20230809 - Village Council Special 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 AUGUST 9, 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 7:30 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Also present were Keith Kazmark, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of July 31, 2023, be accepted as submitted. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Council minutes of March 8, April 3, April 26, May 3, May 24, and June 7, 2023, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Reynolds, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Reynolds (only regarding minutes of March 8, 2023, since she was absent, but approved the other minutes)
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Councilmember Winograd read the following proclamation:
B. PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Councilmember Weitz read the following proclamation:
C. PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH
Deputy Mayor Perron read the following proclamation:
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Jan Philips, 234 Union Street, thanked the current Village Council for not acting in the same manner as the previous Village Council, when they sought to disenfranchise and disempower the public during public comments. She said that hybrid access is “door opening” by expanding public comment, allowing for more voices to be heard, and enabling residents to multi-task, while viewing Village Council meetings. Ms. Philips was appreciative that the new Village website will incorporate the Ridgewood Police Department within it. She thanked the Village Council for acting to celebrate and recognize Juneteenth, as well as acknowledging and embracing the LGBTQ community. Ms. Philips also appreciated the Proclamation read this evening, declaring September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, stating that Ridgewood was the home of Tyler Clementi, who took his own life many years ago. She thanked Councilmember Winograd for creating awareness of the special needs population in Ridgewood, through her efforts with the Access Committee. She thanked Mr. Kazmark for his interest in celebrating Thanksgiving at the annual HealthBarn Senior Dinner and the Interfaith Service. She also thanked Mr. Kazmark for his interest in the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend celebration in Ridgewood, which Ms. Philips stated was the longest ongoing celebration of its kind, in the State of New Jersey.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said that after driving past the Schedler property this afternoon, he realized that the Village should learn from its prior mistakes. He said that the most important lesson to learn is how decisions were made, and by whom they were made, over the past six years. He wondered who made the decision to build the berm on the Schedler property, which he stated was full of tall weeds that were higher than the trees, and who made the decision to plant trees on top of the berm. Mr. Halaby indicated that he would like to know who made the decisions regarding the renovations to the Zabriskie-Schedler house. He said that it is costing the Village “a fortune” to restore the house, citing the fact that copper gutters were installed on the house. Mr. Halaby said that the house has no insulation. He recalled that the house was contaminated at one point with black mold, which he stated could prove deadly for people with respiratory issues. He suggested that the house be tested for black mold before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
Mr. Halaby commended Councilmember Winograd, and everyone else on the Village Council, on the tremendous improvements made in the Village, regarding communications with the public this year.
Bob Fuhrman, 49 Clinton Avenue, thanked the Village Council for approving the funding for the new Village website, which he stated was sorely needed by residents seeking information. As a member of the Communications Committee, he thanked Dylan Hanson, Director of I.T., who located three potential service providers to develop the new website.
Anne Loving, 324 South Irving Street, said that she recently ran into a Village Councilmember on the Ridgewood Train Station platform, who was traveling to New York City to visit a sick friend in a memory care unit and a sick family member. Ms. Loving was reminded that although members of the public often sharply disagree with some elected officials, they should remember that everyone, including Village Councilmembers, have lives to live outside of Village Council meetings and have personal problems that must be solved.
Regarding the Village Council meeting held on August 2, 2023, Ms. Loving stated that she was pleased to see the topic of public comments placed on the agenda. She thanked Councilmember Reynolds for requesting to put this matter on the agenda. However, Ms. Loving said that it was embarrassing to hear Mayor Vagianos and Councilmember Winograd berate Councilmember Reynolds for previously being opposed to hybrid access to Village Council meetings. Ms. Loving applauded Councilmember Reynolds for changing her stance regarding hybrid access. She felt that instead of criticizing Councilmember Reynolds, Mayor Vagianos and Councilmember Winograd should follow Councilmember Reynolds’ lead and change their opinions on certain issues, for the greater good of the Village, especially their opinions regarding the proposed desecration of the historic Schedler property.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that he wanted to speak about a certain safety issue in the Village, which he has been discussing with the Police and Signal Departments over the past few months. He wanted to bring this matter to the attention of the Village Council, since he has had no luck with getting the problem resolved. He said that when one turns onto Franklin Avenue, by Mavis Tire, and drives westbound on Franklin Avenue from North Maple Avenue (toward the train station), there is an ordinance which prohibits drivers from making a left-hand turn into the driveway for Mavis Tire, as well as an ordinance that prohibits a left turn into the back driveway of the new NOMA building. Mr. Loving said that several months ago, the sign prohibiting a left turn into Mavis Tire was knocked down in a traffic accident. He said that he has been trying for months to get that sign replaced, without success. He said that such a sign was definitely there in the past, as proven by his research on Google Maps.
Mr. Loving said that a sign has been installed prohibiting a left turn into the NOMA driveway and he assumes that Village officials believe that this sign is sufficient to prevent drivers from making a left turn into Mavis Tire as well. However, drivers are not able to see this sign until after they have driven past the driveway for Mavis Tire. Mr. Loving asked Mr. Kazmark to contact the Signal Department and find out what can be done about this matter. He said that he and his wife have observed many drivers attempting to make a left turn into the driveway for Mavis Tire, which causes traffic to back up onto North Maple Avenue.
There were no further public comments.
Mayor Vagianos said that after hearing Ms. Loving’s comments this evening, he thought of the saying, “Be kind, for everyone is fighting their own difficult battle.”
6. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Kazmark thanked all Village residents, as well as commuters who travel through the Village, for their patience regarding the various paving projects taking place in the Village. He said that the County paving project on Godwin and Linwood Avenues is substantially completed. All that is left to be done is the striping on the road, which should be completed by the end of this week. He said that some issues with Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) projects, as well as weather and equipment challenges, have delayed some of the paving progress. He said that there are discussions underway about possibly paving on Saturdays, in an effort to complete all paving projects before the start of school in September. Mr. Kazmark announced that North Monroe Avenue is scheduled to be paved during the week of August 21.
Mr. Kazmark reported that on Monday, August 14, 2023, there will be a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Ravine Water Treatment Plant. He thanked Rich Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, and his staff for all of their hard work in designing this new PFAS treatment facility and organizing the groundbreaking event.
Mr. Kazmark thanked Jan Philips and the Interfaith Committee for welcoming him to their meeting this past week. He also thanked the residents who served on the Website Design Committee. A vendor has been selected and Councilmember Winograd will announce the selection later this evening. He also praised Dylan Hansen, Director of the I.T. Department, for his efforts in this regard.
Mr. Kazmark announced that he is in the process of working with Department Directors to begin the Joint Insurance Fund renewal process, which will include an inventory of the Village’s infrastructure, such as vehicles, equipment, and Village-owned property. He thanked Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, and Bob Rooney, Director of the Parking Utility and Chief Financial Officer, for their assistance with that effort.
A tentative date has been set for a meeting between Mr. Kazmark and residents who live on West Glen Avenue, regarding the sidewalk project, on August 17, 2023 in the Senior Lounge at Village Hall. A letter announcing same will be sent out by the end of this week. In addition, a tentative date has been set for “Meet the Manager” night on Monday, September 18, 2023 in the Courtroom, during which time residents will get the chance to meet Mr. Kazmark, ask questions, and voice their concerns. Mr. Kazmark stated that an Open House meeting has been tentatively scheduled with Ridgewood Water for the third week in September, during which time Village residents may ask questions concerning the quality of the drinking water. Updates on the exact date will be announced at the next Village Council Meeting on September 6, 2023.
Mr. Kazmark announced that there is an open seat on the Open Space Committee. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter and volunteer form (found on the Village website) to the Village Clerk’s Office. These documents will be reviewed after the deadline date of August 16, 2023.
7. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Winograd said that the Shade Tree Subcommittee met last week to discuss several efforts that will occur later this month in the Central Business District (CBD). They are going to be partnering with the members of Project Pride to beautify the downtown area, particularly weeding the flowerbeds and tree wells. Anyone interested in helping to weed during the last week of August should contact Councilmember Winograd.
Councilmember Winograd said that she attended a demonstration by a company called Gipper, along with staff from Ridgewood Water and the Parks and Recreation Department. She stated that this company is designed to standardize the approach to social media, in order to ensure that all content is consistent.
Councilmember Winograd said that she enjoyed an event in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square last Sunday, when a former co-worker of hers named John Fernandez played house music. Many residents were in attendance, including Deputy Mayor Perron.
Councilmember Winograd thanked Mr. Hansen and the staff of the I.T. Department for all of their assistance with vetting three vendors to help with the new Village website. The Communications Committee unanimously decided to hire CivicPlus to perform the Village website development. Councilmember Winograd said that the money allocated for the website update was pretty much on point. Mayor Vagianos thanked Councilmember Winograd for pushing for the updating of the Village website, which he stated was sorely needed.
Councilmember Weitz thanked Village staff who assisted with preparing the sidewalks and curbs in time for the County to pave Linwood Avenue. His committees did not meet this past week. However, he met with Mr. Kazmark and remarked that Mr. Kazmark took copious notes. He applauded Mr. Kazmark’s willingness this past month to meet with Village staff and residents, so that he could become acclimated to the Village, and hear about the concerns of the residents.
Councilmember Reynolds stated that her committees did not meet since last Wednesday, so she had nothing new to report.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that a few of her committees met during the month of August. A meeting of the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) is scheduled for tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. The informal meeting will take place at the Daily Treat Restaurant. Members of Green Ridgewood had a nice get-together at their Chairman’s house, with their families. Deputy Mayor Perron said that she wanted to “sing the praises” and benefits of
weeding, including stress relief, and she encouraged everyone to volunteer to help, with beautifying the CBD.
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that last weekend was perfect for “Destination Ridgewood.” The Indian community in Ridgewood sponsored numerous activities in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, including dancers in beautiful outfits and delicious food. There will be Tai Chi in the park next Saturday at 8:00 a.m., followed by “Adventures with Nature,” a children’s activity at 10:30 a.m., and two bands at 12:30 p.m. (The Oval Office and A Side of Fries), comprised of Ridgewood High School students. They play contemporary music, rhythm and blues, and other styles of music. “The Racket” will play on Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. On Sunday, Village Yoga will give yoga instruction at 8:00 a.m. in the park, and Paper Jam will play electronic and acoustic music at 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Vagianos thanked Deputy Mayor Perron for coordinating all of the entertainment for Destination Ridgewood this summer. He also thanked everyone involved with the herculean-paving project on Linwood Avenue, and remarked that a lot of street paving has occurred in the past few weeks.
8. ORDINANCES
A. RIDGEWOOD WATER
1. INTRODUCTION – #3963 – BOND ORDINANCE – PFAS TREATMENT FACILITIES – WEST END AND EAST RIDGEWOOD AVENUE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3963 by title on first reading. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3963 by title only:
BOND ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TREATMENT PLANTS BY RIDGEWOOD WATER TO CENTRALIZE THE TREATMENT AND REMEDIATION OF PFOA AND PFOS, APPROPRIATING $11,000,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $11,000,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3963 be adopted on first reading and that September 13, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolution, numbered 23-275, was to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
10. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION – #3964 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC - PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES AND TIME LIMIT PARKING – NORTH WALNUT STREET AND MASTIN PLACE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3964 by title on first reading. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3964 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION
265-65, “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES”, AND SECTION 265-69, “TIME LIMIT PARKING”
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3964 be adopted on first reading and that September 13, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. INTRODUCTION – #3965 – AMEND CHAPTER 101 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3965 by title on first reading. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3965 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 101, ARTICLE 1, OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, GENERAL PROVISIONS, AT SECTION 101-7, TERM OF LICENSE AND PAYMENT OF FEES, SECTION 101-10 (B), LICENSE ENTITLEMENTS; FEES, AND SECTION 101-11, PLENARY RETAIL DISTRIBUTION LICENSE
Councilmember Weitz moved that Ordinance #3965 be adopted on first reading and that September 13, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. INTRODUCTION – #3966 – AMEND CHAPTER 3 – ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT – ARTICLE II – VILLAGE COUNCIL
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3966 by title on first reading. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3966 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, ARTICLE II, OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, ENTITLED “VILLAGE COUNCIL”, AT SECTION 3-13, ENTITLED “ORDER OF BUSINESS”, AND SECTION 3-19, ENTITLED “MANNER ADDRESSING COUNCIL”
Councilmember Weitz moved that Ordinance #3966 be adopted on first reading and that September 13, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
D. PUBLIC HEARING - #3962 – AMEND CHAPTER 190 – LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT – ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATELY OWNED SALT STORAGE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3962 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, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
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”
Mayor Vagianos stated that the Planning Board has not yet reviewed this ordinance and given their input, which is required for all Land Use Ordinances, prior to adoption. Therefore, the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3962 will be continued to September 13, 2023. He stated that the Public Hearing for Ordinance #3962 was advertised for this evening, so anyone wishing to comment on this ordinance may do so at this meeting, at the meeting on September 13, 2023, or both. Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3962.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, asked for confirmation from Ms. Mailander that people are also entitled to make public comments concerning this matter via Zoom (hybrid access). Ms. Mailander replied in the affirmative. Mr. Loving asked if the Zoom feature was working properly, since he received an email from someone who advised him that she had “raised her hand” remotely to make comments previously and was ignored. Mayor Vagianos stated that he did not see any “hands raised” at this time or earlier this evening, during public comments. He asked Marc Nertilus, of the I.T. Department, who is present at the meeting this evening, whether or not Zoom access was working properly, and Marc confirmed that it was.
Mr. Loving stated that he had some questions regarding some wording contained within proposed Ordinance #3962. He said that this ordinance covers private properties for salt storage, but also states that it covers properties not owned or operated by the Village of Ridgewood. Mr. Loving believed that the Village does not have any jurisdiction over any properties located within the Village, which are owned by Bergen County, the State of New Jersey or the Board of Education. He wondered if the wording should be clarified to indicate that the Village does not have jurisdiction over such properties. Mr. Rogers, Village Attorney, said that it was his understanding that the Village would not be able to regulate the properties owned by the County, State, or Board of Education.
Mr. Loving again asked if the wording could be clarified, since the State stores salt at a location on Franklin Turnpike, the Board of Education stores salt in the back of Benjamin Franklin Middle School, and Bergen County stores salt at the Ridgewood Duck Pond. Mr. Rogers stated that Mr. Loving raises a fair point, since the words “privately-owned” is in parentheses in the body of the ordinance under “Purpose.” However, he wondered whether an amendment to Ordinance #3962 was necessary, since it would not change the content or the meaning of the ordinance. He stated that, statutorily, the Village cannot regulate any property owned by a governmental agency. However, if the Village Council wished to adopt an amendment to this ordinance, he did not believe that it would jeopardize the timing of the adoption of Ordinance #3962.
Mr. Loving indicated that he did not feel this would be a substantive change to the ordinance, and Mr. Rogers agreed. Mr. Loving reiterated that he felt the ordinance needed some clarification. Councilmember Reynolds agreed that the wording should be clarified to reflect the concerns raised by Mr. Loving. Everyone else was in agreement.
Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, said that she had “raised her hand” to make public comments remotely at the beginning of this evening’s meeting, and she wondered why she was not acknowledged. Mayor Vagianos apologized and stated that he had not seen her on the screen previously, but did see her at the current time. Ms. Lima had no comments pertaining to Ordinance #3962.
Since there were no further public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be continued to September 13, 2023. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
11. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-276 through 23-284, were to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-285 through 23-286, were to be considered separately and read in full. Prior to the vote on these resolutions, Mayor Vagianos stated that he would recuse himself from voting on Resolution #23-285 and #23-286.
12. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, thanked the Village Council for the Proclamation read this evening proclaiming September 2023 as “Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.” She stated that she is a 10-year survivor of ovarian cancer and feels that regular check-ups are crucial in detecting and curing this disease. There is a blood test available, which can detect a “125 marker,” and this would allow for early detection of ovarian cancer.
Regard Mr. Loving’s earlier comments about “No Left Turn” signs by Mavis Tire and the NOMA apartment building, Ms. Lima said that there are two “No Left Turn” signs near the Starbucks and Valley National Bank on Franklin Avenue, one located near each driveway.
Regarding hybrid access, Ms. Lima asked if there was any way to determine how many residents join each Village Council meeting remotely. In this way, it could be determined how successful hybrid access is with residents.
Ms. Lima asked for an update on the Town Garage on Franklin Avenue. She said that many people are interested to learn whether or not a pocket park will be constructed in that location. She asked if this matter could be placed on the Village Council meeting agenda in the near future. In addition, Ms. Lima said that she would like to hear more about the Master Plan, and what elements of the plan have thus far been implemented. Lastly, Ms. Lima said that she is still interested in seeing some picnic tables placed in Village parks, for residents to enjoy.
Mayor Vagianos said that he was pleased to hear that Ms. Lima is a 10-year survivor of ovarian cancer. He also stated that he could now view everyone on his screen who are waiting to make public comments remotely.
Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, verified that there were indeed some technical difficulties this evening with YouTube LiveStream, since she could not gain access to it. In addition, she stated that she could not access the Village website on her phone.
Ms. Ruane stated that she is very happy to see so many roads being repaved in Ridgewood recently. She indicated that she has asked her neighbors to email the Village Councilmembers and Village Manager regarding repaving West Saddle River Road. In April, she attended a meeting of the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) to discuss safety issues along West Saddle River Road and the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge. She said that the members of CSAC confirmed to her that West Saddle River Road is not a County road; instead, it is the responsibility of the Village. Ms. Ruane stated that West Saddle River Road has been in the same dilapidated state for the last ten years, ever since she moved to Kingsbridge Lane. She stated that drivers have actually gotten flat tires from driving over the potholes on West Saddle River Road.
Ms. Ruane stated that she has been told that West Saddle River Road, near the Schedler property, will not be repaved until all of the work has been completed on the Schedler development project, due to the fact that large trucks, machinery and equipment will be used to complete the development of that property. However, Ms. Ruane stated that Ho-Ho-Kus just completed the construction of a huge housing project near West Saddle River Road, and the roadway near that project is in much better condition than the portion of West Saddle River Road near her house. Ms. Ruane indicated that even though there is currently no projected date for completion of the Schedler project, the neighbors living near the Schedler property should not be penalized and left with a deteriorated roadway such as West Saddle River Road. She asked the Village Councilmembers to seriously discuss when this road will be repaved. Mayor Vagianos noted that Mr. Kazmark will be checking with the Engineering Department regarding the concerns raised by Ms. Ruane.
Frank “The Bee Man” Mortimer, 426 Van Buren Street, thanked the Ridgewood Fire Department for their assistance Monday evening around midnight, when an electrical fire broke out in the right-of-way owned by PSE&G, between East Glen Avenue and Franklin Turnpike. Mr. Mortimer stated that a lot of wires and electrical sparks were flying about the area, but it was quickly contained by the Ridgewood Fire Department, without any injuries.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that he is happy that the technical glitch concerning hybrid access was corrected this evening. In June of this year, Mr. Loving had asked that the screen in the courtroom during Village Council meetings display the same type of information shown during Board of Education meetings, such as the number of people waiting to speak via hybrid access, as well as their names. Mr. Loving said that this would allow for complete transparency, with regard to hybrid access.
Regarding Resolution #23-284, Mr. Loving recalled that Deputy Mayor Perron asked during a Village Council Work Session whether or not the small node telecommunications low power antennas proposed for placement by Verizon on existing utility poles on East Ridgewood Avenue and Linwood Avenue were 5G, and she was told that they were not 5G. However, Mr. Loving said that the Verizon small nodes were equivalent to 5G.
Mr. Loving stated that there has been quite a bit of conversation regarding the new trash containers in the CBD. When there are back-to-back events during the weekend in the CBD, the trashcans are overflowing with garbage and create a mess, since the trash is not collected over the weekend. Mr. Loving expressed the hope that Mr. Kazmark would take care of resolving this issue. Mr. Kazmark replied that this situation has already been corrected. Mr. Loving thanked Mr. Kazmark.
Mr. Loving said that before the most recent Village Council election, there were many complaints about the length of time it took to receive documents requested under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) from the Village Clerk’s Office. He said that one Village Councilmember in particular complained endlessly about this problem. Mr. Loving said that, for the record, every time his family has submitted an OPRA request since the current Village Councilmembers took office, a request for an extension has been made by the Village Clerk’s Office. Therefore, Mr. Loving stated that, apparently, no progress has been made with speeding up the time within which residents receive the requested information.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that Kathryn Schmidt (South Irving Street) has asked her to read a statement on her behalf, since she could not attend the meeting this evening. Ms. Loving read: “I have already stated my opposition to the overdevelopment of Schedler on numerous occasions. In fact, as I learn more and experience the consequences of the Anthropocene era in general, I am moving even closer to the non-development of Schedler. But that’s not what I want to discuss. Thinking more about our fields situation, as I have heard at many meetings, Ridgewood seems to have a significant lack of field inventory. So, first of all, how much of a dent is one field going to make? How many fields would it take to solve our problem? Much more, I suspect, than we have land to accommodate. Hold that thought, for if, and when, Valley vacates. So maybe we just need to think about this very differently. Maybe it is not in our stars to have sufficient fields for all of our needs, just like we probably don’t have enough dance studios or movie theaters or art studios to satisfy everyone. Maybe a better solution is to look to neighboring communities. I am sure there are a number of creative ways to barter for field usage, while offering services that we have and can share, or other sharing models. The continued pursuit of a one-track solution of a larger field on the Schedler property seems so contorted at this time, aggravated by so much more information on climate, trees, biodiversity, PFAS, health – more than when this project even began. I appreciate the out-of-the-box thinking underway – buying an adjacent property, moving the house, removing the historical designation, and I’m sure a few that I’m not even up to speed on – but they are all solutions in one direction: building a bigger field. Perhaps it might be worth looking in the opposite direction as well. In fact, sometimes I have found that this reverse osmosis approach even results in bringing a new solution into play, that solves the original problem. I don’t think the end game for Ridgewood should be to assimilate everything, including every good idea that every other town is grasping at. Rather, it should be more about making us unique and best in our own way. And, yes, our own way may not attract everyone, but goodness knows, we can all name communities that we do not want to live in, because of the look and feel they have assumed. Franklin Lakes, Princeton and Allendale are a few that come to mind for me that I don’t aspire to. That does not mean they are undesirable communities, by any means. It just means they are other than what I want. It would be helpful to see the results of some research on what it would take to share athletic resources with nearby towns, and I would be interested in any reaction to a shared service approach to sports fields. Thank you, Kathryn Komsa Schmidt.”
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said that, up until recently, he had been “the lone voice in the wilderness” asking for an updated Village website. He thanked Councilmember Winograd for her efforts in accomplishing this goal. He said that $50,000.00 is a “bargain” and a “pittance” to pay for a new Village website. Mr. Halaby said that the “icing on the cake” is the new Village Manager, who has “communication running in his veins.” He thanked Mr. Kazmark for the numerous E-Notices and social media postings.
There were no further public comments.
With regard to Ms. Ruane’s comments regarding the resurfacing of West Saddle River Road, Mr. Kazmark indicated that he and others have received a number of emails regarding this matter. He spoke with the Village Engineer and was told that there was a delay in listing West Saddle River Road for paving, because the Engineering Department was awaiting a decision regarding the Schedler property development (whether or not there would be parking, in which case the roadway would have to be expanded). Mr. Kazmark has asked Mr. Rutishauser to include this road in future decision-making regarding street paving, just as he would assess any other road in the Village.
With regard to the question about 5G and the Verizon small node antennae, Mr. Kazmark stated that he did not believe he indicated to Deputy Mayor Perron that the nodes were not 5G, since he did not really know the answer to the question. However, he clarified this issue with Mr. Rutishauser and provided the information to the Village Councilmembers.
Regarding the trashcans overflowing with garbage in the CBD, Mr. Kazmark said that this problem has been corrected, and he does not anticipate any such problems in the future.
Regarding the 5G question, Deputy Mayor Perron recalled that a consultant was hired by the Village to review all of the areas where 5G facilities were located, to determine where the Village must allow antennae to be installed. She asked if this consultant could be involved in the placement of the small node antennae proposed to be placed in two locations in Ridgewood by Verizon. Mr. Kazmark said that he would convey this request to Mr. Rutishauser. He said that the Engineering Department has been very careful where such communication antennae are placed, so that they are aesthetically pleasing.
Addressing the comments made in Kathryn Schmidt’s letter, Councilmember Winograd stated that Valley Hospital already has an affordable housing “overlay” on it, so the property currently occupied by Valley Hospital will not be used for open space development, such as playing fields. The Village has an obligation to provide affordable housing. In addition, Councilmember Winograd said that, unfortunately, due to the multiple times that Ridgewood playing fields have flooded (five times in the last 2-1/2 years), the Village has a lot of experience with playing on fields located outside of Ridgewood.
Councilmember Winograd said that Ridgewood is not the only municipality with a lack of playing fields. Bergen County has been overdeveloped. She said that nearby towns are not interested in letting Ridgewood athletes play on their fields, because they are mostly interested in servicing the needs of their own community. She added that the older soccer players in Ridgewood (over 50 years old and over 60 years old) already play out of district (Mahwah). Councilmember Winograd also corrected Mr. Halaby’s previous comment, stating that the new Village website will cost $40,000.00, and not $50,000.00.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that she believed the Valley Hospital overlay also includes open space. Councilmember Winograd said that it only allowed for a small amount of open space. Mr. Rogers said that the agreement states that if Valley Hospital stays in the same place, they are able to bring in certain healthcare uses for the property. If they do not, the property has been designated as an Area in Need of Redevelopment for affordable housing.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilmember Winograd, seconded by Councilmember Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
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Paul Vagianos
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk
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