20220511 - Village Council Regular Public Meeting Minutes
A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON MAY 11, 2022 AT 8:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:01 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos; and Mayor Knudsen. Deputy Mayor Sedon was absent. 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 and asked for a moment of silence for men and women serving our nation, all first responders, and especially in remembrance of Mary Leddy, a long-time Ridgewood employee who passed away on May 7, 2022. Mayor Knudsen expressed her sincerest condolences to her family and stated that Ms. Leddy will be remembered for her smile, warmth, and helpfulness.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of April 30, 2022 be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Before moving to approve the minutes, Mayor Knudsen indicated that she wanted to amend the minutes to reflect that what she handed to Mr. Halaby during the public comments portion of the April 13, 2022 meeting was not a piece of paper with the numbers to call for Bergen County (regarding the repaving of Franklin Avenue), but rather a document he requested as it relates to the financing of the Master Plan. Mr. Halaby had thanked Mayor Knudsen for the document at that meeting. Accordingly, Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of April 13, 2022 be amended to reflect that correction. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of April 13, 2022, as amended, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted and amended. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
4. PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Knudsen recognized the members of the Ridgewood Emergency Medical Services team who were in attendance at the meeting this evening. She thanked them for their service to the Village.
Councilwoman Reynolds read the Proclamation, “Proclaim May 15-21, 2022 as Emergency Medical Services Week.”
Councilwoman Reynolds read the Proclamation, “Proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month.”
Councilman Vagianos read the Proclamation, “Proclaim June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.” After reading the proclamation, he added that he was extremely proud to have read this Proclamation, and he is very proud to be a member of a community that celebrates Pride Month. He apologized to Village residents for failing to have a member of the rainbow community on the Planning Committee for Pride Month, but he assured everyone that this would never happen again.
Responding to Councilman Vagianos’s comments, Mayor Knudsen remarked that she feels it is terribly sad and unfortunate that he feels potential committee members need to be asked their sexual orientation or whether or not they are members of the LGBTQ+ community, in order for them to participate on a committee that is organizing a celebration for Pride Month. She doesn’t think that it is even legal to ask such a question and, secondly, she feels that all communities are well represented on the Pride Day Committee. She was saddened that a “political hit job” occurred at last week’s Village Council meeting to undermine the work of people who truly love and care about the community, and want to be inclusive and organize a celebration for friends, families and loved ones, who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. She said that she resents and regrets that Councilman Vagianos thinks this behavior is appropriate.
Councilwoman Perron read the Proclamation, “Proclaim June 5, 2022 as National Cancer Survivors Day.”
Councilwoman Perron read the Proclamation, “Proclaim June 3, 2022 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.”
After all of the proclamations were read, photos were taken with the Village Councilmembers and the members of the Ridgewood Emergency Services team that were present at the meeting.
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments from the public at this time.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said that he reviewed the Ad Hoc Committee presentation regarding the Schedler property given during the December 2017 Village Council meeting. He said that it was more of a recommendation than a plan. He said that a plan would include a budget, timeline, and a detailed description of the project. He asked if any of the Councilmembers knew what the budgeted costs were for the Schedler project, other than the reconciliation prepared by Robert Rooney, Ridgewood Chief Financial Officer, showing the $7 million appropriation. He mentioned that it took a couple of years for him to receive the reconciliation document. Mr. Halaby also asked whether any of the Councilmembers knew what the Schedler house would be used for, once it is completely renovated, and what the operating costs would entail going forward.
Regarding the status of the repaving of Franklin Avenue, Mr. Halaby said that he would give Ms. Mailander a copy of some correspondence that he received from Bergen County. He indicated that he had promptly received all the details he had requested from the Bergen County Department of Planning and Engineering, whereas it took forever for him to receive documentation from the Village.
Regarding the drone to be purchased for the Ridgewood Police Department, Mr. Halaby asked what assurance would be received from Chief Luthcke that the drone will not be abused. He recalled a couple of years ago when a local blog mentioned someone had accessed the CTV and reported on a private couple walking together in Veterans Field. At that time, he wrote to Chief Luthcke to complain and was told that it would be difficult to find the source of the leak. Addressing Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, Mr. Halaby asked what actions he will take to ensure that residents’ rights to privacy are not abused by use of the drone.
Regarding the structure of the Ridgewood Village Council, Mr. Halaby said that last week’s Village Council meeting was an embarrassment and that the “Chairmanship” of the meetings should be rotated.
Mr. Halaby then asked that the clock be stopped so that he could address something mentioned by Mayor Knudsen. However, his three-minute time limit expired, and there was an exchange between Mayor Knudsen and Mr. Halaby regarding same. Mayor Knudsen called a point of order, but then allowed Mr. Halaby to continue speaking.
Mr. Halaby said that at the Village Council meeting of April 13, 2022, Mayor Knudsen handed him an envelope which contained the costs expended thus far for development of the Master Plan. It was in partial response to his request for information. He stated that Mayor Knudsen’s comments this evening were incorrect. He returned the envelope to the Village Clerk and stated that this information belongs to Village residents and not just to him. He said that that information should be posted on the Village website.
Mahmoud Hamza, 528 Amsterdam Avenue, asked the Councilmembers to please reconsider their decision regarding the pedestrian plaza. He is in favor of continuing the pedestrian plaza and said that he enjoyed it last year. He spoke about the business owners on the west side of the Central Business District (CBD), as well as the businesses located on Franklin Avenue. Mr. Hamza stated that Emil, the owner of Café De Royale, used to make the best crepes and hot chicken soup. Before the café closed, Mr. Hamza was told by Emil that the pedestrian mall was harmful to his business. Mr. Hamza indicated that he had heard the same thing from another restaurant owner, who was really angry and said that the pedestrian mall only served the stores between Oak Street and the train station. This same sentiment was expressed by an owner of a business on Franklin Avenue.
Mr. Hamza said that the CBD extends from Maple Avenue to Wilsey Square, and that the Village Council should care about all business and property owners, regardless of where they are situated. He mentioned that businesses pay a lot of money to generate foot traffic in the CBD. He said that the pedestrian plaza generated a lot of foot traffic, that otherwise would not have occurred. He stated that friends of his would not have visited Ridgewood were it not for the pedestrian plaza. While the Master Plan is under development, Mr. Hamza said that the challenge for everyone is to find ways to bring foot traffic over to the businesses located on the west side and on Franklin Avenue. He said that Village officials should work with businesses who were hurt by the pedestrian plaza last year, as well as with the Ridgewood Guild and the Chamber of Commerce, to come up with ways in which the businesses on the west side and on Franklin Avenue could also benefit from a pedestrian mall, in addition to the businesses on the east side of the CBD. He said it doesn’t make sense to “kill the goose which is laying golden eggs.” It makes more sense to “spread the wealth.”
Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, echoed Mr. Hamza’s sentiments regarding the pedestrian plaza, because she feels that discontinuing it represents a serious loss to the Village. Ms. Winograd stated that the Village Council is a body of equals and lately it has not been feeling that way. She feels more self-regulation is required and the “Chair” should be rotated. She mentioned some unfortunate incidents which have occurred over the past year, some mean-spirited and harsh comments from the dais, and the liberal use of “point of order,” the latter of which Ms. Winograd feels is putting the Village at risk. She mentioned a lawsuit in the Midwest, called the “Zip It Lawsuit”, where the President of the Board of Education told a mother in the district to “zip it.” She sued the district, and it was found that this was a violation of the First Amendment. She stated that “point of order” should only be used when things get out of control, are mean spirited, and targeted.
Ms. Winograd is hopeful that the Village Councilmembers can talk among themselves or in Closed Session, because they are not self-regulating and there is a constant “heavy flex” on the Village Council. There is “flex” from the majority to silence the two minority members, through either body language or calling a point of order. She mentioned some comments at the May 4, 2022 meeting in which a committee she had proudly served on was called “a disgrace.” She said that it is very uncomfortable when the “Chair” decides to use such language and the remaining Councilmembers do not self-regulate. Ms. Winograd mentioned that some residents do not want to speak publicly at Village Council meetings because of the liberal use of calling a point of order and flexing from the dais.
Tom Thurston, 477 Beverly Road, stated that he was speaking this evening about trees. He said that the street he has lived on for almost 20 years has a magnificent canopy of oak trees and large 100-year-old trees. Some trees have been lost over the years due to age, disease, etc., but it seems to him as though the rate at which trees are being lost has increased. One of his neighbors recently removed a diseased tree (per an arborist) from their property. The other day, one of his other neighbors removed two trees from their property. He asked Nancy Bigos, Director of Parks and Recreation, what was going on and she said she would look into the matter. Mr. Thurston promptly received a call from Declan Madden, the Village Arborist, the following day. He praised these two Village employees for their concern and professionalism, and added that Mr. Madden was very generous with his time, and was very informative.
Mr. Thurston mentioned that out of the approximately 45 trees on his street, about 10 have been lost. Some have been replanted. He suggested that, if there is a tree which Mr. Madden and his team have decided is diseased and needs to be removed, a notification system be put in place whereby adjacent neighbors are notified and given a chance to obtain a second opinion before the tree in question is removed. He actually did hire an arborist to take a look at a tree which Mr. Madden had determined needed to be removed, and the arborist agreed with Mr. Madden. However, the arborist mentioned that 75% of all trees, especially older oak trees, have some sort of decay in them. Except in the case of an obviously dead tree, Mr. Thurston thinks it would be worthwhile to have a notification system in place so that second opinions may be obtained if desired (at the neighbor’s expense). Mr. Thurston’s three-minute limit expired, so Mayor Knudsen asked Mr. Thurston to send her an email and she will put him in touch with the appropriate parties.
There were no further comments from the public.
Councilwoman Perron stated that she thought it was an interesting proposition to rotate the “Chair” of the Village Council, and asked if that issue could be placed on the agenda for discussion at the next Work Session. Ms. Mailander indicated that, by statute, the Village Councilmembers elect the Mayor and the Mayor then serves for a term of two years. She will locate the appropriate statute and send it to all Councilmembers.
Mayor Knudsen indicated that she was asked at a Planning Board meeting to provide a resident with information regarding the costs associated for developing the Master Plan. The resident demanded that she work within his timeframe and Mayor Knudsen asked him to file an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request. The resident complained about having to file an OPRA request, which is the appropriate procedure. However, Mayor Knudsen said that she provided the information to the resident anyway, and the resident still complained that it was not good enough. She stated that she was trying to be nice and thoughtful to the resident, doing him a favor, and saving him the task of having to file an OPRA request.
Regarding declaring a point of order, Mayor Knudsen stated that Village business must be taken care of and to do so, she must ensure that Village Council meetings are run in a timely and organized fashion. People must adhere to the rules and meeting structure. Before public comments at the beginning of a meeting, everyone is told that they have three minutes within which to speak. However, this never seems to be enough. Mayor Knudsen said that there must be rules and structure for a meeting to be successful and productive.
Mr. Rogers said that with respect to the drones and respecting people’s rights to privacy, the Attorney General’s Office sets guidelines with regard to the use of any camera-enabled devices, such as body cams, police cars equipped with cameras, and drones. Drone usage must adhere to these guidelines. Mr. Rogers said that drones are used as necessary, to promote public safety while attempting to preserve the privacy of individuals, making sure there is no improper or illegal intrusion. He said that he does not have oversight over these guidelines or the implementation of those guidelines. However, those guidelines are available via OPRA request. He said that he can also contact the Chief of Police to see if those guidelines can be made available to the public, so that everyone knows what to anticipate when the purchase of the drone for the Police Department is approved. Councilwoman Perron added that Attorney General Guidelines are generally available online.
6. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander announced that Ridgewood recently passed a tree ordinance that requires a permit to remove trees on all private property and replacement of those trees on the resident’s property or payment of a monetary fee to plant another tree, elsewhere in the Village.
All Village offices have new telephone extensions. Callers should listen to the full menu to obtain the new extension of the party they wish to reach, or they may dial “0” at any time to be connected to the receptionist. The new extension numbers are also listed on the Village website.
There will be a presentation by the Municipal Alliance Committee called “What Every Parent Needs to Know: Vaping, Save Your Breath.” This is a virtual event which will be held live on
May 25, 2022 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. Timothy Shoemaker is a motivational speaker and prevention expert. Both the CDC and U.S. Surgeon General have labeled teen vaping as an epidemic. Parents of a child approaching fifth grade or higher can no longer afford to ignore this potentially devastating threat to their family’s future. Many parents express uncertainty and confusion on this critical topic. Admission is free, but advanced registration is required at www.sybridgewood.eventbrite.com.
Pre-season, in-person badge sales for Graydon Pool will be held on May 14 and May 21, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the Graydon Pool Badge Office. Proof of Ridgewood residency is required. Grand Opening Day for Graydon Pool will be Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M.
There are still job openings for certified lifeguards and camp counselors. Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Summer Day Camp is for grades 1 through 6 and is being offered weekdays, Tuesday, June 28th to Friday, August 5th. Registration can be accomplished through CommunityPass. August mini-camp registration can also be accomplished through CommunityPass.
The Bergen County Utilities Authority Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be held on May 14, 2022 from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Bergen County Campgaw Mountain Reservation in Mahwah. This is free for Bergen County residents and will be held rain or shine. It will close promptly at 3:00 P.M. Proof of Bergen County residency will be required. No commercial vehicles are allowed. Anyone interested can obtain further information at www.bcua.org.
On May 12, 2022, the Chamber of Commerce Spring Sidewalk Sale Days begin and will end on May 14, 2022. Visitors can shop for new spring fashions, look for bargains, and enjoy dining at a new or favorite restaurant. On May 12, 2022, “Touch a Truck” will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. The event provides young children an opportunity to get close and touch several large Village vehicles, as well as smaller equipment, including a Fire Department truck, police car, garbage truck, Water Department trucks, Emergency Services trucks, and an ambulance. There will also be children’s activities, including Story Time and giveaways from several departments.
On Sunday, May 15, 2022, the Ridgewood Guild will sponsor a music fest for a local nonprofit, TEEEM, The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission, in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. This is a family friendly day out with great food, drink and live music by extraordinary musicians. It will feature a variety of food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and face painting for children. The cost is $20.00 for each adult and is free for students. All proceeds will benefit TEEEM humanitarian projects throughout the world. Tickets may be purchased at www.benefitconcertforteeem.com.
Ridgewood Parks and Recreation has scheduled a day trip to the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show on June 13, 2022. There are a few tickets left. Further details can be found, and reservations can be made, via CommunityPass, or in person at The Stable, 259 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey. The phone number is 201-670-5500, ext. 3113.
The Village is seeking local superheroes to be school crossing guards. Anyone interested in working a flexible schedule of two hours a day on school days should contact the Area Supervisor at 201-969-7182.
Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, and Channel 34 on Fios. They are also available on YouTube. Upcoming Work Sessions will be held on May 25, June 1 and June 22, 2022 at 7:30 P.M. The next Public Meeting will be held on June 8, 2022 at 8:00 PM.
7. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilwoman Perron stated that the Chamber of Commerce met on May 11, 2022 and they have eight new members. There will be a grand opening of Thorn + Roots, a health food restaurant on Route 17, on May 24, 2022 at 5:00 P.M. There was a lively discussion at the meeting regarding parking in the CBD, including whether or not merchants could prepay for their customers to park in the Parking Garage. They also discussed employees parking on the street, rather than in the garage. The pedestrian plaza was the subject of a heated discussion. Feed the Frontlines is hoping to restart its efforts in June.
The Green Ridgewood Committee met on May 5, 2022. She missed the meeting, but they will be exhibiting at the Ridge School Block Party. She indicated that she missed the meeting because she attended the Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards event, which presented awards for various efforts around the County. Ridgewood’s James Rose Center was honored due to a renovation of the landscaping at the EarthCam Campus in Upper Saddle River, which was done by James Rose. Councilwoman Perron said that the James Rose Center is one of the “jewels” of Ridgewood. James Rose was an architect who built his own home at the corner of East Ridgewood Avenue and Southern Parkway. It will be reopening for tours on May 15, 2022 on Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
The Open Space Committee meets next week. In the interim, there is a park walk scheduled at the Dunham Trail on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. The rain date is May 21, 2022. Janet Fricke will be leading the tour. Everyone will meet on the bridge on Spring Avenue. It is suggested that everyone wear long pants and long sleeves, since it is tick season.
Councilwoman Perron stated that the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) has two vacancies. Business owners can apply to become a member of CBDAC until May 16, 2022. The form is online, on the Village website.
Councilman Vagianos indicated that on May 6, 2022, he met with members of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools. He is pleased to report that Superintendent of Schools Tom Gorman informed him that Ridgewood schools are finally returning to normal. Plays and sporting activities are ongoing, and Mr. Gorman credits this success to the fact that out of 500 teachers, only 10 are unvaccinated, and these 10 teachers are tested weekly. At Ridgewood High School, 95% of the students are vaccinated; at the middle schools, 85% are vaccinated; and at the elementary schools, about 50% are vaccinated. There is no further need for masks. The situation is monitored daily.
Councilwoman Reynolds indicated that she has not had any committee meetings since last week. She mentioned that the town-wide Ridgewood Garage Sale is being held on May 21, 2022. Anyone interested in participating in this event can search for the group “Annual Ridgewood Town-Wide Garage Sale” on Facebook to sign up. Those not on Facebook can email Councilwoman Reynolds at lreynolds@ridgewoodnj.net and she will try to assist.
Councilwoman Reynolds wanted to give a big shout-out to the Parks Department (Nancy Bigos, Matt Andruela, and staff) who have been working tirelessly to get things ready for Project Pride Day, which will be held on May 22, 2022. The Signal Department has been painting the lampposts at Van Neste Square, since “clamp” baskets will be hung around the poles, and Councilwoman Reynolds wanted to thank them, and especially Rich Tarleton, Supervisor of the Signal Division, for all of their hard work.
Councilwoman Reynolds wished her husband a happy birthday and said she appreciated his patience. Mr. Rogers pointed out that it was also Councilman Vagianos’s birthday. Councilman Vagianos thanked everyone for their well wishes.
Mayor Knudsen announced that the 112th Annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration will be held on Monday, July 4, 2022. The theme is “Let Freedom Ring,” celebrating the history of the United States and highlighting the importance of freedom for all. The theme emphasizes that the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness should be spread across the earth and allowed to flourish. She encouraged everyone to visit www.ridgewoodjuly4.net for more information.
Mayor Knudsen welcomed Elliott Cohen and Everything Bagel back to Ridgewood, at 205 East Ridgewood Avenue. Yesterday’s Grand Opening was celebrated with bagels, coffee, cannolis, rainbow cookies, and more. She gave a special thanks to Jennifer Aydin (Real Housewives of New Jersey) for helping to celebrate the event in true New Jersey style.
The Historic Preservation Commission meets on May 12, 2022. There are two sign applications which will be heard from two new businesses: Nature Sparkle, 67 East Ridgewood Avenue, and Stretch Lab, 204 East Ridgewood Avenue.
7. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-155 through 22-156, would be adopted by a consent agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and would be read by title only:
8. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION #3907 – POLICY ON ABSENCES FOR VOLUNTEERS SERVING ON VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3907 by title only. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3907 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH AN ABSENCE POLICY FOR VOLUNTEERS SERVING ON RIDGEWOOD BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance #3907 be adopted on first reading and that June 8, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
B. PUBLIC HEARING - #3905 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – NO LEFT TURN – FRANKLIN AVENUE, NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, AND LINWOOD AVENUE
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3905 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, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3905 by title only:
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”
Mayor Knudsen opened the public hearing on Ordinance #3905. 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, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance #3905 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
C. PUBLIC HEARING - #3906 - AMEND CHAPTER 165 – RUBBISH, REFUSE, AND RECYCLING - COLLECTION SCHEDULE AND PLACEMENT AND REMOVAL OF GARBAGE AND RUBBISH CONTAINERS
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading by title of Ordinance #3906. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3906 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 165 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, GARBAGE, RUBBISH, REFUSE AND RECYCLING AT ARTICLE II, “WASTE COLLECTION”
Mayor Knudsen opened the public hearing on Ordinance #3906. 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, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3906 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Sedon
ABSTAIN: None
9. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-157 through 22-173, would be adopted by a consent agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and would be read by title only:
10. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, stated that he fully supported the time limits set for public comments at Village Council meetings. However, he felt that he should have been given extra time earlier this evening, in order for him to clarify Mayor Knudsen’s comments. This is because Mayor Knudsen mentioned his name, regarding the packet she gave him detailing the costs incurred thus far for development of the Master Plan. He had asked for the clock to be stopped so that he could address that issue. He said that Bergen County is prompt when he asks questions or requests documents, but that it took nine months for Ms. Mailander to tell him that Franklin Avenue would be resurfaced sometime in 2022. Addressing Ms. Mailander, Mr. Halaby stated that the type of response he received from Bergen County should be the type of response he receives by the Village, in a timely manner, and with full details.
Regarding the Master Plan, Mr. Halaby stated that he attended three Planning Board meetings where the Master Plan was discussed, and they were a “joke.” He said that everyone was asleep at the dais, very few people asked questions, and no one knew how much was spent, how much more money was going to be spent, or when the Master Plan would be completed. He feels that he and all residents of Ridgewood are entitled to answers to these questions. The Master Plan has been in the development stages for the past three or four years.
Mr. Halaby remarked that he does not want Mayor Knudsen or anyone else to do him a favor or be nice to him. He would like things to be done the right way, to make sure that the public is informed of some really important developments in the Village, such as the paving of Franklin Avenue, the Master Plan, and the Schedler property. He asserted that there is no plan in place for the Schedler property and that everything is being done by the “seat of their pants.” He said that it was a shame how the berm was built on the Schedler property. A nice wall could have been built on the property, as well as a pedestrian crossing. He said that the footprint of the berm would probably occupy as much as an acre on this historical 7-acre property. He said that it was shameful how Mayor Knudsen treated Councilwoman Perron and Councilman Vagianos at the May 4, 2022 meeting.
Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, wished happy birthday to Councilwoman Reynolds’ husband and to Councilman Vagianos. She mentioned that she has attended Work Sessions in other municipalities which are more collaborative and have more back-and-forth discussion. She stated that the actions of the Councilmembers have become “silencing” during meetings and there is a lot of pressure to “be quiet.” She said that there is too much commenting after the public comments portion of the meeting is closed, which she stated is not beneficial to the
those who make comments. She again mentioned that it was disconcerting that a certain committee was called a disgrace at the May 4, 2022 meeting.
Ms. Winograd is concerned about the one-sided conversations, where comments made by the public are ignored by the Councilmembers. Members of the public want to be heard and respected, and Ms. Winograd stated that was not happening. One example she brought up was that she has been requesting a statement of clarity for months regarding the Schedler property, and there has been no such statement forthcoming. She suggested that the Councilmembers discuss ways in which meetings can be made friendlier.
Ms. Winograd said that she hopes that pictures in the Master Plan showing the pedestrian plaza, dining corrals and dining in the street will be removed, given the position of the Councilmembers. She stated that enormous sums of money have been spent designing the pedestrian plaza and Master Plan.
Councilman Vagianos agreed with Ms. Winograd, stating that he thinks the Village Council can do much better. He said that sometimes it is difficult, because the Village Councilmembers don’t always agree on everything. He stated that “how” they disagree determines how they move forward. Disagreement is democracy, but it is the tone of the disagreement which is important.
Mayor Knudsen agreed that everyone can always do better, but there needs to be a lot of soul searching done when it comes to talking about doing better. She said that there is a meanness which permeates discussions during meetings, on social media, on personal Facebook pages, or in emails, always “stirred” by the same group of people. Mayor Knudsen said that she stands by her comments and that people need to think about what they’re saying and doing and be a little bit nicer.
There were no other public comments and Mayor Knudsen closed the public comments portion of the meeting.
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Vagianos, seconded by Councilwoman Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:08 P.M.
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Susan Knudsen
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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