20230913 - 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 SEPTEMBER 13, 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 7:37 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. Mayor Vagianos then asked for a moment of silence to recognize the tragedy, which took place on September 11, 2001 and the loss of 12 Ridgewood residents.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of August 31, 2023, be accepted as submitted. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Reynolds, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Council minutes of June 14, June 28, July 12, and July 19, 2023, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Weitz and Mayor Vagianos (Mayor Vagianos abstained only regarding minutes of July 19, 2023, because Mayor Vagianos was absent from that meeting, but approved the other minutes)
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Councilmember Reynolds read the following proclamation”
B. GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY’S DAY
Councilmember Winograd read the following proclamation:
C. NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Councilmember Weitz read the following proclamation:
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, said that she stands united with 400 of her fellow neighbors and other Ridgewood residents, who have signed a petition opposing the overdevelopment of the historic Schedler property. She said that elected officials are required to make difficult decisions every day and must work to create a balanced approach to solving problems. She indicated that the Village Councilmembers were elected to serve the entire Ridgewood community, as safekeeping stewards. Ms. O’Keefe stated that the Ad Hoc Committee developed a plan for the Schedler property that would have benefitted all residents in 2017. Open space is valuable in Ridgewood. Ms. O’Keefe said that it was wonderful to see the passion exhibited by the sports organizations and the Schedler neighbors. However, she said that constructing a giant field on an historic property does not make sense. Rather than adopting the plan developed in 2017, the Village Councilmembers chose to approve a plan for a sports complex on the property, which does not respect either the neighbors or the historic property. She stated that the Village Councilmembers also chose to hire an historical consultant, who proposed to delist the property from the historic registers or to move the historic house to a different location.
Ms. O’Keefe stated that the majority of the Village Council has been steadfast in their determination to build a giant multipurpose, artificial turf sports field on the Schedler property. They are doing this, despite the fact that there are private wells in the neighborhood, which are used for drinking water by some residents. She stated that it is not a smart or safe decision to prioritize plastic turf over people’s health. The Village Councilmembers now want to adopt a plan for the Schedler development which would entail cutting down most of the trees (at least 186 trees, if not more) on this historic property. This will remove the natural green canopy that protects Schedler neighbors from the particulates coming off of Route 17. She said that the Village Councilmembers plan to install toxic turf near the residents’ private wells and the Saddle River, while millions of dollars are being spent by the Village to remediate a higher-than-normal level of PFAS in the drinking water.
Ms. O’Keefe said that the decisions made by the Village Council, which will affect the Schedler neighbors’ clean air and clean water, will “seal” their fate. Their decisions will loom over their neighborhood like a giant hammer waiting to fall. She implored the Village Councilmembers to consider needs over wants when casting their vote this evening on the Schedler Park plans. She asked the Village Councilmembers not to marginalize the residents living on the east side of the Village.
David Refkin, 401 Wastena Terrace, said that he is the Chair of Green Ridgewood. He said that the mission of Green Ridgewood is to assist the Village Council’s long-range planning concerning environmental issues, to identify and anticipate environmental challenges, and to recommend sustainable solutions. Members of Green Ridgewood have addressed the Village Council on two occasions this year, regarding their concerns about the use of artificial turf at the Schedler property. On March 30, 2023, the Village Council was advised to diligently look at the impacts of artificial turf on health, considering the growing number of communities that are worried about its health impacts. On April 12, 2023, several issues were raised, including research from Mt. Sinai Hospital that related PFAS exposure to a 40% lower chance of pregnancy, as well as a peer-reviewed study from Dr. Genoa Warner, a professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Dr. Warner studied the health impacts of artificial turf and concluded that “recent chemical analyses of crumb rubber and of other artificial turf components have identified hundreds of chemicals, including carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.”
Mr. Refkin stated that Green Ridgewood has continued to research this issue. Members of Green Ridgewood spoke to Dr. Genoa in June 2023. Among her key observations were that PFAS chemicals are used in the production of artificial turf, and the proposed reduction by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for PFAS by 94% in drinking water is quite concerning. Dr. Genoa noted that these chemicals leach out of the turf and are spread through runoff from the turf, leading to concerns about well water. Other concerns were that these chemicals can be inhaled by walking on the turf, and skin rubbing on the turf is also hazardous, especially to young adults. In addition, there are concerns related to tipping points in hormone disruptors, where a little more exposure to PFAS could be devastating.
Mr. Refkin said that there are close to 10,000 PFAS chemicals, most of which have not yet been studied. Only six of these chemicals are currently being regulated by the USEPA. This week, the State of California passed legislation banning the manufacture and sale of turf containing forever chemicals known as PFAS. Mr. Refkin said that yesterday, Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia stated that the government should not hesitate to deliver solutions that clean up and reduce the risk posed by PFAS, in a scientific, bipartisan, and reasonable manner. These concerns are also international, with the Dutch Soccer Federation recently announcing that they were banning plastic from soccer fields by 2025. Mr. Refkin indicated that turf fields also retain heat, which poses dangers to athletes. A Pennsylvania State University study found that turf fields can reach temperatures between 35° and 69° hotter than natural grass fields.
Mr. Refkin stated that turf has not been installed at major baseball league stadiums in the last 32 years. He mentioned that Aaron Rodgers’ torn Achilles tendon on Monday night, sustained while playing on a turf field, highlights how much National Football League (NFL) players dislike turf fields. This injury set off a “firestorm” of complaints from players throughout the NFL. The President of the National Football Players Association stated that, “The players only prefer natural grass, and the data is clear that grass is simply safer than artificial turf. It makes no sense that stadiums can flip over to superior grass surfaces when the World Cup comes or soccer clubs come to visit for exhibition games.” Mr. Refkin concluded by stating that, given the concerns from medical experts and the actions that governments and sports organizations are taking to ban turf and, most importantly, to protect our children, the correct choice today is a natural grass field at Schedler.
Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, stated that she is President of the Friends of the Historic Zabriskie-Schedler House organization. She believes that Manish Shrimali, Vice President of that organization, recently sent an email to the Village Councilmembers, since he could not attend the meeting this evening. Ms. Gruber stated the group objects to the new plan for the Schedler property, which includes the construction of a large field, and to the hiring of Peter Primavera (historical consultant) for the purpose of applying to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Historic Sites Council to remove the historic designation of the Schedler property.
Ms. Gruber said that she was shocked that the Village Councilmembers did not first approach the Historic Preservation Commission, before hiring Mr. Primavera and before approving any plans for the Schedler property. This commission applied for and obtained historic designation for the Zabriskie-Schedler house in 2012. Ms. Gruber stated that much misinformation has been “spewed forth” by the Village Councilmembers, such as the statement by Mayor Vagianos (reading from Village Council meeting minutes) that in 2008, the residents living on the east side near the Schedler property begged for a big field. Ms. Gruber said that she attended that meeting in 2008, while acting in her role of Secretary for the Open Space Committee, and she regretted that she did not have her notes from that meeting. However, she said that residents did not “beg” for a big field. The residents listened to the presentation by the Open Space Committee, and many residents expressed their concerns about noise and air pollution. She said that snippets were selected from those minutes, by Mayor Vagianos, and she would like all of the minutes to be disclosed.
Ms. Gruber said that a large field was proposed for the Schedler property in 1992, years before Mrs. Schedler passed away. She said that the current plans show a field that is much too large for this property. Regarding Councilmember Winograd’s comments last week that the 2017 plans developed by the Ad Hoc Committee were merely conceptual and not set in stone, Ms. Gruber disputed this and stated that the plans were not conceptual. The Village Council at that time adopted a resolution to approve the 2017 plans for the Schedler property.
Ms. Gruber stated that she has lived in Ridgewood for a long time and has seen many playing fields built over the years, yet certain residents and sports organizations are still saying that more fields are needed. She cautioned the residents who live near Hawes and Ridge Schools to “watch out,” because their neighborhoods will be the next targets. She fears that there will never be an end to the need for more fields being built. Ms. Gruber said that she was surprised that no one from the Shade Tree Commission was attending this evening’s meeting, considering all of the trees that will be removed from the Schedler property, if the current plan up for a vote this evening is approved. She said that the Village Councilmembers need to heed the advice of its various committees, such as the Historic Preservation Commission, even if they do not agree with such advice.
Robin Weiss, 21 Winburger Lane, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, said that he traveled 2-1/2 hours in order to speak at tonight’s meeting, at the request of his daughter, Kristina Milian, who lives at 530 West Saddle River Road. Ms. Milian could not attend this meeting, as she had to attend a Back to School night this evening for her children. He said that he was speaking this evening on behalf of his daughter and his grandchildren, who live only a few doors down from the Schedler property and who will be directly affected by the Village Councilmembers’ decision to install an artificial turf field and remove acres of healthy trees from the Schedler property. Mr. Weiss said that he is disturbed that this Village Council is going to delist and diminish the historic site, which has ties to the Revolutionary War, in favor of a sports complex.
Mr. Weiss read from a statement by Kristina Milian: “Despite repeated requests to reschedule tonight’s Schedler agenda item by many parents who live on the east side of Ridgewood who, by the way, will be most affected by tonight’s vote, your answer was no answer – only silence. I want to express my gratitude to Councilmember Reynolds for her unwavering advocacy for Ridgewood’s residents, her commitment to data, science and empathy, and her thoughtful decisions, such as not supporting artificial turf near residents with private wells, which demonstrate understanding of the community’s needs and concerns, as well as her appreciation for the town’s history, as America’s 250th anniversary approaches. Despite being in the Council minority, you have forward-thinking views on climate change, a commitment to science, and respect for veterans and American history. Also, know that you are not alone in these positions. We want to highlight that the following organizations have reached out to the Village Council majority this year to express their strong disapproval of the current Schedler plan, only to be ignored. These organizations include the Crossroads of the American Revolution; the New Jersey Sons of the American Revolution; the Bergen County Historical Society; the Municipal Historians of the Village of Ridgewood; the National Parks Conservation Association; the Delaware Riverkeepers Network; the New Jersey Student Climate Advocates; Brooke de Lench, Executive Director of Moms TEAM Institute (an organization of experts dedicated to safeguarding young athletes); Dr. Katherine Michaels, Scientific Advisor for safe playing fields; the PFAS Project Lab (based in Massachusetts); Ridgewood’s own doctors, either practicing or retired; and letters from doctors at Mt. Sinai that were circulated to you, regarding artificial turf concerns in and around Ridgewood. It’s disheartening to be the only town in Bergen County, and possibly even the state, attempting to delist historic property, rather than preserving and celebrating it, especially when the Governor of New Jersey has made a $25 million investment into New Jersey historic sites. The Council majority should reflect on their actions with a sense of immense shame. Councilmember Reynolds, thank you, history will not forget your actions tonight.”
Paul Woodburn, 66 North Irving Street, said that he wanted to speak about the AstroTurf fields at Ridgewood High School. One of them is a practice field, and he lives right behind that field. His parents bought their house in 1974, and Mr. Woodburn remarked that they all loved living in the neighborhood. The grass practice football field would be mowed every two weeks. There were no problems, until the Village decided to install two AstroTurf fields (for the regular football field and for the practice field) at the high school. Mr. Woodburn stated that his whole neighborhood was then turned upside down. He said that he was speaking this evening because he didn’t want “history to repeat itself” on the east side of the Village. After telling the neighbors that an AstroTurf field would be installed and nothing else, the Village or Board of Education erected lights around the entire perimeter of the practice football field and football field, akin to those at Giants Stadium. To power these enormous lights, three transformers were installed at the end of Mr. Woodburn’s driveway.
Mr. Woodburn said that he has survived cancer twice, and now he and his family are in harm’s way, in case the transformers are ever hit by a car. To add insult to injury, 13 telephone poles were erected across the street from his house, on the practice football field, so that the high school children can participate in Project Adventure. The junior and senior high school students climb up these poles at 7:00 a.m., screaming at the top of their lungs, because they are afraid of being two stories in the air, disturbing Mr. Woodburn’s sleep. Mr. Woodburn stated that this has been going on for years, despite he and his neighbors begging that the poles not be erected. He implored the Village Councilmembers not to take the same actions on the east side of Ridgewood.
Frettra DeSilva, 521 West Saddle River Road, stated that she objects to the clear-cutting of acres of trees on the Schedler property and the installation of a large artificial turf field. She wanted to read a letter from one of her neighbors, who could not attend the meeting this evening because she had to attend Back to School Night at Hawes School. She read, “My name is Olivera Ojdanic. I live at 701 Howard Road. This morning my five-year-old asked, ‘Momma, why are they cutting down all these trees? The earth will cry.’ My ten-year-old, who is a fifth grader and on the environmental team, responds, ‘Because people don’t care about the planet, just like the movie, The Lorax.’ It’s sad that my two elementary children understand the impact of harming the environment, more than the adults do in this town. Then again, they are not motivated by money. They genuinely care about their future. In 2017, my son was only 3-1/2 years old and was very, very sick with Kawasaki disease. Show of hands: Does anyone know what this is? Probably not. No one really knows what causes Kawasaki disease, but ask any expert or medical professional, and they will say it could be caused due to environmental factors. A few weeks ago, when parts of the United States were polluted by the smoke from the Canadian wildfires, my other son developed a terrible cough. He was put on a nebulizer and eventually steroid treatment. Do you know why? From the pollution. We’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars for consultants and contractors to tell us what we already know about the Schedler property, but have you spoken to a licensed medical professional that could tell you about the potential hazards of exposing the residents, especially children, to the changes you’re proposing? Money talks in this town, sadly. Shame on everyone sitting here who is okay with moving forward with this new proposed plan. Shame on you for not thinking about our children and their future. It is a disgrace that a five-year-old says that you are going to make the earth cry. As a town, we can do better. If this plan moves forward, if my children get even a slight cough or reaction to the environmental carnage, believe me, I will go after every elected official sitting here tonight. Their health is in your hands. Stop the carnage now! Ridgewood resident, Olivera Ojdanic.”
Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, said that the Village Council has run a campaign of marginalizing the Schedler community, because these residents do not support the Village Council’s plans to construct a large turf field on the Schedler property. She said that West Saddle River Road is a major roadway to access the Schedler property, the road has been dilapidated for decades, and there are no current plans to pave it. The roadway will not be paved until the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approves the designs for the Schedler project. In addition, the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge has been closed for over two years. The bridge is critical for the Schedler community to access downtown Ridgewood, as well as the Park and Ride, and critical for students to travel to school. The Village Councilmembers chose to remove the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge repairs, as well as the sidewalk project on West Glen Avenue, from this year’s budget, in order to allocate money towards the large turf field at Schedler. In the meantime, two children have been hit by cars, because they were forced to take dangerous alternate routes, due to the closure of the footbridge.
Ms. Ruane said that, in July of this year, Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Rooney, Chief Financial Officer, to find funds to fix the footbridge and to complete the sidewalk construction on West Glen Avenue, and then present his findings to the Village Council. Ms. Ruane stated that this presentation never happened. Instead, the Village Council discussions focused on the large turf field on the Schedler property. At last week’s Village Council meeting, the Village Engineer presented a new design for the Schedler development, and these plans are being voted upon this evening. This vote was scheduled for this evening, even though the Village Councilmembers knew that this would conflict with the scheduled Back to School Night at Hawes School and that many parents would not be able to attend the Village Council meeting, because most of the children who live in the Schedler neighborhood attend Hawes School. As a result, many parents will become disenfranchised from raising their concerns regarding the Schedler plans. When Ms. Ruane brought this to the attention of the Village Councilmembers via email, only Councilmembers Winograd, Reynolds and Weitz replied and advised that the agenda for this evening’s meeting would not change.
Nancy Brennan Hill, 136 Doremus Avenue, said that she is horrified by the plan to cut down at least 180 trees from the Schedler property, trees that would shield the Schedler neighborhood from noise pollution, air pollution, and light pollution. She is heartbroken for the people who live near this property, even though she personally lives on the other side of town. She noted that Mr. Refkin outlined earlier all of the reasons why the artificial turf field should not be installed on the Schedler property, including health concerns. Ms. Brennan Hill stated that the Village Councilmembers read Proclamations about cancer, yet they propose to install an artificial turf field with PFAS components on the Schedler property. She asked the Village Councilmembers to “stand behind the science” and do the responsible thing.
Ms. Brennan Hill said that professional football player Aaron Rodgers sustained an injury on a turf field. She read that the Executive of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) stated, “Leaving all stadium fields to high-quality natural grass surfaces is the easiest decision the NFL can make.” Ms. Brennan Hill stated that the NFLPA representative knew what needed to be done to protect his players. She asked why the Village Council is not trying to protect the children of Ridgewood and not discussing the hazards of artificial turf with the sports organizations. She also asked why the Village did not hire a park planner or park designer, instead of having the Village Engineer attempt to squeeze a full-sized playing field onto the Schedler property. She concluded by asking how much it is going to cost the Village of Ridgewood taxpayers to straighten out PFAS, if the artificial turf field is installed, and who exactly will benefit from these latest plans.
Niti Mistry, 416 Colwell Court, said that even though she does not live near the Schedler community, she is offended when she repeatedly hears comments about Village children needing fields. She said that Ridgewood children do not need anything, since they get the chance to live in beautiful neighborhoods and attend schools with beautiful playgrounds and highly trained teachers. Some children are privileged to have private tutors and private coaches, as well as robust athletic programs. Ms. Mistry said that Village children do not need another field. She said that this is a “want” and people don’t always get what they want. She said that what everyone needs in Ridgewood is clean air, clean water, bridges, sidewalks and trees. The dangers of artificial turf, such as water contamination, infertility, respiratory issues and links to cancer, will be spoken about this evening, following the Village Council’s Proclamation about breast cancer awareness. People tonight will speak about the many injuries sustained on artificial turf, such as the recent injury suffered by Aaron Rodgers.
Ms. Mistry said that Veterans Field is a great example of a mixed-use field, allowing games to be played and music concerts to be enjoyed at the Kasschau Bandshell. The field is set up as a carnival after the initial baseball parade in the spring, with food trucks and bouncy houses. She said that Memorial Park at Van Neste Square is transformed into an outdoor yoga studio on weekends. Habernickel Park is always filled with dogs and people strolling. Children happily play on the playgrounds near their elementary schools. All of these grassy areas are warm and inviting spaces for people to enjoy. She said that no one wants to “hang out” on Maple Field or Stevens Field, because they are ugly, and artificial turf is cold, plastic, and uninviting. She implored the Village Councilmembers not to add any more “ugliness” to beautiful Ridgewood and urged them to vote for a smaller grass field on the Schedler property, so that trees may be preserved and people can enjoy the park.
Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, said that she attended the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting last night, and the “hot topic” discussed was the proposed electronic billboard on Route 17. The meeting was packed, and the Chairman extended the time for closure of the meeting from 11:00 p.m. to 12:15 a.m., so that all residents wishing to speak could be heard. Ms. Lima said that the concerns of the residents about the plans for the Schedler property are well known, yet the Village Councilmembers continue to talk about designing a sports complex, which will require the clearcutting of hundreds of trees, despite these concerns. Ms. Lima said that she is concerned about the large turf field, even though she does not live near the property or have children that play sports, because it is a larger issue than just a turf field.
Ms. Lima said that many residents are beginning to lose confidence in the Village Council, due to broken campaign promises. Councilmember Weitz, when running for a seat on the Village Council, stated, “If elected, I will quickly implement the 2017 Ad Hoc Committee recommendations, so kids can use the fields.” When Deputy Mayor Perron was interviewed and asked why she was interested in running for a seat on the Village Council, she said, “There’s a lovely green oval in the center of the train station and the early designs were for a park there, but the Village was paving over a park to make a parking lot. I went to Council meetings and I objected and I said, ‘That is not a green space,’ and it all happened so fast, I was horrified.” Ms. Lima asked how the Village Councilmembers think the Schedler neighbors feel about the proposed Schedler plans.
Ms. Lima said that the Village Councilmembers just endorsed the Green Amendment, which promotes a clean and healthy environment, yet they plan to clear-cut trees on the Schedler property. She said that Councilmember Winograd posted on her campaign page that she wanted to implement the 2017 plan for the Schedler property, developed by the Ad Hoc Committee, since it incorporated a youth athletic field, walking path, and children’s playscape. Councilmember Winograd said that this plan was approved by the prior Village Council, while Ramon Hache was Mayor of Ridgewood, and she wanted to bring this park “to life” as soon as possible. Ms. Lima said that the reason Village residents even trusted Councilmember Winograd in the first place was because Councilmember Winograd’s husband was a member of the Ad Hoc Committee. Ms. Lima said that Councilmember Winograd is Council Liaison to the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board and the Shade Tree Commission, and developed the Adopt-a-Sapling program, yet she endorses the destruction of 186 trees on the Schedler property. She said that this is why Village residents do not understand what is going on.
Ms. Lima spoke about the Candidate Debate, which took place at a meeting of the League of Women Voters, when Mayor Vagianos admitted that parts of Ridgewood are in a flood zone and the Saddle River floods every time it rains. He said that the turf fields need to be fixed, and that the Village Councilmembers need to adapt and change, and go back to grass. He stated, “Will it be more costly? Yes, but it’s a no-brainer.”
Ms. Lima said that the Village Councilmembers are making decisions without any empathy for the Schedler neighbors, saying that the Village “must have” another playing field. She said that the proposed development of the Schedler property will alter the Schedler residents’ quality of life, will detrimentally affect their property values, and put them in harm’s way.
Alexandra Perrone, 208 North Walnut Street, said that she was speaking this evening about the proposed parking restrictions on North Walnut Street. She agrees that the number of vehicles parking on North Walnut Street has become excessive and poses a safety hazard. However, she disagrees with the implementation of time-limited parking or outright prohibition of parking on North Walnut Street. Ms. Perrone said that she and her husband, along with other residents who live on North Walnut Street, often need to park on the street. She said that the proposed parking restrictions are punitive to residents, as they will not have the option to park on the street throughout the day. In addition, she stated that these restrictions pose an undue hardship on residents, who often need to have family, friends or vendors park on North Walnut Street when visiting residents. She cited the example of her parents having to walk a long distance to get to her home, just to attend her daughter’s birthday party.
Ms. Perrone said that the restrictions are completely unnecessary and unacceptable, since the problem with parking is being caused by individuals who work in the Central Business District (CBD) and who refuse to pay for parking near their places of business. She said that employees from the post office are the most egregious offenders. Rather than impose time restrictions or banning parking completely on North Walnut Street, Ms. Perrone stated that the Village should offer free parking to Federal or Village employees, in the Hudson Street Parking Garage. Another option would be to increase “CBD subsidies” for Village employee parking. She said that banning parking on North Walnut Street will hurt local residents and will not solve the parking problem. She said that if parking is banned on North Walnut Street, CBD employees will simply park on the adjacent street, and the same problem will occur again. If the Village Councilmembers choose to approve the parking restrictions, the time limit should be increased to four or five hours, rather than two hours, and the restrictions should be lifted during weekends and holidays. Ms. Perrone feels that it would be better to work with local businesses, to make sure that their employees use town parking resources appropriately.
Ms. Perrone also stated that a four-way stop sign should be erected at the corner of North Walnut Street and Linwood Avenue. She has witnessed multiple accidents in this location, including a flipped car, as well as numerous near-accidents.
Kathryn Schmidt, 123 South Irving Street, said that despite whatever decisions the Village Councilmembers have made in the past, they have the chance this evening to change their minds.
Robert Lynch, 40 Sherwood Road, said that he is a board member of the Ridgewood Lacrosse Association. He said that more fields are needed in Ridgewood, in order to accommodate the growing needs of the Village’s athletes. As more sports programs are offered for youths and adults, more space is needed. He described the burgeoning number of children now playing sports, including a girls’ flag football program. He said that experts advise everyone to get outside and be active, rather than sit in front of a TV screen. Mr. Lynch disagreed that the need for another field in Ridgewood is a “want,” as stated earlier this evening. He dislikes when people call sports organizations a “special interest group.” He said that he was speaking on behalf of 700 children in the Village who play sports. He believes that the Village needs more reliable open spaces, where sports can be played.
Mr. Lynch said that residents near Orchard School have been waiting for years for that field to become useful again. He said that the field there is uneven, with barely any grass and numerous large gaps and holes that pose dangers to athletes. The field at Orchard School floods whenever it rains, no matter how slight, and no one wants to play on that field, despite attempted rehabilitation of the field. Mr. Lynch has volunteered to coach youths of all ages, in different sports, for almost 15 years, and one of the main issues he faces is finding adequate and reliable places for athletes to play games. He concluded by stating that Ridgewood needs more full-sized playing fields.
Alex Vincent, 150 Brookside Avenue, said that he fully supported the proposed plans for the Schedler property. While he completely understands and respects the views expressed by the opponents of this plan, he said that thousands and thousands of Ridgewood adults and children would benefit from a sports complex, such as the Schedler proposal. Addressing the resident who spoke earlier and said that Ridgewood does not need any more playing fields, Mr. Vincent said that he is the father of three young children and the current state of the fields in Ridgewood is atrocious. He said that baseball tryouts were supposed to start this week, but the field at Upper Hawes is unplayable, due to lack of maintenance. The same situation is occurring with the fields at Habernickel Park and Glen School. He said that teams outside of Ridgewood do not want to play on the grass fields in Ridgewood, because of the poor maintenance and resultant dangers to athletes. Mr. Vincent said that the grass fields in Ridgewood, particularly the ones owned by the Board of Education, are the least maintained and embarrassing, when compared to fields in surrounding towns.
Mr. Vincent said that regarding grass fields versus artificial turf fields, grass fields are sprayed with pesticides all the time, which leach into the ground. Gas-powered lawn mowers on grass fields emit carbon fuels into the air. He said that most of the grass fields in Ridgewood are usually not mowed regularly, particularly the field at Ridge School. His seven-year-old daughter attempted to play soccer there, but the grass was so high that the ball could barely roll. She asked him why the fields where boys play sports are always mowed, and the fields that girls play on are not.
Mayor Vagianos said that time has run out for public comments, but he invited anyone who still wished to speak to do so at the end of the meeting this evening.
Councilmember Winograd stated that there is no plan by the Village Councilmembers to delist the Schedler house or property from the State or National Registers of Historic Places. The proposed plans for the Schedler property are on the agenda this evening, so that the Village Councilmembers can vote on the plans and afterwards submit the plans to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Councilmember Winograd also clarified that the plans do not include the installation of lights on the playing field on the Schedler property, and conduits have not been installed for lighting. She further stated that the 2017 plans recommended the use of Cool Play artificial turf.
Councilmember Reynolds asked why Peter Primavera was hired, if there were no plans to delist the Schedler house or property from the historic registers. Mayor Vagianos replied that there was absolutely no plan to delist the Schedler property from the historical designation. He said that Mr. Primavera was hired to assist the Village Council make the application to SHPO, since he is familiar with the process. Councilmember Reynolds stated that Mr. Primavera had mentioned in his plan that the property would be delisted over a course of four to six months. Mayor Vagianos replied that this was an option that was presented to the Village Council by Mr. Primavera, and the Village Council rejected it.
Councilmember Winograd said that the Village has always relied heavily on outside contractors. She said that prior to her being elected to the Village Council, the former Village Councilmembers spent $250,000.00 to hire Connolly & Hickey, historical architects, to prepare the plans to renovate the Zabriskie-Schedler house. She stated that Mr. Primavera was not hired by the Village to delist the house. Councilmember Winograd said that the Village Council definitely needs help navigating the process with SHPO. She reminded everyone that the prior Village Council submitted two separate plans to SHPO, both of which were rejected. She said that to submit the plans to SHPO without a “steward” is financially irresponsible.
Mayor Vagianos thanked everyone who spoke during public comments this evening for being so respectful and impassioned.
Councilmember Reynolds stated that the plans submitted by the Village were rejected by SHPO, because extra things were “thrown into” the plans, including pickleball courts and gazebos. She said that if the Village had done what SHPO had asked to be done, the plan submitted by the Village would have been approved. Councilmember Reynolds said that Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, spoke before the Village Council in December of 2022 and presented a plan that he felt would be acceptable to SHPO (with a smaller field). At that time, there were only four Village Councilmembers, and Mayor Vagianos had asked that the vote on the plans be delayed until the new Village Councilmembers were sworn in, in January 2023. Thereafter, the plans that had been presented by Mr. Rutishauser were changed by the existing Village Council, with a larger artificial turf field. Councilmember Reynolds predicted that the current plans for the Schedler property will not be approved by SHPO.
Councilmember Weitz stated that it is not up to SHPO what the Village does with the Schedler property, since the property was bought, and is owned by, the Village of Ridgewood. SHPO has to approve what is built on the property, but the ultimate decision rests with the Village Council. Councilmember Weitz said that SHPO does not control the decisions made by the Village Councilmembers, regarding the development of the Schedler property. He said that the subject of delisting the Zabriskie-Schedler house was never really seriously discussed. If the house were delisted, the Village would have to reimburse all of the monies obtained from the State for the renovations to the house, which he stated was completely mismanaged. He said that parts of the house are not properly insulated, and there is no future use decided upon for the house. Councilmember Weitz stated that Mr. Primavera actually placed the field further away from the historic house, separated by a tree buffer zone, which he felt was a positive improvement to the plans. He concluded by stating that more playing fields in Ridgewood are desperately needed.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that Mr. Primavera has already “earned his keep,” and she is in favor of retaining him for the next phase of the Schedler project.
Councilmember Winograd said that the Village Councilmembers have publicly discussed the Schedler project, more than any other Village Council, since the property was purchased. Previously, the plans for the Schedler property were kept secret and were not disclosed to the public, including the residents who live in the Schedler neighborhood. She said that the decision to change from artificial turf was not discussed by anyone. Councilmember Winograd said that she is Council Liaison to the Fields Committee, and no Village Councilmembers, other than Mayor Vagianos, have come to a meeting to discuss the need for more fields. She mentioned several sports associations have spoken in favor of more fields. Councilmember Winograd then spoke about the Zabriskie-Schedler house and said that it was declared historic in 2019, yet there is no plaque on the house. She said that too many discussions have taken place regarding the size of the field and the turf, but no discussions have taken place as to the future usages for the house.
Mayor Vagianos said that Ms. Mailander found the minutes from the Village Council meetings, during which the purchase of the Schedler property was being contemplated by the Village. He said that there are copies of the minutes on the table in the courtroom, for anyone who would like to read them. Mayor Vagianos read the pertinent portions of the minutes. “Although the members of the Schedler Committee believe the primary objective at this time is the preservation of the property as open space, they have also discussed in detail and approved the conceptual plan for the improvement of the property, which includes a baseball diamond, an overlaid multipurpose field, an ADA-compliant walking trail, a wooded area, and a parking lot.” Mayor Vagianos said that the plans presented before the Village Council last week included a 40 foot x 60 foot baseball diamond (softball/Little League sized field) and that the 60 foot x 90 foot diamond was rejected by the current Village Council.
Mayor Vagianos continued reading from the minutes: “Significantly, the representatives of the West Saddle River Road Neighborhood Association have assured the Schedler Committee that the neighbors support this conceptual plan, including the eventual installation of permanent lighting for athletic fields.” He said that the current Village Council has rejected the installation of permanent lighting on the Schedler property.
Mayor Vagianos continued: “At the December 3, 2008 meeting, Mayor Pfund said if the Schedler property is purchased, the residents need to remember that it will be utilized in the future and he does not want anyone to come to the Council in the future complaining about building a field there.” He said that this is why the Schedler property was purchased with Village funds. He added that if the residents had not agreed to the conceptual plan, the Village most likely would not have purchased the property.
Regarding the installation of artificial turf, Mayor Vagianos said that everyone loves grass. However, the Village cannot maintain the grass fields that the Village already has. Last year, the fields in the Village were closed for two months, from March until May, because the grass fields were in such poor condition, due to overuse. This is the reason why a turf field is necessary. The 2017 plan developed by the Ad Hoc Committee, which has been mentioned many times during Village Council meetings, states: “The Committee has considered the costs and benefits of multiple field surface options and preliminarily recommends field turf Cool Play, an artificial grass surface that allows for significantly more use, has no exposed rubber, remains significantly cooler than other artificial grass surfaces, maintains a green manicured appearance, and is economically sensible.” He concluded by saying that he respected the many differing opinions and concerns raised by Village residents, concerning the Schedler property.
Councilmember Winograd said that the number of trees (186) that were to be removed from the Schedler property, to accommodate the construction of the multipurpose field, was discussed last week. She asked the Village Arborist to visit the property to clarify some issues, since he was on vacation when the tree count was done by the Engineering Department. Declan Madden, Village Arborist, determined that there were 96 Norway Maples, which is an invasive species. In addition, there are four beech trees, which are prone to developing beech leaf disease. There is one black lotus tree, which is also an invasive species. Councilmember Winograd said that many new trees will be planted on the Schedler property (96 shade trees). She said that invasive species have a tendency to get diseases or be attacked by insects, such as the ash trees, affected by the emerald ash borer.
Councilmember Reynolds stated that many residents have Norway Maples in their yard, and the Village is not going to be asking residents to take down these trees. She said that 186 trees is not an accurate count, in her opinion. She said that the number of trees taken down to construct the berm was not documented, unfortunately, but she would estimate that approximately 250 trees were removed for that purpose.
6. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Kazmark congratulated the Village and Bohler Engineering on the ribbon cutting that took place today at the Pease Library. He enjoyed touring this historic building for the first time, and said that the improvements made to the building were “stellar.” He congratulated the Ridgewood Library, who will reap the benefits of the proceeds from the lease on the Pease Library.
The “Meet the Manager” session will take place on Monday, September 18, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in the Courtroom at Village Hall. This will be a Town Hall type meeting, with a back-and-forth dialogue between residents and the Village Manager.
Mr. Kazmark announced that the Village has received some substantial reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), regarding damage sustained during Hurricane Ida. There was a reimbursement for “Parks and Facilities” of over $258,000.00, and another reimbursement for well damage sustained by Ridgewood Water of almost $50,000.00. There is $1 million outstanding that the Village is pursuing with FEMA, for damage done to the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF). The Village also received a $90,000.00 reimbursement from FEMA for Covid relief, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has reimbursed the Village over $169,000.00 from a Municipal Aid Grant for the North Monroe Road resurfacing. Mr. Kazmark thanked the Engineering Department and other Village staff for pursuing these reimbursements and grants.
Mr. Kazmark said that the first official Department Directors meeting was held on Monday morning, and these meetings will be held every other Monday. One of the main topics discussed at the first meeting was the new Village website design. All updated content should be received from each Department Director by the end of this week, and all of that information will be passed on to CivicPlus, the firm designing the new Village website. The resolution to award the contract to CivicPlus is on the agenda this evening. Mayor Vagianos thanked Councilmember Winograd for spearheading the efforts for a new updated Village website.
7. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Weitz stated that he attended the Board of Education meeting with Mayor Vagianos on Friday. He mentioned that there was a great turnout on Saturday at “Coffee with the Council,” with all Village Councilmembers present and some new Village residents attending. One of the residents attending that meeting has already volunteered to serve on one of Councilmember Weitz’s committees, and he stated that there are other residents who are interested in serving on other committees as well. Following the “Coffee with the Council” meeting, Councilmember Weitz visited the 9/11 exhibit in the Belcher Auditorium at the Ridgewood Library. He encouraged everyone to view this very moving and touching exhibit.
Councilmember Winograd stated that she met with members of the School Transition and Employment Program for Student Success (STEPSS) Program last Friday. This is an adult program for special needs students aged 18-21, sponsored through the Ridgewood Board of Education, which investigates employment opportunities for the special needs population. Michael Kilcullen is the Transition Coordinator of STEPSS. Councilmember Winograd asked anyone who could offer any type of internship or job opportunities to the special needs population to please contact her. She is hopeful that the Village of Ridgewood could even provide an internship. These young adults also want to participate in the Adopt-a-Sapling program in the Village, and the Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Shade Tree Commission, will provide the opportunity to do so, for these individuals.
Councilmember Winograd thanked Ms. Mailander for organizing the “Coffee with the Council” event, which was held on Saturday, stating that this was a wonderful way for the Village Councilmembers to connect with the community.
On Tuesday morning, September 12, 2023, at 7:00 a.m., Councilmember Winograd attended a meeting of the Fields Committee. The meeting was three hours long. Councilmember Winograd explained that the playing fields in Ridgewood are owned either by the Board of Education or by the Village, and the Fields Committee is comprised of representatives from both sides, so that resources may be managed jointly. The Fields Committee meets once a month at 7:00 a.m. This is one of the busiest years the Fields Committee has experienced, and Councilmember Winograd said that the demand for playing fields has “exploded,” due to the fact that more people are working from home. The conditions at Orchard Field, which is owned by the Board of Education, have not improved and the field is not usable. Some recommendations have been made to improve the lower field at Hawes School, which is owned by the Village. The only event scheduled for Orchard Field is a Back to School Picnic in August. Councilmember Winograd said that the Fields Committee will be working closely with the Board of Education to see what can be done to improve the conditions at the field by Orchard School. Councilmember Winograd thanked Ridgewood Basketball for their help in rolling out the “Master Library,” a new sports field scheduling application, which will be used to organize both Village and Board of Education sporting events. On September 25, 2023, all Village grass fields will be closed, after the broadleaf chemical application is applied.
Last night, Councilmember Winograd stated that the Shade Tree Commission had a meeting. She said that she was incredibly grateful to Nancy Bigos, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, and her staff for their efforts in planting new trees in the Village, despite a meager budget to accomplish same. They spearheaded the Adopt-a-Sapling program, and are in the process of creating social media content, to spread awareness of the goals of the Shade Tree Commission. She expressed gratitude to Rurik Halaby, who provided photos for this purpose. Councilmember Winograd explained the Adopt-a-Sapling program. The Shade Tree Commission agreed to assume two “patches of greenery” in the Village, which are “not so green” and need improvements. Since the deadhead meters were removed, they are going to attempt to add some greenery by the Ridgewood Bus Station and the entrance to the Chestnut Street parking lot. Councilmember Winograd thanked Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, and Carolyn Jacoby of the Shade Tree Commission, for all of their efforts in this regard.
Councilmember Winograd said that she and Councilmember Reynolds met with members of the Ridgewood Guild to discuss ways to improve the vibrancy of the Central Business District (CBD). The “kissing balls” have been resurrected out of storage and there will be a date set for volunteers to test the kissing balls, to make sure they are working, in time to be hung in the CBD, along with the snowflakes, for the winter holidays. When the colder weather approaches, the palm trees in the CBD will need to be brought inside, and they are planning an Adopt-a-Palm program to recruit volunteers to care for these trees over the winter.
Regarding the constant flooding encountered on the playing fields in Ridgewood, Councilmember Winograd said that there will be a joint meeting held on September 22, 2023 with Mr. Kazmark, Councilmember Winograd, Mayor Vagianos, members of the Board of Education and Bergen County, and state officials to discuss ways to improve the footbridge by the high school and the bridge that crosses over East Ridgewood Avenue by the high school.
Councilmember Reynolds announced that the next meeting of the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) will take place on September 21, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. in the Garden Room at Village Hall. The Project Pride Committee has moved their fall planting date to October 7, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. The dying summer flowers will be removed from the planters in the CBD, and new fall/winter flowers (mums and cabbage) and foliage will be planted in the planters. Councilmember Reynolds mentioned that the palm trees will need to be taken care of, over the winter, by volunteer residents. She stated that the Project Pride Committee needs about 20 pots, measuring from 16” to 20” wide, in order to store the palm trees over the winter. Following the fall planting in the CBD, the Fall Festival will be held on October 7 and 8, 2023.
Councilmember Reynolds said that she wanted to send her deepest apologies to Hawes parents, who were not able to attend the Village Council meeting this evening, since Back to School Night for Hawes School was also scheduled for this evening. Those parents were not able to attend the Village Council meeting this evening, to express their concerns about the vote regarding the plans for the Schedler property development. Councilmember Reynolds said that the Village Council should have delayed the vote on the Schedler project, until a time when all parents were able to attend the meeting.
Deputy Mayor Perron thanked the Chamber of Commerce and the Ridgewood AM Rotary Club for organizing such a wonderful car show in the CBD on September 8, 2023, despite the bad weather. She reminded everyone to mark their calendars for October 16, 2023, when Ridgewood Water will be holding its first Open House from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Ridgewood Library. During this Open House, representatives from Ridgewood Water will be explaining their various projects, including the mandatory replacement of all lead service lines and ridding the drinking water of PFAS contamination.
Deputy Mayor Perron announced that Green Ridgewood met with Christoper Rutishauser, Village Engineer, this afternoon to discuss stormwater and other budgetary issues. Residents are reminded not to rake leaves into the street near the sewer grates, which need to remain clear so that water may drain into the sewer lines. Green Ridgewood will be inviting the public to the Ridgewood Library Auditorium on September 20, 2023 for a panel discussion on the regulation of gas-powered leaf blowers. There will be four panelists at the discussion. The next Green Ridgewood meeting will be held in the Senior Lounge at Village Hall at 7:30 p.m., during which time many environmental issues will be discussed.
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that expired medications may be brought to the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department, 55 Sycamore Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, any day of the week for proper disposal. This collection is limited to pills only (no liquid or cream medication). Deputy Mayor Perron cautioned everyone not to throw medications down the toilet, especially not antibiotics or birth control pills, because the medication contaminates the water supply.
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) will meet tomorrow morning (September 14, 2023) at 8:30 a.m. in the Senior Lounge at Village Hall. They will be discussing Destination Ridgewood and possibly designating an area of the CBD as a special improvement district. They will also be discussing the appointment of officers for the committee.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that Destination Ridgewood is hosting some events this weekend. Tai Chi will be held at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, September 16th; Greek dancers from St. Nicholas’s Church will perform at 12:00 noon; and, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Tokyo Night will provide musical entertainment. On Sunday, September 17th, a yoga class will be given at 8:00 a.m. All activities will take place in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.
The Open Space Committee meeting scheduled for early September will likely be postponed until September 28, 2023, due to conflicting schedules.
Mayor Vagianos said that the Ridgewood Guild and Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce hold many events for the benefit of Ridgewood residents. The weather did not cooperate this weekend, and it poured the entire weekend, but the Car Show was still a successful event. He said that he appreciated the hard work of Joan Groome, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, to make this event a success. The Music Fest was also a wonderful event. Mayor Vagianos said that all funds used to hold events such as these, including funds to pay Streets Division staff to close the streets and using extra police officers for security, come from the Ridgewood Guild and the Chamber of Commerce, and no tax dollars are spent. Mayor Vagianos stated that one must own a business in the Village in order to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, but any resident of Ridgewood can become a member of the Ridgewood Guild by paying dues of $100.00 a year. Even “Downtown for the Holidays” and the tree lighting are completely funded by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce.
8. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
A. PUBLIC HEARING - #3963 – BOND ORDINANCE – PFAS TREATMENT FACILITIES – WEST END AND EAST RIDGEWOOD
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3963 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 #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
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3963. Since there were no public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3963 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-288 through 23-299, were to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
10. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION – #3967 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – 2024 PARKING PERMIT AND PRICING FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3967 by title on first reading. Councilmember Reynolds 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 #3967 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3967 be adopted on first reading and that October 11, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. INTRODUCTION – #3968 – AMEND CHAPTER 265, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, “DEPOSIT OF MONEY REQUIRED; OVERTIME PARKING PROHIBITED”
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3968 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 #3968 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-38, “DEPOSIT OF MONEY REQUIRED; OVERTIME PARKING PROHIBITED”
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3968 be adopted on first reading and that October 11, 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
C. INTRODUCTION – #3969 – AMEND CHAPTER 212, PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS – REGULATIONS ON ELECTRIC BICYCLES, ELECTRIC SCOOTERS, ELECTRIC SKATEBOARDS, AND NON-HUMAN POWERED VEHICLES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3969 by title on first reading. Councilmember Reynolds 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 #3969 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 212 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS, AT ARTICLE VI, SECTION 212-24, “DEFINITIONS,” AND SECTION 212-25, “VEHICLES PROHIBITED; EXCEPTIONS”
Councilmember Weitz moved that Ordinance #3969 be adopted on first reading and that October 11, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
D. PUBLIC HEARING – #3964 – AMEND CHAPTER 265, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES AND TIME LIMIT PARKING – NORTH WALNUT STREET AND MASTIN PLACE
Mayor Vagianos first stated that the Public Hearing on this ordinance will be held this evening. There have been some questions raised about the ordinance, so the Public Hearing will be continued to October 11, 2023.
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3964 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Reynolds 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”
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3964.
Jerry Orellana, 232 North Walnut Street, said that he echoed the comments made by Alexandra Ferrone during public comments at the beginning of the Village Council meeting this evening. He is against any changes being made to the parking regulations along North Walnut Street, because he wants his children to be able to play in the street and ride their bicycles. There is already a “speed zone/radar trap” at one portion of North Walnut Street. There are at least 17 children of elementary and middle school age who live on their block and ride their bicycles in the street. Without cars parked on the street, drivers tend to operate their vehicles more recklessly and speed along North Walnut Street. Cars tend to move slower if there are cars parked on either side of the street.
In addition, Mr. Orellana said that prohibiting parking on North Walnut Street will lower the resale values of their homes, since new homeowners will not be able to park in front of their house, posing an inconvenience. Mr. Orellana believes that there are only one or two houses that are affected by postal workers, who work in the CBD, parking in front of their houses all day, rather than those CBD employees paying for parking in the CBD. He does not believe that the entire street needs to have prohibited or time-limited parking regulations.
Alexandra Ferrone, 208 North Walnut Street, stated that motorists tend to drive much faster on North Walnut Street, since it is a busy through street. She feels that this ordinance will prove to be punitive for the residents who live on North Walnut Street, since they then would not be able to have visitors or family members park in front of their homes. Ms. Ferrone believes that a more appropriate solution would be to “redirect” the parking in the CBD, so that people working in the CBD are not so opposed to paying for parking there. She suggested an employee parking subsidy or a federal subsidy for the postal employees.
Since there were no further public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3964 be continued to October 11, 2023. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mr. Kazmark reported that letters have been sent out to the residents of North Walnut Street. The Engineering Department has received three responses in favor of the proposed ordinance and six responses opposed to the proposed ordinance. He will continue to collect these responses, and all updated information will be provided to the Village Councilmembers before the Public Hearing, which will be continued to October 11, 2023. Mayor Vagianos urged all residents who live on North Walnut Street to attend the Public Hearing on October 11, 2023 and voice their concerns regarding Ordinance #3964.
Councilmember Weitz encouraged the two residents who spoke during the Public Hearing this evening to speak to their neighbors and encourage them to make their wishes known at the next Public Hearing, regarding the proposed parking regulations for North Walnut Street.
Councilmember Winograd asked if anyone from the Village has reached out to the Ridgewood Post Office, since there is a separate parking lot behind the post office for employee parking. Mr. Kazmark replied that he and Ms. Mailander will discuss this matter together and will reach out to the post office officials concerning same.
E. PUBLIC HEARING - #3965 – AMEND CHAPTER 101 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3965 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 #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”
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3965. Since there were no public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3965 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
F. PUBLIC HEARING - #3966 – AMEND CHAPTER 3 – ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT – ARTICLE II – VILLAGE COUNCIL
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3966 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Reynolds 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”
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3966.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that he has been attending Village Council meetings for a long time, and he noted his name on the minutes from 2008 read by Mayor Vagianos earlier this evening. Mr. Loving said that this is the first Village Council he has seen which seems so intent on reducing the amount of time that they spend at meetings. He said that he was specifically speaking about the portions of this ordinance, which would limit the public comments portion at the end of Village Council meetings from five minutes per person to three minutes per person. Mr. Loving said that when there have been topics of great concern to the public, he has been in the courtroom during Village Council meetings as late as 1:45 a.m. However, the current Village Council has decided that their meetings will end at 11:00 p.m., and he does not understand why. He surmised that the Village Councilmembers were trying to shorten the meetings, and making public comments shorter, because things are not going their way lately. Mr. Loving stated that he was completely opposed to changing public comments at the end of Village Council meetings to three minutes per person.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that even though she injured her foot, she is not among the 25% of Ridgewood’s population who cannot walk (referring to a comment made by Councilmember Winograd). She stated that she is completely opposed to shortening public comments at the end of Village Council meetings from five minutes per person to three minutes per person. She said that the Village Councilmembers (except Councilmember Reynolds) seem to want to make public comments as short as possible, all of the time. Ms. Loving said that before opening public comments, the public is “bullied” by being reminded to be respectful, basically limiting what the public can or cannot say. She doesn’t understand why the Village Councilmembers now want to shorten public comments at the end of meetings.
Ms. Loving stated that the new Village Councilmembers lobbied the public, stating that they wanted to hear from the public, yet now they are trying to limit public comments. She said that all Village Councilmembers knew what they were getting into when they ran for public office. Ms. Loving said that meetings are running late recently, because Village residents are upset by the actions being taken by the Village Councilmembers. These late meetings would probably not occur if the Village Councilmembers actually listened to what the vast majority of the public are trying to tell them. She reminded the Village Councilmembers that 400 people signed a petition stating that they opposed the proposed plans for the Schedler property, yet the Village Councilmembers want to shorten the time allotted for the public to speak.
Don Delzio, 636 Upper Boulevard, said that he feels the first two commentors are ridiculous and made absurd comments. He fully supports the Village Councilmembers’ desire to get home at a reasonable hour, after a Village Council meeting. Mr. Delzio said that 400 people signing a petition is not a “big number.” He said that residents need to vote in the Municipal Election, if they want their voices to be heard.
Linda Tarzian, 576 Highland Avenue, thanked the Village Councilmembers for enabling active civic engagement, which in turn helps to perpetuate a vital democracy. She encouraged the Village Councilmembers not to change the time allotment for public comments at the end of Village Council meetings, so that active engagement with the taxpayers of Ridgewood can occur. While acknowledging how much work is done by the Village Councilmembers, Ms. Tarzian asked them to give the public the courtesy and grace to speak for five minutes at the end of meetings.
Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, said that he does not attend Village Council meetings during the summer, because “Movies in the Park” are held on Wednesday evenings. He thanked Councilmember Reynolds for doing such a great job in beautifying the CBD through Project Pride. Regarding public comments, Mr. Damiano said that he believed it was the prior Village Council that cut opening public comments from five minutes to three minutes, with no public outcry against it.
Kristina Milian, 530 West Saddle River Road, stated that she is against shortening public comments at the end of Village Council meetings from five minutes to three minutes per person. She often cannot make it to meetings in time to be one of the first 10 people allowed to speak at the beginning public comments, since she has school-aged children. She feels that shortening the time for public comments at the end of meetings is not the right route for the Village Council to take. Ms. Milian said that some comments on social media have been hidden or removed, and she feels that the “voices of the people” need to be heard at Village Council meetings.
Laurie Weber, 235 South Irving Street, said that the new Village Councilmembers ran for election on the platform of allowing more access to the public during meetings, such as hybrid access. However, much to her dismay, allowing hybrid access has served to “demean” the residents who actually show up physically to meetings to speak. Ms. Weber said that there is sometimes a line of people going out the door of the courtroom, who are waiting to speak. She herself arrived at Village Hall this evening at 5:30 p.m., just to make sure that she was one of the first 10 people to speak. While she is much in favor of hybrid access, she did not feel that it was fair for people in attendance at the meeting to have to wait until the end of a Village Council meeting to speak during public comments. Ms. Weber said that now the time allotted for residents to speak at the end of a meeting is being shortened from five minutes to three minutes per person. She finds the attitude of the current Village Councilmembers not to be the attitude that they portrayed during Village Council elections, and shortening the time at the end of meetings is very demeaning to members of the public who show up at meetings to speak.
Patricia Infantino, 6 Betty Court, stated that voting is as much a part of the democratic process as a resident’s right to speak at Village Council meetings. She does not want the time for public comments at the end of meetings to be shortened from five minutes to three minutes. Ms. Infantino said that she appreciated the reply she received from Deputy Mayor Perron regarding the conflict of having the Village Council Meeting, during which a vote on the Schedler property would take place, and the Back to School Night at Hawes School scheduled on the same evening.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said that if a resident cannot make their point within three minutes, then they should not make their point at all. He feels that the open communication from residents, which is welcomed by the current Village Council, is like “night and day,” when compared to the previous Village Councils over the past six years. Mr. Halaby said that he would rather have the time allotted for each person to speak to be three minutes, so that more people are able to speak at closing public comments. He was in favor of shortening the time at the end of meetings for public comments from five minutes to three minutes. He was also in favor of stopping Village Council meetings at 11:00 p.m.
Hans Jurgen Lehmann, 234 Union Street, said that he disagreed with Mr. Halaby. He believes that the exercise of democracy demands that as much time as possible be allotted for residents to speak at Village Council meetings, and he is not in favor of shortening the time for public comments at the end of meetings from five minutes to three minutes per person. He said that the Village Councilmembers knew what they were “in for” when they were elected to the Village Council.
Kathryn Schmidt, 123 South Irving Street, said that democracy is “messy,” takes time, and requires transparency. She expressed the hope that the Village Councilmembers would embrace hearing what residents have to say during meetings. While she understands that more people would have a chance to speak if the time were shortened to three minutes per person, Ms. Schmidt felt that meetings should last as long as they need to last, especially if residents are passionate about a certain topic. She said that there is a bad perception by the public, when the Village Councilmembers try to limit comments from the public. She said that now was not the right time for the Village Councilmembers to try to limit public comments.
Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, said that an important part of democracy takes place when elected officials listen to the public. She understands the desire of the Village Councilmembers to get home at a reasonable hour, but she has previously attended meetings that have lasted until 1:00 a.m. or 2:00 a.m. Ms. Ruane feels that it is important for residents to voice their concerns during public comments, especially on “hot topic” issues. She said that it appears as though the Village Councilmembers are trying to marginalize a certain segment of residents who are trying to express their viewpoints, which sets a bad precedent. Ms. Ruane said that she sometimes has to “speed read” through her comments, because sometimes three minutes is not enough time. Therefore, she stated that she is not in favor of shortening ending public comments from five minutes to three minutes per person.
Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, said that earlier this year, hybrid access is what everyone wanted, so that more people could speak at Village Council meetings. She said that the Village Councilmembers’ attempt to shorten ending public comments to three minutes per person is counterintuitive to the platforms on which the Village Councilmembers ran and the promises they made during the election, such as transparency and open communication with residents. Shortening the time minimizes the ability of residents to voice their opinions. Ms. Lima said that three minutes was not enough time, if a resident wanted to speak about multiple topics.
Since there were no further public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3966 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Deputy Mayor Perron said that at Toastmasters meetings, an organization that teaches people how to speak publicly, speakers are limited to three minutes. This forces people to collect their thoughts and present them in a coherent manner, without undue repetition. Deputy Mayor Perron said that she wants to hear from, as many people as possible, and three minutes is sufficient time for each person to say what they came to say. She stated that most municipalities in the surrounding area do not have two public comment sessions during meetings, but only one. In addition, most municipalities do not have hybrid access. The Village Councilmembers allow for two public comment portions during a Village Council meeting, permit hybrid access, and are always accessible via email, telephone, or Council Chat. These are the reasons why she voted in favor of Ordinance #3966.
Councilmember Reynolds said that she feels that five minutes is fine to allow for closing public comments. She conceded that some people may talk longer than necessary, but she said that she wants to hear from everybody. She stated that the real problem lies with the 11:00 p.m. curfew, which she feels should be removed. Councilmember Reynolds said that every single person should be heard until they are done, whether in person or via hybrid access, and that is the reason why she voted against Ordinance #3966.
Councilmember Weitz said that if there is an hour left for the meeting, and there are 10 people waiting to speak at the end of a meeting and they each speak for five minutes, then he will be able to hear from 12 people. If only three minutes were allowed per speaker, then he would be able to listen to 20 people. This ordinance was developed because there were people waiting to speak both at the beginning and at the end of the meeting, but still were not able to speak because of time constraints. He said that he would rather hear from more people, rather than less people. Councilmember Weitz stated that this ordinance ensures that Village Councilmembers only speak for three minutes as well, leaving more time for residents to speak during public comments.
Regarding the 11:00 p.m. meeting curfew, Councilmember Weitz said that “very little good” happens after 11:00 p.m. Village Councilmembers sometimes have meetings before the official meeting even begins, and sometimes they must still stay in the courtroom to attend a Closed Session, after the official meeting has ended for the public. He also stated that Village staff that assist at Village Council meetings have to get home at a reasonable hour. He added that very few “hot button issues” get decided in one evening, stating that the Schedler project has been discussed at least a dozen times since he was elected to the Village Council. For these reasons, Councilmember Weitz stated that he was voting in favor of Ordinance #3966.
Councilmember Winograd remarked that Ordinance #3966 does not mention the 11:00 p.m. Village Council meeting curfew. She said that, as mentioned by Deputy Mayor Perron, the Village Council is only required, by law, to have one public comment portion of the meeting. She said that the only change this ordinance entails is the time allotted per speaker, during ending public comments, and nothing else. Councilmember Winograd also mentioned that Village staff that assist at the meetings need to get home at a reasonable hour. She also mentioned that the Village has to abide by contractual obligations with Swagit (audio/visual technology). She said that she would rather limit ending public comments to three minutes, rather than five, so that more residents may be heard. For these reasons, Councilmember Winograd said that she was voting in favor of Ordinance #3966.
Mayor Vagianos reminded everyone that the prior Village Council voted 3-2 not to allow remote access, and it was the current Village Council that unanimously reinstated hybrid access, which expanded the first session of public comments. He stated that the Village Councilmembers have made it easier for every resident, whether disabled or not, to make public comments during Village Council meetings. Mayor Vagianos stated that he is also concerned that Village staff not have to stay late to assist at meetings. He said that the Village Councilmembers want to hear from residents, whether they agree with the Village Councilmembers or not. He pointed out that he always looks directly at people when they are speaking during public comments. However, when meetings run late, people tend to ramble, and he doesn’t “hear as well” after 11:00 p.m. As pointed out by Councilmember Weitz, Mayor Vagianos said that all hot topic issues have been discussed at Village Council meetings time and time again. For these reasons, Mayor Vagianos stated that he was voting in favor of Ordinance #3966.
G. CONTINUED 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 third reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. 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 #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 said that the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3962 was continued from last month’s meeting, due to the fact that the Planning Board had not yet reviewed it. The Planning Board has now completed their review of this ordinance, and have indicated that a change should be made to Section 3B, where there was a typographical error in that the word “through” is missing from the second sentence. The wording for Section 3B should state, “Deicing materials should be stored in a permanent structure if a suitable storage structure is available. For storage of loose deicing materials in a permanent structure, such storage may be permanent, and thus not restricted to October 15th through April 15th.” Since this is not a substantive change, Mayor Vagianos said that he would take a motion to amend Ordinance #3962.
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3962 be amended to include the word “through” in the second sentence of Section 3B. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Vagianos opened, and continued, the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3962, as amended.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that the suggestions he made for changes during the last Public Hearing on this ordinance have not been incorporated into the proposed ordinance. He said that Deputy Mayor Perron had agreed with him that the wording “not owned or operated by the Village of Ridgewood” should be removed, since the Village has no control or authority whatsoever over other governmental agencies which may be storing salt or deicing materials on private property in the Village (such as the New Jersey Department of Transportation, County of Bergen or Ridgewood Board of Education). He had suggested that the wording be changed to reflect the fact that the Village has no authority over any other governmental agency within the Village that may be storing such material.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that most of the wording in proposed Ordinance #3962 is dictated by the State of New Jersey and the Village cannot change the wording. When Mr. Loving remarked that a change was just made by the Village Councilmembers, Deputy Mayor Perron said that a missing word was added, but the meaning of the ordinance was not changed. Mr. Loving asked Mr. Rogers for his opinion. Mr. Rogers replied that the matter was sent back to the Planning Board for review and discussion. The wording in the ordinance was prescribed by the State, so it is recommended that the wording remain as is. Mr. Loving remarked that he was having difficulty believing that the State would approve the wording he is questioning. Deputy Mayor Perron said that the point of the ordinance is to protect stormwater runoff from excessive salt getting into the waterways and, in this regard, the wording makes sense to her.
Since there were no further public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3962, as amended, be adopted on third reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Weitz 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 23-302 through 23-320 were to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-300, 23-301 and 23-231, will be considered separately and would be read in full:
Regarding Resolution #23-300, Deputy Mayor Perron said that she has no doubt that Ridgewood is in dire need of more playing fields and that the Schedler property should be used as a multipurpose field. She thanked Councilmember Winograd for allowing her to sit in on some information sessions with manufacturers of artificial turf, which she stated were very informative. Deputy Mayor Perron said that these manufacturers have done impressive in-house research and she read a great deal of their literature. They have assured her that the six regulated PFAS compounds will not intentionally be used in their products, although they cannot contractually guarantee the absence of PFAS in the product sold to Ridgewood. At the end of the material’s useful life, the manufacturer will take back all layers (green carpet, infill, pads) and recycle them.
While impressive, Deputy Mayor Perron said that artificial turf is still a plastic covering of the earth to prevent plant life from growing. She said that these fake fields create heat islands, which undoubtedly add to global warming and exacerbate the climate crisis. As the plastic degrades over time, its micro parts end up in waterways, soil and even in humans. This week, United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Gutierrez, warned that the world’s environment is at a breaking point. Deputy Mayor Perron said that the responsibility of the Village Council lies at the local level. Regarding “Concept 24pp5,” Deputy Mayor Perron said that the artificial turf is labeled as “Eco Turf.” This term reminds her of a quote, “You can paint a pumpkin green and call it a watermelon, but it will not taste as sweet.” She said that Eco Turf is a euphemism and a type of “greenwashing.” It is well known that crumb rubber infill contains heavy metals that bind to human cells and can cause cancer and other medical problems. Manufacturers are now offering an alternative fill, which has not been studied, so the harmful effects to animals, humans or insects are not yet known.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that artificial turf raises the risk of heat stroke, because it is much hotter than real grass. Deputy Mayor Perron said that athletes in the National Football League (NFL) believe that artificial turf causes physical injuries, which she feels is important to note. Artificial turf will give sports groups more play time, but Deputy Mayor Perron wondered at what cost this will occur. She said that she was not willing to place Village residents at risk by voting in favor of Resolution #22-300. She pointed out when the Ad Hoc Committee presented its report and developed the 2017 plans for the Schedler property, “PFAS” was not a word in anyone’s vocabulary and no one had even heard of it. While artificial turf is an expedient solution to the lack of playing fields in the Village, Deputy Mayor Perron said that she would not vote in favor of it at the cost of residents’ health.
Councilmember Reynolds stated that turf contributes to increased heat levels, up to 60° hotter than grass. It also contributes to flooding and the addition of chemicals to the air and drinking water. She said that many residents who live near the Schedler property have wells, from which they get their drinking water, and these wells will be affected by the artificial turf. Turf also contributes to more severe injuries. Many doctors have spoken before the Village Councilmembers about the health risks from artificial turf. Councilmember Reynolds said that the NFL Players Association is now asking for grass fields, rather than turf, in all of the stadiums. It is mandatory now that the 2026 World Cup games be played on natural grass fields. The City of Boston has banned the use of artificial turf, along with other towns in Massachusetts (Wayland, Concord and Sharon).
Councilmember Reynolds stated that many cities in California are phasing out the use of turf and will eventually ban it altogether by 2031. Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont are all introducing bills to ban PFAS in turf. No one knew about the dangers of PFAS back in 2017. She said that Ridgewood has always been in the forefront, citing the Green Team, Green Ridgewood, the Shade Tree Commission, and the Green Amendment. She said that the Village Councilmembers would be hypocrites if the current Schedler plans, which include an artificial turf field, are approved.
Regarding the size of the proposed field, Councilmember Reynolds said that the field is just too big for the property. The restrooms will be at the back corner of the Schedler property, and the adjoining neighbor will basically have public restrooms near her property. Councilmember Reynolds said that she will try to find out how many trees have already been removed from the Schedler property, due to the construction of the berm. The 186 additional trees to be removed, to accommodate the construction of the multipurpose field, are only trees measuring 6” or more in diameter. This means that there are a multitude of smaller trees, which will be taken down as well.
Councilmember Reynolds said that by approving Concept 24pp5, the ecosystem in the Schedler area will be destroyed, animals will be displaced, and flora and fauna will be destroyed. She feels that the Schedler property should be made into a park for all Ridgewood residents to use, including meandering paths, lots of trees, benches, a few small patches of grass on which young children can play, and a big playground. She stated that the trees will protect everyone from the pollutants coming from Route 17.
Councilmember Reynolds said that the residents who live near the Schedler property should be the most important consideration, since they must live with what is decided by the Village Councilmembers. Consideration should be given to their quality of life, financial detriment if the plan is approved (lower property values), and the health of their families and pets. Councilmember Reynolds said that no one can deny the historical significance of the Schedler house and property, which are both listed on the National and State Registries of Historic Places. She said that everyone deserves clean air, clean water and a healthy environment. Councilmember Reynolds loved the idea suggested by a resident this evening of the Village hiring a park planner to design the Schedler property. She said that the Village Councilmembers must abide by the “science” and do the right thing for both current and future residents. Therefore, Councilmember Reynolds stated that she was voting against the proposed plans.
Councilmember Weitz stated that since he was elected to the Village Council this year, the Schedler property development has been the most widely discussed topic during Village Council meetings this year. This was preceded by 15 years of inaction by previous Village Councils. He said that he was proud that the Village Councilmembers are finally going to move ahead with the Schedler project development. When the property was purchased by the Village in 2008, it was bought to benefit the Village as a whole. At that time, the residents living near the Schedler property were very appreciative that this property was bought by the Village, rather than have it end up in the hands of a commercial developer.
Councilmember Weitz said that many concepts have been developed over the years for the Schedler project, in an attempt to find an acceptable “middle ground.” There was originally going to be a 90’ baseball field constructed on the property, but this plan has been rejected by the Village Councilmembers, because of the concerns of the Schedler neighbors. The historic Zabriskie-Schedler house was preserved and renovated, at a cost of millions of dollars, at the behest of the neighbors. Councilmember Weitz said that he looks forward to visiting the house, once a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. He said that even though some residents asked for permanent lighting, seating (bleachers), and a public address (PA) system, the Village Councilmembers rejected these requests. The plans were developed to allow for ample parking on the property, to avoid congestion on local streets. Councilmember Weitz said that the Village Councilmembers made sure that plenty of trees will be planted on the Schedler property. He feels that Concept 24pp5 is a fair compromise, and he is aware that not everyone will be happy about the proposed plans.
Regarding artificial turf, Councilmember Weitz said that he spent a lot of time thinking about this issue. He stated that both those for and against the use of artificial turf have made some very good points. He said that he was very comfortable with the construction of an artificial turf field, stating that turf is ubiquitous. The grass playing fields in Ridgewood are unusable half of the time and dangerous half of the time, due to flooding and overuse. Councilmember Weitz said that he is comfortable with his own children playing on the artificial turf. He said that he believes Concept 24pp5 represents the best interests of Ridgewood residents, and he is voting in favor of approving these plans.
Councilmember Winograd stated that she plans to vote in favor of approving the plans for the Schedler property, Concept 24pp5. She said that she approves of the house renovations, although there are still no future plans for the use of the house. She also approves of the walking paths, a playground, a large full-sized regulation turf field, ample parking, and the planting of new trees (while dealing with the invasive species that are on the Schedler property). Councilmember Winograd said that she will be voting in favor of returning to the citizens of Ridgewood the value of their $7 million investment. She said that the Village Councilmembers have a fiduciary duty to Ridgewood residents, and the property has been lingering undeveloped for way too long. Ridgewood taxpayers have been paying interest on the bonds issued for the Schedler property, for quite some time.
Councilmember Winograd said that she had hoped her children would be able to enjoy Schedler Park, but they are now grown and the property is still not developed. However, thousands of children and older adults in the Village will be able to reap the benefits of the property, once the project is completed. The older adults prefer turf, because it remains more level than grass. Councilmember Winograd said that she is voting yes for all lacrosse, soccer, football, and flag football athletes, including adult athletes. She said that she has listened intently to the concerns of the Schedler neighbors, but has been unable to speak much about the development of the Schedler property, due to the threat of litigation, upon advice by the Village Attorney.
Mayor Vagianos stated that he has tremendous respect for Councilmember Reynolds and Deputy Mayor Perron, although he disagrees with them regarding the plans for the Schedler property. He said that he also has tremendous respect for the Schedler neighbors, as well as representatives from sports organizations who are advocating for more playing fields. Mayor Vagianos said that Ridgewood is not lucky enough to employ a grounds crew, such as the one at Giants Stadium, and cannot keep up with maintaining all of the playing fields in Ridgewood. He said that Glen Rock just installed a double turf field in their town, and Waldwick has recently installed a turf field. There are currently three turf fields in Ridgewood, which are greatly used by Village sports organizations, and he has not heard anyone ask to have these turf fields ripped up. These fields have flooded five times in two years. He said that he wished artificial turf did not have to be installed on the Schedler property, but there is no other choice in the matter.
Mayor Vagianos said that all fossil fuels contribute to global warming, and Village residents who drive large SUVs also contribute to global warming. The historic Zabriskie-Schedler house was placed on the National and State Registries of Historic Places, because of its Dutch Colonial architecture, and not because of any Revolutionary War battles or skirmishes that may have been fought near the house. An archaeological survey will be performed of the Schedler property, to ensure that no artifacts are overlooked. Mayor Vagianos said that, 15 years ago, the Schedler neighbors agreed to install a sports field on the property. If there were not thousands of residents in Ridgewood who say they badly need a sports field, the Village Councilmembers would be able to look at other alternatives. He said that he echoed the comments made by Councilmember Weitz. For these reasons, Mayor Vagianos said that he was voting to approve the current plans for the Schedler property (Concept 24pp5).
Regarding Resolution #23-301, Deputy Mayor Perron stated that she appreciates the professional advice rendered by Mr. Primavera. Councilmember Reynolds stated that residents have given a lot of information to the Village Councilmembers, regarding discrepancies and misrepresentations in Mr. Primavera’s background and expertise. For example, Mr. Primavera indicated on his resume that he was involved in relocating the Blauvelt-Baldwin House in Paramus; however, this house was never actually moved. Mayor Paul Muir of Clinton, New Jersey, was listed as a reference on Mr. Primavera’s resume, yet Paul Muir was never the Mayor of Clinton and said that he never heard of Mr. Primavera. Councilmember Reynolds cited other examples of discrepancies, including the fact that Mr. Primavera was dismissed by the Township of Montclair, due to the absence of vetting qualifications. There are judgments entered against Mr. Primavera: one in 1994 of $9,400.00; another in 2010 of $272,000.00; and one as recently as May of 2021 in the sum of $113,000.00. These judgments were lodged against Mr. Primavera by people he either worked for or hired to do work for him.
Councilmember Reynolds stated that she was embarrassed that the Village Councilmembers are not taking this information seriously. She said that it is inconceivable that Mr. Primavera is being hired by the Village with his background and “sketchiness.” She made many telephonic inquiries about Mr. Primavera and was told that his qualifications should be carefully checked and that he was a “bottom feeder.” Therefore, Councilmember Reynolds said that she is voting against extending Mr. Primavera’s contract.
Councilmember Weitz stated that he was voting in favor of hiring Mr. Primavera, and Councilmember Winograd said that she was also in favor of hiring him. She said that Mr. Primavera pointed out to her that the historic Zabriskie-Schedler house does not have proper insulation; however, it was later determined that the house is “half insulated.” She said that she was grateful for Mr. Primavera’s insight, stating that it was she and Mr. Primavera who began the process of erecting historical signage on the Schedler property. Councilmember Winograd said that Mr. Primavera is the professional the Village needs to move the Schedler project forward, and she is embarrassed that bad things are being said about him.
Mayor Vagianos voted in favor of hiring Mr. Primavera (Resolution #23-301).
Regarding Resolution #23-321, Mayor Vagianos recused himself from voting on this resolution, since the meeting occurred before he was elected to the Village Council, but he supported the release of the minutes.
Regarding Resolution #23-321, Councilmember Winograd stated that this deals with the approval and release of a portion of the September 4, 2019 Closed Session Minutes, which she stated was very rare.
12. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Vagianos asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public.
Michelle Italia, 3 Betty Court, said that the original meeting, during which the potential purchase of the Schedler property by the Village was discussed, took place in her backyard. There were some private realtors who were also interested in purchasing the property. The backyard meeting took place, because none of her neighbors knew anything about the matter. Future meetings were held all over town, once a committee was formed, including at Village Hall and Glen School. There were some people who were taking notes during the meetings. The Village Councilmembers thereafter decided to buy the property, with future plans for the property to be discussed at a future date. Ms. Italia said there has been much misinformation and miscommunication regarding the Schedler property, such that the original plans developed and agreed upon by the Ad Hoc Committee (which was composed of some members from sports associations) have been changed drastically.
Ms. Italia stated that when the Glen School was closed on the east side of the Village, a vacuum was created in the entire neighborhood. There is no sense of community on that side of town, because there is no school in that area. She questioned what type of legacy was being left by the current Village Councilmembers to the residents living on the east side. She stated that the Village Councilmembers have created many problems for the east side community.
Ms. Italia said that she has lived on the east side for 41 years, and she can clearly envision a drop in property values for residents in the Schedler neighborhood, due to the proposed plans for that land. She said that potential homebuyers like the idea of having a park near their home where they can walk, not living across from a sports complex. As a realtor, Ms. Italia said that the first thing people ask when they are looking for a home in Ridgewood is the location of the best school district. She said that no one will look on the east side of Ridgewood, because there is no school there.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that the reason the minutes from the Closed Session of September 4, 2019 are being released is because he filed an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request for same. He took offense to prior comments that it was “odd” for such minutes to be released. He stated that he did not request these records for any nefarious reasons, and he followed all legal procedures.
Regarding the portions of minutes read by Mayor Vagianos this evening and at last week’s meeting, regarding the Schedler property, Mr. Loving wanted to go on record as saying that many of the names highlighted in the minutes are people who no longer live in Ridgewood. He recalled that Councilmember Winograd indicated that photos submitted for the new Village website could not contain any people, since those photos would become irrelevant if the people shown in the photos subsequently moved away from Ridgewood. He questioned whether the minutes read by Mayor Vagianos are also irrelevant, since many of the people named in the minutes have since moved away.
Mr. Loving also spoke about some comments made by Mayor Vagianos about decorum during Village Council meetings. Mr. Loving said that Village Council meetings are open public meetings, and it is very distracting when people sitting on the dais are having private conversations amongst each other and the public cannot hear what they are saying. He specifically spoke about a private conversation between one Village Councilmember and the Village Attorney. Mr. Loving feels that this is annoying and should stop.
Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, thanked Councilmember Reynolds for constantly being a “beacon of support” for the Schedler neighbors. She also thanked Deputy Mayor Perron for her stance regarding PFAS and artificial turf. Ms. O’Keefe still does not agree with the construction of a large full-sized turf field on the Schedler property and expressed the hope that the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) denies the plans, as currently approved by the Village Council.
Ms. O’Keefe, recalling Councilmember Winograd’s comment that it was a shame the way people were talking about Mr. Primavera, stated that due diligence is required to be performed when a governmental entity hires an expert, and this was not done. She works in a heavily regulated industry, where actions such as those taken by the Village Councilmembers would not be accepted. Ms. O’Keefe said that she was extremely disappointed in the decisions made by Mayor Vagianos, Councilmember Winograd and Councilmember Weitz regarding the Schedler property. She does not feel that any concessions have been made by the Village Councilmembers, when it comes to the construction of a huge field on the property. Ms. O’Keefe said that it was “willful blindness” on the part of the Village Councilmembers to construct a PFAS-laden artificial turf field near private wells, which neighbors depend on for drinking water.
Jacqueline Hone, 30 Carriage Lane, stated that over the past eight months, Village residents have spoken before the Village Councilmembers emphasizing their concerns about how the proposed plans for the Schedler property would adversely affect their health, safety and environment. She said that the entire Schedler neighborhood opposes the plan, which was approved this evening, since it will further expose them to PFAS and other harmful pollutants. The artificial turf field will also put all Ridgewood users and residents at risk. She said that hundreds of Village residents have petitioned the Village Council to conduct independent studies of the possible adverse impacts to their way of life. Experts and doctors, locally and nationally, have brought the risks of artificial turf to the attention of the Village Councilmembers, and offered to help in any way they could free of charge, yet no such studies have ever been undertaken.
Ms. Hone stated that the Village of Ridgewood is suing the manufacturers of PFAS chemicals for millions of dollars, for causing injury to the public and contaminating the drinking water. The complaint lists each chemical and identifies the entry points of PFAS contamination as air, ground and water. She read a portion of the complaint: “PFOA and PFOS are toxic, not easily biodegradable, persistent in the environment, and pose a significant risk to human health and safety. PFOA and PFOS are associated with a variety of illnesses, including cancer, and considered particularly dangerous to pregnant women and young children. Defendants knew or should have known that PFOA and PFOS are highly soluble in water, extremely mobile, persistent, very likely to contaminate surface and ground water, including drinking supplies, and presents significant risk to human health and welfare if released to the environment.”
Ms. Hone said that children playing on artificial turf fields are exposed to these chemicals. The Master Deed has noted that there are pollutants coming off of the flight path on Route 17 and being directly deposited on Ridgewood. She continued reading: “Defendants knew it was substantially certain that their acts and omissions described would cause injury and damage, with contamination of Ridgewood’s wells [such as those in the Schedler neighborhood].” A list of the harmful effects of these chemicals is then listed. The complaint states that the people of Ridgewood have been so injured that the Village now seeks millions of dollars in compensation from these manufacturers, for what has already occurred and what will occur in the future.
Ms. Hone said that the Village Councilmembers have now decided to add more PFAS to the environment, and she wondered how this action will affect the litigation. The Certification to the complaint was signed by Mr. Rogers, as Village Attorney. She would like to hear his opinion regarding the decision made by the Village Councilmembers this evening, regarding the Schedler property. She urged the Village Council to conduct independent studies regarding the Schedler property.
Linda Tarzian, 576 Highland Avenue, thanked Councilmember Reynolds for steadfastly supporting the 2017 plans for the Schedler property. She also thanked Deputy Mayor Perron for opposing the decision to install an artificial turf field. Ms. Tarzian said that she loves fields, woodlands, soccer, parklands, and baseball diamonds. Her children played many sports up through high school, and she herself played 20 years on a team. She said that the entire world is facing a cataclysmic crisis, with fires, floods, and mudslides. Ms. Tarzian said that Ridgewood has a “finite space” of open space and a Shade Tree Commission, and she cannot understand why the Village Council has decided to approve plans for the Scheduler property which will entail the clearcutting of hundreds of trees, whether they are indigenous or not. She said that those trees are protecting over 400 taxpaying, law-abiding residents, and their property values will plummet once the proposed Schedler project is completed.
Ms. Tarzian asked how far Councilmembers Winograd and Weitz, along with Mayor Vagianos, lived from the proposed “pillaging destruction” of the beautiful Schedler property. She asked how many Village Councilmembers are going to be impacted by the “raping” of this prestigious parcel of land. She reminded everyone that the Village did not spend $7 million on the Schedler house and property. She stated that part of those funds were grant monies. Ms. Tarzian said that she loves fields, but she also values the benefits of parklands and trees. She asked how many of the Village Councilmembers live near the Schedler property and have to deal with the glaring lights, noise and pollution from Route 17. She said that the trees on the Schedler property are the “lungs” for the Schedler community. She stated that the planting of new trees will not replicate the beauty that God has created on the Schedler property. She implored the Village Councilmembers to go back and revise the plans more in accordance with the proposed 2017 plans. She said that the Village Councilmembers will open up “Pandora’s box” by pillaging and destroying the Schedler property.
Mayor Vagianos noted that the time was 11:02 p.m. and made a motion to extend the meeting to 11:10 p.m., so that the remaining three people waiting to speak may do so. Councilmember Reynolds stated that if the 11:00 p.m. curfew were to be extended, a vote would be taken by the Village Councilmembers, rather than putting a time limit on it. Mayor Vagianos disagreed and stated that they had agreed to make a motion to extend the meeting. Councilmember Weitz seconded Mayor Vagianos’ motion.
Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, congratulated the Project Pride Committee members who did such an excellent job with beautifying the CBD this summer. He said that the Ridgewood Guild encouraged all businesses in the CBD to plant flowers outside of their business, and they did. Mr. Damiano thanked the Village Councilmembers for their efforts regarding the Pedestrian Plaza, which didn’t quite work out the way everyone expected.
Mr. Damiano said that he wanted to speak about the retail forum, which was held this morning, which he stated was a very successful and productive forum. He developed a seven-page agenda. He thanked Mayor Vagianos for attending the forum. He said that the Ridgewood Guild is putting their energies into the holiday season. Retailers were given ideas on how to drive foot traffic and how to maintain their storefronts and interiors. They are trying to organize some late-night shopping events this holiday season. There was a general consensus during the forum that the best times would be Thursday nights.
The Ridgewood Guild is going to create a promotion for these late-night shopping times, and each retailer was asked to develop a sale or incentive, such as giveaways, to entice shoppers. Posters will be developed, and a banner will announce the event by the train station trestle. Restaurants are also welcome to join in this venture. Mr. Damiano stated that there are four Thursdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. He asked the Village Council to consider offering free parking to shoppers on those four Thursday evenings. Mr. Damiano said that Westwood has a similar program and offers free parking from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. However, Mr. Damiano is requesting that free parking be offered the entire day on the four Thursdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Ridgewood Guild is doing some fundraising to purchase some beautiful decorations for the holiday season in the CBD.
Kristina Milian, 530 West Saddle River Road, formally requested that the results of the soil testing done on the Schedler property be posted on the Village website. She stated that on September 11, 2023 at 12:00 p.m., she wrote an email to Dr. Kate Marcopul and Jennifer Leynes of the NJDEP, with copies to Mr. Kazmark, Chris Rutishauser, Heather Mailander, Elaine Gold, Nancy Bigos, Vincent Markesa, Mayor Vagianos, and Matthew S. Rogers. She read from her email: “Dear Dr. Marcopul, the information provided by the Ridgewood Village Manager unfortunately does not provide a clear response to the questions regarding soil dumping on the historic Schedler site. In fact, the information reiterates the concerns of citizens that actions taken by the Village were unverified and unauthorized and seem to represent a pattern of misconduct with respect to the historic Schedler land. Records indicate that the berm was constructed between December 2018 and October 7, 2019. The time period is based on the Village Council’s own minutes regarding the tree removal and soil dumping for the berm. ‘They’re going to start the design work on the berm along Route 17, where they are getting soil to get a finer calculation of how much fill they need on the site. The fill they are requiring right now is given to the Village free of charge.’”
Ms. Milian went on to indicate there is another piece of correspondence from the Village Engineer, which was received via an OPRA request: “Please be advised the contractor the Village has been obtaining free soil from for the proposed construction at the Schedler site will be running trucks and material to the site from January 11, 2019 to January 12, 2019, and they will also have an excavator working at the site.”
Ms. Milian said that she is disappointed that she has not received a reply to her email from the Village Councilmembers, because residents are very concerned about the soil on the Schedler property. There has been a lot of debris, including rebar and concrete, dumped throughout the historic site, and neighbors with private well water are very concerned. Ms. Milian said that the New Jersey Department of Health is meeting with residents next week, and everyone is encouraged to attend. She said that Village residents have a right to know what has transpired on the Schedler property.
Patricia Infantino, 6 Betty Court, said that the Glen School has a beautiful grass field in front of it and a playing field could be constructed there without having to remove a ton of trees. The Secretary General of the United Nations stated that people must act to prevent climate change, and Ms. Infantino said that the only way to do that is to stop cutting down trees. She said that similar to Shared Services Agreements, the Village should share fields with other towns. She asked the Village Councilmembers to get creative and think of other ways to develop the Schedler property, rather than cutting down hundreds of trees.
Mayor Vagianos thanked all residents who spoke this evening. Mr. Rogers said that he wanted to reply to Mr. Loving’s earlier comment that private conversations on the dais were annoying. Mr. Rogers said that he is not precluded from discussing any issue with any Village Councilmember during a meeting. He said that the public is not privy to such private discussions, due to attorney-client privilege, and that any advice he gives to a particular Village Councilmember is protected. He will try to avoid doing so in the future, but cannot guarantee that it will not occur again.
Regarding the soil testing alluded to by Ms. Milian, Mr. Kazmark clarified that he has been having on ongoing email dialogue with Dr. Marcopul from SHPO. In one of her emails to Dr. Marcopul, Ms. Milian raised questions about the soil testing that was done on the Schedler property when the berm was constructed. Due to his short time as Village Manager, Mr. Kazmark said that he has been cautious about making any statements regarding the Schedler property, before learning everything he can about the property’s history. When questions were raised about the soil, Mr. Kazmark sent an email to the Engineering Department. The Engineering Department indicated that all of the soil that was brought to the Schedler property was tested and met NJDEP soil remediation standards, and Mr. Kazmark forwarded that correspondence to Dr. Marcopul. He does not want there to be any ambiguity about the condition of the soil that was brought to the property. The prior Village Council did not seek approval of the berm by SHPO.
There were no further public comments.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Winograd, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
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Paul Vagianos
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk
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