20231011 - 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 OCTOBER 11, 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 7:35 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Also present were Keith Kazmark, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Mayor Vagianos spoke about the violence, which has erupted recently in Israel. He expressed the hope that this horror will soon end, and asked for a moment of silence in furtherance of this hope.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of September 30, 2023, be accepted as submitted. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Reynolds, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Council minutes of August 2 and August 9, 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, Reynolds, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. PROCLAIM NOVEMBER NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS
Councilmember Winograd read the following proclamation:
B. DECLARE OCTOBER NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
Councilmember Weitz read the following proclamation:
5. RECOGNIZE PROJECT PRIDE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Mayor Vagianos asked the Village Councilmembers to join him on the floor to recognize the recipients of the Project Pride Awards. Councilmember Reynolds announced that the Project Pride Committee gave out 36 awards this summer, to homeowners who took great care in beautifying their front yards. Among these recipients were Alexandra Tscalis, 582 Eastbrook Road; Janice and Michael Mehos, 183 Bellair Road; Lisa and Ned Britt, 245 Phelps Road; Mary Porterfield and Ryan O’Connor, 931 Hillcrest Road; Marianne Grecco, 166 Bellair Road; Sally Lewis and Marshall Katzman, 140 Hope Street; and Kelly Fletcher and Louis Ligouri, 163 North Walnut Street. There was a resounding round of applause.
Councilmember Reynolds said that the rest of the awards will be mailed to the recipients who could not attend the meeting this evening. She mentioned that a $25.00 gift certificate came along with each award, which can be used at one of the shops or restaurants in the Central Business District (CBD). She thanked Tony Damiano and the Ridgewood Guild for donating these gift certificates to Project Pride.
6. 2023 AUDIT
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that Bud Jones, of the firm of Nisivoccia, the Village Auditor, was present at the meeting this evening, to explain the 2023 Audit to date, which he developed along with Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer. She said that the 2023 Audit must be approved by the Village Council, and each Village Councilmember must verify that he/she has read, at a minimum, the General Comments and Recommendations portion of the audit.
Mr. Jones said that the audit could not have been completed without the cooperation of all Village employees and Department Directors. He gave an overview of the audit and stated that Ridgewood is in excellent financial shape. Its financial position improved in both the Current Fund and the Water Utility Fund, with a slight decrease in Parking Utility revenue. Mr. Jones remarked that the Village’s collection percentage increased from 99.46% in 2022 to 99.64% in 2023, which is among the best in the State. He said that there are some “housekeeping” recommendations contained at the end of the audit report, but nothing “wrong” was identified. He said that the Village Councilmembers should address these recommendations when determining future budgets. There are also some management suggestions, some related to Covid funding, and Governmental Accounting Standards Board statements that will be implemented in the future.
Councilmember Weitz asked Mr. Jones if he could explain the housekeeping recommendations in further detail. Mr. Jones replied that there are three recommendations, which are addressed in the Village’s Corrective Action Plan. The State requires the identification of ordinances that are over five years old, in which there is a deficit cash balance (no debt issued for capital projects). Mr. Jones found older ordinances with deficit cash balances, either funded through the issuance of debt (permanent or temporary) or through the budget process itself. In addition, his firm recommended that cashbooks be maintained for monies received by some outside offices, and the Village has implemented Spatial Data Logic for those departments. The last recommendation had to do with encumbrances. He explained that encumbrances are purchase orders in which the goods and services have not been performed or received, and sometimes occur when an entire contract is left, in the case of capital projects. His firm recommends that these encumbrances be reviewed periodically to determine their relevancy at the end of each fiscal year. Mr. Jones said that the Village Councilmembers could contact him if they have any questions.
7. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Janet Sharko, 500 Franklin Turnpike, said that she was speaking this evening about the establishment of a position to police the tennis courts in Ridgewood. She asked how much this position pays and what the daily hours are for this position. She also asked if this position was seasonal or if this employee was going to be policing the courts all year long. Ms. Sharko asked how many miles per week this employee will have to drive. She asked how much revenue the Village receives for tennis badges and guest passes for a non-resident to play on Village courts.
Ms. Sharko said that she received an email, which seemed to imply that Ridgewood residents were having a hard time getting access to tennis courts, because out-of-towners were monopolizing the courts. The email also mentioned that the tennis courts were being vandalized. Ms. Sharko wondered how this one employee was going to stop people from vandalizing the courts, if he/she has to monitor all of the tennis courts in Ridgewood. Ms. Sharko said that charging non-residents $10.00 to play on Village courts is an affront to the tennis community in Ridgewood. She finds the regulations governing the tennis courts to be very draconian, when one is speaking about recreational tennis.
Ms. Sharko said that she attended the meeting regarding the two-stroke, gas-powered leaf blowers. She read in the paper that Montclair has totally banned this type of leaf blower in the municipality, and may be facing lawsuits for having done so. She wondered if anyone had thought of the fact that if these types of leaf blowers are banned in Ridgewood, that the Village may also face the threat of lawsuits.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that there was a “freak” accident on the side of Raymond’s restaurant on Monday, where an unattended car rolled into tables and chairs on the sidewalk. Mr. Loving was concerned that this could happen again, and he asked the Village Councilmembers to direct Village staff from the Building Department and Police Department to check all sidewalk cafes, to see what improvements could be made to make them safer and prevent accidents, such as the one that occurred on Monday, from happening in the future. When a restaurant is located mid-block and has outdoor seating, there are usually cars parked in front of the sidewalk, which would prevent such an accident from happening. However, the side of Raymond’s is on a corner where parking is restricted. The same concerns apply to restaurants with outdoor seating along Broad Street, where cars are parked at an angle and there is a chance that one of those cars could jump the curb, go onto the sidewalk and hurt someone. He said that, fortunately, the two people who were sitting by Raymond’s, when the unattended car jumped onto the sidewalk, received only minor injuries. However, Mr. Loving said that someone could have been seriously injured or killed.
Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, thanked Councilmember Reynolds for organizing the planting in the CBD this past weekend. She said that the fall flowers are very pretty. Ms. Ruane also thanked Councilmember Winograd for reaching out to her, regarding the comments made at last week’s Village Council meeting, about perhaps installing a temporary footbridge (supplied by Bergen County) near Kingsbridge Lane, until the repairs to the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge could be completed. Ms. Ruane said that she was concerned about the temporary bridge being flat, which would cause a “beaver’s dam” of brush and debris, if there were a heavy rainfall, and possibly flood nearby homes. She appreciates Councilmember Winograd stating that she would not support such a flat bridge to be installed, but Ms. Ruane said that it only takes three Village Councilmembers to approve the temporary bridge.
Ms. Ruane said that she reached out to some of her neighbors about this temporary bridge, and a few neighbors felt that the Village Councilmembers would never pursue such an action. Ms. Ruane said that she hopes they do not approve of a temporary flat bridge, since flooding is a major issue in that area, as it sits alongside the Saddle River. She feels that flooding of homes should take precedence over flooding of football fields.
Ms. Ruane said that Mr. Rutishauser declared some emergencies in Ridgewood in order to obtain appropriations to deal with these emergencies, including the cleanup of Maple Field, repairing the pedestrian tunnel under the Train Station, and repairing the façade at Village Hall. She wondered why the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge was not declared an emergency, considering the fact that this bridge has been closed for two to three years, and some children have been struck by cars while on their bicycle, because they had to take alternate routes to get where they had to go. She said that the footbridges at Orchard School and near Ridgewood High School would never have been closed for the length of time that the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge has been closed, and would have been deemed emergencies and promptly fixed.
There were no further public comments.
Deputy Mayor Perron said she wanted to respond to Ms. Sharko’s comments. She said that there is a lawsuit pending against the City of Montclair, regarding their ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. Deputy Mayor Perron said that the Village is monitoring this lawsuit very carefully. The Village has received a copy of the complaint, and much of the complaint is based upon clauses that are in Montclair’s ordinance. The Village chose not to include these clauses in the draft of its own ordinance.
Councilmember Winograd asked Ms. Sharko to send her the email, which Ms. Sharko referred to in her earlier comments, and to also include in the email the questions, which Ms. Sharko asked earlier. Councilmember Winograd said that there have been issues in the past with pickleball and tennis, which are governed by the same ordinance. She said that she would do her best to answer all of Ms. Sharko’s questions.
Regarding the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge, Councilmember Winograd said that at no time was there a proposal to install a temporary flat bridge furnished by Bergen County. The Village Councilmembers were willing to explore this avenue, but were against the idea once they found out the bridge was flat, because this would exacerbate flooding.
8. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Kazmark said that he would like to speak with Janet Sharko after this evening’s meeting, so that he can get more information from her and take whatever action is necessary. Regarding Mr. Loving’s earlier comments, Mr. Kazmark said that he would discuss these concerns with the Ridgewood Police Department and the Building Department, so that they can investigate and come up with some recommendations for enhancing safety at the outdoor cafes.
Mr. Kazmark reiterated Councilmember Winograd’s comments about the temporary footbridge. Mr. Loving had asked the Village Councilmembers to inquire if Bergen County had any available temporary footbridges, which could be used near Kingsbridge Lane, when the Village Councilmembers were discussing the matter of a temporary bridge being installed on Russell Avenue in Wyckoff. Mr. Calbi contacted the Bergen County Engineer and was told that the County does not have any stock of bridges available. In any event, a flat temporary bridge would not be suitable to be installed near the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge.
Mr. Kazmark gave an update on Graydon Pool for this past summer. Badge sales for residential pool memberships for senior residents totaled 482, residential pool memberships for adult residents totaled 878, and child resident badges totaled 1,144. A total of 8,046 memberships and guest badges were sold this past summer. The revenue for Graydon Pool amounted to $434,349.85. Mr. Kazmark stated that the Parks and Recreation Department did a great job at Graydon Pool this year.
Yesterday, Mr. Kazmark had the opportunity to attend the luncheon sponsored by the League of Women Voters, during which the new Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, Tahesha Way, was the guest of honor. He congratulated the League of Women Voters on organizing a very successful event.
Mr. Kazmark said that today, he attended the Annual Fire Prevention Luncheon at the firehouse. He thanked Board of Education (BOE) Superintendent Mark Schwarz and his staff for attending the luncheon. Fire Chief Judge explained various aspects of the Village’s fire alarm system.
There was a meeting of the Shade Tree Commission last night, and Mr. Kazmark had the opportunity to attend the meeting. They discussed some of the tree plantings that they have planned for 2024. Mr. Kazmark said that the tree plantings in the CBD will begin on October 23, 2023. He has conferred with the Police Department regarding logistics, and the contractors will begin their work at 6:00 a.m. on that date, to avoid disruptions for residents as much as possible in the CBD.
Mr. Kazmark said that the remediation of Maple Field, which is scheduled to be voted upon this evening, has been scheduled to start on either Monday or Tuesday of next week (October 16 or 17). The field will hopefully be usable by Thursday of next week.
Mr. Kazmark congratulated everyone associated with organizing Access Weekend, which took place from October 6 to 8, 2023, particularly the staff of the Ridgewood Library.
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Annual Farmers Market will end on October 23, 2023, but will operate until then on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Train Station parking lot on the west side. Village Shred Day, which was postponed due to the flooding, has been rescheduled for October 15, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Graydon Pool parking lot. The Stigma-Free Committee will be hosting the Bergen County Suicide Prevention Walk Out of Darkness on October 15, 2023, at the Saddle River County Park. Check-in time for this event is 9:00 a.m., and the walk will begin at 10:00 a.m.
The Bergen County Utilities Authority will hold a Hazardous Household Waste collection on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Bergen Community College from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ridgewood’s Annual Health and Wellness Fair for Older Adults, hosted by the Ridgewood Health Department, will take place on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Youth Center.
The next “Council Chat” will take place on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., in the Village Hall Courtroom. Residents are encouraged to make reservations by calling 201-670-5500, extension 2206. Walk-ins are welcome.
The Ridgewood Elder Dinner will take place at the Old Paramus Reformed Church on Sunday, November 12, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Doors will open at 2:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to sign up for this event.
Upcoming Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, on FIOS Channel 34 and YouTube. The next Village Council Public Meetings are scheduled on November 8 and December 13, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. The next Village Council Work Sessions will be held on October 25, November 1, and December 6, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. There are only two Village Council meetings during the months of November and December. All meetings will have hybrid access (in person, Zoom or phone).
9. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Weitz stated that he attended the Board of Education (BOE) meeting on Friday. He said there was a great discussion regarding the BOE-owned fields. He also attended Council Chat on Saturday, October 7, 2023, with Deputy Mayor Perron. He encouraged all residents to attend Council Chat. He stated that he will be attending the next Council Chat on November 4, 2023, with Councilmember Reynolds.
Councilmember Weitz announced that the Ridgewood Library will be holding a “Repair Café” at the Library on October 21, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. He said that residents can bring in their lamps, toys, jewelry or anything else, which may need repairing. This event has been extremely successful in the past and has prevented useful items from ending up in a landfill. Councilmember Weitz said that the Ridgewood Symphony will be performing on October 20, 2023.
Councilmember Weitz asked Mr. Kazmark if he has heard anything from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) regarding the Park and Ride on Route 17. Mr. Kazmark replied that he has not yet received a response. He reached out to the NJDOT on Tuesday morning (yesterday), and he is pressuring them for a response. Councilmember Weitz asked Mr. Kazmark to keep him updated. He felt that the inaction on the part of the NJDOT is completely unacceptable, and asked Mr. Kazmark to escalate the matter higher, if he does not receive an appropriate answer from the NJDOT in the near future. Councilmember Weitz said that the situation at the Park and Ride is hazardous. Mr. Kazmark said that he would follow up with the NJDOT, and with Senator Corrado, if the answer received by the NJDOT is unsatisfactory.
Councilmember Winograd stated that she met with the Pride Day Committee last week to discuss plans for Pride Day in June 2024. They are waiting to set an exact date for this event, until they hear when the prom will be held at the high school, so that there is no conflict. The Pride Day Committee is seeking two new members to serve in 2024.
Councilmember Winograd said that she, Councilmember Reynolds and Deputy Mayor Perron “breathed new life” into the Village’s holiday decorations (kissing balls). She thanked her Village Council colleagues, Ms. Mailander, Mrs. Halaby, the volunteers who helped in this regard, the Ridgewood Guild, and Tony Damiano of the Chamber of Commerce, for their assistance.
Councilmember Winograd thanked all members of the Access Committee and Village staff for their assistance in making Access Weekend a success. She thanked Mayor Vagianos for attending the fashion show with her and helping to emcee the event. She also thanked Mayor Vagianos and Deputy Mayor Perron for doing the closing celebration at the Friends to Friends Community Church on Prospect Street, with Joanne Van Sant, on Sunday evening.
On Sunday, Councilmember Winograd said that she also attended an art exhibit held by the Ridgewood Arts Foundation, at the invitation of Margie Downes, at the Lester Stable. The artwork is still being displayed, and she encouraged all residents to visit the Stable to view the wonderful artwork.
Councilmember Winograd also attended the event honoring Tahesha Way, New Jersey’s new Lieutenant Governor, held by the League of Women Voters. She thanked this organization, especially Anne Burton Walsh, for holding this event. She stated that voting rights are an important issue, and Ms. Way’s primary responsibilities have to do with elections.
Last night, Councilmember Winograd attended the Shade Tree Commission meeting. For the first time in a while, the Shade Tree Commission is developing a trifold, which details what the projects and goals of the commission are and how residents can become involved. She thanked Rurik Halaby for the photographs which he submitted, and also thanked Ridgewood student, Grace, who organized the trifold. This trifold will be released on social media. Councilmember Winograd mentioned that one of the most important projects of the Shade Tree Commission is to complete the planting of the new trees in the CBD, which should be completed in October 2023. The trees, which have died in the CBD, will be replaced by the vendor, thanks to the efforts of the Village Attorney.
Councilmember Winograd then spoke about the Adopt-a-Sapling program. She said that they are looking for volunteers to help plant these saplings. There are many households which have requested that a sapling be planted on their property. Councilmember Winograd asked any residents who are interested in helping to plant these saplings to contact her. The saplings will be delivered to all designated locations, and volunteers will be meeting at Orchard School at 8:30 a.m. this coming weekend.
Councilmember Reynolds thanked Councilmember Winograd for taking the lead on reviving the kissing balls, to be used during this holiday season in the CBD. Tony Damiano of the Chamber of Commerce will be decorating the flowerpots during the holiday season.
Councilmember Reynolds said that the Project Pride Committee met with volunteers on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 7:30 a.m. to remove the summer flowers in the CBD and plant fall plants, such as grasses, mums and cabbages. She thanked all of the volunteers who assisted in this regard.
Councilmember Reynolds announced that the next meeting of the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) will take place on October 19, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., in the Garden Room at Village Hall. Residents with any safety concerns in the Village are welcome to attend.
Deputy Mayor Perron pointed out to everyone at this evening’s meeting that there are three new photographs on the courtroom wall, of former Village Councilmembers Bernadette Walsh and Michael Sedon, and former Mayor Susan Knudsen, honoring their service to the Village.
Deputy Mayor Perron announced that Green Ridgewood and the Green Team met on Thursday. Saurabh Dani, Board of Education (BOE) Liaison, reported on the district’s installation of electric-powered heat pumps, which are energy savers, in the schools. This was accomplished through grant monies the BOE applied for and received. During the meeting, there was a presentation by the Climate Committee of the League of Women Voters, dealing with pollinator pathways. They stressed that if people allow sufficient diminution of biodiversity, there will be a domino effect, leading to the extinction of species. Students from Ridgewood High School also reported on Sustainability Day at the high school. The Communications Subcommittee of Green Ridgewood is looking into starting a sustainability newsletter to advise residents on how to be more “green.”
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) will meet tomorrow (October 12, 2023) at 8:30 a.m., in the Senior Lounge at Village Hall. There will be a Special Improvement District (SID) presentation given at the meeting. The next Open Space Committee meeting is scheduled for October 19, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at Lester Stable. These meetings are always open to the public, and she encouraged all residents to attend.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that the Planning Board did not meet on October 3, 2023. The meeting is now scheduled for October 17, 2023. Regarding Access Weekend, Deputy Mayor Perron said that the Friends to Friends Church was very welcoming to the Village Councilmembers, and she enjoyed a delightful and uplifting musical service at the church. She invited all residents to attend “Council Chat” for personalized attention to concerns, which residents may have.
Mayor Vagianos said that Access Weekend was a tremendous success, despite the rain, due to the amazing residents of Ridgewood, who were involved in organizing the activities. He attended the fashion show on Saturday at the Ridgewood Library auditorium, and the children were amazing, especially considering that they all face certain challenges. He gave a special shout out to “Katie,” who loves sparkles and hugs. Mayor Vagianos urged everyone to attend this event next year.
The Ridgewood Guild sponsored Oktoberfest this weekend, and it was a success despite the rain, with many people in attendance. In addition, Mayor Vagianos attended the luncheon honoring Tahesha Way, New Jersey’s new Lieutenant Governor, sponsored by the League of Women Voters. Ms. Way spoke masterfully about election integrity.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
A. EXPLANATION OF PUBLIC HEARINGS – RICHARD CALBI, JR., DIRECTOR OF RIDGEWOOD WATER
Richard Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, introduced Chris Colley of the firm of Topology, who is the consultant for the Village on matters dealing with Green Acres, including diversion issues and PFAS matters that affect properties listed on the Recreational and Open Space Inventory (ROSI). Mr. Calbi said that Ridgewood Water is required by Public Law 2023, c. 116, signed into law by Governor Murphy on July 20, 2023, to hold these public hearings when Green Acres properties are involved.
Mr. Calbi stated that P.L. 2023, c. 116, establishes a process whereby municipal utilities, such as Ridgewood Water, can use lands preserved for recreation and open space for drinking water wells and associated treatment. The main purpose of this law was to facilitate treatment of PFAS for wells that pre-exist on those lands. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, regulated contaminants in the State of New Jersey, which are soon to be regulated nationwide. Ridgewood Water has five locations where new PFAS treatment plants and improvements will be constructed, and P.L. 2023, c. 116 applies to these projects, because the wells exist on properties that are listed on the ROSI. Four of these properties are located in Ridgewood, and one is located in the Borough of Glen Rock. Mr. Calbi said that he will speak about two of these properties this evening: the Linwood Avenue and West End Avenue treatment facilities.
Regarding the PFAS Master Plan, Mr. Calbi indicated that this plan laid the groundwork for the proposed improvements that are necessary to rid the drinking water of PFAS. Ridgewood Water and the Village have been proactive in this endeavor and are recognized as leaders in this field. One of the very first PFAS treatment plants in the State of New Jersey was installed in the Village of Ridgewood in 2019. The PFAS Master Plan was approved by the Village Council on November 9, 2020 and provides a whole system solution whereby the water supplied to all four municipalities serviced by Ridgewood Water (Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff) will be treated, with an end goal of having PFAS-free water.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) reviewed the PFAS Master Plan and approved the plan on November 18, 2021. Work began on the PFAS treatment plants while the Master Plan was being reviewed, and work will continue until completion. The Master Plan proposes consolidation of the Ridgewood Water system from 31 treatment plants to 12, because not every treatment plant has the space necessary to treat PFAS. The consolidation involves construction of 12 treatment plants, along with miles of water mains to connect satellite wells to these 12 treatment facilities. As of today, two of the twelve plants are operational, and two are currently under construction. The remaining eight plants are at various stages of design, and several are just awaiting authorization from the Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) and permits to begin. Mr. Calbi predicted that next year will be extremely busy for Ridgewood Water.
Mr. Calbi said that one of the two current projects involves the West End Avenue treatment facility, which will treat two wells that are part of the Ridgewood Water system. Both wells will have a total combined capacity of 430 gallons of water per minute, equivalent to more than 500,000 gallons a day of treated water. The second project involves the Linwood well, which was inactive for several years. It was replaced with a new well to facilitate use of that well, which produces 610 gallons of water per minute, close to one million gallons of treated water per day. The Linwood well will pipe the water to the Carr treatment facility in Ridgewood, which will treat the water, to make it PFAS-free.
Mr. Colley of Topology then gave a site and statutory overview. Regarding the West End Treatment Facility, Mr. Colley stated that this facility is located in the southwestern portion of the Village, a half-acre site at the corner of West End Avenue and Cedarcroft Lane. The Village acquired this property in the early 1970s, and the first water infrastructure was placed on that property in the early 1980s. Various improvements have been made to the property since that time, and in the 2000s, the property was placed on the ROSI. Proposed improvements include a new building for the treatment facility, along with other improvements, which will all be constructed within the fenced-in boundaries of the property.
Mr. Colley said that P.L. 2023, c. 116, established a process whereby certain municipal water systems, under certain circumstances, may use lands preserved for recreation and conservation for drinking water wells and associated treatment equipment or facilities, provided certain conditions are met, in order to be exempt from the diversion process. One of these six conditions is that the municipally owned and operated water utility must have a pre-existing well utilized for drinking water on the land. The second condition is that there must be an exceedance or expected exceedance of a maximum contaminant level (PFOA and PFAS) established by the NJDEP, pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act. As a result of the exceedance or expected exceedance, the water utility shall be expressly permitted to install on such lands improvements required to address the exceedance or expected exceedance, as approved by the NJDEP. No other improvements shall be made to the land, except as deemed reasonably necessary and approved by the NJDEP, to address the exceedance of a maximum contaminant level. Any such improvements shall be sited in a manner to minimize disturbance to the environment. Mr. Colley remarked that one of the attachments to the submission to the NJDEP included an environmental assessment that was conducted to assess how the improvements would affect the wetlands, flood plains, or other sensitive environmental conditions. Another condition is that the additional use of the lands and any improvements made shall not substantially impact the use of the lands for recreation and conservation purposes, including public access to the land. The final condition is that the governing body of the municipality shall apply, in writing, to the NJDEP Commissioner setting forth, and demonstrating to the NJDEP’s satisfaction, that it meets the criteria set forth in this section.
Mr. Calbi remarked that he just learned today that the NJDEP has approved the permit application for the West End Treatment Facility. The next step is to get permission from the I-Bank to advertise for bids. On the screen in the courtroom was an address to where residents may direct any questions they may have about this project, which is Ridgewood Water, c/o Richard Calbi, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, or by email at rcalbi@ridgewoodnj.net. Public comment on this matter will be accepted during the Public Hearing or in writing until October 18, 2023.
Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that in the NJDEP letter, which was received today, there was a second facility that was also approved, on East Ridgewood Avenue. She asked where this facility was located. Mr. Calbi replied that the facility is hidden behind two commercial properties, across the street from the Ridgewood Duck Pond (Saddle River County Park). Deputy Mayor Perron asked Mr. Calbi if he would share his PowerPoint presentation with her, so that the members of the Open Space Committee may see it at their meeting next week. Mr. Calbi said that he would do so.
Councilmember Winograd asked if the Village owns the land on which these treatment plants are located, and if Ridgewood Water owns the infrastructure located on the land. Mr. Calbi said that the Village owns all of the land and Ridgewood Water just operates the facilities. He said that the parcels of land should really have been given their own lot numbers in the past, but that never happened. Councilmember Winograd asked if there were any wetlands near the West End Treatment Facility. Mr. Calbi replied that there are not, but there is a stream and parkland. However, he said that the building and improvements will not infringe on any wetlands.
Mayor Vagianos thanked Mr. Calbi and Mr. Colley for their hard work in this important project to rid the drinking water of PFAS and other contaminants. He said that Mr. Calbi has been a leader in developing a water filtration system, which will be completed by the Spring of 2026, and will make the drinking water PFAS free, for all customers of Ridgewood Water. Measurable improvements have already been made in water quality. It is anticipated that the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be instituting regulations for all 50 states in the months to come. Many states have not even begun addressing the PFAS issue and will not be in compliance with EPA regulations, once they are instituted. Deputy Mayor Perron also was thankful that this newly passed New Jersey statute avoids the need for municipalities to seek diversions under Green Acres. She said that without the pressure from Ridgewood Water, she doubted that this legislation would even have come up as a bill in the State Legislature.
B. INSTALLATION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO A PRE-EXISTING DRINKING WATER WELL ON GREEN ACRES PROPERTY – NORTHEAST INTERSECTION OF WEST END AVENUE AND CEDARCROFT ROAD
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on the installation of improvements to a pre-existing drinking water well on Green Acres property, located on the northeast intersection of West End Avenue and Cedarcroft Road.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, asked if this “park” has a name, since he has never heard of it before. He asked what is on this land that is publicly accessible. Councilmember Winograd explained that near the cul-de-sac on the west side of Orchard School, there are approximately three acres of parkland in Ridgewood that is accessible to the public, and other parkland that is owned by Glen Rock. It is near the Thielke Arboretum. Councilmember Winograd said that sometimes people refer to the park as West End Park or Orchard Park. It is referred to as Orchard Place on the Village’s Master Plan.
Since there were no further public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed, seconded by Deputy Mayor Perron.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. INSTALLATION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO A PRE-EXISTING DRINKING WATER WELL ON GREEN ACRES PROPERTY – PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN MAPLE AND GRAYDON PARKS (259 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE AND 200 NORTHERN PARKWAY)
Mr. Colley gave a Site Overview regarding the Linwood Avenue facility. This facility is located near Graydon Pool and Maple Park. This well has been on this site since 1931, although it was taken out of service around 2005. Ridgewood Water installed a new well about 100 feet away from the old well, and they are now planning to put this well into service, connecting the new well with the old well house via subsurface utility connections. It will then be connected to the Carr Treatment Facility for PFAS treatment. The same statutory background which Mr. Colley gave earlier for the well at West End Avenue applies to the Linwood facility as well, including an exceedance of a maximum contaminant level. Ridgewood Water has already acquired the necessary permits to do this work, which will not interfere with the surrounding environment for recreation and conservation purposes.
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on the installation of improvements to a pre-existing drinking water well on Green Acres property, located within Maple and Graydon Parks.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, asked why there was a dumpster located right next to the well. This dumpster is also used by Tyco Animal Control. It bothers Mr. Loving that this dumpster is located right next to the well, and that Tyco may be putting animal carcasses into the dumpster. He asked if the dumpster could be moved somewhere else.
Mr. Calbi said that Mr. Loving has made a very good point. The dumpster is not owned by Ridgewood Water, but is owned by the Village. Mr. Kazmark said that he and Mr. Calbi will look into this matter in the morning and come up with a solution.
Since there were no further public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed, seconded by Councilmember Winograd.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mr. Calbi said that public comment will remain open on the above two matters until October 18, 2023. He said that the letters went out to the Commissioner of the NJDEP on September 25, 2023 and they have 45 days upon receipt to make a decision. This Public Hearing was the next step in the process, and he will notify the NJDEP that the Public Hearing has taken place. He expressed the hope that the NJDEP will approve the construction of the important improvements planned by Ridgewood Water.
11. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that there are no introductions of or Public Hearings on ordinances for Ridgewood Water.
12. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-324 through 23-330, were to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
Regarding Resolution #23-331, Ms. Mailander explained that this pertains to an Extraordinary Unspecifiable Service, and a contract is to be awarded to HQ Construction and Design LLC of Monroe Township, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $82,800.00, for repairs to the façade at Village Hall. Resolution #23-332 authorizes an emergency appropriation to be made to cover the cost of these repairs to the third floor of Village Hall. It was agreed that these would be adopted via a Consent Agenda.
Resolutions numbered 23-331 and 23-332 were to be considered on a consent agenda and read by title only:
13. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION - #3970 – BOND ORDINANCE – RESTORATION OF INTERIOR FAÇADE AT VILLAGE HALL
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3970 by title on first reading. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3970 by title only:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE REPAIR AND RESTORATION OF THE INTERIOR FAÇADE OF VILLAGE HALL IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $110,000.00 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $104,500 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3970 be adopted on first reading and that November 8, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mr. Kazmark reported that the work under this ordinance was completed over the Columbus Day weekend. He thanked Ms. Mailander for initiating this effort this past spring, as well as Mr. Rutishauser and the staff in the Engineering Department for supervising the work.
B. INTRODUCTION – #3971 – 2024 NON-UNION SALARY ORDINANCE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3971 by title on first reading. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3971 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES, AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF NON-UNION EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN, AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2024
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3971 be adopted on first reading and that November 8, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. INTRODUCTION – #3972 – 2024 MANAGEMENT SALARY ORDINANCE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3972 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 #3972 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND TO ESTABLISH THE “EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT” OF CERTAIN NON-UNION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2024
Councilmember Weitz moved that Ordinance #3972 be adopted on first reading and that November 8, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
D. INTRODUCTION – #3973 – AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 190 – LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT AND SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 145 – ENUMERATION OF FEES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3973 by title on first reading. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3973 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, AND A SECTION OF CHAPTER 145, ENUMERATION OF FEES
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3973 be adopted on first reading and that November 8, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
E. PUBLIC HEARING – #3967 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – 2024 PARKING PERMIT AND PRICING FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3967 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3967 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
Since there were no public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3967 be closed. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Weitz moved that Ordinance #3967 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
F. PUBLIC HEARING - #3968 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, “DEPOSIT OF MONEY REQUIRED; OVERTIME PARKING PROHIBITED”
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3968 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3968 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-38, “DEPOSIT OF MONEY REQUIRED; OVERTIME PARKING PROHIBITED”
Since there were no public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3968 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
G. PUBLIC HEARING - #3969 – AMEND CHAPTER 212 – PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS – REGULATIONS ON ELECTRIC BICYCLES, ELECTRIC SCOOTERS, ELECTRIC SKATEBOARDS, AND
NON-HUMAN POWERED VEHICLES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3969 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3969 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 212 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS, AT ARTICLE VI, SECTION 212-24, “DEFINITIONS” AND SECTION 212-25, “VEHICLES PROHIBITED; EXCEPTIONS”
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3969. Since there were no public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3969 be defeated. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion. Ms. Mailander stated that an “Aye” vote is to defeat.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Vagianos explained that this ordinance was defeated, due to the fact that the Village Council is still working on this ordinance, since there are some issues, which have arisen regarding people who must use motorized wheelchairs or scooters for mobility.
H. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - #3964 – AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES AND TIME LIMIT PARKING – NORTH WALNUT STREET AND MASTIN PLACE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3964 by title on third reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be continued. 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 #3964 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-65, “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES” AND SECTION 265-69, “TIME LIMIT PARKING”
Mayor Vagianos said that the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3964 was continued from the September 13, 2023 meeting, due to the fact that the Village Council was waiting for more input from the public and the neighborhood about these parking restrictions. Mayor Vagianos then continued the Public Hearing.
Jerry Orellana, 232 North Walnut Street, stated that his family is against any change in the parking regulations on North Walnut Stret. These parking regulations were proposed, because a few neighbors complained that parked cars in front of their homes posed an inconvenience. Mr. Orellana said that the proposed regulations would pose an inconvenience to him and many of his neighbors, since they would be unable to park in front of their own homes. He said that making parking prohibited on North Walnut Street would make the street less desirable and lower property values. He said that limited parking would reduce the “residential feel” of the neighborhood. He said that the parking changes would be detrimental to the traffic pattern and create an unsafe environment for children and pedestrians.
Mr. Orellana stated that on the next block of North Walnut Street, a radar speed detector is used as an aid to have drivers slow down. Cars parked on North Walnut Street force drivers to slow down and drive more cautiously. Without cars parked on that street, drivers tend to speed recklessly down North Walnut Street. Mr. Orellana said that in his neighborhood, there are 17 children, middle school aged or younger, who play and ride their bikes in the street on a daily basis. Changing the parking regulations will endanger their safety and would expose the Village to a lawsuit, for creating an unsafe environment. Children would be unable to play in the street, thereby drastically reducing the quality of life for families living on North Walnut Street. He said that safety should supersede the subjective opinions of a few residents. Mr. Orellana asked the Village Councilmembers to leave the parking regulations as is, and let the children play.
Since there were no further public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved to close the Public Hearing. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3964 be defeated. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion. Councilmember Winograd thanked Mr. Orellana for his comments this evening. Ms. Mailander stated that an “Aye” vote is to defeat.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
14. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-333 through 23-356, with the exception of resolutions #23-342 and #23-353, which would be removed from the consent agenda and read in full, would be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-342 and 23-353, would be considered separately and read in full:
Regarding Resolution #23-342, Deputy Mayor Perron said that the flooding of Maple Field, and the extraordinary expense for cleanup, which the Village is now facing, demonstrates that artificial turf fields are not a panacea and will not “cure” all of the Village’s needs. Moving forward, Deputy Mayor Perron said that the Village Councilmembers may need to look at the expenses involved in maintaining and remediating artificial turf fields. Although she is voting in favor of this measure, because it is necessary, she noted that there can be extraordinary expenses involved in maintaining artificial turf, especially when the turf field is situated in a flood plain.
Regarding Resolution #23-342, Councilmember Reynolds said that she echoed the remarks made by Deputy Mayor Perron and agreed with her. Councilmember Reynolds asked Mr. Kazmark and Ms. Mailander if the sum of $100,000.00 is set aside every year for maintenance of Maple Field. Ms. Mailander said that she did not recall. Deputy Mayor Perron replied that $50,000.00 is placed into the Sinking Fund every year for this purpose. Councilmember Reynolds said that a serious discussion needs to occur amongst the Village Councilmembers, regarding artificial turf, when the turf at Maple Field reaches the end of its life expectancy. Much information has come out over the years regarding how dangerous turf fields are to children, adults and the environment. Councilmember Reynolds said that although she is voting in favor of this resolution, because it is necessary, she would like to have discussions in the future with her Village Council colleagues about an acceptable alternative to artificial turf fields.
Regarding Resolution #23-342, Councilmember Weitz stated that the Village has insurance, which will cover a substantial portion of the cost to remediate Maple Field. Mr. Kazmark stated that approximately half of the cost will be covered by insurance. Councilmember Weitz said that after the heavy rains this past weekend, the turf fields were the only ones that were open. His son was able to play most of his games, because they were held on turf fields. Most of the grass fields were closed or largely unplayable. He said that he welcomes a conversation with his colleagues, since he felt that there are some reasonable points on both sides of the artificial turf issue. Councilmember Weitz said that he was voting in favor of this resolution.
Councilmember Winograd stated that in reference to Resolution #23-342, she feels that there is some conflation regarding artificial turf in a flood zone. She conceded that the location of Maple Field is not ideal, and that the cleanup of a turf field after flooding is expensive. The Ridgewood High School football team had to play at Hinchcliffe Stadium, an historic stadium in Paterson, with an artificial turf field situated on high, dry land. Councilmember Winograd said that she would welcome a conversation about turf, not because of the issues with turf, but because of the location of Maple Field. She mentioned that the grass fields were reopened in the Village after the heavy rains, but then closed, because the ground was unsafe for athletes to play on, due to the fact that the grass fields were “chewed up.” Councilmember Winograd said that she was voting in favor of this resolution.
Regarding Resolution #23-353, Councilmember Reynolds stated that she will be voting against the extended contract between the Village and Mr. Primavera.
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolution, numbered 23-357, would be considered separately and would be read in full:
15. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Vagianos asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public.
Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, said that he was seeking clarification about the free Thursday night parking, during the four Thursdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. He asked if the free parking would include the west side of the CBD and the Hudson Street Garage, as well as the smaller parking lots on Chestnut Street and by Latour Restaurant. He wanted this clarification before he sent out a letter announcing this free parking.
Mr. Kazmark said that he would obtain a copy of the resolution and review it with Mr. Damiano, so that he will be aware of all the specifics. This was satisfactory with Mr. Damiano.
Jim Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Avenue, said that 37 years ago today, he married the love of his life, Councilmember Lorraine Reynolds. He mentioned that being married to such a caring and loving partner makes every anniversary exciting. Mr. Reynolds said that his 37th year of marriage was the year when it became acceptable for he and his wife to burp in front of each other. On this 37th anniversary, he surrendered the remote control to his wife because he was too tired to argue about the comedic value of The Honeymooners. Mr. Reynolds jokingly said that after 37 years, “husband training school” finally paid off and he pre-emptively replaced the toilet paper when it was on its last square. He wondered how 37 years went by so quickly, and he stated that it seemed like yesterday when Lorraine asked the minister to delete the word “obey” from their wedding vows. Mr. Reynolds said he has been blessed to have had 37 years with his wife and expressed the wish for 37 more. He wished Councilmember Reynolds a happy anniversary and brought flowers to the dais for her.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, thanked Mr. Kazmark for his updated report regarding the activities and revenues at Graydon Pool this past summer. He said that the one thing that bothers him about Graydon Pool is that a person has to drive over to Graydon Pool to see if it is open. He is aware that the new Village website is being upgraded, and he asked if the conditions at Graydon Pool could be posted on the website.
Mayor Vagianos remarked that he thought this was an excellent suggestion. Councilmember Winograd told Mr. Loving that GroupSpot had posted some announcements about the recent storm conditions for campers. She said that she could send Mr. Loving the link to the app. She said that she would also follow up on this matter with Nancy Bigos, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. Councilmember Winograd said that Ms. Bigos was considering posting Graydon Pool information on the Recycle Coach app, but she said that she would find out more information about same.
Mr. Kazmark added that the new Village website will have social media embedded in the home page. If an announcement is made on social media that Graydon Pool will be closed, that post can be accessed directly from the Village website. He said that he and Katie Frey from the Parks and Recreation Department are currently undergoing training with a company called Gipper, a design template provider, so that they can learn how to come up with templates that are easily populated and posted on the website.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that this evening, she once again heard the “catchy” phrase that “we did not put PFAS into the water, but we will get it out.” She also heard this evening that there will be nondetectable levels of PFAS in the drinking water by 2026, thanks to the efforts of Ridgewood Water. However, Ms. Loving said that the Village Councilmembers still plan to install a PFAS-laden rubber rug on the Schedler property, near wells that people depend upon for drinking water. She described this action as disingenuous.
Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, wished Councilmember Reynolds a happy anniversary. Ms. Ruane asked if the cost to repair the third floor façade at Village Hall will cost over $300,000.00, which was considered an emergency. She said that this seems to be a lot of money and she is trying to figure out why some matters are deemed emergencies and others are not, such as the repairs to the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge. Ms. Ruane said that the Village Councilmembers seem to be picking and choosing which projects they want to complete, and the projects affecting the east side of Ridgewood seem to be falling by the wayside. She said that she is certain that she speaks for many residents who do not attend Village Council meetings by saying that neighbors are very upset that the footbridge still has not been repaired.
Ms. Ruane echoed Ms. Loving’s earlier comments, and stated that it seems hypocritical of the Village Council to say that they are fighting to rid the water of PFAS, yet they plan to install an artificial turf field at the Schedler property and add PFAS to neighbors’ drinking water wells. She asked for an answer to her questions about what the Village Council deems to be an emergency and how it is determined to be an emergency.
Alexandra Ferrone, 208 North Walnut Street, said that she is one of the residents who has been affected by people parking in front of her home on North Walnut Street. She said that she is against what was originally proposed, but wanted to know if any progress has been made with respect to the postal workers parking all day in front of her house. She said that there are between four to six cars that are parked in front of her house every single day, blocking her driveway. Ms. Ferrone indicated that a couple of these cars may belong to employees who work at Raymond’s. She felt that making the postal workers park in their own parking lot behind the post office would solve the problem, or perhaps the employees could park for free in the municipal lot, across the street from where they work.
Ms. Ferrone mentioned that the intersection of Linwood Avenue and North Walnut Street is very dangerous, and she strongly feels that four-way stop signs need to be installed at that intersection. There are multiple accidents and near misses with pedestrians, which occur frequently at that location. It is especially dangerous in that area, due to the fact that the Bethlehem Lutheran Church has an Early Learning Center and there are young children who walk near this intersection on their way to Graydon Pool during the summer. She described the intersection as a “pedestrian heavy corner.” She asked that appropriate Village personnel look into these two matters.
Kristina Milian, 530 West Saddle River Road, said that she wanted to follow up on her question posed last week about possibly inviting Dr. Sarah Evans from Mt. Sinai to speak before the Village Council, on her findings and thoughts regarding PFAS and artificial turf. In the alternative, Ms. Milian suggested that there be a Council-wide phone call with Dr. Evans. She said that eco-turf has been pushed by Councilmember Winograd over the last few weeks. Ms. Milian heard that Maple Field is getting new turf, and she asked if the new eco-turf would be installed on Maple Field.
Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, said that important tax dollars are being spent on plastic grass that does not last and cannot be recycled. She said that she feels like a broken record by stating the same facts over and over again. Everyone is trying to protect their children, not just the residents who live near the Schedler property. Ms. O’Keefe mentioned the multimillion dollar lawsuit which the Village has filed against the manufacturers of PFAS, yet the Village Councilmembers have voted to install artificial turf at the Schedler property in close proximity to some of the neighbors’ wells, which they depend on, for drinking water. She said that there are many known carcinogens and other toxic components of artificial turf. Ms. O’Keefe said that Councilmember Weitz has stated many times that he is not convinced that artificial turf is harmful. She stated that Dr. Evans has written to the Village Councilmembers delineating her concerns about artificial turf, and she feels that it would be very beneficial for Dr. Evans to appear before the Village Council to present her findings.
Ms. O’Keefe said that a resident spoke earlier about how not allowing parking on his street (North Walnut Street) would change the nature of his neighborhood, for children riding bicycles and pedestrians walking along the street. She said that the same thing will occur in the Schedler neighborhood, if the proposed plans to construct a giant sports field on the property are completed. She asked the Village Councilmembers to take into consideration the safety concerns that the neighbors are dealing with on West Saddle River Road. She said that West Saddle River Road is a very narrow road, and it is impossible for cars to drive through if there are cars parked on both sides of the road. She feels that a traffic study must be performed to determine the impact of the Schedler development on the residents who live in that area.
There were no further public comments.
Councilmember Reynolds said that she wanted to clarify with Ms. Milian that new turf is not going to be installed on Maple Field. Rather, the existing turf field will be cleaned as a result of the recent flooding. Councilmember Reynolds said that she was speaking about having a serious conversation in the future, when the turf exceeds its life expectancy and needs to be replaced.
Councilmember Winograd added that the existing vendor of the artificial turf at Maple Field uses a combination of materials, including coconut fill. The turf at Maple Field is only going to be cleaned and not replaced. The turf itself, if it were to be replaced, costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, as opposed to the $52,000.00 that it will cost to remediate the flood damage to the field.
Addressing Ms. Ruane’s comments, Councilmember Winograd stated that the emergency appropriations taken by the Village Councilmembers were aimed towards making Village Hall safe for Village employees. Infrastructure was crumbling and it needed to be repaired immediately, so that employees could work in a safe environment. She added that the repairs to the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge remain a priority and will be completed in 2024.
Deputy Mayor Perron agreed with Councilmember Winograd and stated that repairing the ceiling on the third floor at Village Hall, which injured an employee when a piece of it collapsed, is an emergency, because the employees must be able to work in a safe manner. The Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge was closed and barricaded, so that people who normally use the bridge could remain safe, since the bridge was in a severe state of disrepair.
Regarding Dr. Evans, Deputy Mayor Perron said that she has reached out to her and is awaiting a reply. She plans to invite Dr. Evans to come speak before the Village Councilmembers. With regard to a comment made this evening that artificial turf cannot be recycled, Deputy Mayor Perrone said that the three companies she and Councilmember Winograd have spoken to have told them that they recycle all artificial turf, at no extra cost. They recycle the used artificial turf into brand new artificial turf for installation on fields.
Addressing Ms. Ruane, Mayor Vagianos said that it is the priority of the Village Council to allocate the funds necessary to make the repairs to the Kingsbridge Lane Bridge in next year’s Capital Budget. The Village Councilmembers have had several meetings with senior staff to ensure that there is going to be enough money in next year’s budget to complete these repairs. He anticipates that the money could be allocated as early as the Spring of 2024.
Mr. Kazmark stated that the “amount not to exceed” figure for the repairs to the third floor façade of Village Hall was $110,000.00. There was a delay between the time the incident happened with the employee, who was injured on the job, and the time that the work was completed. He did not feel that this was through the fault of anyone, but he stated that everyone agrees that it took too long for the repairs to be completed. Mr. Kazmark said that the Village Councilmembers were going through a contentious budget process in the spring of this year and there was not enough money to complete the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge repairs this year.
Regarding the repairs at Village Hall, Mr. Kazmark said that the Village also had to deal with the contractor, who needed to identify the spaces that were vulnerable throughout the third floor of Village Hall, which was a time-consuming process. Quotes and estimates were constantly being updated and the repairs were completed as soon as feasibly possible. He stated that the Village will not allow its employees to be in a vulnerable position, when they are trying to work at their desks.
Addressing Ms. Ferrone’s earlier comments, Mr. Kazmark said that he and Ms. Mailander reached out to the post office, to try to address some of the employee parking issues on North Walnut Street during the day. They were not very successful in making any progress with the Postmaster, with regard to directing where postal employees should park. They are going to revisit the discussion with the hierarchy of the church across the street (Mt. Carmel Church), to see if they can re-establish some sort of parking arrangement that may have previously existed. Mr. Kazmark said that this was Councilmember Reynolds’ suggestion. This conversation will occur sometime next week.
Mayor Vagianos thanked Mr. Kazmark for replying to all of the questions raised by Village residents this evening.
16. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Weitz, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m.
____________________________________
Paul Vagianos
Mayor
______________________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk
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