20211110 - 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, NOVEMBER 10, 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, 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.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on hand as of October 31, 2021, be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Perron 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 October 13, 2021, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. PROCLAMATIONS
There were no Proclamations this evening.
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments from the public this evening.
Leigh Warren, 140 Washington Place, said that she lives across the street from George Washington Middle School. She wanted the Village Council to be aware that there is a sound daily around 4:00 A.M. that seems to be exhaust running. Mayor Knudsen stated that she will bring this situation to the attention of the School Board at her meeting with them on Friday.
Ms. Warren said she enjoys playing pickleball and understands that residents living adjacent to the tennis courts, don’t want people constantly in their backyards. As mentioned by Ms. Warren, she lives across from the middle school, and she hears children playing basketball beginning at 6:00 A.M. every Saturday and Sunday. She understands that this is beneficial to the children, and she pointed out that pickleball does not begin early in the morning and doesn’t take place every day. She hopes the people in the neighborhood of the pickleball court could consider being a little more accommodating.
Gail Howard, 652 Eastbrook Road, read excerpts from the minutes of December 11, 2019, when the pickleball court was open for hours, similar to what is being proposed. The individual she quoted had lived in Ridgewood for over 35 years and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. The property they speak of is approximately 70 ft. from the pickleball courts and at that time, the pickleball courts were open from 8:00 A.M. to dusk, seven days a week. Neighbors could not escape the constant noise pollution in and around their homes. This individual stated that she found the situation to be detrimental to health, wealth, and property values. Ms. Howard stated that this is exactly how the neighborhood feels at the present time. These pickleball hours are a compromise that the neighborhood has to live with, until a more suitable location for pickleball courts can be identified.
Andrew Varady, 111 Sherwood Road, referred to pickleball and stated that an extensive test was conducted by a Bergen County sound professional, using sophisticated equipment during a time when sixteen individuals were playing pickleball. The professional concluded that pickleball passes the sound test, and the sound generated was within acceptable limits in a suburban setting. Mr. Varady pointed out that three of the objectors live at least a block from the pickleball courts. The house adjacent to the pickleball courts also passed the sound test and that house was purchased when the courts were operational. Mr. Varady said that he bought his house close to a school and he is willing to accept the noise level.
Mr. Varady stated that age discrimination cannot be denied in this case, and he finds that to be extremely offensive. He said that tennis players have all day access to the tennis courts, which proves that there is discrimination involved. He added that it is well known that Ridgewood and surrounding municipalities discriminate against senior citizens, which is very troubling.
Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, said that the town facilities remained open for children to play sports during COVID, and the same should be done for the senior residents at the pickleball courts.
Ms. Winograd referred to the Schedler property and said she was pleased to learn of the financial disclosures. She recommends a comprehensive plan for the property that is agreed to by both the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Village. She said that you cannot manage what you cannot measure, and because oversight has been turned over to SHPO, a State agency, the Village is in the dark.
Ms. Winograd said that effective governments rely on citizen participation and engagement, and no one, including anyone in the Parks and Recreation Department, seems to know what comes next following the work at the berm on the Schedler property. This project has been going on for thirteen years, which is too long. Ms. Winograd said that there has been no outreach to other neighbors who have a vested interest. She stated that when she was growing up in Ridgewood, there was a playground at a park near her home, which was taken over by affordable housing. The park near her home no longer exists, and she recommended that the playground that was lost be relocated to the Schedler property. Ms. Winograd pointed out that these situations should be recognized in a comprehensive plan.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, asked that the Village immediately stop spending money on the Schedler property until they come up with a comprehensive plan. He commented that the berm is a ridiculous idea and he suggested that the berm be named after this Village Council to remind everyone about the silliness involved.
Mr. Halaby said that the Schedler house is now being referred to as the John H. Zabriskie House. He questioned how much of the house was built by Mr. Zabriskie. Mr. Halaby said Mr. Zabriskie was a farmer and didn’t think he could afford copper gutters or Marvin windows on the house when it was originally constructed. He again urged the importance of a comprehensive plan.
Judy Mac, 330 Eastbrook Road, said that all of Bergen County is aware of the Ridgewood pickleball courts and many of the people who play at the Glen pickleball courts are not Ridgewood residents. No one is present to monitor the courts and people come and go as they please. Ms. Mac added that the pickleball courts should not be located 45 ft. to 100 ft. from residential homes and neighbors have to endure the unbearable sound coming from the pickleball courts, eight hours a day, five days per week. She asked that the Village Council not vote to make a bad case even worse than what presently exists. Mr. Mac urged pickleball players and residents to work together to relocate the courts in order to allow the pickleball players to play without restrictions. Ms. Mac pointed out that there were other places to play pickleball before the pickleball courts at Glen were opened. Ms. Mac asked the Village Council to formulate a plan and timeline to relocate the courts.
Dr. Asher, a retired orthopedic surgeon who has lived in Ridgewood for 34 years, said he is an avid tennis player who has played on the various tennis courts in Ridgewood. He recently suffered a stroke but can still take advantage of the pickleball courts. He plays on Saturday and Sunday in accordance with Village rules. He pointed out that there is noise at all levels, but everyone has learned to live as a community, and he asked that pickleball play continues at the Glen pickleball courts.
Gladys Chinitz, 632 Eastbrook Road, stated that she opposes extended hours of play on the pickleball courts at the Glen School. She recalled that late last year neighbors, pickleball players, and members of the Village Council spent a good deal of time trying to reach a compromise acceptable to everyone. The agreement allowed for 45 hours of play at the Glen courts and the issue now is the hours of use at the Glen courts. The neighbors of the Glen courts will not be able to enjoy their outdoor space when the weather is pleasant, and she asked the Village Councilmembers to look at this through the lens of the taxpaying residents near the Glen Field. The players are mobile and can play anywhere, but the residents are not. Ms. Chinitz stated that the neighbors were never consulted about converting the previous tennis courts into pickleball courts. She said that the sound permeates through triple paned windows, three homes have sold this year, and property values have fallen.
Allen Chinitz, 632 Eastbrook Road, said he supported his wife. He has been a doctor at Valley Hospital for over 50 years and he is certain that there are health repercussions due to the noise at the pickleball courts, which sounds like cannons being fired. He read from a list of symptoms including headaches, hearing loss, lightheadedness, chronic stress, and quiet rage, which he has felt many times in this Village due to decisions made by the Village Council. He asked Councilmembers to come up with creative solutions that are fair and acceptable to everyone involved.
David Blood, 250 North Maple Avenue, said that no one would mistake the noise at the pickleball courts for cannon or gunfire. He added that pickleball has never been played for twelve hours in one day. Mr. Blood stated that these courts are probably the best in Bergen County, and he noted that there are only a few players from out of town.
Simon Lee, 321 Eastbrook Road, is disappointed at the attacks on some people. He said that the speakers who live in the area are only speaking about the sound that is being generated and not the sport itself. The sound gets under your skin and is annoying, but the residents are not against the game, only the location of the courts. Mr. Lee said it would be wonderful to find a location that would benefit everyone, but if that is not the case, extending the hours will make matters worse.
Lillian Blood, 250 North Maple Avenue, said that homeowners living in a house near a field, or a tennis court have to expect some level of noise. She asked that the pickleball courts be opened on Mondays and Fridays, for a few hours only, to allow for play in case there is rain the remainder of the time. Ms. Blood says she is aware that the decision has been made; however, she will continue to fight because it the right thing to do.
No one else came forward at this time and the public portion of the meeting was closed.
Mayor Knudsen stated that the Village Council represents the entire community, and no one is getting special treatment. She said that they have tried unsuccessfully to remediate the sound at the pickleball courts. She recalled that a group of pickleball players, the Village Council, and the neighbors came up with the hours agreed upon for pickleball play at the Glen courts. The hours were further extended for the pickleball players. This is a compromise that may be somewhat painful for both sides; however, everyone needs to give a little because this is a community. Mayor Knudsen indicated that she is saddened because people don’t care about each other, and she recalled that it took many meetings for representatives of all sides to agree on the hours.
Regarding the Schedler property, Mayor Knudsen said there is a comprehensive plan as a result of the work of neighbors and an ad hoc committee. The Village has been working closely with SHPO, which is the State agency that has jurisdiction over historic properties, and she expects approval after a few modifications. The project was trifurcated to make the application more manageable. Mayor Knudsen noted that the Zabriskie-Schedler house has been part of the historic element of the Ridgewood Master Plan for decades, and they are working on financials, which will make the money which has been appropriated, the money spent, and the money received in grants clear for everyone.
Mayor Knudsen noted that the Village received another $500,000 grant from the New Jersey Historic Preservation Trust to assist with funding for the Zabriskie-Schedler House. This will significantly reduce the amount of taxpayer dollars spent on the project. Mayor Knudsen stated that the Schedler property has been discussed and the information is available, but she will ask that it be publicized again.
6. MANAGER’S REPORT
Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk, stated that Veteran’s Day is tomorrow, and a service is scheduled at 11:00 A.M. at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. The service is sponsored by American Legion Post 53. Village offices and departments will be closed and there will be no garbage or recycling pickup. She asked residents to check the garbage and recycling schedules since they will have changed.
Ms. Mailander stated there will be a Flood Education Seminar on Floods and Flood Plains on Wednesday, November 17th at 7:30 P.M., in the Court Room of Village Hall. This timely seminar is given by the Village Engineering Department and there will be a question-and-answer segment.
Ms. Mailander said that the final application will soon be submitted for the Diversion of the South Broad Street Playground. Ridgewood purchased the Habernickel property using grant funding from Green Acres for $7,200,000.00, with a certified market value of $6,730,000.00. The Trust for Public Lands made a donation of $500,000.00 towards the purchase. She stated that over the past several years, Green Acres has made payments to Ridgewood totaling $2,450,000.00, with $415,000.00 remaining to be disbursed to the Village once the diversion replacement is completed.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Farmer’s Market, sponsored by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, continues on Sundays from 8:30 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. The Market is located at the Ridgewood Train Station Parking lot, and has been extended into November, weather permitting.
Ms. Mailander reviewed the leaf schedules and stated that the dates on the yellow postcards sent out to residents are for leaf placement only. The leaf pickup crew will come after the leaf placement dates, and she asked everyone to put out additional leaves on the next placement date noted on the cards.
Ms. Mailander stated that on December 13, 2021, at 7:00 P.M., Robert Rooney, the Village’s Chief Financial Officer, will give a presentation on Municipal Budgeting. This will be followed by a question-and-answer period. She stated that this is a good introduction to the Village Budget meetings that will be held in late January or early February.
Ms. Mailander announced that on November 25th and 26th Village offices will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday and there is no garbage or recycling pickup on Thanksgiving Day. Garbage and recycling will be picked up on Friday, November 26th, and the recycling center will be open from 8:00 A.M. until noon.
Ms. Mailander said that the Ridgewood Guild will kick off the holiday season with Winterfest on Saturday, November 27th at noon with a horse drawn wagon ride. Pickup is at Dayton Street at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. Ms. Mailander stated that Downtown for the Holidays will take place Friday, December 3rd and is sponsored by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce in the Ridgewood Central Business District from Maple Avenue to Broad Street. This year’s theme is “Trucks on Holiday” and will feature large Village vehicles decorated for the holidays; a trackless train; the Grinch; and lots of music, dancing, fire pits and make your own s’mores.
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: December 1, 2021 and January 5, 2022 are Village Council Work Sessions beginning at 7:30; and December 8, 2021 and January 12, 2022 are Village Council Public Meetings beginning at 8:00 P.M.
7. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Chamber of Commerce: Councilwoman Perron reported that the Chamber of Commerce met today. The Committee discussed the parking permits that will be voted on this evening. They also discussed whether to allow stores should stay open on the night of Downtown for the Holidays. Normally, this is not financially feasible for the merchants; however, two store owners said they would be open during the festivities.
Councilwoman Perron said that merchants are indicating that that they are being affected by supply chain problems, especially paper bags and gift box shortages. They questioned when holiday decorations would be going up, and Ms. Mailander said they usually go up the week of Thanksgiving or the week after. Merchants asked if the Village could augment the number of snowflakes if possible. Ms. Mailander said that the purchase of additional snowflakes could be considered during the 2022 budget discussions.
Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC): Councilwoman Perron said that the CBDAC will meet tomorrow via Zoom to discuss the influence of the Master Plan on the downtown area. She added that everyone is welcome to join the meeting.
Green Ridgewood: 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 and the Daffodil Festival on April 10, 2022. They are also working on an “Adopt a Drain” program due to the flooding questions that have come up,
Open Space Committee: Councilwoman Perron announced that the Open Space Committee will be having a tour of the Habernickel Park, on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., to be led by Fred Jubitz.
Councilwoman Reynolds stated that she hasn’t had any committee meetings since the last Village Council meeting. She asked anyone interested in the Master Plan to visit ridgewoodvillagemp.org. This is an opportunity for residents to comment on what they want the Village to be in the future, and Councilwoman Reynolds again encouraged everyone to get involved.
Shade Tree Commission: Councilman Sedon reported that the Shade Tree Commission met yesterday and discussed the twenty-two tree wells that will be rehabilitated downtown. The Commission has identified twelve trees that could survive, but that project would be scheduled for the spring. The Shade Tree Commission would like to make a presentation at the Village Council meeting of January 5, 2022, to discuss the importance of trees and what the Commission has done over the past few years. Councilman Sedon noted the increase of support for trees by the residents and the Master Plan will reflect this as well. Councilman Sedon said it is time for the Village to support and fund the Shade Tree programs during budget discussions in 2022.
Mayor Knudsen recognized the Diwali celebrations taking place in the Ridgewood Indian community, including Saturday’s celebration at Ridgewood High School. It was a wonderful cultural evening with beautiful clothing and delicious food.
Mayor Knudsen congratulated the three new Eagle Scouts in Ridgewood. She said that the Eagle Scout Court of Honor took place on Monday evening at First Presbyterian Church.
Library Board: Mayor Knudsen stated that the Library Board of Trustees will be meeting on Tuesday in a Closed Session to view the responses relative to the lease of Pease Library. There have been interesting responses which will eventually come to the Village Council for consideration.
Adopt a Hydrant: Mayor Knudsen said that anyone who has a fire hydrant near their home can fill out a form on the Ridgewood Fire Department website in order to volunteer to keep the hydrant clear of snow and debris, so the Fire Department has easy access, in the event of a fire or other emergency. This is especially important as the weather gets colder and volunteers will get a special certificate from the Fire Department.
8. ORDINANCES - RIDGEWOOD WATER
a. INTRODUCTION - NONE
b. Public Hearing - #3874 - Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Improvements due to Damage from Hurricane Ida
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3874. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3874 by title:
A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS WATER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN RESPONSE TO DAMAGE CAUSED BY HURRICANE IDA IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $75,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $75,000 BONDS OR NOTES OR THE VILLAGE FINANCE THE COST THEREOF
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, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3874 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, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-326 THROUGH 21-333 WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
10. ORDINANCES
a. Introduction - #3879- Establish Standard for Electric Vehicle Charging Spaces in New Developments
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3879. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, 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 SUPPLY/SERVICE EQUIPMENT (EVSE), MAKE-READY PARKING SPACES AND ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR THEIR DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance 3879 be adopted on first reading and that December 8, 2021, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
b. Introduction - #3880 – 2021 Management Salary Ordinance
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3880 by title. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon 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
Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3880 be adopted on first reading and that December 8, 2021, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
c. Introduction - #3881 – 2022 Non-Union Salary Ordinance
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3881 by title. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon 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
Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3881 be adopted on first reading and that December 8, 2021, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
d. Introduction - #3882 – 2022 Management Salary Ordinance
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3882 by title. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon 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
Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3882 be adopted on first reading and that December 8, 2021, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
e. Introduction - #3883 –Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Ridgewood Parking Permits Rules and Regulations for Non-Residents
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3883 by title. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon 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”
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance 3883 be adopted on first reading and that December 8, 2021, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
f. Introduction - #3884 –Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Ridgewood Parking Permits
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3884 by title. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon 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”
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance 3884 be adopted on first reading and that December 8, 2021, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
g. Public Hearing - #3875 – Bond Ordinance – Various Capital Improvements due to Damage Done by Hurricane Ida
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3875 by title and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3875 by title:
A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN RESPONSE TO DAMAGE CAUSED BY HURRICANE IDA IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPORIATING $1,564,500 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $1,490,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
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, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance 3875 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, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
h. Public Hearing - #3876 – Amend Chapter 165 – Garbage, Rubbish, Refuse and Recycling – Definitions of Bulk Refuse
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3876 by title and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3876 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 165 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, GARBAGE, RUBBISH, REFUSE AND RECYCLING AT SECTION 165-18, “DEFINITIONS”
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, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3876 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, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
i. Public Hearing - #3877 – Amend Chapter 165 – Garbage, Rubbish, Refuse and Recycling – Container Specifications and Setout Requirements
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3877 by title and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3877 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 165 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, GARBAGE, RUBBISH, REFUSE AND RECYCLING AT SECTION 165-19, “CONTAINER SPECIFICATIONS & SETOUT REQUIREMENTS“
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, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that Ordinance 3877 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, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
11. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-334 THROUGH 21-356, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RESOLUTION 21-349, WHICH WILL BE CONSIDERED OFF OF THE CONSENT AGENDA, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-349, 21-357, AND 21-358 WERE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
Regarding the Pickleball Court Days and Hours Resolution (#21-358), Councilwoman Perron stated she is voting against the resolution because the Glen pickleball courts are state-of-the-art pickleball courts, which are an amenity that should be used to their fullest extent in order to benefit the most people. Several measures have been instituted to accommodate the neighbors and to mitigate the sound of the balls. The neighbors who spoke earlier were obviously upset over the situation, but they stressed the value of public comment, as well. Councilwoman Perron stated that public comment should be increased and there should be an option for remote public comment at Village Council meetings.
Councilwoman Perron said she would prefer to have the Village Council take additional steps to mitigate the sound at the Glen pickleball courts and to increase playing hours to follow tennis court hours.
Councilwoman Reynolds said she will vote for the resolution because pickleball players can play five days a week on state-of-the-art courts. The Parks and Recreation Department and the Village Council made a mistake in approving these courts. It is now known that a pickleball court should be constructed between 300 ft. to 500 ft. away from a home and she is certain that if the 2019 Village Council had known this fact, they wouldn’t have voted in favor of the Glen School location for the pickleball courts. Allowing play for 45 hours a week is a good compromise, and the Village will need to find another location going forward.
Councilman Sedon said he will vote yes, with the understanding that the Village staff is working to come up with solutions to present to the Village Council as part of the upcoming budget discussions. Once there is a better understanding of the situation, he would be willing to consider the extension of pickleball hours to coincide with tennis court hours.
Mayor Knudsen said she is in favor of keeping the hours that resulted from a compromise between neighbors and representatives of the pickleball players. She noted that the decision rests with members of the Village Council and the Parks and Recreation Department who should have known that these pickleball courts shouldn’t have been placed in a location that is so close to a residential area. Mayor Knudsen pointed out that the level of anxiety that comes with annoying, prolonged noise is something personal. The Village Council has to take responsibility for the fact that the neighbors were not notified that the tennis courts were being changed to pickleball courts and this is why she is so saddened by the issue between fellow residents and neighbors.
12. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any further comments from the public this evening.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, asked for a copy of the comprehensive plan for the Schedler property. Mayor Knudsen said the plan is in the Projects Folder on the Village website.
Mr. Halaby asked if the comprehensive plan regarding the Schedler property on the Village website gives details on what the house will be used for, and how much it will cost to operate and maintain the property. He pointed out that this is a $7 million project and no taxing authority ever ends up spending less money than is appropriated. He anticipates that this project will exceed the $7 million mentioned.
Mr. Halaby said that the Public Comment section of the meeting should be a two-way street so that there can be a healthy back and forth between public officials and members of the public.
Mr. Halaby asked that the Village Council reach out to New Jersey Transit to request that they stop blowing train horns between 8:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. He said he finds the discussion on pickleball to be silly and it will be next to impossible to find anywhere in Ridgewood to locate pickleball courts 300 ft. to 500 ft. away from residential neighborhoods. It is also a mistake to blame the previous Village Council relative to this situation. He mentioned that none of the Village Councilmembers respond to his emails.
Lillian Blood, 250 North Maple Avenue, asked Village Councilmembers to visit the pickleball courts tomorrow so they can hear the noise being generated. They could also visit the homes of some of the neighbors to get a more accurate idea of the noise from the various properties. She said there are not a lot of people playing pickleball, and no one plays all day long. Ms. Blood stated that many times, no one is using the courts. She asked that the Glen pickleball courts also be open on Mondays and Fridays.
Judy Mac, 330 Eastbrook Road, commented that this issue of her being a tennis coach or teacher has been brought up at a Village Council meeting twice. She said that she loves playing tennis, but she does not know what that has to do with anything. Ms. Mac emphasized that she is a tennis player, but she is not a tennis coach or teacher either here in Ridgewood or anywhere else.
Gladys Chinitz, 632 Eastbrook Road, asked why there aren’t more pickleball players using the Glen pickleball courts on the weekends, since there was a comment made that it appears the courts aren’t being used on weekends. She wondered why the pickleball players are insisting on using the Glen pickleball courts additional hours on Fridays and Mondays, if the Glen pickleball courts are not being used on the weekends. She added that this is a horrible situation.
Simon Lee, 321 Eastbrook Road, thanked the Council for listening. He asked that other solutions be considered to benefit both the neighbors and the pickleball players.
13. 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 9:34 P.M.
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Susan Knudsen Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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