Village Council Public Meeting Minutes 20200219

A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ON FEBRUARY 19, 2020 AT 8:00 P.M.

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

Mayor Hache called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.

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

2.ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS - NONE

3.ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

Mayor Hache moved that the Village Council minutes of August 7, September 4, and September 25, 2019 and January 15, 2020 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

4.PROCLAMATIONS

A.DAD’S NIGHT DAYS – HAWES SCHOOL AND SOMERVILLE SCHOOL

Kevin Hogan, Dad’s Night Chair for Somerville School, and Charles Sands, Dad’s Night Chair for Hawes School, introduced themselves and stated Dad’s Night is taking place March 6th at 7:00 P.M. and 7th at 3:00 P.M. at Benjamin Franklin Middle School. The show is free to the general public, and includes all of the dads who make up Somerville and Hawes schools, and they put on a show. All of the money that is raised for the show goes back into the schools. Mayor Hache stated that they appreciated everything they do at Dad’s Night. Mr. Hogan stated that there are about 250 dads, and they put on 12 skits. The show is about three hours long. Councilwoman Knudsen read the following proclamation:

B.READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY

Councilman Sedon read the following proclamation:

C.SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAY

Councilman Voigt read the following proclamation:

D.PROCLAIM MARCH 15TH – 21ST NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK

Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:

5.COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, speaking on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Ridgewood, stated that they understand that the Village is in the process of planning the municipal budget for the year. They have learned that the Parks and Recreation Department has put in a request for a line item in the budget for the purpose of planting trees, and specifically committing those funds for that purpose. Trees are the lungs of the planet, exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen. Planting trees is an important step in fighting the climate crisis. The League asks the Village Council to fully fund the Parks and Recreation Department’s request for a line item for purchasing and planting trees in the budget.

Joseph Ferrante, 610 Hillcrest Road, stated that they met this morning with the representatives of the New Jersey Department of Transportation. There were 30 to 40 people in attendance. The representatives from the NJDOT were very competent and sincere, but they are misguided. He stated that the takeaway is that they were dedicated to making Glenwood Road one way, and presented fairly detailed plans that showed how they were going to be engineering the one-way traffic pattern. Mr. Ferrante stated that the NJDOT representatives explained that it is going to be the most expensive grade-level project in the history of the NJDOT. They could not guarantee safety at the end of the day if Glenwood Road was not made one-way, and there are factors beyond their control that create the kind of “fouling of the tracks” with trucks trying to go up the road from the Ho-Ho-Kus railroad tracks.

Mr. Ferrante stated that NJDOT was pursuing making Glenwood Road one-way, going down the hill. To maintain the status quo of a two-way street, is going to take some aggressive action on the part of this governing body. He believes the Village Council will have to look at the budget to find some funds. The engineering group that has been tasked with the re-design has done a lot of work, which can be used for the purposes, but this Village Council has to act quickly. It seems to him that what was achieved by the turnout, the NJDOT would still like to make Glenwood Road one-way, with a proviso that they would reconsider if the Village improved and widened Glenwood Road.

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, stated that she attended the meeting this morning and she thought it was very productive. She was glad there was a showing of Ho-Ho-Kus and Ridgewood residents. The NJDOT really adjusted very well to the attendance. She stated that the Mayor and Councilman Voigt did a great job sticking up for Ridgewood residents. It is going to be a very costly proposition and her recommendation at the meeting from a historic preservation perspective is that when she goes through tunnels that are one-way but a two-way traffic pattern, they put traffic lights on the front and at the end. There is one she just went through on 9W in New York that is the same exact measurements of what we are dealing with here except the road in New York is flat and the Village’s road curves. Ms. Lima stated that if they put a light on each side, they probably wouldn’t have to widen anything. She stated that she thinks this is an opportunity for the Village Council, which has to act quickly because she thinks that the NJDOT is on the path to making Glenwood Road one-way, going downhill.

Ms. Lima asked for some updates, at some point in time, about the Master Plan. They started some of the meetings back in August 2017, and an ordinance that gave $250,000 to support the surveying. She added that at one of the workshops they talked about there being over 800 open issues that they need to sort through, and they can’t do the budget without knowing what is really going on with the Master Plan.

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he attended the NJDOT meeting this morning and he was very pleased that it wasn’t a public meeting, yet NJDOT listened very well. He congratulated Mayor Hache and Councilman Voigt on their presence at the meeting. He added that NJDOT indicated that if the Village comes up with a design for a two-lane road, the NJDOT would keep Glenwood Road open both ways. NJDOT said it will take two years before Glenwood Road is one-way. He urged the Mayor to work with engineers to come up with a design to widen the road. Mr. Halaby stated that he knows that the Village Council will find the money some way.

Mr. Halaby stated that he attended a presentation by Kensington Assisted Living and they did a fantastic job as to why it is needed. It might take up to five years, but he urged the Village Council to get going and to pass it on to the Planning Board for review and get the process going.

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she wanted to thank the Village Council for allowing dogs in all of the parks, which they did several months ago and she thinks it is working out very well. They walk many days a week at Veterans Field, and only once she saw a dog off leash. Ms. Loving stated that there is much more human garbage than stray dog droppings at the parks. She added that she was talking to someone this morning about how nice it is to walk the dogs around the field. There had been some discussion about the dog waste bags, and making bags available for the occasional person who doesn’t have a bag, through a bag dispenser. Ms. Loving added that a dispenser can be purchased for as little as $60, and the Village Council may want to consider these bags for parks like Veterans Field where there will be sports and recreation.

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

Mayor Hache stated that he wanted to address some of the elements that were discussed and some of the questions that were posed. Regarding Glenwood Road, not everyone on the Village Council was able to make it to the meeting with NJDOT today, but they would be discussing it in Closed Session and bringing it back for further discussion at the next Work Session. He appreciates all of the residents who showed up, and he thought it was a very interactive and fruitful meeting.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that regarding the Master Plan, the Visioning Process was slightly behind schedule due to the many cancellations of Planning Board meetings. The Master Plan Sub-Committee has been meeting regularly, and have worked through the details of the draft. This is a big, in-depth document, and they had anticipated it would be months in the works. The Master Plan Sub-Committee is on schedule, but they haven’t had the opportunity to present to the Planning Board. On the website it stated that there would be a draft document available for public review, which was an error on the part of NV5 as the Village does not make draft documents available to the public. The presentation to the Planning Board will be March 3rd and the public is welcome and encouraged to come to that meeting. The document will also be presented to this Village Council by the Master Plan Sub-Committee and NV5 on March 4th. On March 3rd, New Jersey Future will also be present at the Planning Board Meeting and will be doing the presentation on their Visioning Process that was created for Age Friendly Ridgewood. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that document would have to be adopted formally, and then it proceeds from there.

6.MANAGER’S REPORT

Ms. Mailander stated that at the Hudson Street Parking Garage, a crane is at the worksite to move the precast panels into place. The crane process is approximately seven weeks long, weather permitting. There will be closures of Hudson Street during the day, and South Broad Street will be closed intermittently, but both roads will be open to vehicles during the evening.

Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that the parking rate increase went into effect on February 1st at $1.25 per hour in the streets and $1.00 per hour in the lots.

Village Council candidate packets are available in the Village Clerk’s Office. The completed forms are due back to the Village Clerk’s Office by March 9th at 4:00 P.M. There are three Village Council seats up for election.

Ms. Mailander stated that there is an opportunity to be a poll worker on election day in Ridgewood. The pay is $200 for the day, from 5:30 A.M. to 8:30 P.M. You must be at least 18 years old, a Bergen County resident, registered to vote, and must attend a two hour training class. If anyone is interested in doing so, he/she should contact the Bergen County Board of Elections.

Ms. Mailander stated that the parking kiosks are being installed throughout the Central Business District, and should be completed by the end of this month. At the kiosks you enter your license plate number and pay by coins or credit card (with a 3% convenience fee). You do not have to display the receipt on your windshield. The 15 minute parking spaces will continue to have meters.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Police Department has started using Carfax to help investigators harness information regarding vehicles of interest and combat vehicle fraud. The Carfax report distribution platform helps Police Records Departments save time on crash report requests. If a person is in a motor vehicle accident, the accident reports will be made available online 24/7 so the person in the accident doesn’t have to come into the Records Department to get his/her accident report. Carfax does charge $5 per accident report, which goes to the Ridgewood Police Department.

Ms. Mailander stated that in preparation for the summer, and the need for certified lifeguards at Graydon Pool, the American Red Cross is advertising their waterfront lifeguard training for a sand bottom facility class, for those 16 or older. For further details, please contact the Ridgewood Recreation Department at The Stable.

Age Friendly Ridgewood has scheduled a presentation at the Library on March 3rd, from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M. on Elder Law Presentation including Elder Law and estate planning. On April 22nd, Medicare 101 will be presented by Sheila Brogan at 6:30 P.M. and on May 6th, Mary Creegan will speak about her book, The Scar, at 7:00 P.M.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Mayors Wellness Campaign, Ridgewood Health Department, Fitness Academy, Healthbarn USA, and the Valley Hospital, have joined together to make our Village the healthiest it can be. The Weight Loss Challenge kickoff is Monday, March 9th at Village Hall. To register for the challenge, the blood screening, and/or the kickoff event, please call 1-877-283-2276.

Ms. Mailander stated that the US Census Bureau is currently hiring for the 2020 Census. The positions are temporary and the pay starts at $19 per hour. If you are interested in a job, please visit the Census Bureau job website to apply. The Village has established a Complete Count Committee because Ridgewood was undercounted in the 2010 census. The Village is trying to target those populations that may have been undercounted in the 2010 census, to complete the census forms this year.

Ms. Mailander stated that there are fitness classes, Time to Tone it Up, Wednesday evenings starting March 18th, 4:45 P.M. to 5:45 P.M. in the Youth Lounge of the Community Center as part of the Weight Loss Challenge.

Introduction to Beekeeping is a half day seminar taught by Frank Mortimer, the adjunct professor at Cornell University, and beekeeper. This seminar is designed for people that have never kept bees before, are thinking about keeping bees, and want to learn more. It is being held Sunday, March 8th, 11:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council’s upcoming meetings are next week, February 26th at 7:30 P.M. is the Work Session, March 4th at 7:30 P.M. is a Work Session, and March 11th at 8:00 P.M. is the Public Meeting. In addition, the Budget Meetings will be held February 21st, February 24th, and March 2nd, beginning at 5:00 P.M. in the Court Room.

7.COUNCIL REPORTS

Green Ridgewood and the Green Team – Councilman Sedon stated that Green Ridgewood and the Green Team met yesterday, and it is recertification time for Sustainable Jersey. The Village is a Silver Certified town, and there were only 49 towns in New Jersey with that distinction. He went through the application and divvied it up between members because now they know what information and supporting documents they need. A few actions were retired by Sustainable Jersey so they no longer provide points for them. He is going to talk to Ms. Mailander and put together a package of Resolutions for next month, because they need certain things approved by the Village Council to submit with the application. The Village needs 350 points to be silver certified, and has at the very least 360 points to maintain the certification.

Master Plan – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that regarding the Master Plan Visioning Process, the resident who made mention of 180 outstanding items, those are from the reexamination process that occurred in 2015 and 2016 as required by law. Those were addressed, but is part of the reason they decided to revise the Master Plan. As previously stated, NV5 will be at the March 3rd Planning Board meeting for the Visioning Process review, and on March 4th NV5 will be at the Village Council meeting to present their findings from the Visioning Process.

ACCESS Committee – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the ACCESS Committee meeting is canceled for tomorrow evening and they will re-group next month on March 20th.

Ridgewood Arts Council – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Ridgewood Arts Council met last week and are working on a Graydon Art Project that will happen from October through April. This is an opportunity for large painted horses that can be adopted by different companies, businesses, individuals, and they would be painted and displayed at Graydon and then deployed elsewhere throughout the Village. She thought that the horses are a nice tie-in to The Stable. She added that they will be looking for sponsors of each horse, at approximately $2,000 to $2,500 each, and then the painting. They are looking to have four to five horses sponsored. They are calling it “The Stable Run,” and are hoping to highlight Graydon Park off-season.

Library Board of Trustees – Councilwoman Walsh stated that tickets are still available for the Library Author Luncheon. To be held on April 1st from 11:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. at Seasons. The author is Madeline Miller. A silent auction is also held at the luncheon.

On March 4th, the Ridgewood Unitarian Society and Bookends are going to have the author Ari Berman, doing a talk.

Reading Marathon has been on-going and will be wrapping up with the Friends of Ridgewood Library’s 2020 fundraiser and finale event, LibraryCon, on March 14th from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the Library. Meet and Greet with graphic novel authors, raffle door prizes, game center, minute to minute challenge, movies, popcorn, face painting, and caricatures. The schedule is available on-line.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that the next Library Board meeting is February 25th and then the Library is hoping to bring back the revised draft plans for what is going to be presented in the application for the grant.

Glenwood Road – Councilman Voigt thanked the residents that came to the Ho-Ho-Kus Train Station and presented their concerns about making Glenwood Road one-way, down the hill. He thinks that NJDOT understands the issues that the Village is facing and Ho-Ho-Kus is as well, and they can get this resolved. It was a very positive meeting and there seemed to be some potential to make some changes to Glenwood Road to maintain it as a two-way street.

Beekeeping – Mayor Hache stated that one of the things he and Nancy Bigos, Director of Parks and Recreation, have been working on with Frank Mortimer, is a community beehive project. It is an opportunity to promote and protect one of our greatest pollinators that has come under attack. They will start with four beehives, and there will be sponsorship opportunities. They have three sponsors already, Feeney Funeral Home, Healthbarn, and the YMCA. There will be an opportunity to have additional beekeeping courses, and they look to create a club to help Frank maintain the beehives. Sponsors will have the option to donate the honey to local charities. They are looking to roll this out in the Spring, and the bees are delivered at the end of March.

2020 Census – Mayor Hache stated that he was surprised that in 2010 the Village was undercounted by almost 20% in the U.S. Census. Ridgewood wants to make sure that it receives its fair share of Federal money that is available and is working hard with a Complete Count Committee to make sure that everyone in the Village participates in the census. The League of Women Voters, Board of Education, Federated HSAs, Ridgewood Public Library, Age Friendly Ridgewood, YMCA, and Interfaith groups, will be working together in March with promotional materials. They are also reaching out to local hospitals to display posters explaining the census, in their healthcare facilities.

Trees – Mayor Hache stated that the Parks and Recreation Department has included a line item in the budget for trees. They are continuing the work around the downtown with the removal of the beveled brick bands around the tree wells, which is one of the phases of the tree initiatives. One of the resolutions today is to award a contract for GIS mapping services for the tree inventory. The funding is in place, and will give a true count of Village-owned street trees, and where they are located. The inventory will provide the Parks and Recreation Department a way to manage the tree inventory and address problems as they arise.

8.RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 20-29, WAS ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:

9.ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER – NONE

10.RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-30 THROUGH 20-34, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

11.ORDINANCES

a.INTRODUCTION - #3781 – Bond Ordinance – Paving of South Broad Street

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3781. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3781 by title:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $216,000.00 FOR THE SOUTH BROAD STREET RESURFACING PROJECT INCLUDING $210,000.00 FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND $6,000.00 FROM THE GENERAL CAPITAL FUND BALANCE ACCOUNT

Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3781 be adopted on first reading and that March 11, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

b.INTRODUCTION - #3782 – Bond Ordinance –Paving of Spring Avenue

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3782. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3782 by title:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $180,000.00 FOR THE SPRING AVENUE RESURFACING PROJECT INCLUDING $175,000.00 FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND $5,000.00 FROM THE GENERAL CAPITAL FUND BALANCE ACCOUNT

Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3782 be adopted on first reading and that March 11, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

c.INTRODUCTION - #3783 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Winter Door Enclosures – Timeframe Allowed

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3783. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3783 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AT SECTION 190-37B TO ALLOW WINTER DOOR ENCLOSURES ONTO EXISTING RESTAURANTS AS EXEMPT DEVELOPMENTS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SITE PLAN EXEMPTION COMMITTEE

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3783 be adopted on first reading and that March 11, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

d.PUBLIC HEARING - #3775 – Bond Ordinance – Street Paving and Streetscape, Security for Village-owned Facilities and Buildings

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3775 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3775 by title:

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $2,308,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,192,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3775 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

e.PUBLIC HEARING - #3776 – Parking Utility Bond Ordinance – Environmental Cleanup for Hudson Street Parking Lot

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3776 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3776 by title:

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $350,000 FOR THE DESIGN, MANAGEMENT, CONSTRUCTION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF THE HUDSON STREET PARKING GARAGE IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $350,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3776 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

 f.PUBLIC HEARING - #3777 – Amend Chapter 212 – Parks and Recreation Areas – Rules and Regulations for Tennis Courts - Pickleball

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3777 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3777 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 212, OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, SECTION 212, PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS, ARTICLE VII, RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 212-27 TENNIS COURTS

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3777 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Council members Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

g.PUBLIC HEARING - #3778 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Requirements for Lettering on Signs

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3778 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Council members Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3778 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AT SECTION 122 E. ENTITLED “SIGNS IN THE B-1, B-2 AND C DISTRICTS” TO EXEMPT THE PORTION OF A LETTER THAT EXTENDS BELOW THE BASELINE OF A FONT KNOWN AS A DESCENDER LOOP OR TAIL

Mayor Hache stated that this ordinance was not sent to the Planning Board for their final comments, so the Public Hearing will be continued to the March 11, 2020 Regular Public Meeting. The Public Hearing on Ordinance 3778 was advertised for this evening, so anyone wishing to comment on it may do so at this time. Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be continued to March 11, 2020. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Council members Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None

h.PUBLIC HEARING - #3779 – Amend Chapter 165 – Garbage, Refuse and Recycling – Bulk Refuse Definitions

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3779 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3779 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 165 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, GARBAGE, RUBBISH, REFUSE AND RECYCLING AT SECTION 165-18, “DEFINITIONS”
Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Council members Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3779 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

i.PUBLIC HEARING - #3780 – Amend Chapter 165 – Garbage, Refuse and Recycling – Container Specifications & Setout Requirements

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3780 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Council members Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3780 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 165 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, GARBAGE, RUBBISH, REFUSE AND RECYCLING AT SECTION 165-19, “CONTAINER SPECIFICATIONS”

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:Council members Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3780 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

12.RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-35 THROUGH 20-55, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-56 THROUGH 20-57, WERE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:

After the motion and second for Resolution #20-57, but prior to adopting it, Councilwoman Walsh stated that they just got this in the pre-meeting so they had a simple discussion in there and she wanted to have a further discussion on the dais. The Village is purchasing the Elks Club, and typically when there are seller-required repairs, the seller does the repairs. Apparently the Elks Club has indicated they don’t have the money to do the repairs, so they are looking for the Village to take a mortgage out on a portion of the repairs. The Elks Club needs $110,000, so she asked that the Elks Club prove that they have the $110,000. She also thinks it is highly irregular for the Village to give the seller a mortgage, since the Elks Club has a liquor license they are going to be selling a few weeks from now. Councilwoman Walsh stated that she found it strange that the Village was doing this on behalf of the seller of the property, which the Village was going to be buying.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that when you are doing a mortgage and are the lienholder, it puts you in a good position, and she believes that it isn’t that they don’t have the money, but they are short on funds. This is in anticipation, they will be selling their liquor license and the Village could wait for the sale, but in an effort to move this forward, is a positive.

Mr. Rogers agreed that the Elks Club has a shortage of liquid assets. The Village has done title searches on the property and the title is clear. There is plenty of equity in the property and the Elks Club is selling their liquor license in the next month, for approximately $400,000. The Elks Club does not have the liquid assets on hand to remove the asbestos in the Elks Club building, which the Village is purchasing. This is a mechanism that is used in commercial settings and he checked it with the Village’s Chief Financial Officer, who said that it isn’t an improper or questionable issue. He added that he told Councilwoman Walsh that he would make the request to get them to certify that they had the funds to finish the job for the asbestos. It’s going to cost more than the $50,000, and the Village will have a $50,000 lien on the property and force them to close. Mr. Rogers added that he didn’t think they were jeopardizing or overextended in any area regarding this, but he could understand Councilwoman Walsh’s concern with regard to getting that certification, so he would do that as well.

Mayor Hache stated that they are authorizing to use the money in escrow, towards the removal of asbestos in the Elks Club. Mr. Rogers stated that the deposit in escrow was funded over a year ago, with $50,000 from the Village, which was part of the contract terms at that time. In that regard, the availability of these funds has been there for a long time. He added that they should be closing within the next two months if they could get the Elks Club moving on this. He would check for the certification of funds.

Councilwoman Walsh asked Mr. Rogers what would happen if the Elks Club couldn’t prove that they had the funds. Mr. Rogers stated that was up to the Village Council if they wanted to condition the mortgage on proof of that. If the majority feels it isn’t necessary, they can authorize the Mayor and the Village Clerk to sign the motion and the note. Mayor Hache asked if that required a motion to move forward without proof of funds, and asked if that was the motion before the Village Council. There was agreement by the majority of the Village Council to proceed with authorizing the Village’s escrow funds, towards the asbestos removal at the Elks Club.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was voting yes because she was comfortable with the title to the Elks Club property being clear, and the information that has been provided by the Village Attorney. While it was unusual to have the Village fund the asbestos removal at the Elks Club through the Village’s escrow funds, she didn’t feel it was highly irregular, and it was a way to get this done. Councilman Sedon voted yes. Councilman Voigt stated that he was not in favor of buying the Elks Club, so no. Councilwoman Walsh stated that she was voting no, and added that the Village has never done this before and this would be the first time the Village was doing this type of transaction. Mayor Hache voted yes.

13.COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, stated that she went to the Schedler Property today and took some pictures, and it is great. They have used historic materials and she noticed that the tree was trimmed, the windows looked lovely, and she knows the berm looks crazy but as far as the house was concerned it seems like the house was saying, “thank you.” Today she was talking to someone about having their meetings there, and she added that the Zabriskie-Schedler neighbors have money available when the Village is ready for it.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that there was some discussion about the census and he just wanted to remind everybody that based upon the current political climate in the United States, there are going to be many people in Ridgewood who feel uncomfortable giving any information about themselves, during the course of the census. People who aren’t American citizens are very concerned about what might happen to them. He knows that they do not wish to come up short, but there will be people in Ridgewood who are not answering their doors or refusing to give any information about themselves.

Mr. Loving stated that with respect to the resolutions, he was concerned about Resolution #20-50 that the anti-idling of vehicles only pertains to school areas. Just recently, he and his wife were walking around Veterans Field, and there were trucks parked on the track around the field that were idling the entire time that they walked three laps. He added that it should definitely pertain to school areas, recreation areas, the downtown, as there are people everywhere who don’t want to be inhaling diesel fumes. These trucks should be shut off unless they are absolutely needed to keep the equipment running.

Mr. Loving stated that at the last meeting, he expressed his concern about another change order, and he again wanted to express his concern that Resolution #20-55, pertaining to additional funding for bathroom partitions at the Graydon Pool bathrooms, should not have been a surprise. It should have been known that there were particle boards that needed to be replaced. Mr. Loving sees this as another way for the contractor to obtain another $30,000. He expressed his disappointment that happened.

Mr. Loving added that there was an article that appeared on NorthJersey.com tonight about the Elmwood Park Council authorizing a special investigator to investigate a potential inappropriate relationship between a Councilperson and an employee. After he read the article, he thought the Village has never investigated an alleged inappropriate relationship between two members of the Village Council, and he thinks it is about that time that the alleged relationship was discussed. He added that the people involved seem to be very public with their relationship now, and he questions what ethics were violated, if any. Mr. Loving thinks it’s time that this Village Council has somebody take a look at it and see if something happened that shouldn’t have happened, and what can be done to correct it.

There were no additional comments from the public. Mayor Hache stated that with regard to the Census, one of the concerns is that undocumented residents might not feel comfortable filling it out, so part of this is the informational piece to educate people on the fact that the information collected in the census is not shared with any other government agencies. This is one of the reasons why they asked for help from the interfaith groups, as people may be a little more comfortable hearing that information from their local house of worship, instead of from government officials or social media posts.

14. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

Ms. Mailander read Resolution #20-58 to go into Closed Session as follows:

15.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 Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:18 P.M.

______________________________
Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor

 

 

______________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk