20231213 - 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 DECEMBER 13, 2023 AT 7:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Vagianos called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Also present were Keith Kazmark, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of November 30, 2023, be accepted as submitted. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Council minutes of September 27 and October 11, 2023, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Reynolds
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. PROCLAIM JANUARY RADON ACTION MONTH
Councilmember Reynolds read the following Proclamation:
B. HONOR ROBERT PAOLI ON HIS RETIREMENT AS COMMANDER OF AMERCIAN LEGION POST 53
All Village Councilmembers went down to the floor and Mayor Vagianos asked Commander Robert Paoli, of American Legion Post 53, to join them on the floor. Mayor Vagianos stated that Mr. Paoli has served as Commander of the American Legion Post 53 in Ridgewood tirelessly for many years. Mr. Paoli has always strived to promote the rights of veterans and veterans’ affairs.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that it was many years ago when she first attended an American Legion event in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, which she stated was extremely educational. She said that every event held by American Legion Post 53 has been an “eye-opener,” offering different perspectives about military service. She said that Mr. Paoli has done so much for both civilians and veterans. Deputy Mayor Perron read the following Proclamation:
After reading the proclamation, there was a resounding round of applause.
Commander Paoli said that Louis Francis, the incoming Commander of American Legion Post 53, asked him to attend the Village Council meeting this evening to have Mr. Paoli introduce him to the Village Councilmembers. Although Mr. Paoli felt Mr. Francis had already met the Village Councilmembers, he attended this evening’s meeting anyway. He said that he was totally surprised and overwhelmed by the honor bestowed upon him this evening. He thanked everyone and said that it was a privilege and honor for him to have served as Commander of American Legion Post 53 for many years in the Village. He stated that his primary goal, and the goal of all American Legion members, was always to help veterans.
C. HONOR CO-HISTORIANS PEGGY NORRIS AND JOSEPH SUPLICKI FOR THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE
Mayor Vagianos then asked Village Co-Historians, Peggy Norris and Joseph Suplicki, to join the Village Councilmembers on the floor. He said that Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki have voluntarily served as Village Historians for over 20 years. He stated that their expertise, knowledge and volunteerism is “second to none” in the Village. Mayor Vagianos expressed how grateful the Village is for their dedication and service. Councilmember Weitz stated that he has had the honor and privilege to work with Mr. Suplicki on the Historic Preservation Commission for the past year. He said that he was incredibly impressed with the breadth of knowledge possessed by Mr. Suplicki. Councilmember Weitz thanked Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki for keeping the history of the Village “alive.” Councilmember Weitz read the following Proclamation:
After reading the proclamation, there was a resounding round of applause.
Ms. Norris stated that she and her husband, Joseph Suplicki, have been honored to be the Village Historians, and they will both continue to work with the Ridgewood Library to preserve the history of Ridgewood. She thanked everyone for this honor. Mayor Vagianos said that the community will always appreciate the insights offered by Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki. Councilmember Weitz added that Mr. Suplicki will be appointed this evening to serve another term on the Historic Preservation Commission.
5. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
Mayor Vagianos said that there are many first responders in the Village who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve the residents of Ridgewood. Police Chief Forest Lyons, Fire Chief John Judge, and Thomas Pomroy, Director of Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch, presented various awards to Village personnel.
Chief Judge stated that on September 16, 2023, a resident called 911 because he found his wife nonresponsive in their home. The husband was given instructions over the phone on how to perform CPR on his wife, utilizing the New Jersey State Emergency Medical Dispatch Guide Cards, until first responders could arrive. Thanks to the swift actions of first responders and Central Dispatch, this resident’s life was saved. Chief Judge stated that the recipients of the CPR Save Award are Firefighters Matthew Bombace, Gregory Corcoran, David Kelly and Christopher Santucci of the Ridgewood Fire Department; Police Officers Christopher Schumann and Joseph Youngberg of the Ridgewood Police Department; and Public Safety Telecommunicator/Dispatcher Carly Tarczynski of Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch.
Chief Judge stated that on October 12, 2023, there was a 911 call indicating that there was a woman having contractions at home that were getting closer and closer together. Due to the imminent arrival of the baby, first responders acted quickly and delivered the baby in a span of just five minutes after they arrived at the scene. This evening, the family joined Chief Judge on the courtroom floor. The recipients of the Childbirth/Baby Delivery Award were Lieutenant Matthew Ramge and Firefighters Jason Jacoby, Daniel Steen and Henry Van Wageningen of the Ridgewood Fire Department; and Police Officers Douglas Busche, Michael Karcher, Rosario Vaccarella and Peter Youngberg of the Ridgewood Police Department. Officers Karcher, Vaccarella and Youngberg were unable to attend the meeting this evening. There was a resounding round of applause.
6. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, extended her congratulations to Commander Paoli for the honor bestowed upon him this evening. She thanked him for his many years of service to the Village. She also expressed her gratitude to Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki for their many years of devoted service as Village Historians. Ms. O’Keefe was concerned about Councilmember Weitz’s comment that he had been waiting a long time to read the Proclamation, which he read this evening, honoring Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki. She wondered how long the Village Councilmembers had been contemplating the appointment of a new Village Historian.
Ms. O’Keefe said that she has always been impressed by the selfless dedication of Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki to the Village. She said that these two Village Historians have always been “independent thinkers” and wondered if the newly appointed Village Historian will possess that same quality. Ms. O’Keefe wondered if the recent actions of the Village Councilmembers would set a new precedent, with the requirement that anyone appointed to a commission or committee must be a Village resident or Village employee. She said that there should be consistency “across the board,” rather than a “one-off.”
Ellie Gruber, 342 South Irving Street, congratulated Commander Paoli for the honor he received this evening. She said that she first met him and his wife when Ms. Gruber’s daughter and Mr. Paoli’s daughter attended Travell School. Ms. Gruber said that Mr. Paoli was her daughter’s favorite softball coach. She stated that Mr. Paoli taught all of the girls the valuable lesson of sportsmanship, and he taught all Ridgewood residents the valuable lesson of citizenship. Ms. Gruber described Mr. Paoli as a tireless leader in honoring those who sacrificed to ensure our freedom. Ms. Gruber extended her thanks to Mr. Paoli, on behalf of herself and her husband, Marty.
Ms. Gruber said that she was very distressed about the treatment given by the Village Councilmembers to two brilliant Village Historians. She said that Ms. Norris set up the incredible Bolger Heritage Center. She described both Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki as her “heroes.” She stated that their knowledge of Ridgewood’s history is incredible, and she is proud to call them her friends. Ms. Gruber said that the Village Council’s agenda is “my way or the highway.” She warned all committee members not to say anything contrary to the opinions of the four Village Council majority members. Ms. Gruber felt that it was hypocritical for the Village Councilmembers to honor Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki this evening, while at the same time firing them as Village Historians because they dared to speak out against the Schedler plans, which were approved by the Village Council.
Ms. Gruber stated that it was not true that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approved the plans for the Schedler property, specifically the athletic field approved by the Village Councilmembers. She said that the HPC was only asked to approve the parking lot near the historic Zabriskie-Schedler house, and Mr. Suplicki really did not read the letter that he signed, thinking that it only pertained to approval of the parking plans. Ms. Gruber stated that a Village Councilmember has stated that there is nothing anyone can do to prevent the large turf field from being built. However, she was confident that representatives from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will disagree. She said that all Village Councilmembers (except Councilmember Reynolds), the Village Attorney and Village Manager “twisted the facts” and should be ashamed of themselves. She said that Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki are historians, not politicians, and that they deserve better treatment than they have received by the Village Council.
There were no further public comments.
Addressing a question from Ms. O’Keefe, Mayor Vagianos said that the new Village Historian is currently a Village employee, presently serving in the role that Ms. Norris served in, many years ago – as Director of the History Room, which was later renamed the Bolger Heritage Center, at the Ridgewood Library. Ms. Norris left that position in 2016, and the Village Council will introduce an ordinance to appoint a new Village Historian.
Regarding the letter signed by Mr. Suplicki which stated that the HPC approved the plans that were approved by the Village Council for the Schedler property, Councilmember Weitz stated that the full scope of the plans were discussed at an HPC meeting. He said that the approval was not limited to only one aspect of the plans (the parking lot), but rather encompassed the entire development of the property. He stated that the letter signed by Mr. Suplicki was very clear in that regard. Councilmember Weitz said that he disagreed with any assertion that there was any dishonesty shown by any members of the Village Council, and any allegations of such wrongdoing are baseless and groundless.
Mr. Kazmark stated that he is not ashamed of anything, and that Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, should not be ashamed, either. Mr. Kazmark said that the Village Clerk’s Office received a request through the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) for copies of HPC meeting minutes from September 14, 2023. He stated that the Secretary position for the HPC has been and still is vacant, so the HPC has been relying upon notes of appointed HPC members. He said that the Deputy Municipal Clerk, in response to the OPRA request, shared with him and Mr. Rogers some notes that she received from Jeff Somerville, a member of the HPC. On September 14, 2023, following the HPC meeting, Mr. Somerville sent an email to Jane Wondergem of the Engineering Department, directing her to type up some letters detailing what transpired during the September 14, 2023 HPC meeting, based upon his own copious notes. The third item discussed that night was a letter, which was to be sent to Mayor Vagianos, which stated, “The Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the plans titled ‘Zabriskie-Schedler Property Park Development Plan, Concept #24PP5, dated August 29, 2023,’ and does not oppose the plan.” Therefore, Mr. Kazmark said that it was actually a member of the HPC who directed that this letter be drafted for Mr. Suplicki’s signature.
Mr. Kazmark added that the most recent application to SHPO was submitted in an effort to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Department. The temporary parking area, the gravel area next to the house, has to be approved as a temporary parking lot, along with a stone dust path connecting the ADA handicapped ramp to that parking lot. This requirement was discovered during a meeting held on November 6, 2023, with representatives from the Division of Bergen County Cultural and Historical Affairs and SHPO.
Councilmember Winograd stated that Village board and committee members are always discussed by the Village Councilmembers in Closed Session. Regarding comments made by Ms. O’Keefe earlier this evening, Councilmember Winograd said that there appears to be a conflation of roles and responsibilities. She explained that the role of Village Historian is just a title and is independent of the HPC. It just so happened that Mr. Suplicki was both Village Historian and a member of the HPC at the same time. Councilmember Winograd stated that two members of the HPC discussed the matter of a turf field with her and wanted to see samples of the turf. It was Councilmember Winograd’s feeling, based upon her discussions with members of the HPC, that the full plans approved by the Village Council for the Schedler property were also approved by the HPC. She said that it was unfortunate that spurious comments are sometimes made against volunteer members serving on boards in the Village.
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that she takes issue with the comment made earlier this evening that the actions taken by the Village Councilmembers, concerning Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki, were hypocritical. She said that the decision to appoint a new Village Historian was made in Closed Session. Deputy Mayor Perron said that the allegation that the Village Councilmembers took this action in retribution for Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki’s opposition to the Schedler plans is completely unfounded.
Councilmember Weitz added that he was thrilled that Mr. Suplicki will be reappointed to the HPC this evening by the Village Council. He said that the Village has benefited greatly from the expertise of Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki. He was delighted to learn that Ms. Norris will continue her efforts to keep the history of Ridgewood alive.
7. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Kazmark wished everyone Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. He said that this evening was the seventh night of Hanukkah, and he gave his best wishes to everyone celebrating this holiday.
Mr. Kazmark stated that Jeremy Kleiman, Director of Emergency Management, reported that the Village’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) has been reviewed and accepted by Bergen County. He said that all residents can be confident that the Village’s first responders will be ready if, and when, an emergency occurs. Mr. Kazmark stated that Bergen County officials were very complimentary about the EOP being submitted early by Mr. Kleiman and other Village staff. Mr. Kazmark thanked Mr. Kleiman, all emergency service personnel, and the Board of Education for their efforts in updating the EOP.
Mr. Kazmark reported that Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer, has held first-round budget meetings with all Department Directors. Some budget submissions for 2024 are being refined, including new personnel requests.
This week, Mr. Kazmark held a communications meeting with Richard Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, and representatives from the other three municipalities (Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff) serviced by Ridgewood Water. They will be meeting on a monthly basis to discuss how all four towns can communicate more effectively and how residents can best be informed about daily operations and projects being undertaken by Ridgewood Water, such as PFAS mitigation and replacement of lead service lines, as required by the State.
Mr. Kazmark stated that Village personnel have undergone three website training sessions. The new Village website will be launched during the first week in January 2024. He thanked Dylan Hansen, I.T. Director, and his staff, as well as representatives from CivicPlus, for all of their efforts.
Mr. Kazmark said that he attended the Interfaith Meeting with Chief Lyons last week, which was attended by leaders of various religious denominations in the Village. He thanked all residents who attended the Menorah Lighting held on December 7, 2023 in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. He said that it was very encouraging to see such an impressive turnout at this event, given the troubling events taking place around the world.
The free holiday parking on Thursday nights in the Central Business District (CBD), from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., will continue through December 21, 2023. Santa Claus will be at Santa’s House in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on December 16 and 23, 2023.
Mr. Kazmark reminded all Ridgewood residents who hold parking permits that the Village will begin the sale of annual parking permits on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 in the lobby of Village Hall.
Mr. Kazmark thanked the Ridgewood Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA) for arranging to transport Santa around the Village on a firetruck on Friday, December 22, 2023. Santa will visit each of the elementary schools in the Village.
All Village offices will be closed on Friday, December 22, 2023 and Monday, December 25, 2023, in observance of the Christmas holiday. There will be garbage and recycling pickup on December 22nd and the Recycling Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on that day. There will be no curbside bulk or metal pickups on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.
Mr. Kazmark reminded all residents that, following a snowstorm, all sidewalks in residential districts must be cleared within 24 hours of the snowfall. During snow and ice events, residents are requested to bring their garbage cans to the curb, so that the safety of all sanitation personnel can be ensured.
Upcoming Village Council meetings are as follows: Work Sessions on January 10 and January 31, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. and a Regular Public Meeting on January 17, 2024, also at 7:30 p.m.
8. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Weitz echoed Mr. Kazmark’s comments regarding the Menorah Lighting. He said that he has been attending this event for the last 11 or 12 years, and the turnout this year was the greatest he has ever seen. He said that it was heartening to see so many people attend this event, as well as the different interfaith clergy who attended. The Ridgewood Police and other Village staff did a fine job to make sure everyone remained safe.
Councilmember Weitz said that he attended the 100th Anniversary celebration at the Ridgewood Library, led by Sarah Kiefer and Peggy Norris. He said that the event was remarkably entertaining and historically important.
Councilmember Weitz also wished everyone a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year, no matter what holiday they celebrate.
Councilmember Winograd said that she also attended the Menorah Lighting in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, and it was a beautiful event attended by people of all religious denominations. She gave a special shout out to the “Menorah Mommas” and Rabbi David Fine. She wished everyone a happy Hannukah.
Councilmember Winograd also attended the second sensory-friendly dinner event, which was held this time at Parisa East. These dinners are organized by the Access Committee and are designed for the special needs population, who can sometimes be overwhelmed by too much sensory stimulation. The dinner was attended by 80 to 100 people. The Parisa East location was chosen due to its proximity to the Christmas tree in the CBD. Since many of the special needs children cannot handle all of the stimulation during Downtown for the Holidays, arrangements were made for the children to see the tree lit at around 5:15 p.m., with the flick of a switch. She thanked members of the Police and Fire Departments, as well as Mayor Vagianos, for attending the dinner. Councilmember Winograd thanked the Signal Department for arranging for the tree to be lit in this manner. She also thanked Jamie Davis of the Access Committee for arranging these dinners. She asked for any location suggestions regarding the third sensory-friendly dinner, which is being planned.
Last night, Councilmember Winograd attended a meeting of the Shade Tree Commission (STC). They met with Village employee, Neil Gallone, to review the Geographic Information Survey (GIS). She asked Mr. Gallone for a generic login, to enable the other Village Councilmembers to access the survey online. This survey shows what trees have been planted in the Village and areas where more trees should be planted. She thanked the staff at Ridgewood Water and the members of the Shade Tree Commission, who hosted the meeting. This GIS software will be used by the STC to make analytical decisions on what tree recommendations the STC should make to the Village Council. The software can also help to identify “Big Trees” in the Village.
Councilmember Winograd wished a “happy everything to everyone everywhere,” no matter what holiday is celebrated.
Councilmember Reynolds stated that the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) met this past Monday night (December 11, 2023). There were quite a few residents in attendance who live on or near Clinton Avenue, in addition to parents whose children traverse Clinton Avenue to get to Ridge School. With the Police and Engineering Departments on board, Councilmember Reynolds has asked Mr. Kazmark to arrange a meeting in early to mid-January between concerned residents and parents to discuss safety issues near Clinton Avenue. Councilmember Reynolds said that safety in this area has been a longstanding problem (since 1964), which she only learned about on Monday evening at the CSAC meeting. The next CSAC meeting is scheduled for January 18, 2024 in the Garden Room at 7:30 p.m.
Councilmember Reynolds said that she had no other meetings. She wished everyone Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that none of her committees met recently. There is a vacancy on the Open Space Committee (OSC). The mission of the OSC is to find available parkland and determine ways in which such property can be purchased by the Village. Interested individuals can access the Citizens Volunteer Form on the Village website, and this form must be submitted by January 5, 2024.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that Downtown for the Holidays and the Menorah Lighting were wonderful, memorable, and important in this political season.
Mayor Vagianos said that Ridgewood is the greatest town in America, as shown by the many honors and awards given this evening to volunteers and first responders. He said that the Menorah Lighting was truly one of the most beautiful nights of the year and spectacular, considering what is going on in the Middle East. Mayor Vagianos said that he learned that the word “Channukah” means “dedication.”
Regarding the sensory-friendly dinner, Mayor Vagianos said that he takes “his hat off” to Councilmember Winograd, who worked alongside Jamie Davis to organize this event. He said that many families with children with special needs cannot go out to dinner at restaurants, like most people, due to the fact that these children cannot cope well in such settings. He said that the children were especially happy that they were able to pull a lever, which lit up the Christmas tree, and he thanked the Signal Department for their efforts and assistance in lighting the Christmas tree. Mayor Vagianos announced that the next sensory-friendly dinner will be held on January 22, 2024, with the place to be announced shortly, once confirmation has been received from the restaurant owner.
Mayor Vagianos stated that the Village is now in receipt of the archaeological study report from Richard Grubb and Associates, which was done on the Schedler property. He said that the 249-page report has been posted on the Village website, for public access online. Mayor Vagianos said that an exhaustive study was performed (81 holes dug in a grid across the property). Many artifacts were found related to the historic Zabriskie-Schedler house (household and farmstead refuse from the 19th and 20th centuries), but no evidence was found of any Revolutionary War activity on the property. In order to evaluate the significance of the items that were found, the Village Council will be voting tonight on performing a Phase 2 study of the property, which will begin in January 2024.
Mayor Vagianos said that the Village is in receipt of a letter from George Wright, an attorney with the State Historic Preservation Office (unrelated to the Grubb report), which states that the Schedler property’s historical significance only relates to criterion C of the National Historic Sites Register. Criterion C is strictly architectural. The letter recounts in great detail why this is the only criterion met by the Schedler property.
Today, Mayor Vagianos and Mr. Kazmark met with Audrey Meyers and the leadership team from Valley Hospital, as they prepare to open their new facility in Paramus in April 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to learn Valley Hospital’s plans for the existing facility on Van Dien Avenue, once the new hospital opens. Mayor Vagianos reported that the leadership of Valley Hospital plan to use most of the existing hospital as a healthcare facility in the future. Once the new Valley Hospital facility opens in April, Valley Hospital in Ridgewood will no longer provide emergency room services.
Mr. Kazmark remarked that there was a great article today on NewJersey.com pertaining to Valley Hospital, which outlined their transition plans over to the new facility in Paramus. The emergency room in Ridgewood at Valley Hospital will officially close on April 14, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.
Regarding the Grubb report, Mr. Kazmark mentioned that there have been a number of inquiries (OPRA requests) from Village residents regarding the Grubb report. He said that the Grubb report was posted today on the Village website (under the Projects link, Schedler, Grubb December 2023 Archaeological Study Report). Mayor Vagianos added that this survey was performed at the request of Village residents. He felt that there was no need to fulfill the OPRA requests, since the public can now access the report online.
Ms. Mailander announced that the 2023 Village Calendar has an additional page for January 2024 (on the back of the month of December 2023), which should suffice until the new 2024 calendar is mailed out mid-January.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration is coming up in February 2024.
7. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that there were no ordinances for introduction or Public Hearings for Ridgewood Water this evening.
8. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-391 through 23-403, would be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
9. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION - #3978 – 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 #3978 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 #3978 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 212 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS, AT ARTICLE VI, SECTION 212-24, “DEFINITIONS,” AND SECTION 212-25, “VEHICLES PROHIBITED; EXCEPTIONS”
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3978 be adopted on first reading and that January 17, 2024 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. INTRODUCTION - #3979 – ESTABLISH POSITION OF VILLAGE
OF RIDGEWOOD HISTORIAN
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3979 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 #3979 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A NEW CHAPTER ENTITED “VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HISTORIAN”
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3979 be adopted on first reading and that January 17, 2024 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Reynolds said that she was in disagreement with this ordinance and felt that the Village Council is doing a disservice to Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki. They have done so much for the Village for over 20 years, and she believes that they were not ready to “step down” from their positions as Village Co-Historians. Councilmember Reynolds stated that it was her opinion that no one knew more about the history of the Village than Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki. She was grateful that they will both continue to serve the Village in other ways.
Councilmember Weitz said that he truly appreciated the work that both Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki have done for the Village over the years, but felt that the appointment as Village Historian is not, and should not be, a lifetime appointment. He was of the opinion that Sarah Kiefer will do a great job as the new Village Historian.
Councilmember Winograd said she was surprised at Councilmember Reynolds’ comments, since she thought all Village Councilmembers were “on the same page.” She said that the retirement of Commander Paoli has nothing to do with the appointment of a new Village Historian. Councilmember Winograd said that, years ago, the Ridgewood Library had a feature called “Newspapers.com” where one could search for past articles. It is now used primarily by librarians. Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki do not have the “tools” to do searches, as Sarah Kiefer does. She felt that appointing Ms. Kiefer as the new Village Historian is a good decision. She also stated that the five-year term limit is also a good decision by the Village Council, since future Village Councils will have the ability to appoint a new Village Historian, if they so choose.
Mayor Vagianos said that he voted in favor of this ordinance for the reasons stated previously, and also because Ms. Kiefer has access to resources to which Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki do not. He added that Ms. Norris and Mr. Suplicki are no longer connected to the Village, either residentially or occupationally, and their positions have thus become attenuated. However, he stated that he is grateful for their many years of service to the Village. He said that Village Councils routinely replace people serving on committees. He said that to make this an issue is disingenuous.
C. INTRODUCTION - #3980 – AMEND CHAPTER 190, SECTION 190-106
- R-3 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT – BULK AND LOT
REGULATIONS
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3980 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 #3980 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, AT SECTION 190-106, “R-3 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT”
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3980 be adopted on first reading and that January 17, 2024 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
D. PUBLIC HEARING – #3974 – AMEND CHAPTER 105 – CATS -
EXPIRATION OF 3-YEAR CAT LICENSES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3974 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 #3974 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 105, ARTICLE VII, OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, CATS, AT SECTION 105-46, LICENSE REQUIRED, TO AMEND THE DATE FOR EXPIRATION OF 3-YEAR CAT LICENSING
Since there were no public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3974 be closed. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3974 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
E. PUBLIC HEARING - #3975 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES –
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES THIRD-PARTY BILLING
PLAN FEES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3975 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 #3975 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”
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, asked what would occur if a Ridgewood resident is transported via ambulance to a hospital, receives a bill for the ambulance services, and the insurance company does not pay the entire bill. He said that it has been the practice for the balance of the bill to be waived for the resident. Mr. Loving asked if this was still the case, and he was told that it was. He said that the Fire Department currently has two staffed ambulances, which he stated should be sufficient for most emergencies. However, he recalled an emergency, which occurred the other day, when an ambulance from an outside town had to be called in, because the two Ridgewood ambulances were tied up on other calls. Mr. Loving asked what would happen in such a case, when a Ridgewood ambulance is not available to go on a call.
Mr. Kazmark said that the Village can only control the billing for the ambulances that fall under the purview of the Village. He said that there is a chance that a Ridgewood resident would be responsible to pay for the balance of an ambulance bill, for services rendered by an outside ambulance, which is not paid for by insurance.
Mr. Loving asked if the waiver he spoke about earlier is written down anywhere. Mr. Kazmark believes this is contained in an ordinance, but said he would defer to Mr. Rogers. Mr. Rogers said that he would have to check this out and let him know. Mr. Loving said that the waiving of the balance of an ambulance bill for a Ridgewood resident should be memorialized in an ordinance, if it is not already, as well as the non-waiver of a bill balance if the ambulance service is not provided by a Ridgewood ambulance.
Mr. Kazmark said that he did not believe the pertinent ordinance stated what would happen if services were provided by an outside ambulance, since the Village can only regulate its own ambulances. However, he said that he would confirm what the ordinance actually says regarding the waiver of the balance of an ambulance bill for a Ridgewood resident, after insurance has paid its portion. Councilmember Weitz recalled Chief Judge saying at a prior meeting that the waiver policy has not changed for Ridgewood residents, but Councilmember Weitz was not sure if this policy was actually codified or not.
Since there were no further public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3975 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
F. PUBLIC HEARING - #3976 – AMEND CHAPTER 190 – LAND USE AND
DEVELOPMENT – PERMIT MICROBREWERIES AND BREW PUBS
Mayor Vagianos recused himself from this discussion.
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3976 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 #3976 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, TO PERMIT MICRO-BREWERIES AND BREW PUBS IN THE B-1 AND B-2 ZONES
Deputy Mayor Perron opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3976. Since there were no 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 Winograd moved that Ordinance #3976 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Vagianos
G. PUBLIC HEARING - #3977 – FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRE SUPERIOR OFFICERS SALARY ORDINANCE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3977 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 #3977 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF AND FOR FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRE SUPERIOR OFFICERS OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN, AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3977. Since there were no public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Weitz moved that Ordinance #3977 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
10. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-404 through 23-457 will be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only, with the exception of resolution #23-447, which was removed from the agenda, and resolution #23-458, which will be considered separately and read in full:
Regarding resolution #23-443, Ms. Mailander stated that the appointment of Harold Maxwell as Alternate #1 will be removed, since consideration is being given in a separate resolution (#23-458), at the end of tonight’s meeting, to appoint Harold Maxwell as Alternate #1 to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, for the duration of the Outfront Media Application.
The resolution numbered 23-447 was removed from the agenda. The following resolution, numbered 23-458, was considered separately and read in full:
Regarding Mr. Loving’s prior comments during the Public Hearing for Ordinance #3975, Mr. Kazmark said that there is a “carve out” in the ordinance which states that outstanding balances for non-Village of Ridgewood residents shall go to a collection agency to collect the outstanding balance for ambulance services. Collection cost is 20% on the dollar going to the collection agency and 80% on the dollar returned to the Village of Ridgewood.
Councilmember Reynolds said that the question asked by Mr. Loving was whether or not the waiver for Ridgewood residents of the outstanding balance for ambulance services was memorialized in the ordinance. Mr. Kazmark replied that the collection agency is not authorized to pursue balance billing for Ridgewood residents. Mr. Rogers clarified that expressly stating in the ordinance that outstanding balances of non-Village residents will be turned over to a collection agency effectively promotes the waiver of the outstanding balances of Ridgewood residents.
Mayor Vagianos asked if the waiver would apply to a Ridgewood resident who received ambulance services by a non-Village owned ambulance. Mr. Kazmark reiterated that the Village has no control over the billing of non-Village owned ambulances.
11. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that she was “mind boggled” when she heard Mayor Vagianos say earlier that Councilmember Reynolds was being “disingenuous.” She said that Councilmember Reynolds is the most honest, sincere person on the dais, and is not beholden to any private interests, such as sports groups, businesses in the CBD, or anyone to whom she has lent money. Ms. Loving said that Councilmember Reynolds “speaks up” against her colleagues on the dais with regularity, even though her comments fall on “deaf ears.” Councilmember Reynolds is the “polar opposite” of disingenuous, and Ms. Loving feels that Councilmember Reynolds deserves an apology.
Mayor Vagianos said that his use of the word “disingenuous” was not directed at Councilmember Reynolds, but rather was intended for anyone making an accusation that appointing a new Village Historian was wrong. He apologized to Councilmember Reynolds if she felt that this word was directed at her, personally.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that he wanted to clarify a comment made this evening by Mr. Kazmark about a homeowner’s responsibility to keep streets clear of vehicles during a snowstorm. He asked what the protocol is with regard to overnight parking during a snowstorm. He said that overnight parking regulations were suspended during the height of the Covid pandemic. However, he recalled either seeing an announcement on the Village website or hearing a comment from a Village Councilmember that the suspension has ended and overnight parking rules were reinstated. He and other residents have noted that summonses are not being issued for people parking their cars overnight on the street. Therefore, Mr. Loving wondered what is going to occur when there is a snowstorm and the streets need to be plowed. He felt that it would be beneficial to the public if a notice could be posted on the website or an E-notice sent setting forth the current rules for overnight parking.
Regarding Councilmember Reynolds’ comments this evening about Clinton Avenue, Mr. Loving said that a solution had been developed a while ago to solve the safety issues on this street, and that solution was the installation of sidewalks on one side of Clinton Avenue. Mr. Loving said that the Engineering Department had developed plans to install sidewalks, but the residents of Clinton Avenue attended meetings en masse to oppose this plan, leading to the Village Council rejecting this proposal. Mr. Loving said that the Village Councilmembers should direct the Village Manager to ask Mr. Rutishauser to pull out the plans previously developed for sidewalks on Clinton Avenue, to see if this would resolve the safety problems on that street. Mr. Loving stated that the safety of children is more important than aesthetics.
Frank “The Bee Man” Mortimer, 426 Van Buren Street, stated that he strongly supported the appointment of Sarah Kiefer as the new Village Historian. He said that he has known Ms. Kiefer for 19 years and worked with her in different capacities over the years. He stated that he gave Ms. Kiefer her first job out of college, and they worked together at Pearson Education and McGraw-Hill. In both positions, Ms. Kiefer worked on the history list of college textbooks. He believes that he was one of her references when Ms. Kiefer first got her job at the Ridgewood Library. Mr. Mortimer described Ms. Kiefer as being extremely passionate about history and as one of the most professional people that he knows. He is confident that Ms. Kiefer will do a fantastic job as the new Village Historian.
Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, stated that she wanted to clarify some points, which were discussed this evening. She said that Mr. Suplicki signed the original letter, thinking that it only dealt with the approval of the parking plans for the Schedler property. After realizing that the letter actually dealt with the entire set of development plans for the Schedler property, which was approved by the Village Councilmembers, he then wrote a letter the following day to the Village Council and to SHPO to clarify same (that he was signing off on parking and not the entire plan). Ms. O’Keefe said that the Village Councilmembers were hasty in sending the original letter to SHPO “on a silver platter” to show that the plans were unanimously approved, which they were not.
As a Schedler community resident, Ms. O’Keefe said that she has private well water. She reminded everyone that Ridgewood Water is currently engaged in a major lawsuit against several companies, which produced PFAS, because those companies contaminated the drinking water with PFAS. Regardless of whether the Historic Preservation Commission sent a letter stating their unanimous approval of the plans or not, Ms. O’Keefe said that there are a number of families who have private wells in the Schedler community, and they are afraid that the proposed PFAS-laden turf field will contaminate their well water. Ms. O’Keefe expressed the hope that the same care and consideration will be given to the Schedler community as is given to the special needs population in the Village. She stated that Deputy Mayor Perron even said at a meeting that the artificial turf companies will not contractually guarantee that their products do not contain PFAS. She said that the health and well-being of the families living in the Schedler neighborhood will be at risk if the planned turf field is installed.
There were no further public comments.
Regarding Mr. Loving’s earlier remarks about Clinton Avenue, Mr. Kazmark said that he had an extensive conversation with Councilmember Reynolds yesterday, about a planned resident meeting in January to discuss the safety issues on that street. Mr. Kazmark indicated that he has requested the Engineering Department to pull out the sidewalk plans developed some time ago for Clinton Avenue, so that he may review the plans thoroughly.
Mr. Kazmark said that he is aware that the neighbors living in the Schedler community have ongoing concerns about their well water being contaminated by the planned turf field. He said that he will meet with Mr. Calbi to discuss planning a separate meeting in January with residents who have private wells near the Schedler property, and to discuss whether or not those residents can be hooked up to the Ridgewood Water distribution system. Mayor Vagianos concurred with this plan.
Mr. Kazmark said that he would defer to Ms. Mailander regarding the overnight parking regulations. Ms. Mailander said that overnight parking was allowed during the Covid pandemic between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. That was lifted when the pandemic was over. The fact that it is not being enforced is something that needs to be discussed with the Police Chief. When there is a snowstorm, overnight parking on the street is not allowed. If a resident has overnight guests who must park their car on the street, the resident can call the Police Department to advise them of the make and model of the car, as well as the license plate number, which will be parked on the street overnight. This can be done for up to four or five days, but thereafter, overnight parking cannot be granted again by the Police Department.
Mr. Kazmark stated that he would discuss the overnight parking regulations with Police Chief Lyons and the clarifying information will be sent out to the public. Councilmember Reynolds added that she has noticed repeated overnight street parking, and she has not noted any police enforcement.
Councilmember Winograd wanted to confirm that representatives from the Board of Education will be included in the planned resident meeting regarding Clinton Avenue, which leads directly up to Ridge School. When she was younger and attended Ridge School, Clinton Avenue would be closed off to traffic and the children were allowed to walk on the street to get to school.
12. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #23-459 to go into Closed Session.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
____________________________________
Paul Vagianos
Mayor
____________________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk
- Hits: 203