20221012 - 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 OCTOBER 12, 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 and Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen. Councilwoman Reynolds was absent from the meeting. 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 men and women 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 September 30, 2022 be accepted as submitted. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of September 14, 2022, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilman Vagianos seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
4. PROCLAMATIONS
- NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH
Deputy Mayor Perron read the following proclamation:
B. DECLARE OCTOBER NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
Councilman Vagianos read the following proclamation:
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
NONE
6. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that “Vote by Mail” ballots have been sent out to all residents who have requested them. The final day to register to vote in the November General Election is October 18, 2022. On that day, residents can register to vote in the Village Clerk’s Office from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., and in the lobby of the Ridgewood Public Library between 4:30 P.M. and 9:00 P.M. Anyone registered by 9:00 P.M. on that day will be permitted to vote in the General Election. Early voting takes place from October 29 to November 6, 2022, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Sunday 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at various Bergen County locations (none in Ridgewood). The locations are listed on the Bergen County Clerk’s Office website and also on the Village website under “Election Information.” The General Election will be held on November 8, 2022, and the polls will be open from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Sample ballots will be mailed to all registered voters and will list the specific polling places where residents should vote. Individuals should call the Village Clerk’s Office with any questions at 201-670-5500, extension 2205.
The annual leaf flyer, which is a bright yellow postcard, has been mailed to all residents. The flyer designates leaf placement dates for all areas. Ms. Mailander explained that residents may only place leaves at the curb line in the street during the placement dates listed for a specific area. Once those dates have passed, residents should not put out any more leaves until the next leaf placement date(s). All updated leaf placement dates will be posted on the Village website at www.ridgewoodnj.net (click on “Yard Waste and Leaf Collection” tile).
Ms. Mailander gave an update on the Zabriskie-Schedler house. The DelTech electrician is onsite. Basement door access was cut through the house foundation and, after inspection, Bilco doors will be installed. The removed soil will be inspected by an archaeological investigator. Plumbing, electric and gas preparation work will soon begin. The anticipated completion date of this project is December 30, 2022.
Ms. Mailander announced that, today, Governor Murphy’s administration honored New Jersey’s 2022 Recycling Leaders and their accomplishments. Companies, individuals and towns were honored in the areas of Business, “Rising Star,” Outstanding Educator/Educational Program, Source Reduction, Resource Management/Sustainability, Volunteer Citizen, and Government. The Village of Ridgewood received an award in the Government category for its outstanding recycling program.
Ms. Mailander stated that, in 1987, New Jersey became the first state to enact legislation that required recycling in residential, commercial and institutional settings. In 2019, New Jersey achieved an overall recycling rate of 56%, whereas nationwide the recycling rate was 32%. Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood was honored with this award because, in addition to its comprehensive curbside collection program, the Village operates a recycling drop-off center that accepts food waste, textiles, electronics, concrete, printer cartridges, and more. The Village’s Division of Recycling also does an outstanding job of educating residents about the recycling program through its website, flyers, Green Guide and more. Ms. Mailander congratulated Sean Hamlin, Supervisor of the Recycling Department, Johanna Luttrell, Recycling Coordinator, and the entire recycling team, as well as all Ridgewood residents, for their recycling efforts.
Ms. Mailander gave an update on Graydon Pool revenue in 2022 as compared to 2021. Graydon memberships in 2022 increased by $9,140.45 from 2021. Aquatic programs increased in 2022 by $30,170.00 from 2021. Overall, there was an increase of $38,646.45 in Graydon Pool revenue in 2022 when compared to 2021.
On October 16, 2022, there will be a household hazardous waste collection event at Bergen Community College on Paramus Road in Paramus from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. This event will be held rain or shine. No commercial vehicles will be allowed. It is free to Bergen County residents, and proof of Bergen County residency will be required.
On October 19, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. in the Village Hall Courtroom, the League of Women Voters will sponsor a “Candidates Night,” at which time the candidates for Village Council will answer questions posed by members of the League of Woman Voters. Everyone is invited to attend.
On October 29, 2022, a Halloween Haunted Harvest will be held in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. This free family event will be sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. There will be a haunted graveyard, a maze, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, and a Halloween Parade for children and pets.
On November 30, 2022, Ridgewood will hold an Annual Health and Resource Fair for older adults, from 9:00 A.M. to noon, in the Community Center on the ground floor of Village Hall. The Bergen County Division of Senior Services will present a seminar entitled “An Introduction to Services for Older Adults and Caregivers” at 9:15 A.M. Individuals may obtain further information by calling 201-670-5500, extension 2312. The Ridgewood senior bus will provide transportation to this event. Interested individuals must call in advance to make a reservation at 201-670-5500, extension 2203.
On November 13, 2022, Ridgewood will host its annual “Giving Thanks ~ Ridgewood Elder Dinner.” This event will be held in person at the Old Paramus Reformed Church on East Glen Avenue from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Registration is required and attendance is limited to the first 90 guests who register. Senior bus transportation is available upon request. Interested individuals should contact the Recreation Department at 201-670-5560 in order to register. Ms. Mailander stated that this is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to enjoy a home-cooked, nutritious Thanksgiving meal together, while enjoying musical entertainment.
On November 19, 2022, a drive-through mobile shredding event will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., or until the truck is full, at the Graydon Pool parking lot on Northern Parkway. The truck tends to get full before 12:30 P.M., so Ms. Mailander advised residents to get there early. Documents will be securely and confidentially shredded. Residents should place items for shredding in a paper bag or cardboard box (no plastic bags), with a limit of four file-sized boxes per vehicle. This is free for all Ridgewood residents and businesses. This event will be held rain or shine.
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 October 26 and November 2, 2022 at 7:30 P.M. The next Public Meeting will be held on November 9, 2022 at 8:00 P.M.
7. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Deputy Mayor Perron announced that the Green Ridgewood Committee, the Village’s environmental advisory committee, met last week. They are reviewing the action plans in the draft Master Plan to see where they can be of assistance. Every member of the committee will choose five aspects of the action plans on which they would like to work. There was also a lively discussion, including some members of the public, about the deer problem in Ridgewood, although no solutions to the problem were determined.
The Green Team also met to work on attaining their goals for Sustainable Jersey. Deputy Mayor Perron announced that they are striving to achieve a Silver certification next year, which the Village had earned previously. This year, the Village attained a Bronze certification. More evidence could have been submitted to gain more points before November 20, 2022, in order to earn a Silver certification, but it was determined that there was not enough time in order to do so. They are looking into which Sustainable Jersey actions align with the Master Plan moving forward.
The Shade Tree Commission met and discussed the logistics of the upcoming tree planting in the Central Business District (CBD) and throughout the Village. The members asked if Bob Rooney, Village Chief Financial Officer, could provide an accounting of what expenditures have been made against the 2022 tree budget thus far, this year.
The Chamber of Commerce met on October 12, 2022. There was a discussion about street fairs, such as the Ridgewood Baseball and Softball Association (RBSA) event in Veterans Field, where there are food trucks, and the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) Food Truck Festival, which was held this past weekend. There was a discussion as to whether or not local merchants in Ridgewood could be given the opportunity to participate in such street fairs. They would first give notice of such intentions to the Chamber of Commerce, so that they can announce the upcoming event. There are several new Chamber of Commerce members this month. The Chamber of Commerce is going to develop a strategic plan for the next five years, including restructuring and plans for succession.
The Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) meets on October 13, 2022 via Zoom. They are hosting a field trip to Summit, New Jersey, to tour the town and observe their recreational areas and parking amenities. They will be meeting with the Director of “Summit Downtown,” their special improvement district, who will lead the tour.
Councilman Vagianos stated that the Fields Committee met last week. The Board of Education (BOE) has implemented a new scheduling system called “Master Library.” This system will assist with the scheduling of all BOE fields, rooms, gyms, and classrooms. Members of the BOE are meeting with the Fields Committee to determine how they can possibly incorporate the scheduling of Village-owned fields into this new platform. Coaches who wish to schedule a field would either be able to use this platform to do so or could contact Scott Bisig, BOE Business Administrator, at 201-321-5984.
The Fields Committee has begun its fall facility maintenance, attempting to preserve the integrity of the sports fields, which Councilman Vagianos indicated were extremely overused. After soccer season is over, many of the soccer and lacrosse goals/equipment will be removed to reduce field use during the winter months. Four turf blankets have been purchased by the BOE to cover the grass fields, in order to preserve them as much as possible.
Councilman Vagianos stated that the BOE has hired a search firm to find a new Superintendent of Schools to replace the Interim Superintendent, hopefully by July 1, 2023. The search firm is focusing on all Village stakeholders, including the Village Council, Police and Fire Departments, and the Federated Home and School Association (HSA). Three live sessions will be held, during which time these stakeholders can contribute opinions and suggestions regarding what attributes they desire in the new Superintendent. An online survey will be posted on the BOE website on October 17, 2022.
In addition, Councilman Vagianos indicated that the BOE is discussing a later start time for high school students and possibly middle school students, but not for elementary school students. Much interest was demonstrated in a survey completed by both parents and teachers. There has been extensive research into whether or not later start times would be beneficial to students, especially teenagers. It is believed by some people that teenagers are being forced to wake up too early to effectively begin their school day and learn.
Councilman Vagianos stated that two fabulous events took place in the Village this past weekend. Oktoberfest was held on the west side of the CBD, attended by what seemed to be thousands of people, enjoying the beautiful weather, hayrides, vendors and local merchants. The Food Truck Festival hosted by the PBA, which raised money for pediatric cancer, was also held this weekend in honor of Officer Kevin McKeon’s six-year-old son, Cole, who recently passed away from cancer. This event was also attended by crowds of people and was a huge success.
Councilman Vagianos urged everyone to visit the Saddle River County Park - Ridgewood Duck Pond on Ridgewood Avenue. He stated that, today, the Bergen County Executive and Commissioners dedicated the ecological restoration project which has been completed at the park. Councilman Vagianos said that these long-awaited renovations are stunning. He explained some of the delays encountered during the project. He stated that when equipment was used in an attempt to dredge the pond, turtles were found and the equipment could no longer be used, requiring the sludge at the bottom of the pond to be dug out by hand. Councilman Vagianos personally thanked County Executive Jim Tedesco and all Commissioners, particularly Mary Amoroso, Germaine Ortiz, and Tom Sullivan. He also thanked former Ridgewood Mayor Ramon Hache, who is now a Bergen County Commissioner, for his efforts.
Mayor Knudsen stated that, last week, the League of Women Voters met at the Old Paramus Reformed Church to hear Maya Van Rossum speak. She is the Delaware Riverkeeper and spoke about the environment and health implications of not maintaining clean water and clear air. Mayor Knudsen remarked that Ms. Van Rossum was a spirited speaker and the event was very enlightening.
Mayor Knudsen indicated that Orchard School had its Third Grade Tour at Village Hall last Friday. The children were given a tour of Village Hall and learned about Village government. They had the opportunity to become “Village Councilmembers” and pass their own “law.” The law they passed was to extend recess throughout the entire day, for third graders only. However, some third graders pointed out that that would interfere with their educational opportunities and voted against this new law.
Thorn + Roots had their Grand Opening recently. Mayor Knudsen urged everyone to visit this new business on Route 17 by the AT&T store and Starbucks. They offer avocado toast, acai bowls, and other healthy meals.
Mayor Knudsen officiated a wedding on Friday evening in Washington Township and she wished the newlyweds a happy and long marriage. She thanked them for their generous charitable contribution. Mayor Knudsen explained that when she officiates at weddings, she raises funds for local organizations and charities throughout Ridgewood and elsewhere.
ACCESS Weekend was very successful. Mayor Knudsen thanked all ACCESS Committee members who organized this event, including Deanna Schablik of the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Public Library, Inez Bunza and Robin Ritter. She also gave a “shout out” to all businesses in the Village who donated food and services for this event, as well as to the Waldwick School of Rock who provided musical entertainment.
Mayor Knudsen attended the Grand Opening of the Montana Barber Shop on East Ridgewood Avenue. She urged everyone to visit this new business, run by Moe and Kelly. Mayor Knudsen remarked that the décor is beautiful and welcoming. Councilman Vagianos mentioned that the Montana Barber Shop is directly across the street from the Ridgewood Post Office.
Mayor Knudsen said she wanted to give a “shout out” to all Ridgewood Public Schools, teachers, principals and students who participated in the events commemorating Fire Prevention Week. She congratulated George Washington Middle School (GW) for winning the “Golden Helmet.”
Regarding the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Ridgewood Duck Pond, Mayor Knudsen mentioned that in either 2018 or 2019, Bergen County uploaded the Parks Master Plan Survey to their website. Mayor Knudsen put a link to the survey on Facebook and emailed it to many people. Multitudes of Ridgewood residents answered the survey and asked that the duck pond be rehabilitated, resulting in this restoration project being placed as a top priority. Mayor Knudsen mentioned that the pond looks beautiful, especially with the colored lights on the fountain which are lit up at night and the pristine, clear water. All native plants were used for the landscaping, in order to be sensitive to the environment. She thanked all Ridgewood residents who responded to the survey, as well as the County Executive, County Commissioners, and all who worked on this ecological restoration project.
8. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that there are no introductions of, or public hearings on, ordinances for Ridgewood Water this evening.
9. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-334 through 22-336 were to be adopted by a consent agenda:
10. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION #3922 – 2022 MANAGEMENT SALARY ORDINANCE
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3922 by title on first reading. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3922 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SALARY ORDINANCE 3882 FIXING THE SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON-UNION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2022
Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance #3922 be adopted on first reading and that November 9, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
B. INTRODUCTION #3923 – 2022 NON-UNION SALARY ORDINANCE
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3923 by title on first reading. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3923 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SALARY ORDINANCE 3881 FIXING THE SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF NON-UNION EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2022
Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance #3923 be adopted on first reading and that November 9, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
C. INTRODUCTION #3924 – 2023 MANAGEMENT SALARY ORDINANCE
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3924 by title on first reading. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3924 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON-UNION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2023
Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance #3924 be adopted on first reading and that November 9, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
D. INTRODUCTION #3925 – 2023 NON-UNION SALARY ORDINANCE
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3925 by title on first reading. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3925 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF NON-UNION EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2023
Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance #3925 be adopted on first reading and that November 9, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
E. INTRODUCTION #3926 – BOND ORDINANCE – REPAIRS TO WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY
Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3926 by title on first reading. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3926 by title only:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $1,390,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $1,177,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Vagianos moved that Ordinance #3926 be adopted on first reading and that November 9, 2022 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
Prior to considering the Resolutions for adoption, Ms. Mailander announced that Bud Jones of Nisivocchia LLP, Village Auditor, is present at the meeting this evening to answer any questions as the Village Council votes on the 2021 Annual Audit and the Corrective Action Plan. Robert Rooney, Village CFO, was also present to answer any questions. Mr. Jones stated that the Annual Audit is quite a lengthy document (166 pages). He summarized the report by stating that the Village of Ridgewood is in good financial shape. The main Operating Fund had an increase in its fund balance of approximately $180,000.00, primarily due to the collection of current year taxes, above what was anticipated in the 2021 budget. Everything else in the fund seemed fine, and the record-keeping was well done. The Water Utility fund balance increased by $960,000.00, and the Parking Utility fund increased by $270,000.00, both of which were expected, based upon projections made by Mr. Rooney.
Mr. Jones indicated that the Corrective Action Plan was previously presented to the Village Council. The recommendations were not serious, but were “housekeeping” items that needed to be addressed. There were some suggestions made by Nisivocchia LLP, one of which dealt with unused sick days and vacation leave. It was suggested that Village officials and staff review existing agreements dealing with sick days and vacation leave, to make sure the Village is in compliance with existing statutes, as well as legislation which is expected to be enacted soon. Mr. Jones stated that there is a new governmental County Standards Board Statement that is effective for the current fiscal year regarding leases. He said that this does not affect the accounting, but the requirements need to be disclosed in the audit document.
Regarding Covid-19 grant funding, Mr. Jones explained that the programs are still relatively new, with changes being made as time goes by. He stated that the Federal government, in all likelihood, will eventually audit towns specifically for those grants, perhaps in five to seven years. This is the reason why accurate bookkeeping is being emphasized by his firm.
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that she found portions of the Audit Report very educational. Mr. Jones explained that the format which the Village uses is a comprehensive format, which is not used by many towns. This format contains much more information than a simplified format, and Mr. Jones stated that that information is very useful to residents and the Village Council. Deputy Mayor Perron thanked Mr. Jones for preparing the Annual Audit, stating that she is always interested in implementing Best Practices.
Deputy Mayor Perron asked Mr. Jones what the repercussions would be if the Federal government audited the records of the Village and found an issue with the way Covid-19 grant monies were utilized. Mr. Jones replied that the primary focus of State and Federal auditors seems to be to “claw money back” from those grants. He said that there is usually “conflicting” guidance, where “program people” tell them to do things one way, and then auditors/accountants insist that they want it done another way. Mr. Jones said that he and his firm always strive to stay “on top” of things and document everything. Mayor Knudsen and Councilman Vagianos also thanked Mr. Jones.
12. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-337 through 22-350 were to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 22-351 through 22-352, were to be considered separately and read in full. Councilman Vagianos recused himself from any discussions or votes involving resolutions #22-351 through #22-352.
Mayor Knudsen once again commended Sean Hamlin, Johanna Luttrell, and the entire staff at the Recycling Center for their efforts which resulted in winning the New Jersey 2022 Recycling Leaders Award in the Government category.
13. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public.
Boyd A. Loving 342 South Irving Street, thanked the Village Manager for giving an update on how well Graydon Pool did this year, in terms of revenue. He was delighted to learn that 2022 revenue increased by $38,000.00 over 2021. He and his family greatly enjoyed Graydon Pool this summer. The water was superb, the facility was spotless, and the food was good, although service was somewhat slow. He is looking forward to enjoying Graydon Pool in 2023 and expressed the hope that enough lifeguards can be hired next year, so that the normal operating hours of the pool can be resumed.
Mr. Loving recently learned that insurance companies are taking aerial photographs of properties and sending notices to homeowners indicating that their homeowner’s insurance will be canceled unless certain trees are removed from their property. He knows someone who attempted to obtain new insurance after her homeowner’s policy had been canceled after filing a claim, but she was told that she could not be insured unless two trees were removed from her property (which were discovered by the insurance company through an aerial photograph). Mr. Loving is concerned that insurance companies will start to say that Village-owned trees that are close to properties will need to come down, so homeowner’s insurance can be obtained.
Mr. Loving stated that he is unsure what type of legal recourse is available to prevent this from happening. He stated that property and casualty insurance companies are in “big trouble” now, because of all the losses they are experiencing in Florida and in other states, and they are trying to do whatever they can to avoid having to pay out claims. He said that this is of great concern to him, and he asked whether the Village Attorney could think of some legal recourse to avoid the loss of trees in Ridgewood. He said that one recourse which homeowner’s insurance companies have is to “jack up” insurance rates. He urged the Village Council to begin thinking about some solutions to this dilemma, especially when residents start coming to Village Hall to obtain tree removal permits or the Village receives notices from insurance companies stating that Village-owned trees need to be removed.
Mr. Loving asked for clarification of the vote by two Councilmembers who voted to approve some resolutions this evening. He is concerned that this vote did not represent a majority vote (since Councilwoman Reynolds is absent and Councilman Vagianos recused himself from voting on two resolutions).
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, stated that he has four documents in his possession which he wanted to hand over to Ms. Mailander, to be incorporated into the record of the meeting. He asked Ms. Mailander to make copies for each Councilmember. The first document is an Excel spreadsheet prepared by Mr. Rooney reconciling the costs expended on the Schedler project. Mr. Halaby said that there have been $7 million in appropriations and $3.9 million in expenses, leaving an appropriations balance remaining of $3.1 million. The amount of $4.1 million has been funded by bonds.
Mr. Halaby then explained the second document, an article written by Marsha Stoltz from the Ridgewood News, in which she reviews the history of the Schedler project. He said that one could argue that it has been a six-year project and even an eight-year project. He said that when he previously stated that the Schedler property has become a seven-year, $7 million project, he was not lying, spreading disinformation, or misleading anyone.
Mr. Halaby explained the third document, which was provided to him by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) within 24 hours of his request. The document describes the background and history of the Schedler property and the Zabriskie-Schedler house. The portion of the house which dates back to 1840 is miniscule. He said that the proposed usage of the house for weddings is a “joke.”
The fourth document was a letter written by Mr. Halaby, published in the Ridgewood News, about Haven House, an historic area on Shelter Island. He said that he is a “big believer” in history, and the way the Haven House was restored was the correct way, and this way should have been used to restore the Schedler property. Mr. Halaby stated that he felt the Zabriskie-Schedler house could be incorporated with the Valleau Cemetery and Old Paramus Church as an historic park. He stated that the “wall” or berm at the Schedler property is not safe, with the arborvitae trees planted on top. These types of trees do not spread outward but rather grow upwards. Mr. Halaby stated that the planting of trees will have to be tripled if the arborvitae trees are used, in order to form an effective “fence” to stop children from running through them near Route 17.
Mr. Halaby has asked repeatedly what the plans are for the Schedler house and property. He said a plan consists of more than just an engineering design, whether conceptual or real, and he has seen no such plan for the Schedler property. He asked if anyone on the Village Council has any idea of the timetable for completion of this project.
There were no further public comments and Mayor Knudsen closed the public comments portion of the meeting.
Regarding the comments made by Mr. Loving regarding voting by only two Councilmembers, Mr. Rogers explained that a quorum consists of a majority of those present at a particular meeting. If three Councilmembers are present at a meeting, then two Councilmembers would represent a majority.
Addressing Mr. Halaby’s comments, Mayor Knudsen stated that a post on September 20 on a local Facebook page stated that the Schedler project has taken seven years at a cost of $7 million and was still not completed. The post stated that Mayor Knudsen spearheaded the plan for the project and that “she is responsible for its mismanagement and cost overruns.” The post stated that “taxpayers should pay close attention to her track record. The situation is just one example of her poor leadership abilities.” Mayor Knudson said that Mr. Halaby gleefully responded to that post and carried on the discussion.
Mayor Knudsen stated that $7 million has not been spent, but rather $7 million has been allocated. The spending thus far is $5 million and more than $3 million has been received in matching grants. She stated that in order to obtain matching grants, funds must first be allocated. She stated that she was not on the Ad Hoc Committee for the Schedler property and, therefore, she did not spearhead this project. The project would have been spearheaded by former Councilmember Hache and former Deputy Mayor Sedon, since they were on the Ad Hoc Committee. Mayor Knudsen stated that she played no role in the development of the plan for the Schedler property. In addition, she stated that she does not “manage Village business.” She stated that there are no cost overruns on this project, since the allocated funds have not even been spent yet.
Mayor Knudsen recalled another post on Facebook which stated that “Susan Knudsen has access to the checking accounts and writes all the checks and nobody is checking her signature.” It was alleged that Mayor Knudsen is privately funding all of her pet projects. She stated that Mr. Halaby supported that allegation. Mayor Knudsen stated that all of these allegations were entirely untrue, and the resident who posted the message on Facebook has since apologized to Mayor Knudsen. Mayor Knudsen said that no one should believe anything they read on social media, unless facts are heard directly from official sources.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Vagianos, seconded by Deputy Mayor Perron, and carried by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
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Susan Knudsen
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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