A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOD, NEW JERSEY ON JANUARY 16, 2019 AT 8:00 P.M.

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

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

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

2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS

Mayor Hache moved the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of December 31, 2018, be accepted as submitted. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

3. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

Mayor Hache moved that the Village Council minutes of October 3, October 24, November 7, November 28, and December 12, 2018 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

4. PROCLAMATIONS

1. JAMBOREE DAYS

Councilwoman Knudsen read the following proclamation:

Dave McCarthy, Jamboree Producer, stated that on behalf of the Producers, creative team, crew, and many people including 147 parents who give up a lot of time to put on this production, they wanted to thank the Village Council, members of the Village government, and all of those individuals in town who have supported Jamboree year after year. He stated that it is part of the community service fabric of this town, which makes Ridgewood a special place.

5. SWEARING-IN OF POLICE OFFICER PATRICK DALY

Ms. Mailander swore in Police Officer Patrick Daly, while his mother looked on and his girlfriend held the Bible.

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, stated that on behalf of the League of Women Voters Water Committee, they have drafted and submitted to the Village Council a resolution for their review regarding the Village no longer buying PET single use plastic water bottles, with public funds, because they are ridiculously expensive. She added that the water isn’t better than the tap water, and the unrecycled plastic bottles are terrible for the environment. From a taxpayer’s point of view, paying 200 times more for water in bottles than tap water doesn’t make any sense, as it is a needless expense. Ms. Perrin stated that as ratepayers, they pay for and fund a safe, well-run water utility. The League asks that the Village Council show their faith in the Ridgewood Water utility. She added that the manufacturing of plastic and the garbage it produces, is devastating our water, air and soil. She encouraged the Village Council to educate residents and lead by example when they adopt this resolution.

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, stated that she wished to continue what Ms. Perron had stated in conjunction with the League of Women Voters, adding that she would like to recite what the resolution entails. The resolution is to discontinue non-emergency municipal purchase of bottled water. She continued to read the resolution, emphasizing that Ridgewood Water tests our drinking water over 42,000 times a year, maintains stringent disinfection treatment practices, monitoring, and high operational standards in accordance with Federal and State Drinking Water Quality Acts. Ms. Lima added that just 28.4% of PET bottles are recycled, and the volume of plastic debris in the waterways and ocean harms marine life.

Yishane Lee, 235 Emmett Place, stated that she was continuing the League of Women Voter’s proposed resolution. She stated that Ridgewood parks and fields fill with discarded plastic water bottles that Village employees must clean up, at taxpayer expense. She completed reading the resolution and encouraged the Village to no longer purchase PET plastic water bottles except for emergency situations. She encouraged reusable drinking bottles and increasing the availability of potable water for refilling of these bottles.

Robert Upton, 172 West Glen Avenue, Chair of the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC), stated that he was speaking in support of the League of Women Voters’ bottled water resolution, and offered additional supporting facts. He stated that the drink companies produce 500 billion single use plastic bottles per year, and it is estimated that the energy used to create the bottles is equivalent to filling each bottle one-quarter full of oil. Mr. Upton shared additional facts, adding that the bottles break down into micro plastics that enter the food supply. He shared brands where micro plastics were found in the water. He added that bottling companies do not have to publish their testing results.

Claire Hurst, stated that she has lived in Ridgewood for 25 years, and added that in addition to the data cited in the resolution, it is mentioned that the bottles themselves have petroleum resins. She added that for the U.S. demand alone, more than 1.5 million barrels of oil per year are used to manufacture these bottles, which is equivalent to the amount of petroleum it would take to fuel about 100,000 cars per year. It is stated that about 28%-29% of the bottles are actually recycled, and that fewer companies are purchasing these end products for recycling.   Ms. Hurst stated that as of last year, China is banning the import of foreign waste, and we are scrambling to find places to export our garbage. These materials never completely degrade, but break down into micro plastics and it might take 500 years or more for them to do so. It takes seven times more water to create the bottles as the bottle themselves contain. She added that it was sad for her to see that there was more and more trash around town, pointing out that if there was just one more thing that the Village could do to help this situation by adopting the resolution, then they should.

Hans Lehman, 234 Union Street, thanked the Mayor and Village Manager for their help with the ice on Union Street, adding that he felt additional help was required. He asked the Village Council what they wanted to be remembered for, because over the last two years he has wondered about this. He spoke about the parking garage, which is space neutral, because when adding the number of spaces on the lot to those that were available on the two defunct car dealerships (Brogan and Ken Smith), you gain very little. There will be 33 parking spaces created at the train station, to the chagrin of some residents, yet the Village is still short some 1,000 spaces by most estimates. Mr. Lehman stated that the Village Council stood against high-density housing, and despite their objections, all four projects are proceeding.

Mr. Lehman stated that the leaf collection has had mixed results. He spoke about the leaf collection that occurred on their street, pointing out that he had to clean up the apron of his driveway and bring the leaves to the recycling center himself. He added that Mr. Rutishauser and his team had been out to take care of the leaves that were left.

Cathy Brienza, 364 Graydon Terrace, stated that she was there supporting the League of Women Voters, in asking that the Village not use public funds to pay for single use plastic water bottles. She added that they are bad for everyone’s health. She was not going to go over the statistics again, but pointed out that the Village Council must think about Ridgewood’s identity. She stated that using public funds for something that damages people’s health should be contradictory to what residents stand for as a Village.

Nancy Greene, 125 North Maple Avenue, Director of the Ridgewood Public Library, stated that she and the Library Board President, Gail Campbell, wanted to give an update on how the library is doing. She thanked the Village Council for their outstanding support and stated that she was going to focus on their adult programs tonight, and the things that bring people together in discussion. She stated that they have seven different book discussion groups currently, which serve 20 different community groups. They have ongoing classes in creative writing, memoir writing, and conversation groups in various languages. Ms. Greene reiterated that she appreciates the support of the Village Council that enables the people from our community to come together and discuss things.

Gail Campbell, 221 Greenway Road, stated that as the President of the Library Board of Trustees, she wanted to address the issue about having an alternative to the original Reimagine the Ridgewood Public Library Plan. She stated that right now, the Library Board of Trustees do not believe that an alternative plan is needed, as the current plan is only in the concept phase of the design process and can be modified, if necessary, in later stages of that project. The New Jersey State Library Board has been slow in issuing regulations for New Jersey Libraries to apply for the $125 million grant that was approved in November 2017, under the New Jersey Library Bond Act. The amount of the grant that the Village receives will have an impact on the scale of any renovation project that the Village undertakes. Ms. Campbell stated that to conserve money at the current time, especially because the regulations have not been issued, they were not planning to engage an architect to create a new plan. They have continued to refine the original plan, while seeking further community input, and beginning to raise support through donations. They have formed a Capital Campaign Committee and are planning to launch their campaign to seek private donations in the near future.

Ms. Campbell stated that they were proud to announce that Harlan Coben, Willie Geist, and Rosie Pope have graciously agreed to be the honorary Chairs of the Capital Campaign. She added that if anyone has questions about the project, they were happy to respond, and welcomed members of the public to attend their Board meetings. The next Library Board meeting is Tuesday, January 22^nd at 7:30 P.M. at the Library.

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she recently worked with Charles, in the Ridgewood Library’s computer lab, who was fantastic. She added that she didn’t understand why Bond Ordinance 3698, will establish funding for both street paving and the purchase of a bus, which seemed like an odd combination.

Paul Vagianos, 280 Rivera Court, stated that he saw a few ordinances to amend the café ordinance in town, and asked if he could get a copy of the proposed ordinance so that they could review it. Ms. Mailander stated that she could send it to him tomorrow, as it isn’t something that is given out prior to the meeting because sometimes there are changes until right before the meeting. She added that she would also email it to the Guild and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Vagianos asked if they would also have an opportunity to comment on the ordinance changes. Ms. Mailander stated that he was welcome to come to any meeting to comment on it, and could also speak at the Public Hearing on the outdoor café ordinance February 13^th.

Councilman Sedon added that there were also copies of the ordinance that he could look at in the sunshine binder. Ms. Mailander added that was correct.

There were no additional comments from the public.

Mayor Hache asked Ms. Mailander why street paving and the senior bus were on the same bond ordinance. Ms. Mailander stated that the Village adopts part of the General Capital Bond Ordinance early on, so that the funding is available to bid out certain items. Paving is essential so that it can be bid out in early March and hopefully begin soon after that. She added that the current senior bus is not as reliable as it once was, and so they would like to be able to have the funding available in early March, so a replacement bus can be bid out. She added that these two items have been deemed necessary to do early on, and an overall General Capital Ordinance and Regular Budget, as well as the Water Capital Ordinance and Parking Utility Ordinance, will be introduced in March or April, and then adopted in April or May.

1. MANAGER’S REPORT

Ms. Mailander stated that on Friday, January 25^th from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Glenwood Road from Upper Boulevard to Ho-Ho-Kus will be closed all day because the Village will be doing tree trimming and removal work during that time. This notice is on the website, and the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus has also been notified. Information may also be posted in the Ho-Ho-Kus Train Station. She added that the Village hasn’t heard back as to the final decision from NJDOT regarding their final decision on whether Glenwood Road will be made one-way or closed down completely, going to the Ho-Ho-Kus train station.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Premium Parking Permits have sold out. Non-Premium Permits are available for $975 which allows parking in the Chestnut Street Lot, North Walnut Street Lot, Cottage Place Lot, and the Route 17 Park and Ride. There are Hudson Street Permits available for $1,300. She added that all of these are prorated by month, and the Hudson Street Permits will be converted into a ride share program when construction of the parking garage begins. It also requires the purchase of a 2020 Hudson Street Permit to continue the ride share program while the parking garage is being completed. She added that anyone who would like to purchase a permit must bring in their driver’s license and registration, or a photocopy of them, with their application. Ms. Mailander added that there are applications on the Village website, where they can be filled out, downloaded, and brought in to the Reception Desk in Village Hall.

Ms. Mailander stated that Christmas trees are being collected through the month of January. Tuesdays on the East side, and Thursdays on the West side between 8:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Residents can also drop off their trees in the roped off section of the Graydon Pool parking lot.

Ms. Mailander reported that leaf collection has finished in the Village. Leaves can be collected and placed in biodegradable paper bags and put between the curb and sidewalk, or if there is no sidewalk then at the edge of the street. Once the leaves are in bags, the Streets Department should be called to pick them up. The pickup of the bagged leaves will continue through the end of January. Leaves can also be brought to the Recycling Center for disposal, but leaves may not be placed in plastic bags.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration will take place Monday, January 21^st at 10:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church at 100 Dayton Street. The theme is “Lift Every Voice, Now More Than Ever”. The guest preacher will be Reverend Gregory Jerome Jackson and the guest speaker is Ms. Nancy Giles.

Additional events this weekend include a film, ‘King in the Wilderness’ on Friday, January 18^th at 7:00 P.M. at the Ridgewood Library. Saturday, January 19^th at 4:00 P.M. there is a Social Justice Panel Discussion led by Attorney General Gurbir Grewal at All Saints Episcopal Church in Glen Rock. Ms. Mailander added that on Sunday, January 20^th at 4:00 P.M. there will be a gospel concert at Mount Bethel Baptist Church.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village of Ridgewood will be hosting its Inaugural Floodplain Management Symposium on Tuesday, January 21^st at 7:30 P.M. in the Court Room. Staff from the Engineering Division and Building Department will host an open forum on topics ranging from purchasing in the flood plain to filing a flood related insurance claim with insurance companies. Village staff would like to hear from realtors and insurance agents about their experiences and residents are invited to hear firsthand about this topic. Additional discussion will be about flood preparedness and flood protection.

Ms. Mailander reported on the Zabriskie-Schedler property, stating that the historic architects are currently in the process of pre-qualifying contractors and will then have them bid on the project. The Ridgewood Building Department has reviewed the initial plans for the historic preservation of the house and submitted them to the architect. She added that within the month of January the written report on the results of the archaeological investigation on the property should be completed. The Village Council should be able to discuss this report in February.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Chamber of Commerce and Valley Health System will be hosting three restaurant weeks. One is this week, and then the 20^th through the 24^th, and the 27^th to the 31^st. Each location that is participating is preparing a three course prix fixe menu at $30.19.

Ms. Mailander stated that in the Graydon Pool fee ordinance, it states that the Graydon Pool Non-Resident Guest fee was not applicable as previously there was no fee. The proposed fee is $20. In other words, the reason it is non-applicable is because previously, the Non-Resident Members were able to bring guests and were charged the regular guest fee. The guest fee for Non-Resident Members is now a separate category, with a $20 fee.

Ms. Mailander stated that the Bergen County Housing Authority was pleased to announce the opening of the Section 8 housing choice voucher program waitlist. They will accept pre-applications through this Friday, January 18^th. A random selection lottery will be conducted to select 350 applicants to be placed on the waitlist and the applications are online. You must be 18 years of age or older, or be an emancipated minor in order to apply. This waitlist only opens once every several years, so she encouraged residents to pass along the information to those who may be eligible for this housing.

Ms. Mailander stated that all Village Offices will be closed on Monday, January 21^st in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. There will be no recycling or garbage pickup on that day and the Recycling Center will also be closed.

1. COUNCIL REPORTS

Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) – Councilman Sedon stated that last night, REAC and the Green Team met and had some good discussion items taken care of. A short presentation to wrap up a yearlong outreach that REAC has done for banning single use plastic bags will be coming before the Village Council. A discussion by the Village Council regarding moving the ban forward will then follow at that meeting. They are beginning the application for Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification, which is to be submitted in the Spring of 2020. It is 400+ pages, so they are gathering information to recertify at the same level. There is a tentative date of May 18^th for a Styrofoam collection pickup and they are in the process of trying to secure the Graydon South parking lot for this event. This initiative was brought by Sustainable Jersey’s Bergen Hub, and Ridgewood is participating with several other towns that received a $20,000 grant to hold several collections throughout Bergen County. Their next meeting will be February 19^th at 7:00 P.M., at which time NV5 will speak about the environmental components of the Master Plan.

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the HPC met last Thursday evening and there was one application for a restoration of a home in a historic district on North Pleasant Avenue. She added that it was an interesting remodel, and they were always appreciative of residents that purchase homes and choose to restore and maintain the integrity of the historic districts.

Fourth of July Committee – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Fourth of July Committee met Monday evening and are working on their themes, which impacts the elementary schools for their floats. She added that hopefully by the next Public Meeting they will have a theme in place to announce, and will know who the Grand Marshall is and what the activities will be for the evening entertainment.

Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board meeting was canceled last night; however, the Master Plan Advisory Committee, which is a subgroup of the Planning Board, did meet. They went over a number of items on the Visioning Process. On VisionRidgewood.org they have added a new feature, “Map Your Vision.” She encouraged everyone to go there and explore the feature. They will continue to work on their Village-wide mailer and anticipate it will go out in mid-February. She added that based on the feedback from the mailer, they will be scheduling two workshops for some time late-April or early-May and will be wrapping up this process in July to begin the process of the new Master Plan.

Community Access Network – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Access would meet tomorrow evening at 7:30 P.M.

Citizen Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) – Councilman Voigt stated that CSAC will meet tomorrow evening at 7:30 P.M. and the meeting is open to the public.

Meet the Mayor – Mayor Hache stated that Meet the Mayor was this past Saturday, and it was a lively session with good discussion and some important issues were raised. He added that he was taking all of the feedback and working with the Village Manager and Village staff regarding some of the issues that were highlighted.

Councilwoman Knudsen added that for her Village Council colleagues, NV5 would be reaching out to each of them for their committees and coordinating so that they would have access to all of those individuals. Mayor Hache stated that NV5 was at the Central Business District Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday, adding that everyone was very engaged and walked away feeling like they were plugged into what was happening. He added that there are some follow-up meetings that will happen with a round table of commercial property owners, realtors, and other folks who hear a lot about what it happening other places.

1. RESOLUTION

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 19-02, WAS ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY:

1. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-03 THROUGH 19-19, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

1. ORDINANCES

1. INTRODUCTION - #3698 – Bond Ordinance – Street Paving and Streetscape, Purchase of Senior Bus

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3698. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3698 by title:

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $2,137,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,030,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3698 be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

1. INTRODUCTION - #3699 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking at Train Station Lot after 6:00 p.m.

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3699. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3699 by title:

AN ORDINANACE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT “SECTION 265-33, “PERMIT PARKING”

Councilman Sedon made a motion to amend ordinance 3699 to include the language that no parking permit is required at the Train Station on Saturday, but regular rates apply from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3699, as amended, be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

1. INTRODUCTION - #3700 – Amend Chapter 156 – Food and Food Handling Establishments – Outdoor Café Regulations

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3700. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3700 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE VIII OF CHAPTER 156 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FOOD AND FOOD HANDLING ESTABLISHMENTS, AT “ARTICLE VIII”

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3700 be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

1. INTRODUCTION - #3701 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Outdoor Cafes

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3701. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3701 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3701 be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

1. INTRODUCTION - #3702 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Ridgewood Premium Parking Permit for Hudson Street Parking Lot and Use of Rideshare Program

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3702. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3702 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-33, “PERMIT PARKING”

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3702 be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

1. INTRODUCTION - #3703 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Ridgewood Parking Permit for Hudson Street Lot

Mayor Hache moved the first reading of ordinance 3703. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3703 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, ‘ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS’

Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3703 be adopted on first reading and that February 13, 2019 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

1. PUBLIC HEARING - #3694 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees – Adopt a Tree and Memorial Benches

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3694 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3694 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES OF THE VILLAGE CODE – PARKS AND RECREATION – PARKS/SHADE TREE DIVISION

Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open, there were no comments from the public, and he moved the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3694 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

1. PUBLIC HEARING - #3695 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish Regulations for Temporary Storage Containers

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3695 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3695 by title:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AMENDING THE PROVISIONS IN CHAPTER 190, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, CONCERING PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS

Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open, there were no comments from the public, and he moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3695 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

1. PUBLIC HEARING - #3696 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Temporary Storage Containers

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3696 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3696 by title:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD AMENDING THE PROVISIONS IN CHAPTER 145, FEES, FOR PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS

Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache moved that the Public Hearing was closed. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

Councilman Sedon moved that ordinance 3696 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Voigt seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

1. PUBLIC HEARING - #3697 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Graydon Pool Membership Fees

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3697 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3697 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES, OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIP FEES

Mayor Hache stated that the Village Council has discussed this ordinance at length, and has unanimously decided to remove the expiration date for the coupon books. This is not a substantive change to the ordinance, so it will be amended on the floor.

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3697 be amended under the section, “Resident Memberships – Coupon Booklets” to delete the sentence which states, “Coupons expire at the end of the season.” Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing, on Ordinance 3697, as amended, was open.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that the Village Manager explained the situation with respect to N/A as it applies to the Non-Resident Guest Passes, adding that there was no explanation given to the numbers that were given at the last work session where 985 Non-Resident Guests were brought into Graydon Pool last year. He questioned that the number seemed very high to him, he added that there is a need to set the Non-Resident Guest fee at $20, adding that there was mention that the Village would gain $5,000 in revenue based on the 985 Non-Resident Guest passes that were purchased. He questioned that number, as it seemed very high to him.

Mr. Loving stated that with respect to ordinance 3697, there was a continued Public Hearing for ordinance 3688, and some of the items in ordinance 3697 are also included in ordinance 3688, in particular the change in Non-Resident and Resident Guest fees. He asked if there was any resolution with respect to the 985 Non-Resident Guest Pass figure during the course of last summer.

Ms. Mailander asked if Ms. Bigos had any additional information, to which Ms. Bigos stated that she did not. Ms. Mailander stated that the Parks Department went through each piece of paper for a guest, and so any time it was a Non-Resident Member’s Guest, it was counted. The number may have been higher than it should have been, but she believes they looked back at whose guest it was, and if it was a Non-Resident Member then it was counted to get to that total number.

Mr. Loving stated that it sounds to him that there were 985 Non-Residents who came to the pool, but many of those may have been sponsored by Residents. Ms. Mailander stated that it was possible, but she believes that they checked the names of the Member to see if that Member was a Resident or a Non-Resident. Mr. Loving stated that the issue here is that the 985 number is being

used by the Village Council to make a determination as to whether to charge $20 or $15, and it is his belief that the $5,000 loss is an inflated number and that there is no $5,000 loss and that they could charge $15 to the Non-Resident guest and not lose a lot of money. The Non-Resident Members are already paying a premium to the Members as opposed to Resident Members, which to him was a double slap. Mr. Loving added that he disputed that number, and to base the decision on that number was erroneous, as he didn’t think there would be a $5,000 loss in revenue if a guest of a Non-Resident Member was charged the same price as a guest of a Resident Member.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that her decision hasn’t factored in the $5,000, but the importance of having accurate information would be very helpful. Her understanding was that the number couldn’t have been credible because the Non-Residents couldn’t bring a guest last year. Ms. Mailander stated that the Non-Resident Member could bring a guest, but they were charged the same guest fee as a Resident Member’s guest. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that there was no way to take the data out and figure out who brought who to the pool, so it may be that the Non-Resident Members could have brought no guests. Ms. Mailander stated that there could be Non-Resident Members who brought no one, but there could be Non-Resident Members who brought a guest or guests every time they came.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that if Resident Members could bring a guest regardless of where that guest is from, they are being charged $15. She stated that they were going to have to look at this and maybe, in the future, have that piece of information available so that when they look at this next year, maybe they want to tweak it. She thought it was important to have accurate information.

Mr. Loving stated that in the absence of having any data to support that there would be a loss in revenue, why would a Non-Resident Member be charged more to bring a guest than they would charge a Resident Member, as the Non-Residents are already paying a premium to be a member. He added that he would also like to know why this is covered in two separate ordinances.

Mayor Hache stated that regarding his decision, he didn’t see it as a loss, but an opportunity cost. He agreed that he has no expectation that if he goes to another town to use a local amenity that he would be treated the same as a resident. He added that he didn’t think guests of Non-Residents should be charged the same rate as guests of residents.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that her preference all along has been to leave them at the same rate, but at this point it was something to get done as they need to get these rates set in stone. She added that they could always go back and rethink it in the future.

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

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

Ms. Mailander stated that they would try to separate out the numbers regarding the Non-Resident Member Guests and determine how many there were. She added that there were two ordinances because ordinance 3688 was introduced and then they wanted to be more specific and add in the coupon booklets. Due to the fact that the original ordinance said Non-Resident Guest Sponsored, the title was changed to be more specific. She noted that the items listed in ordinance 3688 will be superseded by the items listed in ordinance 3697.

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that ordinance 3697, as amended, be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

1. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - #3688 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Graydon Pool Membership Fees and Tennis Membership Fees

Mayor Hache moved the reading of ordinance 3688 by title on third reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Clerk read ordinance 3688 by title:

            AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIP FEES AND TENNIS MEMBERSHIP FEES

Mayor Hache stated that the hearing on ordinance 3688 was continued to this evening’s meeting so that the Village Council could review additional information about fees for non-resident member guest passes and coupon booklets. These matters have been discussed, and the Village Council has decided that Ordinance 3688 is ready to be adopted, as proposed.

Mayor Hache announced that the Public Hearing was continued. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Hache stated that the Public Hearing was closed.  

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

Councilwoman Walsh moved that ordinance 3688 be adopted on third reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

1. RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 19-20 THROUGH 19-36, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Pamela Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, stated that last week Ms. Mailander mentioned that they were on the point of purchasing equipment to improve the sound system here and that is wonderful. She asked what the problem actually is, what the treatment will be, and she also asked about the qualifications of the person who diagnosed the problem.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he is aware that there is an ordinance in the Village Code that prohibits the discharge of sump pumps into the sanitary sewer system; however, he has noted during the past several weeks that there are many streets in Ridgewood that are very icy because the water table is extremely high and the sump pumps are discharging the water into the streets, where it is freezing immediately. He added that the high water table is creating a dangerous situation, because people have to discharge their sump pumps some place other than the sanitary sewer. He added that Marshall Street, portions of Franklin Avenue, and Lake Street had dangerous situations. Mr. Loving asked if the Village Engineer could find ways to ease the pain of motorists and pedestrians, adding that although this is an unusual situation, it looks like it is something that will continue all winter long.

Mr. Loving added that a Dunkin Donuts may be opening on Route 17 where the Shell station was, and he has concerns about people driving on Route 17 North who may park on the shoulder and run across the road to get something. He added that several years ago, there was someone who was hit and killed trying to do this in another location. He stated that in Secaucus on Route 3, in addition to the concrete barrier, the DOT has added a chain-link fence to the top of the barrier. He recommended looking into this to prevent people from attempting to go over the barrier.

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

Ms. Mailander stated that they were having one additional sound company come in at the end of the week, which will be a total of three companies who have looked at the sound issue. She added that it seems to be due to the shape of the room, and what the sound companies are recommending will improve the sound, and the new camera system will also be an improvement. Mayor Hache stated that the ceiling, floor, and speakers are all part of the issue of poor sound in the Court Room. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this is a design flaw that doesn’t work for a sound system, but she was comfortable that it will be corrected because they recognize that the sound is traveling and being muffled around the ceiling.

Mayor Hache stated that regarding the sump pumps emptying onto the streets, they have been looking at the issue and Mr. Rutishauser, the Village Engineer, is aware of it. In addition to the sump pumps, they also have the issue of the catch basins overflowing in neighboring municipalities as well.

1. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

Ms. Mailander read Resolution #19-37 to go into Closed Session as follows:

1. 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 Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 P.M.

______________________________

                                                                                                     Ramon M. Hache, Sr.                             

Mayor                        

________________________________

              Heather A. Mailander

     Village Manager/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, RIDGEWOD, NEW JERSEY ON JANUARY 9, 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 Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney; Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; 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

Robert Upton, 172 West Glen Avenue, Chair of the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC), stated that the environmental problems associated with plastics are being widely publicized, and they frequently hear that with the current rate of use of single use plastics, there will be more plastics in the ocean than fish by 2050. He stated that tonight they wanted to address single use plastic bags, which are the type used by grocery and convenience stores. In late 2017, REAC asked the Village Council to impose restrictions on single use plastic bags, and the Village Council asked them to seek input from the community. Mr. Upton stated that in June REAC reported back to the Village Council that the results of surveys of the Chamber of Commerce and the Ridgewood Guild, and receiving no objections to restrictions, and since then they have addressed the CBD Committee, the Stable hands, and have contacted the local grocery chain stores, and have received no objections to restrictions.

Mr. Upton stated that REAC has asked to schedule a presentation to the Village Council requesting that the Village enact an ordinance banning the use of single use plastic bags, and imposing a fee for the use of single use paper bags. This ordinance is along the lines of those passed in Hoboken, and thirteen other municipalities. He shared copies of the Hoboken ordinance with the Village Council, and added that REAC wanted to present to the Council more fully in the next few weeks and further invite the public to comment on this issue to achieve better input.

Saurabh Dani, 390 Bedford Road, thanked Mayor Hache, Mr. Rogers, Ms. Mailander, and Ms. Jackson for working on a smoother process for OPRA requests. He added that for the last two years, Diwali was published in the Ridgewood calendar, however, this year it was omitted and he wished to bring that to the attention of the Village Council. Mr. Dani added that each page of the Village calendar has advertisements, and he was wondering how those advertisers were chosen, such as through a bid process or was it published somewhere. He asked if it was competitive.

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated that he supported REAC and this evening he made sure to bring a reusable water bottle. He commended the Village on recycling, as the information was clear and informative. He added that the traffic lights in the Village were in a sad state. Mr. Halaby mentioned smart traffic lights for drivers and pedestrians, and suggested making it a Village issue rather than a County issue by taking $1 million to renovate the traffic lights. He stated that the Village Council is good at raising money for pet projects, so he thinks they can get the money and just get it done. He added that he would like to see some progress with the garage, as by the time it is done the Village will have just caught up to where it was before. He urged the Council to think long term, as somehow the Council responds to quick stimuli and questioned what the plan was for more parking in the long run.

Marcia Ringel, 250 Ferris Place, stated that she was speaking for the Preserve Graydon Coalition that the fees in the provided documentation indicate that the coupons would be eleven in a book and would expire at the end of the summer. As discussed before, she was hoping they would not expire, but if that were to be the case, she was hoping that the books would be smaller because it would be hard to use up eleven coupons. She added that charging $20 for non-resident guests is probably a dead in the water objection; however, she doesn’t think it should be a higher charge for other people.

Ms. Ringel stated that every year the Village calendar has errors, and this year there are two Jewish New Years, and a lot of meetings are listed wrong which is going to cause a lot of confusion. She stated that the Board of Adjustment meetings that are on Tuesdays are listed on the next day. She added that she would recommend someone go through the calendar, create a one page sheet of errors and mail it to everyone in town, and place a copy in every calendar that has not yet been distributed. We should also make it very clear on the website that there was an error in the calendar. Ms. Ringel added that the New York Times and other publications acknowledge their errors, and she recommended stating the problem and giving the correction.

Eugene Lorenzi, 202 South Van Dien Avenue, stated that in May last year he went before the Village Council asking for the $900 that he spent for his sidewalk that the Village machinery broke while taking down a tree. He added that the Deputy Mayor visited his house and saw the sidewalk. Mr. Lorenzi added that it had been seven months, but he has received no communication.

There were no additional public comments.

Mayor Hache stated that he would address some of the public comments in order.

Regarding the Village calendar advertisements, Ms. Mailander stated that every year the Village sends out letters to stores that have advertised in the past, as well as to all local businesses to let them know that they have advertising opportunities.

Mayor Hache stated that regarding progress on the parking garage, there were presentations from Epic a couple of months ago to talk about the timeline and logistics. It is scheduled to break ground late spring, and has been pushed up as the testing of the soil has been completed, and it will only require shallow footings. Tonight they will go over the maturity schedule of the bond, and they are already making arrangements for the commuter spots once the construction begins.

Mayor Hache asked for the status regarding Mr. Lorenzi and the damage to his sidewalk. Ms. Mailander stated that she would check with the Village Insurance Adjuster to see where his claim stood and then they would go from there, and she would be in contact with him. She added that she had a long conversation with him several months ago, and they said it would be pursued through insurance, and she would find out what the result was and then would be back in touch with Mr. Lorenzi.

3. MANAGERS REPORT

Annual Parking Permits – Ms. Mailander stated that Premium Parking permits, which can be used in all lots, are, sold out. There are permits for $975 which allows parking in all lots except the Hudson Street Lot. There are Hudson Street Parking Lot permits for $1300, which will be converted into a ride-share program when the Hudson Street Garage is being built. All applicants for parking permits must bring their license and registration, or a photocopy of them with their application.

Meet the Mayor – Ms. Mailander stated that on Saturday, January 12^th Mayor Hache would be available by appointment for Meet the Mayor from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. She encouraged interested individuals to contact the Village Clerk’s Office at extension 206 to make an appointment.

Christmas Trees – Ms. Mailander stated that Christmas trees were being collected during the month of January, on Tuesdays on the East side and Thursdays on the West side. Residents can also drop their trees in the designated spot in the Graydon Pool parking lot on any day.

Leaf Collection – Ms. Mailander stated that leaf collection has been completed. If a resident still has leaves, they can bag their leaves in biodegradable paper bags and put them in the planting strip between the curb and the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, the bags can be placed on the edge of a resident’s property. The resident can then call the Streets Department at 201-670-5585 and they will pick them up through the end of January. Leaves in their biodegradable paper bags can also be brought to the Recycling Center which is open from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Ms. Mailander reminded residents that leaves cannot be placed in plastic bags.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration – Ms. Mailander stated that the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration would take place Monday, January 21^st at 10:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church at 100 Dayton Street. The theme is ‘Lift Every Voice Now More Than Ever.’ The guest Preacher will be Reverend Gregory Jerome Jackson and guest speaker will be Ms. Nancy Giles.

Additional events during this weekend will include a film, ‘King in the Wilderness,’ on January 18^th at 7:00 P.M. at the Ridgewood Public Library. January 19^th at 4:00 P.M. a Social Justice Panel Discussion led by Attorney General Grover Gruel will take place at All Saints Episcopal Church in Glen Rock, and on January 20^th at 4:00 P.M. a gospel concert takes place at Mount Bethel Baptist Church.

Schedler Property Update – Ms. Mailander stated that currently they are in the process of prequalifying contractors for the restoration and rehabilitation of the Zabriskie-Schedler House. The next step will be to have qualified contractors bid on the project. The Ridgewood Building Department is reviewing the plan for the historic restoration of the house, and within the month of January the Village will receive a written report on the results of the archaeological investigation of the Schedler property. They are also trucking in clean dirt from various locations so they will be able to level out the property and create the berm.

Village Website – Ms. Mailander stated that the Village website has been updated, and it is easier to find some things. She thanked Dylan Hansen for the many hours he spent working on the website and also Deputy Mayor Knudsen and Mayor Hache for their input.

Village Office Closure –Ms. Mailander stated that Village offices would be closed on Monday, January 21^st in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no recycling or garbage pickup on this day and the Recycling Center will be closed.

Restaurant Week – Ms. Mailander stated that the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and Valley Health System are hosting three Restaurant Weeks beginning on Sunday, January 13^th through 17^th, the 20^th through 24^th, and the 27^th through the 31^st. She added that they offer a prix fixe meal at $30.19.

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Sedon stated that they met yesterday and the fall planting is completed and the Village planted 140 street trees this year, and 20 of those were through the Adopt a Tree program.

Interfaith Religious Leaders of Ridgewood – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that yesterday morning the Interfaith Religious Leaders met at Emmanuel Baptist Church and had a conversation about the Martin Luther King Celebration weekend. She thanked Ms. Mailander for reviewing the schedule of events. She added that posters would be put up and the information would be shared on social media and the Village website so that everyone has access to the schedule of events for the weekend, as it promises to be a spectacular weekend of reflection.

Councilwoman Knudsen added that they also determined that the Holocaust Memorial Service will be Wednesday, May 1^st and they will look forward to details as those firms up.

Ridgewood Arts Council – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that last night the Ridgewood Arts Council met and had a lengthy discussion about the possibility of a Kissing Ball Restoration Committee as there are many individuals who would like to see them reinstated downtown. She added that perhaps as many of the balls as possibly could be rehabbed and then integrated into the snowflakes that are there for the Downtown for the Holidays. She added that with the success of the vacant storefront window display at the Wilsey Building, they are looking for funding options to expand that and for landlords who would like to participate as it would add some vibrancy while those locations are waiting to be rented.

Councilwoman Knudsen added that they were looking for old bicycle racks to paint and restore and then place around downtown. She added that they would also be hosting an artist talk which will be featuring Ridgewood Art Council member and resident, Dana Glaser, who will talk about his current movie, ‘A Case of the Blue.’

Historic Preservation Commission – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that HPC meets tomorrow evening.

Planning Board – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the Planning Board meets next Tuesday.

Chamber of Commerce – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Chamber of Commerce met this morning and Restaurant Week is Sunday through Thursday, for three weeks, with meals at $30.19. Participating restaurants are listed on the Chamber website and they have a flyer that will be in the paper as well. She added that there are six new members, with about 350 members. They had conversations about the CBD regarding the number of businesses that are on the West side that don’t have the ability to participate in the hanging signs. So, they raised the question if there was a possibility to do a banner for the trestle that would promote several businesses at their cost.

Councilwoman Walsh added that while some people love the parking kiosks, there are many that are challenged by the kiosks. Several have stated that the lettering is too small, it is hard to read the instructions, and to see the screen if it is sunny out. She asked if there could be a larger font explanation near the kiosk so that those that have challenges reading the smaller lettering would be able to understand it. She added that Parkmobile is still allowing repeat parking, and that the Chamber is happy that there is enforcement, but do not feel that there is enough enforcement for the repeat parking. Councilwoman Walsh added that if an individual is putting money in the meter, how the enforcement would know if it is a repeat parker. She added that there was a question about chalking the tires which would be the easiest way for the enforcement officers to know which cars is repeat parking.

Citizen Safety Advisory Committee – Councilman Voigt stated that the Citizen Safety Advisory Committee met on December 20^th, and discussed North Walnut Street between Linwood Avenue and Franklin Avenue with a recommendation to put a yellow line down the middle of the road. Several residents came to the meeting and stated that they did not want the yellow line as there were concerns about it devaluing their properties. They asked the Committee to look at traffic volume and calming as it is a fairly busy street.

They discussed sidewalk that is to be built along West Glen, from Oak Street west to Monroe. The Village Engineer reviewed the lane going west, and found that there are some environmental riparian zone issues moving west from Hillcrest that will prevent sidewalks from being constructed along that area. So, it will be built from Oak Street up to Hillcrest as best as possible.

Councilman Voigt stated that a suggestion from CSAC was for the Village to perform an audit on all of the parking regulations to ensure conformity and relevance. CSAC endorsed the new Stop, Look and Wave Campaign which is seeking $3,000 from the Home and School Association for the campaign.

Ridgewood Public Library – Councilman Voigt stated that Ridgewood Library had its Holiday Party on December 16^th at It’s Greek to Me, attended by Deputy Mayor Knudsen and himself. Special thanks go to Paul Vagianos, owner, and several Library Board Trustees who paid for the event. There are photos of the event in last week’s Ridgewood News.

Central Business District Advisory Council – Mayor Hache stated that CBDAC was meeting tomorrow morning. Neil Dessai and Ed Schultz, Community Planners with NV5 will discuss the Master Plan with regard to the CBD, following the same format as all other groups that they meet with. He added that he has concerns about the lighting downtown as the light is drab and he was concerned that some of the intersections are pretty dark. He was almost hit with two of his sons as they weren’t visible crossing the street until they were in the headlights of the car coming down Ridgewood Avenue.

Mayor Hache stated that he and the Village Engineer met with PSE&G and went over some of the concerns that they had and PSE&G seems to be an engaged partner. There was a follow-up meeting late December, and they toured the areas of concern. There is an inventory of what the lights are, and aesthetically some of the bulbs are different colors or don’t work. The good news is that PSE&G is being very responsive, and there is a work order for Oak Street and Ridgewood Avenue which has been approved by the Village Engineer and sent back to PSE&G.

8. DISCUSSION

1. Ridgewood Water

1. Award Contract – Eastside Reservoir Improvements

Ms. Mailander stated that the Eastside Reservoir concrete storage tank has a two million gallon capacity and is located in Ridgewood. The work includes interior and exterior cleaning, concrete repairs, and installation of a tank mixer to improve water quality. The rehabilitation will prolong the life of the tank and improve water quality. There were twelve bids that were picked up, and seven bids were received, which range greatly. The Engineer on record, T&M Associates, prepared the construction documents, reviewed all bids and will assist Ridgewood Water with administering the construction phase of the project. Their recommendation is the low bidder, Ray Palmer Associates, in the amount of $246,600. This is being done through the USEPA Administrative Order of Consent, to be completed by July 15^th of this year, and is the final project required under the Order for Ridgewood Water tank system, and funding is under the Capital Budget.

Councilman Sedon asked if there were any more projects that the Water Utility is going to have to pick up under the USEPA Order. Mr. Calbi stated that the Administrative Order that is referenced has several different parts to it, and the only thing remaining part after the tanks, are three abandoned wells.

2. Award Second Year Contract – Landscaping Services

Ms. Mailander stated that the landscaping services are for all Ridgewood Water owned properties. This is the second year of a two year bid, given to the lowest responsible bidder, LTI, Inc. of Montville, in the amount of $61,000.

3. Award Second Year Contract – Line Stop and Valve Insertion

Ms. Mailander stated that this is the second year of a two year contract, to the original lowest bidder, Carner Brothers of Roseland, in the amount of $100,000. This is being paid out of the Water Utility Operating Budget.

4. Award Second Year Contract – Servicing and Repairing of Electric Source

Ms. Mailander stated that this is the second year of a two year contract, to the original lowest bidder for servicing and repairing of electric source, to Vanore Electric, Inc. of Hackensack, in the amount of $250,000. This is being paid for out of the Ridgewood Water Utility Budget.

5. Award Second Year Contract – Water Billing and Data Collection Services

Ms. Mailander stated that this is the award for the second year of a two year contract to the original sole bidder. This is for water billing and data collection services, to Computil, Inc. of Shelton, Connecticut, in the amount of $237,395. They do all processing, custom programming, and conversion of existing data.

6. Award Second Year Contract – Furnishing and Delivering Sodium Hypochlorite Solution

Ms. Mailander stated that this is the second year of a two year contract, which went to the lowest responsible bidder, Miracle Chemical Company, of Farmingdale. The price is $1.545 per gallon, in an amount not to exceed $135,000 and is being budgeted for in the Ridgewood Water Utility Budget.

7. Award Contract – Servicing and Repair of Potable Water Pumping Facilities

Ms. Mailander stated that this bid was accepted in December 2018, with two bid specifications being picked up and one bid was received. The Servicing and Repair is a unit price service for various repairs and replacements on the water system supply, treatment and distribution equipment contained within the well houses, transfer stations, treatment buildings and booster stations. The calculated total of $237,840 is below the $250,000 estimate for this bid. The sole responsible bidder is Wm. Stothoff Company, of Flemington. Funding will be established in the Water Utility Operating Budget.

8. Award Professional Services Contract – Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances Planning and Treatment Study

Ms. Mailander stated that PFOA and PFOS compounds are found in our water and they are chemicals that are created from contamination and found in many things. Ridgewood Water recommended a Capital Treatment Plan to be developed to reduce the presence of PFAS compounds in the water system to a non-detect level. The NJDEP has promulgated a maximum contaminant level for these compounds. Mott MacDonald, the Engineering Firm, has completed several successful projects with the Village and created the hydraulic model that is necessary to evaluate the treatment plan. Mr. Calbi’s recommendation is to award the professional services contract to Mott MacDonald of Iselin, in an amount not to exceed $168,600 for development of the treatment plan. Funding is in the Ridgewood Water Capital Budget.

Councilman Voigt questioned the maximum amounts for PFOA and PFOS compounds, and asked what the difference was for them and why one was higher than the other. Mr. Calbi stated that they were numbers established by the Drinking Water Quality Institute, which recommends these numbers based on health studies performed by the Board and other research for each contaminant. These numbers are based on lifetime exposure to the contaminant and the one in a million chance that someone exposed to those contaminants over a lifetime could be affected by it.

9. Award Contract – Asbestos Abatement and Boiler Replacement

Ms. Mailander stated that on December 21^st, they found that the boiler at the Glen Avenue Water Facility was in need of emergency replacement. Upon further inspection it was found that there was existing asbestos that needed to be removed. The asbestos has been removed by Greenwood Asbestos Consultants, and the air quality tested by Envirovision, Inc. Because of the urgency of the repair, Mr. Calbi requests an emergency award to Generation III Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning of Waldwick, for the replacement of the boiler in an amount not to exceed $33,800. The funding is available.

10. Award Second Year Contract – Laboratory Analysis Services

Ms. Mailander stated that was the second year of a two year contract to the lowest responsible bidder for the provision of Laboratory Analysis Services. This goes to Aqua Pro-Tech Labs of Fairfield, in the amount of $128,460, and the funding is found in the Water Utility Budget.

1. Parking

1. Parking in Train Station Lot after 6:00 P.M.

Mayor Hache stated that several meetings ago they talked about the Train Station lot and when it empties towards the evening and diners descend on the downtown. In order to relieve, the parking demand, they spoke about not requiring a resident parking pass to park at the train station past 6:00 P.M., so that you are still required to pay the meters but are not required to have the Ridgewood Parking Permit.

Ms. Mailander stated that this was open to anyone and was open for discussion, and it would be open to whatever spots were open at that time. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it made sense to her, as restricting anyone needing to have the pass to park there and all of the spaces are empty at that time, it doesn’t make sense, so they may as well make the spots accessible to anyone who wants them. Mayor Hache stated that he heard from several residents that they like to take advantage of the train station parking in the evenings, but when the parking hours were extended it was no longer an option for them.

Ms. Mailander added that it was beneficial along the west side because there is minimal parking there for the businesses. She added that they would have an ordinance for that at the next meeting.

2. Maturity Schedule and Resolution Authorizing Bond Sale for Funding the Hudson Street Parking Garage

Ms. Mailander stated that Steve Sanzari, Village Treasurer, was going to speak about the maturity schedule and resolution authorizing the bond sale for funding the Hudson Street Parking Garage.

Mr. Sanzari reviewed the amortization schedule that was provided to the Village Council, stating that it was a 40 year amortization schedule with the bonds, the actual final amount would be $11,575,000 and it is an estimated interest rate of 3.71%. It is also anticipated that the Village will receive a significant premium at the time of the sale which will reduce that interest rate over the lifetime of the bond.

Mr. Sanzari stated that bids will be received on January 29^th and there will be a closing estimated date of February 20^th.

Councilman Voigt asked what a significant premium was. Mr. Sanzari stated that the bidders will bid a premium whereby they are looking for the right to purchase the bonds. Last year, there was a bond anticipation note sale, and they received a premium of a little over $1 million, and after that one million dollars, it reduces the interest rate over the lifetime of the bond. Councilman Voigt asked what he thought that might be. Mr. Sanzari stated that it will be over $1 million as the sale is only $11,575,000, and they were actually looking for $12 million. So they will have more than enough of a cushion. Councilman Voigt stated that getting back that $1 million; they could use it to pay down the net. Mr. Sanzari stated that usually you prorate those funds to offset the interest payment that is coming due. So, if you have a shortfall in revenue, you can use those premium funds to offset the revenue in the budget.

Mayor Hache stated that there is the expected premium, and then they weren’t paying principal until 2021 which would be the cushion that they were building up. Mr. Sanzari stated that the premium is estimated at $1 million, so you could offset the first two interest payments and it all depends on what the revenue flow is and to the Village’s advantage. The capitalized interest is that the $129,000 and $231,000 is actually a construction cost.

3. Amend Parking Permit Ordinance – Hudson Street Parking Lot Permit

Ms. Mailander stated that this is to make an ordinance for the permit for the Hudson Street lot, and when the construction begins, those same people who hold a Hudson Street permit will then participate in the ride share program.

1. Budget

1. Award Second Year Contract – Landfill Disposal of Solid Waste

Ms. Mailander stated that this is the second year of a two year contract to the lowest responsible bidder, IWS Transfer Systems of NJ of Jersey City, in the amount of $66.95 per ton.

2. Declare Property Surplus – Parks Department Log Pile

Ms. Mailander stated that the Parks Department would like to declare the stockpile of uncut lengths of logs at the construction yard as surplus. These are remnants from tree work done throughout the past year. Usually, dumpsters haul away the logs which costs $700 per dumpster. They are going to try to sell them on govdeals.com to hopefully save the Village some money.

Mayor Hache asked if it could be chopped up for firewood. Councilman Sedon stated that it was an impressive pile of logs. Ms. Mailander stated that firewood is provided for free at the Recycling Center, but this was too much.

3. Declare Property Surplus – Various Vehicles

Ms. Mailander stated that the vehicles to declare as surplus include an International Model Sewer Jet, Falcon Single Burner Hot Box Trailer, Crane Carrier Corp Chassis, 1997 Volvo Chassis, and a 1999 Dodge Wagon. These will be declared surplus and sold on GovDeals.com. She added that the Village has been doing well on this site, and is clearing the surplus inventory of the Village. Some vehicles will be used for training purposes by the Fire Department or Police Department and then when they are done, they get rid of the remnants.

4. Authorize Release of Escrow Funds – 143 and 147 West Glen Avenue

Ms. Mailander stated that the project for 143 and 147 West Glen Avenue is now complete, and the remaining escrow balance of $12,348 will be refunded and they need a resolution to do so.

5. Award Contract – Recreation Program Instruction for 2019

Ms. Mailander stated that every year they go out for proposals, eight were received, and there were seven returning vendors and one new vendor. The Recreation Division does not commit to all offers in the proposal and the pricing is negotiable throughout the year.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that there were a number of businesses that responded with proposals, and there is a list that did not offer proposals but will work with them on pricing, but in looking at the request for proposal there are requirements that those that responded would have complied with and those that didn’t respond would not necessarily have that information on file. She added that on the RFP there is a request for the annual criminal background check on employees, so those that didn’t respond aren’t complying with the RFP. Ms. Mailander stated that she would check into it because they may be required to adhere to these things and she would get that information and provide it before next week’s meeting.

6. Approve Shared Services Agreement – School Resource Officer

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village has received a resolution from the Ridgewood Board of Education for a Shared Services Agreement for the funding and establishment of a School Resource Officer. She added that the Village was paying all of it in 2018 but the BOE has agreed that for their budget year, they will fund until that time and then reconsider in the next fiscal year.

7. Graydon Pool Membership Fees

Ms. Mailander stated that if the Resident is a Non-Member, a $20 fee is proposed per guest. If a Non-Resident Member is bringing a Resident guest, the Resident would simply buy a Resident Guest Pass for $15 per day, so a Resident would never be charged more than $15. Resident Members can buy the coupon books with 11 passes for $150. She felt that the Council expressed that they did not want an expiration date, so they will not have one, but if a new Council comes in and doesn’t want them, she think that they would give a certain timeframe in which they had to be redeemed.

Ms. Mailander added that regarding the Non-Resident Members and the guest passes purchased; in June 2018, 318 were purchased; in July 361 were purchased; in August 251 were purchased; and in September 55 were purchased; that is 981 total, and adding the additional $5 is almost $5,000 additional revenue.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that regarding the expiration on the coupon booklet, she spoke to Mr. Rogers and asked him to elaborate on the law. Mr. Rogers stated that coupons are considered similar to gift cards; in that the law has recently been amended several times, but if there is no statement on a gift card that there is a termination date it doesn’t have a termination. It can’t be any sooner than five years. He added that coupons have been considered in a State Supreme Court case in the same way that it applied to gift cards. Looking at the thinking and reasoning of the court there is a good chance that they might find that the coupon has no expiration.

Mayor Hache stated that for the Village, they would have already received the money, and even if it doesn’t make sense in the future to redeem a $15 coupon when the rates are now $25, it was a decision that was made at the time, and he didn’t think they should have an expiration date on these.

Councilwoman Knudsen clarified about the Non-Resident Member Guest Passes purchased. Ms. Mailander asked whether the Council was in agreement to have no expiration date, to which everyone agreed. Mayor Hache asked if everyone was in agreement on the $20. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she wasn’t sure about it because if people decide that it is too much, that $5,000 that would be made would be eroded down to nothing. Ms. Mailander stated that $20 for a family of four at $80, there isn’t much around here that could be done for that much.

Ms. Mailander added that the coupon book would have no expiration date, and these were the final questions remaining. She added that they would amend on the floor regarding the coupons not expiring, and they will adopt both ordinances.

8. 2019 Bond Ordinance – Various Capital Improvements

Ms. Mailander stated that the Village introduced part of its bond ordinance in January for paving, and this year they are also going to put the senior bus on there. There are times when the senior bus doesn’t work, and the residents have come to rely on it running three days a week.

Mayor Hache stated that he was taken on a tour and went to Ridgecrest and went through the senior bus process, and in speaking with some of the residents it is life changing for them to have transportation to do food shopping, go to doctors’ appointments, and get around town. He added that with the money being spent on the bus, Billy will make it worth it.

Councilman Voigt asked if they were going to extend the hours on the bus. Mayor Hache stated that currently it is two days, and Age Friendly Ridgewood sponsors a third day. Ms. Mailander stated that she didn’t know, and if they go to five days they would need to get another driver, and then to have the riders accept that new driver is a bit of an adjustment.

Councilwoman Walsh added that Access Link is available to Bergen County residents, and as a supplement to the Village bus that could be used by individuals with disabilities and seniors for $3 each way. She added that they would have to go in person to the County Offices to fill out the application, but it was available seven days a week.

9. Resolution to Amend Temporary Capital Budget

Ms. Mailander stated that because the Capital Budget hasn’t been adopted, this bond ordinance needs to be done prior to the adopting of the bond ordinance, as procedure.

1. Policy

1. Amendments to Outdoor Café Ordinance

Ms. Mailander stated that as the Village Council knows, there have been some restaurants which have given the Village their permit applications, and then they find that vary how they lay out their seating, and sometimes they encroach into other places or are blocking meters. Tom Yotka; Tracy Jeffery, Village Code Enforcement Officer; Paula Perez, Assistant Zoning Officer; and Ms. Mailander sat down to try to figure out ways to make it more clear as to what is expected so that they won’t have as many violations in the future.

Mr. Yotka stated that in 2018, there were 57 licenses that were issued which resulted in 30 summonses being issued and those summonses were not all separate violations, but some establishments had the same violation multiple times throughout the season. They conducted periodic inspections, off hours and on weekends, to monitor the situation throughout the dining season. The bulk of the summonses were issued for the failure to maintain the 52 inch clearance and for encroachment issues. He added that some establishments expanded beyond their own property lines, especially as the season went on and the weather got warmer. He stated that they came up with a couple of recommendations to tighten it up.

Mr. Yotka stated that with every application, it is required that they provide site plans that indicate every possible obstruction that may affect pedestrian traffic. He displayed one property that had much involvement that they requested that the applicant get an architect to give a drawing. Some of the ordinance just needs to be tweaked to include parking meters, fire hydrants, signs, and a complete site plan so that they have something to work off of during the season. Ms. Mailander stated that they were not requiring the businesses to actually get a site plan, but just a drawing that was provided. Mr. Yotka stated that he was looking for a dining plan that can be drawn by the applicant; he just wants more detail on them.

He added that they wanted to limit the amount of barriers that are permitted and they have come up with three that seem to be pretty popular and maintain the character of the Village. Ms. Mailander added that this was going back to the A-Frame signs, as they only allow two certain types of signs, and so they were proposing three different types of barriers. Mr. Yotka stated that one type of barrier was the metal frame with the stretched canvas, which seemed to be popular. He added that one option was whether they wanted to allow the applicant to advertise on the screening of the barrier. He displayed a weighted barrier that has some pavers to maintain stability, and another type as well. Mr. Yotka added that if they were going to allow the barriers along the curb line, it was their opinion that they should be set back at least beyond the brick border, or a minimum of three feet due to parallel parking, and restricting people from getting out of their vehicles. He displayed an applicant that used planters as their barrier. He added that with curb line barriers and pedestrian sidewalk barriers, there were more options that he displayed as well.

Mr. Yotka added that he thinks they would like to eliminate some of the homemade barriers that are concrete block that is dry stacked and used as planters. One of the other concerns in the ordinance is that it does say that the barriers have to be removable, and they will request that at the end of the dining day they are placed up against the building. He added that the planters that are perpendicular to the buildings need to be moved to open the sidewalk to pedestrians. He displayed a barrier that was a violation that they would like to move away from allowing, which was tight to the curb and would restrict anyone from egressing their vehicle. Mr. Yotka stated that the ordinance stipulates that the barriers be placed at the beginning and ending of the dining area, and maintain the 52 inches for pedestrian traffic.

Mr. Yotka stated that they were facing a couple of challenges, and that the ordinance doesn’t need to be completely rewritten, but rather fine-tuned. Ms. Mailander added that they were recommending that the outdoor dining be permitted between March 1^st and November 30^th, and between December 1^st and February 28^th/29^th it be removed completely. Also, the proposed fees have changes, which Ms. Mailander reviewed, with the proposed fees at 1-4 chairs $100; 5-12 chairs $200; 13-20 $300; over 20 chairs $500; and all benches $100. She added that it is more feasible to charge $500 for the extra area that they are taking up with 30 outdoor chairs and for the extra enforcement that is needed. She added that the sketch or plan where those tables would be placed indicating the meters, any walls, signs, or anything else. Once that application is approved, that is their layout and if they would like to change it, it would have to be reapproved. Varying from the layout would be subject to administrative action. She added that the maximum of three feet height for the barriers includes any plantings. Ms. Mailander stated that outdoor dining is approved only outside of that restaurant. If these amendments are approved and adopted, the recommendation is for a 30 day grace period so that there can be an initial discussion rather than a summons. They are hoping that this will enhance the outdoor dining process.

Mr. Yotka stated that because these would be minor changes to an existing ordinance, and a lot of applicants may not be aware of them, the 30 day grace period is a good time for re-education to allow them to get familiar with the new changes if they come about.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that she was curious when they were doing the site plan, if there was a rule of thumb in terms of number of seats per square footage. She added that over twenty chairs is a lot of chairs. Mr. Yotka stated that there is no particular formula, but it was dictated by whether or not they could maintain a 52 inch clearance, and any other obstructions that they may have. The main focus is that pedestrian traffic not be affected. Councilwoman Walsh stated that with over twenty chairs, were there health code issues with maintaining cleanliness outside. Ms. Jeffery stated that the Health Department would take care of that concern. They ask that an architect design the outside as well determine what would fit within the available space when any new business comes in to the Building Department.

Councilwoman Walsh stated that there must be a clearance that is required when a car door is opening. Mr. Yotka stated that he didn’t know if there was an engineering standard for that, but it is something they noticed in their tours. Ms. Jeffery stated that the current pavers that are in all locations, and if the barrier started just within that, it seemed to be wide enough for cars at three feet. Mr. Yotka stated that the 32 inches of the pavers plus the curb would give 36 inches. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that she agreed with Councilwoman Walsh. Councilman Sedon stated that some of the barriers were directly on the curb. Mr. Yotka stated that one of the consequences of moving the barrier from the curb limits the amount of sidewalk which in turn limits the amount of space that the applicant has, as some establishments could see a reduction in their seating in 2019. Councilman Sedon stated that if he was a restaurant owner and he had to choose between a table and seats or a barrier, he would forgo that design element.

Councilman Voigt stated that each of the restaurants would have a site plan, so Mr. Yotka would know how many tables and chairs they could have on the sidewalk, and he stated that he imagined they would take advantage of that plan, and asked how the Village would handle those adding chairs to that from a fee standpoint. Mr. Yotka stated that during the application process the restaurant is required to submit a sketch of their outdoor dining which has to be approved before they issue the license. Once that is issued, then that is binding. Councilman Voigt asked what would happen if they added tables and chairs. Ms. Jeffery stated that any increase or violation through the amount of tables and chairs or layout creates an automatic violation. The site plan can be amended if something changes through the season, but before they have the right to change it on site, it has to be approved.

Councilman Voigt asked how much money is made from this ordinance. Ms. Jeffery stated they had 57 applicants in 2018, which range anywhere from $350 to $500 per applicant. Mayor Hache stated that it equals around $20,000. Councilman Voigt asked if that money went into the General Budget. Mr. Yotka stated that it did. Councilman Voigt asked about the advertising on the barriers that were mentioned. Mr. Yotka stated that it was something to consider, as there was one establishment on Chestnut that had the canvas barriers with the restaurant name on it and he was asked to cover it up because it constituted as a sign. Councilman Voigt asked if they could charge for that. Ms. Jeffery stated that they may have to change the sign ordinance to add a fee. Councilman Voigt asked about the barriers at Starbucks which have a logo on them. Mr. Rogers stated that there currently isn’t an ordinance regarding that, which means that there hasn’t been any enforcement one way or the other. Councilman Voigt suggested charging for the signs on barriers for additional revenue. Ms. Jeffery added that most of the sections that they were on were about a six to eight foot section, and they could say the signs are whatever size square dimension at a maximum per barrier. Mr. Yotka added that another option was to not allow signs at all on the barrier and to maintain two or three different color schemes throughout the Village.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that Councilman Voigt asked what happened when they changed the seating without approval but she didn’t hear what the punishment was for doing that. Ms. Jeffery stated that it was an automatic summons. Councilwoman Knudsen asked if there was a process of revoking a permit for repeat offenders. Mr. Yotka stated that it is in the ordinance and it is at the discretion of the Village Manager. Mayor Hache asked if it could be more definitive. Ms. Jeffery stated that it could be detailed more, such as after the third offense for the same violation, before it was revoked. Mayor Hache stated that if it was the same problem that was recurring that would be an issue. Ms. Jeffery stated that she discussed with the Court Administrator earlier, speaking with the Judge in reference to some of the fines and how they are currently handled. She added that there was a business that didn’t get an outdoor dining permit, with a full setup, and a $50 fine was given.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the 52 inches is a public safety issue, and if you have three strikes you should be out. She added that years ago she was sitting at the corner of Broad and Ridgewood Avenue, looking at what is now Finca, and there were women walking towards her with baby carriages. They had to go into the street in order to maneuver around all of the growth on the sidewalk. It is a hazard for people walking, in a wheelchair, or in a stroller. Ms. Jeffery added that it needs to be reiterated to the businesses that it is a privilege, and if they can’t conform they should be penalized. Mr. Rogers suggested thinking about it further, and discussing the detail that they are requiring that are safety concerns as opposed to aesthetics, and talking about violations for safety versus aesthetic concerns. He added that talking with Dawn Cetrulo, they can deal with actual licenses for restaurants. It’s a policy issue when a restaurant doesn’t apply for a permit but continuously takes the fine because he makes much more than that on a particular nigh. It is something that can also be brought in and dealt with. Ms. Jeffery stated that beside the 52 inches, the next biggest issue is adding additional chairs from the original approval, and then encroaching on other businesses.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that in terms of advertising, it should be a percentage of the barrier, and if it gets to be too much it looks crazy. Ms. Jeffery asked if it should be applied to the canvas, or if someone uses a fence type barrier. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it should be integrated into the piece as a design element. She added that regarding all barriers being moveable, from those dates where outdoor dining would not be permitted, every sidewalk must be completely clear which gives the Village the opportunity to do repair work and make sure that the snow can be cleared. Ms. Jeffery stated that if it is a planter that is there for part of the dining, it should be removed. Businesses that are not part of the outdoor dining would be advised that should be removed, as well. The Village Planner seemed to agree for streetscape, survey, and repairs that those items should be removed during a certain time also. Councilwoman Knudsen was in agreement that the sidewalk should be clear during that time.

Councilwoman Knudsen added that regarding the split rail fence that was displayed, she wasn’t sure how they would define what was appropriate. She added that she likes the black fencing, and the canvas stretch. Mr. Yotka added that it would be similar to what was done for the portable A-Frame signs. Ms. Jeffery added that it would be those three designs for the barriers and only those would be the choices.

Councilman Sedon asked if there was a definition for moveable. Ms. Jeffery added that they would need help with wording and how to define moveable legally. Mr. Rogers added that there were a number of different ways that it could be defined in order to identify it. Mr. Yotka added that the styles that have been identified are light and can be moved by two individuals. Councilwoman Knudsen added that nothing can be permanently secured. Ms. Jeffery stated that she was correct, and it was currently stated in the ordinance.

Mayor Hache added that he was very happy about this as it is a move in the right direction. He added that some of the violations got out of hand and he thinks that going in the off hours was helpful because you don’t see a lot of the craziness during the day. He added that he was surprised by the reactions of some of the restaurant owners. Suddenly it was a problem when it wasn’t before, but some of the things were pretty egregious. He stated that some of the barriers make it very difficult to get out of the car for individuals with mobility issues. He likes the fact that there will be a 30 day grace period. He loves the checklist which is helpful and that they can keep it in the store visibly. Mayor Hache added that the important thing is enforcement and he wants to make sure that they will continue to work the off hours and off days which is when enforcement would be most effective. Mr. Yotka added that one recommendation was that they approach it the same way that the Water Department did the enforcement; which was to rotate it. Ms. Mailander added that last year they added some additional people who could enforce for outdoor cafes. So, now they can do a rotating schedule at different times all the time, to create a surprise so we can be sure they will conform to what they said they would do.

Mayor Hache added that he had a question about the proposed fees, and asked about the percentage increase and the logic behind it. Ms. Jeffery stated that they didn’t want to go with a huge increase the first year, and went up a little on each one, adding that the biggest offenders are the ones with the most chairs, and looking at how much money they are making off those chairs and how much enforcement is required, the higher fee would cover. Mr. Yotka added that they could look at a percentage increase across the board and round it up from that.

Councilwoman Knudsen stated that this would be for permits that are for this season, and the ordinance would now apply. She added that this was such an improvement. Ms. Mailander stated that if this is introduced next week, and then it would be effective in March. Ms. Jeffery stated that they normally mail the application in January and the majority comes on the first nice day and it could easily be said they wouldn’t issue until March 1^st this year.

2. Amendments for Regulations for Dumpsters on Private Property

Ms. Mailander stated that there is a dumpster ordinance currently, but it pertains to public property in residential zones and where dumpsters can be placed. Councilman Voigt stated that they had a neighbor who had a dumpster in their front yard for four months which created a lot of unhappy neighbors. He stated that the questions he had were regarding dumpsters on private property. He didn’t think there were permits required for dumpsters on private property. Mr. Yotka stated that there was no permit required. Councilman Voigt stated that was one question to consider, in addition to how long the dumpster can be allowed on private property. He added that an additional concern was the placement on the property.

Councilwoman Knudsen asked whether the individual was doing construction during that entire period. Councilman Voigt stated that the construction was on and off, so the dumpster sat there for a long period of time. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that in terms of placement, she would imagine that it would be precarious to place it anywhere other than the front driveway or the front of the house. Mr. Yotka stated that most of the time a large truck delivers them, so they need room to maneuver. Councilwoman Knudsen added that they need height because of wires. Ms. Jeffery stated that placing the dumpster in the driveway takes up potential parking, which then creates a problem with cars. Mr. Yotka stated that with most of the construction projects in the Village, the dumpsters are on the front lawn as the driveway is usually reserved for the contractors, deliveries, and the homeowner’s cars if present.

Mr. Rogers stated that perhaps they should look at this similar to the pods. Councilman Sedon stated that this was similar to the pods, and perhaps something similar could be done with dumpsters. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that when someone has a permit for construction, you don’t need a permit to get a dumpster, so if they needed to get one it could mirror what the pod was. Mr. Rogers stated that there could be a difference in how they are utilized. He added that when talking about pods they talked about location, duration, a permit, an extension on the permit, size, and aesthetics. Councilwoman Knudsen stated that it might not prevent someone from having it on their front lawn for four months but at least there would be some regulations. Mr. Rogers stated that if somebody has it there for a long period of time, there should be a limited timeframe that they could keep it there, otherwise they’d have to come in for an extension and would there be a fee for that.

Mr. Yotka stated that they may not have the same latitude that they have with the pods because those are delivered in a way that they are easy to maneuver, while a dumpster would be along the sidewalk line. Councilman Sedon stated that to have a standard where the driveway is the standard but if someone could provide reasoning as to why that wouldn’t work then perhaps there was a checkoff box on the permit that it allowed to be off the permitted area on the driveway for a reason. Ms. Jeffery stated that when a dumpster is actively being used, if it is overflowing she makes them change out the dumpster, to try to keep it neat. Councilman Voigt asked if they would get a fine for not replacing the dumpster. Ms. Jeffery added that she could write a summons if she had to.

Councilwoman Knudsen added that it should apply to dumpsters that are trucked in, but the bags from Home Depot wouldn’t apply here. Ms. Jeffery added that those were a much smaller volume. Mayor Hache asked if it was a minimum size. Ms. Jeffery stated that it could be defined in the ordinance. Ms. Mailander stated that Mr. Yotka would talk to his colleagues in other towns to see if they have regulations regarding dumpsters on private property in other towns, and it would be brought back to the Council at the end of January or beginning of February.

1. Operations

1. Confirm Endorsement of Application for Community Development Block Grant – Care Plus NJ, Inc.

Ms. Mailander stated that Care Plus NJ has a group home on Van Emburgh Avenue and they are looking for funding through the Community Development Block Grant at their current residence. This does not obligate the funds from the Village, and this will provide safe and reliable transportation assistance to their residents for medical appointments, recreational visits, family visits. It also frees up the staff because currently the staff is doing a lot of driving that takes them away from the others in the home. This way they will have more time in the home and allow the residents to be picked up.

2. Place to Place Liquor License Transfer – 54 East Ridgewood Landmark

Ms. Mailander stated that in November a person to person transfer of the liquor license was approved for Felina. At that time, it was approved so they are free and clear to serve liquor. This restaurant decided they wanted to serve liquor on all floors, and the previous restaurant did not have liquor on those different levels. So, in order for them to expand what the previous restaurant had, they have to expand their license premise to all the floors and the roof. The Police Department has looked at it and has seen where the liquor is going to be served and stored and sent Ms. Mailander a memo that they approve of that. The Village Council is the ultimate licensing authority which will now allow them to serve liquor on all of the floors.

Councilwoman Walsh asked what the safety issues are with the roof deck with alcohol. Ms. Mailander stated that the Building Department and she was sure the Health Department would also have concerns regarding food, and that would all be addressed through those various Departments, at the time.

3. Approve Shared Services Agreement – Bergen County Police Chiefs Association Mutual Aid Plan and Rapid Deployment Force

Ms. Mailander stated that this is an annual resolution for a Mutual Aid Plan that every municipality in Bergen County adopts, that if there were an emergency in any town, this allows other towns to go in and help during an emergency.

Councilman Voigt pointed out that there was a spelling error on the resolution.

1. REVIEW OF JANUARY 16, 2019 PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Ms. Mailander stated that this was a review of the January 16, 2019 Public Meeting Agenda.

Proclamations include: Jamboree Days.

Resolution for Ridgewood Water: Award Contract – Eastside Reservoir Improvements; Title 59 Approval – Landscaping Services; Award Contract – Landscaping Design Services; Title 59 Approval – Line Stop and Valve Insertion; Award Contract – Line Stop and Valve Insertion; Title 59 Approval – Servicing and Repair of Electric Source; Award Contract – Servicing and Repair of Electric Source; Award Contract – Water Billing and Data Collection Services; Title 59 Approval – Furnishing and Delivering Sodium Hypochlorite Solution; Award Contract – Furnishing and Delivering Sodium Hypochlorite Solution; Title 59 Approval – Servicing and Repair of Potable Water Pumping Facilities; Award Contract – Servicing and Repair of Potable Water Pumping Facilities; Award Professional Services Contract – Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances Planning and Treatment Study; and Award Contract – Asbestos Abatement and Boiler Replacement – Glen Avenue.

The following ordinances are scheduled for introduction: 3698 – Bond Ordinance – Street Paving and Streetscape, Purchase of Senior Bus; 3699 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking at Train Station Lot after 6:00 P.M.; 3700 – Amend Chapter 156 – Food and Food Handling Establishments – Outdoor Café Regulations; 3701 – Amend Chapter 133 – Regulations for Dumpsters on Private Property; and 3702 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Ridgewood Premium Parking Permit for Hudson Street Parking Lot and Use of Rideshare Arrangement.

Ordinances for Public Hearing include: 3694 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees – Adopt a Tree and Memorial Benches; 3695 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish Regulations for Temporary Storage Containers; 3696 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Temporary Storage Containers; and 3697 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Graydon Pool Membership Fees.

Ordinance for Continued Public Hearing includes: 3688 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Graydon Pool Membership Fees and Tennis Membership Fees.

Resolutions include: Authorize Tax Assessor/Tax Collector to File Appeals and/or Settlement Stipulations; Award Contract – Landfill Disposal of Solid Waste; Award Contract – 2019 Recreation Program Instruction; Approve Shared Services Agreement – School Resource Officer; Approve Shared Services Agreement – Bergen County Police Chiefs Association Mutual Aid Plan and Rapid Deployment Force; Declare Property Surplus – Parks Department Logs; Declare Property Surplus – Various Vehicles; Authorize Temporary Capital Budget; Certify Compliance with Federal Civil Rights Requirements; Authorize Release of Escrow Funds – 143 & 147 West Glen Avenue; Endorse Application for Community Development Block Grant – Care Plus, NJ Inc. – Resident Transportation; and Approve Place to Place Transfer of Liquor License – 54 East Ridgewood Landmark, LLC – Expansion of Licensed Premises.

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Elle Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, stated that she was noticing in the presentation that one of the most egregious walls in town is the one in front of ‘It’s Greek to Me.’ She bangs her car door on that wall and it is the only solid wall in town. She didn’t understand why it isn’t mentioned in any of the presentations as it is very hard to park there.

Ms. Gruber added that years ago, when they improved the downtown, they made the low brick walls around the shade trees that people bang their doors on. She added that the Shade Tree Commission was going to make a presentation to get rid of them, but it seems it is a bothersome thing in a busy area of Ridgewood Avenue and she felt it should be looked at.

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she was delighted that the Board of Education has agreed to share the cost of the School Resource Officer as she believes that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are to thank for negotiating back the agreement. Ms. Loving added there are so many new trees planted in town, and she knows Councilman Sedon is largely responsible for that and she really appreciated it. She stated that Mr. Dani asked a question about the calendar, and she believes the Village Manager said notification is sent out to previous advertisers and all businesses having the opportunity to place an ad on the coming year’s calendar. She asked what all businesses means, such as having to be a Chamber member. She stated maybe that should be looked at for next year, so people are fairly notified of the opportunity to advertise whatever they want.

Marcia Ringel, 250 Ferris Place, stated that it sounded like there was a number that was given for the Non-Resident Guests of Graydon Pool, however they haven’t been allowed and this was the first year. She added that Ms. Bigos stated there hadn’t been Non-Member Guests allowed in the past. Ms. Mailander stated she said if they were to charge, it would be $5 more, and the $5 difference for those guest passes would be the $4,928. Ms. Ringel asked where that number came from for Non-Resident Guests if they hadn’t been allowed to do it before. Ms. Mailander stated they had been purchased in 2018. Ms. Ringel stated that she thinks there were a lot of rules at Graydon that have been ignored for years. Ms. Mailander stated she would check into it further. Ms. Ringel stated we are great at making rules, but how good are we at following them and making sure the badge office staff obeys them. She thinks that follow up and supervision needs to be pumped up.

Ms. Ringel stated that when printing the coupon books, they have the opportunity to do whatever they want in the books. In the past, they had a space for the name, age, address, and phone number of every guest, which to be filled in before they got their wristband. She added that it was a safety issue, and additionally it would be useful to print on the cover of the book whatever the rules are, as it was a good opportunity to get them in front of people.

Ms. Ringel stated that regarding the barriers downtown, she thinks it is wonderful that a program is being pursued in detail as it has become a problem. She stated that Mr. Rogers mentioned safety versus aesthetic when making determinations, but she also thinks the tone is important, such as having any ad approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. She added that the suitability should be reviewed, and to say they are removable is a good idea, but a movable barrier might blow away. Would they stipulate that it has to be held down by some amount of force so that it won’t get knocked over or blown away and become a safety hazard. Ms. Ringel stated if a new ordinance is written it should say there is no grandfathering; that these new rules will apply to everyone present and future.

Rurik Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, stated he would like Mayor Hache to take $25,000 to improve the sound system as it is very difficult to hear in the back. Regarding the website, he agrees with Ms. Mailander that it has improved, but we have to do more than just improve it, and bring in an outside professional website developer to start one from scratch.

Mr. Halaby stated that regarding the outdoor seating, he was impressed by the presentation, but he thought the Village Council should stop talking about passing more ordinances telling people what to do and how to do it. He stated as long as they have clearance, and safety, let people do it. He added they should let the business expand and come up with different things on their own. Mr. Halaby stated that regarding dumpsters, there was a house that was redone in his neighborhood, but it took forever to get a dumpster and there was junk all over the place. He begged the Village Council to concentrate on what to do about parking in the Village, and what is good for the Village long term.

Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated regarding the proposed sidewalk café requirements, the three foot height requirements were a good idea, but he asked that the Village adhere to the same height requirements with respect to the plants that are provided by Project Pride. He added there was a plant by the Post Office that was over five feet high, and he received a response that it would be looked into, but that plant was never cut down.

Mr. Loving stated that when the Village Council was talking about the fees for the sidewalk cafes, he got to thinking they were charging taxpayers more to park their cars than for businesses to do something to increase the volume of their business. He asked that the fees be looked at again, as he thinks they are on the cheap side as they were charging 40% to 50% less than they were charging for people to park their cars.

Mr. Loving also echoed Ms. Ringel’s comments, stating that on a document that the Village Council had before them it says that Non-Resident Guest Passes were not allowed last year, so he doesn’t know how Ms. Mailander has a number that 985 were sold as they weren’t allowed according to the ordinance. He added that the number equates to between ten and twelve each day of the week. He finds it difficult to believe that there were Non-Resident Members that were bringing that number of guests each day of the week. He stated that he felt that number was the total number of Guest Passes sold, not Guest Passes sold to Non-Resident Members. Mr. Loving asked that those figures be checked because according to the ordinance it wasn’t permitted.

There were no additional public comments.

Mayor Hache stated that some of the barriers that have been allowed are a problem and it has grown out of control. There is time now to improve the safety of the downtown, and having the proper clearance and right of way for people to walk and get through. He added that people should be able to exit their vehicle without damaging their cars or having to get out into a busy street. He wanted to make sure they were equally applying the regulations to everyone.

Mayor Hache stated that opening up the advertising to all businesses in town would be a great idea, because right now they aren’t targeting Chamber or Guild members, but would think of a better way to open it up next year.

Mayor Hache added that they would check the numbers regarding Non-Resident Guest Passes.

Mayor Hache stated that regarding the coupon books having the guest information on the back of a coupon, now if you purchase a guest pass you will fill out a lot of information. He would imagine that same information would be required with the coupon to have for safety reasons but also for a registry of who is at the pool.

Mayor Hache added that regarding the sound system, they were looking at various items. Ms. Mailander stated she believed they were at the point of ordering sound equipment and were also working on the cameras. That install won’t happen until late February or early March, but if they can do the audio sooner, they will.

1. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

Deputy Village Clerk, Donna Jackson read Resolution #19-01 to go into Closed Session as follows:

1. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Knudsen, seconded by Councilman Sedon, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 9:58 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., COURTROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016 AT 7:30 P.M.

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

Mayor Aronsohn called the meeting to order at 7:32 P.M., and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn.  Also present were Roberta Sonenfeld, Village Manager; Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk; Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney; and Matthew Jessup, Bond Attorney.

Mayor Aronsohn led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and asked for a moment of silence in honor of the American men and women serving in our Armed Forces serving as first responders.

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mayor Aronsohn asked if anyone from the public wished to speak regarding any of the agenda items.

Gary Cirillo, 260 S. Pleasant Avenue, he tried to watch “Meet the Candidates” online, but the audio is not working properly.  Project Pride will be working on May 14^th at 9 A.M.  and the committee is looking for volunteers to beautify the downtown area.  He believes the election signs should be off-limits in the planters of the CBD as they have crushed all the flowers.  He wants to mention that we are losing Marybeth Lane and her husband.  They are leaving town and he would like to pay honor to them.  At the intersection of Spring and Maple there is a musty smell which has puzzled him for quite a while.  He has discovered that smell emanating from the new telephone poles.  He asked the Village Council to consider a basketball court to be constructed.  He thinks it would be used a good deal and would require little maintenance.  It is his opinion that 5 minutes is too long for a person during public comment.  Three minutes is long enough at the podium.  Lastly, he wanted to thank the Council members that are leaving office for their time.

Lorraine Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Road, advised the Village Council that there are some political signs at the train station that should be removed.  She read the petition:

“We the undersigned registered voters of the Village of Ridgewood, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, seek to protest and repeal Ordinance No. 3521 – A Bond Ordinance. Providing for the Hudson Street Parking Deck in and by the Village of Ridgewood, in the County of Bergen, New Jersey, appropriating $11,500,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $11,500,000 bonds or notes of the Village to finance the cost therefor – consisting of 6 pages, which is annexed hereto and made part hereof, under the power of

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referendum granted to voters of the Village of Ridgewood by N.J.S.A. 4:49-27.  If the same is not repealed by the Township Council, the undersigned voters demand that the same submitted to the electorate for a vote at the next general election in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:49-10, unless the governing body shall call a special election therefor, with the question to be put to the voters in this manner: Shall Ordinance No. 3521 authorizing the Council of the Village of Ridgewood to issue $11,500,000 bonds or notes to finance the cost of constructing the Hudson Street Parking Deck, currently contemplated as a 4 story, 5 level Parking Deck, be ratified?”.  She also mentioned that the petitioners’ lawyer wrote a letter saying this should go to the general election unless the Village Council decides it should go to a special election which Ms. Reynolds feels is a waste of money.

Gail McCarthy, 153 Hope Street, mentioned that quite a few people wanted to know who our attorney was.  He sent a letter to Heather Mailander after the petition was certified.  She read “Dear Ms. Mailander, My name is Renee Steinhagen, and I am the Executive Director of New Jersey Appleseed Public Interest Law Center, a nonprofit legal advocacy organization, that inter alia represents residents and community-based organizations with respect to their rights of initiative and referendum under New Jersey law.  My clients, the Committee of Petitioners in the aforementioned matter (and, in the successful Petition to Repeal Ordinance #3519) have asked me to write to you in response to the conclusion expressed in the advisory legal opinion posted on the Village’s website on March 30, 2016.  In that opinion, The Village’s bond counsel has concluded that the Faulkner Act’s general referendum provisions, N.J.S.A. 40:69A-185 et al., and not the Local Home Rule Act specific governing bond referendum, N.J.S.A. 40-49-27 govern my client’s recent petition….  It is New Jersey Appleseed’s opinion that specific referendum provisions always prevail over the general referendum found in the Faulkner act, the Walsh Act or the Optional County Charter Act, (“Musto Act”) N.J.S.A. 40:41A-1 et seq¹ concerning the right of certain county residents to repeal ordinances enacted by their respective Board of Freeholders when they are adopted.  New Jersey statutes are replete with specific initiative and referendum provisions governing the right of citizens to initiative or repeal ordinances concerning among other things, county Blue Laws, changes in the salary…In many of these instances the form of petition, the number of signatures needed and the timing and nature of the election at which time the referendum will be held differs from the general municipal and county referendum statutes that otherwise govern initiative and referenda petitions in Walsh, Faulkner or Musto Act entities…As a result, New Jersey Appleseed always directs its clients to satisfy the requirements of the specific referendum statute implicated by their petition, and not the form requirements of the Faulkner Act or Walsh Act if they reside in such municipalities. Given our opinion tha the our client’s petition is governed by the Home Rule Act, and not the Faulkner Act, if their petition is found sufficient, the referendum must occur at the next general election, unless the Village Council specifically and affirmatively decides to hold a special election.  See N.J.S.A. 40:49-10.  If you have further questions regarding this matter, do not hesitate to contact me.”  Ms. McCarthy asked that the Village Council not spend the money on a special election especially when some of the Council were at the end of their term of office.

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Saurabh Dani, 390 Bedford Road, asked the Village Council why the resolution #16-110 listed on the Special Public Meeting Agenda is titled differently than the discussion item regarding certification of the petition which is on the Work Shop Agenda.  He asked how the petition can be listed as certified unless the Village Council has not already had a previous conversation to do so.

Claude Bienstock, 39-11B Broadway, Fairlawn, expressed his opinion that the Village Council is doing an excellent job and protecting the property values of the Ridgewood residents.  He has full confidence in their abilities.

Anne Loving, 342 S. Irving Street, agrees with that the political signs in the flower pots look terrible and are now being left as an example.  She believes the problem started in the Fall when the signs were first placed in the flower pots for the parking referendum.

Boyd Loving, 342 S. Irving Street, wants to remind everyone that the ordinance would need to be changed prohibiting the political signs in the flower pots in the Central Business District. He does not want to change the time spent at the podium for public speaking.  He believes five minutes is sufficient and would need to be changed by ordinance. Mr. Loving congratulated the Fire Department for the outstanding job they did on the fire over the weekend at the pizza parlor.

Ellen McNamara, 120 W. Ridgewood Avenue, sees the political signs as a form of support and believes they should be limited to lawns.

Councilwoman Hauck responded to the public comments expressing that the signs are a long-standing tradition in the Village that is difficult to regulate.  Matt Rogers, Village Attorney, advised that there has been an unwritten rule that we don’t allow political signs on public property, but it is not regulated by ordinance.  He did agree that the matter needs attention.  Councilman Sedon feels the signs disrespect the work of the volunteers.  Councilwoman Knudsen claims her email was a very nice request and she will send another even though the decision to remove the signs, or not, is an individual one.  Councilman Pucciarelli feels there is an implication that there is a wrong-doing and encourages the Council to change the topic of discussion immediately.  On that note, Mayor Aronsohn ends the time for public comment.

3. DISCUSSION

1. Parking

Certification of Results by Village Clerk of Petition to Rescind/Not Ratify Ordinance #3521 – Bond Ordinance for Hudson Street Parking Deck

Ms. Sonenfeld notes that there were two components to this.  The Deputy Clerk will certify that the petition contains at least 814 legal voter signatures and the second point is

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the discussion of resolution for referendum for the bond ordinance to be placed on the ballot for the June 21, 2016 special election.  She also spoke of the ten day period that the

petitioners can withdraw starts immediately and that June 21, 2016 falls within the time required to hold the election.  Also, the resolution contains the question that would be on the referendum.

Donna Jackson read the following resolution:  Certification of Village Clerk With Respect to Petition For Referendum

Matt Jessup, Bond Attorney for the Village, was introduced by Mayor Aronsohn.  Mr. Jessup explains that the Deputy Village Clerk just advised the Council that the petition for the referendum of the parking utility bond ordinance was presented before the Council.  They also heard during public comment that the petition calls for a review under the Home Rule Act.  He reminds the Council that he has advised this body and has put out to the public numerous times that the Village should act under the Faulkner Act.   The Clerk has been advised to accept the petition and that there is legal precedent for doing this and to continue to proceed under the Faulkner Act by which the Village Council has been advised to follow. 

Next, Mr. Jessup, announces, the Council has twenty days to repeal, or not repeal the ordinance.  The resolution concludes the Village is not going to repeal the ordinance and will accelerate the period in which that is done.  The twenty days has effectively passed.  The Committee of the Petitioners has ten days within which four of the five members can withdraw their petition.  In order for the Committee of Petitioners to understand their ten day period is beginning immediately, the resolution directs the Clerk to send notice to the five members at their addresses on the petition tomorrow indicating that their ten day period has commenced.

Mr. Jessup, continues to say that once the ten day period is over, the Faulkner Act requires an election to be held not less than 40, not more than 90 days from the end of ten day withdrawal date at the next regular or general election.  If there is no regular or general election held less than 40, not more than 90 days from the end of the ten day withdrawal date, the Faulkner Act requires that a special election be held not less than 40, no more than 60 days following the ten day date when the petitioners have the right to withdraw their petition.  He advises that June 21^st, 2016, the date Ms. Sonenfeld

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mentioned earlier, falls within that time period.  The resolution authorizes the special election to be held on that date.  In an effort to avoid costly and unnecessary litigation which may end up being unavoidable, given the letter the Village received on Monday from the law firm, Brach Eichler, which represents a group of concerned citizens indicating an intention to instigate a litigation against individual members of the Committee of Petitioners. I don’t know that litigation will be avoided.  In an effort to avoid that and to bring this question to the public as quickly as possible, the resolution schedules a special election under both the Home Rule Act and under the Faulkner Act.  If the committee does not withdraw their petition in the next ten days, then based on the terms of this resolution and the requirements of the statute, the Village Council will take all action required to put the bond ordinance to the public in a special election on June 21^st.

Councilwoman Knudsen also asks Mr. Jessup for further explanation on the differences between the Faulkner and Home Rule Acts and that there is no ten day withdrawal period under the Home Rule Act.  Matt answers that there is no twenty day period where the Council could consider rescinding the ordinance nor is there a ten day period for withdrawal for the Committee of Petitioners.  There are more specific provisions governing the referendum process under the Faulkner Act that allow for those particular intricacies.

Councilwoman Knudsen asks Matt Jessup for an explanation about the letter that was received on Monday and wonders who received it.  Mr. Jessup explained that the letter was delivered to the Clerk’s Office and informs the Councilwoman that it does not in any way indicate an intention to instigate litigation against the Village.  The letter indicates an intention to instigate litigation against the Committee of Petitioners.  Councilwoman Knudsen asks if a copy of the letter is available.  Councilman Pucciarelli wants to clarify that the object of the letter was the five petitioners, the Committee that sponsored the petition.  Mr. Jessup confirmed that yes, those five persons would be the five members that are identified on each petition page.  Councilman Pucciarelli mentions that the Clerk has been put on notice that a group of citizens may be considering suing another for alleged improprieties in connection with the petition.  He expressed that he was not alarmed as he or the Village is not party to the proceeding.  Matt says that the Clerk had a job.  The petition was filed and the Clerk was a time period to review the signatures and to compare them to the voting records and to certify a number of petitions.  The Clerk had a job to do and the Clerk did that job.  Once that job is complete, by statute, the Village Council has a job to do.  You either have to rescind your ordinance or you put your ordinance to the public and let the people vote.  Mr. Jessup said that he didn’t think the letter would slow down that process or change your obligation within certain time periods to take certain actions.  You are trying to place you in a process that led you to where you need to be while insulating you against any potential litigation whether that litigation is avoidable or not remains to be seen.  Mayor Aronsohn mentions that everyone should have copies of the letter, but regardless of what that letter said, it has no impact on what we are doing.  Matt Jessup agreed that until a judge or prosecutor comes in and says we must have to stay the election, we have an obligation to move forward. 

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Councilman Pucciarelli wondered why someone would want to notify the Clerk that she is about to certify petitions that they believe include improprieties.  They know the Clerk has an obligation and must move forward until the letter turns into something more.

Councilman Sedon asked Matt Jessup if the election must be on June 21, 2016 or can it be July 7, 2016 during the primary election.  Councilman Sedon asked if there could be another voting booth for independents.  Matt answered that there is absolutely no possibility that a special election can be held on a primary day. 

Ms. Sonenfeld thanked the Clerk’s Office for their hard work checking signatures for many days to certify the petitions and they have been putting in long hours. Heather Mailander, Village Clerk, was working on Saturday to keep up with the demand of the work.  Mayor Aronsohn thanked Matt Jessup.

1. Policy

Establish Ridgewood Community Action Network

Ridgewood Community Action Network – Mayor Aronsohn reported that in 2008 Access for All was started by James Thebery, the Bergen County Director of Disability Services to serve two purposes: to serve as a resource for families with disability related issues; and to serve as a platform for addressing disability related issues.  Mayor Aronsohn then showed a video to the Village Council and audience.  When the video was complete, the Mayor asked that Jim Thebery speak.

Jim Thebery began the Action Network10-15 years ago when not all communities were in favor of it.  Today, he said, things are totally different.  They now have a county website starting.  He mentioned that Mayor Aronsohn has always been receptive and the three-day Access Ridgewood has always been exceptional.

Janet Fricke spoke briefly to say that she is motivated to participate as she is has a disabled brother and has learned that there is no other place in Ridgewood like this that includes “all”.

Ines Bunza worked in our schools and realized the support that was missing in the next step after school.  She knows well the challenges that face those with handicaps all around town including ramps and post office boxes.  This committee can take action in three areas: education, entertainment, and enlightening.  She believes our Village has really good people whether they are a little different or very different.

Anne Burton Walsh spoke of her friend Leslie Linker, who is afflicted with MS, and her need for wheelchair- accessible three bedroom housing.  Because of the wonderful networking, within several weeks Anne was in touch with an attorney, social worker, marriage counselor, and social security benefits.

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Mayor Aronsohn informed everyone that the Village would formalize the committee at the May Village Council meeting.  His fellow councilmembers voiced their support.

Councilwoman Knudsen announced that Inez’s son Douglas set up a “Go Fund Me Page” for the La Bella Pizzeria which was recently destroyed by a significant fire.  Soon after Douglas started the page, he received some unkind comments and took the page down out of embarrassment.  When Inez discovered what her son had experienced, she spoke with some people who encouraged Douglas into starting up his page again.  At the present time, we can report that Douglas has raised over $5,000 for the pizzeria.

1. BUDGET

Award of Contract – Electrical Subcode Official/Inspector

Roberta Sonenfeld informed the Village Council that there that in order not to delay inspections for electrical subcodes she recommends the contracting of an outside third party service for the Building Department not to exceed $10,000.00.

There was a motion to suspend the worksession and go into the Special Public Meeting.

4. MOTION TO SUSPEND PUBLIC WORKSHOP AND CONVENE SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING

At 8:44 P.M., upon a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilman Pucciarelli, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the Village Council suspended the Work Session. 

5. MOTION TO RECONVENE WORK SESSION

At 8:56 P.M., upon a motion by Councilwoman Hauck, seconded by Councilman Pucciarelli, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the Village Council reconvened its Work Session. 

6. DISCUSSION

1. Parking

1. Changes to Parking Regulations for Brookside Avenue

Ms. Sonenfeld informed the Council that letters were sent out to the residents regarding the three-hour parking on Brookside Avenue and there were only two responses.  She noted that the issue had been brought up in front of the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee and Councilman Sedon voiced that it made sense for them to opine on the issue and they were all in agreement.

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1. Budget

1. Award Extraordinary Unspecifiable Contract – Bellair Pump Station Repairs

Roberta Sonenfeld explained that an emergency cleaning out of the pump station’s well of grit and sludge was necessary and to restore the Bellair Pump Station.  The cost of the repair is $6,295.00.

2. Award Professional Services Contract – Certified Forester to Prepare Community Forestry Management Plan

Ms. Sonenfeld announced that we would like to award a five-year forestry plan to Ronald Farr.  His quote was for $3,500 which will mostly be offset by a grant from the DEP.  Mr. Farr will inventory sick and diseased trees in the Village and open us up to more grants.  The Village Parks Department is very understaffed and this will assist them greatly.

3. Award Contract – Infrared Asphalt Surface Repair, Trench Patching, and Miscellaneous Curb and Sidewalk Repair

The Village Manager advised that we will award to the lowest responsible bidder, but there has been a change since this was added to the agenda and the Village Attorney will need to opine on this.

4. Removed from the Agenda

5. Award Contract – Furnishing, Delivering, and Maintenance of Emergency Equipment, Radios, Vehicle Computer Systems

There was one registered plan holder and one bid package.  We have worked with Regional Communications in the past and Ms. Sonenfeld recommended we award the contract.   Councilman Sedon asked if the total was $57,000 and Chris Rutishauser explained that the contract did not have a NTE for Fire and Police.  The contract established fixed prices through the bid process with a price of items commonly used on the extensive list with items to be purchased on an “as needed” basis.  Ms. Sonenfeld added that the Department requesting the purchase would check with Finance on the line item to check if budget monies remained.  The Village Fleet Department has operated in this manner in the past.

6. Award Contract – Repair of Garage Wall – Water Department Distribution Garage

Roberta Sonenfeld explained that the Village received three quotes and she was recommending that we accept the lowest responsible quote.

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7. Reject Bids – Janitorial Services – Various Village Facilities

The Village Manager explained that this was a resolution to reject the RFP or bids for outsourcing the janitorial services as there were various problems with the bid documents and the Village will repeat the bid process.

1. Operations

1. Establish Parking Restrictions on Pomander Walk

Ms. Sonenfeld mentioned that a group of residents visited the Village Manager and they were concerned about the changes on Pomander Walk.  Councilwoman Hauck worked with them and field observations were done.  The Citizens Safety Advisory Committee and the Engineering Department were involved.  Letters were sent out and some responses were received supporting the new restrictions of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.   Mr. Rutishauser has updated the ordinance accordingly.  Some think Sherman Place will be impacted and we will monitor the situation carefully.  It will be a few weeks before we introduce the new ordinance.  Councilman Sedon added that there are some concerns related to the passing of service vehicles on the streets and also that sometimes the issue passes problems further out to another street.  Again, the situation will be monitored.

7. MANAGER’S REPORT

After lengthy negotiations since last winter, Roberta Sonenfeld was happy to announce a signing of a Memo of Agreement with the Ridgewood PBA Local 20 and the Superior Officers Association.  Their contract expired December 31, 2015.  The terms as the Village Manager explained them are: 2 year agreement; raise in year 1=0%; raise in year 2=0% increase the hourly fee on side-jobs from $89 to $95 (administration fees to remain the same); memorializing 2 days of mandatory range-training compensatory (does not involve overtime); longevity is moving from a maximum of 10% to a maximum of 3% for new hires; increase steps to get to maximum from 10 steps in 10 years to 13 in 13 years; capped terminal leave to $15,000 - the same that we capped the Fire Department – which represents a whole year of sick days and will help us in the future in unfunded liabilities.  It has been estimated that the savings will be approximately $250,000 per officer over his or her life.  The contract is not been signed yet, Ms. Sonenfeld added.  The Mayor congratulated everyone for their hard work and a good contract.

Ms. Sonenfeld introduced Chris Rutishauser to review his report with the Village Council on Central Business District Environmental Activity/Issues.  The written report was emailed to the Council and a hard copy was provided to them, as well.  Mr. Rutishauser asked Council to consider the problems/issues occurring in the Central Business District and nearby.  Many of the problems originate on private properties and then have plumes that migrate onto Village property.  The projects are listed by location and impacted Village property.  Mr. Rutishauser reviewed more than a dozen issues with a brief

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explanation of each.  Roberta Sonenfeld asked if Mr. Rutishauser might visit the Council every six months to review the issues and update them on changes that might have taken place. 

Ms. Sonenfeld made everyone aware of the survey for the Summer Season to ask residents what can be improved at Graydon Pool.  It will be released through Survey Monkey.

The PSE&G Gas Replacement Modernization Project is causing detours in traffic flow.  They are sending out letters to residents advising them of the improved reliability with the new pipes.  They will need to dig trenches and have access to homes starting on

May 2, 2016.  They will repave the roads after the roads settle.

Roberta reports that we were declined the annual DOT Grant for our paving projects which supplements our budget.  We were surprised last year when we received the grant.  This year we applied for a grant for S. Broad, Passaic & Hudson Streets.  The Engineering Department will compose and post a draft list of streets to be paved.

Ridgewood High School Students of Congress is sponsoring Spring-Fling.  The Village will provide transportation for the fourteen Ridgewood Seniors attending the dance.

Bergen County Utilities Education will be holding a Backyard Composting seminar from 8:30 to noon on April 30, 2016 and the class is free at Habernickel Family Park.

Ms. Sonenfeld announced the Holocaust Memorial Service on May 2, 2016 at Temple Israel at 7:30 p.m.

There will be a Family Promise outdoor event from 11:00 to 2:00 at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on May 1, 2016.

The Village Manager wanted to congratulate the Fire Department on the work they performed containing the fire of the pizzeria.  Thankfully, due to the skill of our firefighters, the fire did not spread to the surrounding stores.

Ridgewood Water Forum was a Q & A for residents with a broad set of topics with an intention to rebuild the community’s trust in Ridgewood Water.  We have now held two sessions and they have gone very well. 

8. COUNCIL REPORTS

Councilman Pucciarelli wanted to say farewell to Christine Yurgelonis, the Assistant Library Director who is leaving and going to a position as Head Librarian in the town of Fort Lee.  She has added a lot of personality and leadership to the Ridgewood Library and has served our community very well.  Councilwoman Hauck agreed with Councilman Pucciarelli.

VILLAGE COUNCIL WORK SESSION – APRIL 27, 2016 – PAGE 10

Councilman Sedon mentioned that at a recent Citizens Safety Advisory Meeting, the topic of bi-laws came up as a discussion.  He thought that the Village Council might consider approving a template for the various Village boards and committees for consideration – especially as some of the boards and committees have small budgets.

Councilman Sedon announced that the Daffodil Festival was held at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square and it was a great day with beautiful weather.  Thousands of people attended.  Nancy Bigos, Tim Cronin and the Ridgewood Conservancy for Public Land all put in a huge effort.

Mayor Aronsohn, was recently at Orchard School when they celebrated Holi, and he joined the students in this festival to welcome Spring. 

The Mayor was very excited to tell everyone about Tyler’s Suite which was held at West Side Presbyterian Church this past Sunday.  It was a wonderfully emotional tribute to Tyler Clemente and anyone that is a victim of bullying.

Councilwoman Hauck mentioned Community for Responsible Dog Ownership who sponsored the parade at Earth Day.  There were many Village Department Directors present – which shows that they are always there for our residents.

9. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mayor Aronsohn asked that anyone wishing to comment, please come forward.

Leonard Eisen, 762 Upper Boulevard, agreed that Christine Yurgelonis will be terribly missed.

Lorraine Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Road, asked Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, if the political signs were permitted on the green space at the train station.  Ms. Sonenfeld responded that they are permitted on the right-of-way, but if it was questionable, Lorraine should contact the Village Clerk to make a report.

Saurabh Dani, 390 Bedford Road – commented that the resolution listed for the Special Public Meeting was listed differently than the item for discussion on the Public Meeting Agenda item and was a source of confusion.  He also asked if the Village Council had at any time considered the option of the Home Rule Act to save the $45,000 and hold the election in November.  His third comment was regarding the Electrical Subcode Official and why the Village had not planned in advance for this occurrence.

Anne Loving, 342 S. Irving Street – wondered if the Village officials attending Earth Day in the park were in violation of an ordinance that prohibits dogs in the park if they attended and brought their pets. 

VILLAGE COUNCIL WORK SESSION – APRIL 27, 2016 – PAGE 11

Melanie McWilliams, 431 Bogert Avenue – asked the Village Council if Pomander Walk was going to be discussed again.  Mayor Aronsohn informed her that it would be discussed again on May 11, 2016.

Jacqueline Hone, 30 Carriage Lane – brought up Mr. Dani’s question regarding the items on the agenda being listed differently.  She thought the items be considered void or nullified if adequate public notice was not given and the public was not notified properly.  Ms. Hone asked why the referendum question must go to the May ballot as a special election and not on the November election. Her last comment was regarding a May 28, 2016 County hearing regarding the Schedler property, including the house and land.  In case the Mayor did not report this, she has the minutes and can forward them to the Village Council.  It is a migratory act saying nothing can be done until after July 31, 2016, by Federal Law.  It has been a month and she has not heard anything and wonders if anything has been done in response.

Mayor Aronsohn closed the session for public comment.

Matthew Rogers, responded to the question of the discrepancy of an item listed on the public meeting agenda differently than the special public meeting resolution was titled. He noted that nothing is nullified unless a court says it is nullified, otherwise it is presumed to be a viable action.  It is subjective in the sense that the Open Public Meetings Act with regard to agendas that says it does not have to be word for word the same as long as the meaning is understood or as there is an awareness of what the meeting is about.  This is about the certification of the petitions and if the wording had something to do with the certification of the petition which was done tonight by vote it is basically the same as what appears on the agenda.  Then, it probably passes the test.  He asked Matt Jessup to expound on the subject.

Matt Jessup said to the Village Council that it is clear to Bond Counsel that any petition with respect to this bond ordinance is governed by the Faulkner Act.  Being governed by the Faulkner Act and not the Home Rule Act, there is a specific time period within which actions have to be taken.   There is a certain time period in which the Clerk must certify the signatures on the petition.  The Clerk must without delay present that petition to the Council at the next Council meeting.  From then, there is a twenty day waiting period where the Council could or could not take action to rescind the ordinance.  If you decide not to take action, the petitioners have a ten day period where four of the five members can withdraw voluntarily.  If that does not happen within that ten day period, then the Faulkner Act requires that an election be held at the next general or regular municipal election with not less than 40 not more than 90 days after the end of the ten day withdrawal period that the petitioners have.  It is my understanding that there is no general or regular municipal election in the Village of Ridgewood in that time period.  In that case, the Faulkner Act goes on to say a special election must take place not less than 40 and not more than 60 days following the date where the petitioners could withdraw their petition. 

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Mayor Aronsohn asks Matt if we have any other choice but to hold the election within that time period. Matt responds that again the opinion of Bond Counsel is that the Village is governed under the Faulkner Act and obligated to follow that statutory time frame and that strict process.  The Home Rule Act does allow you to hold a special election in lieu of a general election and only for purposes of avoiding litigation or additional cost of litigation.  It was Bond Counsel’s suggestion that you continue to follow the Faulkner Act.

Mayor Aronsohn asked if the petitioners filed the BCIA petition under the Faulkner Act, why does Matt think the petitioners would now file under the Home Rule Act.  Mr. Jessup answered that it is his sense that they believe bond ordinances under the Faulkner Act are subject to the petition and referendum provisions of the Home Rule Act whereas other ordinances are subject to the petition and referendum provisions of the Faulkner Act.  It is the view of Village Bond Counsel that a Faulkner Act municipality provides for petition and referendum for all ordinances and the Faulkner Act applies - not the Home Rule Act.  I agree, as quoted in the “Appleseed” letter or memo, this helps Walsh Act municipalities, for example, where the Walsh Act specifically says Walsh Act towns have the right to referendum and ordinances, but not bond ordinances.  New Jersey legislature finds referendum incredibly important and wants every municipality to have the power of referendum.  Under Walsh Act municipalities, the Home Rule Act assures they have the power of referendum.

Councilwoman Knudsen wanted to say that her no vote was due to the $45,000 cost.  She asked Matt if the petitioners and their attorney suggested a November election to avoid a $50,000 bill, she is not sure how that would have avoided litigation.  Mr. Jessup explained that there were two issues.  If that was not there and you simply acted under the Faulkner Act, it is likely that any group could file an action that you are acting outside your capacity under the Home Rule Act and challenge that in court.  Likewise, if you followed the Faulkner Act only, you could have a lawsuit by the other group.

Councilman Pucciarelli asked if there were no Faulkner Act, would the Village still have the option to have a special election under the Home Rule Act on June 21, 2016.  Matt agreed that the Village would still have that option.  Councilman Pucciarelli declared the Village had no choice but to follow the Faulkner Act.  Councilman Sedon and Councilwoman Hauck were in agreement.

Ms. Sonenfeld wanted to respond to the Electrical Subcode Official comments.  The Village was aware that there was a retirement pending and prepared for it.  We took actions: two advertisements for placement with no appropriate candidates responding.  We tried shared services along with a variety of other tactics.  Hiring an outside consultant was our last approach.   Also, there were some Human Resource issues involved that cannot be commented on at the present time.

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10. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

The following resolution, numbered 16-112, to go into Closed Session, was read in full by the Deputy Village Clerk, as follows:

11. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Knudsen, seconded by Councilman Sedon, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 10:28 P.M.

                                                                        Paul S. Aronsohn, Mayor

Donna M. Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk

A SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURTROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016 AT 7:30 P.M.

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

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

2. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE

Introduction – 3533 – Establish Ridgewood Community Action Network

Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3533.  Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

The Village Deputy Clerk read Ordinance 3533 by title:

AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE THE RIDGEWOOD COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK – A VILLAGE ORGANIZATION TO ADDRESS DISABILITY/SPECIAL NEEDS –RELATED ISSUES.

Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3533 be adopted on first reading and that May 11, 2016 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

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

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:        None

ABSTAIN:      None

VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING – APRIL 27, 2016

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3. RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 16-109 THROUGH 16-111 WERE PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL ON A CONSENT AGENDA AND READ BY TITLE ONLY:

Prior to the vote, Councilwoman Knudsen mentioned that she would like to amend the closed session minutes mentioned in resolution 16-109. Mayor Aronsohn asked that the Deputy Clerk explain to the public what the resolution referred to.  Donna Jackson informed everyone that an OPRA Request had been submitted for a portion of Village Council Closed Session Minutes.  Ms. Mailander transcribed the portion of her handwritten notes that had been requested and provided it to the Village Council by email for review prior to this meeting.  Portions of the minutes had been redacted as they were confidential.  Councilwoman Knudsen noted that she would like to review Ms. Mailander’s handwritten notes.  Ms. Jackson mentioned that she did not think the minutes that had been presented could be amended.  Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney advised that possibly if there was a difference of opinion in what someone remembers and what was written, there might be an opportunity to discuss some changes. Ms. Jackson replied that it would be a decision for Ms. Mailander as they were her notes.  Councilwoman Knudsen also mentioned that the redactions were important due to some litigation.

Mr. Rogers asked if we were in need of an extension of time to respond.  Ms. Jackson responded that an extension had already been granted and if another extension were requested, the applicant would likely contact Government Records Council (GRC) to file a complaint.  Mr. Rogers explained that the applicant has every right to do so and that it was his opinion that GRC would understand our request for an extension under the unusual circumstances in this case.

Councilwoman Hauck voiced her opinion that the Council could vote on the resolution to approve the minutes and the majority would carry the decision.  This would show a consensus on whether we thought the minutes were correct rather than have one councilmember challenging the Village Clerk’s minutes. Councilman Sedon expressed that he thought it fair that Councilwoman Knudsen have an opportunity to review Ms. Mailander’s notes when she return from her conference. 

Ms. Jackson mentioned that she did leave a message earlier that day for Councilwoman Knudsen that Ms. Mailander was available by phone to answer any questions Councilwoman Knudsen might have regarding the minutes.  Councilwoman Knudsen responded that she did not receive the message and asked that the resolution be tabled.

The Village Council agreed that RESOLUTION 16-109 would be tabled and that it be considered at the next Village Council Meeting.  

VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING – APRIL 27, 2016

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VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING – APRIL 27, 2016

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4. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Hauck, seconded by Councilman Pucciarelli, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the Special Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:56 P.M.

                                                                        ____________________________________

                                                                        Paul S. Aronsohn, Mayor

_______________________________________

Donna M. Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk