20200909 - 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 SEPTEMBER 9, 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, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as in a Moment of Silence 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 August 31, 2020, be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of July 8, July 15, August 5, and August 12, 2020 having been reviewed by the Village Council are now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PROCLAMATIONS
- FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Mayor Knudsen read the following proclamation:
- GOLD STAR MOTHER’S DAY
Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:
- NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WEEK
Councilwoman Reynolds read the following proclamation:
- PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH
Deputy Mayor Sedon read the following proclamation:
- RECOGNIZE CERTIFIED GREEN BUSINESSES IN THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD
Councilwoman Perron read the following proclamation:
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Knudsen stated that as promised at the last meeting, she will respond to assertions made by the One Village, One Vote campaign. First and foremost, while it is not the role of the Village Council to fact check this campaign’s promotional pieces, the Village did make information available to them that conflicted with what they continued to propagate. The Village has acted in earnest to aid in putting forth accurate information but cannot force the One Village, One Vote campaign to use that information. She added that the One Village, One Vote campaign have made various factual errors in their assertions including the cost of elections, voter turnout, and the true implications of the so called 2% cap, but the onus is on them to correct that, with the information provided. All the Village can do is give One Village, One Vote that information they request, when possible. If members of One Village, One Vote claim they would like more specific responses on any of these topics this evening, Mayor Knudsen will respond to each of them. The same holds true for any member of the public making the same request.
Mayor Knudsen stated that she was going to make a brief statement regarding the Village Clerk, Heather Mailander, who has served the Village faithfully and well for over three decades. Anyone who has worked with Heather Mailander or sought her help in the 30 plus years or so of service to the residents of the Village of Ridgewood, knows that she has always discharged her duties confidently, fairly, without agenda or personal purpose. Ms. Mailander has stood accused in what was an emergent motion brought against her. The rushed nature of this court action did not allow her an in-depth review of the facts, resulting in a finding that must now be appealed. Mayor Knudsen stated that until that time, she urged all residents to avoid judgement. Ms. Mailander deserves better from the Village community and the Village Council is confident that with a more thorough look at the facts, Ms. Mailander will be vindicated. Indeed, the petition from One Village, One Vote, that is subject of a court action, is deficient in ways that were clearly outlined in the very statutes that the One Village, One Vote campaign cited in their proposed initiative ordinance. The onus was on the One Village, One Vote campaign to obtain legal advice during the time they were working on their petition or leave themselves sufficient time to find mistakes and correct them properly. In this way the One Village, One Vote campaign could have put this initiative forth in compliance with the statutory requirements and deadlines. Had they met those statutory requirements and deadlines, the Village Clerk and the Village Council would have certainly fulfilled each of their roles to complete the process. Mayor Knudsen stated that the Village Council is in full support of the Village Clerk/Village Manager, and they are grateful for her service to the community.
Councilwoman Perron stated that she would like to respond. She has reviewed the One Village, One Vote website and she found that their factual assertions with regard to the cost of elections were supported by Village documents and County documents, and that the conclusions were reasonable. With regard to their petition, the law makes it clear that petitions are to be liberally construed so that voters can participate in government and as an antidote to apathy. Therefore, she disagrees with the assertions that the Mayor has made about the One Village, One Vote campaign.
Mayor Knudsen stated that she had anticipated that a Councilmember would challenge these assertions, and she was hoping that Councilwoman Perron wasn’t challenging the assertion that the Village Clerk has worked diligently and honestly and that that is the crux of the complaint that’s been filed. She added that she was only going to give the piece of it, as it relates to the election cost. Mr. Lindenberg, who is on the Committee of Petitioners, used Village Council public comment to advance the claim of saving up to $100,000 in an election year. Mr. Lindenberg claimed this to be a positive change, which she agrees it would be a positive change if only it were true. Mayor Knudsen stated that she was only going to touch on this piece, because Mr. Lindenberg asked her to identify where he is wrong.
Mayor Knudsen stated that Mr. Lindenberg has advanced the claim of saving, which is in the Village Council minutes that were just approved, and these are his words, that the Village would save $100,000 in any election year. He claimed that this would be a positive change and she asserts that would be true if his claim were true, but it’s not. Mr. Lindenberg based his numbers on annual elections seemingly unaware that Village Council elections are biannual, not annual. There is some more detail to this that is sometimes a bit more complex for some to wrap their heads around, but hopefully everybody is going to understand. Due to the result of a Board of Education budget vote in May, the Village Council worked with the Board of Education and shaved $630,000 off the budget in this year alone. Mayor Knudsen stated that they could have actually done more, but they were being extremely conservative and with that $630,000 came zero impact to the delivery of educational services. Councilwoman Walsh worked with Mayor Knudsen directly on that, and they would not have encouraged that $630,000 reduction if there had been an impact on educational services. The $630,000 is actually an annual savings now, and is not added into the baseline of the Board of Education budget.
Mayor Knudsen stated that if, on average, there were a 2% increase each year for the next five years, that $630,000 savings would grow to just shy of $700,000 based on the compounded tax increase each and every year. She stated that her position is that it is an oversimplified sound bite to state that the Village is going to save money. In fact, the cost is far greater because the difference between $100,000 for an election cost, which was inflated anyway, and as a matter of fact she thinks the $65,000 for the most recent Board of Education election in 2019 was the result of a proofreading error. Both the Board of Education and the Municipal Election cost about $48,000 each. The difference between that and $630,000 this year or that $50,000 and $700,000 five years from now, the savings dwarfs the cost of the election. Mayor Knudsen stated that it is overly simple, they are simplifying something that is a little bit more complex. Mayor Knudsen’s point tonight is really to stand behind the Village Clerk who once again works honestly, works hard, is dedicated and the Village Council thinks the world of her. In addition, Village residents appreciate Ms. Mailander as the Village Clerk and due to her efforts, she has made our Village a better place. The current outcome of the One Village, One Vote lawsuit, in her opinion, is just unfortunate and egregious.
- MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that there is a new recycling program at the Ridgewood Recycling Center which is book donations. They can be dropped off at the Ridgewood Recycling Center Monday to Saturday 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Remember that the Recycling Center is closed on Wednesday. The books can be hardcover, paperback, and in good readable condition. All books must have a barcode label and the vendor will then sell the book online using the barcode to establish value and the Village gets 15% of the sales. They cannot accept encyclopedias, magazines, or water damaged books.
Ms. Mailander stated that Welcome Back to Ridgewood, New Jersey is an event that includes outdoor dining, and free music along East Ridgewood Avenue all day Saturday and Sunday, from Broad Street to Walnut Street and the side streets of Oak, Chestnut, and Prospect Streets are closed to cars and there is a pedestrian mall. Also this week, on Saturday at 2:00 P.M., the West Side of the Central Business District will be doing a ribbon cutting for their stores and restaurants. Come and enjoy the west side of Ridgewood with lovely lighting, music, restaurants, and businesses there to welcome you.
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 stated that to honor the memory of the 12 Ridgewood residents who we lost on September 11th, portraits of each resident are displayed in the Ridgewood Public Library Auditorium for the month of September. The library is open seven days a week and offers a tranquil place for reflection. In addition, Mount Carmel Church will have masses at noon and at 7:00 P.M. on September 11th. Due to social distancing, pre-registration is required to attend a mass at Mount Carmel by going onto their website www.olmcridgewood.com.
Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood is now at an 83% response rate for the US Census and the goal is a 100% response rate. Surrounding towns are little higher and the Village would love to have a complete count, if possible. She encouraged residents to please fill out their census forms as soon as possible at my2020census.gov. The last possible date to do so is September 30th. She added that the Complete Count Committee has worked diligently in various forums to try to get to this complete count. You can fill it out by paper, by calling in, or online, it is very easy and simple and none of this information is shared with any other agency at all.
Ms. Mailander stated that rear yard garbage pickup resumed in July. Residents no longer need to bring their garbage cans to the street.
Ms. Mailander stated that there are already a lot of election posters and yard signs. Some of them are in the planting strip between curb and sidewalk. They ask that the signs are not placed there because that is actually public property. They may be placed on one’s own property.
Ms. Mailander stated that the General Election will be primarily Vote by Mail. There are various options as to what a voter can do with your Vote by Mail forms. A voter may mail it back to the County by US Postal Service, or can put it into the ballot box outside the lobby doors of Village Hall, or may bring it to the polling location. There will be only three polling locations, and voters should check their ballots for their polling location. She will also be sending out an E-Notice giving people information about where each voting district will be voting, and at those polling locations there will be ballot boxes as well. Her understanding is that at the polling place, the voter will sign the book and then put the ballot into the ballot box at the polling place. ADA voting machines will be available in the voting locations, only for those unable to mark the Vote by Mail ballots.
Ms. Mailander stated that cancellations due to COVID-19 include the Chamber of Commerce Annual Car Show, Coffee with the Council, and the Parks and Recreation Department Annual Street Fair.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Shop Hop Sale Days inside and out on October 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The Ridgewood MOMS Club will partner with the Chamber and have a Preschool Activities Fair in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on Saturday, October 3rd.
The Bergen County Utilities Authority Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be this 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 23rd is a Village Council Public Work Session, October 7th is also a Public Work Session, and then the Public Meeting is October 14th.
Ms. Mailander stated that Boards and Committees are looking for volunteers. It is on the Village website and also on the Village’s Facebook page. Those who wish to volunteer should send a Volunteer Citizen Leadership Form, along with a resume or a history of what you have done in your life, so the Village knows where the applicant’s interests are, and also a cover letter indicating which Boards and Committees the applicant would like to serve on and a little bit about themselves. The deadline was extended to September 15th. There are about ten or twelve different committees and there is a short description of each committee on the ad located on the Village website. The Village Council encourages residents to apply for these volunteer positions. Interviews will be set up shortly after the filing deadline, and appointments will take place after that.
- VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Green Ridgewood – Councilwoman Perron stated that Green Ridgewood met on September 3rd and Chris Rutishauser spoke with them about all kinds of environmental issues such as storm water, resilience, the Village’s sanitation system, the upcoming energy audit of the Village Hall, and electric vehicles. Their next meeting is October 1st at 7:00 P.M., and any member of the public may join the meeting.
Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) – Councilwoman Perron stated that CBDAC met on September 3rd and got an update on Walk on the West Side, which is a subcommittee of Welcome Back, Ridgewood. It will kick off this weekend, and there will be various swag bags and things like that for people who attend. At their meeting, Dylan Hansen came to speak with them about the possibilities of a Visitors Bureau type of website for the Central Business District, and that brought them into the discussion of what is a Business Improvement District. They are at the very beginning of researching what that could mean for the Village’s Central Business District.
Councilwoman Perron stated that they talked about recycling in the Central Business District and decided that for now, they are tabling that issue. Regarding the Grab and Go parking spaces downtown, ten of the fifteen were rented for this pilot period until October 3rd, and they are perfecting the signage. One person said that the location of the Grab and Go spaces was confusing and they are thinking about how to make that less so. Also there was a complaint about one sign being rather low and difficult to see over the cars. They have made changes to the signage and she thinks it is less confusing now.
Councilwoman Perron stated that CBDAC has an opening for one resident member. Their next meeting will be September 17th at 8:30 A.M. The public is welcome.
Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Chamber of Commerce met this morning. The pedestrian mall is a wonderful event and people are asking if they are going to do it again next year. Members of the Chamber of Commerce are really concerned about winter and they would like to continue it past October 4th, if possible, if the weather is cooperating. They discussed the Grab and Go parking spaces, and two sponsors are members of the Chamber of Commerce. They said that they wouldn’t sign up again to sponsor Grab and Go parking spaces or probably wouldn’t sign up again, mostly because of the price which she thinks is indicative. Many of the people who sponsored the Grab and Go spaces during the pilot program are not the beneficiaries of the Grab and Go spaces, because they are not the businesses downtown who are brick and mortar and depend on serving meals. Mostly they were doing it as a civic gesture to get this going and they cannot depend on them going forward. At the current price of $75 per space, she doesn’t think it will succeed.
Councilwoman Perron stated that after the meeting, she got a call from one of the Chamber members who suggested that they extend the pilot for another six months until April 1st, because the seasons change and the economic situation is so fluid right now. The time period when they did the pilot program for the Grab and Go parking spaces was when the weather has been good, and the problem is what will happen when the weather gets bad. The suggestion was that they do it for another 6 months at $750 per spot for the 6 months and the Chamber will market it. She thinks it is worth doing and would like to bring it up for discussion at the next Work Session.
Councilwoman Perron stated that she wasn’t sure if the business owners wanted a survey to establish usage of the Grab and Go parking spaces, but the Chamber of Commerce would like a survey, so she will be working on that. At the end of the meeting, one merchant asked when the Train Station parking lot would open up to shoppers and diners. Councilwoman Walsh stated that it is open, if you are a Ridgewood resident and have a resident sticker, you can park in the Train Station any time. Ms. Mailander added that any time after 12 noon, all of the Village parking lots can be parked in, without a permit, for a three hour limit.
Open Space Committee – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Open Space Committee has not met since their last meeting, but the next meeting is September 17th at 7:00 P.M. They do have an opening on that committee and the public is welcome to attend. That meeting will be in person, socially distanced at The Stable.
Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) – Councilwoman Reynolds stated that CSAC is finally meeting in person next Thursday at the Youth Center, at 7:30 P.M. Everything will be socially distanced. They are allowing the public to come in for public comment. The maximum number allowed in the room is 38 people.
Board of Education – Councilwoman Walsh stated that she and Mayor Knudsen met with the Board of Education to touch base and see how things were going with the opening of school, and the wonderful news is that every school seemed to open up without a hitch. The kids were all very happy to be back in school, in hybrid format, and in remote format. There is a lot of support from the community, teachers, and administration. They were urging everyone to wear their masks. It seems like a great start to the year; everyone was very excited and it was nice that there wasn’t anything that was extraordinary about the start of the school year.
Mayor Knudsen stated that she personally found the kids walking to school to be happy, excited, and optimistic about returning to school. She felt that there was a joyfulness about the meeting with the Board of Education, which was very nice.
Fields Committee – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the fields in the Village are being used. This is a huge undertaking to make sure that everyone is social distancing and following the protocols when they are on the field, so be patient. Everyone is trying to do what is right for the children who are playing sports.
Kasschau Shell – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Kasschau Shell Committee met before the Village Council meeting this evening, and talked about what a wonderful season it was in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. They really had a great season and presented a lot of great performances. They wanted to thank photographer Ziggy Putnam and Bob at Ridgewood Press for some of the banners. They talked about some requests to use The Kasschau Shell for other events, and they will have to look at the by-laws to see if that is permitted. To send a donation to the Village to support The Kasschau Shell, it can be sent to Nancy Bigos, the Director of Parks and Recreation, and ear mark it for the Kasschau Shell.
Green Team – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Green Team met September 3rd. During
pre-COVID times, they would probably be finishing the application to Sustainable Jersey. Because the pandemic hit, every town in New Jersey was granted an extension. They were talking about picking back up where they were and there are probably going to be several resolutions forthcoming between now and next November when the Sustainable Jersey renewal application is due.
Shade Tree Commission – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Shade Tree Commission met yesterday and the big topic of discussion was the Fall tree planting that is coming up. Several questions arose. They were wondering why the bid was broken up to include three companies because there are always questions of logistics. Another one was that they wanted to see someone from the Village supervise these plantings.
Mayor Knudsen stated that she thought Mr. Rutishauser explained why there were three vendors. Ms. Mailander stated that it was whoever provided the lowest responsible bid for each of the various species is being awarded the contract for those species of trees. By doing this, they were able to do it within the available funds and will be able to plant a large number of new trees. They also may get better service as there are three different companies planting at the same time, so it may go faster. Regarding supervision, they will have someone make sure that the planting is being done correctly, as it is a big investment and the Village wants the new trees to thrive and survive.
Councilwoman Reynolds asked if there was going to be anyone checking to make sure that people are filling the gator bags. Ms. Mailander stated that there would probably be sporadic spot checks throughout the week to make sure that they are being filled. There will be pamphlets given out as to the best care of the tree. Councilwoman Reynolds asked if they are going to ask the residents if they want a tree. Ms. Mailander stated that the trees are being planted in Area D, in places where trees have been in the past. If someone really said that they didn’t want it, they would probably move on to another possibility. She doesn’t know exactly how they are going to notify the residents, but she will find that out. Deputy Mayor Sedon added that there were lists and he thinks they have been satisfied.
Mayor Knudsen stated that regarding the Business Improvement District that Councilwoman Perron raised, this is something that she has been advocating to do forever, and she has all of the documents for it. She thinks that timing is everything, and it is a difficult time right now. She felt that this might be the first time that the Village Council might be open to the Business Improvement District as an opportunity.
The CBDAC discussed a couple of other ordinances that they are going to be bringing to the Planning Board. They will talk about a window display ordinance, a vacancy ordinance, and an “Adopt a Tree Well” ordinance.
Mayor Knudsen stated that there have been some questions on social media about the COVID-19 reporting. What they learned when she was organizing the numbers is that there was some discrepancy in the numbers this weekend and she reached out for the Director of the Health Department and they determined that the labs are not parsing out the data as it relates to specific municipalities and they are not reporting the total number of tests or the negative results, only the positive results. There was a recommendation that the Village should not be posting data as it relates specifically to Ridgewood, and that they should just be directing people to the State dashboard. They will work through this and see if there was a way to report meaningful data to the public without it being skewed.
- ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER – NONE
- RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-252 THROUGH 20-256, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- ORDINANCES
- INTRODUCTION – NONE
- PUBLIC HEARING - #3808 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Placement of Stop Signs in Hudson Street Garage
Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3808 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 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”
Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3808 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING – #3809 – Amend Village Code to Allow Additional Village Employees to Perform General Code Enforcement Duties
Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3809 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 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
Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3809 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING – #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 reading of ordinance 3810 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 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
Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3810 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING – #3811 – Bond Ordinance – General Capital ($290,000)
Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3811 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 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
Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that ordinance 3811 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING – #3812 – Bond Ordinance – Supplemental Appropriation for Front End Loader
Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3812 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read ordinance 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
Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that ordinance 3812 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
- PUBLIC HEARING – #3813 – Bond Ordinance – Circle Avenue Drainage Improvements
Mayor Knudsen recused herself from this ordinance proceeding, due to the fact that she lives on Circle Avenue. Councilwoman Walsh moved the reading of ordinance 3813 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Walsh
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
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 Walsh stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Councilwoman Walsh moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Walsh
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Knudsen
Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3813 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Walsh
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Knudsen
Prior to moving on to consideration of resolutions, Mayor Knudsen stated that the resolution regarding the establishment of a Pilot Program for Rental of Village Facilities by Outside Groups was discussed at 7:30 P.M. by the whole Village Council and they are supportive of establishing a Pilot Program as well as establishing fees for rental of these facilities. This is in recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties many organizations have faced in finding appropriate venues to have functions to benefit their groups and programs. Ms. Mailander added that will be the last Resolution the Village Council will consider this evening.
- RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-257 THROUGH 20-269, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he was somewhat disappointed in what Mayor Knudsen billed as the longest Council Report in history that there was no mention that Graydon Pool had a very successful season and the last day of the season at Graydon Pool was last Monday, Labor Day. He was there when the pool closed at 7:30 P.M. It was a wonderful season, the water quality was the best he has ever seen it, the staff was excellent, and he would like to thank the Village Council for making it happen. He remembered back to June when the Village Council insisted that the pool would open and as a result, everyone was able to enjoy the pool this season. He doesn’t believe there were any COVID-related incidents, and he mentions this only because he sees that one of the clinical trials for the vaccine has been put on hold, and it appears that there may not be a vaccine later this year. He encouraged them to all remember what a wonderful season they had this year, and if the staff should be leaning towards not opening Graydon Pool next year, he hopes the Village Council will insist that it open again, so that residents can have a wonderful time next summer.
Mr. Loving stated that it is extremely frustrating for residents to watch these Zoom meetings. He mentioned last week that the Board of Education has resumed meeting in public, socially distanced. They have heard that CSAC is going to be meeting in public, socially distanced and allow visitors. He noted that there was a legal notice in the paper that the Village Council would not be meeting in public through September, but he did hope that in October the Village Council decides to meet in person. Whether they allow visitors to the room or not is another story, but at least they could get rid of the feedback, microphones that don’t work, and the people that sound like they are underwater. He believes there is enough room in the Court Room for the Village Council to be appropriately spaced. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he agreed with Mr. Loving 100%.
Laurie Webber, 235 South Irving Street, stated that she had to respectfully disagree with her neighbor, Mr. Loving, because she loves the Zoom meetings. She finds that since the Board of Education went back to meeting in person, it was a jumbled mess of microphone issues, and without a choice of being there, she finds the Zoom meetings to be preferable.
Ms. Webber added that she seconds Mayor Knudsen’s comments regarding the Village Clerk/ Village Manager, Heather Mailander. As a 37-year resident, she finds Ms. Mailander to have always been helpful on the largest or smallest of issues and honest as the day is long. Being familiar with the laws at play here, and the obstacles she faced in the decision she had to make, she understands why this was rushed through the court so that those aspects couldn’t be fully considered. Ms. Mailander made the only decision that she could have in those circumstances, in order to be in compliance with the law. She thanked Ms. Mailander for her service and for all she has done for the Village.
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that during the last four meetings, the Mayor whenever she calls for a moment of silence, singles out the Police Department. He thinks this is a mistake due to the Police Department’s internal investigation that is taking place, for the unfortunate events of the last couple of months involving Police Officers and protestors. Mayor Knudsen comes across as putting her thumbs on the scales, which she should not do. The Police Department is a great department, but so are the many millions of people who are out there serving us.
Mr. Halaby stated that regarding the Central Business District, the reality is that the CBD is on life support. All of these games of Grab and Go just won’t improve the situation. For about a year, the Village must stop charging parking fees, even though the fees go to the parking garage. He and his wife now avoid downtown Ridgewood, and go to Waldwick or Midland Park instead.
Mr. Halaby stated that regarding One Village, One Vote, he isn’t sure what to make of the Mayor’s comments which conflates the so called savings with whatever number the petitioners stated. The important thing about One Village, One Vote is to encourage people to come out to vote. He has maintained the problem with Ridgewood is that it is a microcosm of Washington, DC. According to Mr. Halaby, President Trump is doing everything he can to discourage people from voting and here we have a Mayor discouraging people from voting. He added that funnily enough, the savings of $600,000 was mentioned at the same meeting where the Police budget was increased by $900,000, so we need some more integrity from the dais.
Andrew Lowry, 441 Hawthorne Place, Shade Tree Commission, stated that this year the Village Council allocated about $110,000 for tree planting and to his knowledge, this is the first time that it was awarded to a company based on the lowest price for each species to be planted. Generally it is allocated with the total planting being awarded to one company, and there is a reason for that. Declan Madden, the Village Arborist, gives the specifications, and one company plants all of the trees for a given price. The issue that he sees coming out of this current situation is that it is hard to manage. He is concerned that nobody understands the complexities of what it takes to plant 200 trees in a short period of time, while the arborist is assigned to leaf truck driving during this period. He wanted to express his concern and frustration that the Village is going to spend this money and may or may not get the best quality trees in five years, because they may not have been properly planted and supervised when they are planted. There is one Arborist in the Village, and he is the only person who is really qualified to supervise the planting.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she wanted to make a brief comment about the One Village, One Vote campaign. She wanted to remind all of the listeners that if that initiative were to pass, the Village residents would lose their legal right to vote on the Board of Education budget. This is the right of all voters to vote on the Board of Education budget, by law, and if it is moved to November, the voters will not be able to vote on the Board of Education budget. She encouraged anyone in the listening area to vote no on this One Village, One Vote nonsense.
Ms. Loving added that she wanted to echo what her husband said, if the Village Council were all in one place, even if they were still on Zoom, viewers would at least be able to easily hear all of the Councilmembers. She thanked them for all they were doing.
There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen closed public comment.
Mayor Knudsen stated she rejects the notion that she is conflating anything about the Board of Education’s budget, as those are facts and numbers. They are very real numbers and very real savings, as it pertains to the long term and short term costs of those elections.
Changing the subject, Mayor Knudsen stated that if the parking garage had been built five years ago, the parking rates would have been increased over the last five years. The parking garage has always had a cost, and the increased rates are part of that plan in the Walker Report. Mayor Knudsen emphasized that it was always necessary to increase parking rates, in order to support the debt service for the parking garage.
Councilwoman Perron stated that with regard to what Anne Loving said, if the School Board election were moved to November, voters would still have the right to vote on the school budget if the proposed budget exceeds an increase of 2%, with a few exceptions.
Mayor Knudsen stated that on September 4, 2019, in response to the on-going misinformation regarding the 2% cap and the ability to vote on the Board of Education’s budget in November, the One Village, One Vote website states that voters have the right to vote on any budget that exceeds a 2% cap. In response to the constant beating of that drum, on September 4, 2019 the Village Council invited Bud Jones, the Village Auditor, who went through step by step and showed how the 2% cap could easily far exceed 2%, when using exemptions and exclusions of the CAP Bank. In fact, in 2018, when the election was in November for the Board of Education, there was a 3.62% increase in the budget, which never triggered a vote on the budget, due to budget exemptions. The One Village, One Vote website states that if the budget exceeds 2% a voter will be permitted to vote on the Board of Education’s budget, which is simply not true.
- RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #20-270 to go into Closed Session as follows:
- ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Walsh, seconded by Deputy Mayor Sedon, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:28 P.M.
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Susan Knudsen
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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