20220112 - 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 JANUARY 12, 2022 AT 8:00 PM

 

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

 

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

 

Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and asked for a moment of silence for men and women serving our nation and all of Ridgewood’s first responders.

 

2.         ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

 

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

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

3.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of December 8, 2021, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted.  Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

 

4.         PROCLAMATIONS

 

            NONE

 

5.      SWEARING-IN OF POLICE SERGEANT KEVIN MC KEON

 

Mayor Knudsen asked Kevin McKeon to come forward to be sworn in as Police Sergeant for the Ridgewood Police Department.  She asked all Councilmembers to join her at the podium.  Mayor Knudsen then swore in Police Sergeant Kevin McKeon, as his wife, son, and daughter held the Bible.  There was a resounding round of applause.

 

6.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if there any comments from the public at this time.

 

Lillian Blood, 250 North Maple Avenue, wished everyone a Happy New Year.  She requested that there be more days and hours for pickleball.  She also stated that pickleball players should be able to play pickleball on the same days and for the same hours as tennis players have to play tennis.

 

There were no further comments from the public.

 

7.         VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Ms. Mailander announced that the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend will commence on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 6:30 PM when a virtual screening of “Good Trouble” with John Lewis will be held, with an 8:15 PM discussion and Q&A with Nate Briggs.  Prior registration is required by logging into RidgewoodLibrary.org/ReelVoices.  On Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 10 AM to noon, there is a service project at Ridgecrest where they are collecting donations for their pantry.  On Sunday, January 16, 2022, there is a Martin Luther King virtual coffee house at 4 PM; there are meeting IDs and location numbers for anyone interested to call in.  On Monday, January 17, 2022, there will be a hybrid webinar at 10 AM with local religious leaders from Glen Rock and Ridgewood. In order to join the webinar, residents should go to the website for MLK Day, for Zoom details.

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that the Chamber of Commerce is presenting Restaurant Week 2022 Sunday through Thursday, January 16-20 and January 23-27, 2022.  She urged everyone to support local dining throughout the Village by eating in, calling in, or taking out. 

 

Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that each household is limited to a maximum of seven items on bulk pickup day.  This will reduce the amount of bulk refuse being put into the landfills, which will save the Village money.  She urged residents to consider donating usable items to a nonprofit or charitable organization.  Residents may call to make arrangements for a special pickup of more than seven items, at an extra fee, per Village ordinance. 

 

The Village of Ridgewood 2022 calendars were delivered on January 11, 2022 by the postal service to residents and businesses.  All meetings of the Village Council, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Library Board of Trustees are listed on the calendar, together with all holidays on which Village offices will be closed. 

 

Annual commuter parking permits will go on sale at Village Hall on January 18, 2022 to non-residents, at the same price as Ridgewood residents. 

 

Ms. Mailander urged everyone to sign up for E-notices on the Village website, to stay informed about Village events and notifications. 

 

Christmas trees are still being picked up by the Sanitation Department on Tuesdays (January 18 and 25) on the east side and on Thursdays (January 13, 20, and 27) on the west side.  Ornaments and lights should be removed from trees, and trees should not be placed in plastic bags.  Christmas trees may also be dropped off at the Graydon Pool parking lot, in the designated area.

 

Upcoming meetings of the Village Council are broadcast live on the Village website, on Channel 34 on FIOS, and on YouTube.  Public Work Sessions will be held on January 26, 2022, February 2, 2022, and February 23, 2022, all at 7:30 PM. A public meeting will be held on February 9, 2022 at 8:00 p.m.

 

In observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday on Monday, January 17, 2022, all Village departments and offices will be closed, and sanitation and recycling pickup services will be cancelled that day.  The Recycling Center will also be closed on that day.

 

Ms. Mailander mentioned that the Village recently appointed a new Fire Chief, John Judge.  A new Fire Captain, Justin O’Connor, and a new Fire Lieutenant, Brian Peacock, will soon be appointed.

 

8.         VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Councilwoman Perron announced that Green Ridgewood and The Green Team met on January 6, 2022.  They are planning for Earth Day and Daffodil Festival on April 10, 2022.  Project “1,000 Acres” continues to develop guidelines for maintaining a sustainable yard.  They are working on 10 goals to help residents maintain sustainable yards. 

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that the Chamber of Commerce met on January 12, 2022. The President of the Chamber remarked on how clean Ridgewood appeared and encouraged them to continue their efforts. It was mentioned that the dining corrals were currently being underutilized, and it was suggested that perhaps they should be removed during the winter months.  Councilwoman Perron mentioned that some customers frequenting establishments in the CBD have not been wearing masks; however, the merchants are trying their best to deal with this situation.  The Chamber Board has requested the Village Council to make sure that the parking kiosks in the downtown area are in working order.  Some kiosks do not issue paper receipts and require users to put in their phone numbers so that receipts can be texted to them.  Users who are already frustrated with the kiosks are further frustrated by the fact that they cannot get paper receipts; in addition, sometimes such texts are not even received. 

 

“Feed the Frontlines” is nearing the end of the latest “Sustain and Serve” grant.  This program has been extended into February 2022. More drivers are needed to deliver the meals, and volunteers can sign up easily online at www.signupgenius.com.

 

Councilman Vagianos thanked his Council colleagues and Ms. Mailander for their diligent work in ensuring that this Council meeting was a “safe space” with plexiglass partitions, less seating in the audience, less activity, and live streaming to another large room.  Mayor Knudsen remarked that Dylan Hansen, the IT Director, was extremely helpful in these efforts.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds announced that the Planning Board carried the Tasko Enterprises matter to the January 18, 2022 meeting and carried the preliminary investigation for the Valley Hospital property, as an Area in Need of Redevelopment, to the meeting on February 1, 2022.  Heyer, Gruel and Associates will be present at the February 15, 2022 meeting to present a progress report on the Master Plan.  It is anticipated that they will have a draft of the Master Plan document, so any interested residents should attend the meeting if they want to comment on same.  The Citizens Safety Advisory Committee will next meet on January 20, 2022.

 

Mayor Knudsen reminded the Councilmembers to reach out to boards and committees to remind them of the February 15, 2022 Planning Board meeting, where the Master Plan will be discussed.

 

Councilman Sedon said that Green Ridgewood and The Green Team are working on having separate meetings for the remainder of the year.  He announced that 2022 is a year in which an application will be made to Sustainable Jersey, in order for the Village to once again obtain its Silver Certification.  He mentioned that this application is “daunting,” with approximately 400 pages of documents and resolutions.  He will be working closely with these groups to help them navigate the website and fill out the application.  The first deadline is May 22, 2022, with several set deadlines before the application concludes in November 2022. 

 

The Shade Tree Committee met on January 11, 2022 and discussed the upcoming February 15, 2022 Planning Board meeting, where the Master Plan will be discussed.  They also spoke about downtown plantings, and administrative matters.  Activities for next year for the Shade Tree Committee will depend upon their approved budget for 2023.

 

Mayor Knudsen mentioned that she reviewed the minutes from the December 2021 meeting and noted how smoothly the leaf collection process occurred in 2021.  She thanked the Village Manager and staff for the amazing job they did, which is always challenging.

 

Mayor Knudsen said that every January, the Village Council reads a proclamation in support of Jamboree Days, which typically occur in early February.  In 2022, Jamboree Days have been moved to March 3, 4 and 5, 2022.  She mentioned that she, Councilwoman Perron and Councilman Vagianos have taken part in Jamboree for over a decade.  Mayor Knudsen expressed hope that everyone will mark their calendars and help make the Ridgewood Jamboree scholarship program a success.  The theme for this year’s variety show will be “The Jambies.”  She indicated that the Proclamation for Jamboree Days will be read on February 9, 2022. 

 

Mayor Knudsen mentioned that the Access Committee will not be meeting in January, but is holding a wonderful event around the documentary film, “25 Prospect Street,” including a discussion with one of the producers, Mike Santini.  This film has been part of the Access program for some time and focuses on the struggles of the Prospector Theater, a nonprofit movie theater in Connecticut, with a mission of meaningful employment for people with disabilities. 

 

The Historic Preservation Commission will be meeting on January 13, 2022 in the Garden Room.

 

Mayor Knudsen said that she met this morning with the Gold Star Monument Committee members and expects that they will give a presentation at the January 26, 2022 Village Council meeting.  They will also present details about the monument to be installed at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.  She thanked Commander Paoli, Chris Stout, American Legion Post 53, and all the volunteers who have been working on this important initiative.  The committee will be requesting a resolution, so that they may begin fundraising efforts. 

 

On January 9, 2022, Mayor Knudsen attended a Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Mass, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glen Rock.  The Mass was followed by a reception brunch.  Mayor Knudsen thanked Pastor Jay Unzaga and all Good Shepherd staff and choir for all of their hard work.  She especially thanked Ridgewood resident, Linda Scarpa, for her tireless efforts in organizing this event.

 

9.         RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-02 through 22-08, would be adopted by a consent agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and would be read by title only:

10.       RESOLUTION

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolution, numbered 22-09, would be adopted by a consent agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and would be read by title only:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.       ORDINANCES

 

A.        INTRODUCTION #3886 – BOND ORDINANCE – GENERAL CAPITAL ($2,611,000)

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3886.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.  Councilwoman Perron mentioned that this bond is specifically for paving streets and for the Kings Pond playscape.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3886 by title:

 

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $2,611,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,480,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COSTS THEREOF.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3886 be adopted on first reading and that February 9, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

B.        INTRODUCTION #3887 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL FEES

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3887.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3887 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”

 

Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance #3887 be adopted on first reading and that February 9, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

C.        INTRODUCTION #3888 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – ROUTE 17 PARK AND RIDGE LOT

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3888.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3888 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-29, “PARKING METER ZONE DESIGNATED”

 

Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance #3888 be adopted on first reading and that February 9, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

D.        INTRODUCTION #3889 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – RIDGEWOOD RESIDENT DAILY PARKING PASSES

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3889.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.  Councilman Vagianos recused himself from the votes on this ordinance.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

RECUSE:     Councilman Vagianos

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3889 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 #3889 be adopted on first reading and that February 9, 2022 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

RECUSE:     Councilman Vagianos

 

 

 

 

E.        INTRODUCTION #3890 – AUTHORIZE AN ENERGY AGGREGATION PROGRAM FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3890.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3890 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A GOVERNMENT ENERGY AGGREGATION PROGRAM

 

Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance #3890 be adopted on first reading and that February 9, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

F.         PUBLIC HEARING #3885 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – GRAYDON POOL, TENNIS, AND PICKLEBALL MEMBERSHIP FEES

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance #3885 by title and that the public hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3885 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIP FEES AND TENNIS/PICKLEBALL MEMBERSHIP FEES

 

Mayor Knudsen moved that the public hearing thereon be opened.  There were no public comments.  Mayor Knudsen moved that the public hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance #3885 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

12.       RESOLUTIONS

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-10 through 22-27, would be adopted by a consent agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and would be read by title only:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolution, numbered 22-28, would be considered separately and read in full:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.       COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public and there were none.

 

14.       RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Ms. Mailander read Resolution #22-29 to go into Closed Session as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.       ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Perron, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                ____________________________________

                                                                                                Susan Knudsen

                                                                                                       Mayor

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________

                     Heather A. Mailander

             Village Manager/Village Clerk