20210623 - Village Council Public Workshop Minutes

A REGULAR WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD VIA ZOOM, DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ON JUNE 23, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Eileen Young, from the Village Clerk’s office;                                                                                                                                                                                                                               and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.  

 

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, our First Responders, and all Americans.

 

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

There were no comments from the public. 

 

3. MANAGERS REPORT

 

Graydon Pool – Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool is open for family, individual, senior citizen, or daily badges.  Details of the pool hours of operation and fees are on the website.

 

Ridgewood Farmers Market – Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Farmers Market will open on Sunday, June 27^th from 8:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. in the Train Station parking lot.

 

Movies in the Park – Ms. Mailander stated that August 5^th the movie is Tootsie, bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the movie.

 

Ridgewood Recreation – Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood Recreation has planned a wide variety of programming for residents of all ages.  There are some mini camps in July and August, details are posted on the website www.ridgewoodnj.net/recreation

 

Family Movies on the Beach – Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool will show family movies on the beach on July 16^th and August 6^th.  The gates open at 7:30 P.M. and movies start after dusk.  Bring a chair or a blanket.  Admission is $5 per person and you do not need to be a Graydon Pool member to attend.

 

Glenwood Road – Ms. Mailander stated that the hill coming down Glenwood Road will be a one-way street when the construction concludes.

 

Parking – Ms. Mailander stated that 24-hour parking spaces in the Train Station and Cottage Place lots will be available until July 31^st.  The cost is prorated on a monthly basis. Overnight parking in the Central Business District is open to all residents through December 31st in the Hudson Street Garage second floor, Prospect Street Lot, and the Wilsey Square Lot.  Overnight parking is from 8:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M.  The cost is $75 for three months or $150 for six months.  If a resident has family or friends from out of town who wish to take the train from Ridgewood, Ridgewood Parking Permits for commuters are available to non-residents for the same price as residents.  CBD employees can park on the entire fourth floor of the Hudson Street Garage with CBD employee stickers.  Premium parking permit holders may park on the third floor.

 

Pedestrian Plaza – Ms. Mailander stated the Pedestrian Plaza where East Ridgewood Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic from Walnut Street to Broad Street all day and night on Saturdays and Sundays, will take place from July 10^th through September 5^th.  There will be dining and shopping areas on the street and a mini touch a truck event on July 10^th and August 21^st. 

 

Music in the Night – Music in the Night sponsored by the Ridgewood Guild will take place at various locations throughout the CBD.  There will be comedy acts and bands on Saturday nights in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, as well as music throughout the CBD on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

Office Closure – Ms. Mailander stated that all Village Offices will be closed on July 5^th in observance of the Independence Day holiday.  There will be no garbage or recycling pick up on that day and the Recycling Center will also be closed.

 

Upcoming Village Council Meetings – Ms. Mailander stated that Village Council meetings are broadcast live on the Village website, and on the public access channel.  They are also available after the meeting on YouTube.  July 7^th is a Village Council Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M.; July 14^th is a Village Council Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.; August 4^th is a Village Council Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M.; and August 11^th is a Village Council Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.  

 

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Ridgewood High School Graduation – Councilwoman Perron stated that last night was Ridgewood High School’s graduation and despite the rain it was a beautiful event and she offered congratulations to all the seniors who graduated.  Councilwoman Reynolds congratulated all of the seniors, their parents, and families.

 

Green Ridgewood – Councilwoman Perron stated that Green Ridgewood has not met since the last Village Council meeting; however, there was an Arts Amble on the Dunham Trail on Friday, June 11^th that was magical.

 

Open Space Committee – Councilwoman Perron stated that they have a park walk at Twinney Pond this Saturday at 10:00 A.M.

 

Central Business District Advisory Committee – Councilwoman Perron stated that CBDAC  had a meeting that she had to miss; but the discussion was about art downtown.

 

Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for the Pedestrian Plaza.

 

Planning Board – Councilwoman Reynolds stated that the Planning Board meeting last week was cancelled due to the applicants engineer being unable to make the meeting on time so it will be continued to the next meeting on June 29^th.  They will also discuss fence heights at that meeting.

 

Citizens Safety Advisory Committee – Councilwoman Reynolds stated that they met last Thursday and discussed the West Glen Avenue sidewalk project.  They also discussed the pickup and drop off situation along North Irving Street near Stevens Field during sports activities.  Some people are concerned that due to the closing at Glenwood Road, traffic issues may occur but so far no issues have been reported to the Police.  Counts are being collected.  The July and August meetings are to be canceled unless any issues arise.

 

Parks and Recreation – Councilwoman Walsh stated that their last meeting was at Graydon Pool.  As a reminder you can go to Graydon Pool with a day pass or buy a badge for the entire season.  There are programs all summer.  Anyone wishing to use the parks for any type of gathering, you do need a permit from Parks and Recreation.

 

American Legion – Councilwoman Walsh stated that she was asked by the American Legion Post 53 to be on their subcommittee for the Hometown Heroes project.  The banners will be honoring someone who served the armed forces while they were a resident of Ridgewood, the rest of the criteria they are still working out.

 

Flag Day – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that June 14^th was Flag Day and he attended a small ceremony in the plaza outside of Village Hall organized by Deanna Schablik. 

 

July 4^{th –} Mayor Knudsen stated that this year will mark the 111^th Annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration which will be celebrated on July 5^th.  The flag raising begins at 9:00 A.M., followed by the parade at 10:00 A.M.  Visit www.RidgewoodJulyFour.net for additional information.  There are no fireworks this year.

 

Master Plan – Interviews were conducted for Planning Services for the Village Master Plan, they are waiting for hard copies of their sample work project and then will make a recommendation as to who should be hired.  They anticipate having the final product by February. 

 

5. DISCUSSION

             

1. Budget

 

1. Award/Extend Award Contract – Phone System

 

Ms. Mailander stated they will be awarding a contract during the Special Public Meeting. 

 

2. Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing – 2021 Leach Rearloader Packer Truck – Recycling

 

Ms. Mailander stated this was a resolution that was previously awarded at the June 9^th Public Meeting to Sanitation Equipment Corporation of Totowa, the vendor on the Sourcewell Contract has changed to Gabrelli Trucking of Rockaway.  The amount remains the same.

 

3. Salary Ordinance Amendments

 

Ms. Mailander stated they are amending the non-union salary ordinance to memorialize what the stipend is being paid to the Deputy Village Clerk for taking on additional responsibilities while she is running the Village Clerk’s Office while Ms. Mailander is serving as Village Manager and she stills retains the title of Village Clerk.   

 

2. Operations

 

1. Annual Renewal of Liquor License – Green Way Markets

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they did the liquor license transfer for Green Way Markets at the meeting on June 9^th, and they now have to renew their license prior to July 1^st.  This is the renewal of that license that was just transferred.

 

2. Donation of Personal Preventative Equipment (PPE)

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Randy Swickle, Ridgewood resident and President of Preferred Plastics and Packaging Company, would like to donate PPE to the Village Office’s.  A resolution is required to accept this donation. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the item that was removed from the agenda was for Kings Pond Park, which is part of the diversion and they have been working on the diversion since 2016 with Green Acres and decided to pull it from the agenda so that at the next Work Session they can have a comprehensive parks overview.

 

At 7:56 P.M., Councilwoman Walsh made a motion to suspend the Work Session and go to a Special Public Meeting.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

6. SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING - SEE SEPARATE MINUTES

 

At 8:13 P.M., Deputy Mayor Sedon made a motion to adjourn the Special Public Meeting and reconvene the Work Session.   Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

7. PRESENTATIONS

 

1. Ridgewood Water Website and WaterSmart

 

Dan Timmeny, Ridgewood Water Business Manager, stated that there are three technology components that they have been working on at Ridgewood Water.  The first is the revision and launch of the new Ridgewood Water website.  Their goals for the website are that they wanted it to be user-friendly, well-organized, and visually-friendly.  Mr. Timmeny showed some of the ways that they reorganized information to be able to give customers resources in a more concise manner.  There are additional features that are still being added to the website.  They have been very happy with the way it has played out so far and the customers have been largely complementary of the website.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked if there was any notification sent to the realtors that this information was online.  Mr. Timmeny stated that when a realtors call, they are told and work has gotten out.  Now most business has entirely shifted to using the website.

 

Councilwoman Perron complimented the website and suggested a search bar.  Mr. Timmeny stated that was something they were looking into.  Councilwoman Perron asked about the company that helped build the website.  Mr. Timmeny stated that they spanned all types of industries.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon also complimented the website.  Mayor Knudsen added that the map that was created to show the water utility, homeowner, PSE&G responsibility is a very helpful tool to have on the website.  Mr. Timmeny stated that they were very willing to hear suggestions from residents and customers.

 

Mr. Timmeny stated that on June 1^st InvoiceCloud, Ridgewood Water’s new billing processor, is launching.   He highlighted the improvements with the new processor, adding that VISA is now accepted.  There is a no fee option where they cover the ACH fees if you enter your checking and routing number.  Registration has been pretty good.  The main issue is that the launch happened in the middle of the billing read cycles which confused a small subset of customers.  Anyone who had made an online payment received an email about that transition as well.  Overall, InvoiceCloud has been a welcome change.  They are planning to reduce paper bills sent out.

 

Mr. Timmeny stated that WaterSmart has two remaining data questions, but once that is done it will get turned on as a portal.  Customers will be emailed and letters will be sent out.  This includes leak detection and live readings.  InvoiceCloud is built into the frame of WaterSmart.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked about the email she received from Ridgewood Water, adding that she didn’t think she switched anything over.  Mr. Timmeny stated that she should have received an email in the past as it went out June 1^st.  There was discussion about the email and who it would have come from. 

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if it is the same user name and password.  Mr. Timmeny stated that you have to re-register.

 

8. DISCUSSION

 

1. Ridgewood Water

 

1. Award Public Policy Consultant

 

Ms. Mailander stated that in July 2018 the Water Utility they had the first annual contract with Morford Drulis of Trenton to provide Public Policy Consulting.  This consulting service has continued annually since that time.  The 2021/2022 service year includes the first increase in the monthly fee, from $2,000 to $2,250.  Funding is in the Ridgewood Water Operating Budget.

 

Mr. Calbi stated that last year was pretty monumental, they got an appointment to the Drinking Water Institute, and the Legislature took to heart many of the comments that Ridgewood Water has made over the years.  With the help of the Village Council and Ms. Mailander, they have an appropriation request into the U.S. Congress to help with the PFAS funding, and Mr. Drulis has played a big part in that.

 

Mr. Drulis stated that the President and the U.S. Congress are coming to terms with this phenomenal infrastructure package, which is very important because clean drinking water is something that everyone wants to fix but no one wants to fund.  It works when the governing body works with the city officials and they deliver a message of how a publicly-run utility can be successful today.  Ridgewood Water has been an organization that policy leaders come to for information.  In 2021 they met with a number of legislators on the Water Quality Accountability Act which has a significant impact on the operations of Ridgewood Water. 

 

Mr. Drulis stated that they will be looking at the Water Quality Accountability Act because there is more to come.  PFAS mitigation is hitting many communities in New Jersey, so Ridgewood is very well-positioned to speak on these topics.  He hopes to make a connection between some of the Federal and State legislators as this money works its way to New Jersey so that people understand how the funds could be best utilized.  They also look to work with the DEP and continue to monitor the Water Quality Accountability Act.  Mr. Drulis added that it has been a professional pleasure and he looks to continue.

 

Mayor Knudsen thanked them for the presentation, adding that she doesn’t think they could have had better representation.

 

2. Water Utility Revenue and Expenditures as of April 30, 2021

 

Mr. Rooney stated that he provided the Village Council with the results of revenue expenses for the Ridgewood Water Utility Fund through April 30^th.  The Utility is right on target with collections of rents.  He has no concerns on the revenue stream.  As far as appropriations, once the budget is adopted then the users have the ability to go into the system and encumber the funds that they anticipate.  

             

2. Parking – NONE

 

3. Budget

 

1. Installation of Vehicle Tracking Systems and Software for Village Vehicles

 

Ms. Mailander stated that since 2018 the Village has been tracking over 100 Village vehicles utilizing online software from Vehicle Tracking Solutions (VTS).  The software and vehicle hardware is integrated into a live web platform and has been integrated into daily operations.   Mr. Calbi is recommending approval of another one-year contract with Vehicle Tracking Solutions of Somerset, N.J., in an amount not to exceed $32,151.60.  They are going to increase the number of vehicles by 30.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked if this included Police vehicles.  Ms. Mailander said no.  Mayor Knudsen asked if this tracking system helped with maintenance.  Mr. Rooney stated there is a maintenance option but they don’t utilize it.  They tried doing it but found that it was causing problems.

 

2. Award Infrared Asphalt Surface Repair, Asphalt Trench Patching and Miscellaneous Curb and Sidewalk Repair Various Locations

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is used by the Village and Ridgewood Water.  Bids were received on June 2, 2021, there were four registered plan holders and they received four bid packages.  It also includes the repair and restoration of sidewalk slabs, driveway aprons, patching of trenches with stabilized base asphalt mix, and concrete curbs.  J. Fletcher Creamer Construction of Hackensack is the low bidder at $1,097.00 for the aggregate amount of all of the unit items.  Their bid package was complete, in an amount not to exceed $225,000, and funding is in the Ridgewood Water Operating Budget.  Ridgewood Water is the predominant user of this.

 

3. Award Removal and Replacement of the Waste Oil Tank at the Fleet Garages

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Streets/Fleet Services Division solicited and received three informal written quotes for the referenced work to remove and replace the existing old waste oil tank at the Fleet Services garage.  This is the initial phase.  Mr. Rutishauser is recommending the award to Betts Environmental of Butler, in the amount of $35,250.00.  Funds are in the capital budget. 

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if they were removing the waste oil was that an additional cost.  Councilwoman Walsh explained her experience, adding that they follow all of the DEP guidelines.  Councilwoman Perron asked if Betts would sample the soil or would the Village would pay for the testing separately.  Ms. Mailander stated she would find out.  Councilwoman Perron asked about remediation as well.

 

4. Award Crossing Guard Services for Village School Posts for the Ridgewood Police Department

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there were two registered plan holders and one bid package was received.  The sole bidder was All City Management Services of Santa Fe Springs, California, with a quote of $336,204 for 31 morning and afternoon crossing guard posts for a school year.   This was the third time crossing guard services has been bid, and All City Management Services has been the successful bidder each time.  They have agreed to hold their prices for the second additional year.  The funding is in the Police Department operating budget.

 

5. Award Aerial Lift Truck – Traffic and Signal

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there are capital funds in the 2021 capital budget for the replacement of a 2002 aerial lift truck.  There is a contract under State Contract at Route 23 Auto Mall in Butler, not to exceed $146,212.  Councilwoman Perron asked where the vehicle would be stored and how often it would be used.  Ms. Mailander stated she would find out where it would be stored but they do use the vehicle quite often.

 

6. Award Professional Services – Green Acres Appraisers

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village submitted a Pre Application to Green Acres for the diversion of parkland at 308-316 South Broad Street.  The document was approved by Green Acres, and they are now working on the final application and the associated requirements.  Green Acres has identified 5 locations that Green Acres is requiring to have an appraisal.  The Village has received proposals from three Certified Green Acres Appraisers, Appraisal & Litigation Services; Appraisal Associates, Inc.; and Hendricks Appraisal Company, that total $11,000.

 

7. Current Fund Revenue and Expenditures as of April 30, 2021

 

Mr. Rooney stated that they still have some challenges in revenues, some of the revenue streams are still not where they need to be.  He doesn’t know what the plan for the municipal court going forward.  Local revenues increased.  Receipts from delinquent taxes and current taxes have surpassed what they anticipated last year and this year.  From appropriations, the encumbrances have not been entered.  Salaries and wages are pretty steady.

 

8. Parking Utility Fund Revenue and Expenditures as of April 30, 2021

 

Mr. Rooney stated that parking is a challenge, he is showing a 25% realization in parking revenue through May that is approximately 35%.  The use of Parkmobile is greatly enhanced.  Getting parking into the garage is still a challenge, and the usage of the Train Station lot is starting to improve but they don’t anticipate knowing where that is going to be until perhaps September.  The Village will be getting ARP money, about $700,000 of that will be going to the Parking Utility.  Salaries and wages are down. 

 

Councilwoman Perron asked if Mr. Rooney was able to tell if people are buying more monthly passes or are they buying more yearly passes, or doing the daily rate.  Mr. Rooney stated that it was basically daily transactions. 

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about other methods of revenue.  Mr. Rooney stated that he and Ms. Mailander would work on trying to find other sources of generating revenue for the garage.  Right now, the increase in rate report is saying that an increase would have to occur in January 2022, so it may be of benefit to have a company come in and modify it for the current situation.   Mayor Knudsen stated that having strategies to implement would benefit the projections.

 

4. Policy – NONE

 

5. Operations

 

1. Donation of Wee Note Butterfly Collection of Musical Instruments to the Children’s Sensory and Butterfly Garden

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands donated Wee Notes Collection of three musical instruments: the Griffin, Piper and Merry.  They are three sound sculptures and the design layout and installation has been a collaboration.  The addition of these musical instruments as well as the plantings are valued at $12,000.

 

Councilwoman Perron thanked the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands and its President, Cynthia Halaby.  Mayor Knudsen agreed. 

 

9. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Cynthia Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, thanked the Village Council for their kind words.  As President of the Conservancy, they are delighted that they donated these items, and there are four (4) musical instruments there, including a butterfly.  The gift amounted to $12,000 so this makes the Conservancy’s contributions over the past six years to $90,000, all of which went directly into park improvements.  She stated that donors provided the funds, the hardworking Conservancy Board Members work hard to raise the funds and then go out and work in the gardens.  Nancy Bigos, the Parks Team, and Signal are most appreciated.  Next year, they look forward to another project.

 

Ms. Halaby stated that as a resident, Feed the Frontlines was a remarkable project.  They delivered several times, and on occasions they came across lines of families waiting to be fed.  She was dismayed that she has heard nothing from the Council as to any recognition of what HealthBarn has provided. 

 

Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, urged the Village Council to speak into the microphone.  When the Ridgewood Water website first came out, he was so impressed by it.  He wrote a letter to the Village Council, adding that the Village has a lousy website and suggested they ask Ridgewood Water to take over the Village website. 

 

Mr. Halaby stated that regarding parking, trying to recover the parking utility to where it was before is a fools errand, we have to clear the table and start from scratch.  He detailed an experience he had with parking rates.  They are discouraging people from coming into the CBD with the rates. 

 

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

 

10. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 9:25 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                                                                                                      Susan Knudsen

                                                                                                                            Mayor            

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                  Eileen Young

           Village Clerk’s Office