20230427 - Village Council Special Public Meeting Minutes

A SPECIAL 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 APRIL 27, 2023 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

1.         CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE

 

Mayor Vagianos called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Councilmember Reynolds was absent from the meeting. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer.

 

Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

 

2.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Before public comments began, Mayor Vagianos asked Dylan Hanson, Director of IT, to check the hybrid access to make sure it was working, in the event that people were trying to call in to make comments. Since there was no one waiting to speak, either in person or otherwise, Mayor Vagianos closed public comments.

 

3.         2023 BUDGET HEARING

 

            A.        OVERVIEW OF 2023 BUDGET

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that, for 2023, there is $57.7 million in the Operating Budget, $7.64 million in the General Capital Budget, and $69.5 million in the Water Capital Budget, of which $60.5 million represents PFAS improvements. There will be a $244 annual municipal tax increase on an average assessed home value of $707,500.00. Revenues and expenses have increased approximately $2.2 million from 2022. The municipal tax increase has resulted from the fact that $2.6 million in revenue from the American Recovery Plan ($1.3 million received in 2021 and $1.3 million in 2022) will not be received by the Village in 2023. There have been modest or no municipal tax increases in recent years, with two years of 0%, one year of 0.99%, and four years ranging from 1.20% - 2.20%. Included in the 2023 Budget were the use of one-time non-recurring revenues; mandated cost increases, including health benefits at 17.9%, pension at 10.7%, negotiated salary costs 1.5% to 3%; utilities 9.8%; and materials and supply costs.

 

Ms. Mailander explained the goals of the Village in 2023. They include the revitalization of the tree wells in the Central Business District (CBD). Viable ash trees on public land will be treated for the emerald ash borer, and new trees will be planted in various locations throughout the Village. A contract for $2 million has been awarded for paving projects for various Village streets. Work will continue for the development of the Schedler property with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), to obtain approval for the driveway entrance, parking lots, field, walking paths, restrooms and playground, which will move the project forward. The completion of the restoration of the Zabriskie-Schedler house is anticipated. The dining corrals and pedestrian plaza will be reinstated in the CBD from June through early October, which will include entertainment, culturally themed weekends, and enjoyment for the entire family.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that a Summer Job Fair was held to encourage additional candidates to apply for seasonal positions. Ridgewood Water will continue to build PFAS treatment facilities in various locations throughout the utility. Vehicles and equipment will be replaced for public safety and other Village departments. The design and implementation of the field and facility scheduling process will continue, through the use of an integrated software program with the Board of Education. This will allow ease of viewing field and facility reservations, practices and games on one master calendar. This scheduling software will also assist sports groups and the Parks and Recreation Department, as field use and maintenance are prioritized, and will also allow for scheduling events in various Village buildings. The Village has entered into Shared Services Agreements with other municipalities for use of the Village-owned Styrofoam densifier.

 

Ms. Mailander said that parking zones will be reconfigured in the CBD, to allow drivers to pay for parking at nearby kiosks. The Water Smart portal for Ridgewood Water customers has been expanded to allow for easy access to account information, including water usage, payment of bills, and other important information. Other public water utilities will be encouraged to join with Ridgewood Water, in coordinating efforts to recoup PFAS expenses.

 

Challenges in the General Budget include the maintenance of revenue targets, controlling budget expenditures, defensive tax appeals, appraiser costs, court settlements, recovery from the Covid pandemic’s impact on revenues, police overtime, stabilization of infrastructure, and one-time revenues. Challenges in the Water Utility Budget include weather conditions, stabilization of infrastructure, compliance with new water quality regulations promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and PFAS debt. Challenges in the Parking Utility Budget include the recovery from the Covid pandemic’s impact on parking revenues. Ms. Mailander stated that the opportunities for the Village in 2023 include Shared Services Agreements and expanded health services.

 

Robert Rooney, Village CFO, said that the municipal revenue pie chart reflects the comparison of revenues from 2022 to 2023. The majority of revenues in 2023 will come from property taxes, which are approximately $2 million higher than they were in 2022. Anticipated surplus required is approximately $350,000.00 more than the prior year. Mr. Rooney stated that the Village lost Covid relief funds (American Recovery Plan) of $2.6 million, which had been received in 2021, and 2022, which impacted the need for a municipal tax increase in 2023.

 

Mr. Rooney then presented a chart, which compared municipal expenditures from 2022 to 2023. Significant changes include an increase in statutory expenditures of $700,000.00 over last year; increase in health insurance of $1.1 million over last year; increase in utility charges of $200,000.00 over last year; and increase in public safety costs of $800,000.00 over last year.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the State of New Jersey has reviewed all of the documentation provided by the Village. As a result of that review, there will be a resolution to amend the budget related to two revenue items: a decrease in State aid that was anticipated (based on what was realized last year) and reclassification of how the revenue stream was recorded in the Water Utility. There was also a change in the General Fund, regarding a reclassification of the Public Employees Retirement System of $2,481.00. The budget with the proposed amendments in the General Fund provides for appropriations of $57.7 million, less surplus anticipated of $4.6 million, with miscellaneous revenues of $11.5 million, and receipts from delinquent taxes of $514,000. This will result in an amount to be raised by local taxation of $38,490,000.00 and a Library tax of $2,583,000.00. This will generate 2023 taxes on an average assessed home valued at $707,500.00 of $4,917.00, as compared to last year, where taxes on an average assessed home valued at $702,349.00 were $4,635.00. The municipal portion is $65.09 and the Library portion this year is $4.40. Mr. Rooney explained that the Village/Library portion of “2023 Tax Dollars” is 24.8% of the total of the property taxes, the school portion is 64.5%, and the County portion is 10.7%.

 

B.        VILLAGE COUNCIL’S COMMENTS

 

Ms. Mailander said that the Village Councilmembers would make comments regarding the budget. Deputy Mayor Perron asked if taxes on an average home were going up by less than $300.00, and Mr. Rooney replied that the municipal share of taxes is less than $300.00 this year.

 

Councilmember Weitz thanked Mr. Rooney and everyone who worked so hard on the budget. He mentioned the loss of the Covid relief funds that the Village would not be receiving this year, as well as the fact that there have been very modest tax increases over the past couple of years. He said that the Village Council had to grapple with an increase in healthcare benefits of 18%, in addition to nationwide inflation. He said that he was proud of the fact that, despite the tight budget year, the Village will be able to accomplish many projects. Councilmember Weitz mentioned the Schedler property, pedestrian plaza, critical infrastructure projects such as vehicle replacements and street paving, and PFAS remediation. While he is not happy with any tax increase, Councilmember Weitz stated that the municipal tax increase arrived at in the budget was acceptable to him, considering the “headwinds” the Village Council had to face.

Councilmember Winograd stated that this year’s budget process has really “opened” her eyes, especially the “competition for capital,” which she stated was somewhat stunning this year. She stated that she was very happy with the compromises that were made. She said that she was incredibly grateful to Mr. Rooney and Ms. Mailander for answering all of her questions, since she was newly elected to the Village Council. She thanked all Department Directors and Village employees for their cooperation during the budget process, and for answering her questions as well. Councilmember Winograd also thanked her Village Council colleagues for their assistance. She said that her main goals were to allow the Village’s aging population to age in place and to honor Village staff. She said that developing the budget was a very difficult balancing act and she was grateful that the time period was extended, since she felt it really enhanced the budget discussions.

 

Mayor Vagianos echoed Councilmember Weitz’s comments by stating that this was a tough budget year, with a 7% inflation rate nationwide. He said that keeping the municipal tax rate increase well below that percentage was a “big deal,” considering there was a 22% increase in healthcare costs. Despite that, the Village will be able to utilize $2 million for street paving this year. Mayor Vagianos thanked Ms. Mailander and Mr. Rooney for their guidance during the budget process, and especially thanked Village employees and Department Directors for their patience and hard work. He indicated that Village employees should be grateful to Ms. Mailander and Mr. Rooney for figuring out how to avoid furloughs this year. Mayor Vagianos stated how much he enjoys seeing Village staff and family in the audience, as the budget process is completed.

 

C.        PUBLIC HEARING ON 2023 BUDGET

 

Mayor Vagianos asked the Village Clerk to read the title of the 2023 Budget.

 

The Village Clerk read the title as follows: 2023 BUDGET FOR THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD.

 

Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on the 2023 Budget. There were no public comments, either in person or online, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

 

4.         ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

A.        PUBLIC HEARING - #3950 – BOND ORDINANCE – WATER UTILITY CAPITAL

 

Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3950 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3950 by title only:

 

WATER UTILITY BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS WATER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $8,996,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $8,546,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3950. There were no public comments, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds  

ABSTAIN:   None

 

Deputy Mayor Perron moved that ordinance #3950 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds  

ABSTAIN:   None

5.         ORDINANCES

 

A.        PUBLIC HEARING - #3951 – BOND ORDINANCE – GENERAL CAPITAL

 

Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3951 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3951 by title only:

 

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $5,732,774 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $5,446,135 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3951. There were no public comments, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds 

ABSTAIN:   None

 

Councilmember Weitz moved that ordinance #3951 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds 

ABSTAIN:   None

 

B.        PUBLIC HEARING - #3952 – BOND ORDINANCE – CREATION OF NEW VILLAGE WEBSITE

 

Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3952 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, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3952 by title only:

 

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF A WEBSITE IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $39,140 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $37,183 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3952. There were no public comments, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds 

ABSTAIN:   None

 

Councilmember Weitz moved that ordinance #3952 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds 

ABSTAIN:   None

 

 

 

C.        PUBLIC HEARING - #3953 – BOND ORDINANCE – PARKING CAPITAL

Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3953 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3953 by title only:

 

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PORTABLE RADIOS AND A LICENSE PLATE READER FOR THE PARKING UTILITY IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $60,770 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $60,770 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3953. There were no public comments, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds 

ABSTAIN:   None

 

Councilmember Weitz moved that ordinance #3953 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds 

ABSTAIN:   None

 

 

 

 

6.         RESOLUTIONS

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-155 through 23-156, were to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:

Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-157 through 23-158, would be considered separately and read in full:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Mailander thanked all of the Department Directors and all of the Village employees who work so hard for the Village every day. She especially thanked the Department Directors for conceding on a lot of items they requested this year. She said that it will be a tight year, but she is confident that the Village will come through it just fine. Ms. Mailander thanked Mr. Rooney for all of his work, Olivia Andreula for all of her assistance and for attending all of the budget meetings, and Stephen Sanzari, Village Treasurer, for verifying all of the monetary figures with Mr. Rooney. She added that she is also very pleased that there will be no furloughs this year.

 

7.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

NONE

 

8.         ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Weitz, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Special Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.

 

 

 

 

                                                ____________________________________

                                                                                                Paul Vagianos

                                                                                                        Mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________________________________

                     Heather A. Mailander

             Village Manager/Village Clerk