20230719 - Village of Ridgewood 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 JULY 19, 2023 AT 7:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Deputy Mayor Perron called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, and Winograd. Mayor Vagianos, Councilmember Weitz, and Village Attorney Matthew Rogers were absent from the meeting. Also present were Keith Kazmark, Village Manager, and Heather Mailander, Village Clerk.
Deputy Mayor Perron led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of June 30, 2023, be accepted as submitted. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Mayor Vagianos and Councilmember Weitz
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
NONE.
4. PROCLAMATION
PROCLAIM JULY AS PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH
Councilmember Winograd read the following proclamation:
5. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE OFFICER FRANCISCO SANTIAGO
Deputy Mayor Perron asked Francisco Santiago to come forward to be sworn in as a Police Officer for the Ridgewood Police Department. She asked all Councilmembers to join her at the podium. Deputy Mayor Perron then swore in Police Officer Francisco Santiago, as Police Chief Forest Lyons held the Bible. There was a resounding round of applause.
6. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE OFFICER ISAIAH WALTERS
Deputy Mayor Perron asked Isaiah Walters to come forward to be sworn in as a Police Officer for the Ridgewood Police Department. Deputy Mayor Perron then swore in Police Officer Isaiah Walters, as his family looked on. There was a resounding round of applause.
7. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE SERGEANT JOHN A. WARD
Deputy Mayor Perron asked John A. Ward to come forward to be sworn in as a Police Sergeant for the Ridgewood Police Department. Deputy Mayor Perron then swore in Police Sergeant John A. Ward, as his brother held the Bible and his family looked on. There was a resounding round of applause.
8. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE SERGEANT ANTHONY MORMINO
Deputy Mayor Perron asked Anthony Mormino to come forward to be sworn in as a Police Sergeant for the Ridgewood Police Department. Deputy Mayor Perron then swore in Police Sergeant Anthony Mormino, as his wife and children held the Bible and his family looked on. There was a resounding round of applause.
9. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE LIEUTENANT JOHN CHUCK
Deputy Mayor Perron asked John Chuck to come forward to be sworn in as a Police Lieutenant for the Ridgewood Police Department. Deputy Mayor Perron then swore in Police Lieutenant John Chuck, as his girlfriend held the Bible. There was a resounding round of applause.
10. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE LIEUTENANT SALVATORE D’AMICO
Deputy Mayor Perron asked Salvatore D’Amico to come forward to be sworn in as a Police Lieutenant for the Ridgewood Police Department. Deputy Mayor Perron then swore in Police Lieutenant Salvatore D’Amico, as his wife held the Bible and his family looked on. There was a resounding round of applause.
11. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE CAPTAIN GLENN ENDER
Deputy Mayor Perron asked Glenn Ender to come forward to be sworn in as a Police Captain for the Ridgewood Police Department. Deputy Mayor Perron then swore in Police Captain Glenn Ender, as his son held the Bible and his family looked on. There was a resounding round of applause.
12. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE CHIEF FOREST LYONS
Deputy Mayor Perron asked Forest Lyons to come forward to be sworn in as a Police Chief for the Ridgewood Police Department. Deputy Mayor Perron then swore in Police Chief Forest Lyons, as his sons held the Bible and his wife and mother looked on. There was a resounding round of applause.
13. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that some her neighbors who live on South Irving Street have asked about the soft sidewalks. She said that, last year, three experimental pieces of the soft sidewalk were installed on South Irving Street. These sidewalks are designed so that tree roots do not have to be ground up in order to install a sidewalk. Ms. Loving believed that the soft sidewalks have a permeable surface. She walks on her street every day and she said that they are very comfortable to walk on. Her neighbor, Kathryn Schmidt, asked about a particular tree at the corner of South Irving Street and Addison Place. The cement sidewalk slabs have been removed, but the tree roots have not yet been cut. Ms. Schmidt asked if it were possible to have the soft rubber-like sidewalk installed at that location. Ms. Loving said that perhaps the Village was waiting to see how these soft sidewalk installations fared during the entire year, before installing any more of them. Ms. Loving stated that cutting roots of a tree will eventually kill the tree. She asked for someone from Village Hall get back to Ms. Schmidt to let her know what is planned for this particular sidewalk and tree.
Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, said that some residents did not have an opportunity to speak after Peter Primavera gave his presentation at the July 12, 2023 Village Council meeting. She said that Mr. Primavera spoke for 90 minutes, and she expressed the hope that in the future, such presentations can be managed better, so that people waiting to speak during public comments will have time to speak at the end of a meeting.
Ms. O’Keefe said that a letter was sent by Kate Marcopul, from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), to the Village Council about the Zabriskie-Schedler house and property development. Ms. O’Keefe recited: “This email serves as official correspondence of the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office.” Ms. Marcopul stated in her email that she had spoken with Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, regarding the development of the Schedler property. Ms. Marcopul also stated that the proposed park development meets the definition of an undertaking and is therefore reviewable under the New Jersey Register of Historic Places Act. In her email, Ms. Marcopul outlined what the process is for doing so, and Ms. O’Keefe wanted to make sure that this process was followed by the Village Council. Ms. O’Keefe believes that Ms. Marcopul is calling for an archaeological study, and Ms. O’Keefe is looking forward to hearing about the progress of such a study.
Jacqueline Hone, 30 Carriage Lane, said that Councilmember Reynolds had asked at a prior meeting that Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, review the complaints from residents regarding the grant application sent to Bergen County, regarding the Village’s potential acquisition of property at 510 West Saddle River Road, which Ms. Hone stated was incomplete and contained misleading information. Ms. Hone sent an email to Mr. Rogers, which set forth what items she felt were incomplete in the application, and what information she deemed to be misleading. In particular, there was a statement in the application that the Schedler property would be the only municipal property located on the east side of Route 17. Mr. Roger responded by stating that the response provided in the application is accurate, but needs to be clarified to include North Road Park. However, Ms. Hone stated that this is very different from what is stated in the new Master Plan, which states that Glen School Field is adjacent to the Glen School and owned by both the Village and the Board of Education. Ms. Hone asked Councilmember Reynolds if she could set up a meeting with residents and the Village Manager, so that these discrepancies can be discussed
Ms. Hone said that there was a letter from George Wright, President, Captain Abraham Godwin Chapter of the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, regarding the Zabriskie-Schedler house and property. This letter was sent to the Village Councilmembers, with copies sent to Ms. Marcopul and other members of the NJDEP and Bergen County Historic Preservation. Mr. Wright stated in his letter that there can be no reasonable doubt that the Schedler property is a central part of the 1780 battlefield. Ms. Hone asked the Village Councilmembers who is right in this regard: Mr. Primavera, the State of New Jersey, or the National Register of Historic Places, which designated the house and property as historic. She said that the correct answer must be determined, since large sums of money have already been paid by the Village for renovations to the Schedler house and property.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that he attended the Village Council meeting on July 12, 2023 and was extremely disappointed that three members of the Village Council voted to exclude members of the public from speaking at the end of the meeting during public comments. These residents had waited all night in order to speak, including some residents using hybrid access. He expressed the hope that this will not happen again.
Mr. Loving said that people in attendance at a meeting waiting to make public comments have no idea how many people are in the queue waiting to speak via hybrid access. He mentioned that the Board of Education has a screen behind the Board President, which publicly displays the number of people who are in the queue, along with their names. Mr. Loving said that this shows transparency, because it assures the public that no one is being cut off or being denied his/her right to speak. By contrast, residents wishing to speak at a Village Council meeting have no idea how many people are waiting to speak or whether people are being selected indiscriminately. He would like to see the Village Council follow the same procedure at meetings, as is followed by the Board of Education. This would allow for full transparency.
Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, said that she was glad that Ms. O’Keefe brought up the matter of the letter that was sent by Kate Marcopul of the NJDEP. The letter indicated that the NJDEP has been dealing with Mr. Rutishauser since 2020, when he sent an incorrect and unapproved plan to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) without notifying the Mayor and Council. She said that the Schedler project has been hanging around for a long time. Ms. Gruber said that following the recommendations of Mr. Primavera is akin to living in a “fantasy land”, despite Mr. Primavera’s assertion that there is an 80% chance that SHPO will go along with his recommendations to overturn the historic designation of the Schedler property and/or move the Zabriskie-Schedler house to a different location.
Ms. Gruber said that she could not understand why the Village Councilmembers take the word of Mr. Primavera over the word of people who know a lot more than he does. She said that Ms. Marcopul wrote her letter to the Mayor and Council, because there have been many things going back and forth regarding the Schedler property, and she sought to clarify the procedure to be followed for SHPO. Ms. Gruber expressed the hope that the Village Councilmembers will finally take action on the Schedler project and approve the original plans. She also stated that she hopes that the renovations to the house will be completed by this fall.
Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, said that she was one of the disappointed people who waited all night to make public comments at the end of the July 12, 2023 Village Council meeting, but was not allowed to speak. Ms. Lima said that Mayor Vagianos said that one of his biggest goals for the Village Council is to give the Village Council “back to the community.” He said that all Village Councilmembers were there to serve the Village residents and to do what they wanted. However, Ms. Lima said that the voices of the residents are being suppressed and that the Village Councilmembers are manipulating the agenda.
Regarding the presentation made by Mr. Primavera last week, Ms. Lima said that he throws out the names of people and places without any details or facts to back up his statements. He claims that he has 40 years’ experience and has completed over 3,000 projects, and he has supplied the Village Councilmembers with several pages of references on his resume. However, Ms. Lima said that she cannot locate anything on his website, internet or social media concerning his “vast” experience. She spoke with several people who were shown as references on Mr. Primavera’s resume, and she was told that they “kindly released him” from projects. Mr. Primavera asserted that he has worked with the Township of Montclair. However, Ms. Lima spoke with the Montclair Planning Board and Historic Preservation Board, and she was told that they cancelled his contract and dismissed him, due to the absence of qualifications.
In addition, Ms. Lima called seven local historians, some of whom have transcribed letters written during the Revolutionary War, and she was told that none of them were contacted by Mr. Primavera regarding his research of the Schedler house and property.
Regarding moving the Zabriskie-Schedler House to another location, the historical Taylor Bliss House in Englewood was moved at a cost of $173,000.00. Ms. Lima said that she spoke with the Brown family, financial supporters and sponsors of the house, and they said that they never heard of Mr. Primavera. However, Mr. Primavera spoke about the house before the Village Council last week. She said that historical research does not entail taking magical, mystical tours of Ridgewood with a Village Councilmember. She said that Mr. Primavera’s recommendation to move the Zabriskie-Schedler house was highly disappointing to her. She asked the Village Councilmembers to reconsider taking any advice given to them by Mr. Primavera.
There were no further public comments.
Councilmember Reynolds asked Ms. Lima to email the information she just spoke about to the Village Councilmembers.
Regarding the comments made earlier by Ms. Loving, Deputy Mayor Perron said that she has asked that the matter of the soft rubber sidewalks be brought back before the Village Council, since a decision needs to be made regarding their durability, function and future use.
14. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Kazmark said that he wanted to officially congratulate Chief Lyons and all of the members of the Ridgewood Police Department who were sworn in this evening. He said that the Police Department is a vital aspect of the Village, keeping all residents safe and secure. He said that he looked forward to working together with all members of the Police Department.
Mr. Kazmark said that the Parks and Recreation Department held a very successful event at Graydon Pool called “The Dog Days of Summer.” He thanked Nancy Bigos, Director of Parks and Recreation, and her staff for organizing this event.
Last week, Mr. Kazmark began a series of meetings with Department Directors. So far, he has met with Directors of the Finance, Police, Fire, IT, OEM and Tax Assessor Departments. In the near future, he will be meeting with the Department Directors of Parks and Recreation, Building, Water, Public Works, Municipal Court, Health and Engineering Departments. Mr. Kazmark said that these meetings have been vital in educating him about the Village. In addition, he has spent a lot of time meeting with Deputy Mayor Perron, as well as Councilmembers Reynolds and Winograd, and he looks forward to meeting with Councilmember Weitz and Mayor Vagianos in the near future.
Mr. Kazmark said that he and Councilmember Winograd have sat through two demonstrations by new website vendors. He said that he was excited about the opportunity to upgrade the Village’s website, in order to provide more access and transparency to residents and visitors to the website. This work is being done through the Communications Committee.
Mr. Kazmark said that he is pursuing the execution of all labor contracts in the Village. Yesterday, he met with Ms. Mailander, who he said did a “yeoman’s job” of settling all issues with the labor contracts, except the contract for Supervisors that expires at the end of this calendar year. They will be finalizing the contract language that was agreed to during Ms. Mailander’s negotiations, and it is hoped that these contracts will be completed by the middle of September. There have been three personnel issues, which have arisen over the past few days, and they are in the process of being resolved, either internally or through Labor Counsel.
Mr. Kazmark mentioned that Shannon Greer, a new Ridgewood Police Department recruit, will begin training at the Police Academy on Friday, and he wished her the best of success.
Mr. Kazmark warned all Ridgewood residents that they will encounter a lot of inconveniences and detours in the Village over the next six to eight weeks, as many roads are being resurfaced. There are five different paving initiatives funded through Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) and grant money obtained by the Engineering Department. Two major County roads are going to be milled next week. On July 24, 25 and 26, the County will be milling Godwin Avenue from Wilsey Square to the Midland Park border. From July 28 to August 1, the County will be milling Linwood Avenue, from the Paramus border to Maple Avenue. Beginning on August 2, paving of Godwin Avenue will commence, and Linwood Avenue will be paved after the Godwin Avenue paving is completed. Mr. Kazmark thanked everyone involved in these initiatives, and stated that these two roads are in dire need of repaving. The PSE&G paving schedule has been posted on social media and the Village website. Roadwork began in the area of Heights Road, which will continue through August 10, contingent upon the weather.
The Ridgewood Guild is sponsoring free movies in the park on Wednesday nights in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. The feature film tonight is “Pirates of the Caribbean;” on August 2nd, “Man of Steel” will be shown; and on August 16th, “Sunset Boulevard” will be shown. All movies will begin at 8:15 p.m.
The pedestrian plaza continues throughout the summer, with streets closed from Walnut Street to Broad Street along East Ridgewood Avenue. It will be held on Saturdays through October 9, 2023. Mr. Kazmark encouraged everyone to come out and enjoy the pedestrian plaza.
The 65th annual free summer concert series has started at the Kasschau Memorial Shell at Veterans Field. Individuals should visit the Village website for the performance schedule.
The Health Department and community partners will be hosting a Mini Health Fair in collaboration with Music Under the Stars on Thursday, July 20, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. There will be free blood pressure screenings performed, and giveaways, health resources and at-home Covid tests will also be distributed.
Mr. Kazmark announced that the Ridgewood Fire Department has been awarded $263,000.00 in Federal funding from the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant. These funds are targeted to replace self-contained breathing apparatus units, which have reached their end of life. These units are used by firefighters whenever there is an air quality situation or a danger to their lives and health, such as fire and smoke conditions, hazardous material release, or carbon monoxide incidents. These grant monies will greatly offset the burden to taxpayers. Mr. Kazmark thanked Fire Chief Judge and his team for their work on this arduous grant application.
Mr. Kazmark said that a complimentary email was received from a Village resident, who stated that the Village’s sanitation workers are always polite and kind to Ridgewood residents. Mr. Kazmark thanked the Sanitation Department for their professionalism.
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce will be holding the 23rd Annual Ridgewood Farmer’s Market on Sundays, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., through October 29th at the Train Station parking lot on the west side. He encouraged everyone to visit and enjoy fresh produce, vegetables, fruits, baked goods, and local honey.
The Ridgewood Guild sponsors “Music in the Night” in various locations on Friday nights through Labor Day in the Central Business District. The Ridgewood Guild is also sponsoring “Art in the Park,” which takes place on August 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
“Council Chat” is held the first Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The next “Council Chat” will be held on September 2, 2023 in the Village Hall courtroom. Individuals interested in speaking with Village Councilmembers should call 201-670-5500, extension 2207, to make a reservation. Walk-ins are welcome, but those with reservations will have priority.
Upcoming Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, on FIOS Channel 34 and YouTube. Meetings can now be attended either in person or via Zoom or phone. The next Public Meetings are scheduled for August 9 and September 13, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. The next Village Council Work Sessions will be held on August 2, September 6 and September 27, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
15. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Reynolds wondered if the Labor Day holiday would interfere with the scheduled Council Chat on September 2. Deputy Mayor Perron suggested that the Council Chat resume on the first Saturday in October, since Rosh Hashanah is also observed in September. Everyone was in agreement with this. Councilmember Winograd reminded everyone that the “Coffee with the Council” for new residents will be held on September 9th.
Councilmember Reynolds said that she did not have any committee meetings this past week. However, the Project Pride Committee gave out their third round of Project Pride awards. Every two weeks, six residences and possibly one business are awarded a four-foot sunflower sign to display in their front yard. These awards are given to people who go above and beyond with their front yard landscaping. Residents may nominate residences that they feel are exceptionally beautiful and they will be considered by members of the Project Pride Committee. The awards are accompanied by a $25.00 gift certificate to one of the businesses in the CBD. All of the gift cards are sponsored by the Ridgewood Guild. Councilmember Reynolds gave a shoutout to Tony Damiano and the Ridgewood Guild for all of the gift cards.
Councilmember Winograd said that last Thursday, the Fields Committee observed the condition of some playing fields in the Village, along with representatives from the Board of Education, including Superintendent Schwarz; Mike Lembo, President of the Board of Education; and Richard Brooks, from the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board. The Fields Committee often receives complaints about the poor condition of some of the Village fields, and it was decided that a “walk through” should be conducted on the fields which got the most complaints, which are the field at Orchard School and the field at Glen School. Councilmember Winograd said that it was interesting to observe the overutilization of these fields. It was decided that certain actions would be taken regarding these fields. She encouraged all visitors to the playing fields in Ridgewood to take note of the condition of the fields and to report any problems to the Fields Committee.
Councilmember Winograd stated that, this week, members of the Communications Committee, Board of Education, and Police Department met and viewed two demonstrations from two prospective website developers. Ms. Mailander was also in attendance, representing the Village Clerk’s Office. The Communications Committee performed a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. Councilmember Winograd mentioned that there are some integration opportunities with an existing vendor for the Village website. She stated that the Police Department and Board of Education are also looking to revamp their websites.
Councilmember Winograd congratulated all of the police personnel who were sworn in this evening.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that she also felt moved by the swearing in this evening of eight police officers, to various positions. She said that she could not remember ever swearing in that many police officers at one time.
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the Green Ridgewood Committee met and there was a presentation on spotted lantern flies. She encouraged everyone to kill these pests if observed, with the use of insecticidal soap. There is no organized treatment for the flies at the current time in the Village or at the County level. These spotted lantern flies suck the sap out of trees, grapes, and crops, and they create a fungus that eventually kills vegetation. At the meeting, they also discussed the idea of pollinator pathways. The premise is that instead of pollinator gardens being scattered around the Village, it was suggested that pathways be established for pollinators in adjacent gardens, in order to ensure their survival.
Deputy Mayor Perron announced that there are many activities planned for the pedestrian plaza this weekend. She said that she always looks forward to the Tai Chi classes, held on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m., in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. Art of Motion will hold an event (The Spider Story) for children at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning. At 11:45 a.m., there will be Zumba dancing held by Fitometry next to Van Neste Square. They are working on getting a new bouncy house ride (water slide) for the pedestrian plaza, thanks to Mr. Kazmark and Ridgewood Water. At 7:30 p.m., the Declan Power band will give musical entertainment in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, playing hit songs from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. On Sunday morning, there will be yoga in the park by Flow Yoga, led by Rachel Vassak, a local Ridgewood resident. On Sunday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Chosen Circle will perform in the park, playing rhythm and blues, pop and jazz music.
16. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
There were no ordinances regarding Ridgewood Water. Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-247 through 23-252, were to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
17. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION – #3962 – AMEND CHAPTER 190 – LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT – ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATELY OWNED SALT STORAGE
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3962 by title on first reading. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Weitz and Mayor Vagianos
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3962 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, AT SECTION 190-120, “ENVIRONMENTAL PROVISIONS”
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3962 be adopted on first reading and that August 9, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Weitz and Mayor Vagianos
ABSTAIN: None
B. PUBLIC HEARING - #3960 – AMEND CHAPTER 127 – CONTRIBUTIONS, GIFTS, AND DONATIONS
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3960 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Weitz and Mayor Vagianos
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3960 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 127 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “CONTRIBUTIONS, GIFTS AND DONATIONS”
Deputy Mayor Perron opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3960.
Frank “The Bee Man” Mortimer, 426 Van Buren Street, said that he is absolutely in favor of this ordinance, both personally and as a member of the Parks, Recreation and Conservation (PRC) Board. He believes that this ordinance will help to maintain parks in the Village and make it easier for the Village Council to have something to refer to, when any contributions, gifts or donations are offered to the Village.
Since there were no further public comments, Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Weitz and Mayor Vagianos
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Winograd thanked the PRC Board, Mr. Mortimer, Mr. Rogers and Deputy Mayor Perron for their efforts in developing this ordinance.
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3960 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Weitz and Mayor Vagianos
ABSTAIN: None
C. PUBLIC HEARING - #3961 – AMEND CHAPTER 3 – ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT – REORGANIZATION OF VILLAGE COUNCIL
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3961 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Weitz and Mayor Vagianos
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3961 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, ARTICLE II, OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “VILLAGE COUNCIL,” AT SECTION 5 ENTITLED “ANNUAL ORGANIZATION,” AND SECTION 6 ENTITLED “MAYOR; DEPUTY MAYOR; PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE”
Deputy Mayor Perron opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3961. Since there were no public comments, Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Weitz and Mayor Vagianos
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3961 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Weitz and Mayor Vagianos
ABSTAIN: None
18. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-253 through 23-273 were to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
19. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he would like to know what an “official” holiday is and was hoping that one of the Village Councilmembers would be able to tell him after public comments. When he first spoke about having an event to commemorate Juneteenth, he was not necessarily talking about making it a holiday, where Village staff would have the day off. However, since it appears that Juneteenth is being made an official municipal holiday, he assumes that all Village departments will be closed, except for first responders. Mr. Loving said that he does not recall the Village Councilmembers ever discussing what the “price tag” would be to give that day off to all Village employees. Mr. Kazmark talked this evening about negotiating labor contracts with Village staff, and Mr. Loving asked if the Juneteenth holiday would be included in those contracts as a designated holiday.
Jacqueline Hone, 30 Carriage Lane, said that she was not sure if the grant application sent to Bergen County, for the Village’s possible acquisition of 510 West Saddle River Road is even valid, since the proposed use for this property changed after the application was submitted. She asked if the Village Councilmembers have discussed revising the application, since the intended use of the property as a parking lot has changed to possibly relocating an historic house on the land (which is not listed on the application). In that latter event, this parcel of land would not be used as open space for passive and/or active recreation and, therefore, the purpose of the land acquisition grant would be changed.
Regarding the possible removal of the historic designation of the Schedler property, Ms. Hone said that the Bergen County State Historic Preservation Office, the National Register of Historic Places, Connolly & Hickey, the Hunter Research Group, and other experts in this field would have to admit that they did not know what they were doing. Since the Village has paid thousands of dollars for the reports generated by Connolly & Hickey and Hunter Research, removing the historic designation of the Schedler property will raise issues with taxpayers, who will want to see these monies reimbursed by the Village. In addition, the Village will have to reimburse the State and County for grant monies received and spent, which were targeted for the development of the historic Schedler property.
Ms. Hone said that if Mr. Primavera is correct, then all of the other historians are wrong and, if Mr. Primavera is not correct, then he should reimburse the Village for the monies paid to him. She said that the Village Councilmembers have a fiduciary obligation to perform their due diligence in determining who, in fact, is correct. Ms. Hone added that the Village Councilmembers have not acted upon the damaging information given to them by the public, concerning Mr. Primavera’s credentials and background. She said that Mr. Primavera was hired by the Village without proper vetting. However, she said that it was not too late for the Village Councilmembers to properly vet Mr. Primavera. She said that Ridgewood residents deserve to know the truth.
Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, said that she wanted to talk more about the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge on East Saddle River Road. She said that comments have been made that the Village would not be eligible to send in the grant application sent to them by Congressman Gottheimer’s office, since the Village has decided to repair the bridge rather than replace it with an ADA-compliant bridge. Ms. Ruane said that there was a stipulation that this grant was primarily for low-income neighborhood road improvements or roads with numerous fatalities. She said that the footbridge does not meet either of these requirements. However, Ms. Ruane stated that it does not make sense to make the bridge ADA compliant, since there are no sidewalks along East Saddle River Road, onto which a wheelchair could exit. She wondered whether there are other grants that would be more suitable for this project.
Ms. Ruane said that she takes her son to town for classes every morning, and she was horrified to see how busy West Glen Avenue is. She was surprised to see that there were no sidewalks on certain portions of this busy road. Ms. Ruane stated that safety issues should be the priority of the Village Councilmembers.
Lastly, Ms. Ruane asked when a financial audit will be done, regarding the monies spent on the Schedler property. She said that a lot of money is being spent on an outside consultant, who is trying to remove the historic designation of the property. In addition, money has been spent for a grant writer to write the grant to Bergen County for the possible acquisition of 510 West Saddle River Road by the Village, which grant seems to be “going nowhere.” She said that the idea of moving the Zabriskie-Schedler house to 510 West Saddle River Road seems like the Village is “spending good money after bad.” She feels that there should be an audit, so that people can be held accountable for what has transpired regarding the Schedler property.
Kristina Milian, 540 West Saddle River Road, stated that she read the report by Ridgewood Water entitled “2023 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report” a few days ago. On the first page, under “Customer Participation,” it states: “We want our customers to be informed. We strongly recommend attending regularly scheduled Village Council Public Meetings at 131 North Maple Avenue. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 p.m. Public meeting agenda, minutes and video can be viewed on the Village of Ridgewood website.”
Ms. Milian said that the PFAS issue is very much on her mind. She said that she attended the Public Meeting on July 12, 2023 at 131 North Maple Avenue and everyone had to listen to Mr. Primavera for 90 minutes. However, there was no talk about the PFAS issue. She asked the Village Councilmembers to clarify when these Ridgewood Water meetings will be held and where.
Ms. Milian said that she heard someone mention that there would be a water slide in the CBD, which she said was a “nice gesture” by Ridgewood Water. However, in the report generated by
Ridgewood Water, there was mention of the elevated levels of PFAS in the water and the Village’s current failure to get it under control. Ms. Milian does not feel that it is appropriate that children are being encouraged to play in water that has PFAS, on a water slide, in the middle of town. She said that it seems risky to her, from a health standpoint.
There were no further public comments.
Councilmember Winograd said that there was a Closed Session several weeks ago, wherein the Village Councilmembers discussed the Juneteenth holiday, and notices were posted to that effect. She also personally met with the Martin Luther King Committee and discussed the matter with them.
Regarding the Schedler property, Councilmember Winograd stated that the Village Councilmembers are not allowed to respond to any comments regarding the property, pursuant to advice from Mr. Rogers, due to the threat of litigation against the Village. However, she stated that she does understand the frustration felt by residents. She said that she would welcome an audit being performed regarding the monies spent towards the development of the Schedler property thus far, by the Village. She added that a significant amount of money has not been spent on the Schedler property since January of this year. Councilmember Winograd stated that the amount paid to Connolly & Hickey was a “substantial six-figure contract” for a historical architect.
Regarding the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge, Councilmember Winograd said that the original cost of the bridge was much lower than it is today (due to Covid, supply chain issues and inflation). The Village became ineligible for the grant, when it was decided to repair the bridge rather than replace it in its entirety with ADA compliance. She said that Councilmember Reynolds had requested that this matter be placed back on the agenda.
Councilmember Winograd said that there was a resolution passed this evening to send out to bid the work to be done regarding safety improvements on West Glen Avenue, so progress is being made in that regard.
Councilmember Winograd said that although there are presentations during a Village Council Work Session, that does not mean that the Village Councilmembers will vote upon, or take any action, regarding what was presented. Work Sessions are strictly designed for the Village Councilmembers to hear ideas and proposals, on which they will base future decisions. For example, it is not yet known whether or not the Village will purchase the property at 510 West Saddle River Road, so no decisions can be made regarding relocating the Zabriskie-Schedler house.
Councilmember Reynolds said that a resolution was passed this evening to allow the safety improvement work along West Glen Avenue to be bid out, pending discussions with the Police, Sanitation and Fire Departments regarding the ability of large trucks to traverse the road and make turns, after the safety improvements have been completed.
Councilmember Reynolds said that she spoke with the Village Manager and the next Work Session agenda (August 2, 2023) will have a topic dealing with the length of time of Village Council meetings, particularly ending times and cutting off people from making public comments.
Councilmember Reynolds said that she was confused by Ms. Milian’s earlier comments about Ridgewood Water meetings on the second Wednesday of each month. Mr. Kazmark said that he would seek clarification from Mr. Calbi in this regard.
With regard to information sent to Deputy Mayor Perron regarding Mr. Primavera a few months ago, dealing with a charge of Mr. Primavera’s misrepresentation in another town, Deputy Mayor Perron said that the charge against Mr. Primavera was dismissed.
Regarding Mr. Loving’s remarks and inquiries regarding the Juneteenth holiday, Mr. Kazmark said that he did not have the opportunity to attend the Closed Session during which this was discussed, since he had not yet assumed his position as Village Manager. However, he said that the resolution does state that Juneteenth should be included as an official holiday for all Village employees. He said that this is not unique to Ridgewood. Over the past four or five years, many municipalities in the State of New Jersey have observed Juneteenth as a holiday, since it is both a State and Federal holiday, although the dates on which it is observed vary. Regarding costs, Mr. Kazmark said that there is a cost for a “work day,” although a precise dollar amount cannot be determined when Village employees have that day off.
20. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilmember Reynolds, seconded by Councilmember Winograd, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
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Paul Vagianos
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk
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