A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD VIA ZOOM, DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ON MARCH 10, 2021 AT 8:00 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Deputy Mayor Sedon called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. He 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.
Deputy Mayor Sedon 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, and our First Responders.
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ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, as Statement of Funds on Hand as of January 31 and February 28, 2021, be accepted 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
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved that the Village Council minutes of January 13, 2021 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 Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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PROCLAMATIONS
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PROCLAIM MARCH RED CROSS MONTH
Councilwoman Perron read the following proclamation:
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PROCLAIM MARCH COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Before reading the Proclamation, Councilwoman Walsh stated that her sister is a cancer survivor. She went for a routine test and that is when they found her cancer that was already in advanced stages, with no symptoms. She reminded everyone for their own health and safety to get exams when their doctor recommends it. Councilwoman Walsh read the following proclamation:
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PROCLAIM MARCH 21-27, 2021 AS NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK
Councilwoman Reynolds read the following proclamation:
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COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he and his wife spent a couple of hours this afternoon delivering meals from Pearl Restaurant to Bergenfield. They both felt humbled by this wonderful opportunity to contribute in their own way to help people in the terrible challenges they are facing. He offered a big shout out to the HealthBarn Foundation for being instrumental in Ridgewood, receiving $1,000,000 to pay for over 100,000 meals, to be prepared by some 60 Ridgewood restaurants, to be served to many people with food insecurity. This makes him think about when the Village Council will buckle down to issue the RFP for rental of the Gate House at Habernickel Park so that HealthBarn can find out if it is staying or leaving. It has been six months since the matter surfaced and since then little has happened, other than seeing the can kicked down the road. Mr. Halaby stated that he realizes municipal business matters move slowly, but this is ridiculous and embarrassing. He understands that the HealthBarn lease will be on the agenda for March 24th and it is critical the matter be resolved at that meeting.
Mr. Halaby stated that he read the ruling issued yesterday by the appellate court panel and written by Judge Richard Geiger and he is not sure what to say other than once again, thanking the members of One Village, One Vote for a case that will go down in municipal history as to what good citizens can do to protect their rights. One Village, One Vote’s achievements are worthy of a Harvard Kennedy School of Government Case Study. One small item that caught his attention in the ruling, the same day the Municipal Attorney, Mr. Rogers, responded by email that it was a conflict of interest for him to answer Mr. Lindenberg’s (who was one of the Committee of Petitioners for One Village, One Vote) question because it was regarding legal advice, and he represented Ridgewood’s Village Council. This make him think why Mr. Rogers may represent the Village Council when, in fact, he is looking after the best interest of Ridgewood’s residents. The taxpayers are paying Mr. Rogers’ bills and it is the taxpayers’ interest he should look after.
Mr. Halaby stated that regarding the disaster that is Schedler, he wondered when the taxpayers of Ridgewood will be afforded the courtesy of getting the straight story of what is happening there. He is confused, SHPO is confused, and he does not think any of the Village Councilmembers appear to have a much better idea of what is going on.
Jeanne Johnson, 325 Mastin Place, stated that she was there to respectfully ask the Village Council to do their job and put the Gate House property up for an RFP as soon as possible. Many residents have been watching the proceedings around this issue and they are unpersuaded by the stall tactics. There is no reason to delay the issue any further. The problems that were found in the audits and inspections at the Gate House can be rectified in due time. No repairs are glaring enough to warrant holding back the RFP. The current tenant and any prospective tenant, or the Village for that matter, needs time to set their business agenda for the coming year. It is a disservice to taxpayers for the Village Council to drag their feet on this issue for one more day. She asked the Village Council to please do their job and vote to put the property out for an RFP.
Ms. Johnson also applauded the Village community for coming together to serve our Bergen County neighbors in need. As a founding member of the Feed the Frontlines Initiative, it brings her great pride in witnessing how beautifully the Village businesses, volunteers, and some representatives of the governing body, are working together to serve vulnerable Bergen County neighbors. Every member of this Village Council should applaud this effort. Ridgewood is in the spotlight, and she asked all residents to rise to the occasion.
David Zrike, 133 Heights Road, stated that he wanted to speak on behalf of HealthBarn. He thanked the Village Council for the Proclamation about colon cancer. He is a colon cancer survivor and he applauded the Proclamation. Regarding HealthBarn, he has been watching from the sidelines and it makes no sense to him. As a local businessman it makes financial sense for this town, but beyond that, the wonderful things that Stacey Antine has done, most recently with the $1 million grant. He has visited HealthBarn and it is a wonderful place. He strongly suggested and insisted that the Village Council put out the RFP immediately, so that Stacey Antine can get on with her life and decide what her next steps are. It would be a shame to lose such a great place like HealthBarn in this Village.
Erin Taddei, 419 Bogert Avenue, stated that she wanted to congratulate One Village, One Vote. She read the decision by the Judge and she applauded their hard work by not giving up and she implored the Village Council not to spend ten more cents of residents’ hard earned money fighting what is a losing battle. She urged them to act on the will of the people, as they were elected to do.
Ms. Taddei stated that she sees that there has been a little bit of a discussion about a social media policy. She has been positively overwhelmed by the support she has gotten from the community since she came forward with her story about how she was blatantly cyber bullied and threatened by a sitting member of the Planning Board in September of 2019, and how a majority of the Village Council chose to allow this person to continue to serve, despite seeing the response from her attorney where their actions were called criminal. Not to mention, they were classless.
Ms. Taddei added that since she has gotten so much positive attention, she is thrilled to say that she has been contacted by a media outlet and she will be looking forward to sharing her story. She is really hoping that when the Village Council reconvenes on March 24th, they talk and put something in writing for cyberbullying to be stopped and not tolerated. They can then turn this into a positive story, where what happened to her at the hands and decisions of a currently sitting Planning Board member won’t happen to anyone else. They will have come to their senses and see that allowing someone like that to continue serving the Village in any capacity, is a really bad idea. She is hoping that what she went through, and the pain and suffering that her family went through, was not in vain and that something good and something positive can come from that.
Hans Jurgen Lehmann, 234 Union Street, stated that it was with great pleasure that he read the article in today’s Record Newspaper upholding the lower court’s ruling on One Village, One Vote. As one of the 7,582 voters who approved the referendum, he feels personally vindicated for the choice he made. He wished to extend his personal thanks to the handful of residents who pushed this referendum forward and persisted in bringing it to this successful conclusion. However, as elated as he may be, he is also saddened and angered by the position taken by Village officials, both elected and appointed. In the face of the will of the voters of Ridgewood, they persisted in their fight against the voters who elected them to represent them fairly, not for their own personal agendas.
Mr. Lehmann stated that the Village Manager, acting in her role as Village Clerk, takes the brunt in the Appellate Court’s decision, but she is only the face for the Councilmembers who fought tooth and nail to hold onto power, come what may. He is seriously troubled by the Judge’s language in that the Village Clerk acted “improperly and unlawfully.” That statement, from an Appellate Court Judge, calls for a removal from her office and her appointment, as well as other serious consequences. This Village needs to take legal action, immediately. He also asked about the role played by the Village Attorney, whose job it is to give sound legal advice to the Village Council and Village employees. Mr. Lehmann holds that it is the Village Attorney’s job to do right by all residents of Ridgewood, not just the few on the Village Council.
Mr. Lehmann stated that he is mostly angered by the legal costs that the Village’s taxpayers have to bear, not only for the legal fees to One Village, One Vote, but also the attorney and court fees. He shudders to find out what the Village Attorney billed for this exercise, even more so the private attorney hired by the Village to prosecute the Village’s lawsuit. He demanded that the residents of Ridgewood be given a full accounting of this entire matter. He added that he is so proud of the Councilmember who advised against pursing this lawsuit, but he is so disappointed at the other Village Councilmembers who sat in silence, other than to give their consent.
Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that over the past couple of months, the public has shown up in large numbers to speak about three issues that have been thematic at the Village Council meetings. There is HealthBarn and the resistance to the RFP; the newly discovered Schedler secret; and the plight of the pickleballers during this pandemic.
Ms. Winograd stated that two meetings ago, she politely reminded the Village Council that the Village is beholden to Green Acres, and that the Village doesn’t have absolute say. She wanted to remind the Village Council that the timeline is sensitive to Stacey Antine, the owner of HealthBarn, and her business. She was shocked when public comment was then closed from the dais, a previous employee was thrown under the bus, the merits of her actual comments were unaddressed, and it was unsettling and sad to see the response that didn’t really address the issue that we took millions of dollars from Green Acres and that Green Acres is part of this timeline.
Ms. Winograd stated that over the past several weeks, Schedler has been somewhat stonewalled and ignored, emails have gone unanswered, and then last week in a very exciting glimmer of hope, it appeared on the agenda only to be removed right before the meeting started. That’s super confusing because people are watching and were hopeful after waiting and being polite that there would be some type of response.
Ms. Winograd stated that over the past couple of months, she has gotten to know and listen to the pickleballers and they are the loveliest group who simply want to play in our public park, and they have been watching the agenda. She was surprised to see an additional ordinance come up, in addition to the ordinance on fees, which apparently is going to restrict their time. She asked why they are doing that, when they are still conducting fact finding. She added it was upsetting to people who are playing pickleball that the Village Council would set the hours, when they don’t even have the results of the sound study.
Ms. Winograd stated that she found all of this very upsetting, adding that the comments from two meetings ago left her very upset because they were untrue and unfair and threw an employee under the bus. That being said, she called other people because other towns must have this problem and she was reminded of a couple of things. We are governed under the Faulkner Act, the Village Council are a body of five, no one is more important than the other. Other towns that have this structure do things like rotate the position of Mayor. When the Mayor is rotated, the agenda is at the discretion of the Mayor and the meetings take on a different flavor. She thinks the Village Council should consider this option. She added that Deputy Mayor Sedon has done such a good job, being the Chair of these past two meetings.
Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, stated that her comments were about the EMT Service in Ridgewood. She encouraged the Village Councilmembers to look at exactly what the EMTs do in Ridgewood. They respond to the needs of the community, and the members of EMT Services are dedicated people. They often work under difficult and horrendous conditions and have serviced the community over and over with millions of volunteer hours, and work hand in hand with the Police and Fire Department. They have worked tirelessly through the COVID pandemic and continue to do so. Many hours are volunteer or paid minimally at part time positions. The way that it works is that they sign up a sheet for the hours that they would work and a lot of the times they are working again with no pay. Police and Fire work hand in hand with the EMTs, she has seen it herself where the EMTs have shown up to help people in her Church who have fainted.
Ms. Scarpa stated that she has become aware of a budget proposal where going forward, the EMTs are proposed to work per-diem every weekend. However, in this case, per-diem will be a stipend paid per call. In other words, they would sign up to work a weekend for $0 and only get paid if there was a call. The Ridgewood Fire Department would absorb all of the EMT duties so they become Firemen with EMT responsibilities, which she has been told they are currently doing. She was also told that two new Firemen would be hired.
Ms. Scarpa stated that she took it upon herself to see what a Firemen would be paid in Ridgewood, as this is a Civil Service position with pension and benefits, and it seems like the average starting salary is $49,000, for two that would be $99,000. That money would be paid to the new people but the EMTs would get absolutely nothing.
Diane Seitter, 328 Van Emburgh Avenue, stated that she wanted to thank the members of the Village Council and Parks and Recreation that attended the long-awaited pickleball sound study and demonstration yesterday. She asked everyone seated tonight to repeat the word pickleball out loud for her, the word brings out a smile and a chuckle to oneself as it is a funny word, and fun is what pickleball is supposed to be about. Tonight there is an amendment on the agenda to change the ordinance for pickleball and tennis court hours. The pickleball and tennis community were not aware, or given notice that this would be on the agenda, and it was only last week that the pickleball proposal was introduced to the Village Council.
Ms. Seitter stated that the pickleball proposal was introduced with several new concessions, adding to the use of the muted balls already in place. First, they would no longer sell non-resident badges, which would reduce participation by about 50%. Second, the required use of Green Zone Quiet Paddles. Third, the enforcement of the muted balls and quiet paddles and the current new resident badges would be implemented by a hired town employee which was very important to the residents of the Glen School neighborhood. Fourth, the current hours of operation would only change if the professional sound study deemed that the sound resulting from pickleball was detrimental to the surrounding neighbors and not just to the two complainers.
Ms. Seitter stated that it was quite apparent to all those in attendance at the sound study yesterday that the sound of the pickleball play is not disruptive to the Glen School neighborhood. They asked that the Village Council postpone this amendment until the results of the sound study are produced and that they receive the requested OPRA files about the complaining neighbors which they were supposed to be receiving on or about March 12th. They don’t feel it is fair or reasonable to make the decision while this is still being sorted out.
Saurabh Dani, 390 Bedford Road, stated that he sees that there is a budget item on the agenda tonight and he was wondering if during that discussion if they could clarify one question. If the tax levies are increased by X%, and the total taxable base goes up in the first or second quarter of the tax year, do residents’ tax bills get adjusted in the following quarters.
Michelle McGorty, 330 Bedford Road, stated that she wanted to add her voice to the chorus of Ridgewood residents asking the Village Council to reconsider its position regarding HealthBarn. She is a Willard area neighbor, is thrilled to have HealthBarn in Habernickel Park, and can’t imagine a better use for the space. HealthBarn is an undeniable valuable asset to the community and if the Village has a valid reason for not giving the opportunity to renew HealthBarn’s lease, she would like to know the reason for that. Given the Green Acres designation and the Feed the Frontlines grant, the Village should be doing everything they can to keep HealthBarn.
Ms. McGorty stated that she wanted to bring up an issue she had brought up during the summer, which is the use of the Kasschau Memorial bandshell. She understands that the charter for the bandshell generally doesn’t allow businesses to use that space, but it seems incredibly unkind that the Village Council is not willing to make an exception for that during the COVID pandemic. One example of that is the Ridgewood Performing Arts Center, which is not allowed to have recitals indoors like they normally do, and they had 15 graduating seniors this year who just wanted to put on their toe shoes and dance their variations for their parents and the Village wouldn’t allow it. She thinks that was really unkind, adding that she is on several Boards herself and knows that exceptions can be made. She would like them to rethink that space, especially while it seems like we are going to need to do things outdoors on a fairly long term basis.
Ms. McGorty added that often in Ridgewood, it seems like athletics are prioritized over the arts. The Village has space at the Kasschau Memorial bandshell, and she really would encourage the Village to allow people to use it.
There were no additional public comments, and Deputy Mayor Sedon closed public comment.
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MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that regarding COVID-19 vaccines, there are several places that people can get vaccines, such as New Bridge Medical Center, Holy Name Medical Center, and Hackensack Meridian Health. The Ridgewood Health Department has been getting vaccines, so Ridgewood residents who fall into the groups now being serviced, who are age 65 and over, people with underlying health conditions or smokers, then they can register now. She urged residents not to register now if they don’t belong to these groups, because they will have to reregister later. Registration is by emailing COVID@ridgewoodnj.net, providing the resident’s name, address, phone, date of birth, and the reason the resident qualifies. If residents do not have access to technology they may call to register at (201) 670-5500 extension 244. The Health Department is not guaranteed vaccines every week, they hope to get them and recently have, but they do not know for sure. When a resident’s name comes up on the list, the Health Department will call the resident and let him/her know when he/she can come for a vaccine.
Ms. Mailander stated that that pickleball and tennis courts will open tomorrow, March 11th. Tennis court hours are Sunday to Saturday, 8:00 A.M. to dark. Pickleball is at the Glen Courts, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and Sunday from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. There will be no pickleball play on Monday and Friday, and the pickleball players must have muted balls and Green Zone paddles. This was proposed by the Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Division and it was after speaking with the residents as well as with the pickleball players themselves. It was discussed at the Work Session last week and the Village Council agreed to these days and hours.
Ms. Mailander stated that for the Food Scrap Recycling Pilot Program there were about 50 residents chosen to begin the program. Program participants came to the Recycling Center to pick up their five gallon collection buckets. Starting on Sunday, March 7th, participants started collecting their food scraps, and then on Monday March 15th, they will start bringing their buckets to the Recycling Center for weekly emptying.
Ms. Mailander stated that 1057 Hillcrest Road will be discussed at the March 24th Work Session. There will be some discussion about repairs that are needed, the top priorities being identified. Village staff will attempt to get estimates for the top priority repairs, however, many times contractors are reluctant to provide estimates unless they know they will be awarded the work. The Village Council will further discuss whether or not they wish to go out for an RFP at this time.
Ms. Mailander stated that some cancellations have occurred due to COVID-19, which include: the Annual Baseball Parade and Family Fun Day Event, and Earth Day, Daffodil Festival, and Dog Parade.
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: March 24th is a Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., April 7th is a Public Work Session at 7:30 P.M., and April 14th is a Village Council Public Meeting at 8:00 P.M.
Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that this Sunday, March 14th, is Daylight Saving Time and we all set our clocks ahead one hour.
Ms. Mailander added that the Village Council will be discussing Schedler at the March 24th meeting.
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VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Fashion Show – Councilwoman Walsh asked everyone to bid online for the Fashion Show on HandBid. Parkwood Deli is going to be doing a special dinner if you mention Project Graduation 21, $5 from each meal will go to the Project Graduation Fund. The Fashion Show is next Thursday, and they are hoping everyone will participate and support Project Graduation.
COVID Vaccination Clinic – Councilwoman Perron stated that she went to the clinic for vaccinations today and there were over 100 people from Ridgecrest getting their second shots and it was such an upbeat event. They were so thankful, the fact that the Ridgewood Health Department could work with Age Friendly and Ridgecrest was really wonderful.
Green Ridgewood – Councilwoman Perron stated that Green Ridgewood met last week and they are planning a Styrofoam Collection Event at Graydon Pool for April 17th, with a rain date of April 24th, from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. The first hour will be for Ridgewood residents only. This is not for food Styrofoam containers, but just for the big packing kind. They are also planning a Virtual Earth Day Event with a multimedia presentation celebrating several North Jersey’s town efforts in Environmental Conservation.
Councilwoman Perron stated that Diane O’Brien, a member of the Planning Board, came to speak to them, and she was telling them about the new requirement to have a section in the Master Plan that addresses climate change mitigation. Other guests at that meeting discussed various grants and the Food Waste Pilot Program. She added that the Library has a Sustainability Series and Green Ridgewood is going to help with one of the presentations on April 21st called Geothermal Energy Demystified.
Councilwoman Perron stated that they had a discussion about Adopt a Drain and if anyone is interested, it is really an already created program by the State and it only takes 15 minutes a month to clear out your adopted drain, which reduces the chance of street flooding.
Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Perron stated that the Chamber of Commerce met this morning and she asked them how they felt about Grab and Go and they all unanimously agreed they would like it to continue for another 6 months after May 1st. She asked Ms. Mailander if they could do an application form to get it all together before May 1st.
Councilwoman Perron stated that regarding the parking garage, there was a concern about bikers in the garage above the first floor because they might hit vehicles.
Councilwoman Perron stated that in the first two days, Feed the Frontlines served over 2,000 meals and it is really helping the Ridgewood restaurants, especially those that rely on catering, as there have not been any catering events since the COVID pandemic.
Councilwoman Perron stated that they had ten more businesses join the Chamber of Commerce this month and that is amazing. The most amazing thing is that Bagelicious is coming back after the fire last year. They are reopening in the South Broad Street address for Mango Jam.
Regarding parking, the Chamber members had different thoughts. One member asked if the Train Station could be utilized more effectively and open it up to more people. Another member asked if the fourth floor of the garage could be used for overnight parking, and somebody else said maybe they should just wait for things to warm up and see if people are going to use the garage more.
Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) – Councilwoman Perron stated that the CBDAC met last week and they had a really interesting speaking from the Community Fund of New Jersey and Jordan Glatt who is a former Mayor of Summit and it was really interesting how Summit had many of the same concerns as Ridgewood. It was an interesting conversation also because Summit has a Business Improvement District so there were lots of questions for him about that.
Green Team – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Green Team met and there is a new membership spot for a Student Liaison, which will be filled by Abigail Clothier. The Green Team is gearing up for the first submission of the first round of certifications through Sustainable Jersey. The deadline for the first submission is June 6th, so they are divvying up priorities.
Shade Tree Commission – Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Shade Tree Commission met last night. He reported that the tree inventory is working perfectly and has been an incredibly helpful tool in identifying ash trees that they could potentially treat and save, so they can continue to grow and thrive. This is despite the fact that the Emerald Ash Borer is ravaging ash trees all around.
There will be about 100 trees given out in honor of Arbor Day on May 1st from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. in the Graydon Pool parking lot. It will be contactless, so residents wishing to get trees can pull up, open their trunks, and the trees will be placed in and they can go and plant those throughout the Village and honor Arbor Day.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that some members of the Shade Tree Commission will be going out in the future to take stock of some of the survival rates of trees planted in the past year. In this way, they will have a good idea of how these trees are surviving, which will help them in the future with future planting events.
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2021 BUDGET INTRODUCTION
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BUDGET MESSAGE
Ms. Mailander thanked Bob Rooney, CFO, Steve Sanzari, Treasurer, and all Department Directors and Supervisors who helped bring the budget to introduction. The budget is being introduced and adopted within the statutory timeline, which is wonderful.
Ms. Mailander stated that 2020 accomplishments and highlights are: they navigated through a pandemic with new protocols in place requiring the purchase of personal protective equipment for all employees; they placed barriers in Village Hall between the staff and public; changed the bathroom toilet, sinks, and paper towel features to be touchless, as well as in the kitchen areas. They continue to pick up garbage and recycling during the pandemic with dramatically increased volumes, due to people being at home. The staff at the Water Pollution Control Facility continued to work around the clock 24 hours a day, during the pandemic. The Village Fire Department, Police Department, and EMS served the Village on split shifts during the pandemic, so as to lessen the threat of transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Those who were on the split shifts were able to be recalled during their timeframe that they were to be working.
Ms. Mailander stated that they brought staff back to work in Village Offices in a thoughtfully, carefully planned manner in mid-April with a hybrid of work from home and working in offices while remaining closed to the public. This allowed there to be limited risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus in the Village Departments. They opened Village offices to the public at the beginning of July through the end of November. Village offices have been closed to the public since that time; however, staff has been working in the offices five days per week, full time during that entire time. Members of the public have continued to be served in an efficient and timely manner and they have created a new customer service window outside the Garden Room, located next to the lobby door.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Health Department Officer, Health Department, and Public Health Nurses have worked tirelessly during the pandemic conducting contact tracing and most recently conducting COVID-19 vaccination clinics for Ridgewood residents in Village Hall. The Health Officer has spent countless hours advising Village employees, and the Board of Education Administration, as to COVID-19 regulations, requirements, and protocols.
Ms. Mailander stated that they established the use of Zoom for meetings of the Village Council, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and several Boards and Committees which has increased public participation.
During 2020, the construction of the Hudson Street Garage was completed and opened for public use. They established security measures at the Hudson Street Garage for public safety. They installed multi-space kiosks throughout the Central Business District, and during several weeks between May through November they shut down East Ridgewood Avenue from Walnut Street to Broad Street on Saturdays and Sundays for the Welcome Back to Ridgewood, New Jersey event. They created a Pedestrian Mall, which was a joint venture between the Village, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Ridgewood Guild. This required Village staff time to put up and take down barriers, Police Officers assigned to the event, Health inspectors and Code Enforcement Officers working with the restaurants and businesses within the Pedestrian Mall to make sure that they were within the guidelines established.
Ms. Mailander stated that musical performances were held throughout the pedestrian mall area during the weekends and there was an Octoberfest event on the West side of the Central Business District during this time frame. These events were successful and benefited many restaurants and businesses in the Village. They established Grab and Go parking spaces which are 15-minute complimentary parking spaces for those wishing to pick up items from a local business. They designed and executed a revised version of Downtown for the Holidays, with the Chamber of Commerce. COVID-19 protocols were in place, which allowed the Village residents to safely welcome in the holiday season.
Ms. Mailander stated that they opened Graydon Pool for the summer season to bring some normalcy to the lives of Village residents and they upgraded the Graydon Pool bathrooms. They completed the Street Tree Inventory for Village streets, which is a valuable tool for future planning of tree planting and removal. They are able to identify certain trees to see if perhaps they are infested with various kinds of insects. They planted $110,000 worth of new trees throughout the Village.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village staff conducted three mail-in ballot elections, the combination Board of Education and Municipal Election, the Primary Election, and General Election, which was the first time this format was used. They reviewed two petitions for an initiative question to be placed on the General Election ballot regarding consolidating elections to November. The Village was fortunate enough, due to strict protocols in its financial area, to maintain its AAA rating through Standard and Poor’s. They continued work on the Zabriskie-Schedler House, the ADA ramp to the house was constructed and the berm on the Schedler property was continued to be worked on.
Ms. Mailander stated that they obtained the recertification of the Village’s Community Rating Service which allows property owners needing to purchase Flood Insurance to receive a 20% discount on their insurance premiums. They obtained NJDOT paving grants in the amount of $385,000, thereby reducing the amount of Village funds needed.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village was awarded over $2 million in a contract for paving projects on Village roads. The dredging of the pond at Kings Pond Park was completed. The Village closed on the purchase of the Ridgewood Elks Club property, which will become the new headquarters for Ridgewood Water. The Ridgewood High School and Somerville Tennis Courts were resurfaced.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Fireman’s Union and Supervisors Union contracts were both settled. They established fees for use of the Village’s parks, by both commercial and non-profit groups. They installed acoustical panels at the Glen School pickleball courts and required muted balls at the courts in order to reduce the noise for the surrounding neighbors.
Ms. Mailander stated that Ridgewood Water replaced three water mains in-house, instead of bidding this out and awarded contracts to outside vendors for three replacement wells. Ridgewood Water awarded a 20-year lease to a new wireless customer on the Glen Avenue tank, which will net an additional $297,270 per year in fixed revenue for Ridgewood Water.
Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Police Department was reaccredited through CALEA, which is a National Accreditation Agency which holds the Ridgewood Police Department to standards of excellence. They completed the Emergency Operations Center renovations, which is used during times of major storms, hurricanes, or other types of emergencies.
Ms. Mailander stated that they sold many old vehicles and equipment, which were no longer needed for public use and had been declared surplus, and that brought in additional revenue.
Ms. Mailander stated that goals for 2021 are that they continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic in the best was possible, while keeping both Village staff and Village residents safe. The Village will continue to hold COVID-19 vaccine clinics locally for Ridgewood residents. They are determining the best way to reallocate parking spaces throughout the Central Business District, given less people commuting to New York City, and less people venturing out into the world. They are trying to determine a way to continue an event on weekends in the Central Business District to assist restaurants and businesses. They are hopeful to increase the Wi-Fi coverage in the Central Business District. They have already awarded the contract for $2 million in paving projects for Village streets, which will maintain the Village’s infrastructure.
Ms. Mailander stated that they are going to plant another $110,000 worth of new trees in the Village. They will continue the work on the interior of the Zabriskie-Schedler House. They will continue the work on the Schedler field, once SHPO has approved the plan. They are going to open Graydon Pool and also determine a way to hold a modified summer day camp. They will continue the work at Kings Pond Park.
Ms. Mailander stated that they are going to launch the WaterSmart portal for customers of Ridgewood Water, which will give customers access to many aspects of their account including water usage, payment of bills, and other important information about Ridgewood Water. Ridgewood Water will continue to pursue PFAS Treatment Facilities in various locations throughout the utility. Ridgewood Water will encourage other public water utilities to join with Ridgewood Water in coordinating efforts for recovery of PFAS expenses. They will begin the construction of the new Ridgewood Water Headquarters, which is the former Elks Club property, with an anticipated opening in the first quarter of 2022.
Ms. Mailander stated that they will establish rules and regulations for the Glen pickleball courts, which will allow the pickleball players to play and the surrounding neighbors to have some days and times when no pickleball play is allowed. They will be replacing the aging underground storage tanks for the gasoline pumps at the Village’s central garage, to prevent a gasoline leak in the future. They need to negotiate the Blue and White Collar union contracts. They are replacing public safety vehicles and equipment, as well as vehicles and equipment for other Departments. Due to a grant received, the Village has hired and will train a Vulnerable Population Outreach Coordinator, to identify Village residents who are in need of assistance.
Ms. Mailander stated that the 2021 budget process actually begins in July, when the Department Directors receive their budget forms and they are required to be sent to Finance in early September. In October, several rounds of early reviews were held with Department Directors and the objective was to provide the best possible numbers to the Village Council. The emphasis was on operating efficiencies as well as customer service improvements and investment in people, process, and technology.
Budget reviews for the Village Council were designed to elevate the dialogue to include strategic planning as well as daily operations. Operating expenses, as well as capital budgets, were discussed for the Village, Water Utility, Parking Utility, and the Library. Various budget meetings were held with the Village Council during the month of February where Department Directors made presentations on their 2021 budget requests. Their final session was this past Wednesday and proposed the final Water, Parking, and Capital Budgets in addition to General, Water, and Parking Operating Budgets, and the tax rate was also set.
Mr. Rooney stated that the budget that is being presented to the Village Council this evening has approximately $33 million of contractual obligations. Salaries and wages are $22.6 million, and $10.8 million represent pension, health insurance, and terminal leave. Total obligations now constitute approximately 63% of the budget presented. As of the end of the year, they have $7.4 million of unfunded liabilities, they had retirements amounting to $564,000 in 2020, estimate retirements of $325,000 in 2021. Total payments this year are approximately $890,000, of which $844,000 is maintained in the trust fund.
Mr. Rooney stated that the operating budget is approximately $52.9 million. They are proposing an $8 million net capital budget. The appropriation will result in a 4.7% municipal tax rate increase, which results in an increase of $204 annually, on an average assessed home valued at $701,664. Estimated outstanding bonds and notes at the end of 2020 are $46.9 million. At the end of 2019, it was $38.2 million. The proposed budget for revenues and expenses is up approximately $3.8 million from the prior year.
Mr. Rooney stated that the budget being introduced shows appropriations of $52.9 million that is being funded by $4 million of surplus, miscellaneous revenues of $10.3 million, receipts from delinquent taxes of $786,000 resulting in the amount to be raised of $37.8 million. The result would be the tax on an average assessed value home of $701,664 to be $4,562. The municipal portion would be $62.15, the library portion $3.87.
Mr. Rooney stated that revenues for 2020 came up short of anticipation of approximately $1.6 million. The NJ Division of Local Government Services, which reviews the budgets of all municipalities, is allowing the Village to maximize anticipated revenues for 2021 by utilizing a 3-year average, to keep the revenues in line with 2020. Optimizing the use of reserves and surpluses, runs risks associated with hitting revenue targets, and recovering from the COVID impact, especially as it relates to municipal court fines and costs, and fees for building permits. Police side jobs are always at risk from the standpoint of weather related for outside construction, the COVID-19 pandemic had a slight impact on it this year. Revenues from Graydon are weather dependent. Recycling has changed directions, as the Village used to benefit from having recycling and the revenue derived from it, but the Village is now paying for recycling, which has an impact on this year’s budget. The Village will use capital fund surplus to help balance 2021 revenues.
Mr. Rooney stated that opportunities are new ratables from multi-family developments, which will impact the 2022 property values and therefore there should be relief coming next year. The Village gets no benefit until the multi-family developments are occupied. One multi-family development has been assessed on partial occupancy, but the remainder will not take effect until October of this year.
Mr. Rooney stated that concerning revenue changes from 2021 to 2020, local revenues had a shortfall of approximately $1.6 million. Receipts from delinquent taxes are slightly higher. The amount to be raised by taxation, which are tax collections, is $800,000 over last year. He had concerns when COVID hit that the Village might have a significant decrease in tax collections, but that has not happened. The Village was able to maintain consistency with last year’s tax collection. The State is allowing the Village to use a three-year average in anticipated revenues for 2021. The impact of that is shown on a chart, by using the three-year averages, he is allowed to increase anticipated revenue by approximately $1.4 million. If this were not allowed, there would be a shortfall of approximately $1.4 million, which would substantially increase the tax rate. He is also allowed to use parking utility three-year average for parking revenues. The benefit the Village receives this year is approximately $440,000 over what the Village would have been limited to, in the prior year.
Mr. Rooney stated that concerning revenue fluctuations, there was a decrease in 2021 of a special franchise tax of $270,000 that the Village will never see again, because of a State tax audit done on PSE&G. One the interest side, investments dropped $342,000 as a result of COVID. With regard to the Parking Utility surplus, he does not have the revenues available in the parking utility to bring money over to the current fund. The Police Department’s administrative charges were down approximately $97,000 over last year. Mr. Rooney has the capability of using capital fund balance in 2021 of $400,000. He has debt service that has accumulated over the last couple of years, which he can bring over to revenues. Sale of Village property has reserves of $110,000 that can be utilized in 2021. Cell tower rents have increased by $40,000. He has some recycling reserve that he accumulated of $40,000. Fire safety inspections have increased by $25,000 over the prior year.
Mr. Rooney displayed the balance of surplus that have been accumulated over the years. This year, he is projecting a $5.1 million surplus, which is slightly up over last year. The tax collections have helped substantially. There is also a significant amount of money the Village received in unanticipated revenue, which accumulates to balancing surplus to an acceptable level. Appropriations for 2021 are approximately $41 million inside the CAP, and $3.2 million outside of the CAP. Capital improvement fund is $475,000. Debt service is $6.5 million, deferred charges are flat, and reserve for uncollected taxes are flat. He displayed a comparison that does not include the amount of money that they were allowed to appropriate last year for COVID expenses which was an ordinance the Village Council adopted in December 2019.
Mr. Rooney displayed the increases and decreases that are shown between the years. Salaries and wages are up approximately 2.5% as a result of contractual agreements and projected overtime. Other expenses they have whittled down to less than what they were last year by almost 2%. The deferred charges and statutory expenditure for benefits are almost 9%, there is no flexibility on those. Other operations are flat compared to 2020. Capital improvements and emergency appropriations are up approximately 10% and that is the requirement to fund down payments on the capital ordinances. Debt service is up approximately $1 million, which is over 20% of what they had last year. Next year, the debt service levels out, because there are some maturities that will be completely paid off. The reserve from collected taxes has stayed the same from last year.
Mr. Rooney stated that gross general capital for 2020 is a total of bonds and notes of $66.9 million. Authorized unissued debt is $12.3 million, for a total of $59 million. Due to the capital ordinances being introduced tonight, as well as any short term funding sources they may need during the year, will total approximately $62 million at the end of 2021. In the general capital program, $2.5 million has already been introduced, and the remainder is on the agenda tonight of approximately $6.5 million. That is the purchase of vehicles, IT equipment, public safety, engineering, infrastructure, and the library.
Mr. Rooney stated that the Water Utility budget is basically flat to last year. Salaries and wages are slightly up, as are other expenses. Debt service is down. He reflected that it is approximately a $284,000 increase and displayed the components of the operating, capital improvement, decline in debt service, and statutory and other expenses. Awarded capital is $8.9 million for this year. Council has introduced an ordinance for $600,000, and the balance is on tonight for introduction. Gross debt for the Water Capital Fund at the end of 2020 was approximately $4.1 million. It is anticipated it will be $48 million at the end of 2021, as a result of the bond ordinances on the table for consideration by Council.
Mr. Rooney stated that the parking utility revenues for 2021 were substantially less than the prior year as a result of COVID, so to balance the budget he used additional surplus. He had the opportunity to use the three-year average for parking meter revenue. Interest on investments was down substantially, as a result of COVID and declining interest rates. He has parking surplus available of approximately $400,000 to balance the operating budget. The budget is slightly down from last year, as a result of not having $300,000 to pay over to the general budget, offset by the increase in debt service. In addition, this year they pick up a full year of garage maintenance costs. This is money that the architects for the parking garage prepared as an annual budget, in order to put aside money for both the reserve and for ongoing maintenance of the garage.
Mr. Rooney stated that proposed capital for the Parking Utility for this year is a Kubota Mini Street Sweeper for $103,000, because the Village’s current equipment is too large to get into the parking garage on the second and third floors. The mini sweeper will also be used in the Central Business District. The gross debt from parking capital at the end of 2020 was $14.8 million. There will be a slight decrease this year, as a result of payment of debt, so it will be approximately $14.7 million.
Mr. Rooney stated that overall, the risks that the Village faces in this proposed budget include: negotiations for Blue and White Collar Union Contracts; and defense of tax appeals. They had one tax appeal with a settlement, but in talking to the Tax Assessor, they don’t know what that impact would be. They are recovering from COVID. The impact on the Village’s revenues, when this started last March, the indication was that COVID would not impact appropriations, but it would impact revenues, and it certainly has. Trying to sustain what they are budgeting is going to be a challenge.
Mr. Rooney stated that Police overtime is variable depending on the situation. They did incur some during the summer this year, but they hope to remain stable. There is also infrastructure to be maintained during the course of the year. Years ago, not much was invested in capital and they are now feeling the impact on some of those items in the infrastructure. They also have the impact of one time revenues. The reserves and other surpluses that were available to balance the budget may not always be there for us.
Mr. Rooney stated that for Water, weather conditions are always a consideration that must be faced. Ridgewood Water had a very good year last year for revenues. The aging infrastructure will need to be dealt with as far as maintaining the water flow, and the PFAS issue is going to start to impact the capital in future years.
Mr. Rooney stated that there is a COVID impact on parking revenues. The Village must try to get that back to where the parking revenues can fund the operations of the Parking Utility.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that unfortunately, when they had their final Budget Meeting they didn’t see any Village guests watching the budget meeting so they had a robust discussion and she encouraged everyone to go back and listen because there were a lot of comments from the Village Council about all of their concerns and questions. For herself, the comments that she made are that she was really concerned that we are anticipating things that are probably not going to happen such as the Parking Utility budget. They received some numbers today, but she doesn’t anticipate that the parking revenues will increase in 2021 and she thinks that a hard look must be taken at where else in the budget accommodations can be made to cover the Parking Utility debt. She added that they talked about maybe not hiring the individuals that were going to be new hires. She thinks that the 4.7% municipal tax increase is too high, since they don’t even know what the Board of Education or County budget tax increases are going to be. The Village Council must be mindful of these other taxes that are going to be hitting Village residents.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that they also talked about possibly maybe amending the way that they do things in the Village in terms of maybe staggering recycling pickups in order to try to save some money. They have talked about it for years, but haven’t been able to put it into effect to save money. She thinks that there is a bigger conversation and she isn’t comfortable with a 4.7% municipal tax increase.
Councilwoman Reynolds stated that she found out today that the Board of Education increase is going to be 1.99%, so she was thrilled to hear that 67% of the budget will be within the CAP.
Mayor Knudsen stated that she went back to better understand what a 2% increase would look like on the average home, and that would be $84. The difference to the $204 increase is $120, which is $30 a quarter. She thinks that what we are looking at are services, because that is what the Village provides. The past Village Council in 2014 and 2016 came in at such responsible numbers, but she thinks that this is a year where COVID has had such a significant impact, so when you break it down into quarterly payments, and look at the real numbers, she thinks that people really do want the services. If they don’t hire a Police Officer for the July Police Academy, that could then become two years until the Village has additional Police Officers and could result in more overtime. When you break it down into those kind of numbers, it’s a $120 delta and she does believe that they have an obligation to continue to deliver and provide services to Village residents.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that it has been a difficult year and they were talking about potentially not hiring some of the hires they planned, but it really wouldn’t significantly impact the budget this year. He agreed that they should have conversations about services provided by the Village. If the Village is going to change the way they deliver or cut certain services, it takes time for planning, so by the time they are ready to be implemented, it will be the end of this year, and no benefit would be seen this year. He added that throughout the course of this year, they should have these conversations about services and there will be ample time for the public to comment and chime in.
Next year, parking revenues may again take another hit, and though it seems to be getting better with vaccines and COVID there are still going to be residual impacts for this budget that may carry into next year. The only real way to significantly impact this year’s budget, would be to do some kind of layoffs. This would reduce the budget, but layoffs would have a significant impact on services, and possibly create overtime where overtime doesn’t currently exist.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that it is a tough year for everyone, but the Village Council has to start discussing changes to services now, because some of these decisions regarding services are going to take discussion, planning, and implementation. If this is done now, it will be ready for next year’s budget.
Mr. Rooney reminded everyone that he doesn’t feel the Village should be the balancing effect for the tax increases that may come through the County and the school. The County does their budget process the same way the Village does, so if the County recommends a 2% or 3% tax increase, there will be a hearing on the budget and people can comment on the County budget. As Councilwoman Walsh said, the Village has services to maintain. There are contractual commitments that the Village has with unions, which must be honored. To Deputy Mayor Sedon’s point, to reduce the budget further would require layoffs, but the impact of the layoffs would not be done until mid-year or later, so the Village would not reap the benefit of any of those layoffs. Then there will be the balancing of overtime to maintain the essential services.
Mr. Rooney stated that regarding the tax billing, the first half of the year is an estimate based on the prior year tax rate. The second half of the year is the true-up, with the new tax rate. The Village will not receive any benefit from any additional tax assessments until after October 2021.
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INTRODUCTION – Ordinance 2850 – Establish a CAP Bank
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the first reading of ordinance 3850. 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 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
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3850 be adopted on first reading and that April 14, 2021 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-42 THROUGH 21-45, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 21-46, WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
Before voting on Resolution #21-46, Councilwoman Walsh stated that she is going to vote yes to move it to the Budget presentation but she is still in disagreement and wants to have public input. Mayor Knudsen stated that they always should have public input and they look forward to that, so she will vote in favor of the budget introduction.
Councilwoman Perron stated that she wanted to clarify how quickly they could put the budget up on the website so that people can be digesting it and trying to understand it. Mr. Rooney stated that he needs at least until Monday, because he has the State form which must be completed, before it is posted on the Village website.
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ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
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INTRODUCTION - #3851 – Bond Ordinance – Water Utility Capital
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the first reading of ordinance 3851. 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, APPRORIATING $8,253,292 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $8,253,292 BOND OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF
Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3851 be adopted on first reading and that April 14, 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
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INTRODUCTION - #3852 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees – Water Rates and PFAS Treatment Charge
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the first reading of ordinance 3852. 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 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”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3852 be adopted on first reading and that April 14, 2021 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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PUBLIC HEARING – NONE
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RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-47 THROUGH 21-51, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
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ORDINANCES
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INTRODUCTION - #3853 – Amend Chapter 212 – Parks and Recreation Areas – Rules and Regulations for Tennis and Pickleball
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the first reading of ordinance 3853. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: Councilwoman Perron
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Before voting, Councilwoman Perron stated that she was originally in favor of this, however, yesterday there was a demonstration of pickleball games at the Glen Pickleball Courts, and she was struck by how minimal the sound was, just a few feet away from the courts. She thinks that both sides need to compromise and she thinks that limiting the badge sales to Ridgewood residents is a big step towards abating the noise or the sound. She stated that cutting play all together on two days a week is rather drastic. She would like to see how the initial measures go first, and for that reason she is going to vote no.
The Village Clerk read ordinance 3853 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 212, PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS, OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, AT ARTICLE VII, “RULES AND REGULATIONS,” SECTION 212-27 “TENNIS COURTS”
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3853 be adopted on first reading and that March 24, 2021 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: Councilwoman Perron
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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INTRODUCTION - #3854 – Bond Ordinance – General Capital
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the first reading of ordinance 3854. 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 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
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3854 be adopted on first reading and that April 14, 2021 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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INTRODUCTION - #3855 – Bond Ordinance – Parking Utility Capital
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the first reading of ordinance 3855. 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
Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3855 be adopted on first reading and that April 14, 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
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INTRODUCTION - #3856 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Glenwood Road as a One-Way Street
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the first reading of ordinance 3856. 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”
Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3856 be adopted on first reading and that April 14, 2021 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Before placing her vote, Councilwoman Perron stated that she had to vote yes because she didn’t think they had a good alternative.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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INTRODUCTION - #3857 – Amend Chapter 258 – Towing Regulations
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the first reading of ordinance 3857. 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”
Councilwoman Reynolds moved that ordinance 3857 be adopted on first reading and that April 14, 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
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INTRODUCTION - #3858 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Towing Fees
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the first reading of ordinance 3858. 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 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”
Councilwoman Perron moved that ordinance 3858 be adopted on first reading and that April 14, 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
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INTRODUCTION - #3859 – Bond Ordinance – Cancellation of a Funded Debt Authorization and Authorize Transfer of Amount to Capital Surplus Fund Balance
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the first reading of ordinance 3859. 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 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
Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3859 be adopted on first reading and that April 14, 2021 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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PUBLIC HEARING - #3845 – Amend Chapter 258 – Towing Regulations
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the reading of ordinance 3845 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 3845 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”
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Village Police Department received additional information regarding towing, and the revised towing ordinance was introduced this evening as ordinance 3857. The amendments were substantive, so ordinance 3845 will be defeated this evening. The Public Hearing on Ordinance 3845 was advertised for this evening, so anyone wishing to make comments for this ordinance may do so at this time. The Public Hearing is now open. There were no comments from the public and Deputy Mayor Sedon 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 3845 be defeated. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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PUBLIC HEARING - #3846 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Towing Fees
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the reading of ordinance 3846 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 3846 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”
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Village Police Department received additional information regarding towing fees, and the revised towing fees ordinance was introduced this evening as ordinance 3858. The amendments were substantive, so ordinance 3846 will be defeated this evening. The Public Hearing on Ordinance 3846 was advertised for this evening, so anyone wishing to make comments on this ordinance may do so at this time. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Deputy Mayor Sedon 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 3846 be defeated. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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PUBLIC HEARING - #3847 – Amend Chapter 249 – Streets and Sidewalks – Street Opening Permit Regulations
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the reading of ordinance 3847 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 3847 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 249 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS, AT ARTICLE III, SECTION 249-60, “PERMIT NOT REQUIRED OF VILLAGE”
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Deputy Mayor Sedon 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 3847 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
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PUBLIC HEARING - #3848 – Amend Chapter 55 – Open Space, Recreation, Farmland, and Historic Preservation
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the reading of ordinance 3848 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 3848 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 55 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ENTITLED “OPEN SPACE, RECREATION, FARMLAND, AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE”
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Deputy Mayor Sedon 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 3848 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
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PUBLIC HEARING - #3849 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees – Significant Sewer Discharger Fees
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the reading of ordinance 3849 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 3849 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”
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments from the public and Deputy Mayor Sedon 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 3849 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
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CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - #3834 – Authorize Renewal of PILOT Agreement – Ridgecrest
Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the reading of ordinance 3834 by title on fourth 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
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Public Hearing on ordinance 3834 was continued from the January and February Public Meetings, so that additional information could be provided to the Village Council. This information has not yet been received, so the Public Hearing on ordinance 3834 will be continued again. The Public Hearing on ordinance 3834 is now continued. There were no comments from the public and Deputy Mayor Sedon moved the Public Hearing on ordinance 3834 be continued to April 14, 2021. Councilwoman Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 21-52 THROUGH 21-69, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
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COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, stated that she was cut off midway from her long-winded statement at the beginning of this meeting, so she wanted to go back very quickly. This has to do with the EMT and the Fire Department. The budget that they presented is a perfect segue to her personal belief and the belief of several other people in Ridgewood. Ridgewood has an EMT program which is very popular, and they do a lot of community outreach. The EMTs not only help the Police and Fire Departments, they also have outreach to current Ridgewood High School students. According to the budget, it is really not specified as to what the plan is for the Fire Department to pick up and cover all daytime EMT calls during the week and let the EMT people cover the weekend ambulance calls, with only being paid per call. Per-diem really means per day, but in actuality they would be paid per call.
Ms. Scarpa stated that it seems to her that if they are going to hire two new Firefighters and not utilize what they have in underpaid part time EMTs, and a lot of them volunteered during the COVID year, it doesn’t seem to be a very good idea economically. She hopes the budget will specify exactly what that plan is, because this is a very important change for all of the Village. She wanted to say in closing, that somebody mentioned the terrible fire at Bagelicious, and although she appreciates how hard the Ridgewood Fire Department works, the Fire Department was using as many Ridgewood Fire Fighters as possible, along with Fire Firefighters from other towns, in order to put out that ferocious fire. The Ridgewood EMTs were helping heart attack and stroke victims, as well as drug overdoses during the time that the Bagelicious fire was burning. She asked them to take a long hard look of what it is going to cost with two new Firefighters, who do a wonderful job. However, taking the current EMT people and putting them into a situation that will erode the EMT Department entirely, which is replacing the EMTs during the week with Firefighters, will not be a viable community project.
Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he and his wife have lived in Ridgewood for almost 52 years and in his opinion, the Village Council that has run the town for the past five years is the most dysfunctional one that he has seen. The Council has the anti-Midas touch and everything it touches turns to ash. As an example, the Train Station Plaza where a historic pocket park was paved over and 17 fully grown trees were cut down for 38 compact parking spaces that could have been accommodated in the Hudson Street Garage. The Hudson Street Garage could have been built far more economically with one extra floor, five years earlier, and instead of a design that fit the architecture of the CBD we have this massive white monolith with terrible window treatments.
Mr. Halaby stated that the purchase of the Elks Club that has been described as Ridgewood’s worst real estate deal in over a decade. A Central Business District that continues in a downward spiral. He asked why Westwood should have only 4 empty stores when Ridgewood has 40. The 125th Anniversary Celebration fiasco; establishing the Ridgewood Community Fund that no one seems to know anything about; the gutting of the Community Relations Advisory Board, and firing its long term president; the demise of the Historic Preservation Commission, which hasn’t met in a year; the demise of the Financial Advisory Committee, which the Village needs now, more than ever. He has nothing but the highest regard for Bob Rooney, but he needs all the help he can get and the Village needs long term vision.
Mr. Halaby stated that there has been the demoralization of many good employees at Village Hall; dropping the ball on Glenwood Avenue; dropping the ball on Schedler, including the Rice Notices being served on certain Village employees; driving away Kensington that would have offered so many advantages to Ridgewood’s seniors; and the pickleball kerfuffle. The HealthBarn gamesmanship, and the One Village, One Vote scandal. He is surprised not a single word has been said about what has happened.
Mr. Halaby stated that that he would like to suggest that Susan Knudsen resign as Village Mayor and Village Councilmember. For the past 5 years, it was she who was in control of the Village Council and we cannot afford any more of her leadership. He also suggested that Heather Mailander resign as Village Manager and that the Village Council rehire Roberta Sonenfeld, because the Village needs an experienced business person to take over Village Hall, someone who would right the ship and restore the morale of the employees. Ms. Sonenfeld would also be someone who is tough enough to stand up to the Village Council and remind them what the Faulkner Act is all about.
Mr. Halaby stated that it pains him to say that he suggests that Mr. Rogers also resign and that he be replaced with a major Hackensack law firm that shows independence from the Village Council. Looking over the Appellate Court ruling for One Village, One Vote, Ridgewood cannot afford such an embarrassing bush league experience.
Siobhan Crann Winograd, 274 Ivy Place, stated that she was calling because she was freaking out about the 4.7% municipal tax increase. Being very personal, a lot of her friends don’t attend the Village Council meetings, and then ask her for a recap of what happened at the meetings. It will be tough to send back out into the community that the municipal tax increase is 4.7%. She fully empathized that they have had a tough year and what is missing in the discussion, is the community. There are members of the community who have lost their jobs, lost their loved ones and a 4.7% tax increase is totally unacceptable. She understands they are dealing with a heavy hand and she thinks that so are the constituents, and they are missing from the discussion.
Ms. Winograd stated that she is a big fan of spending less, and pointed out that the Village Council just got rid of extra revenue by telling out of town pickleball players that they don’t want their money, which is so inconsistent. They took Stacey Antine’s HealthBarn, which offsets Village taxes by $50,000 per year, and have prolonged the discussion about going out for an RFP for the Gate House. The Schedler project sat still for a year and yet the residents paid for two bonds, close to $2 million last year. That money has been sitting in a drawer. She doesn’t want to criticize, but these are serious financial red flags. Those are big bonds and no one checked in on them, and now the Village Council is saying there will be a 4.7% municipal tax increase. The Village Council is looking at a viable female-owned business in a park, and it is a belabored question.
Ms. Winograd stated that regarding the pickleball, they need outside people to come here and they need to be welcoming. They need to take people outside of Ridgewood, use their money and offset the taxes, and that needs to be thematic. The other concern that she has with the pickleball and the outsiders is that limiting time is so out of touch with what our community is becoming. When her kids were little, she worked three days a week, and the Boards and Committees could only meet on days she wasn’t available. She stated that to exclude the time to two days is to exclude members of the pickleball community that hold jobs, have other priorities, and it is so exclusionary.
Ms. Winograd stated that 4.7% during a time when constituents are suffering, dying, can’t get vaccines, is an unbelievable number to translate backwards. She thanked Councilwoman Walsh for forcing it. She can’t believe they are going forward to the public with the 4.7% municipal tax increase. She thanked Councilwoman Perron for standing up for pickleball. They should check with pickleball, Habernickel, and someone should have checked in on those bonds with Schedler. She encouraged the Village Council to do what Councilwoman Perron said, and put the budget on the website, in order to engage the public. She thanked Deputy Mayor Sedon for running an efficient meeting and being super polite, she aches for the budgeting process but she feels it has been more efficient with him leading us.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she would like to thank the Village Council for all of the work that they put in on the budget as she was awed by it. She mentioned that the street sweeper that is proposed for purchase for the parking garage, it is shocking to her that wasn’t considered because she remembers there was consideration about a Fire truck that could get into the parking garage but she guesses the street sweeper was never considered. To spend $103,000 for sweeping up the parking garage, it doesn’t in her opinion generate the same amount of street dirt as a street would, so it strikes her as quite an expense. She also doesn’t know if they looked up the unit that they are talking about purchasing but her husband did and it doesn’t look like it has the suction feature and it just sweeps. She knows that this is minor in the scope of the budget, but she thought they may want to take a look at that prior to the final budget approval. She gave accolades to the Village Council and added she appreciated everything that they do.
Lillian Blood, 250 North Maple Avenue, stated that she agrees that the amount of time that the pickleballers should be able to play should be every day, maybe not early in the morning until late at night, but certainly during hours that work for people who wish to play after work, and for people who don’t want to play in the middle of the day, when the sun makes it hotter. As far as people from out of town coming to play, the non-residents weren’t any noisier than the residents who play pickleball. The sound from the pickleball play, that she was participating in yesterday, was not generating sound further than the pickleball courts. She was pleased that Councilwoman Perron and one other Councilperson came yesterday. The pickleballers enjoy playing pickleball, and they aren’t out there screaming but just hitting the ball back and forth. She would like the resolution for how many hours and days they play to be only phase 1 and to reconsider it after they start playing.
There were no additional comments from the public.
Ms. Mailander stated that she had one written comment.
Richard Brooks, 777 East Ridgewood Avenue, wrote that on February 23, 2021 the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board voted unanimously to communicate the Board support for HealthBarn USA and the renewal of the organization’s lease to the Ridgewood Village Council. As Chair, he is submitting this letter on behalf of his fellow members of the PRC Board. Ms. Mailander read their statement regarding HealthBarn USA.
There were no more written comments. Deputy Mayor Sedon closed Public Comment.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he believes he made these same comments on Monday, but he would make them again. Before the introduction of the budget tonight, the Village Council had gone through five or six budget meetings and went through every Department, line by line, and nobody tuned in for the last meeting where this 4.7% municipal tax increase was first discussed. The point that he made that evening, and he would state again, was that they introduce the budget and let people comment, because no one was watching that night and put everything out there because they want input from the residents. If a 4.7% municipal tax increase is really unacceptable, they want to hear from the public. They have a March 24th meeting so there is public comment before and after, there is another work session in April so there are two more public comment periods, then there is the April public meeting with a public comment session before the meeting. Everyone on the Village Council is reachable by email or telephone call from now until April. They are putting these things out to the public and there is ample opportunity for everyone to comment. The Village Council is encouraging everyone to send as many comments as they possibly can.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he has gotten some compliments for how he runs the meetings. He really is doing nothing any different than Mayor Knudsen does, he is reading off the same script and doing the same thing. All this is a backhanded way for people who really hate the Mayor to really insult her, while complimenting him on the way he runs these meetings. The same people who are making these comments are the people who ran the 2018 campaign against him and Mayor Knudsen. It was a smear campaign, based on lies that had nothing to do with any issues in the Village of Ridgewood. Because people have this bias against the Mayor and really hate her, they are using this opportunity to ding her and insult her and he wants to say that he has absolutely been honored to serve with Susan Knudsen since 2014 on the Village Council. He has seen her work tirelessly on all Village issues big or small, she goes above and beyond, and puts more hours into this than he could, and more than he has ever seen.
Councilwoman Reynolds stated that she agrees with everything Deputy Mayor Sedon said. She wanted to bring up the pickleball courts. As far as she knows, when Nancy Bigos came last week and presented the compromise it was one that both the pickleball players and the residents in the area have worked on together. They had multiple meetings and months of conversations, and this is the compromise that they agreed to follow. She doesn’t think they should change the compromise that all parties were involved in creating. By following the compromise plan, they can see what happens. She emphasized that the current compromise plan, for the pickleball days and hours that are allowed, is the recommendation that came from the Director of Parks and Recreation based on many meetings with all parties involved.
Councilwoman Reynolds reiterated that they were begging people on Monday to comment on the budget. They were struggling and talked about so many different things, so anyone listening now should go back and watch Monday’s final budget meeting. She asked for suggestions how to reduce the budget, as they talked about so many things.
She agreed that she has known Susan Knudsen for years and she sees how hard she works, and she can’t believe the number of hours Mayor Knudsen puts in on a daily basis, because it’s incredible. There is practically no pay at all to serve on the Village Council, and if the number of hours put in by Mayor Knudsen was divided by the pay she gets, it would be less than a penny an hour. Mayor Knudsen loves this Village, which is why she is so dedicated to it.
Mayor Knudsen stated that she wanted to thank the Deputy Mayor and Councilwoman Reynolds. She would be remiss if she didn’t thank her Village Council colleagues, as well as Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Matt Rogers, Village Attorney, and Village staff, because the past week has been an incredibly difficult one for her family and the overwhelming support has been heartwarming and very much appreciated. They will continue to do their good work and as the Deputy Mayor pointed out, there have been slings and arrows since 2016. The big world out there knows they are doing good work and a great job.
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RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Mailander read Resolution #21-70 to go into Closed Session as follows:
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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 10:33 P.M.
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Susan Knudsen
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
