A REGULAR 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 JUNE 5, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

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

Mayor Hache called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney; and Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk. 

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

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Paul Evers, 27 Sherman Place, stated that he was here in reference to the parking on Sherman Place.  It is a small dead end street between Washington Avenue and Ridgewood Avenue.  A professional building on Ridgewood Avenue was allowed to expand which closed off their entry and exit and forced an entry and exit onto Sherman Place.  This has caused Sherman Place to become an extension of their parking facilities, and the traffic situation has degraded.  For the last five years the neighborhood has been communicating to the Village Council that there has been issues with safety, parking, congestion, and they feel that it is time to act. 

Mr. Evers stated that a few months ago they appreciated the Village Council’s recommendation, but they didn’t agree with the recommendation and were asked to provide a counterproposal including maps, documentation, and pictures.  He added that they were excited to submit it but were disappointed that their recommendations weren’t included in the proposal that is being presented today.  Their neighbors on South Sherman and Garfield are concerned that the problem is just going to be pushed down to their streets.

Mr. Evers stated that he was asking that they hold off voting on this proposal and convene a meeting of the neighborhood with the town to come up with a proposal that solves the root cause of the problem and that they can all agree to.

Paul White, 152 Woodside Avenue, stated that he and his wife have lived in the Vilage for 40 years.  He used to be a runner and then a biker, and the roads are in terrible condition.  He added that he has emailed the Village Council, called the Village Manager and the Engineering Department.  He stated that the Mayor told him that $2 million had been spent on the roads, but more needs to be done.  When he goes down from his house to the County park and takes Prospect, it is a mess.  When you turn off Woodside it is a disgrace, and he was told by his neighbor that there was a work crew that had attempted to fill in potholes.  He added that he tried to go down Spring and it is as bad, if not worse.  Mr. White added that he wanted to encourage the Village Council to find more resources as he has never seen the roads in this kind of shape.  He understands the budgetary pressure, but the roads are in bad shape and it needs to be addressed.

Chris Reid, 112 Stanley Place, stated that he agreed with Mr. Evers, and that you can only get to his house on Sherman Place and he would love if the town had a sub-committee to discuss parking issues in the neighborhood.  If the neighbors could get together and discuss things with someone from the town that would be incredible and it can probably be used as a template for other areas in the town.

Kim Schwartz, 56 Sherman Place, stated that she agreed with Mr. Evers and Mr. Reid about the Sherman parking issue.  There needs to be a sub-committee and they don’t want to push this problem down the road.  There are a lot of issues there and they need to study this before they just do something.

Jen Schnell, 43 Sherman Place, stated that she was here to ask for the formation of a subcommittee to address the parking on Sherman Place as well as the entire George Washington Middle School neighborhood.

Rolf Edelman, 106 North Walnut Street, stated that they do have some good ideas to follow up on Councilman Voigt’s ideas and they would like to follow up on his proposal and let the Village Council know that they are here.

There were no additional comments from the public.

Mayor Hache stated that the Village Council was not voting on anything tonight, they were just having a discussion.  He liked the idea of a subcommittee of having residents and Village staff and perhaps a couple of members of the Village Council, but they would discuss later.

3. MANAGERS REPORT

Graydon Pool – Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool opened on Saturday, June 1^st.  The early season weekend hours are from 10:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M.  Weekday hours are noon to 7:30 P.M.  Residents can purchase memberships in person at the pool office or a ridgewoodnj.net/ communitypass.  Regular season begins June 24^th through August 11^th, and then the late season is August 12^th to September 2^nd.  Various program offerings and amenities include spray fountains, Adirondack chairs, a shade system, recreational game area, picnic area with tables and charcoal grills Wi-Fi accessibility, the Waterside Café from noon to 7:00 P.M., swim lessons, story time under the pavilion, a lending library, and special events include movie nights, concerts and more.

Kasschau Memorial Shell – Ms. Mailander stated that the Kasschau Memorial Shell located on Veterans Field behind the Library, will begin its season tomorrow night.  Free live concert popular music concerts are presented on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:00 P.M. in June, July and August.  Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy these concerts under the stars.  This program is presented due to the generous sponsorship of several local businesses and the Village of Ridgewood.  The Senior Bus will be available for transportation to several of these performances.  If you are an older resident and wish to go to one of these performances please call 201-670-5500 extension 203 for details and for which performances they will have the bus available.

 

Dog Licenses – Ms. Mailander stated that dog licenses are due for renewal in the month of June.  After July 1^st a $20 late fee will be charged.  Dog owners were reminded by an email or mailing to complete the renewal form and to return it with a check to the Health Department.  Office hours are 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday to Friday.

 

Ridgewood Guild – Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Guild provides Movies Under the Stars on Wednesday nights twice a month in June, July, and August in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square at sundown.  The Postman Always Rings Twice will be shown on June 12^th, and The Wizard of Oz on June 26^th.  Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the show.

 

Art in the Park – The Ridgewood Guild also sponsor three Art in the Parks evening events.  Friday, June 7^th, July 12^th and August 2^nd.  Take a stroll in the park and enjoy music and artwork.  Art for sale those evenings have proceeds benefitting the Ridgewood Guild.

 

Age Friendly Introduction to the Senior Bus –  Ms. Mailander stated that Age Friendly Ridgewood sponsored an Introduction to the Senior Bus last week with morning and afternoon bus rides provided for ten residents each trip to learn more about our Central Business District and other local activities.  Along the route Ridgewood representatives me the bus and spoke with the riders, sharing fun facts and providing bags with additional information.  Please call 201-670-5500 extension 203.

 

Registration for Summer Day Camp – Ms. Mailander stated that registration for summer day camp has started and will be open until the cutoff on June 10^th, after that time there is an additional $50 fee.  Day Camp begins Tuesday, June 25^th.

 

Household Hazardous Waste Collection – Ms. Mailander stated that Sunday June 23^rd from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Bergen County Utilities Authority will collect Household Hazardous Waste at Bergen Community College on Paramus Road in Paramus rain or shine.  Bergen County residency is required.

 

Parking in Village-Owned Lots after 3:00 P.M. – Ms. Mailander reminded residents that parking in all Village-owned parking lots after 3:00 P.M. does not require a permit.  There are still time restrictions of three hours and parking fees are still in effect.

 

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Community Center Advisory Board – Councilman Voigt stated that the Community Center Advisory Board met last week.  Don Liebrich is stepping down as chair of the CCAB, and they would like to thank him for his service as he has been doing so for four years. 

On May 31^st, Ridgewood became the 355^th community in the US to be enrolled in the AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities.  This network encourages municipalities to prepare for the rapid aging of the U.S. population.  Councilman Voigt stated that Age Friendly Ridgewood under the leadership of Sheila Brogan, Beth Abbot, Sue Ulrich and Deanna Schablick have done a really nice job and should be congratulated for all they have done.  President of the AARP, Livell Jones and Senior Program Specialist, Bridget Quinn were on hand to present the award to Mayor Hache.  Julia Strombus, Program Director for the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation were also present.  The Taub Foundation has been a huge contributor to Age Friendly Ridgewood and they thank them very much.

June 1^st Age Friendly hosted a senior breakfast at Graydon Pool, it was attended by over 70 seniors and they had a great time.  Music, food and friendship.  He thanked Sheila Brogan, Beth Abbot, Sue Ulrich and Deanna Schablick for coordinating this.

Tuesday June 11^th there will be a ArtBeat concert at the Kasschau Shell, acapella, rock, and blues students will be there for entertainment.

Councilman Voigt added that they spoke about West Glen, and Mr. Rutishauser stated that they would continue to pave the sidewalk west of Hillcrest up the hill.  They will also fix Union Street with more prominent one way signage and one way turn signs out of the physician’s office.

Councilman Voigt added that Starbucks coffee on Franklin has continued issues, and they will have a person there to help move the traffic into the property and will put an additional sign on the left side of the exit so drivers know to turn right instead of left.

Councilman Voigt stated that there was a request from a resident on Walthery Avenue that cars are driving at excessive speeds on that road, which Ms. Mailander has agreed to look into.  Monte Vista is something they will also talk about.

Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board met last night.  There were a couple zoning reviews.  One was to correct an inconsistency in Chapter 251 as it relates to pools, so they are just cleaning up some inconsistencies.  Also, a review of a zoning ordinance to extend the historic Central Business District to include the bus structure.  This will allow the Village to seek grant opportunities and to communicate with SHPO and make certain that the award winning design is preserved for future generations.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she had an email from a resident that warrants discussion.  She was not here at the May 22^nd meeting and evidently there was an exchange regarding the November versus April vote on the Board of Election.  Councilman Voigt indicated that if the BOE budget exceeded 2% it would automatically kick in a vote.  There was an interpretation that meant that if the BOE budget exceeded a 2% cap then there would be a vote in November and that is not necessarily true.  Because of exceptions, exemptions, and the use of CAP Bank, the increase could be significantly higher than 2% and there would be no budget vote necessarily in November.  April elections guarantee that regardless of what the budget increase is, there will always be a vote.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Village Council for years has not gone over their 2% and have banked the difference in the CAP Bank which sits for three years and then expires.  They could take that CAP Bank at any time and increase the tax levy.  She added that it was important to understand that just because the BOE exceeds a 2% necessarily does not guarantee a vote.  It depends on what that overage is made by.

Mr. Rogers stated that he gave a comment that 2% exceeding would warrant a vote, but he could do some research and report back next week.

Pride Month Celebration – Mayor Hache stated that on June 1^st they had a celebration of Pride Month, celebrating Ridgewood’s diversity at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.  They raised the Pride flag and there was a lot of support from the community and from our elected and public officials throughout the state.  Each one brought a unique perspective, and the support was so strong and overwhelming it was great to be a part of Ridgewood that day.  There were a lot of volunteers that stepped up and the weather couldn’t have been any better.

Roadway Paving – Mayor Hache stated that regarding the conditions of the roads we have had brutal winters and the progress in paving is also slowed down by the wet weather.  That makes it very difficult to pave our road, but the money is there and the paving schedule is on the Village website.  They didn’t make it through last year’s schedule because of the weather, but he appreciates resident’s patience with this as they move through the process and the timeline.

 

5. DISCUSSION

 

1. Ridgewood Water - None

 

1. Parking

 

1. Parking on Sherman Place

 

Ms. Mailander asked Mr. Rutishauser and Sergeant Jay Chuck to please come up to discuss this with the Village Council.  As the residents mentioned, they do have a challenge because their street has nearly become the parking lot for the professional building. 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that Sherman Place is a very short street, and they were concerned with the portion just north of Washington Place.  There is a medical office building on West Ridgewood Avenue that has an exit driveway onto Sherman Place.  The intensity of use in the office building has increased, resulting in more vehicular traffic.  The current suggestion they have is to make the traffic in the southbound direction no parking and allow parking in the northbound direction.  They have recently put up some signage there.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked that they took the parking on the east side of the road and left parking there for two hours, and then on the west side of the road removed parking and then changed it so there was no U-turn.  There is also the Do Not Enter sign.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Do Not Enter sign refers to the driveway of the office building, which is one way and occasionally people ignore that and cut through there, hence the reason for the sign.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if she is facing north, parked on the east side of the road, if she can’t make a U-turn she can’t get out of the street.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that was something that was discussed at previous meetings and it seemed to be the decision of the Village Council to not have that U-turn ordinance.  It was still a discussion item, and if the Village Council feels it’s not warranted, they can eliminate it from the ordinance.  He added that tonight, he would like to get a feel for what the Village Council and residents would like on that street and then they can prepare an ordinance accordingly.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she has spoken to a lot of the residents and has read their emails, and several weeks ago suggested to one of the residents that an ad-hoc committee be organized. We don’t want a situation as similar to Pomander where there was a shift of cars that migrated from one street to another.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they see that all too often in the Village.  The parkers move to the next block where there isn’t a restriction.  He added that it is a constant battle and it is tough to gauge how far you would have to create an area to get them to go further away.

Councilwoman Knudsen wondered if she asked for the resolution of approval for the office building when it occurred 30 years ago. Mr. Rutishauser stated that he thinks they have looked for it.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it might be useful to have that and see if there is any availability of the original site plan and the resolution.  If there was a representation that there was X amount of activity going on there and a representation of anticipated vehicular activity, they might have something in there.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he does feel that the office building has intensified its use which could be due to a change in type of physician.  From his experience, the resolutions of 30 years ago are not as detailed as they are currently, but they would look for the file.

Councilman Sedon stated that he wanted to know how the U-turn would work for people to get out of North Sherman.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they could make a 3-point turn if there is room.  Councilman Sedon stated that he thought there would be a value in getting together with residents because they have experience from living there but then it may also be helpful for Mr. Rutishauser to explain his position, as well, because there may be specific guidelines that have to be followed.

Mayor Hache asked Councilman Voigt if there was any further discussion in CSAC.  Councilman Voigt stated that as it related to this situation there was no further discussion but he did have a couple of questions.  He asked Sergeant Chuck about parking spaces on Ridgewood Avenue and if they were used at all.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they were used all day.  Councilman Voigt asked the types of businesses that can be there with regard to the zoning, are they sure that the types of businesses that can be there are there.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he would have to take a look at it as he didn’t have the zone committed to memory.  Councilman Voigt stated that it seems like there is a fairly high intensity use of those offices and he wanted to make sure that whoever was in there was compliant with what was supposed to be there.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she believes they saw a site plan at CSAC a few years ago, and there is a garbage receptacle there that is not on the original plan and that the site plan did show exit only and that there was not a two way.  She added that the challenge with this block is that it is not just that building, as it’s also school parking and there has to be a balance for the residents.  The challenge is restricting from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. then the residents don’t get to use the road as well.  She stated that with the new sign they would make sure that there is only exit, but when they exit it takes up the west side of the road but then there are only a couple of parking spots there.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it has to be 50 feet on the stop sign side and 25 feet on the other side.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that without parking on the west side there would only be a couple of spaces that would be available on the east curb.  Sergeant Chuck stated that you would be cutting the parking in half.  Councilwoman Walsh asked how do you find the balance because if you count residents, there are 11 homes.  Even if you had only one spot for them to have a spot for a guest than anybody else would be pushed onto the other streets.  So, she wasn’t sure how to find the balance other than cutting down the amount of spots there.

Mayor Hache stated that it isn’t easy, but instead of trying to find the situation that is just right, the idea of creating the sub-committee to get a working committee with Village professionals and two Village Council members is the next step.  He asked for anyone who would like to volunteer for the subcommittee to write to the Village Council.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if the Do Not Enter sign that was installed as enforceable, and who had jurisdiction over that.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is a regulatory sign and he believes it can be enforced.  Sergeant Chuck stated that was unenforceable because it is a Do Not Enter sign on private property.  The one concern that the Police Department has is the no U-turn, as they look at the street 360 degrees and that is just a problem of the overuse of the commercial space, but they think about grandmas visiting, landscapers, are coming from Washington Place and if you remove U-turn restrictions you can’t leave the road.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the experience on her street, Bogart, Pomander, and Sherman, the uniqueness of these neighborhoods is best understood by the residents and neighbors and they typically come up with the best solutions, so she supports letting them help work on this as a more comprehensive approach.

Ms. Mailander asked for whoever wants to be a spokesperson to contact her, so they will be the one who will email and notify the other neighbors on the street.  They will set up a meeting internally with two Councilmembers, neighbors, and the professionals to come up with the best solution with Sergeant Chuck for the entire area and not just one part of it.

 

2. Monte Vista Avenue Parking Restrictions

 

Ms. Mailander stated that at the last meeting there was a resident who requested that there be restrictions because there were issues with commuters parking there all day.  There are six cars who park there consistently.  Sergeant Chuck stated that the Police Department looked into that and they are non-Ridgewood residents parking there every day and are going over to the train station.  That neighborhood has time limit restrictions to relieve the neighborhood from long term parking, and so that road is wide enough to have parking on both sides of the street, but if the Village Council is interested in addressing the long term parking they would recommend time limit restrictions.  That neighborhood has two, three, and four hour restrictions, and they find that three hours works the best but four hours gives a lot of time.

Councilman Voigt asked if this related at all to what is going on with parking at the train station, or has this been in existence for a long period of time.  Sergeant Chuck stated that he thinks that it has been in existence for a long period of time and he doesn’t think it is related to the construction.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that currently there is parking on both sides for two hours between 7:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. on Madison.  Sergeant Chuck stated that Madison is an anomaly as there are about nine parking restrictions there, which was one of the things that they looked into and sent to Mr. Rutishauser to streamline.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that with all the different time restrictions, if the goal is to dissuade commuters a two or four hour duration would suffice.  A shorter time restriction could be detrimental to the Women’s Club for the events that they have and it is hard to gauge when they have events, but a four hour time limit should cover a great majority of what they do and the people that have to park on the street should be covered.

Mayor Hache asked if anyone from the neighborhood was here, and there wasn’t anyone.  He added that they should discuss this with any residents and make sure that this works and then see what the feedback is before they put it on the agenda to introduce.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she agreed with Mayor Hache and asked if this was a situation where they should send a letter to the residents.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they could do this if the Village Council wished, and they would take the property tax listing and send them a letter.  Councilman Sedon stated that he was a fan of sending letters.

1. Budget

 

1. Award Contract – National Cooperative Agreement – Caterpillar Backhoe Signal and Water Pollution Control Divisions

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village’s Traffic and Signal Division and Water Pollution Control Division share a 1983 Ford Backhoe which is old and ill-suited for repairing sanitary sewer breaks.  They are trying to repair more sanitary sewer breaks in-house as opposed to going to an outside contractor.  The Village joined Sourcewell last year, and working with the Sourcewell vendor Caterpillar through their local dealer, Foley, Inc. they have found a rubber tire backhoe in an amount not to exceed $145,961.  This is under the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing and their recommendation is to purchase this vehicle, funding is in the 2019 Capital account.

 

2. Award Contract – Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – 2020 Fire Pumper

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is going to be purchased through the Houston-Galveston Area Cooperative Purchasing Program.  It will replace two of the Fire Department’s current pumpers, a 1994 Pierce fire pumper and a 2000 Pierce fire pumper.  The 2000 Pierce fire pumper will be traded in within 30 days of the purchase order being issued with a $28,000 trade in value.  The 1994 Pierce pumper will be sold on GovDeals when they receive the 2020 pumper.  The cost to purchase the pumper is $478,703.15. 

The fire pumper committee consisted of Captain Schmidt, Lieutenant Zales, Firefighter Jacoby, and Chief Van Goor.  They put together the specifications and it will take one year from the time it is ordered to when it is delivered.  Right now there are five pumpers, and they realized they only use four consistently, so they will all be newer models.  The space in the garage that now occupies the fifth pumper will be occupied by the ambulance that they use to respond to medical emergencies.

 

3. Authorize Online Auction Service – Sourcewell

 

Ms. Mailander stated that GovDeals is now operating through Sourcewell, so they just need to authorize Sourcewell as the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement so they can continue to use GovDeals.

 

4. Award Professional Services Contract – Certified Lake Manager

 

Ms. Mailander stated that because the Village is dredging Kings Pond, among the condition in the DEP permit are the careful removal of any fish in the pond prior to lowering the water and dredging the pond and also that the sediment be sampled.  Princeton Hydro out of Ringoes, New Jersey as a Certified Lake Manager on staff and they can do these required items for a contract not to exceed $12,000.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they have had this dredging conversation for a while versus de-snagging, and Jeanne Epiphan had recommended de-snagging.  Her recollection was that the dredging upset the eco-system under the water.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Village has dredged this pond a number of times in the past, including in 1999 right before Hurricane Floyd which promptly filled it up and it had to be dredged again.  The pond is a sediment trap and it also was subjected to a very large effluent discharge from the Northwest Bergen Sanitary Sewer that had a significant failure.  He added that de-silting and de-snagging is not allowed to change the elevations of a water body very much, and they are doing much more than that and are digging out all of the muck since 1999.

 

5. Award Contract – National Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Roll-Off Truck with Salter – Street Division

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Streets Division has Capital Funds to purchase a new roll-off truck with salter.  The new truck will replace two old Volvo dump trucks that were acquired in 1999.  They were declared surplus and taken out of service in 2015 due to corrosion issues and cracked frames.  They also had issues with their braking systems.  This is going to be purchased through the Sourcewell vendor and their local dealer, Gabrielli Kenworth, in an amount not to exceed $273,506.80.

 

6. Award Contract – Disposal of Grass Clippings

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this needs to be done annually because they cannot store yard waste materials at the Lakeview Compost Site.  Jersey Mulch Products gave a sole quote.  The Village went out to three companies and only received one back, in an amount not to exceed $90,000 at $20.00 per cubic yard.  This is approximately 4,500 cubic yards of grass clippings and in previous years the Village had anticipated 7,000 cubic yards, so they may have to do an additional award.

Councilman Voigt asked where the additional $40,000 would come from.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that was something that he would discuss with Ms. Mailander and Mr. Rooney.  Right now we are in a very vigorous growing cycle, but maybe the weather will change.  Councilwoman Walsh suggested people mulch the grass and leave it on their lawns.  Councilman Voigt asked why there was a 33% increase this year.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the solid waste field is under increasing regulations from NJDEP.  One of the vendors the Village contacted wouldn’t give a price, but the Village also couldn’t consider them because they would not give their NJDEP N-Source number.  When the Village gets audited for operations at Lakeview they have to show a complete trail of where the grass clippings go.  Another entity that the Village has done business within the past was also unresponsive.

 

7. Award Contract – Selective Clearing for Berm Construction at Schedler Property

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they received bids on Thursday, May 23^rd.  There were two plan holders eligible to bid and they received one bid.  The only bid received was from Downes Tree Service in the amount of $37,535.  She added that the Village Council received a sketch of the property and where the trees will be removed.  It will be a different look for the neighbors in the area, but this will be to create the berm which will create better shielding from Route 17.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they could confirm that all of the soil that has been deposited there has been tested and certified clean.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have had tests of the soil.  The construction fill pile generated by the Water Department was tested and found to be satisfactory.  They provided an extensive report from a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) for the material from the Dayton project.  He added that he could email this information to the Village Council.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that questions have come up.  Mr. Rutishauser added that it has been tested and confirmed safe for its intended purpose which is a recreational field/facility where the exposure is to the youngest members of our community.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that the trees that are being removed are essentially going to be replaced because the berm that is being created is going to have trees planted on that.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have an alternating pattern of evergreens and also Councilwoman Walsh requested fencing on top which will be incorporated.  There will be the screening effect of the evergreens and the safety effect of the fence.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if this was consistent with the plan that was developed by the committee that included members of the immediate surrounding neighborhood.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he believes it is.  Mayor Hache stated that the original estimate didn’t have a line for the selective clearing for berm construction.  He asked if this was adding to what they had originally or was this something else.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he broke out the work, as he didn’t put it in one large bid because they were able to do that and because he was instructed to get this project moving along.  His office is currently doing the design for the parking lot, and they hope to get that out and the berm construction bid out in the next month or two.  Mayor Hache asked if the tree removal and the free soil were a wash on cost.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he would have to check that.

 

8. Release of Maintenance Bond – 44 Godwin Avenue

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this maintenance bond was for work done at Whole Foods in an amount of $30,648.45.  The required site improvements have been satisfactorily completed and the bond can be released, so they need a resolution for next week’s meeting.

 

9. Award Contract – Cooperative Pricing System – Rental of Interim Sewage Transfer Pumps – Andover Pump Station

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village of Ridgewood Andover Pump Station recently experienced a failure of its two pumps.  They have ordered two new pumps which should be delivered by the end of this year.  In the interim, due to the failure of the pump station’s two pumps, they needed to install a temporary pump to keep the station operating.  There is a resolution to approve Pumping Services, Inc. to provide rental pumps, hoses, and connections for the rental pump setup.  The cost is approximately $2,356.20 per month.  Also included are service charges, pump setup and when done, pump breakdown costs.  At this time they anticipate a budget of $60,000.  There is money available for this.

Councilman Voigt asked why it was taking so long for the pumps.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have to be manufactured as they are of a special size and power requirements and are not an off-the-shelf item.  The pumps are also coming from Europe so he is hoping there is no negative impact due to trade tariffs.  Councilman Voigt asked if the rental is an expense.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is an expense but it is capital because it’s in the interim.  Ms. Mailander stated that they would confirm that with Mr. Rooney.

 

10. Award Contract – Surface Restoration of West Façade of Village Hall

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they contacted at least five contractors to come and look at painting that they wanted done.  They received two proposals and there are some concerns with the low proposal regarding the type of cleanup that would occur.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they did an informal solicitation for bids for work to the west façade.  Five vendors were contacted and they received two bids.  Both vendors had language in their proposals where they could be leaving paint chips in the landscaping beds and they felt that was not good.  Both presented that would be the Village’s problem, which would be aesthetics and otherwise.  He added that they checked the quotes with the State law on prevailing wages, and both quotes the vendors would be required to pay their staff prevailing wages and provide certified payrolls to the Village.

Ms. Mailander stated that they would go back to the vendors and discuss that with them and if it is found that they do not pay prevailing wage they will have to go back out to bid.  If they can move forward they will, but if not they will possibly bring it back for July.

 

11. Award Contract – Underground Storage Tank System Repair

 

Ms. Mailander stated that at Fleet Services one of the alarms went off for one of the underground storage tanks.  Betts Environmental of Butler was hired to investigate the alarm condition.  The tank was taken out of service.  Betts responded to Fleet and excavated the tank area.  Betts found a failure in a vent riser pipe from the interstitial space that permitted ground water to enter the interstitial space causing the alarm condition.  Betts then had an independent agency test the tank to confirm the tank was tight and not leaking.  This was confirmed, and then the tank was brought back online.

The Village’s EJIF insurance fund was notified and they have been apprised of the results and followed up on a request and recommendation to have the waste oil tank tested and a monitoring probe installed.  The system is approximately 32 years old and will need to be replaced in the next few years.  The current system of underground storage tanks were installed after a major spill and subsequent cleanup which also resulted in the Village purchasing a home on Oak Street, at the time.  Ms. Mailander stated that they have a resolution to pay Bett’s for the emergency work they did as well as work requested by the EJIFF to keep the waste oil tank compliant with NJDEP regulations in an amount not to exceed $30,536.  This may be funded partially through insurance.

Councilman Voigt stated that this memo refers to no funds in the capital accounts.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that currently they have no capital funding for replacement of the UST’s so he was glad that they found a problem that could be fixed and did not confirm that the tanks were cracked.  The cost for replacing those tanks is in the range of $400,000 to $600,000.  Ms. Mailander added that this was something they should think about for next year’s capital budget.  Councilman Voigt asked if there were no Capital funds for the fix or for the new tanks.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that definitely not for the new tanks, but for the fix he would defer to Mr. Rooney.  Ms. Mailander added that Mr. Rooney assured her that they would find the funding.  Mr. Rutishauser added that they brought EJIF in because the alarm could mean that the tank was cracked which had happened before.

Councilman Sedon asked if the only breach that occurred was in the interstitial space.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that was correct.

 

12. Award Contract – Cooperative Purchasing Program – Bucket Truck Chassis – Parks Department

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for the purchase of a Western Star truck chassis for the Parks Department in the amount of $106,566.  The vendor is Hudson County Motors of Secaucus.  The forestry body and crane for the bucket truck will be provided and assembled by Timmerman Equipment Company.  This was approved in the 2019 Capital Budget.

 

13. Award Contract – Cooperative Purchasing Program – Bucket Truck Aerial Lift – Parks Department

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is a purchase under the Educational Services of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Contract for an aerial lift in the amount of $170,823.  The vendor is Timmerman Equipment Company, and it was approved in the 2019 Capital Budget.  The truck chassis and the aerial lift will go together and the Parks Department will be using it for their work.

1. Policy

 

1. Guidelines for Use of Flagpole in Public Forum Space

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this was regarding the flagpole at Memorial Park in Van Neste Square.  Mr. Rogers stated that with the success of the flagpole, someone brought to the attention that they may need to look at some type of ordinance outlining the use of the flagpole, this is in case there is more than one proposed user of the flagpole at one time.  They can set up some guidelines as to how it might be used.  He added that Mr. Rutishauser would get to him regarding the secs of the flagpole and what weight it can take.  They should consider time periods as to how long a particular flag can fly.  Other things to look at are in case there is more than one group that wants to get on at a particular time, how do they discern or decide one from another, so the Village Council has the authority to set up some guidelines with regard to that.

Mr. Rogers suggested setting up an application designating a responsible party and the time periods that they would like to fly the flag.  This was done with holiday displays, and these are things that they can take a look at and put together.  Mayor Hache asked what the timelines are for banners.  Mr. Rogers stated that they have banners at the train trestle that are for non-profits normally, and there are regulations regarding displays.  They don’t have any other regulations out there for banners.  Mayor Hache asked for the public forum space, were there any other guidelines.  Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t believe there were any regulations.  Ms. Mailander stated that Janet Fricke handles the banners.

Janet Fricke, 223 Woodland Avenue, stated that she was here as a resident tonight and usually because they want to help the non-profits, it is usually a one week commitment but sometimes they could leave it for two weeks.  She added that it could be defined better than it is today.  Councilman Voigt asked Mr. Rogers how this differs from the flagpole at Village Hall.  Mr. Rogers stated that it doesn’t differ, but this is a flagpole at Van Neste Square that can be used for flying flags for various uses.  Councilman Voigt asked if they were doing this here, why weren’t they doing it at Village Hall.  Mr. Rogers stated that would be where they would be flying the flags.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it was a public forum space.  Councilman Voigt clarified that Village Hall is not a public forum space.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was made aware by email of the flagpole donation, and asked if there was a procedure where they had to accept a gift or donation and she doesn’t know where or when the gift was accepted.  Ms. Mailander stated that she has a resolution on for next week’s meeting for acceptance of the flagpole.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they have already established a time frame for a flag in their mind by virtue of a month.  Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t think they had.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Pride Month is during the month of June, so next year they couldn’t just do a week.  Mr. Rogers stated that Pride Month is for the month, Breast Cancer Awareness month is the month of October, so in the consideration of these things in the public forum, they are going to find that these are not regulations that are going to stand as it’s not the purpose of the forum.

Mr. Rogers stated that if you were allowing this to be the public forum flagpole then you have to allow these purposes and you can’t cut it off for a week when the purpose is to fly a Pride flag for the month of June.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they would have to be consistent with the guidelines of a month.  Councilman Sedon suggested saying up to a month.  Mayor Hache asked about the trestle banners, the Village puts them there and if there are not additional requests it could stay there all year.  Mr. Rogers stated that the trestle is not a public forum spot, and they are dealing with a public speech issue here.  Mayor Hache asked if the Village would have a subordinate right to put up what it deemed appropriate for a minimum amount of time as well.  Mr. Rogers stated only if they wanted to regulate it by ordinance, but it’s different from the public forum which is allowing speech to be freely expressed.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they weren’t abridging anyone’s freedom of speech.  Mr. Rogers stated that they were comparing apples and oranges with the trestle and the public forum space.

Mayor Hache stated that in the public forum space, a flag can go up two ways, the Village puts it up or somebody requests it and it goes up, are they then saying that the Village is also subject to a time restriction.  Mr. Rogers asked if the Village owns the pole, or just the space where it was erected as he thought the pole was donated.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the pole was given as a gift and they were accepting the gift.  Mr. Rogers stated that they were accepting the use of the flagpole for that purpose.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they were accepting the gift of the pole and have installed the pole, so the pole now is owned by the Village, and she asked Mr. Rogers if that was accurate.  Mr. Rogers stated that he would assume.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the people who gave the gift are not retaining ownership.  Mr. Rogers stated that he was assuming that the flagpole is there for the purposes of a public forum for the opportunity of speech. 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that to the Mayor’s point, the Village has jurisdiction over the pole, so if they decide during the off times if they want to put up a sign of their choice they could do that.  Mr. Rogers stated that if they regulate the pole for those purposes then that’s fine.  Mayor Hache stated that it was something to look at.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it is a public forum space and so her opinion is that they should make the pole available because that was the intent of it as it was donated.  Mr. Rogers stated that he assumed that this was going to be for public speech.  Mayor Hache stated that specific to the time restrictions, can the Village as owner of the pole, say everyone can put it up for a week, but the Village can put it up for as long as it wants.  Mr. Rogers stated that if they were using it as a public forum that would be restrictive.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that the easiest way to look at the pole is using Pride Month as an example.  It is celebrated for a month and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to fly the flag for the entire month.  If they say the intent is to let residents express themselves, they are going to give each person a week to do that.  If there is nobody else then they can fly it until the next person, and if there are no requests they can fly the American flag as the default.  Mayor Hache stated that was the conversation with the donors, that the default will always be the American flag.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she didn’t see how they could expect to get a month for the Pride flag if it was going to be an entire month.  Mr. Rogers stated since they can regulate time, place, and manner, they can provide for an extended period and regulate it for one week.  As long as it doesn’t interrupt another request then they can grant the request fully.  He suggested that the application can’t be filed to the Village Clerk’s office no sooner than 60 days ahead of the time but no later than 30 days ahead of time.  He added that you need parameters between the time that you can make the application and the time where you can no longer make the application.  Councilwoman Walsh agreed.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked what if somebody wanted to put up a flag, and then somebody wanted to put up the same flag right after.  She asked if it was the same message that would be on the timeframe, or would it be the actual message that is restricted.  Mr. Rogers stated that they would have to put it up in the application process, adding that even if it is accepted there is the possibility that if something comes in that interrupts that they may be given preference.  He added that they have to find out if they fly two or three flags, adding that they would have size limitations that would adjust how it is used.  Mayor Hache asked if the size of the flag was determined by the size of the pole.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he submitted a request to Signal to get information from the manufacturer as to what can be flown on this type of pole.  Mayor Hache stated that he read something in New Jersey based on the speed of the wind the size is determined to be five feet by eight feet.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is usually a 6:1 ratio on the height of the flag.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if flagpoles need an annual inspection.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Signal Division does take a look at them, as periodically they need their lanyards of hoisting mechanisms lubricated, maintained, or replaced.  Ms. Mailander stated that she would meet with Mr. Rutishauser and Mr. Rogers to come up with something and get it back before the Village Council end of June or beginning of July and they can go forward from there.

 

2. Amending Chapter 190 Land Use Development – Illuminated Signs in Business District and Extend Suspension of Ordinance for Certain Illuminated Signs in Central Business District

 

Ms. Mailander stated that in December the relaxation of the suspension of the ordinance expired and they put it to June 30^th.  Now that they have a proposed ordinance from the Planning Board they are going to have to extend it again.  If the Village Council is agreeable to what the Planning Board is proposing, they could introduce it next week, adopt it in July, and it would be effective in the beginning of August, but maybe they should select a date of October 30^th so they don’t have to extend it again.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this is probably one of the most difficult ordinances they have had to work on because of the number of different types of illuminated displays, what the criteria would be for the information that can be on the display.  She added that she thinks at this point, they were comfortable with the way they concluded this and Chairman Joel sent a letter saying that this is the proposed ordinance that the Planning Board agreed to.  She deferred to everyone else because it was so difficult to figure this one out.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she thinks some illuminated signs may be tasteful and others may not, and once they go down that path what is going to be the approval process for the signage color, and type.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it would be no different than having a T.V. monitor.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that you could, in theory, have a neon sign with a monitor.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Samba Bowls has theirs on an angle.  She added that they were happy to put it on hold and everyone could take a walk downtown and see what they think about the monitors that are existing and maybe there is additional feedback that would help.  She suggested holding it as you would hate people to get tickets because they aren’t getting it right.

Mayor Hache stated that although he thinks it is an improvement, there is still a lack of specificity and he thinks it needs to be refined a bit more.  Ms. Mailander suggested the Village Council review it on their own and Mr. Rogers would look at it so they could come back with individual recommendations.  The recommendation was that they do the resolution to extend the ordinance enforcement to December 31^st.  Ms. Mailander added that this does permit unlettered balloons and banners for a grand opening and they cannot exceed seven days, which she thinks is a good improvement.  Mayor Hache suggested limiting the number of times that balloons can be put up.  Ms. Mailander stated that they would have a way to enforce that.

 

3. Establishment of Turn Lane on Franklin Avenue

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council received a new map this evening.  This is on Franklin Avenue from Cottage Place to Oak Street.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is a concept sketch that Engineering and the Police Department have been working on to address some concerns about traffic going into Starbucks and Ben and Jerry’s with left-hand turns.  One way they could possibly make this work better is through a center left turn lane as they are used in many other parts of the country.  They can be at first a little bit scary without knowing the other driver’s intent.

Sergeant Chuck stated that the Police Department was very excited for this proposal as it was the first time that the Village has used newer traffic habits to make improvements and are managing the problem instead of saying no.  They found it difficult to manage no left turns into one parking lot, and the safety concerns were traffic getting backed up.  This would open it up so the turns would be stopping the free flow, so the turns would be in the middle and would turn during the gaps.  This would reduce the frustrations that they have seen and it will probably help with the intersections.

Mr. Rutishauser stated that if the Village Council is in favor of this, they would then have to approach Bergen County Engineering because this is a County road.  Mayor Hache asked if the narrowing of each land of traffic would have the unintended consequence of slowing things down.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it would, and there would also be clear markings.  Visual narrowing has proven to lower the speeds of motorists.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that when they met with the County about that corridor, this appears to be consistent with that effort.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he believes it is consistent with some of the County’s thoughts, but he would still like them to opine upon it if the Village Council would like to move forward with this.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if this in anyway impacts the other plan.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he thinks it can, but he would want to talk to the County Engineering staff to see their thoughts on it.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she knows that a lot of this is a result of Starbucks.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it was Starbucks and Ben and Jerry’s.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the cones created a problem for Ben and Jerry’s.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have met with Starbucks and they understand the severity of the Village’s concerns with the traffic there.  If this was to be adopted, exiting traffic would still only be allowed to make a right turn exiting.  Mayor Hache stated that the problem is going to be how to paint straight lines on a crooked road.

Councilman Sedon stated that he knew they had talked about adding parking on Franklin Avenue when it gets repaved.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it would effect this area, and the other thing that could work in their favor is that they could stripe this now and give it a trial run before the road gets resurfaced in the coming years.  He added that if the County agrees with the Village Council he would like to get this done as soon as possible.

Councilman Voigt asked about the width of the center lane and if it would be consistent with the other two lanes.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have it as 11 feet for the center turning lane and 12.5 feet for the outer lanes.  Councilman Voigt asked about the in and out for Ben and Jerry’s and also for the North Walnut Street, it looks like you can go left and right out of Ben and Jerrys and out of North Walnut Street Parking Lot.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that Ben and Jerry’s off Franklin is enter only, and for North Walnut Street Parking Lot they can look at it but right now you can exit left or right but they would have to look at it as he doesn’t think that parking lot has a lot of turnover.  Councilman Voigt stated that he assumed that TD Bank and Valley National Bank was right only.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they were right only.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if it was time to do a traffic count at this point because they have some studies from Planning Board in the past and it seems to her that traffic is getting worse and it might be a good time to do an interim count because all of those at the other end of Franklin at the corner of Broad have a look-back count that they would have to do so they should have these numbers on hand.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they could certainly do it, but he thinks this management plan is going to help.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she agreed. 

Ms. Mailander asked that the Village Council was in agreement that they would do a traffic count and then reach out to the County about getting this work done.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Mr. Rutishauser had any idea on how long it would take for this work to get approved.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that if the Village Council would adopt a resolution at next week’s meeting because then the full weight of their voices can be seen by the County and then he would make the recommendation and get their concurrence as soon as possible.

 

1. Operations

 

1. Authorize Access to North Walnut Street Parking Lot – Monitoring Wells

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the owner of the Town Garage property on Franklin Avenue had hired Brinkerhoff Environmental Services who wanted to sample the Village’s monitoring wells in the North Walnut Street parking lot.  Mr. Rogers had indicated that there has to be a reason given by the company, so the Village has received an email and their indication is that ground water flows from their client’s site toward the North Walnut Street redevelopment district and access to the Village’s wells would allow them to avoid installing additional wells on the Village’s property.  They are required to delineate the extent of the plume on their client’s property per NJDEP regulations.  Mr. Rogers stated that is sufficient.

 

2. North Walnut Street Traffic Calming

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there was a traffic study done on North Walnut Street between May 21^st and 26^th of this year.  Approximately 12,000 cars during that week were on North Walnut Street.  Just over 700 cars were traveling at speeds above 36 mph, 80 cars were going over 40 mph, the average speed was about 31 mph, there were less than 400 cars traveling 15 mph or less.  There was more traffic traveling south towards the CBD than north, and that’s where the speeding was taking place, for the most part.

Ms. Mailander added that a traffic study was also completed on North Walnut Street last June, and the numbers were almost identical.  They are going to propose some engineering solutions, and one of them is a permanent speed sign midway between Robinson Lane and Franklin because that is where the speeding going towards the CBD is taking place.

Mr. Rutishauser stated that they looked at a number of traffic improvement suggestions and have had a number of discussions at the Citizen Safety Advisory Committee.  Some ideas and suggestions were not looked at in favor by the residents.  One of the suggestions they did look at is a solar powered sign that will flash the speed limit of the approaching car.  They do have them in some of the school zones, and it gives a very quick feedback of your speed.  He added that Sergeant Chuck made a recommendation that they can program it to only flash up to a certain speed limit.  Sergeant Chuck stated that this recommendation encourages trial and error, because some people might try to beat their speed the next time.  Ms. Mailander added that in addition to the speed sign, they will have increased enforcement on the street, but they are confident that this will help to reduce the speeding.  There are other measures they could take which includes a double yellow line down the street.  The neighbors don’t want this, so they would like to try the speed sign and see how it works.

Councilman Voigt asked if Sergeant Chuck would have access to the data from the sign over a period of time.  Sergeant Chuck stated that he would.  Councilman Voigt asked if this would be on a pole or a telephone pole.  Sergeant Chuck stated that Signal Division would erect its own pole.  Councilman Voigt asked how obtrusive this sign would be, such as would it be flashing and bother a neighbor.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they automatically have daytime and nighttime settings, but there would definitely be a yellow light flashing when a car drives down the street.  Councilman Voigt asked if that was alright for the neighbors and he received a response from the neighbors.

Mayor Hache stated that he circulated some information to the residents and wanted to make sure that it was something that they were okay with.  Ralph Edelman, 106 North Walnut Street, stated that he thought it was a great first step and they really appreciated it.  Two weeks ago, they were talking about lowering the speed limit and he was curious what the feedback was.  He added that he had some other ideas that could maybe be built upon later, adding that there is an initiative called Vision Zero which is about reducing traffic fatalities.  If the road does get repaved, they would love to see crosswalks around Robinson, and the yellow line solution to narrow the line of vision.  A more aesthetic way of doing that would be to paint a bike lane which may be a way to calm traffic.

Councilman Voigt stated that there is a huge volume of cars on that street.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it is actually closer to 14,000 cars a day.  Councilman Voigt stated that is one of the higher volume streets that we have in the town.  Sergeant Chuck stated for a tertiary road it is high, but Oak Street is almost four times that.  Councilman Voigt stated that maybe they can find a way to lessen the volume.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it is an access point from a main road to downtown.  There are a lot of homes on that street also, so how many times are people leaving their homes every day.  He added that they did this over a holiday weekend which probably increased the number because it was such a nice weekend, but it probably wouldn’t make a huge difference in this count.  Councilman Voigt stated that it may be something they could think about in Citizens Safety Advisory Committee to reduce volume on that street.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Sergeant Chuck had the detailed study on this and if the Village Council could obtain a copy so she could understand the hours.  Sergeant Chuck stated that he would share that.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the high speed travel is a problem all through Ridgewood.  She added that while they are looking at this and figuring out how to slow folks down, she thinks that at some point they need to look at the entire Village.  She added that they have to look at a Village-wide solution.  Sergeant Chuck stated that the Chief is in agreement, and she just bolstered the Traffic Bureau with at least one officer dedicated to enforcement all day long, which is supplemented by Patrol Officers.  He added that is directly related to the concerns they have been hearing.

Mr. Edelman stated that in terms of reducing volumes of traffic, there are three entrances to Stop and Shop, and suggested restricting the entrance on North Walnut Street to commercial only or restrict it to just enter or exit.  He added that there is a lot of traffic coming out of there.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that when she goes to Stop and Shop depending on the time of day, she can no longer make the left onto Cottage.  So she either has to go out to the right on Cottage and then make a left onto Franklin, or go out of the Franklin exit and make the left.  Sometimes Franklin is too crazy to make the left, so she oftentimes goes out onto Walnut so she can get home and not feel like she’s in a compromised position making a left.  She said there are two perspectives.  Mr. Edelman stated that a lot of the things the proposed are things that can be implemented town wide and he doesn’t think a lot of that costs a lot of money.  He added that he was curious what the pushback was to reducing the speed limit.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they had deployed the speed trailer for the count.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they like to get as natural raw data as possible, so when they are planning to place the speed counters they wipe police from the area.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they were going to deploy that in the interim as it would give some real information.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it is absolutely available, but it is at the Train Station and they put the curb around it but they would get it over there soon.

 

3. Alternate Court Administrator

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they did a resolution designating Kimberly McWilliams as the Acting Court Administrator for the Ridgewood Municipal Court, and the rate was $35 an hour.  At the time of adoption of the resolution, Maria Doerr was not designated in a reciprocal agreement with Glen Rock.  Kim McWilliams has now been appointed as Municipal Court Administrator for the Wyckoff Municipal Court, as a result of a new shared services agreement with Glen Rock and has designated Maria Doerr as Acting Municipal Court Administrator for the Wyckoff Municipal Court.  Now that there is a reciprocal agreement in place, she has drafted a new resolution which omits compensation for the emergent services.  Ms. Mailander added that she doesn’t know that it has ever happened that our Municipal and Deputy Court Administrators were not available, but now it will work through a barter system and they will not be charged by the alternate designee.

 

4. Ordinance to Adopt New FEMA/FIRM Maps

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that FEMA/FIRM have finally issued new flood maps for the Village that will be effective August 28^th this year.  The changes for the Village will be very minor.  The big fear they have are that the last time this occurred, a lot of the properties with a Letter of Map Amendment without the structures in the flood plains that didn’t need flood insurance were all tossed out and they have to work with the US Representatives to get them reestablished.  The ordinance before the Village Council is a total rewrite of the Village of Ridgewood flood ordinance in the code based on what the DEP has issued for communities to adopt.  The flood insurance program is significantly in arrears and the flood insurance program is looking at tightening up what people have that could be effected by a flood.

Councilwoman Walsh asked if any new properties were impacted by the new flood map that were not in the flood zone prior.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that there may be a few properties that the flood reach has now touched and are enjoined, but they haven’t identified those yet.  Councilwoman Walsh asked if they had a responsibility to notify those property owners.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they don’t, an individual only needs flood insurance under specific circumstances, if you have a mortgage a lender will require it.  He added that they do know of residents that are in flood hazard areas that do not have flood insurance because they have inherited their properties, do not have a mortgage, and have decided to take that risk upon themselves.  The properties that have been put into the flood hazard area; those lenders would be contacting the homeowners.  If they have questions, they would encourage them to come to Engineering.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she saw that there was a grievance period where they could challenge.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the challenge requires getting a surveyor to do elevations.  FEMA/FIRM does a much higher level review and there may be individual conditions that a homeowner has that elevates them out of the flood region and if they can prove that through a survey at their own cost, a homeowner may be able to get a LOMA.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked about the Bergen County Court of Appeals being designated to hear and decide appeals and request for variances from the requirements of this ordinance.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he formulated that section in coordination with Tom Yotka, as the Village dissolved the Village’s Board of Appeals and went to the County.  So they were having the County Board of Appeals in this ordinance be the entity of last resort for the individual that does not agree with the determination of the engineer’s office or the construction official’s office.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked for clarification on the variance piece.  Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t think they were talking about a variance under municipal land use law, but they were talking about a deviation from the map itself and the designations.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if that was something for a construction board to handle.  Mr. Rogers stated that there wasn’t any other body in this municipality that can handle that type of appeal.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they had to provide a venue where someone could appeal that determination and the Bergen County Court of Appeal is the most suitable venue for something for that.  Ms. Mailander added that they have to adopt it prior to the end of August.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the state DEP would require a copy to be submitted to them to show that the Village has satisfied its requirements.

 

5. 2020 Village Calendar Theme

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they had a couple of suggestions for the 2020 calendar theme.  One is trees which the Shade Tree Commission has proposed.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that when she learned of the Shade Tree Commission idea, she loved it and always finds that the pictures are always muddy and she thought it might be a benefit to use the free line art that is available and to take a different approach with the images.  Ms. Mailander stated that the final recommendation was hidden or not so hidden treasures of the Village.

Councilwoman Knudsen added that she wanted to elaborate on Jeanne Epiphan’s comments, adding that she isn’t good with plants but one thing Jeanne explained was native and invasive species and the impact on the birds.  There is a whole cycle that goes on, so she thought that was a good reason to incorporate her ideas with Shade Tree.  She added that from an educational perspective it was important to understand what the invasive species are doing to our environment.

Councilman Voigt stated that he had a couple of suggestions, such as places of worship, and unique homes of Ridgewood.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she liked the hidden idea because often someone will ask have you ever seen this, and there are urban legends in Ridgewood which might be fun for people to get involved in.  People can pick locations and send them in.  Councilman Sedon added that he was partial to both tree ideas, adding that there were heritage trees and merging that with some line art to bring in some focus and detail might be interesting.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that Ms. Epiphan asked if Kings Pond is a hidden treasure.  She isolated the different species that could be found at each of the different locations.  She added that the Shade Tree Commission has done an incredible job in the Village bringing attention to the importance of the tree canopy and they have learned a lot about invasive species that she thinks should be imparted to the larger community.

Mayor Hache added that he likes them all, but definitely the quality of the pictures are a problem so he would like to see if they could do something.  Ms. Mailander added that color or nicer paper increases cost.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that working with what they are working with, the front cover because of the quality of the glossier paper always makes it sharper, but when you go into the calendar you always find a muddiness.  Mayor Hache asked if they could get a mockup of what it would look like to have one versus another.  He suggested using two or three themes and seeing which one looks best.  Ms. Mailander stated that they could do this, but they would have to pay the printer.  Mayor Hache asked to just see the pictures of the concepts over one or two pages.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that she sent samples of the work from Ms. Epiphan, and line art is essentially coloring pages so there is an opportunity to make the calendar more of an experience.

 

6. REVIEW OF JUNE 12, 2019 PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Ms. Jackson stated that this was a review of the June 12, 2019 Public Meeting Agenda.

Proclamations include: Bee City USA National Pollinator Week.

Resolutions for Ridgewood Water: Award Contract – Roof Repairs for Various Ridgewood Water Properties; Award Contract Under State Contract – Geographic Information System for Data Migration; and Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – 2019 Ford Escape.

The following ordinances are scheduled for introduction:  3723 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Certain Illuminated Signs in the Central Business District; 3724 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Ridgewood Parking Permits to Include Ridgewood CBD Building Owners with Offices in Their Own Building; 3725 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Ridgewood Parking Permits for Central Business District Building Owners with Offices in their Own Buildings; 3726 – Amend Outdoor Café Fees – 2019 & 2020; 3727 – Amend Chapter 265 Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions on Sherman Place; 3728 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions on Monte Vista Avenue; 3729 – Amend Chapter 154 – Flood Damage Prevention; 3730 – Reappropriate Funding in Capital Ordinance – Renovation of Tree Wells in Central Business District to Conducting a Tree Inventory; and 3731 – Establish Turn Lane on Franklin Avenue.

Ordinances for Public Hearing include: 3722 – Prohibit Use of Single Use Plastic Carry-Out Bags.

Resolutions include: Waive Fourth of July Vendor Fees; Grant Permission to Fireworks Company for Fireworks Display; Title 59 Approval – Disposal of Grass Clippings; Award Contract – Disposal of Grass Clippings; Title 59 Approval – Surface Restoration of West Façade of Village Hall; Award Contract – Surface Restoration of West Façade of Village Hall; Title 59 Approval – Underground Storage Tank System Repair; Award Contract – Underground Storage Tank System Repair; Award Contract Under State Contract – Geographic Information Systems for Various Departments; Award Contract Under State Contract  - Bulletproof Vests; Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – Stump Grinder – Parks Department; Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – 2019 Ford F250 Pickup Truck – Public Works; Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – On-line Auction Services; Award Contract Under National Cooperative Agreement – Caterpillar Backhoe – Signal and Water Pollution Control Divisions; Award Contract Under National Cooperative Agreement – Roll-off Truck with Salter – Street Division; Award Contract Under Houston-Galveston Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – 2020 Fire Pumper; Award Contract Under Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Rental of Interim Sewage Transfer Pumps – Andover Pump Station; Award Contract Under Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Bucket Truck Chassis – Parks Department; Award Contract Under Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Bucket Truck Aerial Lift – Parks Department; Award Partial Contract – Sidewalks on West Glen Avenue; Award Professional Services Contract – Certified Lake Manager – Dredging of Kings Pond; Appoint Village Attorney; Appoint Village Bond Attorney; Appoint Village Labor Attorney; Appoint Village Prosecutor and Assistant Village Prosecutor; Appoint Public Defender; Appoint Alternate Court Administrator; Appoint Community Development Representative; Appoint Representative to Open Space Trust Regional Committee; Appoint Members to Planning Board; Appoint Members to Zoning Board of Adjustment; Appoint Member to Stigma Free Task Force; Appoint Members to the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee; Appoint Members to the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board; Appoint Members to the Green Team Advisory Committee; Allocation of Affordable Housing Trust Fund Money to The United Way for The Enclave Special Needs Housing; Extend Suspension of Ordinance for Certain Illuminated Signs in Central Business District; Authorize Tax Collector to Charge for Mailing of Tax Sale Notices; Declare Property Surplus – 2000 Packer Truck – Recycling Division; Authorize Access to North Walnut Street Parking Lot Monitoring Wells; Authorize Village of Ridgewood to be a New Jersey Future Aging Friendly Community; Endorse Bergen County Historic Preservation Grant – James Rose Center; Accept Donation – Flagpole at Public Forum Space of Memorial Park at Van Neste Square; Authorize Release of Maintenance Bond – 44 Godwin Avenue; Approve 2019-2020 Renewals of Liquor Licenses; and Appoint Village Councilmembers as Liaisons to Various Boards and Committees.

 

Mayor Hache added that this Saturday at 10:00 A.M. at Van Neste Square is the Gun Violence Awareness, wear orange, and the High School students are driving this there will be speaks and musical performances.

 

7. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she wanted to echo what Ms. Mailander said about Graydon opening, they were there Sunday and it was beautiful, the snack bar is really nice and they have salads.  Councilman Sedon was there, and the pool looked great and it was nice to have it open again.  She added that last year or the current year there was a whole page of errors and corrections, holidays that were missed or duplicated, and she asked that they consider having someone that is a professional proofreader check it because more than the drawings or photos is the accuracy of the content. 

Councilwoman Knudsen added that part of the reason they brought up the theme was they made a determination that the calendar should be ready much earlier, so in speaking with Ms. Mailander they made the decision to start the process earlier on to make sure that those errors are address beforehand.

8. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Deputy Village Clerk Donna Jackson read Resolution #19-154 to go into Closed Session as follows:

9. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Voigt, seconded by Councilwoman Knudsen, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 10:01 P.M.

______________________________

                                                                                                  Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                                  

                                                                                                             Mayor                                     

______________________________

              Donna M. Jackson

           Deputy Village Clerk

A REGULAR 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 JUNE 5, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

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

Mayor Hache called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, Walsh, and Mayor Hache.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney; and Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk. 

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

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Paul Evers, 27 Sherman Place, stated that he was here in reference to the parking on Sherman Place.  It is a small dead end street between Washington Avenue and Ridgewood Avenue.  A professional building on Ridgewood Avenue was allowed to expand which closed off their entry and exit and forced an entry and exit onto Sherman Place.  This has caused Sherman Place to become an extension of their parking facilities, and the traffic situation has degraded.  For the last five years the neighborhood has been communicating to the Village Council that there has been issues with safety, parking, congestion, and they feel that it is time to act. 

Mr. Evers stated that a few months ago they appreciated the Village Council’s recommendation, but they didn’t agree with the recommendation and were asked to provide a counterproposal including maps, documentation, and pictures.  He added that they were excited to submit it but were disappointed that their recommendations weren’t included in the proposal that is being presented today.  Their neighbors on South Sherman and Garfield are concerned that the problem is just going to be pushed down to their streets.

Mr. Evers stated that he was asking that they hold off voting on this proposal and convene a meeting of the neighborhood with the town to come up with a proposal that solves the root cause of the problem and that they can all agree to.

Paul White, 152 Woodside Avenue, stated that he and his wife have lived in the Vilage for 40 years.  He used to be a runner and then a biker, and the roads are in terrible condition.  He added that he has emailed the Village Council, called the Village Manager and the Engineering Department.  He stated that the Mayor told him that $2 million had been spent on the roads, but more needs to be done.  When he goes down from his house to the County park and takes Prospect, it is a mess.  When you turn off Woodside it is a disgrace, and he was told by his neighbor that there was a work crew that had attempted to fill in potholes.  He added that he tried to go down Spring and it is as bad, if not worse.  Mr. White added that he wanted to encourage the Village Council to find more resources as he has never seen the roads in this kind of shape.  He understands the budgetary pressure, but the roads are in bad shape and it needs to be addressed.

Chris Reid, 112 Stanley Place, stated that he agreed with Mr. Evers, and that you can only get to his house on Sherman Place and he would love if the town had a sub-committee to discuss parking issues in the neighborhood.  If the neighbors could get together and discuss things with someone from the town that would be incredible and it can probably be used as a template for other areas in the town.

Kim Schwartz, 56 Sherman Place, stated that she agreed with Mr. Evers and Mr. Reid about the Sherman parking issue.  There needs to be a sub-committee and they don’t want to push this problem down the road.  There are a lot of issues there and they need to study this before they just do something.

Jen Schnell, 43 Sherman Place, stated that she was here to ask for the formation of a subcommittee to address the parking on Sherman Place as well as the entire George Washington Middle School neighborhood.

Rolf Edelman, 106 North Walnut Street, stated that they do have some good ideas to follow up on Councilman Voigt’s ideas and they would like to follow up on his proposal and let the Village Council know that they are here.

There were no additional comments from the public.

Mayor Hache stated that the Village Council was not voting on anything tonight, they were just having a discussion.  He liked the idea of a subcommittee of having residents and Village staff and perhaps a couple of members of the Village Council, but they would discuss later.

3. MANAGERS REPORT

Graydon Pool – Ms. Mailander stated that Graydon Pool opened on Saturday, June 1^st.  The early season weekend hours are from 10:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M.  Weekday hours are noon to 7:30 P.M.  Residents can purchase memberships in person at the pool office or a ridgewoodnj.net/ communitypass.  Regular season begins June 24^th through August 11^th, and then the late season is August 12^th to September 2^nd.  Various program offerings and amenities include spray fountains, Adirondack chairs, a shade system, recreational game area, picnic area with tables and charcoal grills Wi-Fi accessibility, the Waterside Café from noon to 7:00 P.M., swim lessons, story time under the pavilion, a lending library, and special events include movie nights, concerts and more.

Kasschau Memorial Shell – Ms. Mailander stated that the Kasschau Memorial Shell located on Veterans Field behind the Library, will begin its season tomorrow night.  Free live concert popular music concerts are presented on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:00 P.M. in June, July and August.  Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy these concerts under the stars.  This program is presented due to the generous sponsorship of several local businesses and the Village of Ridgewood.  The Senior Bus will be available for transportation to several of these performances.  If you are an older resident and wish to go to one of these performances please call 201-670-5500 extension 203 for details and for which performances they will have the bus available.

 

Dog Licenses – Ms. Mailander stated that dog licenses are due for renewal in the month of June.  After July 1^st a $20 late fee will be charged.  Dog owners were reminded by an email or mailing to complete the renewal form and to return it with a check to the Health Department.  Office hours are 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday to Friday.

 

Ridgewood Guild – Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Guild provides Movies Under the Stars on Wednesday nights twice a month in June, July, and August in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square at sundown.  The Postman Always Rings Twice will be shown on June 12^th, and The Wizard of Oz on June 26^th.  Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the show.

 

Art in the Park – The Ridgewood Guild also sponsor three Art in the Parks evening events.  Friday, June 7^th, July 12^th and August 2^nd.  Take a stroll in the park and enjoy music and artwork.  Art for sale those evenings have proceeds benefitting the Ridgewood Guild.

 

Age Friendly Introduction to the Senior Bus –  Ms. Mailander stated that Age Friendly Ridgewood sponsored an Introduction to the Senior Bus last week with morning and afternoon bus rides provided for ten residents each trip to learn more about our Central Business District and other local activities.  Along the route Ridgewood representatives me the bus and spoke with the riders, sharing fun facts and providing bags with additional information.  Please call 201-670-5500 extension 203.

 

Registration for Summer Day Camp – Ms. Mailander stated that registration for summer day camp has started and will be open until the cutoff on June 10^th, after that time there is an additional $50 fee.  Day Camp begins Tuesday, June 25^th.

 

Household Hazardous Waste Collection – Ms. Mailander stated that Sunday June 23^rd from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Bergen County Utilities Authority will collect Household Hazardous Waste at Bergen Community College on Paramus Road in Paramus rain or shine.  Bergen County residency is required.

 

Parking in Village-Owned Lots after 3:00 P.M. – Ms. Mailander reminded residents that parking in all Village-owned parking lots after 3:00 P.M. does not require a permit.  There are still time restrictions of three hours and parking fees are still in effect.

 

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Community Center Advisory Board – Councilman Voigt stated that the Community Center Advisory Board met last week.  Don Liebrich is stepping down as chair of the CCAB, and they would like to thank him for his service as he has been doing so for four years. 

On May 31^st, Ridgewood became the 355^th community in the US to be enrolled in the AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities.  This network encourages municipalities to prepare for the rapid aging of the U.S. population.  Councilman Voigt stated that Age Friendly Ridgewood under the leadership of Sheila Brogan, Beth Abbot, Sue Ulrich and Deanna Schablick have done a really nice job and should be congratulated for all they have done.  President of the AARP, Livell Jones and Senior Program Specialist, Bridget Quinn were on hand to present the award to Mayor Hache.  Julia Strombus, Program Director for the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation were also present.  The Taub Foundation has been a huge contributor to Age Friendly Ridgewood and they thank them very much.

June 1^st Age Friendly hosted a senior breakfast at Graydon Pool, it was attended by over 70 seniors and they had a great time.  Music, food and friendship.  He thanked Sheila Brogan, Beth Abbot, Sue Ulrich and Deanna Schablick for coordinating this.

Tuesday June 11^th there will be a ArtBeat concert at the Kasschau Shell, acapella, rock, and blues students will be there for entertainment.

Councilman Voigt added that they spoke about West Glen, and Mr. Rutishauser stated that they would continue to pave the sidewalk west of Hillcrest up the hill.  They will also fix Union Street with more prominent one way signage and one way turn signs out of the physician’s office.

Councilman Voigt added that Starbucks coffee on Franklin has continued issues, and they will have a person there to help move the traffic into the property and will put an additional sign on the left side of the exit so drivers know to turn right instead of left.

Councilman Voigt stated that there was a request from a resident on Walthery Avenue that cars are driving at excessive speeds on that road, which Ms. Mailander has agreed to look into.  Monte Vista is something they will also talk about.

Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board met last night.  There were a couple zoning reviews.  One was to correct an inconsistency in Chapter 251 as it relates to pools, so they are just cleaning up some inconsistencies.  Also, a review of a zoning ordinance to extend the historic Central Business District to include the bus structure.  This will allow the Village to seek grant opportunities and to communicate with SHPO and make certain that the award winning design is preserved for future generations.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she had an email from a resident that warrants discussion.  She was not here at the May 22^nd meeting and evidently there was an exchange regarding the November versus April vote on the Board of Election.  Councilman Voigt indicated that if the BOE budget exceeded 2% it would automatically kick in a vote.  There was an interpretation that meant that if the BOE budget exceeded a 2% cap then there would be a vote in November and that is not necessarily true.  Because of exceptions, exemptions, and the use of CAP Bank, the increase could be significantly higher than 2% and there would be no budget vote necessarily in November.  April elections guarantee that regardless of what the budget increase is, there will always be a vote.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Village Council for years has not gone over their 2% and have banked the difference in the CAP Bank which sits for three years and then expires.  They could take that CAP Bank at any time and increase the tax levy.  She added that it was important to understand that just because the BOE exceeds a 2% necessarily does not guarantee a vote.  It depends on what that overage is made by.

Mr. Rogers stated that he gave a comment that 2% exceeding would warrant a vote, but he could do some research and report back next week.

Pride Month Celebration – Mayor Hache stated that on June 1^st they had a celebration of Pride Month, celebrating Ridgewood’s diversity at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.  They raised the Pride flag and there was a lot of support from the community and from our elected and public officials throughout the state.  Each one brought a unique perspective, and the support was so strong and overwhelming it was great to be a part of Ridgewood that day.  There were a lot of volunteers that stepped up and the weather couldn’t have been any better.

Roadway Paving – Mayor Hache stated that regarding the conditions of the roads we have had brutal winters and the progress in paving is also slowed down by the wet weather.  That makes it very difficult to pave our road, but the money is there and the paving schedule is on the Village website.  They didn’t make it through last year’s schedule because of the weather, but he appreciates resident’s patience with this as they move through the process and the timeline.

 

5. DISCUSSION

 

1. Ridgewood Water - None

 

1. Parking

 

1. Parking on Sherman Place

 

Ms. Mailander asked Mr. Rutishauser and Sergeant Jay Chuck to please come up to discuss this with the Village Council.  As the residents mentioned, they do have a challenge because their street has nearly become the parking lot for the professional building. 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that Sherman Place is a very short street, and they were concerned with the portion just north of Washington Place.  There is a medical office building on West Ridgewood Avenue that has an exit driveway onto Sherman Place.  The intensity of use in the office building has increased, resulting in more vehicular traffic.  The current suggestion they have is to make the traffic in the southbound direction no parking and allow parking in the northbound direction.  They have recently put up some signage there.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked that they took the parking on the east side of the road and left parking there for two hours, and then on the west side of the road removed parking and then changed it so there was no U-turn.  There is also the Do Not Enter sign.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Do Not Enter sign refers to the driveway of the office building, which is one way and occasionally people ignore that and cut through there, hence the reason for the sign.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if she is facing north, parked on the east side of the road, if she can’t make a U-turn she can’t get out of the street.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that was something that was discussed at previous meetings and it seemed to be the decision of the Village Council to not have that U-turn ordinance.  It was still a discussion item, and if the Village Council feels it’s not warranted, they can eliminate it from the ordinance.  He added that tonight, he would like to get a feel for what the Village Council and residents would like on that street and then they can prepare an ordinance accordingly.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she has spoken to a lot of the residents and has read their emails, and several weeks ago suggested to one of the residents that an ad-hoc committee be organized. We don’t want a situation as similar to Pomander where there was a shift of cars that migrated from one street to another.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they see that all too often in the Village.  The parkers move to the next block where there isn’t a restriction.  He added that it is a constant battle and it is tough to gauge how far you would have to create an area to get them to go further away.

Councilwoman Knudsen wondered if she asked for the resolution of approval for the office building when it occurred 30 years ago. Mr. Rutishauser stated that he thinks they have looked for it.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it might be useful to have that and see if there is any availability of the original site plan and the resolution.  If there was a representation that there was X amount of activity going on there and a representation of anticipated vehicular activity, they might have something in there.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he does feel that the office building has intensified its use which could be due to a change in type of physician.  From his experience, the resolutions of 30 years ago are not as detailed as they are currently, but they would look for the file.

Councilman Sedon stated that he wanted to know how the U-turn would work for people to get out of North Sherman.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they could make a 3-point turn if there is room.  Councilman Sedon stated that he thought there would be a value in getting together with residents because they have experience from living there but then it may also be helpful for Mr. Rutishauser to explain his position, as well, because there may be specific guidelines that have to be followed.

Mayor Hache asked Councilman Voigt if there was any further discussion in CSAC.  Councilman Voigt stated that as it related to this situation there was no further discussion but he did have a couple of questions.  He asked Sergeant Chuck about parking spaces on Ridgewood Avenue and if they were used at all.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they were used all day.  Councilman Voigt asked the types of businesses that can be there with regard to the zoning, are they sure that the types of businesses that can be there are there.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he would have to take a look at it as he didn’t have the zone committed to memory.  Councilman Voigt stated that it seems like there is a fairly high intensity use of those offices and he wanted to make sure that whoever was in there was compliant with what was supposed to be there.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she believes they saw a site plan at CSAC a few years ago, and there is a garbage receptacle there that is not on the original plan and that the site plan did show exit only and that there was not a two way.  She added that the challenge with this block is that it is not just that building, as it’s also school parking and there has to be a balance for the residents.  The challenge is restricting from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. then the residents don’t get to use the road as well.  She stated that with the new sign they would make sure that there is only exit, but when they exit it takes up the west side of the road but then there are only a couple of parking spots there.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it has to be 50 feet on the stop sign side and 25 feet on the other side.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that without parking on the west side there would only be a couple of spaces that would be available on the east curb.  Sergeant Chuck stated that you would be cutting the parking in half.  Councilwoman Walsh asked how do you find the balance because if you count residents, there are 11 homes.  Even if you had only one spot for them to have a spot for a guest than anybody else would be pushed onto the other streets.  So, she wasn’t sure how to find the balance other than cutting down the amount of spots there.

Mayor Hache stated that it isn’t easy, but instead of trying to find the situation that is just right, the idea of creating the sub-committee to get a working committee with Village professionals and two Village Council members is the next step.  He asked for anyone who would like to volunteer for the subcommittee to write to the Village Council.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if the Do Not Enter sign that was installed as enforceable, and who had jurisdiction over that.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is a regulatory sign and he believes it can be enforced.  Sergeant Chuck stated that was unenforceable because it is a Do Not Enter sign on private property.  The one concern that the Police Department has is the no U-turn, as they look at the street 360 degrees and that is just a problem of the overuse of the commercial space, but they think about grandmas visiting, landscapers, are coming from Washington Place and if you remove U-turn restrictions you can’t leave the road.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the experience on her street, Bogart, Pomander, and Sherman, the uniqueness of these neighborhoods is best understood by the residents and neighbors and they typically come up with the best solutions, so she supports letting them help work on this as a more comprehensive approach.

Ms. Mailander asked for whoever wants to be a spokesperson to contact her, so they will be the one who will email and notify the other neighbors on the street.  They will set up a meeting internally with two Councilmembers, neighbors, and the professionals to come up with the best solution with Sergeant Chuck for the entire area and not just one part of it.

 

2. Monte Vista Avenue Parking Restrictions

 

Ms. Mailander stated that at the last meeting there was a resident who requested that there be restrictions because there were issues with commuters parking there all day.  There are six cars who park there consistently.  Sergeant Chuck stated that the Police Department looked into that and they are non-Ridgewood residents parking there every day and are going over to the train station.  That neighborhood has time limit restrictions to relieve the neighborhood from long term parking, and so that road is wide enough to have parking on both sides of the street, but if the Village Council is interested in addressing the long term parking they would recommend time limit restrictions.  That neighborhood has two, three, and four hour restrictions, and they find that three hours works the best but four hours gives a lot of time.

Councilman Voigt asked if this related at all to what is going on with parking at the train station, or has this been in existence for a long period of time.  Sergeant Chuck stated that he thinks that it has been in existence for a long period of time and he doesn’t think it is related to the construction.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that currently there is parking on both sides for two hours between 7:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. on Madison.  Sergeant Chuck stated that Madison is an anomaly as there are about nine parking restrictions there, which was one of the things that they looked into and sent to Mr. Rutishauser to streamline.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that with all the different time restrictions, if the goal is to dissuade commuters a two or four hour duration would suffice.  A shorter time restriction could be detrimental to the Women’s Club for the events that they have and it is hard to gauge when they have events, but a four hour time limit should cover a great majority of what they do and the people that have to park on the street should be covered.

Mayor Hache asked if anyone from the neighborhood was here, and there wasn’t anyone.  He added that they should discuss this with any residents and make sure that this works and then see what the feedback is before they put it on the agenda to introduce.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she agreed with Mayor Hache and asked if this was a situation where they should send a letter to the residents.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they could do this if the Village Council wished, and they would take the property tax listing and send them a letter.  Councilman Sedon stated that he was a fan of sending letters.

1. Budget

 

1. Award Contract – National Cooperative Agreement – Caterpillar Backhoe Signal and Water Pollution Control Divisions

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village’s Traffic and Signal Division and Water Pollution Control Division share a 1983 Ford Backhoe which is old and ill-suited for repairing sanitary sewer breaks.  They are trying to repair more sanitary sewer breaks in-house as opposed to going to an outside contractor.  The Village joined Sourcewell last year, and working with the Sourcewell vendor Caterpillar through their local dealer, Foley, Inc. they have found a rubber tire backhoe in an amount not to exceed $145,961.  This is under the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing and their recommendation is to purchase this vehicle, funding is in the 2019 Capital account.

 

2. Award Contract – Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – 2020 Fire Pumper

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is going to be purchased through the Houston-Galveston Area Cooperative Purchasing Program.  It will replace two of the Fire Department’s current pumpers, a 1994 Pierce fire pumper and a 2000 Pierce fire pumper.  The 2000 Pierce fire pumper will be traded in within 30 days of the purchase order being issued with a $28,000 trade in value.  The 1994 Pierce pumper will be sold on GovDeals when they receive the 2020 pumper.  The cost to purchase the pumper is $478,703.15. 

The fire pumper committee consisted of Captain Schmidt, Lieutenant Zales, Firefighter Jacoby, and Chief Van Goor.  They put together the specifications and it will take one year from the time it is ordered to when it is delivered.  Right now there are five pumpers, and they realized they only use four consistently, so they will all be newer models.  The space in the garage that now occupies the fifth pumper will be occupied by the ambulance that they use to respond to medical emergencies.

 

3. Authorize Online Auction Service – Sourcewell

 

Ms. Mailander stated that GovDeals is now operating through Sourcewell, so they just need to authorize Sourcewell as the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement so they can continue to use GovDeals.

 

4. Award Professional Services Contract – Certified Lake Manager

 

Ms. Mailander stated that because the Village is dredging Kings Pond, among the condition in the DEP permit are the careful removal of any fish in the pond prior to lowering the water and dredging the pond and also that the sediment be sampled.  Princeton Hydro out of Ringoes, New Jersey as a Certified Lake Manager on staff and they can do these required items for a contract not to exceed $12,000.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they have had this dredging conversation for a while versus de-snagging, and Jeanne Epiphan had recommended de-snagging.  Her recollection was that the dredging upset the eco-system under the water.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Village has dredged this pond a number of times in the past, including in 1999 right before Hurricane Floyd which promptly filled it up and it had to be dredged again.  The pond is a sediment trap and it also was subjected to a very large effluent discharge from the Northwest Bergen Sanitary Sewer that had a significant failure.  He added that de-silting and de-snagging is not allowed to change the elevations of a water body very much, and they are doing much more than that and are digging out all of the muck since 1999.

 

5. Award Contract – National Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Roll-Off Truck with Salter – Street Division

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Streets Division has Capital Funds to purchase a new roll-off truck with salter.  The new truck will replace two old Volvo dump trucks that were acquired in 1999.  They were declared surplus and taken out of service in 2015 due to corrosion issues and cracked frames.  They also had issues with their braking systems.  This is going to be purchased through the Sourcewell vendor and their local dealer, Gabrielli Kenworth, in an amount not to exceed $273,506.80.

 

6. Award Contract – Disposal of Grass Clippings

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this needs to be done annually because they cannot store yard waste materials at the Lakeview Compost Site.  Jersey Mulch Products gave a sole quote.  The Village went out to three companies and only received one back, in an amount not to exceed $90,000 at $20.00 per cubic yard.  This is approximately 4,500 cubic yards of grass clippings and in previous years the Village had anticipated 7,000 cubic yards, so they may have to do an additional award.

Councilman Voigt asked where the additional $40,000 would come from.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that was something that he would discuss with Ms. Mailander and Mr. Rooney.  Right now we are in a very vigorous growing cycle, but maybe the weather will change.  Councilwoman Walsh suggested people mulch the grass and leave it on their lawns.  Councilman Voigt asked why there was a 33% increase this year.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the solid waste field is under increasing regulations from NJDEP.  One of the vendors the Village contacted wouldn’t give a price, but the Village also couldn’t consider them because they would not give their NJDEP N-Source number.  When the Village gets audited for operations at Lakeview they have to show a complete trail of where the grass clippings go.  Another entity that the Village has done business within the past was also unresponsive.

 

7. Award Contract – Selective Clearing for Berm Construction at Schedler Property

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they received bids on Thursday, May 23^rd.  There were two plan holders eligible to bid and they received one bid.  The only bid received was from Downes Tree Service in the amount of $37,535.  She added that the Village Council received a sketch of the property and where the trees will be removed.  It will be a different look for the neighbors in the area, but this will be to create the berm which will create better shielding from Route 17.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they could confirm that all of the soil that has been deposited there has been tested and certified clean.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have had tests of the soil.  The construction fill pile generated by the Water Department was tested and found to be satisfactory.  They provided an extensive report from a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) for the material from the Dayton project.  He added that he could email this information to the Village Council.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that questions have come up.  Mr. Rutishauser added that it has been tested and confirmed safe for its intended purpose which is a recreational field/facility where the exposure is to the youngest members of our community.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that the trees that are being removed are essentially going to be replaced because the berm that is being created is going to have trees planted on that.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have an alternating pattern of evergreens and also Councilwoman Walsh requested fencing on top which will be incorporated.  There will be the screening effect of the evergreens and the safety effect of the fence.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if this was consistent with the plan that was developed by the committee that included members of the immediate surrounding neighborhood.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he believes it is.  Mayor Hache stated that the original estimate didn’t have a line for the selective clearing for berm construction.  He asked if this was adding to what they had originally or was this something else.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he broke out the work, as he didn’t put it in one large bid because they were able to do that and because he was instructed to get this project moving along.  His office is currently doing the design for the parking lot, and they hope to get that out and the berm construction bid out in the next month or two.  Mayor Hache asked if the tree removal and the free soil were a wash on cost.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he would have to check that.

 

8. Release of Maintenance Bond – 44 Godwin Avenue

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this maintenance bond was for work done at Whole Foods in an amount of $30,648.45.  The required site improvements have been satisfactorily completed and the bond can be released, so they need a resolution for next week’s meeting.

 

9. Award Contract – Cooperative Pricing System – Rental of Interim Sewage Transfer Pumps – Andover Pump Station

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village of Ridgewood Andover Pump Station recently experienced a failure of its two pumps.  They have ordered two new pumps which should be delivered by the end of this year.  In the interim, due to the failure of the pump station’s two pumps, they needed to install a temporary pump to keep the station operating.  There is a resolution to approve Pumping Services, Inc. to provide rental pumps, hoses, and connections for the rental pump setup.  The cost is approximately $2,356.20 per month.  Also included are service charges, pump setup and when done, pump breakdown costs.  At this time they anticipate a budget of $60,000.  There is money available for this.

Councilman Voigt asked why it was taking so long for the pumps.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have to be manufactured as they are of a special size and power requirements and are not an off-the-shelf item.  The pumps are also coming from Europe so he is hoping there is no negative impact due to trade tariffs.  Councilman Voigt asked if the rental is an expense.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is an expense but it is capital because it’s in the interim.  Ms. Mailander stated that they would confirm that with Mr. Rooney.

 

10. Award Contract – Surface Restoration of West Façade of Village Hall

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they contacted at least five contractors to come and look at painting that they wanted done.  They received two proposals and there are some concerns with the low proposal regarding the type of cleanup that would occur.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they did an informal solicitation for bids for work to the west façade.  Five vendors were contacted and they received two bids.  Both vendors had language in their proposals where they could be leaving paint chips in the landscaping beds and they felt that was not good.  Both presented that would be the Village’s problem, which would be aesthetics and otherwise.  He added that they checked the quotes with the State law on prevailing wages, and both quotes the vendors would be required to pay their staff prevailing wages and provide certified payrolls to the Village.

Ms. Mailander stated that they would go back to the vendors and discuss that with them and if it is found that they do not pay prevailing wage they will have to go back out to bid.  If they can move forward they will, but if not they will possibly bring it back for July.

 

11. Award Contract – Underground Storage Tank System Repair

 

Ms. Mailander stated that at Fleet Services one of the alarms went off for one of the underground storage tanks.  Betts Environmental of Butler was hired to investigate the alarm condition.  The tank was taken out of service.  Betts responded to Fleet and excavated the tank area.  Betts found a failure in a vent riser pipe from the interstitial space that permitted ground water to enter the interstitial space causing the alarm condition.  Betts then had an independent agency test the tank to confirm the tank was tight and not leaking.  This was confirmed, and then the tank was brought back online.

The Village’s EJIF insurance fund was notified and they have been apprised of the results and followed up on a request and recommendation to have the waste oil tank tested and a monitoring probe installed.  The system is approximately 32 years old and will need to be replaced in the next few years.  The current system of underground storage tanks were installed after a major spill and subsequent cleanup which also resulted in the Village purchasing a home on Oak Street, at the time.  Ms. Mailander stated that they have a resolution to pay Bett’s for the emergency work they did as well as work requested by the EJIFF to keep the waste oil tank compliant with NJDEP regulations in an amount not to exceed $30,536.  This may be funded partially through insurance.

Councilman Voigt stated that this memo refers to no funds in the capital accounts.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that currently they have no capital funding for replacement of the UST’s so he was glad that they found a problem that could be fixed and did not confirm that the tanks were cracked.  The cost for replacing those tanks is in the range of $400,000 to $600,000.  Ms. Mailander added that this was something they should think about for next year’s capital budget.  Councilman Voigt asked if there were no Capital funds for the fix or for the new tanks.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that definitely not for the new tanks, but for the fix he would defer to Mr. Rooney.  Ms. Mailander added that Mr. Rooney assured her that they would find the funding.  Mr. Rutishauser added that they brought EJIF in because the alarm could mean that the tank was cracked which had happened before.

Councilman Sedon asked if the only breach that occurred was in the interstitial space.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that was correct.

 

12. Award Contract – Cooperative Purchasing Program – Bucket Truck Chassis – Parks Department

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is for the purchase of a Western Star truck chassis for the Parks Department in the amount of $106,566.  The vendor is Hudson County Motors of Secaucus.  The forestry body and crane for the bucket truck will be provided and assembled by Timmerman Equipment Company.  This was approved in the 2019 Capital Budget.

 

13. Award Contract – Cooperative Purchasing Program – Bucket Truck Aerial Lift – Parks Department

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this is a purchase under the Educational Services of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Contract for an aerial lift in the amount of $170,823.  The vendor is Timmerman Equipment Company, and it was approved in the 2019 Capital Budget.  The truck chassis and the aerial lift will go together and the Parks Department will be using it for their work.

1. Policy

 

1. Guidelines for Use of Flagpole in Public Forum Space

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this was regarding the flagpole at Memorial Park in Van Neste Square.  Mr. Rogers stated that with the success of the flagpole, someone brought to the attention that they may need to look at some type of ordinance outlining the use of the flagpole, this is in case there is more than one proposed user of the flagpole at one time.  They can set up some guidelines as to how it might be used.  He added that Mr. Rutishauser would get to him regarding the secs of the flagpole and what weight it can take.  They should consider time periods as to how long a particular flag can fly.  Other things to look at are in case there is more than one group that wants to get on at a particular time, how do they discern or decide one from another, so the Village Council has the authority to set up some guidelines with regard to that.

Mr. Rogers suggested setting up an application designating a responsible party and the time periods that they would like to fly the flag.  This was done with holiday displays, and these are things that they can take a look at and put together.  Mayor Hache asked what the timelines are for banners.  Mr. Rogers stated that they have banners at the train trestle that are for non-profits normally, and there are regulations regarding displays.  They don’t have any other regulations out there for banners.  Mayor Hache asked for the public forum space, were there any other guidelines.  Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t believe there were any regulations.  Ms. Mailander stated that Janet Fricke handles the banners.

Janet Fricke, 223 Woodland Avenue, stated that she was here as a resident tonight and usually because they want to help the non-profits, it is usually a one week commitment but sometimes they could leave it for two weeks.  She added that it could be defined better than it is today.  Councilman Voigt asked Mr. Rogers how this differs from the flagpole at Village Hall.  Mr. Rogers stated that it doesn’t differ, but this is a flagpole at Van Neste Square that can be used for flying flags for various uses.  Councilman Voigt asked if they were doing this here, why weren’t they doing it at Village Hall.  Mr. Rogers stated that would be where they would be flying the flags.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it was a public forum space.  Councilman Voigt clarified that Village Hall is not a public forum space.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was made aware by email of the flagpole donation, and asked if there was a procedure where they had to accept a gift or donation and she doesn’t know where or when the gift was accepted.  Ms. Mailander stated that she has a resolution on for next week’s meeting for acceptance of the flagpole.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they have already established a time frame for a flag in their mind by virtue of a month.  Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t think they had.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Pride Month is during the month of June, so next year they couldn’t just do a week.  Mr. Rogers stated that Pride Month is for the month, Breast Cancer Awareness month is the month of October, so in the consideration of these things in the public forum, they are going to find that these are not regulations that are going to stand as it’s not the purpose of the forum.

Mr. Rogers stated that if you were allowing this to be the public forum flagpole then you have to allow these purposes and you can’t cut it off for a week when the purpose is to fly a Pride flag for the month of June.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they would have to be consistent with the guidelines of a month.  Councilman Sedon suggested saying up to a month.  Mayor Hache asked about the trestle banners, the Village puts them there and if there are not additional requests it could stay there all year.  Mr. Rogers stated that the trestle is not a public forum spot, and they are dealing with a public speech issue here.  Mayor Hache asked if the Village would have a subordinate right to put up what it deemed appropriate for a minimum amount of time as well.  Mr. Rogers stated only if they wanted to regulate it by ordinance, but it’s different from the public forum which is allowing speech to be freely expressed.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they weren’t abridging anyone’s freedom of speech.  Mr. Rogers stated that they were comparing apples and oranges with the trestle and the public forum space.

Mayor Hache stated that in the public forum space, a flag can go up two ways, the Village puts it up or somebody requests it and it goes up, are they then saying that the Village is also subject to a time restriction.  Mr. Rogers asked if the Village owns the pole, or just the space where it was erected as he thought the pole was donated.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the pole was given as a gift and they were accepting the gift.  Mr. Rogers stated that they were accepting the use of the flagpole for that purpose.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they were accepting the gift of the pole and have installed the pole, so the pole now is owned by the Village, and she asked Mr. Rogers if that was accurate.  Mr. Rogers stated that he would assume.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the people who gave the gift are not retaining ownership.  Mr. Rogers stated that he was assuming that the flagpole is there for the purposes of a public forum for the opportunity of speech. 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that to the Mayor’s point, the Village has jurisdiction over the pole, so if they decide during the off times if they want to put up a sign of their choice they could do that.  Mr. Rogers stated that if they regulate the pole for those purposes then that’s fine.  Mayor Hache stated that it was something to look at.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it is a public forum space and so her opinion is that they should make the pole available because that was the intent of it as it was donated.  Mr. Rogers stated that he assumed that this was going to be for public speech.  Mayor Hache stated that specific to the time restrictions, can the Village as owner of the pole, say everyone can put it up for a week, but the Village can put it up for as long as it wants.  Mr. Rogers stated that if they were using it as a public forum that would be restrictive.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that the easiest way to look at the pole is using Pride Month as an example.  It is celebrated for a month and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to fly the flag for the entire month.  If they say the intent is to let residents express themselves, they are going to give each person a week to do that.  If there is nobody else then they can fly it until the next person, and if there are no requests they can fly the American flag as the default.  Mayor Hache stated that was the conversation with the donors, that the default will always be the American flag.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she didn’t see how they could expect to get a month for the Pride flag if it was going to be an entire month.  Mr. Rogers stated since they can regulate time, place, and manner, they can provide for an extended period and regulate it for one week.  As long as it doesn’t interrupt another request then they can grant the request fully.  He suggested that the application can’t be filed to the Village Clerk’s office no sooner than 60 days ahead of the time but no later than 30 days ahead of time.  He added that you need parameters between the time that you can make the application and the time where you can no longer make the application.  Councilwoman Walsh agreed.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked what if somebody wanted to put up a flag, and then somebody wanted to put up the same flag right after.  She asked if it was the same message that would be on the timeframe, or would it be the actual message that is restricted.  Mr. Rogers stated that they would have to put it up in the application process, adding that even if it is accepted there is the possibility that if something comes in that interrupts that they may be given preference.  He added that they have to find out if they fly two or three flags, adding that they would have size limitations that would adjust how it is used.  Mayor Hache asked if the size of the flag was determined by the size of the pole.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he submitted a request to Signal to get information from the manufacturer as to what can be flown on this type of pole.  Mayor Hache stated that he read something in New Jersey based on the speed of the wind the size is determined to be five feet by eight feet.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is usually a 6:1 ratio on the height of the flag.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if flagpoles need an annual inspection.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Signal Division does take a look at them, as periodically they need their lanyards of hoisting mechanisms lubricated, maintained, or replaced.  Ms. Mailander stated that she would meet with Mr. Rutishauser and Mr. Rogers to come up with something and get it back before the Village Council end of June or beginning of July and they can go forward from there.

 

2. Amending Chapter 190 Land Use Development – Illuminated Signs in Business District and Extend Suspension of Ordinance for Certain Illuminated Signs in Central Business District

 

Ms. Mailander stated that in December the relaxation of the suspension of the ordinance expired and they put it to June 30^th.  Now that they have a proposed ordinance from the Planning Board they are going to have to extend it again.  If the Village Council is agreeable to what the Planning Board is proposing, they could introduce it next week, adopt it in July, and it would be effective in the beginning of August, but maybe they should select a date of October 30^th so they don’t have to extend it again.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this is probably one of the most difficult ordinances they have had to work on because of the number of different types of illuminated displays, what the criteria would be for the information that can be on the display.  She added that she thinks at this point, they were comfortable with the way they concluded this and Chairman Joel sent a letter saying that this is the proposed ordinance that the Planning Board agreed to.  She deferred to everyone else because it was so difficult to figure this one out.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she thinks some illuminated signs may be tasteful and others may not, and once they go down that path what is going to be the approval process for the signage color, and type.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it would be no different than having a T.V. monitor.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that you could, in theory, have a neon sign with a monitor.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Samba Bowls has theirs on an angle.  She added that they were happy to put it on hold and everyone could take a walk downtown and see what they think about the monitors that are existing and maybe there is additional feedback that would help.  She suggested holding it as you would hate people to get tickets because they aren’t getting it right.

Mayor Hache stated that although he thinks it is an improvement, there is still a lack of specificity and he thinks it needs to be refined a bit more.  Ms. Mailander suggested the Village Council review it on their own and Mr. Rogers would look at it so they could come back with individual recommendations.  The recommendation was that they do the resolution to extend the ordinance enforcement to December 31^st.  Ms. Mailander added that this does permit unlettered balloons and banners for a grand opening and they cannot exceed seven days, which she thinks is a good improvement.  Mayor Hache suggested limiting the number of times that balloons can be put up.  Ms. Mailander stated that they would have a way to enforce that.

 

3. Establishment of Turn Lane on Franklin Avenue

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village Council received a new map this evening.  This is on Franklin Avenue from Cottage Place to Oak Street.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it is a concept sketch that Engineering and the Police Department have been working on to address some concerns about traffic going into Starbucks and Ben and Jerry’s with left-hand turns.  One way they could possibly make this work better is through a center left turn lane as they are used in many other parts of the country.  They can be at first a little bit scary without knowing the other driver’s intent.

Sergeant Chuck stated that the Police Department was very excited for this proposal as it was the first time that the Village has used newer traffic habits to make improvements and are managing the problem instead of saying no.  They found it difficult to manage no left turns into one parking lot, and the safety concerns were traffic getting backed up.  This would open it up so the turns would be stopping the free flow, so the turns would be in the middle and would turn during the gaps.  This would reduce the frustrations that they have seen and it will probably help with the intersections.

Mr. Rutishauser stated that if the Village Council is in favor of this, they would then have to approach Bergen County Engineering because this is a County road.  Mayor Hache asked if the narrowing of each land of traffic would have the unintended consequence of slowing things down.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it would, and there would also be clear markings.  Visual narrowing has proven to lower the speeds of motorists.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that when they met with the County about that corridor, this appears to be consistent with that effort.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he believes it is consistent with some of the County’s thoughts, but he would still like them to opine upon it if the Village Council would like to move forward with this.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if this in anyway impacts the other plan.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he thinks it can, but he would want to talk to the County Engineering staff to see their thoughts on it.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she knows that a lot of this is a result of Starbucks.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it was Starbucks and Ben and Jerry’s.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the cones created a problem for Ben and Jerry’s.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have met with Starbucks and they understand the severity of the Village’s concerns with the traffic there.  If this was to be adopted, exiting traffic would still only be allowed to make a right turn exiting.  Mayor Hache stated that the problem is going to be how to paint straight lines on a crooked road.

Councilman Sedon stated that he knew they had talked about adding parking on Franklin Avenue when it gets repaved.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that it would effect this area, and the other thing that could work in their favor is that they could stripe this now and give it a trial run before the road gets resurfaced in the coming years.  He added that if the County agrees with the Village Council he would like to get this done as soon as possible.

Councilman Voigt asked about the width of the center lane and if it would be consistent with the other two lanes.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they have it as 11 feet for the center turning lane and 12.5 feet for the outer lanes.  Councilman Voigt asked about the in and out for Ben and Jerry’s and also for the North Walnut Street, it looks like you can go left and right out of Ben and Jerrys and out of North Walnut Street Parking Lot.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that Ben and Jerry’s off Franklin is enter only, and for North Walnut Street Parking Lot they can look at it but right now you can exit left or right but they would have to look at it as he doesn’t think that parking lot has a lot of turnover.  Councilman Voigt stated that he assumed that TD Bank and Valley National Bank was right only.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they were right only.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if it was time to do a traffic count at this point because they have some studies from Planning Board in the past and it seems to her that traffic is getting worse and it might be a good time to do an interim count because all of those at the other end of Franklin at the corner of Broad have a look-back count that they would have to do so they should have these numbers on hand.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they could certainly do it, but he thinks this management plan is going to help.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she agreed. 

Ms. Mailander asked that the Village Council was in agreement that they would do a traffic count and then reach out to the County about getting this work done.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Mr. Rutishauser had any idea on how long it would take for this work to get approved.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that if the Village Council would adopt a resolution at next week’s meeting because then the full weight of their voices can be seen by the County and then he would make the recommendation and get their concurrence as soon as possible.

 

1. Operations

 

1. Authorize Access to North Walnut Street Parking Lot – Monitoring Wells

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the owner of the Town Garage property on Franklin Avenue had hired Brinkerhoff Environmental Services who wanted to sample the Village’s monitoring wells in the North Walnut Street parking lot.  Mr. Rogers had indicated that there has to be a reason given by the company, so the Village has received an email and their indication is that ground water flows from their client’s site toward the North Walnut Street redevelopment district and access to the Village’s wells would allow them to avoid installing additional wells on the Village’s property.  They are required to delineate the extent of the plume on their client’s property per NJDEP regulations.  Mr. Rogers stated that is sufficient.

 

2. North Walnut Street Traffic Calming

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there was a traffic study done on North Walnut Street between May 21^st and 26^th of this year.  Approximately 12,000 cars during that week were on North Walnut Street.  Just over 700 cars were traveling at speeds above 36 mph, 80 cars were going over 40 mph, the average speed was about 31 mph, there were less than 400 cars traveling 15 mph or less.  There was more traffic traveling south towards the CBD than north, and that’s where the speeding was taking place, for the most part.

Ms. Mailander added that a traffic study was also completed on North Walnut Street last June, and the numbers were almost identical.  They are going to propose some engineering solutions, and one of them is a permanent speed sign midway between Robinson Lane and Franklin because that is where the speeding going towards the CBD is taking place.

Mr. Rutishauser stated that they looked at a number of traffic improvement suggestions and have had a number of discussions at the Citizen Safety Advisory Committee.  Some ideas and suggestions were not looked at in favor by the residents.  One of the suggestions they did look at is a solar powered sign that will flash the speed limit of the approaching car.  They do have them in some of the school zones, and it gives a very quick feedback of your speed.  He added that Sergeant Chuck made a recommendation that they can program it to only flash up to a certain speed limit.  Sergeant Chuck stated that this recommendation encourages trial and error, because some people might try to beat their speed the next time.  Ms. Mailander added that in addition to the speed sign, they will have increased enforcement on the street, but they are confident that this will help to reduce the speeding.  There are other measures they could take which includes a double yellow line down the street.  The neighbors don’t want this, so they would like to try the speed sign and see how it works.

Councilman Voigt asked if Sergeant Chuck would have access to the data from the sign over a period of time.  Sergeant Chuck stated that he would.  Councilman Voigt asked if this would be on a pole or a telephone pole.  Sergeant Chuck stated that Signal Division would erect its own pole.  Councilman Voigt asked how obtrusive this sign would be, such as would it be flashing and bother a neighbor.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they automatically have daytime and nighttime settings, but there would definitely be a yellow light flashing when a car drives down the street.  Councilman Voigt asked if that was alright for the neighbors and he received a response from the neighbors.

Mayor Hache stated that he circulated some information to the residents and wanted to make sure that it was something that they were okay with.  Ralph Edelman, 106 North Walnut Street, stated that he thought it was a great first step and they really appreciated it.  Two weeks ago, they were talking about lowering the speed limit and he was curious what the feedback was.  He added that he had some other ideas that could maybe be built upon later, adding that there is an initiative called Vision Zero which is about reducing traffic fatalities.  If the road does get repaved, they would love to see crosswalks around Robinson, and the yellow line solution to narrow the line of vision.  A more aesthetic way of doing that would be to paint a bike lane which may be a way to calm traffic.

Councilman Voigt stated that there is a huge volume of cars on that street.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it is actually closer to 14,000 cars a day.  Councilman Voigt stated that is one of the higher volume streets that we have in the town.  Sergeant Chuck stated for a tertiary road it is high, but Oak Street is almost four times that.  Councilman Voigt stated that maybe they can find a way to lessen the volume.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it is an access point from a main road to downtown.  There are a lot of homes on that street also, so how many times are people leaving their homes every day.  He added that they did this over a holiday weekend which probably increased the number because it was such a nice weekend, but it probably wouldn’t make a huge difference in this count.  Councilman Voigt stated that it may be something they could think about in Citizens Safety Advisory Committee to reduce volume on that street.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Sergeant Chuck had the detailed study on this and if the Village Council could obtain a copy so she could understand the hours.  Sergeant Chuck stated that he would share that.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the high speed travel is a problem all through Ridgewood.  She added that while they are looking at this and figuring out how to slow folks down, she thinks that at some point they need to look at the entire Village.  She added that they have to look at a Village-wide solution.  Sergeant Chuck stated that the Chief is in agreement, and she just bolstered the Traffic Bureau with at least one officer dedicated to enforcement all day long, which is supplemented by Patrol Officers.  He added that is directly related to the concerns they have been hearing.

Mr. Edelman stated that in terms of reducing volumes of traffic, there are three entrances to Stop and Shop, and suggested restricting the entrance on North Walnut Street to commercial only or restrict it to just enter or exit.  He added that there is a lot of traffic coming out of there.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that when she goes to Stop and Shop depending on the time of day, she can no longer make the left onto Cottage.  So she either has to go out to the right on Cottage and then make a left onto Franklin, or go out of the Franklin exit and make the left.  Sometimes Franklin is too crazy to make the left, so she oftentimes goes out onto Walnut so she can get home and not feel like she’s in a compromised position making a left.  She said there are two perspectives.  Mr. Edelman stated that a lot of the things the proposed are things that can be implemented town wide and he doesn’t think a lot of that costs a lot of money.  He added that he was curious what the pushback was to reducing the speed limit.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they had deployed the speed trailer for the count.  Sergeant Chuck stated that they like to get as natural raw data as possible, so when they are planning to place the speed counters they wipe police from the area.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they were going to deploy that in the interim as it would give some real information.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it is absolutely available, but it is at the Train Station and they put the curb around it but they would get it over there soon.

 

3. Alternate Court Administrator

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they did a resolution designating Kimberly McWilliams as the Acting Court Administrator for the Ridgewood Municipal Court, and the rate was $35 an hour.  At the time of adoption of the resolution, Maria Doerr was not designated in a reciprocal agreement with Glen Rock.  Kim McWilliams has now been appointed as Municipal Court Administrator for the Wyckoff Municipal Court, as a result of a new shared services agreement with Glen Rock and has designated Maria Doerr as Acting Municipal Court Administrator for the Wyckoff Municipal Court.  Now that there is a reciprocal agreement in place, she has drafted a new resolution which omits compensation for the emergent services.  Ms. Mailander added that she doesn’t know that it has ever happened that our Municipal and Deputy Court Administrators were not available, but now it will work through a barter system and they will not be charged by the alternate designee.

 

4. Ordinance to Adopt New FEMA/FIRM Maps

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that FEMA/FIRM have finally issued new flood maps for the Village that will be effective August 28^th this year.  The changes for the Village will be very minor.  The big fear they have are that the last time this occurred, a lot of the properties with a Letter of Map Amendment without the structures in the flood plains that didn’t need flood insurance were all tossed out and they have to work with the US Representatives to get them reestablished.  The ordinance before the Village Council is a total rewrite of the Village of Ridgewood flood ordinance in the code based on what the DEP has issued for communities to adopt.  The flood insurance program is significantly in arrears and the flood insurance program is looking at tightening up what people have that could be effected by a flood.

Councilwoman Walsh asked if any new properties were impacted by the new flood map that were not in the flood zone prior.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that there may be a few properties that the flood reach has now touched and are enjoined, but they haven’t identified those yet.  Councilwoman Walsh asked if they had a responsibility to notify those property owners.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they don’t, an individual only needs flood insurance under specific circumstances, if you have a mortgage a lender will require it.  He added that they do know of residents that are in flood hazard areas that do not have flood insurance because they have inherited their properties, do not have a mortgage, and have decided to take that risk upon themselves.  The properties that have been put into the flood hazard area; those lenders would be contacting the homeowners.  If they have questions, they would encourage them to come to Engineering.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she saw that there was a grievance period where they could challenge.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the challenge requires getting a surveyor to do elevations.  FEMA/FIRM does a much higher level review and there may be individual conditions that a homeowner has that elevates them out of the flood region and if they can prove that through a survey at their own cost, a homeowner may be able to get a LOMA.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked about the Bergen County Court of Appeals being designated to hear and decide appeals and request for variances from the requirements of this ordinance.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that he formulated that section in coordination with Tom Yotka, as the Village dissolved the Village’s Board of Appeals and went to the County.  So they were having the County Board of Appeals in this ordinance be the entity of last resort for the individual that does not agree with the determination of the engineer’s office or the construction official’s office.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked for clarification on the variance piece.  Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t think they were talking about a variance under municipal land use law, but they were talking about a deviation from the map itself and the designations.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if that was something for a construction board to handle.  Mr. Rogers stated that there wasn’t any other body in this municipality that can handle that type of appeal.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that they had to provide a venue where someone could appeal that determination and the Bergen County Court of Appeal is the most suitable venue for something for that.  Ms. Mailander added that they have to adopt it prior to the end of August.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the state DEP would require a copy to be submitted to them to show that the Village has satisfied its requirements.

 

5. 2020 Village Calendar Theme

 

Ms. Mailander stated that they had a couple of suggestions for the 2020 calendar theme.  One is trees which the Shade Tree Commission has proposed.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that when she learned of the Shade Tree Commission idea, she loved it and always finds that the pictures are always muddy and she thought it might be a benefit to use the free line art that is available and to take a different approach with the images.  Ms. Mailander stated that the final recommendation was hidden or not so hidden treasures of the Village.

Councilwoman Knudsen added that she wanted to elaborate on Jeanne Epiphan’s comments, adding that she isn’t good with plants but one thing Jeanne explained was native and invasive species and the impact on the birds.  There is a whole cycle that goes on, so she thought that was a good reason to incorporate her ideas with Shade Tree.  She added that from an educational perspective it was important to understand what the invasive species are doing to our environment.

Councilman Voigt stated that he had a couple of suggestions, such as places of worship, and unique homes of Ridgewood.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she liked the hidden idea because often someone will ask have you ever seen this, and there are urban legends in Ridgewood which might be fun for people to get involved in.  People can pick locations and send them in.  Councilman Sedon added that he was partial to both tree ideas, adding that there were heritage trees and merging that with some line art to bring in some focus and detail might be interesting.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that Ms. Epiphan asked if Kings Pond is a hidden treasure.  She isolated the different species that could be found at each of the different locations.  She added that the Shade Tree Commission has done an incredible job in the Village bringing attention to the importance of the tree canopy and they have learned a lot about invasive species that she thinks should be imparted to the larger community.

Mayor Hache added that he likes them all, but definitely the quality of the pictures are a problem so he would like to see if they could do something.  Ms. Mailander added that color or nicer paper increases cost.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that working with what they are working with, the front cover because of the quality of the glossier paper always makes it sharper, but when you go into the calendar you always find a muddiness.  Mayor Hache asked if they could get a mockup of what it would look like to have one versus another.  He suggested using two or three themes and seeing which one looks best.  Ms. Mailander stated that they could do this, but they would have to pay the printer.  Mayor Hache asked to just see the pictures of the concepts over one or two pages.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that she sent samples of the work from Ms. Epiphan, and line art is essentially coloring pages so there is an opportunity to make the calendar more of an experience.

 

6. REVIEW OF JUNE 12, 2019 PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Ms. Jackson stated that this was a review of the June 12, 2019 Public Meeting Agenda.

Proclamations include: Bee City USA National Pollinator Week.

Resolutions for Ridgewood Water: Award Contract – Roof Repairs for Various Ridgewood Water Properties; Award Contract Under State Contract – Geographic Information System for Data Migration; and Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – 2019 Ford Escape.

The following ordinances are scheduled for introduction:  3723 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Certain Illuminated Signs in the Central Business District; 3724 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Ridgewood Parking Permits to Include Ridgewood CBD Building Owners with Offices in Their Own Building; 3725 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Ridgewood Parking Permits for Central Business District Building Owners with Offices in their Own Buildings; 3726 – Amend Outdoor Café Fees – 2019 & 2020; 3727 – Amend Chapter 265 Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions on Sherman Place; 3728 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions on Monte Vista Avenue; 3729 – Amend Chapter 154 – Flood Damage Prevention; 3730 – Reappropriate Funding in Capital Ordinance – Renovation of Tree Wells in Central Business District to Conducting a Tree Inventory; and 3731 – Establish Turn Lane on Franklin Avenue.

Ordinances for Public Hearing include: 3722 – Prohibit Use of Single Use Plastic Carry-Out Bags.

Resolutions include: Waive Fourth of July Vendor Fees; Grant Permission to Fireworks Company for Fireworks Display; Title 59 Approval – Disposal of Grass Clippings; Award Contract – Disposal of Grass Clippings; Title 59 Approval – Surface Restoration of West Façade of Village Hall; Award Contract – Surface Restoration of West Façade of Village Hall; Title 59 Approval – Underground Storage Tank System Repair; Award Contract – Underground Storage Tank System Repair; Award Contract Under State Contract – Geographic Information Systems for Various Departments; Award Contract Under State Contract  - Bulletproof Vests; Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – Stump Grinder – Parks Department; Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – 2019 Ford F250 Pickup Truck – Public Works; Award Contract Under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract – On-line Auction Services; Award Contract Under National Cooperative Agreement – Caterpillar Backhoe – Signal and Water Pollution Control Divisions; Award Contract Under National Cooperative Agreement – Roll-off Truck with Salter – Street Division; Award Contract Under Houston-Galveston Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – 2020 Fire Pumper; Award Contract Under Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Rental of Interim Sewage Transfer Pumps – Andover Pump Station; Award Contract Under Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Bucket Truck Chassis – Parks Department; Award Contract Under Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Bucket Truck Aerial Lift – Parks Department; Award Partial Contract – Sidewalks on West Glen Avenue; Award Professional Services Contract – Certified Lake Manager – Dredging of Kings Pond; Appoint Village Attorney; Appoint Village Bond Attorney; Appoint Village Labor Attorney; Appoint Village Prosecutor and Assistant Village Prosecutor; Appoint Public Defender; Appoint Alternate Court Administrator; Appoint Community Development Representative; Appoint Representative to Open Space Trust Regional Committee; Appoint Members to Planning Board; Appoint Members to Zoning Board of Adjustment; Appoint Member to Stigma Free Task Force; Appoint Members to the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee; Appoint Members to the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board; Appoint Members to the Green Team Advisory Committee; Allocation of Affordable Housing Trust Fund Money to The United Way for The Enclave Special Needs Housing; Extend Suspension of Ordinance for Certain Illuminated Signs in Central Business District; Authorize Tax Collector to Charge for Mailing of Tax Sale Notices; Declare Property Surplus – 2000 Packer Truck – Recycling Division; Authorize Access to North Walnut Street Parking Lot Monitoring Wells; Authorize Village of Ridgewood to be a New Jersey Future Aging Friendly Community; Endorse Bergen County Historic Preservation Grant – James Rose Center; Accept Donation – Flagpole at Public Forum Space of Memorial Park at Van Neste Square; Authorize Release of Maintenance Bond – 44 Godwin Avenue; Approve 2019-2020 Renewals of Liquor Licenses; and Appoint Village Councilmembers as Liaisons to Various Boards and Committees.

 

Mayor Hache added that this Saturday at 10:00 A.M. at Van Neste Square is the Gun Violence Awareness, wear orange, and the High School students are driving this there will be speaks and musical performances.

 

7. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she wanted to echo what Ms. Mailander said about Graydon opening, they were there Sunday and it was beautiful, the snack bar is really nice and they have salads.  Councilman Sedon was there, and the pool looked great and it was nice to have it open again.  She added that last year or the current year there was a whole page of errors and corrections, holidays that were missed or duplicated, and she asked that they consider having someone that is a professional proofreader check it because more than the drawings or photos is the accuracy of the content. 

Councilwoman Knudsen added that part of the reason they brought up the theme was they made a determination that the calendar should be ready much earlier, so in speaking with Ms. Mailander they made the decision to start the process earlier on to make sure that those errors are address beforehand.

8. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Deputy Village Clerk Donna Jackson read Resolution #19-154 to go into Closed Session as follows:

9. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Voigt, seconded by Councilwoman Knudsen, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 10:01 P.M.

______________________________

                                                                                                  Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                                  

                                                                                                             Mayor                                     

______________________________

              Donna M. Jackson

           Deputy Village Clerk

A REGULAR 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 MAY 1, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

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

Councilwoman Knudsen called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Knudsen, Sedon, Voigt, and Councilwoman Walsh.  Also present were Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney; and Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk.  Rich Calbi, Director of Operations, was in attendance for Village Manager, Heather Mailander.  Mayor Hache arrived at 7:53 P.M.  

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

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he sent an email to Ms. Mailander on April 22^nd and copied the Village Council and various members of the community regarding the website.  The email included a proposal from a company called GovOffice, a company that develops websites for municipalities, including Franklin Lakes and Westfield.  He added the current website is an embarrassment to Ridgewood; compared it to Franklin Lakes and stated you will see what he means.  Mr. Halaby added that he was going to provide a copy of the email to Ms. Jackson.

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that there was a letter in the Ridgewood News last week which was written by one of the elected officials and contains three pretty serious errors and she wanted to set the record straight on that.  The letter says that off cycle turnout for voting is lower in April than in November, and she has a document that was provided by the Village Manager acting in her position as Village Clerk, which is a ten year summary from 2007 to 2017 discussing Board of Education election results which shows that the average turnout in April is 21% and the average turnout in November is 16%.

Ms. Loving stated that the second error is a sin of omission, as it completely neglects to mention the Village Council and the work that was done by the Village Council to educate the public.  Ms. Mailander had two robocalls before the election, sent out an E-Notice, announced it every single Village Council meeting since February, and it was on the electronic billboard.  Although the letter says that two entities, the Board of Education and the League of Women Voters, educated people about the vote, Ms. Loving pointed out that in fact, the elected government did very much of that.

The third error is that the elected official states in the letter that they were in support of the public voting on the BOS budget, but Ms. Loving pointed out that the particular author of this letter voted against the public having the right to vote on the BOE budget.  In the absence of the Ridgewood News doing fact checking, she wanted to set the record straight.

Councilman Voigt stated that he believed this was directed to him, adding that he thinks that everyone at the Village needs to know what the voting record is and he thinks it would be beneficial for the Village to provide that information to the Vilage Council and the League of Women Voters, as well.  He added that he voted against the ability for the residents and the Board of Education to talk to each other, and that he is all for the Board of Education in any respect.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that regarding the website, she reviewed both of the websites that were suggested and they both look very similar to what the Village desires to get away from.  As they refine the existing website, they believe that it is more user friendly and makes a lot more sense across multiple platforms.  Sometimes, with different websites different people see different things, adding that they would continue to look at it.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that regarding the budget, in November the budget turnout for the vote is zero, and in April the voter turnout for the budget vote is 100%.  This is because the State does not provide an opportunity for a vote on the Board of Education budget in November.  No matter how they mince numbers or manipulate turnout or participation, the one fact that they have is that nobody in the Village of Ridgewood has an opportunity to vote on the Board of Education budget in November.

There was no additional time for comments from the public.

3. MANAGERS REPORT

Final Voter Registration Night for the Primary Election – Mr. Calbi stated that the final voter registration night for the Primary Election is Tuesday, May 14^th.  Registration will take place in the Village Clerk’s Office 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and then 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Ridgewood Library Lobby.

 

Hudson Street Parking Garage – Mr. Calbi stated that all village residents are invited to view the presentation boards showing the outside materials and finishes for the Hudson Street Parking Garage, on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Court Room of Village Hall, prior to the Village Council Work Session, which begins at 7:30 p.m. that evening.

Parks and Recreation Department – Mr. Calbi stated that the Parks and Recreation Department is selling Graydon Pool memberships.  If you are a Ridgewood resident and a season member, this year you will be able to purchase a Coupon Book at the Badge Office for $150.00 and you get 11 passes for the price of 10.

Registration for Summer Day Camp – Mr. Calbi stated that registration for Summer Day Camp has also started and will be open until the cutoff of June 10^th.  After that time there is an additional $50 fee.

Train Station Parking Lot – Mr. Calbi stated that the Train Station Parking Lot construction continues and will last for about another 3 months, weather permitting.  Up to 40 parking spaces will be unavailable at the Train Station Lot during this construction phase.  Individual meters will gradually be removed and replaced with a central parking kiosk.  Parking fees may also be paid using Parkmobile.  Those displaced with Premium Parking permits may park in the flex spots in the Hudson Street Lot in the 3 rows farthest from South Broad Street or in any parking lot, but not in spots for shoppers/diners or CBD employees.  Those using Parkmobile or coins will find additional parking at the Cottage Place parking lot.  The flex parking spots in the Hudson Street parking lot are for Hudson Permits, Premium Parking Permits, and shoppers/diners on a first come first served basis each day.

Ho-Ho-Kus Post Office – Mr. Calbi advised that the Ho-Ho-Kus Post Office outside mailbox experienced a theft during the early morning hours of 4/27/2019.  All but four pieces of mail were stolen.  If you or anyone you know placed or dropped mail off in this box after 5:00 P.M. on April 26, 2019, it has most likely been stolen and/or thrown out.  Please cancel any checks or money orders that may have been sent out.  Also, please monitor any and all bank or personal accounts for potential identity thefts.  Please contact the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department if you or anyone you know becomes a victim of identity theft over the next few weeks.

E-Notices – Please sign up for E-Notices to stay up to date on Village news by clicking on the button on the Village website, “Sign up for Alerts” at the bottom of the homepage.

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Ridgewood Sale Days will be in two weeks, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, starting the 17^th. 

Library Reimagine – Councilwoman Walsh stated that there was a resident that had several pointed questions about the Library’s Reimagine Campaign, and she thought it was best to have Nancy Greene, Director of the Library, come and answer those questions.

Ms. Greene stated that the Ridgewood Library was last renovated 21 years ago, elements of the facility are nearing or past their useful life, and public libraries must evolve with their communities.  The Library is currently number one in public programming throughout New Jersey, more oriented to people and technology, and the State of New Jersey has set aside $125 million in grant funds to improve public libraries.  The Library Board has recognized these factors and completed the initial schematic phase of planning; producing a concept and a rough cost estimate.  This concept is still subject to substantial change based on two key factors: community suggestions, and available funding.  The Library is hosting a public forum on Saturday, May 11^th at 1:00 P.M. and it is open to everyone.  Ms. Greene encouraged everyone with questions to join them there.  She stated that the Library is looking at three avenues to pay for project costs, the New Jersey Public Library Construction Grants which could pay up to 50% of costs, private donations, and municipal funding.

Ms. Greene stated that regarding the central staircase in the middle, this is a big structural change and the cost was estimated by the Library architect at $335,828.  The cost has not been broken out by a second cost estimator.  All project elements can change based on final design and materials used.  In the schematic phase, all of the cost estimates are fairly rough, but when you go into the design/development phase you would refine the details and those things would determine the final cost.

Ms. Greene stated that regarding the auditorium, one plan was to increase the size and some trees would have to be eliminated.  They had an earlier concept which is no longer under consideration that contemplated widening the auditorium, and in that case it would have affected the trees, but they are not considering that any longer.  The current concept squares off the rear wall and preserves the large pine trees between the Library and Village Hall.

Ms. Greene added that they are certain that it would be helpful to have a larger, easily divisible auditorium where the Library can have a bigger audience for special events and easily divide the room to hold two simultaneous meetings or discussion groups.

The estimate for the Library was $7.6 million, but if you use $8 million, their funding goal would be $4 million from the State, and the State requires a one to one matching grant from their approved pool, and the intention would be to have a gift of $2 million from private residents through the Capital Campaign, and an expenditure of $2 million from Village funding.  The $2 million, through a 20 year bond, would equate to the cost of $16.58 per year, to the average Ridgewood taxpayer.  For a $4 million bond its $33.17 a year. 

Ms. Greene stated that regarding the $4 million commitment, Mr. Dani had mentioned, the Village would be asked to guarantee the funds that they need from the Capital Campaign, which is how they funded the last major renovation in 1998.  She stated that the Village of Ridgewood authorized the project and dedicated a gift of $500,000 that came to the Village towards the project to help get things started.  Ms. Greene stated that the architect estimated the cost at about $4 million, and the Capital Campaign was collecting cash gifts as well as pledges going up to five years out and banked $420,000.  They had to have a full funding commitment to move forward and go to bid, so the Village ordinance #2555 authorized the full funding amount needed, less the money that was already dedicated and the gifts that were already in the bank.  Then as the 1998 and 1999 project costs were incurred, capital campaign pledges were also being paid, enabling the Library to pay significant costs.  Ms. Greene stated that total Capital Campaign contributions totaled $1.7 million, and the Village paid the balance which was substantially less than the full amount that they had authorized.

Ms. Greene stated that they anticipate that the process would be the same today, except that they have potential New Jersey State Grant funds also dedicated to this purpose.  She added that at the Library Board meeting in April, their focus was to celebrate Library Week and they invited residents to share how the Library has made a difference in their lives and it was discussed how any talk of a renovation could come at a later point.  She added that the focus was not on renovating, but what is the Library accomplishing today.

Ms. Greene added that the Library Board has agreed not to invest into further architectural plans until they have further information regarding the New Jersey State Grant as well as the local sources.  If it becomes necessary to reduce the project costs, the Board may then eliminate the proposed auditorium improvements and other areas as the costs are fully developed.  She added that she would email this information to the Village Council.

Community Center Advisory Board – Councilman Voigt stated that they met last Thursday.  May 9^th, Age Friendly Steering Committee is meeting at 12:30 P.M. in the Library.  May 22^nd, Get to Know Your Village Bus Tour, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, goody bags are promised.  May 22^nd at 5:30 P.M. Meet the Council in the Community Center for the Teen Civic Advisory Board.  Saturday, June 1^st at Graydon Pool from 10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. is Breakfast for seniors, hosted by Age Friendly.  Age Friendly is now part of the AARP and there will be a ceremony sometime in the near future.

REAC/The Green Team – Councilman Sedon stated that May 18^th will be the Styrofoam Recycling Drive at the parking lot of Graydon Pool from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.  There will be a Permaculture Discussion May 18^th from 6:45 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

On Saturday he attended the Shade Tree Commission’s Tree Giveaway, where they gave away close to 2,000 trees.  There are still some more for residents who want to show up, so if anyone would like to plant some trees, go to the Recycling Center and pick up a potted tree.

Mayor Hache joined the meeting at 7:53 P.M.

Ridgewood Fourth of July – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this year the 2019 theme is All American Summer, aiming to celebrate all things summer in America, backyard barbeques, baseball games, outdoor concerts, camping, fairs, cross country road trips, drives to the Jersey shore, and all things that people thoroughly and completely enjoy in the summer.  This year, we are not just supporting the tradition, but need to save the tradition.  Over the years, the costs have gone up and they do not increase ticket prices all that often.  They are asking people to donate to the program at RidgewoodJulyFourth.net and there is a donate button at the bottom where you can make a contribution to continue this tradition.

125^th Year Committee – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the 125^th Year Committee met Monday evening, and they had a very robust conversation about the Anniversary of the Vilage of Ridgewood.  The theme is: “Past, Present, and Yet to Come: Community Strong Village of Ridgewood 125 Years.”  She added that they are still looking for volunteers as they have a lot on their plate in very short order.  With fundraising, organizing events, logistics, there is a lot involved and they need volunteers to help.  She asked them to email the Mayor or herself and they can be added to the committee.

Mayor Hache added that they looked at the number of moving parts in the Village and the many things that are happening at any given time.  One of them is the lighting at Van Neste and another is the groundbreaking for the Parking Garage.  So, they felt that it would be better to spread out a series of events over several months.  November 20^th is the anniversary date, and they didn’t want to wait until then to do all of these things.  They are in desperate need of a lot of people to help.

Mayor Hache stated that the CBD and other groups would be focused on the lighting at Van Neste and will meet next Tuesday.  As they have more definitive dates they will share them with the public.

Master Plan – Councilwoman Knudsen urged everyone to visit VisionRidgewood.org for the Master Plan Visioning Process, to log on and to take the survey as it will close down on May 5^th.  This will take ten minutes of your time to determine the future of the Vilage of Ridgewood for generations to come.

Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board meeting has been canceled for May 7^th.

ACCESS – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that ACCESS Committee is the Special Needs Community.  They met last Thursday evening and discussed the never-ending difficulties of attempting to navigate the different services for your special need’s family member.  The big topic of conversation has been special needs housing right here in the Village.  This evening Tom Toronto from the United Way was present to talk about the long awaited special needs housing project that they have worked on together and with the Village Attorney for a number of years.

Councilwoman Knudsen pointed out the new camera and sound system, which wasn’t on yet.

1. PRESENTATIONS

 

1. Funding for The Enclave Special Needs Housing

 

Thomas Toronto, United Way, stated that he had two objectives, to update the Village Council and give them a sense of what they have been doing since the project was site plan approved, and to ask for their support.  They are going to redevelop 257 Maple, better known as the PNC Bank, or the Sealfons Building.  They will take the top floor in cooperation with the Village and Onyx Properties, and will renovate that space and create eight units of special needs housing and 15 bedrooms.  They will create a continuum of special needs individuals who will be served in that space.  Some will have greater needs and require some support, and others can live almost independently.  Mr. Toronto stated that there is a great deal of excitement about the project adding that it is extraordinary in terms of its location; the lives of the tenant who will live there, the transportation and recreation opportunities; the employment opportunities; and the proximity to the library.  All these details combine to create an ideal location.

Mr. Toronto stated that since they were site plan approved, they have been hard at work on the plan for renovation.  They have been working collaboratively with the Code Enforcement Officials within the Village.  They have had several meetings and the purpose of them was to make sure that the Village Officials, with their architect and Director of Construction, were all comfortable and understood what their goals and objectives were for the space with regards to safety and security being paramount.  It is complicated to take a commercial space and create a residential area in that space.  To make sure that the code officials were comfortable with their intent and approach, it was very helpful and constructive.  The architect took all that input, and they made sure that beyond compliance, that they were absolutely committed to having the safest space possible.  Mr. Toronto stated that they achieved that goal.

Mr. Toronto stated that this was a collaborative effort in terms of making this special needs project possible, and they had preliminary conversations about utilizing the Village’s Municipal Housing Trust Fund.  The Village requested a construction estimate as the first step to the commitment of using the Trust Fund.  That was submitted and he had copies to share.  They were able to do this construction estimate as a result of the conclusion of the conversations with the Code Officials.  As they move to full construction drawing and permitting, it will be to “buy out the job.”  That estimate is pretty close to what it is going to take to recondition and redevelop the space and make it livable. 

Mr. Toronto stressed that the importance of the Village stepping forward is crucial for three of their funding sources.  He added that Dawn Cetrulo was a help in submitting a Federal Home Loan Bank Application, and Atlantic Stewardship Bank in the Village was their sponsor bank.  They applied for funding for the project, and Ms. Cetrulo couldn’t have been more supportive.  When they review that application, they will come back and ask if the Village is on board and if there is a commitment from the Village.  He added that they went to the Bergen County Community Development Project that funds and has a separate fund called the Home Program. They made an application for Home Dollars, and then had a meeting with the Community Development Team.  They are as excited as the Village in terms of the opportunity, the project, and the dynamic that was communicated to them.  Mr. Toronto added that they will be looking at the Village’s equity into the project.  One of the requirements for the application is that the municipality provides a municipal supporting resolution.

Mr. Toronto stated that it would be wonderful if he could get a sense of the Village Council’s impression because they have a meeting tomorrow morning with the Community Development group, and they requesting the Village Council resolution.  He asked for permission this evening to indicate to them that May 8^th will solve that particular check box in the column.  He added that the last piece of the puzzle in terms of funding is the New Jersey State Housing Mortgage Finance Agency.  They have underwritten almost all of the United Way’s projects, and they have had very significant conversations with the HMFA and representatives have visited the site.  One of the employees of the HMFA was an employee of United Jersey Bank and knows quite a bit about the area and what that corner represents and was very enthusiastic about the project.  Mr. Toronto added that they were meeting next week for more information about the funding.  One of the crucial aspects is if the Village is committed because they are particularly cognizant of Municipal Housing Trust Funds.

Mr. Toronto stated that this evening is important to let the Vilage Council know that the project is ready to go and they were hoping to begin work as soon as possible for a potential Spring 2020 occupancy.  Also, it signals the real sincere formal effort for them to find the financing to renovate.  The piece that ties it all together and gives all the applications and conversations that they are having real intent is to say that the Village is involved and is utilizing its Municipal Housing Trust Fund to get the project off the ground.  He understand that there are aspects that have to be deployed in certain ways, but they are hoping that the Village would be able to invest roughly half a million dollars in the project which would leave enough of a balance in the fund, and would serve as a signal to the other funders that this is serious and that they need to join in.

Councilman Sedon stated that he fully supported the effort adding that they were using the funds as they were intended to.  Councilwoman Walsh asked what the benefit is to Ridgewood, and if the residents with special needs would get top of the list or anything back.  Mr. Toronto stated that there was a range of benefits for the Village, compliance from a regulatory perspective in terms of affordable housing obligation in terms of density and number of units produced.  Part of the process with the Planning Board was working with the Planner and the Village Council to synthesize that number so it had the maximum beneficial impact for the Village.  The United Way, as the landlord for that space, are obligated to follow the Village’s Housing Standards and to follow and make sure that on behalf of the Village, the people who live there are in regulatory compliance in terms of affordable housing and also diagnosis.  There is a broad range of discretion in terms of tenant selection.  Mr. Toronto added that they want to make sure that those tenants will interact and behave with one another meaningfully, and take advantage of all that the Village has to offer in terms of a meaningful life.  He added that they look for individuals who have strong local area networks of support, so that they are not remote or isolated from family, friends, or neighborhoods they have grown up in.

Mr. Toronto added that he couldn’t assure that Village residents would be tenants in the project; he could say that in all of the projects that they have completed, there are always individuals from the communities that live in the housing.  Mr. Rogers stated that the site plan considered special needs housing and was approved special needs housing, and the Settlement Agreement with Fair Share Housing Center that was approved by the Court also included this aspect as well.  This is to satisfy our Affordable Housing and to receive approval from the Court.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that this project is taking on the obligation of another project in town, so this location in particular is very important to Ridgewood, its residents, and its individuals with special needs.  Mr. Rogers agreed that all those aspects were approved in that process and that it was very important.

Councilman Voigt stated that he was absolutely for housing for special needs, and he thanked Onyx Properties for moving this forward.  He asked Mr. Toronto if he was looking for a resolution or for the Village to provide $500,000 for this.  Mr. Toronto stated that procedurally in terms of the Home application, the County wants to make sure that the projects that the Home dollars would go to is in accordance with the governing body, because they don’t want to fund a project that is adverse to the desires of the municipality.  They absolutely must have that endorsing resolution as a minor procedural step, but if it’s not given in soon, their application could be at some risk because they are hoping for an award over the summer.  The second request was from the Municipal Housing Trust Fund of $500,000.

Councilman Voigt asked if Mr. Rogers could educate him about the Trust Fund and how much money the Village has in it.  Mr. Rogers stated that he didn’t know the exact number that’s in the Trust Fund right now, but he knows that it exceeds $500,000.  It is set up by collecting fees from developers in this town, ever since it was a mandated aspect by the State.  The whole purpose of providing financial assistance to anyone who was going to build approved affordable housing within the Village.  There was a discussion with Mr. Rooney about it, and there was one with Mr. McManus.  As Mr. Toronto indicated earlier, there were never identifiable numbers discussed, however it was in the realm of half a million dollars.  Mr. Rogers stated that these funds can only be used for the development of affordable housing, and he doesn’t believe that they have had any other requests in the years that they have had the fund, and would like to maintain a balance in there to help promote it with another developer.  He added that with a little more clarification during the week they can make sure that $500,000 was an adequate number and make sure that everyone feels comfortable with it for the meeting on May 8^th.  On May 8^th they can deal with the endorsement, and then if people don’t feel comfortable with the number they can talk about it later on.

Councilman Voigt stated that he was hoping at the next meeting they could find out how much money was in there.  Mr. Rogers added that they could have that number tomorrow.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that there is a sheet with that number in the budget documents.  Mr. Calbi added that he made a note to get the number tomorrow.  Mr. Toronto stated that the endorsing resolution doesn’t speak about the Village’s funding, only about its endorsement of the project in order to reassure the Home funding.  The Municipal Housing Trust Fund procedurally is a multi-step process, so they are not expecting a check on Friday. 

Mr. Toronto added that they are also looking for a philanthropic component to fill any gaps in funding in terms of the project, and they have gotten feedback in terms of design, plan, and general input in terms of the project from the ACCESS Committee.  In addition, several parents have vowed to have something like a community barn raising.  It diversifies funding sources and buys the community in on many different levels, and provides an outlet for people who want to do that.

Mayor Hache thanked Mr. Toronto for the work that the United Way does, adding that it is a beautiful example of the collaboration between the Village, United Way, and the developer to come up with a creative way to have a meaningful impact on the lives of those with special needs.

Councilwoman Knudsen added that she thinks this is one of the most worthwhile programs that the Village has embarked on in her years on the Village Council and Board of Adjustment.  She thanked Michael Boland, Josh Meyers, Sherry Depalma, Matt Rogers, and Special Conflict Planner, Beth McManus.  This has been a journey and an educational experience for her personally.  She acknowledged ACCESS Committee, where the first order of business since 2016 is where we are at, adding that she wanted to thank John Saraceno and Onyx.  Councilwoman Knudsen added that as Mr. Toronto is working towards the philanthropic goals, there was a concern that it would stall the project midway and how would they then move forward with that.  Mr. Toronto stated that nothing is certain, but given the nature of the conversations and the dialogue that they have had with the potential funders, they are reasonably confident that they are going to have commitments from those funders.  When they look at the past projects they have done and the style of that housing and the housing that is here, this is very unique and innovative, so there is an excitement around funding this project that they have seen sometimes but not to the fervor that they are seeing on this one.  Mr. Toronto added that if the funding comes in at less than anticipated, they have private philanthropy that comes in and they are confident that they would be able to fill those gaps.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she thought they had gone over the numbers for the $500,000 and the funding is there.  She doesn’t know what the procedural aspects are, but she is committed to that, and she is 100% in support of the resolution for the community development project.

Mr. Rogers stated that this is one of those opportunities that you get in the practice of law where you feel like you are doing a good thing, adding that he was happy that the Village Council feels supportive of this project.  There are some regulations that need to be followed with the designation of the funds, but in a broader scope at this point in time, they aren’t committed to it at this time, but that may be part of the commitment that needs to be shown so that Mr. Toronto can take it back to their funding sources. 

 

1. Lighting at Maple Park Field

Mayor Hache introduced Richard Brooks, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Board, and Nancy Bigos, Parks and Recreation Director.  He added that there is a very proud reputation between the Village and the sports groups getting this done.  Maple Field is an example of that collaboration, as they installed a new field in a great effort between the Village and the sports groups in the funding and the on-going maintenance of the field.  The old lights create a lot of noise pollution, air pollution, and light pollution because they are old and not very effective or efficient.

Ms. Bigos stated that the last couple of years, the Departmental goals have been looking at the infrastructure within our community.  They have decided, as a professional team, to spend their energies and efforts in the rehabilitation of Kings Pond Park, having applied for two Open Space County Grants to turn that property into a viable, useable space.  Last spring they installed a new state of the art turf field at Maple Park.  Within the last year and a half, they have installed six new water bottle refilling stations, working with the League of Women Voters, REAC, the Green Team, and youth sports groups to eliminate those plastic bottles and utilize the water source that we have and refill.  She added that she wanted to share this new state of the art LED solution to the lighting situation.

Ms. Bigos stated that within the last month, the community involvement for the Parks and Recreation Department has been astronomical.  Last weekend, the parishioners from Grace Church spent from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. reworking the front entrance to Maple Park East, restoring the grounds of the EMS building.  On Saturday, Bergen County Probation came in and the working relationship with them where community service workers raked the entire surface of the interior of Graydon Pool.  Truckloads of debris was picked up and disposed of.  She added that she can always count on Wildscape Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands, and the Women Gardeners to put in some hours in order to enhance our public facilities and elevate all that we see around us to a different level.  Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts all distill a myriad of projects everywhere.

Ms. Bigos stated that in an effort to look at Maple Park, where they have been and considering the quality of life for our Ridgewood residents that utilize this facility, the neighbors surrounding the park, and the park users themselves, are looking to update all of the amenities within Maple Park.  The new turf field is gorgeous and is used quite often.  Ms. Bigos is pleased with the satisfaction that they are getting from that product.  They have developed a field maintenance schedule for that site, and are working on park maintenance all the way around.  The installation of the water refilling stations has been used by visitors.  She added that the elimination of the portable light towers is what she is proposing.

Ms. Bigos stated that the light towers were a solution that was brought in more than 20 years ago.  She added that the noise of the generators, the fumes, the spillage of the light, and their purpose is for construction sites.  With the new system, there will be an internal control where Departmental staff will be responsible for all of the lights.  The concept of this proposed lighting project has been discussed and presented by a myriad of different groups.

Ms. Bigos stated that they have met with the Ridgewood Field Committee, and have been endorsed by the Ridgewood Parks and Recreation and Conservation Board.  They have sat with youth sports committees, consulted within them, and met with the experts in Engineering.  They have concurred with Bob Rooney, and Ms. Mailander.  She spoke with the experts in the Electrical Division, it has gone before the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board, and the youth sports committees.  Her colleagues have also supported what they are doing. 

Ms. Bigos stated that the project cost estimate is approximately $430,000.  This is inclusive of the purchase and the installation of the complete system.  They will need a new electrical power source to the site.  The fees associated with that, in addition to the required permits, incidental, and a 5% contingency are also included in that $430,000.  The funding arrangement consists of a commitment and letters of commitment from the youth sport groups for $140,000, a $140,000 grant from the Bergen County Open Space Fund, and a $140,000 request from the Village of Ridgewood.  Ms. Bigos stated that she has forwarded the letters of commitment from the five youth sports groups to Mayor Hache and the CFO, Bob Rooney.

Ms. Bigos stated that she wanted to address the purpose and the intent and to explain why they are moving forward and would like to the Village Council to consider this project.  Next week their Field expert, Bob Zoler, the Technical Consultant, will be the invited guest and will give the complete presentation of the LED lighting system.  She added that next week is the public hearing which would qualify them to apply for $145,000 from the Bergen County Open Space Grant.  They will have the proposal from Bob Zoler, and it would be best for him to present to the Village Council and to the residents so that we all understand the lighting system.

Councilman Sedon asked if they had reached out to the neighbors, and if they heard any feedback from the people who are direct neighbors of the field.  Ms. Bigos stated that they haven’t had any feedback from anyone yet, but they did advertise this as a Public Hearing next Wednesday in the Ridgewood News and the Bergen Record, with the display ad, so they thought that would be sufficient in getting the word out.  She added that the neighbors are well aware of it, but she hasn’t heard any negative comments, as of yet.  Councilman Sedon added that he would feel better if those directly next to the field received some kind of notification.  He stated that it sounds like a good idea getting rid of the extra spillage from the generators, the noise and fumes, but he has learned from his time on the Council never to assume anything.  He added that direct notification would be best to make sure that they get in front of this and he would hate to see all of this work being done and then a groundswell of neighbors come out of nowhere who are completely against it and create a lot of friction.  Ms. Bigos asked if it would be the neighbors on Meadowbrook and Rose Court.  Councilman Sedon agreed.

Mr. Brooks asked the Village Council to look at one of the details in the package.  Looking at the diagram, with the field setup, there are two poles on the Meadowbrook side, and three or four on the other side.  He added that there was an interesting point about how Maple was first constructed with the artificial surface.  The trees were about half the size they are now.  It is possible that in a few years, the light poles themselves would be virtually invisible during leaf season.  They are not asking to put in a lighting system as if lights weren’t there before.  The ones that are in there now are pretty nasty for a lot of reasons.  Mr. Brooks added that for the kids, it’s like playing in a bus parking lot with the diesel fumes, and the noise pollution.  In order to get the lights focused, they have to bring the beam up and down and adjust it. 

Mayor Hache stated that it is a great suggestion, and asked them to coordinate with Mr. Rutishauser and to get a notice out to the neighbors.  Councilman Sedon added that he drives past there often, so he sees it and it sounds like it is going to be an improvement to the lights that are there.  He added that the lights would be directed so there will probably be less spillage and noise, but you can’t assume anything.  He stated that he would hate to see any problems arise or not to be forthcoming with the residents.  It would be a great improvement for the neighbors and the sports kids as well.

Mr. Rogers stated to alleviate any concern, if they could try to look at it from the standpoint of a 200 foot radius like any other notification, so they aren’t dealing with one street or the other.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she was going to suggest 200 feet, but they have to do 200 feet from any part of the property, not just from where the lights will be.  She added that she thinks that the letter should come from the Village, the way that they would do it from any Municipal Land Use Board.

Councilwoman Knudsen directed attention to the pole fixture summary, and added that it would seem prudent to have this in front of the Planning Board as they probably should do a review of this.  Mr. Rogers stated that wouldn’t be until it received the okay from Village Council, and would just go there for a cursory review.  On the pole fixture summary, the fixture quantity says 42, and she asked what the total number of poles is and the height of the poles as well.  Ms. Bigos stated that there are six poles and four portable lights.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked what the height is of the portable units currently.  Mr. Brooks stated that they were thirty feet.  Councilwoman Knudsen pointed out that they are going from a thirty foot light to a seventy and eighty foot height.  Ms. Bigos stated that on that page, there are S 1, 2, 3 and 4, and those would be the lights that would be turned on for the soccer, and then A 2, B and B 2 would be the lights that would be used for baseball, but they would not have both of them on at the same time.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Habernickel lights in her opinion were a disaster because no one ever calculated the topography, because of the height it went right into the living rooms and was a complete disaster.  Ms. Bigos stated that she knew what Councilwoman Knudsen was talking about, but those lights are security lights and these are sports lighting and it’s a completely different purpose.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that people actually need the darkness.  Ms. Bigos stated that they will have the ability for these lights to go off according to the field schedule.  This is a mobile app that her colleagues in Wayne are currently using at the Alps Road Field Project.  The app is programmed according to the schedule for each and every day, and they also have the power to override it in case of rain. 

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that since the turf replacement, the use of the field has increased significantly.  Mr. Brooks stated that it is scheduled whenever it can be scheduled, and it has increased.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she would like to understand that she would think there has to be some kind of a break for the neighbors, could they do an analysis of how much the field use has increased, what they anticipate the field usage to be at night, and how many nights a week would the lights be on.  Is it reasonable to say that there should be a limit to how many nights a week the field is used and the lights are on to give the residents and the neighborhood a break.  She added that the LED lights have a great negative impact on wildlife and people, and she was wondering if there was a reasonable expectation that there would be some kind of a limit to that.  Ms. Bigos stated that the lights would go off at 9:30 P.M., like they do now.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she thinks she needs to take a look at the scheduling and what increases there have been to the scheduling and what the anticipated use will be in the future and if this will be exacerbated.  Mr. Rogers asked if the scheduling was increased because the field had been in bad shape or because they have more of an opportunity.  Mr. Brooks stated that it is the best field in town and is highly desirable, and if there were games scheduled at Citizens, some of them may have been moved to Maple.  Mayor Hache stated that the few months before the field was replaced, the High School stopped scheduling the field so there were a lot of things that led to that reduction.  He added that now they are looking at an increase because for those few months before the replacement of the field it was in dire condition.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if there was any DEP approval required for the lighting.  Ms. Bigos stated that there was and Mr. Rutishauser was already on it.  She added that they had met three times already on this project.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she had the pleasure of going through this the last time, but if you ever had to sit on the field and watch a child and breath the exhaust, the benefit to everyone that won’t have those fumes is going to be an improvement.  She added that the benefit of having these lights increases the safety on those fields of play, as some of the games get late. Also, there will be a benefit of more balanced scheduling because it is a field everybody likes to use as it is conducive for spectators and games and does get a lot of use.  Having the permanent lights will produce a better scheduling opportunity there.  Councilwoman Walsh added that there will be a couple of negatives, adding that the last time around, people came out of the woodwork with problems and it created challenges.  So, the notice has to go out and they have to really push it on social media because you don’t know who is going to be impacted.  It will be much different than it has been, and even those in favor of it once the lights are in and on, they may take a step back.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that they may be able to schedule it better, but everybody is going to want to use the field, so the Fields Policy and Fields Committee is going to have to make sure that the play is shared among all of the fields.  Mr. Brooks stated that they have started to have those conversations already with the sports organizations, and they divided up the pie and who uses it most and least, and that is how the share of cost was determined.  Based on their population figures and their anticipated usage, is how the schedule will be developed.  He added that at this point, everybody seems to be agreeable to the way that it is set up.  Councilwoman Walsh added that Mayor Hache was correct that the field had gotten so hard, there were concussions on the field and it was very unsafe to play on for certain games.

Councilman Voigt stated that he thinks it makes perfect sense and was generally a good idea.  He added that they mentioned a power source, and the cost was to be determined.  He asked if it was possible to find out for next week what that is and who is responsible for those costs.  Mr. Brooks stated that the first meeting with the engineers and electrical professionals was quite enlightening, and they are working on an estimate.  They said that PSE&G goes in, and they made the calls and told them what they need.  There has been contact between the lighting company and the professionals, so they hope to know shortly.  Ms. Bigos stated that since their meeting last Thursday with Bob Zoler, she and Jovan went back to the Village Electrician and asked him the exact same thing regarding the cost and the data use.  His report back was, a utility is a utility and he can’t even give them an estimate.  Councilman Voigt stated that there may be towns with a similar configuration, and she could ask what their bill is on a monthly basis.

Councilman Voigt stated that it tends to flood there, and asked if the lights will be flood proof.  Ms. Bigos stated that they would be.  The conduits were put underground when the field was first installed in the late 1980s early 1990s, and the scoreboard also, so all of that is definitely secured.  Mr. Brooks stated that the footings for the towers will be constructed with water in mind.  Mr. Rogers stated that if it gets DEP approval, the DEP will make sure of it.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked if Ms. Bigos could have sent to the Village Council all the information about the current units in terms of strength of the lights, what type of lighting, the temperature of the lighting, and where those are typically placed because there is a very big difference between four lights at 40 feet and these lights at 80 feet.  She added that she would like to have a map out of all of the information so that she could better understand the difference that might occur with the lights.  Mr. Brooks stated that when the lights at the High School and Stevens Field were constructed, that was the latest technology then, but with the introduction of LED lighting it is almost like a paradigm shift.  The boast used to be that you could have light on the field and the mast would be dark, now it could be two to three feet of the field would be dark.  The generator lights that they are using right now are incandescent, but the LED system that they are looking at will hopefully eliminate that problem and the idea of spill will hopefully not be a problem anymore.

Ms. Bigos drew the attention of the Village Council to their packet, which had information regarding the evolution of lighting to where we are.  Even the High School system that is currently installed will be obsolete according to where they are going in the future.  The LED shines directly down, there is no spillage.  She stated that they were looking at with the light towers, is to have the light shining directly at the field.  Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she gets it, but the 80 foot high multiple lights is a very big difference.  In a perfect world it would be perfect, but from a distance that glow and for some people like herself, she finds the LED light color to be troubling and it bothers her.  She added that some people visually prefer the yellow light, and they have to better understand that change.

Ms. Bigos stated that Tim Ropeman is the Director of Parks and Recreation in Wayne, and he has invited the Village Council to take a look at the system that he has installed with the LED lights, which might make them all feel better about the decision making moving forward.  Mayor Hache stated that this is a very educational process, and the evolution of technologies over the years is incredible.  As someone who has experienced the lights at Maple and Vets, as a parent and coach, and having to crank those lights, this is leaps and bounds above where they are now.

Mayor Hache stated that in the components of the funding, it is $145,000 from the Village, but his understanding is that there is some money in the camp fees fund or the Field Trust Fund of about $70,000 that could be used towards this project which would reduce the amount of funding that the Village will have to come up with.  Ms. Bigos stated that she would bring that up with the CFO. 

1. DISCUSSION

 

1. Ridgewood Water

 

1. Award Professional Services Contract – PFAS Feasibility Study – Twinney Treatment Facility

 

Mr. Calbi stated that the Ridgewood Water Department solicited proposals from professional engineering firms, there were four proposals received.  The lowest bidder was Mott MacDonald in the amount of $48,000.  This project is one of the recommended steps in the PFAS Action Plan.  The actual step will be to reactivate the treatment units for the removal of PFAS utilizing an appropriate media to be determined at that site.

 

2. Award State Contract – Maintenance of Chlorine, PH and Phosphate Analyzers

 

Mr. Calbi stated that this was for the state contract for the purchase of the annual servicing of the chlorine, PH and phosphate analyzers in the amount of $56,572.  These analyzers are monitored at the points of entry into the distribution system at every well or treatment point in the system.

 

1. Parking - None

1. Budget

 

1. Award Contract – Bus Transportation Services – Parks & Recreation

 

Mr. Calbi stated that this is for the Recreation Department summer camp, and was the lowest of two bids received, with an option for a second year, in an amount not to exceed $18,500.  This will be paid through the Recreation Operating Budget and Trust Funds.

 

2. Award Contract – Horticulture Supplies – Parks & Recreation and Project Pride

 

Mr. Calbi stated that there was one bidder, SiteOne Landscape Supply, for a contract not to exceed $40,500 that will be paid from the Parks Operating Budget and Project Pride funding.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked Ms. Bigos on the horticulture supplies bid she identified that it was published in the Ridgewood News and on the Village homepage, but on the buses she didn’t identify where that was advertised.  Ms. Bigos stated that it would be the same, as those are what are required legally.  Councilwoman Knudsen asked if they go beyond that as there may have been more bidders or more interest.

 

3. Award Change Order – Furnishing and Delivering of Cured In Place Pipe Lining Services – Demarest Pump Station and Graydon Park Storm Sewer Lines

 

Mr. Calbi stated that this was the awarding of Change Order #3 to North American Pipeline Services for additional line work of storm sewers associated with the Graydon Park lining.  This is for the addition of $79,933.20 to cover the additional investigation of pipe and increased pipe sizes that were required to meet the NJDEP lining associated with the new Linwood Well that has been drilled in the park and will be funded from Water Capital.

 

1. Policy

 

1. Oppose Bill for Vegetative Management Response Act

 

Mr. Calbi stated that there was a recommendation from the Village Manager to oppose a Senate and Assembly Bill, S2505 and A2558.  If passed, these bills would allow public utilities to remove trees and vegetation on public and private properties without any consent of the property owner.  These bills have notification requirements that the utilities have to follow, but they do not have to get consent of the owner.  If there is a utility line in the area and they feel that the tree poses a danger they can clear cut that tree without approval.  Several other towns are opposing it as well as a recommendation from the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that they were talking about downed trees during an event but they may have been nowhere near the wires.  Mr. Calbi stated that it is true, especially near transmission lines they have buffers that they create and they may feel it can pose a threat if it falls within that zone.

 

2. Update on Flood Acquisition Plan Information

 

Mr. Calbi stated that the Village Manager provided an update on the Flood Acquisition Plan.  She asked for the Village Council’s recommendation for a resolution to permit the Village to declare its interest in the County plan.  That doesn’t mean there is any commitment to move forward, but they will start the actions moving forward with the possibility of the Village receiving grant funding for the purchase of property.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked Mr. Rogers if this is a planning document that is being developed, does this have to go to the Planning Board for review.  Mr. Rogers stated that it doesn’t, as Blue Acres is a state program the money comes from FEMA and the state.  He had discussions with the state on the program and they said that they don’t have a relationship with the county, so the interplay with the county is unclear.  The good news is that there is a program that does have funding for residential properties that are affected by continuous irregular funding.  There are two approaches, one from the standpoint of the municipality in identifying properties that might qualify for this program, and the other can be at the request of the homeowner to see if they qualify for it.  Mr. Rogers stated that he wasn’t sure about the county program, but he just got some numbers today to contact with regards to the program, so they could be competing programs and the Blue Acres state program was the one that he looked at.

Councilman Sedon asked that if a resident is in a home and it floods a lot and they want to get rid of it today, could they still contact somebody from the state to see if their house would qualify.  Mr. Rogers stated that the municipality would have to get involved, but the initial identification of the property can be done by the homeowner or the town.  The homeowner could directly contact Blue Acres, which would then notify the town.  The criteria in order to qualify are regular flooding and damage. The state program looks to identify several properties if it is an area or particular neighborhood that has been affected by it.

 

1. Operations - None

 

5. REVIEW OF MAY 8, 2019 PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Ms. Jackson stated that this was a review of the May 8, 2019 Public Meeting Agenda.

Proclamations include: Proclaim May 19-25, 2019 as Emergency Medical Services Week; Proclaim May 20 through June 2, 2019 Click It or Ticket Campaign; Proclaim May as Mental Health Month; Proclaim June as Gay Pride Month; Proclaim June 2, 2019 as National Cancer Survivors Day; and Proclaim June 2, 2019 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

Public Hearing on Bergen County Grant Application for Permanent Lighting at Maple Park Field.

Approval to Submit Application for Bergen County Grant for Permanent Lighting at Maple Park Field. 

Resolutions for Ridgewood Water: Award State Contract – Maintenance of Chlorine, PH and Phosphate Analyzers; and Award Contract – Twinney Well Feasibility Study.

The following ordinances are scheduled for introduction:  3722 – Prohibit Use of Single Use Plastic Bags; and 3723 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Time Limit Parking – West Ridgewood Avenue.

Ordinances for Public Hearing include: 3720 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Police Department Fees; and 3721 – Amend Chapter 212, Article VII – Dogs in Parks.

Resolutions include: Title 59 Approval – Resurfacing of Tennis Courts; Award Contract – Resurfacing of Tennis Courts; Title 59 Approval – Bus Transportation Services – Day Camp; Award Contract – Bus Transportation Services – Day Camp; Title 59 Approval – Horticultural Supplies; Award Contract – Horticultural Supplies; Authorize Change Order – Sewer Line Grouting – Demarest Pump Station; Authorize Change Order – Demarest Pump Station and Graydon Park Storm Sewer Lines; Authorize Execution of Declaration of Interest Form – Shared Services Agreement with Bergen County – Technical Assistance for Floodplain Acquisition Plans and Floodplain Restoration Planning Services; Authorize Approval of Bergen County Trust Fund Grant – Kings Pond Improvement Project Phase II; Authorize Mailing of Estimated 2019 Third Quarter Tax Bills; Authorize ELM Group Access to Village’s Monitoring Wells at North Walnut Parking Lot; Appoint Municipal Recycling Coordinator; Appoint Member to Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board; Authorize Opposition – The Vegetative Management Response Act; Appoint Members to Stigma Free Task Force; and Endorsement of Community Director Project.

 

6. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he was surprised to hear a presentation from Nancy Greene concerning changes to the Library Reimagine Plan, and he was shocked that the plan seemed completely changed and yet it was never discussed by the Village Council.  He heard Councilwoman Knudsen ask for a copy of what Ms. Greene spoke about, and added that he hoped it could be distributed more thoroughly.  He was surprised to hear during a Village Council update that all of this information was given, and was hoping that it could be disseminated to the public in some kind of document format.

Mr. Loving stated that every single comment regarding the generator lights was negative, which prompts him to ask why they are still using them.  He passed by the parking lot at Graydon Pool recently and there were dozens of them stacked in the parking lot.  He asked why they don’t stop using them if they are that bad. He asked if it was better to have lights or was it better that people suffer.  Mr. Loving stated that right now the Vilage Council should direct the Village Manager to ask where these things are deployed, how many are there, and if they can stop using them if they are that bad.

Mr. Loving stated that he appreciated Councilwoman Knudsen making a comment about what is legal in New Jersey now with respect to voting on a school budget, as the only time you can legally vote on it is in April.  If you oppose moving the vote to April, you do not support citizen’s right to vote on it.

There were no additional comments from the public.

Mayor Hache stated that the generator lights are terrible, but at the end of the day in an ideal world where they have endless funding possibilities they could do it, but it is costly to replace.  They will see what the experience with these permanent lights and maybe they can start decommissioning these portable lights wherever possible.

7. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.

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                                                                                                      Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                              

                                                                                                                        Mayor                          

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              Donna M. Jackson

           Deputy Village Clerk