Village Council Public Meeting 2015.04.22

PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR., COURTROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 AT 7:30 P.M.

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

Mayor Aronsohn called the meeting to order at 8:44 P.M., and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn. Also present were Roberta Sonenfeld, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. Councilwoman Hauck was absent.

2.         2015 BUDGET INTRODUCTION

            A.        Budget Message

Ms. Sonenfeld stated that she would be discussing the highlights and accomplishments of the year 2014; presenting a budget summary; talking about revenues and surplus; discussing operating expenses; discussing how this budget is investing in people and services; talking about unfunded liabilities; and talking about the capital budget.

Councilman Pucciarelli pointed out that the Village Council is not new to this process. The 2015 budget has been the subject of many meetings attended by Village staff and others, and this is the end of the process, although it may be the beginning for some people. Councilman Pucciarelli did not want anyone to have the impression that the Councilmembers are taking a cavalier attitude toward the budget. Ms. Sonenfeld agreed, saying that she has a slide in the presentation that talks about the process.

Ms. Sonenfeld commented that it is important to examine what has been done by this Village Council, as well as Village staff, and the previous Village Council, in the past year. The budget process also represents resident participation and business participation. Some projects and activities were supported by the businesses in the CBD, or they were ideas presented by residents.

Starting with the parking situation, Ms. Sonenfeld mentioned that there were many accomplishments in 2014 with respect to parking, including establishing oversight of the Parking Utility; implementing valet parking; establishing a public/private partnership to offer CBD employees parking; implementing new policies and procedures, including new time parameters, pricing, enforcement, and distinctions between residents and non-residents; implementing the first credit card purchase program in relation to parking in the CBD and resident parking; planning for a new parking garage on Hudson Street; instituting an organizational change to appoint a combined Chief Financial Officer/Parking Utility Director, because it was felt that the Parking Utility needed a lot of focus; redesigning the Route 17 Park-and-Ride to accommodate 43 additional parking spaces; and identifying 16 new parking spaces in the CBD that will be accessible in the near future.

In addition, Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that another highlight is the successful early settlement of a four-year Fire Department contract. It was significant, and has already had an impact on the budget, with more of an impact anticipated in the coming years. The Building Department has been restructured, with great strides being made, and more expected. The Human Resources Department has been launched, with some advances being made, although there is a lot of work to be done in that area in 2015. Communications with residents and businesses are enhanced, as well as improvement in communications with Village staff. In addition to the “Meet the Mayor” and “Meet the Manager” events, e-notices are being used effectively. Another item to note was the successful completion of the Complete Streets renovation of Garber Square into a safer environment for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, as well as a more aesthetically pleasing environment. In 2014, the “No Leaf Left Behind” program was executed Village-wide. The Village worked with FEMA and several other agencies to recoup significant funds to pay for damages caused by natural disasters, which will be discussed more extensively during the budget discussion. Installation and implementation of a fiber-optic communication system was begun in 2014, and continues in 2015. The Community Center has been transformed into a welcoming, vibrant place. The Water Pollution Control Facility continues to generate more electricity, surpassing its own needs, and leading to recognition of this in the Bergen Record. The Ridgewood Police Department’s community policing and outreach approach continues to be recognized both locally and nationally. The recycling process has been streamlined, with input and support from the business community. The abandoned property process was also implemented. There is also a new approach to fleet servicing, which will continue in the next couple of months. The “Come Alive Outside” initiative, which was the result of a public/private partnership, received an award of excellence from the New Jersey Parks and Recreation Association for its “Fire and Ice” event. There were Planning Board hearings on the Valley Hospital and multi-family housing. The Village continued its strong history of the effective volunteer emergency services organization that responded to over 1,700 calls in 2014, with volunteers donating more than 19,000 hours of work. The Village absorbed a significant increase in work due to OPRA requests, the majority of which is borne by the Village Clerk’s office. Public health inspections were outsourced; aquatic programs were added to Graydon Pool; snow removal and Christmas tree pickup procedures were modified; and the sidewalk replacement project was accelerated, with 204 properties being addressed. In conjunction with the Board of Education, installation of lightning detection systems were completed at all Village fields. The budgeting process itself was enhanced with the assistance of the Financial Advisory Committee (FAC). Finally, the Redevelopment Plan for North Walnut Street was amended, and an RFP was prepared, and the evaluation process of those proposals has now begun. All of that is in addition to what Village staff members accomplish on a day-to-day basis.

Next, Ms. Sonenfeld addressed the budget process. As Councilman Pucciarelli noted, the budget process for 2015 was different than that of 2014. There were several rounds of internal reviews with Department Directors, the objective of which was to produce and provide to the Village Council an honest budget that did not need a lot of repetitious activity. The goal was to come in with the best numbers, and keep the increases as close to zero as possible, while taking advice from the Village Council about what is important. The emphasis was on operating efficiencies, as well as emphasis on customer service improvements. There was a lot of discussion about investment in people, processes, and technology. The budget reviews with the Village Council were a bit different, and were designed to elevate the dialogue to include strategic, as well as daily operations. Some of the subjects discussed included the Village footprints; what it means to have an effective Human Resources presence; and technology and treating the year 2015 as the year of technological advancement in the Village. Operating expenses were reviewed, as well as capital expenses. When the Village was discussed, that included discussions about Ridgewood Water, the Parking Utility, and the Public Library. There were three budget sessions, two of which were all-day sessions on a Saturday and a Sunday. There was one session held on a Monday night. The sessions included all Village management staff and the Village Council, which was a first in the Village. At the end of all of the sessions, three alternatives were presented to the Councilmembers. The Village Council agreed on the recommended course of action, which was the middle proposal of the three presented. That is what is being voted on today.

Councilman Pucciarelli pointed out that, in particular, the budget for the Public Library included a request for an increase, and Ms. Sonenfeld and her staff recommended that the increase should be a bit less than what was requested. Before a decision was made, Nancy Greene, Director of the Ridgewood Public Library, presented her arguments in support of her budget requests, and the result was somewhere in between the two figures. That is indicative of how the budget process has become a deliberative process. In addition, there was enough time allotted to the budget process to be able to have such discussions, so that there was no need to rush to move on to the next departmental budget. Councilman Pucciarelli added that the FAC deserves a lot of the credit for their assistance in this process.

Mayor Aronsohn mentioned that this process has become a more holistic one, which is not done simply department by department, but from a whole government perspective. The budget is assessed more strategically, and with much consideration given to looking forward. Mayor Aronsohn said that helped him to put things in the proper context, and made it easier to understand discussions about such areas as investments, technology, and human resources.

Ms. Sonenfeld reiterated that the operating and capital budgets were put together simultaneously. The operating budget is $47.1 million, and the capital budget is a net $3.1 million, with slightly more than the 2014 capital budget. The budget represents a 1.2% tax increase, which means that on the average assessed home value of $690,662, the increase is $46.72 per year. As a result of the way principal payments on bond issues are being handled, the estimated amount of outstanding debt at the end of 2015 will be approximately $2 million less than the amount of outstanding debt at the end of 2014, or $38.8 million at the end of 2014 against $36.6 million at the end of 2015. Revenues and expenses have increased approximately 1.8% over the prior year.

Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that the Village is using slightly more than $3 million in surplus. In addition, miscellaneous revenues total approximately $9.9 million, which means that the Village must raise approximately $31.3 million through taxation. That led to the increase of $46.72 per year for the municipal budget, and based on the State formula for the Public Library, there will be an additional $9 increase in taxes for the Public Library.

Starting with revenues, Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that they are approximately $47.1 million in 2015. As was done in 2014, the anticipated revenues were maxed out as much as possible. Ms. Sonenfeld tried to optimize the use of available funds, as well as surplus funds. As she stated, miscellaneous revenues, which are basically non-tax revenues and include such things as fees, licenses, State aid, and grants, constitute approximately $9.9 million in anticipated revenues for 2015, representing an increase of approximately $450,000 over 2014. That is also an increase of $170,000 over actual funds.

There are risks to the revenue side, as pointed out by Ms. Sonenfeld. One of those is the administrative fees that the Village is paid for the Police Department side jobs. The reason why this is a risk is due to the fact that the Village anticipates operating at a reduced police force in terms of head count, while the Police Department contract is negotiated. That also means that there will be more overtime, as was done with the Fire Department last year. As a result, there may not be the same opportunities for side jobs, and therefore it might lead to less income from these administrative fees. There is also the usual risk associated with Graydon Pool, because it is weather-dependent. Recycling continues to be a challenge, because prices for recyclables have been reduced. There are also risks associated with the one-time fees that are paid, such as from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which was responsible for approximately $800,000 in revenues for 2015. Ms. Sonenfeld commended Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, and Jovan Mehandzic, of the Engineering Department, for their efforts. She also thanked Mayor Aronsohn for being able to bring people together to coordinate the disbursement of FEMA money.

Regarding opportunities, Ms. Sonenfeld mentioned that the Village continues paying back some Parking Utility deficits, which will continue into 2016. She also mentioned the possibility of new tax ratables as another opportunity for revenue.

Moving on to the use of surplus/fund balance chart, Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that in 2015, $50,000 more will be taken out from the fund balance than what was taken out in 2014. The amount for 2015 is $3.032 million, compared with $2.983 million in 2014. However, the remaining surplus balance is higher than it was in 2014, and the percentage of the budget is lower, at 6.44%.

Operating expenses for 2015 are approximately $47.1 million. Working with the FAC, Ms. Sonenfeld reminded everyone that they were looking more at actual expenses and trends from previous years, rather than budgeted amounts from previous years. Areas of efficiency were identified, as well as where supplemental expenses might be required. The budget team was also able to identify areas of investment to improve resident services and to develop staff. The risks on the expense side include snow removal, because the Snow Removal Trust Fund was again depleted. There is approximately $100,000 remaining that needs to cover necessary overtime, as well as chemicals that must be used in snow removal. Another risk is building maintenance, because a lot of funds were expended last year due to damage in the various Village buildings. If that continues, it increases the risk. There is also risk of legal expenses associated with the Planning Board, depending on how the litigation involving Valley Hospital progresses, as well as any other issues that might arise.

Ms. Sonenfeld highlighted certain budget items. She recalled that when she first became Village Manager, she had many discussions with Mayor Aronsohn, Councilman Pucciarelli, and Councilwoman Hauck about the necessity of increasing the level of service quality to residents along with any tax increases that might be necessary, as well as investing in the residents of Ridgewood. In that vein, Ms. Sonenfeld discussed the investments to be made in the Parking Utility. There will be a new Director of the Parking Utility, and there is anticipated implementation of Parkmobile and other strategies to enhance parking options for residents and visitors, as well as to minimize the handling of coins. The counting of coins will be outsourced. Parking conditions will continually be evaluated to ensure optimum parking for residents, and everything necessary will be done in 2015 to begin construction of a parking garage by 2016.

Ms. Sonenfeld also mentioned the revitalization of the Building Department through technology, which includes a technology platform that will do a better job of tracking applications; scheduling; recording results; client interface; using iPads in the field; and upgrading processes. As residents have pointed out, there is a need for more emphasis on Code and zoning enforcement, which is planned for 2015.

Another area of investment is full implementation of the Human Resources function throughout all Village departments. This will help to develop and optimally leverage the staff, and includes such things as guidance; succession planning; leadership identification and development; getting the right person in the right job; handling employee performance concerns more effectively; handling disciplinary actions more effectively; working through policy issues; keeping abreast of legislative changes; implementing an optimal organizational structure; and performance evaluations of management staff. As mentioned earlier, Ms. Sonenfeld noted that 2015 is being regarded as a year of technology, which will first have an impact on the Building Department, but will eventually spread throughout all Village departments.

The “No Leaf Left Behind” program will continue. The Ridgewood Police Department is going through its re-accreditation process this year, and it is hoped that it will be regarded as a flagship organization as a result of that re-accreditation. The budget also includes enhanced support for a vibrant Community Center. Ms. Sonenfeld noted that a critical item is staff development, so staff members will be participating in programs like Bergen LEADS; CIO training for Dylan Hansen, Network Supervisor; and leadership development in the Fire Department. The budget also includes plans to develop a continuity of operations plan, as well as a disaster recovery plan. There are some aesthetic aspects to the budget, such as shade trees and tree wells. The budget also provides for the launching of the new Village website. Another budget item is to develop the strategic plan for the Village footprint; as well as for conversion of the incandescent streetlights to LED streetlights, enhancing public safety. Preparation for the 2016 implementation of a new sidewalk café ordinance and enforcement of that ordinance is also included.

Ms. Sonenfeld noted some of the increases in expenses, including the large increase in the figures for the Police Department, due to contracts and ammunition. These increases are $367,000 more than those in the 2014 budget, and $518,000 over the actual expenses.

Building maintenance expenses were $30,000 over what was budgeted, but $20,000 less than what was actually spent. Dumping fees have also increased by approximately $80,000, and $40,000 of that increase was due to grass clippings. Group health insurance increased by approximately $350,000. Polymer for the Water Pollution Control Facility nearly doubled in price, from $57,000-$100,000. The fund for Planning Board legal fees was increased by approximately $40,000. Sludge hauling has been outsourced, which is a $47,000 increase in expense, but will also save capital funds because it will not be necessary to buy a lot of expensive equipment out of the capital budget. Another highlight is an addition of $35,000 in legal expenses for the PBA negotiations. As Councilman Pucciarelli mentioned, the Public Library will receive a .86% increase in their budget over 2014. Finally, the Village had to absorb the Blue and White Collar contracts from 2014 at a 1.5% increase in 2015.

There were also some decreases in expenses. Salaries and wages for the Fire Department decreased by $350,000. Ms. Sonenfeld believes that the salaries and wages are now at the 2008 level. In addition, there was a decrease in gasoline use in the Village, totaling approximately $200,000. Another thing that helped keep the budget manageable was that significantly-sized departments were within 1% of the actual or budgeted amounts in 2014. The Department of Public Works (DPW), which comprises approximately $5.2 million of the budget, at 0% versus the 2014 actual budget, and 3% over the 2014 budgeted amounts. The Department of Recreation budget is 5% less in both the budget and actual amounts. The Parks Department is 1% lower, and the Fire Department budget is 9% less than the prior year’s budget and 7% less than the actual amounts. Graydon Pool is 4% less than the prior year’s budget and 5% less than the actual amounts.

Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that this budget also maintains overall staffing levels across the board, except for a few investment spending opportunities. There was also a decrease in the Labor Attorney’s fees (approximately $46,000) due to the establishment of a Human Resources capability. Moreover, it was possible to formulate a realistic Parking Utility budget, in which the allocations from the Village to the utility increased based on a better estimate of what is needed for that utility.

The 2015 budget includes approximately $28.3 million in contractual obligations to the various uniform departments, representing approximately 60% of the total budget. In 2014, it was approximately 58.1% of the budget.

Ms. Sonenfeld mentioned other key areas of deficiencies that will be worked on for the future include the negotiation of the PBA contract, which has already begun; continuing to explore ways of creating energy efficiencies and furthering the private/public partnership for the Water Pollution Control Facility; determining staffing and operating models for the Fleet garage, including how and when new vehicles are purchased, as well as other considerations; adopting technology to decrease departmental workloads; migrating the phone vendor from Verizon to Lightpath; examining methods to decrease the cost of workers compensation; completing the fiber loop project to decrease communications and Internet service costs while increasing reliability; adopting technologies that decrease IT workloads; outsourcing health inspections; exploring the possibility of outsourcing operations at the Lakeview compost facility; exploring the possibility of producing brine, which could lead to a very large cost savings, as well as possibly becoming a revenue source; implementation of e-tickets; and streamlining emergency communications with the use of SwiftReach.

Moving on to unfunded liabilities, Ms. Sonenfeld commented that they total $7.14 million, which represents terminal leave and accumulated sick time payments. That figure is slightly lower than 2014. At this time, there are nine confirmed retirements in the Village, representing $715,000 in payouts for this year. The trust fund balance is currently $636,660. The operating budget includes approximately $420,000 to increase the trust fund balance. That can also be considered a risk.

Next, Ms. Sonenfeld discussed the capital budget. She emphasized that despite the fact that only $500,000 was put aside for the capital budget in 2015, the Village will actually be doing approximately $3 million in capital paving. This work has already started, and the paving list is currently on the Village website. Ms. Sonenfeld noted that some of the funds are from last year, as well as money from previous years. There will be the purchase of some vehicles this year, for a total of $1,235,500. There is also a budget for the purchase of IT equipment in the amount of $321,725. The public safety capital budget is $189,900, and $591,000 has been budgeted for engineering issues. There is also $262,500 budgeted for other infrastructure and equipment, and $50,000 for the Public Library.

The current outstanding debt is approximately $38.8 million. The Village will be paying down approximately $3.7 million in principal, while issuing approximately $1.5 million in debt. That will bring the total debt to $36.5 million, which is approximately $2 million less than the previous year’s budget. There is also a line item of capital bonds and notes authorized but not issued, which is commonly referred to as the “sinking fund”. There is approximately $12 million outstanding in that fund, and Ms. Sonenfeld stated that there is a real effort to decrease that number.

Ms. Sonenfeld mentioned that she will be meeting with the FAC to discuss the budget newsletter, which needs to be published just before the Public Hearing on the budget.

Councilman Pucciarelli noted that the budget process is complicated, and it is easy to see from this presentation that there are many aspects to the Village budget. Every Councilmember was present at the budget meetings, and delved deeply into the details of the budget. Councilman Pucciarelli commented that he tried to step back and ask himself what he would be voting in favor of it if he supported a recommended increase, and he explained how he perceived it. There are three elements of approximately $350,000 each that had to be considered, as far as Councilman Pucciarelli was concerned. One of those was the contractual increase in Police Department salaries, which is a Village obligation. At the same time, there is another $350,000 savings in the expenses of the Fire Department from the new collective bargaining agreement that was negotiated. Those two elements offset each other. That led Councilman Pucciarelli to hope that there could be a 0% increase again this year. However, after reviewing the proposed investments in services and people that Ms. Sonenfeld included, Councilman Pucciarelli realized that would mean a $350,000 increase in the tax levy. That means that Councilman Pucciarelli is demanding of himself as a citizen, as well as his fellow citizens, $350,000 more in taxes. He realized that to try to keep the 0% increase in place would put the costs squarely on the backs of the Village employees, who have done a wonderful job under austerity budgets. That is why he believes that the $2,000 overall increase in the tax levy is justified. The management team has amply demonstrated what they intend to do with a $350,000 increase, and their case was very persuasive.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she agreed with everything Councilman Pucciarelli said, and she pointed out that the budget process is fascinating. Ms. Sonenfeld also made it very user-friendly and informative. The option recommended by Ms. Sonenfeld was not the highest budget of the three presented, nor was it the lowest, but Councilwoman Knudsen believes it struck a balance, and although she does not necessarily agree with everything that is included in the budget, she believes it is one of the best budgets ever presented. Councilwoman Knudsen also mentioned that she did not fully agree with the 0% tax increase of 2014, because she felt that it was putting too many things at risk. She thinks the current budget strikes a balance and is a very positive budget that advances in the areas that need to be advanced, and will have a positive impact on the Village overall, without putting the burden on Village employees. She thanked Ms. Sonenfeld and all of the Village staff who came to all of the budget meetings and supported the budget.

Councilman Sedon also thanked the management team and Village staff, as well as Ms. Sonenfeld, for making the budget process so much easier than it has ever been. As a reporter, Councilman Sedon sat through many previous budget presentations, and found them very hard to follow. This presentation made it very easy to put it all together and see the highlights of the budget, as well as showing how much thought went into it. Although the budget meetings did run a little bit long, Councilman Sedon felt that they were helpful because they brought everyone together, and if anyone had questions, there was someone there to answer them immediately. He particularly likes what the budget does for the Building Department, which was hit with many decreases in staffing and funding in prior years. Councilman Sedon is also pleased to see that there is funding for aesthetics, because there were some complaints in the past about how things looked in the CBD and elsewhere around Ridgewood. And perhaps most importantly, Councilman Sedon is pleased that there are funds for investments in technology, which is sorely needed in the Village. He also noted that the budget process is a difficult one to go through every year, because needs change from year to year; processes and procedures that work one year may not work the next year; and new challenges pop up every year that must be faced.

Mayor Aronsohn commented that there is always pressure on governing bodies to raise taxes. However the Village Council held the budget to a 0% tax increase for several years to try to rein in spending and keep the Village on the right track as far as fiscal matters were concerned. The Councilmembers always believe that taxes cannot be raised for the sake of raising taxes, but there must be some kind of purpose to the investment. This budget clearly justifies the increase. It has become necessary to invest more in technology, but the most important investment is in people, which is the greatest resource this or any other government has. Mayor Aronsohn particularly pointed out paving, because perhaps more than any other issue, it strikes a balance between public safety and quality of life.

Councilman Pucciarelli mentioned another item that he felt was worth noting, which is a surplus. There was some concern expressed during past budget discussions that the surplus was getting too close to the bone, and it is reassuring to see that there has been a slight increase in the surplus amount. Councilman Pucciarelli also commented on the capital budget, noting that the actual bonded debt of the Village is approximately equal to the tax levy, and the gross authorized debt is approximately equal to the total budget, which he considers to be fiscally responsible.

Finally, Ms. Sonenfeld thanked the Councilmembers; the management team who attended and participated in every meeting; Stephen Sanzari, Village Treasurer; and the FAC for all of their efforts and assistance in putting the budget together and going through the budget process.

            B.        RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 15-119 THROUGH 15-126, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ IN FULL BY THE VILLAGE CLERK:

After the votes on the resolutions, Councilman Pucciarelli left the Courtroom.

3.         INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES

a.         Ordinance #3474 – Establish a CAP Bank

Ms. Sonenfeld explained what a CAP bank is for the benefit of the two new Councilmembers. It is an annual appropriation for the CAP. At this time, Ridgewood is below the 1.5% CAP by approximately $57,000, and the Village can appropriate the difference between what is on hand and 3.5%, which equals approximately $795,000 this year. Ms. Sonenfeld explained that this is a way for the Village to reserve the right to budget higher than the CAP.

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3474. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                        Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmembers Hauck and Pucciarelli

ABSTAIN:     None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3474 by title:

CALENDAR YEAR 2015 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3474 be adopted on first reading and that May 13, 2015, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                        Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmembers Hauck and Pucciarelli

ABSTAIN:     None

b.         Ordinance #3475 – General Capital Ordinance

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3475. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                        Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmembers Hauck and Pucciarelli

ABSTAIN:     None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3475 by title:

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $2,559,725 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,431,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3475 be adopted on first reading and that May 13, 2015, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                        Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmembers Hauck and Pucciarelli

ABSTAIN:     None

Prior to the final vote on Ordinance #3476, Councilman Pucciarelli returned to the Courtroom.

c.         Ordinance #3476 – Water Capital Ordinance

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3476. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                        Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmembers Hauck and Pucciarelli

ABSTAIN:     None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3476 by title:

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATER UTILITY IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $2,625,000 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,493,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3476 be adopted on first reading and that May 13, 2015, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                        Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Councilwoman Hauck

ABSTAIN:     Councilman Pucciarelli

d.         Ordinance #3477 – Parking Utility Capital Ordinance

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3477. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                        Councilmembers Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Councilwoman Hauck

ABSTAIN:     None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3477 by title:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $60,000 FROM THE PARKING UTILITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE PICKUP TRUCK AND PLATE READER SYSTEM FOR THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD PARKING UTILITY

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3477 be adopted on first reading and that May 13, 2015, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                        Councilmembers Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Councilwoman Hauck

ABSTAIN:     None

4.         ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Pucciarelli, seconded by Councilman Sedon, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the Special Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:44 P.M.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    _____________________________

                                                                                                Paul S. Aronsohn

                                                                                                        Mayor

_________________________________

            Heather A. Mailander

               Village Clerk