A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD VIA ZOOM, DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ON MAY 12, 2021 AT 8:00 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  Deputy Mayor Sedon read a required announcement regarding the remote meeting format.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. 

 

Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, as well as in a Moment of Silence for our men and women serving our nation and our First Responders.

 

2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

 

Mayor Knudsen moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, as Statement of Funds on Hand as of April 30, 2021, be accepted as submitted.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Before voting, Councilwoman Perron stated that she understands this includes Village Attorney Matt Roger’s bills, the bill list, and the bill list of the Water Utility and the Parking Utility.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of January 6, January 27, and April 14, 2021 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

 

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS

 

1. PROCLAIM MAY 16-22, 2021 AS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK

 

Councilwoman Perron read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. PROCLAIM MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. PROCLAIM JUNE AS LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH

 

Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. PROCLAIM JUNE 6, 2021 AS NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY

 

Councilwoman Reynolds read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. PROCLAIM JUNE 4, 2021 AS NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY

 

Councilwoman Perron read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. REAFFIRM COMMITMENT AND OBJECTIVE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD GREEN TEAM

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. DAD’S NIGHT DAYS – HAWES SCHOOL AND SOMERVILLE SCHOOL

 

Councilwoman Reynolds read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Cathy Brienza, 374 Graydon Terrace, stated that she doesn’t have a position ultimately on the hiring of the two additional Firefighters, but she is concerned as she hasn’t seen the numbers justifying the hiring with salaries of $37,000 and pension, to replace the per diem EMS services.  She thinks in order to compare apples to apples they would need to know the cost of the per diem services over the past year or few years.  She would suspect they are less than $80,000.  She understands that the town is anticipating the population growth due to the new multi-family housing developments, which will require more services, and that the EMTs may unionize, which would be more costly.  Ms. Brienza pointed out that hasn’t happened yet and can be addressed when they do.  She also added that she doesn’t believe the hiring of one per diem unionized EMT would be more expensive than two Firefighters.  During a year when taxes are rising and people are hurting, an additional expense should be added only when it’s deemed absolutely necessary.  She wondered if this could give rise to litigation against the town somehow, which would be another expense.

 

Ms. Brienza stated that there seems to be strong support for keeping the per diem from the EMT volunteers who are really the people on the ground doing this work and the Village Council has to respect what they say.  Those supporting this change seem to argue we need more Firefighters, yet they are also arguing we having enough Firefighters.  If this should occur, both EMTs would be available to go with the volunteer services.  She suggested suspending the vote on replacing per diem EMTs with two Firefighters until more information is available to the public.

 

Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that at the last meeting after Public Comment there was a response to the timing of the HealthBarn RFP, and she was taken aback with the new timeframe.  She thinks a number of citizens felt in mid-April that this RFP was imminent and she was really concerned with the slow process.  Today she drove for Feed the Frontlines and was thinking a lot about how lucky the Village is to have this grant to feed those in need in Bergen County with meals from restaurants in Ridgewood, and she thinks the Village Council has taken that for granted.  Good governance relies on citizen engagement, transparency, and responsiveness and they have had nothing but citizen engagement on HealthBarn since October.  There is a rally cry around HealthBarn so she is really hoping they take the time to address the confusion as to why this appears to be a slow walk to issue the RFP for the lease of the Gate House at Habernickel Park.

 

Ms. Winograd state that in 2015, two RFP’s were listed for this property in 45 days, and she was concerned that there is a bonafide business that everyone loves and an RFP hasn’t been issued yet.  She thinks the meeting in April gave everyone the feeling that this was a done deal and the RFP would go out immediately, and given prior RFPs and their timeframe, it should be moving faster. 

 

Ms. Winograd added that she doesn’t feel that the budget should move forward because everyone does not have the same set of facts.  Clearly a decision needs to be made, but the public is struggling with what facts the Village Council is drawing upon to make those decisions.  She thinks that the public deserves to feel comfortable in the numbers that are being put into this decision and that just isn’t happening.  She went to every budget meeting and the limited information made it hard to follow the process.  Ms. Winograd encouraged the Village Council to provide the public with the appropriate numbers and then go about making their decision.

 

Eric Frielink, 425 South Maple Avenue, stated that he wanted to thank all of the members of Ridgewood Emergency Services for all that they have done over the past year.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, the members of Ridgewood Emergency Services stepped up to help this town to do what many others could not or would not do.  While surrounding towns struggled, Emergency Medical Technicians of Ridgewood suited up, while Special Operations members handled a record number of support and logistics tasks. 

 

Mr. Frielink stated that the decision to hire additional Firefighters is not justified, the legacy of this decision will last long past those making the decision.  While it has been quoted repeatedly that these Firefighters will only be making $37,000 a year, they receive annual increases in salary and wages, as well as pension and benefits.  Based on the last contract of the Ridgewood Fire Department published on the State website from 2015, and the estimated 30% additional costs for pension and benefits, this decision will cost the town about $7.5 million across the course of their careers.  Over time, with cost of living increases, this price tag will be much higher, but would be very difficult to predict.

 

Mr. Frielink added that there has been no plan to show how the new daytime EMS program would even function.  No plan has been produced or published, and Fire crews have already had to make difficult decisions on which calls to respond to when serving double duty.  No outside consultation or labor study has been performed.  The proposed reduction of services in the Village proposes a major safety hazard to residents and our guests.  He asked that they seriously consider the long term ramifications of this decision and asked that the Village Council not continue with this decision at this time.

 

Bob Upton, 172 West Glen Avenue, stated that he was Chair of Green Ridgewood and was speaking on behalf of the committee and the Green Team.  At recent meetings, the Village Council has favorably viewed temporarily lifting an existing ban on balloons in order to promote downtown Ridgewood retail businesses and he sees it is on the agenda tonight.  While sympathizing with the need to promote retail activity, especially in the current economic climate, they oppose those proposals on principle, on the basis that the concerns around the harmful effects of single use plastics, including balloons, are widely recognized.  They feel there is not sufficient justification to consider an exception to the ban, and as in all cases of single use plastics, every effort must be made to seek alternatives.

 

Erin Taddei, 419 Bogert Avenue, stated that she hoped that the RFP will be expedited for HealthBarn.  She has had the privilege of being a driver volunteer for Feed the Frontlines and she is astounded at the generosity of the restaurants and the fact that Stacey Antine and the HealthBarn have been able to do this incredible thing.  She hopes that Ridgewood will do everything in its powers to keep this incredible benefit to our town. 

 

Ms. Taddei stated that the plan to defund the EMTs is incredibly concerning to her.  She only heard about it because Linda Scarpa brought it to her attention, and she doesn’t understand in any universe where it is okay to pay more money for something and have less services.  She added that anyone who serves on the Village Council and has a relative who is on the Fire Department should recuse themselves from voting on this matter, as it seems to be a direct conflict of interest.

 

Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, stated that the Village Council is the governing body of the Village of Ridgewood, and were elected to represent the residents with open communication and transparency.  This is not happening with the defunding of the EMT and the hiring of two new Firefighters, even though they hired a Firefighter in December.  As elected officials, they all took an oath of obligation to the people of the Village to do what is best, especially in terms of labor, safety, and finance.  This idea to hire two new Firefighters to replace the per diem EMTs was quietly slipped in, and now they want to vote on this plan which has gotten zero support from the entire Village.  No labor, finance, or safety studies are given at all.  This is clearly more taxes, less Fire Responders, and a gamble with the safety of Ridgewood residents. It is loud and clear this is not what residents want.  She noted that the EMT was publicly browbeaten on May 5^th at a Council meeting, over an incident that happened in 2019 and was resolved when this person was terminated.  To defund and replace nine per diem EMTs, with two Firefighters, and zero proof on labor, finance, or safety studies, will cause the taxpayer to pay at least $180,000 in pension, benefits, and stipend for the two new Firefighters.  Waiting for neighboring EMTs could cost a life, and taxpayers would have to pay this as well.  She asked the Village Council if they were willing to gamble with the safety of Ridgewood residents.

 

Jeanne Johnson, 325 Mastin Place, stated that she wanted to give another plug to Stacey Antine and the HealthBarn Foundation for planting seeds of patience, compassion, and love into this community.  Stacey has shown an extraordinary amount of patience through this RFP process and has received much love and compassion from those who are eager to see that she stays at the Gate House in Habernickel Park and continues her good work.  She asked the Village Council to expedite the RFP process so that Stacey Antine can continue to spread goodwill into the community. 

 

Ms. Johnson invited Councilwomen Walsh, Reynolds, and Mayor Knudsen to join Deputy Mayor Sedon, and Councilwoman Perron and offer more of their time to lead a free guided tour of Ridgewood during Ridgewood Walks in June. Ridgewood Walks is a 100% volunteer-driven program and was designed to create a more connected community.  She will send some information in the coming days to the Councilmembers and she looks forward to hearing what parts of the Village the Councilmembers would like to highlight.

 

Charles Reilly, 448 North Maple Avenue, stated that regarding the proposal to make Glenwood Road a one-way street at the Ho-Ho-Kus Train Station, where he lives is a T-intersection in which traffic traveling south on North Maple very often cuts through.  During the 40 years he has lived there, he has often seen cars using this as a cut through at a high speed.  The establishment of Glenwood Road as a one-way street will exceedingly exacerbate the situation on Bryden Place.  When things become more normal for commuter traffic at the Ho-Ho-Kus train station, the volume of traffic will be increased on North Maple Avenue, going south.  He proposed that they consider prohibiting right hand turns onto Bryden Place during commuting hours, in order to ensure the safety of those who live on that street and others who cross that road.

 

Joshua Schneider, 435 Overbrook Road, stated that he has been a volunteer EMT with Ridgewood Emergency Services for over five years and he was speaking tonight in support of the per diem EMT program and is opposed to its termination.  Earlier today, he had a conversation with Mayor Knudsen where they discussed each of their points of view regarding the EMT program.  The Mayor stated that the primary reason for the termination of the program was a couple of questionable responses. One of her concerns was for her elderly mother and timely EMT care, but shifting these services to the Fire Department is not a solution to the stated issue.  The fact is that the issue of questionable call responses that the Mayor mentioned are the result of two individuals who no longer work as EMTs.  The root cause is that the EMTs are woefully under supported, all of the per diem EMTs work at least one other full time job, due to financial necessity. 

 

Mr. Schneider stated that they can’t look at a system that failed to support EMTs and then proceed to blame and punish them when things go wrong.  They should be supported with the resources they need to be successful.  He added that the proposed plan by the Fire Department will render the Village less capable of responding to multiple emergencies at once.  The Fire Department does not plan to dedicate workers for the ambulance, meaning that in the event of a large fire that exhausts the resources of the Department, no one will be left to staff the ambulance and respond to concurrent medical emergencies.

 

Mr. Schneider stated that when asked what the Fire Department would do in the case of a medical call during the time of a large fire, Chief Van Goor stated that Ridgewood would have to rely on mutual aid ambulances from surrounding municipalities.  This would significantly increase response times and leave the Village with the same issue that was cited for the removal of the per diem EMT program.

 

The plan to move daytime EMS operations to the Fire Department will not make the Village safer, it will leave the Village with more vulnerabilities and a weaker Emergency Services Department.  Our Ridgewood EMTs have served the Village with honor over the course of the pandemic and over the past 30 plus years.  Instead of defunding them, they should be given the tools they need to be successful.  Mr. Schneider urged them to keep the per diem EMT program and asked that they vote against any legislation that would result in its termination.

 

Kristine Saganik Rusch, 87 California Street, stated that she was following up on an email she had sent to the Mayor and Council earlier this morning.  She is hopeful that as stewards of the Village, the Council will be mindful of what is truly in the best interests of Ridgewood residents when considering the future of Ridgewood Emergency Services.  Residents deserve transparency and a meaningful opportunity to participate in this process, after informed discourse from interested parties.  A public forum where members of Ridgewood EMS and the Council discuss the facts, would go a long way in dispelling any misinformation which may be circulating.  She feels that the failure to hold an open forum on this issue is evidence of thinly veiled nepotism.

 

Ms. Rusch stated that they started out this meeting by issuing a proclamation honoring the Emergency Services and she assumes those statements made in regard to this honor were true and accurate.  To vote to defund the EMTs would certainly be a disservice to the residents.  There are four high density apartment buildings which are going to bring in an indeterminate amount of new residents who are going to need emergency medical response.  Ms. Rusch asked that they please don’t vote on this issue tonight, adding if this decision is truly in the best interest of the residents of the Village, it can wait.

 

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she was sick to death of all these people calling in and talking about the RFP for HealthBarn as it is an RFP for the Gate House on the Habernickel Property.  She added that she really appreciates all of work that the Village Council has done on the budget, as she knows it is an extraordinary effort.  She trusts their expertise and knows that they were all broadcast.  Ironically, some of the loudest complainers are the very people who promoted the One Village, One Vote Initiative which took away the residents’ right to vote on the Board of Education budget.  These people said that we elect the people to the Board of Education to manage the budget and we need to trust them, and now they are complaining about the Village Council budget process and she is just shaking her head. 

 

Michael Heberling, 220 Beechwood Road, stated that he is against the elimination of the EMS per diem as he believes it is not the right decision and is a poor way to celebrate EMS week.

 

Bob Fuhrman, 49 Clinton Avenue, stated that now that all adults are eligible to be vaccinated, he hopes this Council would consider protecting the residents health by insisting that vaccination be required for continued Village employment.  He was glad to see the court-ordered payment to the One Village, One Vote attorney is on the agenda; however, what they have not disclosed is what the taxpayers will be on the hook for payments to Matthew Rogers, Thaddeus Del Guercio, and William Northgrave, who all represented the Village in the One Village, One Vote lawsuit and appeal.  He was not surprised that the RFP for the Gate House at Habernickel Park was being slow walked, as these things tend to pop up in the summer when less people are paying attention.  He added that regarding the EMT he thinks it is very important for residents to realize that every Firefighter will cost Village residents over the lifetime of their employment $3 to $4 million, not $37,500.

 

Alfredo Aguilar, 37 Bryden Place, stated that he wanted to echo the concerns of Mr. Reilly regarding the conversion of Glenwood Road into a one-way street.  This would result in higher traffic cutting into Bryden Place at high speeds, which is already happening.  The proposed signage to limit right hand turns is a great idea.  He added that the community has recently turned over and the vast majority of homes have young families with elementary school aged children.  There are several active school bus stops on this street, and it is a well known wildlife crossing. 

 

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, echoed what has been said about the right hand turn at Glen Avenue.  She knows the Master Plan was near and dear to many of us, it was important and they spent the funds to hire a consultant.  Thinking about the Master Plan and outcomes regarding Historic Preservation, she doesn’t know what progress has been made to move the needle to medium, but if they look at the historic Van Der Brick House, number 83001564 on the corner of Maple Avenue and Prospect Street.  It was recognized for the stone architecture, but the developers have covered 100% of the interior and exterior stone.  She also doesn’t think that the look and feel of the Police barriers and dining corrals is what the Master Plan had in mind. 

 

Ms. Lima stated that the Village-wide principles on page 8 of the Master Plan says, strive for better fiscal management and accountability, and then on page 56 it says fiscal taxes.  She suggested the Village stop spending money on new cars or trucks for every Department.  She listed the vehicle items on this agenda, adding that it seems like the Village is continually spending money, and according to the Master Plan, they aren’t supposed to do that.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that she has four written comments.

 

Andrew Varady, 111 Sherwood Road, wrote that he appreciated the removal of the monitor who sat in the chair at the Ridgewood pickleball courts.  This is an important first step in ensuring that the mostly older residents who use the pickleball courts are treated the same as the younger residents who use the tennis courts.  Next, it is important to ensure that the pickleball courts are open the same days and hours as the tennis courts and that the pickleball courts are left unlocked, which would eliminate age discrimination concerns.  He noted that May is Older Americans Month, and the Village has previously recognized and celebrated it.  Since pickleball enriches the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of Ridgewood’s older residents, what better way to celebrate than to announce that the pickleball courts will be open the same days and hours as the tennis courts. 

 

Elaine Cigolini, 385 Gilbert Street, wrote to stop the EMT idea and table it, this is not what the townspeople want. People are angry.

 

Alistair Linton, 425 Stevens Avenue, wrote that the proposed tax increase of 6.29% is unacceptable.  He asked the Village Council to cut costs, as the tax burden is already past the breaking point.  The proposed addition of two more Firefighters is not the best decision and the removal of the per diem EMTs is not the first area he would consider for reducing costs.

 

Linda McNamara, 575 Knickerbocker Road, wrote asking the Village Council to reconsider the changes to the EMT program at this time.  Issues have been rectified, and to offer a four year program without participation is not in keeping with good government practices.  The word transparent applies in this case.  She knows so many young adults who have volunteered their time to serve the Village and asked that the Village Council help to improve EMS, where necessary, but not by dismantling it.

 

There were no additional written comments.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that regarding the EMTs, due to operational and safety issues and concerns, and in order to improve services and response times, daytime ambulance response will now be covered by the Fire Department.  EMS volunteers will continue to respond to ambulance calls on weeknights and all day and night on weekends, as they do at the present time.  Volunteer EMS will continue to receive the funding and stipends currently in place.  At this time, they are not at liberty to discuss the personnel and labor issues related to this decision.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if Councilwoman Reynolds could bring the issues of Bryden Place to Citizens Safety Advisory Committee. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the comment made about $500,000 to a consultant is grossly inaccurate.  The historic home was also scheduled to be torn down, and they could have done so, as it is private property.  The fact that it may not look the way it should or did, the bottom line is that the historic house is still standing.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that regarding the comments from Mr. Upton, they have added into the resolution that the balloons should preferably be reusable balloons and they have been looking for those with the Chamber of Commerce.

 

6.         MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Glenwood Road construction will begin on or about May 15^th.  The Glenwood Road hill will be closed to vehicular traffic while the New Jersey Department of Transportation and NJ Transit improve the railway crossing at the Ho-Ho-Kus Train Station.  The stairs to the Train Station will be open and the pedestrian crossing at the middle of the train tracks will also be open. This closure will last for approximately 30 days, and when Glenwood Road reopens, it will be a one-way street, down the hill.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the final day for voter registration for the June 8^th Primary Election is May 18^th.  The Village Clerk’s Office will assist with voter registration from 8:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. that day at the customer service window to the left of the lobby doors of Village Hall.  When you arrive during the day, please dial 201-670-5500, extension 205 or 206.  From 4:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., a Village employee from the Village Clerk’s Office will be waiting at the customer service window to register you to vote.  All new residents, as well as those who have moved within Ridgewood, will have the opportunity to register to vote.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that on June 1, 2021 all Village Offices will re-open to the public.  Masks will be required in all Village buildings and social distancing must be maintained.  It is requested that those coming to Village Hall limit their visit to all Village offices to doing business with Village Departments or attending a scheduled class, meeting, or event.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that all residential parking rules are being enforced, and this includes no overnight parking from 2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M.  24 hour parking spaces are available in the Train Station and Cottage Street lot from May through July 31^st.  The cost is $200 for this time period.  Overnight parking is available to all Ridgewood residents in the Hudson Street Garage second floor, Cottage Place Lot, and the Wilsey Square Lot.  Overnight parking is allowed from 8:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M., the cost is $75 for three months or $150 for six months.  If residents have family members or friends who live in other towns who wish to take the bus or train from Ridgewood, Ridgewood parking permits for commuters are available to non-residents for the rest of 2021 for the same price as residents are charged.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that passes for Graydon Pool are now available on CommunityPass.  The pool season runs from June 5^th to September 6^th.  Call the Recreation Department with any questions at 201-670-5560.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that on Saturday, June 5^th from 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., older adults can come to celebrate Graydon Pool and Park, enjoy a breakfast, and learn about all Graydon Pool has to offer.  Registration is required.  Please email or call Deanna Schablik in the Recreation Department.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Pedestrian Mall that they had last summer where East Ridgewood Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic from Oak Street to Broad Street all day and night, Saturdays, and Sundays, will take place from July 10^th through September 5^th.  There will be performances throughout the CBD on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Bergen County Utilities Authority Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be held on Saturday, May 15^th from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Bergen County Campgaw Reservation at 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah.  They will collect aerosol cans, antifreeze, blacktop sealers, batteries, fire extinguishers, fluorescent bulbs, propane gas cylinders, and used motor oil.

 

Ms. Mailander stated the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce is holding their Annual Sidewalk Sale Days on May 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th. 

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Age Friendly Ridgewood offers events for Ridgewood’s older residents in conjunction with the Ridgewood Library.  Elder Law will be held on May 19^th, and Medicare 101 for Baby Boomers will be on June 1^st, both from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. on Zoom.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council’s upcoming meetings are televised live, streamed on the website, are shown on YouTube, as well as the public access channels.  The upcoming meetings are: May 26^th is a Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., June 2^nd is a Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., and June 9^th is a Village Council Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.

 

7. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Chamber of Commerce met this morning.  They formed a sub-committee to address ways to help retailers develop more customers and the conversation turned to parking kiosks and how difficult it is for older customers to figure out how to pay.  They formed another sub-committee to come up with alternatives to then present to the Village Council.  They are working on organizing the Car Show.  The President of the Chamber of Commerce reported that Feed the Frontlines has delivered about 75,000 meals.  The $1 million grant runs out at the end of this month and they are looking to continue the program on a smaller scale, which will be relying on private donations.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that the installation of the new President of the Chamber of Commerce will be on June 9^th, and it will be Gary Kolesaire, owner of The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood.

 

Green Ridgewood – Councilwoman Perron stated that Green Ridgewood met last week and they are working on a dance project on the Dunham Trail that will be on June 11^th, from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.  The subcommittee on Renewable Energy Aggregation will be presenting to the League of Women Voters tomorrow.  There was a multimedia presentation to mark Earth Day virtually.  They are also looking into community-supported agriculture.

 

Open Space Committee – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Open Space Committee hasn’t met since their last Village Council meeting, but with regard to the Park Walks that they are sponsoring in all of the Village’s open spaces, last weekend was the first in a series at Citizens Park, co-sponsored with the Ridgewood Wildscape Association and the Parks Department.  There will be another one on Sunday at Kings Pond Park.  

 

Ridgewood Public Library – Councilwoman Reynolds stated that yesterday, there was a Monster Bin installation near the Library which collects empty ink cartridges.  For the month, they will get $2 per ink cartridge and the Library donated 40 cartridges.  Beyond May, it will be $1 per cartridge.  There will be three of these bins throughout town, one at the Recycling Center and one someplace downtown.  This will also help in our Sustainable Jersey Certification.

 

Little Nest Portraits – Councilwoman Reynolds stated that today, there was a Grand Reopening of Little Nest Portraits at 168 East Ridgewood Avenue.  Mayor Knudsen wished them all the best and highlighted their sidewalk sale event.

 

Project Pride – Councilwoman Reynolds stated that Gary Cerillo will be beautifying Ridgewood with flowers throughout town, possibly on Sunday May 23^rd, and they are looking for volunteers.

 

Board of Education – Councilwoman Walsh stated that they had their monthly meeting with the Board of Education.  She congratulated Jeffrey Knaias, the new Ridgewood High School Principal.  They are going to have graduation for the students on the field, they are still working out how they are going to let family on the bleachers or around the field.  The seniors have a prom on June 4^th and Project Graduation will be held.  There was an altercation at the High School and the Police Department had to disburse people from the field, they have taken action and hired private security.  They will also be locking the gates at Stevens Field.  They spoke about the field policy.

 

Parks and Recreation Committee – Councilwoman Walsh reminded everyone to get their Graydon memberships and to also look online for all of the activities through Parks and Recreation.

 

Green Team – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that last week, the Green Team met and they are focused on the first deadline for the Sustainable Jersey Certification, which is June 6^th. 

 

Shade Tree Commission – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Shade Tree Commission met this week, and it is time for them to start discussing another five-year plan for trees.  Two of their most notable accomplishments were the tree inventory, and planting over 1,000 trees in the Village.  They are probably going to go out for the same grant to do the next five-year plan.  There was also some discussion about the tree wells in the CBD.

 

American Legion Post 53 – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that American Legion Post 53 and some community volunteers put flags on the graves of Veterans at Valleau Cemetery.

 

Congressman Gottheimer – Mayor Knudsen stated that this week, Congressman Josh Gottheimer was in Ridgewood visiting the Ridgewood Water Carr Treatment Facility and took the opportunity to speak about the importance of Federal funding for the treatment of PFAS contaminants.  Ridgewood Water was part of the first round that was sponsored by the Congressman for Federal funding and they will hopefully be part of the second round.  There was also an opportunity to look at the treatment facility with the Congressman and members of the Board of Education.

 

Eagle Scouts – Mayor Knudsen stated that on Monday, Alex Cho, Luke Wong, and Alex Vestor became Eagle Scouts.  Each of these scouts completed service projects, which she detailed.

 

Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee – Mayor Knudsen stated that the Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee met last week with Village Officials to discuss parade logistics, costs, and details.  They also met Monday evening and have updated the website RidgewoodJuly4.net with updated parade information.

 

Bergen County Mayors – Mayor Kndusen stated that Tuesday morning, the Bergen County Mayors met.  It was an overview of the best practices for cybersecurity practices. 

 

Performances in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square – Mayor Knudsen added that this weekend, they will be kicking off the season with a Secret Garden Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band on Saturday night.

 

Mayor Knudsen encouraged people to shop locally, adding that Village businesses need the support of the community. She stated that when residents shop Ridgewood, the businesses truly appreciate it.

 

8. 2021 BUDGET RESOLUTIONS

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-113 THROUGH 21-114 WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 21-115, WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:

 

Before voting on Resolution 21-115, Councilwoman Perron stated that developing the budget is the most important thing that this Council does.  How taxes are spent is something they take very seriously, it is not easy.  They are aided in the budgeting process by the Department Directors who spend a lot of time figuring out what they can cut and how to keep services coming to the residents.  The CFO and Village Manager spend hours and hours on this process.  The Village has agreed to painful cuts, while trying to still maintain services.  She gathers from all of the emails and comments that the Village has not explained the budget sufficiently.  Before COVID, the budget binders were in the courtroom, and this year they were not available, which has now exacerbated the problem.  Regarding the hiring of Firefighters and Police Officers, she never received a memorandum justifying their hiring.  She would also need a written statement of cost comparisons before terminating EMTs and hiring Firefighters instead.  It is hard for her to conceive of how hiring per diem EMTs at $21 per hour and no benefits, compares to paid Firefighters with benefits and pensions.  Oral explanations have not been enough for her.  Such documents would inform her decision.  She can understand that personnel matters have to remain confidential, but they need to do better in terms of educating the public.  The emails they have received signify that they haven’t succeeded in educating the public and because they have communicated in a way that isn’t the best, she has to vote against this budget.

 

Before voting, Councilwoman Reynolds thanked the Department Directors for getting down to the bare bones.  Although the budget increase is a high percentage, it is from years of very low taxes.  She thinks they have done their best and she votes yes.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon thanked the Department Directors, Mr. Rooney, Mr. Sanzari, and Ms. Mailander, adding that it is a long process and the past few years there have been low tax increases.  He added that sometimes, services must be cut and they need to start talking about ways to change services; otherwise, the Village is going to be in the position next year of massive tax increases.  There are things they are not going to be able to do going forward, so he would like to see some of these issues thought out and brought to the Council for decisions.  He is voting in favor of this budget, but would like to issue a challenge to come up with difficult decisions over the summer months.

 

Councilwoman Walsh thanked Ms. Mailander, Mr. Rooney, and Village staff, adding that she is grateful that they are all part of the process.  She was concerned about this tax increase and vocal all along that she didn’t feel comfortable with the proposed municipal tax increase.  There are a number of things that she had concerns with, asking how they put the brakes on everything, when residents are demanding services.  There is some privileged information that they can’t discuss with regard to EMS, and if the public had the information they would perhaps understand.  The estimate on the half year salary for the Firefighters was all that was initially presented.  The silver lining might be some of the revenue that they are going to get in the last quarter, for the apartment complexes, so hopefully that can offset some of the other budget costs.  She is uncomfortable with the budget and will be voting no.

 

Mayor Kndusen thanked the Village Manager, Chief Financial Officer, and all of the Department Directors for working so hard on this year’s budget.  She found it fascinating that a Councilmember said they didn’t have enough information on the budget to vote on it and then voted, perhaps an abstention would have been more suitable.  She agrees with Councilwoman Walsh that regarding replacing the per diem EMTs with paid Firefighters, the Village Council has confidential information, their hands are tied, but this is a serious public safety issue that needs to be addressed.  In terms of services, it is a balance.  It is a tough decision, especially since they worked so hard to have low increases in previous years but this is an unusual year.  It will be felt this year, but there is Federal money that may be available soon, and the tax revenue from the apartments will come in at the end of the year.  Regarding the Fire Department she recalls that those numbers were discussed, but this is a public safety issue and asked how to put a price tag on people having their needs met, in an emergency.  It is a difficult, but a necessary evil and she was voting yes on the budget.  There was an opportunity to temper the increase by halting the Open Space Tax, but there was a desire on the part of the Village Council not to do that, so that was an opportunity and is still an opportunity.

 

9. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

1. INTRODUCTION – #3861 – Amend Ordinance Chapter 145 – Fees – Water Service Connection Fees

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of ordinance 3861.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3861 by title:

 

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”

 

Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3861 be adopted on first reading and that June 9, 2021 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion. 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

2. PUBLIC HEARING – NONE

 

10. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-116 THROUGH 21-119, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 21-120, WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:

 

 

11. ORDINANCES 

 

1. INTRODUCTION - #3862 – Amend Chapter 244-13, Article IV – Tobacco, Cannabis, and Electronic Vapor Substance Inhalation Shops

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the first reading of ordinance 3862.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3862 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF ANY CLASS OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES WITHIN ITS GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES AND AMENDING ARTICLE IV, SECTION 244-13, TOBACCO, CANNABIS, AND ELECTRONIC VAPOR SUBSTANCE INHALATION SHOPS, OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

 

Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3862 be adopted on first reading and that June 9, 2021 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion. 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

2. PUBLIC HEARING - #3860 – Telecommunication Facilities in the Public Right of Way

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3860 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3860 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD WITH THE ADDITION OF A NEW CHAPTER ENTITLED “TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY”

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3860 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that she was reluctantly going to vote yes on this ordinance.  She feels like they are getting railroaded on it, because the Federal Statute makes it unlawful for the local government to prohibit the use of 5G.  The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found against a Village who didn’t want to have 5G installed, and she doesn’t want to incur unnecessary or fruitless litigation.  However, this new telecommunications is going to be all over our Village and the equipment can go higher than the existing telephone poles by 110%.  The ordinance states that the poles will have a maximum height of 50 or 55 feet and they might be 150 feet apart, but they are planning to put in an additional 100 poles.  It is supposed to increase capacity and there will be fewer dropped calls, which may make a difference in public safety.  She felt there is not enough information on the effects of 5G radio frequency on health, and they have to abide by the FCC regulations on health.

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she was reluctantly voting yes, and she hoped that when the time comes for the County roads, that Ridgewood will have some input into what happens along those roads.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that she was voting yes, because she understands the responsibility to protect the Village to the extent possible with the knowledge that this is permissible.  The only say the Village can have is some control over how the 5G cabinets are placed, but no control over the actual placement.

 

Mr. Rogers stated that the Village has limited jurisdiction and ability to legislate on how these poles are put in.  The Federal Communications Act delegates it and the Village has dealt with this on other issues, including solar panels and PSE&G after Sandy.  There is case law that really identified the limited aspect of the authority of the municipality in situations like this and there are situations where there is a higher authority and the Village can’t break through it.  Even on the health impact, there may be articles on the frequencies and the level of frequencies, but it has never been recognized as an issue with regard to the placement of poles and the types of things that they put on them. 

 

Mayor Knudsen added that this ordinance protects the Village to the fullest extent possible.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

3. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - #3856 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Glenwood Road as a One-Way Street

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3856 by title on third reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3856 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-54 SCHEDULE III: “ONE-WAY STREETS”

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3856 was continued from the April 14, 2021 Public Meeting to this evening’s meeting.  The Public Hearing is now continued. 

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he spoke at the last public hearing about this ordinance and he believes it was carried because the Village Council believed it was going to receive additional information or help in trying to fight this.  They have said nothing about it tonight, so he wondered why they waited from the last time there was a public meeting to tonight’s meeting. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that she and Commissioner Hache are continuing to work with both the County and State officials, they have met with them and have another meeting scheduled to try and work on this.  They are voting on this ordinance tonight, because they have a standing order from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to make Glenwood Road a one-way street, and they don’t want to be in a position where the NJDOT comes in and shuts Glenwood Road down completely because the Village is not in compliance.  If the Village waits on this until the public meeting in June, she doesn’t want to be outside the window of opportunity and have somebody do something.  She is hopeful that it can be resolved at a later date. At the pre-construction meeting, it was stated that there is nothing they are doing that would prevent Glenwood Road from continuing as a two-way road, it’s just the standing order.  They are hoping that they can work through the details with the State and County.

 

Mr. Loving stated that his concern was that if the Village didn’t take any action the State was going to close Glenwood Road completely, so he was happy they were going to take some action to make Glenwood Road a one-way street, even if the intent is to reverse that action at a later date.  Mayor Knudsen agreed that the Village Council was going to adopt the ordinance to be in compliance, and then work from there.

 

There were no additional comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3856 be adopted on third reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

12. RESOLUTIONS

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-121 THROUGH 21-140, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 21-141, WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, stated that the Village Council honored the EMT tonight and then clearly defunded them.  They had nothing to prove other than showing what they thought was right via the appropriate labor studies and finance studies, and safety.  They care nothing about the residents’ needs and will carry the responsibility that the Village will very well suffer in a pandemic and beyond when the Fire Department cannot meet the needs of the community during the day.  She added that they all completely discounted the community service that the EMT does, and that will vanish.  The Village was lied to.  Mayor Knudsen called a point of order and asked that the comments be kept general.  Ms. Scarpa stated that the Fire Chief clearly indicated he may not be able to handle the calls and will have to rely on other towns.  The yes vote of the Village Council will cost taxpayers for years.  A disruption has been created throughout the community by Fire, EMT, and Police.  Their yes vote will result in more taxes, less Fire Responders, and less safety.  The lawsuits which may follow will also be the responsibility of the Village Council.  She added that the Village Council is not authorized to make these decisions without input from the Village residents, and she is furious.  She encouraged them to find a way to walk this decision back.

 

Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, asked if the Council could address what is the best way to get in touch with them.  She has come to public comment repeatedly, been honest, accessible, and has participated and earlier today she asked specifically why the slow walk on HealthBarn.  She is frustrated, because she feels that she has the right to be vocal and ask questions.  She asked how residents should communicate with Village Councilmembers, since she has gone to Village Council and subcommittee meetings, and has received no answers.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that the EMTs have been very vocal and she has attended all of the budget meetings.  She added that from the very beginning, the budget documents she requested were not provided.  She thinks it is incredibly important to understand that everyone needs to be looking at the same information.  Last year, the Open Space number was $291,000 and during the budget discussion, it increased to $350,000.  She added that they deserve an answer and a process to come and participate.

 

There were no additional comments from the Public and Mayor Knudsen closed public comment.  Ms. Mailander had one written comment to read.

 

James Norton, 133 North Pleasant Avenue, wrote that he has lived in the village for the past 33 years and during this time, the Village showed extraordinary support for the recreation of its citizens, both children and adults, encouraging all to take their health and wellbeing seriously.  With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village’s construction of the pickleball courts almost seems prophetic.  Based on the number of people playing last year and the tremendous enthusiasm of the players the Village would have been hard pressed to find a better use of its tax dollars in late 2019.  With the advent of warmer weather, he has been looking forward to playing in the evenings, but he finds there are major restrictions on the playing of pickleball.  He is limited to playing on weekends, adding that the number of play hours are significantly less than those of tennis, due to the restrictions enacted by the Village Council.  He compared player court disparity between tennis and pickleball, which are a direct result of the changes to the days and hours when pickleball is allowed, which were enacted by the Village Council. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that with regard to how to get in touch with the Village Council and the assertion that no one gets back, she responds to emails from residents.  Sometimes the information being requested or the sheer volume of emails, it is difficult to respond to all of them.  The assertion that Village Councilmembers don’t get back to residents is a little unfair, as she personally responds to emails, as well as she can. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that regarding the RFP for the Gate House at Habernickel Park, the Village Manager spoke last week and nobody is slow walking anything and she almost finds it offensive.  The fact that so many incorrectly call it the HealthBarn RFP, when it is the RFP for the Gate House at Habernickel Park, is difficult to understand. There is a due diligence in the process of preparing an RFP.  It is a legal document, and they want to make sure that it isn’t an invitation to one vendor, but rather a legitimate RFP open to all.

 

Mayor Knudsen added that prior to 2016, there were no transparency binders, adding that there is a whole process where the budget is discussed and information is shared.  It is also extremely difficult when people email all five Village Councilmembers and by “Replying All”, the Village Councilmembers may be engaging in a meeting, under the Open Public Meetings Act regulations.

 

14. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Ms. Mailander read Resolution #21-142 to go into Closed Session as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.         ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 10:35 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                                                                                                    Susan Knudsen                        

                                                                                                                       Mayor                        

 

 

 

 

 

_________________________________

              Heather A. Mailander

      Village Manager/Village Clerk

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 MAY 11, 2016 AT 8:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE – MOMENT OF  SILENCE             

Mayor Aronsohn called the meeting to order at 8:03 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call, the following were present:  Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon and Mayor Aronsohn.  Also present were Roberta Sonenfeld, Village Manager; Heather A. Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.   

Mayor Aronsohn led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Mayor Aronsohn then asked for a moment of silence to honor the men and women in the United States Armed Forces who protect and defend our freedom every day, as well as those serving as first responders. 

2.           ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on hand as of April 30, 2016, be accepted as submitted.  Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:              None

ABSTAIN:            None

3.           APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mayor Aronsohn moved that the minutes of April 6, April 13, and October 7, 2015 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

4.           PROCLAMATIONS

A. National Cancer Survivors Day

 

Councilman Pucciarelli read the following proclamation:

 

B. Emergency Medical Services Week

             

Councilwoman Knudsen read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.Proclaim May as Mental Health Month

             

Councilman Sedon read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.Proclaim May as Older Americans Month

 

Councilwoman Hauck read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.           SWEARING-IN OF FIRE LIEUTENANT JOHN YOUNG

John Young was sworn in as a Fire Lieutenant in the Ridgewood Fire Department by Mayor Aronsohn.  Fire Lieutenant Young’s wife and son held the Bible.

Mayor Aronsohn introduced a new business in the Village, D’Parz, which sells high fashion footwear.  The owner of the business said that she is happy to be opening her business in Ridgewood and invited everyone to come to her shop. 

6.           COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mayor Aronsohn announced that there would now be comments from the public.   Leigh Warren, 140 Washington Place, asked why bulk pickup is not done on Mondays.  She said that it makes sense, because this way, people can clean out their homes over a weekend and then they will be able to put their bulk refuse on the curb Sunday night, in time for a Monday morning pickup.  The regular garbage pickup schedule could be rearranged to allow for the bulk pickup on Mondays.  Ms. Warren asked that this change in pickup schedules be seriously considered.

Sally Brandes, 515 Stevens Avenue, congratulated the newly elected Village Councilmembers.  She noted that it was a record turnout for a Municipal Election, and she is glad that so many came out to vote. 

Changing the subject, Ms. Brandes asked about the developments which will be happening in the Central Business District (CBD) and she said that in other municipalities, they do studies to determine the impact of developments.  She said that sewer and water capacities should also be looked at during these studies.

Chris Lewer, Manager of Santoni’s Pizza located at 88 Godwin Avenue, said that he is opposed to the parking ban on Pomander Walk.  He indicated that that there is little parking in the lot where his restaurant it located and his business uses Pomander Walk for overflow parking.  He said that if Pomander Walk has no parking, then the parking will move to other streets, like Sherman Place.  Mr. Lewer said that the businesses lend a charm to Ridgewood, and this parking ban will be detrimental to his business.  He requested that there be a parking ban on only one side of the street, with a 2-hour limited parking on the other side of the street, because this is a great place for his customers to park. 

Mr. Lewer said that he works with the community by donating to the Ridgewood High School band; the Ridgewood Lacrosse, and they sponsor Little League teams.  He explained his business also donate to countless tricky tray events and provides services to the Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department. There are only fourteen parking spaces in the lot by his store.  Mr. Lewer said that he cares a lot about the kids in the Village and on Pomander Walk.  Mr. Lewer said that they tell their delivery drivers to drive with safety and caution.  Mr. Lewer said that he hopes to have a permanent solution to this problem, which will be fair to both the residents and to his business.

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that she is bringing up the fact that the security cameras in the Court Room should be improved.  On another matter, Ms. Loving said that she agrees that the Village should stop enforcing the ordinance which prohibits A-frame signs in the Central Business District.  Finally, Ms. Loving said that all parks in Ridgewood should allow dogs.  She pointed out that people usually leave more of a mess in parks than animals.

There were no further comments from the public.

Ms. Sonenfeld explained that the Water Pollution Control Facility and the Ridgewood Water capacities were analyzed in the multi-family impact studies, which covered much of the CBD. 

Ms. Sonenfeld said that she would look at changing bulk pickup to Mondays and report back to the Village Council.

Ms. Sonenfeld also addressed the improvements to the security cameras in the Court Room and explained that Sergeant Jay Chuck is putting together a proposal for security cameras throughout Village Hall.

7.           VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT

Ms. Sonenfeld reported that enforcement of the prohibition of A-frame signs in the CBD will be suspended until December 31, 2016.  She thanked Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, for preparing the resolution to allow this suspension of enforcement.  She briefly read the criteria for the A-frame signs which include:  height restrictions, amount of passage for pedestrians, and insurance requirements. 

Mayor Aronsohn stated that this is a great approach and great for the CBD.  Ms. Sonenfeld said that the status of the A-frame sign non-enforcement will be brought to the Village Council to discuss, beginning in October.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if the resolution addresses the colors of the A-frame signs, because she would not want to see neon colors.  She explained that from the Historic Preservation Commission’s standpoint would be that the A-frame signs should be a neutral color.  Councilman Pucciarelli indicated that he knows that the businesses have good taste so he does not believe that the color of the signs has to be taken into account.  He said that the resolution can be amended to include colors on the signs if necessary.  Councilwoman Hauck said that this will be a seven-month trial period, so she thought that the businesses should have A-frame signs of their choosing.  There are some restraints built into the resolution, but not too many.  Councilman Sedon agreed and stated that it is a trial period so the Village will be able to determine if the signs have objectionable colors or if there are other issues that need to be addressed.   Ms. Sonenfeld said that the Village has a Code Enforcement Officer, and if she finds something out of the ordinary with these A-frame signs during this trial period, she will let Ms. Sonenfeld know.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she is concerned, because a business may make an investment into an A-frame sign and it may be the wrong color. 

Ms. Sonenfeld next reported on paving and the fact that the Veterans Field walking track and the Graydon Pool parking lot were paved.  She said that there is currently a draft list of streets that will be paved this season, which has not yet been finalized.  Morningside Road will be paved and funded through a NJDOT grant.  The paving contract will be awarded at the June 8, 2016 Public Meeting. 

Ms. Sonenfeld reported that a customer satisfaction survey was done, through Survey Monkey, for Graydon Pool and there were 652 responses.  On the survey, customers were asked if they could be called about their responses, and 200 of those surveyed agreed that they could be called.  Ms. Sonenfeld invited Councilmembers to make some of those phone calls if they wished to do so.

Ms. Sonenfeld stated that Meet the Manager will be held on May 14^th from 9:00 a.m. to Noon; and Meet the Mayor will be held on May 21^st from 9:00 a.m. to Noon and they will be held in the Village Hall Court Room.

Upcoming Events – Ms. Sonenfeld reported on the following:  Ridgewood Sales Days will be held from May 12-14; Touch A Truck will be held on May 12^th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Van Neste Square; pre-season sales of Graydon Pool badges will take place at the badge office on May 14^th and May 21^st from 10:00 a.m. to Noon; Project Pride Day will be held on May 14^th at 9:00 a.m.  at Van Neste Square for the annual planting of flowers in the CBD; and there will be a household hazardous waste disposal collection on May 14^th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bergen County Campgaw Reservation in Mahwah.

8.           VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS

Fourth of July Committee - Councilwoman Knudsen said that the Fourth of July Committee is looking for volunteers for that day.

Historic Preservation Commission – Councilwoman Knudsen reported that the Historic Preservation Commission will meet tomorrow night.

Councilman Pucciarelli reported that he has no reports this evening.

Rabies Clinic – Councilwoman Hauck reported on the rabies clinic which took place recently.  She said this is a valuable service that is offered free to Ridgewood residents, in addition to free micro-chipping. She stated that over 100 inoculations were done, and she thanked Dawn Cetrulo, the Supervisor of the Health Department, and members of her staff for helping out at this annual event. 

Citizens Safety Advisory Committee - Councilman Sedon said that the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee meets on May 19^th.

Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee and Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Sedon reported that the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee and the Shade Tree Commission met yesterday and they spoke with a Forester, who will be hired as a consultant to assist the Village. 

Mayor Aronsohn said that he would also like to thank Jeff Ball, the founder of the Responsible Pet Owner Committee, who assisted at the rabies clinic.  Mayor Aronsohn also reported on the Bergen County Access for All exposition which will take place.

 

 

9.           2016 BUDGET HEARING

a.           Overview of 2016 Budget

Ms. Sonenfeld reported that last month, the Village Council introduced a $47.8 million budget, with a 1.6% tax increase, which is only the second tax increase in the last four years.  She said that this budget has the right balance, and it will maintain the same services for the residents. It also positions the Village strategically for the future.  The total appropriations for the budget are a $1.4 million increase, which is $59.30 tax increase for municipal taxes, for the average assessed home in the Village.  Ms. Sonenfeld explained that the library donation is flat to last year.  She indicated that this budget invests in services and in people. For example, in the Police Department, there will be a School Resource Officer in 2017 and the Building Department continues to be revitalized.  There will be staff development, through training, the Department of Public Works will be restructured, and a Qualified Purchasing Agent has been designated.  There are increases in the 2016 budget in the areas of health insurance and pension costs.  There has also been a decline in revenue, most notably in the Building Department and at Graydon Pool.  Ms. Sonenfeld said that out of a dollar bill, the Village’s portion of the tax dollar is 24.1%.

b.           Village Council’s Comments

Councilman Pucciarelli said that there was some reduction on the expense side, because there were large labor union settlements that had to be paid.  The Village has to deal with revenue reduction and increasing expenses. There will be additional hiring in some departments and restructuring of other departments. He noted that there will be not as much debt service to pay.  This budget also looked at the capital needs not just for the current Village Council but also for the future and for the next Village Council.  Councilman Pucciarelli concluded by stating that the two years of a zero percent tax increase was to get discipline and he believes in fiscal discipline.  Although this budget has a small tax increase, he is very proud of it.

Councilwoman Knudsen said that she would like to echo Councilman Pucciarelli’s comments, and she thanked all who worked on this budget.  She noted that the School Resource Officer will be a welcome addition.  She also pointed out that this is a minimal tax increase.

Councilwoman Hauck stated that she agrees with her colleagues, she works with departments, and she wants to see that every department is even in the amount of reduction or increase they receive.  She would like to give credit to the entire Village Council and Ms. Sonenfeld for not taking too much money from one department over another. 

Mayor Aronsohn indicated that this is a thoughtful budget and a responsible budget.  It provides for what is needed today as well as what is needed tomorrow.  He noted that technology is key, and the investment in people is critical.  Mayor Aronsohn said that he is very happy that the School Resource Officer will be in the schools in 2017. 

Councilman Pucciarelli explained that there was nothing automatic about this budget, and it was looked at line by line.  He further explained that the Village Council got to the final budget step by step.

c.           Public Hearing on 2016 Budget

Mayor Aronsohn asked the Village Clerk to read the title of the 2016 budget.

Ms. Mailander read the 2016 budget by title, as follows:

              2016 MUNICIPAL BUDGET OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY

              OF BERGEN, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2016

Mayor Aronsohn explained that the Public Hearing on the 2016 budget was now open.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that he met with Mr. Rooney concerning the water billing.  He explained that if a water bill is paid electronically, then a surcharge is added.  Mr. Loving wondered why there was a surcharge, since it is an electronic transfer of funds.  Mr. Rooney told Mr. Loving that there is a fix to the issue, but the budget had to be adopted.  Mr. Rooney stated that he indicated to Mr. Loving that the surcharge can be overcome once the budget has been approved. 

There were no further comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved, seconded by Councilman Pucciarelli that the Public Hearing on the 2016 budget be closed.

d.           Public Hearing – Ordinance 3530 – Establish a CAP Bank

Mayor Aronsohn moved the Clerk read Ordinance 3530 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened.  Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

The Clerk read Ordinance 3530 by title:

CALENDAR YEAR 2016 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET

APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45-14)

 

Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open.  There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3530 be closed.  Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3530 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

e.           RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS RELATING TO THE 2016 BUDGET, NUMBERED 16-114 THROUGH 16-115, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.         ORDINANCES

a.           Introduction - #3534 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Brookside Avenue Parking Restrictions

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3534.  Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3534 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD,

VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-67, SCHEDULE XVII “PARKING PROHIBITED

CERTAIN HOURS” AND SECTION 265-69, SCHEDULE XIX “TIME LIMIT PARKING”

 

Councilman Pucciarelli moved that Ordinance 3534 be adopted on first reading and that June 8, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

b.           Introduction - #3535 – Bond Ordinance – General Capital Ordinance ($4,519,975)

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3535.  Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3535 by title:

 

 

 

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY APPROPRIATING

$4,519,975 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $4,293,000 BONDS

OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Councilwoman Hauck moved that Ordinance 3535 be adopted on first reading and that June 8, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

c.           Introduction - #3536 – Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Capital ($4,655,000)

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3536.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3536 by title:

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS WATER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS

IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW

JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $4,655,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE

OF $4,655,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE

COST THEREOF

 

Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3536 be adopted on first reading and that June 8, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

Prior to the votes on Ordinance 3537 and Ordinance 3538, Councilwoman Knudsen said that she will be recusing herself from the votes on these two ordinances due to the fact that her sons are on the Civil Service Police Officer certification list.

d.           Introduction - #3537 – Police Department Salary Ordinance

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3537.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                   Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Sedon and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

RECUSE:              Councilwoman Knudsen

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3537 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO FIX SALARIES, WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION OF AND FOR

POLICE OFFICERS AND POLICE SUPERIOR OFFICERS OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD,

COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

Councilwoman Hauck moved that Ordinance 3537 be adopted on first reading and that June 8, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                   Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Sedon and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

RECUSE:              Councilwoman Knudsen

e.           Introduction - #3538 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Police Officer Fees on Outside Jobs

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3538.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                  Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Sedon and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

RECUSE:              Councilwoman Knudsen

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3538 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTON 145-4 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF

RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “DEPARTMENTAL FEES” AS IT PERTAIN TO THE

DEPARTMENTS OF FIRE AND POLICE

 

Councilwoman Hauck moved that Ordinance 3538 be adopted on first reading and that June 8, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                  Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Sedon and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

RECUSE:              Councilwoman Knudsen

f.            Introduction - #3539 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Pomander Walk Parking Restrictions and U-Turn Prohibition

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3539.  Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3539 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD,

VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-55, SCHEDULE V “U TURN PROHIBITIONS” AND

SECTION 265-67, SCHEDULE XVII “PARKING PROHIBITED CERTAIN HOURS” AND SECTION

265-69, SCHEDULE XIX “TIME LIMIT PARKING”

 

Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3539 be adopted on first reading and that June 8, 2016, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

 

g.           Public Hearing - #3528 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Significant Sewer Discharge Fees

Mayor Aronsohn moved the Clerk read Ordinance 3528 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

The Clerk read Ordinance 3528 by title:

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”

 

Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3528 be closed.  Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                   Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             Councilman Sedon

ABSTAIN:            None

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3528 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

h.           Public Hearing - #3529 – Establish Position of Qualified Purchasing Agent

 

Mayor Aronsohn moved the Clerk read Ordinance 3529 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

The Clerk read Ordinance 3529 by title:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY

OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO ESTABLISH THE POSITION OF QUALIFIED

PURCHASING AGENT

 

Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3529 be closed.  Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3529 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

i.            Public Hearing - #3531 – Bond Ordinance – Cleaning of Anaerobic Digesters at Water Pollution      Control Facility ($495,000)

 

Mayor Aronsohn moved the Clerk read Ordinance 3531 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

The Clerk read Ordinance 3531 by title:

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CLEANING OF THE ANAEROBIC DIGESTERS

AT THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF

RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $495,000

THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $470,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE

VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open.  There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3531 be closed.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.  

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

Councilman Pucciarelli moved that ordinance 3531 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

j.            Public Hearing - #3532 – Establish Guidelines for Audio/Video Recording of Public Meetings

  

Mayor Aronsohn moved the Clerk read Ordinance 3532 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

The Clerk read Ordinance 3532 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD,

AT SECTION 3-20 ENTITLED, “DECORUM”, TO REGULATE THE MAKING OF VIDEO AND/OR

AUDIO TAPE RECORDINGS AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

 

Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open.  Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that Section G of the ordinance and wondered why a still camera would not have to be announced, because he thinks it is the same as a video camera.  Also in Section G., Mr. Loving stated that if he posts the audio or video recording on his website and he posts a disclaimer that it is not the official record of the Village of Ridgewood, then others can still use the audio or video recording and not post the disclaimer.  Mr. Loving said that a private website is not defined in the ordinance, and he noted that all websites are public. Mr. Loving understands that the disclaimer should say that if it is on any website other than the Village website, then the disclaimer should be there.  However, this is not easy to enforce and he also said that the content can be changed when it is taken from one website and put onto another website. 

Councilman Pucciarelli stated that in regard to still camera shots vs. video/audio recording, he believes that the recordings are more important to regulate.  Councilman Pucciarelli stated that he is not concerned with enforcement because he believes that most people will obey an ordinance. 

Mr. Rogers indicated that he also does not see a problem with enforcement because most people will follow the ordinance. Mr. Rogers said that the ordinance could be amended to read in Section G, “If the recording by a private individual is to be utilized on a website other than the Village of Ridgewood website, a disclaimer must appear at the beginning of the broadcast that reads: ‘This video/audio tape recording of the (______) public meeting is not the official record of the Village of Ridgewood.’ ”   The Village Council agreed with this amendment to the ordinance. 

Councilwoman Knudsen said that she does not think that the Village should regulate a video of an event that is put onto Facebook. 

Councilwoman Hauck stated that she would like to tell the public to respect those in a meeting if the meeting is being audio or video recorded, because this will encourage transparency.

There were no further comments from the public and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3532 be closed.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

Councilman Pucciarelli moved that ordinance 3532 be amended in Section G, as stated by Mr. Rogers.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                   Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Sedon and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:                  Councilwoman Knudsen

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

Councilman Pucciarelli moved that ordinance 3532, as amended, be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

 

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:                  Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, Sedon and Mayor Aronsohn

NAYS:                  Councilwoman Knudsen

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

k.           Public Hearing - #3533 – Establish Ridgewood Community Action Network

 

Mayor Aronsohn moved the Clerk read Ordinance 3533 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

The Clerk read Ordinance 3533 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE THE RIDGEWOOD COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK –

A VILLAGE ORGANIZATION TO ADDRESS DISABILITY/SPECIAL NEEDS-RELATED

ISSUES

 

Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open.  There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing on Ordinance 3533 be closed.  Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion. 

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3533 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:                  None

ABSENT:             None

ABSTAIN:            None

 

11.         RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 16-116 THROUGH 16-140 WERE CONSIDERED ON A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 16-141, WAS READ IN FULL BY THE VILLAGE CLERK AS FOLLOWS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mayor Aronsohn announced that there would now be comments from the public.  Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that most of the election signs are gone.  He emphasized that there must be an ordinance in place pertaining to the regulations for election signs, prior to the November Presidential election. He encouraged the new Village Council to get this ordinance adopted quickly.

Councilman Pucciarelli stated that the places where the election signs were placed were legal.  He agreed that there needs to be clarity.  He would recommend that no election signs should be allowed in the CBD.

Councilwoman Knudsen agreed that there have to be guidelines, because there cannot be a repeat of this past Municipal Election, where the election signs were all over the CBD.  Councilman Sedon agreed, and stated that it seems to him that it will be a simple amendment to prohibit election signs in flower pots and tree wells in the CBD.  Mr. Rogers pointed out that it is a constitutional issue, so he will advise the new Village Council as to how far they can go in regulating the election signs. 

13.         RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

The following resolution, numbered 16-142, to go into Closed Session, was read in full by the Village Clerk, as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.         ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Hauck, seconded by Councilman Pucciarelli, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 P.M. 

 

                            

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 _________________________________                                                                                                                                      Paul S. Aronsohn                                                                                                                                                                      Mayor

 

 

 

_________________________________                                                                                                                                 Heather A. Mailander                                                                                                                                                           Village Clerk

 

 

 

A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD VIA ZOOM TELECONFERENCING DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ON APRIL 15, 2020 AT 8:00 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Hache called the meeting to order at 8:01 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. 

 

Mayor Hache led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as in a Moment of Silence to honor the brave men and women serving in our armed forces and all our first responders.

 

2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

 

Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of March 31, 2020, be accepted as submitted.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Mayor Hache moved the Village Council minutes of September 4, 2019, February 19, 2020 and March 11, 2020 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS

 

1. PROCLAIM APRIL AS TREE PLANTING MONTH AND APRIL 24, 2020 AS ARBOR DAY

 

Councilman Sedon read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. PROCLAIM MAY 3-9, 2020 NATIONAL DRINKING WATER WEEK

 

Councilwoman Knudsen read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. PROCLAIM MAY AS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH

 

Councilman Voigt read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. PROCLAIM MAY AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

 

Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Lorraine Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Avenue, stated that she wanted to thank everyone on the Village Council, the Village Manager, and the Village Staff during this COVID-19 crisis as everyone has been incredible and stepped up to the plate.  She thanked the yard waste and recycling crews, as there has been a dramatic increase in the garbage that is being picked up.  Yard waste pickup is in her area tomorrow and there is an unbelievable amount on the curb and she appreciates what the crews will be going through tomorrow.  She gave a shout out to the Village residents who have done a great job doing their part, as everyone is really pitching in and doing a great job and it shows what a wonderful community we have.

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that the Village Manager might consider opening the Recycling Center sooner rather than later, because of the amount of yard waste accumulating on the sidewalks.  Secondly, he wanted to thank Bob Rooney for telling him where he could find the budget through his iPad.  He downloaded the budget and he might as well be reading Chinese poetry, as the budget is entirely unreadable, and they owe it to the public to put it into a form that is more readable for residents.  Mr. Halaby asked if Councilwoman Knudsen would be recusing herself from voting on the budget considering she has three children who are on the payroll.  He thinks it is a conflict of interest, and to do the right thing she should recuse herself.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there was one email for public comments that came in by 4:00 P.M. today from Barbara Russo of 822 Parsons Road.  She wrote concerning landscapers and explained that the State of Michigan banned landscapers from working and wondered why the Village would continue to allow it.  Ms. Mailander explained that the reason is that the Governor’s Executive Order qualifies landscapers as an essential business.  Ms. Russo then asked if there was any way that the Mayor can restrict or regulate that masks and gloves must be worn during the use of leaf blowers.  This restriction would not include commercial property or government-owned property.  Ms. Mailander stated that the Village couldn’t make anything more restrictive than the Governor’s order.  She added that Ms. Russo did ask that the Village Council be made aware of her concerns and that she does understand that the Village has no jurisdiction.

 

There were no additional public comments, and Mayor Hache closed public comment.

 

Mayor Hache stated that the Recycling Center was reopened on Monday, at Graydon Pool parking lot as there were some lessons learned in other towns, as the volume of garbage and recycling has nearly doubled.  In other municipalities, when the Recycling Centers opened, it created traffic and a lot of confusion, and crowding didn’t allow for social distancing not only between residents but also with staff.  They wanted to provide adequate space for everyone entering and exiting.  He is not sure yet when they will be returning to the usual location.  Ms. Mailander added that they would continue to monitor it and take the advice of the Supervisors and Directors and let residents know when the Recycling Center will reopen at its usual location.

 

Councilwoman Knudsen thanked Mr. Halaby for reminding her that she has sons on the front lines of the Police Department and one in the Fire Department.  She asked Mr. Rogers to comment on Mr. Halaby’s comment.  Mr. Rogers stated that they had looked at this before and statements have been made in the Public Record.  They checked with the local Finance Board when this situation developed several years ago, and there was no problem with Councilwoman Knudsen voting on budget matters that affect Police and Fire.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that every member of the Village Council is a taxpaying resident of the Village of Ridgewood, therefore, each of them would, under the theory that is raised here, have a conflict with the budget.

 

6. MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Ms. Mailander stated that all Offices and Departments are still closed to the public, however, staff has returned in every Department and Office.  Phone calls will be returned during business hours, Monday through Thursday.  On Friday, they are not in the office; however, they are continuing to review and respond to voice messages and emails.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that garbage pickup will remain curbside until further notice.  She asked that residents remember to put it into a garbage can so that it can prevent the access to it by animals, keep the streets clean, and protect employees. Curbside recycling pickup will continue as scheduled; bulk refuse pickup has resumed this week; and yard waste pickup has begun.  There is a lot of yard waste collection, so if yard waste is not picked up on the day it is supposed to be, leave it out to be picked up the following day.  The Recycling Center is operating at its alternate location in the Graydon Pool parking lot from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  It is closed Wednesday and Sunday.  You will need an ID showing that you are a Ridgewood resident.  Ms. Mailander asked that you enter from North Maple Avenue and then once you are at the lot, make sure that the items are in your trunk, open your trunk and the employees will take it out for you.  Once they are done, please drive away.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that all meters in the Central Business District are free until further notice and she asked that motorists only park in legal spots.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that all flags in the Village are flown at half-staff indefinitely by order of the Governor to honor all that have died from Coronavirus and to have a constant visible memorial while this pandemic is in effect.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that quarterly tax payments are due May 1^st, but there will be no interest charged if the tax is paid in full prior to August 1, 2020.  If it is paid August 1^st or later, interest will be charged back to May 1^st.  There are various non-contact ways to pay, as referenced in the April 13^th E-notice, which is also being posted on the homepage of the website in the COVID-19 section.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that census forms will be in the mail this week for those who haven’t responded on a computer or electronic device.  The Village’s goal is 100% participation, so they are hoping more residents will fill out the paper copy.  The census has been extended into the Fall; however they would like to get as close to a complete count as soon as possible.

 

Ms. Mailander reminded residents that the Ridgewood Board of Education election and the Village Council election have been combined into one, on May 12^th and it will be vote by mail-in ballot only.  The mail-in ballots will be mailed to voters sometime on or before April 24^th.  They must be postmarked by May 12^th, the date of the election, and received at the County by May 14^th.  She asked that residents vote their ballot as soon as possible, so it will get back in time and their vote will count.  The envelope for the vote by mail is postage paid.  The final Voter Registration day for the May 12^th election is April 21^st, and Voter Registration forms must be at the Bergen County Superintendent of Elections Office by that date.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that County Committee elections have been postponed to June 2021.  The Primary Election has been changed from June 2^nd to July 7^th.

 

Upcoming Village Council meetings include April 22^nd Work Session, May 6^th Work Session, May 13^th Public Meeting, and May 27^th Work Session.  These are all found in the Village calendar.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there are various cancelations of events, including the Holocaust Memorial Service scheduled for April 20^th, and Shred Day scheduled for April 25^th.  The Memorial Day Run has been rescheduled to Labor Day.

 

Ms. Mailander asked residents to check the Village website at the top of the homepage, where it says COVID-19 as it gives all sorts of information about anything that has changed or things that have been canceled due to the pandemic. 

 

7. COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Central Business District – Councilwoman Walsh reminded everyone that there are many restaurants open downtown and the Chamber of Commerce and Ridgewood Guild would like to remind everyone that you can order by phone or on your apps to get takeout within the CBD to help keep some of the restaurants alive during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Ridgewood Library – Councilwoman Walsh stated that a Ridgewood library card can be used to access BCCLS and there is a lot of information on the Ridgewood Library website.

 

COVID-19 – Councilman Voigt stated that he was encouraged to see a flattening of the curve, especially in Ridgewood, as it relates to number of new cases, as over the past five or six days there appears to be a reduction of the number of new cases.  This is encouraging, and demonstrates that everyone is doing what they need to do, from a social distancing standpoint.  He added that the Village seems to be ahead of the curve as it relates to Bergen County, so things are going well in Ridgewood.

 

Mayor Hache stated that every day, the Village Council gets a complete briefing from the Health Department, Police, Fire, EMS, and OEM.  There is a tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes and coordination that involves everybody. The I.T. Department has been working around the clock to get information out to the public, and he wanted to thank everyone for all of their hard work, as he was very appreciative of the work from staff and all of their efforts.  He added that he was thankful to the volunteers, as Ridgewood is a community that’s very strong when residents gather as a community, during challenging times.  Mayor Hache said that Feed the Frontlines, which collects donations to provide meals to First Responders and Healthcare workers, has people jumping in to help with the residents displaced by the fire at Bagelicious, West Bergen Mental Healthcare, Ridgecrest, SHARE, and Social Services. In addition, there is an overwhelming amount of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) donations from different resident groups.  There are even some high school kids doing fundraisers.  Mayor Hache asked that everyone keep the first responders, healthcare workers, and essential employees including sanitation, supermarket workers, mail carriers, people who have to be out there and put themselves at risk every day, just doing their job, in their prayers and thoughts, to keep them safe.

 

Mayor Hache added that there is a lot of information as the Village Manager was going through, and the information changes quite a bit and they do their best to post all of the communication out there.  For anyone interested in volunteer opportunities, they have the Volunteer Community Board posted on the website with all of the contacts for the different volunteer opportunities.  Adding to Councilman Voigt’s comments, it is encouraging to see a flattening of the curve and in the midst of the bad news and terrible data, to start to see a light at the end of the tunnel is encouraging for all of us.  Mayor Hache added that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacted a heavy toll in our community and in our hearts, and just over the last seven days we have lost 14 Ridgewood residents.  He asked everyone to join him in a brief moment of silence in their memory.  Gene Thomas was a beloved performer and Quentin Wiest Senior was our oldest Ridgewood resident, at 107 years of age, and they both recently passed away due to COVID-19.

 

8. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE #3784 – Establish a CAP Bank

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3784 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3784 by title:

 

CALENDAR YEAR 2020 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)

 

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3784 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

9. 2020 Budget Hearing

 

1. Overview of 2020 Budget

 

Robert Rooney, Village Chief Financial Officer, stated that in mid-March they introduced and advertised the budget in accordance with the law and tonight is the Public Hearing on the adoption of the budget.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that operating and capital budgets are proposed at $50.9 million.  The Village Council has already considered the general capital budget amount of approximately $8.6 million this year.  The municipal tax increase is estimated to be 2.22% which is an $85 annual municipal tax increase on the average assessed home value of $701,977.  Debt for the current year is anticipated to be below $1.5 million from last year.  Mr. Rooney displayed the various tax rates going back to 2007.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that 2020 goals are having the tree inventory performed, for which a grant has been obtained and will allow the Village to apply for shade tree grants in the future; the continuation of the renovation of Kings Pond Park with the planting of trees and establishing stone dust walking paths; establishing fees and permits for use of public spaces by non-profit groups; negotiations with the Fire Department, Blue Collar, White Collar, and Supervisory unions.  Public safety vehicles and equipment will be replaced; running a healthy lifestyles program through Ridgewood Recreation, in conjunction with Healthbarn and other providers, for young adults ages 17 to 24 with disabilities; Ridgewood High School and Somerville tennis courts will be resurfaced; acoustical panels will be installed and new balls will be required at the Glen School pickleball courts, in order to reduce the noise for the surrounding neighbors; and the final phase of the Zabriskie-Schedler House should near completion by the end of the year.

 

Ms. Mailander explained that additional 2020 goals are educating residents about what can and cannot be recycled through promotional materials and the use of the Recycle Coach app, which will result in quality recycling, reducing costs for the Village; seeking options for the collection of recyclables, which can help with the costs associated with the reversal of the market where the Village is now paying instead of receiving revenue; starting a food waste disposal pilot program to seek data on reducing tonnage in the solid waste stream; and creating an energy source,  possibly for an outside vendor.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that for Ridgewood Water, they are going to drill two additional replacement wells and rehabilitate several others; restructuring in the Water Department customer service and public relations to improve the front line of the utility; launching a new website and new customer portals so that customers can look up their account data and improve communication with customers; complete a feasibility study for the activation and treatment at various wells; continue to work on public policy with Ridgewood Water and the public policy person to establish a water coalition of small to medium sized water utilities.  This will give this group a larger voice in challenging the water regulations, so that all can be positioned to comply.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village is going to move forward with the use of credit cards in more Village Departments; have Departmental audits performed by the Village Auditor; and create a mapping of the I.T. and fiber networks throughout the Village.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that challenges include: the effects of COVID-19 as the Village has spent a lot of money (there is supposed to be FEMA reimbursement, so staff is in the process of putting some of those costs together); negotiations for Fire Department, Blue Collar, White Collar, and Supervisory Union Contracts; defensive tax appeals, appraisal costs, court settlements; State influence on fees such as in Building and Municipal Court where the Village hasn’t received as much revenue, because the State has changed what the regulations are; Police overtime; stabilizing the infrastructure; and one-time revenues.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that in Ridgewood Water the challenges are weather conditions; stabilizing the infrastructure; and compliance with new EPA water quality regulations.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that opportunities include expansion of technology platform; new tax ratables due to development of the multi-family housing; and availability of fund surpluses.

 

Mr. Rooney displayed a slide that represents the municipal revenues that are anticipated during the year 2020.  He stated that the most significant part of revenues come from property taxes, the second largest is local revenues, and the third is from surplus.  Mr. Rooney showed the comparison of spending and revenues compared to the prior year.  Total appropriations and surplus anticipated are slightly above last year; miscellaneous revenues are down about $800,000; receipts from delinquent taxes are stable; and the amount to be raised by taxation shows the increased amount to balance the budget.  The municipal tax increase on the average assessed home in 2020 is $85.

 

Mr. Rooney displayed a slide that showed the distribution of the appropriations as they are currently structured.  The largest is Public Safety at $13.7 million; statutory expenditures which consists of social security and pensions; and the third is debt structures.  As in prior years, they showed the components breakdown of a dollar bill where the Village and Library represents 23.35%; the School is 65.25%; and the County which hasn’t been released yet, but he is anticipating a 2% increase to be consistent, would be 11.4%. 

 

2. Village Council’s Comments

 

Councilman Voigt had some questions as it relates to some of the goals for 2020.  He asked if they might consider applying for a grant for the widening of Glenwood Road, or if that might be considered in the works.  He added that the other concern is bolstering the Village Health Department, specifically as it relates to active monitoring and contact tracing for COVID-19 cases.  He stated that he didn’t know if they have enough staff because an important component to ensure that those people who are either positive COVID-19 cases or in contact with positive cases, to be kept isolated as much as possible, which will be critical, as the Village reopens for business.  Councilman Voigt asked if this could be reimbursed by FEMA funds.  Mr. Rooney stated that any expenses that are related to COVID-19 would be eligible for FEMA reimbursement. 

 

Councilman Voigt asked about miscellaneous revenues and if the Parking Utility was included in that.  Mr. Rooney stated that the Parking was all by itself.  Councilman Voigt asked where the Parking Utility is, in the revenue stream.  Mr. Rooney stated that for the vote tonight, the Village Council is only required by law to vote on the taxation.  In the budget that was presented back in March, and also the one that was advertised, it shows the sections of the budget for the Water Utility and the Parking Utility, but they are not part of the vote tonight.

 

Councilman Sedon echoed Councilman Voigt, and thanked the Village Manager and CFO, and all the employees.  He hoped that everyone was looking out for the added costs and challenges of this current crisis and what it is going to mean for next year’s budget and going forward.  Councilwoman Knudsen echoed the thanks, and stated that she agrees with Councilman Voigt about the robust Health Department that we are finding necessary these days, and she knows that the school nurses have been “leaning in” to provide extra staffing, to help with contact tracing.  She thinks they are quite fortunate to have that available, but other than that she is comfortable and appreciated the budget presentation.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that the Recycle Coach app is wonderful and so easy to use.

 

Councilwoman Walsh added that she knows this has been a really challenging time for everyone and there probably will be some changes that they will have to make to different Departments going forward, as Ridgewood comes out of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The best part of this budget is that it is fair and it is running lean, and the Village was really prepared, even though no one had an idea this would occur.  Mayor Hache echoed the thanks, adding that the budget process is never easy, and they deal with the initial ask from the Departments and whittle that down into something that’s rigorous and following that discipline gets them to a point where even in light of the current crisis, they are able to move forward.  Ms. Mailander thanked Mr. Rooney and Mr. Sanzari, as well as the Department Directors and Village Council who worked to get this budget in place, which was a challenge during this time.

 

3. Public Hearing on 2020 Budget

 

Mayor Hache asked the Village Clerk to read the title of the 2020 Budget.

The Village Clerk read the 2020 Budget by title:

 

THE 2020 BUDGET OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

 

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. 

 

Ms. Mailander stated that she had one email, from Steve Olson, 505 Knollwood Road, who stated that the budget listed as a challenge the defense of tax appeals and appraisal costs.  This statement seems to imply that the problem is the tax appeals, and Mr. Olson wondered if the facts would indicate the problem is the current assessments, especially homes with higher assessments.  If the facts indicate that the Village has been unsuccessful in defending the assessments of higher priced homes, it is time for the Village Council to more properly address the problem.  The solution is not to defend the current assessments, but instead consider a reassessment, or a limited reassessment, to bring greater fairness to the sharing of the tax burden.  Mr. Olson stated that to continue to defend inaccurate assessed values is not only an imprudent use of limited resources, but also takes advantage of residents who are not proactively filing appeals.

 

Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, stated that she read the budget and was looking for a line item regarding the planting of trees and because she didn’t see a line item for it, she asked if it was folded in with something else.  Mr. Rooney stated that they appropriated money in the capital budget and it doesn’t appear as a separate line item.  If there is any share in the operating budget, it’s part of the Parks and Recreation budget.  He confirmed that $110,000 has been appropriated for purchasing trees in 2020.

 

There were no additional comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing on the 2020 Budget be closed.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

10. 2020 BUDGET RESOLUTIONS

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-98 AND 20-99, WERE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before voting on Resolution 20-99, Councilman Voigt stated that he was alright with the capital side of the budget, but he was a little concerned with the operational side and the tax increase, so his vote was no.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

1. INTRODUCTION - #3797 – Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Capital

 

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3797.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3797 by title:

 

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS WATER UTLITY IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $4,822,800 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $4,638,900 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3797 be adopted on first reading and that May 13, 2020 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion. 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

2. PUBLIC HEARING - #3786 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Water Volume Rates

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3786 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3786 by title:

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”

 

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3786 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

3. PUBLIC HEARING - #3787 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Water Utility Fees

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3787 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3787 by title:

 

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”

 

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3787 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

4. PUBLIC HEARING - #3788 – Amend Chapter 269 – Water – Water Service Connections

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3788 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3788 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 269 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, WATER, AT SECTION 269-36.1, “WATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS”

 

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3788 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

5. PUBLIC HEARING - #3795 – Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Capital

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3795 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3795 by title:

 

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS WATER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $6,780,800 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $6,442,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3795 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

 

Before placing his vote, Councilman Voigt stated that he was concerned about the Elks Club and it being included in this capital appropriation and he is concerned that they are spending too much money on the Elks Club, so his vote was no.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            Councilmembers Voigt and Walsh

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

12. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-100 THROUGH 20-105, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. ORDINANCES

 

1. INTRODUCTION – NONE

 

2. PUBLIC HEARING - #3793 – Amend Vehicles and Traffic – 15-minute Parking Spaces – Various Locations

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3793 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3793 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-29, “PARKING METER ZONE DESIGNATED” AND SECTION 265-69, “TIME LIMIT PARKING”

 

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilman Voigt moved that ordinance 3793 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

 

 

3. PUBLIC HEARING - #3794 – Amend Single Use Plastic Bag Ordinance

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3794 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3794 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 240A OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION” AT SECTION 240A-3 ENTITLED “ALLOWING REUSABLE AND RECYCLABLE PAPER CARRY OUT BAGS: FEES, AND AT SECTION 240A – 7 ENTITLED “ENFORCEMENT”

 

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3794 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

4. PUBLIC HEARING - #3796 – Bond Ordinance – Permanent Lighting for Maple Park Field

 

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3796 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3796 by title:

 

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE INSTALLATION OF FIELD LIGHTING AT MAPLE PARK AND RELATED PERMITS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $447,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $153,500 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was opened. 

 

Walter Cox, 279 Bellair Road, stated that he was a Board Member with the Maroons Soccer Club and wanted to reinforce their support of the Maple Park Field Lighting Project.  He added that it was discussed at the most recent meeting and despite the COVID-19 situation, they are still committed to providing the money they set aside.  He added that they are looking forward to progressing.

 

There were no additional comments from the public and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3796 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

 

 

 

14. RESOLUTIONS

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 20-106 THROUGH 20-116, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he is a 50 year resident and for the record, few people in Ridgewood are as supportive of the Police and Fire Departments as he is.  To compare the voting of Councilwoman Knudsen, who has children on the payroll, with other Councilmembers voting on the budget as taxpayers, is creative to the point of making President Trump blush.  He added it was the type of insult that the Village Council should stop throwing at residents. Mr. Halaby stated that he didn’t know what level of government Mr. Rogers went to, but there is a perceived conflict that should be addressed.  He raised the question of the website as it needs to be updated.  He is a fan of Mr. Hansen, the I.T. Director, but he isn’t the person to improve the website, and they need an outside person to provide professional help.  He asked that the Village gets this done, as they have been speaking about it for two years.

 

Mr. Halaby added that at the last meeting he attended, he thought he understood Mr. Rooney saying something about the possibility of the Village facing a liquidity wall, if a series of events took place, and what is happening with the economy, he can imagine some bad things happening.  He asked what steps the Village Council is taking as a result.

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, thanked the Village Council for deploying a method for public comments that involve phone calls coming in, as that method afforded people who don’t even have computer to provide public comments.  Earlier this week, the Board of Education had a meeting and restricted public comments to those that were submitted via email only, which cut off a number of taxpayers who don’t have access to computers.  He added that he thinks the phone calls worked well and he wanted to congratulate the Village Council for running a successful meeting, with the phone-in comments as the way to receive public comments. 

 

There were no additional comments from the public.  Mayor Hache closed public comment.

 

Mayor Hache asked Mr. Rooney about the comments from Mr. Halaby, and the brick wall that the Village could hit financially.  He asked if Mr. Rooney could provide the steps and provisions that the Village was taking to prevent this.  Mr. Rooney stated that they have gone through the process of looking at cash flows in all of the funds collectively.  The shortfall he was talking about was in the general fund, and they are looking at worst case scenario in tax collections and this pandemic, and came up with a shortfall in June.  When you factor in the other funds, that shortfall can be mitigated right now, so they are in better shape.  He has been in touch with Bond Counsel about looking at the cash flows through April, to see what happens with tax collections, and if they think they will be in trouble for May, the Bond Counsel will move forward with Tax Anticipation Notes which will get the Village over any financial humps, through the summer.  Right now they are looking okay, and are keeping an eye on this every day, as tax collections start coming in.

 

Mayor Hache asked residents to continue the support and understanding for each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Village residents are all in this together.

 

 

 

 

16.         ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilman Voigt, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:19 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                                                                                                      Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                         

Mayor                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________________________

              Heather A. Mailander

      Village Manager/Village Clerk

A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD VIA ZOOM, DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ON APRIL 14, 2021 AT 8:00 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  Deputy Mayor Sedon read a required announcement regarding the remote meeting format.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. 

 

Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, as well as in a Moment of Silence for our service men and women, all of our First Responders, and all victims of hate crimes.

 

2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

 

Mayor Knudsen moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, as Statement of Funds on Hand as of March 31, 2021, be accepted as submitted.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Before voting, Councilwoman Perron stated that she understood it could be the Village Council’s bills from February 2021 and the check register from the month of March 2021, the Village, Water Utility, and Parking Utility.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Mayor Knudsen moved that the Village Council minutes of February 10, and March 10, 2021 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS

 

1. PROCLAIM APRIL AS TREE PLANTING MONTH AND APRIL 30, 2021 AS ARBOR DAY

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. PROCLAIM APRIL 1-30, 2021 DISTRACTED DRIVING CRACKDOWN CAMPAIGN

 

Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. PROCLAIM MAY 2-8, 2021 NATIONAL DRINKING WATER WEEK

 

Councilwoman Perron read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. PROCLAIM MAY AS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH

 

Councilwoman Reynolds read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. PROCLAIM MAY AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

 

Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Before Public Comment began, Mayor Knudsen stated that the Village Council met at 6:50 P.M. and at that time discussed the RFP for the Gate House at Habernickel Park.  The RFP will be issued in very short order, within the next few weeks.

 

Erin Taddei, 419 Bogert Avenue, stated that she was happy to see that the Village Council is officially discussing adopting a Social Media Policy as per the agenda.  In her opinion, it has been a very long time coming.  Having been cyber bullied and victimized by a sitting Planning Board member in September of 2019, this issue is very personal to her.  She is especially appreciative of Councilwoman Perron who was kind enough to drop off a copy to her home a few weeks ago.  In fact, she would like to take this opportunity to express her sincere gratitude to her, because she strongly feels that Councilwoman Perron has been at the helm of pushing this initiative. 

 

Unfortunately, she can’t say she has the same confidence in other sitting members of the Village Council because they chose to allow this person serving on the Planning Board to keep their position and she can’t help but feel that certain Councilmembers were culpable in this unfortunate situation.  Instead of sending a message that hate has no place in our Village, they sent a message that cyberbullying and threats to innocent residents will be tolerated and condoned.  Ms. Taddei stated that while she thinks a social media policy is a step in the right direction, she certainly hopes that going forward, if a person who represents the Village in any capacity cyberbullies anyone, they should be immediately relieved of their position.  Comments about a resident’s appearance or threats to their physical wellbeing should be cause for immediate termination.  Vulgar and classless language, while not the legal definition of cyberbullying, should at the very least not be tolerated.

 

Ms. Taddei stated that while it is unfortunate that certain members of the Village Council voted to allow this person to retain her position, she is hopeful that due to adopting this new social media policy, no one else will be forced to be victimized twice.  First by the person who did this and secondly by the Village Council who chose to allow her to retain her position.  She strongly encouraged the Village Council to carefully vet any residents who wish to serve the Village in any capacity.  She would also like to suggest that as an entity, they have a conversation with the Planning Board about making better choices going forward.  As a matter of fact, she recently saw the same member of the Planning Board engage in a discussion about offering to provide a resident’s personal information with whom they had a problem.

 

Ms. Taddei thanked Councilwoman Perron and encouraged all involved to make kinder choices going forward.  She sincerely hopes that this is the beginning of a zero tolerance policy for bullying in any capacity.  She added that she fully hopes that should this happen again the Village Council will not choose to further victimize the person who has been bullied by immediately removing the person from their position.

 

Eleanor Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, stated that she understands the Village Council is considering removing the Open Space Tax in Ridgewood.  This is a false economy.  Without the tax, which amounts to $34 a year for the average homeowner, the Village will no longer be eligible for any funding from the County or the State for open space.  Without this tax, the Village wouldn’t have been able to purchase Habernickel, or enlarge the North Monroe playing field, or to purchase the Schedler property.  There are other possible acquisitions in Ridgewood, even though the Village is considered almost fully built.  There are properties listed in a wish list from the original Open Space Committee from 2002, on.  The Village never knows when a piece of property becomes available.  The Village needs open space, and more green space in Ridgewood.  She urged them to keep the Open Space Tax, as it is the smallest tax on the tax bill.

 

Ms. Gruber stated that the open space funds must be available so that the Village can apply for grants from the State and County.  Deputy Mayor Sedon just read a lovely Proclamation about the need for trees.  Trees thrive in open space and she really urged the Village Council that there are other ways to cut costs.  She asked them to keep that tax in.  It was approved by 80% of the Village when it went in, it is so little money and the value is so big.  If the Village didn’t have that tax, Habernickel would be filled with homes and she thinks no one would be happy about that.

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he agrees with Ms. Gruber’s comments 100%.  Regarding the budget, it is imperative that Bob Rooney holds two or three town hall meetings that are heavily advertised to Village residents.  This is a highly complex budget in trying times, and the public is entitled to know what is going on.  There is nothing transparent about the budget process.  Plus, we have the added complication that the Mayor with sons, at this point Mayor Knudsen called a Point of Order.  Mr. Halaby was insistent that he not be interrupted, he said there was a mystery member of the Village Council with sons in the Police Department and the Fire Department who does not recuse themselves from budget considerations.

 

Mr. Halaby stated that regarding Schedler, he continues to be confused about what is going on.  At this point, Mr. Halaby was muted after multiple calls for decorum from the Mayor.

 

Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, stated that there are two budget proposals on the website, one is user friendly, but she was really looking for detail.  She stated that the big budget book is in the courtroom, but they can’t go look at it, because the building is closed.  She remembers in the past, it was stated there would be a 4.7% municipal increase with a 1.99% school tax.  The budget is really not in detail and transparent.  She really wanted to look in particular about the plan to defund the EMT, which is clearly not available to her or anyone else.  She OPRA requested all the documents and she looked at the YouTube budget meeting on February 12, 2021 and that brings her to the defunding of the EMT and why it is such a bad plan, based on words and OPRA information.

 

Ms. Scarpa stated that defunding the EMT is bad for the Village, the Police, and the Fire.  This plan will cost the Village more taxes, there will be fewer First Responders available during a pandemic, and less safety.  If the plan goes through, the community service that the EMT does like Ridgewood High School EMS and others will be gone.  The awful term “Defund the EMT’s” was actually used during that February 12, 2021 and she is not going to say who it was but they said “the Council has to make a decision before they go forward with the budget as to whether they want to basically defund the paid EMT and put funding toward a paid Fire Department.”  Ms. Scarpa said this will result in more taxes and less First Responders and less safety. 

 

In the interest of truth, she looked at this budget meeting and a person asked what the cost of a Firefighter was and a person answered $37,000 plus benefits.  Ms. Scarpa stated that wasn’t true as she found out that two Firefighters with $38,364 in salary, $2,000 stipend and $50,000 in benefits and pension, will cost $180,728 and the taxpayers will be on the hook for it.  Nine paid EMT’s cost $70,000 annually and it is not even funded by the taxpayers.  She asked Ridgewood to wake up and she encouraged all residents to view all of this information.  The residents have a voice, and the Village Councilmembers are paid officials.  They have to listen to do what the Village residents want.  The residents do not want the EMT who served the Village for decades to be defunded at all, instead they should be funded for the selfless work they do during a pandemic.  The residents don not want the Police and Fire overtaxed with EMT calls, which is what the plan will do.

 

Siobhan Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that she wanted to echo what Ms. Gruber said about keeping the open space tax, adding that she feels Open Space thwarts overdevelopment and it really solidifies what the public wants.  She also sent the Village Council some information about the open space tax, as she doesn’t believe they cannot collect the open space tax without flying in the face of public will, as a public vote put the open space tax in place for Ridgewood.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that she was relieved in the pre-meeting to see that the two line items from Schedler were removed from the consent agenda as she doesn’t believe at this point that’s where they belong and it’s more transparent to keep them out in the open as their own discussion points.  She has been to several meetings, written several emails, been to several subcommittee meetings and she still has the same question.  She is unclear, as is the rest of community, as to what makes the Schedler land historic.  She has gone to Open Space and Parks and Recreation and no one seems to know that.  Ms. Winograd stated that she would appreciate a copy detailing the land.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that she is also concerned because there are multiple plans and the only plan that the public has seen was the ad-hoc plan from 2017.  She understands that there was a double secret plan in January 2020 and that one is done.  But there was a Fall 2020 plan that the Village seems to be behind, that was recently submitted and SHPO rejected.  She feels like the best thing would be for the Village Council to put that plan on the website because even though it is rejected, that way the public could see the new plan and everyone would be on the same page.  It is a big project and needs to move forward, but people need to see the plan.  As far as she has seen, the last plan was submitted in September 2020.  She knows that it has been rejected by SHPO, but the public really should see the plan before the Village moves forward with it.

 

Stacey Antine, 1057 Hillcrest Road, stated that she attended the Special Public Meeting tonight and she wanted to express her thanks to the Village Council and the staff for finalizing the RFP for the Gate House tonight.  She really appreciated it, as it has been a really tough year with COVID and just knowing that this RFP is ready to go out and be finalized, she really looks forward to participating in the process. 

 

There were no additional comments from the public, and Mayor Knudsen suggested letting Mr. Halaby back in, as long as he follows the procedures of decorum, he was welcome to come in and complete his comments.  She reminded him not to direct his comments to any member on the dais and to keep his comments appropriate.

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he was talking about the fact that the budget process is not transparent and that Bob Rooney should have public meetings in which he can discuss with the public what the budget is all about.  Regarding Schedler, he continues to be confused by what is going on.  Ironically, any time he has a question he goes to SHPO, not to Village Hall, because SHPO answers his questions within 24 hours, as clear as possible.  He wished he could say the same about the Village Council.

 

Mr. Halaby stated that his understanding is there have been four plans for the Schedler property.  The first, and the only one that has been shown to the public and approved by the Village Council is the one that was developed under the ad-hoc committee back in December 2017.  He calls that Plan A.  At this point, his additional time for public comment had expired.

 

There were no additional comments from the public.  Ms. Mailander had one written public comment. 

 

Linda McNamara, 575 Knickerbocker Road, wrote that she was voicing her concerns regarding topics discussed at last week’s meeting.  She thanked the Mayor and Village for a very successful Stop Asian Hate event which occurred this past Saturday.  She also asked them to please consider looking into a better solution to the issues that have come to light regarding our Emergency Services team.  They have performed so well for our Village residents during all the years she has lived in Ridgewood.  She is indebted to them, many of whom are friends and High School students who volunteered their services for the good of us all. 

 

Ms. McNamara asked that they please move forward with what is needed to ensure that Stacey Antine and the HealthBarn can remain in their current location with the lease.  It is beneficial to her, as well as the Village.  Ridgewood loves the HealthBarn, the residents are hardly unanimous on anything, but on this they are.  She also asked that they consider installing a permanent guardrail and/or fence on the roof of the garage immediately.  It has become an attractive nuisance to young people and could result in a tragedy.  It is a terrible location on so many levels, especially the top level.

 

Ms. McNamara asked the Village Council not to get rid of the Open Space Tax, if anything, it should be increased.  They need parking solutions that attract people to Ridgewood, which would include free parking and rates that are consistent throughout the CBD.  People love the pedestrian mall.  She wrote that six foot fences had a purpose, it was a needed condition to installing a pool for a multitude of safety concerns.  Mr. Roger’s suggestion for 6 foot fences sounds sensible and workable.

 

There were no additional written comments from the public.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that referring to Ms. Taddei’s comments, there was no vote on any Planning Board member on that matter, it was handled internally.  In terms of the plans for the Schedler Property, she believes there were two plans submitted to SHPO, one which initially did not reflect the Schedler Ad-Hoc Committee plan which included pickleball courts, a concession stand, and gazebo.  The new plan was revised and if anyone has any questions they can email her directly and she will work hard to make sure those questions are answered. 

 

6. MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Ms. Mailander stated that all residential parking rules, regulations, and restrictions will be enforced beginning May 1^st.  Also effective May 1^st, the overnight parking restrictions of 2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. will be enforced throughout the Village.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood Water is hosting a virtual open house to provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about water quality.  After a short presentation, time will be set aside for customers to ask questions in a chat box and for them to be answered by a member of the Ridgewood Water team.  The virtual open house will be held via Zoom on April 20^th at 12:00 P.M. and the flyer for the virtual open house is on Ridgewood Water’s website.  She encouraged customers to take the time to attend and ask questions.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that regarding COVID-19 vaccines, the Village is encouraging residents to register on as many sites as possible.  The Village is holding vaccine clinics for Ridgewood residents.  The Village was supposed to have a clinic today, but because it was the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, and they were recalled, so the vaccine clinic was cancelled.  All Ridgewood residents who are in one of the categories currently authorized to receive the vaccine, can go to the Village website, look below the tiles, and click on the link to register for a vaccine clinic.  Once someone registers, they will receive a reply email with a receipt.  The Village will call those on the waiting list, once the Village knows that vaccines are available to administer.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Styrofoam recycling for the big Styrofoam packing pieces will take place at the Graydon parking lot on April 17^th from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. or until the trucks are full.  10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. is for Ridgewood residents only, after that time all Bergen County residents may bring their Styrofoam for recycling.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool membership is now on Community Pass.  Through April 30^th there is a 10% early bird discount.  The pool season runs from June 5^th through September 6^th, which is Labor Day.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that some cancellations have occurred due to COVID-19, which include: the Annual Baseball Parade and Family Fun Day Event, and the Earth Day Fair, Daffodil Festival, and Dog Parade.  Touch a Truck and the Memorial Day Run are also canceled.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council’s upcoming meetings are televised live, streamed on the website, are shown on YouTube, as well as the public access channels.  The upcoming meetings are: April 28^th is a Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., May 5^th is a Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., and May 12^th is a Village Council Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.

 

 

 

 

7. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Green Ridgewood – Councilwoman Perron stated that Green Ridgewood has not met since their last Village Council meeting.  However, they are having the Styrofoam Drive on April 17^th at the Graydon Pool parking lot.  They are also having an Open House about renewable energy aggregating and that will be on April 29^th at 7:30 P.M.  It is being sponsored by Green Ridgewood and the Public Library Sustainability Series, and preregistration is required.

 

Open Space Committee – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Open Space Committee hasn’t met since their last Village Council meeting, but they are meeting on Thursday.

 

Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) – Councilwoman Perron stated that CBDAC is meeting tomorrow. 

 

Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Chamber of Commerce met this morning and they talked about the parking restrictions being reinstated and the other ideas for parking that are going to come up later in the meeting.  They are pleased with the progress on scheduling of the pedestrian mall.  She mentioned that the Village Council is considering ways of making empty storefronts more attractive and she is circulating to the Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, the samples that the Village has from other towns. 

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that they had a report on non-profits and how they are faring during the pandemic from Ernie Lamour who is the Director at the YMCA.  In addition, the Chamber of Commerce is revamping its website.

 

Citizen Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) – Councilwoman Reynolds stated that CSAC will be meeting tomorrow night at 7:30 P.M. via Zoom.

 

Board of Education – Councilwoman Walsh stated that they had their monthly meeting with the Board of Education.  On April 19^th, the schools are going to return to half day instruction and they are hoping this is going to be a positive impact on the students, getting them back into a routine and back into seeing friends.  At this point, they have most of the teachers vaccinated and they continue to ensure that all teachers will get vaccinated, so that they can also return to this model of teaching.  They are following all COVID restrictions, so they are making sure that surfaces are clean, people are wearing masks, and abiding by all State restrictions.  They are talking about graduation and what that may look like, and are hoping they can do what they did last year and have the students in a graduation ceremony.  The only question is what they would be able to do with guests and whether the guests can be in the bleachers, or perhaps televising it.

 

Parks and Recreation Committee – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on April 27^th.

 

Ridgewood Library – Councilwoman Walsh was happy to attend the Virtual Authors Luncheon today for the Ridgewood Library.  Harlan Coben was the moderator, and Madeline Miller had a great conversation. The event was well attended and really enjoyable to watch via Zoom.

 

Ridgewood Arts Council – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that April 19^th from 8:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. via Zoom, will be the first Artist Talks this year, sponsored by the Ridgewood Arts Council.  It will feature Ridgewood’s own Ali Stroker who won a Tony award for her role in Oklahoma on Broadway.  People may register at the email address RidgewoodArtsCouncilEvents@gmail.com. 

 

Shade Tree Commission – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that on April 30^th at 10:00 A.M., Mahmoud Hamza, a Village resident and member of the Shade Tree Commission, is going to be involved in a small ceremony to dedicate two trees near Veterans Field for all First Responders, healthcare workers, and essential workers who have been out there serving throughout the pandemic.  The Mayor and Council are also invited to attend.

 

The Shade Tree Commission met yesterday, and unfortunately the Emerald Ash Borer is all over Ridgewood and it has infected many ash trees.  The Commission wants to get together soon with the Village Manager and lay out the information that they have, and present some ideas and options for treatment of the ash trees, that have come up through research.  A lot of trees are being infested right now and some of the trees could probably still be saved, but this is going on now and isn’t something that is happening in the future.  Hopefully there is time to address saving some of these ash trees, if possible.

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority – Mayor Knudsen stated that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority announced today the launch of dates for $85 million Phase Four of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Fund.  They circulated this to the Ridgewood Guild, Chamber of Commerce, and Village Staff.  It is important, because the preregistration dates are very tight, it will begin on April 19^th at 9:00 A.M. 

 

Fourth of July Committee – Mayor Knudsen stated that the Fourth of July Committee met with Village Officials to discuss a modified Fourth of July Parade, which would be a great community morale booster, adding a semblance of normalcy to a difficult year.  Ideas included a shorter route to include twirlers, Ridgewood High School Marching Band, school floats, a Grand Marshall, all while following safety guidelines.  They are going to prepare a more concrete plan and meet with the Village to establish whether or not it is doable.

 

Congressman Gottheimer – Mayor Knudsen stated that this past Friday, Congressman Gottheimer hosted a community meeting for Mayors to bring everyone up to date on current Federal programs and grant opportunities. The Congressman and his staff were incredibly thorough.  An important grant opportunity for Ridgewood Water infrastructure upgrades relative to PFAS was discussed.  Despite the late hour Friday afternoon, coupled with the application deadline of this coming Friday, Ridgewood Village Manager Heather Mailander, Ridgewood Water Director Rich Calbi, sprang into action very quickly to organize everything to get our application prepared.

 

Mayor Knudsen also thanked Councilwoman Perron who was very quick to offer her assistance to write letters of community support for the grant, from our Environmental Committees.  They also wanted to thank local elected officials for their support.  Village Council colleagues are also welcome to submit letters of support.  She thanked Congressman Gottheimer for his support on behalf of his constituents.

 

Northwest Bergen Mayors Meeting – Early Saturday morning, the Northwest Mayors met to discuss current issues common to all communities.  The biggest concern appears to be the confusion over school reopening and the desire for safe in-person learning opportunities for all Bergen County students.  Ridgewood is a little bit different because we have our own Municipal Health Department, which we are fortunate to have.  Commissioner Hache joined the meeting and fielded some of the questions specific to County issues.  He also shared information about a wide variety of programs available through the County, including the Clean Community Litter Cleanup Program, the American Dream Homeownership Program, and Home Improvement Plan based on income levels, among others.  They are all on Bergen County’s website and she encouraged everyone to take a look at the programs.

 

Bergen County League of Municipalities – Mayor Knudsen stated that Tuesday morning at 7:30 A.M., the Bergen County League of Municipalities met.  Mayors discussed several topics including the NJ League of Municipalities Convention which will likely be held in person, following all CDC Guidelines; and with the State Department of Health guidelines for schools.  Marijuana legislation timelines were also discussed.  Opt-out ordinances previously adopted will be void.  There is a specific timeline to act and if the Village doesn’t act, the Village will automatically be opted in to the sale, cultivation, and production of marijuana.  If the opt out deadline is missed, the municipality is automatically opted in and committed for five years.  If municipalities opt out, they can opt in at any time. 

 

Federal COVID Relief Payments – Mayor Knudsen stated that Federal COVID Relief Payments for municipalities with populations under 50,000 will be sent directly to the State, and the State will then have 30 days to distribute half in 2021 and the other half in 2022.  Our New Jersey Representatives continue to work to restore SALT deductions.  The caucus which includes Congressman Pascrell and Congressman Gottheimer are working on strategies to help.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that all municipalities are reporting being overwhelmed with OPRA Requests, resulting in significant loss of taxpayer-funded productivity.  Senator Corrado is setting up a commission to review current OPRA Guidelines.  The Bergen League of Municipalities would like to see COAH restored.

 

Community ACCESS Network – Mayor Knudsen stated that the Community ACCESS Network will meet tomorrow night at 7:30 P.M. via Zoom.

 

Stop Asian Hate Rally – Mayor Knudsen stated that the Stop Asian Hate Rally was held this past Saturday in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.  Organizers did an amazing job bringing much needed awareness to the issue of hate crimes against Asians and other minorities.  It was especially painful to hear the stories of students who are often the victims of both subtle and overt racial comments, so we all have to do better together to be inclusive and welcoming, and stand up and protect our most vulnerable.  She thanked the Ridgewood Chinese American Association, all the organizers, Village of Ridgewood Staff for their support, Ridgewood Police Department for their thoughtfulness and professionalism, and to our amazing Ridgewood Community for attending and supporting our Ridgewood Asian Community.  We are all friends and neighbors and in this together.  Let’s stop Asian hate and all hate. 

 

8. ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING – Ordinance #3850 – Establish a CAP Bank

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3850 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3850 by title:

 

CALENDAR YEAR 2021 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3850 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

9. 2021 Budget Hearing

 

1. Overview of 2021 Budget

 

Robert Rooney, Village Chief Financial Officer, thanked all of the Village Councilmembers, Ms. Mailander, Department Directors, Treasurer Steve Sanzari, Finance Staff including Beth Spinato, and Village Auditor Bud Jones.  Their contributions and input was greatly appreciated during this whole process.  The budget was introduced several weeks ago and will require an amendment.  The amendment is the result of the Division of Local Government Services’ (DLGS) review.  The timetable on processing some of the administrative pieces that relate to the issuance of short term debt to fund the emergency from last year, so he is speaking on behalf of what the impact of this proposed amendment would do to an adopted budget.  They are going to have the public hearing on the budget tonight, and then they are going to close the public hearing and wait until they complete these administrative tasks and hear back from DLGS with their blessing, before they present the amendment and then have the public hearing on the amendment (if a public hearing is needed).

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the Operating Budget is still approximately $52.9 million.  General Capital Budget as introduced by Council is $8 million.  The amendment will generate a 4.3% municipal tax increase which is approximately $16 of the monthly increase on the average assessed home in the Village.  He is proposing no municipal Open Space tax levy for 2021, which will result in a $35 annual tax deduction to the homeowner.  Debt is the same as when the budget was introduced and revenue and expenses are up approximately 3.6% from the prior year.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the tax increase is the result of the 2020 revenue shortfalls that they experienced as a result of COVID.  Years of modest or no tax increases which includes two years of zero percent tax increases, two years of .99% tax increases, four years ranging from 1.2% -2.2%, finally catch up at some point in time.  The municipal tax rate increased as a result of using a three-year average for revenues.  The State allowed all municipalities to use an average for revenues rather than base it upon the prior year’s actual revenues. This was substantially helpful in putting this budget together and minimizing what could be much higher tax increases on the municipal side. 

 

Ms. Mailander stated that 2021 goals are continuing to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic in the best way possible while keeping both the staff and Village residents safe.  They will continue to hold COVID-19 vaccine clinics as long as we get vaccines locally for Ridgewood residents.  It has worked out very well, our Health Department and Public Health Nurses do a great job in running those clinics.  Determining the best way to reallocate parking spaces throughout the Central Business District given less people commuting to New York City or other places and less people venturing out into the world.  Also, determining a way to continue an event in the Central Business District on weekends to assist our restaurants and retail businesses and services.  They want to increase Wi-Fi coverage in the Central Business District; award a contract for $2 million in paving projects for Village streets; plant another $110,000 worth of new trees throughout the Village; continue the interior work on the Zabriskie-Schedler House; continue the work on the Schedler property; open Graydon Pool; determine a way to hold a modified summer day camp; and to continue the work at Kings Pond Park.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that with the Water Department, they are going to launch the WaterSmart Portal for customers of Ridgewood Water, which will allow customers to access their water usage, their water bills, and other important information; Ridgewood Water will continue to pursue PFAS treatment facilities in various locations throughout the utility; encourage other public water utilities to join Ridgewood Water in coordinating efforts for recovery of PFAS expenses; and begin construction of the new Ridgewood Water Headquarters.

 

Ms. Mailander stated they want to establish rules and regulations for the Glen Pickleball Courts, which they have already done but may need to modify; replace the aging underground storage tanks for the gasoline pumps at the Village’s Central Garage to prevent a gasoline leak in the future; and begin a Food Waste Disposal Pilot Program and collect data from the participants to determine what the reduction of tonnage is in the solid waste stream.  Based on the findings, they may consider expanding the program to additional residents later in the year.  They will be negotiating the Blue and White Collar Union Contracts this year; have hired and are training a Vulnerable Population Outreach Coordinator, which is being paid for through a grant and is to identify Village residents who are in need of assistance.  They will evaluate existing Village services to determine if there are more cost efficient ways of providing these services to Village residents.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the Village is faced with many challenges moving forward with this budget process.  Managing the effects of COVID-19 on revenues is going to be very difficult to do.  They are looking for different ways to try and enhance that process, but it will definitely be a challenge for the year.  As Ms. Mailander mentioned, the Blue and White Collar Union Contracts are coming up for negotiation.  The Village has to be cognizant of a defense for tax appeals as they arise, so in this economy, the cost of property is going up and evaluations are going up but they always have to be cognizant of large tax appeals that are being filed.  The State still has influence on some of the fees that are anticipated, such as Building and Municipal Court, so unless something changes there will be limits to the revenues anticipated in those areas.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that Police overtime is always an issue, they have to be cognizant of when the needs arise for different scenarios that may present themselves during the course of the year, but in the past couple of years, the Village has been very fortunate in being able to control overtime. They have an infrastructure that is changing every year, they try to maintain it, but it will be a challenge to make sure they keep everything stabilized to be able to provide services.  The thing that pops up every year are one-time revenues.  They have been fortunate to have reserves and things of that nature where they can balance the budget but they are not guaranteed, and they have to keep an eye on that moving forward.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the Water Department is challenged by weather conditions, which could impact the amount of water available for sale, so that is always a concern.  Water infrastructure, the water mains, and the ability to move water is also something they have to be cognizant of in the budget.  The EPA Water Quality Regulations are something that have surfaced and must be dealt with in a timely manner. 

 

Mr. Rooney stated that Parking is where they are impacted by lost revenues due to COVID’s effects on the commuting back and forth to New York City.  Hopefully the summer they will start to see some movement and improvement in those areas.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that there are opportunities, such as the new ratables, due to multi-family housing developments that will provide a benefit at the end of this year and into next year. The Village’s technology platform is also essential, because without it, the Village would not be able to maintain the services we provide to our citizens today.

 

Mr. Rooney displayed a chart showing the revenues and support for the budget.  Property taxes are approximately 67.3% of where the revenues come from, with local revenues being approximately 7%.  He displayed a chart showing municipal expenditures, public safety being the largest at 26% of the total budget.  If all of the fixed costs are added up, they are approximately 37% of what makes up the budget this year.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that moving forward, he showed a comparison of what the effect of a budget amendment would be on the budget as originally presented.  Total appropriations will be $52.8 million, surplus will stay the same with $4 million, miscellaneous revenues are now $10,361,000, delinquent taxes stay the same, and the amount to be raised by taxation has declined.  This results in a $4,544 tax on an average assessed value home, and that is roughly $186 over the prior year.

 

Mr. Rooney displayed the amendment itself, they had changes that they had to make as a result of the three-year average of revenue change.  Initially, the guidance said they could use 2017, 2018, and 2019 revenues for the 3-year average; however, upon further clarification after the budget was introduced they were told it had to be 2018, 2019 and 2020 revenues to be averaged.  That resulted in a decrease of local revenues of $228,000, in the Uniform Construction Code.  However, the Village is allowed to use CARES Funds which they have been reimbursed from the County, which equals $227,000.  The net change in the revenue is $79,000, and his proposed budget reductions and appropriations will cause the total budget to be $52,868,000. 

 

Mr. Rooney stated that in the appropriations as introduced, these categories they took another look at as to potential reductions.  They looked at legal expenses which can be brought down $30,000; Police salaries and wages half year instead of a full year appropriation for a new officer is $18,000; other expenses they compared to prior year’s actuals and determined that they could probably trim another $15,000; Fire salaries and wages, two new Firefighters starting mid-year are a half year reduction.  They looked at the Central Garage, and recycling and yardwaste recycling, compare their actuals to the prior year’s actuals, and reduce them accordingly.  They looked at the utility expenses and compared what was spent over the prior years and a $50,000 reduction would be appropriate.  The Building Department, has a change in the Director, so there will be a savings there.  Regarding salary negotiating costs, there is some money in the Trust that they can move around, and the Library, there is a $10,000 reduction which is similar to what was done three years ago, to spread the reductions across the various Departments.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that in the Parking Utility budget, using the three-year average revenue concept, they were required to reduce anticipating by $58,000, which results in using another $58,000 in surplus.  They were also required because of the timing on one of the note payments, $10,000 in the budget.  They have more than enough in the interest on notes as introduced, so they are just moving the $10,000 from one to the other.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the comparison of the tax dollar, the Village and the Library are approximately 24%, school being 64.8% and the County being approximately 11.2% of the total tax dollar.  He anticipated a County tax increase of 2% this year and the school tax increase at 1.99%.  Mr. Rooney asked if there were any questions on the budget.

 

2. Village Council’s Comments

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that was a great overview and cleared up a couple of questions for her.  She added that a resident has questioned the hiring of the two new Firefighters and she noticed on the grid, it is only the half-year salary cost.  She asked about the other expenses that would be incurred if they were to hire the two Firefighters.  Mr. Rooney stated that this represents the cost of two Firefighters from July 1, 2021.  The ancillary costs related to pension or things of that nature will not be felt until the subsequent year, so the impact of that they will not know until then.  He did not take into consideration any potential stipends that they may be paid.  He didn’t speak with Fire Chief James Van Goor, but he is not sure if they would receive stipends in their first year.

 

Chief Van Goor stated that the first year, EMT class is a two month class.  So they wouldn’t get a stipend the first half year.  The first year stipend is $1,600.  Councilwoman Walsh asked in terms of benefits, are they allocated in this first half year.  Chief Van Goor stated that would be up to Mr. Rooney but the benefits rule of thumb is 30% of the salary.  Mr. Rooney stated that’s what they use, and he can’t answer the question because it depends on when the paperwork gets done, when they’re effective employees into the pension system.  There is a time delay, so it’s possible that they may get a portion of it next year but he can’t answer that, until he gets the paperwork back from the State.  Chief Van Goor stated that it was nowhere near $200,000 for two people. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that adding in the 30% for the year, the number is $46,080 per Firefighter, which should be included in the budget.  Chief Van Goor stated they would only be used half the time on the ambulance, the other half would be Firemen, so their total salary wouldn’t go towards replacing the EMT. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that if they are an employee, they are going to get health benefits, so the Village will have that cost, unless they choose not to accept our benefits, but we have to assume they are going to accept our benefits.  She thinks they should add that cost in because they can’t assume the new employees would decline them.  Mr. Rooney stated that she was looking for a fully loaded cost for an individual Firefighter.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that if the anticipation is hiring two people with benefits, even if it’s a half year, they have to account for that.  The stipend will not be charged to 2021 so they don’t have to include that.  Mr. Rooney added that the pension will not be charged to 2021 either.  Councilwoman Walsh agreed.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds stated that regarding Open Space, she agreed that for $35 a year, she didn’t think they should suspend the open space tax. Councilwoman Walsh agreed.  Councilwoman Perron stated that she was concerned they would lose an opportunity to gain Open Space and some developer will rush in and take it, if they suspend the open space tax.  Mayor Knudsen stated that this came up because there was a comment about being alarmed at the tax increase and there was a lot of social media activity, but some of the information was grossly inaccurate.  She explained that if there were concerns of losses due to COVID and the proposed tax increase, that this was an opportunity to offset that higher tax increase by just suspending the open space tax for one year.  Mayor Knudsen’s understanding is it does not impede the Village’s ability at all, because the Open Space Tax is just subsidizing what the Village’s eligible for, regardless of whether it is being collected or not.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she was fine with collecting the Open Space Tax, and not suspending it, but she thinks it is important to understand the nexus of how it came about.

 

Mayor Knudsen reiterated that suspending the Village’s Open Space Tax doesn’t impact the Village’s ability to apply for County or State funds.  Mr. Rooney agreed, stating that was correct.  Mayor Knudsen stated that it doesn’t hurt the Village at all, so the question for the Council is if there is a concern about the tax increase, there is a mechanism in place that suspends the Open Space Tax for a half year or year, and offsets it.  Mayor Knudsen said a taxpayer always has the option to send more money in, to pay taxes.  Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he would be okay with suspending it for one year, they aren’t getting rid of it.  It has been an extraordinary year, taxes are going up more than any year he has been on the Village Council and to try and offset some of the increase as best they can.  Given the current situation, he is in favor of a one year suspension of the Open Space Tax so they don’t have to increase the municipal tax rate any more.  The municipal tax increase is currently 4.3% and if they add back in the Open Space Tax, he doesn’t know what that amount of increase would be. 

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the 4.3% municipal tax increase is no matter what, he didn’t adjust it for the Open Space Tax.  Mayor Knudsen stated that 4.3% comes down effectively with the Open Space Tax, greater than the one full point, probably about 1.3%.  Based on the decrease from the 4.9% to the 4.3%, and the Open Space decrease of about 1.3%, now they are bringing the amount of increase down to about 2.9%-3% for this year.  Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he would be in favor of that for this year, adding that they weren’t getting rid of the Open Space Tax it has just been a tough year for everybody.  If it’s a difference of a 4.3% or 3% municipal tax increase, he would still be in favor of suspending the Open Space Tax for this year.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that there was an email from a resident that stated that they were getting rid of the Open Space Tax, but they are not getting rid of anything, they are suspending it for one year.  They could always do it for half the year, but anybody who is interested is more than welcome to send in their $35 or more for Open Space.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked if there was still a possibility they could use the anticipated Federal Funding for this year’s budget.  Mr. Rooney stated that it is in the State’s hands right now as to how it is going to be treated and disbursed.  He is not aware of any guidance that has been given out that explains how the money can be used or when it will be available.  Bud Jones, the Village Auditor, agreed, adding that there haven’t been any guidelines from the Treasury, regarding use of these Federal funds.  Treasury had 60 days to get the funds to the States, the States had another 30 days to get the funds to the towns, and they could apply for an extension.  Councilwoman Reynolds asked when the drop dead date is that they have to approve the budget.  Mr. Rooney stated that if that timing is correct, it would be sometime in June.  However, as Mr. Jones indicated, they can apply for an extension, so they don’t know how that will play out.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked how the Federal money is going to translate into the Village’s tax rate.  How do they suddenly get this Federal money to use on the COVID-impacted costs as delineated in the funding, but then next year they will have a surplus.  Mr. Jones stated that until we know how we can use the funds, he does not know at this time how it can be used.  They understand that it can be used for infrastructure and also for loss of revenue, but they really need to know the guidelines from Treasury.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she would want the Federal money to go to the lost revenue in the Parking Utility, not being able to do inspections on homes, the things where they actually lost money.  Then the budget will essentially be in a surplus situation. 

 

Mr. Rooney agreed that they will get the Federal money and be able to offset the budget losses.  The Village already has a $1 million emergency appropriation from 2020 because of these losses, so that would have to be paid first.  All additional revenue shortfalls can use the Federal money to supplement that.  Without guidance, the Village doesn’t know where this is going, other than the fact it is supposed to create relief.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked regarding the Open Space Tax, if they choose to suspend it is that a resolution to suspend for the year.  Mr. Jones stated they would set the open space tax rate at zero for the year, by way of resolution. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked what the rate will be if Open Space is removed.  Mayor Knudsen stated that they go from 4.3% down greater than 1.4%.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that then the tax rate would be 3% this year.  Mr. Rooney stated that was combined.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she would agree to that, but she didn’t think it was something they needed to do right this minute. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that before closing Village Council comments, she wanted to say that she knows there was a suggestion earlier that the budget process is not transparent, but she believes for the years Deputy Mayor Sedon, Councilwoman Walsh, and herself have been doing this, it has been an incredibly transparent budget process.  Everyone is welcome to join into those meetings and they appreciate everyone’s work on it.

 

Councilwoman Walsh added that in fairness to the residents, in the past the Village Council was on the dais and the budget books were available to those in the audience.  COVID has caused some challenges with this process.  There was a resident who said that the budget books are in the courtroom this year but they can’t come into Village Hall.  She asked where the budget books are located, so that the public can access them.  Mr. Rooney stated that the budget binder is provided to the Village Clerk, if that is something someone wants to look at.  The State budget is on the website, along with the user friendly budget.  This is all consistent with how they have done it in the past.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that she has sent the link to the user friendly budget to individuals who have asked for it, because it is on the Village Website.  Ms. Mailander stated that residents could come to Village Hall and call the number and then someone from the Village Clerk’s Office or the Finance Department could bring the book to the customer service window or they could make an appointment to come into the building within a certain area to review the budget books.  Councilwoman Walsh suggested gloves and a mask be worn when reviewing the budget books inside Village Hall.  Ms. Mailander stated the Village can provide gloves, if necessary.

 

3. Public Hearing on 2021 Budget

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of the title of the 2021 Budget.

 

The Village Clerk read the 2021 Budget by title:

 

              VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY 2021 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing on the 2021 Budget is now open.

 

Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, stated that the Village has sent an application to the State for $500,000 in grant money and if the suspension of the open space tax for one year jeopardizes that, the Village can lose $500,000.  She doesn’t want to say one thing is more important than the other, but look at the percentage that other areas of this town take.  Sending in an extra $35 is not going to satisfy Green Acres, because they want to know if the Village has an open space tax or not, because the open space tax is the basis for giving the Village the grant.  She added that Mr. Jones said he didn’t know when the Federal money was going to be allocated from the County, all they need to know is that we dropped our open space tax and that they can go on to someone else.  If there is even the slightest chance that we could lose that money, she thinks it’s not worth it.  She understands they are bringing the percentage of the tax increase down, she doesn’t want to pay more, but if the Village Council took money away from the Library there would be a riot in this town.  Everybody wants a piece that they feel is more important, but there is a reason that we need to pay the local open space tax.  Next year, no one knows what is going to happen. 

 

Ms. Gruber stated that she has been involved with Open Space since 2002 when this started and there were people that didn’t want the open space tax in the beginning, who are very grateful now that the Village has it.  She wishes the Village Council would reconsider suspending the open space tax so that the Village does not lose the State grant.  She appreciates everything that the Village Council does for the budget, and the portion of the property taxes that residents pay for the Village’s portion is small and the Village Council has done a great job.

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, asked if he understood that the Open Space Tax is just optional, is there no cost to deferring it. It doesn’t make sense.  Mr. Jones stated that he was not aware of any cost related to deferring the open space tax, and he deferred to Mr. Rogers regarding the establishment of the Open Space Trust and the wording of the referendum that established it.  Mr. Rogers stated from what he knows about the referendum, the option to suspend the open space tax is one that is permitted for purposes such as this and it is certainly something they can look into further.  However, as far as he knows, there is no cost to suspending the open space tax.  The Village won’t have to pay to exercise the option, and won’t get penalized for it, other than possibly having an impact like Ms. Gruber was talking about.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that she was at a training last week for the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions and they did mention that if you suspend your Open Space Tax that you risk being ineligible for Green Acres and other grants. 

 

Mr. Halaby asked if any work has been done on cutting costs.  For instance, they keep on hearing about sharing services with other towns. There is a two mile length between the Glen Rock, Ridgewood, and Ho-Ho-Kus Police Departments.  If they get these three Departments working together, then they can lay off two or three Policemen.  He hates to do it, as he loves the protection they offer him, but at some point, cutting costs must be looked at and he didn’t think they did. 

 

His last comment is concerning transparency.  He isn’t saying this just to be mean, but for something to be transparent, it has to be a discussion and they have to be prepared with information.  The idea of showing up at Village Hall to look at the binder, it doesn’t work this way.  They need to have a Town Hall meeting where Mr. Rooney goes through the budget and allows people to go back and forth with questions.  He knows Mr. Rooney is busy, but he is one great CFO and Mr. Halaby would love to be able to have people debate Mr. Rooney, especially the three year average for revenues, which he wonders whether it is just manna from Heaven.

 

Mr. Halaby asked what has been done to cut costs.  Mayor Knudsen asked if Mr. Halaby wanted an explanation of the three year revenue average.  Mr. Halaby said that among other things, yes.  Mr. Rooney stated that by law, we are only allowed to anticipate revenue to the amount that we collected in the prior year.  As an example, if municipal fines and costs in 2020 collected $500,000 in revenue, he is only allowed to anticipate $500,000 in this year’s budget.  However, if last year he anticipated $1.2 million in municipal fines and costs, which is what his budget was predicated on, and he only collected $500,000, he is short $700,000.  As a result of COVID, the Village had about 12 revenue streams that were affected, that reduced the amount of collections, and therefore impacted what he could anticipate this year.  If they went by what the Village collected last year, there would be a 10% or 12% tax increase as a result, because the Village wouldn’t be able to anticipate that revenue.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the State came out with a guideline, sort of a relief, which said they will allow municipalities to go back and look at the last three years of collections, take the average, and that is what can be anticipated in the 2021 budget.  It was a blessing from the State to allow us to do that.  That may continue next year, he has no idea, but it helped give the taxpayer relief this year. 

 

Mayor Knudsen added that regarding Mr. Halaby’s question about Shared Services, it is certainly something that they can raise with the other Mayors in Mayor Meetings and she is certain that the Village Manager is always looking for opportunities for Shared Services.  One of the things that is experienced by some municipalities is that certain municipalities are inevitably shouldering a greater part of the burden and in this instance that typically would be a municipality like Ridgewood, so they tread lightly with that to make certain that we get the best deal for our taxpayers, but they are certainly going to look for opportunities.

 

Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, stated that she looked at the budget and she is quite familiar with budgets because she used to run her own department.  She added that she heard the Fire Chief say that he didn’t think her number is correct, but she reiterated that her number is correct, because she submitted an OPRA request for those numbers of what the salaries are and her numbers are on point.  Two Firemen cost $180,728 and that includes the benefits, that doesn’t include overtime or anything else that would result when the nine EMTs that would be defunded leave, and they will pull the volunteers with them.  The Village will not have an EMS Department and they will wonder who is going to help the Police and Fire.  The taxpayers who she has spoken to, are 100% not in favor of this plan.  It’s a bad plan.  She listened to that YouTube of the budget meeting over and over, and she didn’t hear any proposals of numbers and labor studies that indicate this is a good idea.

 

Ms. Scarpa strongly encouraged the Village Council to take out that salient part of defunding the EMT and do a labor study to see if in fact this type of plan would provide the safety and the network of Police and Fire and EMT to work together as they always have.  In addition to that, she is very concerned if the EMT part-timers are defunded, the EMT services program with the high school and all the community outreach that they have done for four decades will disappear, because the Fire Department doesn’t have time to do that.  She thinks that it would be best for all of us to take a breath and do a survey of what the Village feels comfortable with during a pandemic and make a logical choice.  Give it to the taxpayers and say this is what we are thinking, this is just too important to change this right now.  She has spoken to many people and right away she gets “why are they doing that?”

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he had some specific questions regarding the Open Space Tax.  He heard a lot of numbers being thrown around tonight and he is confused.  He asked what the total open space tax would be on the average house, for a year.  Mr. Rooney stated that it was $35.  Mr. Loving stated that based upon collecting $35 from every household, or every taxable property in Ridgewood for an entire year, what would the total amount that they would collect that they would put in the Open Space Fund if the tax were not suspended.  Mr. Rooney stated it is roughly $350,000.  Mr. Loving asked what the downside is to not having that $350,000 on hand. 

 

Mr. Rooney stated if there was property that we wanted to acquire that would require money coming out of Open Space and they may not be able to do it this year; however, you always have the ability to fund acquisition even though you don’t have the Open Space money.  One way is to issue debt or fund it from other sources to make that acquisition.  Mr. Jones stated they could pass an ordinance to acquire property.  If there were a grant that required a local match, the Village Council could pass an emergency resolution to fund the local match for the grant this year, in order to accept the grant.  The emergency would be raised in the following year’s budget.

 

Mr. Loving stated that if he were understanding it correctly, this $350,000 that they would not collect would result in a tax decrease combine of over 1%.  Mayor Knudsen stated that it was an offset of over 1%, about 1.3%. 

 

Siobhan Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, thanked everyone on the Village Council who took the time to answer her questions.  This process has been frustrating, not budget frustrating, but COVID budget frustrating and she very much has missed access to the budget binders.  In the budget meetings with the budget binders, the public is able to see the detail, it makes the conversation much more synergistic, and she wishes she had known that she could have gone in to see the binders as she thinks that would have been very helpful.  She is very grateful to Councilwomen Perron and Walsh for answering so many of her questions. 

 

Ms. Winograd stated that as COVID continues, the more that the Village Council can make even deliberative documents somewhat accessible, will decrease the frustration.  She thinks people are really looking for more mimicking of the old school ways pre-COVID and the ability to see things that they can’t see in Village Hall at this time because Village Hall is currently closed to the public.  Her frustration with the budget is COVID, and she thanked everyone for answering her questions.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that she is very concerned about the suspension of the Open Space tax, she thinks it is a short term bad idea that really flies in direct conflict with all of the information they have gotten on the Master Plan survey.  They had a vote in 2001 on creating a local open space tax on the ballot and she thinks that resulted in an ordinance.  She was a little concerned that they were taking the will of the people and saying because it has been a tough year they were just going to get rid of it.  Open Space thwarts development and promotes trees.  New Jersey is only getting hotter, these are serious things for our town and our State.  She thinks it is really a bad look for Ridgewood to say they have taken and taken and are now done with it and are not going to pay our fair share.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that she knows they were talking about suspending the open space tax for a year, but she didn’t know how that works legally because the vote resulted in an ordinance and she asked if that meant another ordinance needs to be adopted.  She wondered if they will have to remember to come back to reinstate the open space tax next year.  She wants to be exceptionally clear that she thinks it is a very bad idea and she doesn’t think it’s worth it and they should really consider not doing it.  

 

Mr. Rogers stated that the question about the process was answered before by Mr. Jones, which is that the local open space tax could be suspended for a year, by resolution.  If the Village Council decides to go ahead and do that, they could prepare a resolution that makes it for that one year term and in next year’s budget, they would have to address the issues.  He doesn’t necessarily know what the ramifications would be on next year’s budget, with regard to suspension of the local open space tax for a year, if there are any, but it certainly would be the conversation brought back in next year.  Mr. Rogers stated that legally, when they were saying suspension of the local open space tax, they weren’t getting rid of it for a year, they were just putting it aside for a year. 

 

Mr. Rogers stated that he wasn’t aware of what Mr. Jones and Mr. Rooney just talked about before which is where you can appropriate under emergency appropriations for a need if it arises during this year, and pay for it in next year’s budget but that certainly is another part of the process.  It’s not as if it is going to get lost in translation, the resolution is only for the budget year of 2021. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked about any existing application for grants that they have where they stated that they have an open space tax.  Mr. Rogers stated that was what he said before, it certainly would have an impact on those grant applications, to what extent he wasn’t sure.  Mr. Rooney stated that he would have to see the grant application to answer that intelligently.  He is not aware of a $500,000 grant and he would love to know more about it, but he can’t answer that question until he can see the application itself.  Based upon his conversation with Bond Counsel, they indicated there was no ramification for doing such, but if an application makes reference to it, he would be happy to see it and address it.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that she was pretty sure that the application does not make reference to that because it is an application to the New Jersey Historic Preservation Trust Fund, it requires no funding through Open Space, it is a 100% matching grant on funds already spent on the Schedler House.  They are not required to match any additional funds to it, so the money that has been already spent can be attached and matched to that.

 

Ms. Winograd stated that the other concern she had with this is that they are speaking as if next year is going to be better, and she has concerns about that as well.  From what she can see that the way people are living, the main impact is going to have on our budget is specifically with reduced parking revenue.  Once the pandemic is over the world isn’t going to go right back to where it was, and she is concerned about that.  The fact that next year’s budget isn’t looking better, it’s going to impact this for another year.

 

Mr. Rogers stated that since the local open space tax passed by referendum, he doesn’t think they can get rid of it by adopting an ordinance.  He thinks it has to go back to another referendum.  They are not taking away the process, so procedurally they can’t get rid of it that way.  Mayor Knudsen stated that this would be a suspension, short term, for one year if they decide to take that approach.  She was aware that they could do an emergency appropriation if they needed to.  This particular year is unpredictable and unprecedented for many who are shouldering financial burdens, so it’s an option.

 

Sherry Biscan, 178 McKinley Place, stated that she wanted to register her complete agreement with the comments that Ms. Gruber made and also that Ms. Winograd made, she thinks it is a very bad idea and also the start of a slippery slope to eliminate the local Open Space Tax.  It also sounds to her as if none of the Village Council are quite utterly certain that it will not impact any previously allocated or future grant monies.  She doesn’t see how they can make a decision on it, until they are utterly certain that it will not have an impact.

 

Ms. Biscan stated that it is ludicrous to be wasting somewhere between $15,000 to $25,000 a year on a monitor at the pickleball courts.  It is absurd and is something that was done to accommodate a small group of neighbors and if that is the answer, then she thinks all small groups of neighbors would like to have that amount of money for their neighborhood.  The word has gone out, the TeamReach that has over 240 members knows that they aren’t to play at Ridgewood and will be going to other towns.  She urged them to look at the data.  She thanked the Village Council for their service, adding that she has tremendous respect for all of them.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if the pickleball monitor was going to all the courts and checking all badges and then doing additional work.  Ms. Mailander stated that was her understanding.

 

There were no additional comments from the public.

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that she wanted to point out that the Open Space Trust Fund is also used for maintaining our existing open spaces.  For instance, it was used to pay for the turf at Maple Field, for hydrants at Habernickel, and so she thinks that the existing open spaces could suffer if they suspend the local open space tax this year.  Mayor Knudsen stated that her recollection with the turf funds was that they took the money from Open Space and then they paid it back once the funds were available.  Councilwoman Perron stated that she wasn’t seeing that on the printout that she had from Mr. Rooney.  Mayor Knudsen stated that they would take a look into that, but she believes they borrowed the money from Open Space to fund the turf and then it was paid back.  Ms. Mailander stated that she didn’t know that they have received the money back yet from the grant.  She doesn’t know if they have put in all the billing for the turf field to the County to get that reimbursement yet.  Mayor Knudsen stated they would make sure to figure that out.

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the Public Hearing on the 2021 budget be closed.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

10. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

1. INTRODUCTION – NONE

 

2. PUBLIC HEARING - #3851 – Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Capital

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3851 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3851 by title:

 

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS WATER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $8,253,292 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $8,253,292 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3851 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

3. PUBLIC HEARING - #3852 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees – Water Rates and PFAS Treatment Charge

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3852 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3852 by title:

 

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”

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that ordinance 3852 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

11. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-75 THROUGH 21-82, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. ORDINANCES 

 

1. INTRODUCTION – NONE

 

2. PUBLIC HEARING - #3854 – Bond Ordinance – General Capital

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3854 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3854 by title:

 

A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMRPOVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $6,430,325 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $6,108,808 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3854 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

 

3. PUBLIC HEARING - #3855 – Bond Ordinance – Parking Utility Capital

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3855 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3855 by title:

 

A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A MINI KUBOTA SWEEPER FOR THE PARKING UTILITY, IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $103,000 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $97,850 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened. 

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he was disappointed that this was not something that was realized when the garage was built, that a special sweeper would be needed for the garage, which will cost $103,000.  He asked why the contractor who designed the garage did not realize that there would be a special vehicle needed to clean the garage.  How did the Village get in the position that a special vehicle was needed to clean the garage and not until eight months after it was opened, did they realize they didn’t have the sweeper.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that it was a good question, but the sweeper can be used elsewhere.  Ms. Mailander stated that it was going to be used elsewhere in the Central Business District.  Mayor Knudsen stated that while they certainly understand his concern, as it relates to not knowing that the sweeper wouldn’t have fit into the garage, it will not be exclusively for the garage and so it served other purposes.

 

Mr. Loving asked where the sweeper would be stored, because he is concerned that we are going to spend more money to construct a place to store it.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she wasn’t sure.  Ms. Mailander stated that she would get back to Mr. Loving with an accurate answer.

 

Mr. Loving stated that now that they have been surprised with the fact that they needed a special vehicle to sweep, he is concerned that the top floor of the garage was closed this year due to snowstorms when it snowed.  It wasn’t a problem this year because they didn’t need the parking spaces on the top floor; however, when they need those spaces, his concern is that a special vehicle will be needed to clear the snow off the fourth floor of the garage.  He asked if there was a discussion going on now as to how they were going to clear the roof of snow when they need the roof for parking.  Mayor Knudsen stated that they successfully cleaned the roof of the garage this year without a problem, so the same would apply this year just like any other parking lot that would be cleared during a snowstorm.

 

Mr. Loving asked if the signs that indicated that the roof was closed due to snow wasn’t because the roof couldn’t be cleared of snow it was because of some other reason.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she didn’t think anyone was utilizing the spaces.  Ms. Mailander stated that it was also the amount of snow that fell, so that was part of it also.  It took longer than a day to clear the snow out of the CBD because it was two days of heavy snow, so that is why the fourth floor of the garage was closed during the two day snowstorm.

 

Mr. Loving stated that his concern is when those spaces are needed on the fourth floor of the garage, which will hopefully be within the coming year or so, the Village must have the correct equipment to quickly clear the snow off the garage.  His concern is that they have not planned that out, since there was no plan for cleaning the garage.

 

There were no additional comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3855 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

4. PUBLIC HEARING - #3856 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Glenwood Road as a One-Way Street

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3856 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3856 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-54 SCHEDULE III: “ONE WAY STREETS”

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened. 

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that if he understands what was said earlier in the meeting they are going to be carrying this to the next meeting because the County is going to be doing some investigation with respect to what affect this may have on County roads.  He asked whether the State gave the Village an ultimatum in terms of a date on which they had to enact a resolution or ordinance to close the street.  He thought the State said if the Village did not do it, they were going to close the street permanently or they were not going to make a railroad crossing there.  His concern is they were playing with fire, and a delay in this may result in the State saying they are going to close down the railroad crossing at the Ho-Ho-Kus train tracks.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if Ms. Mailander had the date because she believed they still had time on this.  Ms. Mailander stated that she didn’t believe they had a specific date, they had to go back and finalize everything, go out for bid, and then award a contract.  The Village was trying to be proactive, however, she didn’t think they should delay it much more than a month or so because her concern is as Mr. Loving pointed out, the State’s option is to close it completely.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she pulled the documents today to make certain that they had that time.  Mr. Rogers agreed they had the time.

 

There were no additional comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be continued to May 12, 2021.  Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

5. PUBLIC HEARING - #3857 – Amend Chapter 258 – Towing Regulations

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3857 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3857 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 258 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, TOWING, AT SECTION 258-3 “DEFINITIONS” AND AT SECTION 258-5 “APPLICATION” AND AT SECTION 258-7 “REMOVAL AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES; FEES”

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that ordinance 3857 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

6. PUBLIC HEARING - #3858 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Towing Fees

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3858 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3858 by title:

 

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”

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3858 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

7. PUBLIC HEARING - #3859 – Bond Ordinance – Cancellation of a Funded Debt Authorization and Authorize Transfer of Amount to Capital Surplus Fund Balance

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3859 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3859 by title:

 

BOND ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR THE CANCELLATION OF $725,000 OF A FUNDED DEBT AUTHORIZATION NOT NEEDED FOR ITS ORIGINAL PURPOSE AND TO TRANSFER SUCH AMOUNT TO THE CAPITAL SURPLUS FUND BALANCE

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved that the Public Hearing be closed.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3859 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law.  Deputy Mayor Sedon seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

8. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - #3834 – Authorize Renewal of PILOT Agreement – Ridgecrest

 

Mayor Knudsen moved the reading of ordinance 3834 by title on fifth reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3834 by title:

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FINANCIAL AGREEMENT WITH RIDGEWOOD SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING CORP., INC., AND RIDGECRESET URBAN RENEWAL L.L.P. GRANTING A TAX EXEMPTION FOR RIDGECREST SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that the Public Hearing on ordinance 3834 was continued from the January, February, and March Public Meetings, so that additional information could be provided to the Village Council.  This information has been received, and the Village Council is ready to vote on Ordinance 3834 this evening.  The Public Hearing on ordinance 3834 is now continued. There were no comments from the public and Mayor Knudsen moved the Public Hearing on ordinance 3834 be closed.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion. 

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that ordinance 3834 be adopted on fifth reading and final publication as required by law.  Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

13. RESOLUTIONS

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-83 THROUGH 21-107, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RESOLUTION 21-86 AND RESOLUTION 21-104 WHICH WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 

Before voting on Resolution 21-86, Councilwoman Perron stated it is her understanding that these plans are the response to criticisms from SHPO and therefore she votes yes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before voting on Resolution 21-104, Councilwoman Perron stated that as she understands it, the Village doesn’t have to come up with new money to make the Village’s match on this grant and therefore she votes yes.

 

Before voting on Resolution 21-104, Mayor Knudsen stated that she was going to reiterate that this application is going to the New Jersey Historic Preservation Trust Fund and not any Open Space, so she votes, yes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, stated that she is trying to make a point here.  She wanted to go by the tax increase of 4.1% which was listed and she say they didn’t put in the school tax which was 1.99% so really the tax is a 6.09% increase.  When she feels something is really wrong, she goes to bat for it and she make sure her figures are right and she did OPRA them.  She appreciated the Firefighters and thinks they do a fantastic job, but it is an increase in the budget of $180,728 for two more Firefighters, and from what she understands they already got one in December 2020. 

 

Ms. Scarpa stated that there will be overtime when the EMT’s leave.  She has talked to many people in town and they all feel the same way, they will see a decrease in community service.  When the EMT’s leave, most of these programs are during the day and volunteers are trained by them.  She sees a decrease in safety in the Village when the Police and Fire are stressed because the EMT is no longer there to help them.  There will also be an increase in dependence on other towns and a decrease in safety when the EMT from neighboring towns cannot get to the Village on time. 

 

Ms. Scarpa stated that she has talked to people plainly and they don’t support defunding the EMT, just like they don’t support defunding the Police.  The $70,000 for the EMTs the taxpayer doesn’t pay, because the EMT is self-funded by the ambulance billings.  She wants the Village Council to table that part of the budget and do a labor study and a money study, and put it out to the taxpayer.  She stated as a taxpayer, she just doesn’t feel good about this and she doesn’t think it would help Fire, Police or EMT.  They have to work together.

 

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, asked how he could get a copy of the plans that were submitted to SHPO for the berm.  What they are embarking on with the berm is a fool’s mission, because in a couple of years that berm will look like something out of a Charles Adams cartoon.  He asked why the plan that the Village sent to SHPO is not posted on the website.  If he calls SHPO, they will send it to him, if he calls the Village it means he has to do an OPRA request and wait two to three weeks.  He also asked what plans the Village Engineer has for the berm. 

 

Mr. Halaby stated that if he feels strongly that a member of this Village Council has a conflict of interest in his opinion, why can’t he say that, why is he out of order to say that. If he mentions the Councilmember’s name, he is out of order and gets lectured on decorum, but he defines decorum because he has integrity.

 

Siobhan Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that she thinks that it would be a good idea to put the most currently submitted plans regarding Schedler on the website. It is hard to have the conversation unless we are all looking at the same thing, so she would encourage the Village Council to put the most recent plan that she understands has been rejected, up on the website and let people know what is going on. 

 

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that speaking of plans, he believes they have the plans for the intersection improvements of Franklin and Maple Avenues.  If a copy of that plan could be put on the website it would be great to see what we would be looking forward to.  Those two intersections are terrible now and it would be great to see what improvements will be made.

 

Mr. Loving stated that the Mayor made some comments tonight regarding the Fourth of July Committee.  Regarding the parade itself, we are all aware that the parade participants could be engineered for safety standards.  His concern would be what happens to the spectators as that parade route is generally jammed with people.  If they shorten the route, to him that is scary, because that is going to take the same amount of people and put them into a shorter, smaller space.  That is a situation they are trying to avoid with people so close together.  Again, the parade participants could be spread out, but what happens on the route itself with respect to the spectators particularly concerns him.

 

There were no additional comments from the public.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that concerning the Fourth of July parade route, the feedback that the parade route should not be shortened makes a lot of sense, and is part of what they will be discussing, once the Committee puts together more of a concrete plan.  Mayor Knudsen asked if there was any reason that the Schedler plan and the Franklin Avenue and Maple Avenue can’t be posed to the Village website.  She stated that they are public documents which were sent to SHPO and to the County, respectively.  Ms. Mailander stated that she would just have to determine if they were draft documents, and if they aren’t, they can be posted to the Village website.  Mayor Knudsen concurred that if they aren’t draft documents, they will get them posted on the Village website.

 

15. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Ms. Mailander read Resolution #21-108 to go into Closed Session as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.         ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Walsh, seconded by Deputy Mayor Sedon, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 10:45 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                                                                                                    Susan Knudsen                        

                                                                                                                       Mayor                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________

              Heather A. Mailander

      Village Manager/Village Clerk