20181128 - 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, RIDGEWOD, NEW JERSEY ON NOVEMBER 28, 2018 AT 8:00 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Hache called the meeting to order at 8:02 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Hache led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as in a Moment of Silence to honor the brave men and women serving in our armed forces and all our first responders.
- ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of October 31, 2018, be accepted as submitted. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Mayor Hache moved that the Village Council minutes of September 5, September 26, October 10, and October 24, 2018 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she appreciated the explanation very much that Councilmembers Knudsen and Sedon gave prior to the meeting regarding the increase in fees for Graydon Pool. She added that she thinks that the increase of a 50% jump in the day pass is very high. It is a $10 increase in the cost for a pass for the entire summer, and $5 increase per day for a day pass which she doesn’t think is fair. Ms. Loving commented that she hoped some of the increased funds would be going towards the bathrooms.
Marcia Ringel, 250 Ferris Place, stated that, regarding the proposed ordinance to place a stop sign at Claremont Road and Cantrell Road, she has never had a problem or seen any problem there, as it is not a major thoroughfare and is a completely residential area. She asked if the people immediately near this area felt it was a dangerous place, as she felt there were enough stop signs in this area and she requested that the Village Council look into this.
Ms. Ringel added that she was concerned about the Graydon Pool fees, and she stated that now that non-residents will be able to bring a guest at an increased fee of $20 a day when compared to $15 for a guest pass under a resident membership, it seems like a lot to her. She wasn’t sure if anyone had been asked how they felt about it and whether any data was being collected on how many people asked about it or wanted it. She added that she hoped that they could consider restoring a popular feature, which was a book of coupons for ten guests at a discounted price at the cost of nine.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that as Ms. Ringel stated, he found it somewhat objectionable that an out of town member who is already paying a premium membership fee is now going to be asked to pay a premium fee to bring a guest. With the resident paying $15 per guest, he would think that the out of town member’s guest would also have to pay $15. He felt that the 50% increase should be across the board with respect to a day pass guest.
Melanie Hooban, 431 Bogert Avenue, stated that she wasn’t sure what it meant to make a street a through street and asked if there could be some clarification about that when it came up. She added that regarding Graydon Pool, she asked if there could be a sibling discount for the camp.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that regarding the Graydon Pool fees, she thought it was a great idea to bring the booklet back and the ordinance could be amended after the fact. When she first saw the fees, she agreed that they seemed like a significant increase. She agreed that the out of town member is already paying a premium; therefore, the fee for the out of town guest pass should be the same as the fee for the resident guest pass. Ms. Mailander stated that the current ordinance could be amended upon introduction to $15 for guest passes for non-resident members, or it could be introduced in December, through a separate ordinance which would also include the establishment of coupon booklets. This new ordinance would then be considered for adoption in January.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that regarding the through street, it only means that on the cross streets the Village Engineer can assign stop signs where necessary, so it doesn’t change anything, it just adds a measure of safety.
- MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that there have been some adjustments to the leaf placement schedule, and those who subscribe to the E-Notice have received two notices on that information. In addition, residents can always check the Village website for leaf placement updates. Residents can also put their leaves in biodegradable bags and place them between the curb and the sidewalk or bring their leaves to the recycling center.
Ms. Mailander stated that ‘Downtown for the Holidays’ is this Friday, November 30th. The ceremony takes place from 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. along East Ridgewood Avenue, from Oak Street up to South Broad Street. There will be holiday music and entertainment along East Ridgewood Avenue. Weather permitting, there will be a trackless train for kids to ride, and Santa in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. From 7:00 P.M. to 7:45 P.M. there will be entertainment on stage, with the lighting of the Christmas tree at approximately 7:30 P.M.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Menorah Lighting would take place on Sunday, December 2nd, at 5:30 P.M. and another candle will be lit each night of Hanukkah. The Menorah is located on East Ridgewood Avenue at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. Everyone is invited to join these festivities.
Ms. Mailander extended thanks to all of the Village employees who participated in snow removal and calls for service during the snow storm two weeks ago. She added that the Police Department had a huge amount of calls for service and it was truly a snow storm to be remembered as it took hours to get just down the block. The amount of traffic on the road made it very difficult to plow and once it eased up it was much easier. She added that the plows did a great job removing the snow from the Central Business District that night so that the parking lots were cleared.
Ms. Mailander stated that starting on Saturday, December 1st from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Santa will be in his house in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. On December 8th and 15th Santa will be there from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., and December 22nd from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Ms. Mailander stated that this evening, the Village Council would be voting on a resolution to approve free parking in all parking lots in the CBD, including the train station lot on December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd, which is every Saturday leading up to the Christmas Holiday.
- COUNCIL REPORTS
Library Board – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Library Board met last night and they were still working on the library renovation project, and would be coming before the Village Council on December 5th to talk about their Capital Campaign and their Public Awareness Campaign. She added that the Library Board will also discuss the cost per household if they do go through with the project. The Library Board will work within the community, so that people know what the project is all about.
Master Plan – Councilwoman Knudsen reminded everyone to visit VisionRidgewood.org and have a voice in Ridgewood’s future by participating in the visioning process, which is the preliminary stages of updating the Master Plan for the Village. There have been questions regarding emails from various organizations and groups directing people to VisionRidgewood.org to participate in the visioning process. She asked that everyone just use their own common sense, take the survey, and don’t be influenced by any special interest groups as it is important that they don’t allow the visioning process to be tainted. This is an operation of the Ridgewood Planning Board. There is also a Master Plan Advisory Committee, and anyone can email her with questions about the Master Plan visioning process.
Ridgewood Arts Council – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Ridgewood Arts Council Holiday Window Display Contest is in full swing, and although there are countless window displays throughout the CBD, only those who register for the contest will be judged. Judging will be done by Ridgewood Arts Council members.
Participating in retail: B. Witching Bath Co., Biltmore Tuxedos, COCO Interior, Dparz Shoes, Doubletake Consignment, Duxiana, Gilsenan and Company, Just Our Shoes, Learning Express, Mango Jam, and Town and Country Apothecary.
Participating in restaurants: Chestnut Deli, Its Greek to Me, Park West Tavern, Pearl, Playa Bowls, Raymond’s, Samba Bowls, and Steel Wheel Tavern.
Councilwoman Knudsen encouraged any interested businesses looking to register for the Holiday Window Display Contest to email RAC@RidgewoodNJ.net. She also thanked the Arts Council members for helping to bring one empty storefront back to life at the corner of North Broad and Ridgewood Avenue at the Wilsey Building, adding that they were grateful to the building owner Rocco Berardi for granting permission for the members of the Arts Council to decorate the windows. She added special thanks to the Village for allowing them to use the kissing balls, and the BFHSA for the use of their Winter Wonderland trees, polar bears, and decorations. It was a tremendous amount of work, so they wanted to thank Dana Glaser, Rosemary McCooe, Jay Friedman, Michael Walsh, and extra help from Pat DeSqual, John Knudsen, and a big thank you to Audrey Fink whose vision, commitment, creativity, and boundless energy guided the project.
Bergen County Winter Wonderland – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Bergen County Winter Wonderland was happening at Van Saun Park, and encouraged people to visit and take a look at the trees along the walkway as there is one tree for each of the 70 municipalities in Bergen County. She added that Ridgewood’s tree is just opposite the empanada truck. She thanked Mayor Hache and his children, Olivia, Christian, and Andres, and her husband John, for their help decorating the tree.
Historic Preservation Commission – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Historic Preservation Commission has identified the bus station building as having historic significance to the Village based on the 1950s mid-century modern design by architect J. Robert Gilcrest. Members would like to see this structure cleaned, restored, and appropriately identified in the Village. The Ridgewood Guild and Women Gardeners are willing to assist with the cleanup and enhancements for the continued use as the bus station, noting the prominent location was selected in relation to the Village War Memorial. Cleaning the structure and the addition of some security cameras would hopefully result in less negative social activity.
John Gilcrest, who is also an architect and the son of J. Robert Gilcrest, shared that in 1962, the Ridgewood structure received the AIA (Architects in America) Design Award. John Gilcrest has graciously offered to assist with the restoration, as he also feels it is an important piece of Ridgewood history. Councilwoman Knudsen added that this seems to have a specific design and the relationship to where it is located is also significant, and hopefully this will be added to the next agenda. There are a number of people who have offered time and materials to restore this as well.
American Legion – Councilman Sedon thanked Bob Paoli, Commander of American Legion Post 53 for having the traveling exhibit entitled, “The Spirit of America: The Wall” display brought to Ridgewood. Councilman Sedon explained that this was graciously hosted by Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He also thanked Pastor Matt Peoples who hosted the week-long event. There were discussions every evening and guided tours. He thanked all of the volunteers who helped hand out information and discuss topics relating to America’s military history.
Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Sedon stated that the Village is in the process of planting 140 street trees right now. He thanked all of the employees and everyone included in that initiative.
Councilwoman Knudsen asked what the status was of the planting project for the sycamore seedlings from the Graydon Pool sycamore tree. Ms. Mailander stated that it was completed. Councilman Sedon stated that Jean Epiphan was taking the seed pods and planting them along various stream locations, along with help from the Parks Department, with materials to keep the deer away.
- RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-327 THROUGH 18-332, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- ORDINANCES
- INTRODUCTION - #3687 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Day Camp Fees
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3687. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3687 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR DAY CAMP FEES
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3687 be adopted on first reading and that December 12, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3688 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Graydon Pool Membership Fees and Tennis Membership Fees
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3688. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3688 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIP FEES AND TENNIS MEMBERSHIP FEES
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3688 be adopted on first reading and that December 12, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3689 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Stop Signs at Claremont Road and Cantrell Road
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3689. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3689 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX “STOP INTERSECTIONS”
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3689 be adopted on first reading and that December 12, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3690 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Stop Signs at Fairmount Road and Upper Boulevard
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3690. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3690 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX “STOP INTERSECTIONS”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3690 be adopted on first reading and that December 12, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3691 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Zoning in B-1 and B-2 Business Districts
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3691. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Ms. Mailander stated that this ordinance was being introduced again because the same ordinance which was adopted last month, was not noticed in the surrounding municipalities which is a requirement for Land Use ordinances. Ordinance 3691 will be considered for final adoption in December, after it has been noticed to the surrounding municipalities.
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3691 by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AMENDING THE PROVISIONS IN CHAPTER 190, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, CONCERNING THE PERMITTED USES IN THE B-1 AND B-2 BUSINESS DISTRICTS
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3691 be adopted on first reading and that December 12, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3692 – Establish Licensing for Barbershops, Hairdressing, Cosmetology, and Nail Salons
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3692. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3692 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE A NEW CHAPTER OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “COSMETOLOGY” TO ADDRESS HEALTH AND SAFETY RELATED ISSUES
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3692 be adopted on first reading and that December 12, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION - #3693 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Licenses for Barbershops, Hairdressing, Cosmetology and Nail Salons
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3693. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3693 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145-4 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “DEPARTMENTAL FEES” TO AMEND THE FEES CHARGED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3693 be adopted on first reading and that December 12, 2018 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3677 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Designate Fairfield Avenue as Through Street
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3677 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3677 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-58, “SCHEDULE VIII: THROUGH STREETS”
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing was closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3677 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3678 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Stop Intersection at Driveway and Parking Prohibited on Driveway into Irene Habernickel Family Park
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3678 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3678 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX “STOP INTERSECTIONS” AND AT SECTION 265-65, SCHEDULE XV “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES”
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing was closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3678 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3679 – Management Salary Ordinance
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3679 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3679 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON-UNION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2018
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing was closed. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3679 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3680 – Non-Union Salary Ordinance
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3680 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3680 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF NON-UNION EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2018
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing was closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3680 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3681 – Amend Chapter 105 Animals – Poultry and Fowl
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3681 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3681 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 105 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, ANIMALS, AT SECTION 105-18, “POULTRY AND FOWL”
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing was closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3681 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3682 – Amend Chapter 260 – Trees and Shrubs
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3682 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3682 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 260 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, TREES AND SHRUBS
Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, questioned whether the major requirement of this ordinance was to delete the requirement for a permit, in order to remove a tree over a certain diameter on private property. Ms. Mailander stated that was correct. Mr. Loving questioned how long the portions of the ordinance that were being deleted, had been in effect. Ms. Mailander stated that they had been in effect for a little over a year. Mr. Loving asked how many permits were issued in that one year period of time. Ms. Mailander stated that there were none, because when the original ordinance was defeated, it was believed that the requirement for a permit was deleted, but it was not. Mr. Loving expressed his concern that there was an ordinance on the books that required a permit for a particular purpose and no one knew about it and no permits were issued and no fees were collected. Ms. Mailander stated that it wasn’t the intent of the Village Council to require permits for tree removals on private property. Mr. Loving added that it concerned him that there may be another ordinance in effect in which a permit or fee is required and the Village is not issuing permits or charging fees as required.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that there was no fee attached to the tree removal permit. Mr. Loving asked when this ordinance would take effect. Mr. Rogers stated that if this ordinance were adopted tonight, it would be in effect on December 18th. Mr. Loving stated that theoretically, if someone were to cut a tree down tomorrow over a certain diameter on their own property they would require a permit; however, the Village is not enforcing it. Ms. Mailander and Councilwoman Knudsen stated that was correct. Mr. Loving stated that he just wanted to clarify that. Ms. Mailander stated that she would check on the fee. Councilman Sedon stated that he understood that the permit was to let the Village know that a tree was being cut down so that a new tree could be planted somewhere else in the Village.
There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing was closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3682 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-333 THROUGH 18-350, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that earlier this week, he sent an email to the Village Manager’s office expressing his concerns about the use of Veterans Field as a helicopter landing pad for the Valley Hospital. His main concerns were regarding the expenses required for the Police, Fire, and EMS personnel who attend to those landings. After he sent that email, he realized that it is a public park that the taxpayers of Ridgewood fund, and on two occasions he has observed helicopter landings for hospital to hospital transfers.
Mr. Loving stated that the Ridgewood taxpayers pay for the park, and it concerned him that the Valley Hospital was using the park and asked whether the Village Manager, Police Chief, or Fire Chief gives approval for that to occur. He asked whether Valley Hospital was being billed for these services. He noted that when a helicopter lands at Hackensack Hospital, they are landing on their own property. He questioned what right Valley Hospital has to land in a public park, for hospital to hospital transfers of patients. He asked if the Village Manager would look into this and provide an answer to residents as to why they are able to do this. He supposed that when the hospital moves to Paramus, they will build their own landing pad, but in the meantime stated they should find commercial property on which to land a helicopter and not land it at a public park.
Mr. Loving stated that during the helicopter landing over the summer, people playing in the park had to be cleared. He added that as far as he was concerned, this practice should stop, and if it doesn’t, the Ridgewood taxpayers should be compensated for the time that the helicopter is sitting there.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, asked whether the parking kiosk units would announce to people on Saturdays in December that it is free parking, as people might not necessarily be aware of the holiday parking program. She added that there was also some discussion that after 8:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, after 6:00 P.M. on Saturdays, and on Sundays that the kiosk should flash that no money was necessary.
There were no additional public comments.
Mayor Hache asked whether there was any information regarding the arrangement between Valley Hospital and the Village. Ms. Mailander stated that Valley Hospital is not charged, and the Police Department is notified. She said that she does not believe that permission is necessary, as she does not give permission for the landings to occur, but she will verify that.
Mayor Hache added that Ms. Loving’s idea regarding the parking kiosks was a great idea and suggested that it be extended to Parkmobile as well, to give someone notice whenever there are holidays in general. He asked if there was a way to do it. Ms. Mailander stated that they would look into it.
Councilwoman Knudsen asked whether they could get input into what type of circumstances would be necessary for Valley Hospital to put in the request for a helicopter landing because as Mr. Loving pointed out, it would be someone in dire need of emergency transport. Despite that fact, the Village Council should have some information regarding the circumstances which would require that type of request. Ms. Mailander was in agreement.
- RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #18-351 to go into Closed Session as follows:
- ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:51 P.M.
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Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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