20200708 Village Council Public Work Session

A REGULAR WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD VIA ZOOM, DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ON JULY 8, 2020 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 7:34 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk.  Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney arrived at 7:46 P.M.

 

Mayor Knudsen 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, all our first responders, and all those fighting on the front lines against COVID-19.

 

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Kathryn Schmidt, 123 South Irving Street, stated that they caution that some businesses might over purchase their own use so that customers might not conveniently access curbside from other businesses, but perhaps a business might reserve a spot for use other than curbside pickup.  Her interest is in contactless curbside pickup for as many patrons as possible, nevertheless, they appreciate this type of public/private partnership that could benefit the businesses, the Village who would receive revenue, and customers who can access curbside pickup.  They do feel strongly, however, that if the signage for these spaces indicates that they are reserved for specific businesses and that the signage for 15-minute spots should indicate curbside pickup only.  Finally, Ms. Schmidt stated that they recommend using current loading zones for free 15-minute curbside pickup when loading is not prevalent.  This is a revenue neutral solution that simply provides more spaces for businesses and customers to use curbside.  She asked the Village Council to reach out to the Central Business District Advisory Committee with any questions they may have as they work through the right solutions for this important need for so many constituents in the Village.

 

Patrick Demeulder, 53 Crest Road, stated that he is a student at Ridgewood High School and he gets a lot of his information from Facebook.  When Mayor Hache was in office, he was posting daily updates about how many cases there were in Ridgewood on any given day, and Patrick was wondering if the Village Council was going to continue that.  From his point of view, it gave him peace of mind and he appreciated it.

 

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, stated that she looked forward to talking more about the budget this coming year with the new Village Council, making sure they are prudent in not spending as much and trying to be diligent.  They are going to have a really tough year with COVID-19 and she knows they are going to get money from the County, but she thinks they really need to look at everything that they are doing with spending as the budget is very high.  Ms. Lima also added that she was looking for an update or a status on the Visioning Process.

 

There were no additional comments from the public.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that regarding the comments from Ms. Schmidt, that will be discussed by the Village Council later on in the evening.  To Patrick, she has been reading the comments on social media as well regarding the COVID-19 updates and a number of months ago, she along with Dylan Hansen developed the COVID-19 reporting platform which they are currently using.  She thought at this point, because there aren’t many new cases, it was a new opportunity to rethink how to report the numbers so they have more relevance to the current situation.  Mayor Knudsen added that they are watching the taxpayer dollars very carefully, and Councilwoman Reynolds may be updating from the Planning Board meeting and a presentation by Neil Desai.

 

Mayor Knudsen added that five Village Councilmembers were just at Ridgewood High School for the 125^th Graduation, and she congratulated the graduates of the Class of 2020.  She stated that they should be thanking the graduates and the parents, because they have been gracious throughout these difficult months and they missed out on an awful lot.

 

3. MANAGERS REPORT

 

Welcome Back to Ridgewood, New Jersey – Ms. Mailander stated Welcome Back to Ridgewood, New Jersey is an event where retail establishments can place their products on tables located on the sidewalk and food establishments are permitted to have outdoor dining.  Food is also still available for pickup at the dining establishments.  It begins Saturday at 10:00 A.M. and continues to Sunday at 10:00 P.M.  The Central Business District from North Walnut Street to Broad Street will be closed to vehicular traffic along East Ridgewood Avenue, including the side streets of Oak Street, Prospect Street and Chestnut Street to become the pedestrian mall.  There will also be live music at various locations.

 

Retail businesses and outdoor dining in this area will be moved out into the streets from Saturday until Sunday.  Pedestrians will walk on the sidewalks, and there are arrows indicating which way to walk which are in the same direction as traffic moves.  There are also white painted dots on the sidewalks to indicate six foot distances so that people can social distance.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that all businesses and restaurants have signed a pledge to adhere to the CDC Guidelines.  Masks are strongly encouraged and she thinks the Governor today said that unless you can social distance you must wear a mask outdoors, and they are required to enter any business.   

 

Parking Kiosks and Meters – Ms. Mailander stated that parking kiosks and meters are now in effect.  As a reminder, the rates are $1 per hour in the lots and $1.25 per hour on the street.  The kiosks take credit cards and coins and the few meters that remain are 15 minute meters.  Parkmobile may also be used at the parking spaces, by downloading the app.

 

 

Graydon Pool – Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool is now open, and over the weekend they hit capacity three times. The people who came when they were at capacity waited in the parking lot and then were notified when they could come in.  Families are enjoying it, and seasonal memberships are available on Community Pass.  The Water’s Edge Café is also open this summer.

 

Village Offices and Departments – Ms. Mailander stated that all Village Offices are open to the public, with the exception of the Library, Monday though Friday 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.  She respectfully requested that you only enter Village buildings to do business, and loitering is prohibited in all Village buildings.  As a reminder, you must wear a mask to come into Village Hall and if you do not wear a mask they will have someone from the Department you wanted to see come outside and try and meet with you outside.

 

Kasschau Memorial Shell – Ms. Mailander stated that the Kasschau Memorial Shell presents a variety of free music programs on Tuesday and Thursday nights in June, July, and early August, beginning at 8:30 P.M.  They ask that you bring a chair or a blanket and encourage you to wear a mask and social distance when you place your chairs out on the field.

 

Garbage Pickup and Recycling Center – Ms. Mailander stated that garbage pickup remains at curbside this week and goes back to rear yard pickup on July 13^th.  The Recycling Center located on East Glen Avenue is for residential recycling and also cardboard from businesses in the Ridgewood Central Business District.  Employees will remove your recycling from your vehicle, so they recommend putting the recycling in your trunk.  No commercial landscapers will be permitted at the Recycling Center.

 

Farmers Market – Ms. Mailander stated that the Farmers Market with locally grown produce is open in the Train Station parking lot, every Sunday from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.  She asked that people please observe social distancing.

 

Household Hazardous Waste Collection – Ms. Mailander stated that the Bergen County Utilities Authority will be holding their Household Hazardous Waste collection on Saturday, July 18^th at Bergen County Campgaw Reservation.  This includes aerosol cans, antifreeze, fire extinguishers, paints, varnishes, pesticides, and used motor oil. 

 

Ridgewood Guild – Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Guild is sponsoring drive-in movies that are being shown in the Graydon Pool parking lot on Wednesdays.  Tonight, “Love Story” is being shown, and on July 22^nd it will be “Beetlejuice.”  It is $20 admission for each car and reservations are required by calling (201) 493-9911.  The movie starts at approximately 8:30 P.M.

 

Music in the Night – Ms. Mailander stated that this is a free music program in the Central Business District by the Ridgewood Guild on Friday nights in July and August.  Talented up and coming musicians perform for free and enhance the outdoor dining experience.  On Saturday and Sunday nights, there will be musical performances outside of Stella and in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. 

 

Upcoming Village Council Meetings – Ms. Mailander stated that the upcoming Village Council meetings are July 15^th which is a Village Council Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M. and the next meeting after that is August 5^th which is a Village Council Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., and then a Public Meeting on August 12^th at 8:00 P.M.

 

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Central Business District Advisory Committee – Councilwoman Perron stated that they met on June 25^th and outgoing Mayor Hache bid his adieu and he also mention that more Ridgewood residents need to be going downtown, and then he introduced her.  It was a very good meeting, and they discussed the Committee’s structure and they also formed a Curbside Pickup Committee.  They met again yesterday, and discussed the need to accommodate people who are at risk for getting COVID by having this “Reserve a Space” and that is going to be discussed later in this meeting. 

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that they are going to meet every two weeks during the summer, and are planning to meet again tomorrow via Zoom. 

 

Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Perron stated that they met this morning and there were several new members that joined.  Pure Impact Fitness opened on June 26^th, which is a really cool gym at 44 Franklin Avenue.  The members of the Chamber mentioned that landlords have been forbearing with respect to demanding rent but that will come to an end pretty soon.  They had a long curbside discussion, and asked when Village recycling of cardboard will resume.  Ms. Mailander stated that they need to bring the cardboard to the Recycling Center and have some business identification so that Village employees know they are from a Ridgewood business.  Councilwoman Perron stated that before, it was picked up at their establishment and she asked when that was going to resume.  Ms. Mailander stated that she didn’t know when it can resume, but they can get it recycled by bringing it to the Center.  Councilwoman Perron asked that they be kept posted.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that Chamber meetings are the second Wednesday of the month, so the next one is in August.

 

Open Space Committee – Councilwoman Perron stated that they will be meeting on July 16^th from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the Gate House at Habernickel Park.

 

Green Ridgewood – Councilwoman Perron stated that they met on June 16^th and discussed having on-line events because they can’t have in person events, such as movies and webinars regarding various environmental issues.  They talked about grants and perhaps calendaring grants so that they don’t find themselves with too little time.  They also talked about sustainable families, and an environmental resource inventory.  One of the members who works for the Water Utility is working on that and there are various areas where he will need some help.  The next meeting is July 21^st via Zoom. 

 

Fields Committee – Councilwoman Walsh stated that they had the Fields Committee meeting yesterday morning, and it was a full meeting with a lot of conversations that touched on many different things.  The first thing is the COVID challenges, and contact sports as most of them have not been able to do anything because of this.  The State is saying that sports will start mid-August, but that remains to be seen because really they are not sure what is going to happen at that point.  The Ridgewood School System is in a bit of limbo right now because we can do what we need to do on the fields if the schools open, but if the NJSIAA decides not want to resume sports then the schools need to decide what they are going to do.

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Ridgewood High School tennis court resurfacing is projected to be completed around August 10^th.  She added that the biggest challenge for our sports groups are whether they are actually going to have sports in the Fall.  There is a couple of different things that are triggers for these groups, primarily insurance payments are due which are large sums, so they are not going to be paying these large premiums if it doesn’t look like they are going to run the season.  They are hoping that there are going to be some limited practices, and they asked of the Village Council if they could get a discount on the fields because right now they are paying to use the fields.  They were hoping to get them waived or discounted so they can run the programs with a limited number of children.

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that a lot of the Maple Field Lighting Project was based on these programs filling their coffers and moving it along so they are going to have to think about that in a couple months.

 

Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee – Deputy Mayor Sedon thanked the Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee for putting on the flag raising which was a great event and it was nice to see that they could continue a tradition this year in a very challenging environment and he looked forward to a great 2021 celebration.

 

Mayor Knudsen thanked Tara Masterson and Leigh Gilsenan Saltiel for their work on the July 4^th Committee.  This year was very disappointing, but the Flag Raising was absolutely beautiful and well attended.

 

Planning Board – Councilwoman Reynolds stated that the Planning Board met last night and it was a Reorganization, so they reappointed the Chairman Richard Joel and Dianne O’Brien was voted in as Vice Chair.  They had a courtesy review for the proposed permanent lights at Maple Field and she wondered if what Councilwoman Walsh just said was going to change things because they expected about $140,000 from the sports groups as part of that.

 

They had a presentation from Neil Desai from NV5 and he presented a summary of the most recent public comments and the possible revisions to the draft.  The Subcommittee will be meeting in the next month or two to discuss those comments and see if they want to make any changes to the draft, and it will be discussed again at a September meeting of the Planning Board.

 

Visioning Process – Mayor Knudsen reminded everyone to visit VisionRidgewood.org.  The public comments and additional information relevant to any proposed changes will be posted. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that Planning Board member Francis Bartow was appointed as the Planning Board liaison to Open Space, so when and if there is a meeting she should be included on all emails pertaining to that.

 

5. DISCUSSION

             

1. Budget

 

1. Authorize Municipal Cares Act Grant Reimbursement Agreement

 

Ms. Mailander stated that through FEMA, the Village was getting 75% reimbursement for COVID related expenses.  Once they get that determination from FEMA, the Village can then process it through the Cares Act Grant which is being run through Bergen County.  This is the agreement to allow the Village to apply for the money and they will have to do a resolution in the Special Public Meeting so this can be signed and sent to the County.

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that if they are losing revenue because they weren’t able to open fields or due things to that effect that were impacted specifically by COVID would that be eligible.  Ms. Mailander stated that she would find out, but she thinks it is based specifically on expenses, such as purchasing things.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that the RBSA had some expenses because they had to get port-a-toilets and they have to wipe them down.  Ms. Mailander asked if that was a Village expense.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that was what she was wondering, because if they can’t get revenues because the sports can’t have its usual participation.  Ms. Mailander stated that she thinks it has to be a municipal expense. 

 

Mr. Rooney stated that it was possible that the money that Councilwoman Walsh was talking about they weren’t going to be able to pay over and could be reimbursed once the Village has to spend that money.  You have to spend it first, then you get reimbursed by FEMA and Cares, so they should talk offline about what that scenario is and how that plays out.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if they could take a pause as they go through each item as they have two new Councilmembers and it is a little different on Zoom.

 

2. Resolutions for Bond Sale

 

Ms. Mailander stated Bob Rooney, Chief Financial Officer, and Steve Sanzari, Treasurer, conducted several meetings with Josh Nyikita who is the manager with Acacia, the Village’s Financial Consultant.  They discussed bond issuance and notes which will occur in August, 2020.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the resolutions that the Village Council initially received included approximately $13 million to cover capital projects that they anticipated were going to be spent over the next year.  When they took a look at what the maturity schedule was and what the impact would be in debt service, they said lets just issue bonds for the notes that are outstanding currently.  The additional $13 million can go in short term financing to cover the expenses that they are anticipating to come up.  The resolutions in front of the Village Council currently, are for a combination of two General and Water Sale to be combined into one.  The other is for the approval of General Serial bonds to pay off current short term debt that matures in August.  The last time they had a bond sale was in 2019, where they sold bonds for the parking garage, and prior to that there was a sale in 2016 of approximately $18 million in general and $9.2 million in Water.  Mr. Rooney stated that the current interest rate today was approximately 1.45% and has been holding pretty steady.  The sale is proposed for July 23^rd with the proceeds being received in August, just in time to payoff the notes.

 

2. Parking

 

1. Amendment to Allocation of Parking in Hudson Street Parking Garage

 

Ms. Mailander stated that ordinances 3798 and 3802 designate how the various levels of the garage would be allocated and utilized by the public.  Given the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended that the Village Manager be allowed to have flexibility to amend the parking regulations in the garage and throughout the Village as a whole for parking.  That would only be done once a resolution by the Village Council is adopted.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that currently, levels two and three of the garage are designated for premium parking permit holders only, and given that many people are not going back to New York City at the moment, to leave it at that there may be a lot of empty spots.  This would allow them to reallocate and allow the Village Manager to do such things as create the curbside pickup spots.  They also did suspend the parking regulations in residential zones during the COVID-19 pandemic because many people were home and needed space for their car.  This allows more flexibility than having to do an ordinance every time, which is at least a two month process.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that she brought this up at the Chamber of Commerce meeting that morning and they felt it was a great idea to give the Village flexibility to fill the spots and utilize them as needed.  Deputy Mayor Sedon added that this still came before the Village Council before any changes were made, and this just allowed for a quicker turnaround time, so he was okay with that.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked Mr. Rogers if someone is issued a summons and by Code it is one thing, but by resolution it is something else, how is that enforceable.  Mr. Rogers stated that the way that this would work, and he made a recommendation to Sergeant Chuck about this, the ordinance would be in place and when it comes before the Village Council as a resolution they need to define the cause or need for the temporary change and the timeline.  Giving the flexibility to the Village Manager there has to be a determination to why this is being done and the basis for the regulations and then consider whether or not down the road it is going to need an ordinance to make it fully effective or do they allow this temporary situation to go on.  They have to back it up and take the action to be vigilant with it.  Mr. Rogers stated that he believes that it would be enforceable if somebody violated the regulations once they are adopted through this process.  As long as this is done on a temporary basis until a particular event subsides, they should be fine.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if they were suspending an ordinance to allow for something in lieu of that ordinance even though there is a resolution controlling on a temporary basis, technically there is nothing controlling those spaces.  Mr. Rogers stated that there is an ordinance in place that allows under certain circumstances defined in a resolution, regulations could be set with the consent of the governing body for that time period in order to make the adjustments for that to happen.  He believes with that ordinance permitting that type of establishment of regulations in a temporary basis he thinks they should be fine.

 

Mayor Knudsen suggested a situation where an ordinance is suspended on a three hour spot for Grab and Go, and someone parks there for the entire day, and she asked what can be done.  Mr. Rogers stated that you still have the ordinance that is in place that is violated, but they can enforce the regulations that are effectively set up by the enabling ordinance through the regulations that are going to be set through resolution by the Village Council.  Mayor Knudsen asked how you could issue a summons based on a resolution.  Mr. Rogers stated that if the rules and regulations are established, although they are established in a resolution, the authority to do so is in the ordinance that they are about to consider because this may from time to time change, and it is only on an interim basis that things are going to be there.

 

Sergeant Chuck stated that the way the Police Department would see this is if there was a 30 minute time frame for pick up and drop off, in the resolution they would cite a time limit restriction ordinance and give it enforcement characteristics through the resolution.  Mayor Knudsen stated they would be referring to a very specific code that would identify the violation in a resolution, but she saw challenges regarding a ticket.  Mr. Rogers stated that it may get challenged, but they were on decent legal ground and could discuss it further.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds stated that Ms. Mailander had said that the residential parking rules had been relaxed and she asked if for overnight parking they were still able to park in the street.  Ms. Mailander stated that for now that was allowed.  Councilwoman Reynolds asked about streets where it said no parking from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.  Ms. Mailander stated that those are mostly around schools, and since the schools haven’t been in session, it is allowed.

 

Mayor Knudsen went back to the amending/modifying parking regulations and asked if the suspending of the residential parking regulations was done by resolution by Village Council.  Ms. Mailander stated that was correct.  Mayor Knudsen asked how that was different from this current discussion.  Ms. Mailander stated that they did that as a courtesy to residents.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she understood that, but she was asking because they never took a resolution from the Village Council to do that.  Mr. Rogers stated that they did adopt a resolution that dealt with the reopening plan and you could certainly make the association that the plan included parking and other aspects that were part of that plan to allow for reopening of the Village.  That plan came about in a whirlwind, and this is more of a refined and more thoughtful way of approaching it.

 

2. Amendment to Time Limit for Walnut, Prospect and Chestnut Lots

 

Ms. Mailander stated that ordinance 3798 made the fact that there was a three hour parking time limit for the Walnut, Prospect, and Chestnut parking lots considering that the parking garage was going to open July 1^st.  This was made effective June 30^th, but they wanted to suspend that temporarily until they go back to having the availability in the garage for people to park and then they can notify the commuters in those lots that they will no longer be able to park there.  Given the fact that there are so few people commuting at this time, it doesn’t make sense.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked why they wouldn’t keep the ordinance as planned and let the handful of placard owners know that they can park at the Train Station in the interim.  If they can, get more shoppers and diners in those lots and send a notice to them that it would be first come first served in the Train Station lot which has been vacant.  She suggested that the parking garage was going to be done within four weeks and she didn’t think anyone was going to go back to working in the city within four weeks.  Ms. Mailander stated that the permits for the Train Station are the premium parking permits, so anyone who has a regular parking permit will not be able to park there unless they pay by Parkmobile or by going to the kiosk.  They have now limited the people with hangtags to parking only in Cottage Place.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that if it is sitting there vacant, and this was the ordinance that they had planned to entice shoppers and diners into that area, she feels that they should go through with what was planned and for a 30-day basis let those placard holders park in the Train Station.  Ms. Mailander stated that they would be violating that ordinance.  She added that this is an instance where the previous ordinance would come in handy as they could do a resolution and leave that ordinance in place.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that Ms. Mailander suspended everything anyway without the Village Council, so she didn’t understand why they wouldn’t just say exactly what Councilwoman Walsh is saying.  The Village Manager suspended the overnight parking and meter regulations, created the curbside pickup, created the Grab and Go spaces without any of the Village Council, so if she did all of that without them she was confused.  Ms. Mailander stated that she thinks a lot of them are good ideas and again they were doing it to assist residents.  They realized that people staying home meant there were more cars and that people were coming home, so there would be more cars.  Mayor Knudsen stated that even though that may have happened on day one, they have had about ten meetings after that and they never had a resolution to suspend those regulations.  She added that she disagreed with how the curbside pickup spaces were created, and that was done without the Village Council.  She added that the meters were suspended but that was never discussed by the Village Council.  Ms. Mailander stated that the Council did discuss the meters.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that Councilwoman Walsh made a great suggestion as the lot is empty and why wouldn’t they just do first come first served, but if Ms. Mailander did all of these things without a resolution before why would they need the resolution now.  Ms. Mailander stated that all the resolution is doing is having the ordinance which is now in place not be enforced.  If they want to get the commuters out of the lots and say first come first served at the Train Station, they can do that because that’s what the ordinance does.  This is really more about what is happening in those other three lots and whether or not they want to enforce that.  Mayor Knudsen stated that the point is they can remain in other lots, as well.  Ms. Mailander stated that under this ordinance they can’t and that’s what this does.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she thinks what Councilwoman Walsh is suggesting is that they continue with the resolution to suspend that. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that the intent of the shift from Walnut, Prospect and Chestnut was to move all of these commuters to the garage.  Because they are in this lull now, and the Train Station parking lot is sitting vacant, she suggests continuing with what their plan was and the ordinance remains.  They hope to have the parking garage open within four to six weeks, and they will be in the parking garage.  She thinks they would be appreciative that they would get to use the Train Station if they were commuting.  Mayor Knudsen stated that it was a great solution, and they were still going to do the resolution.  Councilwoman Reynolds stated that was a great idea, and Councilwoman Perron stated it was fine with her.  Mayor Knudsen stated that they were going to do the resolution, continue to suspend that piece and then send out communications that they can park in the Train Station and continue to monitor the situation.  Ms. Mailander stated that the resolution indicates that the Village Manager can then state that on this date when the garage is open it will revert to just shoppers and diners in these lots.  Mayor Knudsen stated she wanted to make sure that everyone gets time to understand what is going on so they don’t suddenly get slammed with tickets.  Ms. Mailander stated that they are going to suspend the ordinance so they don’t get slammed with tickets.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated they should contact everyone with commuter parking who is parking in those lots and tell them for now they can go to the Train Station and are welcome to park there on a first come first served basis.  This way, they start to see if they empty those lots and more shoppers and diners have spots.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that it also gives them a heads up on the change that is coming and they can start planning accordingly.  Ms. Mailander agreed.

 

At 8:48 P.M., Deputy Mayor Sedon made a motion to suspend the Work Session and go to a Special Public Meeting.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

6. SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING - SEE SEPARATE MINUTES

 

At 8:48 P.M., Deputy Mayor Sedon made a motion to adjourn the Special Public Meeting and reconvene the Work Session.   Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

7. PRESENTATION – EAGLE SCOUT CANDIDATE – PAUL NASR

 

Paul Nasr, Eagle Scout Candidate, stated that he is going to be a junior at Ridgewood High School and is a boy scout in Troop 7.  His project is officially titled ‘Village of Ridgewood Train Station Green Space.’ During the school year he would often walk home through the Train Station parking lot and after discussing ideas for the project with his parents they talked about improving some kind of green space.  He noted that there was some level of discontent among some residents of the Village with the recent renovations of the parking lot.  At that point he decided he wanted to work toward aesthetic improvement and development of a sitting area.  In October 2019, he met with Peter Affuso of the Public Works Department, and Mr. Affuso expanded on this idea with pedestrian safety as a larger goal.

 

Paul stated that to do this, he would develop plans to naturally divert pedestrian traffic to crosswalks through the use of plantings.  In diverting the foot traffic, the overall aesthetics would be improved creating a sitting area at a metal bench that had been placed and would be further ameliorated by plants. He was connected with R&S Landscaping who gave him recommendations in terms of plants.

 

Paul stated that he met with Mr. Babunovic who helped him determine the needs from the Boy Scouts of America as he was a previous scout master in Troop 7 and served as other people’s project coaches in prior years.  Paul stated that Public Works made it clear that they wanted plants that were low maintenance in terms of water needs and can take full sun exposure.  He decided on tall plants, ground cover plants, and flowering plants.  He shared images, including a rough draft created by Mr. Affuso which gave a general sense of the project.

 

Paul stated that regarding funding, he has received discount and donation offers from multiple nurseries to keep these costs as low as possible, but he still needs to host something such as a bake sale to raise additional funds.  Regarding safety concerns, the Boy Scouts of America have expressed the need for safety of the scouts regarding their proximity to the road as they will be working near the exit drive.  To prevent any possible chance of injury, Paul stated that it will be made clear that they have to work within the island.  Cones and caution tape will be in use to prevent them from straying onto the road.  They will also have access to four parking spaces as a staging area.

 

Paul stated that regarding COVID precautions, the plan is to complete the project over the summer and everyone will wear masks and undertake social distancing precautions.  Tools will be sanitized between uses, and standard worksite precautions such as water and a first aid kits will be available.  He shared his contact acknowledgements within the Boy Scouts and others that he worked with.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked if Paul was going to put in a bench.  Paul stated that there was a bench that was recently added by the Village.  Councilwoman Reynolds asked if he could point out on the diagram where the bench is.  She added that the plants that Paul talked about were Spring and Summer plants, and then in the Fall and Winter it all dies back.  So, that area probably would get walked on in the Winter because there is nothing left there.  She suggested putting some evergreen bushes instead of the hydrangeas or the grasses.  She added that hydrangeas may need watering in the full sun.  Paul stated that there was irrigation at the site.  Mr. Rutishauser added that irrigation is at the Train Station.  Councilwoman Reynolds suggested asking the garden centers what they think regarding plantings.

 

Councilwoman Perron added that she was very glad Paul was doing this, as she almost fell in one of the beds at the July 4^th celebration and it is a liability to have that open mulched area and people walking on it.  She asked if he looked into using yews.  Paul stated that he had not looked into those but he certainly will.  Councilwoman Perron asked if Paul was thinking about perennial or annual flowers.  Paul stated that he was not entirely sure, but it would depend on availability.  Councilwoman Reynolds stated that she assumed they would all be perennials.

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she has a couple of hydrangeas that you have to be careful with, and suggested googling full sun on the internet and coming up with some additional plants.  Councilwoman Perron added that if he has choices, he might consider native plants as they require less water.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that it was a great project.  He asked Mr. Rutishauser about historic plaques in the old walkway of the Train Station and after the renovation they were moved for safety reasons and he asked if those were going to come back.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that those were the responsibility of NJ Transit.  Deputy Mayor Sedon asked if they could look into it.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they could make an inquiry.

 

Mayor Knudsen thanked Paul and stated that she loved this project and suggested that he might want to reach out to Councilwoman Reynolds regarding the plants.  She added that she was excited as it added a finishing touch to that space.

 

Paul asked if there were any specifics regarding the dates that he would be able to work there.  Mayor Knudsen stated that his dates would probably be driven by his plants, but he could talk to Mr. Rutishauser.  Councilwoman Reynolds stated that the middle of the summer is probably the worst time to plant and if he could hold off until September that might be better.  Mayor Knudsen stated that her suggestion would be to reach out to Councilwoman Reynolds to confirm plant choices.  Mr. Rutishauser suggested reaching out to his office to confirm dates.

 

8. DISCUSSION

             

1. Ridgewood Water

 

1. Award Professional Services Contract – PFAS Rate Setting and Review of Water Rates for 2021

 

Ms. Mailander stated that as discussed during the budget hearings, there will be a PFAS surcharge beginning in 2021 and in order to do that, they would like to hire Howard Woods.  He is already familiar with Ridgewood Water and had successful past project work.  He will assist Ridgewood Water in developing an equitable surcharge for the treatment of PFAS and all the different wells.  This will balance with the budget.  This would be in an amount not to exceed $9,000 and it is coming from the Water Utility Operating Budget.

 

Mr. Calbi stated that he thought it was very important to have whatever rate they determine to be independently verified, particularly this one, bearing on the fact of the current complaint and the amount of money that is going to be invested over time, and that they lay it out in the right fashion for the ratepayer.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the surcharge is for the ratepayers, and it was ironic that they were going to be paying a surcharge for contamination that we have nothing to do with.  Mr. Calbi stated that the idea and hope would be that they would offset the budget at a later time with monies received from grants or any possible settlements.  They need a funding mechanism to pay for the debt and rates would have to go up hugely to do that.  The idea is to do a surcharge and then eventually eliminate that and then use the balance to stabilize rates. 

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that she thought it was great.  Councilwoman Reynolds asked if this surcharge would take care of PFAS for everyone or only certain tanks.  Mr. Calbi stated that this would be for the entire system and will consider the entire amount that they have come to for the planning study and it is about $100 million capital investment over five to six years.  This will pay for treatment either in the form of granulated activated carbon or resin treatment and it will also be centralizing the treatment system.

 

2. Award Professional Services Contract – Booster Zone Gravity Tank Feasibility Study

 

Ms. Mailander stated that for over ten years the NJDEP has imposed a moratorium on new water service connections in the booster zone.  This restriction has forced new developments to construct groundwater wells and not be afforded the safety and reliability of a dedicated water main in the street.  Ridgewood Water previously studied a proposed gravity storage, but it was abandoned because there were a lot of neighbors who were very concerned about the height and size of the proposed water tower.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that at this time, Ridgewood Water would like to reexamine the feasibility of constructing a new water tower and also possibly evaluate alternatives to a water tower.  The goal is to evaluate options and discuss this with the NJDEP to see if the moratorium could be eliminated.  Mott MacDonald was involved with the 2004 preliminary tank design and also prepared the Ridgewood Water hydraulic model.  Based on past project experience, they are probably best suited for this service.  The recommendation is to hire Mott MacDonald of Iselin in an amount not to exceed $78,000 and this is in the Water Capital budget.

 

Mr. Calbi stated that this would be done in two phases, so there is task one and two and they total $26,000.  Those will be done to determine if there is a need to construct the tank.  They may find that they have done enough improvements in the system already to get off that moratorium and at that point they would expend the remaining funds.  If gravity storage is the only way for them to get off that moratorium they would then proceed with task three.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if there was any indication that the gravity tower would be greeted with open arms now.  Mr. Calbi stated that he wasn’t here for the last project but he heard how it was approached at the time and he thinks there is a better way to approach it now.  This tank comes at a very high cost, but he does think that the climate is better now for that type of proposal.  Councilwoman Walsh suggested that Mayor Knudsen could reach out to the Mayor of Wyckoff to give them an idea of what is being planning because the Mayor and Council there are going to be the ones that are going to get resident input to come back to the Village with.  Mr. Rogers stated that he thinks they can anticipate pushback and rejection on this and have to do whatever they can to at least understand how much they are going to have if they go ahead with this.  Mayor Knudsen and Mr. Calbi agreed that they should reach out.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked if development was actually planned.  Mr. Calbi stated that there have been developments that have gone ahead, but he doesn’t know of any other developments in the works.  There are other customers in the area that want to get off the well and connect to the system and they can’t.  The only time they have allowed it is if the septic system fails and there is a public health issue, but otherwise they cannot allow it due to the moratorium.

 

3. Award Contract Under State Contract – 2020 Ford F550 Super Cab

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this was going to be purchased from Route 23 Automall in the amount of $55,084.  It will be fitted with a new stainless steel dump body to be purchased from Cliffside Body Corporation of Fairview and this is under the New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Contract in an amount not to exceed $19,883.70.  This will make it a dump truck which can be used in the Water Department.  The new truck will replace a 2010 Ford F550.  Funding is found in the Water Utility Capital account.

 

4. Award Contract Under State Contract – Vehicle Tracking System Software Contract Renewal and Additional Vehicle Installation

 

Ms. Mailander stated that since 2018 the Village has been tracking over 100 Village vehicles utilizing online software Vehicle Tracking Solutions.  It has been used for tracking response to customer emergent requests, finding the closest vehicle to a customer request, verifying accident and incident data by reviewing vehicle tracks, speed and stop times, monitoring snow plowing, and answering customer complaints on the number of times the plow passed and also vehicle speed and monitoring trips to transfer stations.  The one year contract ended on June 30^th of this year and they are recommending approval of a one year agreement with Vehicle Tracking Solutions under the SHI International Purchasing Cooperative of Somerset.  This will be not to exceed $30,915 and will run through June 30, 2021.  The per vehicle cost is $20.61 per month, which is a decrease from last years cost.  A total of 125 vehicles are projected to be covered by the system in this next contract.  The Departments that have this tracking system include Parks, Recycling, Streets and Fleet, Signal, Solid Waste, Water, Water Pollution Control, Engineering, Building, Health, Tax, and the Senior Bus.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked if there was something in the employee handbook that lets employees know about the tracking systems.  Ms. Mailander stated that they are definitely aware of it.  Mayor Knudsen asked if there was something in the employee handbook.  Ms. Mailander stated that she would have to check, but if there isn’t the Human Resources Manual does have to be revised sometime this year and after that revision it will most certainly be in there.  Mayor Knudsen asked if there was a requirement to do so.  Ms. Mailander stated that the employees in the unions know about it

 

5. Authorize Change Order – Water Billing and Data Collection Services

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Computil was awarded the project in 2017 for 2018 to 2020 for $237,395 per year.  An additional $7,880 is required for additional programming which was not anticipated at the time of award.

 

Mr. Timmeny stated that this change order is for some programming that they asked Computil to do for two projects, the first being Watersmart and the total amount for that was $5,040.  They assumed that would be part of the $10,800 that they have for programming in the contract every year, what they did not anticipate this year was a change in the metering operation.  The company that provides the metering infrastructure, Neptune, is shifting their business platform to a more subscription based model and for the Village to get onto the new platform by the end of this year they have to spend $8,640 with Computil.  With the annual allowance dedicated to programming, this leaves them shy $2,880 and they added in an additional $5,000 because they do sometimes ask Computil to run additional reports.

 

6. Authorize Easement Agreement for Fair Lawn Condo Association – PVWC Interconnection

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Water is planning to construct an interconnection with the Passaic Valley Water Commission which involves the installation of water mains in Fair Lawn to transport potable water to Glen Rock.  An easement agreement with the Hallmark Arms of Fair Lawn Condominium Association is required for the installation of the above mentioned water main because it will go over a small portion of their property.  An easement fee of $3,650 would be due, and in addition an attorney fee of $1,150 for their attorney to review the easement and agreement was requested.  This resolution will allow execution of the agreement and allow it to be recorded in the Bergen County Clerk’s office as an easement agreement.  This has been accounted for in the Ridgewood Water Capital Budget.

 

Mr. Rogers stated that the easement agreement is going to be amended as he negotiated the legal fee on the other side down to $800.  Councilwoman Reynolds confirmed that this was a one-time fee.

             

2. Parking – None

 

3. Budget

 

1. Approve Refund and Canceling of Taxes for Disabled Veteran

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for a 100% Disabled Veteran’s Deduction at block/lot 2905-27 due to a wartime service-connected disability and certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  This was certified on January 29, 2020.  The governing body resolution usually returns a portion of property tax payments to the time of the effective date and then cancels them going forward.  The total amount paid since the effective date is $4,661.66.

 

2. Significant Sewer Discharger Fees

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village has an ordinance that establishes a fee structure based upon equivalent dwelling units (EDU’s) for commercial/industrial minor and significant dischargers to the Village’s sanitary sewage collection system.  Non-profit and tax-exempt properties are billed for the sewage treatment services they receive.  The rate was set at $4.27 per 1,000 gallons of flow in excess of 109,500 gallons per year discharged from commercial properties as measured by water meter consumption during the two winter quarters for 2019-2020.  Non-profits are billed from the first gallon of water they consume.

 

After examining our operating costs, and the cost of living increase rate, Mr. Rutishauser recommends the current rate be maintained at $4.27 per 1,000 gallons for 2020.

 

3. Declare Surplus – Tub Grinder Conveyor Belt

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the conveyor belt from the old tub grinder used to turn up the leaves in the Fall, is to be declared surplus.  The belt is in several sections and is unusable.  Mr. Rutishauser recommends the conveyor belt be declared surplus so it can be sold or disposed of.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if that could be sold.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Streets Division has heard of a resident that wanted some sections which if that comes to fruition would be a plus to the Village because then they wouldn’t have to pay for disposal.  Mayor Knudsen asked what the material could be used for.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the resident wanted to use it as a weed barrier.

 

4. Authorize Shared Services Agreement – Snow Plowing Services (Bergen County)

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is an annual agreement with Bergen County for snow plowing where the Village plows the roads in Ridgewood that are County roads and then the Village is reimbursed at the rate of $110 per hour.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked if the $110 was for man hours.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it was per operated vehicle per hour.

 

5. Award Contract – Technical Support for SCADA System – WPCF

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they received a quote for one year of technical support by Turtle and Hughes Inc. of Whippany for our Rockwell Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) on April 22, 2020.  This is to provide technical help for the SCADA system.  The cost will be $6,380.19.  The work of this project is in the Operating Budget.

 

6. Award Professional Services Contract Additional Award Licensed Remediation Professional – North Walnut Street Redevelopment Area

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village received proposals to address requirements of NJDEP due to sub-surface contamination discovered during Phase I and II site investigations of the North Walnut Street Redevelopment Area.  The Village retained Brinkerhoff Environmental Services of Manasquan, as our Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) to address these and other NJDEP requirements and they have successfully done so since 2012.  After 8 years, additional funding is requested to continue the services of Brinkerhoff in providing the required LSRP services.  The award recommendation is $20,000.  This should carry us through the point of removing the old underground storage tanks located under the Walnut Street Lot.  If contamination is encountered, they will also need the LSRP for a further effort and the price would increase.  The Village’s goal at the end of this process will be to obtain a NJDEP “No further Action” determination for the North Walnut Redevelopment Area.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked what the Village has been paying Brinkerhoff to do for the last 8 years.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Village has to provide periodic reports to NJDEP, and the NJDEP also charges a site remediation fee yearly.  The prior Village Council authorized him to sign a report submitted to the NJDEP on our project status.  They have been slowly nudging the Village with an LSRP to get those tanks removed.  Councilwoman Reynolds asked about having removed the tanks 8 years ago.  Mr. Rutishauser agreed, but stated that there has been the chance that area is not going to be available for parking during the course of the work and the feeling was to construct the parking garage to provide the additional capacity.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked if the $20,000 would cover the cost of removal of the tanks.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they anticipate that would provide the technical assistance to bidding out the work, possibly during the work some type of assistance with the hope that they do not have some type of extensive contamination problem in the area.  The tanks were last seen in the 1960s, and they don’t know how effectively and cleanly they were demobilized.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon asked if there was a timeline to begin the work now that the parking garage is going to be completed and opened this year.  Mr. Rutishauser stated there were residual capital amounts from the bond that the Village had floated from the North Walnut Street Redevelopment and they can see how that matches up with the anticipated cost when they bid it out.  If they have a shortfall, it would be a capital budget request for 2021.  Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the cost was pretty extensive a number of years ago, and he asked what range that would be in to satisfy the NJDEP.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that would be difficult, but about 12 years ago they had estimated about $800,000.

 

Councilwoman Perron confirmed that they wouldn’t know how much mediation has to be done until the USTs are taken out.  Mr. Rutishauser confirmed that was correct as they wouldn’t know how much soil or groundwater.  There are at least two or possibly three sites.

 

7. Award Professional Services Contract – Environmental Engineering Services for Green Acres Diversion

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is to perform an environmental assessment report for the two properties which the Village brought to the Council regarding the Green Acres Diversion.  Brinkerhoff has given a proposal, and they were recommended by Topology which is the firm that the Village hired to get the diversion for Green Acres.  The two properties, Hammond Road and Marlborough Road Vacation are $6,000 per site as a cost.  In addition, the Village’s consultant is recommending that they also have an environmental assessment report for the Broad Street property where the diversion took place, which if it is confirmed that it needs to be done, and the cost is $2,800.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the great news is that they are moving forward with this diversion.  Once they are done with this, they may have to do one more thing.  Topology will help the Village put together a preapplication for the Green Acres proposal.  They will also help present it, and then it will be discussed by Green Acres and decided whether or not they approve it but indications have been that they are favorable to this proposal.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked under what circumstances were they interested in the South Broad Street property as that hasn’t been under Village ownership for years.  Ms. Mailander stated that was their argument, but whether or not Green Acres is going to accept it is questionable so that is what they are going to find out.

 

4. Policy

 

1. Reserve A Space

 

Ms. Mailander stated the proposed ordinance would be for 30 minutes which the businesses felt was better for errands.  Businesses would apply to the Village Manager with an application indicating the spots the businesses would like.  It would be reviewed by the Police Department and in conjunction with the Village Manager, it would be discussed and then a decision would be made.  For a full day closure, there will be a $20 fee per space, and if they wanted it from 5:00 P.M. onwards it would be a $10 charge per space per day.  The thought was to have a block captain to manage each block and she indicated that the only thing that the Police Department would be enforcing was the length of time that the individual was parking.  There would be quarterly payments to the Village by the 25^th of the month prior to the quarter.  She added that there would be no refunds of quarterly payments made and no refunds if it were inaccessible due to an event in the CBD or inclement weather.  This was created in conjunction with Engineering and the Police Department.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that at CBDAC they were also thinking about the 15 minute meter idea and maybe that could come after this ordinance because she thinks that might be different ways to provide curbside pickup on different streets.  She suggested 15 minutes meters for the loading zone idea.  There was some concern about the last sentence under Section I where it says that it would be for collection from the business owner assigned that parking space.  She added that they wanted the spaces for everyone whether a merchant paid in or not.  Professionals might also want to be part of this, so long as the signage mentions these spots are provided by specifically named businesses.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that she personally wouldn’t want to use the words Reserve A Space, because that speaks to the merchants frame of mind and perspective on this ordinance whereas the person driving up wants to know that these are curbside pickup spots.  Her personal concern is also idling which is bad for the environment and she asked if it was in conflict with the idling ordinance that the Village has.  Her personal preference would be for 15 minutes.  She thinks it is necessary for the at-risk population and she loves that this brings Ridgewood residents downtown.  She sees urgency in reinstating curbside pickup as soon as possible.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds stated that she does like the idea of contactless curbside pickup.  If that’s the way they are going to bill it though, she thinks that it has to specifically remain for curbside contactless pickup.  Ms. Mailander was saying that the merchants were saying a half an hour is needed to go pick something up, but if this is going to be a pull-in pull-out, they have to maintain that the people can’t leave their car to do other things.  She also thinks you can’t idle at all.  There should be something on the sign that while you are waiting you have to turn off your engine.  She is worried about cars lining up in a queue, but if people are using these spots only for curbside contactless pickup, hopefully it will flow well.  She thinks that there are people who are afraid to go into a restaurant, so she thinks it is important but they have to consider this carefully.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he agreed that 30-minutes was a long time, and if people want to come downtown and hang out, they should pay for a spot.  Otherwise, the idea for turnover is that you eliminate a lot of the potential for queuing and this could be a lot smoother.  Businesses in the vicinity would be the ones to utilize the spots with the thought that it is contactless curbside pickup and you do want to facilitate a turnover.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that she thinks this should come back by resolution so they have a pulse on the number of spaces.  She says this because the important thing about retail is that you need people out of their vehicles and experiencing.  By allowing access for 15-minute Grab and Go spots, they are undermining foot traffic in the CBD.  She cautioned everyone that if you want to promote activity downtown, the last thing you should be doing is creating an environment of Grab and Go with no time spent to window shop.  It’s two conflicting statements to say that you want people to come downtown and experience the CBD and in the next breath tell them to Grab and Go.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he didn’t know that there would be so much conflict, because if he doesn’t know what he’s going to do downtown, then maybe he’ll pay for a space, walk around and figure it out.  Whereas, if he orders food that is ready at a certain time, he just wants his food at that time.  Councilwoman Reynolds agreed that she really thinks that the curbside contactless spots should be for that purpose only to help the restaurants and consumers.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she wasn’t disagreeing, but you want to really monitor this because you wouldn’t want it to be so widespread that you are actually hurting businesses.  Councilwoman Reynolds stated that there shouldn’t be that many spots that are designated at the contactless curbside pickup, because if they do it right, they are going to turnover quick and there will be a spot for people when they arrive.  Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he definitely agreed with monitoring it closely for those reasons, as well as safety reasons.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that part of the thought behind the 30 minute concept was that a lot of people avoid coming to the Central Business District to do errands because on a Saturday, pre-COVID, it was difficult to find a spot.  So, the thought with 30 minutes was to let them have that time to do a few things downtown while they didn’t have to pay, and to be welcoming.  If they do the Grab and Go, it is going to be the restaurants and the food places that are going to benefit the most and not the retailers.  Mayor Knudsen stated that the question is since there are two competing ideas here, they have to decide what it is that they want to do.  She is good for the 15 minute Grab and Go and monitoring it. 

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that her feeling from the merchants and restaurants are that there was no clear preferences for one or the other type of space.  She had the same hesitancy as Mayor Knudsen that this would change the pedestrian culture that we want and maybe this would appeal to one segment of the population and another segment may be willing to walk through the streets.  They need to take into account peoples’ health and she thinks this is important for that reason.  She added that the Chamber of Commerce wanted to speak in public comment tonight and maybe they would be on at the end of the meeting. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the one thing she didn’t feel comfortable with was that somebody would be sponsoring spaces and she didn’t know that she would want to start to see different signs in all of these spaces.  Councilwoman Perron stated that she would like the town to create these signs and they should be not advertisement oriented at all.  Councilwoman Reynolds stated that was an advertisement, if it has somebody’s name on it.  Councilwoman Perron agreed but added that it shouldn’t be fancy.  Mayor Knudsen stated that if they are going to be the curbside contactless pickup they have to be clear with that type of signage and want things to be clear and concise.  Councilwoman Perron suggested making the signs two sided, but Councilwoman Reynolds stated that if they were never getting out of the car they wouldn’t see it. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that if the Village Manager does this, do they want to then see the spaces allocated through a resolution.  Ms. Mailander stated that it was really day to day operations, but she was going to take the advice of our Traffic Control Bureau, and they want to be able to have spaces in front of businesses where people will be able to park for a duration.  She added that her opinion is that she would be miserly with the spaces that they are giving up to the pickup but also be realistic in the sense that perhaps on a long block they would need more than one.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she disagreed that this was day to day operations.  Ms. Mailander stated that she would take the recommendations from the Traffic Control Bureau.

 

Sergeant Chuck stated that their concern is placement, dropping a single spot in the middle of the road is inherently confusing but convenient for that food establishment.  They will see a lot of people looking for a spot, parking in a 30 minute spot and then deciding to park there anyway and that will get under peoples skin if they get a ticket.  Originally, they were suggesting groupings of spots.  Enforcement would happen of the 15 or 30 minutes based on the enforcement officer seeing the beginning and end of that timeframe.  He added that signage would be better if they could make it less confusing.  He added that it is hard to ask someone not to idle their car in very hot weather.

 

Mayor Knudsen suggested that between now and next week when they revisit this, maybe they could have some kind of a plan as to what Sergeant Chuck is thinking about where these spaces would be and how they would be allocated.  She added that it is an enforcement issue as well if someone parks there for three hours because there are no meters.  There is really no way to deal with that because the meter is not running, so she sees it as a potential problem.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it would definitely be a bit of a problem for them now, but once they get the license plate reader in, hopefully in late August, there are some geotechnologies in there that would make it a lot easier.  Ms. Mailander added that with the plan they could show where they would feasibility put spots but they are going to do it specifically by request.

 

Councilwoman Walsh agreed with Ms. Mailander and stated that if they have only three locations where they are placed, then why wouldn’t it be easier to do 15 minute curbside pickup and leave it at that.  Mayor Knudsen suggested seeing what the application process brings, but agreed with Councilwoman Walsh.  Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the 15 minutes cuts down on egregious offenses, so if parking enforcement is at one end of the street and someone is already parked for 30 minutes and then have to be observe for another 30 minutes by parking enforcement.  Ms. Mailander summarized that they were saying 15 minutes, paid by the businesses, and they are okay with it being paid quarterly, and are okay with the cost per day.  Mayor Knudsen suggested having the Chamber of Commerce dealing with the payments, as opposed to having block captains.  Deputy Mayor Sedon suggested that maybe not everyone is a Chamber member.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that the ordinance mentions that they had to be either a Guild or a Chamber member.  Ms. Mailander stated that was only so the Village could go back to them if there was an issue, but it wasn’t her preference to put it in, so they could take that out.  Mayor Knudsen asked who put that in.  Ms. Mailander stated that Mr. Rutishauser thought it was a good idea in case someone did not make a payment.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds stated that there are always people that take advantage of things.  If they make it truly curbside contactless, that means you don’t get out of the car, so if there is somebody that’s parked there, you get a ticket, because they are not using the spot for what it is truly meant for.  Ms. Mailander agreed and stated they would bring it back next week.  Councilwoman Perron stated that she got no pushback from the Chamber or the Guild about captaining the effort even if a business wasn’t a member.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if there is an application, shouldn’t the payment be remitted by the person making the application at the time of application.  Ms. Mailander stated that it will be, but they would be collecting for their block payment.  Mayor Knudsen stated that it could be removed because it wasn’t relevant to the Village.  The other question is if spaces can be requested for a full day or partial day.  If they are going to condition people to use something, shouldn’t they make it all day or nothing, because this could actually cause more confusion.  Ms. Mailander stated that the thought was that most restaurants only want this for the evening and during the day it could be used as usual as are the spots outside of Roots for the valet.  Mayor Knudsen stated that this was different, because when Roots sets up for their valet people know it’s happening, and in her mind this is going to cause confusion.  Councilwoman Perron stated that she would like to hear from the business community on that.  Councilwoman Reynolds asked how they would do it if somebody parks in the spot at 3:30 P.M. and puts in enough money for three hours.  Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that like valet signs, the signs are there all the time, but they say that valet starts after 5:00 P.M. you can also put a line in the sign that it starts after 5:00 P.M. then there is signage and a way to enforce it.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she feels strongly that they keep it simple.

 

Ms. Mailander asked if they wanted it all day, as she knows Mayor Knudsen wants it all day.  Councilwoman Walsh agreed with Mayor Knudsen.  Councilman Sedon and Councilwoman Perron stated that they favored giving an option, and Councilwoman Reynolds stated that whole day is better to start with as its less confusing.  Councilwoman Perron stated that she likes the term Grab and Go as opposed to curbside pickup.

 

5. Operations

 

1. Endorse 2021 NJDOT Municipal Aid Grant Application – Resurfacing of Prospect Street

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is funds to resurface Prospect Street from East Ridgewood Avenue to South Maple Avenue.  Their grant criteria is that the street is a significant Village thoroughfare.  It requires a resolution for the application by the Village Council.  She congratulated the Engineering Division as they are very successful in getting these NJDOT grants which allows the Village to do these paving projects.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that the paving of Spring Avenue was a great job.  Mr. Rutishauser added that was done under an NJDOT grant.

 

9. REVIEW OF JULY 15, 2020 PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

 

Proclamations: None.

 

There are no ordinances for introduction for Ridgewood Water.

 

There are no ordinances for public hearing for Ridgewood Water.

 

Resolutions for Ridgewood Water include: Award Contract Under State Contract – 2020 Ford F550 Super Cab; Award Contract Under State Contract – Vehicle Tracking System Software and Additional Vehicle Installation; Award Professional Services Contract – PFAS Rate Setting and Review of Water Rates for 2021; Award Professional Services Contract – Booster Zone Gravity Tank Feasibility Study; Authorize Change Order – Water Billing and Data Collection Services; and Authorize Easement Agreement – Hallmark Arms of Fair Lawn Condominium Association – PVWC Interconnection.

 

Ordinances for introduction include: Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Significant Sewer Discharge Fees.

 

There are no ordinances for public hearing.

 

Resolutions include: Award Contract – Technical Support for SCADA System at Water Pollution Control Facility; Award Professional Services Contract – Additional Award – Licensed Site Remediation Professional – North Walnut Street Redevelopment Area; Award Professional Services Contract – Environmental Engineering Services – NJDEP Green Acres Diversion; Authorize Shared Services Agreement – Snowplowing Services (Bergen County); Authorize Refund and Cancellation of Taxes for Disabled Veteran; Declare Property Surplus – Tub Grinder Conveyer Belt; Endorse 2021 NJDOT Municipal Aid Grant Application – Resurfacing of Prospect Street; and Approve Eagle Scout Project.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that regarding the Grab and Go, if they had signage should every application be required to do it for the same days.  Ms. Mailander stated that it is for every single day.

 

10. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Kathryn Schmidt, 123 South Irving Street, stated that she wanted to thank the Village Council for their discussion about the Grab and Go as she thinks it was very through, and they noticed that there were two issues, one being the Grab and Go and the other is how to bring people downtown to do the things that Mayor Knudsen was talking about with the shopping.  She thanked them for recognizing that, and recommended that members of the CBDAC who could give an opinion if they needed one.  She added that they talked about a very specific issue but she reminded everyone that there were a couple different issues here and that relative to some other discussion, this is a time when flexibility is so important.

 

Lisa Sammataro, 50 Walthery Avenue, stated that on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce she appreciated the discussion today and the consideration to maintain the curbside pickup or Grab and Go, as they have seen how the businesses have had to innovate in order to survive and she appreciated how the Village Council has done a phenomenal job of supporting the businesses through the pandemic.  She added that in consideration of the struggles that the businessowners are having, she would appreciate the consideration of the half day option.  They had the idea of having some local businesses help underwrite and sponsor the spots to help the businesses that are struggling financially and build some good will for the person sponsoring.

 

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

 

11. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Perron, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 10:45 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                                                                                     Susan Knudsen                         

                                                                                                            Mayor                        

 

 

 

 

______________________________

          Donna M. Jackson

        Deputy Village Clerk