20200415 - Village Council Regular Public Meeting Minutes
A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD VIA ZOOM TELECONFERENCING DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ON APRIL 15, 2020 AT 8:00 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Hache called the meeting to order at 8:01 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Hache led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as in a Moment of Silence to honor the brave men and women serving in our armed forces and all our first responders.
- ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of March 31, 2020, be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Hache moved the Village Council minutes of September 4, 2019, February 19, 2020 and March 11, 2020 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PROCLAMATIONS
- PROCLAIM APRIL AS TREE PLANTING MONTH AND APRIL 24, 2020 AS ARBOR DAY
Councilman Sedon read the following proclamation:
- PROCLAIM MAY 3-9, 2020 NATIONAL DRINKING WATER WEEK
Councilwoman Knudsen read the following proclamation:
- PROCLAIM MAY AS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH
Councilman Voigt read the following proclamation:
- PROCLAIM MAY AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Lorraine Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Avenue, stated that she wanted to thank everyone on the Village Council, the Village Manager, and the Village Staff during this COVID-19 crisis as everyone has been incredible and stepped up to the plate. She thanked the yard waste and recycling crews, as there has been a dramatic increase in the garbage that is being picked up. Yard waste pickup is in her area tomorrow and there is an unbelievable amount on the curb and she appreciates what the crews will be going through tomorrow. She gave a shout out to the Village residents who have done a great job doing their part, as everyone is really pitching in and doing a great job and it shows what a wonderful community we have.
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that the Village Manager might consider opening the Recycling Center sooner rather than later, because of the amount of yard waste accumulating on the sidewalks. Secondly, he wanted to thank Bob Rooney for telling him where he could find the budget through his iPad. He downloaded the budget and he might as well be reading Chinese poetry, as the budget is entirely unreadable, and they owe it to the public to put it into a form that is more readable for residents. Mr. Halaby asked if Councilwoman Knudsen would be recusing herself from voting on the budget considering she has three children who are on the payroll. He thinks it is a conflict of interest, and to do the right thing she should recuse herself.
Ms. Mailander stated that there was one email for public comments that came in by 4:00 P.M. today from Barbara Russo of 822 Parsons Road. She wrote concerning landscapers and explained that the State of Michigan banned landscapers from working and wondered why the Village would continue to allow it. Ms. Mailander explained that the reason is that the Governor’s Executive Order qualifies landscapers as an essential business. Ms. Russo then asked if there was any way that the Mayor can restrict or regulate that masks and gloves must be worn during the use of leaf blowers. This restriction would not include commercial property or government-owned property. Ms. Mailander stated that the Village couldn’t make anything more restrictive than the Governor’s order. She added that Ms. Russo did ask that the Village Council be made aware of her concerns and that she does understand that the Village has no jurisdiction.
There were no additional public comments, and Mayor Hache closed public comment.
Mayor Hache stated that the Recycling Center was reopened on Monday, at Graydon Pool parking lot as there were some lessons learned in other towns, as the volume of garbage and recycling has nearly doubled. In other municipalities, when the Recycling Centers opened, it created traffic and a lot of confusion, and crowding didn’t allow for social distancing not only between residents but also with staff. They wanted to provide adequate space for everyone entering and exiting. He is not sure yet when they will be returning to the usual location. Ms. Mailander added that they would continue to monitor it and take the advice of the Supervisors and Directors and let residents know when the Recycling Center will reopen at its usual location.
Councilwoman Knudsen thanked Mr. Halaby for reminding her that she has sons on the front lines of the Police Department and one in the Fire Department. She asked Mr. Rogers to comment on Mr. Halaby’s comment. Mr. Rogers stated that they had looked at this before and statements have been made in the Public Record. They checked with the local Finance Board when this situation developed several years ago, and there was no problem with Councilwoman Knudsen voting on budget matters that affect Police and Fire. Councilwoman Knudsen added that every member of the Village Council is a taxpaying resident of the Village of Ridgewood, therefore, each of them would, under the theory that is raised here, have a conflict with the budget.
- MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that all Offices and Departments are still closed to the public, however, staff has returned in every Department and Office. Phone calls will be returned during business hours, Monday through Thursday. On Friday, they are not in the office; however, they are continuing to review and respond to voice messages and emails.
Ms. Mailander stated that garbage pickup will remain curbside until further notice. She asked that residents remember to put it into a garbage can so that it can prevent the access to it by animals, keep the streets clean, and protect employees. Curbside recycling pickup will continue as scheduled; bulk refuse pickup has resumed this week; and yard waste pickup has begun. There is a lot of yard waste collection, so if yard waste is not picked up on the day it is supposed to be, leave it out to be picked up the following day. The Recycling Center is operating at its alternate location in the Graydon Pool parking lot from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It is closed Wednesday and Sunday. You will need an ID showing that you are a Ridgewood resident. Ms. Mailander asked that you enter from North Maple Avenue and then once you are at the lot, make sure that the items are in your trunk, open your trunk and the employees will take it out for you. Once they are done, please drive away.
Ms. Mailander stated that all meters in the Central Business District are free until further notice and she asked that motorists only park in legal spots.
Ms. Mailander stated that all flags in the Village are flown at half-staff indefinitely by order of the Governor to honor all that have died from Coronavirus and to have a constant visible memorial while this pandemic is in effect.
Ms. Mailander stated that quarterly tax payments are due May 1st, but there will be no interest charged if the tax is paid in full prior to August 1, 2020. If it is paid August 1st or later, interest will be charged back to May 1st. There are various non-contact ways to pay, as referenced in the April 13th E-notice, which is also being posted on the homepage of the website in the COVID-19 section.
Ms. Mailander stated that census forms will be in the mail this week for those who haven’t responded on a computer or electronic device. The Village’s goal is 100% participation, so they are hoping more residents will fill out the paper copy. The census has been extended into the Fall; however they would like to get as close to a complete count as soon as possible.
Ms. Mailander reminded residents that the Ridgewood Board of Education election and the Village Council election have been combined into one, on May 12th and it will be vote by mail-in ballot only. The mail-in ballots will be mailed to voters sometime on or before April 24th. They must be postmarked by May 12th, the date of the election, and received at the County by May 14th. She asked that residents vote their ballot as soon as possible, so it will get back in time and their vote will count. The envelope for the vote by mail is postage paid. The final Voter Registration day for the May 12th election is April 21st, and Voter Registration forms must be at the Bergen County Superintendent of Elections Office by that date.
Ms. Mailander stated that County Committee elections have been postponed to June 2021. The Primary Election has been changed from June 2nd to July 7th.
Upcoming Village Council meetings include April 22nd Work Session, May 6th Work Session, May 13th Public Meeting, and May 27th Work Session. These are all found in the Village calendar.
Ms. Mailander stated that there are various cancelations of events, including the Holocaust Memorial Service scheduled for April 20th, and Shred Day scheduled for April 25th. The Memorial Day Run has been rescheduled to Labor Day.
Ms. Mailander asked residents to check the Village website at the top of the homepage, where it says COVID-19 as it gives all sorts of information about anything that has changed or things that have been canceled due to the pandemic.
- COUNCIL REPORTS
Central Business District – Councilwoman Walsh reminded everyone that there are many restaurants open downtown and the Chamber of Commerce and Ridgewood Guild would like to remind everyone that you can order by phone or on your apps to get takeout within the CBD to help keep some of the restaurants alive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ridgewood Library – Councilwoman Walsh stated that a Ridgewood library card can be used to access BCCLS and there is a lot of information on the Ridgewood Library website.
COVID-19 – Councilman Voigt stated that he was encouraged to see a flattening of the curve, especially in Ridgewood, as it relates to number of new cases, as over the past five or six days there appears to be a reduction of the number of new cases. This is encouraging, and demonstrates that everyone is doing what they need to do, from a social distancing standpoint. He added that the Village seems to be ahead of the curve as it relates to Bergen County, so things are going well in Ridgewood.
Mayor Hache stated that every day, the Village Council gets a complete briefing from the Health Department, Police, Fire, EMS, and OEM. There is a tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes and coordination that involves everybody. The I.T. Department has been working around the clock to get information out to the public, and he wanted to thank everyone for all of their hard work, as he was very appreciative of the work from staff and all of their efforts. He added that he was thankful to the volunteers, as Ridgewood is a community that’s very strong when residents gather as a community, during challenging times. Mayor Hache said that Feed the Frontlines, which collects donations to provide meals to First Responders and Healthcare workers, has people jumping in to help with the residents displaced by the fire at Bagelicious, West Bergen Mental Healthcare, Ridgecrest, SHARE, and Social Services. In addition, there is an overwhelming amount of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) donations from different resident groups. There are even some high school kids doing fundraisers. Mayor Hache asked that everyone keep the first responders, healthcare workers, and essential employees including sanitation, supermarket workers, mail carriers, people who have to be out there and put themselves at risk every day, just doing their job, in their prayers and thoughts, to keep them safe.
Mayor Hache added that there is a lot of information as the Village Manager was going through, and the information changes quite a bit and they do their best to post all of the communication out there. For anyone interested in volunteer opportunities, they have the Volunteer Community Board posted on the website with all of the contacts for the different volunteer opportunities. Adding to Councilman Voigt’s comments, it is encouraging to see a flattening of the curve and in the midst of the bad news and terrible data, to start to see a light at the end of the tunnel is encouraging for all of us. Mayor Hache added that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacted a heavy toll in our community and in our hearts, and just over the last seven days we have lost 14 Ridgewood residents. He asked everyone to join him in a brief moment of silence in their memory. Gene Thomas was a beloved performer and Quentin Wiest Senior was our oldest Ridgewood resident, at 107 years of age, and they both recently passed away due to COVID-19.
- ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE #3784 – Establish a CAP Bank
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3784 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3784 by title:
CALENDAR YEAR 2020 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)
Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3784 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- 2020 Budget Hearing
- Overview of 2020 Budget
Robert Rooney, Village Chief Financial Officer, stated that in mid-March they introduced and advertised the budget in accordance with the law and tonight is the Public Hearing on the adoption of the budget.
Mr. Rooney stated that operating and capital budgets are proposed at $50.9 million. The Village Council has already considered the general capital budget amount of approximately $8.6 million this year. The municipal tax increase is estimated to be 2.22% which is an $85 annual municipal tax increase on the average assessed home value of $701,977. Debt for the current year is anticipated to be below $1.5 million from last year. Mr. Rooney displayed the various tax rates going back to 2007.
Ms. Mailander stated that 2020 goals are having the tree inventory performed, for which a grant has been obtained and will allow the Village to apply for shade tree grants in the future; the continuation of the renovation of Kings Pond Park with the planting of trees and establishing stone dust walking paths; establishing fees and permits for use of public spaces by non-profit groups; negotiations with the Fire Department, Blue Collar, White Collar, and Supervisory unions. Public safety vehicles and equipment will be replaced; running a healthy lifestyles program through Ridgewood Recreation, in conjunction with Healthbarn and other providers, for young adults ages 17 to 24 with disabilities; Ridgewood High School and Somerville tennis courts will be resurfaced; acoustical panels will be installed and new balls will be required at the Glen School pickleball courts, in order to reduce the noise for the surrounding neighbors; and the final phase of the Zabriskie-Schedler House should near completion by the end of the year.
Ms. Mailander explained that additional 2020 goals are educating residents about what can and cannot be recycled through promotional materials and the use of the Recycle Coach app, which will result in quality recycling, reducing costs for the Village; seeking options for the collection of recyclables, which can help with the costs associated with the reversal of the market where the Village is now paying instead of receiving revenue; starting a food waste disposal pilot program to seek data on reducing tonnage in the solid waste stream; and creating an energy source, possibly for an outside vendor.
Ms. Mailander stated that for Ridgewood Water, they are going to drill two additional replacement wells and rehabilitate several others; restructuring in the Water Department customer service and public relations to improve the front line of the utility; launching a new website and new customer portals so that customers can look up their account data and improve communication with customers; complete a feasibility study for the activation and treatment at various wells; continue to work on public policy with Ridgewood Water and the public policy person to establish a water coalition of small to medium sized water utilities. This will give this group a larger voice in challenging the water regulations, so that all can be positioned to comply.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village is going to move forward with the use of credit cards in more Village Departments; have Departmental audits performed by the Village Auditor; and create a mapping of the I.T. and fiber networks throughout the Village.
Ms. Mailander stated that challenges include: the effects of COVID-19 as the Village has spent a lot of money (there is supposed to be FEMA reimbursement, so staff is in the process of putting some of those costs together); negotiations for Fire Department, Blue Collar, White Collar, and Supervisory Union Contracts; defensive tax appeals, appraisal costs, court settlements; State influence on fees such as in Building and Municipal Court where the Village hasn’t received as much revenue, because the State has changed what the regulations are; Police overtime; stabilizing the infrastructure; and one-time revenues.
Ms. Mailander stated that in Ridgewood Water the challenges are weather conditions; stabilizing the infrastructure; and compliance with new EPA water quality regulations.
Ms. Mailander stated that opportunities include expansion of technology platform; new tax ratables due to development of the multi-family housing; and availability of fund surpluses.
Mr. Rooney displayed a slide that represents the municipal revenues that are anticipated during the year 2020. He stated that the most significant part of revenues come from property taxes, the second largest is local revenues, and the third is from surplus. Mr. Rooney showed the comparison of spending and revenues compared to the prior year. Total appropriations and surplus anticipated are slightly above last year; miscellaneous revenues are down about $800,000; receipts from delinquent taxes are stable; and the amount to be raised by taxation shows the increased amount to balance the budget. The municipal tax increase on the average assessed home in 2020 is $85.
Mr. Rooney displayed a slide that showed the distribution of the appropriations as they are currently structured. The largest is Public Safety at $13.7 million; statutory expenditures which consists of social security and pensions; and the third is debt structures. As in prior years, they showed the components breakdown of a dollar bill where the Village and Library represents 23.35%; the School is 65.25%; and the County which hasn’t been released yet, but he is anticipating a 2% increase to be consistent, would be 11.4%.
- Village Council’s Comments
Councilman Voigt had some questions as it relates to some of the goals for 2020. He asked if they might consider applying for a grant for the widening of Glenwood Road, or if that might be considered in the works. He added that the other concern is bolstering the Village Health Department, specifically as it relates to active monitoring and contact tracing for COVID-19 cases. He stated that he didn’t know if they have enough staff because an important component to ensure that those people who are either positive COVID-19 cases or in contact with positive cases, to be kept isolated as much as possible, which will be critical, as the Village reopens for business. Councilman Voigt asked if this could be reimbursed by FEMA funds. Mr. Rooney stated that any expenses that are related to COVID-19 would be eligible for FEMA reimbursement.
Councilman Voigt asked about miscellaneous revenues and if the Parking Utility was included in that. Mr. Rooney stated that the Parking was all by itself. Councilman Voigt asked where the Parking Utility is, in the revenue stream. Mr. Rooney stated that for the vote tonight, the Village Council is only required by law to vote on the taxation. In the budget that was presented back in March, and also the one that was advertised, it shows the sections of the budget for the Water Utility and the Parking Utility, but they are not part of the vote tonight.
Councilman Sedon echoed Councilman Voigt, and thanked the Village Manager and CFO, and all the employees. He hoped that everyone was looking out for the added costs and challenges of this current crisis and what it is going to mean for next year’s budget and going forward. Councilwoman Knudsen echoed the thanks, and stated that she agrees with Councilman Voigt about the robust Health Department that we are finding necessary these days, and she knows that the school nurses have been “leaning in” to provide extra staffing, to help with contact tracing. She thinks they are quite fortunate to have that available, but other than that she is comfortable and appreciated the budget presentation. Councilwoman Knudsen added that the Recycle Coach app is wonderful and so easy to use.
Councilwoman Walsh added that she knows this has been a really challenging time for everyone and there probably will be some changes that they will have to make to different Departments going forward, as Ridgewood comes out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The best part of this budget is that it is fair and it is running lean, and the Village was really prepared, even though no one had an idea this would occur. Mayor Hache echoed the thanks, adding that the budget process is never easy, and they deal with the initial ask from the Departments and whittle that down into something that’s rigorous and following that discipline gets them to a point where even in light of the current crisis, they are able to move forward. Ms. Mailander thanked Mr. Rooney and Mr. Sanzari, as well as the Department Directors and Village Council who worked to get this budget in place, which was a challenge during this time.
- Public Hearing on 2020 Budget
Mayor Hache asked the Village Clerk to read the title of the 2020 Budget.
The Village Clerk read the 2020 Budget by title:
THE 2020 BUDGET OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD
Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened.
Ms. Mailander stated that she had one email, from Steve Olson, 505 Knollwood Road, who stated that the budget listed as a challenge the defense of tax appeals and appraisal costs. This statement seems to imply that the problem is the tax appeals, and Mr. Olson wondered if the facts would indicate the problem is the current assessments, especially homes with higher assessments. If the facts indicate that the Village has been unsuccessful in defending the assessments of higher priced homes, it is time for the Village Council to more properly address the problem. The solution is not to defend the current assessments, but instead consider a reassessment, or a limited reassessment, to bring greater fairness to the sharing of the tax burden. Mr. Olson stated that to continue to defend inaccurate assessed values is not only an imprudent use of limited resources, but also takes advantage of residents who are not proactively filing appeals.
Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, stated that she read the budget and was looking for a line item regarding the planting of trees and because she didn’t see a line item for it, she asked if it was folded in with something else. Mr. Rooney stated that they appropriated money in the capital budget and it doesn’t appear as a separate line item. If there is any share in the operating budget, it’s part of the Parks and Recreation budget. He confirmed that $110,000 has been appropriated for purchasing trees in 2020.
There were no additional comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing on the 2020 Budget be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- 2020 BUDGET RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-98 AND 20-99, WERE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
Before voting on Resolution 20-99, Councilman Voigt stated that he was alright with the capital side of the budget, but he was a little concerned with the operational side and the tax increase, so his vote was no.
- ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
- INTRODUCTION - #3797 – Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Capital
Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3797. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3797 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS WATER UTLITY IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $4,822,800 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $4,638,900 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3797 be adopted on first reading and that May 13, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3786 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Water Volume Rates
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3786 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3786 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 Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3786 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3787 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Water Utility Fees
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3787 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3787 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 Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3787 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3788 – Amend Chapter 269 – Water – Water Service Connections
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3788 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3788 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 269 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, WATER, AT SECTION 269-36.1, “WATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS”
Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3788 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3795 – Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Capital
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3795 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3795 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 $6,780,800 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $6,442,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3795 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Before placing his vote, Councilman Voigt stated that he was concerned about the Elks Club and it being included in this capital appropriation and he is concerned that they are spending too much money on the Elks Club, so his vote was no.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: Councilmembers Voigt and Walsh
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-100 THROUGH 20-105, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- ORDINANCES
- INTRODUCTION – NONE
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3793 – Amend Vehicles and Traffic – 15-minute Parking Spaces – Various Locations
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3793 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3793 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-29, “PARKING METER ZONE DESIGNATED” AND SECTION 265-69, “TIME LIMIT PARKING”
Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3793 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3794 – Amend Single Use Plastic Bag Ordinance
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3794 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3794 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 240A OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION” AT SECTION 240A-3 ENTITLED “ALLOWING REUSABLE AND RECYCLABLE PAPER CARRY OUT BAGS: FEES, AND AT SECTION 240A – 7 ENTITLED “ENFORCEMENT”
Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3794 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3796 – Bond Ordinance – Permanent Lighting for Maple Park Field
Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3796 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3796 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE INSTALLATION OF FIELD LIGHTING AT MAPLE PARK AND RELATED PERMITS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $447,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $153,500 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened.
Walter Cox, 279 Bellair Road, stated that he was a Board Member with the Maroons Soccer Club and wanted to reinforce their support of the Maple Park Field Lighting Project. He added that it was discussed at the most recent meeting and despite the COVID-19 situation, they are still committed to providing the money they set aside. He added that they are looking forward to progressing.
There were no additional comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3796 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-106 THROUGH 20-116, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he is a 50 year resident and for the record, few people in Ridgewood are as supportive of the Police and Fire Departments as he is. To compare the voting of Councilwoman Knudsen, who has children on the payroll, with other Councilmembers voting on the budget as taxpayers, is creative to the point of making President Trump blush. He added it was the type of insult that the Village Council should stop throwing at residents. Mr. Halaby stated that he didn’t know what level of government Mr. Rogers went to, but there is a perceived conflict that should be addressed. He raised the question of the website as it needs to be updated. He is a fan of Mr. Hansen, the I.T. Director, but he isn’t the person to improve the website, and they need an outside person to provide professional help. He asked that the Village gets this done, as they have been speaking about it for two years.
Mr. Halaby added that at the last meeting he attended, he thought he understood Mr. Rooney saying something about the possibility of the Village facing a liquidity wall, if a series of events took place, and what is happening with the economy, he can imagine some bad things happening. He asked what steps the Village Council is taking as a result.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, thanked the Village Council for deploying a method for public comments that involve phone calls coming in, as that method afforded people who don’t even have computer to provide public comments. Earlier this week, the Board of Education had a meeting and restricted public comments to those that were submitted via email only, which cut off a number of taxpayers who don’t have access to computers. He added that he thinks the phone calls worked well and he wanted to congratulate the Village Council for running a successful meeting, with the phone-in comments as the way to receive public comments.
There were no additional comments from the public. Mayor Hache closed public comment.
Mayor Hache asked Mr. Rooney about the comments from Mr. Halaby, and the brick wall that the Village could hit financially. He asked if Mr. Rooney could provide the steps and provisions that the Village was taking to prevent this. Mr. Rooney stated that they have gone through the process of looking at cash flows in all of the funds collectively. The shortfall he was talking about was in the general fund, and they are looking at worst case scenario in tax collections and this pandemic, and came up with a shortfall in June. When you factor in the other funds, that shortfall can be mitigated right now, so they are in better shape. He has been in touch with Bond Counsel about looking at the cash flows through April, to see what happens with tax collections, and if they think they will be in trouble for May, the Bond Counsel will move forward with Tax Anticipation Notes which will get the Village over any financial humps, through the summer. Right now they are looking okay, and are keeping an eye on this every day, as tax collections start coming in.
Mayor Hache asked residents to continue the support and understanding for each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Village residents are all in this together.
- ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilman Voigt, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:19 P.M.
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Ramon M. Hache, Sr.
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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