20220216 - Village Council Special Public Budget Meeting Minutes
A SPECIAL PUBLIC BUDGET 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 FEBRUARY 16, 2022 AT 5:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos; and Mayor Knudsen. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Eileen Young, Deputy Village Clerk; Robert G. Rooney, Chief Financial Officer/Parking Utility Director; Steve Sanzari, Treasurer; and Olivia DiMitri, Senior Account Clerk.
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 of Ridgewood’s first responders, and all victims of violent crimes.
2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments from the public at this time.
Chris Houghton, 460 Grove Street, stated that he was speaking in support of the Shade Tree Commission budget for the restoration, preservation, and expansion of the tree campaign in the Village, especially to preserve the canopy enjoyed by residents. He has lived in Ridgewood for 36 years and he and his wife have raised two children in the Village. His children are now grown, but have enjoyed the facilities that Ridgewood has offered over the years. Over the years, he has witnessed the loss of many large trees on his property and property surrounding his neighborhood, due to wind storms, flooding, lightning strikes, and disease.
Mr. Houghton added that he has noticed unauthorized removal of trees in the Village by unknown parties. He spoke about the value of trees and urged the Village Council to support the requested budget of the Shade Tree Commission in order to replace the lost trees and expand the planting of trees in the Village. He offered to lead a “tour” for anyone interested in viewing the various trees lost around the Village.
Andrew Lowry, 441 Hawthorne Place, said that he is a member of the Shade Tree Commission and is speaking this evening to support the need to increase tree plantings in the Village. He spoke about global warming, invasive insects such as the emerald ash borer, and historical underfunding, all of which have affected and created challenges for the shade tree population.
Mr. Lowry indicated that the proposed budget is a good first step towards replenishing the shade trees in the Village due to the many trees lost over the years. He mentioned the emerald ash borer and stated that he wasn’t sure how many ash trees would be lost this year due to this invasive insect, but estimated that it would amount to approximately 100 ash trees being removed. He spoke about replanting in the tree wells in the Central Business District (CBD). Various tree planting projects which are planned will help to get the Village “back on track” towards strengthening its tree infrastructure.
In addition to planting more trees, Mr. Lowry indicated that it is crucial to take care of the existing trees in the Village. He praised the quality and hard work of the “tree crew” and indicated that the Village has sufficient equipment to maintain the existing trees; however, most of the workers’ time is spent taking down trees which are diseased, fallen, or damaged due to storms and not on pruning or maintenance of the trees. The Village Arborist spends about 30% of his time working on other tasks such as leaf collection, snow removal, picking up Christmas trees during the season, etc., and Mr. Lowry stated that it would be wonderful if the Village Arborist could spent 100% of his time maintaining the trees in the Village. In conclusion, Mr. Lowry urged the Village Council to approve the requested budget for the Shade Tree Commission so that the tree infrastructure in the Village can be preserved.
Cynthia Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said she was speaking this evening as President of the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands. She spoke about the Conservancy’s gift to Ridgewood of additional lighting in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. The Conservancy has been in existence for the last 10 years and, during that time, they have raised approximately $100,000.00 in donations from residents and friends to enhance and improve the parklands in Ridgewood.
Ms. Halaby emphasized that the Conservancy could not have accomplished their goals without the full support, cooperation and hard work of the Village’s Parks and Recreation Department. Ms. Bigos, her office staff, and the grounds crew comprise a remarkable team, and Ms. Halaby stated that Ms. Bigos deserves a lot of credit for her dedication, relentless work and vision for all Village residents. The pandemic has caused families to spend more time outdoors engaging in recreational activities that have become a vital part of their lives. Enhancing recreational areas in Ridgewood makes the Village more “inviting” to both residents and visitors.
Ms. Halaby stated that the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department works very hard to maintain Village properties and it is imperative that these areas be kept clean, attractive and safe. She urged the Village Council to support the budget of the Parks and Recreation Department so that they can continue to make Ridgewood look its “very best.”
Anthea Luter, 481 Knollwood, said that she was speaking tonight as past President and longtime member of the Women Gardeners of Ridgewood. She wanted to lend support to the budget presented by the Parks and Recreation Department. On behalf of the Women Gardeners of Ridgewood, Ms. Luter thanked the dedicated staff of the Parks and Recreation Department for their work in making the fields safe for the youth of Ridgewood and for their help assisting the Women Gardeners of Ridgewood carry out their mission of bringing the love of gardening and nature to the next generation. The surroundings at the Stable provide a “wonderland” for exploration and present the perfect opportunity to open the minds and hearts of the children attending the Green Kids Program. For the past 15+ years, the Women Gardeners of Ridgewood have forged a partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department to challenge, explore and transfer their passions to the youth of Ridgewood.
Gail McCarthy, 153 Hope Street, said that she was speaking this evening representing the Kasschau Shell Committee. This summer will be their 64th season of bringing entertainment to the residents of, and visitors to, Ridgewood. They have 19 concerts planned for this summer of varying genres. Despite the pandemic over the past two years, people have observed social distancing and enjoyed the many performances at the Kasschau Bandshell.
Ms. McCarthy asked the Village Council to consider the granting of funds for the Kasschau Shell Committee, as has been done in the past. She explained that they strive to find sponsorships to match the funds allotted to them by the Village, approximately in the range of $9,000 to $10,000 each year. Ms. McCarthy indicated that improvements are needed to the Kasschau Shell (plaster work and painting) and she asked the Village Council to approve funds for the Committee to accomplish these improvements. She looks forward to a wonderful summer and asked everyone to check out the performance schedule on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and GroupSpot).
There were no further comments from the public.
Mayor Knudsen thanked the Shade Tree Commission, Women Gardeners of Ridgewood, the Kasschau Shell Committee, and the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands for their comments this evening. She inquired how the Village could investigate the “unauthorized removal of trees” brought up by Mr. Houghton. She asked Ms. Mailander if there was a way to find out who was removing these trees and what the actual violation would be in this instance.
3. INTRODUCTION OF 2022 BUDGET PROCESS – VILLAGE MANAGER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Ms. Mailander welcomed everyone to the first night of the budget meetings. Future budget meetings will be held on February 17, 2022, February 25, 2022 and February 28, 2022, all beginning at 5:00 PM. Ms. Mailander explained the budget development process. Department Directors start to develop their proposed Operating Budgets in July of the current year and present them around Labor Day, after which time the Village Treasurer, Steve Sanzari, and the Village Chief Financial Officer, Robert G. Rooney, review same and meet with the various department heads. Clarifications are made, if necessary, between October and December, and then Ms. Mailander meets with Mr. Rooney, Mr. Sanzari, and the Department Directors to try to “whittle down” the budgets as much as possible. The final review is done sometime in January. The budgets presented this evening and throughout the budget meetings are “refined” budgets from the originals.
Regarding the Capital Budget, this is developed at a meeting with all Department Directors It is up to the Department Directors to decide which capital projects they wish to prioritize and which projects they feel can be done in the future, or which vehicles they feel can be retained for another year, etc. The Village Council can request either an increase or a decrease in both the Capital and Operating Budgets for a particular department.
Mr. Rooney thanked all the Department Directors and their staff for their support throughout the budget development process, which he stated is very time consuming. He also thanked the Finance Department, his “unsung heroes,” for their help and support, especially Mr. Sanzari (Treasurer); Olivia DiMitri; Michelle and Dana in the Payroll Department; Jessica, the Tax Collector, and her assistant Nicole; Ms. Mailander; and the Village Council. During this and the next three budget meetings, Department Directors will present their needs and their “wish lists” for both their Operating and Capital Budgets. Suggestions for changes or revisions by the Village Council will be incorporated into the budgets at the final meeting. Mr. Rooney will review revenues, head counts, and overall capital project impact to glean sufficient information to arrive at a projected tax rate.
4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. REVIEW OF DEPARTMENTAL BUDGETS AND CAPITAL BUDGETS
1. PARKS DEPARTMENT
2. RECREATION DEPARTMENT
3. GRAYDON POOL
4. PROJECT PRIDE
5. COMMUNITY CENTER
Presenting the budget will be Nancy Bigos, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department; Katie Frey, Superintendent of Recreation; and Matt Andruela, Supervisor of Parks and Shade Tree Department.
Ms. Bigos began by stating that investing in the Village infrastructure is truly a matter of good governance. She thanked all the individuals with whom she collaborated to arrive at the proposed budget, including the Water, Signal, and Engineering Departments. Ms. Bigos stated that great strides have been made towards strengthening the Village’s infrastructure, especially the recreational parks and facilities. Accomplishments include the installed lighting at Maple Park East (collaboration between Bergen County Open Space Committee, the Village, and the Ridgewood sports groups); improvements to the electrical and pump systems at the pump house at Veterans Field; the new automatic system for the distribution of sodium hydrochloride at Graydon Pool; and historic preservation renovations at the Graydon Pool restrooms and the Schedler house. They are still working on Phase 3 of the restoration of Kings Pond Park.
Ms. Bigos stated that shade tree inventory is another investment. Every tree within the Village treescape is now inventoried as to size, species, depth/girth, health condition, when planted, and last time maintained, along with any relevant comments. She stated that preserving the “street tree canopy” is another investment in the municipal infrastructure for future generations. She highlighted the partnership between the Parks and Recreation Department and the Ridgewood community. Hundreds of volunteers have invested their time and talents to the Shade Tree Commission, the Parks and Recreation Conservation Board, the Open Space Committee, the Fields Committee, the Kasschau Shell Committee, Women Gardeners of Ridgewood, and the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands.
Ms. Bigos indicated that her department has always strived “to do more with less” and they have tried to make this year’s budget “flat.” Seasonal salaries at Graydon have increased and been affected by recent minimum wage guidelines. Seasonal programming was greatly curtailed during 2021 due to the Covid pandemic (bus transportation for summer day camp, Graydon programs), with decreased revenue as well. Therefore, there are increases for the “post-Covid return to normal” in the 2022 budget when they will again open up summer programs, offer bus transportation, etc.
Ms. Bigos pointed out that another area of focus is bus drivers. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is now requiring CDL drivers to attend training through a certified training facility. This training has usually been done “in-house” in the past, but this is no longer acceptable to the NJDOT. Therefore, there is a request for $15,000.00 for the required CDL training and certifications.
Ms. Bigos announced that Graydon Pool will open for the season on Saturday, June 4, 2022 and will close on Labor Day, September 5, 2022. She spoke about the pool closing earlier last year due to lack of staffing. She mentioned that every five years, children go back to school prior to Labor Day, and this is what occurred in 2021. When this occurs, all of the educators that are employed at the administrative management level must also return to school to resume their duties. Students participating in marching band or sports are required to start practice on August 15th, and the majority of college students have returned to their schools to begin their fall semester. This creates a problem as to who will manage Graydon Pool for the last few weeks of the summer to ensure safety.
To head off similar problems in the future, Ms. Bigos mentioned that she and Katie Frey have met with Ernie Lamour of the Ridgewood YMCA and his Aquatics Director. The YMCA offers a waterfront safety lifeguarding course and is subcontracted by the Bergen County Parks Commission to supply waterfront lifeguards for Darlington Park. Ms. Frey has put together a Job Fair for Ridgewood teens, to be held on March 22, 2022, at the Community Center from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. Working with the DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) group from Ridgewood High School and the AM Rotary Club, Ridgewood residents will be offered the opportunity to meet with various Department Directors who are seeking summer help to learn what positions are available, what the requirements are, how to complete a job application, how to prepare a resume, and how to conduct themselves in a businesslike manner during an interview. Hopefully this will alleviate the problem of finding qualified help/seasonal employees at Graydon Pool during the last few weeks of summer.
The Capital Budget for the Parks Department contains a request to replace the awning shade system at Graydon, which was originally installed in 2001. When the aging trees at Graydon Pool are removed, patrons will need more shaded areas to block out the sun. Another request is for the purchase of wind screens at three municipal tennis courts – some were donated by the Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club about seven years ago and they now need to be replaced.
Regarding the restoration of the exterior siding and roof at The Stable, Ms. Bigos explained that the roof is composed of raw cedar shake which needs to be power washed, stained and sealed every ten years. She said that funding needs to be aside at this time for that purpose.
Ms. Bigos remarked that Covid has presented various challenges for the Parks Department and they are seeking to “get back to normal” this year. Increased costs for salaries, materials and supplies have been requested in anticipation that 2022 will see more Ridgewood residents engaging in more recreational and leisure time activities.
Regarding the Job Fair, Ms. Mailander mentioned that it is not only open to Ridgewood residents, but will also be posted at various local colleges and high schools to ensure adequate attendance at the fair. Preference for employment will be given to young adults from Ridgewood.
Ms. Mailander said that the biggest increase in the Parks Department budget is for CDL testing and training. She asked if there were any questions. Mayor Knudsen asked Ms. Bigos how many CDLs are required during a year and how many license renewals there are. Ms. Bigos replied that she, Mr. Rutishauser, Village Engineer, and Mr. Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, have collaborated on a shared task force. The Village requires any employee operating trucks or heavy machinery, such as during leaf collection or snow plowing, to possess a CDL license. Ms. Bigos estimated that approximately three-quarters of Ridgewood’s staff now possess CDL licenses. However, four new hires will require training for the CDL license in order to become commercial Class “B” drivers.
Mayor Knudsen asked how much it costs for this training per individual. Ms. Bigos replied that it costs approximately $3,000.00 for an individual to attend training and obtain the CDL license. The new NJDOT regulation became effective on February 7, 2022. Mayor Knudsen remarked that some employees hired in Ridgewood already possess a CDL license, and Ms. Bigos agreed. Mayor Knudsen expressed concern, however, that an employee may receive the expensive CDL training from Ridgewood and then quit. She wondered how this could be prevented. Ms. Mailander explained that if an employee receives such training at Ridgewood’s expense and then leaves within two years, they must reimburse the Village for the cost of that training.
Mayor Knudsen explained to the public that at the end of the summer in 2021, there wasn’t enough staff to safely keep Graydon Pool open, although a tremendous outreach was done to try to find qualified staff. Therefore, she was very happy to hear of the Job Fair and that the Parks Department was collaborating with the YMCA to try to avoid this problem in the future.
Councilwoman Reynolds remarked about the item in the budget dealing with 24 massive trees that are going to be removed because “they are reaching the end of their lifespan.” She inquired as to whether or not these trees are healthy or if there is a fear that they will fall down. Mr. Andruela replied that a lot of these oak trees are reaching maturity. It is their policy not to take down healthy trees, but they are discovering that many of these older trees, while they may look healthy on the outside, have cavities in them and are in decline. These trees are located at Hillcrest Avenue, Upper Boulevard, Morningside Avenue, California Avenue, Graydon Pool, Gypsy Pond, and Grove Park (ones adjacent to rear properties). He said that these trees have reached maturity and it is time to take them down. Councilwoman Reynolds asked if they have gotten three or more estimates for this tree removal work. Mr. Andruela replied that the costs in the budget are just estimates. Councilwoman Reynolds remarked that the requested funding translates to about $13,000.00 per tree. She stated that it was her hope that a company would offer a more suitable cost per tree since the contract would involve the removal of 24 trees.
Councilwoman Reynolds asked about the 90 trees which are slated for removal this year due to invasion by the emerald ash borer. She asked whether the $229,000.00 requested for this project included removal of the 90 trees as well as the planting of 180 new trees. Ms. Bigos replied in the affirmative. Councilwoman Reynolds asked for a breakdown of the costs for each phase of the project. Ms. Bigos estimates that the removal of the 90 trees would cost approximately $1,000.00 per tree ($90,000.00) and the replacement of 180 ash trees which were removed in 2021 and 2022 would cost $600.00 per tree.
Councilman Sedon stated that he fully supported the tree initiatives in the Capital Budget. He stated that, unfortunately, the tree planting budget last year turned into a “tree cutting budget.” He said that many residents expressed interest in tree plantings at Zoning Board meetings while discussing the Master Plan and mentioned that the budget for tree planting for the Shade Tree Commission has historically been underfunded, but that fortunately that is no longer the case. He mentioned that “hollowed out” trees can be very dangerous to life and property, although they look perfectly healthy on the outside. Councilman Sedon remarked that “this should be a year of trees.” He urged the Village Council to support the Shade Tree Commission budget in order to restore the tree canopy in the CBD and to maintain the trees already planted.
Councilwoman Perron mentioned that she was very glad to see many tree-related initiatives in this budget proposal. She asked if more pruning could be done, for example, in front of the library. She also asked if the water wagon trailer is only to be used in the CBD or whether it could be used elsewhere in the Village. Councilman Sedon replied that it can be used anywhere, especially with the newly planted trees.
Mayor Knudsen asked Ms. Bigos about the “sinking fund” for the turf fields. She asked whether or not the Village was supposed to have received monies from the various sports groups in the Village to replenish the sinking fund. Ms. Bigos replied that funds were not requested from the youth sports groups. Mayor Knudsen asked if the sports groups contributed to the Maple turf field. Ms. Bigos replied that the first turf field was completely funded by the youth sports groups, understanding that the “second time around” it would be funded by the Village. The “sinking fund” is going to be applied for the “third go around.” Ms. Bigos replied that the turf field has a lifespan of approximately 8 to 10 years. Councilman Vagianos asked Ms. Bigos what the turf field costs each time it’s replaced. Ms. Bigos said that the cost would vary, depending upon the turf product that is chosen, but stated that it costs between $500,000.00 and $600,000.00. Mayor Knudsen recalled that the last time it was replaced, it cost approximately $685,000.00.
Councilman Vagianos stated that the increase in temporary seasonal staffing is because there wasn’t much staffing in 2021 due to Covid. Ms. Bigos agreed with Councilman Vagianos. She stated that they desire to return to normalcy in 2022 and reinstate many of the programs that were not offered during the pandemic. The summer day camp is usually attended by 450 to 500 children and requires 80 employees (directors, counselors, assistant counselors, and bus counselors).
Ms. Mailander asked if there were any questions regarding the budgets for Graydon Pool, Project Pride, and the Community Center. Councilwoman Reynolds asked about the items in the Project Pride budget for $5,000.00 for seasonal planting and watering trees, $16,000.00 for materials and supplies, and $8,000.00 for maintenance help (watering and weeding). She was confused since these requests seemed to overlap each other or were duplicitous. Ms. Mailander explained that the $16,000.00 was for the plantings and the $5,000.00 is for the people who do the watering in the CBD specifically. Councilwoman Reynolds said she was still confused as to what these items represent. The Operating Budget for 2022 lists $8,000.00 for horticulture supplies and $8,000.00 for maintenance help, watering and weeding of tree wells and containers. Mr. Rooney said that there was no duplication and that the wording was probably confusing in the itemized list.
Councilwoman Perron asked whether the Recreation Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities (ROID) Grant was a matching grant (1:1). Ms. Bigos said that it was not. Mr. Rooney said that there were two $20,000 pieces, which were budgeted separately (state and federal programs). There is another $20,000 applicable in 2022, which is categorized separately in the budget.
6. ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
7. PLANNING BOARD
Christopher Rutishauser explained that he oversees both the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board. Jane Wondergem has been the secretary for both boards. The Village is currently undergoing development of the Master Plan, and there was a lengthy presentation last night from the consultant for the Master Plan. Several more meetings are planned, after which time several proposed Ordinances will be developed for consideration by the Village Council. Mr. Rutishauser indicated that the Zoning Board of Adjustment has several upcoming challenges, mostly due to “quirks” in the land use laws. An illuminated billboard matter will be coming before the board shortly, which will be a challenge because the Village does not currently have any illuminated billboards. The Village Planner, Maryann Bucci-Carter from CME Associates, will join Mr. Rutishauser at those hearings when they are scheduled.
Councilwoman Perron asked about the proposed budget increase for “Other Professional Services” and inquired whether Mr. Rutishauser was expecting some “big ticket items” in 2022. Mr. Rutishauser replied that this item represents attorneys’ fees for both the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board. The attorney for the Planning Board charges a bit more than the attorney for the Zoning Board of Adjustment. There are also attorneys’ fees whenever litigation occurs.
8. ENGINEERING
Mr. Rutishauser explained the Operating and Capital Budgets for the Engineering Department. He stated that a great majority of the projects are designed in-house. The Engineering Department is currently advertising for a Principal Engineer to replace the prior Principal Engineer who left in January 2022. Interviews should commence within approximately two weeks.
Councilwoman Reynolds asked about the item for the replacement of Kings Lane Bridge for $500,000.00. Mr. Rutishauser explained that the bridge was condemned in mid-summer of 2021 before Hurricane Ida did more damage to it. The bridge suffered severe corrosion and it was not safe for foot traffic. It is now closed. He has spoken to a couple of companies to rebuild the bridge but so far no one has expressed interest in this project. However, last year the State of New Jersey adopted new regulations (Chapter 71) allowing municipalities to bid out such projects as a “design/build” process rather than the traditional “design, bid, build” process.
Mr. Rutishauser indicated that he has reached out to the Village Attorney to get insight as to whether or not it would be appropriate for the Village to pursue this avenue. He stated that the $500,000.00 figure is just an estimate. He mentioned that steel prices are “going through the roof” and he hopes that this figure does not increase. Ms. Mailander added that that bridge requires Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permits. Mr. Rutishauser replied that this project requires an extensive permitting process for the footings at the edge of the water and for ADA accessibility with the use of ramps. He added that this will be a challenge on the East Saddle River Road side since it is a Bergen County road. He has reached out to the county and they have already given him some preliminary comments regarding the reconstruction of the bridge.
Councilwoman Reynolds inquired whether or not it would be possible to get some financial assistance from Bergen County regarding the reconstruction of the bridge or possibly a grant. Mr. Rutishauser replied that this was not possible at this time. He replied that this is a footbridge that serves a very small community of Ridgewood residents. Councilwoman Reynolds asked if it would be prudent to wait a year before commencing this project in the hope that steel prices will decrease. Mr. Rutishauser said that he hopes steel prices decrease, but he doesn’t foresee this bridge being built in 2022 due to the required process (approval for funds, permitting process, seeking bids, etc.) which can take a very long time.
Councilman Vagianos asked Mr. Rutishauser how much use this bridge gets. Mr. Rutishauser replied that it gets a lot of use from local residents because it is convenient for those residents living on the east side of the Saddle River to access Route 17, the Park and Ride, the future Schedler Park, etc., by foot. Councilman Vagianos asked if there were any alternatives for those pedestrians. Mr. Rutishauser said that residents could walk along Route 17 (not advisable) or go north on East Saddle River Road, make a left at the “funky squiggly” intersection and go over the Bogert’s Mill Crossing bridge over the Saddle River.
Councilwoman Perron asked if the bridge could be looked at again to determine whether or not it could be rehabilitated. The topic of this bridge arose at an Historic Preservation Commission meeting (aesthetics, appearance along the river, importance of the footbridge). Mr. Rutishauser replied that the style of the bridge is noncompliant with ADA regulations. Even if the bridge were repaired/renovated, he explained that the extent of renovations needed would require ADA compliance even though it isn’t being entirely replaced.
Councilwoman Perron asked if a structural analysis would be feasible to determine if the bridge can be repaired and brought up to code. Mr. Rutishauser replied that he has discussed “re-decking” the bridge with engineers; however, the bulk of the corrosion is on the supporting members of the deck, which makes re-decking impossible. The current composition of the bridge is a weathering steel, a type of steel which develops a patina of rust when exposed to the elements and which is not able to be painted. In addition, the bridge is “low” in relationship to the flood elevations of the Saddle River, seen especially after Hurricane Ida.
Mr. Rutishauser said that if requested by the Village Council, he could solicit an opinion of the condition of the footbridge from a structural engineer. Councilwoman Perron asked if it has been looked at by a structural engineer, and Mr. Rutishauser replied that he has the same license as a structural engineer. He feels that another structural engineer would probably arrive at the same conclusions that he has, that it is not feasible to re-deck the bridge. Mayor Knudsen stated that it would benefit the Village to have an expert look at the bridge since $500,000.00 is a lot of money to reconstruct this bridge. Mr. Rutishauser replied that he can put out a Request for Proposal (RFP) within the next few weeks.
Councilwoman Reynolds also indicated that she would be interested to know if the bridge can be salvaged. She asked Mr. Rutishauser how much he thought it would cost to get a “second opinion.” He replied that it would cost approximately $8,000.00 to $10,000.00. Mayor Knudsen indicated that she felt it would be valuable to get another opinion. Councilwoman Perron said she would also be in favor of getting another opinion to see if it would “pass muster” with the DEP.
Councilman Vagianos asked Mr. Rutishauser whether the bridge needed more than just the decking repaired, and Mr. Rutishauser replied that, based upon his observations, the decking is ”rotted away” or corroded, although he was unsure how deep the corrosion went into the supporting members, which would require some testing. He would add to the RFP that “nondestructive” testing be performed (so that a major portion of the bridge is not cut away just to “peek inside”). Councilman Vagianos asked Mr. Rutishauser if he felt there was a “reasonable possibility” that a structural engineer could devise a plan to save this bridge, and Mr. Rutishauser replied that there is such a possibility.
9. TRAFFIC AND SIGNAL
Ms. Mailander indicated that Richard Tarleton, Supervisor of the Traffic and Signal Department, has been with the Village of Ridgewood for many years. Mr. Rutishauser added that Mr. Tarlton has done a great job so far and was commended for directing the installation of the pedestrian-activated crosswalk signals on Hillcrest and West Glen Avenues. Mr. Rutishauser indicated that there is currently an opening to fill the vacancy due to Jim O’Connell’s retirement. This department has several repair projects ongoing.
Councilwoman Perron asked about the increase in the request for electrical supplies. Mr. Rutishauser replied that the cost of electrical supplies has been severely affected by the Covid pandemic (staffing shortages, supply chain issues). In addition, a lot of building has been occurring and the Village must compete with builders for the same supplies needed by licensed electricians. He indicated that the Traffic and Signal Department is fortunate enough to have a licensed electrician on staff to ensure that all work performed is in compliance with the National Electrical Code.
Councilwoman Perron asked why the requested funds for “Conferences and Meetings” increased substantially (over 800% from $793.00 in 2021 to $45,000.00 in 2022). Mr. Rutishauser explained that due to the pandemic, no staff members could attend training or relicensing programs in 2021; therefore, the department is in a “catch-up” phase in 2022 in order to train and relicense staff. Mr. Tarleton remarked that the department is behind on recertifications and Continuing Education (CE) requirements, which must be maintained up to date in order to complete some of the services performed by the Traffic and Signal Department.
Councilwoman Reynolds asked about replacement of “Truck 71.” She read that the 2010 vehicle (utility truck with a plow) presently has 33,000 miles and that diesel engines have been very problematic; the vehicle is in fair shape and the department is asking for a replacement before the maintenance costs rise. Mr. Rutishauser indicated that this truck is used for snow plowing and moving “stuff,” and, during the height of the pandemic, the truck was used to comply with social distancing protocols. Councilwoman Reynolds asked how much was spent in repairs on this truck in 2021. Mr. Rutishauser said that he would obtain this information from Fleet Services and report back to the Village Council.
Councilman Vagianos indicated that he read in the explanation that this truck has a “gas” engine and diesel engines have been problematic; however, he pointed out that a new truck will also have a gas engine. Mr. Rutishauser replied that they used to have a Fleet Manager who was very “bullish” on diesel engines. Compared to gas engines, diesel engines have a $6,000.00 to $8,000.00 “upcharge.” The diesel engines have been problematic in terms of maintenance. Mr. Tarleton pointed out that the use of the word “gas” was a typo.
Mayor Knudsen asked about the litter cans in the CBD. Mr. Rutishauser replied that he is working closely with the Police Department, which originally suggested that see-through litter cans with clear liners be used in the CBD to enhance security. A number of “pressure cooker bombs” have exploded in litter cans, in Asbury Park in particular, and the Police Department would like the Village to remove the cast concrete litter bins presently in place due to the serious injuries from flying debris that could occur if such a bomb were placed in one of these concrete bins. Mayor Knudsen said that while she appreciated the purpose of the see-through litter cans, she feels they are a “deterrent” and “unappealing” for visitors to the CBD.
Ms. Mailander indicated that a member of the Police Department will explain why these cans are being requested when it is their turn to present their proposed budget. Mr. Rutishauser added that, unfortunately, the see-through containers do not have a long service life since they break easily. Mayor Knudsen mentioned that at the most recent Planning Board meeting, there was a suggestion to increase the number of recycling containers in the CBD.
10. BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Mr. Rutishauser explained that Building Maintenance consists of custodial services and upkeep of the facilities and buildings in Ridgewood (bus station, Kasschau Shell, Habernickel property, Central Garage, Village Hall, Community Center, etc.). Mr. Rutishauser mentioned the “touchless” towel dispensers, faucets, and soap dispensers presently installed in the restrooms at Village Hall in keeping with Covid protocols. These were all installed by the Traffic and Signal Department, Building Maintenance Division.
Councilwoman Perron asked what kinds of maintenance services would be performed at the bus terminal. Mr. Rutishauser stated that there was a vagrancy problem in that area and the shelter there has been locked. He stated that if the Village Council wished to reopen the bus terminal building, he would like to first talk with the Police Department to determine how this may be accomplished without having the vagrancy problems recur again. The building is not heated and is only good for “three season use.” If year-round use is desired, heat could be installed at minimal cost since it is a relatively small building. Mr. Rutishauser said that the building needs some “tender loving care” since there are rotted timber members and decayed bricks around the façade.
Mayor Knudsen remarked that the bus station building was built in the late 1950s or early 1960s by John Gilchrist, Sr., and was recognized for architectural excellence by the State of New Jersey at that time. The Historic Preservation Commission (HTC) determined that it had value as an historic site, particularly because of its proximity and alignment with Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and the War Memorial in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. It is listed as an historic element in their inventory. It is believed that it would qualify for a Certificate of Eligibility from the State of New Jersey, and perhaps it could be repurposed as a flower shop/coffee shop/bus station. It is recognized that the building does need some repairs but does have “viability” for future use.
John Gilchrist, Jr., the original architect’s son, sent some plans/drawings to Mayor Knudsen, which she will forward to the Councilmembers. Mayor Knudsen remarked that she could place this item on the agenda for discussion with the HTC; if the building received a Certificate of Eligibility from the State of New Jersey, there would then be an opportunity to possibly obtain grant funding to perform repair work to the building. The HTC also recommended removing the lengthy benches at the train station building and installing chairs with “bumps” between them so vagrants could not use them to sleep on. Surveillance cameras could also be installed to add security to the area and building.
11. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY
Mr. Rutishauser indicated that the only item in the Capital Budget for the Water Pollution Control Facility is a request for funding to upgrade the Supervised Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for operating the plant. That effort is being coordinated with the same vendor used by the Water Utility. One advantage of this collaboration is that the Water Utility has two staff members who are extremely knowledgeable and who have lent their expertise in helping the Water Pollution Control Facility operate their SCADA system.
Councilman Sedon asked how often the sludge is trucked away. Mr. Rutishauser said that there are usually five to seven loads per week; however, this varies depending upon holidays. Also, there was damage caused to bar screens from Hurricane Ida, which caused an increase in sludge volume. The tankard holds 5,000 gallons and it is trucked to the Passaic Valley Sewage Commission in Newark.
Mayor Knudsen asked when the latest upgrade was for the SCADA system. Mr. Rutishauser replied that they have been working on it for the last four or five years. As funding is received, certain components of the system are upgraded. Employees of the Traffic and Signal Department perform the fiberoptic connection work. Cameras are now installed at all pump stations, enabling the plant operator to view on a screen any problems which may arise at the pump stations.
12. FLEET SERVICES
Ms. Mailander indicated that Mike Junta is Supervisor of Fleet Services and Streets, and is involved with Yard Waste Recycling as well. Mr. Rutishauser explained that Fleet Services is experiencing the same problems as the Traffic and Signal Department in terms of increased costs for replacement parts, lubricants and oil.
Councilwoman Perron asked about the items listed as “Bob’s adjustment” for $30,000.00 and another “Bob’s adjustment” of $10,000.00, both for overtime. Mr. Rooney explained that these adjustments are usually in the right-hand column for the prior year’s budget – these items represent adjustments to the budget from last year in order to maintain the tax rate.
13. YARD WASTE RECYCLING
Mr. Rutishauser indicated that this budget is greatly affected by the weather. For example, there was a lot of rain in 2021 which resulted in a greater than normal growth of grass and foliage; therefore, there was more yard waste that needed to be disposed of. In addition, storms create more vegetative debris, which also increases the volume of yard waste that must be removed.
A comment was made that disposal fees went up a lot. Mr. Rutishauser reiterated that there was a lot of yard waste because there was a lot of rain last year. The Village is allowed to compost leaves at the Lakeview Compost Facility, but not allowed to compost grass clippings there. The grass clippings must be disposed of usually within a day of being picked up. Brush, branches, etc., can be ground through the tub grinder and added to the compost; however, this degrades the quality of the compost and lowers the price that the Village can get for the compost because it contains too much “woody fiber.”
Councilwoman Reynolds asked if the Village should “get the word out” about the grass clippings. Mr. Rutishauser replied that this has been mulled over, over the years, and while it would benefit those who employ landscapers, it would be detrimental to residents who mow their own lawns. He added that grass clippings are a very “stinky component” of yard waste. Grass clippings cannot be stored at Lakeview but must be trucked out almost immediately. A discussion ensued about “cut it and leave it” pros and cons (i.e., too much nutrients going back into the ground if this is done every single time a lawn is mowed; unattractiveness of dead grass on healthy grass; production of mold if cut grass is left on the lawn over the winter season). There was also discussion about having a “cut it and leave it” month during the summer where grass clippings would not be picked up.
14. STREETS
Ms. Mailander mentioned that in this Capital Budget, there is a request for funding to purchase a new leaf vacuum. She stated that one was purchased last year and that it has been “amazing.” It changed the way that leaves were picked up. It was quicker, more efficient, and was worth the purchase price. They would like to purchase another one to assist the staff with leaf collection.
Mike Junta remarked that his crew received more compliments than complaints this year about the way leaves were picked up. He mentioned that there was no downtime with the new leaf vacuum as opposed to the old vehicle which was constantly breaking down. He said that things could really be in “tip top shape” if there was another one which could be used on the other side of the Village. Councilman Vagianos pointed out that the new leaf vacuum truck requires only one operator as opposed to three with the front-end loader and dump truck. Therefore, there is a real cost savings associated with the purchase of this second leaf vacuum truck.
Mr. Rutishauser spoke about the safety factors involved with the use of the new leaf vac, which requires only one driver who is well-protected in the cab of the truck and is not exposed to any traffic. In addition, it is a “right-side drive,” meaning that the driver sits on the right side of the truck along the curbline.
Councilwoman Perron asked if Area B outsourcing could be terminated if a second leaf vac was purchased. Mr. Rutishauser said that he has discussed this with Mr. Junta and that it is a possibility; however, it may entail some staff overtime. He said that the cost of outsourcing Area B has increased significantly. It was $64,000 in approximately 2016 when initially contracted with Downes Tree Service, and it has increased steadily over the years to the point where it was close to $100,000 in 2021.
Mr. Rutishauser indicated that more and more snow plowing responsibilities are being performed in-house; this past winter, the outside vendor only had to be called once for assistance. Many vehicles purchased for the Village fleet are “plow capable” and are employed when necessary. They have also come to an agreement with Ridgewood Water to use their trucks, plows and staff for snow removal when necessary, for which they are compensated.
Mayor Knudsen thanked the Village Staff for the tremendous job they have been doing with leaf collection and snow removal, stating that this year was the first year she didn’t receive any complaints. Mr. Rutishauser added that he is in constant contact with Mr. Junta regarding the weather forecasts and that they consult with several different sources to try to accurately predict the forecast for snow or inclement weather. Salting of the roads sometimes begins even before they are contacted by Central Dispatch. When asked by Councilwoman Reynolds whether more chemicals were being used or whether the prices of chemicals simply increased, Mr. Rutishauser replied that prices have increased.
15. UTILITIES AND GASOLINE
Mr. Rutishauser said that this budget concerns gasoline, diesel fuel, and building utilities. Ms. Mailander added that it also includes street lighting, bulk water, telephone, and bulk purchases. Mr. Rutishauser explained that costs for hydrocarbon, gasoline, and diesel fuel are increasing. Staff is constantly reminded not to idle vehicles unnecessarily.
A small break was taken and then the meeting resumed. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos; and Mayor Knudsen. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Eileen Young, Deputy Village Clerk; Robert G. Rooney, Chief Financial Officer/Parking Utility Director; Steve Sanzari, Treasurer; and Olivia DiMitri.
16. M.I.S.
Ms. Mailander indicated that Dylan Hansen, Director of IT, would present the budget for his department. Mr. Hansen indicated that two new employees were hired at the end of 2021. He is in the process of training them, including the video streaming of Village Council meetings. In addition, a lot of the IT systems have been upgraded and new computers deployed throughout the Village. His department has been working with the Water Department on the Esri Project. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be introduced this coming year and used on some of the Village’s mapping systems.
Mr. Hansen indicated that WIFI will be extended and his department will be working on that this summer with the Signal Department, with the goal of having at least two parks WIFI compatible by the end of summer. The two parks will be the turf field by Graydon Pool and Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. Other projects include posting ordinances and resolutions on the Village website; this will, hopefully, be completed within the next two weeks. A prototype has been sent to Ms. Mailander and has met with her approval. He will send an email to all Councilmembers once this has been completed.
Future projects include integrating more things into the Village website and trying to make the website more navigable so that residents can find information easier. Other projects include upgrading the Public Access Channel equipment and moving their servers to a newer platform. The biggest project will be upgrading the phone system.
Councilwoman Perron asked if the revamping of the Village website would make the pages load faster. He said that he hasn’t encountered any slow speeds and that he would take a look at her equipment to see if there are any connectivity issues. He added that they are planning to upgrade a lot of the modules in their servers to a newer platform, funds for which are included in this year’s budget request.
Regarding the Operating Budget, there are some increases in contractual services for some of the IT Department vendors, even though the services these vendors provide have not changed. Mr. Hansen indicated that the cost for the Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) utilized by the Health Department and Building Department is increasing. Laserfiche prices are also increasing; this is used to scan all ordinances and documents. The amount of licensed users needs to be increased from 10 users to 25 users since the Finance Department is now utilizing the laserfiche process. Licensing fees for the email archiver, which is heavily used every day especially for OPRA requests, and the email filter, which protects the IT system against hacking, have also increased since 2021.
Mr. Hansen indicated that the amount of $35,000.00 has been requested in the budget for revamping of the Village website, which includes the laserfiche licensing, modules and updates. Costs for materials and supplies, books and publications, and office supplies have remained steady. Funds set aside for training in 2021 were not utilized since there weren’t many in-person training courses available. The only training courses were online (due to the pandemic) and Mr. Hansen said that these online courses are not as effective as the in-person training programs. The cost for conferences and meetings went up slightly – he would like to bring some of his employees this year to various meetings, such as a CIO Meeting, so that they can learn about governmental functions since they are from the private sector.
Regarding the Capital Budget, Mr. Hansen indicated that his department is striving to do the replacements for desktop computers. A request for $50,000.00 has been made, which will allow the Village to obtain approximately 22 to 23 computers, including the user licensing for Office, the operating system, and the equipment. They try to replace computers after five to seven years. He will commence instructing employees on the new Windows 11 operating system.
Councilman Vagianos asked about the costs for the Toughbooks for the Police Department, and Mr. Hansen confirmed that they cost $4,500.00 each, or six for $26,000.00. He verified that the lifespan for these Toughbooks is about five years. These computers can operate in extreme heat or cold with no problems. In the past, hard-wired Explorer units were utilized in police cars and they would turn off every time the cars were turned off. Therefore, the computer would have to be rebooted and the police officer would have to sign in again once he returned to the police car. The Toughbook stays on without the car running because they are laptops. They are useful to police because they can be brought into a house or business, if need be, and reports could be generated at the scene. They have built-in Verizon cards and are preferred over other types of laptops that have been sampled. In addition, two “spares” will be purchased so that they can be rotated and there will be a spare in case one breaks down.
Mr. Hansen mentioned his department is trying to replace their servers as funding becomes available. They are reorganizing the server room to find more space utilization since the amount of data stored on the servers has grown immensely over the years.
17. HEALTH DEPARTMENT
This presentation will be held tomorrow night, February 17, 2022.
18. TAX ASSESSOR
Ms. Mailander said that William Palumbo, the Village Tax Assessor, would present the budget for his department. Mr. Palumbo was recently sworn in as Tax Assessor. He spoke about the tax increase in 2021 and also about performing assessments. He will personally perform assessments and inspect homes. He spoke about tax ratios and coefficients. There are 24 towns undergoing reassessments this year and six towns going through re-evaluation. He spoke about rising housing costs due to the pandemic.
Mayor Knudsen asked Mr. Palumbo how the current inflated prices for homes would affect the tax ratio in the future. Mr. Palumbo explained that as prices increase, the tax ratio decreases but the tax rates go up. This keeps things in balance. He also spoke about money set aside in the budget for tax appeals ($75,000). He said he wasn’t sure whether there would be any appeals, but that there may be some appeals by commercial establishments. The last reassessment in Ridgewood was performed in 2012. Reassessments are performed at the discretion of the County. There has been an increase in the “Education” portion of his budget so that his clerk can obtain her CTA and then be certified to perform inspections in the field.
19. MUNICIPAL COURT
Ms. Mailander introduced the Village Municipal Court Administrator, Kim McWilliams. Ms. McWilliams explained that during 2021, the Municipal Court continued the implementation of criminal justice reform, particularly cases affected by the legalization of marijuana. Four marijuana cases were dismissed and the fines owed by the defendants were vacated. The court is in the process of expunging these cases from the system, including fingerprinting. This project will take a few more months to complete. Due to the pandemic, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) implemented a lot of online processes (record requests, expungement, ticket disputes, payment of summonses, etc.) to avoid crowds in the courtrooms. This also produces less foot traffic at the Violations window.
In 2022, Ms. McWilliams indicated that they will be continuing the successful Shared Services Agreement between Ridgewood, Glen Rock and Wyckoff. They are working to improve virtual court sessions, which are very challenging. The State of New Jersey has directed that all municipal courts should continue Zoom court sessions indefinitely. She stated that their departmental budget is equal to the budget is 2021, maybe increased by $100.00 or so.
Ms. Mailander added that the AOC wants municipalities to have Shared Services Agreements with four or five other municipal court systems. There is a possibility that more towns will be added to the Shared Services Agreement between Ridgewood, Glen Rock and Wyckoff. Councilwoman Perron asked if this has been broached with either Midland Park or Ho-Ho-Kus. Ms. McWilliams replied that she believes Midland Park is entering into such an agreement with another court. She is waiting to see if the Court Administrator in Ho-Ho-Kus may retire soon but has not pushed the issue of merging because she “wouldn’t want to go after anybody’s job.”
Councilman Vagianos asked about the shared services process. Ms. McWilliams clarified that each municipality maintains their own judge, prosecutor, and public defender. The only thing shared is “office space,” Ms. McWilliams and her staff. Councilwoman Reynolds expressed surprise that Zoom court sessions are going to be held indefinitely. Ms. McWilliams replied that judges and staff don’t want sessions through Zoom. Councilwoman Reynolds remarked that no court official is going to retire if Zoom calls remain the norm. Ms. McWilliams stated that Zoom sessions are horrible: people smoke during sessions, go to the bathroom, etc.
Mayor Knudsen mentioned that there is a certain “respect” demanded when defendants have to arrive to court in person for an offense or summons, and that this is missing during Zoom sessions. Appearance in a courtroom for a first-time offender could be an “important moment in time” since they are in the public eye and must deal with their offense in public. This could be a pivotal moment and change someone’s life, but this aspect is also lost in Zoom sessions.
Mayor Knudsen also asked who pays the cost for the expungements. Ms. McWilliams replied that the State of New Jersey pays for the expungements from an established fund for that purpose. A separate division had to be formed since there were so many expungements that needed to be done.
Ms. McWilliams mentioned that Ridgewood has lost approximately $758.00 per expunged/dismissed case. Mr. Rooney mentioned that the Village’s revenue stream has decreased rapidly (by approximately 50%) in terms of court fines and costs. Ms. McWilliams mentioned that not only did the State of New Jersey dismiss marijuana cases, but they also dismissed any minor traffic tickets issued/fines assessed before 2003 since they were too old and were affecting people negatively (e.g., suspension of license, loss of job) who didn’t have the money at that time to pay the ticket. This did not include careless driving tickets but did include offenses such as no license plate illumination or not wearing a seatbelt.
Ms. McWilliams indicated that any infractions after 2004 will still be prosecuted and fines assessed. She also indicated that her department is trying to hire a collection agency to collect unpaid fines and costs assessed for serious offenses. The Village would not have to pay the collection agency; any collection costs assessed are due and payable by the defendant. She is hoping that this proposal to hire an outside collection agency will be approved by Judge Grant. The Village would receive a percentage of any monies collected by the collection agency (factoring). It was pointed out that any monies collected for unpaid fines is “better than zero.” Ms. McWilliams explained that due to a new law passed on January 1, 2022, licenses may no longer be suspended for nonpayment of fines/costs or failure to show up in court. However, warrants for arrest may still be issued.
20. FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief John Judge indicated that Firefighter Jason Jacoby is also present this evening and that he has a diverse background in firefighting equipment and apparatus. Accomplishments of the Fire Department in 2021 include transitioning the ambulance/EMS functions to the Fire Department. They respond to all calls Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. and to all advanced calls 24 hours a day, as well as anytime a second ambulance is needed throughout the Village. This has resulted in a cost savings, as well as improved control, oversight and patient care. They have received compliments from the paramedics in the Village about the quality of patient care given by the firefighters.
Additionally, two new firefighters were hired in 2021, both of whom will be finishing their probationary period in June 2022 and both of whom have completed their training courses (Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and EMT). A Fire Prevention Secretary was also hired (Marisol) and she has been a very solid addition to the department.
Multiple capital projects were completed by the Fire Department in 2021: the training tower was repaired and repainted, the wall used for bail-out training and rappelling was repaired in-house; the turnout gear washer and dryer were obtained and installed (it used to take almost three days to fully wash and dry a set of gear, but now six sets can be washed in 2-1/2 hours), thus improving preparedness of the team; and the 20+ year old kitchen was updated.
Chief Judge said he and his assistant have reviewed several accounts earmarked for the Fire Department. These will be reviewed by Mr. Sanzari, Mr. Rooney and others and, if it is determined that the Fire Department will not use these funds, the funds will be returned to the Village for other purposes. For 2022, some outside vendors will be utilized such as a radio vendor. Three members of his department recently underwent training for ice rescue (Technician Level I).
Chief Judge stated that another goal deals with outreach. He has already attended a couple of meetings with Mutual Aid (an agreement among emergency responders to lend assistance across jurisdictional boundaries), and he would like to bring Mutual Aid to the Village to do some walk-throughs of the new buildings in the Village to provide “familiarization” of these buildings. He is in the process of joining the Career Fire Chiefs Association, and he has been in touch with several Fire Chiefs in the area to improve relationships. Regarding community outreach, they have organized some senior programs and fire prevention programs, and have been developing Covid-safe ways to educate the public via Zoom.
Lastly, Chief Judge indicated that he is developing a new 5- to 10-year plan for the Fire Department, including grant writing, improvement of RSO rating, additional public outreach regarding fire prevention in the community, training and development, accreditation, and various committees such as the Apparatus Committee to determine what equipment needs to be purchased in the future.
Regarding the Operating Budget, Chief Judge stated that there is only a 1-1/2% increase over last year or approximately $2,000.00. The increase includes additional training expenses and Power DMS, a document management system used for policies, procedures, and certifications. Salaries and wages are contractual. Regarding the Capital Budget, one item is a request for replacing the 10-year-old firefighting gear. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires that that gear be replaced every 10 years. Ten sets were replaced in 2002 (helmets, gloves, coats, pants, boots, hoods). Chief Judge said that this will be an expense for approximately the next 4-1/2 years.
Another request in the Capital Budget is the purchase of a new ambulance to replace ambulance #11 (2002 vehicle with 56,000 miles). He spoke to hospitals and other agencies in the area and determined that the consensus was that the lifespan of an ambulance was between 7 and 14 years. The last two ambulances replaced in the Village were 10 and 15 years old, respectively. Ambulance #11 is now 20 years old. The wait for a new ambulance is about 16 months, so he would like to begin the process as soon as possible to replace this ambulance, at which point ambulance #11 will be about 21-1/2 years old.
There is also a request for $15,000.00 to replace portable radios and batteries. This replacement would not take place right away, but Chief Judge hopes to begin a fund towards that goal. Each radio with a microphone runs about $5,000.00, and are about $8,000.00 with triband features. In addition, the garage doors are about 30 years old. About $7,000.00 was spent in 2021 in repairs on the garage doors. In 2021, two of the doors were replaced at a cost of between $2,500 and $3,000.00 each (motors, pulleys, cables). Ideally, Chief Judge would like to replace all of the doors in 2022; however, he is not sure what they cost now since prices for everything have been steadily increasing. Replacing the doors is crucial since sometimes the doors “stick” as they are trying to pull out the fire engines. He would also like to replace the 10-year-old bail-out devices, which have a 10-year lifespan per manufacturer standards and NFPA standards. The original bail-out devices were obtained through a grant 10 years ago.
Chief Judge also mentioned that there is only one shower at the Fire Headquarters. He would like to convert the currently unused utility closet upstairs into a second bathroom. He stated that due to cancer concerns, firemen must now shower before leaving the building. In addition, with Covid, the firefighters have been decontaminating more often than normal after calls.
Another request is to increase their water/ice rescue equipment. Snow/ice events have been getting worse in the Village, and Chief Judge stated that his department is ill-equipped at the present time. They are hoping to purchase some more personal flotation devices, ice sleds, and dry suits. The additional equipment would enable the Fire Department to be better equipped to handle such weather emergencies.
Another request under “Miscellaneous” includes funds for Scott cylinders, hoses, tools, and other equipment. The cost to replace one Scott cylinder is $1,350.00. Hoses were purchased approximately 20+ years ago and some of the hoses are failing; he would need approximately $6,000.00 just to replace the hoses.
There is also a request for a Zetron radio console to replace the approximately 30-year-old Zetron 4010 model they currently use. It is hard to find parts for this old model, and it broke down completely about a week ago. Thankfully, the Signal Department was able to replace a couple of the copper lines that led to the console. Pricing for a two-station system used for dispatching (one at Headquarters and one at Engine 31) runs approximately $170,000.00. The system alone is $130,000.00. This can also be used by Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch at Fire Headquarters.
Mayor Knudsen asked if there was any difference in the interior and equipment of a 2002 ambulance when compared to a newer ambulance. Mr. Jacoby explained that the interior would be almost the same, but the equipment/technology would be upgraded (suction units, airbags, seats, harness systems - 5-point harnesses as opposed to single beltline seatbelts). Chief Judge added that ambulance #11 doesn’t meet current emission or safety standards. Mr. Jacoby added that the newer vehicles are built on a liquid spring suspension rather than a freight-liner chassis, which would ensure a more comfortable ride for the patient with less bumping around.
Councilman Vagianos asked whether the ambulance and radio console were currently operable but clearly need updating. Mr. Jacoby replied that both were currently operable. However, he stated that the air-conditioning in ambulance #11 broke down last year and was out of service for over a month. If the heat breaks down during the winter in the ambulance, there will be more downtime. Regarding the console, the replacement could wait a year. However, he stated that the ambulance really needs to be replaced.
Councilwoman Reynolds asked if ambulance #11 would have any resale value. Chief Judge said that it was hard to predict what the resale price would be since it will take them approximately 16 months to get a new ambulance once ordered. He said that he would be happy to review any resale options at the appropriate time. When questioned by Councilwoman Perron, Mr. Jacoby explained that a bail-out system deals with firefighter safety and survival. It is a type of life safety rope that can be attached to window sills, bedframes, or walls. If a firefighter is trapped on the second story (or higher) of a building, they can tie this rope around themselves and climb out a window to safety (rappelling system). These bail-out systems only have a 10-year lifespan since they deteriorate over time with repeated usage.
B. WRAP-UP AND NEXT STEPS
Ms. Mailander indicated that the next Budget Meeting will be held on February 17, 2022 at 5:00 P.M. There will be presentation of budgets from the Police Department, Emergency Management Department, Building Department, Library, Emergency Services, Health Department, Village Council, Village Manager, Village Attorney, Village Clerk, and Elections.
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
NONE.
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 7:47 P.M.
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Susan Knudsen
Mayor
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Eileen Young
Deputy Village Clerk
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