20200812 - 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 AUGUST 12, 2020 AT 8:00 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. Councilwoman Reynolds was absent.
Mayor Knudsen 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 our nation, our First Responders, and especially our Ridgewood Police Department.
- ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Knudsen moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of July 31, 2020, be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of July 1, 2020 having been reviewed by the Village Council are now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
- PROCLAMATIONS
- DECLARE SEPTEMBER OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Councilwoman Perron read the following proclamation:
- DECLARE SEPTEMBER NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Councilman Sedon read the following proclamation:
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Hans Lehmann, 234 Union Street, stated that last week he spoke to the Village Council about his concern for the reputation of the Police Department and by extension, the Village as well as its political leaders. Last week, he requested that the Village Council take a position on what has occurred and provide some leadership and direction on how to make things better. To date, he has heard no official statement. He suspects that pending litigation in both cases has kept the Village Council from talking about the current turmoil. His 35 years in the judiciary can appreciate that; however, pending litigation does not need to be addressed. Mr. Lehman stated that the issue with police in general in this country calls out for the political leaders of this Village to take a stand to let the residents and voters know where they stand and how they feel about these disturbing events and times. They can be public about an assessment of the Police Department’s use of force. The Police Chief released the Police Department’s use of force data, and the Village Council can speak to the residents about how changes will be made, as well as providing improvements for the Police Department.
Mr. Lehmann asked if as a Village Council, they had committed themselves to implicit bias awareness training. On July 30, 2020 the Legislature passed A-2394, which requires law enforcement to establish minority recruitment. He asked what the plans were for complying with this law. He asked that the Mayor, as leader of the Village Council, make a statement addressing his concerns.
There were no additional comments from the public.
Mayor Knudsen stated that in response to Mr. Lehmann, there is nothing to do with any pending litigation but there certainly is an investigation, and in order to maintain the integrity of such, it requires that this Village Council make no comment. That is the only way to maintain the integrity of the investigation for all those involved.
Ms. Mailander added that the Village is governed by Civil Service, and therefore hires are done through Civil Service which does not require a Bachelors or Associates Degree currently. Those who apply take a test, and then they are ranked according to their test scores and then the Village chooses from the top three on that list. The Village has no say in who is applying, but perhaps they could get the word out to a more diverse population.
Mayor Knudsen stated that it was important in the absence of any requirement for a college degree, a test is given and a ranking is established, based on the outcome of the test. In fairness, any such test allows for a screening of applicants at the very basic level.
- MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that “Welcome Back to Ridgewood, New Jersey” is an event that includes outdoor dining, and a free music program presented in the Central Business District by the Ridgewood Guild on Friday nights in July and August, featuring up and coming talented musicians who perform and enhance the outdoor dining experience in Ridgewood. In addition, on Saturday and Sunday nights there will be musical performances outside Stella on Broad Street and in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square there is usually a band. The east and west sides of town are both open, and there are wonderful restaurants and businesses ready to be enjoyed.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Hudson Street Parking Garage first floor has opened. The hours are 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Saturday. On Sunday it is free to park in the garage. Parking is $1.00 per hour and there is a three hour limit. The kiosk is also operational.
Ms. Mailander gave an update on the storm debris disposal and stated that the crews are picking it up as quickly as they can, and there are various ways to dispose of it. One way is to put it out with the regular yard waste pick up, another is to place it in the planting strip between the curb and sidewalk. The yard waste crews will pick those up as time allows. Storm debris can also be brought to the Lakeview Compost Center from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. A driver’s license is required to confirm that it is a Ridgewood resident bringing the storm debris to Lakeview. In addition, for the next two Saturdays, August 15th and August 22nd, the Lakeview Compost Center will be open to collect the storm debris. They asked that residents not bag the storm debris unless it is in biodegradable paper bags. In addition, storm debris should not be placed near gas or water valves, water meters, fire hydrants, or fencing. She encouraged residents to get the storm debris out as promptly as possible so that it can be picked up.
Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood is now at an 81% response rate for the Census and the goal is a 100% response rate. Surrounding towns are in the mid to high 80% range, and the neighboring town of Glen Rock, is at 88%. She encouraged residents to please fill out their census forms as soon as possible at my2020census.gov.
Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool is open, and late season memberships at reduced rates are available starting this Saturday, August 15th on CommunityPass. The Water’s Edge Café is also open every day from noon to 7:00 P.M.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Kasschau Memorial Shell still has a couple weeks of performances. This Thursday will be Bergen County Line which are Country hits, August 18th is Treble and August 20th is Rio Clemente, The Bishop and His Abbotts, performing Jazz. The programs begin at 8:30 P.M., they are free to the public and are located on Veterans Field. Those attending should bring a chair or blanket, wear a mask, and practice social distancing on the field. If there is a baseball game going on, it is asked that those attending the concerts don’t walk across the field, but walk on the path instead.
Ms. Mailander stated that Parks and Recreation has a couple of mini camps with limited spaces still available for Dyno-mite art camp with Abracadoodle, Sports Camp, Lego Flix, Golf, Skateboarding, and Lacrosse. They also have Fall programs open for registration.
The Ridgewood Guild sponsors Movies in the Park and the next one will be shown on August 19th, The Sixth Sense. Admission is free, and the movie starts at sundown, approximately 8:30 P.M. Those attending should bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the movie, wear masks, and maintain social distancing.
Ms. Mailander stated that cancellations due to COVID-19 include the Chamber of Commerce Annual Car Show, and also the Touch a Truck event. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Department has canceled the Annual Street Fair. The Elder Dinner, which is held in November, will be more of a grab and go or giving gift cards, and they are still working out the particulars.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Farmers Market with locally grown produce is open in the Train Station parking lot every Sunday from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
The Bergen County Utilities Authority Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be Saturday, September 12th from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Bergen County Campgaw Reservation at 200 Campgaw Road in Mahwah. Acceptable materials include aerosol cans, antifreeze, fire extinguishers, fluorescent lights, gasoline, paint and varnishes, pesticides, used motor oil, and propane gas cylinders.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council upcoming meetings are televised live and also on Zoom, September 2nd is a Village Council Public Work Session, September 9th is a Village Council Public Meeting, and September 23rd is a Village Council Public Work Session.
Due to the observance of Labor Day, all Village Offices will be closed on Monday, September 7th. There will be no sanitation, yard waste, or recycling collection on that day, and the Recycling Center will also be closed.
- VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Open Space – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Open Space Committee would meet August 20th at 7:00 P.M.
Central Business District Advisory Committee – Councilwoman Perron stated that CBDAC has not met since last week, but will be meeting at 8:30 A.M. tomorrow.
Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Chamber of Commerce met this morning at 8:00 A.M. and had a lengthy discussion about people who due to COVID-19 don’t want to get out of the car, but would like to buy food or merchandise. Their idea, which she supports, is that a lot of the retailers really need the “Grab and Go” parking spaces to keep their businesses alive. This really is going to be an issue come the Fall, when the cold weather starts and the pedestrian plaza is finished. Everybody at the Chamber of Commerce Board meeting did not support the idea of a 15 minute “Grab and Go” parking space without letting people leave their car. They pointed out that it creates an inequity between the retailers and the restaurants because the restaurants have more employees than most of the retailers. The retailers don’t have somebody who can run out to bring merchandise to somebody’s trunk and make it a contactless delivery. Councilwoman Perron stated that it ends up being a little unfair to the retailers.
Councilwoman Perron stated that they took an informal poll of the Directors of the Chamber of Commerce if they would participate in the “Grab and Go” parking space pilot program and one person said he would. The Village Council should really think about that and bear in mind that time is of the essence.
During the hurricane, power went out at Ridgecrest, and so those elderly residents were left without electricity and food. Feed the Frontlines had enough money left over to deliver 150 meals to Ridgecrest.
Councilwoman Perron added that the pedestrian plaza is just getting better and better, the streets are full of retailers and additional restaurants who are participating. The bands and music really add to the atmosphere, and Ridgewood is an example to other towns in the region.
Mayor Knudsen added as part of her Council Report, that when time is of the essence and they are talking about things which require immediate attention, such as a modification to the “Grab and Go” parking spaces as reported by Councilwoman Perron, certainly if there is an inclination or a desire to have a modification, Councilwoman Perron could have called the Village Manager about making a modification. If this had been done, perhaps there might have been an additional modification to the “Grab and Go” parking space resolution this evening. However, it is probably too late to modify the resolution at this moment. The Village Council wants to make sure that they work to get things right and to better understand what the needs are downtown. Their focus originally, from her perspective, was a pricing aspect and that was where the focus was, not so much on getting in or out of the vehicle, which was the nexus for taking the resolution to reduce the price and do the pilot program. They could have just as easily added allowing people to leave their vehicles for 15 minutes while in the “Grab and Go” parking spaces.
Tropical Storm Isaias –Mayor Knudsen thanked all of the First Responders, OEM, Village staff, PSE&G, and their out of state response team that really got everyone back on track as quickly as humanly possible after Tropical Storm Isaias left many Ridgewood residents without power. She thanked Ms. Mailander for responding to everything as quickly and efficiently as possible. She especially wanted to thank the Village residents, because they really are amazing in their patience and sense of humor, and resiliency in this, and the outreach to the community. This may repeat itself during this hurricane season, and she wanted to thank everyone for their patience and input.
Mayor Knudsen also wished her mother a Happy 84th Birthday.
- ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER - NONE
- RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-229 THROUGH 20-231, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- ORDINANCES
- INTRODUCTION – #3808 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Placement of Stop Signs in Hudson Street Garage
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of ordinance 3808. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3808 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-56, SCHEDULE VI “PROHIBITED TURNS AT INTERSECTIONS” AND AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX “STOP INTERSECTIONS”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3808 be adopted on first reading and that September 9, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION – #3809 – Amend Village Code to Allow Additional Village Employees to Perform General Code Enforcement Duties
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of ordinance 3809. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3809 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 223, PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND CHAPTER 260, TREES AND SHRUBS, OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, AT SECTION 223-8, ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY AND SECTION 223-17, TERMS DEFINED AND SECTION 223-18, DESIGNATION AND SECTION 223-153, ENFORCEMENT AND SECTION 260-1, RESPONSIBILITY OF OWNER OR TENANT; NOTICE
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3809 be adopted on first reading and that September 9, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION – #3810 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Allow Accessible Ramps on One-Family and Two-Family Dwellings to be Reviewed by the Site Plan Exemption Committee
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of ordinance 3810. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3810 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AT SECTION 190-37B TO ALLOW ACCESSIBLE RAMPS AND LIFTS ON ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS TO BE REVIEWED BY THE SITE PLAN EXEMPTION COMMITTEE
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3810 be adopted on first reading and that September 9, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION – #3811 – Bond Ordinance – General Capital ($290,000)
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of ordinance 3811. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3811 by title:
A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $290,000 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $275,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3811 be adopted on first reading and that September 9, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
- INTRODUCTION – #3812 – Bond Ordinance – Supplemental Appropriation for Front End Loader
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of ordinance 3812. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3812 by title:
A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $40,000 FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A FRONT END LOADER, IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $38,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3812 be adopted on first reading and that September 9, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Knudsen stepped away from the dais and recused herself for the introduction of ordinance 3813.
- INTRODUCTION – #3813 – Bond Ordinance – Circle Avenue Drainage Improvements
Councilman Sedon moved the first reading of ordinance 3813. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, and Walsh
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Knudsen
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3813 by title:
A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR CIRCLE AVENUE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $362,000 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $343,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3813 be adopted on first reading and that September 9, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, and Walsh
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Knudsen
- PUBLIC HEARING – #3804 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Significant Sewer Discharger Fees
Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3804 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3804 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3804 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
Prior to considering the resolutions, Mayor Knudsen asked if Resolution No. 20-251 could be amended on the floor to say that the requirement that people stay in their vehicle be suspended during the “Grab and Go” parking spaces pilot program. Ms. Mailander added that it would be for the duration of the pilot program. Mayor Knudsen stated that since the Village Council was going to amend the resolution, it should resolve the concerns that Councilwoman Perron brought up earlier and encouraged Councilwoman Perron to communicate this change to the Chamber of Commerce.
- RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-232 THROUGH 20-250, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 20-251, WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA, AND WAS READ IN FULL:
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that the Village Manager made some comments tonight regarding the late season at Graydon Pool beginning on August 15th, and he wanted to clarify that the late season results in a change of hours and the discounted rate actually began on August 1st. On weekdays, the pool will not be opening until 12 noon, and the weekend times will stay the same.
Mr. Loving stated that regarding the storm debris, in previous years there have been some extraordinary efforts to make sure that the storm debris gets removed promptly. He is concerned that if it is left to the yard waste crew to pick up, the storm debris is going to be out there for quite some time. He remembers one year after a storm, Downes Tree Service was hired to go around and clear the debris from the space between the sidewalk and the curb, and another year, sanitation was suspended for two days and the Sanitation crew went out to get it. He added that he is of the opinion that it is starting to look crappy, the leaves are starting to wilt, and it is a safety hazard. He stated that if they let it go for another week or so and the storm debris still has to be picked up, that there must be a way to clean it all up. He reminded them of the time that leaves were left at the curbs, and snow came, and the leaves were not picked up until February.
Mr. Loving added that the water quality in Graydon Pool has been the best he has ever seen. The water is very clear and during these times, it is good to know that the water is being turned over, as Mr. Rutishauser had mentioned previously.
John Knudsen, 120 Circle Avenue, stated that he wanted to thank everybody for the fine job that they are doing, and he wanted to particularly thank his beautiful wife, the Mayor, and wish her a Happy Anniversary, which is tomorrow, and thank her for all she does every day.
There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen closed public comment.
- 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 8:47 P.M.
______________________________
Susan Knudsen
Mayor
______________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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