A REGULAR PUBLIC WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON JULY 12, 2023 AT 7:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Vagianos called the meeting to order at 7:39 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Councilmember Weitz was absent from the meeting. Also present were Keith Kazmark, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Ruth Paterson, 195 McBride Avenue, Woodland Park, New Jersey, stated that she wanted to comment this evening on the hiring of Keith Kazmark as the Village Manager. She said that she has worked with Mr. Kazmark, while he served in the positions of Councilman and Mayor of Woodland Park. She said he was very hard working and that the Village will prosper under his guidance. She thanked him for all of his service to the Borough of Woodland Park and wished him the best of luck in his new role.
Tracy Kallert, 8 Wallace Lane, Woodland Park, New Jersey, said that she is currently the Acting Mayor of Woodland Park. She has worked in public service in Bergen County for the last 27 years. She said that the Village of Ridgewood is amazing and that the Village is lucky to have Mr. Kazmark as its new Village Manager. She wished Mr. Kazmark the best of luck in the future.
Kristina Milian, 530 West Saddle River Road, began by stating that Hunter Research is one of the most prestigious consulting firms in historic research in the United States. In a report developed in 2019 and sent to the Village Council, Hunter Research advised that an archaeological survey is recommended if significant ground disturbance is planned for the historic Schedler property.
Ms. Milian thanked Deputy Mayor Perron for putting her in touch with Michael Cohrs of Ridgewood Water, whom she said was very thoughtful and professional. He is attempting to organize a meeting this fall, so that residents may learn more about the issues facing, and strategies contemplated by, Ridgewood Water surrounding the PFAS contamination in the drinking water. She said that all Village Councilmembers should attend this meeting as well.
Ms. Milian stated that a study issued a few weeks ago by the Environmental Working Group reported that cities and towns with the highest levels of toxic forever chemicals, such as PFAS contamination in tap water, have above-average rates of disease and pregnancy complications. In addition, the majority of neighborhoods with the highest levels of PFAS chemicals in drinking water suffer more cancer diagnoses and deaths than the rest of the country each year, with more babies born with dangerously low birth weights. This same study ranked towns with drinking water, from water containing the most contamination down to the very least contamination, and Bergen County was ranked number four (just below Miami). Bergen County had higher PFAS levels than Philadelphia, New Orleans, Wilmington (North Carolina) and Charleston (South Carolina).
Ms. Milian continued by saying that the Village is spending millions of dollars on PFAS treatment facilities and she applauds these efforts. Ms. Milian stated that residents who live near the Schedler property have private well water, yet the Village Councilmembers voted in favor of installing an artificial turf field on the Schedler property. Ms. Milian stated that this will destroy five acres of healthy trees and pose a danger of PFAS components of the artificial turf, to leach into the groundwater, which will in turn, affect the safety of Schedler neighbors. In addition, there will be stormwater runoff into the Saddle River, which will further harm the community. Ms. Milian said that the “right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing,” meaning that the Village is spending millions of dollars to fight PFAS, yet the Village Council is planning on installing an artificial turf field on the Schedler property which will add PFAS to the environment. She implored the Village Councilmembers to care more about Village residents.
Rita Pascrell, 1 Taft Avenue, Woodland Park, New Jersey, stated that she wanted to congratulate Mr. Kazmark for being selected to serve as Village Manager of Ridgewood. She stated that she has had the privilege of working with Mr. Kazmark for the last 22 years, while he served as Mayor of Woodland Park. Ms. Pascrell said that Mr. Kazmark will prove to be a great asset to Ridgewood and she wished him well in his new position.
Jacqueline Hone, 30 Carriage Lane, stated that the public was not given any information regarding the hiring of Peter Primavera by the Village, such as the terms of his contract. She said that after reading the transparency binder and backup paperwork for the discussion this evening with Mr. Primavera, it is evident that his main role is to remove the historic designation of the Schedler house and property. However, Ms. Hone said that there were many historical experts, including those from Hunter Research and the Bergen County and State Historic Preservation Boards, who stated that the Schedler property has historic value and that an assessment needed to be done before the ground is dug up. Ms. Hone stated that she attended a meeting with the Open Space Trust Fund and the need for such an assessment was mentioned once again. Ms. Hone asked when the Village would act in good faith and perform such an assessment of the Schedler property.
Ms. Hone said that Mr. Primavera’s paperwork also states that the sword allegedly found on the property is a local myth and is irrelevant. Mr. Primavera also said in his report that local confusion and mythology have greatly muddled the actual and true significance of the Schedler house. However, Ms. Hone stated that no one ever reached out to local residents to seek information regarding the historical artifacts found on the Schedler property. Ms. Hone stated that Deputy Mayor Perron personally sent her an email, along with an actual picture of the sword, which was found by the Banta family on the Schedler property. Ms. Hone feels that this is an important piece of information that is missing from Mr. Primavera’s report.
Ms. Hone said that she was not sure whether members of the public would be allowed to speak either during or after Mr. Primavera’s presentation, and she asked that the Village Councilmembers ask Mr. Primavera this very important question about the sword.
Lynn Dewhurst, 176 West Glen Avenue, stated that the sidewalks on West Glen Avenue have been completed on the Willard side down to Alpine Terrace. She asked that the sidewalk project resume on the opposite side of West Glen Avenue (the George Washington Middle School side), going down to S Hill Road. She said that the sidewalk begins again at Heights Road and continues all the way down to Maple Avenue. Ms. Dewhurst stated that the curve by S Hill is especially dangerous for pedestrians, particularly with young drivers coming back to Ridgewood for summer break who tend to go over the speed limit, sometimes as fast as 45 miles per hour. Ms. Dewhurst said that a pedestrian crosswalk would be beneficial at the corner of Alpine Terrace, where there is good visibility, looking east and west on West Glen Avenue.
Ms. Dewhurst said that she was dismayed to read an email, which her neighbor received, regarding sidewalk remediation on North Monroe Avenue. She said that North Monroe Avenue desperately needs to be repaved, since Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) “shredded it” last year. Ms. Dewhurst said that most of the sidewalks on North Monroe are fine, but now the corners of all the sidewalks at intersections are being redone, despite the fact that all of the sidewalks are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. She feels that the Village is spending money on projects that are unnecessary.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, welcomed the new Village Manager and remarked how lovely it was that so many people from Woodland Park came to the meeting this evening to speak highly of him, and wish him well. Ms. Loving said that at the last Village Council meeting, Councilmember Reynolds mentioned how helpful Ms. Mailander was during the construction of the Hudson Street Parking Garage and arriving at a reasonable footprint for the garage. She alluded to another controversial project which would soon need Ms. Mailander’s attention.
Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, said that it appeared that the public will not be afforded the opportunity this evening to ask Mr. Primavera questions about his report on the Schedler property. During Mr. Primavera’s initial introduction to the Village Council, he commented that he would be reaching out to local Village residents, as well as to historians with expertise in historic landmarks. However, Ms. Lima said that she was unaware of any efforts by Mr. Primavera to do so. Regarding the paperwork related to Mr. Primavera’s presentation this evening, Ms. Lima said that she did not see any footnotes, disclaimers, or resources that were referred to by Mr. Primavera, when he arrived at “factual” conclusions regarding the Schedler property. She asked for further information from either the Village Councilmembers or Mr. Primavera regarding this missing information, so that the public can be reassured that the facts presented by Mr. Primavera are credible.
Ms. Lima said that she was woefully familiar with moving homes and the expenses associated with doing so. She said that Mr. Primavera indicated in his paperwork that his estimate is that it would cost $14,000.00 to move the Schedler house to a different location. However, Ms. Lima said that it actually costs upwards of $1 million to move a home, citing examples where it was done in Tenafly and Princeton. She said that the Village is already facing a budget crunch and the municipal taxes are already high enough, so it doesn’t make sense to her that the Village would incur more expense by moving the historic Zabriskie-Schedler house. Ms. Lima mentioned that if anything along these lines were to be done, then the Village should relocate the historical structures on Prospect Street to the Schedler property, rather than demolishing them, thereby creating a local historical park, as originally discussed years ago.
Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, said that she wanted to read an email by Niti Mistry (416 Colwell Court). She read: “I’m currently out of town, so I cannot be at the meeting and I’ve asked Cynthia O’Keefe to read this statement on my behalf. I was happy to see the West Glen sidewalks on tonight’s agenda. I wish I could see the latest plans! I’d like to thank Chris and the Engineering Department for all their hard work over many years trying to solve this puzzle with West Glen. My hope is that the plans call for the completion of the sidewalk project in its entirety. We are very grateful to previous administrations for the progress that has been made, and this Council’s willingness to make further progress on the issue. We’ve seen a huge uptick in pedestrian activity on the parts of West Glen where sidewalks have already been installed, and I am certain that once the most treacherous portion of West Glen, specifically between Alpine Terrace and S Hill Road, is completed, it will be a game changer. It will be heavily utilized and will safely connect many members from the west side of town with the Central Business District. It will also reinforce Ridgewood’s culture of walking and, while any progress is appreciated, completing this project will be a huge win, not only for our residents, but also for this Council. Thank you for your consideration.”
Ms. O’Keefe said that she agrees with the comments made this evening by Ms. Milian, Ms. Lima, Ms. Hone, and Ms. Loving. Ms. O’Keefe welcomed Mr. Kazmark as the new Village Manager and expressed the hope that he would reach out to the Schedler neighbors and listen to their important safety concerns, as he has promised to do. She said that the attempts by some of the Village Councilmembers to “control the narrative” of the public are deceptive.
Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, welcomed Mr. Kazmark as the new Village Manager. Ms. Ruane said that Councilmember Winograd posted some of the accomplishments of the Village Council this week on social media, with the majority of the accomplishments being related to the Central Business District (CBD). Ms. Ruane commented on that post by stating, “Thank you for all your work for the Ridgewood Central Business District. However, vital safety issues like paving West Glen and repairing the East Saddle River footbridge and hiring more police officers, have either been ignored or postponed until next year by this Village Council. Two children have already been hit by cars taking dangerous alternative routes, because the East Saddle River footbridge has been closed, yet this Village Council has removed funds to repair the footbridge from this year’s budget to allocate them to Schedler.”
Ms. Ruane said that Councilmembers Reynolds and Winograd have been the only Village Councilmembers that have wanted to fix the footbridge. She is afraid that someone will need to die before the rest of the Village Councilmembers decide to allocate enough money to repair the bridge. Ms. Ruane asked each Village Councilmember what their individual priority is. She said that the Schedler sports complex and the Central Business District have dominated the conversations of the Village Councilmembers. She noted that the matter of the sidewalk project on West Glen Avenue is on the agenda this evening, and she wondered when other safety concerns in the Village will be addressed (hiring more police officers and repairing the footbridge).
Ms. Ruane noted that Mr. Primavera estimated that it would cost only $14,000.00 to relocate the Schedler house. She said that this estimate is very low and asked whether the Village Council will once again take money away from important safety projects in order to move this house.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, welcomed Mr. Kazmark as the new Village Manager and said that he was very heartened to see the people from Woodland Park who attended the meeting this evening wishing Mr. Kazmark good luck. Mr. Halaby said that Mr. Kazmark will do great things for the Village, considering his experience and background.
Mr. Halaby asked once again that the Guide for Public Meetings be included as a link on every agenda, stating that it is a great document that explains how the Village Council works and how meetings are conducted.
There were no further comments from the public.
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the sword mentioned by Ms. Hone has been verified to her as being a British officer’s sword. She learned of the sword’s existence from Jared Banta, whose family owned the sword through many generations. Mr. Banta eventually donated the sword to the Old Schoolhouse Museum. Deputy Mayor Perron stated that there is no actual official document, which she has seen, that records where this sword was actually found. She said that she has read stories about the sword, which could possibly be fictional, but has not seen anything authoritative as to where the sword was kept since the 1700s. The only fact she is aware of is that the sword “came down” through the Banta family, which may have, at one time, owned a barn or owned property on what is now known as the Schedler property. She said that she would defer to the experts in this regard.
Councilmember Winograd said that the sword was presented at a meeting of the League of Women Voters. When one does a Google search about this sword, the video link claims that the sword found in the Schoolhouse Museum was found in a home in Ho-Ho-Kus. Regarding the historical properties on Prospect Street, mentioned previously by Ms. Lima, Councilmember Winograd stated that these structures are private properties. The Toll House (Vanderbeck-Walton House on Prospect Street in Ridgewood) is actually in her neighborhood. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is privately owned, as are some of the historic barns.
Councilmember Winograd stated that she and Councilmember Reynolds have been working on getting the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge repaired. She said that the Village Council’s decision to repair the bridge, as opposed to replacing it in its entirety (which would require that it be ADA compliant), has made the Village ineligible for any grants. Therefore, the grant application sent by Congressman Gottheimer’s office cannot be used by the Village, since a prior Village Council decided to repair the bridge rather than to replace it. Councilmember Winograd said that the current Village Councilmembers can revisit the matter of the footbridge and decide whether or not they want to make the bridge ADA compliant. However, she mentioned that there are no sidewalks next to the bridge on East Saddle River Road on which a handicapped or disabled person could exit, so perhaps it is a moot point.
Councilmember Reynolds felt that the topic of the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge should definitely be discussed once again by the Village Council to see if the majority of the Village Councilmembers want to stay with the decision to repair the bridge or reconsider the option of replacing the bridge in its entirety, with ADA compliance. She pointed out that if things are left status quo, the Village will not be able to apply for a grant.
Mayor Vagianos agreed with Councilmembers Reynolds and Winograd that the Village Council should reopen discussions regarding the Kingsbridge Lane Footbridge. He also thanked the people from Woodland Park who spoke so highly tonight about Keith Kazmark.
3. MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Kazmark thanked everyone in the Village, including Village employees and the community at large, for the very warm welcome he has received over the last three days. He especially thanked Ms. Mailander, who has driven him around the Village to acquaint him with historic sites and areas of the Village where there are resident concerns. He said that she has shared her institutional knowledge with him, and he is confident that she will continue to do so in the future.
Mr. Kazmark stated that his office has set up individual meetings with each Department Director, commencing on Monday, July 17, 2023. In addition, he will meet with each Village Councilmember to hear what their priorities are for the Village of Ridgewood. He said that his priority over the next three months will be to learn and absorb as much as he can about Ridgewood, so that the best decisions may be made moving forward.
Mr. Kazmark said that he had the opportunity to attend the Fourth of July parade and fireworks, which were amazing. He thanked the Fourth of July Committee, all Village staff and all sponsors who worked tirelessly to organize these impressive festivities.
In addition, Mr. Kazmark connected with Mark Schwarz, the new Superintendent of Schools, on two occasions, and they have an in-person meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning. He said that in his previous public service roles, he has always enjoyed a positive working relationship with the school district, and he expressed the hope that he can enjoy such a positive working relationship with Mr. Schwarz.
At 8:00 a.m. this morning, Mr. Kazmark attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting with Mayor Vagianos. He thanked Glenn Carlough, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and Joan Groome, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Board for the nice welcome he received. He said that he looks forward to working together with the Chamber of Commerce, and he plans on meeting with the Chamber of Commerce members next week. He believes that successful businesses are the backbone of every community.
In September of this year after Labor Day, he has planned a “Meet the Manager” meet-and-greet in Village Hall (courtroom), so that Ridgewood residents may present their concerns to him and so that they may learn more about him and his professional experience. In addition, he has launched three social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter (Ridgewood_Manager_07450) and on Facebook (Ridgewood Village Manager). He encouraged all residents to like or friend these three social media outlets. Mr. Kazmark said that he will be posting various activities and highlights, but his main goal is to improve communication between the Village Manager’s Office and Ridgewood residents.
Mr. Kazmark thanked all of the people from Woodland Park who spoke this evening, which he said was totally unexpected, particularly Acting Mayor Kallert, Chairwoman Paterson, and Councilwoman Pascrell.
Mr. Kazmark said that an outside contractor hired by the Village, working on behalf of the Shade Tree Commission and Parks and Recreation Department, began detailed inspections of the estimated 2,000 trees along County roads and public parks. This is the second phase of a tree inventory project that began in 2021, with the identification of 9,025 trees and 192 stumps across the Village, including 618 ash trees that are threatened by the emerald ash borer.
PSE&G will start to mill and pave next week on the west side of the Village. Scheduling is dependent upon the weather. On a weekly basis, the Police Department will announce the different areas where such work will be performed. Residents should also consult the Village website for the milling and paving schedule. Paving is scheduled from July 17 through August 10, 2023. The tentative dates for paving North Monroe Street are July 19th and August 2nd.
The Ridgewood Guild is sponsoring free “Movies in the Park” on Wednesday nights, in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. “Pirates of the Caribbean” will be shown on July 19, 2023 at 9:00 p.m.; “Man of Steel” will be shown on August 2, 2023 at 8:15 p.m.; and “Sunset Boulevard” will be shown on August 16, 2023 at 8:15 p.m.
The Pedestrian Plaza, where the streets are closed to vehicular traffic from Walnut Street to Broad Street, along East Ridgewood Avenue, will be held on Saturdays through October 9, 2023. There will be music and entertainment in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on Saturday nights. Mr. Kazmark announced that the committee, which has been spearheading the organization of the pedestrian plaza, is scaling it back to only Saturdays. This will be re-evaluated after Labor Day, once residents return from vacations, to possibly include Sundays again. Each month will be culturally themed and there will be special activities for children. Weekly updates will be posted on the Village website, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The 65th annual free summer concert series began on June 1, 2023 at the Kasschau Memorial Shell on Veterans Field. Attendees should bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Performances start at 8:30 p.m., until noted otherwise, and are held every Tuesday and Thursday in July and August, ending on August 10, 2023. Some select performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Parkway Soul (soul rhythm and blues) will be performing on July 13th at 7:30 p.m.; Group Therapy (rock and roll) will be performing on July 18th at 8:30 p.m.; Grateful BRO (Grateful Dead tribute band) will perform on July 20th at 7:30 p.m.; Joe Oriente & Friends (old school faves) will perform on August 1st at 8:30 p.m.; Mighty Spectrum Band (classics and Springsteen) will perform on August 3rd at 7:30 p.m.; Soul’ed Out (rhythm and blues, funk, soul) will perform on August 8th at 8:30 p.m.; and the last performance on August 10th will be by The Nerds (pure energy) at 7:30 p.m.
The Health Department and community partners will be hosting a mini Health Fair, in collaboration with Music Under the Stars, on Thursday, July 20th, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be free blood pressure screenings and giveaways, health resources, and at-home Covid tests will be distributed at that time.
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce is holding its 23rd Annual Ridgewood Farmer’s Market on Sundays through October 29, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the Train Station parking lot on the west side of the Village. There will be fresh farm to table produce, fresh vegetables, fruits, baked goods, local honey, and homemade mozzarella offered for sale.
The Ridgewood Guild is sponsoring “Music in the Night”, in various locations on Friday nights in the CBD, through Labor Day. The Ridgewood Guild also sponsors “Art in the Park” on the first Friday in August from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Council Chat is held on the first Saturday of every month. The next Council Chat is scheduled for August 5, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Village Hall Courtroom. Residents should call for reservations at 201-670-5500, extension 2207. Walk-ins are welcome, but those with reservations will have priority.
Graydon Pool is now open, and Mr. Kazmark stated that he likes seeing the children enjoying the pool.
Upcoming Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, on FIOS Channel 34 and YouTube. Meetings can now be attended either in person or via Zoom or phone. The next Public Meetings are scheduled for July 19 and August 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. The next Village Council Work Sessions will be held on August 2, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. All Public Meetings and Work Sessions will have hybrid access.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Reynolds stated that she did not believe there was going to be a Council Chat held in August. Ms. Mailander said that Deputy Mayor Perron was correct and that the Council Chat will resume on the first Saturday in September.
Councilmember Reynolds welcomed Mr. Kazmark in his new role as Village Manager and wished him the best of luck. She was confident that he will do a great job and said that he brings a lot of enthusiasm to the Village.
Councilmember Reynolds gave a huge shout-out to Leigh Gilsenan and Tara Masterson for their hard work in organizing the Fourth of July events, describing them as the “heart and soul” of the Fourth of July Committee.
Councilmember Reynolds said that regarding the $14,000.00, which Mr. Primavera said it would cost to relocate the Schedler house, she felt that this sum did not represent the cost for moving the house, but rather the amount it will cost the Village to have Mr. Primavera draw up all of the necessary paperwork. She said that there were no committee meetings recently, which she attended.
Councilmember Winograd welcomed Mr. Kazmark as Village Manager and stated how nice it was that some of his colleagues from Woodland Park appeared at the meeting this evening to wish him good luck in his new role.
Councilmember Winograd said that the Access Committee met and they are officially declaring October 6 through 8, 2023 as Access Weekend. A press release will be sent out concerning same. The Access Committee is seeking volunteers and donations. A myriad of events will be held in the Village Hall and the Ridgewood Library. She asked for everyone’s help in promoting this wonderful weekend.
Councilmember Winograd also gave a shoutout to the Ridgewood Library, which offers free museum passes to Ridgewood residents. She attended an event at the Ridgewood Library today, which promotes summer reading. She added that the Ridgewood Library is a gathering place for the community, especially during the summer. There is a recommended summer reading list.
Yesterday, Councilmember Winograd met with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Glen Rock and Ridgewood. Many ideas were discussed during the meeting about how Ridgewood can celebrate Juneteenth next year.
The Shade Tree Commission is looking for volunteers to help in their Adopt-a-Sapling initiative. Much help is needed digging holes and planting the young saplings.
Councilmember Winograd said that American Legion Post 53 has begun their fundraising campaign to raise money for the Gold Star Families monument, which is to be erected in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. She encouraged everyone to donate and to spread the word about this fundraising effort. Their goal is to have this project fully funded by the end of the year.
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that although the pedestrian plaza is being scaled back, all planned entertainment is going to take place and the streets will be open on Sundays. She announced the lineup for entertainment this weekend (July 15 and 16). On Saturday at 8:00 a.m., Tai Chi will be offered in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square; at 10:30 a.m., Stroller Strides exercise will be offered; at 7:30 p.m., Hawk will perform tunes from the 1960s. On Sunday, yoga will be offered at 8:00 a.m. in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square; at 5:00 p.m., Mack Brandon and the Connection will perform as part of the summerlong heritage theme of the pedestrian plaza. July is Americana month, and this band is a gospel choir. Deputy Mayor Perron stated that Art of Motion presented a charming patriotic piece to introduce the Fourth of July celebration. She said that there will be another puppet show scheduled soon. The theme for August is “Asia Month.”
Regarding Green Ridgewood, Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the Resiliency Subcommittee (which looks at stormwater management in Ridgewood) had a viewing of the robotic inspection of the stormwater system from Hope Street (by Evergreen Place) down to the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. Several concerned neighbors were in attendance to watch the viewing. Deputy Mayor Perron said that this was very educational for everyone. She said that it was helpful to have Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, in attendance at the meeting to explain what was being shown. It appears that there is an obstruction of some kind between Addison Place and the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. This will be diagnosed and remedied. Deputy Mayor Perron gave a shoutout to student intern, Tessa Florida, who has been working with Green Ridgewood for over a year. She graduated in June and just heard that she has been accepted to the University of Michigan.
Deputy Mayor Perron showed a schedule of all the bands that will be performing in the pedestrian plaza. There were extra schedules for the public to take on the table in the courtroom.
Mayor Vagianos said that he sat in for Councilmember Winograd at the Shade Tree Commission meeting held last night. He said that Mulch Monday was a success and that all of the tree wells in the CBD have been weeded and mulched. He said that this was a prime example that “many hands make light work.” He also praised the members of the Fourth of July Committee for organizing the wonderful activities in Ridgewood to celebrate this holiday. Mayor Vagianos said that this was just one example of what makes Ridgewood such a great place to live. He said that Leigh Gilsenan and Tara Masterson, who are lifelong friends, dreamt of running the Fourth of July Parade since they were little girls, and the amount of time, effort, stress and work that goes into organizing this event is phenomenal.
5. PRESENTATION
A. UPDATE ON WEST GLEN AVENUE SIDEWALKS AND S HILL ROAD
Jovan Mehandzic, Assistant Engineer, gave an update on the West Glen Avenue sidewalk project (between North Monroe Street and Heights Road) and S Hill Road improvements. Mr. Mehandzic said that two years ago, sidewalks were constructed on the north side of West Glen Avenue, and now his department is concentrating on sidewalk construction on the south side of West Glen Avenue. He said that this has been difficult, due to high property grades and accessibility issues. The original plans called for the construction of retaining walls on private property at the property line, since Bergen County has requested that no retaining walls be constructed on the right-of-way, which is 50 feet wide. The construction preferred by the Village would be four-foot sidewalks, with a grass parkway strip, along with a shade tree or decorative tree planted on the parkway strip, depending on which side the utility poles are located. However, Mr. Mehandzic stated that this preferred construction would cost a lot of money, so the Engineering Department was requested to develop an alternate plan.
Mr. Mehandzic said that the alternate plan would entail the construction of a six-foot wide sidewalk right behind the curb. He said that a four-foot sidewalk cannot be constructed behind a curb, due to regulatory guidelines, which set forth requirements related to how far a pedestrian must be away from traffic. When a sidewalk touches the curb, the minimum width of the sidewalk must be six feet. The grades of the property would then be sloped to meet the sidewalk. The grades vary from 10 inches to 6 to 7 feet. In addition, there is a lot of bedrock which must be dealt with, which Mr. Mehandzic stated presents a problem since the bedrock is right on the south side of West Glen Avenue, particularly near Alpine Terrace. The estimated cost for this work is $200,000.00 with no retaining walls. However, Mr. Mehandzic said that the cost to chip away at the bedrock is unknown and that it is very expensive to get rid of.
Mr. Mehandzic continued by stating that another unknown cost would be the landscaping of the front yards of the properties, which will be affected by the sidewalk construction. However, he said that this will not be very expensive with the use of pachysandra and other ground cover.
Councilmember Reynolds asked Mr. Mehandzic what would happen if there were another rainstorm, such as the one that was experienced last weekend. She asked if there would be a landslide of dirt into the street. Mr. Mehandzic said that there is a risk of that happening before the landscaping plants are stabilized (over a two-year period). However, mulch could be utilized rather than plants at the beginning, with plants being able to grow up between the mulch over time. When asked if the chips would be washed away during a storm, Mr. Mehandzic stated that the chips would probably not wash away. He mentioned that when it rains, a lot of water runs down North Monroe Street like a canal. He stated that a Belgium block curb could be installed behind the sidewalk, which would help to prevent water from washing away the mulch.
Councilmember Reynolds asked if pachysandra would be the fastest way to accomplish this, and Mr. Mehandzic stated that it would not be and that it was a slow process. Councilmember Reynolds asked what type of ground cover would be best. Mr. Mehandzic replied that a jute mat or a coconut mat could be utilized underneath any plants or mulch, which would aid in keeping everything in place. The mat would dissolve in five years.
Councilmember Reynolds then asked if the $200,000.00 would be for sidewalk construction only to S Hill Road, and Mr. Mehandzic replied in the affirmative. He said that sidewalks have already been constructed in front of four homes on the south side of West Glen Avenue by North Monroe Street. Councilmember Reynolds remarked that the paperwork shows a total estimated cost of $287,000.00. Mr. Mehandzic said that the $200,000.00 was the original estimate and that they added landscaping and bedrock removal costs to the original estimate, bringing the total estimated costs to $287,040.00.
Councilmember Winograd asked if the cost for the trees is included in the estimated cost or whether these funds would come out of the Shade Tree budget. Mr. Mehandzic said that he did not account for planting any trees, but that he could come up with an estimate for same. He said that there are probably four large trees that will have to be removed so that the sidewalks can be constructed, one of which was already removed by the County two weeks ago since it was located in their right-of-way. If a homeowner wants a tree planted, Mr. Mehandzic stated that he would be happy to pay for the cost of planting the tree. Councilmember Winograd said that she really loved the idea of installing the Belgium block curb behind the sidewalk, since it will help prevent the mulch and dirt from being washed away by rain.
Councilmember Winograd asked if all 15 property owners have been spoken to regarding these sidewalk construction plans, and Mr. Mehandzic replied that he has yet done so. He stated that he hoped Mr. Kazmark would help him in this regard. Mr. Kazmark stated that he intended to have an exclusive resident meeting with the affected homeowners, in order to obtain feedback, so that a collective decision can be made. He said that while pedestrian safety is paramount, the Village must also realize that these property owners will be affected by this construction work. Mr. Kazmark indicated that he will speak with Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, once Mr. Rutishauser returns from vacation, so that they can make arrangements for the meeting with the residents.
Regarding the safety improvements by S Hill Road, Councilmember Winograd said that she loved the proposed plans to improve safety. She asked if the residents who live in that area have been spoken to about the potential plans to make S Hill Road a one-way street. Mr. Mehandzic said that this has not yet been accomplished. Ms. Mailander reminded Councilmember Winograd that these plans are merely conceptual at this stage and the residents will not be contacted until the plans have been finalized. Councilmember Winograd said that she felt a “no left hand turn” would be better at the intersection of West Glen Avenue and S Hill Road, rather than making
S Hill Road a one-way street.
Mr. Mehandzic gave a quick overview of the safety improvements by the intersection of S Hill Road and Heights Road. He said that vision is obstructed for pedestrians when they are standing on the corner of S Hill Road by the curve of West Glen Avenue. He described various crosswalks to be constructed near Heights Road, S Hill Road and West Glen Avenue. They are attempting to shorten crosswalks through the use of various bumpouts in that location, while adhering to preferences of Bergen County of a 35-foot radius and crosswalks less than 60 feet long. Regarding making S Hill Road a one-way street, Mr. Mehandzic said that there could also be a “right turn only” requirement for cars exiting onto West Glen Avenue from S Hill Road, since turning left is hazardous, due to the curve of the road in that location.
Ms. Mailander added that Police Lieutenant Chuck recommended that the one way be initiated going up S Hill Road rather than coming down S Hill Road towards West Glen Avenue, since driver visibility would be less obstructed. The same thing was done on Glenwood Road near the Ho-Ho-Kus Train Station, which made that area much safer. Mr. Mehandzic added that S Hill Road could remain a two-way street, with a “No Left Turn” sign installed so that drivers traveling west on West Glen Avenue would not be allowed to make a left-hand turn onto S Hill Road. He stated that there is very little chance of planting trees in this location, because there is a water main in that area and trees may make visibility difficult by the curve in the road.
When questioned by Deputy Mayor Perron, Mr. Mehandzic stated that trees can be planted wherever there are green areas on the conceptual plans. However, he stated that it would be difficult to plant trees by the blinking lights on West Glen Avenue and the existing water main.
Mayor Vagianos said that he liked the bumpouts, because the intersections of S Hill Road, Heights Road and West Glen Avenue are very wide. He asked about any traffic calming measures traveling east on West Glen Avenue, such as speed bumps. Mr. Mehandzic replied that since West Glen Avenue is a County road, the County regulates everything that is done on the street. He spoke about wider lines on the roadway to make the road appear narrower, thereby slowing down cars. He said that tree-lined streets also tend to make drivers drive slower, due to “visual crowding.” Mr. Mehandzic said that the speed tables (speed bumps), such as those on Somerville Avenue and South Broad Street, cannot have more than 3,000 cars cross over them per day. He said that the County roads traversing through Ridgewood have 10,000+ cars traveling along them every day. Mr. Mehandzic also spoke about the danger of speed tables during the winter when they may become hidden by snow, despite signs alerting drivers to their presence. He would recommend against using speed bumps on West Glen Avenue, but would prefer to use a “road diet” using visual cues. When questioned by Mayor Vagianos, Mr. Mehandzic stated that flashing crosswalk signs could be installed by S Hill Road along West Glen Avenue, such as those installed on Maple Avenue, near the Ridgewood Water headquarters and near Graydon Pool.
Mr. Mehandzic reiterated that the sidewalk construction from North Monroe Street down to S Hill Road would cost an estimated $287,000.00 and the safety improvements near S Hill Road would cost an estimated $47,000.00.
Councilmember Reynolds asked if the bumpouts would be grass islands with a curb on the outside. Mr. Mehandzic replied in the affirmative, stating that the existing sidewalks would remain. The asphalt would be removed from the road where the bumpouts were to be installed, and topsoil and seed would be applied, along with handicapped ramps. The respective homeowners would be responsible for maintaining the bumpouts on their property frontage, just the same as other homeowners would mow the parkway strips in front of their homes.
Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Mehandzic to explain what he meant by “road diet.” Councilmember Reynolds stated that at the intersection of Overbrook Road and North Irving Street, by Stevens Field, there is a large area painted with white striped lines in order to make the road appear narrower. However, in her opinion, she stated that this “road diet” measure does not work, because cars ignore the street markings. Mr. Mehandzic stated that a road diet was initiated along Grove Street, where the road width was 60 feet. They installed an island in the middle of the road, near its intersection with Paramus Road, and it reduced speeding of cars. A discussion ensued about various road diet measures. Mr. Mehandzic said that the County will require a 30- foot width from curb to curb on any County road, such as West Glen Avenue, and the County frowns upon the installation of a thicker median line. Therefore, that is why he is recommending the concrete bumpouts as opposed to any type of painted road diet striping, other than a painted white shoulder line. He added that the crosswalks can be accentuated with a dashed white line through the intersections.
Mayor Vagianos asked if the sidewalk construction and the safety improvements could be done separately, and Mr. Mehandzic replied in the affirmative. He said that he believed the safety improvements by S Hill Road could be completed by Thanksgiving of this year, depending upon available funding.
Councilmember Winograd said that she felt the two projects should be performed together, since she felt it would be dangerous to do the safety improvements without the sidewalks being completed. She added that very few roads go from east to west in the Village and that is the reason why West Glen Avenue is so heavily trafficked. Councilmember Winograd asked Mr. Mehandzic if there was any carryover capital in his departmental budget for this work. Mr. Mehandzic said that his department is currently working on obtaining State grant monies to do work on the upper half of North Monroe Street. However, the State is not funding 100% of the work and, therefore, money in his budget will need to be used toward completing that work. He said that he will need a few more days to see how much funding may be available in his budget for the work on West Glen Avenue.
Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that she was having trouble figuring out where private property ends and where the public right-of-way begins on the conceptual drawings. Mr. Mehandzic replied that there are so many curves and radiuses that the properties will have to be surveyed and staked out, to determine the boundary lines. Deputy Mayor Perron noted that many of the properties have a very steep slope in their front yards. She said that cutting into the slope without building a retaining wall makes her anxious. She asked if there is a formula that must be followed by engineers for maintaining the integrity or strength of the slope. Mr. Mehandzic said that there is no scientific formula when it comes to slope management, other than in streams. He said that he did not think people will want “blasted rock” in their front yard.
Deputy Mayor Perron asked if the Village would have to pay for the land that is encroached upon by the Village. Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, stated that if there is encroachment onto private property which becomes necessary, and there is a condemnation, there would be a fee associated with that. He said that he was not sure if the Engineering Department has measured property lines or not, but that it would be helpful to the Village Councilmembers to see such measurements. Mr. Mehandzic said that there would be no encroachments onto private property in order to complete the sidewalks. He said that the retaining walls would give him the “luxury” of a four-foot sidewalk and a street tree. With a six-foot sidewalk, they will gain three feet in the right-of-way and there would be no encroachment onto private property. Mr. Rogers stated that it would be best for the Village Councilmembers to make a decision once measurements are taken, showing exactly where the right-of-way exists in front of each of the private properties located on the south side of West Glen Avenue. Mr. Mehandzic explained that there is usually a 9 foot to 10-foot right-of-way.
Councilmember Winograd noted that some of the properties along West Glen Avenue have retaining walls along the property owner’s driveways and/or self-made parking spaces, both of which are located in the right-of-way. She said that she was concerned about how the removal of the retaining walls and parking spaces would affect the property owners. Mr. Rogers stated that, from a legal standpoint, the right-of-way is not owned by the property owner, but is owned by the Village. Mr. Mehandzic showed some examples on the screen of properties which would be affected by the sidewalk construction, as well as some older screenshots of the north side of West Glen Avenue before the sidewalks were constructed on that side.
Ms. Mailander pointed out that when the sidewalks were constructed on the north side of West Glen Avenue, many trees and landscaping had to be removed or relocated in order to make room for the sidewalks, and the affected neighbors were not happy about that. Mayor Vagianos stated that all such remedial landscaping was included in the estimated $287,040.00. Deputy Mayor Perron pointed out that such costs were not included, stating that the wording “Landscaping in front of each house needs an allowance” was on the bottom of the engineer’s estimate. Mayor Vagianos pointed out that under item 11 on the estimate, there was an allowance of $75,000.00 for 2:1 slope restoration, including landscaping.
Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Mehandzic to explain the difference between the original $1 million sidewalk project proposal and the current estimate of $287,040.00. Mr. Mehandzic explained that the difference is that the original proposal included the construction of retaining walls, which amounted to $700,000.00 and which would take 6 to 8 months to complete. He said that the front yards would be more usable and flatter using retaining walls. When asked by Mayor Vagianos which proposal he favored, Mr. Mehandzic stated that he preferred the original proposal using retaining walls, since street trees can be planted and traffic calming measures can be instituted.
Deputy Mayor Perron remarked that one resident living on West Glen Avenue complained that planting a tree near the front of their property would impede them visually, and prevent them from being able to get out of their driveway safely. She noted on the estimate that there was a notation that read, “Most driveways will need to be regraded to garage,” and asked if those costs were already included in the $287,040.00 estimate. However, she then noted the allowance of $7,760.00 for driveway restoration on the estimate. Mr. Mehandzic said that more work will be needed on the steeper driveways in order to make them drivable. Deputy Mayor Perron asked if the figure of $7,760.00 was feasible for that driveway restoration, and Mr. Mehandzic said that this figure will have to be increased. He said that he would recalculate that number.
Councilmember Reynolds asked if Mr. Mehandzic could do an estimate for performing the safety improvements first by Heights Road, S Hill Road and West Glen Avenue, and then the sidewalks from Alpine Terrace down to S Hill Road on the south side of West Glen Avenue. Mr. Mehandzic said that he could do so. Mayor Vagianos said that he would also like to see such a proposal as well.
Ms. Mailander asked if there was a consensus amongst the Village Councilmembers that the safety improvements by S Hill Road should be performed, since that work could be completed this year if everyone agreed. Deputy Mayor Perron said that she did not agree that the sidewalks and safety improvements should be done at the same time. She felt that the bumpouts near S Hill Road are foundational and that this work should be completed first. Councilmember Winograd clarified that she felt it would be silly to do the sidewalks without the bumpouts. There was a consensus that the bumpouts should be completed as soon as possible. Mayor Vagianos said he would then like to see projected costs for completing the sidewalks on the south side of West Glen Avenue from Alpine Terrace down to S Hill Road. Councilmember Reynolds stated that she did not want to wait until the bumpouts are completed before getting the projected costs for the partial sidewalk construction.
Mayor Vagianos suggested that Mr. Kazmark begin the dialogue with the affected residents in order to get their feedback. Mr. Kazmark replied that he has a meeting with the Engineering Department next week. They will discuss the proposed plans and also come up with projected costs to construct the sidewalks from Alpine Terrace to S Hill Road, and perhaps bring the matter back before the Village Council a second time. He said that he would be more comfortable doing those things first, after which time he would begin discussions with the residents, once they arrived at a more concrete plan. Mayor Vagianos agreed. Councilmember Reynolds said that if the matter is brought back before the Village Council, the earliest time that could be done would be August 2. She wondered whether precious time would be lost by doing so. After further discussion, it was clarified that Mr. Kazmark was talking about the sidewalks and not the bumpouts.
Mayor Vagianos said that the bidding for the bumpout construction could commence and, at the same time, the projected costs for the “limited” sidewalk could be developed. Councilmember Reynolds said that the residents affected by the bumpouts would be faced with maintaining the grassy area connected to the bumpouts. Mr. Kazmark said that this would affect fewer residents and he would have no problem with speaking with the residents about the bumpouts as soon as possible. Ms. Mailander stated that she would have a Title 59 approval ready in time for the next Village Council meeting on July 19, 2023, regarding the bumpouts. Everyone thanked Mr. Mehandzic for his excellent work.
B. UPDATE FROM CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION SPECIALIST
Mr. Kazmark announced that the next presentation would consist of an update from Peter Primavera, Cultural Resource Management and Historic Preservation Specialist.
Mr. Primavera said that he would give his presentation in three parts and would also try to clarify some of the public comments that were made this evening. He began by stating that his assignment was to figure out a way to build athletic fields on the Schedler property while preserving the historic Zabriskie-Schedler house, both of which are listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. At the same time, he was tasked with figuring out how to go through the regulatory process (determining who would have jurisdiction over what was done on the Schedler property, besides the Village Council). He said that the primary jurisdiction that the Village would have to move through would be the New Jersey State Register Act (NJSRA), legislation that contains regulations that protect properties listed on the New Jersey State Register of Historic Places from the actions of public agencies (municipalities, counties, regional authorities, and the State itself).
Mr. Primavera said that the NJSRA is the piece of legislation that would involve the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which is part of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). In order to build anything on the property itself, with grant monies received from the New Jersey Historic Trust (a separate agency in the State Department), the plans would need to be reviewed by SHPO. SHPO has already reviewed the renovation plans for the house, accomplished by using a combination of funds from the County, the Village, and the State. He said that SHPO is well aware of the Schedler property, and first became aware of it when the requisite paperwork was filed by the Village for historic designation to the State. National jurisdiction only comes into play if the project was using Federal land, Federal money, or Federal permits, none of which affect or involve the Schedler property.
Mr. Primavera said that whatever work is done on the Schedler property cannot diminish the historical significance of the Zabriskie-Schedler house. He said that the nomination for historical designation of the house, sent to the State and Federal government, had to meet four criteria, pursuant to 36 C.F.R. 800 and Bulletin 15 of the National Parks Service (Criteria for Evaluation for Listing Properties on the National Register). These criteria include persons, places, events, and places that may have some historic potential, such as archaeological sites. Mr. Primavera said that the Zabriskie-Schedler house was not nominated under three of these four criteria. It was only nominated under the criterion dealing with architecture (third generation of Dutch housing in Bergen County). He said that whatever the Village decides to do with the house cannot diminish its architectural significance. He said that it does not matter whether or not there were Revolutionary War troops in the area or whether there was an event of historical significance that took place in the area. Mr. Primavera said that the nomination could be amended if further information is discovered.
Mr. Primavera said that if the Village wants to build an athletic field on the property, it must be determined what effect that will have on the architectural significance of the Zabriskie-Schedler house and property. He said that the Schedler property once belonged to the owners of the 18th century farmstead and to the Banta family before that. The property used to be much larger, but its size was diminished when Route 17 was constructed. The Schedler property now consists of seven acres. This property used to be a farm, with a farmhouse, barn and other outbuildings. However, only the house is remaining.
Mr. Primavera said that there was a comment made this evening about research previously performed by Hunter Research. He said that he has been close friends with Richard Hunter for almost 40 years, and they have competed on various projects. Mr. Primavera said that the study that was done by Hunter Research was not done by Richard Hunter, but instead was performed by James Lee, a principal investigator and archaeologist from Hunter Associates. He said that he also knows Mr. Lee extremely well, since Mr. Lee got his first job in the field of archaeology with Mr. Primavera. Mr. Lee learned much under the training of Mr. Primavera’s professional staff, over a number of years. Mr. Primavera said that he has read Mr. Lee’s report three times, and was impressed with the historical research done by Mr. Lee. He said that further historical research was performed by Connolly & Hickey, when they were hired by the Village to develop plans for the restoration of the Zabriskie-Schedler house.
Mr. Primavera said that he has not said anything to anyone about de-registering the Schedler house or property from its historic designation, despite comments made by the public to the contrary. However, in the report he prepared, he suggested that perhaps the National Register nomination could be modified, since he could not understand why the land was deemed historic when the only criteria for deeming the house as historic has solely to do with its architecture. He said that the land is currently overgrown by trees, but it was almost completely denuded in the past for farming purposes, and timber was cut for heating purposes. He spoke about his work regarding the Princeton Battlefield and the evidence discovered which validated the area as an historic place.
Mr. Primavera said that the time period of significance is from 1824 to 1925, when the Zabriskie family and their descendants owned the property and operated a farm. He said that the historic designation of the house and property, by the National Register (NR) of Historic Places, “has some holes and inadequacies” in it, and there are some issues that are not addressed. He said that the NR does not indicate that the property is significant for persons, places, or events in history, such as Revolutionary War activities. There are no documented Revolutionary War activities that took place on the Schedler property. The individuals who wrote up the paperwork for the historic designation, such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution (of which he is a member), Crossroads of the American Revolution and other historical experts, have very carefully traced the movements of the troops during the Revolutionary War, including the skirmishes and battles, in New Jersey (where there are over 700 recognized Revolutionary War sites). However, the house and property were not nominated for historic designation by the State and National Registers of Historic Places, because no documents could be found to corroborate any Revolutionary War activities that took place on the Schedler property.
Mr. Primavera continued by saying that there may have been rumors, legends, mythology and folklore about what transpired on the Schedler acreage, but there is no official documentation to verify that there any Revolutionary War activities which took place on the property and no archaeological evidence has been found to verify that fact. He said that he is trying to ascertain why the Schedler property was listed on both the State and National Registries of Historic Places. He said that his primary goal is to determine what the least harmful development of the property will be or what causes the least encroachment or adverse effect upon the historical significance of the house. For example, adding to the structure of the house, or adding buildings surrounding it, may adversely affect the house’s architectural significance. He added that there is a dry laid stone foundation, for a very small barn that was once on the property.
Mr. Primavera said that everything in his report is based upon both State and Federal standards. He said that he did not use the Ridgewood Historic Preservation Ordinance, since the Village is not restricted by this ordinance. However, the ordinance specifically states that the ordinance is derived from the exact same standards as noted in his report. Mr. Primavera said that the report presented this evening is not his final report, but is rather a summary of his conclusions and recommendations, which are all based on established historical information and facts. He thanked Ms. Mailander and her staff for their assistance, as well as Councilmember Winograd who met with him and Mr. Rogers at the Schedler property for a site inspection. He mentioned that Councilmember Winograd also gave him a tour of some historic sites in Ridgewood and gave him a history of the sword that was alleged to have been found on the Schedler property. He said that the sword was verified as a British Colonial officer’s sword. He spoke briefly about moving the Schedler house, similar to what was done with the Hopper-Van Riper Mill in 1989 after a study performed by Mr. Primavera.
Mayor Vagianos thanked Mr. Primavera for his presentation. Deputy Mayor Perron asked Mr. Primavera if he agreed that the Zabriskie-Schedler house was an example of third generation vernacular Dutch architecture, and Mr. Primavera replied in the affirmative. He added that there are over 200 existing 17th and 18th century Dutch stone houses in New Jersey, particularly near the Hudson Valley region, which were all nominated at one time as being historically significant to the State and National Registries of Historic Places. The Zabriskie-Schedler house dates from 1825. A second wave of Dutch-style houses morphed into more of a Colonial American style, and a third wave of houses were later built with a Dutch influence, which is the category into which the Zabriskie-Schedler house falls. He explained that the word “vernacular” in this case means that the house was not built by an architect, but rather by the homeowner or local carpenter craftsmen.
Councilmember Reynolds asked Mr. Primavera what historians or professionals he spoke with while doing his research and developing his report. Mr. Primavera said he primarily did a lot of reading. He read the National Register nomination and the house restoration plans for the Zabriskie-Schedler house, both authored by Margaret Hickey of Connolly & Hickey (historical architects). In addition, he studied the detailed report and archaeological analysis prepared by Mr. Lee of Hunter Associates. He also studied local histories, which were written about the Schedler property. He spoke with Al Frazza, an historian with a website entitled, “Revolution in New Jersey.” Mr. Primavera said that he was intimately involved with drafting the legislation that created the Crossroads of the American Revolution, in which Ridgewood and Bergen County are mentioned as being in the National Heritage Era. He referenced Mark Lender’s publications on the Revolutionary War, as he is the foremost Revolutionary War historian in New Jersey. Mr. Primavera also mentioned that the American Battlefield Trust has done additional studies on historical battlefield sites in New Jersey.
Councilmember Reynolds asked Mr. Primavera if he actually spoke with Margaret Hickey or James Lee, and Mr. Primavera said that he did not have to speak with them, since their reports were very thorough. Councilmember Reynolds stated that the report prepared by Mr. Lee recommended that a second archaeological dig be performed on the Schedler property. Mr. Primavera said that Mr. Lee did recommend such a study on an oval-shaped piece of the Schedler property (one-quarter acre) to the north/northeast of the house, since there was potential for archaeological components of the site in that area. Mr. Primavera said that there is always potential, particularly near an old house, of finding artifacts, but he feels that the probability is extremely low of finding anything in this area.
Councilmember Reynolds recalled that Mr. Lee recommended such an archaeological investigation if any excavation of the ground were done on the property. She said she did not recall the Hunter report designating any specific area where this dig should be performed. Mr. Primavera said that the report contains a specific graphic of the area of archaeological sensitivity. Councilmember Reynolds asked Mr. Primavera if both the house and property were on the National Register of Historic Places, and Mr. Primavera replied that they are.
Councilmember Reynolds asked Mr. Primavera if he had spoken to local residents who have a history in the Schedler area. Mr. Primavera said that he did not, but that all of the reports he read had been generated after the researchers had spoken to local residents and members of local historical societies. He added that Councilmember Winograd gave him an encyclopedic recitation of her knowledge of local history. Councilmember Reynolds remarked that this knowledge was just hearsay. Mr. Primavera agreed and stated that hearsay was not interesting to him, since hearsay is akin to undocumented folklore. If folklore has been evaluated and documented, then that is a different story.
Mr. Primavera said that anyone, at any time, could have contacted him with pertinent information, since his contact information is readily available online. However, he assured the Village Councilmembers that he would reach out to people who have indicated that they have relevant information to impart to him, and that he will amend his report accordingly. He said that his full report will not be needed until application is made under the New Jersey Register Act, complete with citations, footnotes, references and what “provenance” exists. Mr. Primavera said that when he was first engaged by the Village, he invited the public to contact him with any relevant information. However, he said that once he read all of the reports and received information from Councilmember Winograd, he did not feel that it was necessary to contact local residents.
Councilmember Winograd said that she wanted to help Mr. Primavera, especially since she is Village Council Liaison to the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board. She thanked Ms. Mailander, Mr. Rogers, the Engineering Department and the Bolger Foundation for their assistance. She emphasized that the information she related to Mr. Primavera was not hearsay or anecdotal. All information was documented and was rooted in agendas, timelines and plans. She said that everyone knew that the Zabriskie-Schedler house had an historical designation, but sometime between 2020 and 2023, the Schedler land was also designated as historic, to everyone’s surprise. Councilmember Winograd said that she wondered who led the initiative to designate the Schedler property as historic. She said that the question remains as to the future usage of the renovated house. Councilmember Winograd said that she reached out to the sports community in Ridgewood, as well as the special needs community, for feedback about future usage of the house.
Mr. Primavera said that the process of doing historical research is a longstanding, constantly evolving, disciplined and deductive process, through the use of empirical evidence. He said that he spent 16 hours studying records from the Bolger Collection at the Ridgewood Library.
Mayor Vagianos commended Mr. Primavera on his thorough, document-based assessment of the status of the Schedler house and property.
Mr. Primavera said that there are two recommendations contained in his report. He said that he evaluated the Village Council approved site plan for the proposed development of the Schedler property from a regulatory perspective (New Jersey State Register Act). This site plan can be submitted to SHPO “as is.” However, his first recommendation would be to modify the nominations of the State and National Registries of Historic Places to accurately define what is actually historically significant (the house and/or property), then apply for project authorization under the New Jersey State Register Act. He would like to amend the State Register nomination to precisely define the significance and boundaries of the Schedler property and then submit an application to the State demonstrating the need to reduce the amount of property registered, since the architecture of the house itself is what is historically significant.
Mr. Primavera added that during his research, he learned that the Village was considering the acquisition of property adjacent to the Schedler property at 510 West Saddle River Road. Mr. Primavera said he explored the option of keeping the Zabriskie-Schedler house where it is currently located and applying to SHPO to build the athletic fields. He also explored the option of moving the house to 510 West Saddle River Road, if this property were acquired by the Village.
Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Primavera which of his recommendations would lead to successful SHPO approval. Mr. Primavera said that the likelihood of success would be 80% with both scenarios. Under the New Jersey State Register Act, SHPO would make a recommendation to the New Jersey Historic Sites Council, which actually makes the final decision as to how this land can be developed. This decision can be sustained or overturned by the Commissioner of the NJDEP, who is an officer of SHPO. If the application is denied by SHPO, then the Village may appeal this decision to the NJDEP Commissioner.
Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Primavera why there was a 20% chance that the site plan approved by the Village Council would not be approved or that the land would remain designated as historic, even though the only thing mentioned as historic in the nominating application was the house. Mr. Primavera said that he could not predict what members of SHPO or the Historic Sites Council will do or how they will decide, and that is why he said there was an 80% chance of success.
Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Primavera to explain more about the relocation of the house. He said that he assumes that the $14,000.00 figure in Mr. Primavera’s report relates to the fee Mr. Primavera would charge to make the application to relocate the house and not the actual costs of moving the house, and this was confirmed by Mr. Primavera. Mr. Primavera indicated that barring any complications, such as relocating the house on a public right-of-way or having to move the house a substantial distance, it would cost approximately $25,000.00 if the house could be moved in one day. Mayor Vagianos asked if this was the cost for just moving the house or if it included the price of constructing a new foundation. Mr. Primavera said that this would be the cost of moving the house, which would usually include the cost of a foundation. Mayor Vagianos said that the cost of $25,000.00 sounded a bit “skinny” to him. Mr. Primavera said that he is currently engaged in a project in Old Tappan, where they are moving the 1751 Gerrit Haring house (a first generation Dutch Colonial stone house that weighs over 400 tons) at a cost of less than $25,000.00.
Mayor Vagianos said that moving the Zabriskie-Schedler house sounds a little dramatic to most of the Village Councilmembers. Mr. Primavera agreed. Mayor Vagianos asked if relocating an historic house is something that is done as part of preserving the house. Mr. Primavera said that the most relevant house that was moved was the three-story Hopper-VanRiper Baldwin-Blauvelt Grist Mill to the Ridgewood Duck Pond in 1988. He had been asked by the Bergen County Engineer and Bergen County Road Department to devise plans to improve the radius of the turning lanes on and off a bridge, which was only feet away from where this mill was located. He was asked by the County to look into the possibility of moving the historic structure. The application to pick up and move the house was eventually approved. The gristmill was moved to a more accessible and less vulnerable location, where it would not be subjected to road vibrations. According to an agreement with SHPO, it was agreed that the foundation would be prepared in advance of the move. However, for some unknown reason, the County decided to move the house before the new foundation was completed. The house was placed on railroad ties that were six feet tall. Unfortunately, the gristmill burned down shortly thereafter. The only things remaining of the gristmill are the iron remnants.
Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Primavera how many times he has been involved in moving historic houses. Mr. Primavera said that he is currently involved in four other projects in Bergen County where historic buildings are being moved. Over the years, he has been involved in other projects in which historic structures were relocated. He indicated that he sent an email to the Village Councilmembers from Andrea Tingey, the Senior Historic Preservation Specialist at the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office, which contained a list of ten buildings that have been moved in the past under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey State Register Act. He mentioned that he was involved in relocating Lucy the Elephant from Atlantic City to Margate. Mr. Primavera said that moving historic structures is not an uncommon practice.
Mayor Vagianos said that he saw merit in both of Mr. Primavera’s recommendations. He asked Mr. Primavera what he would ultimately recommend. Mr. Primavera recommended that the house be moved. He said that the first recommendation would entail submitting an amended nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, so that only an acre surrounding the house would be deemed historic, while the remaining acreage would not. Afterwards, application would need to be made to SHPO to build the athletic fields on property that would no longer be listed on the registry. He said that he would prefer not to change the historic designation of the Schedler property, but would rather move the house to the new property that the Village is contemplating to acquire, since this would be less costly and more efficient.
Mayor Vagianos said that it appeared to him that moving the house to the building lot on West Saddle River Road would create a better streetscape in the neighborhood. Mr. Primavera said that he was not as concerned about the streetscape, as he was about preserving the historic integrity of the Zabriskie-Schedler house. He said that moving the house to a more residential setting, without the athletic fields being located north of the house, would allow the Village to be a better steward of the historic house. There would be more opportunities to preserve and use the house in the future, and would allow for other structures to be built on the Schedler property, such as a storage building for athletic equipment. The house would be more secure in the new residential location, since there would be neighbors watching the house.
Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that she was concerned about the funding required to purchase the additional property and move the house. However, she understood that the house would be in a better location. Mayor Vagianos mentioned that between $7 million and $10 million have already been spent on this project, which has not progressed for many years. He said that he favored moving the house, because the house would be located in a better place and there would be more room on the Schedler property for the athletic fields and park amenities. Mayor Vagianos said that they would be “penny wise and pound foolish” if the Village stopped spending money on the Schedler project.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that she had no problem with spending more money, but she was just concerned. She asked if a structural analysis needed to be done, to ensure that the house would hold up during the move. Mr. Primavera indicated that Connolly & Hickey had structural engineers involved in their restoration team and the building has already been evaluated regarding its structural integrity. It was found to be structurally sound. He said that the house was originally used as a domicile, and the worst thing that could happen to the house in the future is that it sits idle, and is not used. Mr. Primavera said that the Museum at Buccleuch Mansion in New Brunswick, New Jersey, an 18th century second-generation Dutch house, now houses a police officer on the second floor.
Deputy Mayor Perron pointed out that the foundation to the Zabriskie-Schedler house has been refurbished. Mr. Primavera stated that the house has its original foundation, but it also has a dirt floor. Deputy Mayor Perron asked if a new foundation would be made out of sandstone. Mr. Primavera said that this was not necessary, because that is not what makes the house historically significant. Regarding the Gerrit Haring House in Old Tappan, Mr. Primavera said that they are planning to build a new modern foundation, which will be faced with sandstone, with HVAC and other critical components being located in the basement. Mr. Primavera mentioned that sometimes some of the sandstone is salvaged and used for the façade of the foundation or for other site amenities.
Councilmember Winograd said that the two-part first option suggested by Mr. Primavera is appealing to her. She feels that the purchase of the additional property at 510 West Saddle River Road is a good purchase. She originally envisioned a playground structure being built on the new property, rather than a parking lot. Assuming that funding is available and the house can be moved intact, Councilmember Winograd thinks that moving the house is a nice idea for many reasons. It will free up the Schedler property so that the athletic fields can be built, it will lessen the encroachment, and it will allow more area for parking. However, the adjacent property has not yet been purchased by the Village, so the house cannot be moved until it is known whether or not the Village will acquire the property. She stated that she is concerned about the cost, since a lot of money ($2.6 million) has already been spent on the Zabriskie-Schedler house, and she is also concerned that there is still not a designated use for the house. Councilmember Winograd stated that there is no insulation in the house at the current time, and there will be maintenance costs in the future for upkeep of the house. She said that if the Village does acquire the property, and if grant monies are awarded, she is fine with moving the house to another location.
Mayor Vagianos said that he agrees with everything Councilmember Winograd said, and that the proposed playing fields would fit better on the property, if the house is moved. He said that the purchase of the contiguous property by the Village is a “no-brainer.” However, no purchase price has yet been arrived at with the owners of the property. He said that if the Village can acquire the property at a reasonable price, then he would be in favor of moving the house. Mr. Primavera stated that moving the house can be accomplished without disturbing the archaeologically sensitive area. He said that further archaeological investigation may be required under the New Jersey State Register Act, to further delineate what is or is not there.
Councilmember Reynolds asked if anyone knows when a house was first built at 510 West Saddle River Road and whether the water supply came from wells. Mr. Primavera replied that it would have been well water. Councilmember Reynolds said that if the house is moved, a new well may have to be drilled, which is very expensive. Mr. Primavera said that he has not looked into that. Councilmember Reynolds said that if the house is moved, every square inch of the seven acres of land would be used actively, instead of part of it being used actively and part of it being used passively. This would mean that every tree on the Schedler property and the contiguous property would be razed. She said that this would absolutely cause destruction to the neighborhood, and she was completed flabbergasted that this would even be contemplated.
Mr. Primavera countered by stating that moving the house would not require the removal of every tree on the Schedler property. He said that there is an old historical tree hanging over the northwest corner of the house, which the Village Engineer has indicated needs to be removed because it has been wired extensively over the years and is in danger of falling on the house. Councilmember Winograd said that the heritage sugar maple tree has been treated by Declan Madden, Village Arborist, and that the tree has more life left to it. She added that a full acre of the Schedler property is dedicated to the berm, and three-and-a-half acres have had trees removed.
Councilmember Reynolds said that she had no doubt that the other Village Councilmembers would decide to remove the sugar maple in order to make room for larger playing fields, including a 60 foot by 90 foot baseball diamond. Mayor Vagianos said that he would never vote to construct such a large baseball diamond, and Councilmember Winograd that she would not, either. Mayor Vagianos said that in his conversations with Mr. Rutishauser, Village Engineer, the sugar maple does not have as much life left in it as has been suggested. He said that he has heard that much of the tree is filled with concrete.
Mayor Vagianos said that he would like to get a consensus of how the other Village Councilmembers feel about this proposal by Mr. Primavera. Councilmember Reynolds said that she would like to amend the nomination to do the opposite of what is being recommended by Mr. Primavera; that is, to amend the nomination to include people, places and events. Mr. Primavera asked why this was not done originally by Connolly & Hickey.
Mayor Vagianos thanked Mr. Primavera for his presentation. He said that Mr. Primavera would be contacted once it is known whether or not the Village will acquire 510 West Saddle River Road.
6. DISCUSSION
A. BUDGET
1. ACCEPT GRANT FROM NJ DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS – LEAD GRANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF GRANT AGREEMENT
Mr. Kazmark stated that this matter pertains to the acceptance of a grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for the Lead Assistance Program and also to authorize the execution of a Grant Agreement. He pointed to a memo dated July 6, 2023 by Ms. Mailander, along with a corresponding resolution.
There was a motion by Councilmember Winograd to suspend the Work Session to convene a Special Public Meeting, seconded by Deputy Mayor Perron.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Winograd; Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Weitz
ABSTAIN: None
7. DISCUSSION
A. RIDGEWOOD WATER
1. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT – PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES – EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES TO CURRENT CORROSION CONTROL INHIBITOR
Mr. Kazmark stated that there is a memorandum from Rich Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, to Ms. Mailander dated June 30, 2023. There is a proposal from Mott MacDonald to provide engineering services to the Village for the evaluation of alternatives to the current corrosion control inhibitor/sequestrant system. It is recommended that this contract be awarded to Mott MacDonald in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00. Funding is in the Ridgewood Water Operating Budget.
Deputy Mayor Perron asked if any fee is paid to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) for their participation in this matter. Mr. Rogers and Mr. Kazmark both indicated that they did not believe NJIT would be paid a fee.
2. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT – LONG-TERM FUNDING PLAN FOR PFAS TREATMENT AND LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT
Mr. Kazmark explained that this matter pertains to the awarding of a professional services contract to Howard J. Woods, Jr. & Associates, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $4,755.00, for a long-term funding plan for PFAS treatment and lead service line replacement. A professional services contract was awarded to Howard J. Woods, Jr. & Associates, LLC, of East Brunswick, New Jersey, on March 8, 2023 for an initial amount not to exceed $7,320.00, via Resolution #23-94. An additional $4,755.00 is required for additional services not anticipated at the time of the original award. Funding is contained in the Water Utility Operating Budget.
Mayor Vagianos asked the reason for the additional $4,755.00. Mr. Kazmark replied that the services were necessary for the development of a long-term funding plan for the Water Utility. The plan is represented in a budget worksheet that estimates the rate increases required to fund PFAS treatment and lead service line replacement costs.
3. AUTHORIZE CHANGE ORDER – CULTURAL RESOURCE SURVEYS
Mr. Kazmark explained that this matter pertains to the authorization of a Change Order to Hunter Research for cultural resource surveys. On March 8, 2023, Ridgewood Water awarded a contract for professional services to Hunter Research, via Resolution #23-95. At this time, an additional amount of $5,742.00 is required to complete work beyond the original professional engineering services contract scope. It is recommended that the Change Order be awarded to Hunter Research of Trenton, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $5,742.00. Change Order No. 1 increases the contract total to $26,202.00. Funding is contained in the Ridgewood Water Capital Budget.
4. AUTHORIZE CHANGE ORDER – VALLEY VIEW RESERVOIR IMPROVEMENTS
Mr. Kazmark explained that this matter pertains to the authorization of a Change Order to T&M Associates of Middletown, New Jersey, in the amount of $13,169.00 for Valley View Reservoir improvements. On September 19, 2022, Ridgewood Water awarded a professional services contract, via Resolution #22-298. This additional amount is required to complete work beyond the original professional engineering services contract scope. It is recommended that the Change Order be awarded to T&M Associates in an amount not to exceed $13,169.00. Change Order No. 1 increases the contract total to $89,709.00. Funding is contained in the Ridgewood Water Capital Budget.
Deputy Mayor Perron noted that T&M Associates has apparently moved, since they were previously located in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Mr. Kazmark noted that T&M Associates has always conducted business operations in Middletown, but they may have had a sub-office located in Bloomfield.
B. BUDGET
1. AWARD CONTRACT UNDER EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NJ COOPERATIVE PURCHASING – STEEL MASON DUMP BODY
Mr. Kazmark explained that this matter pertains to the awarding of a contract, under the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Program, for the purchase of a steel Mason dump body for the Parks and Recreation Department. It is recommended that this contract be awarded to Cliffside Body Corporation of Fairview, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $31,566.00. Funding is contained in the General Capital Budget.
Deputy Mayor Perron asked if the Cooperative Purchasing Program contract is going to be extended, since the paperwork indicates that the contract expires on June 30, 2023. She said that she spoke with Nancy Bigos, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, who indicated that she would request an extension of the contract. Mr. Kazmark asked Ms. Mailander if the contract would be extended, since co-op contracts are usually renewed on a yearly basis. Ms. Mailander will look to see if there is an extension of this contract or if there is a similar contract for another cooperative.
2. AWARD CONTRACT – EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO SCADA CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AERATION BLOWERS AND MOTORS – WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY
Mr. Kazmark stated that this matter pertains to the awarding of a contract for emergency repairs to the SCADa control system for aeration blowers for the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF).
3. ADDITIONAL AWARD – 2023 ROAD RESURFACING AND REPAIRS – VARIOUS VILLAGE STREETS – REPAIR HIGHLAND AVENUE WATER MAIN LEAK AREA
Mr. Kazmark explained that this matter pertains to an additional award to Smith-Sondy Asphalt Construction Co., Inc., of Wallington, New Jersey, for resurfacing a damaged roadway, due to a significant water main leak repair, on Highland Avenue near Lotte Road. The leak was repaired by Ridgewood Water. The road was resurfaced in 2022. An additional award of $33,881.79 will be funded through the Ridgewood Water Account.
4. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF NO BIDS – BODY SHOP SERVICES
Mr. Kazmark stated that this will acknowledge the second receipt of no bids received for body shop services. Since no bids were received for a second time, the Village may negotiate with a local body shop.
5. RESCIND AND REPLACE RESOLUTION 23-162 – AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT – PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT
Mr. Kazmark explained that this proposed resolution will rescind and replace Resolution #23-162, which incorrectly stated the not to exceed contract amount as $27,925.00 rather than $36,245.00. This is a professional services contract for a Public Communications Consultant (Raftelis). Ms. Mailander mentioned that this item should have been placed under the Ridgewood Water matters heard earlier.
C. POLICY
1. JUNETEENTH AS A FEDERAL HOLIDAY
Mr. Kazmark stated that this matter pertains to the Juneteenth celebration as a Federal holiday in the Village. Councilmember Winograd said that she met with the Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Committee to discuss better ways of celebrating the Juneteenth holiday next year in the Village. She said that many residents in the Village were looking for an event to be held on Juneteenth this year. The members of the MLK Committee will partner with Bergen County and discuss ways in which this celebration can be held. If necessary, they will seek support from the Village Council, if the event will be held on public land.
Mayor Vagianos asked if there was a general consensus among the Village Councilmembers that Juneteenth should be declared as a municipal holiday, with Village employees having the day off, and that the Juneteenth celebration be held on June 19th as opposed to celebrating it on the State holiday, which is on the third Friday of June. Everyone agreed, and Councilmember Winograd remarked that going forward, a Proclamation for Juneteenth will be drafted and read at the May Village Council Public Meeting each year.
D. OPERATIONS
1. NJDEP MODEL ORDINANCE – PRIVATELY OWNED SALT STORAGE
Mr. Kazmark explained that the NJDEP has issued their final version of the “Privately Owned Salt Storage” ordinance, and Mr. Rutishauser has forwarded a copy of it to all Village Councilmembers. This matter deals with a proposed ordinance for the Village Council’s consideration to incorporate the NJDEP model ordinance into the Village Code, Chapter 190, “Land Use and Development,” under the section dealing with “Environmental Provisions.” Mr. Rutishauser recommended that the Planning Board review the ordinance for consistency with the Village’s land use regulations. Mr. Kazmark recommended that the Village Council discuss this matter with Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, concerning the sequence of events regarding Planning Board involvement. He asked whether the Village Councilmembers wanted the matter to first be heard by them or by the Planning Board.
Mr. Rogers stated that since this is a State-initiated proposal, the Village Council should initiate the process by introducing the ordinance and then sending it over to the Planning Board for review. It will then be brought back before the Village Council for Public Hearing. Everyone was in agreement.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that the first sentence in the proposed ordinance under “Purpose” did not make sense. Ms. Mailander agreed and said that she would ask Mr. Rutishauser to re-word that section of the proposed ordinance. Mr. Rogers asked Ms. Mailander to also ask Mr. Rutishauser about the second paragraph under “Purpose” which deals with the storage of salt and other deicing materials on properties not owned by the Village. He said that the County owned the salt shed on Franklin Turnpike for a long time, and this paragraph only mentions privately owned property. Deputy Mayor Perron also asked that “de-icing” be spelled consistently throughout the ordinance.
2. AWARD CONTRACT – MUNICIPAL COURT DEBT COLLECTION
Mr. Kazmark explained that this matter pertains to the awarding of a contract for Municipal Court debt collection. Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer, has recommended that TaxServ Capital Services, a private collection agency, be engaged to pursue delinquent municipal court fines and costs for a one-year term, with an option to renew for an additional one-year term. TaxServ shall be entitled to charge an add-on rate of 20% on debts collected, with 80% of the monies collected being retained by the Village. Mr. Kazmark remarked that although this particular debt collection agency was not the one used by Woodland Park, he saw a great success rate with another agency that was used to collect delinquent court fines and costs. He mentioned that the ability to use the services of a debt collection agency during the Covid pandemic was restricted, but he believed that those restrictions have since been lifted.
Councilmember Winograd asked if the Village Councilmembers could be informed by next week of how much is outstanding with regard to court fines and costs. She also asked if the Village has been able to hire any Parking Enforcement Officers (PEOs) to enforce parking regulations. Mr. Kazmark replied that the Village swore in two new PEOs on Monday, July 10, 2023.
3. DECLARE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMS DIVISION PROPERTY SURPLUS
Mr. Kazmark explained that there is a memorandum from Chief John Judge of the Ridgewood Fire Department dated June 12, 2023, which lists various equipment of the Fire Department and EMS Division, which should be declared as surplus.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Before the commencement of public comments, Mayor Vagianos said that, due to the late hour, he would like public comments to end at 11:20 p.m. (in 12 minutes).
Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, said that she and other members of the audience have a difficult time hearing certain people on the dais or at the podium. Mayor Vagianos said that he has to take some of the blame for this, since he has been remiss in reminding people to speak directly into the microphone. He promised to pay closer attention to this in the future.
Ms. Gruber said that Mr. Primavera stated this evening that there previously had been no trees on the Schedler property, since it was used as farmland. She said that there previously had been no trees in Ridgewood, since most of Ridgewood was farmland, but the Village began planting trees in the early 1900s. She wondered if Mr. Primavera meant that trees are not important and that trees should never have been planted all over Ridgewood. Ms. Gruber said that she was offended by this statement made by Mr. Primavera.
Regarding the relocation of the Zabriskie-Schedler house, Ms. Gruber said that the Lester Stable was moved many years ago from its sandy foundation. She said that Mr. Primavera’s estimate of the costs of moving the house are crazy. She does not believe that the house should be moved, in any event. Mr. Primavera kept mentioning things that could be done “in order to build the field,” yet Ms. Gruber wondered whether Mr. Primavera was ever aware that a smaller playing field was originally proposed to be built on the Schedler property. She stated that Mr. Primavera assumed that the larger multipurpose field was the only size field ever proposed. Ms. Gruber feels that it is important to inform Mr. Primavera that the smaller playing field would have avoided the necessity of moving the house and incurring additional costs.
Dave Ward, 552 Route 17, stated that the idea for the proposed bumpouts on West Glen Avenue, near Heights Road, is insane. He said that none of the Village Councilmembers drives trucks. He stated that truck drivers, including firetruck, garbage truck and snow plow drivers, will not be able to make the left-hand turn in that location as they drive west on West Glen Avenue. He questioned what would happen if a firetruck had to respond to a fire on Heights Road. Mr. Ward suggested that the Village Councilmembers consult with members of the Fire Department and Streets Division to get their feedback as to whether or not they feel they would be able to make a turn with their trucks from West Glen Avenue onto Heights Road and S Hill Road. He suggested the use of cones or stanchions, rather than the bumpouts, in this location in order to narrow the roadway.
Mr. Ward added that anyone attempting to cross West Glen Avenue, from the corner of Alpine Terrace, risks the chance of being killed. He said that someone was hit and seriously injured by a car while attempting to cross West Glen Avenue, near Hillcrest Avenue, about 15 years ago. He said that there is a lot of sun glare interfering with a driver’s ability to drive up or down West Glen Avenue.
Mayor Vagianos thanked Mr. Ward for his comments and indicated that the bumpouts interfering with the ability of trucks to make a turn from West Glen Avenue will be investigated.
Jacqueline Hone, 30 Carriage Lane, said that she wanted to clarify the facts surrounding the “famous sword.” She said that an email sent to her in 2017 by Deputy Mayor Perron stated, “Linda McNamara suggested that you might like to see a photo of the British Officer’s sword that was found on what is now the Schedler property. It belonged to a Lieutenant Howard in the Oxford Blues. They wore blue, not red. I tried to get a close-up of the date, 1747.” Ms. Hone said that she was also given pictures of the actual sword. The email further stated, “I have attached here the story of the mysterious sword.” Ms. Hone said that the story indicated that the sword had been found inside the barn at the Schedler property.
Ms. Hone said that it was disturbing to hear Mr. Primavera call the sword story a “myth” and that this was “muddled” information. She said that her muddled information came from Deputy Mayor Perron, who is also an attorney. Ms. Hone said that the right thing to do would be to hand the sword over to experts, who can decide on the authenticity of the sword. She applauded Councilmember Reynolds for stating that she would like to see an expansion of the nomination of the Zabriskie-Schedler house and property to the National and State Registers of Historic Places to include the information that is known about the sword and to let experts decide whether or not the sword is an authentic historical artifact.
Ms. Hone said that Mr. Primavera’s presentation was “all over the place” and “long-winded.” She was disturbed that he discredited historical experts in the field, yet at the same time gave credit to the same experts. She said that Mr. Primavera failed to mention that the Schedler house and property, in their entirety, are deemed historical, until this was pointed out by Councilmember Reynolds. She said that it was a mockery by Mr. Primavera to state that the Schedler land was designated incorrectly.
Mr. Primavera stated that he is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Ms. Hone stated that Mr. Primavera has repeatedly related false information to the Village Councilmembers. One of the members of the Sons of the American Revolution appeared at a Village Council
meeting some time ago, and stated that the information given by Mr. Primavera regarding his being a member of that organization was false. Ms. Hone stated that Village residents have repeatedly asked the Village Councilmembers to properly vet Mr. Primavera and his background/experience. However, this burden was placed on the public, and the public gave documents to the Village Councilmembers verifying that Mr. Primavera had given false and misleading information to the Village Councilmembers. Despite this, the public has never received a response to this allegation. She wondered whether the Village Councilmembers even reviewed or verified the information given to them by the public, regarding Mr. Primavera.
Kristina Milian, 530 West Saddle River Road, said that she was glad to hear Mr. Primavera say that Hunter Research is one of the most credible and prestigious consulting firms in the country. She said that she has read the report developed by Hunter Research at least five times, and it does not specify designated spots on the Schedler property where an archaeological investigation should be performed, but rather encompasses the entire property. She read, “Given the proximity of the church and the crossroads to the subject property and that the property was apparently an underdeveloped part of the church’s land, it is considered likely that some of the wartime activities extended on to the Zabriskie-Schedler property. An archaeological survey of the whole entire property is recommended if significant ground disturbance is planned.” She suggested that the Village Councilmembers start reading the report prepared by Hunter Research.
Ms. Milian said that Mr. Primavera is not an archaeologist, architect or historian as defined by the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualification standards. She is puzzled why the Village is asking Mr. Primavera about moving the Zabriskie-Schedler house, since he does not have the requisite qualifications. Ms. Milian said that Village residents were confused about why Mr. Primavera never reached out to them. She stated that at the first Village Council meeting that Mr. Primavera attended, he initially stood outside Village Hall and made everyone feel unsafe by shoving cameras in their faces and taking their photographs. She said that nothing has been done about this by the Village Councilmembers to ensure the privacy of these residents.
Mayor Vagianos indicated that he was going to close public comments since it was already 11:20 p.m. Councilmember Reynolds asked those who are waiting to speak to raise their hands. However, she was interrupted by Mayor Vagianos, who stated that he previously announced that public comments would end at 11:20 p.m., which extended the 11:00 p.m. curfew by 20 minutes.
There were no further public comments.
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Winograd, and carried unanimously by majority voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
Paul Vagianos
Mayor
Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk
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