20160323 - Village Council Public Work Session Minutes
A REGULAR WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE CAMPUS CENTER OF THE RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, 627 EAST RIDGEWOOD AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ON MARCH 23, 2016 AT 7:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Aronsohn called the meeting to order at 7:32 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon and Mayor Aronsohn. Also present were Roberta Sonenfeld, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. Mayor Aronsohn led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and asked for a moment of silence in honor of the American men and women serving in our Armed Forces, as well as those serving as first responders.
2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Aronsohn asked if there were any comments or questions from the public. Jeffrey Voigt, 99 Glenwood Road, wondered why the Planning Board’s agenda was posted only three hours before the meeting. Mr. Rogers replied that the Village Council does not have control over what the Planning Board does.
Saurabh Dani, 390 Bedford Road, said that there should be no resolution to allow the Leasing Agreement with the Bergen County Improvement Authority (BCIA). He said that instead, a local bond ordinance should be adopted.
Gary Negrycz, 501 Dorchester Road, asked why the Planning Board agenda was put out three hours prior to the meeting instead of 48 hours prior to the meeting. As the Village Council, he would think that they would want all meetings held in the Village to be held legally. Mr. Rogers explained that the Planning Board is an autonomous body and they have their own Board Secretary. He emphasized that the Village Council does not review the Planning Board’s notices, and any issues they have with the agenda or notice of the meeting must be taken up with the Planning Board.
Councilwoman Knudsen said that she realized the agenda was not posted at 3:00 P.M. or 4:00 P.M. on the day of the Planning Board meeting. She said that she will look into it further. Mr. Negrycz said that he questions the validity of the meeting that was held with such short notice.
3. CERTIFICATION OF RESULTS BY VILLAGE CLERK OF PETITION TO RESCIND/NOT RATIFY ORDINANCE #3519 – LEASING AGREEMENT WITH THE BERGEN COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
Heather Mailander, Village Clerk, stated that on February 10, 2016, the Village Council of the Village of Ridgewood finally adopted Ordinance 3519, entitled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY APPROVING THE FORM AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH THE BERGEN COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF COUNTY GUARANTEED LEASE REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2016 (VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD PARKING DECK PROJECT) BY THE BERGEN COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY".
Ms. Mailander said that on February 26, 2016, the Village received a petition protesting against the passage of the Ordinance pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:69A-185. Ms. Mailander stated that she reviewed the Petition in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:69A-187. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:69A-185, the Petition must contain the signature of at least 814 legal voters of the Village to be deemed sufficient. The Petition contained at least 814 valid signatures.
She concluded by saying that she found the petition filed with her sufficient, and she is submitting the petition to the Village Council without delay.
4. MOTION TO SUSPEND REGULAR WORK SESSION AND CONVENE SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING #1
At 7:41 P.M., upon motion by Mayor Aronsohn, seconded by Councilman Pucciarelli and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Village Council suspended the Work Session.
At 12:21 A.M., on March 24, 2016, upon motion by Councilman Pucciarelli, seconded by Councilwoman Knudsen and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Work Session was reconvened.
5. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Sonenfeld reminded everyone that Village Hall will be closed and all Village services will stop on Friday, March 25, 2016 in observance of Good Friday.
6. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilwoman Knudsen spoke about the Planning Board meetings.
Councilman Pucciarelli thanked the Ridgewood Police Department for being here.
Councilman Sedon said that there was a good combined meeting of the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission and The Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC), with eighteen people in attendance. They are discussing about things going forward.
Councilwoman Hauck said that she attended the Library author’s luncheon, with over 400 people in attendance. She noted that it was the best one yet.
Mayor Aronsohn said that he attended the 25th Anniversary of Family Promise. He helped to give out hot meals to people, and stated that it is a great organization.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Linda Tarzian asked if they are adding more trees. The Shade Tree Commission bought 25 trees to replace the 220 trees that were taken down. Also 10-11 trees were planted through the Adopt-a-Tree program. Ms. Tarzian explained that resilient trees are not blown over in a hurricane. Councilman Sedon pointed out that where there are overhead wires, shorter trees will be planted.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Pucciarelli, seconded by Councilman Sedon, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 12:25 A.M. on March 24, 2016.
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Paul S. Aronsohn Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander Village Clerk
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