Village of Ridgewood Work Session Meeting Minutes 20190403

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, RIDGEWOD, NEW JERSEY ON APRIL 3, 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, 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.

Ms. Mailander stated that the construction at the train station was set to begin today, however, it is not set to begin until Monday, April 8th and will continue for the next three to four months for renovation and addition of 35 parking spaces. During the construction, up to 40 parking spaces may not be available at the train station lot. Premium parking permits may be used in all lots, including the furthest three rows from Broad Street in the Hudson Street lot. The Prospect Lot, Chestnut Lot, North Walnut Lot, and Cottage Place Lot are all available. Permit holders may not park in shoppers/diner spots or Central Business District Employees spots, or in the Hudson Lot permit only spots. Commuters who are currently paying meters or are using Parkmobile at the train station will find parking at the Cottage Place lot using meters or Parkmobile.

Ms. Mailander added that there would be parking spaces available every day, which will shift as construction continues. She asked that commuters make alternate arrangements to get to the train station and plan for extra time. In the event of severe weather, the work may be postponed. She asked residents to obey all posted signs and to not travel through barricaded areas. Flyers were put on cars currently in the train station, notifying them of the construction. She thanked all residents for their patience and cooperation during this construction.

Ms. Mailander thanked Mayor Hache and Deputy Mayor Knudsen for working with her to come to this conclusion and the resolution of this issue. They did not have as much advanced notice as they expected because the contractor was assigned in January of this year and said they would start construction when the weather broke. She added that she sent out a revised E-Notice this afternoon. There was an error in the NJ Transit alert which indicated it was going to be three to four weeks, but they went back to the contractor and confirmed that it is three to four months.

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Bob Upton, 172 West Glen Avenue, REAC Chair, stated that the committee organizing the Earth Day event asked him to remind everybody that the Annual Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Fair will be on April 14th. He thanked the Village Council for taking up the issue of the single use plastic bag ban, as he had a chance to read the proposed ordinance and it meets virtually all of the suggestions that they had made. He was disappointed on one point, which is that he felt that a mandatory fee for single use paper bags was a better option than an optional fee. As more people will be using paper bags and the paper from the point of view of energy and water consumption are actually less environmentally friendly than the paper bags. Mr. Upton added that New York State has adopted a plastic bag ban as part of their budget and they exempted a charge on paper bags which has been criticized by environmental organizations. He encouraged the Village Council to pass the ordinance as proposed because it takes care of the most pressing issue which is the plastic bags.

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that regarding the single use plastic bags, she wanted the Village Council to be aware that when they discuss when dogs can go in the park they make single use biodegradable dog poop bags that go in dispensers. If they could put those up in the parks where dogs are allowed, they should try to get the biodegradable bags because obviously those bags are single use.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he felt dogs should be allowed in any Village park so long as the dog is leashed. He added that there was some objection to a number of parks, including Twinney Pond, Van Neste Square, and he didn’t understand why. He agrees with the Mayor’s comments last week that it was somewhat confusing that you could take the dog to Irene Habernickel Park, but you cannot take them to Vets Field as there seems to be no consistency between where you can and can’t take the dogs. He was hopeful to hear the information regarding dog bites, specifically related to Habernickel Park where dogs are allowed. Mr. Loving added that in the absence of any reported issues, he doesn’t see why the policy that is currently at Habernickel can’t be extended to any park. He added that regarding the Fields Policy, he didn’t understand why there had to be consistency between the Board of Education and the Village when it came to Village property.

There were no additional comments from the public.

3. MANAGERS REPORT

Hudson Street Parking Lot – Ms. Mailander stated that the Hudson Street parking lot potholes have been patched and repaired, providing a better service.

Train Station Parking Lot – Ms. Mailander stated that the Train Station Parking Lot is under construction.

Parks and Recreation Department – Ms. Mailander stated that the Parks and Recreation Department is now selling annual Graydon Pool memberships at a 10% discount until April 30th. If you are a resident and a seasonal member, this year you will be able to purchase a coupon book at the badge office for $150, that’s 11 passes for the price of 10. Registration for summer day camp has also started and will be open until the cut off of June 10th. After that time there is an additional $50 fee.

Shred Day – As a correction to the 2019 Calendar, Shred Day in Ridgewood will take place on Sunday April 13th at the Graydon Pool parking lot from 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., rain or shine. Residents will be able to watch their documents on camera as they are securely shredded by Information Destruction Systems, which will then be recycled by Atlantic Coast Fibers. There is a limit of five file size boxes per vehicle. This is free to all residents and businesses. Please place items to be shredded in a paper bag or cardboard box, no plastic bags will be allowed.

Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Celebration – Ms. Mailander stated that the Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Celebration is scheduled for Sunday April 14th from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.

Board of Education Election – Ms. Mailander stated that the Board of Education Election will be held on Tuesday, April 16th for a vote on the budget only. Polls will be open from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. The Board of Education election in April 2020 will have a vote on both the candidates and the budget. There will be no November BOE election this year.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection – Ms. Mailander stated that Household Hazardous Waste Collection, including fire extinguishers, fluorescent lightbulbs, insecticides, kerosene, and propane gas cylinders will take place Sunday, April 14th at Bergen Community College from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., rain or shine.

E-Notices – Please sign up for E-Notices by clicking on the button on the Village website, “Sign up for Alerts” at the bottom of the homepage.

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Ridgewood Environmental Action Committee – Councilman Sedon stated that on April 22nd there will be an event at the Ridgewood Library, Rock Your Earth Day, for children grades 3-5, with parents, from 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. There will be a showing of the film School House Rocks: Earth, and there will be an interactive portion of the movie, as well. Councilman Sedon and Mr. Upton will host the event.

There will be a Styrofoam Drive, on May 18th, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. in the Graydon Parking Lot.

On April 24th there will be a discussion involving the 12 Permaculture Principles, for anyone interested in the environment from 6:45 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at The Stable.

Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board meeting was canceled last evening.

Master Plan – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Master Plan Committee would be meeting next Tuesday at 7:30 P.M. in the caucus room to bring everyone up to speed and update their progress on the Visioning Process. She encouraged everyone to visit VisionRidgewood.org to participate in the plan of what we want the Village to look like in the future and what we would like to leave for generations to come. If they are uncomfortable with computers, they can contact the Village Clerks office at Village Hall and request a hard copy survey, and mail it back to be collected and manually input by NV5.

Library Board – Councilwoman Walsh stated that she attended the Friends of the Library Authors Luncheon along with Councilman Voigt, and it was a great afternoon. Min Jin Lee who is the New York Times Bestseller of ‘Pachinko’ was the author. There were 450 attendees, and a sold out crowd. There was a silent auction, as well.

Community Center Advisory Board – Councilman Voigt stated that they met last Thursday afternoon. They are in the process of purchasing six computers through a grant from the Columbia Savings Bank.

Age Friendly Ridgewood is having a May 9th Steering Committee meeting at the library at 12:30 P.M., NV5 will be there. On May 22nd Age Friendly is holding a ‘Get to Know Your Bus’ for new potential bus users, more information can be found on the Age Friendly website.

Upcoming mixers at the Community Center: April 26th for sixth graders, a DJ and pizza from 7:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.; May 17th for seventh and eighth graders Trivia Night from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.; May 31st for fifth graders, pizza and ice cream, those going to GW after graduation from the elementary schools 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. and for BF 8:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. April 8th there will be a Ridgewood High School Quiz Bowl starting at 7:00 P.M. at the Student Center. Sunday, June 9th, ArtBeat will be at the Kasschau Band Shell. On June 9th there is also a film festival at the Community Center for fledgling or aspiring student filmmakers.

Fields Committee – Mayor Hache stated that at the Fields Committee meeting last night they got an update from the different sports groups that have been working on a project to install permanent lights at Maple Field. There were concerns from residents about having permanent lights there when the field was first installed, so they placed temporary lights which created a noise pollution problem. They looked at amazing designs for the lights where there is limited illumination coming from the field and it looks like there is enough buy-in from the sports groups to be able to cover the funding along with the grant money that they applied for along with the money that the Village would put in from reserves. The next step is to reach out to residents from the area to tell them what the plan is and hear what their concerns and worries are.

 

A. DISCUSSION

a. Ridgewood Water

1. Award Contract – Purchase of Bulk Water

Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood Water currently purchases bulk water from Suez and the Boro of Hawthorne. This is a bulk water purchase with Passaic Valley Water Commission which is derived from surface water and treated at their treatment plant in Totowa. Ridgewood will purchase a minimum of 300 million gallons per day of potable water per year. The annual volume will cost $830,187. Comparably, the rate for purchasing from Hawthorne or Suez for 1 MGD is $3100 or $3850, respectfully. The purchase requires the completion of a pipeline and a Water Quality Study, so there will be no purchase in 2019. The anticipated completion of the Water Quality Study and the contract documents for bidding the pipeline is expected this year. The Purchase Contract will allow Ridgewood Water two years from signature to complete this study and construct the pipeline. During this period, no charges will be levied upon Ridgewood Water by PVWC. In addition, PVWC has committed to paying for the cost of treatment equipment, necessary for corrosion control of their supply before entering Ridgewood Water’s distribution system.

Ms. Mailander stated that they were asking for approval now, so that Ridgewood Water is committed to that volume. They don’t want others to try to get that volume from PVWC that reduces the committed capacity of PVWC to provide this bulk sale.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Ms. Mailander could provide the cost of the pipeline. Dan Timmeny, Business Manager for Ridgewood Water, stated that the cost of the pipeline itself, including the design and the Water Quality Study, is expected to be the $2.16 million they put in the Capital Budget for 2019. It comes in at Wagaraw Road and then Passaic Valley would make the connection and Ridgewood Water would take it up the hill to connect the system at the Southside Tank.

Councilman Voigt asked how long the contract is for. Ms. Mailander stated that it was for twenty-five years. Mr. Timmeny stated that the rationale behind this is resiliency in the system because it is at a good rate, and with everything on the emerging contaminants front they don’t know what is going to be taken off line when, and from our own situation, every Water Utility has an allocation that they receive from the DEP. Every individual relationship between Water Utilities is tracked by the DEP, which is why they are asking to do this now because Passaic Valley has other individuals looking to claim this allocation if Ridgewood Water doesn’t.

Councilman Voigt asked if the rate was good for the 25 years or if it would change. Mr. Timmeny stated that he would look into it. Mr. Rogers stated that there was a possibility that the rate would increase. Councilman Voigt asked if there was a schedule. Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t think they would be able to anticipate what the cost would be in year 24. Mr. Timmeny stated that it would be based off their capital expenditure. Mr. Rogers stated that this is water that gets pulled in normally during the summer as a result of all of the usage and it is a much better alternative than having to rely on Hawthorne and Suez. Mr. Timmeny stated that with Suez it is a Take or Pay agreement but Ridgewood Water actually has to take throughout the entire year, and they don’t have to do this in the Passaic Valley Agreement. Mr. Rogers stated that it is pay for what you use.

Mayor Hache stated that in the absence of having a set schedule, how do they ensure that they aren’t paying exorbitant amounts. Mr. Rogers stated that there are outs, or ways of terminating the contract in terms of that, but this has been looked at for a year now. Councilman Voigt stated that you put all this investment and capital into piping all of this, why would you want to get out of it. Mr. Rogers stated that you don’t want to get out of it unless the price gets too high. Next week they will be able to talk further and get some of the answers to those questions.

Councilman Sedon asked if it was a standard for it to be a 25 year contract. Mr. Rogers stated that it was not unusual.

b. Parking

1. EPIC – Timeline for Hudson Street Garage

Ms. Mailander stated that EPIC has contracted with the precast concrete purveyor. The internal group is meeting every two weeks, and they are looking at probably closing down the Hudson Street lot at the end of August or beginning of September.

Mayor Hache stated that the concern was regarding EPIC sourcing the precast concrete as the state is busy and they were having a hard time securing it. The quotes had been above the higher end of the range, but they were able to secure it at a reasonable price. The timeline is being pushed back by three months because of this, but it is still well within the dates of the contract and should keep it within the initial range. Councilwoman Knudsen added that the benefits of having that meeting also resulted in some observation of minor tweaks that had to happen internally with the bike racks and a better implemented approach and design. They resolved some outstanding issues as well, which was good. Mayor Hache added that the biggest relief was that at the last stages of construction Hudson Street would only have to be closed for one week. Councilwoman Knudsen added that the discussion of staging and logistics was informative.

2. Hudson Street Parking – Premium Hangtag Holders

Ms. Mailander stated that the Hudson Street Parking was discussed at the beginning of the meeting. Premium hangtag holders will be able to use three rows of the Hudson Street lot.

c. Budget

1. Award State Contract – Rescue Tools – Fire Department

Ms. Mailander stated that this was for the purchase of the Jaws of Life tool through the State Contract from the vendor Firefighter One, of Sparta, in an amount not to exceed $19,790.10. This will replace tools mounted on the 1998 rescue truck and will be mounted on the new rescue truck which should be delivered this May.

2. Award Additional Contract – Engine 31 Driveway

Ms. Mailander stated that when the Village went out for bids on the reconstruction of the train station parking lot, in addition part of that proposal was the paving of Engine 31 driveway for the Fire Department. There is funding in the Capital Budget for the Engine 31 driveway, so they are recommending that part of the bid be awarded to OnQue Technologies of Oradell, in an amount not to exceed $72,912.50.

3. Declare Property Surplus – Miscellaneous Equipment – Public Works Department

Ms. Mailander stated that there are several pieces of equipment that they wish to declare surplus as they no longer have viable use and repairs would be a waste of money. Once they are declared surplus, the equipment will be sold on GovDeals.com. Pictures of the equipment were provided to the Village Council. Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they got a lot of use out of this equipment. Ms. Mailander stated that most of the Village’s equipment is used for a very long time, but she could find out the number of years. Most of them are not vehicles, so she doesn’t know off hand when they were purchased. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that some look rusted out, but others look shiny and new. Ms. Mailander stated that it could be that it is more expensive to repair than the item is worth.

4. Award Contract – Emergency Construction – Storm Sewer Collapse – Heights Road

Ms. Mailander stated that Heights Road between Fairmount Road and Phelps Road experienced a collapse of the 30-inch diameter storm sewer in it. This resulted in a 4-foot diameter hole, 9-feet deep in the recently repaved street. They need to put in a manhole. Two contractors were contacted and the lowest bid was from ConQuest Construction of Westwood. The request is to pass a resolution to allow this procedure to continue so they can continue with the repair.

d. Policy

1. Draft Ordinance – Banning Single Use Plastic Bags

Ms. Mailander stated that Councilman Sedon has worked with REAC and the Green Team to come up with this draft ordinance. Councilman Sedon stated that this draft encapsulates everything that was discussed. There is no mandatory fee, but it is left open-ended if they wish to charge a fee for brown bags. On a local level, there are issues with litter in the parks and waterways, so this is an effort to reduce something that is becoming a nuisance.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Mr. Upton pointed out that the paper bags were less environmentally friendly, and she wanted to understand more about that because if they were doing something that could be harmful she didn’t know what the benefit was. Councilman Sedon stated that the benefit would be that they would want to steer people to cloth bags or heavier reusable bags. In a lot of places, the mandatory fee on paper bags might go towards directing people to bring their own bag rather than having to purchase a bag every time they go in. It doesn’t seem like it would pass here, so if it turns out that they are using more paper bags, they may have to go back and reconsider that. Ultimately, the goal would be to go right to reusable bags which is why there is a six month delay to enact the ordinance, and REAC and the Green Team are ready to go out to the public and educate them.

Councilman Sedon added that it could be coming down from the state as New York recently passed it and Massachusetts was working on something. At least this way, Ridgewood would have a jump on that. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that in California there is a lawsuit from the plastic bag industry which is suing the state or county from banning plastic bags as it is forcing them out and choosing a different industry. Mr. Rogers stated that it is a commerce and a constitutional issue in the United States Commerce Act. He doesn’t believe it is yet resolved. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that their decision to ban it was not based on scientific fact. Mr. Rogers stated that a governmental entity has a right to regulate when it comes to safety and health and he thinks that is what part of the claim was.

Ms. Mailander stated that retail stores, includes indoor or outdoor markets or street fairs, and she asked if they would be asked at the farmers market or the street fair to not provide plastic bags to their customers. Councilman Sedon stated that they would be asked to provide paper or no bags. Ms. Mailander stated that, then people would be required to bring a reusable bag to the street fair. She added that if the Village Council wants to keep this in the ordinance, they would need advertisement for those two things to tell people to bring their own bags. She added that if the Village Council wanted they could exclude them. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if she was a shop owner she would challenge why they would have to follow rules but not everyone else would.

2. Amend Ordinance – Dogs in Village Parks

Ms. Mailander stated that they do have information about the dog bites, and in 2017 – 6 occurred in the street, 1 at the Wild Duck Pond, and 22 at home; 2018 – 10 in the street, 9 at home; 2019 – 2 at home, 1 in the street. Any bites which occur in the dog park in the Wild Duck Pond are considered County property, and the County handles them. There is nothing specific that says park. The draft ordinance has kept the ones that have been in place for decades prohibiting dogs as is. They have added where unleashed dogs will be permitted.

Mayor Hache stated that the important thing here is consistency, so if they can keep it simple that a dog’s leash not exceed 6 feet, pick up after your dog, dogs on paved areas except for tennis courts, or dogs not allowed on athletic fields or areas. He felt that was the most consistent way to apply it as otherwise it just gets a bit confusing. Councilwoman Knudsen asked about the dog bites, and did they know the details as to whether or not those dogs on the street were leashed or unleashed. Ms. Mailander stated that she didn’t know, but she would get that information.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she agreed with Mayor Hache that it should be a little simpler. She added that they got an email from a resident with a placard that was simple, and her thoughts would be to say prohibited in Maple Park and Veterans Memorial Field and tennis courts, but permitted in Twinney Park, Memorial Park at Van Neste. Leuning and Kings Pond Park should be on the permitted side. She also wondered what happened to North Road Park. Ms. Mailander stated that they asked for the parks from Parks and Recreation and that park wasn’t provided for some reason. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she felt they should simplify and say here is the rule, and she read the simple signage from Boston. Mayor Hache stated that they should add that no dogs are permitted on athletic fields.

Ms. Mailander confirmed that they wanted dogs prohibited from Graydon Park, fields, tennis courts. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they should say prohibited from Graydon, tennis courts, schools, athletic fields, play fields and playscapes. Ms. Mailander stated that when you see a dog off a leash at Veterans Field where you are trying to walk around the track what do you do. You call the Police and before they arrive, those people leave with their dog. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that you have rules posted, and if you up the fine and have enforcement, then people have to understand. If the worst case scenario is that it didn’t work, they have to undo it at that point. She added that the dogs are a part of life.

Ms. Mailander suggested to Mayor Hache that this would be taken back to the Fields Committee as they would be taking parks from their list. Mayor Hache stated that the Fields Committee wanted no dogs on playing fields, and he felt that they were achieving this with dogs in a park but just not on the field itself. Ms. Mailander stated that they wanted to prohibit from Maple Field. Mr. Rogers stated that he felt the easy way to do it was “from all athletic or play fields, including but not limited to” and then list them. He added that once it comes back from the committee they can talk about it and see how they would like to better address it.

Ms. Mailander asked if this had to go back to the Fields Committee. Mayor Hache stated that they can have a discussion, the only thing to consider would be if the BOE decides they don’t want dogs on any school property. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if the BOE says they don’t want dogs on any school grounds, and this says Somerville and Ridgewood High School, maybe they have to insert the language. Ms. Mailander pointed out that they are talking about tennis courts. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they could have their own policy posted. Mr. Rogers stated that they could have their own policy, but the Village legislates that. He suggested that they make sure to talk to the BOE about it so the Village understands exactly what they want.

Mayor Hache stated that he would reach out to the Board of Education.

3. Review of Ridgewood Community Center Rules of Conduct

Ms. Mailander stated that the current guidelines are a policy and procedures overview and guidelines. The new one is a true code of conduct which Councilman Voigt worked on with the Community Center Advisory Board. Councilman Voigt stated that there are some concerns about people coming into some of the centers who misbehave. There needs to be some rules and regulations before anything can be enforced, so having this helps. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that when someone says offensive body odor, who decides what that is, as there are times when people wear perfume that disturbs her. She felt that was open-ended, because who actually decides. Mr. Rogers stated that he may be able to come up with some better wording, as the Library includes things such as that.

e. Operations

1. Proposed Encroachment Agreement – 75 North Van Dien Avenue

Ms. Mailander stated that the resident at 75 North Van Dien Avenue currently has a low retaining wall in front of their property, and when they went to repair it they discovered that the wall is within the Village’s right of way. They wish to retain the wall and have submitted a request for an encroachment agreement. This will require a resolution to allow it.

2. Authorize Shared Services Agreement with Bergen County – Dredging of Kings Pond

Ms. Mailander stated that this is an agreement with the Bergen County Mosquito Commission for the dredging of Kings Pond. They need a resolution for authorization of signing the agreement. They should also have a Shared Services Agreement as well, which Mr. Rogers will work on.

5. REVIEW OF APRIL 10, 2019 PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Ms. Mailander stated that this was a review of the April 10, 2019 Public Meeting Agenda.

Proclamations include: Proclaim April 1-21, 2019 Distracted Driving Crackdown; Proclaim April as Tree Planting Month and April 26, 2019 as Arbor Day; Proclaim April 27, 2019 LAX Day in Ridgewood; Proclaim May 5-11, 2019 – 50th Anniversary of Municipal Clerk’s Week; Proclaim May 5-11, 2019 National Drinking Water Week; Proclaim May as Building Safety Week; Proclaim May as Older Americans Month; and Proclaim May 1, 2019 as the 35th Anniversary of the Ridgecrest Apartments.

Swearing in of Probationary Firefighters and Firefighter Promotions.

Public Hearing includes: 3708 – Establish a CAP Bank.

2019 Budget Hearing.

2019 Budget Resolution.

Ordinances for Public Hearing for Ridgewood Water: 3709 – Amend Chapter 269 – Water Service Connections; 3710 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Water Utility – Volume Rates; and 3711 – Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Capital.

Resolutions for Ridgewood Water: Title 59 Approval – Annual PFAS Laboratory Analysis Services; Award Contract – Annual PFAS Laboratory Analysis Services; and Authorize Shared Services Agreement – Purchase of Bulk Water from Passaic Valley Water.

The following ordinances are scheduled for introduction: 3720 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Police Department Fees.

Ordinances for Public Hearing include: 3712 – Bond Ordinance – General Capital; 3713 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking in all Parking Lots in Central Business District and at the Train Station after 3:00 p.m.; 3714 – Amend Chapter 244 – Smoking; 3715 – Amend Chapter 186 – Landscapers and Landscaping Services; 3716 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Landscapers and Landscaping Services; 3717 – Amend Chapter 156 – Food and Food Handling Establishments – Outdoor Cafes; 3718 – Bond Ordinance – Parking Utility Capital; and 3719 – Amend Parking in Hudson Street Parking Lot.

Resolutions include: Title 59 Approval – Restoration of Concrete Wall and Drainage Ditch on Hillcrest Road; Award Contract – Restoration of Concrete Wall and Drainage Ditch on Hillcrest Road; Title 59 Approval – Coffee Concession at Ridgewood Train Station; Award Contract – Coffee Concession at Ridgewood Train Station; Award Contract Under State Contract – Furnishing and Delivering Unleaded Gasoline and Unleaded Diesel Fuel; Award Contract Under State Contract – Parts and Related Services – Fleet Division; Award Contract Under State Contract – Tires; Award Contract Under State Contract – Rescue Tools – Fire Department; Award Contract Under Bergen County Cooperative Purchasing Program – Bituminous Concrete and Various Road Repair Materials; Award Contract Under Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission Cooperative Pricing System – Sewage Transfer Pumps for Andover Pump Station; Award Contract – Emergency Construction – Storm Sewer Collapse; Award Additional Contract – Paving of Engine 31 Driveway; Authorize Change Order – Furnishing and Delivering of Cured in Place Pipe Lining Services; Authorize Execution of Shared Services Agreement – Dredging of Kings Pond (Bergen County Mosquito Commission); Authorize Encroachment Agreement – 75 North Van Dien Avenue; Dissolve Ridgewood Construction Board of Appeals; Accept Donation to Ridgewood Community Center; Declare Property Surplus – Public Works; and Establish Community Center Rules of Conduct.

6. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Eugene Lorenzi, 202 South Van Dien, stated that he was back before the Village Council as on May 8th, he gave 16 pictures of the damage to his sidewalk to the Council and now they are not releasing the pictures to him. He has some copies, but not all of the copies, and he asked Mayor Hache to release the pictures to him. Mr. Lorenzi stated that he had nothing in writing or any phone calls to tell him what the Village plans to do. He asked what the Mayor was going to do about it.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he took a look at the Village Code with respect to the dog ordinance. He read that there are two separate ordinances as one covers the prohibition of dogs on school property, and the existing ordinance covering dogs in public parks is something different. He didn’t think there was any need to contact the public school as they are covered by a separate ordinance that the Village Council is not touching. He added that they have no input in whether or not dogs are allowed on Village athletic fields.

There were no additional comments from the public.

Mr. Rogers stated that the Village Council is a legislative body with regard to the use of property, and whether they want to get a feel for what the Board of Education feels to be important is up to them. The BOE may have some insight into what they would like and whether the Village Council would like to consider that. It may impact the other ordinance, and talking about playing fields would be the reason to reach out to the BOE to see if they feel the ordinance is not completely clear or on point. Ms. Mailander stated that her concern is that they adopted the amended Fields Policy and they need to make sure that wording is correct and mimics what they are going to adopt.

Mayor Hache stated that with regard to Mr. Lorenzi, he was going to find out if Councilwoman Knudsen has the photos. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that that night, she asked if the photos were hers to keep and if he had his own set. Mr. Lorenzi indicated yes, and she passed the pictures on. She stated that no one is withholding anything on purpose. There is a lot of activity, and she wanted to make certain that she was not taking his only copies of those photos in the event that in all of the paper it got mixed up. She added that she would continue to look.

7. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

Deputy Village Clerk, Donna Jackson read Resolution #19-104 to go into Closed Session as follows:

 

8. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Knudsen, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.

 

 

 

 

______________________________
Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor

 

 

______________________________
Donna M. Jackson
Deputy Village Clerk