20220504 - Village Council Public Workshop Minutes

A REGULAR PUBLIC WORK SESSION 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 4, 2022 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

1.         CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE

 

Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 7:31 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call the following were present:  Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Eileen Young, Deputy Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.

 

Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.  There was a moment of silence for all men and women serving our nation, all first responders, and all people suffering throughout the world.

 

2.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, indicated that she was speaking this evening on behalf of the Ridgewood Wildscape Association.  She said that this past Sunday, May 1, 2022, there was a successful cleanup of Gypsy/Kings Pond Park, co-sponsored by the Ridgewood Library.  She thanked the Ridgewood High School Green Club and Supervisor Miles Luo, as well as the Village Council for passing the appropriate resolution authorizing the cleanup.  She also thanked Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, for drawing up the resolution and arranging for equipment to be borrowed from the Water Pollution Control Facility for the cleanup. 

 

Ms. Gruber mentioned that all cleanup volunteers worked hard, collecting tires, a shopping cart, balls, plastic, bottles and cans, despite all the mud and thorn bushes they encountered.  She mentioned that removal of all of this debris allows the water to flow more freely and creates a healthier environment for birds and fish.  She encouraged neighboring property owners to respect the wildscape and not to throw yard waste over their fence into the woods.  Ms. Gruber specifically thanked Councilwoman Perron for arranging for Rotary Club members to help with the cleanup.  She urged everyone to visit the Ridgewood Wildscape Association website at www.ridgewoodwildscape.org to view photos taken of this and prior events.

 

Councilwoman Perron remarked that the young people were indefatigable and asked Ms. Gruber to convey the Village Council’s thanks to the Wildscape Association, since the cleanup was also educational.  There was an ecologist (a young graduate from Ramapo College) who gave a tour of the area.

 

Kathryn Schmidt, 123 South Irving Street, said she was speaking this evening in support of the Grab and Go parking spaces.  She stated that she appreciates the Parking Garage having been built, which is useful for long-term parking.  She feels that more short-term parking spaces are needed in the Central Business District (CBD), which would create more turnover of visitors who want to run small errands (post office, dry cleaning, picking up food, bookstore, etc.).  If visitors were aware of these short-term parking spaces, they would be more likely to visit the local bookstore rather than running to Barnes & Noble.  She mentioned that it would be beneficial to offer these parking spots on a complimentary basis, such as the Grab and Go spaces.

 

Mahmoud Hamza, 528 Amsterdam Avenue, thanked the Village Council for supporting the preservation of trees in the Village.  Regarding the Grab and Go parking spaces, he stated that more foot traffic is important for the businesses in the CBD and is healthy for people.  He said that he wanted to mention a couple of scenarios before the Village Council makes a final decision on whether or not to continue the Grab and Go parking spaces.  He mentioned that it was a “painful experience” for him to pick up shirts from the cleaners, which are on hangers, and then have to walk a long distance to his car.  Similarly, when picking up a prescription from Walgreens five minutes before closing time, he quickly parked, went inside to pick up his medication, and by the time he returned to his car, there was already a parking ticket on his windshield. 

 

In both instances, Mr. Hamza stated that Grab and Go parking spaces would have been very helpful to him.  Mr. Hamza also mentioned that he works remotely and often eats lunch while working; therefore, it would be helpful to him if he could quickly drive to the CBD, pick up lunch, and then return back to work without having to search for a parking space or waste time looking for a kiosk.  He urged the Village Council to continue the Grab and Go parking spaces.

 

There were no further comments from the public. 

 

3.         MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that at the last Village Council meeting, a question was raised as to why a certain resident had not received the budget newsletter, which had been mailed out to all residents.  It was felt that perhaps he had not received it because he had recently moved to The Benjamin (newly built apartment complex).  The postal worker who normally delivers to that area was out sick on the day the newsletters were due to be delivered.  However, the distribution is accomplished through each individual apartment complex.  It was emphasized to the post office that when newsletters or announcements are mailed by the Village, each resident within the apartment complex must receive a copy of said newsletter or announcement.  Going forward, Ms. Mailander hopes that this issue will no longer occur and each resident will receive important mail from the Village in a timely manner.

 

Regarding the paving of Franklin Avenue, Ms. Mailander reported that Mr. Rutishauser was informed by Bergen County that Franklin Avenue will be paved sometime in 2022.

 

Ms. Mailander announced that a new tree ordinance became effective on May 3, 2022.  Permits are required to remove trees on private property, and a replacement tree must be planted either on the homeowner’s property or a fee paid by the homeowner so that a tree can be planted elsewhere in the Village.

 

Ms. Mailander reported that the new State ban on plastic and paper bags at grocery stores will take effect on May 4, 2022.  Shoppers need to bring their own reusable bags with them when shopping.  The ban includes the “clamshell” styrofoam containers used by many eateries.

 

As of May 5, 2022, all Village offices will have new extension numbers.  Ms. Mailander said all residents calling Village Hall should listen to the full menu listing the proper extensions, or residents may dial “0” to be connected to the receptionist for assistance.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there were seven cars stolen in Ridgewood during the month of April 2022, as well as eight unsuccessful attempts.  So far in 2022, there have been 14 stolen vehicles in Ridgewood.  Statewide, there were 1,231 cars stolen in March alone, and 4,139 stolen cars this year so far.  All of the cars stolen in Ridgewood had key fobs inside.  She urged all residents to remove the key fobs from their cars, lock their cars, and bring the key fobs inside their house.  Ms. Mailander mentioned that some cars are stolen while they have been left idling.  Carjackings have increased, with 74 carjackings so far this year statewide.

 

Ridgewood residents may pre-purchase badges for Graydon Pool on Saturdays (May 14 and 21, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. to noon) at the Graydon Pool badge office.  Documentation of Ridgewood residency will be required.  Opening day at Graydon Pool is set for June 4, 2022, 10 A.M. to 7:30 P.M.

 

Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Summer Day Camp for grades 1 through 6 is being offered weekdays, June 28 to August 5, 2022.  Registration is through CommunityPass.  August mini-camps are also open for registration at this time.

 

The 11th Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival is being held at Bowtie Cinemas, Warner Theater, on April 27 and 28, 2022.  This annual event provides film entertainment that covers a wide variety of genres and gives independent film artists a platform for sharing their work with audiences that might not otherwise have the opportunity to see them. 

 

The Ridgewood Health Department will be hosting a Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Clinic on May 11, 2022 from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Village Hall, first floor.  Pre-registration is required.  The clinic is open to Ridgewood residents, school employees, and Village employees.  Interested residents or employees should pre-register on www.ridgewoodnj.net/covid-registration. The registration link will be open from May 8, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. to May 9, 2022 at 4:30 P.M.  Anyone trying to register before May 8, 2022 will be unsuccessful.

 

The Chamber of Commerce Spring Sidewalk Sale Days will be held from May 12 to 14, 2022.  In addition, on May 12, 2022 from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., the “Touch a Truck” event will be held in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.  It provides young children an opportunity to get close to and touch several large Village vehicles and smaller equipment. There will be children’s activities such as Story Time and giveaways from several departments.

 

On May 15, 2022, the Ridgewood Guild will sponsor a music festival for a local nonprofit, The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission (TEEEM), in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square from noon to 8:00 P.M.  This is a family-friendly day outing, complete with food trucks, beer and wine garden, face painting for children, and live music from extraordinary musicians.  The cost is $20.00 per adult and free for students.  All proceeds will benefit TEEEM humanitarian projects throughout the world.  Tickets can be obtained at www.benefitconcertforteeem.com.

 

The Ridgewood Senior Bus has a 12-passenger capacity and reservations must be made in advance for trips on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  The second and fourth Wednesdays of each month are reserved for rides to the ShopRite in Wyckoff, where the seating capacity is less than 12, because there needs to be room for grocery bags.

 

Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that, with the warmer weather, standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.  All homeowners should eliminate standing water on their properties, such as removing water from swimming pool covers, filling small depressions in the yard to prevent collection of water, and making sure window and door screens are properly fitted and holes patched.  There is a wide variety of bug repellants available on the market.  For additional information, residents may contact Bergen County Mosquito Control or Bergen County Department of Health Services.

 

Ridgewood Parks and Recreation is hosting a day trip to the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show on June 13, 2022.  Further details and reservations can be made on CommunityPass or in person or by mail to The Stable, 259 North Maple Avenue, or by phone at 201-670-5560.

 

Ms. Mailander announced that the Village is seeking to hire more crossing guards.  Anyone interested in working as a crossing guard, which offers a flexible schedule (2 hours per day on school days), should contact the Area Supervisor at 201-969-7182.

 

Ms. Mailander urged all residents to sign up for e-notices so that they can receive Village notifications in a timely manner.  Upcoming Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, on FIOS Channel 34, and available afterwards on YouTube.  Upcoming Village Council Work Sessions will be held on May 25 and June 1, 2022 at 7:30 P.M.  The next Public Meetings are scheduled for May 11 and June 8, 2022 at 8:00 P.M.

 

4.         COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Councilwoman Perron said that Toiletry Tuesday (an outreach event for the low-income senior residents at Ridgecrest sponsored by Ridgewood High School students) was quite successful.  Since May is Older Americans Month, anyone who missed Toiletry Tuesday can still donate toiletry items at Ridgecrest, 9 Ridge Road, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

 

Councilwoman Perron indicated that the cleanup held by the Ridgewood Wildscape Association was wonderful.  She was amazed that an entire picnic table and bench were pulled out of the brook.  She indicated that the Rotary Club enjoyed participating in this event.

 

At the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) meeting, there was a discussion regarding the Grab and Go parking spaces and a recommendation was developed for presentation to the Village Council.  Councilwoman Perron said that the recommendation would be read later this evening.  They also discussed the pedestrian plaza, and it was the committee’s recommendation that the pedestrian plaza should be held more than once a month, because it is so important for the economic prosperity of the businesses in the CBD.  They also discussed the proposal to reduce the speed limit in the CBD to 20 m.p.h.  The committee members felt that bump-outs may be more effective.  The next meeting is scheduled for May 10, 2022 at 8:30 P.M. via Zoom.  The public is welcome to attend.  There are two openings for businessowners on CBDAC and the date to send in applications for membership has been extended to May 16, 2022.

 

The Open Space Committee toured the Valleau Cemetery, led by committee member Yu Sun.  He did a lot of research and the tour was very well attended.  A tour of another open space in Ridgewood will be held on May 14, 2022, led by Janet Fricke.  It will begin at 10:00 A.M. and the meeting place will be at the bridge on Spring Avenue, between South Irving Street and Brookside Avenue. 

 

Councilwoman Perron wished Linda McNamara a happy birthday (May 2, 2022).  Ms. McNamara is a long-time, avid watcher of Village Council meetings and an astute critic of what occurs in the Village.

 

During the Daffodil Festival and Earth Day sponsored by the Green Ridgewood Committee, the Cahoots Contest winner was Greg Yanga, who won a very powerful, battery-operated leaf blower.

 

Councilman Vagianos said that the Fields Committee met on May 3, 2022.  All fields are now open, including Veterans Field and Citizens Field, which had been closed in recent weeks.  Many of the fields are in poor shape, because there are not enough fields to accommodate the schedules of the multiple sports teams in Ridgewood.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds indicated that the Project Pride Committee met on April 20, 2022.  They are in the “home stretch” of preparations for plantings in the CBD, which will occur on Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.  More volunteers are still needed, and any individuals interested in volunteering three hours of their time on that day may contact Councilwoman Reynolds at lreynolds@ridgewoodnj.net. 

 

The Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) met on Thursday, April 21, 2022.  The Village Engineer and Village Manager both reported that the resurfacing of Franklin Avenue, between North Maple Avenue and North Broad Street, will be completed sometime in 2022.  Additional sidewalk construction on West Glen Avenue has been budgeted for 2022, but may not be finished in 2022 due to some difficult areas where some walls will need to be built prior to sidewalk construction.

 

The Village will be funding the proposed safety banners at approximately 12 different locations in the CBD.  Sergeant Chuck provided a compilation of Ridgewood Police investigation reports for 2020.  One of the CSAC members, Mr. Prieto, provided the police report for the East Ridgewood Avenue/North Broad Street accident that occurred on February 21, 2022.  The driver admitted that he was distracted and did not see the pedestrian.  After discussion, CSAC concluded that there were really no practical measures to recommend that would upgrade the safety or alter the conditions that may have contributed to this unfortunate accident at that intersection.

 

Councilwoman Perron said that Sergeant Chuck also reported that there have been five crashes since 2019 and 17 crashes since 2010 in Ridgewood.  These accidents were typically low in severity.  Rear-end crashes at stop signs were among the most frequent types of accidents.  Sergeant Chuck spoke about the proposed 20 m.p.h. speed limit in the CBD and indicated that the police were not sure whether or not it would help improve safety.  He also expressed concern that it may not be permitted by New Jersey State statute.  The next CSAC meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2022.

 

Councilwoman Perron indicated that the Planning Board met on May 3, 2022.  The resolution for Fitometry on South Broad Street was memorialized and hopefully that business will open shortly.  A report prepared by the Village’s former planner, Marianne Bucci-Carter, was discussed regarding fencing.  She compared three towns (Ridgewood, Midland Park and Brick Township).  There was a lively discussion about whether or not six-foot fences should be allowed in Ridgewood.  The Planning Board Secretary, who is also Secretary for the Zoning Board, was asked to find out how many applications were made for fencing variances during a typical year and to report back to the Planning Board for further discussion on this topic.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon announced that the Community Center Advisory Board (CCAB) will meet on May 5, 2022 in the Annie Zusy Youth Lounge at 5:00 P.M.  The Shade Tree Commission will next meet on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

 

Mayor Knudsen announced that the 112^th Annual Ridgewood Fourth of July celebration is scheduled for Monday, July 4, 2022.  This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring,” which celebrates the history of our great nation and highlights the importance of freedom for all.  This theme is a statement that the ideas of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness should be spread across the earth and allowed to flourish everywhere.  More information is listed on www.ridgewoodjuly4.net,   including how to volunteer and donate, as well as special sponsorship and underwriting opportunities.

 

Mayor Knudsen mentioned the float contest for the Village’s elementary schools which was held in 2021.  The Best School Float (second place) was won by Somerville School, Most Creative Float was won by Willard School, Most Creative Float (second place) was won by Orchard School, Best Portrayal of Parade Theme (second place) was won by Hawes School, Best Personnel and Costumes (first place) was won by Ridge School, and Best Overall Float was won by Travell School.  She commended all parents and students who worked so hard on the parade floats.

 

Mayor Knudsen said that the Library Board of Trustees met last Tuesday and there was not much to report.  Mayor Knudsen reminded everyone to visit www.RidgewoodLibrary.org for more information about offerings and upcoming events, including “Be a Maker of Bath Bombs,” an in-person program to be held at the Ridgewood Public Library on Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  Participants can learn how to make their own fragrant and fizzy mineral bath bombs from scratch to take home and enjoy.  Anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  The cost to attend this event is $5.00 per participant.

 

The ACCESS Committee (Community ACCESS Network) met last week.  It was a quiet meeting, but they are continuing their efforts to advocate for work and business opportunities for special needs adults living in Ridgewood.  Mayor Knudsen commented that this is a nice complement to the independent and supportive housing units built for special needs residents at the corner of Maple Avenue and East Ridgewood Avenue.  They have been in contact with a 501(C3) organization which is seeking to establish roots in the CBD and provide gainful employment and other services for special needs adults.  ACCESS is working to move this forward and more details will be forthcoming shortly.

 

On May 3, 2022, Mayor Knudsen indicated that she spent a couple of hours at Stop & Shop helping management and staff distribute hundreds, if not thousands, of reusable shopping bags and magnetic chip clips in advance of the State ban on plastic and paper bags.  She found it rewarding to see how receptive residents and other shoppers were to this new change.

 

On April 27, 2022, Mayor Knudsen said that she had the honor of participating in Ridgewood’s 36^th Annual Interfaith Holocaust Remembrance Service at Temple Israel on Grove Street.  She urged everyone to remember victims of the Holocaust and other atrocities which have occurred around the world.  She thanked Rabbi Fine, Ridgewood’s Interfaith Group, the Interfaith Choir, and all those who attended the service, especially Holocaust family members and survivors.

 

Mayor Knudsen thanked the students and everyone who participated in the Gypsy Pond/Kings Pond cleanup.  Addressing Mr. Mahmoud’s comment, Mayor Knudsen remarked that she recently picked up a large amount of dry cleaning and the hangers cut her hand as she walked the three blocks to her house from the dry cleaners.

 

5.         PRESENTATION

 

A.        RIDGEWOOD WATER PFAS TREATMENT PROJECT UPDATE

 

Richard Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, presented an update on the progress of the PFAS Treatment Project.  He introduced Earl Schneider, the Lead Project Manager for the designs of the PFAS projects for Ridgewood Water.  Their goal is to rid the drinking ground water of PFAS.  A lot of information has been forthcoming already regarding what PFAS are, what the health effects are from ingesting it, and what actions are being taken to remedy the situation. 

 

Mr. Calbi explained that PFAS is an acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.  This is a class of thousands of compounds, the ones of most concern being PFOA (predominant one) and PFOS.  Another chemical is PFNA, but there is very little of that in the Ridgewood water system. These are compounds that have been manufactured for decades and which are industrially and commercially available.  The chemicals are found in almost every household and every business in the nation, and eventually found their way into the ground water.  Based on current regulations, Ridgewood Water is charged with the task of removing these chemicals from the drinking water.  These chemical compounds are prevalent in water throughout the United States and have even been found in the blood of polar bears living at the North Pole.

 

Mr. Schneider gave a status of the ongoing projects by Ridgewood Water to design and construct water treatment facilities.  He stated that the average water demands in Ridgewood total approximately 7 million gallons a day; in the summer, the demand is approximately 13 million gallons of water per day.  He said that eventually they hope to have treatment capacity for 18 million gallons of water per day.  They will be mostly using granular-activated carbon (GAC) to treat the water, as well as anion exchange resin (AIX).  They have found that GAC had the best overall life cycle costs and it was a proven industry standard.  AIX will, however, be used in a couple of locations where the sites are not large enough to house the GAC treatment vessels, which are very large.

 

Mr. Schneider indicated that, in the Master Plan, two options were researched to address the PFAS issue.  There are approximately 60 wells operated by Ridgewood Water, which supply water to four municipalities at 31 existing points of entry.  Since PFAS has been detected in every well, one option was using GAC at the 31 points of entry in the distribution system, which would cost roughly $104 million (which includes 30% for contingencies and 20% for engineering, legal and administrative costs).  The other option would entail centralized treatment using GAC at 12 (originally 13) points of entry, at a cost of $89 million.  Water will be brought from satellite wells to the 12 central locations.  At the current time, Mr. Schneider indicated that the cost will probably total about $80 million.

 

Mr. Schneider showed a diagram detailing where the various wells are located throughout the four municipalities served by Ridgewood Water and which wells would be designated as central locations.  There will eventually be 18 million gallons per day treatment capacity.  He stated that 12.5 miles of new raw water mains will be required to get the water from the wells to the centralized sites.  Once this has been accomplished, the central sites will require less additional operational resources than distributed treatment (reduced water sampling) and will add operations flexibility.

 

Mr. Schneider then gave an update on the progress made thus far regarding PFAS treatment.  The Carr treatment facility is already online, which provides treatment for one million gallons of water per day.  The Twinney treatment facility is currently under construction, which will also provide treatment for an additional one million gallons of water per day.  They had received an initial engineering estimate of $877,000.00 to complete the Twinney treatment facility, but they ultimately got another bid for $532,000.00 to complete the construction.  To save further costs, they have rehabilitated some Model 10 vessels that were previously used but had fallen into disrepair.  In addition, they have received temporary treatment approval from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to operate at a higher flowrate than normally permitted, based upon media column tests.  The Twinney treatment facility is expected to be online in June or July of 2022.

 

Mr. Schneider explained that the Carr treatment facility treats up to one million gallons of water per day.  Additional cost savings will be realized by sending the raw water from the Linwood Well  (by Graydon Pool) to the Carr treatment facility, once the construction is commenced in August 2022 (at a cost of approximately $2 million to install the necessary water mains to tie the Linwood Well to the Carr treatment facility).  There will be approximately 3,200 feet of 8” diameter raw water mains and pumping, chemical and electric system upgrades at the treatment facility.

 

A rendering was shown of the proposed Ravine treatment facility (Ravine and Marr Wells), the construction of which is scheduled to commence in August 2022 at a cost of $2.7 million.  This will result in almost another one million gallons of water per day being distributed and treated for PFAS.  Ridgewood Water was approved for a $2.7 million grant, which will pay 100% of the construction cost for this facility.  There are additional cost savings because, 20 years ago, 3,300 feet of 6” main was installed between the Ravine and Marr Wells in anticipation of constructing a Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) facility.  This facility, which was planned to be used to remove VOCs from the water, was never built, so these water mains will now be used to bring Marr water over to the Ravine Well for treatment before distribution.  Mr. Schneider gave some examples of the VOCs found in the water in the late 1980s.  These VOCs are treated through aeration, and there are several VOC facilities currently in use in the Ridgewood Water system.

 

Mr. Schneider then described “The Big 4” (Ames and Cedar Hill Wells in Wyckoff, Prospect Well in Glen Rock, and Wortendyke Well in Midland Park) which, when combined together, have a total distribution capacity of 11.5 million gallons of water per day.  Phase 1 of the treatment plant construction should commence in January 2023 and take between 12 to 15 months to complete, with 40% of the total treatment capacity of 11.5 million gallons of water per day being online by the spring of 2024. 

 

Phase 2 consists of the installation of the raw water mains which will take 12 months to complete.  They expect 100% of the total capacity to be online by the spring of 2025, at which time the water should be fully treated with no PFAS remaining.  The architecture of the “Big 4” (Ames treatment facility) will be located in a residential neighborhood and designed to look like a colonial home so that it fits in with its surroundings.  Mr. Schneider described the site plan (both interior and exterior) for the facility, which will be located on Hartung Drive.  He explained that the buildings are large in order to accommodate six large vessels (12’ diameter, 15’ tall), along with pumps, chemicals, and electrical components.

 

Mr. Schneider explained that once the Big 4 are completed, there will be additional facilities built.  The preliminary design and planning are ongoing for the wells at East Ridgewood, Main, Eastside, Mountain and West End, all of which will be coming online between 2024 and 2026.

 

Mr. Calbi clarified that there are actually 52 wells in the Ridgewood Water system instead of 60. A majority of these 52 wells are already combined to what they call “points of entry” or treatment plants.  Mr. Calbi indicated that the treatment process to rid the drinking water of PFAS is very similar to what Ridgewood Water had to do in the 1980s to rid the water of VOCs.  Mr. Calbi described the progress which has been made thus far in PFAS treatment since 2021, and showed a chart detailing how much it would cost at each stage through 2026 and how many gallons per day the capacity would increase once each treatment facility was completed and put online. 

 

Mr. Calbi reiterated that the average daily demand in any given year is 7 million gallons a day.  The peak monthly average daily demand is 13 million gallons a day.  In the summer, the daily demand could reach as high as 17 million gallons a day.  With the Carr plant online, there are one million gallons a day of PFAS-free water being distributed.  The Passaic Valley Water Commission interconnection will hopefully “go live” this summer, which will increase the capacity between one million to three million gallons a day on certain days. 

 

Mr. Calbi explained that the Twinney plant will bring the total capacity to five million gallons a day.  Once the Ravine, Marr and Carr/Linwood facilities are completed, the capacity will be well over seven million gallons a day.  The four biggest plants (Big 4) will be going out for bid in January 2023 and are under final design.  Once the Ames, Cedar Hill, Prospect and Wortendyke plants are online at the end of 2024, with the addition of the Mountain treatment plant, the capacity will be well over the peak monthly average daily demand of 13 million gallons a day.  Once the East Ridgewood, Main, Eastside and West End plants are completed, the capacity will be well over 17 million gallons a day.

 

Mr. Calbi said that, unfortunately, the wells cannot be shut off in order to control the PFAS because there is nowhere else to get water from and a sufficient supply needs to be available for the Fire Department in order to maintain pressure in the system.  Operationally, they decided to favor the wells with the least amount of PFAS in the system and use the wells that have higher volumes or concentrations of PFAS only when needed.  They compared all the wells per pressure zone where the wells are located and determined whether the PFAS concentrations were either low, intermediate or high.  There is an additional interconnection with Hawthorne, but their ground water is also affected by PFAS, so this water supply will not be used until they have treated it.  When outdoor water usage peaks during the summer months, this operational strategy will not be sufficient, and Mr. Calbi urged everyone to pay attention to conserving water.

 

Mr. Calbi mentioned that there are other measures being undertaken by Ridgewood Water to ensure that funds are spent properly.  They have been performing pilot testing (mimicking the small-scale design of a treatment plant).  They have looked at various resins for ion exchange, researched granular-activated carbons, and performed corrosion testing.  For the past six months, they have been involved in a joint venture project with the NJDEP, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Calgon (manufacturer of carbon and resin).  He described the corrosion test rig which contains columns of actual media (GAC and AIX resins).  Water is passed through each media to determine which one is more effective in removing PFAS from the water and also to determine if either one or both together should be used.  Taking this one step further, they are running water through lead plates to mimic corrosion of lead to make sure that GAC or AIX resins will not have a detrimental effect on the corrosion of lead in their system.  Through this experiment, they have found that GAC slightly outperforms AIX Resin in certain areas of their system.

 

Regarding funding strategies, Mr. Calbi mentioned that since Ridgewood Water is a government-owned public utility, all money collected from ratepayers is funded through the utility.  In order to pay for the $89 million improvements, Ridgewood Water began collecting a PFAS surcharge in July 2021 ($3.30 for small 5/8” meters up to $82.50 a quarter for the largest sized meter).  Most customers have 5/8 meters and are paying $3.30 per quarter.  In 2021, they collected approximately $158,000 from the PFAS surcharges.  That money is being reserved for the PFAS debt.  In July 2022, the PFAS charge for the 5/8” meters will increase to $7.06, and the charge for the largest sized 3” meters will increase to $176.50 per quarter.  They expect to collect $495,000.00 in 2022 to supplement the PFAS debt. 

 

To stabilize these increases, thanks to Congressman Gottheimer and Senator Menendez, a $2.7 million grant to the Village of Ridgewood and Ridgewood Water was received, which will be applied directly to the construction of the Ravine plant.  In addition, they visited the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Bank (NEIB) in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, to see what I-Bank loans were available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).  They found out that, per fiscal year, Ridgewood Water is eligible to receive up to $25 million in loans from the State.  Of that $25 million, up to $1 million is forgiven; 50% of the balance is an NJDEP loan at 0% interest and 50% is an I-Bank loan repayable at market rate.  This is much lower than what Ridgewood would pay with its AAA rating.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if anyone from the public had any questions of Mr. Calbi or Mr. Schneider.  There were no questions from the public.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked when Mr. Calbi anticipated the PFAS treatment will bring the drinking water below the maximum contaminant level.  Mr. Calbi replied that once the Passaic Valley Water Commission interconnection is completed, which will add up to four million gallons a day to the water supply, and once the Ravine and Carr/Linwood plants are completed, the PFAS in the drinking water will be below the maximum contaminant level at the end of 2023 or earlier.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon thanked Mr. Calbi and Mr. Schneider for their presentation.  He asked how long ratepayers can anticipate paying for the PFAS surcharge.  Mr. Calbi said that he doesn’t have an answer to that question, but the costs incurred for the PFAS treatment will be offset by the grants and loan forgiveness per fiscal year.  The loans are for 30 years (useful life), but he expressed hope that the debt can be repaid prior to that time.  There is pending litigation which still needs to be resolved, and he is unsure what the debt schedules are going to be.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds thanked Mr. Calbi and Mr. Schneider for their clear and concise presentation.  She hoped that many residents viewed the presentation so that their minds could be put at ease.

 

Councilman Vagianos also thanked Mr. Calbi and Mr. Schneider for their great presentation.  He wanted to clarify that the cost to most ratepayers for the PFAS surcharge would amount to less than $13 a year.  Mr. Calbi replied that that was the cost based on last year’s (2021) increase.  For 2022, the surcharge will increase to $7.06 for a 3/8” meter, or about $29 per year.  Councilman Vagianos asked what Mr. Calbi thought the surcharge would be once all of the treatment facilities were constructed.  Mr. Calbi said that that question was difficult to answer before knowing what the I-Bank opportunities would amount to, but that they were projecting upwards of over $50.00 a quarter, or approximately $200.00 a year, for the PFAS surcharge. 

 

Councilman Vagianos estimated, according to the chart previously shown, that by October 2023, Ridgewood Water would have a capacity of approximately seven million gallons per day of treated water (in non-summer months).  Mr. Schneider replied that that capacity would most likely occur at the beginning of 2024, and that the bulk of the projects should be completed by the end of 2024 or beginning of 2025, at which time the average peak of 13 million gallons per day of treated water would be reached.

 

Councilman Vagianos also asked how Ridgewood Water compared to other water utilities, in the state and in the country, as far as the PFAS treatment of drinking water.  Mr. Calbi replied that, on the national level, Ridgewood is way ahead.  New Jersey has the most stringent regulations for drinking water in the nation, besides California and maybe New York.  Some states are following the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) values of 7 parts per trillion.  Statewide, Ridgewood is also ahead of the curve, but many smaller water utilities with much fewer wells than Ridgewood Water will probably be fully compliant way before Ridgewood will be.  Mr. Calbi estimated that Ridgewood was probably in the top 20% in the nation regarding PFAS treatment, because there are not many states which have regulations as stringent as New Jersey does.

 

Councilman Vagianos reiterated that many people were under the impression that PFAS is solely a Ridgewood Water problem when, in reality, it is a national problem.  Mr. Calbi affirmed that it is a nationwide problem.  He said that if anyone wanted more information, they could look up the Environmental Working Group, which has done a nationwide study on water quality.  He mentioned that every water utility surrounding the Ridgewood Water service area has the same PFAS levels.  PFAS are called “forever chemicals” unless they are aggressively stripped out of the water.

 

Councilman Vagianos asked if tonight’s presentation would be posted on the Village website.  Mr. Calbi replied that it would be posted on the Ridgewood Water website.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked Mr. Calbi if he has calculated the actual amounts which could be received from the I-Bank, and how those amounts may affect the PFAS surcharge residents will have to pay quarterly.  Mr. Calbi said that they have not done these calculations yet.  Councilman Vagianos asked Mr. Calbi to provide the Village Council with an update once he finds out how much money can be borrowed from the I-Bank.

 

Mayor Knudsen thanked Mr. Calbi and Mr. Schneider for their amazing presentation.  She asked whether both the NJDEP loan and I-Bank loan had to be used together or whether they were contingent upon each other.  Mr. Calbi replied that it was his understanding that both loans needed to be used in conjunction with each other.  Regarding the interim PFAS management, Mayor Knudsen reiterated Mr. Calbi’s earlier comments in which he stated that the least PFAS-affected wells will be utilized to meet water demands during the non-peak usage months and, as the demand increases during the peak months, the wells with more of an impact from PFAS will be used. 

 

Mayor Knudsen feels that an outreach should be done to the customers in the four municipalities served by Ridgewood Water to encourage the conservation of water.  She stated that one of the many recurring complaints from Ridgewood residents is that they must comply with water restrictions while the neighboring three municipalities do not, despite  many meetings in the past with the officials of these municipalities to urge their residents to conserve water.  She feels that these municipalities must get “on board” and pass ordinances dealing with this public health issue.  Mayor Knudsen commended the director and staff of Ridgewood Water for the aggressive measures taken thus far to try to control this PFAS issue. 

 

Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, added that, even before water regulation standards were enacted in New Jersey, Mr. Calbi and his staff had already begun, towards the end of 2017 and in the early part of 2018, to locate the manufacturers of the PFAS chemicals, and initiate litigation against them (3M, Dupont, Honeywell, Tyco, Chemguard, Buckeye, National Phone, to name a few) whose products have contaminated the drinking water.  In addition, since many of these chemicals somehow entered the underground water system as early as the late 1960s, they are looking into whether or not there may possibly be coverage under general liability insurance policies, that Ridgewood and Ridgewood Water had in effect at that time, which could provide financial relief with regard to some of these claims.  Mr. Rogers stated that Mr. Calbi has explored every avenue to ensure the least financial impact upon Ridgewood Water ratepayers.

 

Mayor Knudsen agreed with Mr. Rogers about the aggressive measures which have been taken thus far by Ridgewood Water to deal with the pervasive PFAS in the water system.  Mr. Rogers feels that it is important to members of the public to know how much has been done so far by Ridgewood Water to address the PFAS issue.

 

Mahmoud Hamza, 528 Amsterdam Avenue, asked for a chart showing what projects are planned in the future and on what dates the projects will be commenced.  He asked for a summary of “milestones” met each quarter regarding the progress made by Ridgewood Water addressing the PFAS issue and the monies spent during that time period.  He said the public would also like to know, when available, what grant monies are received or loans taken in order to complete the projects undertaken to eradicate the PFAS from the water.

 

Mayor Knudsen agreed that such information updates are doable.  Councilman Vagianos reiterated that the presentation given tonight will be posted on the Ridgewood Water website for the public to access.

 

Lillian Blood, 250 North Maple, stated that one of the most important things mentioned this evening were the effects of PFAS in the water upon public health.  Water conservation should be promoted, because while most people worry about their lawns being greener, they should be concentrating on the fact that safer drinking water will improve their health overall.  She thanked Mr. Calbi and Mr. Schneider for their presentation this evening.

 

 6.        DISCUSSION

 

A.        PARKING

 

1.         GRAB AND GO PARKING SPACES

 

Councilman Vagianos recused himself from this discussion.  Ms. Mailander indicated that the complimentary Grab and Go parking spaces were extended until May 31, 2022 so that additional information could be obtained.  During the last discussion on this matter, the locations of the current Grab and Go parking spaces were requested, as well as the current sponsors of the spaces and the current locations of the 15-minute meters.  A list of the requested information was provided to all Councilmembers.

 

Councilwoman Perron indicated that this matter was discussed at length at a Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) meeting, and a written recommendation was developed by the committee containing five points.  It was felt that Grab and Go spaces benefit several types of businesses and supports services that depend on customer drop-off and pickup, such as the UPS store, Leonard Anthony Cleaners, and Quality Shoe Repair.  They are convenient for customers of retailers, such as Pizazz and Biers Florists.  Many restaurants rely on Grab and Go for their takeout orders.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that as customer preferences and buying habits shift over time, the ability to get in and out of the CBD quickly, at no cost, creates an incentive for visitors to buy in the downtown area.  The lingering effects of Covid-19 still prompt many customers to avoid spending time inside business establishments.  The availability of contactless purchases remains a draw for customers.

 

In addition, when shoppers can run errands quickly, that translates to higher street parking turnover, which, in turn, means more business for the merchants.  The Village must fill parking spaces in the Hudson Street Garage to help pay off its construction debt.  Grab and Go parking spaces accomplish this aim by encouraging visitors who want more than 15-minute parking and to skip street parking to park in the garage.  In this way, Grab and Go spaces spur a change in consumer behavior and indirectly fosters a culture of walking, window shopping, and retail therapy, all of which support commerce.

 

Lastly, Councilwoman Perron stated that Grab and Go parking spaces provide guaranteed revenue to the Village by paying for parking spots as if they are fully occupied Monday through Saturday.  Under normal circumstances, these spots may stand vacant for hours, depending upon weather or time of year.

 

Councilwoman Perron indicated that several emails were received from residents, who were all in favor of retaining the Grab and Go parking spaces.  She indicated that she is personally in favor of continuing the program.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked what studies and research the CBDAC accessed in order to arrive at these recommendations.  Councilwoman Perron replied that it was very difficult to answer that question, since the businesses in the CBD really do not know where their customers are parking.  Therefore, the recommendations are based upon observations by the CBDAC Guild Liaison, Chamber of Commerce members, restaurant owners who attend CBDAC meetings, and residents who are members of CBDAC.  Councilwoman Perron stated that, unfortunately, the Parking Utility does not track parking spots individually.  Therefore, it is hard to find data to back up these recommendations.  Mayor Knudsen said that these recommendations were basically anecdotal observations.  Councilwoman Perron indicated that the Grab and Go parking spaces bring guaranteed income to the Village, and Mayor Knudsen agreed with this point.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds said that she likes 15-minute parking spaces.  She would like to see more of them and see them spread out a bit more.  She doesn’t particularly like the Grab and Go spots, because she doesn’t think there is any way to monitor them.  She said that residents are confused by the Grab and Go spaces and are frustrated when they receive tickets.  She asked Ms. Mailander if there are any other metered spaces which could take the place of the Grab and Go spots.

 

Ms. Mailander replied that there may be some metered spaces left, but that many had already been sold to sponsors.  She would need to find out this information.  Councilwoman Reynolds reiterated that she would like to see more 15-minute parking spaces replace some of the Grab and Go spaces.  She said that the 15-minute meters seem to all be clumped together and she would like to see them spread out more throughout the CBD.  She would like to see a 15-minute parking space near Walgreens, and perhaps one at the end of Chestnut Street.

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that the Grab and Go spaces were initially designated to be on the first few spots on side streets, so that the parking spaces on East Ridgewood Avenue would be designated as regular parking spots.  Councilwoman Reynolds said that it appeared the Grab and Go and 15-minute parking spaces were clustered, giving some businesses an undue advantage over others.  If a customer had to walk a full block to frequent a certain business that was not near either a 15-minute spot or a Grab and Go spot, it would make no sense for them to do so since the time would be used up by having to walk a distance to the establishment and fiddling around with the kiosk.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon said that he is in favor of the Grab and Go parking spaces, and believes that there is a good mix of sponsored spaces and 15-minute spaces.  He said that perhaps there could be more 15-minute spots on the side streets near the Franklin Avenue side of the CBD.  He said that the 15-minute and Grab and Go spots were ideal for busy people, including himself, who usually do not have the time to leisurely walk around the CBD.

 

Mayor Knudsen said that in 2014, parking spaces were extended from two hours to three hours to encourage visitors to come to the CBD and stay a while to eat, walk and shop.  At that time, she had even wanted to extend the time to four hours, but the Village Council arrived at the “happy medium” of three hours.  Since then, 13 of these spaces have been made Grab and Go spots (15-minute complimentary parking).  Mayor Knudsen said that this “flies in the face” of Shop and Stay parking spaces. 

 

Mayor Knudsen indicated that she spoke with a few people who owned businesses located near the Grab and Go spaces, and the general feeling was that they favored the Grab and Go spaces as long as customers parking there were frequenting their own business instead of another business down the street.  She also spoke with a landlord who owns property in the CBD who indicated that the Grab and Go spaces should be discontinued because they are hurting, rather than helping, the businesses in the CBD.  The spaces are catering to some businesses and not others.

 

Mayor Knudsen indicated that she went on a “ride along” last week with the Ridgewood Parking Enforcement Officers (PEOs).  She noticed that, on many occasions, big trucks took up four Grab and Go parking spaces just to make deliveries.  In effect, those spaces have unofficially become loading/unloading zones for truck deliveries.  She also learned that drivers seemed confused about the 15-minute parking spaces.  They use the kiosk, assuming that the first 15 minutes are complimentary and that they can pay at the kiosk for additional time at that same parking space.  The PEOs have been instructed, by the sponsors of the Grab and Go spaces, to ticket vehicles that are parked in these spaces for longer than 15 minutes, because they “own” them.

 

Mayor Knudsen mentioned that during the ride along, she observed multiple instances in which vehicles were parked in the Grab and Go spaces for longer than 15 minutes and were ticketed, even though they paid for additional time at the kiosk and even though, by code, those spaces are really three-hour parking spaces.  She stated that she felt sad for the drivers who were ticketed, since they believed they were obeying the rules by paying for additional time at the kiosk.  She feels that there should be less Grab and Go spaces and that trucks should not be allowed to park in these spots.

 

Councilwoman Perron remarked that none of those landlords or business owners mentioned by Mayor Knudsen have appeared at a Village Council meeting to complain or voice their objections to Grab and Go spaces.  Mayor Knudsen said that they are afraid to speak up, since one business owner who did speak up about the dining corrals received threatening messages, one of which was so threatening that Mayor Knudsen advised the business owner to file a police report.  She feels that business owners and landlords rely upon the Village Council to represent the interests of all businesses equally and ensure that such complimentary parking spaces are evenly distributed throughout the CBD.  She doesn’t feel that business owners or landlords need to personally appear before the Village Council to publicly express their opinions.

 

Councilwoman Perron countered that residents have to appear before the Village Council and publicly express their opinions.  All residents who have publicly spoken have been in favor of continuing the Grab and Go spaces.  She indicated that the Grab and Go sponsors have been told that they may sponsor a spot, but that they do not own the spot.  If ticketing is occurring, it is because people are not understanding the nature of the spots or enforcement is lacking.  She mentioned that certainly trucks should not be using these spots as loading zones.  The PEOs should be vigilant and ticket trucks which are doing so.

Mayor Knudsen stated that the trucks would not be using them as loading zones if the Grab and Go spaces were more spread out, rather than having four of them in a row.  She said that she took many photos of trucks using these spaces for long periods of time.  She mentioned a personal experience when she parked in a Grab and Go space to go to the shoe repair shop to drop off a purse which needed repair and, when she came out of the shop, she was blocked by a huge truck.  She mentioned that the only reason the truck was in the street blocking her was because she was occupying one of the Grab and Go spaces and the truck did not fit in the other three adjacent Grab and Go spots. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that while she truly appreciates comments by residents, she feels that the Village Council needs to make decisions which ensure that all businesses in the CBD are treated equally and fairly and given the chance to conduct their businesses.  Therefore, agreeing with Councilwoman Reynolds, she feels that the parameters concerning the Grab and Go spaces need to be revamped.  These spaces need to be more spread out and other businesses need to have the opportunity for their customers to avail themselves of the Grab and Go spaces, instead of being clustered together for the benefit of a few businesses (for example, one at each end of the block rather than four or five clustered together).

 

Councilwoman Perron mentioned that the idea of “clustering” the Grab and Go parking spaces arose out of a concern for safety by the Police Department.  A discussion ensued about how the locations for the Grab and Go spaces were initially determined.  Councilwoman Perron suggested that input be obtained from the Police Department as to what should be done at the current time regarding the Grab and Go parking spaces, i.e., perhaps moving some of the spots closer to Franklin Avenue rather than all of them being closer to East Ridgewood Avenue.  Councilwoman Reynolds stated that they should determine exactly how many 15-minute meters are currently located in the CBD.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon said that the “loading zone” issue shouldn’t be blamed on the Grab and Go spaces, since this had been a problem way before the Grab and Go spaces were established during the Covid-19 pandemic.  He stated that this has been a problem for years.  Mayor Knudsen agreed with Deputy Mayor Sedon and indicated that something needs to be done so that the Grab and Go spaces which are clustered together are not used by trucks to make deliveries.  She mentioned, for instance, that it would be good advertising for the Tobacco Shop to sponsor a Grab and Go spot by Walgreens instead of right near their own business.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds remarked that she does not recall ever seeing a 15-meter meter on East Ridgewood Avenue between Cottage Place and North Walnut Street and questioned the accuracy of the map distributed to the Councilmembers.  Mayor Knudsen remarked that the 15-minute meter in question is near WorldFlats (the first space on East Ridgewood Avenue if one were to be making a right from South Walnut Street), but stated that the meter was incorrectly depicted on the map.  Councilwoman Reynolds concurred. 

 

Mayor Knudsen summarized by saying that she felt it was the consensus of the Village Council that the Grab and Go parking space plan needs to be reworked, so that the spaces are more evenly spread out in order to accommodate more businesses.  This would make the Grab and Go spaces more accessible and alleviate the problem of trucks parking in the clustered spaces.  Councilwoman Reynolds volunteered to come up with a better plan for these spaces, along with Ms. Mailander.  Ms. Mailander said that Sergeant Chuck of the Ridgewood Police Department would also be asked to offer feedback from a safety standpoint.  It was again mentioned that more spaces should be offered closer to Franklin Avenue. 

 

Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that this matter will again be discussed on May 25, 2022, the Village Council’s last chance to pass a resolution revising the Grab and Go parking spaces before they expire on May 31, 2022.  Therefore, Ms. Mailander indicated that she would arrange for a Special Public Meeting at the May 25, 2022 Work Session to discuss this matter, unless the Councilmembers desired to vote at the May 11, 2022 meeting to extend the Grab and Go spaces until June 30, 2022, allowing more time for discussion.  Councilwoman Perron said that she would like another month to determine the status of the Grab and Go spaces.  Mayor Knudsen indicated that if the matter is not decided before May 25, 2022, then a Special Public Meeting can be held on May 25 to adopt a resolution.  Ms. Mailander said that she would advertise the meeting now since it has to be done a certain number of days before the actual meeting.

 

            B.        BUDGET

 

1.         AWARD CHANGE ORDER – VALLEY COMMUNITY HEALTH

 

Ms. Mailander explained that nurses from Valley Community Health assisted the Ridgewood Health Department with the Covid-19 vaccination clinics held throughout 2021.  The amount allotted for clinics exceeded the original contract by $9,532.27.  The Federal Government Grant covers the case investigation as well as contact tracing and planning, but it will not cover the actual clinics.  The charges will be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for possible reimbursement.  In the interim, this resolution will provide funds to cover the additional nursing costs for 2021 at a rate of $49.39 per hour for 193 hours, for a total amount of $9,532.27, in the event that the Village is not reimbursed by FEMA for these costs.

 

2.         AWARD STATE COOPERATIVE PURCHASE – REPLACEMENT MASON DUMP TRUCK - STREETS

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that this item pertains to the awarding of a contract under the New Jersey State Contract program to purchase a 2022 Mason Dump Truck for the Streets Division of the Department of Public Works.  The contract is to be awarded to Route 23 AutoMall of Butler, New Jersey, not to exceed $88,627.00.  The funding is in the 2022 Capital Budget.  It will replace an old rusted-out 2006 Ford F 350 truck, which has 73,000 miles on it and a number of mechanical issues. The replacement dump truck will have a snow plow attached to it as well.

 

3.         AWARD STATE COOPERATIVE PURCHASE – EQUIPMENT FOR MASON DUMP TRUCK – STREETS

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the awarding of a contract under the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey Cooperative Pricing System to purchase equipment for the new Mason Dump Truck from Cliffside Body Corporation of Fairview, New Jersey for the Streets Division of the Department of Public Works.  This will be in an amount not to exceed $30,843.00.  Funding is in the 2022 Capital Ordinance.

 

4.         AWARD NATIONAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE – TRIAXLE TRUCK CHASSIS WITH BRANDON DUMP BODY - STREETS

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that this item pertains to the awarding of a contract under the Sourcewell National Cooperative Purchasing Agreement to purchase a new triaxle dump truck from Gabrielli Kenworth of New Jersey LLC of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $240,845.08.  The funding is in the 2022 Capital Budget.  This dump truck has a Kenworth Triaxle Chassis and a Brandon Dump Body.  This will be used for material hauling such as soil, ground yard waste, snow, etc., by the Streets Division of the Department of Public Works.

 

5.         AWARD STATE COOPERATIVE PURCHASE – UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (DRONE) – POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that this item pertains to the purchase of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) for the Ridgewood Police Department.  They wish to purchase this drone under State contract from Terrestrial Imaging of Brick, New Jersey.  The purchase would include the drone, two batteries, all necessary cables, two additional spare batteries, a launch pad, strobe light kit, and a charging station, in an amount not to exceed $9,197.76.  This price includes setup of the drone.  Funding is in the 2022 Capital Budget.

 

Ms. Mailander said that there were some concerns expressed at the last Village Council meeting when this drone purchase was discussed.  Images will be streamed as well as recorded.  The system has the ability to stream live feedback to the controller and to other screens via an HDMI cable.  It also allows for users to link into a live stream during an operation via a secure link created by Axon, which is the same company used by the Village for body camera evidence storage.

 

The drone can be utilized at night.  It has a thermal imaging camera as well as a regular HD color camera.  The thermal imaging camera allows the drone to be operated at night to detect heat signatures.  The thermal imaging camera and HD camera are separate, so they can be utilized at the same time from a single screen.

 

The drone can be traded in after five years with Terrestrial Imaging.  After the life expectancy of five to seven years has expired, it can be traded in or sold as surplus, similar to any other piece of equipment in the Village.

 

The drone will be operated by the properly licensed and trained members of the Ridgewood Police Department.  It can also be piloted by the licensed operators of the Ridgewood Police Department to assist other Village agencies or departments.  For example, if it were to be used for the Fire Department, a properly licensed officer from the Ridgewood Police Department would be in charge of operating the drone.

 

Operation of the drone requires a minimum of one pilot in command and a minimum of one visual observer to assist while the drone is being operated.  Regarding training, there are three individuals in the Ridgewood Police Department who already possess FAA Drone Pilot Licenses.  These pilots have received training with other Bergen County agencies and Bergen County Police.  Once the drone is purchased, the pilots and others will have more of an opportunity to train with the equipment prior to utilizing it during real-time missions.  In order to become licensed, there is a $75.00 fee to take the test.  The three current pilots have all studied and passed the FAA Part 107 test on their own time, prior to requesting to join the drone unit. 

 

Ms. Mailander explained that the company from which the drone will be purchased also offers training, in addition to the free training they give to an agency, upon the purchase of one of their drones.  FAA regulations are going to change on September 16, 2023.  If the drone is purchased at the current time, these new regulations will not render the drone intended to be purchased now obsolete.  The regulations allow for multiple options to meet the new requirements.  Brendan Schulman of Terrestrial Imaging indicated that all drones flown outdoors, unless exempt, must perform remote ID by October 2023.  Many of their most commonly used drones will be able to comply through a simple and free software update.  The technical standards for remote ID have not yet been finalized and approved by the FAA, so Terrestrial Imaging does not yet know what the standards will entail.  If the new regulations are not satisfied through a simple and free software update, the drone can be upgraded by adding a small module to the aircraft.  The module cost will be minimal and can be revisited in 2023 when the regulations are passed.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if both the pilot and observer need to be FAA licensed.  Ms. Mailander replied that only the pilot needs to be licensed; the paperwork does not indicate that the observer also needs to be licensed.  Both the pilot and observer would be police officers.  There was a discussion about the manpower and hours which would be required to operate the drone.  Deputy Mayor Sedon noted that the drone operation would take the place of several police officers monitoring a large crowded event on the ground.

 

6.         REJECT BIDS – PHASE II RESTORATION AND REHABILITATION – ZABRISKIE-SCHEDLER HOUSE

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the rejection of bids for the Phase II restoration and rehabilitation of the Zabriskie-Schedler House.  Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, prepared a bid proposal for the second phase of this project.  The bids were returnable on April 12, 2022.  There was a pre-bid conference, at which time four interested parties appeared.  Only two of these parties submitted bids.  The two bids received on April 12, 2022 were from Dell-Tech, Inc. and H&S Construction, Inc.  The Dell-Tech bid was the low bidder at $776,975.00 and the bid from H&S was in the amount of $1,067,585.00.  The budgeted amount for this phase is $800,000.00. 

 

Mr. Rutishauser reviewed both bids and found deficiencies in the Dell-Tech bid, which were brought to the attention of Mr. Rogers.  It was determined that the deficiencies of the Dell-Tech bid rendered the bid flawed and unacceptable.  H&S filed a letter with the Village asserting the bid response from Dell-Tech should be rejected.  Both bids will be rejected at this time and the project will have to be re-bid, since one was flawed and the bid from H&S far exceeded the budgeted amount.  These were both pre-qualified bidders.  The historical architectural firm, Connolly & Hickey, will find additional pre-qualified bidders.  Phase II is the final phase of the restoration and rehabilitation of the Schedler house.  It is anticipated that the re-bid will go out within the next 10 days.  Hopefully, the contract can be then awarded in June 2022.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked how the $400,000 grant which was received was applied.  Ms. Mailander replied that most of these grant monies have already been spent. 

 

Councilwoman Perron paraphrased a letter received from a resident regarding the Schedler property.  He said that he would go further than rebidding and put the whole Schedler project “on ice.”  “Seven years and $7 million and what do we have to show for Schedler?  Very little.  I would go back to the drawing board and start planning process afresh with a high-powered residents’ committee fully representative of all the interests in the community that would take an unbiased, critical look at every aspect of the project.”  Councilwoman Perron thought that the resident was referring to both the house and the property.

 

Mayor Knudsen called a point of order because she didn’t believe that letters and emails from the public should be read into the record.  She reminded everyone that the Zabriskie-Schedler house is on both the State and National Registries.  A Certificate of Eligibility was issued prior to her being elected to the Village Council.  This arose through actions of the Historic Preservation Commission of the Village of Ridgewood, local historians, and County historians.  The Village was recognized for historic preservation by Bergen County on this project.  Grants have been received for this project.  When a municipality owns an historic structure, designated as such on both the State and National Registries, the municipality’s obligations regarding that structure are different than “putting the project on ice.”  She feels that the project needs to move forward and be completed, and feels that everyone should respect the fact that this house and property are on both the State and National Registries.

 

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon said that he was on the committee which originally filed for the Certificate of Eligibility for the Schedler property.  Former Mayor Ramon Hache was the Co-Chair of the committee, and the Parks and Recreation Department, Wildscape Association, neighborhood residents, sports groups, etc., were also involved in the process of designating the house and property as historic.  Deputy Mayor Sedon remarked that an unbelievable amount of work went into this process and that this was the most “painful” committee he has ever been on in his entire career.  The State Historic Preservation Office has taken their time to approve the entire project.  The house is almost done and Phase II is the final step towards completion.  To start the entire process all over again will add years more to the project unnecessarily.  He feels very strongly with continuing forward with this project.

 

Mayor Knudsen once again objected to the “cherry picking” of what is being read into the record.  She asked Janet Fricke how many letters were submitted from residents and historians in support of this project.  Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that this is the final stage of the project for the house.

 

D.        POLICY

 

1.         DEED RESTRICTIONS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS – CHESTNUT VILLAGE

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that this item deals with deed restrictions for affordable housing units at Chestnut Village.  Mr. Rogers said that this is part of the process in the development of affordable housing projects and deed restrictions with regard to the maintenance of the units as affordable units for a period of time.  This deals with Chestnut Village, the property developed by Bolger on Chestnut Street.  Everything was in order and reviewed by the Village Planner and Affordable Housing Manager, Piazza and Associates, and everything seems in order. 

 

Mayor Knudsen felt that affordable housing units should remain as such forever and not expire after a set period of time.  Mr. Rogers replied that this 30-year time limitation was an incentive for the developers to be able to develop their property rather than dragging it out through the courts.  Mayor Knudson again indicated that these affordable housing unit designations should be made permanent, especially for units housing individuals with special needs.

 

2.         20 MPH CBD SPEED LIMIT – EAST RIDGEWOOD AVENUE AND SIDE STREETS

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that this item pertains to the proposed 20 m.p.h. speed limit on East Ridgewood Avenue and the side streets in the CBD.  Mr. Rogers indicated that, after researching same, the Village Council cannot unilaterally decide to lower the speed limits in the Village.  There is a process that must be followed in order to set speed limits in New Jersey.  To lower a speed limit below the 25 m.p.h. minimum, engineering studies must be performed by the Village with regard to local streets.  The County of Bergen would also have to become involved in the process if the Village wanted to lower the speed limit on Franklin Avenue, since it is a County street.  The engineering study has to be done in conformance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, a set standard which examines certain criteria for the establishment of speed limits.  That study would then have to be reviewed by the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation (DOT).

 

Mr. Rogers indicated that similar studies have been performed on Village streets in the past.  He mentioned that there is a slight chance, if the Transportation Commissioner does not feel that certain criteria are met, that the speed limit could actually be increased.  The criteria cannot be based on perception.  Traffic engineering information must be written in the proper format.  A lot of the criteria has to do with the number of motor vehicle accidents on a given street and pedestrian accidents.  He said that the Village does have a history of such accidents and, if this was something which the Village Council wanted to pursue, then Mr. Rutishauser should be consulted to ascertain the criteria that he has to look at, how long it may take to do a study, what would be involved as far as costs are concerned, etc.  The study would then need to be accomplished and a decision made whether or not to move ahead with the DOT review and subsequent Village ordinance.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked Mr. Rogers whether it would take longer to do the engineering study or the bump-outs in the CBD.  Mr. Rogers said that this was a question for Mr. Rutishauser.  Councilwoman Perron said that she did not think it was worth pursuing the lower speed limit.  Mayor Knudsen said that the process was too cumbersome.  Mr. Rogers suggested just speaking with Mr. Rutishauser to see if he feels valid criteria exists to support a lowered speed limit. 

 

Councilman Vagianos said that perhaps the possibility of bump-outs could be discussed with Mr. Rutishauser at the same time.  He mentioned that bump-outs are a self-enforcing speed reducer.  Councilwoman Perron mentioned that accidents have not only occurred on East Ridgewood Avenue, but have occurred on Franklin Avenue as well.  She was reminded that Franklin Avenue is a County road and the County would need to get involved if the Village was desirous of constructing bump-outs on Franklin Avenue. 

 

Mayor Knudsen remarked that there is already an approved plan for Franklin Avenue which includes those safety features, and there is a Shared Services Agreement in place with the County of Bergen.  Mr. Rogers remarked that the plan did not consist of all of the same safety features under discussion presently, but that it has many safety features that will improve pedestrian and driver safety.  Councilwoman Perron suggested that perhaps Chief Luthcke should be asked what she felt the contributing factors were which led to the accidents that occurred on East Ridgewood Avenue.   Mr. Rogers indicated that distracted driving would be part of the information submitted to the Commissioner of the DOT.  Ms. Mailander indicated that she would discuss these issues with Chief Luthcke and Mr. Rutishauser and report back to the Councilmembers.

 

2.         BOARDS AND COMMITTEES ABSENCE POLICY

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that this item pertains to the policy on absences of members serving on Village Boards and Committees.  The Village is fortunate to have so many talented Ridgewood residents who are willing to volunteer their time to serve on Boards and Committees.  There have been some challenges, because those appointed to Boards and Committees are often absent.  This becomes critical regarding the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, or the Library Board of Trustees when a quorum is needed to hear applications, decide applications, or discuss business.  Absences also affect the productivity of those Boards and Committees.  The development of an absence policy is to be discussed this evening, with leniency given in the event of sickness or other emergencies where a member of a Board or Committee would be absent for a set period of time.

 

If a member is absent for more than three consecutive meetings, then the Village Council Liaison can reach out to its members to determine if they wish to continue serving on the Board/Committee.  If a member is facing an emergent issue, a health challenge or other matter that prevents him or her from attending, but there is a reasonable timeframe within which the member can return, then the member will continue.  If the member decides that he or she doesn’t have the time to continue to serve, or expects to be absent for a long duration, the Village Council Liaison would ask for the member’s resignation.  The member will be given a chance to improve his or her attendance.  If it does not improve, the Village Council Liaison will bring the matter to the Village Council to discuss next steps and whether or not to terminate that member from the Board/Committee.

 

Mayor Knudsen remarked that different Boards and Committees meet between one to three times per month.  A member’s absence from three consecutive meetings could take anywhere between one month to three months, and sometimes an absence can be significant if applications are being heard by the Planning Board and a super majority is required.  If a matter is carried from one meeting to the next, the absence of a member creates difficulties.  She is unsure how often other Boards/Committees meet. 

 

Councilwoman Perron agreed with Mayor Knudsen and said that the absence policy would not be retributive but is required so that the Boards/Committees can properly function.  She mentioned that liaisons are usually just “sent” by the other committee.  She wondered if the same absence policy would apply to the liaisons as well.  Mayor Knudsen indicated that there is a Planning Board Liaison for Open Space and another Planning Board Liaison for the Historic Preservation Commission.  She feels that the absence policy should apply to the liaisons as well.  

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that having an absence policy eliminates a “gray area” or any kind of awkwardness when trying to deal with excessive absenteeism of a member.  He believes that three consecutive absences would be a good place to start. 

 

Councilman Vagianos recalled a meeting where there was a vote on the hospital overlay.  Either four or six members of a nine-member board with two alternates were there to vote on a very critical issue.  Applications for membership were sent out to solicit volunteers, and a plethora of highly qualified residents responded who were anxious to serve the community.  He understands that, naturally, everyone has times in their lives where emergencies arise and they cannot attend meetings.  He thinks the three consecutive absences is reasonable.  He said that a clause should be added where action could be taken if someone misses 50% of meetings over the course of a year.  He said that it would then be up to the Village Council to make a decision.  All committees are important, but some are critically important, and there are plenty of residents who really want to serve on these committees.  Councilman Vagianos said that for those members whose lives have changed, and their interest in serving has waned, this proposed absence policy is a good initial step.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that Land Use Boards have bylaws and the attendance policy is “baked into” the bylaws on those boards.  She asked Mr. Rogers if this was per statute or other regulation.  Mr. Rogers replied that the appointments for members to the Planning Board and Zoning Board are done through municipal channels.  There is no defined time period in the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) regarding absenteeism, but that it is dealt with municipally.  The bylaws can supersede the MLUL.  Mayor Knudsen remarked that work schedules change as well.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds said that in addition to the three consecutive absences, perhaps another clause could be added stating that action could be taken if someone misses 30% of meetings over the course of a year.  She feels that 50% is too high of a percentage.  Councilman Vagianos said that he agreed with the 30%.  Councilwoman Reynolds remarked that at the prior evening’s Planning Board meeting, there were four members absent, three of which are absent a lot, albeit not consecutively.  Councilman Vagianos suggesting using the verbiage “three consecutive meetings or 25% of the meetings over the course of a year.”  Everyone was in agreement with this suggestion.  Ms. Mailander will revise the proposed policy on absences and will attempt to introduce it at the meeting on May 11, 2022.

 

                        4.         PRIDE DAY COMMITTEE

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that this item pertains to the Pride Day Committee.  Councilman Vagianos stated that he asked that this matter be placed on the agenda because this is an important element for the Village community.  He would like to see this become a standing committee where members of the public are solicited to become members, a liaison is appointed, and the committee is run like all of the other committees.  He said that, in this way, a wonderful cross-section of the rainbow community and their supporters could be represented in the future.

 

Mayor Knudsen agreed with Councilman Vagianos.  She remarked that, last year, there were a lot of hate crimes aimed against members of the Asian community.  There was a “Stop Asian Hate” rally, which required quick organization to put it all together.  She felt that the proposed committee should not only include the rainbow community, but should be more generalized to include things such as hate crimes, a committee which can quickly assemble and organize an event related to a certain social cause. 

 

Councilman Vagianos agreed but stated that he wasn’t certain whether or not a member of the Pride Day Committee would necessarily be equipped to organize a “Stop Asian Hate” rally, since such a rally would be better handled by members of the Asian community.  Mayor Knudsen wondered if a standing committee should be formed to handle the logistics of holding rallies or whatever. 

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon remarked that Traffic and Signal normally handles a lot of the logistics for such events.  He stated that the Pride Day Committee would be in charge of handling the celebration annually.

 

Councilman Vagianos said that if everyone was in favor of establishing a Pride Day Committee, he would ask Ms. Mailander to put together a proposal for same.  He feels that five members should be from the rainbow community, the Chair should be a member of the rainbow community, and then applications could be sent out to solicit members to fill the rest of the positions on the committee.

 

                        5.         PEDESTRIAN PLAZA

 

Councilman Vagianos recused himself from this discussion.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon wanted to solicit comments from his colleagues on the Village Council as to whether or not the pedestrian plaza should be continued.  Mayor Knudsen remarked that the Welcome to Ridgewood Committee organized the pedestrian plaza during the pandemic, which was held every weekend from July through Labor Day in 2021.  This was held over the objections from many business owners and landlords.  She mentioned that the objections this year are much stronger and there is a demand to end the pedestrian plaza.  A “progressive” pedestrian plaza was suggested, but Mayor Knudsen stated that such a plaza would be logistically difficult. 

 

Mayor Knudsen indicated that there is a current suggestion to do one big event, with the Chamber of Commerce and the Village working together to organize.  However, she stated that the pedestrian plaza works for some businesses, while it does not work for others.  Some businesses are “choked off” on one of their busiest days (Saturdays) during which they receive most of their revenue.  Some businesses have not even bothered to open up on Saturdays while the pedestrian plaza is held, because it costs them more to open than it does for them to remain closed.  She has heard from many business owners who oppose the pedestrian plaza. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that Gary Kolesair, President of the Chamber of Commerce, did a survey of the businesses in the CBD.  Landlords are saying that the pedestrian plaza cannot continue, because existing tenants are being hurt by the plaza and it is becoming difficult for landlords to rent vacant space.  She indicated that the pedestrian plaza was very popular in 2020 but poorly attended in 2021.  Even new businesses to the CBD are against having the pedestrian plaza.  Therefore, it is Mayor Knudsen’s feeling that the pedestrian plaza should only occur as one big event rather than occurring every weekend.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon said that he has difficulty understanding why the pedestrian plaza would not be beneficial to all businesses in the CBD, since the pedestrian plaza creates business opportunities, exposure, and foot traffic.  If a new business opens in the CBD, where there is a lot of foot traffic, the business will get noticed even if not patronized at that particular time.  He doesn’t understand how the pedestrian plaza would be detrimental to a business.

 

Mayor Knudsen said that when streets and driveways are blocked off from vehicles, business owners and patrons are adversely affected.  Most businesses depend on sales during Saturday, one of the busiest days of the week, and the pedestrian plaza restricts these businesses from conducting their usual business and revenue suffers.  As an example, she recalled when Main Street in Hackensack became a one-way street northbound; however, there were a lot of objections from business owners and it was switched back to a two-way street. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that vehicular traffic helps businesses be seen and adds to the energy of a downtown area.  She said that pedestrian plazas are becoming massive food courts and businesses get “lost” in the shuffle.  Most businesses in the CBD have invested their life savings into their business on “Main Street” and did not open their business in a mall or a plaza.  In fairness to everyone, she feels the affected businesses deserve a break, including salons and service businesses.  Their businesses are hurt when the road is closed off.

 

Councilwoman Perron said that she has spoken to business owners as well, and if it really were the pedestrian plaza that is the “killer” for business, there wouldn’t be new shops opening up within the pedestrian plaza boundaries on East Ridgewood Avenue, such as the new florist shop, Borobabi, Envy at the former Jekyll and Hyde location, and new tenancy in the Lucky Brand building.  The business owner who appeared before the Village Council and complained that the pedestrian plaza was hurting her business also complained about the kiosks.  She said that if business owners do not appear before the Village Council and state what problems they are encountering, then Councilwoman Perron considers it “hearsay.” 

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that Ridgewood residents overwhelmingly support the pedestrian plaza, the very residents who elected the Village Councilmembers to serve.  She is in favor of continuing the pedestrian plaza more than once.  Not having the pedestrian plaza, in her opinion, is moving backwards.  She mentioned that she had read in the League of Municipalities magazine that awards are being given to towns that are pursuing pedestrian plazas and, therefore, Ridgewood will be left “in the dust.”

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon mentioned that he has a friend on the Hackensack Planning Board who had indicated that Ridgewood “got it right” and he wanted Hackensack to look at having pedestrian plazas as well, although not permanently.  He felt that Ridgewood should have the pedestrian plaza more than once a year.  When interviews were conducted for committee members, many of them, when asked what they liked about Ridgewood, replied that they loved the pedestrian plaza. He said that the pedestrian plaza draws both Ridgewood residents and visitors from out of town. He stated that the pedestrian plaza was a “home run” for Ridgewood, bringing foot traffic and exposure to the CBD, almost like free advertisement.  The music and activity in the CBD is “crackling” and “happening.”

 

Mayor Knudsen mentioned that there are a lot of musical events in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, bands playing on Ridgewood Avenue, and night music at the Kasschau Bandshell.  She remarked that the new businesses mentioned by Councilwoman Perron are asking her not to shut down the streets.  When the streets are closed off on a Saturday to create the pedestrian plaza, it equates to basically shutting down a business permanently, because Saturday is the busiest day of the week for retailers, when they generate the most revenue.  Saturday is the day when these businesses need both vehicular and foot traffic.  She is not only hearing these comments from retailers and business owners, but also from restaurant owners and almost every single one of the service businesses in the CBD. 

 

Regarding the lack of public comments from business owners at Village Council meetings, Mayor Knudsen remarked that any business owner brave enough to make public comments against a popular event such as the dining corrals or pedestrian plaza are “skewered” afterwards in the social media world.  She doesn’t blame them for not wanting to speak publicly and tells them to consult with her, and she will then relay their comments at Village Council meetings.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds wondered where the money would come from if the pedestrian plaza were to be held.  Mayor Knudsen replied that the restaurants pick up 100% of the tab.  Ms. Mailander remarked that that is how it has worked in the past, where mostly restaurants and some businesses have received donations in order to have the pedestrian plaza.  Councilwoman Perron remarked that it was telling that mostly restaurants footed the bill, since they are the ones who benefit most from the pedestrian plaza. 

 

Councilwoman Reynolds said that she loves the pedestrian plaza, since it is fun and vibrant.  However, she stated that the Village Council cannot promote something which will help some business and hurt others.  It was her feeling that the pedestrian plaza should be held two weekends a year, but having it every weekend or six weeks in a row is unfair to some businesses.  When some businesses rented their location in the CBD, they did not sign up for events such as the pedestrian plaza.

 

Mayor Knudsen said that when some streets were closed to vehicular traffic for the safety of school children, many complaints were received by residents that visitors to their homes had to walk a long distance in order to arrive at their home.  “Choking off” a street impacts everyone who lives or works near that street.  Property owners on Ridgewood Avenue and surrounding streets are unduly and adversely affected when their streets are blocked off for various events throughout the Village.  She said that the Village Council has an obligation to treat everyone fairly and keep a level playing field.  All businesses, not just restaurants, must be given the tools they need in order to succeed.  Mayor Knudsen indicated that she will work with Ms. Mailander and others to see what can be done regarding the pedestrian plaza and will bring their findings back to the Village Council.

 

7.         REVIEW OF MAY 11, 2022 PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

 

Ms. Mailander said that there are several Proclamations on the May 11, 2022 Public Meeting Agenda:  Proclaiming Emergency Medical Services Week, Proclaiming May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Proclaiming June as Pride Month, Proclaiming June 5 as National Cancer Survivors Day and June 3 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.  There are no introduction of public hearing on ordinances for Ridgewood Water.

 

There is a resolution Authorizing Pre-Application to NJDEP Green Acres for the Linwood Replacement Well for both a Major and Minor Diversion.  There will be no introduction of ordinances, unless she can get the Board and Committee Absence Policy developed within a week.  There are two public hearings:  one for Amending Vehicles and Traffic for No Left Turn, Franklin Avenue and North Maple Avenue and Linwood Avenue, and the other Amending Chapter 165 for Rubbish, Refuse and Recycling, Collection Schedule and Placement and Removal of Garbage and Rubbish Containers. 

 

Resolutions include:  Award of Contract, Disposal of Ground Yard Waste and Grass Clippings at the Lakeview Compost Facility; Title 59 Approval and Award of Contract for Tree Removals in Various Locations; Award Contract under State Contract for the Drone Purchase; Award Contract under State Contract Replacement of the Mason Dump Truck; Award Contract under State Contract Equipment for the Mason Dump Truck; Award Contract under Sourcewell, Online Auction of Surplus Municipal Property; Award Contract under Sourcewell, Triaxle Truck Chassis with Brandon Dump Body; Authorizing Change Order 2021 Tree Removals at Various Locations; Authorizing Change Order for Valley Community Health for Public Health Nurses; Authorizing Submission of Application for DMHAS Grant Funding for the Youth Leadership Grant; Rejecting Bids for the Zabriskie-Schedler House Restoration and Rehabilitation; Authorizing Release of Escrow for The Benjamin; Authorizing Request for Proposal for Energy Consultant Regarding Municipal Energy Aggregation Program; Authorizing the Village Engineer to Execute the DEP Treatment Works Approval Permit Application for the Sanitary Sewer Collection for American Dream Estates in Washington Township; Approving the Deed Restrictions for Affordable Housing Units at Chestnut Village; and Establishing the Pride Day Committee.

 

Ms. Mailander asked the Councilmembers if anyone wished any item to be taken off of the Consent Agenda, and there were none.

 

8.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Siobhan Crann-Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that she is shocked that the public was not discussed during this evening’s discussion about the pedestrian plaza.  She said that the public is clamoring, via public comments and petition, in support of continuing the pedestrian plaza.  Very little dissent has been heard publicly against the pedestrian plaza.  She is horrified that so many “third party” comments are allowed to be made on the record.  As far as the comment made about business owners being skewered when making public comments against a popular event, Ms. Crann-Winograd stated that she has been skewered from the dais and has been called a liar.  Being involved means being a part of the discourse concerning a particular issue, and it is not always “pretty” from either side. 

 

Ms. Crann-Winograd feels that if a business owner is concerned that the pedestrian plaza will hurt their business, they should make public comments before the Village Council to that effect and put them on the record.  She stated that not one business owner has appeared before the Village Council to voice opposition to the pedestrian plaza.  Ms. Crann-Winograd also said that the weekend proposed in August for the pedestrian plaza is a weekend when most people are away on vacation.  She mentioned that the highest rental season at the Jersey shore occurs during the first two weeks in August, and most people will not be able to enjoy the pedestrian plaza if it is held during that time period.  She feels that the Village Council’s approach to the business community is antiquated and narrow, while discounting “every beautiful thing” that has arisen from Covid.  For the first time ever, the Ridgewood community was flexible and things were created out of necessity, including hybrid access.

 

Ms. Crann-Winograd said that the pedestrian plaza helps her, as a taxpayer.  The more vibrant the business community is, the more that taxes are offset.  If more people walked, there would be less heart health issues, less traffic, and fewer chances that children will be hit by cars.  The pedestrian plaza does help the restaurants, who pay for it.  She said that the Village Councilmembers are bringing up “shadows” and phantom citizens and business owners.  She reiterated that business owners should publicly comment at Village Council meetings if they are opposed to the pedestrian plaza.

 

Regarding the discussion on the Pride Day Committee, Ms. Crann-Winograd stated that she thought this was a great idea to form such a committee.  She feels that all minorities should be represented in this way.  She hopes that this year’s Pride Day Committee is inclusive and includes members of the LGBTQ+ community.  She was surprised that the committee described by the Councilmembers, which would foster events such as the “Stop Asian Hate” rally, was disbanded by the Village Council (Community Relations Advisory Board - CRAB).

 

Mayor Knudsen remarked that it was not she who disbanded that committee, but rather it was former Mayor Ramon Hache who disbanded it.  Ms. Crann-Winograd reiterated that the Pride Day Committee should be inclusive and that the CRAB was beneficial because the Village indemnified them.  This committee created a “pathway” for residents to arrange for a particular celebration or protest, and now, after CRAB was disbanded, she is taken aback that a Pride Day Committee is being formed, which she stated was a good thing.  She said that the committee should be detailed and not be subject to “one mercurial whim” of one Councilmember.

 

Ms. Crann-Winograd said that she couldn’t believe that Valley Hospital was discussed without a full Planning Board.  Planning Board meetings are no longer broadcasted, which she called “terrifying.”

 

Christian Reinhardt, 359 Corona Place, stated that he felt the proposal to form the Pride Day Committee is an excellent one.  He also agrees that the LGBTQ+ community should comprise most of the committee members, with other persons involved as well.  The Chair of the committee should definitely be a member of the LGBTQ+ community.  He mentioned that when CRAB was disbanded, they arranged special events themselves, coordinating the events with Village officials and the Police Department.  He mentioned that LGBTQ+ issues will become more and more important as time goes on. 

 

Mr. Reinhardt stated he felt it is important to continue the pedestrian plaza, since it has been proven in studies that towns which have pedestrian plazas on the weekends, or even during the entire year, results in increased foot traffic for businesses.  He stated that the pedestrian plaza will not interfere with a business conducting its business, since the Parking Garage affords a place to park for anyone who visits the CBD.  It is a short walk from the garage to the pedestrian plaza for any shopper or diner. 

 

Mr. Reinhardt feels that limiting the pedestrian plaza to one or two weekends a year definitely detracts from the downtown area.  He states that when there is a pedestrian plaza, the traffic is enormous and attracts a lot of people to Ridgewood.  His friends from out of town visit Ridgewood for both the shops and the restaurants.  He feels that business owners, if they have any objections to the pedestrian plaza, should appear before the Village Council to publicly comment on same, just as residents have to appear. He stated that it is respectful to hear both sides of the issue, and that studies, where applicable, should be discussed in support or in opposition to a particular issue.

 

There were no further comments from the public.

 

Councilman Vagianos stated that Mr. Reinhardt’s comments about members of the rainbow community being on the Pride Day Committee were right on point.  He asked Mayor Knudsen how many adults on the committee are members of the rainbow community.  Mayor Knudsen said that she would not address that comment or question.  She stated that last year’s Pride Committee was a disgrace regarding certain members (excepting Mr. Reinhardt), who engaged in behavior that was unconscionable.  When these members used the word “inclusive” during public comments, Mayor Knudsen said that she was astonished. 

 

The Pride Committee asked for funding from the Village in 2021, which was granted, predicated upon the fact that the Village Councilmembers would be included in all email correspondence and meetings.  She stated that she was summarily dropped from the email distribution list, and there were speakers from the LGBTQ community which Mayor Knudsen wanted to add to the email distribution list, so that there would be adequate representation on the committee. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that Ms. Mailander was the one who had noticed that Mayor Knudsen had been dropped from the email list.  At a subsequent meeting, there were crazy assertions, including the fact that Mayor Knudsen had disbanded CRAB.  The speaker list was eventually revamped to make certain that members of the Ridgewood community, who were also members of the LGBTQ community, were included on that list. 

 

Given the outrageous shenanigans that went on in 2021, Mayor Knudsen said that she has determined that it would be better to create a committee where politicizing and exclusion of people would not take place.  She mentioned that a disparaging remark was made against a speaker last year, making it obvious that that person was not welcome to speak.  Addressing Mr. Reinhardt, Mayor Knudsen reiterated her prior comment that the President of the Chamber of Commerce did a survey of the businesses in the CBD as it relates to the pedestrian plaza.

 

When Councilman Vagianos attempted to speak, Mayor Knudsen called a point of order and asked for a Resolution to go into closed session.  Councilman Vagianos stated that Mark Cantor told him that there were no adult members of the rainbow community on last year’s committee. He asked why no members of the rainbow community were included.  Mayor Knudsen replied that she believed Mark Cantor was representing members of his family, who were members of the LGBTQ community.  She will have a conversation with Mr. Cantor and ask him to remove himself as a member of the committee.

 

9.         RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Deputy Clerk Eileen Young read Resolution #22-154, to go into Closed Session as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.       ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 10:42 P.M.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                Susan Knudsen

                                                                                                                     Mayor

 

 

 

                                                                       

Eileen Young

Deputy Village Clerk