20200513 - 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 MAY 13, 2020 AT 8:00 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Hache called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers 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 as well as those on the frontlines of COVID-19 and all of the lives we have lost.

 

2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

 

Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of April 30, 2020, be accepted 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

 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Mayor Hache moved the Village Council minutes of September 25 and November 6, 2019 and February 24, 2020 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS

 

1. PROCLAIM MAY 17-23, 2020 AS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK

 

Councilwoman Knudsen read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. PROCLAIM MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

 

Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. PROCLAIM JUNE AS GAY PRIDE MONTH

 

Councilman Voigt read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. PROCLAIM JUNE 7, 2020 AS NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY

 

Mayor Hache read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. PROCLAIM JUNE 5, 2020 AS NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY

 

Councilman Sedon read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

There were no public comments, and Mayor Hache closed public comment.

 

6. 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, staff is not in the offices so they can be sanitized; 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 access to it by animals, keep the streets clean, and protect employees.  Recycling, bulk refuse collection, and yard waste are all operating as usual, and the Village calendar lists the dates for these pickups.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Recycling Center operations opened on May 11^th behind the Fire House.  When residents go to the Recycling Center, they should stay in their vehicle and the employees will take the recycling out of the trunk and return the empty container to the vehicle, at which point the resident should drive away.  Only residential recycling is allowed, and no commercial recycling or yard waste from landscapers will be accepted at the Recycling Center.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that all meters in the Central Business District continue to be free until further notice and asked that people only park their vehicles 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 were due May 1^st, however Governor Murphy’s Executive Order extends the grace period to June 1, 2020.  The Village Council of the Village of Ridgewood adopted a resolution which allowed acceptance of tax payments to June 1^st, within the grace period time.  Any payments received June 2^nd or later will be charged interest from May 1^st to the date of payment.  If a taxpayer has any concerns about paying their taxes, the Tax Collector, Jessica Arnott, should be contacted.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that yesterday was the Ridgewood Board of Education election and the Village Council election.  It was mail-in only and preliminary results are on the Village website.  The County will continue to accept ballots through May 14^th; however they must have been postmarked by May 12^th.  After that time, the County will certify the results.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Primary Election has been changed from June 2^nd to July 7^th.  It has not yet been determined if it will be a mail-in election or if there will be polling places with voting machines.  Please remember you must be affiliated with either the Democrat or Republican Party in order to vote in the Primary election.  The final date for voter registration for the Primary Election is due to the County no later than June 16^th.

Ms. Mailander stated that due to COVID-19, the Chamber of Commerce has made plans to have their May 14^th to 16^th Sidewalk Sales in an on-line format, with approximately 15 Ridgewood stores participating.  For more information go to info@ridgewoodchamber.com.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that all State, County, and Village parks are open for passive recreation only.  All adult and youth sports, practices, and games have been canceled.

 

May 14^th is Census Day of Action, and asked residents to call five of their friends and family on this day and check to see how they are doing, and then ask them if they have filled out their census form.  If they have not yet done so, encourage them to do so, and ask them to call five friends or family members.  Ms. Mailander stated that Federal funding for the next ten years depends on this census.  Ridgewood was undercounted in the 2010 census and the goal for the 2020 census is a 100% response rate from Ridgewood.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there are various cancelations of events, including the Touch a Truck event scheduled for May 14^th, which will be rescheduled for the fall; the Annual Memorial Day Service in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square hosted by the American Legion will not take place this year due to social distancing requirements, but a memorial wreath will be displayed in the park to honor the memory of those who died serving our nation.  The Memorial Day Run has been rescheduled to Labor Day; the Secret Garden Tour scheduled for June 7^th has been canceled.  The Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s parade and fireworks, due to public health concerns.  They are planning a flag raising ceremony for 9:00 A.M. in Wilsey Square on July 4^th.  This may be a virtual flag raising or it may be in person, and there will be more information as the date gets closer.  The Fourth of July Committee is also looking forward to planning an amazing celebration for July 2021.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council upcoming meetings which are televised and held via Zoom are a Public Work Session on May 27^th, a Village Council Public Work Session on June 3^rd, and a Village Council Public Meeting on June 10^th. 

 

Ms. Mailander asked that residents please remember to check the Village website at the top of the homepage in red, for updates on COVID-19 and changes to Village services.

 

7. COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Sedon stated that the Shade Tree Commission met last night via Zoom.  They discussed the tree inventory which is currently wrapping up.  They will have results relatively soon and it is a real granular look at the Village’s tree inventory, as it looks at current trees but also sites where trees can be planted and then rates the trees as small, medium, and large.

 

Green Ridgewood/Green Team – Councilman Sedon stated that May 19^th at 7:00 P.M. there will be a Green Ridgewood/Green Team joint meeting via Zoom.

 

Visioning Process – Councilwoman Knudsen advised that the comment period has been extended for the Visioning Process of the Master Plan to Friday, May 29^th.  Comments are welcome from the Village community which includes residents, local organizations, boards and committees, and any other members of the public who are interested in Ridgewood’s future.  She encouraged everyone to go to VisionRidgewood.org.

 

Ridgewood Library – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Library had to cancel the Author’s Luncheon, but they had already done the pre-sale of tickets, so the good news is they were able to get the same author for next year, Madeline Miller, on Wednesday, April 14^th, 2021.  For those that purchased tickets, they can notify the Library that they either want a refund or they could use their ticket cost as a donation to the Library. They just have to contact Friends@RidgewoodLibrary.org and let them know.  

 

Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Walsh stated that she had the Chamber of Commerce meeting this morning and she discussed with them the new parking format and they were very happy about it, agreeing that this would free up space in the parking lots for shoppers and diners, which is very advantageous for them.  The Farmers Market is going to open June 28^th, with social distancing in effect.  One of the shops in town, Olive R. Twist, is partnering with West Bergen Mental Healthcare and giving 10% off in their store which can be donated to West Bergen Mental Healthcare.  All on-line or phone orders will be available through curbside pickup on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

 

COVID-19 Update – Mayor Hache stated that he seems to be getting the same questions from residents, regarding the lifting of restrictions on retailers and construction.  Earlier today, Governor Murphy announced the first of many steps in restarting the economy and that includes easing restrictions on non-essential construction which had stopped, as well as allowing non-essential retail establishments, which had previously closed, to do curbside pickup.  They are also now going to allow vehicle gatherings, subject to certain social distancing requirement of six feet apart, or if vehicles are closer than that, all of the vehicles’ windows will have to be closed.  That includes drive-in or drive-thru events such as movie theaters, church services, and farms.  It is a good indication of the improvement that has been seen in the decline of the COVID-19 positive cases in the State, and the fact that hospital discharges are outpacing admissions.  In addition, the number of patients on ventilators has now dropped below 1,000.

 

Mayor Hache stated that the indication was that this would take place more towards the end of the month, so this is a good indication that it is happening sooner.  Ms. Mailander added that the retail curbside pickup begins Monday, May 18^th.  Mayor Hache added that the Village Manager and Chief of Police are looking at ways that they can facilitate curbside pickup for retail establishments by looking at the parking spaces they can reserve for that activity.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she wanted to acknowledge Mayor Hache’s public outreach and efforts to communicate relevant information to the community on every platform possible.  His constant outreach to the community has set a tone and allayed concerns for everyone.

 

8. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

1. INTRODUCTION – NONE

 

2. PUBLIC HEARING – #3797 – Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Capital

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3797 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilman Sedon 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 UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $4,882,800 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $4,638,900 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.  Councilman Sedon 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 3797 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

9. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-119 THROUGH 20-120, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

10. ORDINANCES

 

1. INTRODUCTION – #3798 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Various Parking Regulations, Time Limit Parking, Reservation of Parking Spaces and Overnight Parking

 

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3798.  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 3798 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 ZONES DESIGNATED” AND SECTION 265-32, “PAYMENT OF PARKING FEE REQUIRED” AND SECTION 265-33, “PERMIT PARKING” AND SECTION 265-36, “PARKING PROHIBITED CERTAIN HOURS” AND SECTION 265-42 “RESERVED PARKING SPACES”

 

Councilman Voigt stated that the second and third levels of the Hudson Street garage are for commuter parking and he wondered if they might be able to look at it on a monthly basis, so they can understand what happens on those levels.  Mayor Hache stated that when they went through the exercise, these parking regulations were to be in effect from July 1^st through the end of the year, due to the fact that the commuter parking permits have already been sold.  The conversation about the monthly usage of parking spaces by commuters in the Hudson Street Garage will be very useful in October, in order to decide parking allocations in the Hudson Street Garage in 2021. 

 

Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3798 be adopted on first reading and that June 10, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion. 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

 

 

2. INTRODUCTION – #3799 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Overnight Parking Permit and Reserving a Parking Space in the Central Business District

 

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3799.  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 3799 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”

 

Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3799 be adopted on first reading and that June 10, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion. 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

3. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE

 

11. RESOLUTIONS

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-121 THROUGH 20-144, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Lorraine Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Avenue, asked about Governor Murphy’s Executive Order for next week with the non-essential construction and asked if the Building Department will be open to do inspections.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they are currently processing permit applications, people can drop it in the yellow mailbox or mail it, and they are issuing the permits so that people can move forward.  They are doing inspections, some are virtual inspections, and if they are outdoor inspections they are doing them as well.  If it is interior, such as a bathroom, they will have to determine how they would do that, now that non-essential construction is moving forward.  She knows that the Building Department has done some virtual inspections with the contractor, and she doesn’t know whether they will continue with virtual or go into the houses/buildings with masks and social distancing.  Ms. Mailander added that they would have an answer by Monday.

 

There were no additional comments from the public.  Mayor Hache closed public comment.

 

13.         ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________

                                                                                                    Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                              

                                                                                                                    Mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                   

___________________________________

              Heather A. Mailander

      Village Manager/Village Clerk