20210222 - Village Council Special Public Budget Meeting Minutes

A SPECIAL PUBLIC BUDGET MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD VIA ZOOM, DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ON FEBRUARY 22, 2021 AT 5:00 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 5:04 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  Deputy Mayor Sedon read a required announcement regarding the remote meeting format.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer; and Steve Sanzari, Treasurer.  

 

Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as in a Moment of Silence for our men and women serving our nation and our First Responders.

 

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Ellie Gruber 229 South Irving Street, stated that regarding the Parks Department budget, for years she has stood up at Budget meetings and general meetings and said that they should always get more money, but she was very disappointed that in their tree budget, they have cut the amount by $10,000.  This is a very foolish economy, because finally, after three years, the amount of trees planted are getting back on track.  She asked for more money for trees and didn’t understand why this budget has been cut.  She urged the Village Council to put that money back, adding that if they can, they should add more money into the budget for trees.

 

Cynthia Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that as President of the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands, she echoed Ellie Gruber’s words, as trees are so essential.  2020 was a very difficult year, but the Conversancy was able to complete the renewal of the park at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, which they couldn’t have done without the help from the Parks Department.  This attracted a myriad of musical performances, foot traffic for the CBD, and a spot to enjoy some quiet time in the park.  Fortunately, Ridgewood was designed with many green spaces.  These parks and gardens require constant attention and the Village is most fortunate to have the Parks and Recreation team working hard to accomplish this.  Lead by Ms. Bigos, they have an ambitious program to continue to improve the assets that the Village has.  She hopes the Village Council will do all they can to fund the Parks and Recreation Department appropriately.

 

Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that she is an avid budget watcher, and each year she attends the budget meetings with two concerns, that two things are driving our older people out of the Village, which are stairs and taxes.  She is really worried about the budget this year, because the budget process is really difficult to follow.  In years past, the binders were available to the public.  Before the previous budget meeting, she had reached out and requested the detail that was available last year regarding the election costs and she hasn’t received it.  This year her requests for the line item detail have been ignored and it has made it very hard to actually follow the budget discussion. 

 

Ms. Winograd stated that this year, she was concerned about the election cost, and what the future budget will be.  The Board of Education gave her their election costs, and without the budget binders available to the public, she doesn’t really know what’s going on.  The discussion that occurred from the Engineering Department last week was alarming.  Her two big takeaways from that discussion were the public has really been left in the dark as to when the seven acres at the Schedler Property became historic and why there is a plan for the Schedler Property that is different from the plan prepared by the Schedler ad-hoc committee.  In 2017, an ad-hoc committee plan was submitted and approved by the Village Council, and now something has changed.  She asked how they were thinking about assigning money to something that nobody has seen.

 

Ms. Winograd added that COVID makes these meetings tough, but if the Village Council wanted to, they could set up a page and show the public the budget pages and the details.  She thinks a lot of work is done to present the budget and it is just impossible to navigate without the budget binders.  Lacking details, it will be very difficult for the public to follow.

 

Beth Abbott, 174 Union Street, stated that it would be difficult to overestimate the importance to Age Friendly Ridgewood of their partnership with Parks and Recreation.  They know how much the recreation offerings, the health organization, and special events mean to Ridgewood older adults.  The events on which they collaborate, which require Parks and Recreation resources and funding, have always been extremely well received.  Most of all, they appreciate the collaboration and attitude of the Parks and Recreation staff.

 

Mark Cantor, 159 Walthery Avenue, stated that he was calling in on behalf of the Ridgewood Arts Council (RAC).  He didn’t know if anyone on the Village Council had seen the document they prepared in terms of asking for some funding.  He wanted to specifically mention one of the reasons why he got involved in the RAC was because he’s very big on trying to get diversity inclusion into Ridgewood as much as possible, as it relates to the arts.  One of the things the RAC must do is get the word out.  The funding will allow outreach to Village residents who might not necessarily know that they are trying to reach them for diversity inclusion, as it relates to the arts.

 

Andrew Lowry, 441 Hawthorne Place, stated that he is on the Shade Tree Commission and he is here to support trees, particularly the planting and care of trees.  Last year, 218 trees were planted for $110,000.  They also started the tree inventory and found 620 ash trees, which are about 8% of the total street tree population.  These ash trees are going to be dead within 5 to 10 years because of the emerald ash borer, and this is inevitable unless we do something about it.  Another thing that came out of the tree inventory is that the Village should probably be planting about 350 trees a year.

 

Mr. Lowry stated that they are recommending in addition to the $110,000 is currently in the budget, an additional $10,000 should be included to complete the tree inventory, as they are almost finished.  They are also asking for the protection of ash trees.  This will cost $200 per tree per year in treatment, but they think it’s worth it, to maintain the canopy.  He added that the Village Council should think of trees as part of the Village’s inventory. 

 

Gail McCarthy, 153 Hope Street, stated that she is speaking on behalf of the Kasschau Memorial Shell Committee.  Last summer, despite the challenges of COVID-19, many people were complimentary of the Village for providing the performances at the Kasschau Shell, which was a chance for physically distant audiences to enjoy the music, and being outdoors together.  They couldn’t have done it without the help of their sponsors; however, many of them are not able to help this year.  With that in mind, they appreciate greatly the contribution of the Village providing money for bringing musical performances to the Shell.  In planning this year, they are trying to find some groups that normally would rent the Kasschau Shell, but this year they are having them become part of the concert series.  These groups will be making a donation to the Shell rather than getting paid.  They will also be opening it up to some cultural events, including the Ridgewood Indian Community.  It is reducing costs by about $5,000; however, they still need some sponsors to come on board for about $10,000.

 

Richard Brooks, 777 East Ridgewood Avenue, stated that he is a proud and long term member of the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board.  He complimented his professional colleagues in Parks and Recreation, adding that Ms. Bigos and her staff have really stepped up for the benefit of all the Ridgewood residents.  With the exception of the schools, the Parks and Recreation Department has more interaction with Ridgewood residents than any other community function, professional or volunteer.  They serve all ages, all kinds of people, differently-abled people, all to provide them with not only an excellent recreation experience, but an opportunity to get the most out of the Village’s beautiful parks.  On a national basis, the major trade publications seem to be in alignment that COVID will change us forever and the ways that people are living their lives will change forever.  He thinks that means people will use our parks even more.  Mr. Brooks stated that he thinks they are going to see many more picnics in the parks, because people are used to eating outdoors and taking food away.  He urged the Village Council to support Nancy Bigos, adding that he is always in their corner.

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, suggested very strongly that they budget $15,000 to $20,000 additional to Dylan Hansen’s budget so that he can hire a professional firm that could bring the Village website up to speed.  He stated that the current Village website is an embarrassment, and there is no reason why it should be that way.  He has his own theories has to why this hasn’t happened in the last three years, but he begged them to do what is right for Ridgewood, which is to have a website that makes everyone proud.

 

Julie Mchedlishvili, 146 North Van Dien, stated that she was speaking on behalf of the Ridgewood Arts Council and would urge them to fund the Ridgewood Arts Council’s Trust Account.  During the times of broken connections and on-going trauma, artistic experiences provide therapeutic support for the community as a whole.  Over the years, Ridgewood has become increasingly diverse, and artistic experiences will create a sense of belonging.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that she had four written comments.

 

Susan Michelle, wrote to urge the Village Council to give their utmost consideration to keeping the entire allocation for shade trees in the budget.  The CBD looks sad and shabby, and compared to neighboring towns, Ridgewood looks distressed.  Trees may not produce immediate income, but they are a legacy for generations to come, and well worth the investment today.

 

Linda McNamara, 575 Knickerbocker Road, wrote that she understands they will be discussing the Parks and Recreation budget request for the $100,000 tree planting and maintenance.  Her wish would be for a line item increase, but in lieu of that, no reduction.  They saw a reduction in staff in the Shade Tree Division a few years ago, from 9 employees to 3 employees.  This reduction devastated the program.  Village Committees are working hard to attain grants, but nothing is as important as adequate funding for the Village’s Shade Tree Division.

 

Anne Burton Walsh, 112 South Irving Street, wrote she supported the proposed expenditure for tree planting and maintenance, because the trees will add to the beauty of Ridgewood, as well as provide oxygen and help eliminate greenhouse gases for generations to come.

 

Dorothy Barthold, 323 Stevens Avenue, wrote that she is the President of the League of Women Voters of Ridgewood which strongly supports the request of $110,000 for planting new trees in the upcoming Parks and Recreation budget.  Trees are vital to lessening the effects of climate change.  As trees age or are struck down by storms, it is vital they be replaced.  In addition, trees should be planted where needed.

 

There were no additional written comments from the public.

 

Mayor Knudsen closed public comment.  Mayor Knudsen added that in the past, when they instituted the sunshine transparency binders, that is where they had the budget sheets.  Putting them out to the public as draft documents, is very difficult now and she thinks Ms. Mailander handled it correctly.

 

2. DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

1. Review of Departmental Budgets and Capital Budgets

 

1. Municipal Court/Shared Services

 

Kimberly McWilliams, Municipal Court Administrator, stated that during 2020 the Municipal Court successfully continued the implementation of criminal justice reform.  This included many new laws that were passed by the State Legislature.  They also had to deal with the pandemic, during which the courts were not allowed to close. Because of that, new computer programs were implemented by the Administrative Office of the Courts, and most everything is now processed online.  Once the municipal buildings reopened to the staff, they started doing phone court sessions and then they switched to Zoom.  The staff established different processes to handle summonses, such as plea by mail, or faxing letters saying they want to plead something so they don’t have to come to court.  All of these procedures allowed them to keep the Ridgewood backlog low.

 

Ms. McWilliams stated that this year, the court staff will work as a team to successfully continue the Shared Services for Municipal Court, and to continue to adhere to a lot of the many new laws that are going to be adopted, such as the legalization of marijuana.  They are also working to implement the change to virtual court sessions, as they don’t know when they are going to go back to in-person court sessions. 

 

Ms. McWilliams stated that her budget remains flat to last year.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about 2020 and if the revenues were significantly reduced due to COVID.  Ms. McWilliams stated it was because of COVID, but also because of criminal justice reform there are not as many arrests, a lot of things are downgraded which lessens the money that is collected and lessens a lot of people being charged.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked about the line where it says Regular Sessions under salary and wages, the actual for 2020 was $1,200, and they are requesting $25,300.  Last year they requested $25,300 as well but only used $1,191.  Mr. Rooney stated that was a correct observation, he thinks there may be one payment missing which might raise it slightly.  He doesn’t know enough about the components of the labor contract, because they look at it as so many session at $140 a session and if they are not held, they don’t have to pay.  Going forward, it is still going to occur, as it is still planned, so it has to be budgeted.  Ms. McWilliams added they don’t know when they are going back to in-person court sessions.  Councilwoman Reynolds added that even if for half of the year they don’t go back to in-person court sessions, they should be able to save some money there.  Ms. McWilliams agreed.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked under other expenses, conferences, and meetings, which she assumed isn’t going to happen.  Ms. McWilliams stated that all conferences and meetings are virtual right now, and she estimated it would be about half of that cost.  Councilwoman Reynolds suggested taking out $1,500 of that $2,000.  Mayor Knudsen added that just because they are virtual, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a cost associated.  Ms. McWilliams stated that it depends on what kind of training it is.  There was discussion about reducing this budget line item.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked about materials and supplies, and the difference between requested and actual.  Ms. McWilliams stated that bills were not submitted on time because she knows that it was higher than that.  Mayor Knudsen asked for the updated numbers.  Mr. Rooney stated that he would look into it.

 

Ms. Mailander and the Village Council complimented Ms. McWilliams and stated that it has been a seamless transition to a Shared Services Municipal Court Administrator, and it has been flawless throughout.

 

2. Parks and Recreation Department

 

Nancy Bigos, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that adapting and coping to the new life of a COVID pandemic has been the greatest challenge for them.  The Parks and Recreation facilities have provided a refuge for Village residents each and every day.  The 2020 Departmental accomplishments include working within CommunityPass to update the software package and usability in regard to their database.  One of the positive outcomes of the COVID pandemic has been the greater use of the Village’s parklands and enjoyment of the outdoors by residents.

 

Ms. Bigos stated that the restroom renovation at Graydon Pool was an astounding success.  They also welcomed and trained the third new Supervisor, with Matt, Steve, and Katie.  Through Age Friendly Ridgewood, a Committee was formed that is working with New Jersey Future, sustaining neighborhoods and the community as a whole.  They have completed Phase 2 at Kings Pond Park and are awaiting the decision for the Open Space Grant for Phase 3.  PSE&G will also finalize the installation of the permanent lighting at Maple Park Field.  There were additional accomplishments that were listed as well.

 

Ms. Bigos stated that Departmental goals would be additional functions of CommunityPass, a facility scheduling ability, parks and facility use schedule and fee schedule, and updating Rules and Regulations at Graydon Pool.  She added that there is a need to hire an additional entry level employee in the Shade Tree Division.  There was also a request to change titles for two of their seasoned employees.  The minimum wage increase will affect all of their seasonal employees.

 

Ms. Bigos stated that their operating budget is flat, and she is certain that some of the reductions in other expenses that they might have noticed in their budgets, was all COVID related.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he wanted to advocate for the additional Forestry Aide position, because all he has heard for seven years is that they don’t have enough help to do maintenance, and now we are planting hundreds of trees a year, so it is just a simple investment.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about the promotions.  Ms. Bigos stated that she has two seasoned employees within the Parks Division, one is a Forestry Aide who has been with them since 2014, and he reached his top salary step in that title three years ago, so she would like to be able to promote him.  Mayor Knudsen asked how the job description is different and what does the difference entail in terms of responsibilities.  Ms. Bigos detailed his current responsibilities and those of the new position.  She added that the other is a Maintenance Worker 1 who has been with the Village since 2001 and has been in that title since 2011.  She would like to be able to give him a new title as Maintenance Worker 2.  Councilwoman Perron asked if that was a promotion.  Ms. Bigos stated that there is a difference in job responsibilities, according to Civil Service.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked about minimum wage and if they are required as a municipality to pay the $12 per hour for seasonal employees, because she thought as seasonal they were at $11 per hour.  Katie Frey, Parks and Recreation Supervisor, stated that the scale they have been following puts them at $12 per hour for this year, which went into effect in January 2021.  Ms. Bigos listed the different categories for wages, adding that if they don’t abide by the minimum wage, the seasonal employees will find work elsewhere.  Councilwoman Walsh added she was interested if there was scaling of salaries for Camp Counselors, based on experience.  Ms. Frey stated that a seasonal worker is paid $11.10/hour, and last year, it was $11/hour, so they are following that regular minimum wage scale until they get to 2026, and it’s $15/hour across the board.  Councilwoman Walsh asked when they were going to start putting out ads for seasonal employees.  Ms. Bigos stated that some have already applied, but generally March 1^st is the beginning of their seasonal hiring season.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if former staff is already reaching out to secure their positions, and what their wages will be.  Ms. Frey stated that people who are coming back as seasoned veterans, they would earn more than $12/hour, and anyone hired last year at $11/hour would be increased to $12/hour.  For new employees she doesn’t know if less than $12/hour would deter them, but there are other places that begin higher than the $12/hour.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked about the purchase of three backpack blowers, and she asked that they consider purchasing battery powered or ones that are gas powered and have a limit of 65 decibels.  Ms. Bigos stated they would definitely look into that.

 

Ms. Bigos stated that the capital requests for the Parks Division include the Groundsmaster All-Wheel Drive Lawnmower, the Toro Sand Pro, Toro Multiforce Lawnmower, a vehicle for the Parks Supervisor, outsourcing shade tree removals, and the Parks enclosed equipment trailer.  Two of their biggest, most used mowers are in the shop as much time as they are mowing, so this is a real concern for her as it takes away efficiency.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he recalls there was money allocated to the development of the Schedler Park.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she thinks it was 2018.  Deputy Mayor Sedon asked why three years later, they are without a plan or a park.  Ms. Bigos stated that the very beginnings of park development starts within the Engineering Department, as they are responsible for the infrastructure.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked what was the difference between the two lawnmowers that were listed.  Ms. Bigos stated that the topography of the parks varies, they are utilizing this equipment a minimum of once a week, sometimes twice a week all day long.  Matthew Andreula, Parks Supervisor, added that one of the mowers is four wheel drive, as opposed to the smaller mower which is a two wheel drive.  Councilwoman Perron asked if they cut and leave the clippings.  Mr. Andreula stated that they recycle the grass.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked about the $143,000 for pickleball courts.  Ms. Bigos stated that was something that came from one of the Village Council meetings, where someone asked her to put together a price if they were to install four new pickleball courts somewhere in the Village from the bottom up, so that is the price inclusive of fencing, macadam, nets, and gates, start to finish.  Councilwoman Perron asked if it cost $26,000 to resurface the Glen Pickleball Courts.  Ms. Bigos stated that Councilwoman Perron was correct.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked where they would fit pickleball courts if they were building from the ground up.  Ms. Bigos stated that she thinks that there could be locations working with the Open Space Committee she isn’t currently sure, adding that there could be a possibility at Schedler, the very top of Citizens Park, or perhaps the Board of Education.

 

3. Recreation

 

Councilwoman Perron asked if Mr. Rooney could explain the budget credits of $75,000.  Ms. Bigos stated that credit is what comes into the Recreation Division in regard to program fees collected and it is put into their Recreation Trust account and is the credit that goes into the operating budget.  Mr. Rooney stated he would get an answer specifically.

 

Ms. Bigos stated that capital for Recreation, they are requesting money for the match for Bergen County Open Space for $220,000.  They requested $100,000 from Bergen County and within the capital budget they have to request the entire amount, but only $100,000 of that is needed on their end.  There is also a $50,000 sinking fund for the replacement of the Maple Park turf field, this would be the fourth year putting money into that sinking fund.  They were also hoping to be able to lease a new vehicle for the Recreation Division as the Explorer has been taken off the road.  They do a great deal of weekend work where it is necessary to transport a lot of materials and staff.  Mr. Rooney stated that he was going to have Sergeant Chuck look into the lease of a Tahoe.  Regarding the truck for Mr. Andreula, they can’t lease a truck and put on a plow, but were looking to purchase a Ford F-350 truck for Parks and a lease for Recreation for the Tahoe.

 

Ms. Bigos stated that they put in for consideration a resurfacing of the skate park, so she was requesting the funding for that.  Mayor Knudsen asked when the last time it was resurfaced.  Ms. Bigos stated that she wasn’t sure, but it was about eight years ago and she would research it.  Mayor Knudsen stated that it is a different activity, roller hockey versus skateboards, and was the surface taking more of a beating.  Ms. Bigos stated that the skateboard park is their most popular activity and came about in collaboration with the Police Department, at least 20 years ago.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if there was an obligation on the part of the sport organizations to contribute to the sinking fund.  Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he thinks that was supposed to be the case but he can’t remember exactly.  Ms. Bigos stated she wasn’t aware of that, but she does know the sports organizations were contributing to the lighting at Maple Park, and that was $140,000.  She wasn’t aware of a contribution in regard to the turf field, but it is something they can definitely talk about.  Mr. Rooney stated he would go back and check his notes.  Ms. Mailander stated that she didn’t remember that the sports groups were going to contribute to it.  Councilwoman Walsh stated she only remembered the lighting.  Mayor Knudsen stated that her recollection is that when the turf field first went in, they were supposed to be contributing to a sinking fund, but when they got to the time when they needed the new turf field, there was no funding.  Ms. Mailander stated they would look back to determine how the sinking fund would be funded.

 

4. Graydon Pool

 

Ms. Bigos stated that the Graydon Pool budget is absolutely flat, and she was asking less in other expense.  Councilwoman Perron asked what are the rescue tubes.  Ms. Bigos stated that each of the eight stations has a rescue tube assigned to it, and then with COVID, they needed to purchase additional.  Mr. Rooney stated that there was a $30,000 increase in salary and wages, which he guessed was mostly due to minimum wage increase.  Ms. Bigos stated that was correct.  Mayor Knudsen stated that it really wasn’t flat when you looked at it like that and asked for an explanation of those differences.  Ms. Bigos explained it is Graydon Pool, which is open seven days a week for 13 weeks, which is almost 11 hours a day, plus a week of training before.  Mr. Rooney stated he could provide headcount and a calculation if the Village Council would like that.

 

5. Project Pride

 

Ms. Bigos stated that they have requested an additional $5,000 in the Project Pride budget, for the salaries and wages of the staff that do the watering, primarily the watering for the containers and also the trees in the Central Business District.  Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that was a question from the Shade Tree Commission, as to who is going to water the trees downtown.  There was additional discussion about the role of Project Pride in caring for the plantings around the Village.  Mayor Knudsen asked if there was money allocated last year.  Ms. Bigos stated that there was money in that account last year, and some of the seasonal staff within the Parks Division, also did watering last year. 

 

6. Community Center

 

Ms. Bigos stated that the Community Center has met the needs of our active adults and our middle school population within the last couple of years.  They went 100% virtual for their classes in the Fall of 2020.  It is a very important part of what they do within the community, and has given our residents an added plus to aging in place.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked if the Elder Dinner is one of those programs.  Ms. Bigos stated that was sponsored by the Recreation Division and the community.  There were no capital requests for the Community Center.

 

7. Ridgewood Water

 

Rich Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, shared a PowerPoint presentation with the Village Council.  This year is their 100^th Anniversary at Ridgewood Water.  He reviewed their accomplishments in 2020 and goals for 2021.

 

This year’s budget was reviewed by the Village Rate Consultant, Howard Woods.  They have segregated out the costs related to the PFAS treatment, the installation, operations, and maintenance and that is important to do this year and into the future, as they want to try to recover those costs, either through grants or legal recourse.  They are asking for two new laborer positions this year, to support their in-house distribution efforts and the treatment efforts that are required for PFAS.  Mr. Calbi stated that there is a budget increase in annual well repairs and replacement, as well as budget increases to do in-house distribution improvements.

 

Mr. Calbi stated that they have costs associated with putting in PFAS billing rates on the bills and public notices that will be associated with Ridgewood Water’s compliance for PFAS.  Additionally, they have increased the tree removal service budget, due to storm damage.  There is also a slight decrease in lab services for this year.  He detailed the reason for hiring the two new laborers, adding that they would be shared among the various divisions of Ridgewood Water.

 

Mr. Calbi stated that the budget is $17.4 million, which is a 1.7% increase over last year’s budget, primarily in salaries and wages and for contractual increases.  The PFAS costs are about $1.8 million of the total budget this year.  Debt this year is down significantly from what they projected last year.  By the end of this year, they will have every new PFAS plant under design. 

 

Mr. Calbi displayed a year by year analysis.  He detailed the current status on PFAS, expecting three more plants to be online by 2023 and all plants online by 2026, which means full treatment of PFAS at that point for peak usage.  He estimates by 2023, consumers of Ridgewood Water will be getting PFAS-free water, for the majority of the year.

 

Mr. Calbi stated that this year, they are proposing a 3% rate increase that will take effect in July 2021.  They are also implementing a new PFAS charge to help pay for the PFAS expense and are looking at a revenue projection of $158,000 for that.  They are finding year over year that water use is declining, because the water restrictions are doing a great job.  Usage was down this year comparatively to a five-year trend, and they expect that to continue.  The PFAS charge is going to vary by meter size, the quarterly change for a 5/8^th meter is $3.30, while the 4 inch meters is $82.50 per quarter.  The volume rate is going from $5.22 to $5.37 for the year.  Currently they are projecting PFAS charges to go upwards of $12.44, which is subject to change, based on rate recovery, actual expense, and what debt they spend.

 

Mr. Calbi showed a year by year analysis for the average user.  Today, that average user pays $474.32 a year, and they are going to see an increase to $600.23 and 50% of that increase is associated with the PFAS charge.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked if any grants are opening up for PFAS remediation and will he be using in-house personnel to apply for grants or hiring a grant writer.  Mr. Calbi stated that currently there are no grants available, the only thing available from the State is low interest loans.  They are working very closely with their policy consultant, Mike Drulis, to hopefully get funding from the Federal Government.  Mr. Calbi was not sure who would write the grant applications.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon asked if Mr. Calbi feels he has enough staff with the new hires to maintain all the new infrastructure that is going to be put in place.  Mr. Calbi stated that they are asking for two new staff members this year for those needs, but because of the preventive maintenance that has been done this year, they are in pretty good shape.  They do have to comply with the part of the Water Quality Accountability Act that covers main replacement.  The two new employees will help them gauge in a year or two what additional staff they may need, but he is confident that for now, the two new employees will meet their needs.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about the meter size and in 2024, they are going to be looking at $54.54 per quarter for that PFAS charge, which is about $220 total.  Based on the 3% increase over the 2020 number, the 2020 bill for consumers is going to roughly $800.  She asked what is the early plan to go out to the public with consumer outreach so that everybody understands what this is all about.  Mr. Calbi stated that it is a combination of the timing of the Open Houses, and with the launch of WaterSmart, an online billing portal, they are going to have a new mechanism to communicate with consumers.  The second quarter bill will contain a message about the rate increases in the third quarter, and they may even want to consider another public notice.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked what efforts are made to go out to the other municipalities in Ridgewood Water, to explain these additional charges to them.  Mr. Calbi stated that he has stayed in direct communication with the Administrators and Mayors, he gave the notice of the budget meeting tonight, and the dates for the introduction and the public hearing for the rate ordinance.  Every year, they are hosting a webinar and running through a slide show of where things are at for the year and what is coming.

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that it really is important to make sure that the other communities in Ridgewood Water are partners with us in the process, and there are still infrastructure issues throughout all of the areas, but that is probably as important. 

 

8. Solid Waste

 

Sean Hamlin, Superintendent of Recycling and Solid Waste, reviewed accomplishments for 2020 and goals for 2021.  Most accomplishments for 2020 were not met due to the pandemic, but they were one of the few towns that weren’t forced to alter their collection schedule or their services.  The Recycling Center was made safer, and they plan to add signage and striping.  One of his goals last year was to get the food scrap program running, and they are about ready to launch it within the next two weeks.  This is a major step for the Village in attaining the goal for sustainability and in the future to start saving some money.  The Solid Waste trucks are an issue, with four Crane Carriers awaiting parts, and maintaining the trucks has become imperative.

 

Mr. Hamlin stated that goals for this year are related to employee training, and ultimately a Styrofoam densifier.  One of his other goals is to start laying the groundwork for making their fleet electric.  Sustainability is part of what they do, and if they can get even one or two trucks and then start to talk about maybe powering them through solar, that is going to improve their operations tremendously and help them reach their goals.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about the Styrofoam densifier.  Mr. Hamlin stated that if they collect enough Styrofoam material, it will pay for itself in three years.  Councilwoman Reynolds asked what the cost was for that machine.  Mr. Hamlin stated that it was about $62,000.  There was additional discussion about the densifier.

 

Under the capital budget, Mr. Hamlin added that they took the sweeper out for the parking garage, but they still have the old machine that Mr. Bolger donated.  If he can find something relatively cheap, they put in the capital budget two backpack blowers, to keep the parking garage clean.  The challenge is that the vehicles that are in the garage, when they start blowing the dust around.  Mr. Rooney stated that the purchase of the sweeper for the parking garage is in the capital budget.

 

Councilwoman Walsh commended the efficiency at the Recycling Center.  There was discussion about the activity at the Recycling Center.  She also commented on the need to educate people about bagging the mattresses and rugs.  Mr. Hamlin stated that comes down to the website and Recycle Coach. 

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about the uncompensated time on the budget.  Mr. Rooney stated that is the time they put into the budget, anticipating a retirement.  They have identified one individual, and Mr. Hamlin stated that he retired on February 1^st.  Mayor Knudsen asked why the license fees were so much higher.  Mr. Hamlin stated that every four years, they have to get permits with NJDOT to dump.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if he could explain the Crane Carrier trucks.  Mr. Hamlin stated that Crane Carrier is a brand of truck that his predecessors spent heavily on, and they are a defunct company now and the parts are very hard to get.  They have two trucks that have been waiting for parts for 39 days, and the three that are still in service, they are keeping their fingers crossed that they don’t go down.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon asked if there is a different company that makes these trucks.  Mr. Hamlin stated that the last truck that they got is the Mack Truck and those are highly reliable.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked how many people signed up for the food scrap program.  Mr. Hamlin stated just under 100, and they have gone through all of the applications with about 90 to begin.  Mayor Knudsen stated that there was a $7,000 line item for the program.  Mr. Hamlin stated that covers the disposal of the food scraps, with the company collecting the food scraps and taking it to their location.  If they collect as much as he thinks they are going to collect he estimates they will spend that amount of money.

 

Councilwoman Perron added that under Recycling she sees masks and belts for employees but she didn’t see that under Sanitation.  Mr. Hamlin stated that they encourage the employees to wear belts which they already have, but the employees don’t want to wear them.  They have been ordering all the masks to cover both Solid Waste and Recycling.  Councilwoman Perron asked about overtime and the pickup in the Central Business District (CBD).  Mr. Hamlin stated that garbage is picked up in the CBD seven days a week.  Mr. Calbi stated that if they forego the weekend pickup, they would have the trash cans overflowing.  Mr. Hamlin stated that with the new clear garbage bags which are used in the CBD, they get calls in the CBD for more pickups.  He added that with the street dining, they have to do a better job of getting the word out to the restaurants that the CBD garbage cans are for the residents, and not for food scraps from the restaurants.

 

Mr. Hamlin stated that for Sanitation they were requesting $50,000 as they were informed by the Fire Department that they have to have a fire escape for the Sanitation building and the Street Department.  For Recycling they are requesting the Mack Packer Truck that they need desperately.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds stated under Recycling, it did have the Styrofoam densifier at $21,000.  Mr. Hamlin stated that there was a plan to go in paid installments, over three years.  Mayor Knudsen asked what the market is when the foam is densified.  Mr. Hamlin stated that there are so many purchasers for it.  Mayor Knudsen stated that if it has the potential to make money and solves the Styrofoam issue, she wondered why it was taken out of the budget.  This is especially true if it was on a three-year payment plan and they can make real money.  Mr. Calbi stated that part of the issue is there is going to be a labor cost as well, but they would make up that cost on the market for the material.  Mr. Hamlin added that the labor would be done by the part-timer that they have at the Recycling Center during the week.  Mr. Rooney stated they should know the total cost to operate it, what it would cost to buy it, so they can figure out the best way to fund it, but they also need to understand the benefit of what the Village would get back on it.  Mr. Hamlin stated that the owner of the company that sells the Styrofoam densifier offered to come and present to the Village Council.  There was additional discussion about the densifier and the market for the product.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that she thinks there were one or two towns around here that have a Styrofoam densifier, and it would be interesting to see their results.  Mr. Calbi stated that Middletown has done it, and they could talk to them about their results.  There was additional discussion about the purchase of a densifier.

 

Ms. Mailander thanked Mr. Hamlin and his team for their work throughout the pandemic, as they continued to pick up garbage and recycling every day.

 

9. Recycling and Landfill Costs

 

Mr. Hamlin stated that Atlantic Coast Fibers (ACF) in Passaic burned down, which is where the Village takes recyclables and he got some new numbers today.  ACF is working with Waste Management and Interstate Waste Services, and they have set up collection spots at these manufacturers, where the Village delivers its recyclables.  They then load it into their trucks and bring it to a South Jersey facility, so the Village is getting hit with extra processing and trucking fees from Waste Management and Interstate Waste Services.  The numbers for doing recyclables this way are still coming in below other manufacturers.  Right now, the employees have to drive to Newark, which costs fuel and overtime but the dumping fee there is $62 a ton for comingled.  They will still be making money on cardboard at $78 a ton, and the same with newsprint and mixed paper.  He detailed the additional costs and quotes he received. 

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked what they were paying for ACF.  Mr. Hamlin stated that if fluctuates, but last year the Village was paying $36 a ton but in June it increased to $62 a ton.  He added that he is unsure if there would be any additional fees that would be passed along.  Mr. Calbi stated that they even looked in New York State to dump, but the prices were very cost prohibitive.  Mr. Hamlin added that no one wants to pay for the fibers, to which Mr. Calbi added that we have some of the cleanest fibers in the area. 

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if they were talking to any other municipalities.  Mr. Hamlin stated that the other municipalities were just eating the cost.  Today they took two trucks out to Newark and it took an hour and forty minutes to get there.  Mr. Rooney stated that they need to come up with some ballpark estimate on the high side, so they can try to see what that impact is going to be.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked what the plan is for ACF.  Mr. Hamlin stated that ACF is looking at some Bergen County facilities that are empty, that they could start to build on, but the legal red tape still exists.  ACF’s other option is to rebuild from scratch, which would take years.

 

10. Capital Funds

 

Mr. Rooney stated that over the last few years, the capital budget has been about $8 million a year.  Last year, the capital budget was $9.8 million and the reason it was so high is there were some last minute issues with equipment and other items added to the capital budget.  He would like to see a number for the capital budget of roughly $7.5 million to $8 million, which he thinks would be in their best interest to see a leveling of capital.  The details show a total of $9,581,784.  They need to take a hard look at some of these projects or purchases that they may have to cut back on. 

 

Mayor Knudsen suggested they start with vehicles first.  There were two Ford Escapes for the Building Department, and Mr. Rooney stated they have agreed to take one out.  They discussed the request for a Ford-350 for Fleet Services.  

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that there had already been money allocated to the Schedler property for Phase 1 and 2, which hasn’t been spent, from previous capital budgets.  There was additional discussion about this item.  Mr. Rooney stated that they have to use the initial document that was sent to them, as $1.5 million was taken out already and there is $1 million left.  Deputy Mayor Sedon suggested completely deleting Phase 3 for Schedler Field, because if money still exists for Phase 1 and 2, he’s not even confident they will get Phase 1 done this year. 

 

Ms. Mailander agreed with Deputy Mayor Sedon, adding that she didn’t know if they would get through Phase 1 this year and onto Phase 2 for the Schedler property.  Councilwoman Walsh agreed.  There was additional discussion about the amount allocated to Phase 3 for the Schedler property.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that constructing new pickleball courts isn’t something that she sees happening.  Councilwoman Perron agreed.  That money was removed from the capital budget.

 

There was discussion about the Police vehicles.  Mr. Rooney stated that they were specialty vehicles built for high speed, the amount is $240,000. 

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about the leaf vac.  Ms. Mailander stated that they have to replace the current leaf vacuum, because it keeps breaking down. 

 

Mayor Knudsen moved to outdoor directories and signage, adding that she didn’t think it was something they should be doing.  Councilwoman Perron stated that $25,000 was for three directories, and asked if one directory could be tried.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she didn’t see this as an expenditure that they should be doing right now.  They have wayfinding signs.  Councilwoman Reynolds stated that was a lot of money to give to the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) for a directory.  Mayor Knudsen stated it is so focused and with the turnover of businesses, someone has to maintain it and they already have a lot to do with maintaining kiosks. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the PPE gear that was requested by EMS was only 75 washes as opposed to 100 washes.  Ms. Mailander stated that he wanted it, because currently they throw the PPE gear out. 

 

They discussed the Library cameras, which Mr. Rooney said were reduced $10,000.  MIS there was a discussion about the halon fire suppression system, which was cut by $100,000.  In Parks, the John Deere trailer was taken out.  They went through Police, and Mayor Knudsen stated that she thinks they should have one sophisticated drone.  Mr. Hansen explained the specifications of the drone they were looking at and added he didn’t know why they couldn’t purchase just one drone to be shared by both the Police and Water Departments, because the Water Department was also interested in a drone.

 

There was discussion about the Styrofoam densifier and leaving in the one year cost for the three year payment plan.  Boards and Committee requests were discussed, as the CBDAC had funding for holiday beautification.  Schedler Field Phase 3, $1.5 million was taken out.  The Gate House improvements estimate was discussed and the Village Council decided to keep this in the Capital Budget.  There was an expansion of the Habernickel playground that was taken out.  Kings Pond Park improvements were left in the capital budget.  Pedestrian crossings were left intact, as well as replacement of underground storage tanks.

 

Mayor Knudsen suggested adding more money for trees in the capital budget.  There was agreement among the Village Council.  The Ford Escape for Health is going to be leased, so that goes into the operating budget.  The adjustments were totaled, which confirmed the amounts that Mr. Rooney and Ms. Mailander had already taken out of the total.  Mayor Knudsen asked if the sheet could be redone and added to Wednesday’s Work Session meeting as a discussion item.  Ms. Mailander agreed and added they can verify the amount that has been budgeted and not yet spent for improvements to the Schedler property.

 

11. Debt Service

 

Mr. Rooney stated that total debt service this year is up about $900,000 over last year.  They saved some money on short term financing and had a bond sale this past year.  The benefits of that will play out in the next year or two.  The Capital improvement fund last year was budgeted at $490,000 and this year he was estimating $500,000.  That amount will change, based upon what the Village Council’s decision is for the capital budget.  For Central Dispatch and Contingency, they budgeted the same amount as last year.  Councilwoman Perron asked for a clarification of Contingency.  Mr. Rooney stated that they are usually small items which are purchased, and Contingency is a cushion for those items.

 

12. Deferred Charges

 

Mr. Rooney stated that they have $50,000, which is 1/5^th of the amount that they budgeted for the Special Emergency for the Master Plan.  They also have the minimal amount that they put in every year for a capital ordinance that satisfies a comment from the auditors about financing deficits.  Prior year’s bills this year, is roughly $4,300. 

 

13. Statutory Expenses

 

Mr. Rooney stated that in Statutory Expenses, they have accumulated leave and salary negotiation costs.  Accumulated leave is the amount that they put into the Trust Fund every year, to have available for people that retire.  Salary negotiation costs are contractual increases that have been negotiated.  Social Security is a little higher than last year, to reflect an increase in wages that they pay out contractually.  Unemployment compensation is the same as last year.  PERS is up 12% over last year, as is PFRS.

 

14. Headcount

 

Mr. Rooney stated that he put together the headcount by department, for 2020 versus 2021, with full time and part time employees.  For 2021, it does not reflect the requests for new personnel that were made in the budget.  MIS was looking for one, Firefighters were looking for two, Police two, Signal one, Water two, Graydon one individual, Recycling one part time permanent.  The total number of employees, not including seasonal is 259 full time and 32 part time for all Departments.

 

15. Trust Funds

 

Mr. Rooney stated that they have approximately $5 million sitting in Trust Funds at the end of 2020.  Much of this cannot be touched, but there is money that they run through Trust Funds, such as Recreation.  Mr. Rooney listed the funds that the Village Council had been asking about. 

 

Councilwoman Perron asked what the Municipal Alliance was.  Mr. Rooney stated it is a grant they receive every year in the Recreation Department.  They raise money in the budget, so it is revenue and appropriation.  This year, it is about $15,000.  The $1,400 grant that is there can be used for the Municipal Alliance program.  Mayor Knudsen stated the Municipal Alliance grant is used for educational purposes, for youth to adults, having to do with preventing alcohol or drug abuse.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that it is anything related to joint education across the Village.

 

2. Wrap-up and Next Steps

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the next Budget Meeting will be held on March 1^st.  On that night, they will be able to come in with a tax rate and discuss it from there.

 

3. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Andrew Lowry, 441 Hawthorne Place, stated that he was with the Shade Tree Commission, and what he realized is that this is such a quick review through the budgets that the amount of money they talked about for trees, which he thinks so many of the residents feel is a fairly high priority, is a very small amount of the capital expenditures.  He was surprised at how uninformed people were about exactly what they were cutting in the capital budget, so he hoped that people understand that infrastructure and trees are comparable. 

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that his son plays paddle tennis and told them that across the country 50,000 people play paddle tennis, 2 million people play pickleball, and this Village Council has closed up the pickleball courts.  When it comes to Schedler, he appreciates the discussion that they had because he finally figured out why they have all this confusion.  When it comes to the Gate House, he stated that the Mayor is going to do everything that she can to torpedo the renewal of the HealthBarn lease.  When they clear the invasive plants from Kings Pond, how can they put a return on it? There are some things you have to do for the Village.  He

 

 

 

urged that when it comes to HealthBarn, not to fall for this trap.  Mayor Knudsen called a point of order.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there was one written comment.

 

Patty Dyrhaug, 519 Laurel Road, wrote regarding the reopening of the Glen pickleball courts, the Pickleball Committee feels a sound study is the next step in the journey of reopening the pickleball courts.  On that day, members of the Committee will play, while the sound study takes place.  The Pickleball Community has been empathetic to the concerns of the Glen School area residents.  They have been patiently working towards a goal of playing on the Glen Courts.  The process started in 2017 and it was decided that the Glen School tennis courts were the optimal place for these pickleball courts.  One of the reasons was because the Glen School parking lot provides ample parking, without encroaching on the neighborhood streets.  This was a serious consideration when thinking of the safety of our senior residents who are pickleball players. 

 

Ms. Dyrhaug stated that they have statistical information from Parks and Recreation showing the increased popularity and interest in the sport.  The sound of play became an issue with a few of the neighbors, so an ordinance was passed regarding the use of muted balls.  Acoustiblok sound panels were also installed on the pickleball courts.  The decision to sell pickleball badges only to residents will reduce the usage and sound, as it is very unlikely that all four courts will be used at the same time.  To date, there has never been a complaint from any of the programs that the Glen School pickleball courts host.  The pandemic has also made some very unusual circumstances that has added to the increase in pickleball players and playing time.

 

Ms. Dyrhaug stated that the Pickleball Committee has been working diligently together with the Village Council and the Glen residents to find a suitable compromise.  They will be using green quieter pickleball paddles, as per the results of a professional sound study report.  They will also consider any additional recommendations and suggestions.  

 

There were no additional comments from the public.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that there is no disaster at Schedler and it will be discussed on an upcoming agenda, but ensuring due diligence and going back through past budget sheets, is an important thing to do.  To continue to engage in this type of behavior on just disagreeing on the subject cannot be tolerated.  She commended her Village Council colleagues for their good work and the betterment of the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Walsh, seconded by Deputy Mayor Sedon, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Special Public Budget Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                                                                                                      Susan Knudsen                        

                                                                                                                         Mayor                        

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

              Heather A. Mailander

      Village Manager/Village Clerk