20230927 - Village Council Public Workshop Minutes

A REGULAR PUBLIC WORK SESSION 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 27, 2023 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Vagianos called the meeting to order at 7:36 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, and Heather Mailander, Village Clerk. Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, was absent from the meeting.

 

Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Mayor Vagianos said that, recently, three separate incidents occurred where Village residents behaved in a way that was regrettable and completely unacceptable. He described the incidents and stated that no one has the right to touch another person or strike a person’s personal belongings or property, whether inside or outside of the courtroom. Mayor Vagianos added that no resident has the right to defame, slander, or reveal personal tax information of, another person, especially from the dais or on social media.

 

Regarding the first incident, when a resident knocked the phone out of another resident’s hand at a Village Council meeting (for allegedly videotaping him), Mayor Vagianos stated that he consulted with Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. Mr. Rogers advised him that the Village Council has no authority to take any action against the individual who made physical contact with another resident. Mayor Vagianos said that the authority of the Village Council is limited to requiring any person to leave a meeting when such an incident takes place. He said that since this incident occurred at the very end of the Village Council meeting and the two involved individuals left the meeting shortly after the incident, the Village Council does not have the authority to ban the offending individual from future Village Council meetings. However, Mr. Rogers suggested that the Rules of Decorum during Village Council meetings be “beefed up,” and Mayor Vagianos said that the Village Councilmembers will look into doing so. Mayor Vagianos spoke with the offending individual, who said he would refrain from attending any Village Council meetings through the end of October.

 

Regarding the second incident, which involved an inappropriate comment made by a Village Councilmember at the dais, Mayor Vagianos said that this comment is beneath the dignity of any governing body, under any circumstances. Regarding the third incident involving social media targeting and bullying by a Village resident of a family in Ridgewood, Mayor Vagianos reminded everyone about Tyler Clementi, who took his own life after a serious cyberbullying incident. He said that one’s actions on social media have very real consequences. He said that posting information of an embarrassing nature on social media, to intimidate or bully someone with differing viewpoints, is behavior one would expect from middle schoolers. Mayor Vagianos recited some of the many contributions which this targeted family has made to the Village, including coaching high school athletes for the past 25 years and heading up the local chapters of the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes, and the Girl Scouts of America.

 

Mayor Vagianos said that when these types of behavior occur, the community of Ridgewood becomes “stained,” and this behavior must stop immediately. He asked that residents making public comments this evening be respectful and courteous, even though they may not agree on everything. He concluded by asking everyone to “bring the temperature down” in the courtroom.

 

Councilmember Reynolds stated that at the Village Council meeting on September 13, 2023, she had repeated some derogatory comments made about Peter Primavera, the Historic Consultant hired by the Village to assist with the development of the Schedler property. She said that the words used to describe Mr. Primavera were not her words, since they were very harsh, and are not words that she would personally ever use to describe someone. Councilmember Reynolds said that she was “caught up” with the emotions of the evening and she regrets repeating the words from the dais. Going forward, Councilmember Reynolds stated that she is committed to maintaining the professionalism and integrity becoming of a Village Councilmember.    

 

2.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Hans Lehmann, 234 Union Street, thanked Mayor Vagianos for speaking about proper behavior. He thanked all Village Councilmembers for all of the work they have done to make Union Street safer, with signage. He said that something still needs to be done with drivers speeding on Union Street, perhaps with the installation of some speed bumps. Mr. Lehmann said that he was disturbed by Councilmember Reynolds’ remarks concerning Mr. Primavera at the September 13, 2023 Village Council meeting, in which he was described as a “bottom feeder” and “scum of the earth.” She also made comments regarding how residents agreed the Schedler property should be developed, despite the fact that Mayor Vagianos read portions of the official minutes of the meetings in which the Schedler development project was discussed. Mr. Lehmann said that this conduct was unbecoming a Village Councilmember.

 

Frank DelVecchio, 65 Walthery Avenue, stated that he agreed with Mayor Vagianos that the private information posted on social media pertaining to a Ridgewood family’s financial problems was disgraceful. He stated that the family mentioned on social media is a very fine family. He said that everyone seems to forget that the members of the Village Council and Board of Education are basically volunteers, who put themselves “out there” to do the right thing for Village residents, for a small stipend. While residents are very passionate about the Schedler property, Mr. DelVecchio said that people need to be respectful, even if they disagree with another resident or a Village Councilmember. He denounced the posts on social media and stated that this type of behavior does not represent Village residents as a whole, and it is the people who live in Ridgewood who make the Village so special.

 

Mr. DelVecchio said that he has known Councilmember Reynolds for almost 30 years, and the comments she made at a prior Village Council meeting do not represent who she is. He stated that she is a very kind and good woman who always try to do the right thing. He urged all residents who speak during public comments to have decorum and stick to the issues being discussed. If they are unhappy with the Village Councilmembers, then they need to remember to vote at the next Village Council election. Mr. DelVecchio said that some residents are afraid of volunteering to serve on Village boards or committees, because they fear they will be abused by the public.

 

Dana Glazer, 61 Clinton Avenue, said that he heard a resident speaking at the podium during the September 13, 2023 Village Council meeting ask twice, whether the police should be called, when a scuffle between two residents occurred toward the end of the meeting. Rather than summon the police or pause the meeting to investigate what had occurred, Mayor Vagianos simply asked everyone to remain calm and instructed the speaker at the podium to continue speaking, so that the meeting could be concluded. Mr. Glazer said that it is hard for someone to remain calm in a room where violent behavior goes unchecked, where they do not feel safe, and when residents feel as though the Village Councilmembers do not care about them and think of them as a nuisance. Mr. Glazer stated that the Village Council appears to have a two-tiered policy toward Village residents: those who are supporters of the policies of the Village Councilmembers and those who are not.

 

Mr. Glazer said that Ridgewood is “in the hole” for about $20 million, leaving no funds available for essential projects such as the sidewalk construction on West Glen Avenue. However, when it comes to hiring a professional with a questionable background, in order to circumvent a historical designation, the Village Councilmembers do not hesitate spending these funds. Despite the Village Councilmembers’ endorsement of the Green Amendment, and their stated support of trees in the Village, they are planning to cut down a multitude of trees, so that they may build a full-sized field on the Schedler property. The Village is spending millions of dollars to rid the drinking water of PFAS, yet the Village Councilmembers plan to install an artificial turf field on the Schedler property, which will likely have PFAS components that will leach into the ground, and poison the neighbors’ private wells.

 

Mr. Glazer stated that the Village Council demands civility from residents and will not tolerate any boisterous behavior during Village Council meetings, yet no action is taken against a boisterous resident who donated a sizable sum of money to a Village Councilmember’s election campaign. Mr. Glazer said that he is stunned by the recent actions and behaviors of the Village Councilmembers, with the exception of Councilmember Reynolds, who ventured downstairs in Village Hall during the September 13, 2023 meeting to ensure that the resident who was assaulted during the meeting was doing alright. He said it was “mind boggling” to him that no one else on the dais followed up with this resident, to make sure that she was okay. Paraphrasing Mayor Vagianos, Mr. Glazer said that the Village Councilmembers can do better.

 

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, recalled the incident during the September 13, 2023 Village Council meeting, when an angry resident “smacked” her phone out of her hand, as she was seated in the courtroom. Ms. Loving insisted that she was not videotaping this resident, as has been alleged, but was merely holding her phone in her hand. During the incident, the Village Councilmembers’ attention was on the speaker at the podium and not on the audience in the courtroom. When shouting and scrambling was heard in the back of the courtroom, Ms. Loving said that the speaker at the podium asked, more than once, whether or not the police should be called. Rather than pushing the panic button on the dais, which would have summoned the police, Mayor Vagianos simply asked everyone to calm down and asked the speaker at the podium to continue speaking.

 

Ms. Loving said that two weeks went by, and she was never contacted by Mayor Vagianos to see how she was doing after the incident. The only Village Councilmember to follow up with Ms. Loving was Councilmember Reynolds. She thanked Councilmember Reynolds for being a responsible human being and a responsible member of the Village Council. Ms. Loving continued by stating that the time allotment for the final speaker during public comments that evening was cut short, because of the scuffle that had occurred in the courtroom. She wondered why no other Village Councilmembers, except for Councilmember Reynolds, did anything about what the police have called a “simple assault.” She recalled a similar “rage incident” which took place in 2016 by the same “bad actor” in the Village Hall courtroom. She said that this person made menacing comments from the podium to residents in the audience, during the September 13, 2023 meeting, and nothing was done about it.

 

Ms. Loving said that it was disgraceful the way the Village Councilmembers treat the people they were elected to serve. She said that any apology at this late date is not sincere. She mentioned that after the scuffle, which occurred on September 13, 2023, two police officers had to escort some residents to their cars to make sure they got home safely. Ms. Loving concluded by stating that she was puzzled why the four Village Councilmembers did not take any action regarding the aggressive physical behavior which was displayed by this resident. She said that residents no longer feel safe in the courtroom during Village Council meetings, because the resident who smacked her phone out of her hand, was not reprimanded.

 

Paul Woodburn, 66 North Irving Street, stated that athletes playing on the Ridgewood High School practice football field (Stevens Field) have thrown four lacrosse balls into his house. The balls entered his living room, bedroom, and his front door on four separate occasions. He stated that he lives across the street from this field. Mr. Woodburn warned the Village Council that this very same thing will occur to the residents who live near the Schedler property, if the Village-approved plans are implemented. He added that piles and piles of trash end up in front of his house, from the high school students.

Mr. Woodburn indicated that firetrucks cannot drive along his street, due to the multitude of cars parked along Stevens Field, despite the fact that there is signage, prohibiting parking on one side of North Irving Street and drop-offs only allowed on the other side. Mr. Woodburn said that the parking infractions are usually done by people from out of town, who are not familiar with the Village’s parking rules. He said that the police have had to be called on numerous occasions, to remove the 30 or so cars parked along North Irving Street. He reiterated that ambulances and firetrucks cannot get through the street in an emergency, because of large SUVs parked on both sides of the street “day and night.” He again cautioned the Village Councilmembers that if the sports complex is built on the Schedler property, the same problems will occur. Mr. Woodburn concluded by stating that he has been living with the bright lights and students screaming from Stevens Field for the past six years, and he doesn’t want the Schedler neighbors to have to deal with the same issues.

 

Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that he wanted to address Mayor Vagianos’s comments made earlier this evening. He said that what his wife was doing at the time she was assaulted by a Village resident at the September 13, 2013 meeting does not matter, unless she was assaulting the other person. Mr. Loving said that Mayor Vagianos failed to mention the incident that took place in 2016 against Mr. Glazer, by the same person who assaulted Mr. Loving’s wife. He said that this type of behavior has to stop. Mr. Loving said that his wife filed a police report, after the incident that occurred on September 13, 2023. He read the following from the police report written by Jack Knudsen, Badge #168: “I was able to check the surveillance cameras in the courtroom, which did show that Mr. X got up, walked towards the exit, and hit Mrs. Loving’s phone. On the camera, this incident occurred between 23:06 and 23:07 hours.”

 

Kristina Milian, 530 West Saddle River Road, emphasized that any form of physical aggression, especially towards women, inside or outside of Village Hall, is completely unacceptable. She said that she was very concerned about how the incident that occurred on September 13, 2023, was handled by the Village Council. She was the speaker at the podium when the incident occurred during the meeting. Councilmember Reynolds checked with her the next day to see how she was doing after the incident. Ms. Milian feels that additional training, on how to handle such incidents, would benefit the other Village Councilmembers. She said that the Ridgewood Police Department encourages every resident to contact them, if they feel threatened during Village Council meetings.

 

Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, said that she was glad that Mayor Vagianos spoke about the incident which occurred at the September 13, 2023 Village Council meeting. She was disappointed in the way the matter was handled by the Village Councilmembers. She feels that every resident needs to be protected from such incidents. She worked in Manhattan for 40 years and never witnessed such aggression from someone before.  Ms. O’Keefe said that she lives in the Schedler neighborhood and has been bullied about her opposition to the proposed development of the Schedler property.

 

Ms. O’Keefe said that the situation with Schedler property opponents and supporters has become an “us” and “them” scenario, created in part by the Village Council’s rejection of the 2017 plans for the property. Ms. O’Keefe said that supporters of the Schedler plans have “stared down” opponents of the plans. She said that she refuses to live in fear or be intimidated by these supporters. She and her neighbors pay taxes in the Village, just like everyone else, and they all have the right to enjoy the peace and “quietude” of their neighborhood, which she stated will probably change in the near future.

 

Ms. O’Keefe stated that some comments were made at the September 13, 2023 Village Council meeting, regarding the fact that the Schedler property has been discussed at meetings more than any other issue. She agreed, stating that the Schedler property is a primary project, which will affect many people, and requires discussion. She stated that many residents have private wells near the Schedler property, and they are worried about the effects of the artificial turf on their drinking water. She recalled Deputy Mayor Perron’s comments about the world facing a climate crisis, yet the Village is planning to cut down many trees to construct a full-sized artificial turf playing field on the Schedler property. A pulmonologist who spoke at a recent meeting, during which a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers was discussed, stated that these blowers cause all kinds of toxic particulates to be in the air, which people have to breathe. Ms. O’Keefe said the same type of toxic particulates are coming from the traffic on Route 17, and the removal of the trees on the Schedler property will harm the neighbors who live in that area. She concluded by stating that she does not agree with the construction of a full-sized artificial turf field on the Schedler property. She asked everyone, including those on the dais, to behave like neighbors and show compassion towards one another. She said that the incident at the September 13, 2023 meeting left her shaken up.

 

Jan Phillips, 234 Union Street, said that she met a Village employee last week in the Central Business District (CBD) who greeted her with a smile, as he picked up litter in the CBD. She said that he had a great attitude and showed responsibility. She wanted to remind the Village Councilmembers that not all residents who speak during public comments has an “axe to grind.” Ms. Phillips said that Ridgewood is a stigma-free community, and it is not up to the police to enforce principles of tolerance and respect. The police should take care of the important work of law enforcement in the Village, and deal with issues such as domestic violence and child abuse. She said that some Village residents have a gang mentality and feel that they have a right to ridicule, harass and bully other residents. She cautioned more passive residents to avoid speaking during Village Council meetings, so that such harassment or ridicule is not aimed against them. She said that hybrid access can be used by the public to make comments, and that residents may always make an appointment to speak one-on-one with Village Councilmembers.

 

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, said that she left the Village Council meeting early on September 13, 2013 and was not present when the altercation took place. She said that she was glad that Mayor Vagianos spoke to the perpetrator and asked him not to attend any meetings for the month of October. However, she said that she was disappointed that only Councilmember Reynolds reached out to the person who was assaulted, to see how she was doing.

 

Ms. Lima said that the approval by the Village Councilmembers, of the latest plans for the Schedler property development, including a full-sized artificial turf field, will result in a clear-cutting of trees from the property. She said that she was disappointed in this decision and that she has a lot of empathy for the Schedler neighbors. Ms. Lima stated that she and other residents feel as though the Village Councilmembers lied about their campaign promises, particularly regarding the agreed-upon 2017 plans for the Schedler property. She said that many people worked tirelessly to get the Master Plan completed, and page 42 of that plan addresses scenic corridors and views. She quoted, “The Route 17 corridor in the vicinity of the cemetery, Schedler property, and Old Paramus Church is an important part of the Village’s history. The views associated with these sensitive properties should be protected from out-of-scale visual intrusions. Developments that would be out of scale with the existing environment along this corridor should be restricted. Possible intrusions include billboards, power lines, poorly designed and inappropriately located buildings, and inadequately screened, unsightly land uses.”

 

Ms. Lima feels as though the Master Plan has been completely thrown out, and wondered why it was even developed in the first place. She said that the legacy of the Village Council will not be about transforming the Schedler property in a positive sense, but rather about disrupting the property in a negative way. She said that the quality of life of the Schedler neighbors will be negatively impacted. Ms. Lima said that it is not too late for the Village Councilmembers to change their minds about the development of the Schedler property.

 

Ms. Lima said that she was continuing to lobby for the placement of picnic tables in Village parks. She stated that she has observed landscapers blowing yard debris into Village streets, which she stated was very dangerous. She viewed a video of landscapers blowing leaves and pushing the leaves with their feet into sewers, which is clogging up the sewers. She asked Deputy Mayor Perron to take some action in this matter.

 

Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, said that Councilmember Reynolds informed her that the matter of the repairs to the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge would be on this evening’s meeting agenda. She looks forward to hearing the status of the repairs to the footbridge. She said that the incident on September 13, 2023 is the third time that someone has been assaulted during Village Council meetings, ever since the topic of the Schedler property has been discussed. Ms. Ruane said that in every instance, members of the sports community have acted out against Schedler neighbors for their opposing views. Two of these assaults, verbal and physical, have been directed at women by men who are twice their size.

 

Ms. Ruane said that she cannot understand why the police are not being called during these incidents, and why there is not a police officer present at Village Council meetings when hot topic issues are being discussed. She said that it was unacceptable that the Village Councilmembers did not take proactive measures against the perpetrators of these assaults, and tell members of the sports community how to act appropriately. Ms. Ruane said that the Schedler neighbors have been very respectful to others when stating their concerns, even when they do not agree with differing viewpoints. She said that such respect has not been reciprocated by the sports community.

 

Jacqueline Hone, 30 Carriage Lane, said that she captured the incident that occurred on September 13, 2023 on video, as the incident spilled out into the hallway outside of the courtroom. When the person who was assaulted attempted to go to the police station to file a complaint, the assaulter stepped in front of her, put his jaw close to her face and said, “Go ahead and hit me” three times. The video was provided to the Ridgewood Police. She said that if Mayor Vagianos had viewed the video, his comments at the beginning of the meeting this evening would have been very different. She understands that the Village Councilmembers have no jurisdiction over what occurs during Village Council meetings or what is posted on social media.

 

Ms. Hone stated that the social media posts revealing personal information of a particular family in Ridgewood was not so much about the family, as it was about the fact that Mayor Vagianos lent this family $47,000.00 at 10% interest to pay their mortgage and holds a note for that loan. Members of this family hold positions on influential boards and committees in the Village, whose decisions directly impact the development of the Schedler property and the Route 17 billboard application. Ms. Lima described the actions of Mayor Vagianos as “extremely questionable.” She asked Mayor Vagianos if he felt his lending money to this family would constitute a conflict of interest on his part.

 

Frettra DeSilva, 521 West Saddle River Road, expressed regrets to Ms. Loving that she had to experience such a traumatic incident at a recent Village Council meeting. She echoed the comments made by Ms. Ruane this evening. Ms. DeSilva said that it was shocking that three women have been assaulted in the courtroom during Village Council meetings. She expressed the hope that the Village Councilmembers take these matters seriously, that they undergo training to gain knowledge about how to deal with such incidents, and that a police officer be present at meetings during which important matters are discussed. She was actually waiting in line to speak during public comments at a meeting, when two women, who were also standing in line to speak, were bullied by a “very large man.” Ms. DeSilva found this incident to be very scary, because she thought that a physical fight would ensue. She expressed the hope that everyone who attends meetings feels cared for by their fellow residents and by the Village Councilmembers.

 

Rohan DeSilva, 521 West Saddle River Road, expressed regrets to both Mr. and Ms. Loving for experiencing the humiliating incident, which occurred during the September 13, 2023 meeting. Mr. DeSilva said that he agrees with Mayor Vagianos about bringing “the temperature down” during meetings. He stated that Mayor Vagianos never bothered to check with the victim of the assault to see how she was doing.

Mr. DeSilva stated that the Schedler neighbors will legally fight against any decisions made by the Village Council, regarding the Schedler property, which will adversely affect the residents living in that community. He stated that Mayor Vagianos once admonished him during a meeting for talking. However, he reminded Mayor Vagianos that he is partially hearing impaired and wasn’t being disruptive. He asked Mayor Vagianos to publicly apologize to him on the record.

 

Mayor Vagianos commended Councilmember Reynolds for taking responsibility for her comments at the last Village Council meeting. He said that Ms. O’Keefe was correct in saying that everyone is human and everyone makes mistakes. He said that no one is an “enemy” and that everyone at the meeting is responsible for their behavior. Following the September 13, 2023 meeting, Mayor Vagianos called Mr. Loving the next day and texted him twice, and then tried calling him again, a few days later. He never heard back from Mr. Loving. He said that he reached out to Mr. Loving, rather than to Ms. Loving, because Mayor Vagianos and Ms. Loving have not been getting along so well lately. He apologized for perhaps doing the wrong thing.

 

Mayor Vagianos said that he and the Village Councilmembers did not see the incident occur on September 13, 2023. He said that he wanted to be abundantly clear that there is absolutely no excuse or reason for anyone to make physical contact with anyone else, either inside or outside the courtroom, during Village Council meetings. Mayor Vagianos commended the person who made the assault toward Ms. Loving, for voluntarily agreeing not to attend Village Council meetings during the month of October, even though he knew that the Village Council had no authority to ban him from meetings.

 

Regarding the alleged loan mentioned this evening, Mayor Vagianos said that he would not comment on the veracity of the statements made, since his private finances are personal. However, he read a letter from Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, addressed to Jacqueline Hone, in response to her email regarding the matter. He read, “Due to the email you sent to the Village Manager below, asserting claims of conflicts of interest of the Mayor based on certain facts you allege, this issue was brought to my attention. Assuming the allegations you state are true, so you know I am not questioning them for the sake of this response, there is no conflict for the Mayor to continue his participation in the matters concerning Schedler and his interaction with Peter Primavera, the hired expert. I reviewed the Local Government Ethics Law and the New Jersey Conflicts of Interest Law. The New Jersey Supreme Court defined the four types of conflicts, which would disqualify public officials from voting. They are direct pecuniary interests, indirect pecuniary interests, direct personal interest, and indirect personal interest. Clearly, the Mayor does not stand to accrue any direct or indirect pecuniary interest or financial advantage as a result of his participation and vote on the Schedler project. Additionally, recognizing the Mayor’s stated close personal relationship with the Chair of Parks and Rec, this relationship doesn’t create a direct or indirect personal interest and/or gain for the Mayor or for those persons involved. The Parks and Rec Committee is a recommending committee and has no authority in the Schedler project to vote or decide what is to be done. Additionally, it is important to note that the law and the courts recognize that local governments would be seriously handicapped if every possible interest, no matter how remote and speculative, would serve as a disqualification of an elected official. I can comfortably opine that there is no conflict for the Mayor to continue in his participation and voting on the Schedler project. Matt.”

 

Mayor Vagianos asked everyone to try to be respectful and have open communication with each other.

 

Councilmember Winograd apologized for the non-response from the dais, concerning the incident that occurred on September 13, 2023, and that it was perceived by the public as meaning that the Village Councilmembers don’t care about Village residents. She said that violence in any capacity is not accepted and will not be tolerated. Councilmember Winograd stated that Ridgewood residents are fortunate to have a well-staffed police force. She said that those sitting on the dais did not witness the incident and were not sure at that time exactly what had transpired. She said that she followed up with Councilmember Reynolds the following morning, to see how everyone involved in the incident was doing. Councilmember Winograd stated that it is against the law for more than two Village Councilmembers to speak together at one time, outside of Village Council meetings. She mentioned that once the police report was filed, none of the Village Councilmembers could become involved in the matter, in any capacity, while the investigation is proceeding. Councilmember Winograd again said how sorry she was that the incident occurred, and that it is her wish that all residents feel safe when they attend Village Council meetings.

 

Regarding the information posted on social media and some of the comments made this evening by the public, Councilmember Winograd indicated that the Parks, Recreation and Conservation (PRC) Board is not responsible for any decisions made regarding the Schedler property. She said that the project is in the hands of the Engineering Department and is not a project of the PRC Board. As the Council Liaison to the PRC Board, Councilmember Winograd said that she feels terrible when anyone is attacked on social media. She said that the Village Councilmembers want to help Village residents, and do not want it to be an “us” against “them” scenario. She stated that they all frown upon any type of violence.

 

There were no further public comments.

 

3.         VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Mr. Kazmark began by thanking the Police Department, the Village I.T. staff, and the Engineering Department for collaborating on the video that was posted on social media outlets today, which highlighted all of the paving work that has been accomplished in the Village this year. The drone team from the Police Department took some in-process paving footage and some completed paving footage.

 

Mr. Kazmark announced that the majority of the paperwork for the Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) renewal was submitted today. Staff are in the process of updating the Village Employee Manual, which will be distributed to all employees when completed. Last Thursday evening, Mr. Kazmark attended the most recent Bergen JIF meeting, during which they reviewed various workers’ compensation claims throughout the JIF membership and outstanding claims that needed to be paid.

 

Mr. Kazmark thanked Michael Tozzoli and the team at West Bergen Mental Healthcare for inviting him to do a walk-through of their facility. They have now expanded to their second building. He thanked the staff and management for partnering and collaborating with the Ridgewood Health Department.

 

Mr. Kazmark thanked Councilmember Winograd and Mayor Vagianos for participating in a meeting with the legislative team from District 40, which included representatives from Bergen County, Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE), and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). They discussed the issue of flooding along the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, the culverts by East Ridgewood Avenue, the historic bridge by Ridgewood High School, and the footbridge located on BOE property. They are working with Bergen County Engineering and the Ridgewood Engineering Department to arrive at solutions to abate flooding in those areas in the future, and also with the BOE regarding the footbridge.

 

On Friday morning, September 22, 2023, Mr. Kazmark attended the Age-Friendly Conference at Bergen Community College. He proudly reported that Ridgewood was highlighted as one of the communities that took extraordinary measures, during the Covid-19 pandemic, to reach out to the senior population in the Village. The Senior Bus Service in Ridgewood was shown in a video during the conference, which was attended by hundreds of people. Mr. Kazmark said that he spoke with Councilmember Winograd today about possibly updating the video to increase ridership on the Senior Bus.

 

Mr. Kazmark indicated that he met with Stephen Wellinghorst, the attorney for the Ridgewood Planning Board. He also spoke with Bruce Whittaker, the attorney for the Ridgewood Board of Adjustment. They are collaborating together to implement the recommendations for ordinance amendments, submitted by the Board of Adjustment to the Village Council in March 2023, in their Annual Report. The results of this collaboration will be presented to the Village Council later this year, in the fall.

 

Mr. Kazmark said that he also met yesterday, September 26, 2023, with David Refkin, Chair of Green Ridgewood. They discussed the work being done by the members of Green Ridgewood and some of the recommendations contained in the Master Plan.

 

On September 26, 2023, Mr. Kazmark also met with Monsignor Ronald Rozniak from Mount Carmel Church. They discussed the formation of partnerships between the parish and the Village, and talked about ways in which parking for funerals can be facilitated at the church.

 

On September 28, 2023, at 7:30 a.m., Mr. Kazmark said that he will speak before the Rotary Club at the Ridgewood YMCA, and he thanked them for the invitation.

 

Mr. Kazmark said that he is working with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to develop plans for the Park and Ride on Route 17. The NJDOT has placed a barrier blocking access to the left side of the parking lot, at the entrance from Route 17. Mr. Kazmark said that this has forced parking to be pushed to the curbs and grassy areas. On busy days, commuters have been creating additional parking spaces at the end of the aisles. Mr. Kazmark brought these concerns to the newly appointed Government Relations Representative from NJDOT, and escalated the matter to Senator Corrado’s office. Mr. Kazmark received a reply today from the NJDOT, and he will present his report at the next Village Council meeting on October 4, 2023.

 

Mr. Kazmark said that he visited West Glen Avenue by Heights Road today, where the new Village Council-approved bumpouts have been constructed, to shorten the pedestrian crosswalks in that area. He thanked Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, and his staff for their efforts in this regard.

 

Mr. Kazmark announced that on Saturday, September 30, 2023, Ridgewood Recycling will hold its Shred Day at the Graydon Pool parking lot, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There is a limit of five boxes or paper bags per vehicle.

 

The Ridgewood PBA Local #20 will be holding its annual Food Truck Festival on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at Veterans Field, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Ridgewood Guild will be holding their Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 7, 2023 and Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Access Weekend will be held from October 6 through October 8, 2023, organized by the Access Committee, in partnership with the Ridgewood Public Library. The Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market will be held on Sundays at the Ridgewood Train Station through October 29, 2023.

 

4.         VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Councilmember Reynolds reported that Project Pride will be removing the summer plantings in the CBD on October 7, 2023 and planting some fall flowers, such as mums. She stated that volunteers are still needed for about three hours on that day. Interested individuals should contact her at lreynolds@ridgewoodnj.net.

 

Councilmember Reynolds said that she received an email from Gail McCarthy, Chair of the Kasschau Shell Committee, which stated that the 2023 Summer Concert Series at the bandshell is almost complete. The Nerds will provide musical entertainment at the bandshell on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, beginning at 7:30 p.m. This year, the Kasschau Shell celebrated 65 years of Music under the Stars, with many new bands and sponsors. The committee is grateful for all of the groups who participated this summer. Fundraising was a great success, and will continue throughout the year. All residents are urged to make a donation at kasschaumemorialshell.com and to join the social media groups for the bandshell on Facebook, Instagram and GroupSpot to keep apprised of the entertainment schedule. Residents interested in joining the Kasschau Shell Committee should send an email to kasschaushell@gmail.com. Councilmember Reynolds said that the committee is losing a few members this year and volunteers are needed.

 

There was a meeting of the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) on Thursday, September 21, 2023. During the meeting, there were discussions about the Franklin Avenue corridor, which was recently paved. However, there are many nonfunctioning streetlights in that area, and requests have been made to Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) to fix them. They also discussed the installation of additional lighting at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and North Broad Street, and synchronizing the traffic lights on Franklin Avenue. There is consideration of possibly painting a double yellow center line on Bellair Road, as a traffic calming measure. Many residents who live on that road have been complaining about speeding motorists. Residents are being surveyed to determine neighborhood support for the striping of the road.

 

Councilmember Reynolds stated that the Engineering Department has been sending out weekly letters to residents who own properties, with shrubs or bushes that create corner sight obstruction issues. One of the CSAC members requested that a stop sign be installed at the intersection of Franklin Avenue extension and North Irving Street (the PSE&G right-of-way behind Ridgewood High School). There was a discussion about the ordinance regarding electric-powered vehicles (such as bikes and scooters). A member indicated that there is nothing contained in the ordinance about motorized wheelchairs. Councilmember Reynolds said that Mr. Kazmark will be speaking to Mr. Rogers, Village Attorney, to see if motorized wheelchairs should also be prohibited in the ordinance. At the CSAC meeting, a resident raised concerns about the traffic on Clinton Avenue and its impact on children walking to school in the street. The Police Department has begun to patrol this area to investigate the situation and to discuss this issue with neighbors who are new to the area. The next CSAC meeting is scheduled on October 19, 2023 at 7:30 a.m.

 

Mayor Vagianos indicated that he echoed Councilmember Reynolds’ comments about the Kasschau Bandshell, which he described as a gem in Ridgewood. 

 

Councilmember Winograd stated that on September 14, 2023, she and Deputy Mayor Perron met with a third vendor to explore eco-friendly turf. The primary holding company, Astroturf, has developed an eco-friendly turf called Root Zone. They met with the local representative from Keystone Sports. The meeting was informative and the company is going to provide Councilmember Winograd with follow-up material. If anyone has any suggestions regarding any other eco-friendly turf vendors, they should inform Councilmember Winograd or Deputy Mayor Perron. She thanked Deputy Mayor Perron for her assistance in this regard.

 

Councilmember Winograd said that Project Pride is still looking for volunteers to take care of the 14 palm trees in the CBD, in their homes over the winter. The palm trees will be repotted in the CBD next year, once the warmer weather arrives. She thanked Ms. Mailander for volunteering to be the first “adoptee” of one of these palm trees, which will be brought into Village Hall over the winter.

 

Councilmember Winograd said that the lighted “kissing balls,” which will be hung along East Ridgewood Avenue and West Ridgewood Avenue in the CBD for the winter holidays, are being tested to make sure they are working properly. This will be done at the Lester Stable on October 5 and 6, 2023, and volunteers are needed to accomplish this goal. The snowflakes will be displayed along the side streets in the CBD. Councilmember Winograd thanked Ms. Mailander for her assistance in this regard.

 

On September 22, 2023, Councilmember Winograd attended the meeting with Mayor Vagianos, Mr. Kazmark, and the legislative team from District 40, including representatives from the NJDEP and the Ridgewood BOE, to discuss the issue of flooding along the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. She said that there is a plan in place to renovate the historic bridge on East Ridgewood Avenue.

 

Councilmember Winograd indicated that at the Access Committee meeting, Jaimie Davis, incoming President of the Learning Services Home and School Association (LSHSA), described a new initiative with the Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG). Some families with special needs members do not feel comfortable dining out in busy restaurants and experience sensory overload. The Access Committee has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to launch “sensory free” nights out for the special needs population at Steel Wheel Tavern in Ridgewood, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Village Councilmembers will assist as servers during these sensory-free nights. This will help to promote business for merchants and will help with the integration of the special needs population in Ridgewood, into the community. Councilmember Winograd thanked Glenn Carlough, the Chamber of Commerce, Jaimie Davis and SEPAG for their assistance in this regard. The first event is planned for the first week in November. Councilmember Winograd said that Mayor Vagianos and Councilmember Reynolds have already volunteered to be servers at these special events. 

 

Councilmember Winograd said that she met with the Parks, Recreation and Conservation (PRC) Board last night, where it was discussed that Highlights in Leisure Time (HILT) will go on several day trips, along with other activities and classes that have been planned. Announcements will be posted on social media and sent through the mail. At the PRC Board meeting, there was also a discussion regarding the proposed ordinance banning electric-powered transport, including bikes and scooters, in Village parks and walking trails.

 

Councilmember Winograd concluded her report by thanking the Engineering Department, Mr. Kazmark and Rich Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, for their efforts to complete a lot of street paving in the Village this year. She urged everyone to watch a video on social media, which was composed by the Engineering Department, showing the progress of street paving this summer. There are still two streets that are scheduled to be paved.

 

Councilmember Weitz wished a belated Happy New Year to all Jewish residents in the Village. Regarding the Park and Ride, Councilmember Weitz said that he and Councilmember Winograd met with a resident during “Council Chat” who lives adjacent to the Park and Ride on Route 17. The neighbor complained about the upkeep of the property, which is owned and maintained by the NJDOT. Councilmember Weitz, in collaboration with Mr. Rogers, composed a letter to the NJDOT expressing their concerns and asking that improvements be made to the property. To date, no reply has been received. After Labor Day this year, the NJDOT installed a barrier at the Park and Ride, which blocked off half of the parking spots, due to some purported maintenance work that never occurred. This has caused commuters to park illegally in that area.

 

Not having heard back from the NJDOT, Mr. Kazmark reached out to a State Senator, and he received a reply inviting him to a meeting to discuss these issues tomorrow morning. After this meeting, Councilmember Weitz emphasized to Mr. Kazmark that he wants to hear what concrete steps will be taken by the NJDOT to open up the parking lot and/or complete their maintenance work on the Park and Ride, so that commuters will be able to conveniently park there on their way to work in New York City. Councilmember Weitz also wants to hear what the NJDOT is planning to do to improve the appearance of the Park and Ride, which has become unsightly to neighbors.

 

Mr. Kazmark indicated that he agreed completely with Councilmember Weitz. He stated that if the NJDOT is not imminently planning to perform maintenance on the Park and Ride, he wants them to remove the Jersey barrier from the left-sided entrance to the parking lot, so that commuters may use the entire parking lot. While the right side of the Park and Ride has been resurfaced and striped and new concrete work has been performed, nothing has been done to improve the left side of the lot. He also wants to find out if a buffer could be installed adjacent to neighbors’ properties, so that their concerns can also be addressed. He said that his meeting with the NJDOT is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.

 

Councilmember Weitz encouraged all residents to visit the Ridgewood Library.  The Teen Room has been completed and the Children’s Room has been recarpeted, and all renovations were done through private donations. The new tenant has moved into the Pease Library building, which is now generating rental income for the Ridgewood Library. Councilmember Weitz announced that there over 2,300 people participated in the outreach programs developed by the Ridgewood Library in August of this year, which had been anticipated to be a slow month.

 

Councilmember Weitz thanked Mr. Rutishauser for giving him a tour of the Schedler property and house. He toured inside and outside of the house. He encouraged residents to contact him with any ideas they may have regarding the future usage of the house. Councilmember Weitz said that he continues to be underwhelmed with the renovations done to the house at a cost of $2.6 million. He would like to see the house used in the future, so that income can be generated for the Village.

 

As mentioned by Mr. Kazmark, Councilmember Weitz stated that the PBA Food Truck Festival will take place this coming Sunday at Veterans Field. All of the Village Councilmembers were contacted, to see if they wanted to volunteer at the Dunk Tank. Councilmember Weitz stated that he was the only one who volunteered. He encouraged all residents to attend this fun event and see him get dunked in cold water, beginning at 1:00 p.m. All proceeds will go towards pediatric cancer research.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron said that the Green Ridgewood Committee met on September 14, 2023. They discussed electric vehicles possibly being acquired by Ridgewood Water, as well as stormwater flood mitigation. The Encouraging Alternative Green Energy for Ridgewood (EAGER) program is on “hold,” until the energy market improves pricewise. The consultants suggested that the Village look into a community solar project, and the committee is considering this.

 

Green Ridgewood and the Ridgewood Public Library teamed up to hold a panel discussion last week regarding gas-powered leaf blowers. They discussed how these leaf blowers diminish one’s quality of life, how they pollute the air, how they affect the ecology, and how landscapers need them. There was a very good turnout for the discussion, with both residents and landscapers in attendance. Deputy Mayor Perron said that another panel discussion on this issue will take place at the Ridgewood Library, in the evening, on January 24, 2024.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron announced that the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) met on September 14, 2023. New officers were elected at that time. The new Chair is Stephen Del Percio, the Vice Chair is Stacey Tsapatsaris, and the new Secretary is Rebecca Tatlock. At the meeting, they discussed the idea of designating a Special Improvement District in the CBD, as well as the need to amend their bylaws.

 

The Open Space Committee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening, September 28, 2023 at the Lester Stable. Residents are welcome to attend. Open space funding will be discussed at that meeting.

Deputy Mayor Perron reminded everyone that Ridgewood Water will be holding an Open House at the Ridgewood Library on October 16, 2023.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron spoke about some events scheduled for “Destination Ridgewood.” On Saturday, September 30, 2023, Tai Chi will be held at 8:00 a.m. Yoga will be held at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2023. In addition, on Sunday, Acoustic Dudes will perform from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All activities will be held in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.

 

Mayor Vagianos stated that he has no reports from any of his committees.

 

5.         PRESENTATION

 

A.        SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT – STUART KOPERWEIS - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGISTS, LLC

 

Stuart Koperweis of Economic Development Strategists, LLC, stated that Special Improvement Districts (SIDs) in New Jersey are also called Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in other parts of the world. Mr. Koperweis said that a SID is a public/private partnership, modeled on shared maintenance programs, where costs for services such as marketing, promotion, and cleaning are shared amongst business owners. There are approximately 100 SIDs already existing in the State of New Jersey, and more than 1,000 SIDs in the United States. Multiple property and business owners align themselves to collectively plan for their future.

 

Mr. Koperweis stated that a SID provides for a number of services, such as capital improvements (street lights, trash receptacles, signage, and flower boxes); landscaping and community service (fundraising and charitable events); marketing and special events (promotional materials and public relations); business development (commercial vacancies and business mix improvements); public safety (security, planning, and visitor assistance); and maintenance of streets, sidewalks and graffiti. These services create a cleaner, safer and more attractive business area, and ensure a reliable funding source for supplemental services and programs. Advantages include the ability to respond quickly to changing needs of the business community, and the potential to increase property values, improve sales, and decrease vacancy rates. Mr. Koperweis said that these services have proven to be very effective in the past few years, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Mr. Koperweis said that he often is asked about a SID versus a merchant association, such as a Chamber of Commerce. He said that a SID provides a steady and reliable source of funding. All property owners in the SID are required to contribute. An annual assessment is placed on the participating properties, payable on a quarterly basis, and this is enforced via a municipal ordinance. It is called an assessment, rather than a tax, because assessments cannot be appealed. The assessment will be unique to each property owner, depending upon property size, value, services, and location. The amount paid by each property owner is determined by a formula that each SID creates. The assessments are billed and collected by the Village, and then turned over to a District Management Corporation. A feasibility study would be performed to determine which business owners would become part of the SID, and the findings would be presented to the Village Council for approval and adoption of a relevant ordinance. A merchant association does not offer a continuous source of funding and cannot enforce the financial participation of all stakeholders. Mr. Koperweis indicated that municipal services will be enhanced in the SID, and not reduced.

 

There are three phases by which a SID is formed: Phase One, Planning; Phase Two, Outreach; and Phase Three, Legislative Authorization. Mr. Koperweis explained that a Steering Committee is appointed by the Village Council to develop, study, and review all options for the feasibility of creating a SID. A stakeholder presentation is held for all property owners and businesses within the SID, so that they are fully informed and their input can be received. The Village Council would then need to adopt an ordinance allowing for the creation of a SID and setting forth the boundaries of the SID on a “Schedule A.”

 

Once the SID is determined, a nonprofit entity is developed of property and business owners within the district, as well as civic leaders and government officials. This entity, when formalized and created by the governing body, becomes the District Management Corporation (DMC) under State Statute. The DMC then elects a Board of Trustees, the majority of which should be property owners. A Village Councilmember must have a seat on the board, and the Village Council approves the budget annually. Budgets can range from $150,000.00 to over $3 million. The Board of Trustees then hires a Director to manage the day-to-day operations of the SID.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked how vacancies are dealt with, what is done with property owners who have had vacant property for a period of time, and whether or not a penalty or “vacancy tax” is imposed. Mr. Koperweis said that this would be determined by the ordinance adopted by the Village Council. He said that properties in the SID are always assessed, whether vacant or tenanted.

 

Mr. Koperweis described the “C.L.A.P.” (Coordinate, Liaison, Assist and Provide) role of a SID. It coordinates services with municipal departments for cleanliness, safety and code enforcement. It acts as a liaison between municipal government and stakeholders. It assists in redevelopment, zoning and planning through meetings and dissemination of information. It provides value to businesses by offering a retail mix, real estate listings, and seminars. Mr. Koperweis also described “C.H.E.E.R.” (Capitalize, Help, Encourage, Enlist and Revitalize). He said that business owners can capitalize on services and programs; help make the business corridor a destination for shopping and dining through public relations, marketing and promotions; encourage partnerships (chambers, associations, and government); enlist community support through board involvement and membership; and revitalize, beautify, refresh and energize the business district.

 

Mr. Koperweis indicated that the Brookings Institute has determined that 83% of net households will be childless by 2025. This is due to the fact that 78 million baby boomers (ages 45-63) focus on lifestyle and transit, 75 million GenY individuals (ages 15-32) focus on transit and lifestyle, and 50 million GenX individuals (ages 33-44) focus on schools and yards. A SID allows property owners, businesses, and members of the community to control the revitalization of their community. Mr. Koperweis described a SID as a “mall without walls.” A SID has been determined to be the most qualified mechanism to encourage property and business owners to improve their destiny in a collective fashion. Mr. Koperweis indicated that he has been involved with organizing SIDs for almost 30 years.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) has been looking into whether Ridgewood should consider forming a SID for almost 2-1/2 years. Several speakers from municipalities with SIDs have given their viewpoints during CBDAC meetings, including from Montclair and Summit. Members of CBDAC also toured municipalities with SIDs, such as Westfield and Summit, to view SIDs firsthand. Deputy Mayor Perron remarked that these SIDs were able to obtain grant money for new businesses joining a SID, to be used for façade improvements and the rehabilitation of ailing cinemas. A SID will encourage diversity of tenancy. She remarked that she saw only one vacant storefront in Summit. The grant monies may be used for lighting, furniture such as tables and chairs, benches, and landscaping. Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that SIDs do not decrease municipal services, but rather supplement them. Since the recession in 2008, the rise of online shopping through Amazon, and the Covid-19 pandemic, business owners in the Village have struggled. Deputy Mayor Perron feels that the formation of a SID is a way for Ridgewood to help these beleaguered business owners.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron said that CBDAC members did more than just interview economic development strategists. They also interviewed three other firms, and they felt that Mr. Koperweis had the best scenario for moving forward with developing a SID in Ridgewood. Phase 1 would include the formation of a Steering Committee. Village Councilmembers would select various property owners to decide where they would like the SID boundaries to be and what they would consider to be an appropriate assessment. The members of the Steering Committee would also determine what necessary services a SID would provide. Deputy Mayor Perron suggested starting off small, and then expanding, if the SID proves to be successful. She would like to move forward with Phase 1 of the project, which would include the formation of a Steering Committee and the performance of a feasibility study. Phase 2 would entail outreach to property owners to gain support, disseminating information regarding the SID, and obtaining feedback from stakeholders. Phase 3 would entail the adoption of an appropriate ordinance by the Village Council.

Councilmember Weitz asked what the costs would be for Phases 1 and 2. Mr. Kazmark called the Village Councilmembers’ attention to page 6 of Mr. Koperweis’s proposal, which outlines the tasks required during Phase 1, and page 8, which contains a fee schedule. The fee to perform Phases 1 and 2 would not exceed the sum of $17,000.00.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked how many property owners there are in the Central Business District. Deputy Mayor Perron replied that she believed Stacey Tsapatsaris put together an unofficial list of 40 property owners in the CBD. Councilmember Winograd asked if the initial scope would encompass East and West Ridgewood Avenues, and the side streets of the CBD. Mr. Koperweis stated that the boundaries of the SID is something that the members of the Steering Committee would review and make recommendations. He stated that what is excluded from a SID are single-family homes up to four-family residential buildings. Only commercial and retail properties (4A), 4C or 4B (industrial) are usually included in a SID. It depends upon the recommendations by the Steering Committee. He has headed up SIDs in which only 4A and 4B properties were included. The entire town of Hoboken is a SID, with different assessments in each separate area.

 

Councilmember Weitz said that he was concerned about the high taxes in the Village, and he wanted to make sure that the majority of businesses in the Village supported the formation of a SID and agreed to the assessments. If the majority of businesses are onboard with the plan, then Councilmember Weitz said that he would be in favor of moving forward with Phase 1. Mr. Koperweis agreed with Councilmember Weitz and stated that community input and support are essential.

 

Mayor Vagianos said that the stakeholders or landlords of property in Ridgewood would need to support this plan, since they are the ones who will be paying the assessments. Mr. Koperweis said Phase 1 could take up to a year or a year and a half, with many meetings being held over that period of time. He has been involved in situations where a Steering Committee, after performing a feasibility study, has recommended that the municipality not move forward at that time with forming a SID.

 

Mayor Vagianos then asked what costs were involved after Phases 1 and 2 have been completed. Mr. Koperweis replied that after these phases are completed, then the Village Council would need to adopt an ordinance permitting the SID to be formed. The DMC would then be developed through a Certificate of Incorporation, followed by the formation of a Board of Trustees and the development of an initial budget. Mr. Koperweis said that Phase 3 would cost another $17,000.00, followed by another $14,000.00. Mayor Vagianos summarized by stating that the entire project would cost approximately $48,000.00.

 

Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Koperweis what he estimated to be the number of successful SIDs. Mr. Koperweis replied that all of the SIDs in existence have been successful. If they are not

 

 

successful, it is usually because the governing body has not approved the budget. When questioned by Mayor Vagianos, Mr. Koperweis said that he could only recall two or three occasions when SIDs have not been successful in the State of New Jersey. The SID can provide a revenue stream, by increasing foot traffic and expanding marketing and promotional opportunities.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that she has spoken with Mr. Koperweis about the excellent job done by the Ridgewood Guild and the Chamber of Commerce to increase business in the CBD. She said that she would not want to “step on their toes,” and Mr. Koperweis agreed. He said that representatives from both groups should have a seat on the Steering Committee and eventually become part of the Board of Trustees. This has occurred in many municipalities in which he has worked. There was a discussion concerning the participating businesses being able to hire their own carter for recycling purposes, since the businesses in the CBD currently have to provide for their own recycling services (not provided by the Village). They can hire additional security services and sanitation services. A “wish list” is sent to all business owners to find out what they want, and an itemized budget is formulated, based upon the stated goals of the businesses.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked the other Village Councilmembers how they felt about moving forward with a feasibility study. Mr. Kazmark remarked that he has conferred with Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer, and he has confirmed that there are available funds for this purpose. Councilmember Reynolds said that she was in favor of this proposal. They were talking about forming a SID when she was on CBDAC in 2020. Mr. Koperweis stated that he is a member of Downtown New Jersey, a statewide organization, and he actually presented a SID proposal before the Village Council in 2006. At that time, the prior Village Council rejected the proposal. Mayor Vagianos said that in 2006, the business climate in the CBD was booming and was entirely different than it is today. There were no vacant storefronts whatsoever at that time.

 

Councilmember Winograd stated that she was also in favor of doing a feasibility study, as she feels that the businesses in the downtown area need help. She thanked everyone on CBDAC and Deputy Mayor Perron for all of their hard work. Councilmember Weitz said that he feels this would be a valid investment, and is in favor of doing a feasibility study. Mayor Vagianos said that he is completely onboard with exploring this initiative. He thanked Deputy Mayor Perron for spearheading this initiative, and stated that there was obviously a consensus that the Village should move forward on the feasibility study.

 

 

 

 

 

6.         DISCUSSION

 

A.             RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

1.     AWARD CONTRACT – WATER LAB TESTING EQUIPMENT

 

Mr. Kazmark said that Richard Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, has recommended that a contract be awarded to Agilent Technologies of Wilmington, Delaware, in an amount not to exceed $137,890.22. Ridgewood Water received three bids for additional water lab testing equipment, as part of their planned expansion of their laboratory capabilities to perform more in-house testing services. This will reduce their reliance on outside labs, improve efficiency, and ultimately reduce costs. Mr. Kazmark added that some of this equipment may be used by surrounding communities, through a Shared Services Agreement, when they need water samples tested. The low bid was rejected since it was incomplete. Agilent Technologies was the next lowest responsible bidder. Funding is contained in the Ridgewood Water Capital Budget.

 

2.     AWARD SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT – LEAK DETECTION

SERVICES

 

Mr. Kazmark stated that this item pertains to the awarding of a Sole Source contract for leak detection services, as recommended by Mr. Calbi, since Ridgewood Water has identified a need for a full system leak detection survey. The NJDEP requires all public/private water systems to conduct an annual leak detection and to report results via a web-based portal. This is important to reduce unaccounted for water, including water lost from water main breaks and water service leaks. It is recommended that this contract be awarded to Utilis, Inc., of La Jolla, California, in an amount not to exceed $40,000.00.

 

Utilis is a technology firm that utilizes satellite imagery to determine areas where chlorinated water is making contact with soil. These points of interest are then investigated by conventional means of leak detection. The surveys will cover 700 miles of piping, including Ridgewood Water’s distribution network in all four communities, on both the public and private side. The flight output will be imbedded in Ridgewood Water’s Geographic Information System (GIS). Last year, Ridgewood performed a single flight of 275 miles, supplemented with field leak detection, for $39,750.00. In 2023, Asterra, doing business as Utilis, Inc., is offering two flights of the entire system, which, in conjunction with last year’s data, should improve accuracy of pinpointing potential leak areas. Funding is contained in the Water Utility Operating Budget.

 

Mayor Vagianos pointed out the difference between the services being performed, which covered an area of 275 miles, at a cost of almost $40,000.00 in 2022, and the proposed cost this year, to cover an area of 700 miles for the same amount. Deputy Mayor Perron asked Mr. Calbi about this difference in pricing. Mr. Calbi said that the prior leak detection survey was done acoustically. That company has changed its structure and their prices have risen dramatically, so Mr. Calbi felt that utilizing the satellite imagery was the least expensive option.

 

3.     AUTHORIZE CHANGE ORDER – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CONTRACT – RAW WATER MAINS

 

Mr. Kazmark explained that this item pertains to the authorization of a Change Order regarding a professional services contract for raw water mains. In July 2022, Mott MacDonald was awarded a professional engineering services contract for the design, permitting, bidding and construction phase engineering services for the raw water mains, required to connect satellite wells to 4 of the 12 new PFAS Treatment Facilities (Ames, Wortendyke, Cedar Hill and Prospect). At this time, an additional amount of $52,700.00 is required to complete work beyond the original project scope, to redesign a portion of the raw water main. This change will allow for the avoidance of placing the new main on private property and obtaining the easements for the private crossings. This will also meet the recommendations made to Ridgewood Water, by Midland Park, during their review of the proposed pipe alignment. It is recommended that Change Order #1 be awarded to Mott MacDonald of Iselin, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $52,700.00. Funding is contained in the Ridgewood Water Capital Budget.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron suggested that the reason for this Change Order be stated in the proposed resolution. Mr. Kazmark said that he would ask Mr. Calbi to make this change.

 

            B.        PARKING

 

1.     REQUEST FOR HOLIDAY FREE PARKING DAYS IN CBD

 

Mr. Kazmark explained that the Ridgewood Guild will be establishing a late night shopping event on the four Thursdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas (November 30 and December 7, 14 and 21). The Ridgewood Guild has requested the Village Council to approve free parking throughout the CBD, on those four Thursday nights.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked what times Tony Damiano, Executive Director of the Ridgewood Guild, is suggesting for the free parking. She asked if it would be all day long or just between certain hours at night. Mr. Kazmark said that he believed Mr. Damiano mentioned 4:00 p.m. as the time he would like to see the free parking begin, during the Village Council meeting of September 13, 2023.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron then asked if this would include on-street parking, as well as parking in the lots and parking garage. She said that free parking has previously been offered in the parking lots and in the Hudson Street Garage, during the holiday season. Mr. Kazmark believed the Guild was requesting free parking throughout the CBD. Deputy Mayor Perron said that the Village Council has tried very hard to encourage people to park in the lots and in the garage. She is afraid that if people are encouraged to park on the street, the prior progress made in that regard will be unraveled. She would be in favor of allowing free parking only in the parking lots and in the garage.

 

Mayor Vagianos indicated that he would be in favor of allowing free parking throughout the CBD, starting at 4:00 p.m. on the stated Thursdays. He said that, previously, the Village Council has allowed free parking on Saturdays, in certain parts of town, during the holiday season. However, when this is allowed, employees who work in the CBD get the best spaces first and occupy those spots all day long. Therefore, Mayor Vagianos said that this is counterproductive to what they all want to achieve, because people coming to the CBD for shopping and/or dining do not have those spots available. However, he feels that allowing free parking throughout the CBD after 4:00 p.m. is a good idea.

 

Mr. Kazmark remarked that there was a meeting held by the Ridgewood Guild, where it was determined that most businesses agreed to stay open late on those designated Thursday nights. Mayor Vagianos mentioned that the Village Council will separately consider free parking on Saturdays during the holiday season, and he will voice the same objections again. Councilmember Reynolds thought that Mr. Damiano, when speaking about this matter at the September 13, 2023 meeting, was asking for the free parking on the four Thursday evenings, in lieu of the free Saturday parking. Mayor Vagianos said that he did not think that was accurate.

 

Councilmember Winograd said that she thinks the free parking on the four Thursdays, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., is a great idea. She thanked Mr. Damiano and Trish for all of their efforts. She said that free parking on Saturdays is a separate issue, and while acknowledging that Mayor Vagianos was opposed to this idea, she felt that this would be an excellent way to promote parking in the Hudson Street Garage. She asked when the Village Council would discuss the free parking on Saturdays. Mr. Kazmark indicated that he would discuss this with Mr. Damiano. Mayor Vagianos suggested to Mr. Kazmark that he also discuss this issue with Joan Groome, the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. Councilmember Winograd suggested that Mr. Kazmark also alert the Police Department of these proposed parking changes.

 

C.        BUDGET

 

1.         2024 CAPITAL BUDGET

 

Mr. Kazmark explained that after a discussion last month by the Village Council concerning the sidewalk construction on West Glen Avenue, the Village Council had asked Mr. Kazmark and Mr. Rooney to expedite a tentative Capital Budget for 2024, to see what monies were available to complete the West Glen Avenue sidewalk project. They requested that all Department Directors supply them with a list of all of their departmental capital requests for 2023, whether approved or not. These requests have been ranked by the Department Directors, in order of priority. Mr. Kazmark emphasized that this projected Capital Budget for 2024 is tentative, since the Department Directors still have not had the opportunity to get together with their staff to discuss their priorities for 2024.

 

Mr. Kazmark called the Village Councilmembers’ attention to the last page of the Excel spreadsheet, which shows the totals of Tier 1 and Tier 2 priority projects, across the Village by Department, and the ability to fund those projects, in addition to the West Glen Avenue sidewalks and the repairs to the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge. Mr. Kazmark stated that it would be feasible to complete the Tier 1 and Tier 2 priority projects, along with the West Glen Avenue sidewalks ($700,000.00) and Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge repairs ($396,000.00), in 2024.

 

Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer, agreed with Mr. Kazmark. He said that the Department Directors still need to have the opportunity to give them some feedback, as to what their priorities will be for 2024.

 

Councilmember Weitz asked when the work would commence on the West Glen Avenue sidewalks and the repairs to the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge. Mr. Kazmark said that Mr. Rutishauser indicated that he first wanted to determine the cost of the materials for the retaining walls, for the West Glen Avenue project, which may require a significant lead-time. A supplemental bond ordinance may be needed in 2023 in order to approve the purchase of these materials, so that the materials are received in a timely manner. The construction of the sidewalks would be approved as part of the Capital Budget, in early 2024. It is hoped that construction can begin once the weather warms up in the spring. Councilmember Weitz said that he fully supports the sidewalk project being prioritized in next year’s budget. There was further discussion between Mr. Kazmark and Councilmember Winograd about where retaining walls will need to be constructed along West Glen Avenue.

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked whether the Tier 1 and Tier 2 items were highlighted on the spreadsheets in yellow, and Mr. Kazmark replied in the affirmative. Mayor Vagianos thanked Mr. Kazmark, Ms. Mailander and Mr. Rooney for supplying this information to the Village Council and confirming that these projects can be accomplished in 2024. He also commended Councilmember Reynolds for her staunch support of getting the sidewalks completed on West Glen Avenue. Mayor Vagianos also thanked the members of the public who spoke before the Village Council and insisted that the sidewalks and bridge repairs be accomplished quickly, from a safety standpoint.  

 

Councilmember Winograd asked if the bid for repairs for the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge is still valid, since it was received quite some time ago. Mr. Kazmark indicated that Mr. Rutishauser has received an updated cost estimate from the bridge engineer. When asked by Councilmember Winograd if there was anything further that the Village Council needed to do, Mr. Kazmark replied that the project will need to be sent out for a formal bid.

 

Councilmember Reynolds noted that the spreadsheets indicate that no money will be allocated for Schedler Park improvements in 2024. Mr. Kazmark said that the plans were just recently approved by the Village Council for the Schedler project, and the plans still need to be reviewed and approved by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Once that occurs, then cost estimates will be requested for the Schedler project. Councilmember Reynolds asked if the two priority projects (West Glen Avenue sidewalks and repairs to the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge) would be completed if money is needed to begin the Schedler project in 2024. Mr. Kazmark said that he has asked Mr. Rooney to supply him with a summary of the monies already spent on the Schedler project, what bonds have been approved, and what appropriations have been made thus far. Councilmember Winograd mentioned that there is a lot of carryover capital (approximately $2.3 million) that has been earmarked for the Schedler property, including $500,000.00 appropriated in 2023.

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked if the blocks for the retaining walls will be paid for from the $500,000.00 that was allocated for the Schedler property in 2023. Mr. Kazmark replied that the ordinance appropriating the $500,000.00 will have to be re-introduced, so that a portion of those funds may be used towards the sidewalk construction on West Glen Avenue. Mr. Rooney said that there will be funds available to order the materials for the retaining walls in 2023. He said that the relevant capital ordinances are flexible and interchangeable. Part of the $500,000.00 set aside for the Schedler project can be used to purchase the materials for the retaining walls, once the ordinance is re-introduced.

 

2.         AWARD CONTRACT – LABORATORY ANALYSIS SERVICES – WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY AND GRAYDON POOL

 

Mr. Kazmark explained that this item pertains to the awarding of a contract for laboratory analysis services for the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) and Graydon Pool. The outside laboratory performs analysis required by the NJDEP and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for the wastewater treatment plant and the pool complex.

 

Two responsive bids were received. Mr. Rutishauser has recommended that the contract be awarded to Eurofins Environment Testing Philadelphia, LLC, of Horsham, Pennsylvania, in an amount not to exceed $49,901.00. A lower bid had been received, but it was incomplete. The contract will run from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. Funding will be available, contingent upon the Village Council appropriating such in the temporary budget for 2024 and subsequently adopting a 2024 budget to fund the full amount of the contract.

Deputy Mayor Perron said that she was confused by some items on the proposal submitted by Eurofins. She stated that the weekly wet chemistry analysis (item #4) on the pricing schedule shows a price per analysis group of $45.00 and the number of analyses as 104, which would appear to indicate that these analyses would be performed twice a week. Mr. Kazmark indicated that he would clarify this with Mr. Rutishauser. Deputy Mayor Perron said that she otherwise did not object to the proposal.

 

3.         AWARD CONTRACT – FURNISHING AND DELIVERING

SODIUM BISULFITE SOLUTION AND SODIUM

HYPOCHLORITE SOLUTION

 

Mr. Kazmark explained that this item pertains to the awarding of a contract to supply the Village’s Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) with sodium bisulfite solution and sodium hypochlorite solution for use in treating the Village’s wastewater. Three responsive bids were received, with one being incomplete. Miracle Chemical Company has successfully supplied chemicals to the Village for many years. Last year’s bid had the option to extend the contract for an additional year. Miracle Chemical has consented to extend their prices from 2023 to 2024. Mr. Rutishauser is recommending that the contract be extended for year two to Miracle Chemical Company of Farmingdale, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $156,239.00. Funds for the chemicals will be budgeted in WPCF’s 2024 Operating Budget.

 

4.         AWARD ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF CONTRACT – ROAD RESURFACING AND REPAIRS – VARIOUS VILLAGE STREETS

 

Mr. Kazmark indicated that this item pertains to the awarding of additional monies for road resurfacing and repairs of various Village Streets. Twelve bids were received on February 22, 2023 for this project. The low bid was received from Smith-Sondy Asphalt Construction Co., Inc., of Wallington, New Jersey, in the amount of $2,944,835.25. Smith-Sondy was awarded an initial award of $1 million and has been working successfully in the Village. Three purchase orders for road paving were found, that were issued to American Asphalt and Milling Services. The Engineering Department was notified by the New Jersey Department of Labor that this company is in the process of being barred from working for public agencies in New Jersey. Therefore, Mr. Rutishauser is recommending that these three purchase orders be cancelled and their value be awarded to Smith-Sondy Asphalt Construction Co., Inc. ($614,019.00).

 

Mr. Kazmark indicated that if this additional amount were approved, the additional streets to be paved include Chestnut Street (from East Ridgewood Avenue to Franklin Avenue, and from Douglas Place to the end, by apartment buildings); Cottage Place (East Ridgewood Avenue to Franklin Avenue); Dayton Street (from Macksoud Circle to Union Street); North Walnut Street (from East Ridgewood Avenue to Franklin Avenue); South Walnut Street (from Dayton Street to East Ridgewood Avenue); Oak Street (from East Ridgewood Avenue to Franklin Avenue); Albin Court (entire street except for Banta); Brookmere Court (a horseshoe roadway off of Maple Avenue); and Lynn Street (from Franklin Turnpike to Racetrack Road).

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked about paving West Saddle River Road. Mr. Kazmark replied that the paving of West Saddle River Road was not included in the paving budget, and the roads he mentioned previously were slated to be paved in the 2023 budget. Councilmember Reynolds remarked that West Saddle River Road is in bad shape. Mr. Kazmark said that he has communicated with the residents who live in this area, via email, and he has pressed the Engineering Department to include West Saddle River Road in the 2024 Capital Budget for road resurfacing. In addition, there may be bumpouts constructed for additional parking near the Schedler property, and this may delay the paving of West Saddle River Road until the end of next year. It would be more efficient to pave that road after the bumpouts have been constructed, rather than to pave it before they are constructed. Councilmember Reynolds asked if any repairs could be accomplished in 2023 on West Saddle River Road, such as pothole repairs. Mr. Kazmark said that he would discuss same with Mr. Rutishauser to see what can be done.

 

Councilmember Winograd remarked that tree planting is being done this fall, and she wanted assurance that the road paving would not interfere with that effort. Mr. Kazmark said that if the Village Council approves the extension of the dining corrals until October, the streets on which there are dining corrals will not be paved until the first week of November, weather permitting.    

 

5.         AUTHORIZE CHANGE ORDER – REPLACEMENT OF HEADWORKS EQUIPMENT – SCREENING AND GRIT REMOVAL BUILDING – WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY

 

Mr. Kazmark indicated that this item pertains to the authorization of a Change Order for the replacement of headworks equipment (bar screens) in the Screening and Grit Removal Building of the Water Pollution Control Facility. The bar screens are used to remove heavy particles and non-biodegradable debris from the sanitary sewer flow, as it enters the plant and treatment process. The bar screens were destroyed during Storm Ida in September 2021, due to the intensity of the incoming flow. Rapid Pump and Meter Service Co., Inc. was awarded an initial amount of $1 million to start the manufacturing of the replacement headworks equipment, via Resolution #22-311. Rapid Pump was awarded the second part of that bid via Resolution #23-214. During the course of the work, it was discovered that two of the existing pumps are obsolete and need to be replaced. Rapid Pump’s estimate for the two new pumps is $13,350.00. It is recommended that this Change Order #1 be awarded in the amount of $13,350.00. Funding is available in the Capital Account.

 

 

6.         AUTHORIZE REFUND AND CANCELLATION OF PROPERTY TAXES FOR DISABLED VETERAN – BLOCK 5002, LOT 11

 

Mr. Kazmark stated that this item pertains to the refund and cancellation of property taxes for a disabled veteran residing at 854 Auburn Avenue (Block 5002, Lot 11).

 

D.        POLICY

 

1.         UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON FLEXIBLE SIDEWALKS FOR TREES

 

Mr. Kazmark indicated that this matter pertains to the flexible sidewalk pilot program initiated by the Village last year. The goal was to use this material, rather than concrete, around trees and protruding tree roots, with the intent to preserve the trees and minimize root grinding. The flexible sidewalks were installed at three locations on South Irving Street. Mr. Rutishauser indicated to Mr. Kazmark that he could not make any recommendations at this time as to whether or not this material would be better than concrete, since there was a very light winter last year and he could not fully assess how the flexible sidewalk material would hold up under snow and ice removal. He suggested that additional time (over this winter) would provide him with better insight. Mr. Rutishauser stated in a memorandum that the flexible sidewalk material looks like tired old asphalt pavement (light gray in color) and that the surface feels rough under the feet.

 

Councilmember Reynolds stated that the pictures do not depict the color of the flexible sidewalk material as gray, but rather they appear black. She stated that the sidewalks would look better if they actually were a light gray, so that the material would match the concrete. She asked if there were any other color possibilities offered in this flexible sidewalk material. Mayor Vagianos recalled that there were many other colors from which to choose. Councilmember Reynolds said that the sidewalks would look better if the colors matched. Mr. Kazmark said that he would discuss same with Mr. Rutishauser.

 

Mayor Vagianos noted that a Village resident, residing at 112 South Irving Street, has requested that their sidewalk be included in the pilot program for the flexible sidewalk material. Mr. Kazmark said that it was up to the Village Councilmembers whether or not they wanted to continue the pilot program for another year, and whether or not they wanted to include this additional property in the pilot program.

 

Councilmember Reynolds said that she would be in favor of continuing the program, if a better matching color were chosen. Councilmember Winograd said that she personally knows the family requesting to be included in the pilot program and that this family is comprised of staunch tree advocates. Additionally, it is on the same street as the other trial locations on South Irving Street. She stated that she was in favor of continuing the pilot program.

 

Mr. Kazmark felt that one more property included in the pilot program would be manageable. Ms. Mailander remarked that if more properties are added to the program (other than the family requesting participation), a policy would need to be drawn up setting forth the guidelines for the program. A selection process for participating properties would need to be established, and the Village Council would need to determine if the Village is going to pick up 50% of the cost of the flexible sidewalk construction or if the costs would be assessed against the homeowner. Mr. Kazmark said that it would not be prudent for the Village to get into the business of replacing sidewalks and, therefore, some limit would need to be placed on the number of participating properties.

 

Mayor Vagianos asked if the flexible sidewalk material is more expensive than concrete, and he was told that it is. He noted that the resident at 112 South Irving Street received an estimate from Artisan Gardens to replace their sidewalk with the flexible material at a cost of $4,000.00. The resident asked if the Village would reimburse her for 50% of that cost. Mayor Vagianos said that if the Village does not permit this homeowner to participate, then they would probably install a concrete sidewalk, at a significantly lower cost, which would negatively impact their tree. Mayor Vagianos wondered if allowing this resident to participate would be “opening up the floodgates.”

 

Councilmember Weitz noted that Mr. Rutishauser did not give a very positive review of the flexible sidewalk material. Therefore, he wondered why the program should now be expanded. He felt that no other residents should be added to the program, until it was determined how the flexible material survived a snowy winter.

 

Mr. Kazmark said that the Village Council could decide this evening not to add any more participants to the pilot program, and wait a year to see how the flexible material survives the winter. Councilmember Weitz agreed with Mr. Kazmark. Mayor Vagianos said that he would defer to the remaining Village Councilmembers, as to what they would like to do. Deputy Mayor Perron said that she would like to know if other towns are partially relieving a homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their sidewalks, by reimbursing 50% of the cost to homeowners. Mr. Kazmark said that he did not know. Deputy Mayor Perron asked if Mr. Rogers could do some research on this and report back to the Village Council. Mr. Kazmark said that he would request Mr. Rogers to do so. Mayor Vagianos indicated that this matter will be discussed at the next Village Council meeting.

 

2.         EXTEND DATE FOR DINING CORRALS

 

Mr. Kazmark said that there is a request before the Village Council to extend the closing date for the dining corrals in the CBD to the end of October. If so, a resolution would need to be adopted at the next Village Council Public Workshop meeting. Councilmember Winograd remarked that the current resolution allowing dining corrals expires on October 11, 2023. She feels that the autumn is a “prime time” for people to eat outside, although the weather will start getting cold soon. She is in favor of extending the time to the end of October.

 

Councilmember Reynolds said that she is worried about the streets being able to be paved, since they cannot be paved if the dining corrals are still on the street. She said that they must determine whether or not the dining corrals will be used a lot in mid to late October. Councilmember Reynolds remarked that she rarely sees people in the dining corrals, other than on the weekend. Mayor Vagianos stated that the dining corrals have not be filled as they normally have been filled, but he described the dining corrals as a “Friday and Saturday night phenomenon.” He said that dining corral use for the rest of October will be determined by the weather.

 

Councilmember Reynolds remarked that it seems to be getting colder earlier this year. Mayor Vagianos said that he is in favor of extending the time for the dining corrals. Paving is not scheduled until the first week of November, so that should not be an issue. Councilmember Weitz said that he does not see any downside to extending the time to October 31, if it will help businesses in the CBD.

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked Mr. Kazmark at what temperature paving can no longer be done. Mr. Kazmark said that paving has been done up to about mid-November. It really depends upon when asphalt manufacturing companies shut down. Contractors will pave right up until the time when materials are no longer available. Everyone agreed that the closing date for the dining corrals can be extended through October 31. Ms. Mailander said that Halloween falls on a Tuesday, and she asked if the dining corrals could be shut down after close of business on Sunday, October 29. Everyone agreed with Ms. Mailander’s suggestion, and it was decided that the dining corrals would be removed on Monday, October 30, 2023.

 

7.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that Paul Woodburn spoke earlier this evening about the difficulty emergency vehicles have driving through North Irving Street by Ridgewood High School, due to the fact that cars park on both sides of the street, despite signage prohibiting parking there. Mr. Loving said that the Village owns the old PSE&G right-of-way between North Irving Street and East Ridgewood Avenue. There are signs posted on utility poles in that location prohibiting parking. However, for the past several years, particularly during athletic events, Mr. Loving said that people park there and are not ticketed. He said that people park there because it alleviates street parking, particularly on Overbrook Road and Fairway Road, and residents are able to freely move about, without cars blocking their driveways. Mr. Loving said that there is an ordinance prohibiting parking at this location. If the Village continues to look the other way and “permit” parking along the right-of-way, then an ordinance should be adopted permitting parking in that area.

 

Mr. Loving said that he was also concerned about safety along the PSE&G right-of-way near the high school. There are a number of potholes on the right-of-way and water collects in those holes. He is concerned that someone may get hurt, if they should unknowingly step into one of these holes, exposing the Village to a potential lawsuit. This is another reason why Mr. Loving feels that the Village Councilmembers should decide, one way or the other, if they want to allow parking in that location. If the Village Councilmembers decide they do want to allow parking there, then they should look into what improvements can be made in order to enhance safety for parking and pedestrians.

 

Mr. Loving stated that Mr. Rutishauser had indicated that since there is a gated entrance and exit to the easement from East Ridgewood Avenue and it is a County road, the County would need to be consulted if any improvements were to be made there.

 

Mr. Loving has observed that there are dozens and dozens of street signs missing throughout the Village. He said that there was a TikTok challenge this summer, encouraging people to steal street signs. He indicated that street signs have been stolen particularly in the area of Heights Road and the Old Country Cub section. Mr. Loving has heard that these signs are now decorating college dormitories. He said that the absence of signs causes a lot of inconvenience and frustration for drivers looking for an address. Mr. Loving asked if there were a plan in place at this time to replace these signs and, if they are replaced, whether or not some sort of device would be installed on the street signs to prevent further theft from occurring.

 

Mr. Loving said that, normally, at this time of year, the Village Manager reports on the attendance at Graydon Pool during the summer. He asked Mr. Kazmark if he could give such a report in October.

 

Regarding the incident which occurred at the September 13, 2023 Village Council meeting, Mr. Loving said that Mayor Vagianos should have called Ms. Loving directly, rather than calling Mr. Loving. Referring to a comment made earlier from the dais, Mr. Loving categorized this as “middle school” behavior and a “cop out.” In the future, he asked Mayor Vagianos to call Ms. Loving directly if he wished to speak with her. He said that it was insulting to women when they are told, “I called your husband.”

 

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that she walks on the flexible sidewalks every day and loves them. She does not think they look bad or worn out. Ms. Loving said that the flexible sidewalks are a “great thing” if they save trees.

 

Ms. Loving stated that Mayor Vagianos’ speech at the beginning of the meeting was very inappropriate, by grouping three separate incidents together. She said that Councilmember Reynolds was quoting someone else, when describing Mr. Primavera, although she may have made a mistake by repeating the words spoken by someone else. The assault that took place on September 13, 2023 was publicly documented. She said that Mayor Vagianos made a loan to an attorney who is representing the company wishing to erect a “monster” billboard on Route 17, and this information was posted on social media. She thinks that Mayor Vagianos should not have grouped these three things together, since they were unrelated and separate incidents.

 

Ms. Loving said that Mayor Vagianos’s assertion that calling Mr. Loving is the same as calling Ms. Loving is ridiculous, and she was insulted by that remark. She said that it was also insulting that Mayor Vagianos did not once apologize for his inaction after the assault incident, which took place on September 13, 2023. She said that Mayor Vagianos’s suggestion that Ms. Loving was filming Mr. Delzio was an attempt to place blame on the victim. Ms. Loving stated that she was not filming Mr. Delzio and, even if she were, there is no justification for Mr. Delzio’s actions. She said that Mr. Delzio has opted not to attend three meetings during the month of October. Ms. Loving said that if for some reason Mr. Delzio does attend an October meeting, she and others will feel threatened by his presence.

 

Regarding the sizable loan made by Mayor Vagianos, Ms. Loving stated that this was not a loan made to a random couple. One member of that couple to whom the loan was made is an attorney representing a company who made application before the Zoning Board for the installation of a billboard on Route 17. Mayor Vagianos has indicated that he is in favor of erecting such a billboard. The other member of that couple is the Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board, which made a recommendation in April 2023 on expenditures for the Schedler property. Mayor Vagianos is also in favor of this project. Ms. Loving said that this couple is speaking in favor of two projects that Mayor Vagianos supports. She asked Mayor Vagianos to stop saying that the posting on social media of these public documents was an attack on a random couple.

 

Ms. Loving said that if the Village Councilmembers were going to develop guidelines about decorum during Village Council meetings, it cannot simply be “no touching at any time,” since many people hug, pat others on the back, and shake hands during meetings. She said that there should be no physical violence or bullying allowed at any time.

 

Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, stated that it was difficult for her to watch Councilmember Winograd talk excitedly about eco-turf, when Ms. O’Keefe is worried about what the artificial turf field on the Schedler property will do to her well water. She wondered whether any money has been set aside by the Village, in the event that some people who live in that area get sick in the future from the artificial turf contaminating their drinking water. Ms. O’Keefe said that she agreed with what Deputy Mayor Perron said about the dangers of artificial turf during the September 13, 2023 Village Council meeting. Deputy Mayor Perron stated that sessions with the manufacturers of eco-turf revealed that they have done impressive inhouse research and they assured her that the six regulated PFAS compounds will not be intentionally used in their turf products, although they could not contractually guarantee the absence of PFAS in the products sold to the Village.

 

Ms. O’Keefe said that Deputy Mayor Perron stated that artificial turf remains a fossil fuel product, a plastic covering of the earth to prevent plant life from growing. She stated that these fake fields create heat islands, which environmentally add to global warming and exacerbate the climate crisis. Deputy Mayor Perron had stated that as the plastic degrades over time, its micro parts end up in our waterways, soil, and maybe our bodies. She further stated that U.N. Secretary General Gutierrez said that the world’s environment is at a breaking point, and that eco-turf is greenwashing and a euphemism. She stated that this alternative fill has not been studied and no one knows how it will affect people, animals, insects, or the environment. Deputy Mayor Perron stated that while the 2017 plan considered eco-turf, at that time PFAS was not in anyone’s vocabulary, which is why Deputy Mayor Perron voted against the proposed plans for the Schedler property. Ms. O’Keefe thanked Deputy Mayor Perron and Councilmember Reynolds for their opposition to artificial turf.

 

Ms. O’Keefe stated that she hopes that SHPO does not approve the plans submitted by the Village for the Schedler property. She said that there are health and safety issues in the Schedler neighborhood that cannot be ignored. The Village Councilmembers’ approval of the latest Schedler plans will put everyone’s health and safety at risk. Ms. O’Keefe said that the neighbors have been asked for suggestions on future usage for the house, but no answers have been provided to the neighbors regarding their concerns. She directly asked Councilmember Weitz, who is Council Liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, whether he asked the members of that committee what they thought about the proposed plans for the Schedler property. Ms. O’Keefe also asked if anyone has reached out to Ellie Gruber, who is the President of the Friends of the Historic Zabriskie-Schedler House. She mentioned that she heard that members of the Shade Tree Commission were told that they have “no voice” in deciding the plans for the development of the Schedler property.

 

Kristina Milian, 530 West Saddle River Road, said that Dr. Sara Evans has spent over 12 years at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, and she wrote a letter to the Village Councilmembers about the dangers of artificial turf. Ms. Milian questioned why the Village Councilmembers are listening to the advice of turf vendors, who have a financial interest in selling their products, rather than listening to medical specialists like Dr. Evans.

 

At the August 2, 2023 Village Council meeting, Ms. Milian said that there was a comment made by a Village Councilmember that no one has heard from the Schedler neighbors regarding ideas for the future use of the Zabriskie-Schedler house. On August 4, 2023, Ms. Milian wrote to Councilmember Winograd and Mr. Kazmark about setting up an information session with Schedler neighbors to discuss future usage of the house. The neighbors need to gain insights about the house, such as dimensions, layout and amenities, so that they may make informed recommendations to the Village Council on what potential uses of the house could be. The floor plan available to the public has no floor measurements listed, and she does not understand what a “catering kitchen” means. Ms. Milian asked if the Village Councilmembers could schedule such an information session.

 

Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, thanked the Village Councilmembers for addressing the repairs to the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge this evening. Ms. Ruane said that residents living near West Saddle River Road have dealt with this dilapidated road for decades. She was disheartened to learn that this road may not be paved until the proposed bumpouts on West Saddle River Road are completed. She said that there is no excuse why this road should remain in such poor condition.

 

Regarding parking for employees in the CBD, Ms. Ruane said that employees have told her that they only get two parking passes per business establishment, and sometimes employees have to close their shops just so that they can move their cars to avoid getting a parking ticket. She asked whether there has ever been a discussion amongst the Village Councilmembers about finding designated parking for CBD employees. She said that many of these employees make minimum wage and cannot afford to pay for parking. She questioned whether there were extra parking spaces in the Hudson Street Garage. She said that Mayor Vagianos is opposed to initiating free parking in the CBD during the holidays, because the employees get there early and take up all of the good parking spots. However, Ms. Ruane feels that the employees need to be accommodated as well.

 

Regarding the proposed electronic billboard on Route 17, Ms. Ruane said that she was disheartened to learn of the money lent by Mayor Vagianos to the attorney for the company making the application before the Zoning Board. While driving through Hartford, Connecticut last year, Ms. Ruane noted billboards advertising marijuana dispensaries in the area. She said that Benjamin Franklin Middle School is in close proximity to where the billboard may be erected, and this is the last thing that children of that age need to see advertised.

 

Regarding the Zabriskie-Schedler house, Ms. Ruane said that the house has been a “mystery” to her and her neighbors. They do not know what the inside looks like, although they have been told that the rooms are small. Some residents who do not live near the house were given a tour of the inside of the house, but the residents who live near the house were not. The neighbors need to tour the inside of the house, before they can make any suggestions for its future use.

 

Kathryn Schmidt, 123 South Irving Street, said that she is in favor of the flexible sidewalks, so that shade trees may be preserved. She agrees that another year needs to pass, before the Engineering Department can determine how well these sidewalks hold up in winter. She asked the Village Councilmembers not to give up on this initiative. There are many different colors and styles from which to choose. When it comes to forming a policy regarding the flexible sidewalks, Ms. Schmidt said that the Village Councilmembers should determine how much it costs to take down a Village tree, and compare that cost to the cost of installing a flexible sidewalk.

 

Ms. Schmidt said that she was in favor of forming a Special Improvement District (SID) in the CBD. While the Ridgewood Guild and Chamber of Commerce do a lot for the businesses in Ridgewood, Ms. Schmidt pointed out that they are membership-based organizations and they focus mainly on what is important for their membership, as they should, but not on every business in the CBD. Ms. Schmidt said that a SID will focus on all businesses within the boundaries of that SID. She mentioned that many projects are undertaken by volunteers to beautify the CBD, but volunteers eventually burn out, usually because there are not enough volunteers.

 

Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said that he was surprised to hear all the questions being asked this evening about the future use of the Zabriskie-Schedler house. Four or five years ago, Mr. Halaby recommended that no money be spent on the house, until a future usage could be determined and what the maintenance costs would be. He wondered why so much money has been spent on the house, with no information being provided to the neighbors living near the house. Mr. Halaby toured the inside of the house. He got permission from the contractors working on the house, and there were no signs saying that he could not enter the house. He did not go up to the second floor, because the stairs were very steep and he walks with a cane. In addition, the railing was very low, and did not seem up to code.

 

Mr. Halaby said that the basement has an unfinished dirt floor, and it appeared as though a lot of mold was growing on the basement walls. He said that he had heard that the house at one time had black mold, which could be very detrimental to one’s lungs. The house is insulated, except in hard-to-reach places, which Mr. Halaby said was about 50% of the house. The attic is not insulated. The house has single-pane, rather than double-pane, windows. Mr. Halaby said that the downstairs rooms are very small. The house should be opened up to the neighbors, so that they can develop some ideas for future usage. He urged the Village Councilmembers to hire an independent accounting firm or law firm to develop a white paper on the history of the Schedler property over the past 15 years. This white paper should then be distributed to the Schedler neighbors.

 

Mr. Halaby said that he was sure the Schedler neighbors are all good people, yet they allow themselves to be represented by some “blowhards” who are talking nonsense about a sports complex being developed on the Schedler property and “fueling the flames.” He wondered why everyone is opposed to cutting down hundreds of trees to construct the multipurpose field, yet no one said anything when hundreds of trees were cut down to construct the berm. Mr. Halaby said that he fought very hard against the construction of the berm and suggested that a wall be built instead, to insulate the neighborhood from noise emanating from Route 17.

 

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, said that a resident calling other residents “blowhards” is inappropriate and disheartening, and a Point of Order should have been made by the Village Council against this resident. The Schedler neighbors are struggling and there is no need for name calling, just because there are different points of view. Ms. Lima said that this is the very thing that divides “us” and “them.” It is what drives the temperature up in the room, and the Village Councilmembers do nothing about it. Ms. Lima said that the construction of a large, multipurpose field will make the Schedler property a sports complex, rather than a passive park. She encouraged the Mayor and Village Council to call Points of Order when people start calling other people disparaging names.

 

There were no further public comments.

 

Mayor Vagianos clarified that he has never, publicly or privately, made any comment whatsoever about being in favor of erecting the electronic billboard on Route 17. He said that he would never do so, because the Zoning Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial body and he would not inject his opinion into that conversation.

 

Councilmember Winograd said that about four years ago, when she was a member of the Home and School Association at Ridgewood High School, PSE&G did not allow parking on the right-of-way. Regarding the floor measurements for the Zabriskie-Schedler house, Councilmember Winograd stated that it was her understanding that the floor plan dimensions were going to be added to the Village website. Regarding the eco-turf, Councilmember Winograd said that the plans have not yet been approved by SHPO, and it is too early to say whether or not the plans will be approved. However, in the meantime, she and others are exploring the options for eco-friendly artificial turf. In this way, the Village Councilmembers will be ahead of the game, when and if the plans are approved.

 

Regarding future usage of the Zabriskie-Schedler house, Councilmember Winograd said that there have been many discussions with the Friends of the Historic Zabriskie-Schedler House Committee. Regarding her influence on boards and committees, Councilmember Winograd stated that she is Council Liaison to several boards and committees, is a non-voting member, and does not have a say in any decisions that are made. She is merely a conduit for information between the committees and the Village Council. She stated that she would never make suggestions on what a committee can or cannot do. Councilmember Winograd said that the statement about the Shade Tree Commission members having no say regarding the Schedler property is completely false. The Shade Tree Commission has discussed and put the Schedler matter on its agenda twice, and she did not say anything to influence any of the members. The Shade Tree Commission has not reached their own conclusion yet. Councilmember Winograd said that neither she, nor Mr. Rogers, would ever tell a committee member to “shut up.” She said that this rumor is hurtful to her and to members of the Shade Tree Commission.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron said that she agreed with Ms. Lima that a Point of Order should have been made when a resident called some other residents “blowhards.” She did not act quickly enough and apologized for not doing so. She admonished Mr. Halaby and told him that he cannot “bad mouth” people.

 

Mr. Kazmark said that he is unaware of the parking issues on the PSE&G right-of-way near the high school. However, he will review the matter and will speak with Police Chief Lyons about what the past practice has been with regard to enforcement. Regarding the maintenance of the property, Mr. Kazmark said that he has contacted the Government Relations Representative for PSE&G, and they are discussing some maintenance issues on that property. He said that he will mention the potholes to the PSE&G representative.

Regarding the stolen street signs in the Village, Mr. Kazmark said that he understands the difficulty with not being able to find streets, when there are no street signs. At his request, the Signal Division has furnished him with an inventory of all missing street signs. Mr. Kazmark is currently discussing the matter with Mr. Rutishauser, so that a plan can be implemented to replace those signs.

 

Regarding a report on Graydon Pool attendance this past summer, Mr. Kazmark said that Nancy Bigos, Supervisor of the Parks and Recreation Department, is assembling the numbers and a report will be forthcoming. Addressing Ms. Milian and Ms. Ruane, Mr. Kazmark stated that the public has not yet been invited to tour the inside of the Zabriskie-Schedler house, because a Certificate of Occupancy has not yet been issued by the Building Department. Once the Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the house will be opened up to the public.

 

Mr. Kazmark said that he has made a commitment to bring the paving of West Saddle River Road to the attention of the Engineering Department, so that this road can be prioritized in the 2024 capital paving program. However, he said that he could not guarantee when this would be accomplished. He said that the paving of West Saddle River Road is not being delayed due to the Schedler project, but he cannot ignore the fact that a major construction project (bumpouts) may be undertaken in the future on West Saddle River Road. He said that he will not condone a paving project to pave half of the road, and then the other half at a different time.

 

Mayor Vagianos stated that he should have called a Point of Order when Mr. Halaby called some residents “blowhards.” He apologized for not taking any action. Name calling will not be tolerated.

 

Ms. Mailander mentioned that there is Central Business District employee parking on the fourth floor of the Hudson Street Garage, as well as in the Walnut Street and Cottage Place parking lots. Employees can purchase a permit. They may also obtain hangtags, or pay via the kiosks or ParkMobile.

 

8.         RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Ms. Mailander read Resolution to go #23-323 into Closed Session.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.         ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Work Session was adjourned at 11:05 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                ____________________________________

                                                                                                Paul Vagianos

                                                                                                        Mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________________

                     Heather A. Mailander

                           Village Clerk