VIllage Council Work Session Meeting Minutes 20191204

A REGULAR WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ON DECEMBER 4, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

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

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

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

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Caryn Swanson, 432 Red Birch Court, stated that she has lived in Ridgewood for 37 years and during this time she has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Ridgewood Library. She is currently a tutor in the Library’s English as a Second Language Program and has been for more than ten years. She has also recruited several friends to become tutors and in this time she has watched the program explode in terms of numbers of students and numbers of tutors. In the beginning she used a dedicated classroom, which is now the Genealogical Center. She now has a class of seven students, and because she has a large class she uses the Young Adult Room one day a week and the Art Studio one day a week. Ms. Swanson stated that neither room really offers a suitable classroom space and both are frequently needed for other library programs. Therefore, she is wholeheartedly in favor of the Library Expansion.

Ms. Swanson stated that during her time as a Library tutor she has learned as much from her students as they do from her. It is fascinating to see the Village and our Country through their eyes. One of her most special moments as a tutor came when one of her Library students became an American citizen last spring. She has taught hundreds of ESL students at the library, the Berlitz Language Center, and at Bloomfield College. The Library has been at the forefront of the programs it offers, and is frequently jammed with patrons of all ages taking advantage of them. She asked that the Village Council continue to allow our Library to grow and serve the community well into the years to come by voting for its renovation.

Scott Lief, 311 Preston Place, stated that he is the President of the Chamber of Commerce and he felt it was his responsibility to share some thoughts as to how to limit the parking meter increase to no more than twenty-five cents per hour. He is not in retail, and his personal business is not impacted in any way by parking in Ridgewood, but many involved in the Central Business District in Ridgewood understand that the new parking structure needs to be paid for. He believes that the planned increase is to be 66% that has been previously discussed by the Village Council. Mr. Lief stated that he understands that the windfall from the parking kiosks more than makes up for half of the proposed 66% increase that is needed. Joined with the 33% jump that the $1 per hour will bring, the town will come out ahead of the game with more kiosks on the horizon and unanticipated revenues in sight.

Mr. Lief stated that if the kiosk revenue does not pan out as they think it might, this can always be revisited in the future. No one in the CBD disputes the need to pay for this garage. Doubling the parking meter rates is going to make a struggling Central Business District even more stressed. He asked the Village Council to keep in mind that the new parking garage will be nothing more than an expense if there are no businesses in town attracting people to use it. He asked them not to let what is designed to help the parking situation ultimately hurt it the most. He added that he hopes the Village Council take this opportunity to do the right thing by the CBD, consumers, residents, and themselves.

Corinne Scarpa and Mary Hefferan, of EMS and Parks and Recreation, stated they were there to present a project that they were excited about that they have been working on with the Ridgewood Office of Emergency Management and Age Friendly Ridgewood. It provides to our senior citizens in the Village, as well as our disabled citizens, and those with any medical conditions, a free medical kit to compile all of their very important medical information in the event of an emergency. This way, the First Responders will have easy access to all of their information to get them the help that they need as quickly as possible. Ms. Scarpa stated that they are hosting an event on Sunday, December 15th from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at their headquarters at 33 Douglas Place, for any of our seniors, disabled, and anyone living alone, to come over and receive the free medical kit, as well as some additional information on safety for seniors and other information for that population.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if there was any provision to visit seniors housebound with this same opportunity. Ms. Scarpa stated that they wanted to reach as many seniors as possible, and they know that transportation can be an issue, so on their flier they did include a contact number so that they can bring information to them. She added that this was their first event in town and they were also going to try to visit some additional facilities to get the information to as many people as possible.

Linda Diorio, 544 Lotus Road, stated that she is the Superintendent’s Delegate to the Board of Trustees for the Library, as well as being the Willard Librarian for seventeen years. She has been a Ridgewood resident for 25 years, and a lover of libraries since childhood. She stated that as the librarian at Willard School, she has witnessed, first-hand, the power of libraries, and yes, they transform lives. In education, their curriculum for every subject is examined every five years to ensure that what is being taught is still relevant and will enable students to enter the world after their education. They will be productive citizens but still possess that lifelong love of learning.

Ms. Diorio stated that the facilities are addressed as well, to see if they meet the needs of the system with children able to meet in groups, and if there were places for them to be individuals in their learning. Public libraries are also providing that lifelong love of learning. She encouraged anyone to visit the Ridgewood Public Library and witness this firsthand. She added that the needs of the community change, and the Ridgewood Public Library has not seen a renovation in twenty years. Ms. Diorio added that she was asking for the support of the Village Council in voting yes for the library renovation.

Janis Fuhrman, 49 Clinton Avenue, stated that she has loved the Library since the day she moved into Ridgewood. Her children grew up in the Library and she has used the Library for many things, including researching and reading. All day the Library is packed with every different age-group and it really does serve the entire public. She quoted Andrew Carnegie who said that “a Library outranks any one thing a community can do to benefit its people.” She feels strongly that the Library needs some updates and to be renovated in order to keep it on the level that she thinks they all wish it to be.

Siobhan Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that she ,supports the Library renovation as the needs of the Library have changed and the time for change is now. She thinks this is an awesome opportunity to take private funds and make the Library better.

Ms. Winograd stated that several years ago after Superstorm Sandy, a large committee was put together through the Federated Organization to talk about how they could communicate better throughout the Village. She sat on that committee from the Orchard School side, and there were many takeaways from that. One of the key takeaways is that our communication needs to improve because everybody has a list but there is no one collective list. She stated that in her opinion, since then, not a whole lot has happened. They have done great things with the lightning alert but there are still separate lists. She added that absent to forming a list, a lot of people have taken to social media, which is a good thing, but there is really no regulation over this.

Ms. Winograd added that she has been writing for about two years on this topic to the Village Council. She feels that to protect the Village Council and to protect the public, there needs to be a strong social media policy specific to the Village Council as a Board. While she was writing this she looked around and a lot of other towns have them and are doing something specific to the Village Council or extending it to Zoning and Planning. She added that you want them to communicate but you want to make sure that the Village and the public are protected. Ms. Winograd stated that some other towns had some litigation with this, and she knows that the Board of Education has one for the Board’s preservation and the public’s. In addition to the policy, there also needs to be a remedy. She feels this should be done, and she has a lot of research that she can send to the Village Council if they need help.

Peng Cheng Li, 252 Lincoln Avenue, stated that his family immigrated to the United States from China in 2017. The Library is the most important part of his daily life as he is a learner of our ESL program. He still remembers the first time he met Nancy, who now is retired, and he was nervous and helpless and now he can take part in the Village Council meeting which is so cool for him. Besides ESL, he takes part in a lot of lectures which is so helpful and gives him the opportunity to meet a lot of friends. The can even borrow some Chinese books from the Library which allows him to connect with his original culture and to educate his daughter on her culture, too. Mr. Li stated that his daughter is ten years old, and has a reading date with her dearest friends in the Library and has writing lessons twice a week in the Library, too. He thanked everyone who supports our Library.

Scott Muller, 118 John Street, stated that he is the President of Ridgewood Baseball Softball Association (RBSA), and he is asking the Village Council to accept a $16,000 gift from the RBSA for field repair and safety upgrades to the following fields: Vets, Citizens, Lower Hawes, and Habernickel Field. Through an outside contractor, Tri-County, they are going to work with Ms. Bigos and also coordinating with the new Director that has come on.

Rose Lee, Somerville Road, stated that she is an ESL student at the Ridgewood Library and she moved to Ridgewood this past spring. On her first day here, she went to the Library with her seven year old daughter. The Librarians were very kind and taught them how to use the Library effectively. That memory has stayed with her as her first impression of this town. She and her daughter really enjoy all the children’s programs, such as annual events, read to a dog, LEGO story time, book club, cooking, art, yoga, science, and foreign culture related classes. The Library provides books written in languages other than English.

Ms. Lee stated that she has benefited from the Library as an ESL student, adding that the Library has offered opportunities for her to learn English. Since the new school year started, she will be studying weekly with her tutor in a small ESL group. She can interact with her group members from different countries, and learn the English language and American culture. Her husband borrows books or does his work in the Library, from time to time. The Library has valuable activities continuously, and is an important part of her family’s life.

Judith Stamper, 270 Kenilworth Road, stated that she has lived in Ridgewood for 35 years and for each of those years the Library has been the heart of the community for her. Right now, there are three generations of her family living in Ridgewood and one of them uses Library programs or resources every day of the week. She thinks that is a good example of how inclusive the Library is and how it truly serves every member of the community from toddler to senior. She heartily gives her support of the renovation of the Library, and time that Ridgewood with its tradition of excellence has an excellent 21st century library. She doesn’t think any more extension cords can be put in the Library and that’s an example of why we need a great Tech Center as well as Information Center.

Maryanne Grundy, 131 Bellair Road, stated that she is a resident and Friend of the Library, and she was hoping the Village Council would vote to support the Library’s expansion. Recently she has enjoyed the New Jersey Attorney General speaking to a crowded room, Sunday concerts, world cinema, Age Friendly Ridgewood, tech lab, Valley Health lectures, and Peggy and Joe Norris’ History of Village Life. She added that the staff is just wonderful.

Claudia Botts, 104 Cottage Place, stated that she volunteers at the Library for the children and it brings joy to the children to find someone who is receptive to them so that when they go to school they feel comfortable. We need to understand how important it is for everybody to go forward with these renovations, as the children are the future of the Village and we owe it to them to make sure that they have the same opportunities that we had.

Nancy Greene, Director of the Ridgewood Library, stated that she can’t believe that after years of planning, they are this close to being able to move forward with the Library renovations and make it a reality. The proposed project has an estimated cost of $7.7 million and she has heard people say that they think that’s too expensive, and she would like to make it as clear as possible that the Library is committed to asking the Village for no more and no less than $2.0 million towards Library improvements. People have said that they are concerned what if we don’t get the grant, then the Village is going to be on the hook for the whole project. If they don’t get the grant they will have to go back to the drawing board and come up with a concept that fits the available funding, but it doesn’t make sense for them to try to come up with that second concept when they have no idea of how much money they might get from the State. She hopes that the Village Council realizes that their support is vital to them being able to apply for $3.7 million in NJ State Grant Funds that are available very rarely. The resolution that they are asking the Village Council to pass is vital to their application and they will not be able to move forward without it. She believes that if they have unanimous support from the Village Council for the Library’s renovation it will make a difference in the possibility of them getting grant support from the State of New Jersey. Ms. Greene added that she sent a letter to the Village Council about how excited they were to be at this point and she invited everyone to come and say hi to them at the Library as she wants them to have a chance to refresh their view of the Library.

Meggan Wolf, 22 Sherman Place, stated that on the agenda today is the issue of parking on Sherman Place and West Ridgewood Avenue, and she wanted to give background on that. They met with the Village Council last year and were encouraged to set up a committee to address the excessive traffic and parking on the dead end part of Sherman Place. They met two or three times over the summer and discussed some possible resolutions, and just last month they met with the owner of the building on West Ridgewood Avenue that exits onto the dead end part of Sherman Place. She stated that they suggested to the Mayor the possibility of the removal of the meters in front of the building on West Ridgewood Avenue from La Lanterna to 88 West Ridgewood Avenue. They think that if those meters were removed it would encourage people to park in the Central Business District rather than on their street.

Ms. Wolf stated that it is not so much the parking on the street that is the issue, it is the constant movement of cars because the people that are parking on the street are clients of the medical building. There are a lot of U-turns in their driveway, in and out, and parallel parking. Probably 90% of the people parking on the street are clients of the medical building. They think that if the meters were removed, people would park there instead of on their street. There is precedent as there are no meters on East Ridgewood Avenue after Jersey Mike’s. They were encouraging the Village Council to agree to do this.

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

3. MANAGERS REPORT

First Snow/Ice Event – Ms. Mailander stated that she wanted to thank the crews who salted and plowed our first snow/ice event as the main streets were down to pavement very quickly.

NJ Urban & Community Forestry Stewardship Grant – Ms. Mailander stated that the Village has received a $10,000 NJ Urban and Community Forestry Stewardship Grant. This will go towards the tree inventory. There will be a resolution to authorize execution of the grant agreement at next week’s Public Meeting.

34th Downtown for the Holidays – Ms. Mailander stated that this Friday, December 6th from 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. is the 34th Downtown for the Holidays on East Ridgewood Avenue from
North Walnut Street to Broad Street. This area is closed to cars and becomes a pedestrian mall with entertainment and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Santa will arrive in Van Neste Square at 5:30 P.M., with a trackless train and live entertainment. For the 125th Anniversary there will be a special event “Winter Fire and Light” with warming stations, crackling log fires, seating, a place to socialize, and smores roasting. Live music can be enjoyed before the tree lighting, which will occur about 7:30 P.M. Merriment will continue on Ridgewood Avenue until 9:00 P.M. when the street opens up to vehicles. There will be an appearance by the Grinch through the Ridgewood Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.

Saturday, December 7th, Santa arrives in a fire truck at Columbia Bank. There is a free movie for children at the Bow Tie Warner Theater and Santa will be in the park to listen to everyone’s Christmas wish list on December 7th, 14th, and 21st from noon to 3:00 P.M.

Bergen County Van Saun Park Holiday Celebration – Ms. Mailander stated the Bergen County Van Saun Park Holiday Celebration would be this Saturday, December 7th. At 6:30 P.M. Bergen County will have a tree lighting ceremony at Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland. This includes activities throughout the evening, for tickets go to www.BergenCountyWinterWonderland.com.

Senior Scams & Frauds – Will be held Friday, December 13th from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. at the Ridgewood Public Library. This event is co-sponsored by Age Friendly Ridgewood and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Learn more about scams and frauds and staying alert.

Emergency Preparedness – Ms. Mailander asked to help us help you with emergency preparedness. The Ridgewood EMS representatives informed us earlier, that on Sunday, December 15th from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M., they will assist you to create a medical kit that you place on your refrigerator. If EMS responds to your house, they first look for that which lists medications and they will know how to treat you properly.

Free Parking in Central Business District – Ms. Mailander stated that there is free parking in all lots in the Central Business District on Saturday, December 7th, 14th, and 21st. Please be advised this does not include the parking area by the Christmas tree, and it also does not include the area to the right of the train station that you enter by Mac Murphy’s. All the other lots are free, so take advantage of free parking to do holiday shopping and enjoy the restaurants.

Celebration of Hanukkah – Ms. Mailander stated that the Celebration of Hanukkah would take place on Sunday, December 22nd at 5:30 P.M. on the corner of Memorial Park at Van Neste Square and East Ridgewood Avenue. A candle will be lit each night of Hanukkah at sundown.

Sale of Annual Ridgewood Parking Permits (RPP) – Ms. Mailander stated that the sale of Annual Ridgewood Parking Permits will begin on December 18th at 8:30 A.M. in the Ridgewood Village Hall lobby. Even if it is a renewal you must bring your drivers license and fill out an application for renewal.

Village Council Meeting Schedule – Ms. Mailander stated that the next Village Council meeting is a Public Meeting on December 11th. The next meeting will be January 8, 2020 at 7:30 P.M. for a Work Session.

The Village Survey will be open until December 15th, so please be sure to answer a few questions so your ideas and responses will be heard. The link is on the Village website, and if you would like a paper copy please contact the Village Clerk’s office.

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

Snow Removal – Ms. Mailander stated that snow removal in residential districts must be removed within 24 hours of the snow falling.

Garbage Pickup During Snow and Ice Events – Ms. Mailander stated that if it was snowing when you leave in the morning or you don’t have a fully clear path to your garbage cans, please bring them to the end of your driveway and continue to do so until the path is clear. This will keep the Village employees safe.

Holiday Safety – Ms. Mailander stated that people should be aware that holiday safety is important because it gets darker earlier and there are thefts from cars and of cars. Please bring valuables into your home or in your trunk. These break ins usually occur between 4:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. Car thefts usually happen overnight. Don’t leave your key fobs in your cars, and also be aware of porch pirates.

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Green Ridgewood and the Green Team – Councilman Sedon stated that Green Ridgewood and the Green Team met last week, and they discussed several items including an energy aggregation program that is currently going on in Glen Rock. One of their members came and gave a presentation, it is an opt-out program and the savings are negligible, but a large percentage of the energy comes from renewable sources. The Committee will have more discussion to see if they have any thoughts that will come up to the Council level.

The Committee received an award from Sustainable Jersey for its participation in the Sustainable Jersey Bergen County Hub. They did Styrofoam drives, so several towns in the County have participated in this and several counties have hubs, and it was brought through a grant of $20,000 from Sustainable Jersey.

The plastic bag ban is in effect January 1st, so the Committee has their information together and is receiving reusable bags to hand out at grocery stores and further inform residents.

Ridgewood Arts Council – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Ridgewood Arts Council will be holding their second annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest. The tree lighting ceremony is this Friday evening and the winners will be announced. Those businesses that are participating include a number throughout the CBD, and if anyone else wants to participate, they can email her and they will be added to the list. Vote through an email to Councilwoman Knudsen, and go to the Ridgewood Arts Council page on Facebook and vote there as well. She urged everyone to get out and go shopping to support our local businesses.

Fair Share Housing – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that since 2016/2017 Matt Rogers and herself have been working on the Fair Share Housing Settlement, and part of that settlement was the consolidation of the Ken Smith site affordable units and The Enclave affordable units into one location for special needs housing. Through the work of Ken Smith, Enclave, John Saracino, Tom Toronto, Terry DiPalma, Special Master Planner, Matt Rogers, CFO, and Village Manager, working together, they managed to get this together. About a week and a half ago she took a tour of the site. It is magnificent and will be on the third floor of the old Sealfon’s building. During the process of demo-ing the interior, they found an old skylight which they restored and re-did the entire layout to make that the community space. They are ending up with 16 special needs units which gives 8 supportive, and 8 independent special needs housing units. She added that they look forward to this late Spring/early Summer.

Ridgewood Library – Councilwoman Walsh stated that there are a lot of Ridgewood Library supporters here, so she is going to defer to when they discuss the Library later in the schedule.

Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Walsh thanked Ms. Mailander for the information about Downtown for the Holidays by the Chamber. They would also be talking about several Chamber items later in the agenda.

Citizen Safety – Councilman Voight stated that Citizen Safety had its meeting on November 21st and Village Engineering in conjunction with Bergen County continue to work on the design creating the intersections at Broad and Franklin, Franklin and Oak, Franklin and Maple, and Maple and East Ridgewood Avenue. The Starbucks entry and exit continue to be an issue with left turns. They are working on modifications to the curb cuts that encourages right turn only in and out of Starbucks. The issue with the sinkhole on Brookside is going to be fixed after leaf season. A number of CSAC appointment are up at the end of the month. He also thanked the Village for fixing the voicemail system at The Stable, and asked that panic buttons in the Community Center be installed at the earliest convenience.

Met Life Ridgewood High School – Mayor Hache stated that last Friday night at Met Life Stadium he attended the Ridgewood High School varsity football game. He congratulated the team on the State Championship. It was the most exciting football game he has ever attended.

5. DISCUSSION

a. Operations

1. Endorsing Resolution for Community Development Block Grant – 130 Prospect Street Improvements

Ms. Mailander stated that she was asking for endorsements for safety and drainage improvements to improve the area and driveway at that location for SHARE. The cost is $16,700. As a reminder, this doesn’t obligate any Village funds, it just gives endorsement so it can be processed through Bergen County.

2. Municipal Alliance Grant

Ms. Mailander stated that this is an annual grant for 2020-2021 for $13,950, which provides recreational, social, and educational programs in support of preventing alcohol and drug abuse.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Sheila Brogan was the chairperson for Municipal Alliance, as she went to the website to see what plans and programs there are, and she realized that the site hadn’t been updated in quite some time and she asked for some minutes. Ms. Brogan stated that the Village’s website is upgraded now, and they would be glad to give the minutes to the Village for a page on the website. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they would talk to the Village Manager, as there is no Council liaison for the Municipal Alliance. Ms. Brogan stated that it is an open meeting, and anyone is welcome. They are meeting Friday at 9:00 A.M., and at the meeting, they will be looking at this year’s grant and implementation. Deanna Schablik and herself have put together the information for the next grant cycle which starts in July 2020 and goes for four years. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was looking to see that information. Ms. Brogan stated that they had some problems with the website and the webmaster has just been implementing the new software. Their minutes go to the County, as well as the Agendas at the Bergen County Municipal Alliance Committee, so they have reporting responsibilities to them.

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

6. SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING - SEE SEPARATE MINUTES

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

Roll Call Vote

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

7. DISCUSSION

b. Ridgewood Water

1. Award Contract – 2020 Annual Laboratory Analysis Services

Ms. Mailander stated that the 2020 annual laboratory analysis services is year two of a two year contract awarded to Aqua Pro-Tech Laboratory of Fairfield, NJ, in the amount of $386,336.00. There is an increase in cost and this is due to the next round of unregulated contaminated samples and the increased sampling frequency required by NJDEP and USEPA.

Councilwoman Walsh asked if it went from $93,000 in 2019 to $386,000 this year. Ms. Mailander stated that it was the remainder of 2019, from September or October. Mr. Calbi stated that it was three months of 2019. Councilwoman Walsh asked what the total was for 2019. Mr. Calbi stated that he could get that number, but they were approaching $200,000. They had to rebid it in 2019 because they were approaching 20% of the original contract, so they rebid it for the balance of the year and then additionally for 2020.

2. Award Contract – 2020 Cold Water Meters, Components and Supplies

Ms. Mailander stated that this is a second year of a two year contract to Rio Supply of Sicklerville, NJ, in the amount not to exceed $199,279.00. This was the lowest responsible bidder.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that this was the only bidder who responded.

3. Award Contract – 2020 Tree Maintenance Services

Ms. Mailander stated this is the second year of a two year contract, awarded to Downes Tree Service of Hawthorne, NJ, in the amount not to exceed $40,000.00. They were the lowest responsible bidder.

4. Award Contract – 2020 Servicing and Repairing of Potable Water Pumping Facilities

Ms. Mailander stated that this is the second year of a two year contract, awarded to Wm. Stothoff Company, Inc., of Flemington, NJ, in an amount not to exceed $400,000.00. This was the sole responsible bidder.

5. Award Contract – 2020 Annual PFAS Laboratory Services

Ms. Mailander stated that this is year two and it is to SGS North America of Rutherford, NJ, in an amount not to exceed $91,000.00. This was the lowest responsible bidder.

Councilman Voigt asked Mr. Calbi if this was just for PFAS and not PFOS/PFOA. Mr. Calbi stated that it was for a suite of 14 compounds including PFOA, PFOS, and PFAS.

6. Award Contract – Two Year Contract – Furnishing and Delivering of Sodium Hypochlorite Solution

Ms. Mailander stated that this is a two year contract that was bid this year. Three bid packets were picked up and two bids were received. Miracle Chemical Company of Farmingdale, NJ, is the lowest responsible bidder at $1.719/gallon. The next bidder was $5.00/gallon. They have provided this service to Ridgewood Water in the past and have performed very professionally. The addition of Sodium Hypochlorite into the water system is necessary to kill any waterborne bacteria and viruses. The amount for year one of a two year contract is not to exceed $111,735.00.

7. Award Change Order – Improvements to Linwood and Cedar Hill Wells

Ms. Mailander stated that replacement wells for Linwood and Cedar Hills Wells were drilled successfully. The change order is for the installation of the well pump and appurtenances at the Cedar Hill replacement well, which will allow Ridgewood Water to place the new well into production. The total cost for these improvements is $30,835.11. There is a balance of $15,994.52 available in the base bid. Therefore, the net change order for this contract is $14,390.59, which is 3.67% of the original contract. She understands from Mr. Calbi that the well must be approved by the NJDEP before it is put online.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this wasn’t in the original bid and asked if the money that is left is residual from the original bid. Mr. Calbi stated that was correct.

8. Emergency Interconnection with Waldwick

Ms. Mailander stated that they had an interconnection between Ridgewood Water and Waldwick water systems since 2004, and this is to allow the distribution of flow from the Ridgewood Water system into Waldwick during an emergency. The NJDEP is requesting that Waldwick codify this connection with an agreement between both parties. The agreement has been developed and reviewed by the attorney for Waldwick and Mr. Rogers, and this resolution is necessary to codify the agreement.

9. Award Contract – 2020 Water Billing and Data Collection Services

Ms. Mailander stated that this is year three of a three year contract to Computil, Inc., of Shelton, CT, in the amount of $237,395.00. This was the sole responsible bidder.

10. Award Change Order – Design and Construction Administration Granular Activated Carbon Treatment System – Carr Treatment Facility

Ms. Mailander stated that in 2017 Arcadis was contracted to prepare bid documents and administer the construction of the granular activated carbon facility at the Carr Treatment Facility. This is required to remove PFAS from the well water. The GAC was successfully constructed with four steel vessels with granulated activated carbon to filter the contaminants from the water and the well was placed online September 25th. At this time, an additional $50,340.50 is required to complete work beyond the original professional engineering services contract scope. There is additional construction administration due to delays in delivery of the treatment vessels, additional shop drawing reviews and requests for information, resulting in a net contract time extension of 60 days on substantial completion and 40 days on final completion, owner request to redesign the pump house roof to overhang instrumentation panels, and credit for error in hourly rate charges for project principal.

Approximately $20,664.00 of the Arcadis change order costs are being sought from the contractor due to the extended project time of completion. This will bring the net cost of the change order to approximately $29,676.50. The award is to Arcadis of Fair Lawn, NJ.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Mr. Calbi could send her all original information from this, as she wanted to see the original documents and contracts and she would like to go back and revisit it. Mr. Calbi stated that would be fine.

c. Parking

1. Sherman Place – West Ridgewood Avenue Parking

Ms. Mailander stated that Sergeant Jay Chuck and Village Engineer, Chris Rutishauser were going to come up to discuss their findings. She added that as Meggan Wolf pointed out, there has been a resident committee that has met with them, and Dr. Forte, the owner of the building, who has tried to come up with possible solutions.

Mr. Rutishauser stated that they were tasked with taking a look at Washington Place as there had been some concern from residents on a speeding issue on Washington Place and there was a request for some additional crosswalks and paving markings. In discussion with Sgt. Chuck, they asked for a speed study.

Sergeant Chuck stated that they did two studies which were discussed with the group. One was going to be during the summer so school traffic wasn’t going to be part of it, and then another a couple of weeks after school started. They found that the average speed on Washington Place during the August study was 24 miles an hour and during the September study was 23 miles an hour. As expected, they saw a volume increase from 3,900 to 5,900 cars. During the August study there were three cars that drove over 40 miles an hour on the road, and in September there were nine. The 85th percentile is how they rate a roadway for speeding issues was 29 miles an hour and 30 miles in September, so these were all really good numbers.

Mr. Rutishauser stated that following up on the speed study, he took a look at the field conditions and went out on November 26th as there was a request for an additional crosswalk across Washington Place at Sherman Place. That can be done if the Village Council desires, but he strongly recommends it be on the western edge of Garfield Place, not on the eastern edge because from about house number 80 Washington Place, there is a dip in the road and if you put a crosswalk on the eastern edge it would have very poor visibility. They would also have to reconstruct the ADA ramps to add the crosswalk on the eastern edge. The current ADA ramps are conducive to the school walking plan that was done previously.

Sergeant Chuck stated that the second part of the study done by the Police Department is a crash investigation. They looked at the intersections of Washington and Monroe, Washington and Garfield, Washington and Sherman. During a four year period, which is longer than they normally do, there were only seven accidents in those three intersections. One was a medical emergency, there were two accidents where there was no damage to the vehicles, one accident where the PEO car was hit by a garbage truck, and there was one where a pedestrian was involved but the pedestrian wasn’t hurt.

Mr. Rutishauser stated that they could install additional double yellow striping, which was one of the requests. Before they do that, they recommend a survey of the residents because they have found that throughout the Village, double yellow lines have received mixed reviews. They could probably be installed some time this Spring.

Mayor Hache asked if the double yellow line isn’t necessarily desired, could they place the white lines parallel to the curb to give a similar effect. Mr. Rutishauser stated that he discussed that with Sergeant Chuck. There isn’t a lot of width on that street, in addition to the parking, and there is concern that if you put the edge lines it confuses people with the parking.

Sergeant Chuck stated that as far as parking, they see that the biggest complaint is parking blocking driveways. The natural flow is someone is going to drive into the parking lot, drive out, and find the closest most relative parking spot. They recommend taking away the parking on the west curb on the short end of Sherman. They think it would put some relief on the neighborhood. The other side of the street is still two hour parking and they recommend keeping that. Regarding the front of the building, there are a lot of spots across the street on the apartment side and there are not a lot of spots close to the building on the building side. Their concern about making it open free parking is that it may not get the results that they are looking for. They are considering reverse engineering making it paid employee parking as there are none on the west side. If it is not being utilized as two-hour parking, take the employees out of the parking lot and letting them park on the street long term might open up spots. Sergeant Chuck added that might be a better option. Mayor Hache stated that was interesting as in the CBD they try to get the employees off the street and into the lots, and this is to get them out of the lots and into the street.

Mr. Rutishauser stated that this was a location where there is very little utilization of West Ridgewood Avenue for parking, and there is actually room for parking on both sides. There are no meters there, and they only start east of 88 West Ridgewood Avenue. Councilman Voigt asked how many spots there were on the building side. Sergeant Chuck stated that there was one spot, space for a driveway, and then eleven spots. Councilman Voigt asked if those spots would all be for employees. Sergeant Chuck stated that they were talking about the ten spots on the opposite side of the street in front of the apartments. Ms. Mailander stated that they try to keep them together, so they would be recommending that ten spots would be employee spaces to service employees of that office building, as well as any other employees on the west side who may want to use it.

Mayor Hache asked how they could ensure that it was those employees who ended up with those spots because other employees may park there and they would have the same problem. Sergeant Chuck stated that other employees could use those spots, but they would be addressing the employees’ parking in the street and moving their cars, or the employees in the doctor’s office will park across the street and park there all day. Ms. Mailander stated that they don’t want to remove the meters and hope that the patients park there because it’s not the same as by Jersey Mike’s and they would have commuters parking there all day. Sergeant Chuck stated that the history of those meters is that they have been twelve hours, and then not twelve-hour meters, back and forth about five times.

Councilwoman Walsh asked since there were employees parking in their landlords’ lot and not paying anything, what enticement would they have to now pay for parking unless their boss tells them that the intent is for them to free up the lot. They really have no control over that and no control over who would park in those spaces. Sergeant Chuck stated that it was the same issue they have with every other business in the CBD. Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Village was offering a convenience instead of having to move your car every two hours, the employee in that office for an eight hour duration can park in one spot legally and not have to shuttle the cars. Councilwoman Walsh asked if we know that they are not parking in their own lot. Mr. Rutishauser stated that he doesn’t see employees parking on Sherman Place, he sees patients. Their goal is to get employees in a designated spot so that the patients who are more frequently cycling can use the parking spaces in the office building and not on the street. Councilwoman Walsh stated that if the employees are parking in a lot for free how would they get them to come out of the lot and pay for parking now.

Councilman Voigt stated that the other issue is that if they raise the rates, its $40 a week coming out of their pocket. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was hearing what Councilwoman Walsh was saying and this brings her back to the Pomander issue and whether or not it’s a public street and whether the patrons can park there. She added that she was interested in having a copy of the resolution and conditions of approval from the Board of Adjustment, as well as for the Starbucks on Franklin. If they could all see a copy of the Resolution of Approval and the conditions that were attached to that, it may help them understand if there has been any expansion in that office and whether it has exacerbated anything that was a condition of approval. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that in the meetings she sees the residents, but she never sees the owner of the office building. So, she thinks they have to start looking at those documents and take a different approach if its an option.

Mr. Rutishauser stated that they met with Dr. Forte on a number of occasions and he is up in his years and no longer drives. At the last meeting, his son was there to bring him home. He is accessible and communicates with them. He added that he has PDFs of two approved site plans that show the conditions there. The office building has only had one or two very minor applications over the last 30 to 40 years. Councilwoman Walsh stated that the last time they looked at the site plans, the only thing that wasn’t in the original site plans was the garbage that was moved to the corner. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this keeps coming up and never seems to come to any conclusion. Last year they went through the exercise about doing no U-turns and she feels that we are constantly in the conversation and don’t move out of it.

Councilman Sedon asked during the conversations with the building owner, were there any indications that he would be willing to work with the Village if they do create those employee spots that he would subsidize some of the parking for the employees or tell them that they can’t park in the lot. Mr. Rutishauser stated that in the last meeting with Dr. Forte and a number of the residents, suggestions such as those were made and Dr. Forte indicated he would talk to his tenants. He also said that his building is not 100% leased right now. He has also said that the tenancy use of the building has changed over time from what was primarily dental to more therapy uses, which while still permitted may have changed the parking demands.

Mayor Hache stated that at the first visit with Dr. Forte he met with Mr. Rutishauser at the back entrance to the building, and he saw that very few cars came from Sherman into the lot, and it was cars that had been coming from the lot and exiting onto Sherman, or other vehicles that cut through. It was obvious that the cars in the lot weren’t moving much, but there were people going in and out. Residents seemed to feel that the typical pattern was that patients were trying to get into the medical building and would pull in, realize that they passed a couple of meters on the street, pull into a full lot, and then see that this street has free parking. In a meeting with Dr. Forte at his office, the indication that he gave was that he was willing to work with them. His one concern was that he thought for a second that they were trying to block the exit onto Sherman.

Mayor Hache stated that on the surface it make sense not to have parking on the western side of Sherman, but that might create another problem onto the next block. They have to be careful as they come up with these solutions they may be moving the problem somewhere else. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that there was space in the front of the building, and she wondered if there was more. She knows that people drive through that lot and use it as a street because it is more convenient than going around either one of those blocks. She added that it should have been shut down a long time ago, as it is against the law to use a parking lot as a cut through. Mr. Rogers added that it was a Title 39 issue. Sergeant Chuck stated that they do enforce it, especially during drop off and pick up time for the middle school. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they are on a dead end street, with a pass through of the vehicles from there but also the folks that are cutting through because it’s easier.

Mayor Hache asked if people weren’t utilizing the street parking because individuals didn’t want to be seen going into a building that is predominantly for therapists. Mr. Rutishauser stated that he didn’t know if there was a stigma attached to it, but the location does provide privacy if you park behind the building. Councilwoman Knudsen asked what the zone is there. Mr. Rutishauser stated that he didn’t know off-hand.

Councilman Voigt asked if it would help if they identified on the street signage that it was for employee only parking at that particular location. Mayor Hache stated that employees would benefit, but maybe not employees of that location. Councilman Voigt stated that he was talking about that specific location. Mayor Hache cited enforcement being an issue. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that there is a business there and the parking doesn’t accommodate all of the activities. So, the question is even though they are trying to resolve a situation that helps the neighbors, she doesn’t know if there is a mechanism in place to better organize their space even if they got a couple more spaces out of it. The concern has to be how do they stop this activity from spilling onto the street.

Mayor Hache asked how the enforcement of the two hour limits on East Ridgewood Avenue by Jersey Mike’s works. Sergeant Chuck stated that there was a really good turnover. As the school year gets deeper, that starts to fall off towards lunch by Irving. In that general area through, it is a pretty good turnover. Washington Place is also a good turnover near the offices. Mayor Hache stated that without creating a mess, it wouldn’t help the employees if they did away with the parking meters. Sergeant Chuck stated that it would need cooperation from the tenants, but they feel it would probably create a solution for the neighborhood. Mayor Hache stated that they talked about placing tick marks on the street to avoid the issue of driveways being blocked. Sergeant Chuck stated those always work, and are not on the shorter side of Sherman.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that as another suggestion, maybe they could go to the Doctor and negotiate something where the driveway is blocked for certain times of the day, like Clinton. This would be a test period to see if the cars are coming through and going to the schools. She suggested from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. and test it for a month to see if it alleviates some of that burden and may change patterns of behavior. Councilwoman Walsh stated that the challenge of that is that you are going to impact the value of his property. Mr. Rogers stated that Councilwoman Walsh has a point, if you change or prohibit/restrict the egress on a site on a permanent basis it can have an effect on it and you have to be very sensitive to it. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it would be temporary, just to try it. The property owner isn’t policing the traffic and vehicles are using it as a roadway, so wouldn’t the property owner have an obligation to make sure the property isn’t being used that way. Mr. Rogers stated that the property owner wouldn’t have an obligation from the town to do that, but he would in terms of liability, but that is a personal concern for him. Councilwoman Knudsen suggested reaching out and asking him to do this temporarily and see if that alleviates the issue. Mr. Rogers stated that enforcing and getting some presence there with regard to that is the only other way you can take care of something like that.

Councilman Voigt asked what the agreement is with the Village as far as the property and what can and cannot happen. Mr. Rutishauser stated that he has several approved site plans that show the entrance driveway off of West Ridgewood Avenue with an exit and entrance driveway at the end of Sherman Place. Councilman Voigt asked if the Village has the right to block those off if it wants to. Mr. Rutishauser stated that subject to Mr. Rogers opinion, that would be a “taking.” Mr. Rogers stated that as Councilwoman Walsh had stated, it may have an impact on property value and could obstruct certain aspects of the way his business operates. Mr. Rutishauser asked which driveway Councilwoman Knudsen was thinking of. Mr. Rogers added that it would act as an amendment to the site plan which would require public hearing and notification to the property owner. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was thinking of the driveway that dumps onto Sherman. Mr. Rutishauser stated that the driveway from West Ridgewood Avenue is an in-only. There is no exit through that driveway, so any restriction would lock that person into that property parking lot during that duration. Councilwoman Knudsen suggested getting his hours of operation. She asked why it was entrance only. Mr. Rutishauser stated that there weren’t very good site lines and there wasn’t room for two cars. Councilwoman Knudsen suggested making the entrance wider. Mr. Rutishauser stated that would require site plans. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the landscaping was pretty level, so maybe that was an option to resolve. Mr. Rutishauser stated that would be something that the property owner would have to agree to.

Ms. Mailander stated that Sergeant Chuck points out in his report that 100 feet away on West Ridgewood Avenue there is free parking. Couldn’t they ask the building owner to ask his tenants to park in that free parking even though it is time limit parking. Sergeant Chuck stated that it was two hours, but so were the surrounding streets. Mayor Hache stated that sometimes its directing people to where you want them to go, and he referenced Arthur Murray and their parking recommendations. Sergeant Chuck stated that everything west of Heights Road is about 50 to 60 spots worth of parking.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated what if they would issue employee tags on that timed parking. Ms. Mailander stated that if they start issuing employee tags for free parking, then there are going to be others who want the same. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it is already free parking, so if you have a tag then you can park there for longer. Ms. Mailander stated that other CBD employees are paying for a sticker and a tag, and suggested that they should direct the patients to the free parking. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they could give stickers to the property owner, and even if he pays $100 for the stickers then they get seven stickers that waive the parking. Ms. Mailander asked what would happen if surrounding businesses wanted the stickers as well. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they could make it first come-first serve. Ms. Mailander stated that to limit it to that building concerns her. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it would resolve this immediate issue as a test. Ms. Mailander stated that they should open it to the whole west side, as her recommendation, because it seems like you are giving preferential treatment to one building. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they could tell the Doctor first.

Mr. Rogers stated that he seemed to remember some cases where as long as a property has adequate access, and a municipality takes some of the access as long as its grounded in health and safety, there may be a possibility that you can take some action with regard to that but it all has to do with the remaining adequacy of the access. If the Village Council would like, he would take a quick look and see if they could do something with that. Mayor Hache stated that was a good idea. Mr. Rogers stated that the case had some information regarding a boat salesperson on Route 17, and he thinks it is a reported opinion. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she still thinks they could look at the other alternatives. Sergeant Chuck stated that the spots weren’t designated but there were roughly 50 spaces. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if they were going to take 25 spaces and first come first serve get the sticker and it will waive the time limit. Mayor Hache asked what they require as proof of employment with the Village. Ms. Mailander stated that it was usually a pay stub or a letter from the manager of business owner stating that this person works for them.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that taking those spaces and making them available isn’t a bad thing. Ms. Mailander stated that as long as they are opened to everyone, and her feeling is that there should be a fee because the other CBD employees are charged a fee and she didn’t want to give preferential treatment to others. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the parking there is already free, so they would have to charge a processing fee. Ms. Mailander stated that they wouldn’t have to charge for a CBD like in the Cottage lot because what they are trying to do is to fill the empty parking that is already free and alleviate an issue on Sherman. Mayor Hache stated that his only concern with that is are they addressing the issue with the employees in the building, and how do they do that. Mr. Rogers stated that it was Lima and Sons. Mayor Hache stated that he thinks that might help as long as it is those employees that end up there. Councilwoman Walsh stated that you are assuming you are having a conversation with the landlord and if he has agreements with the tenants that they have X amount of spaces for their employees then its moot. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they have to talk to the doctor first and monitor each individual sticker-holder business is a different color and then they would be able to track and know who is using it.

Sergeant Chuck stated that there are a lot of questions with that new idea. What happens when the employees want to park on Pomander and want the extended parking permit. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the difference is that those spaces on West Ridgewood Avenue are already timed spaces and are empty. Sergeant Chuck stated that west of Heights is all open parking. Mr. Rutishauser stated that also begets the question that if they go that route, do they mark the spaces. That is a residential area and the residents may not want marked spaces in front of their homes. Sergeant Chuck added that they may not want cars parked outside for eleven hours. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that maybe they don’t have to mark them, but maybe they start with this as a base. Ms. Mailander suggested bringing something back in January and making it fair and equal for everyone. She added what would happen when Valley Hospital employees want to park on Steilen, or pizza employees want to park on Pomander. How do you not allow that.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that people are parking on Steilen all the time. Sergeant Chuck stated that Steilen has both time limit and no parking. Sergeant Chuck stated that they are over there and they get the complaints. Ms. Mailander stated that they aren’t giving them stickers to park there for eleven or twelve hours, and will they then ask for that. She added that they could come back with something in January, try to set some kind of price, and then they can discuss it.

2. Amend Fee Ordinance for Two-Wheeled Motorized Vehicles at Train Station and Park and Ride Lots

Ms. Mailander stated that two wheeled motorized vehicles include motorcycles and scooters. The Train Station ordinance hasn’t been changed since 2011. They noticed that motorcycles are parking on the sidewalk at the Park and Ride. They have not had a rate increase since 2011, which is currently $325 per year. The recommendation is to make it $750 per year. The Train Station has dedicated locations for two wheeled vehicles and they want to create that designation at the Park and Ride, as well. Permit holders for cars in the Park and Ride are paying $1,000 in 2020, so maybe you get about 2/3rds of the year to use a motorcycle or scooter, so maybe it should be $675 or maybe $500 this year and $675 next year as a phase-in.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked how many motorcycles were parking there. Mr. Rutishauser stated that currently they were seeing one parked there on a regular basis. That individual has an off-trail bike with a license plate but it mounts the sidewalk and parks by the bike rack. At the Train Station, there are two to four motorcycles parking in the five spots that were created. The number of motorcycles seems to vary, but the spaces are being utilized. Councilwoman Walsh stated that in 2011, when her husband was driving his scooter to the Train Station, this idea first came up, to get them into a parking spot so they could charge them. The other thought was that it was one less car in the parking lot, so people taking the scooters was effective. There should definitely be spots at the Park and Ride so they aren’t parking on the sidewalk, but there may only be a handful of people that they are charging this amount to. She added that to double it is kind of high.

Mayor Hache asked what the size difference was between a motorcycle and a vehicle. Mr. Rutishauser stated that at the Train Station they took two parking spaces and converted those into five slots. Sergeant Chuck stated that it is also dependent on the size of the bike. Mayor Hache stated that to Ms. Mailander’s point there is limited time that you can use these throughout the year, but also the size and the use isn’t commensurate to $750. Mr. Rutishauser stated that Ms. Mailander made the suggestion regarding what a fair rate may be, but it is up to the Village Council. Councilwoman Walsh asked why they were increasing the price. Mr. Rutishauser stated that they last did it nine years ago. Councilwoman Walsh asked why they were increasing it. Ms. Mailander stated that they have increased the parking permit fees over the year and it would be beneficial to increase this as well. Mayor Hache stated that the usage would be about 2/3rds. Ms. Mailander stated that she thinks they have gone too long without increasing it, and those with cars have dealt with continual increases.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked how many they sell. Ms. Mailander stated that it is about one or two a year of the scooters, but she doesn’t know that the motorcycles are purchasing them. Sergeant Chuck stated that they are normally parking in the scooter area, and they have been waiting for this discussion as to how to handle it and educate them on the process. Ms. Mailander stated that’s what they should do, because she doesn’t think they were aware they should be getting stickers. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that in other words, they are only selling one to two but have seven or eight parking there. Mr. Rutishauser stated that there are five spaces at the Train Station and they would make a comparable amount at the Park and Ride. Sergeant Chuck stated that if the Village Council didn’t want to do yearly passes, they could forget trying to get them to buy a pass and have them pay as they go through the kiosk or the Parkmobile app. Mr. Rutishauser stated that was an excellent idea, that if the Vilage Council establishes a daily rate they could program the kiosk and Parkmobile for that. Ms. Mailander asked if they would pay the regular rate. Sergeant Chuck stated that would be easiest.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they wanted to keep it as an option they could do that or get a pass. Sergeant Chuck stated that hang-tags would be difficult on a motorcycle and they don’t want to do a sticker. Councilwoman Knudsen stated maybe keep it as an option at $375 or pay the regular rate at the kiosk. Councilman Sedon was in agreement. Councilman Voigt stated that he didn’t think they should raise the rates at all. Councilwoman Walsh stated that the premium rate for two spots divided by five is $520. Councilman Voigt stated that they then use if 2/3rds of the year. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that then they leave it at $375 and give the option of paying at the kiosk or Parkmobile. There was agreement among the Village Council, except for Councilman Voigt.

3. Village Employee Parking Zone on Chestnut Street

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Streets and Sanitation Division staff have been parking their personal vehicles along southbound Chestnut Street by the Village’s garage for many years. Several studios have opened up that offer classes in the morning at the same time the staff are coming into work, which has resulted in a shortage of parking for the staff. They have employee stickers used at one time in the Village Hall parking lot for employee parking along the fence by the field. There were Village employee stickers given to employees so that they could park there, and through the white collar contract there is space available for them in this lot. They wanted to leave the prime spots for people coming to Village Hall or the Library. This is asking that they issue the Village employee stickers to Village employees so that people coming in to take a class aren’t taking up the employee parking spaces. They are asking that between the hours of 5:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. be limited to employee parking and after 1:00 P.M. it could be opened up. Ms. Mailander stated that it is getting more and more difficult for these employees to find parking.

Councilman Voigt asked how bad the situation was. Ms. Mailander stated that it was pretty bad. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she thought this was a good idea. Mr. Rutishauser stated that parking on Chestnut is a premium, and they can’t park on Douglas Street, and further south where the multi-family housing is, there is no parking. Sometimes, they have to make arrangements to park in the Street Division lot and leave their key and a note, which has become an inconvenience. Patrons of these businesses have also been parking in front of the gas pumps and salt sheds, which is a separate issue. Councilman Voigt asked if they could get any help from the YMCA on this issue. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that was a great point because that whole side along the Y it needs a sidewalk. If they put in a sidewalk, then parking would be allowed. Mr. Rutishauser stated that there will be a sidewalk on the southbound direction, and that area of Chestnut Street is pretty narrow and cars going north have a slight incline that limits visibility. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was good with this, but that the parking on Chestnut may be something they should look at in the future. Ms. Mailander stated that they also should see what happens when the multi-family housing opens. Mr. Rutishauser added that a structural retaining wall capable of holding back a roadway with parking and roadway that would be used by trucks is an expensive undertaking.

Councilwoman Walsh asked if there was any demarcation of the Village property along Chestnut Street, such as a white line. Mr. Rutishauser said that there wasn’t, and they generally park as close to the building as possible to leave as much travel room as possible. Councilwoman Walsh stated that a visual cue may be useful. Mr. Rutishauser stated that they could stripe a white line in, which can be used as a walkway and to line up their cars. Mayor Hache stated that it was a good idea, but that the Y was charging for spaces for displaced commuters, so there would be a cost associated with it.

4. Parking Meter Rates

Ms. Mailander stated that they attempted to introduce an ordinance that would make it $1.25 per hour on street and off street, and there were two yes votes, two no votes, and Councilman Sedon was absent. This is up for discussion. Bob Rooney did provide an analysis late this afternoon that shows that if it were $1.25 on street and $1.00 off street it would be a $3,000 deficit approximately. If it were $1.00 on street and $.75 off street, it is an $81,000 deficit, and if its $1.25 everywhere, they are $112,000 positive. This does not take into account the additional income from the kiosks because Mr. Rooney does not think we have enough information to prove to the State as to how much additional we can get from the kiosks. Next year at this time, it would be easy, but right now he doesn’t feel that way. She noted that, if they continue with this same scenario, in 2021 the $3,000 deficit becomes a $172,248 deficit due to debt service which increases tremendously in 2021.

Councilman Voigt ask Ms. Mailander about the kiosk information that can’t be used with the State because they don’t have enough information. Ms. Mailander stated that we can anticipate the revenue that we receive from the previous year, and because we are planning to change over everything to kiosks we will most likely get more revenue because you are not getting someone’s left over meter time, but we can’t prove to the State that amount. She added that they have to definitively prove to the State prior to the adoption of the budget how much they are going to earn in order to anticipate that revenue for 2020. Councilman Voigt asked if it would be possible to ask Mr. Rooney why they can’t use that information, because he didn’t understand why they can’t. Ms. Mailander stated that the Village only has a few kiosks, so what happens with those kiosks may happen throughout the Village, but may not happen. The State has to approve whatever revenue the Village is anticipating. Councilman Voigt asked if Mr. Rooney would be around this week if he had any questions. Ms. Mailander stated that he was.

Mayor Hache asked when they did a pilot of the kiosks in the lots, was that entire program never blessed by the State. Councilman Sedon stated that it was a normal budgetary thing, and that you can only anticipate as much revenue as the previous year. Mayor Hache stated that he understood that, but the Village Council made a decision to pilot the kiosks to see if they would do what they thought, which they did, but they were never under the impression that the State didn’t sanction that. Ms. Mailander stated that they never anticipated additional revenue because they had no experience with them at the time of the adoption of the budget this year. If they want to anticipate additional revenue for the budget they have to be able to prove it to the State. Mayor Hache stated that one thing is that they prove it to the State. The other thing is that they piloted this program and he asked what the study showed as the increase in the areas where they placed kiosks was compared to when there were only meters.

Councilman Sedon stated that Mayor Hache was talking about two separate things. Technically, when you are talking about budgets, you can’t anticipate any revenue. Mayor Hache stated that he understands why, but his question has been what has been the increase in revenue in those areas where they removed parking meters and deployed kiosks. He pointed out that it was about a year ago when they were shown numbers. Ms. Mailander stated that Mr. Rooney had come back at that time with numbers around 20 to 25%. Councilman Voigt agreed with those percentages, and stated they were in the previous analysis. He asked if they were taken out because the Village “can’t use it.” Ms. Mailander stated that her understanding is that there isn’t enough experience to anticipate that revenue throughout the Village, and they were supposed to get delivery of the kiosks by the end of the month, but it would take 4 to 6 weeks to get them all installed.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they would be starting with a shortfall. Ms. Mailander stated that you would not have 12 months of kiosks. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they have to pay the bond note for the kiosks, and she spoke with Mr. Rooney today, and there are other expenses in this and they are coming into 2020 with a shortfall because they didn’t adopt the ordinance to do the increase. Ms. Mailander stated that if they do adopt next week, then the earliest they could adopt would be a Special Public Meeting at the January 8th meeting, and it wouldn’t be effective until the end of January. They would have lost a month of revenue at that point.

Mayor Hache asked if they could talk about the deficit, and when they hired Acadia to help with the analysis of the bonding and timing and where they consider deferring interest for a year or two. They had already started with a 50% increase in meter rates, and increased Ridgewood Parking Permits. He asked what they had built up from those increases. They also increased the permit rates in anticipation of those payments. He asked how they did those things and now have a shortfall before the first payment is made. Ms. Mailander stated that the Walker Report said that they should be increasing it again in 2020. Mayor Hache stated that those increases were made so that they could meet that first interest payment, and he asked why they weren’t there. Ms. Mailander stated that this year in 2020 the deficit is only $3,000, but then it goes up in 2021. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the cushion is already there, that’s why there is such a significant deficit. Ms. Mailander stated that we were going to make it barely, without taking into consideration the kiosks. So, with the kiosks they may do very well, but in 2021 that’s a lot to make up. Councilwoman Knudsen added that an important piece of that in 2021 is the difference. If you haven’t added the kiosk funds into that, then that’s when that kiosk comes into play with the extra revenue, but up until that point the Village is putting itself into the red. The only place that they can go to get that money is to the taxpayers, which they said they wouldn’t do.

Councilwoman Walsh asked about the appropriation needs for 2020, and the assumptions that Mr. Rooney was making based on what they were possibly going to vote on. In 2020 they have a negative, but then to a positive $111,000. She didn’t see where that money had been put back into the z-line. Ms. Mailander stated that each year stands on its own. Councilwoman Walsh stated that she was assuming that he took that money at some point and added it back into his z-line. Mayor Hache stated that the z-scenario is where they increase to $1.25 everywhere. Ms. Mailander stated that the debt services increase dramatically in 2021. Councilwoman Walsh stated that debt service only increases by $300,000. Ms. Mailander stated that on the last page, debt service goes from $528,363 to $700,000. There was some additional discussion about the debt service. Ms. Mailander stated that she would ask Mr. Rooney, but looking at the last page you see the debt service increase. Councilwoman Knudsen shared her interpretation of the graph, adding that Mr. Rooney wasn’t showing the carry over as he was only showing year to year to show the scenarios. Councilwoman Walsh stated that she understood, but subtracting those amounts out makes the projection much more palatable.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that the fact that he says that the graph doesn’t take into account the additional income from the kiosks, they could take into account an offset, so that would create a more complete picture. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that even if they did all of that math on the three scenarios, they couldn’t possibly recapture on that income the amount that they would be in the red on those scenarios, and the only one that you maintain in the black is the z-scenario. Councilman Voigt asked if you could use the surplus to offset the projections. Ms. Mailander stated that in recent years if there is a surplus in the parking utility they have brought that into the current fund. Therefore, they have $150,000 additional revenue. Councilman Voigt asked if they could use that to offset the deficit. Ms. Mailander stated that if they don’t bring that $150,000 into the current fund, then they have $150,000 that has to be cut from the budget.

Councilwoman Knudsen point out that the surplus isn’t considered into this at all, and with the kiosks you won’t make that up. Councilwoman Walsh stated that she thinks that the Mayor is correct, in that you don’t know and the kiosks may make up that deficit. Ms. Mailander stated that it has been anticipated here but it can’t be anticipated in the budget. Mayor Hache stated that was a simple data point that should be provided but it isn’t on this chart. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if they budget on an unknown, then the State doesn’t approve the budget, and if they don’t approve it then we are stuck. Ms. Mailander stated that the Village can only anticipate what it actually brought in. Councilman Sedon stated that you could submit the budget with a deficit and then end up making up the amount with the kiosks and at the end of the year the deficit could be covered.

Councilman Sedon stated that he did some quick numbers based on $1.8 million and 20% of that if you raise the rates to $1.00 across the board will get you to $2.3 million, with 20% of that being $408,000 so at the end of the day factoring in a projected increase from the kiosks should cover it, but there are the unknowns of the kiosks, so you would have to submit the deficit but the bump in the kiosk would be discovered this year. Ms. Mailander stated that if there is a deficit in the Parking Utility they would have to show in the general fund where they would be making it up. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if they don’t do it full across the board, and there ends up being a deficit they would have to go into the general fund to make up a difference. Ms. Mailander stated that they would have to figure out how to make that up in the general fund, whether it be raising taxes, cutting services, cutting personnel, or cutting spending. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that when you are working on such narrow margins already, that impact is significant. Ms. Mailander stated that it has been a low tax increase over the last several years, so that is correct.

Mayor Hache stated that there is no question that they need an increase in the revenues to offset the costs, and they need to solve the percentage of increase they need. He added that the data is available the same day, and they could see that if one month in the trend isn’t getting them to where they need to be, then they could increase the rates. He stated that it wasn’t shifting the blame from the business to the residents, but it is finding a way to not hurt one over the other. He added that he didn’t think doing a $1.25 one shot increase showed much logic. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the $1.25 increase was recommended by all the professionals. She added that in 2016 she was invited to a meeting of all of the businesses who said she needed to support the garage and she told them there would be rate increases, and they said they all understood. To say now that suddenly that increase that everybody has known about since early 2015 is too much, and by the luck of the draw they installed a couple of kiosks and can’t necessarily substantiate the actual increase across the board. They lost time with the revenue stream because they didn’t adopt an ordinance yet. If the kiosks, in real time, are telling you that you need to tweak, that is a two to three month window to prepare, introduce, notice, and adopt, and then wait 20 days. She added that the reality check is that it should have happened before anyone voted to bond because everyone knew this, and to say that they were going to rely on the gravy train of the kiosks is fundamentally unfair.

Mayor Hache stated that it was not a luck of the draw. They deliberately as a Village Council decided to adopt the kiosks. The businesses are saying that we need the garage, but the are asking to incorporate what the increase of the kiosks would be so that they don’t have to rely solely on the meter rates. They don’t have those numbers that have been asked for about ten times for this analysis. The kiosks were rolled out in a set order, and they decided to adopt them because they would bring in extra revenue. He pointed out that 25% was the baseline assumption, and he doesn’t know what that number is. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it wasn’t luck of the draw that the kiosks were installed, it was luck of the draw that she took a tour of Hoboken and came back and said this is what they are telling her so the Village should try this. We know that we have 90 kiosks and will use the first six weeks of revenue, and she doesn’t think that anyone should project into the unknown. They know that there was a differential there, but she doesn’t see how it makes up for this. Mayor Hache stated that you always project into something, and can at least go back and look at the data and extrapolate.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she pulled up her Parkmobile and sees that they have the data but haven’t talked about Parkmobile. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Parkmobile was in the data. Councilwoman Walsh stated that they weren’t losing money because people are still going to be paying into this. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she wasn’t saying that they were losing money, but regarding the anticipated revenue, if you wanted to project a 20% increase over your revenue stream because of kiosks that were installed, you already lost six weeks. It is going to take that long to get them up and running and you have already gone into the red in your anticipated revenue stream. Councilwoman Walsh stated that if this is going to have such a negative monetary impact, maybe they could make this priority number one for the Signal Department. Ms. Mailander stated that it would still take several weeks for them to set up the 85 kiosks. Councilwoman Walsh stated that they could set up the kiosks and take the meters down after. Ms. Mailander stated that they were fortunate that the kiosks were coming in after the holidays, but it may be hampered by the weather, and she would certainly make that priority. It is just a fact that it is still going to take several weeks.

Councilman Sedon stated that the parking rates have to increase, and they have additional questions, but in the meantime they have to get this moving. His suggestion is to get an ordinance going next week that raises it across the board to $1.00 across the board. We can have everybody’s questions answered, and then monitor this every single meeting once the kiosks are in, and then if they see an immediate shortfall they have to raise it to $1.25. Otherwise they keep it at $.75 and keep going into the red. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that wasn’t even one of the scenarios, but it is the equivalent of x, and they were in the deep red and she can’t support that as she feels like she has a responsibility to do this. It’s a hard decision that she doesn’t like. Mayor Hache stated that hard decisions require full information and right now they are working with a partial set of facts. Councilman Sedon asked if they were going to wait for more information and continue on at $.75 an hour and not increase anything. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the one fact that has been a constant across the board is that they have to go to $1.25 across the board. Mayor Hache stated that they have facts but they are incomplete.

Ms. Mailander reminded them that the only data they can compare is in the lots, any of the kiosks on the street are just the streets and they are not broken out. Mayor Hache asked if there was a meter maid collecting on street meters and why don’t they know what that amount was. Ms. Mailander stated that they have the all streets collection, but it is not broken out. Councilwoman Walsh stated that they have the data and can go by zone on Parkmobile. Councilwoman Knudsen asked if two ordinances could be prepared for next week, one with $1.25 across the board, and one $1.25 on the street and $1.00 on the lot. She added that this was an idea to bring it to a conclusion, taking scenario y and z, prepare two ordinances, and then between tomorrow and Tuesday get the data together. Mayor Hache stated that his question to the CFO three weeks ago was why do they all of a sudden ignore the kiosks. If that data magically appears then it would be fine, but it was disgraceful that this information was given to them just before the meeting tonight. Councilwoman Knudsen reiterated her idea. Mayor Hache stated that a better differential to drive peoples behavior is $1.25 on the street and $.75 in the lots. Councilwoman Knudsen suggested drafting ordinances x, y, and z. Mayor Hache reiterated that he did not have information that he was entitled to as a member of the Village Council. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they have a clock that they are working on. Ms. Mailander stated that this is based on adopting this in January. Councilwoman Knudsen asked when they would have to publish everything. Ms. Mailander stated that it would potentially become effective January 28th.

Councilman Sedon and Mayor Hache talked about the percentage increase from the kiosks and possible amounts. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if you do the differential and you need to make up the money on a certain percentage of usage. With the differential, it’s enough to drive more people to the lots than you anticipate so more paying at the $.75 or the $1.00, there are so many unknowns that they could sit here and try to come up with precise numbers, but it was really impossible because there were too many configurations and outcomes. If you were to drive too much of that traffic to the $.75 and coupled with a greater fall off at the $1.25 they were in trouble. Mayor Hache stated that in a screenshot of the presentation done showed exorbitant percentages. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they can assume those percentages are wrong. Ms. Mailander stated that she believes he came back and gave the correct numbers, but she would get that again.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she thinks for clarity, if they could re-work the Parkmobile numbers, perhaps they could do an outline of what they would like to see in the scenarios and projections. Ms. Mailander asked what she would like included. Councilwoman Walsh stated that they should include what is allowable by the State, but also the projection with the 20% so they can see it, and go line by line. He is including what is allowed by the State, but the Village is still getting that revenue and it just may not be shown in the budget. Councilwoman Knudsen reminded her that the increase to $.75 was already in when the kiosk was installed. Councilwoman Walsh stated that they rely on other forms of income, as well, aside from the kiosk. She reiterated what she wanted to see the scenarios. The Village Councilmembers were in agreement. Ms. Mailander stated that she would get that so they could hopefully look at it over the weekend.

5. Amend Parking Ordinance – Cottage Place and Cottage Place Annex Lots

Ms. Mailander stated that based on Councilwoman Walsh’s observation, and others in the Village Council, the CBD spots in Cottage Place tend to be empty. They have decided to make both Cottage Place and Cottage Place Annex all equal. They will be 9 hours on Saturday and 11 hours Monday through Friday. This means that people can pay at either kiosk and it is open parking with CBD employees or anyone who wants to park long-term.

d. Budget

1. Declare Surplus – 2003 Packer – Solid Waste Department

Ms. Mailander stated that they are declaring a 2003 Packer truck as surplus. The vehicle number is SW-268. The service records reveals it has 104,051 miles on it and has an electrical issue. Crane Carrier has gone out of business and they are finding it increasingly difficult to find parts, including the diagram of the electrical map. When the electrical system fails, the emergency brake is automatically engaged, causing the truck to come to an abrupt stop. There was a minor injury to the driver at one time because of that. Therefore, it was declared unsafe and taken off the road. The determination is to declare it as surplus and strip it for spare parts for the other 2003 Crane Carriers that are still operational.

2. Award Contract – 2020 Concession Refreshment Service – Graydon Pool – Parks and Recreation Department

Ms. Mailander stated that this was for Graydon Pool’s Water’s Edge Café. This is the second year of a two-year contract. It pays the Village $9,500 for the season, which is the same as it was in 2019.

3. Award Contract – School Bus Transportation Services – Parks and Recreation Department

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for Parks and Recreation, it is the second year of a two-year contract with Trans-Ed of Paterson, and the amount is not to exceed $19,000.

4. Award Contract – Replace HVAC – Emergency Services

Ms. Mailander stated that this is replacing the HVAC in Emergency Services. Three more written quotes were obtained by the Signal Division, and the lowest responsible quote was from DeSesa Engineering Company, of Livingston, in the amount of $26,275.

5. Award Contract – Sourcewell Co-Op Purchasing Program – Western Snow Plow for 2020 Ford F250 Pickup – Engineering Division

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for a Western snow plow for a 2020 Ford F250 pickup in the Engineering Division. They recently received a new pickup truck and it now have to have it equipped with a snow plow because the Engineering Division helps with the snow plowing. It will be purchased from FDR Hitches in Hawthorne, and this is under the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program. The contract is not to exceed $7,153.56.

6. Budget Transfer Resolution

Ms. Mailander stated that this an annual resolution and this is transferring from budgets with extra funds to those budgets that do not have sufficient funds.

7. 2020 Cash Management Plan

Ms. Mailander stated that this is an annual resolution which is used as a guide for depositing and investing Village funds. No plan changes are proposed for 2020.

8. 2020 Temporary Budget for Current, Water and Parking

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for current, water and parking, and is necessary to satisfy financial obligations and is 26.25% of the 2019 budget amounts.

9. Award Professional Services Contract – Site Remediation – Hudson Garage

Ms. Mailander stated that this is a professional services contract for site remediation for the Hudson Garage. Soils encountered during the excavations for footings for the garage showed an elevated level of lead in one sample. This might possibly be because of the fact that there was a pistol range there at one time when the Fire House was there. This changed how the site soils could be disposed of and required the Village to obtain the services of a Licensed Site Remediation Professional. They hired First Environment to do so. They also questioned how to dispose of the concrete rubble encountered during excavation work. First Environment tested the rubble and provided certification for its legal and proper disposal. They continued to examine site soils and the options to dispose of them. The Village is looking at up to 5,000 tons of material to dispose of at a cost between $54.00 per ton to $180.00 per ton.

Working with First Environment, site soils were re-tested and a more refined characterization was developed. This resulted in being able to dispose of the majority of excess material offsite for the lower $54.00 per ton. Ms. Mailander stated that when the contract was first awarded to First Environment it was for $50,000, but she is recommending an additional $125,000 to resolve the site soil environmental issues. The estimate is predicated on no additional unknowns being uncovered during the remaining footing excavations. They have the ability to reuse the soils on site in accordance with NJDEP regulations and have been able to almost half the cost of soil disposal.

10. Award Contract – School Crossing Guard Services

Ms. Mailander stated that this is the second year of a two-year contract to the sole bidder with All City Management Services, and it is not to exceed $387,369.45 for 31 morning and 31 afternoon posts.

11. RBSA Donation of Fall Maintenance Program to Various Village Athletic Fields

Ms. Mailander stated that this is a $16,000 donation, so they need a resolution to accept the donation.

12. Award Contract – State Co-Op Purchasing Program – 2019 Ford F250 – Water Pollution Control Division

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for the Water Pollution Control Division to replace a rusted pickup truck, WP-53, that will also be added to the snow plow fleet. The pickup will be purchased through the New Jersey State Cooperative Purchasing Program. However, she was told that the residual capital funds were for a tanker truck, so they need to rewrite the ordinance to rename it as a pickup truck. They can do the resolution after the ordinance is effective.

13. Award Professional Services Contract – Software for Finance Department

Ms. Mailander stated that this is an annual contract with Edmunds & Associates, who are the sole provider of the software covered in this contract for the Finance Department. The 2020 contract amount is $23,058.75 plus $350.00 for estimated tax billing. The $1,869.00 increase from 2019 is due to the addition of on-line employee self service payroll. The contract covers support on Tax Collection, Financial Accounting, Escrow Accounting, Payroll, Human Resources and Accounts Receivable.

14. Award Contract – Preparation of 2020 Village Council Meeting Minutes

Ms. Mailander stated that she advertised for someone to prepare synopsis minutes for the 2020 Village Council meetings. As a reminder, Caitlin Powers is the one who prepared it for 2019 at $9.00 a page. Two people picked up the specifications and one valid proposal was received by the deadline. Again, it was from Caitlin Powers and it remains at $9.00 per page for 2020.

15. Award Change Order – Roofing of Graydon Pool Buildings

Ms. Mailander stated that the re-roofing of the buildings at the Graydon Pool facility was awarded to Tri-State Roofing. They began immediately on the managers/first aid station building, and then moved on to the concession/badge building. It was discovered that the rafters and plywood were rotted and needed to be reconstructed in order to finish the work. The additional repair requires funding of $3,300. The total amount now equals $22,800.

16. Award Contract – Landfill Disposal of Solid Waste

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for the dumping fees. Three bid packages were picked up and two bids were received. IWS Transfer Systems of Teaneck was the lowest bid with $80.49 per ton and the travel distance was 10.9 miles. It was previously $66.95 per ton, and the average tonnage disposed per year, for the last six years, is 8,620 tons.

17. Funding for Ridgewood Library Reimagine Project

Ms. Mailander stated that they have the sample resolution which indicates that the Village Council is in favor of the Reimagine Project. It endorses it and provides a commitment for the Village Council to appropriate $2 million in municipal funding towards the $7.7 million project. Ms. Mailander asked if there is any discussion or any changes that the Village Council wanted on this resolution or were they willing to vote on this next week as is.

Councilman Voigt stated that he was fine with it. Mayor Hache and Councilwoman Walsh stated that they were okay with it. Councilman Sedon stated that he wanted it off the consent agenda. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she needed to read through the whole thing because her feeling is that years ago her recommendation before they got to this point was to remove some of the fancy or more expensive components and that would have significantly changed this $7.7 million pricetag. She is not really comfortable with this and has to think a bit more, and would meet with Nancy. The conversation that happened in 2015, was serious a one and she continues to be serious about those statements today. Ms. Mailander stated that they would put it on the agenda for next week, but take it off the consent agenda.

e. Policy

1. Amend Zoning Ordinances – OB-1 and OB-2 – Rt. 17

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for adding the instructional schools as requested. The Planning Board has given the Village Council the form in which they intend it to be introduced so they will do it at the next meeting.

2. Permit for Winter Door Enclosures for Businesses

Ms. Mailander stated that this was up for Public Hearing, and there are a lot of changes from the Planning Board. They need to decide if they want to go ahead with the Village Council version, or incorporate some of the Planning Board recommendations. If their recommendations are incorporated the Village Council has to defeat the current ordinance and then reintroduce this one next week and adopt it in January, making it effective at the end of January.

The revision from the Planning Board says from November through March, and she wanted to know how the Village Council felt about this change. Mayor Hache stated that they had talked about giving at least one month where it didn’t overlap with the café ordinance so there is one month of clear sidewalks. Ms. Mailander asked if they were okay with leaving it as January 1st. There was agreement from the Village Council.

Ms. Mailander stated that the ADA compliance provision from the Planning Board was new and asked if the Village Council wanted to incorporate that. Councilwoman Walsh asked if that was already a given. Mr. Rogers stated that it had been done with given dimensions, and he isn’t sure whether or not that complied with ADA. Ms. Mailander stated that if ADA compliance ever should change this would then comply with that. Mr. Rogers stated that would be a substantive change, to which Ms. Mailander agreed. There was agreement from the Village Council to include that change. There was also agreement to incorporate the 52 inch of unobstructed sidewalk clearance recommendation from the Planning Board.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Planning Board also recommended inclusion of the standard Village indemnification and liability insurance clauses, and the anchoring system for the enclosure to be approved by the Village Engineer. There was agreement from the Village Council to include these changes. Ms. Mailander stated that they would defeat the current ordinance on Public Hearing, hold the Public Hearing because it had been advertised, introduce this one, and put it on the Special Public Meeting on January 8th to adopt.

3. Resolution Calling for Study Commission to Review Open Public Records Act

Ms. Mailander stated that this is recommended by the League of Municipalities and has specific information about OPRA requests in Ridgewood and the costs for the past three years. It calls for a study commission to be formed to review OPRA and perform a comprehensive reform of OPRA. It is an old law and hasn’t been updated to incorporate social media and technology. The Village is more than willing to provide public records to residents but it has become a lucrative business for some. The Village can only charge per page for printing, and she is sure that the companies are charging their clients money to do these Phase I investigations. It is being used for other uses than what it was intended. She believes that it is time for it to be looked at comprehensively. Senator Weinberg’s bill which has been in the Legislature for several years does not address all of the issues. The League and Municipal Clerks Association of New Jersey believes that the best thing is to form a study commission to review it. It would include appropriate stakeholders to figure out how to best move forward with OPRA so that it allows the release of public records without it becoming a commercial endeavor.

4. County Wildlife Management and Action Plan

Ms. Mailander stated that this came to the Village through Mahwah and Wyckoff. Although they try to control wildlife in the Village, there is a lot of parkland. This urges Bergen and Passaic Counties to prepare a Wildlife Management and Action Plan to provide for conservation of wildlife and control of populations of deer, which in many cases have demuted wooded areas and caused accidents with cars, as well as coyotes.

f. Operations

1. 2020 Village Council Meeting Dates

Ms. Mailander stated that two dates have changed since the discussion in August. April’s final Work Session will be April 22nd, and then instead of June 24th as the final Work Session date they are moving it to June 17th so that the minutes can be completed before reorganization on July 1st.

8. REVIEW OF DECEMBER 11, 2019 PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Ms. Mailander stated that this was a review of the December 11, 2019 Public Meeting Agenda.

Proclamations: None.

Swearing in of Police Officer James Bigos.

Awards to Police Officers.

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

Resolutions for Ridgewood Water include: Title 59 Approval – Laboratory Analysis Services; Award Contract – Laboratory Analysis Services; Title 59 Approval – Annual PFAS Laboratory Analysis Services; Award Contract – Annual PFAS Laboratory Analysis Services; Title 59 Approval – Cold Water Meters; Award Contract – Cold Water Meters; Title 59 Approval – Tree Maintenance Services; Award Contract – Tree Maintenance Services; Title 59 Approval – Servicing and Repair of Potable Water Pumping; Award Contract – Servicing and Repair of Potable Water Pumping Facilities; Title 59 Approval – Furnishing and Delivering Sodium Hypochlorite Solution; Award Contract – Furnishing and Delivering Sodium Hypochlorite Solution; Title 59 Approval – Water Billing and Data Collection Services; Award Contract – Water Billing and Data Collection Services; Authorize Agreement – Emergency Interconnection – Borough of Waldwick; and Authorize Change Order – Improvements to Linwood and Cedar Hill Wells.

The following ordinances are scheduled for introduction: 3762 – Amend Chapter 190 – Establish Rules and Regulations for Winter Door Enclosures for Existing Restaurants; 3763 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Parking Meter Rates; 3764 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking in Cottage Place and Cottage Place Annex Parking Lots – Establish Flex Spots for Both Lots; 3765 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Permit Instructional Schools in OB-1 and OB-2 Zones; 3766 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Village Employee Parking Zone – Chestnut Street; 3767 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Permit for Two-Wheeled Motorized Vehicles in Park and Ride Lot and Garber Square Train Station Lot; and 3768 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Two-Wheeled Motorized Vehicles.

The scheduled public hearings include: 3755 – Police Department Salary Ordinance; 3757 – Amend Chapter 265, Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions in Hawes School Area; 3758 – Amend Chapter 105 – Animals – Definition of Kennel; 3759 – Amend Chapter 105 – Animals – Cat Licensing; 3760 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Cat Licenses; and 3761 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Winter Door Enclosures for Restaurants.

Resolutions include: Approve 2020 Village Cash Management Plan; Designate Official Newspapers for 2020; 2020 Annual Meetings Statement; Award Contract – Preparation of 2020 Village Council Meeting Minutes; Award Contract – HVAC Replacement – 33 Douglas Place; Title 59 Approval – School Crossing Guard Services; Award Contract – School Crossing Guard Services; Title 59 Approval – 2020 Concession Refreshment Service – Graydon Pool; Award Contract – 2020 Concession Refreshment Service – Graydon Pool; Title 59 Approval – Bus Transportation Services – Day Camp; Award Contract – Bus Transportation Services – Day Camp; Title 59 Approval – Landfill Disposal of Solid Waste; Award Contract – Landfill Disposal of Solid Waste; Award Contract under State Contract – Ford F250 – Water Pollution Control Division; Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – Western Snowplow for Ford F250 – Water Pollution Control Division; Award Professional Services Contract – Risk Management Consultants; Award Professional Services Contract – Employee Assistance Program; Award Professional Services Contract – Software for Finance Department; Authorize Additional Funding for Professional Services Contract – Site Remediation – Hudson Street Lot; Authorize Change Order – Roofing for Graydon Pool Buildings; Declare Property Surplus – 2003 Packer – Solid Waste Department; Approve 2019 Budget Transfers; Approve 2020 Temporary Budgets; Accept Donation – Ridgewood Baseball Softball Association – Fall Maintenance Program to Various Village Athletic Fields; Request Legislature to Establish Study Commission to Review the Open Public Records Act (OPRA); Request Bergen and Passaic Counties to Establish a Wildlife Management and Action Plan; Approve Joint Insurance Fund Commissioner; and Appoint Public Agency Compliance Officer (P.A.C.O.).

9. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he wanted to take some of his time to wish Mr. Rogers a happy birthday today. He was disappointed that the Village Manager mentioned snow removal in her report but did not mention leaf removal. Today was the last day for leaf pickup, but there was no pickup for round two. He is not clear about what is going on and why they are behind schedule. He received communication that the Vilage was on schedule last week, but there was no round 2 pickup in area C, and today was the last day that leaves could go out for round 3, but it didn’t look like a pickup was happening. His understanding is that the articulated one man machine is out of service again, and it was purchased three or four years ago and it has never worked correctly.

Mr. Loving stated that with the change order for the roofing at Graydon Pool, the low bidder just added another $3,000 to their bid, what was the bid from the next bidder. He doesn’t like when people come in and give a low bid and then the taxpayers are hit with a change order, and they really have to get that under control. He doesn’t know what the case is in this particular instance, but he also sees that they had to do site remediation at the garage. There was a guaranteed price for the garage, and are they going to exceed that guarantee with all of these change orders that are going to be happening with site remediation and hiring a consultant. Change order is a dirty word in his opinion.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she is area C also, and she asked about the second and third pickup. Ms. Mailander stated that at the time she was told that they were on schedule, but that was not the case. There is going to be a revised schedule that will be made, and she apologized about the pickups not happening. She added that they would have a couple of days until the pickup occurs, but they will have an updated schedule on the website. Councilwoman Knudsen also asked about the roof at Graydon and the rotted rafters. She asked if they could get a copy of the next bidder. Ms. Mailander stated that it indicates that it was under the shingles, but she would find out what the next lowest quote was.

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

10. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Walsh, seconded by Councilman Voigt, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 11:12 P.M.

 

 

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Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor

 

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Donna M. Jackson
Deputy Village Clerk