20210908 - Village Council Regular Public Meeting Minutes

A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 AT 8:00 P.M.

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

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

Mayor Knudsen also led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.  Mayor Knudsen also asked for a moment of silence for men and women serving our nation; those who were lost in Afghanistan; and those who perished in Hurricane Ida.

2.         ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

Mayor Knudsen moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on hand as of August 31, 2021, be accepted as submitted.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

3.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of August 11, 2021, having been reviewed by the Village Council, and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         Mayor Knudsen

 

 

4.         PROCLAMATIONS

a.         FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

The following Proclamation was read by Mayor Knudsen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b.         GOLD STAR MOTHER’S DAY

The following Proclamation was read by Councilman Sedon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c.         NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

The following Proclamation was read by Councilwoman Reynolds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d.         PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS

The following Proclamation was read by Councilwoman Perron.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor Knudsen said that last week’s Village Council Work Session was cancelled due to Hurricane Ida.  The Mayor and Council held their Work Session at 5:30 this evening, prior to a Closed Session. She thanked Councilmembers, the Village Attorney and the Village Manager, in particular, who worked overtime to pare down the 5:30 agenda in order to complete all of tonight’s work.

5.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments or questions from the public this evening.  Matthew Lindenberg, 165 Claremont Road, said he would be addressing the public health and transparency issues presented in a recent social media post by Mayor Knudsen.  He asked that the Village Council take specific steps to address these issues.  On August 20th, Mayor Knudsen shared a post on Facebook regarding “Ridgewood’s Back to School Vaccination Event” including a photo of the Mayor receiving a vaccination shot.  Mr. Lindenberg said that the post raises several questions among the community; however, none of these questions have received a public response, and the concerns and questions raised on the Mayor’s Facebook page have been deleted.  He has written to the Mayor and Councilmembers individually, without a response.  Mr. Lindenberg recalled that the Mayor had committed to ensuring transparency, in addition to correcting any misinformation that may spread throughout the community; however, to date this has not happened.  He has concerns over the fact that Mayor Knudsen has appeared without a mask at public meetings despite the importance of minimizing community spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Mr. Lindenberg asked if this vaccine was a first, second, or a booster shot for Mayor Knudsen.  If it was a first or second shot, and Mayor Knudsen was holding meetings with the public and Village staff, it puts everyone’s health at risk, while setting a terrible example.  He asked if other Councilmembers were aware of this.  This is particularly alarming given the shift of Village Council meetings back into Village Hall without any remote access option, despite repeated vocal demands for it.  Mr. Lindenberg stated that the CDC guidance on mask wearing is clear, regardless of whether or not an individual has contracted COVID-19 in the past.  The CDC advises everyone over age two (2) to wear a mask in public spaces unless fully vaccinated.  Mr. Lindenberg said that either the Mayor did not understand the guidance, which is highly unlikely given the warning signs on the door to Village Hall or the Mayor chose to ignore this guidance.  Mr. Lindenberg said that the first option is negligence and the second is malicious.  He asked that this situation be addressed, through proactive and constructive action, using common sense policy changes.  Mr. Lindenberg stated that a full mask mandate should be implemented in all public buildings, given the spread of the Delta variant.  Village Council Meetings should be reinstituted immediately using Zoom, phone calls, emails or some other form of remote participation in this public forum. 

No one else came forward at this time and Mayor Knudsen closed the Public Portion of the meeting.  

Councilwoman Perron said she was unhappy with the rescheduling of the September 1st meeting to this evening, because the 5:30 commencement of that Work Session was within the Rosh Hashanah holiday.  She contacted Rabbi Fein at Temple Israel indicating that the meeting date was beyond their control at this time, and she explained that this was not the Village Council’s choice.

6.         MANAGER’S REPORT

Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk, reported that “You Call The Shots” COVID 19 Back to School event will be held September 9th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., in the Graydon Pool Parking Lot.  The event is open to all ages, and appointments are encouraged, but not required.  Individuals ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to be eligible for the vaccine.  Activities, prizes and snacks will be provided, and in the event of rain, the event will move to the Patrick Mancuso Senior Center on the ground floor of Village Hall. 

Ms. Mailander stated that due to Hurricane Ida, regular household garbage will be picked up curbside through September 10th and residents may put out bulk waste items, that were damaged or destroyed, on their regular garbage collection days.  Curbside and bulk waste will be picked up at the same time.  Regular rear yard garbage pick-up will resume on September 13th, and the Recycling Center will open tomorrow September 9th

Ms. Mailander said that “Music in the Night” is sponsored by the Ridgewood Guild.  Live music will take place at various locations around the Central Business District (CBD) on Friday nights through September 10th.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Farmer’s Market organized by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, is open on Sundays from 8:30 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.  The Market is located at the Ridgewood Train Station Parking lot, and will be open every Sunday through the end of October. 

Ms. Mailander announced that the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce annual Car Show is scheduled for Friday, September 10th from 6:00 P.M until 9:00 P.M., weather permitting, and at this time it looks like the weather will cooperate.  The show is held around Memorial Park at Van Neste Square and along East Ridgewood Avenue.

Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood residents received a fall listing of programs, and health offerings available through the Recreation Department for those 55 and over.  Most of the programs are held in the Community Center in the lower level of Village Hall.  She said that reservations should be made by calling the Recreation Department. 

Ms. Mailander spoke about the September 11th Commemorative Ceremony at 7:00 P.M., in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square to remember the twelve Ridgewood residents lost on September 11, 2001, as well as all the other lives that were lost.  Portraits of the residents who perished on that day, are on display in the Public Library Auditorium during the month of September.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Bergen County Utilities Authority will hold their “Household Hazardous Waste Disposal” Saturday, September 11th from 9:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M., at Bergen County Campgaw Reservation, 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah.  Items accepted for recycling include propane gas cylinders, used motor oil, fire extinguishers, fluorescent lights, insecticides and vehicle batteries.  

Ms. Mailander said that the following upcoming meetings will be broadcast live on the Village website, and channel 34 on FiOS, and are also available on YouTube after the meeting.  Upcoming meetings include: Work Session on September 22nd at 7:30 P.M.; Work Session on October 6th at 7:30 P.M., Public Meeting on October 13th at 8:00 P.M., and a Work Session on October 27th at 7:30 P.M.

Ms. Mailander thanked Village staff members who came in to clean up Village Hall.  There was about 4 inches of water in the ground floor of the building.  She stated that the Streets Department cleared mud from the parking lot, and the Parks and Recreation staff worked diligently to clean up the parks.  The clean-up is ongoing.  Due to the fact that the lower level of Village Hall has five feet of tile, instead of sheetrock on the walls, Village employees were able to clean and sanitize the lower level without having to call in a service company

7.         VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS

Chamber of Commerce:  Councilwoman Perron reported that the Chamber of Commerce met today, and discussed the possibility of buying the Town Garage property at 120 Franklin Avenue.  Everyone agreed that it is an eyesore, but no one could agree on what to do with it.

Councilwoman Perron stated that wayfinding signs have been located around Ridgewood to help people find the Hudson Street parking garage.  The signs are in several places, but there is no signage as drivers exit under the railroad trestle, from the west side onto the east side.  It is unfortunate that there is not a good place for a sign.  A comment was made that from the area of the trestle, the garage can be seen, and if a banner was placed on the garage, it would give motorists a sense of direction. 

Councilwoman Perron reminded everyone of the Car Show again.  The Chamber of Commerce has been doing hybrid meetings for networking, which means that some people are appearing in person while others are in a Zoom setting.  It is somewhat of a challenge deciding who to look at, but they are working through it.  

Feed the Frontlines:  Councilwoman Perron said the delivery of 200,000 meals through Feed the Frontlines begins tomorrow, and is funded through the N.J. Economic Development Authority Grant.

Open Space Committee:  Councilwoman Perron stated that the Open Space Committee met.  She pointed out that the Open Space Committee’s webpage has been revamped and includes beautiful photos of open spaces in the Village.  The next meeting will be on September 23 to avoid Yom Kippur.

Green Ridgewood:   Councilwoman Perron reported that Green Ridgewood met on September 2nd.  There are two women working on the “Adopt a Drain” Program, and it is obvious from the last two storms how important a functioning storm water system can be during flooding.  The first draft of the program is now complete.  They also discussed the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change, which has affected the Committee’s priorities.  They decided to move forward with education on how to decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and to move toward electrification.  Councilwoman Perron stated that Green Ridgewood is planning an electric vehicle mini car show at the Farmer’s Market on Sunday, October 17th.  There are also plans for another Styrofoam recycling event.

Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC):  Councilwoman Perron stated that the CBDAC met on August 12th, and the Village CFO, Robert Rooney, spoke with the group about publicizing the Hudson Street Garage.  The discussion included wayfinding signs and budgeting.  Mr. Rooney indicated he would be willing to meet with the informal landlord group that has formed as the result of an initiative by the CBDA. 

Green Team:  Councilman Sedon stated that the Green Team met on Thursday.  There are two days left before the next round of deadlines for Sustainable New Jersey.  The Village has been approved up to the bronze level, and they still have to address a few points and comments on the original application.  The goal is to submit the application by the deadline date, in order to be re-certified to the silver level.

Ridgewood Arts Council:  Councilman Sedon has been meeting weekly with the Ridgewood Arts Council in order to prepare for a Beatles themed arts festival event on October 2nd on East Ridgewood Avenue.  There will be singing, dancing and a lot of Beatles music beginning at noon.  There is a rain date of October 9th

Planning Board:  Councilwoman Reynolds reported that the Planning Board has met twice since the last Village Council meeting.  The first meeting was August 17th.  Under a Historic Preservation Commission review, the Board looked at proposed new construction at 19 North Broad Street.  This is the former location of Bagelicious. The proposal calls for ground floor commercial use, and two floors above with each floor having two residential units.  The second proposal was for a sign at 41 North Broad Street, which will be the new location for Bagelicious.  Both items were approved.

Councilwoman Reynolds said that the application for Tasko Enterprises, 315 East Glen Avenue, continued and it has been carried to the October 5th meeting.     

There was further discussion to amend Chapter 190 of the Village code to modify allowed fence heights for residential use.  The Village Planner is still working on some changes for corner properties, and this discussion will be continued on September 7th.  

Councilwoman Reynolds announced that the Planning Board meeting of September 21st will begin discussion on Phase II of the Master Plan process.  This will be the guiding document for the future of Ridgewood.  Everyone is welcome and Councilwoman Reynolds encouraged anyone planning to attend to sign up on www.ridgewoodvillage.mp.org.  There was a Historic Preservation review yesterday evening for signage at 20 Wilsey Square for a new business, Forever Young, which was approved.  Tasko Enterprises was carried again until October 5th, and an application was heard for 142 Kenilworth Road for a minor subdivision that would relocate a lot line between two neighbors.  This application was approved.  The discussion on the modification of fence heights was again carried to the next meeting.

Citizens Safety Advisory Committee:  Councilwoman Reynolds announced that the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee did not meet over the summer, but will hold their first meeting on Thursday, September 16th, at 7:30 P.M., downstairs at Village Hall. 

Historic Preservation Commission – Mayor Knudsen stated that the Historic Preservation Commission will begin meeting in October, and the Planning Board/Zoning Board Secretary has contacted the appointed members.

Ridgewood Community Access:  Mayor Knudsen stated that Ridgewood Community Access 2021 will be virtual.  There are many events planned for Ridgewood Access weekend, and she urged everyone to contact ridgewoodlibrary.org/accessridgewood to learn more.  Events will include Senior Programming, Preparing for Your Health; and a Seeing Eye Dog Educational Program.  The family concert featuring Marlene Kilo, and the Access Ridgewood Fashion Show will be on Facebook Live.  There will be an inter-faith service at the Friends to Friends Church from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  Mayor Knudsen noted that the Village is embracing abilities, disabilities, special needs and special gifts.   

Car Show:  Mayor Knudsen invited everyone to attend the Car Show.  She will be selecting the “Mayor’s Car”, which will receive a special trophy.

8.         PUBLIC HEARING ON ADOPTION OF PREQUALIFICATION REGULATIONS FOR UTILIZATION IN CONNECTION WITH CONTROLLING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS FOR INTERIOR RESTORATION AND REHABILITATION OF THE ZABRISKIE-SCHEDLER HOUSE

Mayor Knudsen stated that the prequalification regulations for prospective bidders for the interior restoration and rehabilitation of the Zabriskie-Schedler house are being considered this evening.  Establishing the prequalification regulations for prospective bidders is required due to the fact that the Village is receiving grant funding for this project from the Bergen County Historic Preservation Trust Fund.  The Public Hearing this evening is specifically on the prequalification regulations for the interior restoration and rehabilitation of the Zabriskie-Schedler House, and the Village Council will listen to comments from the public specifically on these prequalification regulations for the interior restoration and rehabilitation.  Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be opened, which was seconded by Councilman Sedon. 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.   Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 21-266 WAS ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

9.         ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER

a.         INTRODUCTION – NONE

b.         PUBLIC HEARING – NONE

10.       RESOLUTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 21-267 WAS ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.       ORDINANCES

a.         Introduction - #3873- Vacating a Portion of Upper Boulevard and Barrington Road

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3873.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3873 by title:

AN ORDINANCE VACATING THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN A CERTAIN 40 FT. RIGHT OF WAY LOCATED AT THE WESTERLY INTERSECTION OF BARRINGTON ROAD AND UPPER BOULEVARD AND TO PROVIDE THE VACATED AREA BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ADJACENT PROPERTIES

Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3873 be adopted on first reading and that October 13, 2021, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

b.         Public Hearing - #3869– Amend Firefighters and Fire Superior Officers Salary Ordinance

Mayor Knudsen recused herself from this agenda item. Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the second reading of Ordinance 3869 by title on second reading and that the public hearing be opened.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

RECUSE:           Mayor Knudsen

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3869 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SALARY ORDINANCE 3835 ADOPTED ON FEBRUARY 10, 2021, TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF AND FOR FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRE SUPERIOR OFFICERS OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Deputy Mayor Sedon announced that the Public Hearing was open.  There were no comments from the public, and Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

RECUSE:          Mayor Knudsen

Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance 3869 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

RECUSE:           Mayor Knudsen

c.         Public Hearing - #3870 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Motorcycle Parking at Hudson Street Garage

Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3870 by title and that the Public Hearing be opened.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3870 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-33, PERMIT PARKING

Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open.  There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

Councilwoman Reynolds moved that Ordinance 3870 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

d.         Public Hearing - #3871 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Parking Permit Motorcycle Parking

Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3871.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3871 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS

Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open.  There were no comments from the public, and Councilman Sedon moved that the Public Hearing be closed.

Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance 3871 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

e.         Public Hearing - #3872–Authorization of Eminent Domain

Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3872 and that the Public Hearing be opened.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3872 by title:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open.  There were no comments from the public, and Councilwoman Perron moved that the Public Hearing be closed.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

Councilwoman Reynolds moved that Ordinance 3872 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:               Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Knudsen

NAYS:               None

ABSENT:          None

ABSTAIN:         None

9.         RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-268 TRHROUGH 21-286, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RESOLUTON 21-270 WHICH WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.       COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any further comments from the public this evening.  Catherine Espinol, of Garfield, stated that she has recently opened a business at 223 Chestnut Street.  The business is called Varsity House Personal Training.  The business involves strength conditioning, and training.  The staff of Varsity House Personal Training work with all age groups.  Ms. Espinol said that classes begin at 6:00 A.M., and run through 6:00 P.M.  She invited everyone to go to their website at varsityhousegym.com for more information.

Hans-Jurgen Lehmann, 234 Union Street, referred to the mandate requiring that masks be worn by unvaccinated visitors to Village Hall.  He said that he attended the Village Council meeting of July 14th, when there were about 50 people present to celebrate Donna Jackson’s retirement, along with the swearing in of a new police officer.  These ceremonies were presided over by an individual who was not following basic protocols, and this individual was hugging many of Ms. Jackson’s well-wishers and the young family of the police officer.  The person who was not wearing a mask, and was not vaccinated also spoke into the microphone.  Mr. Lehmann said that he also used the microphone, which had been used by a number of people but never sanitized.  He assumed that all Councilmembers had been vaccinated, and he was shocked to see on a social media post that this individual had not been thoroughly vaccinated until August, well after the July meeting.

Mr. Lehmann referred to the Pride event held in June, at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.  This Councilmember played a prominent role at this event, and was seen hugging, and getting close to many people.  She also shared the microphone with a large number of people.   Mr. Lehmann stated that this behavior is dangerous to others and generally outrageous for a public official who has received instructions from the Governor, and the President of the United States as well as the Village Health Department.  Mr. Lehmann asked that the Village Council reconsider virtual access in this time of COVID 19.

Jan Phillips, 234 Union Street, asked if the ribbon cutting for the new special needs housing development, located at the former Sealfons Building, is scheduled for September 16th, if it is open to the public, and what time it will be held.  She questioned whether this event is open to the public, and what time the ribbon cutting would take place.  Ms. Phillips asked if Coffee with the Council is scheduled for September 18th.  She inquired as to whether or not the Pride Day Event will appear on the 2022 Village Calendar.  She said she was pleased that the Mayor had indicated that the Access Ridgewood Committee minutes would be available online.  Ms. Phillips requested that events such as Pride Day, Access Weekend, Coffee with the Council, and the ribbon cutting for the special needs housing, be noted on the Village calendar that is posted on the website.

 

 

 

11.       ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at  8:48 P.M. 

 

 

 

                                                                                    _________________________________                                                                                                                    Susan Knudsen                                                                                                                                           Mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________

                    Heather A. Mailander

               Village Manager/Village Clerk

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