20231108 - 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 NOVEMBER 8, 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 7:32 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Deputy Mayor Perron was absent from the meeting. 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 October 31, 2023, be accepted as submitted. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Council minutes of September 6, September 13 and October 4, 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 Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rohan DeSilva, 521 West Saddle River Road, thanked the Village Councilmembers for speaking up during Village Council meetings and improving the audio in the courtroom, since he is hearing impaired. However, he encouraged them to continue to speak directly into their microphones.
Mr. DeSilva stated that the public was misinformed last week by the Village Council, about the sugar maple tree on the Schedler property, since the Big Tree status and Heritage Tree status were both removed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Forestry Division. He requested that the Village Council complete and submit the appropriate paperwork to have this tree regain these designations, before any other tree in the Village is nominated for either Big Tree or Heritage Tree status.
Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, said that she attended the meeting of the Fields Committee this week. She said that it would be helpful to view the Fields Committee meeting agenda and minutes on the Village website, since she had not seen them for June, September or October. In the minutes from a meeting in April 2023, she read a comment stating that, hopefully, once the playground at Schedler is in place, it will clear the diversion, which will open up a pipeline for Green Acres funds. These funds can hopefully be used for other park projects. She asked if Green Acres funding is specifically allotted for Ridgewood and then it is “parsed out,” and she received confirmation from the dais that this was correct.
Ms. O’Keefe said she recently attended an event, where the guest speaker was Governor Murphy’s wife, who is very passionate about climate change. Ms. O’Keefe said that she never got a chance to ask Mrs. Murphy her opinions about possibly banning artificial turf in the future, in the State of New Jersey. There were landslide victories in both Scotch Plains and Westfield last night, when Union County voted unanimously to ban artificial turf (about 4,700 votes). She feels that these communities are more progressive in their views regarding artificial turf, than Ridgewood is. Ms. O’Keefe suggested that the Village Councilmembers begin to look at things through a “different lens.”
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, noted that, on the agenda this evening, there is a discussion regarding Ordinance #3978, regarding establishing a position of Village Historian. He said that there was no information available regarding this agenda item in the yellow binders in the courtroom. He believes that this matter was discussed in Closed Session. Mr. Loving asked if any of the Village Councilmembers could explain to the public what this matter is all about, since it comes as a surprise to many residents. He asked if this position would be paid or voluntary. He said that this is the first time he has seen a Village position where someone reported to the Ridgewood Library and that it would be memorialized in an ordinance.
There were no further public comments.
Mayor Vagianos told Mr. Loving that the introduction of Ordinance #3978, regarding the Village Historian position, is being removed from the agenda this evening, because it is not ready to be introduced. He said that this will be a volunteer position, without pay, and it will be placed on the agenda next month.
Councilmember Winograd said that there was a meeting with the NJDEP this past Thursday to discuss the status of the sugar maple on the Schedler property. Last week, the public was informed by the Village Councilmembers that the Big Tree status remained, and that the Heritage Tree status had been revoked by the NJDEP. Considering the health of the tree, everyone agreed that it would be best to bring in a third party arborist to assess the health of the tree. Councilmember Winograd said that everyone also agreed to rescind the Big Tree status and “start again.” The Shade Tree Commission (STC) has agreed that the first municipally owned tree to be nominated for Big Tree and Heritage Tree status will be the sugar maple on the Schedler property. The STC is going to launch a program educating private landowners about the Big Tree and Heritage Tree programs, after Thanksgiving. In the spring of next year, a third-party arborist will assess the sugar maple tree on the Schedler property.
Regarding the Fields Committee meeting minutes, which Ms. O’Keefe said were missing from the Village website, Councilmember Winograd explained to her that the Fields Committee does not usually meet over the summer. Regarding the diversion, Councilmember Winograd stated that Ridgewood must satisfy a longstanding diversion issue, dating back to 1980, when a small parcel of parkland on Broad Street, which contained a playground, was taken over by the Village to construct affordable housing units, against Green Acres regulations. When an inventory of parks was performed in 2010, this diversion of land was discovered by Green Acres. The Village is obligated to replace that parkland and playground at another suitable location, even though Councilmember Winograd stated that the Village’s purchase of the Habernickel property and the Schedler property should have satisfied this diversion. However, this was not satisfactory to Green Acres, and the diversion remains outstanding, which affects the Village’s “grant worthiness” for Green Acres grants. In order to satisfy the diversion, the Village must provide a similar type of “climbing structure” that was on Broad Street, on a similar parcel of land. Councilmember Winograd stated that there are approximately $400,000.00 in Green Acres funds that will become available, once the diversion is satisfied.
Councilmember Reynolds asked Ms. Mailander if there was a timeline during which the Village had to satisfy the diversion. Ms. Mailander said that once a ruling comes from the Statehouse Commission, the Village will have six months within which to satisfy the diversion. The final application (part 1) was just submitted by the Village; once this is approved by Green Acres, the final application (part 2) is undertaken, which consists of a hearing and notifications. After this has been done, then the matter goes back to Green Acres for approval. Once Green Acres determines that all requirements have been fulfilled, then the matter goes to the Statehouse Commission (which meets once per quarter). Ms. Mailander expressed the hope that perhaps the Village can move ahead with this project in February or March of 2024. The playground is currently slated for Kings Pond, not the Schedler property. Further discussion ensued about where the playground could be sited.
Mr. Kazmark clarified that all of the paperwork submitted to Green Acres and the Statehouse Commission regarding the diversion has to do with Kings Pond and not the Schedler property. Ms. Mailander clarified that there are currently $315,000.00 available in Green Acres funds. She indicated that these funds were originally slated to pay down the debt at Habernickel. After the diversion is cleared, then the Village can apply for Green Acres funding for other projects.
5. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Kazmark reported that he spoke today with a representative from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). A significant portion of the Park and Ride parking lot has been repaved and striped. Some minor items still need to be abated by the NJDOT, before the parking lot can be opened up for commuters. He is still awaiting the landscaping plan, promised by the NJDOT. Chris Iandoli from the NJDOT indicated that this will be received by the Village in a timely fashion.
Mr. Kazmark said that he had previously stated that all of the dining corrals in the Central Business District would be removed prior to Halloween. This would have enabled the “tree streets” (Chestnut Street, Oak Street, and Walnut Street), in the Central Business District, to be paved afterwards. However, he was advised by the paving contractor that, due to the change in weather and colder temperatures, the time is not optimal right now to resurface those streets. Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, has requested that these paving projects be held off until early spring 2024, and Mr. Kazmark has approved this request.
An E-news blast was sent out today by the Village to all residents regarding leaf pickup. Mr. Kazmark encouraged all residents to read the important information contained in the leaf flyer, which was mailed to all residents. This information is also posted on the Village website. Extra hours have been afforded to staff in the Streets Division to collect leaves curbside in the upcoming weeks. Residents with questions about leaf collection may call the Streets Division at 201-670-5585.
Last week, Mr. Kazmark was taken on a tour of the Signal Department and the Water Pollution Control Facility. He thanked Jim Fells and Rich Tarleton for their hospitality. He said that he was impressed by the significant amount of work done by the staff at these facilities. In the Signal Department, all of the new street signs have been created inhouse, and the missing street signs will be replaced within the next few weeks.
This morning, Mr. Kazmark met with Nancy Bigos, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, along with her staff, and Mark Schwarz, Superintendent of Schools. During the meeting, they discussed Master Library, a field-scheduling program to be shared by the Board of Education and the Village. They were able to troubleshoot some of the glitches in the program. The Village should have full use of this platform starting in the first quarter of 2024.
Mr. Kazmark also attended a Village website update meeting this week. He said that the design of the website is great, and they are beginning to work on the content of the website. It is expected that the new updated website will be launched on January 1, 2024.
Mr. Kazmark announced that the Kasschau Shell Committee is seeking new volunteers. Anyone interested in serving on this committee should fill out the volunteer form that is accessible on the Village website and submit it to the Village Clerk’s Office for consideration.
The next “Council Chat” will take place on Saturday, December 2, 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.
All Village departments and offices will be closed on Friday, November 10, 2023 in observance of Veterans Day. On Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., American Legion Post 53 will host their Veterans Day service in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. Everyone is welcome to attend. All Village departments and offices will also be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Ridgewood Guild will host its 14th annual Winterfest on Saturday, November 25, 2023 in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mr. Kazmark announced that the 35th annual Downtown for the Holidays and tree lighting will take place on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 6:00 pm. to 9:00 p.m., along East Ridgewood Avenue. He thanked the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce for partnering with the Village to organize this event. There will be a Touch-A-Truck event held during this time. The Menorah lighting is scheduled to be held on December 7, 2023 in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Shred Day event will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in the Graydon Pool parking lot.
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.
Mr. Kazmark stated that the next Village Council Public Meeting is scheduled for December 13, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., and the next Village Council Work Session will be held on December 6, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Kazmark left the meeting after finishing his report, so that he could meet with Rich Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, and the Mayor and Council in Glen Rock, in order to review the pending litigation involving Ridgewood Water. He said that he would return to Ridgewood in time for the Closed Session, to be held this evening, following the Regular Public Meeting.
6. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Winograd said that, last Thursday, she, Mayor Vagianos and Mr. Kazmark met with some people who are interested in creating some third-party funding for the Parks and Recreation Department, in order to make some improvements to the parks and fields in Ridgewood. Councilmember Winograd thanked everyone who attended the meeting. She also thanked Mr. Kazmark and the representative from the NJDEP Forestry Service who attended the meeting to discuss the Big Tree/Heritage Tree matter.
On Friday, Councilmember Winograd said that she attended the 100th Anniversary celebration at the Ridgewood Public Library. She thanked the Ridgewood Library staff and Gertrude Pease, who donated the Pease Library to the Village 100 years ago.
On Tuesday morning, Councilmember Winograd stated that she attended the meeting of the Fields Committee. The bulk of the meeting was spent discussing the Master Library, a field scheduling software program, purchased by the Board of Education (BOE) to utilize for scheduling BOE-owned fields. Once the glitches in the program are corrected, the Village will then be incorporated into the program to utilize it for scheduling Village-owned fields. The BOE is struggling to get the sports groups involved with the program, since there cannot be separate systems for separate sports. A data entry externship is being launched for the month of January, encompassing 15 to 20 hours per week.
Councilmember Winograd said that, this evening, she attended a wonderful event held by the Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG). The Access Committee has several new members, and a member named Jaimie Davis represents the Learning Services Home and School Association (LSHSA), now known as SEPAG. The Access Committee partnered with SEPAG to host a sensory-free dinner, held at the Steel Wheel Tavern. This enabled families with special needs members to have dinner in a sensory-free environment. A total of 68 tickets were sold for this event. Some members of the Ridgewood Police Department were in attendance at the dinner, along with Councilmember Reynolds and Mayor Vagianos. Councilmember Winograd thanked Ms. Davis and the Access Committee members for organizing this event.
Councilmember Weitz stated that he attended Council Chat on November 4, 2023 with Councilmember Reynolds. He also attended the 100th Anniversary celebration at the Ridgewood Library, which he stated was sold out. Councilmember Weitz thanked Mr. Kazmark for pushing the NJDOT to take decisive action at the Park and Ride on Route 17. He said that he was pleased that the paving has been done, but disappointed that it took so long to get this accomplished.
Councilmember Weitz said that, last Friday morning, November 3, 2023, he attended a solidarity vigil in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, with members of the Ridgewood Muslim community and Ridgewood Jewish community, the latter of which Councilmember Weitz is a proud member. The event was led by Rabbi David Fine from Temple Israel, as well as Imam Mahmoud Hamza. These two communities came together for a unified stance for peace and unity in the Middle East. The two religious leaders read aloud a joint statement condemning anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and hate in all forms, and all attendees signed the statement indicating their solidarity with each other. Councilmember Weitz stated that he was very proud standing shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, with his fellow Muslims and Jews. He thanked Mayor Vagianos for his leadership, as well as Rabbi Fine and Imam Hamza.
Councilmember Reynolds echoed Councilmember Winograd’s comments this evening about the sensory-free dinner held at the Steel Wheel Tavern. She thanked Jaimie Davis for organizing this peaceful and wonderful event.
Councilmember Reynolds urged all residents to review the leaf flyer, which was mailed to all residents recently. She has observed piles of leaves in the Village with mums, branches, twigs, grass and pumpkins thrown on top of the piles. She said that nothing is allowed curbside except leaves. Items other than leaves can potentially clog up the vacuum machines used to pick up leaves. Twigs, branches, mums, and the like can be brought to the Recycling Center for disposal.
Councilmember Reynolds announced that on November 15, 2023, the next meeting of the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) will take place. These meetings are typically held on Thursdays, but it is being held on a Wednesday this month, at 7:30 p.m., in the Garden Room at Village Hall. Residents with any safety concerns in the Village are welcome to attend.
Mayor Vagianos said that this past weekend was the prime example of why he thinks Ridgewood is the greatest place to live in the world. He spoke about the Muslim/Jewish solidarity vigil, held in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on November 3, 2023, and quoted words spoken by Rabbi Fine, “We have to remember that what unites us is greater than what divides us,” and by Imam Hamza, “There isn’t your community and my community – there’s only our community.”
Mayor Vagianos also spoke about the 100th “birthday party” held at the Ridgewood Library. He stated that the Ridgewood Library gets over 14,000 visitors every month, with over 100,000 items available to the public, including books, periodicals, and videos. Over 40,000 people visit the Ridgewood Library website every month. He said that many people thought that libraries would become obsolete with the advent of the internet, but the Ridgewood Library adapted to the times and offers programs galore, with 2,500 program participants every single month. Mayor Vagianos gave a shoutout to the restaurant community in Ridgewood. A total of 26 different restaurants donated a “feast of food” for the 100th Anniversary celebration.
On Sunday evening, Mayor Vagianos said that the Diwali festival was held (traditional Indian celebration). It represents the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil, and of knowledge over ignorance. He said that it was an amazing event, with colorful costumes.
Mayor Vagianos also spoke about the sensory-free dinner, which was held at the Steel Wheel Tavern. Owner Glenn Carlough was the host, and an entire room was sectioned off for the families to enjoy dinner. Many of these families, who have children with special needs, told Mayor Vagianos that they have not been out to dinner once since their child was born. These families were extremely grateful to be able to enjoy dinner in a stimulation-free environment. The lights were dimmed and there was soft music throughout dinner. He gave a big shoutout to Jaimie Davis for organizing this event. Similar dinners will be scheduled in the future, at different restaurants.
7. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that there were no ordinances or Public Hearings for Ridgewood Water this evening.
8. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-361 through 23-365, would be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
9. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION - #3974 – AMEND CHAPTER 105 – CATS –
EXPIRATION OF 3-YEAR CAT LICENSES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3974 by title on first reading. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
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
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3974 be adopted on first reading and that December 13, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
B. INTRODUCTION - #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 first reading. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
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”
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3975 be adopted on first reading and that December 13, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
C. INTRODUCTION – #3976 – AMEND CHAPTER 190 – LAND USE AND
DEVELOPMENT – PERMIT MICRO-BREWERIES AND BREW PUBS
Mayor Vagianos recused himself from this discussion.
Councilmember Reynolds moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3976 by title on first reading. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
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
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3976 be adopted on first reading and that December 13, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: Mayor Vagianos
D. INTRODUCTION – #3977 – FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRE SUPERIOR OFFICERS SALARY ORDINANCE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3977 by title on first reading. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
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
Councilmember Weitz moved that Ordinance #3977 be adopted on first reading and that December 13, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
E. INTRODUCTION – #3978 – ESTABLISH POSITION OF VILLAGE HISTORIAN
Mayor Vagianos stated that this matter is being removed from the agenda.
F. PUBLIC HEARING – #3970 – BOND ORDINANCE – RESTORATION OF INTERIOR FAÇADE AT VILLAGE HALL
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3970 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
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 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $104,500 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Since there were no public comments, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3970 be closed. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Weitz moved that Ordinance #3970 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
G. PUBLIC HEARING - #3971 – 2024 NON-UNION SALARY ORDINANCE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3971 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
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
Rohan DeSilva, 521 West Saddle River Road, asked what the difference was between public comments and a Public Hearing. Mayor Vagianos replied that during a Public Hearing, a resident can only comment on the matter at hand. Mr. DeSilva asked if someone could explain what the 2024 non-union employee salary ordinance is. Councilmember Winograd stated that ordinances are preprinted in the newspaper and posted on the bulletin board in Village Hall. Mr. Rogers stated that this ordinance deals with all non-union employees in the Village and sets their salaries for 2024. Mr. DeSilva asked who the non-union employees were.
Ms. Mailander explained that this ordinance deals with seasonal employees, such as the Graydon Pool lifeguards and camp counselors. Non-union employees also include some administrative staff (confidential employees), such as the Deputy Village Clerk, Assistant Assessor, Assistant Tax Collector, Emergency Medical Services, Deputy Municipal Court Administrator, Police Department Parking Enforcement Officers, Building Department Inspectors and Property Maintenance Inspectors.
Mr. DeSilva thanked everyone for their explanations and information. He asked if these non-union employee salaries are posted anywhere. Ms. Mailander said that the salary ranges for the non-union employees are indicated in the ordinance. The ordinance was posted in the newspaper and is in the transparency binders.
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 Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3971 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
H. PUBLIC HEARING - #3972 – 2024 MANAGEMENT SALARY
ORDINANCE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3972 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
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
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3972. 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 Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3972 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
I. PUBLIC HEARING - #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 second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
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
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3973. 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 Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Reynolds moved that Ordinance #3973 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Perron
ABSTAIN: None
10. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-366 through 23-383 will be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
11. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
NONE
12. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #23-384 to go into Closed Session:
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilmember Winograd, seconded by Councilmember Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
____________________________________
Paul Vagianos
Mayor
____________________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk
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