20220713 - Village Council Regular Public Meeting Minutes
A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON JULY 13, 2022 AT 8:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:02 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, and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and asked for a moment of silence in memory of Linda McNamara, a longtime Ridgewood resident, who passed away recently. She was a staunch advocate of civic life and issues in Ridgewood.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of May 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022 be accepted as submitted. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of February 16, February 23, March 2, March 23, April 6, April 27, and June 8, 2022, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Knudsen announced that Robert Cho has opened up a new business, Kimchi Smoke Fatcho Shack, in Ridgewood. She indicated that she hoped he would attend this evening’s meeting.
4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments from the public at this time.
Sharon DeMarco, 71 Ottawa Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, said that she is an employee of Ridgewood Water and a White Collar Union shop steward. The last time she spoke at a Village Council meeting, she had urged the Village to finalize the contracts for White Collar and Blue Collar Union workers in the Village. They were approved a few weeks ago and employees finally received their raises 2½ years after the contracts had expired. She expressed her thanks to the Village Councilmembers.
Kathryn Schmidt, 123 South Irving Street, said that she appeared as a plaintiff in Bergen County Small Claims Court today and was surprised that the entire hearing was done via Zoom. At the beginning, about 20 people appeared and the clerk verified who they were and in what case they were appearing. The Judge read instructions to everyone and spoke about pros and cons of continuing with the hearing. Some people were brought into breakout rooms, during which time the parties met with an arbitrator to try to work out their differences. She stated that if such hearings could be accomplished virtually in court, she wondered why Village Council meetings couldn’t be accomplished in the same way. She urged that the Village Council consider the implementation of hybrid meetings. She fondly remembered Linda McNamara as well, who was always advocating for hybrid meetings.
Stacey Antine, 1057 Hillcrest Road, Ridgewood, said that HealthBarn has been awarded another $1 million through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority Sustain and Serve NJ (SSNJ) grant. This will help sustain Feed the Frontlines, in partnership with the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and the Bergen County Food Security Task Force. With this grant, HealthBarn will have generated more than $4 million of revenue into Ridgewood’s Central Business District (CBD) since the spring of 2020. Through this grant, an additional 80,000 healthy, nutritious and restaurant quality meals will be delivered to food insecure households in Bergen County, to Ridgewood Social Services and to Ridgecrest senior citizen housing. At the end of this grant, participating restaurants in Ridgewood will have served over 400,000 meals to the most vulnerable populations.
Ms. Antine thanked the residents of Ridgewood, who have rallied together and volunteered to deliver hundreds of thousands of meals throughout Bergen County. Feed the Frontlines could not exist without their support. She has received numerous calls from members of other organizations, who cannot believe how many volunteers have participated in this program. They asked what the “secret” was to achieving this incredible outreach. She hopes to have this phase of the program up and running by September 18, 2022.
Russell Forenza, 228 Emmet Place, Ridgewood, indicated that Valley Hospital has been in Ridgewood for over 70 years, but the Village will not have a hospital in a couple of years once the new Valley Hospital is built in Paramus. He stated that the Village Council made a terrible decision 15 years ago, in his opinion, by not doing all they could do to keep Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. He hopes that the buildings at Valley Hospital can be converted into useful facilities for the residents of Ridgewood, including a small emergency department and screening services, as well as designating the facility as an infectious disease hospital, for diseases like Covid, which seems to be lasting forever. He said that perhaps the owners of Valley Hospital could implement their initial plans, in which the hospital would remain the same size but services would be expanded (before they had expanded those plans and were turned down). Perhaps single rooms, rather than double, could be implemented. He recalled when the pandemic first began, when there were not enough rooms for all the people getting sick with the virus.
There were no further comments from the public.
Mayor Knudsen thanked Ms. Antine and HealthBarn for their wonderful work and congratulated them on obtaining the grant.
Mayor Knudson indicated that it was her understanding, as per the settlement agreement, that Valley Hospital would continue to provide outpatient services at the current site in Ridgewood, once the hospital opens in Paramus. Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, indicated that future usage of the property, while they own it, is in the hands of Valley Hospital. However, they will be allowed to continue to provide healthcare services at the existing facilities, and the existing facilities will stay at their current location as long as Valley Hospital wants to operate there. Mr. Forenza’s suggestions could certainly be presented to Valley Hospital. If Valley Hospital leaves and no longer conducts healthcare services on that site, the property is already zoned for affordable housing and is deemed an Area in Need of Redevelopment, so that the Village may plan for the affordable housing on that site.
5. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone to please conserve water. Although there was a very wet spring, the weather has been very dry lately and the hot weather has depleted the water supply in the tanks.
As an update to the Kingsbridge Lane Bridge replacement, Ms. Mailander announced that the Village Engineer has advised her that although they were considering a design/build model for the bridge replacement, this will not be allowed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) because, according to their regulations, design/build structures can only be done if they cost more than $5 million, which the Kingsbridge Lane Bridge does not. There is currently $100,000.00 budgeted for this project, and a Request for Proposal (RFP) will go out so that a contract may be awarded to obtain a design and cost estimate for the replacement bridge.
Ms. Mailander indicated that once the cost estimate is received, which the Village Engineer estimates will probably be more than $400,000.00, the Village Council can then decide whether or not to move forward with the project. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) permitting cannot be done until the design has been approved by both the Village Council and Bergen County, since the bridge is located on a County road.
Ms. Mailander announced that the nominating petition packets for the Ridgewood Village Council are now available in the Village Clerk’s Office. There are two open seats available, to be voted upon in the November 8, 2022 General Election.
There was a Change Order presented at the Village Council’s Work Session last week, regarding the elevator to be installed at the new Ridgewood Water headquarters. Ms. Mailander said that she received information from the architect, RSC Architects. They stated that it has been customary with elevators serving less than four stories (which is what the Ridgewood Water building is) for a sump pit to be provided in the elevator pit and for building owners to provide a portable sump pump to be placed in the sump pit, only when the need arises. More recently, the NJDCA Elevator Safety Unit has been enforcing the letter of the law and requiring that a sump pump be permanently installed in the elevator shaft. Ms. Mailander stated that the architect mentioned that there are issues in doing so, since the sump pump is usually placed on a dirt area, needs maintenance and needs to be primed before usage, whereas a portable sump pump can be stored in a closet away from dust and dirt.
Due to improvements in elevator equipment in recent years, elevator manufacturers have been able to make the control equipment smaller and they are able to put the equipment and controller unit within the elevator shaft, with access provided through the shaft wall. The elevator manufacturer, in this case Otis Elevators, does not require that ventilation be provided because the modern version of the controller unit is very small. In the past, Ms. Mailander had been informed that there used to be an elevator closet, which was very large. In any event, the NJDCA Elevator Safety Unit is requiring ventilation because of the presence of the equipment within the shaft. That is the reason for the Change Order for the elevator in the new Ridgewood Water headquarters. A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) cannot be obtained until the elevator is operational and inspected.
Continuing with the Village Manager’s report, Ms. Mailander indicated that the Village Council is seeking volunteers to serve on the Green Ridgewood Committee, the Ridgewood Green Team and Project Pride. More information on these committees will be posted on the Village website by the end of this week. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter stating why they wish to serve on a particular committee, a resume and a Citizen Volunteer Leadership Form, found on the Village website on the tile labeled “Employment and Volunteer Opportunities,” no later than August 12, 2022.
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that the adjusted hours at Graydon Pool, in force through August 5, 2022, will be from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. for adult lap swim only, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Recently, notifications have been set up on the Recycle Coach app to notify residents of any changes to the hourly schedule, what sections will be open, and any closures due to inclement weather. She thanked Mayor Knudsen for the idea of installing Graydon Pool notifications on the Recycle Coach app. Interested individuals should set up notifications on the app by checking the appropriate box. Those who do not belong to Graydon Pool should not check the box regarding Graydon Pool notifications.
“Movies on the Beach” will be shown at Graydon Pool. Individuals do not need to be members of the pool to attend. On Friday, July 15, the movie being shown will be “Space Jam 2” and on Friday, August 5, the movie will be “Sing 2.” Admission is $5.00 per person, either cash or check. The movies start at dusk. The Water’s Edge Café will be open until the movie starts.
The Village is still seeking to hire additional lifeguards at Graydon Pool. Several lifeguards are currently being trained. Interested individuals should call the Ridgewood Recreation Division at 201-670-5560, extension 3111.
Ms. Mailander stated that cars continue to be stolen in Ridgewood, because people are leaving their key fobs in their cars. She reminded everyone to lock their car doors and take their key fob with them when they go inside their house or go to visit a store, even if they will be away from their cars for only a few minutes.
Police Chief Luthcke reported to Ms. Mailander that a resident went into a shop to get coffee, taking his key fob with him but leaving the car unlocked. Another car pulled up alongside the resident’s car and a person jumped out of that car and entered the resident’s car searching for the key fob or other valuables. The resident then came out of the shop, at which point the would-be thief jumped into the other car and drove away. Ms. Mailander indicated that this event could have been much worse if a confrontation had arisen. She cautioned against any resident confronting a perpetrator. Ms. Mailander also advised everyone to close their garage doors, if there is no one outside of their home, and lock the door from the garage to the house. She recalled a recent incident where thieves walked into an open garage and then directly into the resident’s house. They grabbed some purses and left, and the police found the purses a couple of blocks away.
Music in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square will be presented on Saturday and Sunday nights during the summer months.
The Ridgewood Guild is sponsoring free movies in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on Wednesday nights. “Hairspray” will be shown on July 27 at 9:00 P.M. “Clueless” will be shown at 8:30 P.M. on August 10th, and “All About Eve” will be shown on August 24th at 9:00 P.M.
The Ridgewood Guild is also sponsoring “Music in the Night” for its 13th season. These events will be held in various locations on Friday nights through Labor Day. They also are sponsoring “Art in the Park,” which will take place on the first Friday of August. Pinot’s Palette provides the art which can be viewed and purchased, if desired.
Programs continue at the Kasschau Memorial Shell, held at 8:30 P.M. unless otherwise noted. The performances will be held every Tuesday and Thursday night until August 4th. The Senior Bus will be providing free transportation to several of the performances held on Tuesdays. Anyone interested should call 201-670-5500, extension 2203, to make a reservation. Anyone interested in knowing whether or not a performance is going to be relocated indoors due to inclement weather should call 201-444-1776 after 6:30 P.M. on the day of the performance for an update. A message will advise of any changes in location.
On Thursday, July 21, 2022, a Health Resources Fair will take place in the parking lot next to the Kasschau Bandshell from 7:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. Healthy information about at-home Covid-19 tests will be available, as well as giveaways from Valley Hospital, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Ridgewood Parks and Recreation, Ridgewood Health Department, Age-Friendly Ridgewood, and West Bergen Mental Healthcare.
The Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) is holding their household hazardous waste collection at Bergen County Campgaw Reservation, 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 16, 2022.
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Sidewalk Sale Days will take place on August 4, 5 and 6, 2022. Everyone is urged to shop for summer markdowns and enjoy a meal or snack in one of Ridgewood’s many eateries.
On August 6, 2022, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., there will be a “Touch a Truck” event held in Van Neste Square and also at the Train Station parking lot. All ages will have a chance to get close to, and touch, large Village vehicles.
There is a BCUA recycling event being held on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Bergen Community College, rain or shine, from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. There will be mobile paper shredding (which will end as soon as the truck is filled). Other recyclables include electronics, computers and unwanted medication. No commercial vehicles are allowed, and no business or commercial waste. Proof of Bergen County residency will be required.
The Farmer’s Market is celebrating its 22nd anniversary. They will be open on Sundays from 8:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Ridgewood Train Station parking lot, through late October or early November 2022.
Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, and Channel 34 on Fios. They are also available on YouTube. Upcoming Work Sessions will be held on August 3, 2022 and September 7 at 7:30 P.M. The next Public Meetings will be held on August 10, 2022 and September 14, 2022 at 8:00 PM.
6. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilwoman Perron echoed the comments made by Mayor Knudsen about Linda McNamara. She was the “soul” of the Ridgewood League of Women Voters, a stalwart in the Village community.
Councilwoman Perron said that today was bulk pickup day on the east side of Ridgewood, and she noted Styrofoam in multiple locations for pickup. She reminded all residents to not put expanded polystyrene material (white packing material used for furniture and televisions) into the bulk pickup pile, but rather to bring it to the Recycling Center from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. for recycling (densifying). Putting Styrofoam into bulk pickup piles increases trucking fees, harms the environment, and needlessly fills up landfills. The densifier at the Recycling Center compacts the Styrofoam into bricks, which can then be used for items such as picture frames and moldings. The Recycling Center is open every day, except Wednesdays and Sundays.
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce met this morning and discussed the A-frame sandwich boards, which were recently discussed at a Village Council meeting. The members did not express opinions either for or against the usage of the pictured sandwich boards presented to the Village Council. They felt that the Village Code section already in place is adequate, since it provides the dimensions to merchants, who do not have to purchase such a sign from a particular manufacturer.
Regarding the pending Window Display Ordinance pertaining to empty storefronts, Councilwoman Perron indicated that the Chamber of Commerce members suggested that the Village Council could remedy the causes of empty storefronts by changing the Zoning Ordinance so that the business zones would be exclusive, rather than inclusive. Certain locations are specifically zoned, such as for a restaurant, salon, UPS store, or bank. Exclusive zoning designates prohibited uses, such as a tattoo parlor, blacksmith, or marijuana sales. If the zoning restrictions were “opened up” (where a building zoned for a restaurant would be allowed to operate as a business other than as a restaurant), that would allow more new businesses to open in the vacant properties.
Councilwoman Perron stated that they received notice that the elevator was out of order again in the Hudson Street Parking Garage. Members of the Chamber of Commerce asked if there was a particular reason why the elevator is constantly breaking down. Councilwoman Perron would appreciate receiving any information with regard to this, so that she can relay that information back to the Chamber of Commerce.
The big discussion at the Chamber of Commerce meeting today was regarding pedestrian plazas. Members wondered if the Village Councilmembers could “quantify” the effect of the pedestrian plaza, rather than interviewing merchants or doing a survey. It was felt that the Village Council should compare parking revenues from July and August of 2021 to revenues from July and August of 2022. This would give the Village Council and the Chamber of Commerce an objective “frame of reference.” On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce members, Councilwoman Perron asked if the Parking Utility could provide that comparison to her. Once received, a subcommittee of the Chamber of Commerce could review the statistics and perhaps come up with ways in which pedestrian plazas would be palatable to the Village Council once again.
The Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) will be holding its first in-person meeting since Covid, on July 14, 2022. The speaker will be John Saraceno, a local resident and developer. He has invited the committee to meet at NoMa, the new apartment complex at the corner of North Maple Avenue and Franklin Avenue, on the fifth floor in the balcony. Councilwoman Perron described Mr. Saraceno as an insightful, sometimes irreverent, speaker. A Zoom link for the meeting will also be provided by Councilwoman Perron for anyone who wishes to virtually attend the meeting.
The Open Space Committee is scheduled to meet on July 21, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. at The Lester Stable. The meeting is open to the public. They are developing a PowerPoint presentation to summarize their recent trip to Wayne, to view areas which were taken over by the town, under their floodplain acquisition plan.
The Green Ridgewood Committee met last week and discussed Project 1,000 Acres (a sustainability project for residents’ yards in Ridgewood). There are currently 177 acres registered in Ridgewood that are being sustainably maintained. Anyone interested should visit their website for details.
Councilwoman Perron said that the Green Ridgewood Committee also discussed leaf blower noise pollution. They decided not to recommend that the Village Council adopt the State of New Jersey model noise ordinance, which is based on decibel levels, because it is unwieldly in terms of enforcement. However, they suggested that the Village study noise ordinances from other towns and model the Village ordinance after those ordinances, which allow gas-powered leaf blowers for only two months in the spring and two months in the fall. The Green Ridgewood Committee will develop a proposed ordinance and submit it to Mr. Rogers, the Parks Department, the Health Department, and landscapers for review. Bob Upton, the Chairman of the Green Ridgewood Committee, will be moving to Morristown and resigning from his position. The August meeting will be held as a party at Councilwoman Perron’s home in his honor.
Councilman Vagianos announced that he has nothing to report.
Councilwoman Reynolds indicated that the banners promoting pedestrian safety have been installed in the CBD. She urged everyone to visit the CBD to view the banners and to follow the rules designated on the banners. She expressed special thanks to Jane Remus and Anastasia Bamburg for working on the banners.
The upcoming Planning Board meeting scheduled for July 19, 2022 will have discussions relating to the Valley Hospital/Affordable Housing Redevelopment Plan and review of the Master Plan draft. The meeting starts at 7:30 P.M.
Councilwoman Reynolds also stated what a “treasure” Linda McNamara was to the Village and how greatly she will be missed.
Deputy Mayor Sedon announced that the Shade Tree Commission did not meet on July 12, 2022, because there was no new business to discuss. The Green Team will be meeting next week. Regarding their first-round application to Sustainable Jersey, the Green Team has received word that the Village has met most of the requirements to be recertified at the silver level. There are three priority actions which have been approved. The Village must satisfy at least eight categories out of their list of actions, and the Village has already been approved in 10 categories (170 points).
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Village must earn 250 points in order to be recertified at a silver level. This certification helps with obtaining grants concerning the environment and sustainability. If no more work were to be done, the Village could be certified at a bronze level, but Deputy Mayor Sedon said that there is still adequate time to satisfy more categories in order to reach the silver level. The next review deadlines are at the end of August 2022, end of September 2022, and early November (final deadline), so that results can be announced at the next New Jersey League of Municipalities meeting. The next Green Team meeting will be held next week.
Mayor Knudsen indicated that she received the first push notification about Graydon Pool on the Recycle Coach app and was very excited to see it. She thanked all Village staff who helped to implement this feature so quickly.
Mayor Knudson and Village staff met to discuss the various issues occurring throughout the Village regarding flooding and erosion along the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and Saddle River. She thanked the Village Manager, Village Attorney, and Village staff for their assistance. Mayor Knudsen indicated that there is a list of areas that really need attention. Funds will be reallocated this evening from projects which have never been completed to other accounts, so that work can commence to shore up these flood-prone and eroded areas.
Mayor Knudsen said that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meets on July 14, 2022 in the evening. There is one sign application for a new business and another application for a residence. Regarding the sandwich board signs, Mayor Knudsen indicated that she would like to see the designs reviewed by the HPC. In this way, the signs will have visual interest and be in keeping with the nature of the historic business district.
Mayor Knudsen remarked that the next Planning Board meeting is an important one, since the Redevelopment Plan for the Valley Hospital site and Master Plan draft will be discussed and reviewed.
Regarding the criminal activity which was previously discussed this evening by Ms. Mailander, Mayor Knudsen stated that Ridgewood is not immune from crime. She said that residents need to take this increase in crime very seriously and pay attention to their surroundings. As a victim of violent crime herself (not in Ridgewood), Mayor Knudsen said that criminals should not be confronted and residents should in no way become engaged with them. She urged everyone to lock their cars and homes. Public safety is a high priority of the Village Council, but everyone needs to do their part to keep Ridgewood a safe place. Leaving key fobs in cars creates crimes of opportunity, and residents who do not take precautions, such as locking their cars or homes, are endangering other residents.
7. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that there are no introductions of, or public hearings on, ordinances for Ridgewood Water this evening.
8. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-243 through 22-255, would be adopted by a consent agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and would be read by title only:
9. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION #3914 – AMEND CHAPTER 190 – LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT – WINDOW DISPLAYS FOR VACANT STOREFRONTS
Councilman Vagianos recused himself from this discussion. Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3914 by title only. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Councilman Vagianos
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3914 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT AT ARTICLE X “ZONING”
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance #3914 be adopted on first reading and that August 10, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Councilman Vagianos
B. INTRODUCTION #3915 – RENAME BOND ORDINANCE FROM CIRCLE AVENUE DRAINING IMPROVEMENT TO DRAINAGE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS – VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of Ordinance #3915 by title only. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3915 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TITLE AND SECTION 3(a) OF BOND ORDINANCE NUMBERED 3813 OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, FINALLY ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 9, 2020, IN ORDER TO AMEND THE DESCRIPTION OF THIS PROJECT
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that Ordinance #3915 be adopted on first reading and that August 10, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. PUBLIC HEARING - #3912 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – TIME LIMIT PARKING, OVERTIME PARKING AND REPEAT PARKING
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3912 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3912 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-23, “TIME LIMIT PARKING,” AND SECTION 265-38, “OVERTIME PARKING,” AND SECTION 265-39, “REPEAT PARKING”
Mayor Knudsen opened the public hearing on Ordinance #3912.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that since this ordinance involves the issue of overtime and repeat parking, he wanted to confirm that the Park Mobile app has been completely checked to make sure that people cannot accomplish repeat parking through use of the app. He believes that he heard comments from some people stating that they are able to do so using the app in certain zones, which would be a violation of this ordinance. He asked whether a physical audit (as opposed to emails or telephone calls to Park Mobile) has ever been conducted by Mr. Rooney, Chief Financial Officer, and his staff to ensure that repeat parking cannot be accomplished using the Park Mobile app.
Mr. Rogers stated that this ordinance does not change the regulations with regard to the overtime parking. This ordinance deals with some sections of Chapter 265, one section in which increasing parking time would be prohibited. Other sections affected deal with Grab and Go parking spaces and loading zones. He said that Mr. Loving’s point was valid but didn’t really pertain to how this ordinance would be amended. A discussion ensued about the Grab and Go parking spaces and loading zones and which spaces apply to the Park Mobile app.
Mr. Loving asked if the kiosk could be used for the parking spaces which are being changed. He asked whether anyone had done a physical audit of the kiosks to make sure repeat parking or overtime parking couldn’t be accomplished in some way. Mr. Rogers replied that he was not sure, but reiterated that this amendment to the ordinance only deals with establishing new loading zones and sets parameters for time limit parking, overtime parking and repeat parking.
Mr. Loving said that it was his understanding that the loading zones would eventually convert to parking spaces after a certain time of day, and Mr. Rogers confirmed that he was correct. Mr. Loving asked if people would be able to use the kiosk to pay for parking once the loading zone spaces reverted back to regular parking spots after 4:00 P.M. Mr. Rogers replied that this particular ordinance only deals with those areas that are designated for the Grab and Go spaces and loading zones, not more globally in terms of the use of the kiosks or the Park Mobile app throughout the CBD.
Mr. Loving repeated his question as to whether or not people will be able to use the kiosks or Park Mobile app to pay for parking in the Grab and Go spaces or loading zone spaces once they converted back to regular parking spots. Councilwoman Reynolds said that it was her understanding that the loading zone spaces would be converted into 15-minute metered spaces, in which case the kiosks will not be able to be used.
Mayor Knudsen said that Mr. Loving’s question was a fair one. She said that the Park Mobile app and the kiosks need to be checked to make sure someone couldn’t somehow obtain repeat parking illegally. She will reach out to Mr. Rooney.
There were no further comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the public hearing be closed. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Perron moved that Ordinance #3912 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
D. PUBLIC HEARING - #3913 – BOND ORDINANCE – PURCHASE OF RECYCLING TRUCK
Mayor Knudsen moved the second reading by title of Ordinance #3913 and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3913 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF A HEAVY DUTY REAR LOADER PACKER BODY RECYCLING TRUCK FOR THE DIVISION OF RECYCLING IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $355,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $337,250 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Mayor Knudsen opened the public hearing on Ordinance #3913.
Russell Forenza, 228 Emmet Place, Ridgewood, asked if this truck could also be used as a recycling shredder truck. He feels that this would generate revenue for the Village from other communities.
There were no further comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen moved that the public hearing be closed. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance #3913 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
10. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-256 through 22-272, would be adopted by a consent agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and would be read by title only:
Ms. Mailander explained that Resolution #22-273 dealt with extending the Grab and Go parking spaces, which she proceeded to read in full. Councilman Vagianos recused himself from the vote on this resolution.
12. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public. She asked Ms. Mailander to try to reach out to Mr. Cho of Kimchi Smoke Fatcho Shack and ask him to attend the next Village Council meeting. Ms. Mailander replied that she would do so.
Steve Garbatow, owner of Beauty Club Salon and Boutique, 46 East Ridgewood Avenue, stated that he wanted to speak about the rise in crime. He has stores in major shopping malls. He attended a mandatory meeting yesterday at one of the malls, during which time the subject arose of what one would do if there were an active shooter in the mall. They watched a video from the FBI, and were instructed on the steps to take if such an event took place.
Mr. Garbatow said that he is worried about all of the businesses in Ridgewood right now, because many people are acting like the Covid-19 pandemic is over, although he feels it is not. However, he notes that a lot of people are not eating inside restaurants and sees that business is “way down” for restaurants. He mentioned the empty stores and stated that some major franchise stores have been empty for seven years, such as The Gap and Ann Taylor. He asked if more days could be allocated for Sidewalk Sale Days. He wondered how new businesses would make it through to next year.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, commented on Ms. Mailander’s request for water conservation. He mentioned how hot the weather has been and stated that lawns are starting to burn. Through discussions with the Water Department and what he has observed in his own neighborhood, he said that there seems to be some disparate treatment between the rich and the poor in Ridgewood when it comes to water conservation. If a homeowner has a Smart Controller system installed, they can virtually water their lawns at any time, according to the way the regulations are currently written.
Mr. Loving mentioned that these households can water more frequently than those households which cannot afford to have a Smart Controller system installed. He is perplexed how Smart Controllers help water conservation, if people who have this system are able to water at any time, whereas other households are restricted to watering only twice a week, during restricted time periods. Those with Smart Controllers are not restricted in the same way, including on the days when watering is not allowed at all. He thinks that the water restrictions separate the rich from the poor, where the rich can have nice green lawns while the poor have brown lawns. He urged the Village Council to review the ordinance, since it does not work towards conservation if watering is allowed at any time by homeowners with a Smart Controller system.
On another topic, Mr. Loving stated that, for months, he has been trying to find out why the “No Parking” signs were removed in front of the NoMa apartments and not re-installed. He said that this was particularly upsetting to him, and people like him, who objected to the construction of the apartments in the first place. He wondered if there are people who are getting special treatment and are being allowed to park in that location. He mentioned that Ms. Mailander told him that it is a County issue. However, Mr. Loving said that it was a County road before NoMa was built and it remains a County road at the present time. He couldn’t understand why the signs have not been replaced.
Mr. Loving mentioned that he went to the new Ridgewood Water headquarters yesterday and noticed that the parking spaces have already been designated at that location and are in service, even though the Village Council has not yet passed the appropriate ordinance. He said that this was contrary to Chapter 265-65. The spaces are now marked and can be used, yet the Village Council has not yet approved the ordinance. He found this paradoxical since he cannot seem to find out why the parking signs have not yet been re-installed at the NoMa complex, yet the Ridgewood Water parking spaces were developed quickly without Village Council approval.
There were no further public comments and Mayor Knudsen closed the public comments portion of the meeting.
Councilwoman Perron stated that, upon her reading of the water conservation ordinance, even the Smart Controllers can only water between 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. and at no other time. She said that if lawns are being watered outside of those times, it is a violation.
Mayor Knudsen indicated that they will retrieve the ordinance and review it. One of her concerns while the ordinance was being developed was that there was a requirement that a Smart Controller system had to be installed by a professional landscaper. She felt that this was fundamentally unfair, since there are many people who are handy with electricity and sprinkler systems. She asked the Village Manager to pull that ordinance for review.
Regarding the parking issue in front of NoMa, Mayor Knudsen stated that she made an inquiry when Mr. Loving had brought it to her attention in the past. It is her understanding that the parking on Maple Avenue is in Village code. She is not sure why, if the Village is permitting parking based on Village code, the parking signs were removed and not re-installed. She stated that they should be re-installed and, if there is going to be a modification to the site plan, then the matter has to go back to the Planning Board, since she does not recall the Planning Board ever approving the cutout. Her recollection was that there was an encroachment.
Ms. Mailander mentioned that the “No Parking” signs in front of NoMa are actually going to be re-installed tomorrow. In addition, the parking spaces by the new Ridgewood Water headquarters were developed in error by the contractor, and that error is in the process of being corrected. This matter will be brought back for discussion at the August 6, 2022 Village Council meeting.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Perron, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:07 P.M.
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Susan Knudsen
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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