20170208 - 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 WEDESDAY, FERUARY 8, 2017 AT 8:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE - MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:01 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen. Also present were Heather Mailander, Acting Village Manager/Village Clerk and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and held a Moment of Silence for all the men and women serving our nation and all 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, 2016 and January 31, 2017, be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of January 11, 2017, 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 Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. PROCLAMATIONS
Before the Proclamations were read, Mayor Knudsen introduced Dad’s Night Dads Dennis Murphy, John Pisnanont, Todd Patton and Craig Burton. Mayor Knudsen asked these gentlemen to speak about the fundraiser, Dad’s Night. Mr. Murphy explained that the fundraiser includes a Variety Skit Show, presented by the dads for the benefit of the Hawes and Somerville Schools. The show will be on March 10th and 11th. Money is also raised throughout the year to benefit scholarships. Last year, the Dad’s Night Dads raised money for a family who lost their father. The group also sponsors events such as a blood drive, a turkey drive, and a coat drive.
Mayor Knudsen asked everyone to support this wonderful program, which is in its 73rd year. Mayor Knudsen pointed out that many of the Dad’s Night Dads participate in the Ridgewood High School Jamboree Scholarship Foundation Fundraiser, as well. Mayor Knudsen pointed out that Jamboree runs from tonight until Saturday night, February 11th. Last year, the Jamboree Scholarship Foundation raised over $150,000.00 to distribute need-based scholarships to Ridgewood High School Students.
A. DAD’S NIGHT DAYS - HAWES SCHOOL AND SOMERVILLE SCHOOL
Councilman Hache read the following proclamations:
B. READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY
Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:
C. SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAY
Councilman Sedon read the following proclamation:
5. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE OFFICERS
Mayor Knudsen explained that in 2013, the new police officers being sworn in tonight took and passed a Civil Service test, became certified, were hired by the Village of Ridgewood, completed their training at the Bergen County Police Academy and graduated in December, 2016, in one of the highest grade point average classes in the history of the Academy. Mayor Knudsen noted that two of these police officers are her sons.
There was a round of applause from everyone in attendance.
Mayor Knudsen acknowledged the families and friends of these police officers, as well as the Village Staff, the Acting Village Manager, and the Village Councilmembers, for their support and encouragement as these police officers completed their training.
A. POLICE OFFICER DOUGLAS BUSCHE
Douglas Busche was sworn in as a Police Officer by Mayor Knudsen while his father, Alan, held the Bible. There was a round of applause and congratulations from everyone in attendance.
B. POLICE OFFICER DOUGLAS CHRISTOPHER
Douglas Christopher was sworn in as a Police Officer by Mayor Knudsen while his father, Billy, held the Bible. There was a round of applause and congratulations from everyone in attendance.
C. POLICE OFFICER BRANDON DONNELLY
Brandon Donnelly was sworn in as a Police Officer by Mayor Knudsen while his brother, Colin, who is a Ridgewood Police Officer, held the Bible. There was a round of applause and congratulations from everyone in attendance.
D. POLICE OFFICER JACK KNUDSEN
Jack Knudsen was sworn in as a Police Officer by Mayor Knudsen while his father, John, a retired Police Officer, held the Bible. There was a round of applause and congratulations from everyone in attendance.
E. POLICE OFFICER ZACHARY KNUDSEN
Zachary Knudsen was sworn in as a Police Officer by Mayor Knudsen while his father, John, a retired Police Officer, held the Bible. There was a round of applause and congratulations from everyone in attendance.
F. POLICE OFFICER KYLE SCARPA
Kyle Scarpa was sworn in as a Police Officer by Mayor Knudsen while his brother, Kevin, a Sheriff’s Officer, held the Bible. There was a round of applause and congratulations from everyone in attendance.
6. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE LIEUTENANT BRIAN PULLMAN
Brian Pullman was sworn in as a Police Lieutenant by Mayor Knudsen while his wife, Kim, held the Bible. There was a round of applause and congratulations from everyone in attendance.
7. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE CAPTAIN WILLIAM AMORUSO
William Amoruso was sworn in as a Police Lieutenant by Mayor Knudsen while his wife, Kerri, held the Bible. There was a round of applause and congratulations from everyone in attendance.
8. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments or questions from the public.
There were no comments from the public.
9. MANAGER’S REPORT
Acting Village Manager Heather Mailander reminded everyone that the Village Council Work Session scheduled for February 22nd had been cancelled. The next Work Session will be held on March 1st at 7:30 pm.
Ms. Mailander stated that an E-Notice, as well as a reverse 911 call, went out today to make everyone aware that due to an impending snow storm, there will be no recycling or solid waste pick-up tomorrow. Also, from Friday, February 10 through Wednesday, February 15th, the Village is requesting that all recycling and solid waste be brought to the end of the residents’ driveways, near the curb, but not in the street, for the safety of the Village Staff. Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that snow must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowstorm. All overnight street parking is prohibited tonight and Thursday night. Ms. Mailander urged everyone to stay off the roads as much as possible, so the plow operators can do their work. Since high winds are also projected, any power outages should be reported directly to PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734. Ms. Mailander urged everyone to check the Village Website for important storm updates at ridgewoodnj.net; to check-in with neighbors and the elderly; and to stay safe.
In case of a power outage, PSE&G is recommending that residents have on hand the following items: water, a three-day supply of non-perishable food, a battery powered or hand cranked radio, flashlights and extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a can opener, and cell phones with chargers. Downed wires should always be considered live; do not approach or drive over a downed wire and do not touch anything that has contact with the downed wire.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village will have Wi-Fi to check badges at Graydon Pool this summer. This Wi-Fi will be for staff use only.
Ms. Mailander stated that Village Hall and the Stable will be closed this Monday, February 13th, in observation of Lincoln’s Birthday, as well as next Monday, February 20th in observation of Presidents Day. Sanitation and Recycling schedules are suspended on these holidays and the Recycling Center is also closed.
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that Jamboree is being presented at the Ben Franklin Middle School tonight through Saturday night.
Ms. Mailander read an e-mail commending Village employee Andres Avalo, who found an unattended computer bag in the recycling yard. Upon further inspection, he noticed important paperwork within it. Mr. Avalo secured the bag until the resident returned to claim it. This e-mail also commended Village employee, Moises Barahona, who, along with Mr. Avalo, unloaded cardboard from one truck to another to help a resident find a discarded key. Mr. Barahona physically searched the floor of the truck, found the key, and returned it to the resident. Ms. Mailander stated that these are just two recent examples of extraordinary service by Village employees.
10. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) - Councilman Voigt reported that the FAC met on Monday, February 6th. The FAC continued their discussion on the analysis of the parking garage, and the options for paying for it, with the intention of presenting the findings to Council at the beginning of March.
The FAC also discussed the fats, oils, grease, and masticated food waste disposal system program that is currently taking place at the Recycling Center. The FAC will meet next week to discuss the program’s capacity and potential.
The FAC met with representatives of NJ Transit who informed the members that private enterprises have completely funded, built and are currently operating parking garages in and around NJ Transit Train Stations. The FAC has invited a couple of companies, that specialize in building and managing parking garages, to attend meetings over the next few weeks to discuss possible interest and the potential cost of building a parking garage. One of these companies is named Nexus. Councilman Voigt asked Councilman Hache to participate in these discussions.
Planning Board - Councilman Voigt stated that the Planning Board met last night. The members reviewed the Dayton Development located on the Brogan Site, to the west of Mount Carmel Church. The review included traffic, pedestrian safety, circulation, and an analysis of parking for the Dayton Development. The discussion centered around the potential impact, as well as some of the potential contributions of these issues on the Village and, in particular, the Central Business District (CBD). The applicant should be completing their presentation on April 4th.
The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for February 21st. Items on the agenda include Chestnut Village, located directly west of the YWCA.
On behalf of the Planning Board, Councilman Voigt thanked Village Planner, Blais Brancheau, for all his hard work over the years, describing him as a knowledgeable and insightful professional who will be missed. Mr. Brancheau thanked the Planning Board and noted that he will miss working with the Village.
Councilman Voigt spoke of a program he attended last week, coordinated by Jeanie Johnson, called “Let’s Move Forward Together”. The panel included two people who are FOX News Contributors; a Ridgewood graduate named Guy Benson, a staunch Republican, and Julie Roginsky, a staunch Democrat. It was interesting to hear the different viewpoints on today’s issues and good to see that two people with such different ideologies can get together.
Councilman Voigt spoke of the Planning Board’s concerns with employee parking in the lots on Cottage Place and North Walnut Street. Councilman Voigt noted that on his visits to these sites, he observed that the lots were virtually empty. However, after a discussion with Ms. Mailander, it was determined that 60 employees have already signed-up for parking stickers for the approximately 58 available employee parking spaces.
Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) - Councilman Sedon reported that REAC met on Tuesday. On April 6, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., REAC will show a film at the library called “Tapped”. The film compares bottled water to municipal water, using criteria such as bacteria. Dave Scheibner of Ridgewood Water will conduct a question and answer session after the film.
Councilman Sedon reported that Earth Day will be held on April 23, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in conjunction with the Ridgewood Conservancy for Public Lands and Ridgewood Water, in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. The theme of Earth Day will be “Rain to Drain”. There will be many vendors and a dog parade.
REAC is looking at several locations in the CBD to install bicycle racks. A decision must be made on the style of these racks, and then brought before the Historic Preservation Commission so they can approve the styles, as the CBD is a historic district.
Shade Tree Commission - Councilman Sedon reported that the Shade Tree Commission met on Tuesday. The members discussed filling out the Grant Application for Sustainable New Jersey. Another topic discussed was the Sidewalk Replacement Program; in particular, the concerns expressed by some residents on Hillcrest Road that sidewalk repairs may harm trees. Councilman Sedon noted that in most instances, the sidewalk could be bumped out at a minimal cost, to run around the tree, allowing it to be saved. Residents may work with the Village Arborist to see if this is a possibility.
Ridgewood Arts Council - Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Ridgewood Arts Council is finalizing the plans for Augmented Reality. A collaboration for Augmented Reality is with several different groups including the schools and Student Art Month, which begins in March, and REAC, who will have a table explaining the Augmented Reality for Earth Day.
The Arts Council discussed choosing an artist for their next Artist Salon. The first Artist Salon was held in January and the Arts Council proposes to hold this event four times a year.
The Arts Council liaison for REAC talked about the designs for the bike racks.
Bergen County League of Municipalities - Councilwoman Walsh stated that the next meeting of the Bergen County League of Municipalities will be held next week.
Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) - Councilwoman Walsh stated that the next meeting of the CSAC will be held at the end of the month.
CBD Advisory Committee (CBDAC) - Councilman Hache stated the CBDAC met last Thursday. The members were able to view a rough draft of the CBD website, which looked great. The domain name, “indowntownridgewood.com” has been secured. Data mining work is on-going to ensure that all businesses are represented on the website. This website will promote the downtown, keep everyone up-to-date on community events, and give small businesses the opportunity to advertise and promote themselves, as well. The website creation is slightly ahead of schedule.
Municipal Alliance Committee - Councilman Hache stated that there will be a presentation from Dr. Timothy Silvestri on February 13th at the Ridgewood High School Campus Center at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Silvestri will talk about the Social Norms Survey that the students took last year, focusing mainly on prescription drugs and the issues that families are facing today.
There will be a presentation on eating disorders entitled “Life Beyond Eating Disorders” at George Washington School on March 14th at 7:00 p.m.
Mayors’ Summit - Mayor Knudsen reported that she recently attended a Mayors’ Summit hosted by Congressman Josh Gottheimer. A spirited discussion was had by the many Mayors that were in attendance. Congressman Gottheimer is going to be providing more grant opportunities on his website, and a representative has been assigned to be a “go to” person to provide grant information as it becomes available. During a discussion on water, Mayor Knudsen reminded everyone that Ridgewood Water is healthier and better than bottled water.
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) - Mayor Knudsen stated that the HPC meets tomorrow night at 8:00 pm in the Garden Room of Village Hall, weather permitting. The HPC e-mails reflected great excitement about the upcoming review of the bike racks.
Planning Board - Mayor Knudsen reported that the next multi-family housing application, The Enclave, is scheduled for March 7th; The Dayton application is scheduled for April 4th; and the Ken Smith Application is scheduled for April 18th.
Mayor Knudsen reported on a telephone conversation she had with a resident who praised John Spano, John Ward, and the Village staff for helping him get to his garbage and his recycling and how cognizant they were of the difficulties he was having as a senior citizen. The resident was very grateful and appreciative of all their efforts.
Mayor Knudsen directed the Councilmembers’ attention to boxes from Jersey Mike’s Subs that contained sandwiches for after the meeting. Mayor Knudsen invited everyone to take a coupon for a free sub sandwich, with a $2.00 donation toward the restoration of the bell tower at the high school. This offer expires on February 12th. Mayor Knudsen thanked Jersey Mike’s Subs for their generosity and welcomed them to the community.
11. ORDINANCES - RIDGEWOOD WATER
There were no ordinances for approval this evening.
12. RESOLUTIONS - RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-26 THROUGH 17-37 WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
13. ORDINANCES
a. INTRODUCTION - #3581 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - Prohibit Parking - Sections of Sherman Place
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3581. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3581 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-65, “SCHEDULE XV: PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES”
Councilman Hache moved that Ordinance 3581 be adopted on first reading and that
March 8, 2017 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
b. INTRODUCTION - #3582 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic- Angle Parking
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3582. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3582 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-25, “ANGLE PARKING”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3582 be adopted on first reading and that
March 8, 2017 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
c. INTRODUCTION - #3583 - Amend Chapter 238 - Sewers and Sewage Disposal - Addition of Masticated Food Waste
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3583. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3583 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 238 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL, ARTICLE XII, “LIQUID WASTE ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM”
Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3583 be adopted on first reading and that
March 8, 2017 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
d. INTRODUCTION - #3584 - Amend Chapter 145 - Fees - Sewers and Sewage Disposal - Liquid Waste Acceptance Program Fees
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3584. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3584 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3584 be adopted on first reading and that
March 8, 2017 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
e. INTRODUCTION - #3585 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - Bus Stops
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3585. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3585 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-74, “SCHEDULE XXIV: BUS STOPS”
Councilman Voigt moved that Ordinance 3585 be adopted on first reading and that
March 8, 2017 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
f. INTRODUCTION - #3586 - Amend Chapter 145 - Fees - Significant Sewer Discharger Fees
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3586. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3586 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 3586 be adopted on first reading and that March 8, 2017 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
g. INTRODUCTION - #3587 - Amend Chapter 145 - Fees - Graydon Pool Fees
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance 3587. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3587 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES, OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIP FEES AND TENNIS MEMBERSHIP FEES
Councilman Hache moved that Ordinance 3587 be adopted on first reading and that March 8, 2017 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
h. PUBLIC HEARING - #3578 - Amend Chapter 145 - Fees - Day Camp Fees
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3578 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3578 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES, OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR DAY CAMP FEES
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3578 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
i. Public Hearing - #3579 - Amend Chapter 190 - Land Use and Development - Institutional and Religious Uses and Public Utilities
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3579 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3579 by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AMENDING CHAPTER 190, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, IN ORDER TO AMEND THE REGULATIONS FOR HOUSES OF WORSHIP, SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC UTILITY FACILITIES, TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUFFERS BETWEEN INCOMPATIBLE USES, AND TO CLARIFY THE APPLICABILITY OF THE CHAPTER TO MUNICIPAL USES AND TO STRUCTURES WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Hache moved that Ordinance 3579 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
j. Public Hearing - #3580 - Amend Chapter 265 - Vehicles and Traffic - CBD Parking
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance 3580 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3580 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”
Mayor Knudsen announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Voigt moved that Ordinance 3580 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Hache seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
14. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-38 THROUGH 17-53 WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
15. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he felt the Village Council pushed Valley Hospital out of Ridgewood.
Mr. Halaby asked for a status update on the construction of a parking deck, which he felt was very much needed in Ridgewood.
Mr. Halaby stated that he understood that the business ratable in the Central Business District (CBD) is now half the amount that it was 10 years ago. He did not feel the CBD was the dynamic district the Village Council believes it to be. Mr. Halaby pointed out the recent loss of Joseph A. Banks Clothier. He was happy to see Jersey Mike’s Subs come into the Village, but he questioned whether or not there will be adequate parking. Mr. Halaby said that the shortage of parking is affecting the dynamics of the CBD and he urged the Village Council to work toward solving this issue.
Mr. Halaby asked why it has taking so long to find a new Village Manager to replace Roberta Sonenfeld, who resigned six months ago.
Mr. Halaby observed that some Village Committees are in need of members. He noted that sometimes it is hard for the Planning Board to have the number of members needed for a quorum. He suggested that some Planning Board members left because they were uncomfortable with the Village Council’s approach. Mr. Halaby questioned the steps being taken to fill these vacancies on the Planning Board.
Mr. Halaby asked the Village Council to report on the status of HealthBarn.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, congratulated the Village Council and the Acting Village Manager for taking the initiative and getting the Wi-Fi issue at Graydon Pool resolved. Mr. Loving asked for a resolution, as well, for the IT-related problem that is affecting the opening up of the bathrooms at the Stable.
Mr. Loving stated that Roberta Sonenfeld submitted a letter of resignation from her position as Village Manager, and was not unceremoniously removed from office.
Mayor Knudsen stated that the public hearing was now closed.
Mayor Knudsen pointed out that the Planning Board has never needed to cancel a meeting for lack of a quorum. She described the Planning Board as a hardworking, committed, dedicated and diligent group of people. Councilman Voigt agreed. Mayor Knudsen added that it is unfortunate and unforgivable that inaccurate comments are made.
Mayor Knudsen noted that the last Village Manager search took in excess of eight months.
In regards to HeathBarn, Mayor Knudsen explained that this is being discussed in Closed Session.
Councilman Hache pointed out that the search for any staffing position in the Village, including Village Manager, is highly confidential and not subject to updates.
In terms of the parking garage, Councilman Hache explained that there have been many discussions during Village Council meetings on this issue. There have also been discussions with the architectural firm that prepared the design for the previous version of the garage, due to the fact that the Village Council does not want to walk away from money that was already spent. A tremendous amount of progress has already been made. The Village Council is well aware of the businesses in the CBD that have closed. The Village Council is doing everything possible to revive the downtown in many different ways, including parking.
Mayor Knudsen stated that the Village Council appreciates public comments, but they should be accurate.
Ms. Mailander stated that the IT-related challenge that is affecting opening up the bathrooms at the Stable, will be corrected by mid-March, and will be up and running for the summer and fall months.
16. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #17-54 to go into Closed Session as follows:
17. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilman Hache, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
_____________________________
Susan Knudsen
Mayor
_____________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Acting Village Manager/Village Clerk
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