20200610 - 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 JUNE 10, 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, all our First Responders, and all those who have been impacted and are fighting on the frontlines of COVID-19.

 

2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

 

Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of May 31, 2020, be accepted as submitted.  Councilman Voigt 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 May 22, June 25, October 23, November 6, and December 4, 2019 and January 8, February 5, March 2, and April 1, 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. BEE CITY USA AND NATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK

 

Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. PRESENTATION OF AWARD WINNERS FOR COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE FOR CENSUS 2020 ESSAY CONTEST – 1ST PLACE – BRANDON LEE; 2^ND PLACE – THEODORE MOLL; 3^RD PLACE – AIKO SCHINASI

 

Mayor Hache stated that this was a very special presentation tonight.  The 2020 US Census launched on April 1^st, and there was a lot of coordination prior to that.  In the end of 2019, he was contacted by the Census Bureau and they spoke about how the Village was undercounted by 30% in the 2010 census.  This time around, the Census Bureau recommended the creation of a Complete Count Committee to ensure that Ridgewood has higher participation, by creating a broader reach and getting more participants in the census.

 

Mayor Hache stated that the Complete Count Committee was himself, Ms. Mailander, Ridgewood Public Schools, Federated HSA, members of Ridgewood Public Library, members of Age Friendly Ridgewood, the YMCA, US Census Bureau, and the League of Women Voters of Ridgewood.  Tonight, Anne Burton Walsh, Census Committee Chair for the League of Women Voters, is present at this meeting.  He added that one of the ideas was that the Complete Count Committee would sponsor an essay contest for high school students.  They had 6 essays that were finalists, and they ended up with first, second, and third place winners. 

 

Mayor Hache stated that Brandon Lee was the winner of the contest.  Ms. Walsh stated that they received 46 submissions and their process was that they redacted names and assigned a number.  The League of Women Voters then narrowed the pool down to 12 essays.  The Complete Count Committee then went through the 12 essays and selected the winner, and 6 for Honorable Mention.  Theodore Moll placed second and Aiko Schinasi placed third.  They increased the census response just by preparing the essays, and she thinks that more people will participate in the Census once these essays are published.  She congratulated the students on their essays, as they were well-researched and they are seeking to have them published through NorthJersey.com/ RidgewoodNews.

 

Mayor Hache stated that when they started the essay contest, Ridgewood was in the 60% response to the Census, and now Ridgewood is at a 78.5% response rate.  He likes the idea that they sent the essays out to the Complete Count Committee for judging without names and by number, and he was so impressed by the quality of the writing, the thoughtfulness, and how they grasped the importance of the Census.  He thanked the students and all participants who submitted their essays.  Brandon Lee thanked the Committee for the opportunity, adding that it was a great opportunity to dig into what Ridgewood really is. Aiko Schinasi stated that she agreed with everything that Brandon said, and it got her talking to her parents about what the Census is, and she thanked them for the opportunity.  Mayor Hache thanked Ms. Walsh for taking the lead on this, and for all that she has done with the Complete Count Committee.

 

Ms. Mailander asked if there was an update on the school participation.  Ms. Walsh stated that Superintendent Dan Fishbein launched a contest among all nine Ridgewood Schools to see who would have the highest participation in filling out the Census, which increased participation.  Councilwoman Knudsen congratulated the students and applauded their efforts.

 

 

6. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Josh Oliveira, 626 Frederick Street, stated that regarding the Board of Education budget he was happy to hear that programming would not be affected at the schools, due to the latest BOE budget reduction.  It was disconcerting when the proposed budget cut totaled $1 million, due to the $600,000 local cut and $400,000 State Aid cut, and he was glad they were able to identify areas that wouldn’t impact programming.  He added that he doesn’t think this is the time to consider a $500,000 bathroom renovation project or a $600,000 turf field maintenance.  Mr. Oliveira stated that the Village’s budget deficit has been a focal point of recent conversation and the Village’s tax levy related to education expenses has been rising.  Mr. Oliveira asked the Village Council if there are any other opportunities to reduce unnecessary and non-essential expenses from the Board of Education’s budget. 

 

Mr. Oliveira stated that regarding Graydon Pool, a $50,000 loss for the Village was discussed, and his understanding with the information that was made public was that amount was calculated with seasonal passes not being offered.  He also added that he understood there was no understanding of capacity limits at the time that the estimate was created.  It seemed like the Village Council was in agreement that the amount of loss would be greater than $50,000.  Mr. Oliveira added that he wants the pool to open and it is a great sign of returning to normal; however, the new normal will really impact the taxpayers in the long term, and the Village needs to consider other revenue opportunities.  He asked the Village Council what other revenue opportunities they were seeking as well as an updated estimate of this year’s Graydon Pool losses.

 

Mr. Oliveira stated that last week, he provided some benefits related to privatizing garbage collection, and given the benefits he explained, he asked the Village Council if they should research private garbage collection.  He asked the Village Council if they happened to have an update on that topic.

 

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she wanted to thank the Village Council for pushing forward on Graydon Pool.  She was there this week and saw a lot of work going on.  They received Mayor Hache’s reverse 911 recorded call, where he mentioned progress on the pool.  She stated that the Governor released new, looser guidelines yesterday.  She tried to determine what the official capacity for Graydon is, and she learned that it had never been set.  She added that with the vast size of that complex, it seems to her that they are probably not going to need half day sessions anymore, now that they are allowed to have 50% of whatever the capacity is. 

 

Ms. Loving added that she thinks that the rate for the half day sessions was making the price seem very high.  She pointed out that people were talking on social media that for a family of four or five buying passes and then only going for half the day, it was really getting quite pricey.  She added that it would also be important to broadcast the capacity at Graydon Pool, as soon as it is figured out what it is.  She is estimating that the half capacity will likely be more than Graydon has ever seen, even on a good day.  Ms. Loving added that she was hoping that Ms. Bigos was also able to arrange the food, as she was happy last week that they were thinking about getting local restaurants to help supply food.  She thanked the Village Council for pushing ahead, as opening Graydon Pool is truly a gift to residents at this time.

 

Irene Bressler, 60 East Ridgewood Avenue, stated that she was wondering if landlords had expressed interest in procuring a certain number of spaces in the parking garage on their own.  She added that she has five apartments, and thinks it would be nice if she had five spots that she could offer to her tenants in the parking garage.

 

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

 

Councilman Voigt stated that regarding losing money on Graydon this summer, Mr. Rooney had done some analysis and based on those numbers, it looks like they will probably lose this year about $100,000.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that not everyone had the opportunity to review that information, and as things appear to be changing quite rapidly with the Governor’s changing Executive Orders, there is a greater likelihood with the continued sale of the regular seasonal passes that they won’t be losing anything.  She added that she is more optimistic and it has been a terrific effort at Graydon.  Regarding capacity, it is probably going to be quite greater than the largest number of attendees at Graydon, so she was excited about that.

 

Mayor Hache stated that regarding Graydon Pool, there is a lot of focus on revenue generation and profit and loss, but first and foremost Graydon is a Village park, and an amenity.  It happens to be one that also generates revenue, as opposed to the other parks.  The importance is that this is an amenity that the community can enjoy.  Thankfully, they were able to get the guidance on the reopening of municipal pools sooner rather than later, and they should be ready to open the week of June 22^nd.

 

Councilman Voigt stated that he was in favor of opening Graydon Pool, but he wanted to make sure that they were transparent with residents about the amount of money the Village is going to lose by doing so.

 

Mayor Hache asked Ms. Mailander if there was any update on the garbage collection research that was mentioned last week.  Ms. Mailander stated that there is no update at this time, and she would have to know if the Village Council wants to pursue private garbage collection, because the Village usually has rear yard garbage pickup, and that is an additional cost for a private handler.  Based on what she has heard from some of her colleagues in northwest Bergen County, some of those that do not have their own garbage pickup are actually changing over from having private carters and haulers, to having it picked up by the town.  They are going more to the one armed bandit vehicle, because it is one person per truck.  It is a big upfront cost, but once it is operating, there is less cost because there is less personnel who are less likely to have injuries.  She stated that she may put it onto a Council agenda after July 1^st, when the new Village Council settles.  She added that the carters have their own territory, and usually her colleagues only get one bid, so it is not really a competitive environment.  Mayor Hache stated that in his discussions with other municipalities that have made the change to the one armed bandit vehicle, there are saving money associated with the fewer workers compensation claims, which is a benefit.

 

Mayor Hache stated that regarding the parking allocation for the overnight parking, Councilwoman Walsh gave a wonderful explanation this morning to the Chamber of Commerce.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she thinks the question was regarding overnight parking.  They are going to have a daily fee to reserve a parking meter or designated parking stall at $20 per day and then an overnight parking permit at a cost of $75 for three months or $150 for six months.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she had a number of senior citizens asking about rear yard pickup, as it is one of those amenities that makes Ridgewood comfortable to age in place.  They were asking when that service would be restored.  Ms. Mailander stated that it would be restored on July 13^th.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the question about overnight parking for tenants that Irene Bressler raised, in her email she indicated that she had expressed an interest in having spaces allocated completely for the use of her tenants.  

 

Mayor Hache stated that regarding the parking, last year they had talked about commercial property owners being able to purchase commuter passes and that is something that the Village Council approved, which can be used daily.  Ms. Mailander added that is a continuation of what they currently have in place.

 

7. MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Governor issued Executive Orders on non-essential retail businesses, outdoor dining, and barbershops and hair salons.  On June 15^th non-essential retail businesses may be open inside on a limited basis, and outdoor dining at restaurants and food places may take place with proper social distancing guidelines.  In addition, on June 22^nd, barbershops, hair salons, and nail salons may open and they must abide by the Governor’s guidelines.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that parking meters will go into effect on June 15, 2020.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that tennis and pickleball reservations can be done through CommunityPass.  This will allow there to be social distancing.  An email has gone out to all past and present players to inform them of the process to use, to reserve a court time.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool will be opening and the Parks and Recreation Department has been working diligently to get the pool ready for another wonderful summer.  She added that she is pleased to let everyone know that the concession stand will be open, with the usual vendor.  They went back to the current vendor and negotiated a different rate, but he is still paying the Village to be able to provide the concession.  Seasonal passes will be sold, and she will have an update next week about the hours and the day passes versus the seasonal passes.  She will also have more information from Ms. Bigos, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Mr. Diamond, Pool Manager, next week.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the skateboard park is also open.  Due to the fact that the Governor’s Order allows larger groups to gather, the Kasschau Memorial Shell programs will begin on Tuesday, June 16^th.  The programs begin at 8:30 P.M. and are free.  Attendees are asked to social distance, and there may be guidelines on where people can sit.  While in the crowd, they ask that those attending wear a mask.  People sitting with their family may remove their masks as long as there is no one directly next to them.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that glass sneeze guards have been ordered to make the Village offices safer for both the public and the Village employees.  Once they are received, they will be installed and it will bring them one step closer to opening Village offices to the public.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that rear yard garbage pickup will resume on July 13^th.  Until that time, garbage will continue to be picked up curbside.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that regarding the renewal of dog licenses, everyone should get their rabies vaccines for their dogs.  However, because Village Hall is currently closed to the public, the Village will extend the time period to renew the dog licenses, without a late fee, until September 1^st.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the U.S. Census continues and they asked that residents please participate.  The information is on the website as to how to do so, and all information submitted to the Census Bureau is confidential. 

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Recycling Center is open and all recyclables should be put into the vehicle’s trunk, the resident should pull up, open the trunk, and then crews will take out the recycling, and the residents can be on their way. This will ensure that social distancing is maintained and it is a more fluid process.  Yard waste has to be in cans or biodegradable paper bags.  Brush and twigs must be bundled and tied.  No commercial landscapers will be accepted.  The Recycling Center is accepting cardboard from the Central Business District.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Primary Election will be a mail-in ballot and voting in a few polling locations in the Village, which are only for those with disabilities who cannot vote by mail.  If a voter is registered as a Republican or a Democrat a mail in ballot will be sent to the resident for that party.  If a voter is unaffiliated, that voter will receive a mail in ballot application, and at that point, the voter will have to declare a party to vote and then that particular party’s ballot will be sent to the voter.  The Primary Election is to elect the candidates to move forward to the General Election in November, which is why a voter must be affiliated with the Democrat or Republican Party in order to vote in the Primary Election.  Ms. Mailander stated that the final voter registration for the Primary Election is due to the County by June 16, 2020.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Farmers Market is returning with locally grown produce.  There will be social distancing measures in place, and everyone is asked to wear a mask.  It is on Sundays from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council’s upcoming meetings which are televised and held via Zoom are June 17^th which is a Village Council Work Session and Special Public Meeting, and July 1^st is the Reorganization Meeting at 12:00 P.M. 

 

8. COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Visioning Process – Councilwoman Knudsen advised that the comment period has been extended for the Visioning Process of the Master Plan to the end of June.  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.

 

Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board will meet next week on Tuesday evening at 7:30 P.M.  They will have the public hearing on the third round housing element and Fair Share Plan amendments to the Master Plan.

 

Kasschau Shell – Councilwoman Knudsen encouraged everyone to go to the Kasschau Shell to hear the Stiletto’s performance, as she heard them rehearsing and they sounded terrific.

 

Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Walsh stated that she had the Chamber of Commerce meeting this morning and the Mayor swore in their new officers.  Scott Leif continues as President, Vice President is Lisa Samatero, Secretary is Elise Merhigy, and the Treasurer is Rob Dowling.  They intend to have a celebration in August.

 

They talked about the new curbside changes that are going to be happening, but they were very happy with the changes that are coming and the ability for them to have outdoor dining again.  They are going to start submitting for their permits, and they are engaged in that conversation. 

 

She added that Paul Vagianos called her in the afternoon, stating that right now there are spots designated for curbside pickup for restaurants and retail businesses and the hope is that there might be one spot per block that the businesses can pay for and use to continue curbside pickup.

 

Councilman Voigt stated that he thinks Mr. Vagianos is looking for a couple of spots in front of restaurants which the restaurants would pay for and use for curbside pickup.  He was very high on this, and hopefully they can speak about this tonight.

 

Mayor Hache stated that a lot of businesses reached out with their concern about the loss of the curbside pickup areas, and as the downtown reopens, there are professionals who work above some of those restaurants, and parking becomes precious.  Hopefully, the demand for parking will be a sign of a resurgence for the Central Business District.  He stated that the plan of the restaurants paying for the spots was a good plan and he thinks that would make a lot of sense.  Part of the discussion was that it wouldn’t be all day, and the signage would be very clear.  They have been talking about curbside pickup spots mainly for restaurants in the evening.  Once they get more guidance from Ms. Mailander and Sergeant Chuck, they will be able to look at what the curbside pickup spots would look like.

 

Central Business District Reopening – Mayor Hache stated that there is a reopening of the downtown for business.  Stores are reopening and parking meters will be in effect.  The reopening will allow restaurants to do outdoor dining and retail can have indoor activities once again.  The general guidelines for indoor gatherings are 25% of capacity or 50 people, whichever is less.  They are asking as a general guideline for retail, to allow as many people as can safely social distance inside the establishment.  The sidewalks have been marked with directional arrows for pedestrians and with tick marks that are six feet apart.  They are encouraging shoppers and diners to use the one direction on the sidewalks Monday through Friday and on the weekends they are going to have volunteers directing people to do that.

Mayor Hache stated that the last part of the reopening plan is a list of guidelines that they worked on with the Health Officer for restaurants and retail and they asked businesses to pledge to follow those guidelines.  They have posted on the website the map of what the weekend street closures will look like.  Part of the requirement from the Fire Department, so that they can move in emergency vehicles if necessary, is a ten foot line on the middle of the road.  Apparently on the streets that amount varied, from ten feet to thirteen feet, so they were asking that the Chamber of Commerce tell the businesses to measure five feet from the centerline and that becomes the barrier.

 

Mayor Hache stated that they discussed decreasing the required six feet between tables, by allowing them to hang clear shower curtains between tables.  The physical barrier would allow the distance between tables to be shortened significantly.  That would allow maximum utilization of the outdoor spaces for businesses.

 

Ms. Mailander added that during the week, the retail businesses would be able to have tables out on the sidewalks, as they do during sidewalk sale days.

 

9. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER - NONE

 

10. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-151 THROUGH 20-152, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. ORDINANCES

 

1. INTRODUCTION – NONE

 

2. PUBLIC HEARING - #3798 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Various Parking Regulations, Time Limit Parking, Reservation of Parking Spaces and Overnight Parking

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3798 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 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”

 

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 3798 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

 

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

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3799 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 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”

 

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

 

Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3799 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

4. PUBLIC HEARING – #3800 – Renovations to the Elks Club

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3800 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 3800 by title:

 

ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $1,900,000, $1,500,000 OF WHICH IS FROM THE WATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND AND $400,000 OF WHICH IS FROM THE WATER CAPITAL SURPLUS, FOR RENOVATIONS TO THE ELK’S CLUB IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY

 

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

 

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3800 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            Councilmembers Voigt and Walsh

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

12. RESOLUTIONS

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-153 THROUGH 20-170, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

Before voting took place, Councilwoman Walsh stated that she just realized that Resolution

20-168 accepts a donation, and she was one of the people that donated to that project, and asked if she should recuse herself.  Mr. Rogers stated that it is easiest to just recuse from all of the resolutions.  However, if Councilwoman Walsh wants to vote on the other resolutions, she can make an application for the Village Council to remove Resolution 20-168 from the consent agenda and vote on it separately.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked for a motion to remove Resolution 20-168 from the consent agenda.  Mayor Hache moved the motion, and Councilman Voigt seconded the motion which was approved unanimously by voice vote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 20-168 WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

Councilwoman Walsh recused herself from the vote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 20-171 WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Village Council received an email this week of protest.  One of the bidders apparently bid $30,000 less than the one who is being awarded the contract.  Last week, they had noticed the different costs of the bids, and she asked Mr. Rogers what happens when somebody protests like this.  Mr. Rogers stated that he was made aware of the protest at the end of last week. This isn’t a bid process, because they went through State Contract or a Cooperative Pricing Contract.  The Village is looking for specific types of phones and the lowest cost estimate that was provided did not include the types of phones that the Village wanted to use.  That is why when there is a protest, there is potential for litigation, but because this is a different type of phone, it seems like the other proposal didn’t provide the materials that the Village was looking for their phone system.

 

Councilman Voigt asked if the low bidder provided those materials.  Mr. Rogers stated that from what he understands, vendors awarded a State Contract/Cooperative Pricing Contract hold a particular agreement to provide certain materials and the State Contract/Cooperative Pricing Contract vendor is the representative for that provider in the area.  In this case, the company filing the protest did not provide the features that the Village was looking for, in their phone system.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they have a Special Public Meeting next week, so she asked to table this resolution until then in order to have all of the information and details with some level of specificity to understand what those differences are between the two phone systems.  Councilwoman Knudsen made a motion to consider this resolution at the Village Council’s June 17, 2020 Special Public Meeting, which was seconded by Councilman Voigt. 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 20-172, WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:

 

Before the resolution was read, Councilwoman Walsh stated that there is an individual who is going to be donating the first few weeks’ cost to the Village for the closing down of the streets on the weekends, to create a pedestrian mall.  Mayor Hache stated that he wasn’t sure that needed to be included in the resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he was somewhat concerned that Councilwoman Walsh just asked that the name of a large donor be revealed and that name has not been made public.  He added that he was pleased to hear that the Village Manager ordered sneeze guards to be placed at Village Hall and they can look forward to Village Hall reopening sometime in the near future.  Along those same lines, he is wondering if the Village Council has set in place a plan to begin meeting in person.  In particular, there are two brand new Village Councilmembers being sworn in on July 1^st, and they have already made plans to conduct that Reorganization Meeting via Zoom, but he is wondering if some consideration can be given if there is good weather to conduct the session at the Kasschau Memorial Shell on the stage, so the public can attend that meeting by sitting on the grass and be spaced out.

 

Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, stated that there was a remarkable event in the Village this afternoon.  Hundreds of people gathered at Garber Square and walked over to the parking lot at the YMCA to protest police violence and several incidents, such as the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, and others.  It was respectful, thoughtful, peaceful, and very well run by the Martin Luther King Committee of Ridgewood and Glen Rock, the Community Peace and Justice Forum and the Interfaith Community.  She added that Police Chief Luthcke was the first speaker and she really set the tone of calm and trust.  Ms. Perron commended Chief Luthcke and all of her wonderful neighbors.

 

Melanie Hooban, 431 Bogert Avenue, stated that about a year ago, she brought up the subject of family membership options at Graydon Pool.  She bought her Graydon Pool season memberships for her family, as soon as she heard that Graydon Pool may be opening for the summer.  Her total cost was over $600 for her family, and she put the question out to the community on social media, and the consensus was, that price was exorbitant for any pool.  She stated that she made that purchase with the knowledge that there may be half day options, no concession stand, and she considered canceling her membership.  Ms. Hooban stated that she thinks the Village Council needs to consider families in town with maybe more than 2.2 children that want to participate in our local activities.

 

Ms. Hooban stated that she has spent about eight years of the twelve years she has lived on Bogert Avenue finding a way for there to be safe parking on the street and safe resident usage.  There had been some parking changes that were made on the street, and one resident managed to have those overturned.  She stated that it is now a bigger issue, as residents are staying home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is much more parking on the street, because the on-street parking regulations have been suspended.  She asked that the Village Council take a very significant look at this street, as she believes they fall into the Safe Routes to School category and with the paving and measurements of the street, she believes they should have sidewalks.  At this point, she would like the Village Council to take this very seriously.

 

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

 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that regarding Bogert Avenue, it wasn’t one resident who overturned the parking regulations, it was a petition of no less than 30 residents in the neighborhood.  This is something that the Village Council can revisit and have a community-wide conversation with all of the neighbors.  She believes they did revisit the ordinance and made some modifications to it.

 

14.         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 9:22 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                                                                                                      Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                         

Mayor                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________

              Heather A. Mailander

      Village Manager/Village Clerk