20210414 - Village Council Regular Public Meeting Minutes

A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD VIA ZOOM, DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ON APRIL 14, 2021 AT 8:00 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  Deputy Mayor Sedon read a required announcement regarding the remote meeting format.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, 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, as well as in a Moment of Silence for our service men and women, all of our First Responders, and all victims of hate crimes.

 

2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

 

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

 

Before voting, Councilwoman Perron stated that she understood it could be the Village Council’s bills from February 2021 and the check register from the month of March 2021, the Village, Water Utility, and Parking Utility.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of February 10, and March 10, 2021 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS

 

1. PROCLAIM APRIL AS TREE PLANTING MONTH AND APRIL 30, 2021 AS ARBOR DAY

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. PROCLAIM APRIL 1-30, 2021 DISTRACTED DRIVING CRACKDOWN CAMPAIGN

 

Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. PROCLAIM MAY 2-8, 2021 NATIONAL DRINKING WATER WEEK

 

Councilwoman Perron read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. PROCLAIM MAY AS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH

 

Councilwoman Reynolds read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. PROCLAIM MAY AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

 

Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Before Public Comment began, Mayor Knudsen stated that the Village Council met at 6:50 P.M. and at that time discussed the RFP for the Gate House at Habernickel Park.  The RFP will be issued in very short order, within the next few weeks.

 

Erin Taddei, 419 Bogert Avenue, stated that she was happy to see that the Village Council is officially discussing adopting a Social Media Policy as per the agenda.  In her opinion, it has been a very long time coming.  Having been cyber bullied and victimized by a sitting Planning Board member in September of 2019, this issue is very personal to her.  She is especially appreciative of Councilwoman Perron who was kind enough to drop off a copy to her home a few weeks ago.  In fact, she would like to take this opportunity to express her sincere gratitude to her, because she strongly feels that Councilwoman Perron has been at the helm of pushing this initiative. 

 

Unfortunately, she can’t say she has the same confidence in other sitting members of the Village Council because they chose to allow this person serving on the Planning Board to keep their position and she can’t help but feel that certain Councilmembers were culpable in this unfortunate situation.  Instead of sending a message that hate has no place in our Village, they sent a message that cyberbullying and threats to innocent residents will be tolerated and condoned.  Ms. Taddei stated that while she thinks a social media policy is a step in the right direction, she certainly hopes that going forward, if a person who represents the Village in any capacity cyberbullies anyone, they should be immediately relieved of their position.  Comments about a resident’s appearance or threats to their physical wellbeing should be cause for immediate termination.  Vulgar and classless language, while not the legal definition of cyberbullying, should at the very least not be tolerated.

 

Ms. Taddei stated that while it is unfortunate that certain members of the Village Council voted to allow this person to retain her position, she is hopeful that due to adopting this new social media policy, no one else will be forced to be victimized twice.  First by the person who did this and secondly by the Village Council who chose to allow her to retain her position.  She strongly encouraged the Village Council to carefully vet any residents who wish to serve the Village in any capacity.  She would also like to suggest that as an entity, they have a conversation with the Planning Board about making better choices going forward.  As a matter of fact, she recently saw the same member of the Planning Board engage in a discussion about offering to provide a resident’s personal information with whom they had a problem.

 

Ms. Taddei thanked Councilwoman Perron and encouraged all involved to make kinder choices going forward.  She sincerely hopes that this is the beginning of a zero tolerance policy for bullying in any capacity.  She added that she fully hopes that should this happen again the Village Council will not choose to further victimize the person who has been bullied by immediately removing the person from their position.

 

Eleanor Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, stated that she understands the Village Council is considering removing the Open Space Tax in Ridgewood.  This is a false economy.  Without the tax, which amounts to $34 a year for the average homeowner, the Village will no longer be eligible for any funding from the County or the State for open space.  Without this tax, the Village wouldn’t have been able to purchase Habernickel, or enlarge the North Monroe playing field, or to purchase the Schedler property.  There are other possible acquisitions in Ridgewood, even though the Village is considered almost fully built.  There are properties listed in a wish list from the original Open Space Committee from 2002, on.  The Village never knows when a piece of property becomes available.  The Village needs open space, and more green space in Ridgewood.  She urged them to keep the Open Space Tax, as it is the smallest tax on the tax bill.

 

Ms. Gruber stated that the open space funds must be available so that the Village can apply for grants from the State and County.  Deputy Mayor Sedon just read a lovely Proclamation about the need for trees.  Trees thrive in open space and she really urged the Village Council that there are other ways to cut costs.  She asked them to keep that tax in.  It was approved by 80% of the Village when it went in, it is so little money and the value is so big.  If the Village didn’t have that tax, Habernickel would be filled with homes and she thinks no one would be happy about that.

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he agrees with Ms. Gruber’s comments 100%.  Regarding the budget, it is imperative that Bob Rooney holds two or three town hall meetings that are heavily advertised to Village residents.  This is a highly complex budget in trying times, and the public is entitled to know what is going on.  There is nothing transparent about the budget process.  Plus, we have the added complication that the Mayor with sons, at this point Mayor Knudsen called a Point of Order.  Mr. Halaby was insistent that he not be interrupted, he said there was a mystery member of the Village Council with sons in the Police Department and the Fire Department who does not recuse themselves from budget considerations.

 

Mr. Halaby stated that regarding Schedler, he continues to be confused about what is going on.  At this point, Mr. Halaby was muted after multiple calls for decorum from the Mayor.

 

Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, stated that there are two budget proposals on the website, one is user friendly, but she was really looking for detail.  She stated that the big budget book is in the courtroom, but they can’t go look at it, because the building is closed.  She remembers in the past, it was stated there would be a 4.7% municipal increase with a 1.99% school tax.  The budget is really not in detail and transparent.  She really wanted to look in particular about the plan to defund the EMT, which is clearly not available to her or anyone else.  She OPRA requested all the documents and she looked at the YouTube budget meeting on February 12, 2021 and that brings her to the defunding of the EMT and why it is such a bad plan, based on words and OPRA information.

 

Ms. Scarpa stated that defunding the EMT is bad for the Village, the Police, and the Fire.  This plan will cost the Village more taxes, there will be fewer First Responders available during a pandemic, and less safety.  If the plan goes through, the community service that the EMT does like Ridgewood High School EMS and others will be gone.  The awful term “Defund the EMT’s” was actually used during that February 12, 2021 and she is not going to say who it was but they said “the Council has to make a decision before they go forward with the budget as to whether they want to basically defund the paid EMT and put funding toward a paid Fire Department.”  Ms. Scarpa said this will result in more taxes and less First Responders and less safety. 

 

In the interest of truth, she looked at this budget meeting and a person asked what the cost of a Firefighter was and a person answered $37,000 plus benefits.  Ms. Scarpa stated that wasn’t true as she found out that two Firefighters with $38,364 in salary, $2,000 stipend and $50,000 in benefits and pension, will cost $180,728 and the taxpayers will be on the hook for it.  Nine paid EMT’s cost $70,000 annually and it is not even funded by the taxpayers.  She asked Ridgewood to wake up and she encouraged all residents to view all of this information.  The residents have a voice, and the Village Councilmembers are paid officials.  They have to listen to do what the Village residents want.  The residents do not want the EMT who served the Village for decades to be defunded at all, instead they should be funded for the selfless work they do during a pandemic.  The residents don not want the Police and Fire overtaxed with EMT calls, which is what the plan will do.

 

Siobhan Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that she wanted to echo what Ms. Gruber said about keeping the open space tax, adding that she feels Open Space thwarts overdevelopment and it really solidifies what the public wants.  She also sent the Village Council some information about the open space tax, as she doesn’t believe they cannot collect the open space tax without flying in the face of public will, as a public vote put the open space tax in place for Ridgewood.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that she was relieved in the pre-meeting to see that the two line items from Schedler were removed from the consent agenda as she doesn’t believe at this point that’s where they belong and it’s more transparent to keep them out in the open as their own discussion points.  She has been to several meetings, written several emails, been to several subcommittee meetings and she still has the same question.  She is unclear, as is the rest of community, as to what makes the Schedler land historic.  She has gone to Open Space and Parks and Recreation and no one seems to know that.  Ms. Winograd stated that she would appreciate a copy detailing the land.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that she is also concerned because there are multiple plans and the only plan that the public has seen was the ad-hoc plan from 2017.  She understands that there was a double secret plan in January 2020 and that one is done.  But there was a Fall 2020 plan that the Village seems to be behind, that was recently submitted and SHPO rejected.  She feels like the best thing would be for the Village Council to put that plan on the website because even though it is rejected, that way the public could see the new plan and everyone would be on the same page.  It is a big project and needs to move forward, but people need to see the plan.  As far as she has seen, the last plan was submitted in September 2020.  She knows that it has been rejected by SHPO, but the public really should see the plan before the Village moves forward with it.

 

Stacey Antine, 1057 Hillcrest Road, stated that she attended the Special Public Meeting tonight and she wanted to express her thanks to the Village Council and the staff for finalizing the RFP for the Gate House tonight.  She really appreciated it, as it has been a really tough year with COVID and just knowing that this RFP is ready to go out and be finalized, she really looks forward to participating in the process. 

 

There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen suggested letting Mr. Halaby back in, as long as he follows the procedures of decorum, he was welcome to come in and complete his comments.  She reminded him not to direct his comments to any member on the dais and to keep his comments appropriate.

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he was talking about the fact that the budget process is not transparent and that Bob Rooney should have public meetings in which he can discuss with the public what the budget is all about.  Regarding Schedler, he continues to be confused by what is going on.  Ironically, any time he has a question he goes to SHPO, not to Village Hall, because SHPO answers his questions within 24 hours, as clear as possible.  He wished he could say the same about the Village Council.

 

Mr. Halaby stated that his understanding is there have been four plans for the Schedler property.  The first, and the only one that has been shown to the public and approved by the Village Council is the one that was developed under the ad-hoc committee back in December 2017.  He calls that Plan A.  At this point, his additional time for public comment had expired.

 

There were no additional comments from the public.  Ms. Mailander had one written public comment. 

 

Linda McNamara, 575 Knickerbocker Road, wrote that she was voicing her concerns regarding topics discussed at last week’s meeting.  She thanked the Mayor and Village for a very successful Stop Asian Hate event which occurred this past Saturday.  She also asked them to please consider looking into a better solution to the issues that have come to light regarding our Emergency Services team.  They have performed so well for our Village residents during all the years she has lived in Ridgewood.  She is indebted to them, many of whom are friends and High School students who volunteered their services for the good of us all. 

 

Ms. McNamara asked that they please move forward with what is needed to ensure that Stacey Antine and the HealthBarn can remain in their current location with the lease.  It is beneficial to her, as well as the Village.  Ridgewood loves the HealthBarn, the residents are hardly unanimous on anything, but on this they are.  She also asked that they consider installing a permanent guardrail and/or fence on the roof of the garage immediately.  It has become an attractive nuisance to young people and could result in a tragedy.  It is a terrible location on so many levels, especially the top level.

 

Ms. McNamara asked the Village Council not to get rid of the Open Space Tax, if anything, it should be increased.  They need parking solutions that attract people to Ridgewood, which would include free parking and rates that are consistent throughout the CBD.  People love the pedestrian mall.  She wrote that six foot fences had a purpose, it was a needed condition to installing a pool for a multitude of safety concerns.  Mr. Roger’s suggestion for 6 foot fences sounds sensible and workable.

 

There were no additional written comments from the public.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that referring to Ms. Taddei’s comments, there was no vote on any Planning Board member on that matter, it was handled internally.  In terms of the plans for the Schedler Property, she believes there were two plans submitted to SHPO, one which initially did not reflect the Schedler Ad-Hoc Committee plan which included pickleball courts, a concession stand, and gazebo.  The new plan was revised and if anyone has any questions they can email her directly and she will work hard to make sure those questions are answered. 

 

6. MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Ms. Mailander stated that all residential parking rules, regulations, and restrictions will be enforced beginning May 1^st.  Also effective May 1^st, the overnight parking restrictions of 2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. will be enforced throughout the Village.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood Water is hosting a virtual open house to provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about water quality.  After a short presentation, time will be set aside for customers to ask questions in a chat box and for them to be answered by a member of the Ridgewood Water team.  The virtual open house will be held via Zoom on April 20^th at 12:00 P.M. and the flyer for the virtual open house is on Ridgewood Water’s website.  She encouraged customers to take the time to attend and ask questions.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that regarding COVID-19 vaccines, the Village is encouraging residents to register on as many sites as possible.  The Village is holding vaccine clinics for Ridgewood residents.  The Village was supposed to have a clinic today, but because it was the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, and they were recalled, so the vaccine clinic was cancelled.  All Ridgewood residents who are in one of the categories currently authorized to receive the vaccine, can go to the Village website, look below the tiles, and click on the link to register for a vaccine clinic.  Once someone registers, they will receive a reply email with a receipt.  The Village will call those on the waiting list, once the Village knows that vaccines are available to administer.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Styrofoam recycling for the big Styrofoam packing pieces will take place at the Graydon parking lot on April 17^th from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. or until the trucks are full.  10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. is for Ridgewood residents only, after that time all Bergen County residents may bring their Styrofoam for recycling.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool membership is now on Community Pass.  Through April 30^th there is a 10% early bird discount.  The pool season runs from June 5^th through September 6^th, which is Labor Day.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that some cancellations have occurred due to COVID-19, which include: the Annual Baseball Parade and Family Fun Day Event, and the Earth Day Fair, Daffodil Festival, and Dog Parade.  Touch a Truck and the Memorial Day Run are also canceled.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council’s upcoming meetings are televised live, streamed on the website, are shown on YouTube, as well as the public access channels.  The upcoming meetings are: April 28^th is a Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., May 5^th is a Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., and May 12^th is a Village Council Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.

 

 

 

 

7. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Green Ridgewood – Councilwoman Perron stated that Green Ridgewood has not met since their last Village Council meeting.  However, they are having the Styrofoam Drive on April 17^th at the Graydon Pool parking lot.  They are also having an Open House about renewable energy aggregating and that will be on April 29^th at 7:30 P.M.  It is being sponsored by Green Ridgewood and the Public Library Sustainability Series, and preregistration is required.

 

Open Space Committee – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Open Space Committee hasn’t met since their last Village Council meeting, but they are meeting on Thursday.

 

Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) – Councilwoman Perron stated that CBDAC is meeting tomorrow. 

 

Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Chamber of Commerce met this morning and they talked about the parking restrictions being reinstated and the other ideas for parking that are going to come up later in the meeting.  They are pleased with the progress on scheduling of the pedestrian mall.  She mentioned that the Village Council is considering ways of making empty storefronts more attractive and she is circulating to the Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, the samples that the Village has from other towns. 

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that they had a report on non-profits and how they are faring during the pandemic from Ernie Lamour who is the Director at the YMCA.  In addition, the Chamber of Commerce is revamping its website.

 

Citizen Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) – Councilwoman Reynolds stated that CSAC will be meeting tomorrow night at 7:30 P.M. via Zoom.

 

Board of Education – Councilwoman Walsh stated that they had their monthly meeting with the Board of Education.  On April 19^th, the schools are going to return to half day instruction and they are hoping this is going to be a positive impact on the students, getting them back into a routine and back into seeing friends.  At this point, they have most of the teachers vaccinated and they continue to ensure that all teachers will get vaccinated, so that they can also return to this model of teaching.  They are following all COVID restrictions, so they are making sure that surfaces are clean, people are wearing masks, and abiding by all State restrictions.  They are talking about graduation and what that may look like, and are hoping they can do what they did last year and have the students in a graduation ceremony.  The only question is what they would be able to do with guests and whether the guests can be in the bleachers, or perhaps televising it.

 

Parks and Recreation Committee – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on April 27^th.

 

Ridgewood Library – Councilwoman Walsh was happy to attend the Virtual Authors Luncheon today for the Ridgewood Library.  Harlan Coben was the moderator, and Madeline Miller had a great conversation. The event was well attended and really enjoyable to watch via Zoom.

 

Ridgewood Arts Council – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that April 19^th from 8:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. via Zoom, will be the first Artist Talks this year, sponsored by the Ridgewood Arts Council.  It will feature Ridgewood’s own Ali Stroker who won a Tony award for her role in Oklahoma on Broadway.  People may register at the email address RidgewoodArtsCouncilEvents@gmail.com. 

 

Shade Tree Commission – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that on April 30^th at 10:00 A.M., Mahmoud Hamza, a Village resident and member of the Shade Tree Commission, is going to be involved in a small ceremony to dedicate two trees near Veterans Field for all First Responders, healthcare workers, and essential workers who have been out there serving throughout the pandemic.  The Mayor and Council are also invited to attend.

 

The Shade Tree Commission met yesterday, and unfortunately the Emerald Ash Borer is all over Ridgewood and it has infected many ash trees.  The Commission wants to get together soon with the Village Manager and lay out the information that they have, and present some ideas and options for treatment of the ash trees, that have come up through research.  A lot of trees are being infested right now and some of the trees could probably still be saved, but this is going on now and isn’t something that is happening in the future.  Hopefully there is time to address saving some of these ash trees, if possible.

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority – Mayor Knudsen stated that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority announced today the launch of dates for $85 million Phase Four of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Fund.  They circulated this to the Ridgewood Guild, Chamber of Commerce, and Village Staff.  It is important, because the preregistration dates are very tight, it will begin on April 19^th at 9:00 A.M. 

 

Fourth of July Committee – Mayor Knudsen stated that the Fourth of July Committee met with Village Officials to discuss a modified Fourth of July Parade, which would be a great community morale booster, adding a semblance of normalcy to a difficult year.  Ideas included a shorter route to include twirlers, Ridgewood High School Marching Band, school floats, a Grand Marshall, all while following safety guidelines.  They are going to prepare a more concrete plan and meet with the Village to establish whether or not it is doable.

 

Congressman Gottheimer – Mayor Knudsen stated that this past Friday, Congressman Gottheimer hosted a community meeting for Mayors to bring everyone up to date on current Federal programs and grant opportunities. The Congressman and his staff were incredibly thorough.  An important grant opportunity for Ridgewood Water infrastructure upgrades relative to PFAS was discussed.  Despite the late hour Friday afternoon, coupled with the application deadline of this coming Friday, Ridgewood Village Manager Heather Mailander, Ridgewood Water Director Rich Calbi, sprang into action very quickly to organize everything to get our application prepared.

 

Mayor Knudsen also thanked Councilwoman Perron who was very quick to offer her assistance to write letters of community support for the grant, from our Environmental Committees.  They also wanted to thank local elected officials for their support.  Village Council colleagues are also welcome to submit letters of support.  She thanked Congressman Gottheimer for his support on behalf of his constituents.

 

Northwest Bergen Mayors Meeting – Early Saturday morning, the Northwest Mayors met to discuss current issues common to all communities.  The biggest concern appears to be the confusion over school reopening and the desire for safe in-person learning opportunities for all Bergen County students.  Ridgewood is a little bit different because we have our own Municipal Health Department, which we are fortunate to have.  Commissioner Hache joined the meeting and fielded some of the questions specific to County issues.  He also shared information about a wide variety of programs available through the County, including the Clean Community Litter Cleanup Program, the American Dream Homeownership Program, and Home Improvement Plan based on income levels, among others.  They are all on Bergen County’s website and she encouraged everyone to take a look at the programs.

 

Bergen County League of Municipalities – Mayor Knudsen stated that Tuesday morning at 7:30 A.M., the Bergen County League of Municipalities met.  Mayors discussed several topics including the NJ League of Municipalities Convention which will likely be held in person, following all CDC Guidelines; and with the State Department of Health guidelines for schools.  Marijuana legislation timelines were also discussed.  Opt-out ordinances previously adopted will be void.  There is a specific timeline to act and if the Village doesn’t act, the Village will automatically be opted in to the sale, cultivation, and production of marijuana.  If the opt out deadline is missed, the municipality is automatically opted in and committed for five years.  If municipalities opt out, they can opt in at any time. 

 

Federal COVID Relief Payments – Mayor Knudsen stated that Federal COVID Relief Payments for municipalities with populations under 50,000 will be sent directly to the State, and the State will then have 30 days to distribute half in 2021 and the other half in 2022.  Our New Jersey Representatives continue to work to restore SALT deductions.  The caucus which includes Congressman Pascrell and Congressman Gottheimer are working on strategies to help.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that all municipalities are reporting being overwhelmed with OPRA Requests, resulting in significant loss of taxpayer-funded productivity.  Senator Corrado is setting up a commission to review current OPRA Guidelines.  The Bergen League of Municipalities would like to see COAH restored.

 

Community ACCESS Network – Mayor Knudsen stated that the Community ACCESS Network will meet tomorrow night at 7:30 P.M. via Zoom.

 

Stop Asian Hate Rally – Mayor Knudsen stated that the Stop Asian Hate Rally was held this past Saturday in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.  Organizers did an amazing job bringing much needed awareness to the issue of hate crimes against Asians and other minorities.  It was especially painful to hear the stories of students who are often the victims of both subtle and overt racial comments, so we all have to do better together to be inclusive and welcoming, and stand up and protect our most vulnerable.  She thanked the Ridgewood Chinese American Association, all the organizers, Village of Ridgewood Staff for their support, Ridgewood Police Department for their thoughtfulness and professionalism, and to our amazing Ridgewood Community for attending and supporting our Ridgewood Asian Community.  We are all friends and neighbors and in this together.  Let’s stop Asian hate and all hate. 

 

8. ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING – Ordinance #3850 – Establish a CAP Bank

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3850 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3850 by title:

 

CALENDAR YEAR 2021 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3850 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, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

9. 2021 Budget Hearing

 

1. Overview of 2021 Budget

 

Robert Rooney, Village Chief Financial Officer, thanked all of the Village Councilmembers, Ms. Mailander, Department Directors, Treasurer Steve Sanzari, Finance Staff including Beth Spinato, and Village Auditor Bud Jones.  Their contributions and input was greatly appreciated during this whole process.  The budget was introduced several weeks ago and will require an amendment.  The amendment is the result of the Division of Local Government Services’ (DLGS) review.  The timetable on processing some of the administrative pieces that relate to the issuance of short term debt to fund the emergency from last year, so he is speaking on behalf of what the impact of this proposed amendment would do to an adopted budget.  They are going to have the public hearing on the budget tonight, and then they are going to close the public hearing and wait until they complete these administrative tasks and hear back from DLGS with their blessing, before they present the amendment and then have the public hearing on the amendment (if a public hearing is needed).

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the Operating Budget is still approximately $52.9 million.  General Capital Budget as introduced by Council is $8 million.  The amendment will generate a 4.3% municipal tax increase which is approximately $16 of the monthly increase on the average assessed home in the Village.  He is proposing no municipal Open Space tax levy for 2021, which will result in a $35 annual tax deduction to the homeowner.  Debt is the same as when the budget was introduced and revenue and expenses are up approximately 3.6% from the prior year.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the tax increase is the result of the 2020 revenue shortfalls that they experienced as a result of COVID.  Years of modest or no tax increases which includes two years of zero percent tax increases, two years of .99% tax increases, four years ranging from 1.2% -2.2%, finally catch up at some point in time.  The municipal tax rate increased as a result of using a three-year average for revenues.  The State allowed all municipalities to use an average for revenues rather than base it upon the prior year’s actual revenues. This was substantially helpful in putting this budget together and minimizing what could be much higher tax increases on the municipal side. 

 

Ms. Mailander stated that 2021 goals are continuing to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic in the best way possible while keeping both the staff and Village residents safe.  They will continue to hold COVID-19 vaccine clinics as long as we get vaccines locally for Ridgewood residents.  It has worked out very well, our Health Department and Public Health Nurses do a great job in running those clinics.  Determining the best way to reallocate parking spaces throughout the Central Business District given less people commuting to New York City or other places and less people venturing out into the world.  Also, determining a way to continue an event in the Central Business District on weekends to assist our restaurants and retail businesses and services.  They want to increase Wi-Fi coverage in the Central Business District; award a contract for $2 million in paving projects for Village streets; plant another $110,000 worth of new trees throughout the Village; continue the interior work on the Zabriskie-Schedler House; continue the work on the Schedler property; open Graydon Pool; determine a way to hold a modified summer day camp; and to continue the work at Kings Pond Park.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that with the Water Department, they are going to launch the WaterSmart Portal for customers of Ridgewood Water, which will allow customers to access their water usage, their water bills, and other important information; Ridgewood Water will continue to pursue PFAS treatment facilities in various locations throughout the utility; encourage other public water utilities to join Ridgewood Water in coordinating efforts for recovery of PFAS expenses; and begin construction of the new Ridgewood Water Headquarters.

 

Ms. Mailander stated they want to establish rules and regulations for the Glen Pickleball Courts, which they have already done but may need to modify; replace the aging underground storage tanks for the gasoline pumps at the Village’s Central Garage to prevent a gasoline leak in the future; and begin a Food Waste Disposal Pilot Program and collect data from the participants to determine what the reduction of tonnage is in the solid waste stream.  Based on the findings, they may consider expanding the program to additional residents later in the year.  They will be negotiating the Blue and White Collar Union Contracts this year; have hired and are training a Vulnerable Population Outreach Coordinator, which is being paid for through a grant and is to identify Village residents who are in need of assistance.  They will evaluate existing Village services to determine if there are more cost efficient ways of providing these services to Village residents.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the Village is faced with many challenges moving forward with this budget process.  Managing the effects of COVID-19 on revenues is going to be very difficult to do.  They are looking for different ways to try and enhance that process, but it will definitely be a challenge for the year.  As Ms. Mailander mentioned, the Blue and White Collar Union Contracts are coming up for negotiation.  The Village has to be cognizant of a defense for tax appeals as they arise, so in this economy, the cost of property is going up and evaluations are going up but they always have to be cognizant of large tax appeals that are being filed.  The State still has influence on some of the fees that are anticipated, such as Building and Municipal Court, so unless something changes there will be limits to the revenues anticipated in those areas.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that Police overtime is always an issue, they have to be cognizant of when the needs arise for different scenarios that may present themselves during the course of the year, but in the past couple of years, the Village has been very fortunate in being able to control overtime. They have an infrastructure that is changing every year, they try to maintain it, but it will be a challenge to make sure they keep everything stabilized to be able to provide services.  The thing that pops up every year are one-time revenues.  They have been fortunate to have reserves and things of that nature where they can balance the budget but they are not guaranteed, and they have to keep an eye on that moving forward.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the Water Department is challenged by weather conditions, which could impact the amount of water available for sale, so that is always a concern.  Water infrastructure, the water mains, and the ability to move water is also something they have to be cognizant of in the budget.  The EPA Water Quality Regulations are something that have surfaced and must be dealt with in a timely manner. 

 

Mr. Rooney stated that Parking is where they are impacted by lost revenues due to COVID’s effects on the commuting back and forth to New York City.  Hopefully the summer they will start to see some movement and improvement in those areas.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that there are opportunities, such as the new ratables, due to multi-family housing developments that will provide a benefit at the end of this year and into next year. The Village’s technology platform is also essential, because without it, the Village would not be able to maintain the services we provide to our citizens today.

 

Mr. Rooney displayed a chart showing the revenues and support for the budget.  Property taxes are approximately 67.3% of where the revenues come from, with local revenues being approximately 7%.  He displayed a chart showing municipal expenditures, public safety being the largest at 26% of the total budget.  If all of the fixed costs are added up, they are approximately 37% of what makes up the budget this year.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that moving forward, he showed a comparison of what the effect of a budget amendment would be on the budget as originally presented.  Total appropriations will be $52.8 million, surplus will stay the same with $4 million, miscellaneous revenues are now $10,361,000, delinquent taxes stay the same, and the amount to be raised by taxation has declined.  This results in a $4,544 tax on an average assessed value home, and that is roughly $186 over the prior year.

 

Mr. Rooney displayed the amendment itself, they had changes that they had to make as a result of the three-year average of revenue change.  Initially, the guidance said they could use 2017, 2018, and 2019 revenues for the 3-year average; however, upon further clarification after the budget was introduced they were told it had to be 2018, 2019 and 2020 revenues to be averaged.  That resulted in a decrease of local revenues of $228,000, in the Uniform Construction Code.  However, the Village is allowed to use CARES Funds which they have been reimbursed from the County, which equals $227,000.  The net change in the revenue is $79,000, and his proposed budget reductions and appropriations will cause the total budget to be $52,868,000. 

 

Mr. Rooney stated that in the appropriations as introduced, these categories they took another look at as to potential reductions.  They looked at legal expenses which can be brought down $30,000; Police salaries and wages half year instead of a full year appropriation for a new officer is $18,000; other expenses they compared to prior year’s actuals and determined that they could probably trim another $15,000; Fire salaries and wages, two new Firefighters starting mid-year are a half year reduction.  They looked at the Central Garage, and recycling and yardwaste recycling, compare their actuals to the prior year’s actuals, and reduce them accordingly.  They looked at the utility expenses and compared what was spent over the prior years and a $50,000 reduction would be appropriate.  The Building Department, has a change in the Director, so there will be a savings there.  Regarding salary negotiating costs, there is some money in the Trust that they can move around, and the Library, there is a $10,000 reduction which is similar to what was done three years ago, to spread the reductions across the various Departments.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that in the Parking Utility budget, using the three-year average revenue concept, they were required to reduce anticipating by $58,000, which results in using another $58,000 in surplus.  They were also required because of the timing on one of the note payments, $10,000 in the budget.  They have more than enough in the interest on notes as introduced, so they are just moving the $10,000 from one to the other.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the comparison of the tax dollar, the Village and the Library are approximately 24%, school being 64.8% and the County being approximately 11.2% of the total tax dollar.  He anticipated a County tax increase of 2% this year and the school tax increase at 1.99%.  Mr. Rooney asked if there were any questions on the budget.

 

2. Village Council’s Comments

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that was a great overview and cleared up a couple of questions for her.  She added that a resident has questioned the hiring of the two new Firefighters and she noticed on the grid, it is only the half-year salary cost.  She asked about the other expenses that would be incurred if they were to hire the two Firefighters.  Mr. Rooney stated that this represents the cost of two Firefighters from July 1, 2021.  The ancillary costs related to pension or things of that nature will not be felt until the subsequent year, so the impact of that they will not know until then.  He did not take into consideration any potential stipends that they may be paid.  He didn’t speak with Fire Chief James Van Goor, but he is not sure if they would receive stipends in their first year.

 

Chief Van Goor stated that the first year, EMT class is a two month class.  So they wouldn’t get a stipend the first half year.  The first year stipend is $1,600.  Councilwoman Walsh asked in terms of benefits, are they allocated in this first half year.  Chief Van Goor stated that would be up to Mr. Rooney but the benefits rule of thumb is 30% of the salary.  Mr. Rooney stated that’s what they use, and he can’t answer the question because it depends on when the paperwork gets done, when they’re effective employees into the pension system.  There is a time delay, so it’s possible that they may get a portion of it next year but he can’t answer that, until he gets the paperwork back from the State.  Chief Van Goor stated that it was nowhere near $200,000 for two people. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that adding in the 30% for the year, the number is $46,080 per Firefighter, which should be included in the budget.  Chief Van Goor stated they would only be used half the time on the ambulance, the other half would be Firemen, so their total salary wouldn’t go towards replacing the EMT. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that if they are an employee, they are going to get health benefits, so the Village will have that cost, unless they choose not to accept our benefits, but we have to assume they are going to accept our benefits.  She thinks they should add that cost in because they can’t assume the new employees would decline them.  Mr. Rooney stated that she was looking for a fully loaded cost for an individual Firefighter.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that if the anticipation is hiring two people with benefits, even if it’s a half year, they have to account for that.  The stipend will not be charged to 2021 so they don’t have to include that.  Mr. Rooney added that the pension will not be charged to 2021 either.  Councilwoman Walsh agreed.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds stated that regarding Open Space, she agreed that for $35 a year, she didn’t think they should suspend the open space tax. Councilwoman Walsh agreed.  Councilwoman Perron stated that she was concerned they would lose an opportunity to gain Open Space and some developer will rush in and take it, if they suspend the open space tax.  Mayor Knudsen stated that this came up because there was a comment about being alarmed at the tax increase and there was a lot of social media activity, but some of the information was grossly inaccurate.  She explained that if there were concerns of losses due to COVID and the proposed tax increase, that this was an opportunity to offset that higher tax increase by just suspending the open space tax for one year.  Mayor Knudsen’s understanding is it does not impede the Village’s ability at all, because the Open Space Tax is just subsidizing what the Village’s eligible for, regardless of whether it is being collected or not.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she was fine with collecting the Open Space Tax, and not suspending it, but she thinks it is important to understand the nexus of how it came about.

 

Mayor Knudsen reiterated that suspending the Village’s Open Space Tax doesn’t impact the Village’s ability to apply for County or State funds.  Mr. Rooney agreed, stating that was correct.  Mayor Knudsen stated that it doesn’t hurt the Village at all, so the question for the Council is if there is a concern about the tax increase, there is a mechanism in place that suspends the Open Space Tax for a half year or year, and offsets it.  Mayor Knudsen said a taxpayer always has the option to send more money in, to pay taxes.  Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he would be okay with suspending it for one year, they aren’t getting rid of it.  It has been an extraordinary year, taxes are going up more than any year he has been on the Village Council and to try and offset some of the increase as best they can.  Given the current situation, he is in favor of a one year suspension of the Open Space Tax so they don’t have to increase the municipal tax rate any more.  The municipal tax increase is currently 4.3% and if they add back in the Open Space Tax, he doesn’t know what that amount of increase would be. 

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the 4.3% municipal tax increase is no matter what, he didn’t adjust it for the Open Space Tax.  Mayor Knudsen stated that 4.3% comes down effectively with the Open Space Tax, greater than the one full point, probably about 1.3%.  Based on the decrease from the 4.9% to the 4.3%, and the Open Space decrease of about 1.3%, now they are bringing the amount of increase down to about 2.9%-3% for this year.  Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he would be in favor of that for this year, adding that they weren’t getting rid of the Open Space Tax it has just been a tough year for everybody.  If it’s a difference of a 4.3% or 3% municipal tax increase, he would still be in favor of suspending the Open Space Tax for this year.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that there was an email from a resident that stated that they were getting rid of the Open Space Tax, but they are not getting rid of anything, they are suspending it for one year.  They could always do it for half the year, but anybody who is interested is more than welcome to send in their $35 or more for Open Space.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked if there was still a possibility they could use the anticipated Federal Funding for this year’s budget.  Mr. Rooney stated that it is in the State’s hands right now as to how it is going to be treated and disbursed.  He is not aware of any guidance that has been given out that explains how the money can be used or when it will be available.  Bud Jones, the Village Auditor, agreed, adding that there haven’t been any guidelines from the Treasury, regarding use of these Federal funds.  Treasury had 60 days to get the funds to the States, the States had another 30 days to get the funds to the towns, and they could apply for an extension.  Councilwoman Reynolds asked when the drop dead date is that they have to approve the budget.  Mr. Rooney stated that if that timing is correct, it would be sometime in June.  However, as Mr. Jones indicated, they can apply for an extension, so they don’t know how that will play out.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked how the Federal money is going to translate into the Village’s tax rate.  How do they suddenly get this Federal money to use on the COVID-impacted costs as delineated in the funding, but then next year they will have a surplus.  Mr. Jones stated that until we know how we can use the funds, he does not know at this time how it can be used.  They understand that it can be used for infrastructure and also for loss of revenue, but they really need to know the guidelines from Treasury.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she would want the Federal money to go to the lost revenue in the Parking Utility, not being able to do inspections on homes, the things where they actually lost money.  Then the budget will essentially be in a surplus situation. 

 

Mr. Rooney agreed that they will get the Federal money and be able to offset the budget losses.  The Village already has a $1 million emergency appropriation from 2020 because of these losses, so that would have to be paid first.  All additional revenue shortfalls can use the Federal money to supplement that.  Without guidance, the Village doesn’t know where this is going, other than the fact it is supposed to create relief.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked regarding the Open Space Tax, if they choose to suspend it is that a resolution to suspend for the year.  Mr. Jones stated they would set the open space tax rate at zero for the year, by way of resolution. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked what the rate will be if Open Space is removed.  Mayor Knudsen stated that they go from 4.3% down greater than 1.4%.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that then the tax rate would be 3% this year.  Mr. Rooney stated that was combined.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she would agree to that, but she didn’t think it was something they needed to do right this minute. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that before closing Village Council comments, she wanted to say that she knows there was a suggestion earlier that the budget process is not transparent, but she believes for the years Deputy Mayor Sedon, Councilwoman Walsh, and herself have been doing this, it has been an incredibly transparent budget process.  Everyone is welcome to join into those meetings and they appreciate everyone’s work on it.

 

Councilwoman Walsh added that in fairness to the residents, in the past the Village Council was on the dais and the budget books were available to those in the audience.  COVID has caused some challenges with this process.  There was a resident who said that the budget books are in the courtroom this year but they can’t come into Village Hall.  She asked where the budget books are located, so that the public can access them.  Mr. Rooney stated that the budget binder is provided to the Village Clerk, if that is something someone wants to look at.  The State budget is on the website, along with the user friendly budget.  This is all consistent with how they have done it in the past.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that she has sent the link to the user friendly budget to individuals who have asked for it, because it is on the Village Website.  Ms. Mailander stated that residents could come to Village Hall and call the number and then someone from the Village Clerk’s Office or the Finance Department could bring the book to the customer service window or they could make an appointment to come into the building within a certain area to review the budget books.  Councilwoman Walsh suggested gloves and a mask be worn when reviewing the budget books inside Village Hall.  Ms. Mailander stated the Village can provide gloves, if necessary.

 

3. Public Hearing on 2021 Budget

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of the title of the 2021 Budget.

 

The Village Clerk read the 2021 Budget by title:

 

              VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY 2021 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing on the 2021 Budget is now open.

 

Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, stated that the Village has sent an application to the State for $500,000 in grant money and if the suspension of the open space tax for one year jeopardizes that, the Village can lose $500,000.  She doesn’t want to say one thing is more important than the other, but look at the percentage that other areas of this town take.  Sending in an extra $35 is not going to satisfy Green Acres, because they want to know if the Village has an open space tax or not, because the open space tax is the basis for giving the Village the grant.  She added that Mr. Jones said he didn’t know when the Federal money was going to be allocated from the County, all they need to know is that we dropped our open space tax and that they can go on to someone else.  If there is even the slightest chance that we could lose that money, she thinks it’s not worth it.  She understands they are bringing the percentage of the tax increase down, she doesn’t want to pay more, but if the Village Council took money away from the Library there would be a riot in this town.  Everybody wants a piece that they feel is more important, but there is a reason that we need to pay the local open space tax.  Next year, no one knows what is going to happen. 

 

Ms. Gruber stated that she has been involved with Open Space since 2002 when this started and there were people that didn’t want the open space tax in the beginning, who are very grateful now that the Village has it.  She wishes the Village Council would reconsider suspending the open space tax so that the Village does not lose the State grant.  She appreciates everything that the Village Council does for the budget, and the portion of the property taxes that residents pay for the Village’s portion is small and the Village Council has done a great job.

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, asked if he understood that the Open Space Tax is just optional, is there no cost to deferring it. It doesn’t make sense.  Mr. Jones stated that he was not aware of any cost related to deferring the open space tax, and he deferred to Mr. Rogers regarding the establishment of the Open Space Trust and the wording of the referendum that established it.  Mr. Rogers stated from what he knows about the referendum, the option to suspend the open space tax is one that is permitted for purposes such as this and it is certainly something they can look into further.  However, as far as he knows, there is no cost to suspending the open space tax.  The Village won’t have to pay to exercise the option, and won’t get penalized for it, other than possibly having an impact like Ms. Gruber was talking about.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that she was at a training last week for the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions and they did mention that if you suspend your Open Space Tax that you risk being ineligible for Green Acres and other grants. 

 

Mr. Halaby asked if any work has been done on cutting costs.  For instance, they keep on hearing about sharing services with other towns. There is a two mile length between the Glen Rock, Ridgewood, and Ho-Ho-Kus Police Departments.  If they get these three Departments working together, then they can lay off two or three Policemen.  He hates to do it, as he loves the protection they offer him, but at some point, cutting costs must be looked at and he didn’t think they did. 

 

His last comment is concerning transparency.  He isn’t saying this just to be mean, but for something to be transparent, it has to be a discussion and they have to be prepared with information.  The idea of showing up at Village Hall to look at the binder, it doesn’t work this way.  They need to have a Town Hall meeting where Mr. Rooney goes through the budget and allows people to go back and forth with questions.  He knows Mr. Rooney is busy, but he is one great CFO and Mr. Halaby would love to be able to have people debate Mr. Rooney, especially the three year average for revenues, which he wonders whether it is just manna from Heaven.

 

Mr. Halaby asked what has been done to cut costs.  Mayor Knudsen asked if Mr. Halaby wanted an explanation of the three year revenue average.  Mr. Halaby said that among other things, yes.  Mr. Rooney stated that by law, we are only allowed to anticipate revenue to the amount that we collected in the prior year.  As an example, if municipal fines and costs in 2020 collected $500,000 in revenue, he is only allowed to anticipate $500,000 in this year’s budget.  However, if last year he anticipated $1.2 million in municipal fines and costs, which is what his budget was predicated on, and he only collected $500,000, he is short $700,000.  As a result of COVID, the Village had about 12 revenue streams that were affected, that reduced the amount of collections, and therefore impacted what he could anticipate this year.  If they went by what the Village collected last year, there would be a 10% or 12% tax increase as a result, because the Village wouldn’t be able to anticipate that revenue.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the State came out with a guideline, sort of a relief, which said they will allow municipalities to go back and look at the last three years of collections, take the average, and that is what can be anticipated in the 2021 budget.  It was a blessing from the State to allow us to do that.  That may continue next year, he has no idea, but it helped give the taxpayer relief this year. 

 

Mayor Knudsen added that regarding Mr. Halaby’s question about Shared Services, it is certainly something that they can raise with the other Mayors in Mayor Meetings and she is certain that the Village Manager is always looking for opportunities for Shared Services.  One of the things that is experienced by some municipalities is that certain municipalities are inevitably shouldering a greater part of the burden and in this instance that typically would be a municipality like Ridgewood, so they tread lightly with that to make certain that we get the best deal for our taxpayers, but they are certainly going to look for opportunities.

 

Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, stated that she looked at the budget and she is quite familiar with budgets because she used to run her own department.  She added that she heard the Fire Chief say that he didn’t think her number is correct, but she reiterated that her number is correct, because she submitted an OPRA request for those numbers of what the salaries are and her numbers are on point.  Two Firemen cost $180,728 and that includes the benefits, that doesn’t include overtime or anything else that would result when the nine EMTs that would be defunded leave, and they will pull the volunteers with them.  The Village will not have an EMS Department and they will wonder who is going to help the Police and Fire.  The taxpayers who she has spoken to, are 100% not in favor of this plan.  It’s a bad plan.  She listened to that YouTube of the budget meeting over and over, and she didn’t hear any proposals of numbers and labor studies that indicate this is a good idea.

 

Ms. Scarpa strongly encouraged the Village Council to take out that salient part of defunding the EMT and do a labor study to see if in fact this type of plan would provide the safety and the network of Police and Fire and EMT to work together as they always have.  In addition to that, she is very concerned if the EMT part-timers are defunded, the EMT services program with the high school and all the community outreach that they have done for four decades will disappear, because the Fire Department doesn’t have time to do that.  She thinks that it would be best for all of us to take a breath and do a survey of what the Village feels comfortable with during a pandemic and make a logical choice.  Give it to the taxpayers and say this is what we are thinking, this is just too important to change this right now.  She has spoken to many people and right away she gets “why are they doing that?”

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he had some specific questions regarding the Open Space Tax.  He heard a lot of numbers being thrown around tonight and he is confused.  He asked what the total open space tax would be on the average house, for a year.  Mr. Rooney stated that it was $35.  Mr. Loving stated that based upon collecting $35 from every household, or every taxable property in Ridgewood for an entire year, what would the total amount that they would collect that they would put in the Open Space Fund if the tax were not suspended.  Mr. Rooney stated it is roughly $350,000.  Mr. Loving asked what the downside is to not having that $350,000 on hand. 

 

Mr. Rooney stated if there was property that we wanted to acquire that would require money coming out of Open Space and they may not be able to do it this year; however, you always have the ability to fund acquisition even though you don’t have the Open Space money.  One way is to issue debt or fund it from other sources to make that acquisition.  Mr. Jones stated they could pass an ordinance to acquire property.  If there were a grant that required a local match, the Village Council could pass an emergency resolution to fund the local match for the grant this year, in order to accept the grant.  The emergency would be raised in the following year’s budget.

 

Mr. Loving stated that if he were understanding it correctly, this $350,000 that they would not collect would result in a tax decrease combine of over 1%.  Mayor Knudsen stated that it was an offset of over 1%, about 1.3%. 

 

Siobhan Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, thanked everyone on the Village Council who took the time to answer her questions.  This process has been frustrating, not budget frustrating, but COVID budget frustrating and she very much has missed access to the budget binders.  In the budget meetings with the budget binders, the public is able to see the detail, it makes the conversation much more synergistic, and she wishes she had known that she could have gone in to see the binders as she thinks that would have been very helpful.  She is very grateful to Councilwomen Perron and Walsh for answering so many of her questions. 

 

Ms. Winograd stated that as COVID continues, the more that the Village Council can make even deliberative documents somewhat accessible, will decrease the frustration.  She thinks people are really looking for more mimicking of the old school ways pre-COVID and the ability to see things that they can’t see in Village Hall at this time because Village Hall is currently closed to the public.  Her frustration with the budget is COVID, and she thanked everyone for answering her questions.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that she is very concerned about the suspension of the Open Space tax, she thinks it is a short term bad idea that really flies in direct conflict with all of the information they have gotten on the Master Plan survey.  They had a vote in 2001 on creating a local open space tax on the ballot and she thinks that resulted in an ordinance.  She was a little concerned that they were taking the will of the people and saying because it has been a tough year they were just going to get rid of it.  Open Space thwarts development and promotes trees.  New Jersey is only getting hotter, these are serious things for our town and our State.  She thinks it is really a bad look for Ridgewood to say they have taken and taken and are now done with it and are not going to pay our fair share.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that she knows they were talking about suspending the open space tax for a year, but she didn’t know how that works legally because the vote resulted in an ordinance and she asked if that meant another ordinance needs to be adopted.  She wondered if they will have to remember to come back to reinstate the open space tax next year.  She wants to be exceptionally clear that she thinks it is a very bad idea and she doesn’t think it’s worth it and they should really consider not doing it.  

 

Mr. Rogers stated that the question about the process was answered before by Mr. Jones, which is that the local open space tax could be suspended for a year, by resolution.  If the Village Council decides to go ahead and do that, they could prepare a resolution that makes it for that one year term and in next year’s budget, they would have to address the issues.  He doesn’t necessarily know what the ramifications would be on next year’s budget, with regard to suspension of the local open space tax for a year, if there are any, but it certainly would be the conversation brought back in next year.  Mr. Rogers stated that legally, when they were saying suspension of the local open space tax, they weren’t getting rid of it for a year, they were just putting it aside for a year. 

 

Mr. Rogers stated that he wasn’t aware of what Mr. Jones and Mr. Rooney just talked about before which is where you can appropriate under emergency appropriations for a need if it arises during this year, and pay for it in next year’s budget but that certainly is another part of the process.  It’s not as if it is going to get lost in translation, the resolution is only for the budget year of 2021. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked about any existing application for grants that they have where they stated that they have an open space tax.  Mr. Rogers stated that was what he said before, it certainly would have an impact on those grant applications, to what extent he wasn’t sure.  Mr. Rooney stated that he would have to see the grant application to answer that intelligently.  He is not aware of a $500,000 grant and he would love to know more about it, but he can’t answer that question until he can see the application itself.  Based upon his conversation with Bond Counsel, they indicated there was no ramification for doing such, but if an application makes reference to it, he would be happy to see it and address it.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that she was pretty sure that the application does not make reference to that because it is an application to the New Jersey Historic Preservation Trust Fund, it requires no funding through Open Space, it is a 100% matching grant on funds already spent on the Schedler House.  They are not required to match any additional funds to it, so the money that has been already spent can be attached and matched to that.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that the other concern she had with this is that they are speaking as if next year is going to be better, and she has concerns about that as well.  From what she can see that the way people are living, the main impact is going to have on our budget is specifically with reduced parking revenue.  Once the pandemic is over the world isn’t going to go right back to where it was, and she is concerned about that.  The fact that next year’s budget isn’t looking better, it’s going to impact this for another year.

 

Mr. Rogers stated that since the local open space tax passed by referendum, he doesn’t think they can get rid of it by adopting an ordinance.  He thinks it has to go back to another referendum.  They are not taking away the process, so procedurally they can’t get rid of it that way.  Mayor Knudsen stated that this would be a suspension, short term, for one year if they decide to take that approach.  She was aware that they could do an emergency appropriation if they needed to.  This particular year is unpredictable and unprecedented for many who are shouldering financial burdens, so it’s an option.

 

Sherry Biscan, 178 McKinley Place, stated that she wanted to register her complete agreement with the comments that Ms. Gruber made and also that Ms. Winograd made, she thinks it is a very bad idea and also the start of a slippery slope to eliminate the local Open Space Tax.  It also sounds to her as if none of the Village Council are quite utterly certain that it will not impact any previously allocated or future grant monies.  She doesn’t see how they can make a decision on it, until they are utterly certain that it will not have an impact.

 

Ms. Biscan stated that it is ludicrous to be wasting somewhere between $15,000 to $25,000 a year on a monitor at the pickleball courts.  It is absurd and is something that was done to accommodate a small group of neighbors and if that is the answer, then she thinks all small groups of neighbors would like to have that amount of money for their neighborhood.  The word has gone out, the TeamReach that has over 240 members knows that they aren’t to play at Ridgewood and will be going to other towns.  She urged them to look at the data.  She thanked the Village Council for their service, adding that she has tremendous respect for all of them.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if the pickleball monitor was going to all the courts and checking all badges and then doing additional work.  Ms. Mailander stated that was her understanding.

 

There were no additional comments from the public.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that she wanted to point out that the Open Space Trust Fund is also used for maintaining our existing open spaces.  For instance, it was used to pay for the turf at Maple Field, for hydrants at Habernickel, and so she thinks that the existing open spaces could suffer if they suspend the local open space tax this year.  Mayor Knudsen stated that her recollection with the turf funds was that they took the money from Open Space and then they paid it back once the funds were available.  Councilwoman Perron stated that she wasn’t seeing that on the printout that she had from Mr. Rooney.  Mayor Knudsen stated that they would take a look into that, but she believes they borrowed the money from Open Space to fund the turf and then it was paid back.  Ms. Mailander stated that she didn’t know that they have received the money back yet from the grant.  She doesn’t know if they have put in all the billing for the turf field to the County to get that reimbursement yet.  Mayor Knudsen stated they would make sure to figure that out.

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the Public Hearing on the 2021 budget be closed.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

10. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

1. INTRODUCTION – NONE

 

2. PUBLIC HEARING - #3851 – Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Capital

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3851 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3851 by title:

 

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS WATER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $8,253,292 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $8,253,292 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  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 Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3851 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

3. PUBLIC HEARING - #3852 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees – Water Rates and PFAS Treatment Charge

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3852 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3852 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 stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that ordinance 3852 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, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

11. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-75 THROUGH 21-82, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. ORDINANCES 

 

1. INTRODUCTION – NONE

 

2. PUBLIC HEARING - #3854 – Bond Ordinance – General Capital

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3854 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3854 by title:

 

A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMRPOVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $6,430,325 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $6,108,808 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3854 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, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

 

3. PUBLIC HEARING - #3855 – Bond Ordinance – Parking Utility Capital

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3855 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3855 by title:

 

A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A MINI KUBOTA SWEEPER FOR THE PARKING UTILITY, IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $103,000 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $97,850 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened. 

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he was disappointed that this was not something that was realized when the garage was built, that a special sweeper would be needed for the garage, which will cost $103,000.  He asked why the contractor who designed the garage did not realize that there would be a special vehicle needed to clean the garage.  How did the Village get in the position that a special vehicle was needed to clean the garage and not until eight months after it was opened, did they realize they didn’t have the sweeper.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that it was a good question, but the sweeper can be used elsewhere.  Ms. Mailander stated that it was going to be used elsewhere in the Central Business District.  Mayor Knudsen stated that while they certainly understand his concern, as it relates to not knowing that the sweeper wouldn’t have fit into the garage, it will not be exclusively for the garage and so it served other purposes.

 

Mr. Loving asked where the sweeper would be stored, because he is concerned that we are going to spend more money to construct a place to store it.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she wasn’t sure.  Ms. Mailander stated that she would get back to Mr. Loving with an accurate answer.

 

Mr. Loving stated that now that they have been surprised with the fact that they needed a special vehicle to sweep, he is concerned that the top floor of the garage was closed this year due to snowstorms when it snowed.  It wasn’t a problem this year because they didn’t need the parking spaces on the top floor; however, when they need those spaces, his concern is that a special vehicle will be needed to clear the snow off the fourth floor of the garage.  He asked if there was a discussion going on now as to how they were going to clear the roof of snow when they need the roof for parking.  Mayor Knudsen stated that they successfully cleaned the roof of the garage this year without a problem, so the same would apply this year just like any other parking lot that would be cleared during a snowstorm.

 

Mr. Loving asked if the signs that indicated that the roof was closed due to snow wasn’t because the roof couldn’t be cleared of snow it was because of some other reason.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she didn’t think anyone was utilizing the spaces.  Ms. Mailander stated that it was also the amount of snow that fell, so that was part of it also.  It took longer than a day to clear the snow out of the CBD because it was two days of heavy snow, so that is why the fourth floor of the garage was closed during the two day snowstorm.

 

Mr. Loving stated that his concern is when those spaces are needed on the fourth floor of the garage, which will hopefully be within the coming year or so, the Village must have the correct equipment to quickly clear the snow off the garage.  His concern is that they have not planned that out, since there was no plan for cleaning the garage.

 

There were no additional comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3855 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

4. PUBLIC HEARING - #3856 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Glenwood Road as a One-Way Street

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3856 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3856 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-54 SCHEDULE III: “ONE WAY STREETS”

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened. 

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that if he understands what was said earlier in the meeting they are going to be carrying this to the next meeting because the County is going to be doing some investigation with respect to what affect this may have on County roads.  He asked whether the State gave the Village an ultimatum in terms of a date on which they had to enact a resolution or ordinance to close the street.  He thought the State said if the Village did not do it, they were going to close the street permanently or they were not going to make a railroad crossing there.  His concern is they were playing with fire, and a delay in this may result in the State saying they are going to close down the railroad crossing at the Ho-Ho-Kus train tracks.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if Ms. Mailander had the date because she believed they still had time on this.  Ms. Mailander stated that she didn’t believe they had a specific date, they had to go back and finalize everything, go out for bid, and then award a contract.  The Village was trying to be proactive, however, she didn’t think they should delay it much more than a month or so because her concern is as Mr. Loving pointed out, the State’s option is to close it completely.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she pulled the documents today to make certain that they had that time.  Mr. Rogers agreed they had the time.

 

There were no additional comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be continued to May 12, 2021.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

5. PUBLIC HEARING - #3857 – Amend Chapter 258 – Towing Regulations

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3857 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3857 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 258 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, TOWING, AT SECTION 258-3 “DEFINITIONS” AND AT SECTION 258-5 “APPLICATION” AND AT SECTION 258-7 “REMOVAL AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES; FEES”

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  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 Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that ordinance 3857 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

6. PUBLIC HEARING - #3858 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Towing Fees

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3858 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3858 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 stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3858 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, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

7. PUBLIC HEARING - #3859 – Bond Ordinance – Cancellation of a Funded Debt Authorization and Authorize Transfer of Amount to Capital Surplus Fund Balance

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3859 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3859 by title:

 

BOND ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR THE CANCELLATION OF $725,000 OF A FUNDED DEBT AUTHORIZATION NOT NEEDED FOR ITS ORIGINAL PURPOSE AND TO TRANSFER SUCH AMOUNT TO THE CAPITAL SURPLUS FUND BALANCE

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3859 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, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

8. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - #3834 – Authorize Renewal of PILOT Agreement – Ridgecrest

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3834 by title on fifth reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3834 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FINANCIAL AGREEMENT WITH RIDGEWOOD SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING CORP., INC., AND RIDGECRESET URBAN RENEWAL L.L.P. GRANTING A TAX EXEMPTION FOR RIDGECREST SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing on ordinance 3834 was continued from the January, February, and March Public Meetings, so that additional information could be provided to the Village Council.  This information has been received, and the Village Council is ready to vote on Ordinance 3834 this evening.  The Public Hearing on ordinance 3834 is now continued. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved the Public Hearing on ordinance 3834 be closed.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion. 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that ordinance 3834 be adopted on fifth reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

13. RESOLUTIONS

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-83 THROUGH 21-107, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RESOLUTION 21-86 AND RESOLUTION 21-104 WHICH WILL BE 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:

 

Before voting on Resolution 21-86, Councilwoman Perron stated it is her understanding that these plans are the response to criticisms from SHPO and therefore she votes yes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before voting on Resolution 21-104, Councilwoman Perron stated that as she understands it, the Village doesn’t have to come up with new money to make the Village’s match on this grant and therefore she votes yes.

 

Before voting on Resolution 21-104, Mayor Knudsen stated that she was going to reiterate that this application is going to the New Jersey Historic Preservation Trust Fund and not any Open Space, so she votes, yes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, stated that she is trying to make a point here.  She wanted to go by the tax increase of 4.1% which was listed and she say they didn’t put in the school tax which was 1.99% so really the tax is a 6.09% increase.  When she feels something is really wrong, she goes to bat for it and she make sure her figures are right and she did OPRA them.  She appreciated the Firefighters and thinks they do a fantastic job, but it is an increase in the budget of $180,728 for two more Firefighters, and from what she understands they already got one in December 2020. 

 

Ms. Scarpa stated that there will be overtime when the EMT’s leave.  She has talked to many people in town and they all feel the same way, they will see a decrease in community service.  When the EMT’s leave, most of these programs are during the day and volunteers are trained by them.  She sees a decrease in safety in the Village when the Police and Fire are stressed because the EMT is no longer there to help them.  There will also be an increase in dependence on other towns and a decrease in safety when the EMT from neighboring towns cannot get to the Village on time. 

 

Ms. Scarpa stated that she has talked to people plainly and they don’t support defunding the EMT, just like they don’t support defunding the Police.  The $70,000 for the EMTs the taxpayer doesn’t pay, because the EMT is self-funded by the ambulance billings.  She wants the Village Council to table that part of the budget and do a labor study and a money study, and put it out to the taxpayer.  She stated as a taxpayer, she just doesn’t feel good about this and she doesn’t think it would help Fire, Police or EMT.  They have to work together.

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, asked how he could get a copy of the plans that were submitted to SHPO for the berm.  What they are embarking on with the berm is a fool’s mission, because in a couple of years that berm will look like something out of a Charles Adams cartoon.  He asked why the plan that the Village sent to SHPO is not posted on the website.  If he calls SHPO, they will send it to him, if he calls the Village it means he has to do an OPRA request and wait two to three weeks.  He also asked what plans the Village Engineer has for the berm. 

 

Mr. Halaby stated that if he feels strongly that a member of this Village Council has a conflict of interest in his opinion, why can’t he say that, why is he out of order to say that. If he mentions the Councilmember’s name, he is out of order and gets lectured on decorum, but he defines decorum because he has integrity.

 

Siobhan Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that she thinks that it would be a good idea to put the most currently submitted plans regarding Schedler on the website. It is hard to have the conversation unless we are all looking at the same thing, so she would encourage the Village Council to put the most recent plan that she understands has been rejected, up on the website and let people know what is going on. 

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that speaking of plans, he believes they have the plans for the intersection improvements of Franklin and Maple Avenues.  If a copy of that plan could be put on the website it would be great to see what we would be looking forward to.  Those two intersections are terrible now and it would be great to see what improvements will be made.

 

Mr. Loving stated that the Mayor made some comments tonight regarding the Fourth of July Committee.  Regarding the parade itself, we are all aware that the parade participants could be engineered for safety standards.  His concern would be what happens to the spectators as that parade route is generally jammed with people.  If they shorten the route, to him that is scary, because that is going to take the same amount of people and put them into a shorter, smaller space.  That is a situation they are trying to avoid with people so close together.  Again, the parade participants could be spread out, but what happens on the route itself with respect to the spectators particularly concerns him.

 

There were no additional comments from the public.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that concerning the Fourth of July parade route, the feedback that the parade route should not be shortened makes a lot of sense, and is part of what they will be discussing, once the Committee puts together more of a concrete plan.  Mayor Knudsen asked if there was any reason that the Schedler plan and the Franklin Avenue and Maple Avenue can’t be posed to the Village website.  She stated that they are public documents which were sent to SHPO and to the County, respectively.  Ms. Mailander stated that she would just have to determine if they were draft documents, and if they aren’t, they can be posted to the Village website.  Mayor Knudsen concurred that if they aren’t draft documents, they will get them posted on the Village website.

 

15. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Ms. Mailander read Resolution #21-108 to go into Closed Session as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.         ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Walsh, seconded by Deputy Mayor Sedon, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 10:45 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                                                                                                    Susan Knudsen                        

                                                                                                                       Mayor                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________

              Heather A. Mailander

      Village Manager/Village Clerk