20220914 - 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 SEPTEMBER 14, 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 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, 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 recognition of all who are serving our great nation and for all first responders.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of August 31, 2022 be accepted as submitted. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of July 6, August 3, and August 10, 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, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Mayor Knudsen read the following proclamation:
B. GOLD STAR MOTHER’S DAY
Councilman Vagianos read the following proclamation:
C. NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WEEK
Councilwoman Reynolds read the following proclamation:
D. PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH
Councilwoman Perron read the following proclamation:
E. RECOGNIZE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF UPPER RIDGEWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH
Councilwoman Perron read the following proclamation:
5. SWEARING-IN OF PAMELA PERRON AS DEPUTY MAYOR
Mayor Knudsen announced that Deputy Mayor Michael Sedon has resigned from the Village Council. She mentioned that she met Mr. Sedon for the first time in 2014 when they were both elected to the Village Council. Mayor Knudsen stated that Mr. Sedon has an opportunity to advance his career, requiring him to take weekly classes which will conflict with his attendance at Village Council meeting and performing his Village Council responsibilities. Mayor Knudsen stated that Mr. Sedon truly loves Ridgewood and has always been dedicated to working on behalf of all residents.
Former Deputy Mayor Sedon desired to leave the Village a better place than he found it, when he was first elected to the Village Council. He implemented strategies to invest in the Village’s green infrastructure, by planting trees and participating in Sustainable Jersey, which resulted in qualifying Ridgewood for Silver Certification. Former Deputy Mayor Sedon advocated for maintaining the charm and character of Ridgewood. Through his actions and his voting record, he cared deeply
about keeping all Village residents safe; he invested his time and talents in the Village; and he served the Village taxpayers thoughtfully and responsibly.
Mayor Knudsen said that former Deputy Mayor Sedon is one of the most decent, honest, hardworking residents to ever serve on the Ridgewood Village Council. She thanked him for his service to the Village and wished him well in his future endeavors. Councilwoman Perron, Councilman Vagianos and Councilwoman Reynolds all spoke highly of former Deputy Mayor Sedon and wished him well. Everyone spoke of his loyalty to the Village and credited him for the beautiful tree canopy which Ridgewood enjoys today. Matt Rogers, Village Attorney, also expressed his praise for former Deputy Mayor Sedon’s eight years of service to the Village, his dedication to Village residents, and his earlier days as a reporter. Ms. Mailander also recalled his earlier days when he was a reporter, stating that what stood out the most were his honesty and diligence in verifying the accuracy of a story. There was a resounding round of applause.
Mayor Knudsen made a motion to appoint Councilwoman Pamela Perron as Deputy Mayor, effective this evening. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Knudsen asked Councilwoman Perron to come forward to be sworn in as Deputy Mayor. She asked all Councilmembers to join her at the podium. Mayor Knudsen then swore in Deputy Mayor Perron and there was a resounding round of applause.
6. SWEARING-IN OF FIREFIGHTERS RYAN HARDT AND CHRISTOPHER SANTUCCI
Mayor Knudsen asked Ryan Hardt to come forward to be sworn in as Firefighter for the Ridgewood Fire Department. With all Councilmembers at the podium, Mayor Knudsen then swore in Firefighter Ryan Hardt, as his parents held the Bible. There was a resounding round of applause.
Mayor Knudsen then asked Christopher Santucci to come forward to be sworn in as Firefighter for the Ridgewood Fire Department. With all Councilmembers at the podium, Mayor Knudsen swore in Firefighter Christopher Santucci, as his father held the Bible. There was a resounding round of applause.
7. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments from the public at this time.
Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, stated that he thought the Village Council made a grave mistake in not continuing the Pedestrian Plaza in the Central Business District (CBD) this summer. Many businesses suffered, and foot traffic in the CBD was extremely slow. Mr. Damiano stated that he believed more businesses were in favor of continuing the pedestrian plazas than those which were not. He stated that the CBD should be cleaned up a bit by removing tables and clothing racks set out on the sidewalks by retailers. He said that it “diluted” the Sidewalk Sale Days organized by the Chamber of Commerce. He said that it seemed like it is “Sidewalk Sale Days” every day in Ridgewood now.
Carolyn Jacoby, 160 Godwin Avenue, said that she was representing the Shade Tree Commission this evening. She expressed her thanks and appreciation to former Deputy Mayor Sedon for his years of service and consistent support, allowing the commission to make a dramatic impact in the Village’s tree infrastructure.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, quoted part of an article from The Patch of September 8, 2022: “While updates and information on the house and property have been light and almost nonexistent, I think we’re avoiding interference,’ Mayor Susan Knudsen said at the meeting. ‘I think, in fairness, that has worked out quite well.” Mr. Halaby asked how this has “worked out quite well.” He wondered whether Mayor Knudsen thought it was appropriate to “keep the peasants in the dark,” while the Village Council decides what is best for them. Mr. Halaby stated that seven years have gone by and the sum of $7 million has been spent so far on the Schedler house and property. He said that the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard should use the Schedler property as a textbook example of municipal incompetence.
Mr. Halaby spoke about the berm and split rail fence which have been constructed at the Schedler property. He stated that the footprint of these two structures occupies almost one acre of the seven-acre property. He said that a wall would provide a safer barrier and provide more soundproofing. Mr. Halaby indicated that the berm and split rail fence are an “accident waiting to happen.” He asked whether anyone would want their children or grandchildren playing in a park that is surrounded by an eight-foot berm (despite the trees which are going to be planted on top of the berm, which he asserted would be blown off during a storm) and a split rail fence. Mr. Halaby said that the temptation for children to climb or go through the fence to play “king of the hill” is “too scary for words.” Children may challenge each other to see who could kick a ball over the berm. He reminded everyone that Route 17 lies directly behind the berm, with cars whizzing by at 60+ miles per hour.
Mr. Halaby stated that Ms. Mailander responded to an email he had sent to the Village Councilmembers. She said that the split rail fence would be backed by mesh. He wondered whether it was plastic mesh or chicken wire, both of which he said would look ugly. He added that the chicken wire would also be hazardous to the touch. Mr. Halaby stated that plastic is an environmental hazard, citing the fact that plastic bags have recently been banned this year in New Jersey. He said that there would be 2,000 feet of plastic lining the back of the split rail fence.
Anne Burton Walsh, 112 South Irving Street, echoed Ms. Jacoby’s prior comments thanking former Deputy Mayor Sedon for his service to Ridgewood, especially his efforts pushing forth environmental initiatives in the Village.
There were no further comments from the public.
8. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that the 9/11 portraits of those residents who were lost on 9/11 are displayed in the Belcher Auditorium of the Ridgewood Public Library. It is open every day in September to honor the memory of neighbors and friends who were lost on that day.
The new Ridgewood Water headquarters is now open at 111 North Maple Avenue, next to the Ridgewood Public Library. Office hours are from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Visitors may park on North Maple Avenue in front of the building and walk in the front door. The former Ridgewood Water office at Village Hall is now closed. The move to the new building has allowed Ridgewood Water personnel to be consolidated into one building, allowing for efficiency and collaboration. There will be an Open House later this fall so that all residents and customers of Ridgewood Water will have the opportunity to tour the new building.
On September 15, 2022, there will be a New Jersey Age-Friendly Virtual Fair. The purpose of this fair is to showcase age-friendly community work across the state. All residents, government officials, community groups and other groups are invited to attend. There will be a session on “Building Community Age-Friendly Initiatives” during the virtual fair.
The fall program brochure from the Recreation Department has been mailed to all Ridgewood residents. Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that they can register for programs on Community Pass. There are program offerings for all ages, kindergarten through adult.
There will be a Covid-19 Booster Clinic held in Village Hall, for individuals 12 years of age and older, on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Appointments are required. Individuals requesting a booster must have received a final dose or a booster on or before July 21, 2022. Minors must have permission of a parent. Individuals who want to make an appointment may do so at www.ridgewoodnj.net/covid-registration. Individuals with questions may call 201-670-5500, extension 2312.
The Village of Ridgewood has been selected to join the City Health Dashboard. Ridgewood is one of 29 cities which have been selected to participate in this initiative. The Dashboard is a freely accessible, online resource to help the Village leverage the power of data to improve the health and well-being of everyone in the Village. The Village will now have access to city- and neighborhood-level data for Ridgewood on 26 measures of health and the factors that shape health, such as preventable diseases and housing costs.
The Village of Ridgewood’s Annual Flu Clinic will be held on October 6, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the Community Center in Village Hall. Registration opened on Tuesday, September 6th. Interested individuals may call 201-291-6090 to schedule an appointment.
The Ridgewood Fall Craft and Art Street Festival will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2022 from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. It will held on East Ridgewood Avenue, rain or shine, with free admission. There will be craft and food vendors. Ms. Mailander urged everyone to remain in the CBD after the festival has closed to dine at any of Ridgewood’s wonderful eateries.
The Gold Star Family event will be held on September 25, 2022 in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square beginning at 7:00 P.M.
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that lithium batteries and rechargeable batteries should not be thrown away in the garbage, due to the fire explosion potential in doing so. Lithium batteries are rechargeable and are used in vaping devices and many personal electronics such as cell phones, tablets and laptops, e-bikes, electric toothbrushes, tools, hoverboards, scooters, and solar power backup storage. Instead of throwing these batteries in the garbage, they should be brought to the Recycling Center for proper disposal.
The Chamber of Commerce Farmer’s Market is celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year. They will be open on Sundays from 8:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on the west side of the New Jersey Transit train station parking lot, through early November.
Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, and Channel 34 on Fios. Meetings are also available on YouTube. Upcoming Work Sessions will be held on September 28, October 3 and October 26, 2022 at 7:30 P.M. The next Public Meeting will be held on October 12, 2022 at 8:00 P.M. October 3rd is a Monday and Ms. Mailander indicated that the meeting will be held on Monday rather than the first Wednesday of the month due to Yom Kippur beginning at that time.
8. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilman Vagianos stated that he had nothing to report.
Councilwoman Reynolds stated that the first Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) meeting this school year will be held on September 15, 2022 at 7:30 P.M. in the Garden Room. Everyone is welcome to attend. She reminded everyone that next Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 7:30 P.M., the Planning Board will be holding a public hearing on the draft Master Plan. She hopes that everyone has had a chance to review this important, thorough and comprehensive 400+ page document, which is posted on the Village website. Anyone with suggestions or opinions should make it a point to attend and speak at that meeting.
Councilwoman Reynolds stated that she had an opportunity to visit the Schedler property today. She stated that the split rail fence looks fantastic. It is approximately five feet tall with three rails rather than only one or two rails. She stated that the fence fits in beautifully with the character of the property.
Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) met. There was a lively discussion about the draft Master Plan.
Green Ridgewood met last week, together with some members of the Green Team. They also had a lively discussion about the draft Master Plan.
Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that she attended a meeting of the Shade Tree Commission last night. Again, a lively discussion ensued about the proposed Master Plan.
The Chamber of Commerce met this morning and also discussed the proposed Master Plan. Their Annual Car Show was held on Friday, September 9, 2022. Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that the show was a resounding success, with 356 cars entered and a full moon gracing the event overhead. At the Chamber of Commerce meeting, Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that it was announced that some employees are not using the Hudson Street Garage because they got tickets. Accordingly, the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Deputy Mayor Perron decided that they would go door to door in the CBD with a flyer explaining where employees are permitted to park. It was suggested at the meeting that the application for the employee hang-tag be delivered to each business in the CBD. She asked if this could be done, and it was affirmed that this was allowable. There are seven new storefront businesses opening in the Central Business District. The Director of the Chamber of Commerce views this as a sign of rejuvenation in the Village.
The Open Space Committee meets on September 15, 2022 at night, and at that time the proposed Master Plan will also be discussed. A Park Walk will be conducted on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Pleasant Park, starting at 10:00 A.M. Parking will be available at the Hawes Elementary School parking lot. Everyone will meet in the field.
Mayor Knudsen stated that the Historic Preservation Commission met last Thursday, September 1, 2022. One sign application was reviewed for the Montana Barbershop.
On September 9, 2022, Mayor Knudsen attended the joint meeting of the Village Council and the Board of Education (BOE). The first order of business was to welcome the BOE’s new Interim Superintendent, Dr. Fitts. The issue of student safety arose regarding the use of the Graydon parking lots. BOE representatives indicated that they were not aware of any safety concerns. Ridgewood High School principal, Jeff Nyhuis, will advise if any concerns are brought to his attention. A discussion was held regarding parking in the municipal complex parking lot, including notifications via RPS eNews, which will include maps of areas available for student parking.
Mayor Knudsen thanked the BOE for using the Ridgewood Public School eNews to share Master Plan information and Ridgewood Library strategic planning survey. Resulting from this and the Village E-Notice, an immediate increase in participation was noted in the responses to the Library’s strategic planning survey. Mayor Knudsen asked all Ridgewood residents to complete the survey and give feedback on a variety of issues relative to the Library, which will greatly aid in their strategic planning efforts. Mayor Knudsen stated that the survey may be accessed at RidgewoodLibrary.org/spsurvey. This survey is for Ridgewood residents only and needs to be completed by Friday, September 23, 2022. Survey respondents who supply their contact information (phone number and/or email address) will be eligible to win a $100.00 gift card.
Mayor Knudsen congratulated the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, Tom Hillman, Joan Groom, Chamber President Gary Kolesaire, and others for their outstanding work organizing the 27th Annual Car Show, which was held recently in Ridgewood’s historic Central Business District. It was very well attended, with a breathtaking harvest moon overhead. Mayor Knudsen also thanked the Waldwick School of Rock for donating their time and talents throughout Ridgewood that evening. The 2022 Mayor’s Trophy was won by John Sanders for his beautiful 1968 Corvair. Mr. Sanders displayed memorabilia from that era, including books of S&H Green Stamps, an old Esso map, and a display of vintage Coke and Seven-Up bottles in their original six-pack cartons. Mayor Knudsen gave a “shout out” to Dave [Main] acknowledging his participation in the car show, in which he displayed his 1968 Corvair as well.
On September 10, 2022, Mayor Knudsen attended the monthly Northwest Bergen Mayors meeting. There was a discussion about energy aggregation. One municipality is no longer participating in this program due to price fluctuations, which resulted in residents who joined the plan paying higher rates. There was also a discussion about current challenges with mental health and services. Ridgewood has been Stigma-Free since 2017, making the dissemination of information more centralized.
Mayor Knudsen stated that the “Coffee with the Council” event held at The Lester Stable was very successful. She thanked the Village Clerk’s Office for their assistance in organizing this event. On Saturday, September 10, 2022, the Grand Opening of Nature Sparkle took place at 67 East Ridgewood Avenue. Mayor Knudsen and Deputy Mayor Perron attended. Mayor Knudsen urged everyone to visit this beautiful store.
Mayor Knudsen reminded everyone to mark their calendars for Sunday, September 25, 2022 for the Gold Star Families Day event, at 7:30 P.M. in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.
Mayor Knudsen also reminded everyone to mark October 7th, 8th and 9th on their calendars, which is when ACCESS Ridgewood Disability Awareness Weekend will be held. The ACCESS Committee is working tirelessly on the programs, including programs for seniors and a children’s concert. Interested individuals should visit RidgewoodLibrary.org for more information. Mayor Knudsen thanked all the restaurants and patrons in advance for their efforts and donations, respectively, for making this event a success.
Commenting on the Schedler property, Mayor Knudsen recalled a Bergen County hearing which she attended in either 2015 or 2016 regarding a grant application for the historic preservation of the Zabriskie-Schedler house. She said that, at that meeting, the same person who recently expressed concern for the safety of children on that property was advocating for a 90-foot baseball diamond, where the path from third base to home plate would run parallel with Route 17 (about 15 to 20 feet away). A 60-foot high errant ball net was suggested to prevent balls from being hurled onto the highway. Mayor Knudsen said that the berm constructed at the Schedler property, with trees planted on top of the berm, was a “great call” made by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). She said that the berm and split rail fence look beautiful and are consistent with the time and era of the house. The proposed soccer field is being moved closer to West Saddle River Road, far away from the highway. There will be a walking path and a playground for children to enjoy.
Mayor Knudsen stated that Village staff have worked extremely hard to secure grants for this project. She stated that even though grant money is derived from taxpayer dollars, the direct cost to Ridgewood taxpayers has been offset significantly. She received several phone calls from individuals who recently attended a Fields Committee meeting, during which meeting it was suggested that someone did “some sneaky thing” regarding the Schedler property and got it designated as an historic property and no one is aware of how this “mystery thing” happened. Mayor Knudsen pointed out that in 2017, the Ridgewood Village Council at that time authorized a Phase 1 archeological study that would allow for a Certificate of Eligibility to be issued by the State of New Jersey, designating the Schedler property as historic. There was nothing done behind closed doors. Mayor Knudsen praised the efforts of various residents who strove to have this property and house preserved.
9. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that there are no introductions of, or public hearings on, ordinances for Ridgewood Water this evening.
10. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-297 through 22-303 were to be adopted by a consent agenda:
11. ORDINANCES
A. PUBLIC HEARING - #3919 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – ESTABLISH STOP SIGNS – EASTSIDE AVENUE AT ALANON ROAD
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3919 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3919 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX: “STOP INTERSECTIONS”
Mayor Knudsen opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3919. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance #3919 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. PUBLIC HEARING - #3920 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – ESTABLISH STOP SIGNS – HIGHLAND AVENUE AT GREENWAY ROAD AND GREENWAY ROAD AT KNOLLWOOD ROAD
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3920 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3920 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX: “STOP INTERSECTIONS”
Mayor Knudsen opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3920. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3920 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - #3914 – AMEND CHAPTER 190 – LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT – WINDOW DISPLAYS FOR VACANT STOREFRONTS
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3914 by title on third reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion. Councilman Vagianos recused himself from this discussion and vote.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Councilman Vagianos
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3914 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, AT ARTICLE X “ZONING”
Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3914 was continued from last month’s meeting due to the fact that the Planning Board had not yet reviewed the ordinance. The Planning Board has now reviewed the ordinance and given their recommendation, which was to change Chapter 265 to Chapter 190 in Section 2 of the ordinance.
Deputy Mayor Perron moved to amend Section 2 of Ordinance #3914 to read Chapter 190 rather than Chapter 265. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Councilman Vagianos
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3914, as amended, be continued. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Councilman Vagianos
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3914, as amended, be adopted on third reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Councilman Vagianos
12. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-304 through 22-320 were to be adopted by a consent agenda:
Mayor Knudsen thanked the Ridgewood Guild and the Girl Scouts for their contribution towards tree replanting and refurbishment of the tree wells in the Central Business District.
Tony Damiano, Executive Director of the Ridgewood Guild, indicated that he was present at the meeting this evening with Trish Manzo, Ridgewood Guild Secretary. He indicated that they were extremely pleased to have raised money for the Village, citing the efforts of Ridgewood Guild members, Ridgewood residents, the Ridgewood High School graduating class of 1991, and the local Girl Scout Troop. Their donation is in the amount of $2,250.00, and they were very proud to present this check to the Village Council so that the CBD can be beautified. There was a round of thanks and a resounding round of applause.
About 10 Girl Scouts had been in attendance at the meeting, but they had to leave early because they had school the next day. Mayor Knudsen stated that she was unaware that they had been in attendance.
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-321 through 22-324 were to be considered separately and read in full. Councilman Vagianos recused himself from all four resolutions to be considered.
13. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said that if the public is limited to three minutes while making public comments, the members of the Village Council should not be allowed to ramble on and on when responding to those comments, without giving the person who made the public comments an opportunity to respond. Mr. Halaby stated that everyone is not living in Putin’s Moscow, but are living in the United States.
Mr. Halaby urged Deputy Mayor Perron, since he felt she was the most environmentally sensitive Village Councilmember, to insist that a study be done if the plan was to use plastic mesh to back the split rail fence on the Schedler property. Mr. Halaby stated that he had asked the Village Council to suspend all work on the berm and fence until approval was received from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) indicating that the barrier is safe. He reiterated that he was concerned about children being able to play on the berm and climb the split rail fence. Mr. Halaby also asked that a report from an environmental consulting firm be obtained regarding the use of a mesh plastic backing for the split rail fence. He asked that the Village Council cease declaring communications with SHPO as being deliberative, as a way of keeping “the peasants” away from the flow of information. He said that such information should not be kept from the public.
Mr. Halaby said that the Village should not be proud of the Schedler property, but rather should be ashamed of the seven years which has passed and the $7 million which has been spent so far to improve this property. He asked if anyone knew how much of the Schedler house really dates back to 1820. He stated that the majority of the house was built much later than 1820. He asked how much of the house, after restoration, the public will be able to see and enjoy as being an example of 1820 architecture. He spoke about the “phony” windows and copper gutters that were added, stating that a farmer living in the 1800s would certainly not be able to afford copper gutters. He said that the split rail fence should be made of cedar rather than pine, which deteriorates much quicker than cedar. He said that poor decisions are being made for this property by one autocratic person in a vacuum with little interference.
Carolyn Jacoby, 160 Godwin Avenue, stated that she wanted to mention the untimely passing of Michael Gurriero, who was a volunteer on the Shade Tree Commission. He added much vitality to the committee and was a valuable asset to the community. He was a professional landscape architect, but never mentioned it, and was always eager to work and help out on Earth Day and at other events. She mentioned that he will be sorely missed and expressed her condolences to his family.
Anne Burton Walsh, 112 South Irving Street, congratulated Deputy Mayor Perron on her new appointment. She asked which six locations would be designated in the Village to receive the new Porous Pave sidewalk material (during the trial period). She wondered whether it would be the first six homeowners who applied to be in the program. Ms. Walsh spoke about the tree ordinance, specifically Chapter 260, Section 260-6, regarding sidewalk construction and driveway enlargement. The ordinance states that a homeowner may not remove a tree or roots unless a permit is obtained from Declan Madden, Village Arborist. However, it was her understanding that Mr. Madden was authorized to hand out such permits to people who objected to the additional cost of sidewalk construction in order to preserve a Village tree.
Ms. Walsh stated that she was very much in favor of the requirement that homeowners cannot simply remove a tree to make way for a sidewalk. However, Ms. Walsh stated that it was the “right” of several of her neighbors to do so this summer. She stated that it costs thousands, not hundreds, of dollars to replace sidewalk slabs in such a way that a tree is preserved while at the same time adhering to the 5% slope required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if roots are not ground. She wondered if the proposed action of the Village Council to reimburse homeowners for extra sidewalk construction costs, in order to preserve a Village tree, could be applied retroactively.
Ann Loving, 342 South Irving Street, indicated that former Deputy Mayor Sedon is one of the strongest people she knows. In his initial campaign, an attempt was made by an elected official to sideswipe his campaign, before he was elected into office. These actions resulted in Mr. Sedon losing his job, but he still persevered and was twice elected to the Village Council. In addition, he was attacked “ridiculously” by a Council colleague after he was elected, resulting in an unsuccessful court action by the colleague who attacked him. Ms. Loving thanked Mr. Sedon for “ignoring the noise and the nonsense.” She described him as a “straight shooter” who stuck to the facts, was never swayed by pressure, and “voted his conscience.” Ms. Loving congratulated Deputy Mayor Perron on her new appointment and thanked her for “stepping up.”
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, thanked former Deputy Mayor Sedon for his service and was disappointed that he was not present at the meeting this evening. He congratulated Deputy Mayor Perron in her new role and stated that he was confident she would do a fine job in her new role.
Mr. Loving stated that he sent a note to the Village Council regarding an incident which recently occurred on the Dunham Trail. Someone literally drove their car 300 feet down the trail from Spring Avenue and parked it there. He feels that the Village should take some action to prevent this from occurring in the future, such as installing a bollard or safety gate at the entrance to the trail to prevent cars from accessing the trail, or even the construction of a curb. He mentioned that there is a curb cut by the entrance to the trail and it appeared as though cars were permitted to enter at that location. He asked the Village Manager to direct the Parks Department to survey the location to determine what can be done to improve safety at the Dunham Trail.
Mr. Loving stated that there is a driveway near the new Ridgewood Water headquarters from which cars can access the municipal complex parking lot. He said that Mr. Calbi had told him that he was planning on installing a speed bump or gate in that location to prevent people from entering the municipal complex parking lot.
Mr. Loving indicated that he was driving to Hawes Elementary School this evening to drop off some clothing in the donation bin and noted a few sidewalks that have been removed on Stevens Avenue and are “open,” awaiting sidewalk construction. Mr. Loving said that this was a primary route for children to walk to school. He asked if the Police Department could inspect this area and install signage directing the children where it would be safe for them to walk.
Mr. Loving also spoke about the section in the Village Code which states the procedure for appointing a Deputy Mayor. When reading that section, Mr. Loving noted that it states that all elections are held in May and appointments are made in July. He wondered when the Village Council would make the necessary changes to the Code so it reflects the fact that the elections currently take place in November. He stated that the Code does not indicate when the swearing in takes place of newly elected officials.
Mayor Knudsen stated that signage has been installed on South Irving Street to ensure that children have a safe walking route to school. She asked Ms. Mailander to direct the Police Department to do the same thing on Stevens Avenue. Ms. Mailander said that she would do so. Mayor Knudsen also indicated that the Village Code section dealing with the election date would be put on the agenda for the next Village Council meeting so that it can accurately reflect that the elections currently take place in November. Ms. Mailander replied that she would do so.
Mayor Knudsen said that she will not allow the Schedler “nonsense” to continue without comment. The State of New Jersey Historic Preservation Office determined that the Schedler house was historic, whether it was because of the trim work or the Dutch frame colonial structures. The State of New Jersey and the Federal government added the house to the National Registry of Historic Places. The Historic Preservation Commission requested the Certificate of Eligibility and the Zabriskie-Schedler house and Schedler property have been included in the historic element of the Master Plan for decades.
There were no further public comments and Mayor Knudsen closed the public comments portion of the meeting.
14. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #22-325 to go into Closed Session as follows:
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Vagianos, seconded by Councilwoman Reynolds, and carried by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
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Susan Knudsen
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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