Village Council Public Meeting Minutes 20200311
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 MARCH 11, 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
Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of February 29, 2020, be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3.ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES - NONE
4.PROCLAMATIONS
A.PROCLAIM MARCH RED CROSS MONTH
Councilman Voigt read the following proclamation:
B.PROCLAIM MARCH COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Councilman Sedon read the following proclamation:
5.COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that at the Village Council meeting on February 19th, a member of the public suggested that an alleged inappropriate relationship between two former members of the Village Council be investigated. Mr. Halaby stated that if the Village is thinking of hiring someone to investigate alleged pillow talk, he suggests they add to the investigation whether another Village Councilmember allegedly had a restraining order issued against them by the school system which this Councilmember denied. He wondered if the school system can confirm this. He added that another thing he would like investigated is an alleged criminal conviction of a member of the Village Council and why the electorate wasn’t informed of this before this person ran for office, since this is publicly available information from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The comments made by the speaker last month, and the posting on the Ridgewood Blog about this subject dated February 21st, appeared to be coordinated. He asked if anyone on the current Village Council was also involved, as a member of the Village Council is notorious for vindictively going after their critics and bullies and intimidates the critics in order to silence them. The Ridgewood Blog mentions the former Councilmembers were recently captured on Village Hall mounted surveillance cameras, walking side by side around Veterans Field. He asked if the video from the surveillance cameras were publicly available, and if not, was someone in the Police Department involved in a plan to invade the privacy of two former members of the Village Council. Mr. Halaby stated that the Ridgewood Blog also mentions one former Councilmember’s car being parked outside the other former Councilmember’s home late into the night. Mr. Halaby asked if there were laws protecting residents from Peeping Toms.
Mr. Halaby stated that one of the most irresponsible Village Council conversations he ever witnessed concerned the dog poop ordinance. They spent more time discussing this than the $8.5 million budget and $1.5 million spent on the Zabriskie-Schedler House with the copper gutters. He added that Councilwoman Knudsen called him a fraud in The Record. At this point, Mr. Halaby’s 3 minutes had expired and he left the podium.
Hans Lehmann, 234 Union Street, stated that on April 21st, they are voting for the Board of Education and on May 12th for the Village Council, June 2nd is the Primary Election, and November 3rd is the General Election. This means voters are being asked to exercise their civic duty to vote on four separate occasions this year. In order to be true to our democratic values, the Village should find a way to maximize the turnout for those elections. Because voter turnout for local elections is generally not very high, a way to increase voter turnout is to move them to the General Election in November, where there is much better participation. He asked the Village Council to remember that it is all about making our democracy work better, and that requires the best turnout.
Mr. Lehmann stated that most residents aren’t aware of the fact that the Village has to bear the costs of each local election. Moving the elections to November will save the taxpayers that cost. He asked that this Village Council give strong consideration to making this move.
Mr. Lehmann stated that his second concern is the Central Business District, because there are approximately 38 vacancies in the downtown area. That number is very troublesome on a number of levels, but mostly for the taxes that the district brings in. Without its revenue downtown, the tax burden in the Village shifts more and more to the homeowners.
Joseph Ferrante, 610 Hillcrest Road, spoke about Glenwood Road, and thanked the Mayor for making available to him and his fellow citizens in the Willard district the 1976 preliminary engineering design for the realignment of Glenwood Road. He stated that it was too bad they didn’t have that plan a couple of years ago when the State first broached the concept of a one-way road. The 1976 plan to widen and realign Glenwood Road raises what really needs to be seriously considered by this Village Council. Since these plans exist and they were the product of some deliberation, it would be important to let the State know that the plans exist, because it would let the State know that the Village has some skin in the game. He wants to express to the NJDOT that the Village is serious and is willing to reconfigure Glenwood Road and widen it. Mr. Ferrante stated that if the Village can do that, they may be able to put the project, to make Glenwood Road one-way, down the hill, on hold. He also thinks they need to follow up and alert the residents about what is happening.
There were no additional public comments, and Mayor Hache closed public comment.
Mayor Hache stated that he wanted to address the comments regarding Glenwood Road. At the last meeting, he gave an update as to what was happening with the project. They have reached out to the Governor’s Office of Governmental Affairs and have reached out to the Assembly members, Bergen County, and the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus, and communicated that there should be a much more inclusive conversation with the NJDOT, with all of the stakeholders. They have not yet responded, but Assemblyman DePhillips was working on getting that meeting set up. He added that when they have any more information, he will share it with the public.
6.MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village has taken several steps to prepare for COVID-19, Coronavirus. The Health Department Officer is in daily contact with the New Jersey Department of Health and receives regular updates on testing and quarantine protocols. OEM and EMS receive daily updates from Bergen County OEM with current protocols for patient treatment. Disinfecting wipes have been made available to all Village Departments that interact with the public, including Village Hall and The Stable. Department Directors have reviewed the Continuity of Operations Plan and have been asked to prepare an Emergency Staffing Plan for each Department to ensure essential services can be delivered in the event Village employees are unable to come to work or Village facilities need to close. Village websites have been linked to the Health Department’s page for the latest information from the CDC and New Jersey Department of Health so that the Village is communicating consistent information to all of our residents as soon as we receive it. The Village is prepared to implement any additional measures needed on an emergency basis, through the Governor’s Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency.
Ms. Mailander stated that today, she and Mayor Hache were on a conference call with the County Executive who has also declared a County State of Emergency. There have been ten cases in Bergen County, one death was a gentleman from Little Ferry who was 69 years old and had a compromised immune system. County-run senior centers are closed, they have opened the County Emergency Operations Center, and have recommended that large gatherings should be canceled. They also recommended keeping a distance from others of six feet.
Ms. Mailander asked that if anyone sees price gouging in stores, which is just 10% over the retail price, the Bergen County Consumer Affairs should be contacted at 201-336-6400 and they will follow up on it.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Public Schools are prepared and ready to conduct classes through technology, if necessary. The Library is currently sanitizing all surfaces every two hours.
Ms. Mailander stated that parking kiosks are still being installed throughout the Central Business District, and meters are being removed.
Ms. Mailander stated that Age Friendly Ridgewood has two presentations scheduled at the Ridgewood Library. Medicare 101 on Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30 P.M., and Mary Creegan who will speak about her book on Wednesday, May 6th at 7:00 P.M.
Ms. Mailander stated that the 2020 Earth Day Fair and Daffodil Festival will be held at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on April 19, 2020. This year’s theme is 2020 Act Now for a Green Ridgewood. There will be many booths and information about going green, eco-themed activities, local environmental progress, what green challenges are on the horizon and how individuals can contribute to a more sustainable community.
Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. rain or shine at Graydon Pool parking lot, is a mobile shredding event. It is free for Ridgewood residents and businesses only. Watch your documents on camera as they are securely shredded. Place your documents in a paper bag or cardboard box. There will be no plastic bags allowed. The event will be over when the truck is full, so the best advice is to get there early.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Water Utility and the Ridgewood and Glen Rock League of Women Voters will host a public forum entitled “Healthy Lawn, Healthy Planet.” Featured guest speakers will present what a beautiful lawn really means, how fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides affect our environment and what less-expensive alternatives are available. This will be held on March 24th at 7:00 P.M. at the Arboretum at 460 Doremus Avenue in Glen Rock.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council’s upcoming meetings are: March 25th - Village Council Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., April 1st - Village Council Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., April 15th - Village Council Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.
7.COUNCIL REPORTS
Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Sedon stated that the Shade Tree Commission met yesterday evening and discussed many things including the tree inventory. One of the things that did come up are the trees around the Hudson Street Parking Garage. The committee felt it was a perfect opportunity to use structural soil underneath the sidewalks, so there are a lot less sidewalks being raised and it cuts down on trip and falls, and allows the trees to grow and create a shaded canopy in the downtown. He asked who they should contact to share some of their information and research on this subject.
Mayor Hache stated that right now they have the sidewalk plan from Epic, and there were some concerns about the cost of the structural soil in terms of what it would add to the project. Once Epic is ready for the actual design, they should bring in the Shade Tree Commission for that. One of the benefits of the trees is that because of the height of the structure, it is useful to have healthy trees as a shield from the light that would come from it.
Stigma Free Task Force – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Dawn Cetrulo and Rosemary Klie will be at Ridgecrest Senior Housing on March 25th to speak about Winter Wellness Series, which she thinks is particularly important, given the COVID-19 issues. This is an opportunity to better understand how to protect yourself during the winter months.
The great success of Cards of Joy will result in a project where they are hopefully going to have a permanent post office box prepared by Traffic and Signal and decorated by the Ridgewood Arts Council and that will allow them to deliver cards throughout the year. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Stigma Free is also looking to do a Stigma Free High School Program which will allow students to prepare, in anticipation of the upcoming school year. The high school students will continue to work on different initiatives through the Stigma Free Task Force, throughout the school year, to better prepare residents and young people for different things that come up day in and day out.
Master Plan – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Master Plan subcommittee had their telephone conference call meeting yesterday at 6:00 P.M. The document will be posted on March 17th. This particular group has been very diligent in ensuring that the document itself is grammatically correct and they want to make sure it is a clean document so that the residents in the Public Comment period are focused on the actual content of the document. They have also created a comment form, and one of the things they thought would be advantageous to capture is how people learned about the Visioning Process. The way in which residents received information about the Visioning Process is an opportunity to look at how they communicate as a Village and see how they can enhance the communication platforms for Village residents, in the future. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it is a public comment period for six weeks and then they will have a presentation to the Planning Board and then back to the Village Council.
Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Walsh stated that she had her Chamber of Commerce meeting this morning and Dan Fishbein, Superintendent of Schools, was there to give an overview of the Board of Education budget. He took a few questions regarding the budget and the new multi-family housing developments in town and what plans the Board of Education is making for children who are going to be living in the Central Business District, and how they will get to school. It was very preliminary and he didn’t have a lot of information to give on that, because the Board of Education doesn’t know how many kids are going to be in the school. The Board of Education is going to get increased revenue from those developments, so that will be in their budget for next year and any students that will be in the school will be handled through that increased revenue.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that during the meeting, they were taking out the parking meter heads, and the conversation turned to how people will learn to operate the kiosks. Perhaps at Earth Day, the Village could have a table that would provide information on how to use the kiosks and Parkmobile so that people can understand that they will have different options to pay the kiosks.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that another topic that came up was the loading spaces, but there are some challenges with scheduling who is going to be in the loading spaces. She thinks the Chamber is going to work among themselves to figure who is going to be in the spaces to better schedule that. If they cannot figure out a way to schedule that among themselves they wanted the Village to consider adding additional loading spaces. This would mean the Village would have to take additional parking spaces to do so.
The tree wells were discussed where the brick band has been taken off. She wasn’t sure if there was an Adopt-a-Well program planned for this year. Councilman Sedon stated that they weren’t going to do that this year because the tree wells have to be redesigned. They talked about it, but until they redesign the tree wells so they survive, they don’t want to plant trees in them. Councilwoman Walsh stated that they were hoping that while that process was going on, people could adopt it to put flowers in there, in the interim. She added that the business owners could do that, but she suggested maybe at Earth Day people could do that.
Mayor Hache added that there is a video on the Village website as to how to use the kiosks, so it would be great if the Chamber could share that on their Facebook and webpage.
COVID-19 – Mayor Hache reiterated Ms. Mailander’s comments on the conversation today with Bergen County. He commended Dawn Cetrulo, Health Officer, for all of the work that she has done to ensure that they have the most up to date information, and being in constant communication with the Superintendent of Schools. Ridgewood High School is a large gathering of 1,800 students every day, and they are looking to have more follow-up conversation about this. It seems that Ridgewood Public Schools are ready in the event that they need to shut down. Common sense measures that we can all take include washing our hands more frequently, stay away from those who are sick, and if we are feeling sick stay away from others.
8.2020 BUDGET INTRODUCTION
a.Budget Message
Ms. Mailander stated that the Municipal Budget process begins in July, when budgets are distributed to Department Directors, and it usually ends in mid-March. She thanked Bob Rooney, CFO; Steve Sanzari, Treasurer; and all Department Directors for working together to provide services to residents in a cost efficient manner.
Ms. Mailander started the PowerPoint presentation with 2019 Accomplishments and Highlights. Highlights from 2019 included the start of the construction on the Hudson Street Parking Garage project; improved the sound system in the court room, so public speakers and the Village Council could be heard more clearly; improved the broadcast of Village Council meetings with Swagit; updated the Village website to a more user-friendly version; began working on the historic restoration of the Zabriskie-Schedler House; obtained recertification of the Village’s Community Rating Service, which allows property owners needing flood insurance to achieve a 20% discount on their premium; obtained an NJDOT paving grant in the amount of $385,000, thereby reducing the amount of Village funds needed; partnered with Bergen County Mosquito Control Commission to execute the dredging of Kings Pond as Phase I of this beautification project; began site work on Schedler Park field, including the berm work; installed additional sidewalks on West Glen Avenue; re-designed and constructed the driveway at Fire Department Engine 31; moved the Board of Education election to April, allowing our residents to vote on the Board of Education’s budget; held a PRIDE Day function at the Public Forum Space at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square; both the North Monroe and Belair tennis courts have been refurbished, including resurfacing of the tennis courts, trees pruned, new nets installed, and signage updated; continue to upgrade lighting at the crosswalks in the Central Business District; coordinated the Wellness Festival and the Weight Loss Challenge, and were recognized as a Healthy Town to Watch through the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign; established a Stigma Free Task Force for mental health and assistance; distributed 19 radon testing kits, which were obtained through a grant, to Ridgewood residents; inspected all Village barber shops, nail salons, spas, and hair salons to be sure that they meet all health code requirements; trained all Ridgewood and surrounding town and County employees in Geese Peace protocols, which led to a reduction in their population; ordered and installed additional parking kiosks for the Central Business District; began scanning current documents Village-wide into Laserfiche, which will make documents easier to find and retrieve, this will continue going forward and back-years will be scanned as time allows; hired an outside firm to do penetration testing of the Village’s computer network and firewalls, which had a positive result; began the review of plans, provided permits, and inspected the multi-family housing units; hired new management and supervisory positions for long-time employees who retired; installed a new compacter for cardboard and a new gate at the Recycling Center; completed an upgrade to the Lightning Detection System; Emergency Management collaborated with Ridgewood Nursing Homes to maintain their respective licensing requirements; began the process of upgrading the special needs registry; began the first phase of renovation of the existing Central Business District tree wells by removing the brick bands around them; renovated the Glen tennis courts into four pickleball courts, to help meet the demand for the ever-growing popularity of this sport; updated the design and content of the OEM website; completely updated the HVAC and security system at Village Hall; Ridgewood’s 125th anniversary was celebrated with a weekend filled with various events, including a presentation on historical events in Ridgewood, and a gala with local musicians playing and a taste of Ridgewood offered by several restaurants and dessert places.
In the Building Department, they drafted the revisions of the outdoor café ordinance which were adopted by the Village Council, and the new regulations led to uniform equitable enforcement of the outdoor cafes; facilitated an Age Friendly Ridgewood public forum at the Ridgewood Library entitled “Universal Design Forum: How to Make Your Home a Better Place In Which to Grow Older”; helped draft and enforce a plastic bag ordinance; reviewed plans and began inspections of multi-family housing developments; and reviewed the approval of plans and performed various inspections for the Hudson Street Garage.
Fleet Services are able to service most of our vehicles in house with our own staff; and have a better control of inventory. Streets made extensive use of the hot box asphalt transporter to patch potholes.
Parks and Recreation planted over 100 Village trees last year; there was continued development of the Zabriskie-Schedler House, and the Kings Pong Park Restoration Rehabilitation; achieved Graydon Pool best water quality in many years; received a grant from Columbia Bank for the purchase of computers, which will be used for various programs in the Community Center for multi-generational use; Christmas tree pickup was highly successful, with almost all of them picked up by the second week of the pickup; received a grant for Fit and Strong exercise classes for our older residents to improve their mobility; received a grant for a program with Healthbarn for individuals with disabilities, which was implemented in the Fall for grades 4 to 8; restructured the Parks Department and Shade Tree Division, which increased productivity and increased service to residents.
Parks and Recreation planted over 100 Village trees last year; there was continued development of the Zabriskie-Schedler House, and the Kings Pong Park Restoration Rehabilitation; achieved Graydon Pool best water quality in many years; received a grant from Columbia Bank for the purchase of computers, which will be used for various programs in the Community Center for multi-generational use; Christmas tree pickup was highly successful, with almost all of them picked up by the second week of the pickup; received a grant for Fit and Strong exercise classes for our older residents to improve their mobility; received a grant for a program with Healthbarn for individuals with disabilities, which was implemented in the Fall for grades 4 to 8; restructured the Parks Department and Shade Tree Division, which increased productivity and increased service to residents.
The Fire Department maintained a high rating of 2 from the Insurance Services Office for the Fire Department, which keeps insurance costs low for residents and business owners; took over emergency service calls for the second ambulance, with on-duty paid firefighter EMTs during the week, when the first ambulance has already been deployed. This has resulted in a cost savings, because the Village is no longer paying an EMT to staff a second ambulance; they also replaced a fire engine that was 25 years old.
The Police Department maintained accreditation, making them the longest continually accredited Police Department in New Jersey; they performed outreach to older adults by performing a presentation on scams and identity theft; two Police Officers are certified in child car seat installation, which is offered free of charge to Village residents; security has been upgraded in and around the Village buildings which was coordinated through the Police Department; they hired two new Police Officers, one went to the Police Academy and the other came from another Police Department who required only three months of field training, getting him on the road quickly; the E-ticket program is running efficiently; finalized an agreement for Shared Services with other towns for the E-ticket program.
At the Schedler Park Property and Zabriskie-Schedler House, a new roof was installed, dead trees were removed, and a berm was established.
The Kings Pond Park Restoration curbs were installed and a parking area was created for the park. Kings Pond was dredged as a Shared Service agreement with the Bergen County Mosquito Control Commission.
Central Business District improvements include completing the reconfiguration of the Train Station parking lot, which created 36 parking spaces for shoppers, diners and commuters on the west side of the Train Station; created additional parking spaces in commuter lots by allowing parking by everyone in those lots after 3:00 P.M., with or without a permit; established free parking in parking lots in December on Saturdays leading up to Christmas; continued to work on the lighting project in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square; Central Business District Advisory Committee began work on a website to drive potential customers to Ridgewood.
The Water Department successfully completed the fourth round of lead and copper testing, which resulted in the first ever non-detectable lead level in the system; enhanced communication with consumers, regulators and stakeholders of all municipalities in Ridgewood Water; held a Water Forum in Midland Park to educate consumers in all four municipalities about the various aspects of Ridgewood Water and its operations and PFAS; distributed educational materials to all consumers of Ridgewood Water about PFAS and other contaminants, and took a proactive stance in treating these contaminants; continue to work with a law firm to help identify companies related to the sources of contamination in the Ridgewood Water utility, and pursued losses against these sources in order to allay these remediation costs; made substantial improvements to the water infrastructure, including the Carr Facility Treatment Plant which provides millions of gallons of water to the system; completed the Passaic Valley Water Commission Water Quality Study; and hired a full time person to support the Water IT system.
Under miscellaneous items, the Village entered into a Shared Services agreement with Glen Rock and Wyckoff for a Municipal Court Administrator from Glen Rock, and a Deputy Municipal Court Administrator and clerical help from Ridgewood; Ridgewood Police, Fire, and Emergency Services, and the Office of Emergency Management, participated in a joint drill for an active shooter in a school; HVAC improvements to Village Hall were completed; the carpeting was replaced in most rooms in Village Hall, which had not been done since moving into the renovated Village Hall, 15 years ago.
2020 Goals include having the tree inventory performed, for which a grant has been obtained to offset the cost of this project. This will allow the Village to apply for Shade Tree grants in the future and truly know the extent of the street shade tree inventory; continue renovation of Kings Pond Park with the planting of trees and establishing stone dust walking paths; establishing fees for use of park and open space and parking lots by commercial and non-profit groups; negotiating the Fire, Blue Collar, White Collar and Supervisor union contracts; replacing Public Safety vehicles and equipment; applied for a grant for a life skills program to be run through Ridgewood Recreation, in conjunction with Healthbarn and other providers, for young adults, ages 17-24 with special needs, which will begin in March 2020; Ridgewood High School and Somerville tennis courts will be refurbished; acoustical panels will be installed and muted balls will be required at the Glen Pickleball courts in order to reduce the noise for the surrounding neighbors; the final phase for the Zabriskie-Schedler House should be nearing completion; educate residents about what can and cannot be recycled through promotional materials and the use of the Recycling Coach app, this will result in quality recycling which will reduce costs for the Village; seek options for the collection of recyclables, the Village can help limit the cost, given the current market; try to start a food waste disposal pilot program to seek data on reducing tonnage in the solid waste stream and possibly create an energy source for an outside vendor.
For Ridgewood Water, they are looking to drill two additional replacement wells and rehabilitate several others; restructure customer service to improve the front line of the utility, including launching a new website and new customer portal for looking up account data and communication with customers; complete a feasibility study for the activation and treatment at various wells; and continue to work on public policy and a water coalition of small to mid-size water utilities to give Ridgewood Water a larger voice in challenging new water regulations, so that Ridgewood Water can be positioned to comply.
Ms. Mailander stated that they are going to try to move forward with the acceptance of credit cards in all Village Departments; Departmental audits will be performed through the Village Auditor; a mapping of IT and fiber networks throughout the Village will be created.
Ms. Mailander stated that the budget process is a long one. They were sent out to Departments in July and are required to be sent back to Finance by early September. Beginning in October, several rounds of internal reviews were held with Department Directors with the objective being to provide the best numbers and alternatives to the Village Council. Emphasis is for operating efficiencies, as well as customer service improvements, and investment in people, process, and technology. Budget reviews by the Village Council were designed to elevate the dialogue to include strategic planning, as well as daily operations.
Operating expenses, as well as capital budgets, were discussed for the Village, Ridgewood Water Utility, Parking Utility, and the Library. Various budget meetings were held with the Village Council where Department Directors made presentations on their 2020 budget requests. The final budget meeting proposed the water, parking, and capital budgets, in addition to the general, water, and parking operating budgets. The tax rate was also set.
Mr. Rooney thanked Steve Sanzari, Village Treasurer, and the Finance Department for all their support, in addition to the Department Heads who made this process flow smoothly. He thanked Ms. Mailander and the Village Council for being very interactive and transparent in this whole process and he really appreciated their support. The 2020 contractual obligations for salaries for Police, Fire, and other total approximately $22.5 million. The pension liability is $4.2 million, health insurance $5.9 million, terminal leave is $1.3 million. Those obligations total $35.8 million, and represent approximately 66% of the operating budget.
Unfunded liabilities are as follows: $7.2 million which is accumulation of vacation and sick pay, with four confirmed retirements for 2020. There were retirements in 2019, which cost $281,000, and for 2020 they are estimating it to be $405,000, for a total of $687,000. The trust fund is currently at $857,000 for termination pay. For the operating capital budgets, the 2020 operating budget is $50.9 million, general capital budget net is $8.6 million which has already been incurred, and the Village Council is voting on this tonight. The municipal tax increase is 2.22% which will result in an $85 annual increase on the average assessed valued home of approximately $702,000. Estimated outstanding bonds and notes as of the end of 2019 are $38.2 million, and in 2018 was $39.7, which is a reduction of approximately $1.5 million. Revenue and expense budget is up half a percent over last year. Mr. Rooney stated that total appropriations are $50.9 million, which is an increase of about $200,000. The surplus anticipated is up approximately $270,000. Miscellaneous revenues are down about $800,000. Delinquent tax is up $49,000. The amount to be raised by taxes is up $722,000, which is the net effect of those changes.
Mr. Rooney stated that for 2020 revenues, they maximized what they could on anticipated revenues for what they realized in the prior year. They also optimized the use of such funds in surplus. Miscellaneous revenues are down approximately $747,000 from last year’s budget. Some of the risks that they anticipate for this year in the budget are the police side jobs administrative fees. Recycling has had a tremendous shift from last year, and they have not only lost the revenue from last year, but are now paying for recycling. One time revenues are still being used and they are using capital fund surpluses to help balance the budget. The Village is still subject to State influence on fees, such as municipal court and building fees. Some new opportunities are the new ratables that are coming in over the next couple years through the multi-family housing units, which are currently being built.
Mr. Rooney showed another look at the revenue components as compared to 2019. He is limited to how much he collected in 2019 as to how much he can budget for revenues in 2020. Key revenue fluctuations are that they lost general capital surplus of $555,000; flood reserve of $141,000; shared service of $36,000; cell tower decrease of $38,000; and building revenues are down by $55,000, for a total decrease of $825,000. They did have some local revenues to anticipate at $32,000. Fund balance increase of $270,000, use of parking surplus of $150,000 for a net change of $373,000. Mr. Rooney displayed the surplus balances that are available.
Mr. Rooney stated that next is a summary of budget appropriations by category, amounts inside the CAP and outside the CAP. There is an increase in the capital improvement budget to have enough for the down payment of the anticipated capital budget for the current year. Slight decrease in debt service, overall increase of $200,000. The gross debt of the general capital fund, starting with 2019 showing pay downs for maturities and also the anticipation of the bond sale during the year, which will pay off some of the notes and increase the bonds that are outstanding. In speaking with the bond counsel today, interest rates are fantastically low, so they are going to try to expedite this as quickly as possible to take advantage of the low rates.
The 2020 proposed general capital annual cost is: repaving $2 million; purchase of vehicles $788,000; IT improvements $235,000; public safety $300,000; infrastructure $2.6 million; and other infrastructure $25,000; Library $450,000. Mr. Rooney stated that general risks in the budgeting process this year are negotiations for new Fire, Blue and White Collar, and Supervisory union contracts. Defense of tax appeals, appraisal costs, and settlements are starting to surface. State influence on fees, as building and the municipal court are being affected by state mandates as far as what can be included in the budgetary process for fees. Police overtime, stabilization of infrastructure, and one time revenues. In addition, water conditions are a risk as well as the stabilization of water infrastructure and compliance with new EPA water quality regulations.
Mr. Rooney stated that the 2020 Water Operating Budget was presented on a statutory basis, and shows a slight decrease from last year. Rents are below what they anticipated last year, requiring them to budget less in that category; however, below this year there is a provision for facility charges and a water rate increase, which should supplement and balance the budget. In appropriations there has been a slight decrease in the overall budget, and that decrease is approximately $50,000. There has been a $388,000 reduction in operating expenses, capital improvements are down $9,000, and capital improvement is up $375,000, with statutory down $26,000.
The proposed water capital budget consists of $1 million in supply transfer and booster improvements, $624,000 in wells and treatment, $676,000 in distribution system improvements, $447,000 equipment and vehicles, approximately $1.5 million interconnection improvements, $88,000 tank and reservoir improvements, and $2.3 million in facility improvements.
Mr. Rooney stated that the Parking Utility revenues have a slight increase in surplus anticipated, due to the parking meter rate increase this year, interest on investments, which they realized from the interest on the proceeds from the sale of the bonds last year, on the parking garage construction, and he has two reserves that have accumulated over time, with one for arbitrage and one for debt service, which are no longer needed, so that will help to balance the budget and minimize the use of surplus.
Operating expenses for the Parking Utility are salary and wages and other expenses with a slight increase of $300,000. Parking Capital Improvement Fund is up $25,000; debt service for the garage is up significantly because the debt service payments must be appropriated in the operating fund. Statutory expenditures are relatively flat; they have increased the amount going to the general budget by approximately $150,000 to $300,000. Regarding the Parking Capital Budget, the only anticipated amount this year has been introduced by the Village Council already, for contamination remediation for the Hudson lot, where the parking garage is being built.
Ms. Mailander thanked the Village Council for their thoughtful questions and when the Department Directors came in to present their budgets they went through it thoroughly. She appreciated their efforts in coming to this budget in an efficient manner, so they could introduce this budget on time once again, for the second year in a row, which is wonderful.
b.INTRODUCTION – Ordinance 3784 – Establish a CAP Bank
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3784. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3784 by title:
CALENDAR YEAR 2020 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3784 be adopted on first reading and that April 15, 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
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9.RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-61 THROUGH 20-62, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 20-63, WAS ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:
Before placing his vote on Resolution #20-63, Councilman Voigt stated that he was concerned about the 2.2% tax increase, so his vote was no.
10.ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
a.INTRODUCTION - #3785 – Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Capital
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3785. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3785 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS WATER UTLITY IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $6,780,800 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $6,780,800 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3785 be adopted on first reading and that April 1, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
b.INTRODUCTION - #3786 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Water Volume Rates
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3786. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3786 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3786 be adopted on first reading and that April 15, 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
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
c.INTRODUCTION - #3787 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Water Utility Fees
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3787. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3787 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3787 be adopted on first reading and that April 15, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
d.INTRODUCTION - #3788 – Amend Chapter 269 – Water – Water Service Connections
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3788. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3788 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 269 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, WATER, AT SECTION 269-36.1, “WATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS”
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3788 be adopted on first reading and that April 15, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
11.RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-64 THROUGH 20-69, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
12.ORDINANCES
a.INTRODUCTION - #3789 – Bond Ordinance – Lighting for Maple Park Field
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3789. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3789 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE INSTALLATION OF FIELD LIGHTING AT MAPLE PARK AND RELATED PERMITS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $447,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $424,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3789 be adopted on first reading and that April 1, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
b.INTRODUCTION - #3790 – Bond Ordinance – General Capital
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3790. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3790 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $4,303,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $4,087,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3790 be adopted on first reading and that April 1, 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
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
c.INTRODUCTION - #3791 – Bond Ordinance – Improvements to Zabriskie-Schedler House
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3791. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3791 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO ZABRISKIE-SCHEDLER HOUSE IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $865,500 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $821,500 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3791 be adopted on first reading and that April 1, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Before casting his vote, Councilman Voigt stated that he was all for maintaining the history of Ridgewood, but not on the backs of its residents. At this point, they do not have a revenue plan to make sure that they are paying for the asset and making it self-sustaining. He is also concerned that the initial budget of $784,000 has been adjusted upward to $1.1 million and as of today, it is $1.5 million and continues to climb, so his vote is no.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:Councilman Voigt
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:Councilman Voigt
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
d.INTRODUCTION - #3792 – Bond Ordinance – Improvements to Schedler Park
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3792. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3792 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHEDLER FIELD IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $1,000,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $950,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3792 be adopted on first reading and that April 1, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
e.INTRODUCTION - #3793 – Amend Vehicles and Traffic – 15-minute Parking Spaces – Various Locations
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3793. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3793 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-29, “PARKING METER ZONE DESIGNATED” AND SECTION 265-69, “TIME LIMIT PARKING”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3793 be adopted on first reading and that April 15, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
f. INTRODUCTION - #3794 – Amend Single Use Plastic Bag Ordinance
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3794. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3794 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 240A OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION” AT SECTION 240A-3 ENTITLED “ALLOWING REUSABLE AND RECYCLABLE PAPER CARRY OUT BAGS: FEES, AND AT SECTION 240A-7 ENTITLED “ENFORCEMENT”
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3794 be adopted on first reading and that April 15, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
g.PUBLIC HEARING - #3781 – Bond Ordinance – Paving of South Broad Street
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3781 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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
Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that this ordinance or the next one do not indicate the length of the street that is proposed to be replaced, and it would be nice to know what section is going to be repaved for Broad Street or Spring Avenue. He asked if they were repaving a section or the entire roadway, and stated it would be nice if the ordinance made this clear.
Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, stated that the work that was being discussed is funded partially by two grants from the NJDOT Municipal Aid, the grants do not cover the entirety of work being proposed. South Broad Street is going to be paved from East Ridgewood Avenue to the Glen Rock border. Spring Avenue will be resurfaced from Prospect Street, and probably the entire length, they have to see. The work will include ADA ramps at the corners, to be complaint with the regulations, milling and drainage, and some minor curb work.
There were no additional comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3781 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
h.PUBLIC HEARING - #3782 – Bond Ordinance – Paving of Spring Avenue
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3782 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
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
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
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3782 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
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
i.PUBLIC HEARING - #3783 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Winter Door Enclosures – Timeframe Allowed
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3783 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
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
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
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3783 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
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
j.CONTINUED 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 third reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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, AND 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 the Public Hearing on ordinance 3778 was continued from the February Public Meeting due to the fact that the Planning Board had not yet commented on it. The Planning Board has recommended that ordinance 3778 be adopted in the form submitted to them. The Public Hearing on ordinance 3778 is now continued. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3778 be adopted on third reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES:Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
13.RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-70 THROUGH 20-88, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 20-89, WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
Regarding Resolution 20-89, Councilwoman Knudsen re-stated that this Village Council did not buy the Schedler Property, and not one member prior to 2014 had anything to do with the application for Certificate of Eligibility from the State of New Jersey for Historic Designation that was done by Historic Preservation Commission members and long-time advocates of Historic Preservation. She read a letter that was sent to the Village Council from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Natural and Historic Resources, Historic Preservation Office, which informed them that the John A.L. Zabriskie House was entered into the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on August 14, 2019. The New Jersey Register is the official list of New Jersey properties worthy of preservation. The John A.L. Zabriskie House is now protected by the review process, and due to procedural oversight, this letter was not issued earlier. It was also entered into the National Register of Historic Places on November 22, 2019. The National Register is the nation’s official list of cultural resources significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. The letter thanked the Village for its efforts to sustain historic properties in the State of New Jersey.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she read the letter because that was ten years ago, and she doesn’t know if any of the current Village Councilmembers would have purchased the property, but they now have what is recognized as an historic treasure. It comes with a cost, but she believes it is their duty and obligation to preserve the history of the Village of Ridgewood for generations to come. This house has been listed in the Master Plan Historic Element for a while, so her vote was yes.
Councilman Voigt stated that he was certainly all for maintaining the history of Ridgewood and he thinks that is an obligation they have; however, they also have an obligation to make sure that the money spent is not on the backs of the residents. The other concern is that they don’t have a plan for how this asset is going to become a revenue-producing asset, that is going to pay for its upkeep, so his vote is no.
14.COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Hache stated that as a reminder before they move into the second round of Public Comment, pursuant to Chapter 3-19 of The Code of the Village of Ridgewood, Manner of Addressing Council, Chapter 3-20, Decorum, no person shall address any remark or question to any specific Councilmember, any person who shall disturb the peace of the Council, make impertinent or slanderous remarks or conduct themselves in a boisterous manner while addressing the Council shall be forthwith barred by the presiding officer from further attendance before the Council, except that if the speaker shall submit to proper order under these rules, permission for him to continue may be granted by a majority vote of the Council.
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that for decorum to apply, it has to work both ways. At the last meeting, the Deputy Mayor referred to his friend, Hans Lehmann, as a hypocrite. He added that you can’t have it both ways.
Mr. Halaby stated that regarding the budget, when he looks at the PowerPoint presentation on the screen, he feels like he is having his eyes examined at the doctor as he can’t read it. It should be replaced by a font twice as big, and they can find the money to make this happen. Secondly, during a PowerPoint presentation, it should also be available in print. He stated that the website is an absolute embarrassment, and all of the information should be available there, as he doesn’t know how he can judge what was said this evening. He added that with three children employed by the Village, the Deputy Mayor should (at this point Councilwoman Knudsen called a point of order) recuse herself. Five years ago, Mayor Killion, who was then a Village Councilmember, recused himself from voting on an item for the Police Department, because he had a son who was applying to the Police Force, and that to him was the honorable thing to do.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he knows that they introduced Ordinance 3789 that had to do with the lighting at Maple Field, there was some concerns that were addressed by Councilwoman Knudsen during the last Work Session, regarding bonding for the full amount. He sees that they are getting $285,000 from various sources, and he knows that the Public Hearing will be taking place at a later time, but prior to that, he would like some clarification as to whether this $447,000 is for the entire purchase amount and are they bonding for that amount, or has the $285,000 been subtracted from the entire purchase amount. If they are getting money from another source, he wondered why the bond ordinance is for the entire purchase amount. Ms. Mailander had stated that they would bond for the entire amount and they don’t have to spend it, but he knows what happens and that money is then moved from one account to another and then it is spent. Therefore, if they don’t bond for the entire amount, he thinks it is a savings if they get the money from someplace else. Mr. Loving asked for clarification about what they were doing.
There were no additional comments from the public. Mayor Hache closed public comment.
15.RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #20-90 to go into Closed Session as follows:
16.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
______________________________
Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor
Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor
________________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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