20230614 - Village Council Regular Public Meeting Minutes
A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON JUNE 14, 2023 AT 7:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Vagianos called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk, and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of May 31, 2023, be accepted as submitted. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Reynolds
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Council minutes of April 12 and May 10, 2023, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Council minutes of April 27, 2023, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Reynolds
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. RECOGNIZE RETIREMENT OF POLICE CHIEF JACQUELINE LUTHCKE
Before the Proclamation was read, each Councilmember spoke and reflected upon the impending retirement of Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke and the years they have known her. Mayor Vagianos said that Chief Luthcke has been a “shining light” in police work for 27-1/2 years and a symbol of what everyone hopes a police officer should be. He mentioned that he opened his business on East Ridgewood Avenue at approximately the same time Chief Luthcke began working for the Ridgewood Police Department as a police officer. Mayor Vagianos thanked Chief Luthcke for her dedication to the Village.
Deputy Mayor Perron thanked Chief Luthcke for pouring her “body and soul” into Ridgewood. She stated that the citizens of Ridgewood will never forget her and expressed the hope that Chief Luthcke will visit Ridgewood frequently.
Councilmember Winograd said that she met Chief Luthcke when Councilmember Winograd was a freshman at Ridgewood High School. She remembered Chief Luthcke as a very kind, smart and lovely upper classman, who always helped the younger students in school. Councilmember Winograd said that she was very happy and proud that her children were able to witness Chief Luthcke rise through the ranks in the Police Department, mentioning that Chief Luthcke became one of the first female Police Chiefs in the State of New Jersey. She said that this same feeling of pride resounded throughout the Village. Councilmember Winograd said that Chief Luthcke was a prime example of “community policing” and that she, and everyone in the Village, will miss Chief Luthcke after she retires.
Councilmember Weitz said that his only regret is that he has not had the chance to work with Chief Luthcke as long as he would have liked. However, he stated that Chief Luthcke has exemplified what public service means and that she leaves the Police Department in a much better state than when she first became Chief. He said that when Chief Luthcke leaves the Police Department, she will also leave with the appreciation and thanks of the entire community.
Councilmember Reynolds said that Chief Luthcke has always been the consummate professional, going above and beyond the call of duty. She said that Ridgewood is better off for having had Chief Luthcke as Chief of Police. She wished Chief Luthcke the best of luck in her future endeavors.
Mayor Vagianos read the following Proclamation:
There was a resounding round of applause for Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke. Mayor Vagianos announced that Captain Forest Lyons will be taking over the role of Police Chief. He presented two gifts to Chief Luthcke: a pin representing the Key to the City and some mints.
Chief Luthcke thanked current and past Village Councilmembers for their support, as well as the police officers, with whom she has worked over the years, and the Village residents whom she has served. She said that it has been an honor and privilege to lead the Police Department and be a part of the Village for as long as she has. There was another resounding round of applause.
B. BEE CITY USA AND NATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK
Before reading the Proclamation, Councilmember Winograd pointed out that the Village’s very own residential beekeeper, Frank “The Bee Man” Mortimer, was in the audience this evening. Councilmember Winograd then proceeded to read the Proclamation, as follows:
C. REAFFIRM THE COMMITMENT AND OBJECTIVES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD GREEN TEAM
Deputy Mayor Perron read the following Proclamation:
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Frank “The Bee Man” Mortimer, 426 Van Buren Street, said that this is the fifth year that Ridgewood has participated in the nationwide Bee City USA program. He said that in order to obtain this certification, many committees and individuals needed to work together, including Green Ridgewood, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands, the Ridgewood Wildscape Association, and the Village Council. Mr. Mortimer stressed that it was crucial to educate Ridgewood residents about the importance of pollinators and the necessity of taking steps to ensure their safety. He said that efforts have been made to create pest management systems and habitats for different pollinators. Mr. Mortimer said that pollinators include not only bees, but other insects, as well.
Mr. Mortimer stated that Ridgewood was the first municipality in New Jersey, and possibly the first municipality in the northeast, to be certified as a Bee City USA, which sheds a very positive spotlight on the Village. Other towns then began to contact Ridgewood officials to see how they could receive such a certification. He thanked the Village Councilmembers for reading the Proclamation and for their support. He mentioned that “No Mow May” was a further step in the conversation, to spread awareness about pollinators.
Mayor Vagianos thanked Mr. Mortimer for all that he has done for the Ridgewood community.
Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, stated that, at the end of her comments, she would like each Village Councilmember, as well as the Village Attorney, to give her a number. She said that one child was hit by a car, while riding his bike on East Saddle River Road, because the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge was closed. The child was forced to take this dangerous alternative route, because the bridge has been closed for two years, which added 1-1/2 miles to the child’s journey. At the Village Council meeting held on February 22, 2023, around the time of the budget hearings, Ms. Ruane stated that she alerted the Village Councilmembers of this accident by providing them with a redacted police report. However, there were no funds allocated to repair the bridge during the time of the budget hearings.
Ms. Ruane said that a second child has now been hit by a car while riding his bicycle on East Saddle River Road, because of being forced to ride an additional mile and a half, due to the closure of the bridge. She has been told that the child is alive, only because he was wearing a helmet. Ms. Ruane stated that many children ride their bicycles without helmets. Ms. Ruane asked the Village Councilmembers if two children being hit is a big enough number for them to finally do something about repairing the bridge. She asked how many children have to be injured or killed before something is done. She personally feels that two children being hurt is a big enough number.
Ms. Ruane said that residents who live on West Glen Avenue have stressed the importance of constructing sidewalks on that street, due to safety concerns. She said that protecting the safety of children should be of paramount importance to the Village Councilmembers, yet the discussions regarding the repairs to the Kingsbridge Lane Bridge have come to a standstill.
Cynthia Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said that it was wonderful to see how the spirit of volunteerism is being upheld in Ridgewood, which is a hallmark of the Village. She congratulated the Village Councilmembers for choosing Tess Giuliani and Lynne Brady to design the Gold Star Families Monument. She said that Ms. Giuliani and Ms. Brady have donated their time to design a beautiful and fitting gift for Gold Star Families. Ms. Halaby said that the members of American Legion Post 53 deserve a lasting monument, and assisting them in erecting this monument follows the Ridgewood tradition of volunteer assistance to veterans. She said that volunteer assistance was given to veterans as early as 1917, when the American Red Cross opened in Ridgewood. Its prime focus was to provide assistance to injured troops returning home during World War I. The Red Cross continued with a strong presence, helping veterans through its program called “Service to Military Families.”
Ms. Halaby urged everyone, as they leave the courtroom this evening, to look for a shadowbox containing a sweater knitted by a Ridgewood resident for a soldier serving in Korea. She urged them to read the accompanying letter, which reads in part: “I hope you can display it [the sweater] and let your people know how proud they can be for the support they gave to the servicemen in World War II. With heartfelt thanks and love to any of those who may still be around and to the present people who now serve, I give my love.” Ms. Halaby concluded by stating that she eagerly awaits the installation of the Gold Star Families Monument in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that he was speaking this evening to express his concern about a proposed purchase (Resolution #23-207) of a gasoline-powered vehicle for the Parks Department. At the Village Council meeting on June 7, 2023, Mr. Loving had commented that every time the Village is considering the purchase of a vehicle for its fleet, Deputy Mayor Perron always asks if an electric or a hybrid vehicle had ever been considered, rather than a gas-powered vehicle. The purpose of purchasing this vehicle for the Parks Department was to transport lightweight materials around Graydon Pool, and Mr. Loving feels that this presents an excellent opportunity for the Village to purchase an electric vehicle (golf cart style). Mr. Loving said that representatives from both the Police Department and Sanitation Department/Recycling Division explained to the Village Councilmembers why electric vehicles would not suffice for their needs. However, Mr. Loving feels that this would be a great situation in which an electric vehicle could be purchased for the Parks Department.
Mayor Vagianos asked Ms. Mailander if she had any information regarding the vehicle to be purchased for the Parks Department, and she said that she did not. She said that the resolution could be tabled until she found out more information. She stated that she believed an electric vehicle would be more expensive and she was not sure if there were adequate funds in the budget for such a purchase. Deputy Mayor Perron said that she would like to know if an alternative vehicle could be purchased that would accomplish the same tasks. Mayor Vagianos and Councilmember Weitz agreed with Deputy Mayor Perron, so Resolution #23-207 was removed from the agenda until more information can be obtained.
When questioned by Councilmember Reynolds, Ms. Mailander said that she believed the proposed vehicle would be used at Graydon Pool for transporting items around the pool area. Councilmember Reynolds said that it was her understanding that the staff at Graydon Pool need such a vehicle because two of their vehicles are out of commission, and she wondered if they will be able to function adequately this summer if this purchase is delayed. Ms. Mailander said that she would find out and that the matter could be put on the agenda for a Special Public Meeting in two weeks (June 28, 2023), if time was of the essence.
There were no further public comments.
6. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Guild is sponsoring free “Movies in the Park”, on Wednesday nights at 9:00 p.m., in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. The featured film tonight was “Mulan,” but it was canceled and has been rescheduled for June 21, 2023. The remaining movies to be shown are “The Sting” on June 28; “Footloose” on July 1; “Pirates of the Caribbean” on July 19; “Man of Steel” on August 2; and “Sunset Boulevard” on August 16, 2023. Movies in August will start at 8:15 p.m.
The Pedestrian Plaza has opened. The streets are closed to vehicular traffic from Walnut Street to Broad Street, along East Ridgewood Avenue. The pedestrian plaza is open on Saturdays and Sundays through October 9, 2023. There will be music and entertainment in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on Saturday nights and various music offerings on Sundays. Each month will be culturally themed and there will be special activities for children. Weekly updates are posted on the Village website, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The 65th annual free summer concert series has started at the Kasschau Memorial Shell at Veterans Field. Individuals should bring a chair or blanket to sit on, while enjoying the music. Performances start at 8:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Performances are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from June through August 10, 2023. The performance on June 15th is RHS ARTBeat 2023, which will consist of various Ridgewood High School bands. On June 20th, the show will be Forever Young, a golden oldies doo-wop band.
The Ridgewood Guild sponsors “Music in the Night”, in various locations on Friday nights through Labor Day, in the CBD.
In partnership with Valley Health System, the Village of Ridgewood Health Department will be hosting a Covid-19 bivalent booster clinic on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Village Hall. Appointments will begin at 3 p.m. Ridgewood residents, school employees and Village employees may register no later than June 16th at www.ridgewoodnj.net/covidregistration. Individuals with questions may call 201-670-5500, extension 2312 or 2313.
On June 22, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Health Department and Valley Health System will conduct an educational workshop on “Long Covid.” This workshop will be held in the Annie Zusy Youth Lounge on the ground floor of Village Hall. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required for this event. Interested individuals should call 201-670-5500, extension 2312, or email Danielle Pagani at dpagani@ridgewoodnj.net for further information. The deadline to register is June 19th. The Ridgewood Senior Bus is available for transportation, and reservations may be made by calling 201-670-5500, extension 2203.
The Ridgewood Guild is sponsoring “Art in the Park,” which takes place on the first Friday in July and August from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
All dogs aged seven months or older must be licensed. Dog license renewals have been sent out to all current dog owners. The deadline for dog licensing is June 30th, to avoid the late fee.
“Council Chat” is held the first Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The next “Council Chat” will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in the Village Hall courtroom or possibly in the caucus room across the hall. Individuals interested in speaking with Village Councilmembers should call 201-670-5500, extension 2207, to make a reservation. Walk-ins are welcome, but those with reservations will have priority.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration will take place on July 4th. The flag raising will take place at 9:00 a.m. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. Musical entertainment at Veterans Field will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Graydon Pool is now open. Those wishing to join may register at the Badge Office.
Upcoming Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, on FIOS Channel 34 and YouTube. Meetings can now be attended either in person or via Zoom or phone. The next Public Meetings are scheduled for July 19 and August 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. The next Village Council Work Sessions will be held on June 28, July 12 and August 2, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
7. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Winograd said that on June 9, 2023, she attended the ESL (English as a Second Language) event at the Ridgewood Library. She thanked the Library staff for including the Village Councilmembers, and especially thanked Victoria Hilditch, ESL Coordinator, for running this very important program.
On June 10, 2023, Councilmember Winograd and other Village Councilmembers attended the Pride Day event in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. The event was vibrant and well attended. She thanked Gene Thiesen and Christian for chairing this event. The committee is currently searching for volunteers for 2024.
Councilmember Winograd said that on Sunday, she worked her shift at the Pedestrian Plaza with Deputy Mayor Perron. More volunteers are needed to staff the tent and greet people. She described the pedestrian plaza as a great way to connect with members of the community.
On June 13, 2023, Councilmember Winograd attended the meeting of the Shade Tree Commission. There will be a lot of information coming out about the Adopt-a-Sapling program. They are going to be launching “Mulch Monday,” and they are looking for volunteers to lay down mulch in the tree wells in the Central Business District (CBD). The mulch will enhance aesthetics, and will serve to keep moisture in the soil during dry weather.
Councilmember Winograd said that on Friday night (June 9, 2023), the Ridgewood High School Boys Lacrosse team captured its first Group Title with a 14-3 victory over Cherokee High School. On Saturday, the Girls Lacrosse, Girls Flag Football, and Boys Baseball teams captured multiple championships. The Girls Lacrosse victory was Ridgewood’s first State championship since 2019, with 21 wins and only 2 losses. The Girls Flag Football team won its first State title with a score of 47-6 over Hillside High School. The Boys Varsity Baseball team claimed its second Group 4 State championship since 2019, with a score of 24-7 over Old Bridge High School.
Councilmember Weitz said that he also attended the Pride Day event, which was one of the best events he has seen in Ridgewood in a long time. He congratulated all of the athletes from Ridgewood High School for their outstanding victories. He said that the Ridgewood High School baseball team is the highest ranked public school baseball team in the State of New Jersey.
Councilmember Weitz said that the Fourth of July Committee is seeking volunteers to help with the celebratory events. He said that the Ridgewood Symphony will be performing at the Kasschau Shell on June 22, 2023, and he encouraged everyone to attend this performance as well as the other performances.
Councilmember Reynolds reminded everyone that performances at the Kasschau Shell are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, during the summer. She thanked the volunteers who are watering the plants in the CBD, so that they can thrive, especially during the hot weather. Councilmember Reynolds announced that the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) will meet on June 15, 2023 at 7:30 a.m. in the Garden Room. All are welcome to attend. Councilmember Reynolds stated that this may be the committee’s last meeting until September.
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) met last week. There was a robust discussion regarding a special improvement district in Ridgewood. The next CBDAC meeting will take place on July 13, 2023 via Zoom at 8:30 a.m., and anyone interested in attending the meeting should contact Deputy Mayor Perron for the meeting link.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that members of Green Ridgewood spoke with the EAGER (Encourage Alternative Green Energy for Ridgewood) consultant. They were advised that the energy market is not very good at the current time, for the Village to look for an electrical energy supplier with renewable content. The consultant will keep everyone posted.
Deputy Mayor Perron spoke about the Pedestrian Plaza. At 8:00 a.m. on June 17, 2023, there will be a Tai Chi class held by Wyckoff Body & Brain. She said that she has attended two such classes and that it is a great way to start one’s day. At 10:30 a.m., there will be children’s entertainment with a Summer Singalong with Kristen Plumley. At 7:30 p.m., Jam will be performing rock ‘n roll music. On Sunday evening, June 18, 2023, at 5:00 p.m., Jay Mickens and Bear will perform alternative folk rock music.
Deputy Mayor Perron announced that there is currently a vacancy on the Green Team and she encouraged any interested individuals to apply to fill that vacancy.
Mayor Vagianos said that he was very happy that people are “getting off the bench and into the game.” He spoke about what a great town Ridgewood is and cited examples, such as the raising of the Pride Flag, the donation of paint from Matt Rossi for the Pride crosswalk, and the Gold Star Families Monument. He mentioned how much time and effort Tess Giuliani and Lynne Brady have donated in order to develop a stunning and moving design for the Gold Star Families Monument. Mayor Vagianos also mentioned Frank Mortimer, who has been instrumental in the designation of Ridgewood as a Bee City USA, and all of the victorious sports teams in Ridgewood that won Group 4 (most competitive) championships.
Mayor Vagianos stated that there are multitudes of people involved in making the Pedestrian Plaza a success. He praised Jeanne Johnson who has organized an army of volunteers and musicians, as well as Carly Cioffi. He also praised the Police and Fire Departments, whose members ensure the safety of all visitors to the Pedestrian Plaza, as well as Village staff from various departments. He mentioned all of the retailers and restaurants, which financially support the Pedestrian Plaza. Mayor Vagianos also praised Deputy Mayor Perron for her efforts in ensuring that the Pedestrian Plaza runs smoothly. Mayor Vagianos announced that the Pedestrian Plaza has just partnered with the Ridgewood YMCA, and the Pedestrian Plaza will be known as the Ridgewood YMCA Pedestrian Plaza. He thanked Ramon Hache, Executive Director of the YMCA, who formerly sat on the Village Council.
8. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolution, numbered 23-191, was to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
9. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION – #3959 – AMEND CHAPTER 3 – ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT – REORGANIZATION OF VILLAGE COUNCIL
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3959 by title on first reading. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3959 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, ARTICLE II, OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “VILLAGE COUNCIL,” AT SECTION 5 ENTITLED, “ANNUAL ORGANIZATION” AND SECTION 6 ENTITLED “MAYOR; DEPUTY MAYOR; PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE”
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3959 be adopted on first reading and that June 28, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. INTRODUCTION – #3960 – AMEND CHAPTER 127 – CONTRIBUTIONS, GIFTS, AND DONATIONS
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3960 by title on first reading. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3960 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 127 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED, “CONTRIBUTIONS, GIFTS AND DONATIONS”
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3960 be adopted on first reading and that July 19, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Vagianos thanked Frank Mortimer, who drafted the original version of Ordinance #3960. Councilmember Winograd thanked Matt Rogers, Village Attorney, who rendered legal advice and answered numerous questions regarding the wording of the ordinance.
C. PUBLIC HEARING - #3958 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – SIGNIFICANT SEWER DISCHARGER FEES
Mayor Vagianos recused himself from this discussion and vote.
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3958 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Vagianos
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3958 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
Deputy Mayor Perron opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3958.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated for the record that she feels it is completely contradictory that Mayor Vagianos chose to recuse himself from this discussion and vote, yet he votes on anything else that concerns the CBD, which personally improves his income.
Paul Markosian, 360 Gilbert Street, said that he wanted to voice his concerns over Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) decimating all of the trees in the Village. Ms. Mailander reminded Mr. Markosian that this particular Public Hearing has to do with Ordinance #3958, but that he can speak on the tree matter at the end of the meeting during public comments.
Since there were no further public comments, Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Vagianos
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3958 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Perron, Weitz and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Vagianos
10. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-192 through 23-231, with the exception of 23-207, were to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-232 through 23-235, will be considered separately and would be read in full. Mayor Vagianos recused himself from the discussion and vote regarding Resolution #23-232 and Resolution #23-233.
Regarding Resolution #23-235, Councilmember Reynolds stated that she has always been against hiring a new Village Manager. She feels that Ms. Mailander has done a great job in fulfilling the job requirements as Village Manager, and that hiring a new Village Manager does not make sense at a time when the Village is experiencing financial constraints and the municipal tax rate has increased (4.83%). She said that an additional $165,000.00, plus benefits, per year will be expended with the hiring of this new Village Manager. Councilmember Reynolds said that she is aware that Keith Kazmark has great qualifications, but feels that hiring him will be a waste of taxpayer money and is merely a political appointment.
Mayor Vagianos stated that Ms. Mailander has done an exemplary job as Village Manager; however, he feels that the roles of Village Manager and Village Clerk should be separate. He mentioned that Fair Lawn had once combined both jobs into one and, after a while, found that it was no longer cost effective and once again separated the positions. He felt that hiring a new Village Manager will save the taxpayers a lot of money moving forward.
After Resolution #23-235 was read and voted on, Mayor Vagianos introduced Keith Kazmark to the members of the public. Mr. Kazmark thanked the Village Councilmembers for their confidence and support in appointing him to the role of Village Manager. He said that he was honored to serve in this capacity and that he was looking forward to working with the Village Council, Village Department Directors and staff, and all Ridgewood residents to make the Village an even better place to live. Mr. Kazmark remarked that there is a very engaged citizenry in the Village. He mentioned that he has worked with Ms. Mailander in the past, while both served on the State Executive Board for the Municipal Clerks Association of New Jersey, and that he looks forward to working collaboratively with her.
Mr. Kazmark also thanked the Village Council and the Ridgewood community for supporting the Gold Star Families Monument. He said that he comes from a Gold Star Family, since his mother’s brother was killed in Vietnam at the age of 21 and Mr. Kazmark’s cousin, Sean, never got a chance to meet his father.
There was a resounding round of applause.
11. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Vagianos asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public.
Paul Markosian, 360 Gilbert Street, said that he wanted to voice his concerns over Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) decimating all of the trees in the Village, that they feel are interfering with the overhead wires. He said that the Village has made a concerted effort to go green and plant more trees. Mr. Markosian stated that he understands that PSE&G has eminent domain and has the right to protect their property, but the citizens of Ridgewood have certain rights as well. He said that PSE&G crews are literally cutting trees that have been growing for years, in half. Mr. Markosian said that there is a house on Prospect Street, which is very well maintained and which had three beautiful mature trees in their yard, yet PSE&G literally cut these trees in half.
Mr. Markosian asked if someone from the Village could take responsibility for what is going on and speak to a PSE&G representative to see what can be done about this situation. He said that there was a difference between trimming trees and utterly mutilating them, and he feels that there should be a protocol in place to prevent PSE&G from mutilating the trees.
Bob Paoli, 368 North Pleasant Avenue, thanked the Village Councilmembers for endorsing the Gold Star Families Monument. He said that the donation of this monument by American Legion Post 53 began almost three years ago, and it appears as though it has finally come to fruition. He thanked Councilmember Reynolds who endorsed the American Legion proposal from the very beginning, and especially thanked former Mayor Susan Knudsen, who was a member of the Gold Star Family Committee and who played a vital role in working on the Gold Star Families Monument. Mr. Paoli said that the two people who deserve “all the kudos in the world” are Tess Giuliani and Lynne Brady, who developed a beautiful, timeless and provocative design for the monument in just three months. He said that the final design contains all of the elements that the American Legion asked to be included in the monument. He said that it is his hope that the monument will be erected in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square sometime next year.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that there were many dates and events mentioned during this evening’s Village Manager’s Report and Council Reports, but he did not hear a reminder to everyone that Monday, June 19, 2023 is a Federal holiday known as “Juneteenth.” On this date, all holiday parking regulations in the Village are suspended, which was confirmed by Robert Rooney, Parking Utility Director and Chief Financial Officer. In addition, the use of commercially operated power tools will not be allowed to be used on June 19th. Banks and Post Offices will be closed.
Mr. Loving said that it was a shame that the State of New Jersey does not coordinate this holiday with the Federal government, since the State Juneteenth holiday is celebrated on the third Friday in June, instead of on June 19th. Mr. Loving said that he was desperately trying to find out if any local churches have planned any events or remembrances to celebrate this holiday. He asked anyone who knows of such an event to please let him know. Mr. Loving expressed the hope that Ms. Mailander will send out an E-Notice reminding everyone of this holiday and that same is posted on the Village website.
Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, said that she spoke to Congressman Josh Gottheimer’s office regarding the Kingsbridge Lane Bridge. She was advised that their office sent a grant proposal to the Village to apply for funds to repair the footbridge. Ms. Ruane asked if this has been received and whether or not the Village has submitted the grant application. She predicted that someone will die if the footbridge is not repaired promptly, since cars, have already struck two children who were forced to travel along dangerous alternative routes, due to the closure of the footbridge.
There were no further public comments.
Councilmember Reynolds asked Ms. Mailander if she knew anything about the grant application sent by Congressman Gottheimer’s office, and Ms. Mailander said that she did not. She indicated that she would check her emails again.
Regarding the comments made by Mr. Markosian, Deputy Mayor Perron said that, in the future, any shade trees that are planted in the strip between the curb and the sidewalk will be a species that will not grow tall enough to interfere with overhead wires. This will avoid the type of mutilation spoken about by Mr. Markosian.
Councilmember Winograd stated that it is disheartening to see the trees pruned so aggressively, yet she understands the need for PSE&G to protect the lines from downed trees in the event of a storm. She mentioned that a subcommittee has been formed within the Shade Tree Commission to try to open a dialogue with PSE&G representatives regarding the tree decimation. She said that steps are being taken to make sure that underwire trees (trees that do not grow too tall) are being planted underneath overhead wires.
Councilmember Winograd mentioned that she heard a “rumor” that if a tree is removed by PSE&G, the Village may be eligible for future funds to replace the damaged trees. The subcommittee will also investigate this lead. A letter is being drafted to send to PSE&G. The letter will ask that advance notice be given to homeowners by PSE&G when they plan to cut or prune a tree near the homeowner’s property. Mr. Rogers said that an effort will be made to approach PSE&G to ask that advance notice be given to residents when tree work will be performed. Councilmember Winograd added that the Parks Department is still actively working on removing ash trees affected by the emerald ash borer, and all such work should be completed this year.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilmember Reynolds, seconded by Deputy Mayor Perron, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
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Paul Vagianos
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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