20211208 - 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, DECEMBER 8, 2021 AT 8:00 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE – MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:01 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, Vagianos, 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, and a moment of silence for the first responders.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on hand as of November 30, 2021, be accepted as submitted. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilman Vagianos
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of November 10, 2021, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilman Vagianos
4. PROCLAMATIONS
PROCLAIM JANUARY RADON ACTION MONTH
The following Proclamation was read by Councilman Vagianos.
5. SWEARING-IN OF FIRE FIGHTERS
a. FIRE FIGHTER CHAD MILLER
Chad Miller was sworn-in by Mayor Knudsen as Fire Fighter in the Village of Ridgewood. His mother held the Bible as he was sworn-in.
b. FIRE FIGHTER KEVIN MONTON
Kevin Monton was sworn-in by Mayor Knudsen as Fire Fighter in the Village of Ridgewood. His father held the Bible as he was sworn-in.
c. FIREFIGHTER STEVEN SCANAPICO
Steven Scanapico was sworn-in by Mayor Knudsen as Fire Fighter in the Village of Ridgewood. His mother and father held the Bible as he was sworn-in.
6. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments from the public this evening.
Thomas Buda, 41 Kiera Lane, said he was here to represent the Hopper Ridge Condominium Association and to speak about stormwater management and information he sent to the Village Engineer last week. He forwarded this information to the Village Council and the Village Manager. The group has made recommendations relative to alleviating drainage problems for some residents of Hope Street, Spring Avenue, and Cedar Avenue, through the use of the retention pond at the Hopper Ridge Condominiums. The Condo Association is working on an application to NJDEP and they have paid special attention to stormwater management, as it relates to the catch basins and ponds. Mr. Buda stated that during the last three major storms, they noticed that the basins are underutilized with water levels rising only four inches. Directly north, the neighbors on Hope Street, Spring Street, and Cedar Street experienced extreme flooding and Mr. Buda hopes they may be able to work on solutions together, to help the Village divert some of this water into the basins at Hopper Ridge.
Mr. Buda explained that this is time sensitive, because their permit with NJDEP expires on January 15th. He expects NJDEP approval, which is based on engineering that has to be completed on the North Pond, and as soon as the design is approved, work will begin in the spring. Mayor Knudsen said the Village would contact Mr. Buda if there is an interest.
Marshall Katzman, 140 Hope Street, said he has lived at this address since 1979, and he is concerned about repeated flooding. Although this is not an area where there are any streams, whenever there is a severe storm, water runs from Maple Avenue and Irving Street, creating a river on Hope Street, which lies at a low point. This water overwhelms the Village’s inadequate storm drain system. Mr. Katzman said his basement has flooded numerous times and he installed French drains, which have done nothing to solve the problem. During Hurricane Ida, at least fourteen homes on Hope Street suffered damage. During the recent forum on flooding, Hope Street residents learned that the Engineering Department is well aware of the problem and that part of the drainage system is 80 years old with piping that is less than 6 inches in diameter.
Mr. Katzman stated that the Hopper Ridge Condominium Association is proposing changes to divert the Hope Street/Spring Avenue water to underutilized basins on their property, which may resolve various flooding problems. The plan does not address the flooding problem on Mr. Katzman’s property and to the north on Hope Street where there was significant damage. Mr. Katzman asked the Village to consider infrastructure improvements to prevent the repeated flooding for all of the homes on Hope Street.
Gerald Maurer, 137 Hope Street, said that he has lived at this address since 1992, and has experienced flooding problems similar to those described by Mr. Katzman. The storm sewer system between Evergreen Place and Dayton Street becomes overwhelmed and turns Hope Street into “a giant soup bowl” as stated by the Village Engineer. The plan by the Hopper Ridge Condominium Association to alleviate flooding on Hope Street, upgrade the storm sewer system, and divert water to their detention basin seems reasonable. After reading the extensive information that they forwarded to the Village Engineer, and a lengthy discussion with Mr. Buda and his engineer, Mr. Maurer does not believe their recommendations would address the severe ponding from storm sewer inadequacies north of the Spring Avenue/Hope Street intersection. He recalled that the Hopper Ridge retaining wall was originally a Planning Board issue, and he urged the appropriate department to consider the proposal by Hopper Ridge in a context that would addresses all of the problems along Hope Street and the related intersection flooding.
Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, said she had concerns about the Schedler project and although she didn’t attend the last meeting, she understands that at the meeting it was stated that there is a comprehensive plan. She attended the meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee and asked for clarification there. She stated that there is no comprehensive plan, and a new plan hasn’t been submitted to State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) since the prior two plans were rejected. She noted that only the plan for the berm has been approved and in order to go forward, a new plan has to be certified with SHPO. Ms. Winograd said that a lot of engineering work has been done and the total plan needs to be resubmitted. The plan for the berm is good as well as the financial plan, but she is concerned because there is no engagement. Ms. Winograd has attended many Village meetings and she observes a lack of understanding regarding this project and the Village isn’t heading in a clear direction. She said she is happy that they are further than where they were during the budget process, but the public is confused because there is no approved plan by SHPO; however, the Village is stating that there is an approved plan.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said he is looking forward to the presentation by Robert Rooney, Village Chief Finance Officer, on the budget process this coming Monday evening. Mr. Halaby suggested another email blast to make sure people know about the presentation, and he recommended that the meeting be televised. Mr. Halaby said he has been talking about the terrible Village website for three years.
Mr. Halaby said that the residents are owed a report on the Master Plan, because there is no plan for the Master Plan. Residents need to know the cost of the report, when the process began, what has been accomplished, and when the report will be complete. He discovered recently that the Planning Board sessions are not broadcast, and an OPRA request must be filed in order to get access to the audio recording.
No one else came forward at this time and the public portion of the meeting was closed.
Mayor Knudsen recalled that the Hopper Ridge application was the subject of lengthy public hearings at the Planning Board. She is not certain how to proceed because the reason that time is of the essence, is the result of a retaining wall undermining the stability of structure. The Village will look into this.
Mayor Knudsen said that there is a plan for Schedler which was trifurcated. This method was recommended by SHPO, to move the proposal along and those involved seem pleased with the way things are proceeding.
Mayor Knudsen said that the Planning Board could not have anticipated that COVID would occur in the middle of work on the Master Plan. The Master Plan is a document that requires a lot of public input and she acknowledged that there have been delays. The Planning Board, the Master Plan Sub-Committee, the Open Space aspect, the Historic Preservation aspect, as well as additional elements that have been added, are all part of the process. Mayor Knudsen anticipates completion of a draft document in the spring, which will be approved and finalized in the summer.
Councilwoman Perron said that there will be a discussion of the Master Plan at the Planning Board meeting of Tuesday, January 18th. Heyer Gruel will be presenting a progress report at this meeting. Mayor Knudsen invited anyone interested to log onto ridgewoodvillagemp.org where there are updates about meetings, a weekly question, and the Visioning Document.
7. MANAGER’S REPORT
Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk, spoke about “Downtown for the Holidays”, held on December 3rd. This was a wonderful collaboration between the Village and the Chamber of Commerce. The theme was Trucks on Holiday, which included many vehicles decorated by various Village departments. The Recreation Department set up fire pits in the park to make s’mores and the Fire Department was on hand to ensure that everything went well. There was music and dancers in the store windows, and it was a wonderful kick off to the holiday season. Ms. Mailander thanked everyone for their efforts.
Ms. Mailander stated that Santa’s House in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square is scheduled to be open from 12 noon until 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 11th and Saturday December 18th. There will be free parking on the second, third and fourth floors of the Hudson Street Garage on December 11th and December 18th. There is a three hour limit from 10:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M., with no limits after 6:00 P.M.
Cards of Joy is a program sponsored by the Ridgewood Stigma Free Committee with a deadline of December 15th. Colorful, creative and decorative greeting cards with a heartfelt message are encouraged. Cards will be distributed to older residents at Ridgecrest Senior Housing, SHARE Housing or New Bridge Medical Center. Cards wishing a wonderful holiday season can be dropped off at the Reception Desk in the lobby of Village Hall or the Special Mailbox at the Ridgewood Library. The goal is to collect 1,000 Cards of Joy to be distributed.
Ms. Mailander reported that the leaf collection is almost complete. There is a leaf placement date remaining next week for one section of the Village. She added that the program is pretty much on time this year, and she is hopeful that all the leaves will be picked up before the start of snow. The Village was able to purchase a leaf vacuum through the Capital Budget approved by the Village Council. The leaf vacuum is used on the main streets, and has made a big difference in this year’s pickup.
Ms. Mailander stated that Robert. Rooney, the Village CFO, will give a presentation on Municipal Budgeting on December 13th at 7:00 P.M. There will be a question and answer period. Budget meetings will begin in late January or early February.
Ms. Mailander stated that Village offices and departments will be closed on December 23rd, 24th, and 31st to observe the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. She asked everyone to check the dates for garbage and recycling pickup on the Village calendar.
Ms. Mailander listed Village Council meeting dates, which are broadcast, live on the Village website and on Fios Channel 34 and YouTube. Upcoming meeting dates are as follows: January 5, January 26 and February 2, 2022 are Village Council Work Sessions beginning at 7:30; and January 12 and February 9, 2022 are Village Council Public Meetings beginning at 8:00 P.M. The 2022 Village calendar should be mailed out to residents by the end of the year, and she pointed out that January 2022 follows the December 2021 calendar page of the current Village calendar.
Ms. Mailander encouraged everyone to sign up for E-Notices on the Village website to keep informed of Village events and notifications.
8. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Green Ridgewood: Councilwoman Perron reported that Green Ridgewood, the Environmental Advisory Committee, met and there was a presentation from Barbara Davis, of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey. This organization has been hired by the Village to write the Environmental Resource inventory. Ms Davis provided details on the information her firm will be preparing, and Councilwoman Perron indicated that she looks forward to what Ms. Davis will bring to the Master Plan.
Councilwoman Perron reported that Green Ridgewood is putting on another Styrofoam collection on January 8, 2022. This is a great time to recycle the Styrofoam packing left over from the holidays. The rain date will be January 22, 2022.
Councilwoman Perron stated that Green Ridgewood is planning for Earth Day on April 10, 2022. They are also working on Adopt a Drain program to mitigate problems due to flooding.
Councilwoman Perron thanked everyone for their hard work on Downtown for the Holidays. She has never seen anything like it in Ridgewood, and she is already looking forward to it next year.
Councilman Vagianos thanked the Executive Director of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce for the fantastic job that was done to present Downtown for the Holidays. He noted that Mayor Knudsen also worked tirelessly on this event. Councilman Vagianos has worked on this event for 26 years and he said this was one of the best celebrations ever. He explained that they did not do the count down for the tree lighting, due to COVID concerns.
Planning Board: Councilwoman Reynolds reported that the Planning Board met last night and several items were discussed including Tasko Enterprises, 315 East Ridgewood Avenue and a preliminary investigation relative to designating Valley Hospital as an area of re-development. Both items were carried to the meeting of January 4th, 2022. The Board discussed Ordinance 3879, which is on tonight’s agenda under Public Hearings. The Village Engineer explained that this ordinance relates to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and various types of charging stations that will be installed in parking spaces throughout the Village. He said that the Village Council might want to consider different fee schedules to reflect the different types of charges such as quick charging, at Village-owned parking spaces.
Citizens Safety Advisory Committee: Councilwoman Reynolds said that the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee will met next Thursday.
Councilwoman Reynolds agreed that this year’s Downtown for the Holidays was fabulous and the best she has experienced in her 32 years of being a Ridgewood resident.
Green Team: Councilman Sedon reported that the Green Team met and there will be separate meetings in January to enter the Sustainable New Jersey application. The new deadline is November 2022.
Ridgewood Arts Council: Councilman Sedon announced the winners for the Holiday Window Decoration contest which include: Best Overall Design award to Biltmore Tuxedos; Best Original Concept award to The Table at Latonas; and the Most Creative Use of Lighting award to Ray Sol.
Mayor Knudsen attended last night’s Planning Board meeting. She said that Ridgewood Fire Department’s Chief Van Goor has served as Class II member of the Board for quite some time. He is retiring and can no longer act as a Class II member because that post must be filled by someone in Village management, who is not a member of the governing body. She thanked Chief Van Goor for his service and the unique perspective he brought to the Board.
Mayor Knudsen said that this was the most memorable Downtown for the Holidays and she added that Joan Groom was wonderful to work with, on this event. She explained that they begin working on these events months before they occur and the most important thing to all Councilmembers is the health and wellbeing of the residents. She noted that the tree lighting event was spectacular, even though the countdown was missing. Mayor Knudsen thanked the Village Manager, the Village staff, and the Chamber of Commerce for all the work done decorating the trucks. She encouraged everyone to shop local and eat downtown whenever possible.
Mayor Knudsen asked everyone to visit the stores in Ridgewood and admire the decorations. The Ridgewood Arts Council did an amazing job with the window decorating competition. She said there was a tie for decorations between Ray Sol and It’s Greek to Me.
9. RIDGEWOOD WATER
a. INTRODUCTION - NONE
b. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE
10. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-361 THROUGH 21-368 WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
11. ORDINANCES
a. Introduction - #3885 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Graydon Pool, Tennis, and Pickleball Membership Fees
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3885. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3885 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR GRAYDON POOL, MEMBERSHIP FEES AND TENNIS/PICKLEBALL MEMBERSHIP FEES
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3885 be adopted on first reading and that January 12, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
b. Public Hearing - #3878 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – “H” Hospital District
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3878 by title and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3878 by title:
AN ORDINANCE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AMENDING CHAPTER 190, “LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT” OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD
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, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance 3878 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, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
c. Public Hearing - #3879- Establish Standard for Electric Vehicle Charging Spaces in New Developments
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3879 by title and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3879 by title:
AN ORDINANCE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AMENDING CHAPTER 1 AND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AUTHORIZING AND ENCOURAGING ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLIES, SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND EVSE MAKE READY PARKING SPACES AND ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR THEIR DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
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. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that Ordinance 3879 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, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
d. Public Hearing - #3880 – 2021 Management Salary Ordinance
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3880 by title and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3880 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 3880 TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON-UNION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2021
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. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance 3880 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
e. Public Hearing - #3881 – 2021 Non-Union Salary Ordinance
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3881 by title and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3881 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF NON-UNION EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2022
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 Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3881 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, Vagianos and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
f. Public Hearing - #3882 – 2022 Management Salary Ordinance
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3882 by title and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3882 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON-UNION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2022
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, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance 3882 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, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
g. Public Hearing - #3883 –Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Ridgewood Parking Permits Rules and Regulations for Non-Residents
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3883 by title and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3883 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. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance 3883 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, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
h. Public Hearing - #3884 –Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Ridgewood Parking Permits
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3884 by title and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3884 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 Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that Ordinance 3884 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
11. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-369 THROUGH 21-393, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-394 THROUGH 21-396, WERE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
Councilman Vagianos recused himself from Resolutions #21-394 and #21-395.
12. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, asked for the comprehensive plan for the Schedler property including the house, the parking lot, and the bathrooms. She is confused because she has a note from SHPO stating that Ridgewood doesn’t have an approved plan. It is difficult to understand why the plan isn’t on the website, or why it hasn’t been forwarded to her because she has requested the plan numerous times. The last plan that appeared on the website, also known as the pergola plan, was rejected in November. Ms. Winograd began writing letters again because $2.5 million was requested during the budget process last year and it was later discovered that there were two plans that were ultimately rejected. According to SHPO, no comprehensive plan has been submitted since those rejections.
Ms. Winograd has written repeatedly offering help and asking for clarity. She questioned why the Parks Department or the Open Space Committee, don’t have any information on the plan. The Village must solidify the plan, partner with SHPO, and have the plan approved. Ms. Winograd indicated that this project has been ongoing for 13 years. The Village Is owed a park and she stated that the residents want their $102,000 playground to be located at the Schedler property. The development of the park shouldn’t be a closely held secret, and Ms. Winograd asked why SHPO says there is no comprehensive plan other than the approval for the berm. She suggested they partner with SHPO and submit a total plan, post information on the website, and begin planning for the project.
Councilman Sedon responded stating that there was never a pergola added to the plan at the request of a Councilmember. He worked on the plan with neighbors, then Mayor Ramon Hache, and Ms. Winograd’s husband. Councilman Sedon explained that employees decided themselves to completely alter the plan, which was submitted to SHPO and subsequently rejected. The plan that is on the website was separated into three parts in order to be clearly understood by SHPO.
Mayor Knudsen stated that the diversion in securing the funding back from Green Acres has nothing to do with Schedler or the playground. She said there is a plan which was developed by the Schedler Ad Hoc Committee. It was changed improperly by the Village staff and this was addressed by the Village Council. Mayor Knudsen stated that the suggestion of anyone on the Village Council acting improperly is wrong. She responds to many emails and recalled a lengthy phone call with Ms. Winograd. After the call, Mayor Knudsen saw a comment on Facebook from Ms. Winograd stating that the Mayor doesn’t respond. Mayor Knudsen called out the unfair treatment of people who work hard on behalf of Village residents.
Councilman Vagianos said that since his recent election, the Schedler property is the issue he is questioned about the most. He stated that the problem could be communication, because he is well aware of the plan. Many in the neighborhood don’t know what the status is or the reason for the delay at the site. He referred to an explanation, which included the history of the project and the delays that he received from the Village Manager. He suggested that this information be posted on the Village website, and distributed to anyone who wants it, in order to alleviate confusion.
Mayor Knudsen pointed out that it should be the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation liaison and Director of Parks & Recreation, Nancy Bigos, to provide this information. She finds the problem to be constant misinformation, and it is important for the Village to deliver these messages. People need to be discouraged from believing idle chatter that is adding to the confusion.
Councilman Vagianos reiterated the importance of sharing the information that he received on the Village website to clarify the situation. Mayor Knudsen agreed.
13. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #21-397 to go into Closed Session as follows:
14. ADOURNMENT
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 9:22 P.M.
_________________________________
Susan Knudsen Mayor
___________________________________
Heather A. Mailander Village Manager/Village Clerk
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