20160413 - 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 AHLL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ON APRIL 13, 2016 AT 8:00 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE – MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Aronsohn called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, and Mayor Aronsohn. Also present were Roberta Sonenfeld, Village Manager; Heather A. Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. Councilman Sedon was absent.
Mayor Aronsohn led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Mayor Aronsohn then asked for a moment of silence to honor the men and women in the United States Armed Forces who protect and defend our freedom every day, as well as those serving as first responders.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on hand as of March 31, 2016, be accepted as submitted. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Aronsohn announced that there were no minutes to be approved this evening.
4. PROCLAMATIONS
- Proclaim April as Tree Planting Month and April 29, 2016 as Arbor Day
Mayor Aronsohn read the following proclamation:
- Proclaim April 30, 2016 LAX Day in Ridgewood
Councilwoman Hauck read the following proclamation:
- Proclaim May 1-7, 2016 Drinking Water Week
Councilwoman Knudsen read the following proclamation:
- Proclaim May as Building Safety Month
Councilman Pucciarelli read the following proclamation:
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Aronsohn announced that there would now be comments from the public. Ellen McNamara, 120 West Ridgewood Avenue, said that she is a petitioner to rescind the funding for the Hudson Street parking deck by the Village’s bond Ordinance #3521 for $11.5 million for the parking deck on Hudson Street, and she has educated people. She said that the petitioners have slowed things down. They want the parking deck on Hudson Street to be one level lower. Ms. McNamara also said that she likes Mr. Sedon’s suggestion for making some of the streets in the CBD one-way, in order to put in angled parking as well as the possible use of a trolley to park employees’ cars out of the CBD and bring them in on the trolley. Ms. McNamara pointed out that it has been said that the petitioners are destroying democracy, but on the contrary, they are focusing on what is best for Ridgewood and they do not want to destroy the Village.
Lorraine Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Avenue, said that people who signed the petition to stop the funding for the Hudson Street parking deck did so because they did not feel there was an open process. She said that Option A for the Hudson Street parking deck went twelve feet into Hudson Street and it was too big. Some on the Village Council indicated that Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church agreed with Design D, but that was false.
Ms. Reynolds said that the blog, The Daily Voice, stated that if the signatures are certified, then there will be a Special Election in June. Ms. Reynolds said that this is incorrect, because the election only has to be held in June if the Village Council decides to do so. According to the petitioner’s attorney, the Special Election can be held at the November General Election, which will not incur an additional expense. Ms. Reynolds indicated that the Special Election is a smokescreen. In the process of reducing the size of the parking deck, a $120,000 change order was needed for the new drawings. Ms. Reynolds indicated that in order to get new drawings to take the parking deck down one level, they can save 50% of the existing drawings and just modify them.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that she would like to see the official Ridgewood Water report on lead in the water, because Hawes School has high lead content.
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, said that he would like to give information to all of the people who signed the petition. He noted that Village Councilmembers have asked for the name of the lawyer for the petitioners, and they refuse to release it. Mr. Halaby said that the petitioners are against the parking garage. He indicated that there was an anonymous mailer that went out prior to the parking garage referendum at last November’s General Election that said to vote no, and signs in support of the parking garage referendum were stolen from people’s lawns. Mr. Halaby stated that the Mayor went to get the Bergen County Improvement Authority (BCIA) to fund the parking deck on Hudson Street through a Lease Agreement. Then the petitioners gathered signatures to oppose the BCIA Lease Agreement. So, the Village Council unanimously voted to adopt a bond ordinance to fund the Hudson Street parking deck in Ridgewood. Now the petitioners want to stop the bond ordinance from being effective. Mr. Halaby emphasized that all the petitioners want to do is to continue to stall the parking deck, and he is sick and tired of it.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, indicated that the petition process has been triple checked by the petitioners and their attorney, and they are accurate. As for the signs that were taken from Mr. Halaby’s lawn supporting the parking deck referendum in November, Mr. Loving guessed that they were most likely taken by some kids on Cabbage Night (the night before Halloween). Mr. Loving said that the petition was done legally.
Cynthia Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, said that the annual Daffodil Festival, sponsored by the Conservancy for Public Lands, will take place along with the Earth Day celebration, on April 17, 2016. She invited all to attend.
There were no further comments from the public.
Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that regarding the lead in the water issue, she and others in the Village and in Ridgewood Water are frustrated that they cannot release the findings and test results. She said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will not let the Village do so.
Richard Calbi, the Director of Ridgewood Water, explained that Ridgewood Water tests sixty homes per year that are at high risk, and 10% exceeded the lead levels. He said that corrosion control was installed, which is now 100% complete and they have seen less lead levels in the water. Mr. Calbi said that any resident can test their water and can release the results. Mr. Calbi indicated that he does not have the lead in the water at the Board of Education facilities, such as schools.
Councilwoman Knudsen asked how Ridgewood Water determines which homes are at high risk. Mr. Calbi replied that they know which lines are made from lead. Councilwoman Knudsen asked if other homes elsewhere are at risk for lead in the water. Mr. Calbi stated that other homeowners can have a plumber check the lines. Mr. Calbi said that in the older homes, sometimes there was lead solder used on the pipes. All of the lead lines have been protected with corrosion control. Mr. Calbi said that there will be testing of the lines in the summer, and then six months after that. Mr. Calbi said that Ridgewood Water will be at the Earth Day celebration, and they are happy to help their customers.
Councilwoman Hauck explained that she bought a water testing kit and mailed off her water to be tested. The test results came back with better numbers than the numbers for Ridgewood Water. She encouraged others to get their water tested themselves if they wish to do so.
Mr. Calbi said that the lab that does the testing for Ridgewood Water will do testing of a resident’s water sample from their own home for $25. He emphasized that the lab where the water is tested should be State certified. He noted that there is a list of State certified labs on the Village website.
Ms. Sonenfeld said that there will be water update presentations on April 21, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and on April 25, 206 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., in the Community Center, which will be forums to discuss where Ridgewood’s drinking water comes from and to answer any questions or concerns. All are invited to attend these forums.
6. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Sonenfeld explained that in the yard waste program, two trucks broke down, but they should be back on schedule by the end of the day today.
Ms. Sonenfeld reported on a Building Department e-notice, about the citizen portal, where people can view information about building permits on-line.
Ms. Sonenfeld stated that PSE&G’s electrical upgrade in the CBD is taking place.
Upcoming Events – Ms. Sonenfeld reported on the following: Earth Day and Daffodil Festival, as previously mentioned; Hazardous waste disposal at Bergen Community College on April 17th; the 61st College Club Book Sale on April 14th-17th; The 6th annual Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival on April 19th–21st; and the League of Women Voters’ candidates night for Village Council candidates on April 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the Court Room of Village Hall.
7. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Community Center - Councilwoman Hauck said that she had a “Let’s Stay Acquainted” luncheon in April with 45 in attendance. There will be one more luncheon in May.
Conservancy for Public Lands – Councilwoman Hauck said that she would like to thank the Conservancy for Public Lands and the Scout groups for the butterfly plantings at Twinney Pond Park. On May 7th, the Conservancy will hold a plant sale in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.
8. ORDINANCES
a. Introduction - #3528 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Significant Sewer Discharge Fees -
Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3528. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3528 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF
RIDGEWOOD, FEES
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3528 be adopted on first reading and that May 11, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
b. Introduction - #3529 – Establish Position of Qualified Purchasing Agent
Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3529. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3529 by title:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY
OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO ESTABLISH THE POSITION OF QUALIFIED
PURCHASING AGENT
Councilwoman Hauck moved that Ordinance 3529 be adopted on first reading and that May 11, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
c. Introduction - #3530 - Establish a CAP Bank
Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3530. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3530 by title:
CALENDAR YEAR 2016 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET
APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3530 be adopted on first reading and that May 11, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
d. Introduction - #3531 – Bond Ordinance – Cleaning of Anaerobic Digesters at Water Pollution Control Facility - $495,000
Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3531. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3531 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CLEANING OF THE ANAEROBIC DIGESTERS
AT THE WATER POLUTION CONTROL FACILITY IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF
RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $495,000
THEREFOR AND AUTHORZING THE ISSUANCE OF $470,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF
THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Pucciarelli moved that Ordinance 3531 be adopted on first reading and that May 11, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
e. Introduction - #3532 – Establish Guidelines for Audio/Video Recording of Public Meetings
Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3532. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3532 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD
AT SECTION 3-20 ENTITLED “DECORUM” TO REGULATE THE MAKING OF VIDEO AND/OR
AUDIO TAPE RECORDINGS AT PUBLIC MEETINGS
Councilman Pucciarelli moved that Ordinance 3532 be adopted on first reading and that May 11, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
f. Public Hearing - #3523 – Establish Guidelines for Audio/Video Recording of Public Meetings
Mayor Aronsohn moved the Clerk read Ordinance 3523 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Clerk read Ordinance 3523 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF
RIDGEWOOD, AT SECTION 3-20 ENTITLED “DECORUM” TO REGULATE THE
MAKING OF VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO TAPE RECORDINGS AT PUBLIC MEETINGS
Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, asked if this ordinance is going to be defeated. She explained that her objection is that she would have to stand up in a meeting and say she is recording it. Mayor Aronsohn said that Ms. Gruber would not have to announce if she were recording a Village Council meeting, but for other meetings, that are not normally recorded, she would have to do so. Ms. Gruber said she has served on many Village Boards and Committees, and usually the Secretary to the Board or Committee is tape recording the meeting. Mayor Aronsohn said that announcing it is simply a courtesy. Ms. Gruber said that she understands, and she feels that an ant is being killed with a sledgehammer.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that the last provision of the ordinance states that if the video/audio recording is to be utilized on a private website, a disclaimer must appear at the beginning of the broadcast that reads: “This video/audio tape recording of the ( ________ ) public meeting is not the official record of the Village of Ridgewood.” He explained that even if he put the disclaimer on his website, it does not prevent others from posting his video/audio recording onto another website without a disclaimer. Mr. Loving said that he does not know how this will be enforced, and it is probably not needed.
Saurabh Dani, 390 Bedford Road, said that it does not seem that there are any substantial changes to this new ordinance.
Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she is concerned with applying a penalty for violating the ordinance, because it is not enforceable. Councilman Pucciarelli said that whether or not the Village enforces it, he does not think it is a bad idea to require a disclaimer, because he believes a disclaimer is appropriate. Councilman Pucciarelli explained that the majority of people will abide by the ordinance and provide notice to the Chair of the Board or Committee that he/she is video/audio taping a meeting.
Lorraine Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Avenue, asked if there is a fine for violating the ordinance. Councilman Pucciarelli said that there is no fine, because he believes most people will abide by the ordinance as a common courtesy.
There were no further comments from the public at this time, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3523 be closed. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3523 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
g. Public Hearing - #3524 – Amend Chapter 3 – Administration of Government – Establish Division of Public Works in the Department of Water Supply
Mayor Aronsohn moved the Clerk read Ordinance 3524 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Clerk read Ordinance 3524 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF
RIDGEWOOD, ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT, ARTICLE 5, DEPARTMENTS,
AT SECTION 3-41, “DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY”
Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public at this time, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3524 be closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Hauck moved that ordinance 3524 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
h. Public Hearing - #3525 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Day Camp Fees
Mayor Aronsohn moved the Clerk read Ordinance 3525 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Clerk read Ordinance 3525 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES
OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR DAY CAMP FEES
Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public at this time, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3525 be closed. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Hauck moved that ordinance 3525 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
i. Public Hearing - #3526 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – 2016 Graydon Pool Membership Fees and Tennis Badge Fees
Mayor Aronsohn moved the Clerk read Ordinance 3526 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Clerk read Ordinance 3526 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES, TO SET GRAYDON
POOL MEMBERSHIP FEES AND TENNIS BADGE FEES FOR 2016
Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, asked if the pool would have to be closed again at the end of August. Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that the pool schedule will be set soon.
There were no further comments from the public at this time, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3526 be closed. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Hauck moved that ordinance 3526 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilman Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
9. 2016 BUDGET INTRODUCTION
Ms. Sonenfeld thanked Bob Rooney, Village Chief Financial Officer, Steve Sanzari, Village Treasurer, the Management team and the Village Council for working hard on the 2016 budget. She went through various 2015 accomplishments and highlights in the following areas: Parking; Restructuring of the Building Department; Human Resources; Information Technology; Finance; Water; and General.
The budget process was delineated including internal reviews with an emphasis on operating efficiencies as well as customer service improvements and investment in people, process and technology. The budget process with the Village Council included strategic as well as daily operations; both the Operating and Capital Budgets were discussed at the same time; and the final session proposed three alternative proposals for the budget and a recap of the Water, Parking, and Capital budgets.
Ms. Sonenfeld explained that the 2016 budget is the right balance between fiscal conservatism and enhancing/maintaining the quality of municipal services and strategically positions the Village for the future. The 2016 anticipated revenues of $47.8 million were discussed, along with key fluctuations between 2015 and 2016 revenues. There was also a chart showing the amount of budget surplus (fund balance) appropriated and used from 2011 through 2015.
The 2016 Operating Budget expenses of $47.8 million were also discussed. Ms. Sonenfeld noted that there will be a significant investment in Ridgewood Water in 2016. Other areas of investment include the Parking Utility, with a full-time Director/CFO overseeing the revenues; the Police Department, where staffing will increase and there will be a School Resource Officer in the schools in 2017; exploring and implementing the outsourcing of Crossing Guards; continue the application of technology by expanding the Spatial Data Logic software to the Health Department, the Village Clerk’s Office, and to the residents; and organizational restructuring of the Department of Public Works.
Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that the expense increases include such things as: mandated costs such as group insurance; landfill disposal costs; pension increases; a Municipal Election; and contractual costs such as Fire Department salaries and wages, Police Department vehicle leasing, and the mandated donation made to the Ridgewood Public Library.
There were also some expense decreases, including: Police salaries and wages, due to six retirements of long time Police Officers in 2015; Social Security expenses; gasoline and fuel; and Municipal Court salaries and wages due to a retirement. There are also unfunded liabilities in the amount of $6.62 million vs. $7.1 million in 2015.
The proposed General Capital Budget will include such items as: paving; purchase of vehicles; Information Technology; Public Safety; Other Infrastructure and Equipment; and Library. A discussion of the Gross Debt for the General Capital Fund was discussed as well as the cancellation of unused balances for completed fund and unfunded project. Total to be cancelled will be $1.6 million of which approximately $1.5 million is funded.
There are some risks in the budget, including reduced revenues in the following areas: Police Department side jobs; Graydon Pool, due to it being weather dependent; Recycling; decline in Construction Code fee; Special Elections; legal expenses; Police Department overtime costs; County jail processing and bail reform; potential snowstorms; and aging infrastructure/maintenance of buildings.
Ms. Sonenfeld next reviewed the Ridgewood Water budgets. The revenues include such things as: water rents; hydrant service; and reserve for debt. The appropriations for Ridgewood Water include such things as: salaries and wages and general expenses; Capital Improvement Fund; debt service; and pension, social security and unemployment expenses. It is anticipated that there will be a $4.1 million increase in the appropriations, which will include: new personnel; contractual labor negotiations; operating expenses such as chemicals, lab work; numerous capital projects; debt service; and surplus to the General Fund.
The proposed Capital Budget for Ridgewood Water includes various improvements in: wells and treatment; distribution system; SCADA, network and security; auxiliary power; as well as supply, transfer and booster improvements.
The final budget to be discussed was the Parking Utility Budget. On the Operating side, there is revenue from parking meters; anticipated surplus; and interest on investment. The appropriations include salaries and wage and other expenses; Capital Improvement Fund; debt service; pensions, social security, and unemployment; and surplus to the General Budget. The Parking Utility appropriations are approximately $496,000 higher than 2015 due to: additional salaries and wages for additional parking enforcement hours; Capital Improvement Fund; Debit Service; and Surplus to General Fund. The proposed Capital Budget for the Parking Utility is for $11.5 million for the construction of the Hudson Street Parking Deck.
Ms. Sonenfeld explained that it is a good budget, with a proposed tax increase of 1.6%.
Mayor Aronsohn thanked everyone for a great presentation and great leadership. Mayor Aronsohn said that the budget process keeps improving every year. The budget newsletter is user friendly, and there is the right balance in the budget. Mayor Aronsohn was also very glad to hear that a School Resource Officer will be hired in 2017.
Councilwoman Knudsen thanked those involved with the budget presentation this evening, which was user friendly and thorough. She believes that it is a fair tax increase.
Councilman Pucciarelli stated that the budget is a good balance between continued fiscal restraint and no large union increases. He said that this is the first time since he has been on the Village Council that a majority of the budget is not driven by previously negotiated labor contracts. He congratulated the team on a good budget.
Councilwoman Hauck said that she is happy that all of the departments came in with low increases. She said that revenues are down, which is a risk and the surplus balance is going up, which is a good thing. Councilwoman Hauck said that she is also glad to see that a School Resource Officer (SRO) will be in the schools in 2017, but she would still like the Board of Education to share some of the costs. This is because the SRO is in the schools for nine months of the year and the Ridgewood Police Department only gets use of the SRO for three months of the year. Councilwoman Hauck thanked Ms. Sonenfeld for sending the Village Council newspaper articles on budget in other Bergen County municipalities. It appears that the Village of Ridgewood has one of the lowest tax increases in Bergen County.
Mayor Aronsohn noted that over the last four years, there was a 0% tax increase for two years; then a 1.2% tax increase; and then a 1.6% tax increase this year. The time put into the budget preparation is important and he thanked everyone involved.
10. BUDGET RESOLUTION
The following resolution, numbered 16-93, was read in full by the Village Clerk as follows:
11. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 16-94 THROUGH 16-108 WERE CONSIDERED ON A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 16-109, WAS READ IN FULL BY THE VILLAGE CLERK AS FOLLOWS:
12. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
There were no further comments from the public this evening.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Pucciarelli, seconded by Councilwoman Knudsen, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 P.M.
_________________________________ Paul S. Aronsohn Mayor
_________________________________ Heather A. Mailander Village Clerk
- Hits: 707