20220209 - 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 FEBRUARY 9, 2022 AT 8:02 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:02 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
NONE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of June 23, July 12, August 4, and September 8, 2021, and January 12, 2022, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Councilman Vagianos
4. PROCLAMATIONS
Deputy Mayor Sedon read the Proclamation, “Read Across America Day”, as follows:
Councilwoman Perron read the Proclamation, “Jamboree Days”, as follows:
Councilwoman Reynolds read the Proclamation, “34th Annual Super Science Saturday”, as follows:
Councilman Vagianos read the Proclamation, “Dad’s Night Days” at Hawes and Somerville Schools, as follows:
5. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE OFFICER VINCENZO VACCARELLA
Mayor Knudsen asked Vincenzo Vaccarella to come forward to be sworn in as Police Officer for the Ridgewood Police Department. She asked all Councilmembers to join her at the podium. Mayor Knudsen then swore in Police Officer Vincenzo Vaccarella, as his mother held the Bible. There was a resounding round of applause.
6. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE LIEUTENANT PETER BOLTEN
Mayor Knudsen asked Peter Bolten to come forward to be sworn in as Police Lieutenant for the Ridgewood Police Department. Mayor Knudsen then swore in Police Lieutenant Peter Bolten, as his children held the Bible and his wife and parents looked on. There was a resounding round of applause.
7. RESOLUTION OF APPOINTMENT AND SWEARING-IN OF TAX ASSESSOR, WILLIAM PALUMBO
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #22-34 to appoint William Palumbo as Tax Assessor of the Village of Ridgewood, to fill the unexpired term of office for Anthony Rinaldi, Jr., from January 31, 2022 through June 30, 2024, as follows:
Mayor Knudsen asked William Palumbo to come forward to be sworn in as Municipal Tax Assessor for the Village of Ridgewood. Mayor Knudsen then swore in William Palumbo as Tax Assessor as Deputy Mayor Sedon held the Bible. There was a resounding round of applause.
8. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments from the public at this time.
Sean McCooe, 66 Walthery Avenue, said that as an 18-year veteran of Dad’s Night, he is very proud to have served under Chairman Matt Rogers. He is pleased that Benjamin Franklin Middle School is available on March 3, 4, and 5, 2022 for the Jamboree performances. Typically the shows are held the first weekend in February. There are approximately 85 performers, 65 “backstage” hands, and 45 alumni doing fundraising. He urged everyone to support Jamboree by attending shows, placing ads, purchasing raffle tickets, and supporting other fundraising endeavors. They are excited to hold it live this year after last year’s video-based shows. Jamboree is the largest scholarship organization for Ridgewood High School graduates. He thanked Mayor Knudsen for her involvement in Jamboree. Tickets may be purchased at rhsjamboree.org. Councilman Vagianos thanked Mr. McCooe for all of his efforts.
Anne Burton Walsh, 112 South Irving Street, spoke on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Ridgewood and once again asked that hybrid access (both in-person and on-line via Zoom) for Village Council meetings be placed on the agenda or discussed this evening and put to a vote. The League also requests that the Council ensure that the minutes are brought up to date on the Village website. She stated that it is the League’s mission to promote informed and active participation in government, and the lack of hybrid access and lack of updated minutes hinder the public’s participation in government.
Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, stated that hybrid communication is being hindered by two obstacles: funding and IT. However, she does not see anyone personally appearing at Village Council meetings in opposition to the reinstatement of hybrid access. She notes that the Board of Education is using hybrid access with great success and also that many people desire it for salient reasons. She believes that there are good reasons why the Village Council should consider another vote on this matter.
Regarding pickleball, Ms. Scarpa said that it is “mind boggling” that this is still being discussed. She views the problem as emanating from noise complaints by neighbors who willingly bought a home near a school field, athletic court, etc., when they should have known what to expect. There are many residents in the Village who live near schools and fields that are noisy. She wondered why this is a “tax problem.” The Ridgewood taxpayers should not be paying $22,000 for a sound curtain at the pickleball courts, as a Village expense. It is the homeowner’s individual problem and the Village cannot accommodate each resident individually. This is because there will be no end to future complaints from other residents who also live in the vicinity of sports fields and athletic courts, which encounter noise from any sport. All residents will be senior citizens someday. Ms. Scarpa urges the Council to just “let them play the game.” They are the backbone of Ridgewood, pay taxes when their children are long out of the educational system, and should be given just as many hours on the pickleball court as any other sports.
Ms. Scarpa said she wanted to congratulate Councilman Vagianos on joining the Village Council and representing the merchants in the CBD. She said that the residents have representation from varied people in the Village. She also thanked Mayor Knudsen for attending Law Enforcement Appreciation Sunday on January 9, 2022 at Good Shepherd Church. Mayor Knudsen presented the wreath for fallen officers. Ms. Scarpa stated that her church holds this special service every year and it is her hope that all Councilmembers will attend next year. It is important to honor officers with a special day.
Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, said that a couple of years ago, the League of Women Voters held a presentation regarding transparency. She mentioned that someone on the Village Council remarked that transparency is “just a word.” She thought this was a curious way of looking at it, so she became very involved as an observer and speaker at meetings. She stated that transparency is indeed measurable and that some measure it with scorecards. She stated that hybrid access was denied through “agenda manipulation.” Ms. Crann Winograd said that, whether or not the Council wants hybrid access, this matter should have been put to a vote. In addition, when she and others were trying to be factual in their discussions, it was hard to do so because the minutes for the entire year of 2021 were not posted online. She feels that there is a problem with transparency because seeking information is like a “fishing expedition.”
When officials of a meeting are being scored, Ms. Crann Winograd said that manipulation of agendas, overreach of power by a Chair, and limitation of public access are all reasons for a “low score.” She said she would send the Councilmembers a copy of the scorecard and that they should all test themselves for transparency. She would like to see hybrid access added to the agenda or, in the alternative, rotate the “chair” so that someone else can set the agenda other than the existing Chair. She feels that meaningful steps should be taken to form a communications team. E-notices do not work as well as they should and the Council should be looking at different ways to engage the public. She stated that it is a “very serious red flag” that hybrid access has not been restored. It is a red flag for transparency and also a red flag to the people in the disabled community.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said that he asked last week about why the Health Barn lease had not yet been signed by the Village and he was assured that it would be signed by Thursday or Friday of last week. As of yesterday, he stated that it had not been signed and he wondered when that would occur. He kept insisting for an answer but was told by Mayor Knudsen that his question would be answered at the end of public comments.
Lillian Blood, 250 North Maple Avenue, said she wanted to speak about pickleball but also is interested in working as a community and not having people tell residents “you can’t do this because I say so.” She reiterated Ms. Scarpa’s comments about pickleball but also mentioned that not everyone who plays pickleball is a senior. When pickleball hours and days are limited, it makes it difficult for many seniors who want to stay active. She was confused as to why the Councilmembers felt that sound is any different on a Saturday than it would be on a Friday. She stated that it wasn’t true that the pickleball sounds are like a cannon and neighbors hear it all day long. She stated that she is 82 and there’s no way she could ever play all day long.
Ms. Blood said that the resident who bought the house next to the courts bought it when there were already four pickleball courts, a school, and a school playground existing there. The resident “should have known what he was getting into when he bought that house.” That resident should make a decision whether he wants to continue living there or move someplace else. Ms. Blood said this was a minor issue and she doesn’t understand why it is still being discussed. She wondered why the discussion of the pickleball days and hours was the very last item on the agenda. She thanked the Councilmembers, however, for placing it on the agenda. She said that there are some people who complain “no matter what.”
There were no further comments from the public.
Mayor Knudsen first responded to the comments made by Ms. Crann Winograd and Ms. Walsh regarding meeting minutes. An email was received from the League of Women Voters and others suggesting that the lack of meeting minutes was an OPMA (Open Public Meetings Act) violation. Mayor Knudsen explained that posting minutes was a matter of good practice, but that not posting minutes was not an OPMA violation; however, she stated that the Council will endeavor to get all minutes posted on the website. She stated that it was fundamentally unfair for allegations to be made such as that.
Mayor Knudsen answered Mr. Halaby’s inquiry by stating that the Health Barn lease has been signed; however, not all Councilmembers received exhibits and schedules for the lease. Also, some typographical errors were identified and they need to be corrected. Mayor Knudsen also addressed Ms. Blood’s comments by saying that the pickleball hours are not listed on the agenda as a discussion item but merely listed for a consent agenda vote. She thanked Ms. Scarpa for her comments and mentioned that the Law Enforcement Day celebration was a beautiful ceremony and everyone should strive to attend these events. Mayor Knudsen said she was honored to have attended. She thanked Mr. McCooe for his comments regarding Jamboree.
9. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander announced that first quarter property taxes are now due and the last day to pay without incurring interest is February 10, 2022. Postmarks are not accepted; the payments must be physically in the office to be deemed timely. Payments received after February 10th are charged interest at a rate of 8% on the first $1,500.00 and 18% on anything over $1,500.00, back to February 1st.
The Annual Budget Meetings will be held in the courtroom on February 16, 17, 25, and 28, 2022 beginning at 5:00 PM. They will be televised on Channel 34 and YouTube. The public is welcome at these meetings where Department Directors explain various aspects of their budgets.
Due to increased requests from Ridgewood senior residents for rides to the Wyckoff ShopRite, rides will be increased to include the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, on a trial basis. This service is free for Ridgewood seniors. Reservations are required to be made by calling 201-670-5500, extension 203. This added service will be re-evaluated at the end of May, to determine if it is providing the intended purpose.
The Village Council is seeking volunteers for the Ridgewood Arts Council and Project Pride. Anyone interested should send a resume, cover letter, and citizen volunteer leadership form, the latter of which can be accessed on the Village website on the tile for “Employment and Volunteer Opportunities.” These forms should be sent to Deputy Village Clerk, Eileen Young, no later than February 25, 2022.
Membership badges for 2022 pickleball and tennis are on sale and must be renewed from the prior year. If a yellow membership badge was not received in 2021, residents must have their picture taken and a badge printed for 2022 at The Stable, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Ms. Mailander urged everyone to sign up for E-notices on the Village website to keep informed about events and notifications. All Village departments will be closed on Friday, February 11, 2022 and Monday, February 21, 2022 in observance of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and President’s Day, respectively. On these days, there will be no garbage or recycling collection, and the Recycling Center will be closed. Residents should consult the Village calendar for the garbage and recycling schedule for those entire weeks, as holiday closures impact pickups. The Recycling Center will be open on Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Village meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall courtroom, on the Village website, and on Channel 34 on FIOS. The meetings are also available afterwards on YouTube. Upcoming Work Sessions will be held on February 23, March 2, and March 23, 2022 at 7:30 PM. The next Public Meeting will be held on March 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM.
10. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilwoman Perron stated that the Chamber of Commerce met on February 9, 2022 and it was announced that they have a new website. She said that the website was very colorful and engaging and contains many links to helpful resources. They also sent out a “Chamber Guide” to every Ridgewood household and business. New Chamber members include worldFlats, Stella, and Eagle Eye Home Inspection. January was a “quiet” month for business, which is not unusual.
Feed the Frontlines is nearing the end of their third phase, based on a $2 million Sustain and Serve grant. This group served 200,000 meals in this last phase and are considering what to do in the next phase.
The Green Ridgewood Committee met and Mark Kossick, a Village resident, made a presentation on “Group Spot,” a communication tool which he developed. Councilwoman Perron said the app was “pretty cool” and she understands the Fields Committee is considering using it for their needs. Green Ridgewood is preparing for Earth Day (April 10, 2022), which should be a great event.
Councilman Vagianos indicated that he spoke with the Village Manager today and he was informed that they are working very hard to update the minutes on the website. Public meeting minutes are now current, and the minutes for October, November, and December of 2021 are being worked on.
Regarding hybrid meetings, he stated that he couldn’t agree more with the public comments at tonight’s meeting. He is incredibly disappointed that the Village Council majority does not want to put this on the agenda for a discussion. He stated that this is a transparency issue that must be addressed. He believes that it will happen and is just a matter of time. Councilman Vagianos indicated that he will keep pursuing this matter until it is put on the agenda for public discussion.
Councilwoman Reynolds reminded everyone that on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at the Planning Board Meeting, Heyer, Gruel and Associates will be there presenting its preliminary findings and recommendations for the Master Plan. She urged the public to attend this very important meeting.
Councilwoman Reynolds also announced that the Village Council is reorganizing the Project Pride Committee. They are seeking both residents and businesses that work in landscaping, gardening, or the horticulture field. Interested volunteers should log-in to the Village website and fill out the application for the committee. Councilwoman Reynolds also wished happy birthday to Mayor Knudsen.
Deputy Mayor Sedon announced that the Shade Tree Commission met on February 8, 2022 and they are excited about the upcoming budget. Some members expressed interest in moving the “Tree Protection Ordinance” forward and not to drag it out unnecessarily. Councilman Sedon said he agreed with them.
Mayor Knudsen mentioned that the Bergen County League of Municipalities met on February 8, 2022. The topic of discussion was “Climate Resilience in New Jersey, Vision and Planning.” Officials from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) made a presentation which included a discussion of extreme rainfall amounts and flash flooding. While most of the discussion revolved around coastal areas of New Jersey, many points were relevant to our local area. Included was a “Resilient New Jersey, Local Planning for Climate Change Toolkit.” It was suggested that some of these planning tools to address rainfall and stormwater issues be included in the new Master Plan.
Mayor Knudsen reported that on February 8, 2022, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), conducted a virtual briefing regarding Teterboro Airport. The meeting included updates by staff from both agencies, with a general overview on topics such as Teterboro’s role in Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operations, the Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee (TANAAC), airport layout and air space noise abatement, and approaches to runway 19, of particular interest to Ridgewood residents, as well as management of the New York/New Jersey airspace by the FAA. Mayor Knudsen reminded everyone that this is a “revisit” to the 2016 discussion of runway 19, a rerouting of the Teterboro air traffic whereby air traffic was redirected down the Route 17 corridor. The change was intended to mitigate overhead noise from planes, which affect the Hackensack University Medical Center, surrounding residential neighborhoods, and Bergen County municipalities.
Attendance at TANAAC meetings is currently limited to municipalities within a five-mile radius of the airport. Mayor Knudsen recalled a significant impact to Ridgewood in 2016 during the trial period when runway 19 air traffic was rerouted down the Route 17 corridor. Mayor Knudsen indicated that she, along with Village Engineer, Christopher Rutishauser, and Assistant Village Engineer, Jovan Mehanzic, attended last night’s meeting, as well as the meeting in 2016. She thanked Mr. Rutishauser and Mr. Mehanzic for their invaluable assistance. She will follow up to ensure that the Village has a “voice at the table” at any upcoming meetings.
Mayor Knudsen announced that on Monday evening, February 7, 2022, she had the honor and privilege of administering the Oath of Office to the Ridgewood Emergency Services 2022 Leadership Team. She acknowledged and thanked the many volunteers, including the officers who took the oath of office on Monday: Chief Ryan Savaria, Deputy Chief William Kievit, Medical Director Dr. Robert Lahita, Public Information Officer Robert Crane, EMS Captain Eric Frielink, Lieutenant Peter Cody, Lieutenant Chris Donoghue, Lieutenant Charlotte Wilkins, Lieutenant Amy Frielink, Special Operations Captain Tony Lillo, Lieutenant Steve Chiesa, Lieutenant Kirk Johnson, Lieutenant Vikram Dalmiya, TIES (Teenagers in Emergency Services) Captain Corinne Scarpa, and Lieutenant Kevin Scarpa. She congratulated everyone and thanked the team for providing outstanding services.
11. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood Water has no introduction or public hearings on ordinances.
12. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
The following resolutions, numbered 22-35 through 22-45, with the exception of Resolution 22-38 (which was considered separately and read in full), were adopted by a consent agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and were read by title only:
The following resolution, numbered 22-38, was considered separately and read in full:
13. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION #3891 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – TIME LIMIT PARKING – DOREMUS AVENUE
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3891. 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 #3891 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION
265-20, “NO STOPPING OR STANDING” AND SECTION 265-66, SCHEDULE XVI, “NO STOPPING OR STANDING”
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that Ordinance #3891 be adopted on first reading and that March 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
B. INTRODUCTION #3892 – AMEND CHAPTER 222 – POWER TOOLS, LANDSCAPING, AND YARD MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3892. Councilman Vagianos 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 #3892 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 222, POWER TOOLS, LANDSCAPING, AND YARD MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT IN THE TITLE OF THE CHAPTER, AND SECTION 222-1 (A) OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance #3892 be adopted on first reading and that March 9, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. INTRODUCTION #3893 – LONG TERM LEASING OF VILLAGE PARKING SPACES FOR COMMERCIAL DUMPSTERS IN THE CHESTNUT STREET LOT
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3893. 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 #3893 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CREATING A NEW ARTICLE XI “LONG TERM LEASING OF VILLAGE PARKING SPACES”
Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance #3893 be adopted on first reading and that March 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 #3894 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – FEES FOR LEASE OF PARKING SPACES FOR DUMPSTERS IN THE CHESTNUT STREET LOT
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3894. 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 #3894 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”
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that Ordinance #3894 be adopted on first reading and that March 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
E. PUBLIC HEARING - #3886 – BOND ORDINANCE – GENERAL CAPITAL ($2,611,000)
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance #3886 by title and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Vagianos 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 #3886 by title:
A 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 COST THEREOF
Mayor Knudsen opened up the public hearing on Ordinance #3886. There were no comments, so Mayor Knudsen moved that the public hearing be closed. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3886 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
F. PUBLIC HEARING #3887 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL FEES
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance #3887 by title and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Deputy Mayor 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 #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”
Mayor Knudsen moved that the public hearing thereon be opened. There were no public comments. Mayor Knudsen moved that the public hearing be closed. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance #3887 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
G. PUBLIC HEARING #3888 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – ROUTE 17 PARK AND RIDE LOT
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance #3888 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 #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”
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 #3888 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
H. PUBLIC HEARING #3889 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – RIDGEWOOD RESIDENT DAILY PARKING PASSES
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance #3889 by title and that the public hearing thereon be opened. 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 #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”
Mayor Knudsen moved that the public hearing thereon be opened. There were no public comments. However, Councilwoman Perron asked to make a grammatical correction in paragraph G (1) replacing the word “who” for “that” in the first sentence so that it would read, “The Ridgewood Resident Daily Parking Pass is available to Village of Ridgewood residents who display the free annual Ridgewood resident sticker on their vehicles.” Mayor Knudsen moved that the public hearing be closed. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance #3889 be amended substituting the word “who” for “that” in the first sentence of paragraph G (1). Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that Ordinance #3889, as amended, be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
I. PUBLIC HEARING #3890 – AUTHORIZE AN ENERGY AGGREGATION PROGRAM FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading of Ordinance #3890 by title and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Deputy Mayor 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
Mayor Knudsen moved that the public hearing thereon be opened.
Bob Upton, 172 West Glen Avenue, said he was the Chair of the Green Ridgewood Committee. He thanked the members of the committee – Beth Creller, George Wolfson, Christine Amundsen, and particularly Council Liaison, Pamela Perron – for all of their research in preparation for the drafting of this ordinance. He thanked the Village Council for considering this ordinance and urged them to approve it, for the benefit of the environment.
There were no other comments. Mayor Knudsen moved that the public hearing be closed. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance #3890 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
13. RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions, numbered 22-46 through 22-73, were adopted by a consent agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and were read by title only:
Mayor Knudsen thanked the many residents who came forward to volunteer on the various Ridgewood committees. She also thanked her Council colleagues for the vast amount of time they spent interviewing members for the various committees. Mayor Knudsen also requested that the resolution approving the American Legion’s Gold Star Families monument and the resolution requested by Ms. Halaby, accepting the donation for decorative lighting in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, be furnished to the respective parties. Ms. Mailander indicated that she would do so.
The following resolution, numbered 22-74, was considered separately and read in full:
Prior to voting on the resolution, Councilwoman Reynolds explained that she was abstaining, since the problem has arisen where the Village cannot purchase the proposed panels from the original company chosen since they do not have a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate (BRC) and more research must now be done to find another company which sells a similar product. She is also interested in visiting a site where such panels have already been installed, to see if the panels actually abate the noise. She indicated that she spoke with the representative from the company which was originally going to sell the panels to the Village and he indicated that he had actually never sold these sound-absorbing panels separately, but only in combination with the sound-blocking panels. Councilwoman Perron said that he also couldn’t guarantee whether the panels would actually work.
Mayor Knudsen also stated that she was abstaining, because she would like to obtain additional information from Councilwoman Reynolds regarding the panels and additional information from Village Attorney, Matthew Rogers, as it pertains to New Jersey Code, the Noise Reduction Act, and what the permissible noise levels (decibels on both impulse and constant levels) are. She spoke about quality of life issues and feels that a good faith compromise is the best solution. She explained that this resolution reinstates the original pickleball/tennis hours, pending the purchase and installation of the sound-absorbing panels.
14. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public.
Siohban Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, said that various people were texting her regarding some “unfortunate things that were said” at tonight’s meeting and they are not able to call in. She stated that the efforts to make statements from League members “League statements” is not okay. She said that Ms. Walsh represents the League of Women Voters and its members. Ms. Crann Winograd and Ms. McNamara do not represent the League of Women Voters.
With respect to the minutes, Ms. Crann Winograd said that she wrote to the Council on February 3, 2022 and Ms. McNamara also wrote this week and copied a number of people. To her knowledge, besides a “no, it’s not there,” no one responded to her inquiry. When a resident wishes to speak a meeting and support the topic with facts, it is impossible because the facts cannot be found. She feels that this is unfortunate, because she feels residents should feel “safer” attending Village Council meetings. Words should not be twisted and words should not be put into other people’s mouths. She stated that no one alleged that there was an open OPMA violation; it was merely suggested that the lack of minutes “touched the spirit” of the OPMA. The person who made this statement cannot defend herself, since there is no remote access to this meeting. Ms. Crann Winograd explained that handicapped laws came into effect because many people staunchly advocated for their disabled relatives. She feels that it is very sad that a longstanding resident of the community, who supported the Village Council for years, cannot attend the meeting and defend the fact that her words were taken out of context.
Ms. Crann Winograd stated that the adopted minutes are taking too long to be posted on the website. Ridgewood taxpayers pay a third party to do the minutes, so the minutes should be approved and published in a timely manner. She stated that the Board of Education
“self-generates” their own minutes and the minutes are published within 48 hours. In addition, some people with significant skills over the years have offered their services in this regard. Ms. Crann Winograd believes the Village Council is a “non-powerful form of government” and that the duties of the Mayor are purely ceremonial. She is puzzled as to why the issue of remote access has not been placed on the agenda. She urged the Councilmembers to respond to people’s issues on their merits and not to misrepresent what is being said. She also urged the Village Council to post past minutes in a timely manner and to do some “self-regulation” and find out why hybrid access has not been added to the agenda.
Lillian Blood, 250 North Maple Avenue, said that she stayed for the entire meeting because she is interested in the community and not just pickleball. She said that she finds it disturbing that the Village Council is not interested in what people have to say. She said that there is no harm in answering a question by a resident or letting a person talk for more than three minutes (unless there are a lot of people waiting to speak). She thanked the Councilmembers who have helped to support pickleball players. She added that some Councilmembers really took the time to watch the game and learn about how it is played, while some just went to the courts briefly and then listened to the complainers who live in the area, but not to the non-complaining people who live in the area, of which there are many.
Ms. Blood also thanked the viewers of tonight’s meeting, many of whom have lent their support in favor of the pickleball players. She urged the Council to “listen to the evidence,” such as the sound study conducted by Bergen County, which showed the sound was within acceptable limits. A surveyor was employed to determine how close the “complainers” live to the courts; it was shown that none of them live close enough to the courts to hear the sound, except for Simon Lee who lives right next to them. Pickleball players were in support of the sound-absorbing panels to reduce noise, as a goodwill gesture, and not really because they felt it was necessary. She mentioned that the panels cannot be purchased from the successful bidder at this time.
Ms. Blood indicated that she has lived in Ridgewood since 1971. She and many other residents have paid taxes for a long time. Ms. Blood stated that she is very disappointed that the Village Council has not reinstated hybrid meeting access, thereby not allowing residents to tell the Village Council what they want to say.
There were no other public comments and Mayor Knudsen closed the public comments portion of the meeting. She mentioned that the issue with the vendor for the sound-absorbing panels was that they had not renewed their New Jersey Business Registration Certificate to operate in the State of New Jersey.
Councilwoman Perron indicated that she appreciates the “prompts” from the public. She said that the Village Council cannot keep track of absolutely “every little thing” that happens in the Village. With regard to the minutes, she indicated that she read all the emails received and catalogued all the meetings, going back to 2019, which were not posted on the website. She has asked the Village Manager to make sure that they get posted and she is confident that Ms. Mailander will get this done. Regarding hybrid access for public comments, she feels that this issue approaches a “due process” question. As such, it reflects the “legitimacy of this body” and is a topic which should be placed on the agenda for a full discussion and vote.
Mayor Knudsen explained that the issue of hybrid access has been on the agenda and has been discussed repeatedly. She said that she appreciates the fact that Councilwoman Perron has catalogued all the missing minutes. She stated that the Village Council appreciates the fact that the minutes should be published on the website; however, the minutes are on file in the Village Clerk’s office and, if anyone is looking for something in particular, they should contact the Village Clerk.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Perron, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:23 PM.
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Susan Knudsen
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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