20230104 - Village Council Reorganization Meeting Minutes
A REORGANIZATION 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 JANUARY 4, 2023 AT 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Deputy Mayor Perron called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call by Ms. Mailander, the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Vagianos. Mayor Knudsen was absent from the meeting. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk, and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Deputy Mayor Perron led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. There was a moment of silence for all men and women serving in the Armed Services and for all first responders.
Deputy Mayor Perron invited Reverend Nolan Palsma of the Upper Ridgewood Community Church to give an Invocation. Reverend Palsma began by stating that he is retiring in April, 2023. He thanked the Village Councilmembers and Mr. Rogers, Village Attorney, for their support over the past few years. During the Invocation, Reverend Palsma thanked Mayor Knudsen and former Councilmember Michael Sedon for their many years of community service to Ridgewood. He also congratulated the two new Councilmembers, Siobhan Winograd and Evan Weitz, on being elected to the Village Council, and expressed the hope that they would serve the Village with wisdom, kindness and justice. Reverend Palsma also urged Village residents to respect and honor the Village Councilmembers, even though there may be differences of opinion.
2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Adita Singh, 182 Mountain Avenue, began by thanking Mayor Knudsen for her many years of service to the Village. He then read a statement from Ellie Gruber: “I’m sorry that I cannot be here in person, but hopefully this will be read aloud. Tonight is a bittersweet time for me. I cannot imagine the Village Council meetings without the leadership of Susan Knudsen. For years and years, she has guided the Village with extreme care. Susan has a quality that we need and we miss, an astute memory. Without this, mistakes are made. Ideas are not thought through. She is smart and always thinks of the residents first. Early on, when she was a minority voice as a Councilmember, she was not afraid to speak out. As Mayor, she presided over a Council that had divergent views but, in the end, so many projects had improved our life and health. Top among this was the successful effort to keep our water as pure as possible. Through no fault of our own, dangerous forever chemicals dropped into our once pure aquifer. Second was the new Master Plan. For years, our Master Plan was out of date, but she presided over a years-long effort to create an effective Master Plan. This was no small accomplishment and, as usual, no lack of constructive criticism and accusations at the microphone. Concerning the Schedler house and property, she stopped the project that would have placed a large baseball field, concession stand and lights on the east side of town. An historic house would have been replaced by concrete, and an equipment house. Those residents would have suffered. No thought was given to them. So thank you, Susan, for your incredible fortitude for all of us. I will miss seeing you at the podium. Ellie Gruber.”
Manish Shrimali, 625 Terhune Road, thanked Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, and his staff for providing a comprehensive update on the Schedler house and property last month. He stated that this update was one of the most detailed, clear and relevant updates given to the public so far. Mr. Shrimali requested similar updates on a quarterly basis, if possible. He also requested the two incoming Village Councilmembers to continue efforts to complete the long-running Schedler project. Mr. Shrimali thanked Mayor Knudsen for her great service and leadership, stating that she was instrumental in setting the stage for executing many complex projects and challenges, which the Village has faced over the past 10+ years. He stated that Mayor Knudsen has made the Village a better place in countless ways, which is much appreciated by Village residents. He wished Mayor Knudsen the best of luck in her future endeavors, and welcomed the two incoming Councilmembers.
Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, congratulated Ms. Winograd and Mr. Weitz on being elected to the Village Council. He stated that he was speaking this evening about the lack of decorations this past holiday season in the Central Business District (CBD). He stated that aside from the “glorious” Christmas tree, the other decorations were “lackluster.” He said that the planters throughout the CBD are “nothing but ashtrays.” He said that the planters could be filled inexpensively with white branches and greenery throughout the winter season, and that the Menorah and clock in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square could be similarly decorated. He said that the clock, a focal point in the Village, just sat in a bed of dirt.
Mr. Damiano said that he has reached out to the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands and the Women Gardeners, and will also reach out to the Parks and Recreation Department, to develop decoration plans for the 2023 holiday season. He indicated that the Ridgewood Guild could contribute money toward decorations, and some fundraising could be accomplished. He described Ridgewood as the “hub of Bergen County,” but towns such as Teaneck, Englewood, and Fair Lawn “outshone” Ridgewood in terms of their holiday decorations. Mr. Damiano said that visitors to the CBD want to see and experience a festive atmosphere, which enhances both shopping and dining in the CBD. He indicated that the lights on the Christmas tree are not lit during the day, and some areas are rather “gloomy.” He thinks it would be a great idea to have the lights on during the day, as well as during the night.
Gail McCarthy, 153 Hope Street, said that her grandmother used to tell her that when one feels gratitude and it is not expressed, it is like wrapping a present and not giving it to someone. She expressed her gratitude to Mayor Knudsen for her many years of service on the Village Council, for her dedication to Village residents, and for her efforts ensuring healthy drinking water. She emphasized that the Village has excellent Emergency Services, Police and Fire Departments. She thanked Mayor Knudsen for her countless hours of volunteerism. Ms. McCarthy indicated that she was particularly grateful for Mayor Knudsen’s “unmatched knowledge” and her commitment to reasonable development in the Village. She congratulated Ms. Winograd and Mr. Weitz on being elected to the Village Council and wished them all the best in the future. Ms. McCarthy also expressed thanks to Deputy Mayor Perron, Councilmember Reynolds, and Councilmember Vagianos for their years of service.
Marcia Ringel, 250 Ferris Place, said that Mayor Knudsen was not present at the meeting this evening due to illness. She stated that she has seen Mayors and Village Councilmembers “come and go” in Ridgewood over the past 50 years. She said that Mayor Knudsen was the most accessible, responsive Mayor that the Village has ever had, because she cared and she knew what to do to get things done. She compared Mayor Knudsen to New York City Mayor LaGuardia in the 1930s and 1940s where he “battled for the underdog.” Mayor Knudsen gave her time generously and cheerfully, and never boasted after a successful project. She stated that Mayor Knudsen was not a politician or “self-seeker.” Ms. Ringel said that the “slings and arrows” thrown at Mayor Knudsen on social media, in person, and in the newspaper were unprecedented, with vitriol and lies, but Mayor Knudsen never “stooped to the nastiness.” She stated that she respected Mayor Knudsen, who saved taxpayers a fortune.
Jim Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Avenue, thanked Mayor Knudsen for her leadership, for the countless meetings that she has attended, and for making Ridgewood her priority. He stated that Mayor Knudsen never backed down from making tough decisions and doing what was best for Ridgewood. He thanked her for sharing her time generously, such as leading tours through Village Hall for children, speaking at interfaith group gatherings, being a judge at the car show, and being hoisted 40 feet into the air to light the Christmas tree. He said that Mayor Knudsen’s commitment was commendable and “set a very high bar.” Mr. Reynolds also acknowledged Mayor Knudsen’s husband, John, the driving force behind Mayor Knudsen’s success. He wished the incoming Councilmembers the best of success in the future.
Mahmoud Hamza, 528 Amsterdam Avenue, thanked Mayor Knudsen for her hard work and dedication to the Village during her tenure. He said that being Mayor is a thankless job, regardless of how hard one works. He wished Mayor Knudsen the best of luck in her future endeavors. Mr. Hamza also congratulated the two incoming Councilmembers, Evan Weitz and Siobhan Winograd, and said that they were now “on the hot seat.” He wished them the best of luck in the future, and stated that he was confident they both want to do the best they can for the Village. He said that differences of opinion are never personal, but just different perspectives on various issues. Mr. Hamza urged the two new Councilmembers to open their minds and their hearts and give serious thought to what Village residents have to say. He said that Ridgewood has a charm of its own, and cautioned against “progress” that will “kill the character” of the Village.
Dana Glazer, 61 Clinton Avenue, thanked Mayor Knudsen for her service and stated that it was a pleasure working with her. He also wished the best of luck to the two new Councilmembers, Evan Weitz and Siobhan Winograd.
Hyunju Kwak, 278 Claremont Road, thanked Mayor Knudsen for her contributions to the Village and her years of public service. She said that Mayor Knudsen was “open of mind, big of heart, and strong of will” in her governance. She wished Mayor Knudsen the very best in the next chapter of her life. Ms. Kwak congratulated Ms. Winograd and Mr. Weitz on being elected to the Village Council, and thanked the current Councilmembers as well.
Ellen Fionda, 159 Oak Street, thanked Mayor Knudsen for everything she has done over the years while serving on the Village Council and as Mayor of Ridgewood. Ms. Fionda stated that Mayor Knudson worked tirelessly and was fair to everyone. She said that she was extremely grateful for Mayor Knudsen bringing special needs housing to the Village. Her son is living in the newly constructed units, and Ms. Fionda stated that her son is flourishing there, living and working on his own, while growing into an independent young man.
Matt Fionda, 257 East Ridgewood Avenue, thanked Mayor Knudsen for all she has done for the Village of Ridgewood and the special needs community, particularly bringing special needs housing to Ridgewood. He wished Mayor Knudsen the best of success in the future.
Jeanne Theisen, 354 Fairfield Avenue, congratulated Ms. Winograd and Mr. Weitz for being elected to the Village Council. She feels confident that they, along with the other Councilmembers, will ensure a very “strong future” for Ridgewood. She added that she is looking forward to the Schedler project being completed, along with the pedestrian plaza and other things, which Village residents have asked to be reinstated.
There were no further comments from the public.
Deputy Mayor Perron welcomed United States Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte of the United States District Court, Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, and Bergen County Commissioner Ramon M. Hache, Sr., to the meeting this evening.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Council minutes of November 30 and December 14, 2022, having been reviewed by the Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Mayor Knudsen
ABSTAIN: None
4. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-1 through 23-2, would be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only.
5. REMARKS BY VILLAGE COUNCILMEMBERS ABOUT MAYOR SUSAN KNUDSEN
Deputy Mayor Perron began by stating that Ridgewood has never had a Councilmember as committed, diligent and creative as Mayor Knudsen. No job was ever too large or too small for Mayor Knudsen, whether drafting the Master Plan, orchestrating Downtown for the Holidays, or responding to phone calls from constituents. She volunteered countless hours of her time. Deputy Mayor Perron said that she learned a lot from Mayor Knudsen regarding procedure, personal relations, and leadership. She thanked Mayor Knudsen for serving many years on the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and Village Council.
Councilmember Vagianos remarked that he has observed Village Council meetings for more than 30 years, and Mayor Knudsen was the hardest-working Councilmember and Mayor he has ever known. Her dedication to the Village was unparalleled, with public service being part of her family’s tradition. Councilmember Vagianos stated that Mayor Knudsen served “on the front lines,” which is not an easy thing to accomplish. Despite going “head to head” on different issues with Mayor Knudsen, Councilmember Vagianos said that they often agreed on issues as well. He said that he has learned a lot from Mayor Knudsen and thanked her for her service to the Village.
Councilmember Reynolds echoed the comments made by Councilmember Vagianos and Deputy Mayor Perron. She thanked Mayor Knudsen for everything she has done for Ridgewood over the past 12 years. Mayor Knudsen began her service as a volunteer on the Zoning Board of Adjustment for four years, then served as a Village Councilmember (since 2014) for 8.5 years, serving as Mayor for four of those years. Councilmember Reynolds stated that Mayor Knudsen achieved many accomplishments during her years of service, including rescinding Ordinance #3066 (thereby protecting Ridgewood from developers being in control of housing matters). Mayor Knudsen championed the purchase of the former Elks Club for Ridgewood Water, and she supported the Water Utility as they strove to purify the drinking water.
Councilmember Reynolds stated that Mayor Knudsen was on the Master Plan Subcommittee of the Planning Board and worked diligently on it until completion. She also supported the preservation of the historic Zabriskie-Schedler House, listening to the wants and needs of the Schedler neighborhood. Although the project has taken a long time to complete, eventually it will become a wonderful recreational area.
Councilmember Reynolds remarked that Mayor Knudsen has helped thousands of residents over the years, fielding numerous phone calls throughout the day from concerned residents. Mayor Knudsen worked closely with the developers (United Way and Madeline House) to construct special needs housing in the Central Business District. In addition, during Mayor Knudsen’s tenure, a much-needed parking garage was built on Hudson Street, which fit on the existing footprint. Mayor Knudsen was instrumental in beginning the process for the Village to take over the Town Garage through eminent domain. Councilmember Reynolds hoped that eventually a pocket park could be constructed at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Walnut Street.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mayor Knudsen’s greatest accomplishment was collaborating with the Health Department to set up vaccine clinics for Ridgewood residents. When there became a shortage of vaccines, Mayor Knudsen called Governor Murphy directly and convinced him to supply more vaccines to the Ridgewood clinics.
Councilmember Reynolds thanked Mayor Knudsen’s family for “sharing” her with the Village for many years, stating that public service is extremely time consuming. She concluded by stating that Ridgewood was extremely lucky to have had Mayor Knudsen serve as both Mayor and Councilmember for 8.5 years, because Mayor Knudsen is intelligent, compassionate, extremely thorough, a problem solver, and creative in finding solutions to problems.
6. REMARKS BY MAYOR SUSAN KNUDSEN
Matt Rogers, Village Attorney, read a statement by Mayor Knudsen, since she was ill and could not attend the meeting this evening: “It is with great regret that I could not be here this evening for my last meeting serving on the Village Council and as Ridgewood’s Mayor. I had the honor and privilege of serving fellow Ridgewood residents for well over a decade: four-plus years on the Board of Adjustment and 8.5 years on the Village Council, including two terms as Mayor, with one term as Deputy Mayor sandwiched in between. During my tenure on Council, especially under my leadership as Mayor, a great deal of work was done, and a lot was accomplished, with much to be proud of. I’d like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work with the talented and dedicated members of the Village staff, residents who serve on Village boards and committees, Council colleagues, and to the many residents, business owners and stakeholders I have worked with on countless issues over the years. I’m profoundly grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Village Manager, Heather Mailander, and the Village Attorney, Matt Rogers. I’m also extremely thankful for the love and support of my friends and family. The Village of Ridgewood is truly blessed. Congratulations to the new Village Council! A successful and impartial governing body will best serve the interests of our community. I wish the incoming Village Council the best of luck and much success. With gratitude, Mayor Susan Knudsen.”
Mr. Rogers thanked Mayor Knudsen for her service. He said that he worked with her for eight years and witnessed her tireless dedication to serving the Village, its residents and business owners. Mayor Knudsen made a 24/7 commitment to fulfill her service to the public. She fearlessly promoted the issues that she supported and fearlessly defended those issues when necessary. Mr. Rogers said that he has known the Knudsen family for many years, working with her husband, John, during Dad’s Night and coaching her children in recreational football and rugby. Mr. Rogers explained that although he and Mayor Knudsen disagreed on some issues, they never lost respect for each other. Their common goal was to make Ridgewood a better place, and he thanked Mayor Knudsen again for her dedicated service.
7. READING OF CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION OF EVAN WEITZ
Ms. Mailander read the Certificate of Election of Evan Weitz, confirming that Mr. Weitz was elected to the Village Council at the Municipal Election held on November 8, 2022, for a four-year term beginning on January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2026. The Certificate of Election was dated January 4, 2023.
8. OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO EVAN WEITZ
The Oath of Office was administered to Evan Weitz, appointing him as Councilmember of the Village Council, by United States Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, as Mr. Weitz’s wife and children looked on. There was a resounding round of applause.
9. REMARKS BY COUNCILMEMBER EVAN WEITZ FROM THE DAIS
Councilmember Weitz began by thanking his family for their support while he was running for election. He also thanked Judge Almonte, who was a colleague of his when he worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Councilmember Weitz also thanked Jim VanGoor, for running for election as a Village Councilmember, describing him as a dedicated public servant. He stated that he and the Village of Ridgewood were very appreciative of Mayor Knudsen’s many years of public service. He stated that Mayor Knudsen’s dedication was truly inspiring and he hoped to live up to her example. Councilmember Weitz also thanked Ms. Winograd and the other Councilmembers, and stated that he looks forward to working with everyone.
Councilmember Weitz said that he felt both honored and humbled. He has a deep love of public service and is very excited that he will be able to serve on the Village Council. He promised that he would do his very best to live up to the high standards which the Village deserves. Councilmember Weitz announced that he will be donating his salary as Councilmember, and this year he will be donating it to the Ridgewood Cub Scouts, a wonderful organization that he and his son have been involved in for several years. Councilmember Weitz concluded by thanking the citizens of Ridgewood, stating that it was an honor and privilege for him to serve on the Village Council. There was a resounding round of applause.
10. READING OF CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION OF SIOBHAN WINOGRAD
Ms. Mailander read the Certificate of Election of Siobhan Winograd, confirming that Ms. Winograd was elected to the Village Council at the Municipal Election held on November 8, 2022, for a four-year term beginning on January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2026. The Certificate of Election was dated January 4, 2023.
11. OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO SIOBHAN WINOGRAD
The Oath of Office was administered to Siobhan Winograd, appointing her as Councilmember of the Village Council, by Deputy Mayor Perron. Her mother held the Bible as her son and husband looked on. There was a resounding round of applause.
12. REMARKS BY COUNCILMEMBER WINOGRAD FROM THE DAIS
Councilmember Winograd began by thanking the voters of Ridgewood, especially the first-time voters from the Ridgewood High School Class of 2022. She also thanked the League of Women Voters for promoting the election and organizing the candidate debate. The “One Village, One Vote” team was instrumental in moving the Village Council Election to November, which saw an unprecedented number of local voters coming to the polls (42%) last year. Councilmember Winograd thanked them for all of their efforts to promote greater participation in local governance. She also thanked her supporters, donors, canvassers, and volunteers who organized fundraising parties, as well as her friends and neighbors. Councilmember Winograd gave thanks to her family for their unwavering support during the election.
Councilmember Winograd expressed her plans for the future, in accordance with her election campaign. She mentioned that she will be leaving her website (Winograd2022.com) up while serving as Councilmember, to serve as a benchmark, so that her progress during her term as Councilmember can be monitored on the site, as well as on social media. Councilmember Winograd said that the current Village Council will be a “body of one” with five equal votes. She stated that she looks forward to working with her Council colleagues as a team. She also gave thanks to Mr. Weitz for being a respectful running mate.
Councilmember Winograd announced that she is also going to donate her Council stipend. This year, she is going to donate her stipend in three parts. The first part will be donated to the Ridgecrest Pantry in honor of Eugene Thomas and her father. She reminded everyone that 1 in 4 Americans will become disabled during their lifetime. The second part will be donated to the Ridgewood Guild, which contributes much to the culture and vibrancy of the Village. The third part will be donated to the planting of trees. There was a resounding round of applause.
13. ROLL CALL OF NEW VILLAGE COUNCIL
Ms. Mailander took the roll call of the new Village Council as follows:
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, Weitz, and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
14. CALL FOR NOMINATION FOR OFFICE OF MAYOR
Ms. Mailander called for nominations for the position of Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood.
Councilmember Reynolds said that she would like to have an open and transparent conversation about the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. She stated that there has been a lot of divisiveness over the past 20 years and did not want to see it continue. She wanted a Mayor to be appointed that everyone “can get behind.” She said that everyone sitting at the dais would make a good Mayor, but she wanted to nominate Deputy Mayor Pamela Perron as the new Mayor of Ridgewood, due to her neutrality. Councilmember Reynolds said that they need to show Village residents that all Councilmembers can get along and do what is right for the Village.
Deputy Mayor Perron told Councilmember Reynolds that while she appreciated her support, she would have to decline the nomination. Deputy Mayor Perron then made a motion to nominate Councilmember Paul Vagianos as Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion. There were no other nominations for Mayor.
Ms. Mailander stated that there would a roll call vote to close the nominations for Mayor.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, Weitz, and Winograd
NAYS: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Ms. Mailander stated that there would be a roll call vote on the nomination of Paul Vagianos as Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood, for a two-year term commencing on January 4, 2023.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, Weitz, and Winograd
NAYS: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
15. OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO PAUL VAGIANOS
The Oath of Office for Mayor was administered to Paul Vagianos, by Bergen County Commissioner Ramon M. Hache, Sr., as his wife joined them on the floor. There was a resounding round of applause.
Mayor Vagianos thanked everyone for the opportunity to become Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood. He especially thanked Councilmember Reynolds for her honest and frank remarks. He said that is the way the new Village Council will operate, telling the truth at all times. He recalled a wise saying, which he heard when his children were playing sports: “You play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.” He likened this phrase to the way the Village Council should operate, solely for the benefit of Ridgewood. Mayor Vagianos said that not only were the Village Councilmembers part of the team, but the Village residents were part of the team as well. He said that all residents need to “get off of the bench and into the game” by supporting the Village Council. He urged citizens to volunteer for a committee, coach a team or sponsor an event, anything that would benefit the community. He also urged residents to respectfully give constructive criticism to the Village Council, so that the Councilmembers may be aware of what they are doing right and what they are doing wrong. There was a resounding round of applause.
16. CALL FOR NOMINATION FOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY MAYOR
Mayor Vagianos stated that he would like to call for the nominations for the title of Deputy Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood. Councilmember Winograd moved to nominate Pamela Perron as Deputy Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood for a two-year term commencing on January 4, 2023. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
There were no other nominations for Deputy Mayor, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the nominations for Deputy Mayor be closed. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Ms. Mailander said that there would be a roll call vote on the nomination of Pamela Perron as Deputy Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood for a two-year term commencing on January 4, 2023.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
17. OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO PAMELA PERRON
The Oath of Office for Deputy Mayor was administered to Pamela Perron by Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, as her husband joined her on the floor. Mr. Rogers stated that he has known Deputy Mayor Perron and her husband Chuck for a number of years, and has been fortunate to work with Deputy Mayor Perron on the Village Council for the past 2-1/2 years. He said that she has brought a “fresh intelligence” to the Council, while focusing on issues concerning the environment, land development, safety, and the beautification of Ridgewood, as well as punctuation, grammar and syntax. There was a resounding round of applause.
18. CALL FOR NOMINATION FOR OFFICE OF PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL
Mayor Vagianos called for nominations for the title of President Pro Tempore of the Village Council. Councilmember Winograd moved the nomination of Councilmember Evan Weitz as President Pro Tempore of the Village Council for a two-year term commencing on January 4, 2023. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. There were no other nominations.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Vagianos moved that the nominations for President Pro Tempore of the Village Council be closed. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Ms. Mailander indicated that there would be a roll call vote on the nomination of Evan Weitz as President Pro Tempore of the Village Council for a two-year term commencing on January 4, 2023.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
19. OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL
The Oath of Office for President Pro Tempore of the Village Council was administered to Councilmember Evan Weitz by Judge Almonte, for a two-year term commencing January 4, 2023. There was a resounding round of applause.
20. REMARKS BY DEPUTY MAYOR PERRON
Deputy Mayor Perron welcomed Councilmember Weitz and Councilmember Winograd to the Village Council. She said that there was a lot of work, which needs to be accomplished by the Village Council in the future, and stated that the two new Councilmembers bring an array of talents to the table, which will greatly improve and benefit the Village. She encouraged them to pay close attention to every resident or business owner who contacts them and to remember that all Village employees are the Village Council’s greatest assets. She also encouraged the new Councilmembers to ask a lot of questions, to ensure that they completely understand the issues or concerns brought to them. Deputy Mayor Perron advised them to be generous of their time and be willing to listen. She encouraged all Village residents and businesses to contact the Village Councilmembers with their ideas, thoughts, comments and gripes. There was a resounding round of applause.
21. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-3 through 23-17, with the exception of 23-8, which will be considered separately and read in full, would be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
Ms. Mailander stated that Resolution #23-8, Appoint Village Prosecutor, would be considered separately and read in full.
22. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, congratulated everyone on the Village Council. He stated that the Village has had a “rough couple of years” and has been divided on certain issues. He is viewing the composition of the new Village Council as a “renewal” and said that he looks forward to working with them. He said that everyone is on “Team Ridgewood.”
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said that a “fresh, bright dawn” has emerged over Ridgewood, following a six-year-long “stormy night” worthy of the Game of Thrones. Mr. Halaby said hearing the new roll call was music to his ears, stating that the Councilmembers’ “smarts,” energy, creativity and intellectual integrity will help to restore Ridgewood to its former glory. He asked for the Councilmembers to always tell the truth and never mislead Village residents. He expressed his congratulations and best wishes to the Village Council.
Lillian Blood, 250 North Maple Avenue, congratulated the new Village Councilmembers and the existing Councilmembers. She said that she appreciates the hard nature of public service, with long nights and countless hours required. Ms. Blood thanked the Village Council for enabling the pickleball courts to be available to seniors. She presented flowers and presents to the Councilmembers.
Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, congratulated the newest members of the Village Council. She said that she hoped the Village could once again be governed with truth, grace, and communication.
Hyunju Kwak, 291 Highland Avenue, congratulated the Village Councilmembers and acknowledged that each Councilmember has “stepped up” to serve the community, for which Ridgewood residents are grateful. She said that everyone could disagree without being disagreeable. Ms. Kwak stated that residents have certain expectations of the Village Council as their elected trustees.
There were no further comments from the public.
23. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Reorganization Meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M.
Paul Vagianos
Mayor
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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