessible entrance to the McKinley Place entrance to Kings Pond Park.  Previously that entrance has been neglected, and there have been bike ramps and trash left there.  Ms. Bigos has previously cleaned up the site but there can still be more done. 

 

Alex stated that the overview of his project is that there is a very specific schedule they need to follow and steps to go through.  First is cleaning the site and preparing it for use, then removal of larger rocks that are in their way, and next is the building and installation of the stairs.  The stairs are the most important part of the project currently, with each stair having a tread of one foot, a width of four feet, and a height of five and a half feet.  This has to conform to the uniform construction code, which Mr. Rutishauser introduced him to when they met at the site.  Alex added that he also worked with his Scout Master, Mr. Orlando, to help confirm this design.  In addition to the stairs, there will also be a natural path leading down to the bridge which is about 72 inches long and 5.5 inches tall with a handrail that will cover the existing ditch.  Alex stated that is necessary because the current stairs do not meet up with the existing trail and the bridge will help connect those two together.  There will also be handrails at the top of the stairs.

 

Alex added that some hazards of the work area are broken glass, improper tool use, exposed rocks, and the ditch.  To prevent injuries he will explain to the scouts and helpers how to use the tools and certain tools will have to be operated by an adult due to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) age guidelines.  The role of the scouts is that the volunteers will be doing the work under his guidance and assistance.  The scouts will be involved in all steps of the process, with the cleanup, building, installation of the bridge and stairs, and creation of the path.  Due to safety reasons, they cannot use the skill saw.  Alex stated that the role of the town will be to provide fill dirt, which is an important part of the stair design.

 

Alex stated that the overall cost of materials, supplies, and the tools is $929.82.  His total fundraising so far, was through a donation from the Knights of Columbus, who donated $500.  His plan for the remaining fundraising is to go to his family and friends to ask for donations to cover the rest of the supplies.  For the materials he plans to use 6 by 6 railroad timbers, and 2 by 6 pressure treated timber for the top of the bridge.  There will also be 20 cubic feet of gravel, and the fill dirt to create stable stairs.  There will be rocks from the surrounding area to outline the path, and they will need two handrail kits for the handrails on the sides of the stairs.  The materials are $689.82.  For supplies, they will need gloves, garbage bags, yard waste bags, food, water and a first aid kit which will cost $192.40.   Along with their donation of $500, the Knights of Columbus allowed him to borrow some of their tools.  They will need shovels, pickaxe, drill, small sledgehammer, skill saw, and depending on the tools that the KOC have available, he calculated that the skill saw to rent will be $24 per day.

 

Alex stated that with the approval of the Village Council he hopes to begin the project April 1^st and have it completed by the end of April, weather permitting.  Councilman Voigt stated that he saw this project at the Knights of Columbus and he thinks it is a great idea, as it is needed for access to that park and will help immensely in getting people down there.  He asked about the cost, and if Alex included tax.  Alex stated that the tax was included.

 

Councilwoman Walsh thanked Alex for presenting this project and taking the initiative to help the Parks Department.  She asked how the bridge would be affixed.  Alex stated that it would be installed directly into the ground, along with the stairs the bridge will also be secured with rebar as well.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if the Boy Scouts were tax exempt.  Alex said that when he talked to Kuiken Brothers they said they would take 15% off the supplies due to the fact that he is a Boy Scout but he wasn’t aware if they were tax exempt.  Councilwomen Knudsen and Walsh were in agreement that the Boy Scouts were tax exempt, and Councilwoman Knudsen encouraged Alex to talk to Mr. Orlando for a tax exempt number.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she loved his project, and added that she thinks it is going to be beautiful and a much needed improvement to that area.  She suggested that in doing this it will curtail the debris, and she knows that Ms. Bigos and Ridgewood Wildscape have been there cleaning up so she thinks they will be thrilled about this project, as well.  She commended Alex on his organization and wished him luck.  Councilman Sedon stated that this looked like a great project and thanked Alex for stepping in to help out his community.  Mayor Hache stated that he has heard about this project before and he was excited about what it was going to do for access to that park for the McKinley residents.  He suggested that to offset the expense, maybe other businesses would be willing to offer a discounted rate.  He also suggested knocking on the doors of the folks in the neighborhood and telling them about the project and seeing if they would be willing to donate.  Mayor Hache thanked Alex for all the work that he was doing.

 

9. REVIEW OF NOVEMBER 13, 2019 PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this was a review of the November 13, 2019 Public Meeting Agenda.

 

Proclamations: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over – 2019 Year End Holiday Statewide Crackdown; and Accept Donation from Columbia Bank – Computers for Community Center.

 

There are no ordinances for introduction or public hearing for Ridgewood Water.

 

Resolutions for Ridgewood Water include: Title 59 Approval – Pipe, Appurtenances, and Service Materials; Award Contract – Pipe, Appurtenances, and Service Materials; Title 59 Approval – Line Stop and Valve Insertion Services;  Award Contract – Line Stop and Valve Insertion Services; Title 59 Approval – Servicing and Repairing of Electric Source; Award Contract – Servicing and Repairing of Electric Source; Award Professional Services Contract – Linwood Replacement Well; Authorize Cancellation of Water Utility Budget Appropriations; and Declare Property Surplus – 2008 Ford F250.

 

The following ordinances are scheduled for introduction: 3755 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Driveways; 3756 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Winter Door Enclosures for Restaurants; 3757 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Message on Principle Signs; 3758 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Building Design Guidelines – Colors of Buildings in Central Business District; 3759 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Permitted Use in OB-1 and OB-2 Districts; 3760 – Police Department Salary Ordinance; 3761 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees, Parking Meter Rates; 3762 – Amend Chapter 265, Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions in Hawes School Area; 3763 – Amend Chapter 105 – Animals – Definition of Kennel; 3764 – Amend Chapter 105 – Animals – Cat Licensing; and 3765 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Cat Licenses.

 

The scheduled public hearings include: 3751 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Parking Permits and Central Business District Employee Parking Stickers and Hangtags; 3752 – Management Salary Ordinance; and 3753 – Non-Union Salary Ordinance.

 

The scheduled continued public hearing includes: 3748 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Driveways.

 

Resolutions include: Award Contract Under State Contract – Continuous Automatic Samplers – Water Pollution Control Facility; Award Contract Under State Contract – Ammunition – Police Department; Award Contract Under State Contract – 2020 Ford F550 Pickup Chassis – Fleet Services; Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program – 2021 Leach Rearloader and Mack Chassis; Award Contract Under Various Cooperative Purchasing Contracts – Mason Dump Truck Chassis, Body and Snowplow – Fleet Services; Award Contract Under Various Cooperative Purchasing Contracts – Mechanic’s Service Truck Body and Chassis – Fleet Services; Award Partial Contract – 2019 Road Resurfacing and Repair of Various Streets; Award Contract – Vehicle Roadway Barriers; Declare Property Surplus – Various Vehicles – Signal and Streets Department; Authorize Budget Transfers; Approve Mailing of Tax Sale Notices; Authorize Refund and Cancellation of Taxes for Disabled Veteran – 378 Stevens Avenue; Award Professional Services Contract – Nursing Services; Award Professional Services Contract – Physician for Child Health Conference; Authorize Shared Services Agreement – 2020 Child Health Conference (Fair Lawn, Glen Rock); Approve Eagle Scout Project – McKinley Place Entrance to Kings Pond Park; and Accept Donation – Landscaping at War Memorial in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked for the donation from the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands to be put on separate, as they didn’t know the total dollar amount.

 

10. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, stated that she noticed in the Kenilworth Field that a tree was planted and she wanted to say thank you and she hoped there would be more.  With respect to the new flagpole at Van Neste Square, she mentioned that there may be flags flown there that make us cringe and her request is please don’t sully the American Flag by putting it in the same place, not even as a placeholder as she thinks that would be very confusing.  Also, the Government has may outlets to proclaim its values or agenda, and she would like to leave this new flagpole for private parties’ expressions.

 

Siobhan Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that her neighbors were texting her to talk about the park.  She was walking the dog back she ran into a parent from her time and these young people with babies, and they were talking about the park.  It’s been a full generation of kids that didn’t have a park.  The second thing is that part of the discussion was the Kensington issue.  She stated that Woodside Park is a very tight knit neighborhood, and they were wondering when parcels of land became available, if they could be notified.  Lastly there was a request that they were looking to a call to action, she could have a meeting with some of the neighbors at her house and the neighbors are very interested in moving this.  She added that they would like to use their email list to talk about how they could get a park, or now that they know that can be patchworked, an area replaced.  Something for toddlers was the general idea, and she has talked to a lot of the neighbors about this and she is planning on sending them a video of her talking at the Village Council meeting.  Ms. Winograd added that they are asking for a part of the two acre parcel.  Lastly, she thinks as a community outside of her neighborhood this is a unique opportunity.  Maybe they could use some of the acreage near Graydon to become part of a park.  She stated that she was going to send her comments to the neighborhood and that she hoped someone would get back to her with what they could do.

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that with respect to the discussion about Chapter 190 – Driveways, he had made some comments a couple of weeks ago at the Public Hearing and he was surprised about what Mr. Rogers talked about with grandfathering that wasn’t incorporated into what he saw in the yellow book.  He added that he had some concerns that the way the ordinance would be written it would make people think that they would have to build a driveway if they have a garage, and he encouraged Mr. Rogers to look at it with regard to his grandfathered comments.  He added that Mr. Rogers had a great idea and for some reason that wasn’t incorporated in what they got from Mr. Joel.

 

Mr. Loving added that he was somewhat concerned about the appearance of the two paragraphs in the Agenda’s regarding the Manner of Addressing the Council and Decorum.  He realized why these were incorporated because there were some people who were at the microphone who were saying things that they didn’t like to hear.  He reminded the Village Council that in October 2015, two people came to the microphone at a Public Comment session in Hoboken and made comments that the Council didn’t want to hear, the people were ejected from the room and subsequently sued the City of Hoboken because their Constitutional rights were violated.  He knows that sometimes people come up here and say things that the Village Council doesn’t like, but it is a Public Comment session.  The Board of Education does the same thing, but the person who is standing there can say anything they want.  Mr. Loving encouraged the Village Council to sit back and relax and remember that people have freedom of speech.

 

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

 

Mayor Hache stated that regarding the paragraphs on the Agenda, it is not an attempt to control the content of what is said, it is just the manner of addressing the Village Council.  They can’t control what people say, but he found himself reminding people what way is appropriate to address the Council and that just wastes time explaining the rules.  Ideally they could have it at the podium, but it is just the manner of addressing the Council.  No one is trying to control what is said, and he doesn’t think anyone here would say that.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board felt that regarding the driveways, it was relevant to what the effort was and that was to make certain that whether it was a pervious or impervious driveway that it was calculated into lot improvement coverage when Building Permits of Variance relief is being requested.  It is to prevent overdevelopment by removing driveways.  They will take another look at it, but the Planning Board felt comfortable that it met their intent.

 

11. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Deputy Village Clerk Donna Jackson read Resolution #19-361 to go into Closed Session as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. 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 Work Session was adjourned at 10:18 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                                                                                                  Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                                  

                                                                                                              Mayor                                    

 

 

 

______________________________

              Donna M. Jackson

           Deputy Village Clerk