A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON MARCH 8, 2023 AT 8:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Vagianos 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 Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Councilmember Reynolds was absent from the meeting. Also present was Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk, and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of February 28, 2023, be accepted as submitted. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Council minutes of January 31, February 1, and February 8, 2023, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
4. PROCLAMATIONS
Deputy Mayor Perron read the Proclamation entitled “Proclaim March Red Cross Month.” Councilmember Winograd read the Proclamation entitled “Proclaim March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.” Councilmember Weitz read the Proclamation entitled “Proclaim March 19-25, 2023 as National Poison Prevention Week.”
5. SWEARING-IN OF EMS & SPECIAL OPERATIONS OFFICERS
Mayor Vagianos swore in the following Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Special Operations Officers, while the Village Councilmembers went down on the floor and Deputy Mayor Perron held the Bible: Lieutenants Mary Hefferan and Robert Kearney (both EMS); Captains Eric Frielink (EMS), Jonathan Hyslop (Special Operations) and Corinne Scarpa (TIES); Dr. Robert Lahita, Medical Director; and William Kievit, Volunteer EMS Coordinator & Division Commander of Special Operations. Photographs were taken, and there was a resounding round of applause for each of the individuals. Janine Gelles (EMS) and Kevin Scarpa (Teens in Emergency Services – TIES) will be sworn in on a later date.
6. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rohan DeSilva, 521 West Saddle River Road, thanked the Village Council for reading all of the cancer- and health-related Proclamations this evening. He expressed the hope that the residents who live near the Schedler property do not have to worry about any health-related issues in the future. Mr. DeSilva said that he was asked to read a letter this evening on behalf of his neighbor, Donald Henke, who lives at 524 West Saddle River Road: “Letter to the Ridgewood Mayor and Councilmembers: The fact that the Council is allegedly pursuing outside counsel makes it apparent that most members of this Council have already made up their minds to try to defy SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office). You continue to put through the option of a very large multiuse field over the alternative, a more sensible park, the one previously already agreed upon. The park would serve sports teams, but would better serve the whole community, the community of Ridgewood residents from every part of the Village. Schedler Park would be used by our residents 12 months a year, 12 to 15 hours a day, 365 days per year. Use by sports groups would be considerably less, accounting for school hours, inclement weather, and unsuitable field conditions. Use of sports fields in winter would be negligible. With minimal expense, we can enjoy games of cards, dominos, chess, checkers, bocce, horseshoes, shuffleboard, badminton, volleyball, yoga and Tai Chi, painting, even just a stroll through the park with baby carriages, walking our dogs, sitting and talking with new friends and neighbors. This would provide a therapeutic service both physically, mentally and emotionally. This is a therapy that is often overlooked, but is something that we all need. It is called care of the soul. It’s unquantifiable. We sometimes don’t realize that it’s missing in our lives, but when we find it, we feel its healing effects. The Covid epidemic has exacerbated this problem with us and the only cure is for us to reconnect with nature and other people. A park is a community meeting space, a place where this therapeutic healing would happen. Don’t lose this opportunity to make this a park that is a healing place for all of us. Thank you.”
Leo Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, stated that the local community by the Schedler property is not in favor of a larger field. They would like to have the smaller field that was proposed after years of compromise and debate. He asked the Village Council how traffic safety is adequately being studied. A larger field would entail games being played by high school athletes and adults, as well as anyone living in New Jersey or New York who desires to play there. This would draw a lot of traffic to the area, including buses carrying travel teams and cars with parents, referees, spectators and players. Mr. Ruane said that a traffic study was done in 2015, but he questions whether this study adequately measured the addition of large buses to the area and the impact they would have on the surrounding community. He mentioned how cars speed off the Route 17 North ramp onto West Saddle River Road, and stated that he would not want to see anyone get hurt.
Mr. Ruane stated that, last week, there were some buses and cars parked on both sides of West Saddle River Road, which left only about 12 feet for cars to pass by. He stated that this would make it difficult, if not impossible, for any emergency vehicles, such as fire engines and ambulances, to reach someone who was injured on the Schedler property. Mr. Ruane said that West Saddle River Road is the only major road leading from the Schedler neighborhood, since the neighborhood is comprised mostly of circular roads and cul-de-sacs. This is the only way out of the area for the residents. He requested that a traffic study be performed to ensure that anything proposed for the Schedler property is safe.
Jacqueline Hone, 30 Carriage Lane, said that she lives in the Schedler neighborhood and does not support a large turf field. She urged the Village Council to do its due diligence by requisitioning independent impact studies performed by experts regarding health, the environment, traffic, and safety. She read an article sent to the Village Council by Brooke de Lench, Executive Director of Moms Team Institute of Youth Sports Safety and Project Director of Smart Teams Play Safe, entitled “Playing Fields Near Busy Highways Pose Risks for Youth Athletes”: “Before your community decides to locate playing fields near a busy highway, you may want to consider these serious facts. The American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that exposure to traffic-related pollution, such as exhaust emissions from cars and diesel exhaust from trucks, and even school buses, increases a child’s risk of respiratory complications, as well as a lifetime risk of cancer. A substantial and growing body of scientific evidence has linked airborne toxic pollution from motor vehicles, trains and aircraft to significant health problems, especially in children, including aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks and premature death in people with heart or lung disease. Recent studies warn that the developing lungs of children may be especially vulnerable to adverse consequences of particulate inhalation and that exercise in high ambient particle conditions may increase the risk of lung and vascular damage. In 2006, in the journal, Inhalation Toxicology, a study found that levels of ambient air pollution, at athletic fields located adjacent to major highways, were severalfold higher than levels measured at fields located in rural areas. The same study also found that fields close to major highways exposed children to levels of ambient ozone above levels shown to cause airway inflammation, abnormal lung function, and asthma exacerbation, with the highest levels in the warmer afternoons when games and practices are held and traffic is at its peak.”
Ms. Hone said that members of the public were asked to speak with respect, and she asked the Village Councilmembers to lead by example.
Robert Koch, 60 North Hillside Place, said that he wanted to thank Heather Mailander, Village Manager, and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, for their incredible commitment to public service and for being present at almost every Village Council meeting. Regarding the Schedler property, Mr. Koch said that he wanted to speak, from a legal perspective, of the concept of pre-emptive authority. The legal doctrine of pre-emption refers to the idea that a higher authority of law will displace the law of a lower authority of law, when the two authorities come into conflict. Mr. Koch stated that the Village Council does not have the final authority over the design of the Schedler property. Ultimate authority rests with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a division of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Any action taken by the Village Council is subject to pre-emption by SHPO.
Mr. Koch said that it was a shame that the new Village Council has squandered 64 days entertaining “pie in the sky” designs for the Schedler property, as if the Village has final authority on how the park is to be designed. He said that false hope has been given by the Village Council, with a vision of a sports complex, when the Village Council has no ability to deliver that vision. He highly doubted that SHPO would approve a sports complex. He said that “historic” and “sports complex” are two diametrically opposed concepts. He wondered why so much time, resources, political capital and political goodwill has been wasted on a design that would be “dead on arrival” to SHPO. He urged the Village Council to abide by Resolution 18-36.
Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, said that she and many of her neighbors are in favor of a small grass field at the Schedler property, which she stated was the intended design approved in 2018. They do not endorse a full-size, regulation sports complex with a turf field for many reasons. She and her neighbors are concerned over the serious implications that can and will likely affect their health and safety, as well as the environmental impact, should the proposed changes to the property design be approved. Ms. O’Keefe stated that turf fields are made from various chemicals and plastics. Studies have shown that synthetic turf fields contain PFAS, which has been shown to cause cancer, acknowledged by the Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Ms. O’Keefe said that her home and others are located in close proximity to the Schedler property, and she is worried about children and seniors drinking the well water on their properties, if chemicals from the turf field should leach into the ground water. She cautioned the Village Council about the ramifications to the adjacent community if a turf field were approved for the Schedler property. She asked what assurances could be given by the Village Council that the neighbors’ well water will remain safe for consumption if a turf field were approved. She also asked whether any studies will be conducted to ensure the safety and well-being of the neighbors.
Linda Koch, 60 North Hillside Place, stated that when the Glen School in Ridgewood was closed, children in that area had to be bused to school and still don’t have a playground on which to play. She said that the Village purchased the Schedler property with grant money, due to the historical importance of the house and property. Ms. Koch said that this site has been the scene of many battles, and not just Revolutionary War battles. She stated that battles are being fought today over what will be done with this land. In 2017, people representing all points of view formed an Ad Hoc Committee and arrived at a truce after two years of skirmishes and battles. This compromised plan allowed for beautifully landscaped walking paths, a playground for children, and a small field. This plan was approved by a former Village Council, yet the development of the Schedler property has still not been completed.
Ms. Koch asked why this newly seated Village Council has decided to reopen the discussions about the development of Schedler Park and rescind the prior plans, arrived at after years of work. She said that some may view this issue as a ballfield issue, but she views it as a moral dilemma of doing what is right and fair. Ms. Koch stated that campaign promises were made and broken.
Joe DeMarco, 572 West Saddle River Road, stated that he supports the development of a multiuse park, including a small grass field, children’s playground, and passive area with walking paths. He said that such development would not only be valuable to the surrounding neighborhood, but also to the entire Ridgewood community. As a physician, Dr. DeMarco said that he was very concerned about the installation of a full-sized field with artificial turf. As a father of children who play sports, he said that turf fields may look aesthetically pleasing and require less maintenance, but research has shown that these fields are dangerous to children who play on them, resulting in a higher non-contact injury rate and a higher risk of concussions.
Last week, Dr. DeMarco stated that he asked the Village Council to conduct the necessary studies to determine the impact of the proposed field changes on health, safety, traffic, and the environment. However, he has been informed that the Village Council does not intend to conduct any such studies. In the American Journal of Sports Medicine, 53 articles published between 1972 and 2020 reported a higher rate of foot and ankle injuries on artificial turf compared to natural grass. A recent article from 2022 in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine compared over 1,000 ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries among high school athletes participating in football and soccer. It was found that ACL injuries were more likely to occur on artificial turf than on natural grass.
Dr. DeMarco said that if the Village Councilmembers do not want to heed the advice of scientists, they should heed the warnings from professional athletes. He said that Nick Bosa, a San Francisco 49ers defender, is a strong opponent of playing on artificial turf, after having sustained an ACL tear while playing on such a field at MetLife Stadium in 2020. In addition, a recent statement by the NFL Players’ Association reported that players had a 28% higher rate of non-contact lower extremity injuries when playing on artificial turf. They have called for an immediate replacement and ban of turf fields. He wondered why parents in the Village would want to subject their children to what professional athletes have deemed as hazardous.
Dr. DeMarco said that it would be prudent of the Village Council not to add another turf field in Ridgewood for the safety of the children. He asked them to consider the information carefully, before making a final decision on the Schedler development plan.
Dana Glazer, 621 Clinton Avenue, stated that he was speaking this evening in support of the neighbors who live near the Schedler property. In 2017, a resolution was adopted by the Village Council, which approved a reasonably sized playing field on the property. He is perplexed as to why these plans are not being honored, since the plans represented a compromise, reached after many years of discussions by Village citizens. In addition, Mr. Glazer stated that no impact studies are being performed. He said that the historical aspect of the house and property is important, yet he has heard that action is going to be taken in an attempt to revoke that historical designation. He said that this was a “bad move” on the part of the Village Council, especially while the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States is being celebrated (America250).
Mr. Glazer stated that the Village Council approving a plan against the wishes of the Schedler neighbors is a “might versus right” lesson, a lesson that should not be taught to children. He said that while he feels it is important for children to have a playing field on the Schedler property, he feels that a moderately sized field is more appropriate, as denoted on the plans developed in 2017.
Kristina Milian, 530 West Saddle River Road, stated that she was in support of a small grass field on the Schedler property. Her children asked her to pose some questions to the Village Council this evening regarding the larger playing field. Her daughter asked why the Village is not looking into purchasing the property located by the Park and Ride on Route 17 South, as a home for the extended field option. She said that lights are already installed there, there is more acreage than the Schedler property, and it is not located on historic land. In addition, parents who commute to New York City for work could easily attend their children’s games at that site at the end of their workday. Her son asked if people would be at a higher risk for developing wheezing and asthma due to highway pollution, when acres of trees are removed from the Schedler property to make way for the expanded sports field. Her daughter asked if the increased traffic on West Saddle River Road would mean that she could no longer ride her bike safely in that area. Her daughter wondered if emergency vehicles could reach her if she were hurt riding her bicycle on West Saddle River Road.
Ms. Milian said that her son loves to fish, and he asked whether or not the Saddle River would become contaminated by future stormwater runoff caused by the expanded blacktop parking lot shown in the CAD (computer-aided design) drawings. In addition, if the expanded sports field moves forward, her son wanted to know if it would be safe for him to drink the tap water at his friend’s house, derived from a well located near the Schedler property.
Ms. Milian said that she would appreciate answers to her children’s questions. She said that it was alarming how many people do not know the impact to their neighborhood if a larger field were constructed. She said that the “East Ridgewood children” have been forgotten in this entire Schedler debate, which she stated was shameful, because the health and safety of those children should be the focus of these discussions.
Elzbeieta Jastrzebeska, 215 Walton Street, said that the historical designation of the Zabriskie-Schedler house and land should be honored by the Village Councilmembers, and that the original development plans for this property should be accepted, with a smaller playing field. She urged the Village Council to abide by these original plans and preserve the history of the property.
Robert Lynch, 40 Sherwood Road, stated that he is a member of the Ridgewood Lacrosse Association’s Board of Trustees and is speaking this evening on behalf of over 700 athletes in the association. He said that anyone involved in sports, such as parents, coaches and administrators, are all aware that Ridgewood has more players than available, usable fields. He implored the Village Councilmembers to get this decades-long project over the finish line. He said that a lot of money has already been spent and a lot of the work has already been done, so he urged the Village Council to approve the installation of a large field on the property.
Mr. Lynch said that, during the Schedler discourse, he dislikes the use of the term “sports teams” in a pejorative way, with negative connotations. These are just children who want to play sports in Ridgewood. Better facilities are needed, and the current fields in Ridgewood are waning, as compared to the facilities in neighboring towns.
Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, said that she was distressed to learn that the Village is going to be hiring an attorney to override the concerns of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) by planning to construct a large field and various out buildings, which directly affect the historic house. She wondered how much this attorney will cost and said that residents are entitled to a full fiscal accounting of the monies already spent on the Schedler house and property. She said that the Village Council does not hesitate to reject budget requests, yet decides to spend money to hire an attorney for the Schedler property project, which will only create further delays and increase costs to taxpayers. Ms. Gruber asked the Village Councilmembers if they had considered that some grant monies would have to be returned if the Schedler property is not developed in accordance with grant eligibility requirements. She stated that grant monies were received specifically in line with the original planned development. She warned that any changes to the original plans would result in lawsuits being filed against the Village by residents.
Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, said that she supports a small grass field, playground, walking path and park at the Schedler property. The proposed larger field may possibly encroach on the historic Zabriskie-Schedler house, which will not be allowed by SHPO, and will cause further delays. Construction of a larger field will change the character of the property, and it will no longer be a park. While the Village Council has assured the public that there will be no permanent lights installed on the property, Ms. Ruane wondered what assurances the neighbors would receive that the Maroons soccer team will not move their portable lights to the property for use during night games. This is especially important since Ridgewood High School now has a later start time for students, which will push the start times for games even later in the evening.
Ms. Ruane stated that the plans presented at the December 7, 2022 Village Council meeting by Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, after discussions that lasted over a year with SHPO, have now been discarded. Ms. Ruane asked why the Village Council is not attempting to look at other locations where a field could be built, such as at Citizens Park, which would not require approval by SHPO. She said that she has heard people who live on the west side of town support the construction of a large field on the Schedler property, yet they have not proposed building such a field at Citizens Park, which is on the west side of Ridgewood.
Jan Phillips, 234 Union Street, thanked the Village Council for placing the establishment of a Pride Day Committee on this evening’s agenda. She expressed hope that the Village Council will make Pride Day an official Village-sponsored event. She said that the Pride movement began after the horrific shooting at the Pulse nightclub in 2016. Former Village Manager, Roberta Sonenfeld, and former Mayor, Paul Aronsohn flew the first Pride flag, in 2016. Less than a year afterwards, a group called CRAB (Community Relations Advisory Board) continued the practice of flying the Pride flag after being approached by several students and a teacher.
Ms. Phillips stated that CRAB was a Village committee until it became “detached.” Pride flags continued to be flown, amid much criticism, but the Pride Day celebration continued to be sponsored by the Village and never as a private entity. Two years ago, former Mayor Susan Knudsen directed that the Pride Day Committee would no longer be sponsored by the Village and the celebration would be run as a private event. Ms. Phillips stated that the celebration continued nevertheless, and was organized by private citizens, people in the clergy, civic leaders, and students. She thanked the Village Councilmember who asked about funding for the Pride Day celebration, even though the formation of a Village-sponsored Pride Day Committee has not yet been decided.
Ms. Phillips said that since police officers are patrolling anyway in the Village, the subject of paying police officers extra to provide security at the Pride Day celebration should not be an issue. Extra wages for staff in the Signal Division are not discussed when Veterans Day services are held, so Ms. Phillips wondered why they are brought up concerning a Pride Day celebration. She said that the Pride Day Committee is not asking the Village to sponsor the Pride Day event because of the costs involved, but rather to acknowledge that the Village honors diversity and community.
Ankit Dharia, 471 West Saddle River Road, said that he and his family live across the street from the Schedler property. He said that his four-year-old daughter was super excited to learn that a park at the Schedler property would be completed in the spring of this year, and she asks him every day when the park will be completed. He stated that the only answer he can give her is that it will take a few more years, because the plans are going to be changed. He said that he supports the plans developed a few years ago, with a smaller grass field and no turf. He would like to see people enjoy the park as it was originally designed.
Laurie Weber, 235 South Irving Street, said that she was unaware that the residents near the Schedler property had well water. She said that as the Village struggles to mitigate PFAS in the drinking water, she cannot understand why the Village Council is considering exacerbating the quality of the drinking water in the Schedler area with a turf field. Ms. Weber feels that the neighbors in that area should band together and consider filing an injunction against the Village to prevent any contamination of their drinking water.
Regarding Pride Day, Ms. Weber stated that she supports Village sponsorship of this event but feels that the selection of members of the Pride Day Committee should be left to the LGBTQ+ community. She said that the omission of LGBTQ+ high school students as full committee members is shameful. Ms. Weber stated that the Village Council should stop meddling and exploiting Pride Day and leave the event in the capable hands of the LGBTQ+ community.
Frettra DeSilva, 521 West Saddle River Road, wished everyone a Happy International Women’s Day. She said that she has four children: two girls who played Ridgewood rugby and two boys who played Maroons soccer. She said that the issue is not community versus sports, because there are families all over the Village who have children who play sports. Ms. DeSilva said the real issues are process, disclosure, and transparency. She asked that the parameters of SHPO oversight regarding the Schedler property be posted on the Village website, such as archaeological surveys and preservation requirements, and whether or not there is a plan in place for oversight, as the property undergoes development. Ms. DeSilva said that these items would help Ridgewood residents understand the process by which the project is being developed. In addition, she stated that it would be helpful for residents to understand why the Village Council has decided to hire an attorney regarding the development of the Schedler property, such as the scope and terms of the engagement, the costs involved, and the goals they hope to accomplish.
Regarding plans for the use of the Zabriskie-Schedler house, Ms. DeSilva asked if the Village Council has considered using the house in accordance with its historical designation and whether the Village Council has explored any grants that may be applicable to such usage. Ms. DeSilva thanked Village staff for posting information regarding the sports teams in Ridgewood on the website, but asked for more information regarding the demand for fields versus the number of players, and the number of games played per year versus the number of games that have been cancelled due to lack of field availability. She also asked for information regarding how far away any field in Ridgewood is located from a highway.
There were no further public comments.
7. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Mailander stated that the next “Council Chat” will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. in the Village Hall courtroom. Individuals interested in speaking with Village Councilmembers should call 201-670-5500, extension 2207, to make a reservation. Walk-ins are welcome, but those with reservations will have priority.
Ms. Mailander said that the Village Council is looking for volunteers for Project Pride to assist with plantings in the Central Business District (CBD), as well as for Green Ridgewood, the Green Team and the Pride Day Committee. Interested individuals should visit the Village website and click on the tile marked “Volunteer Opportunities” to access and complete the Citizen Volunteer Leadership Form. The completed form, along with a resume and cover letter indicating on which committee they would like to volunteer, should be submitted before March 17, 2023.
A Ridgewood mobile drive-through shredding event (no walk-ups) will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 beginning at 9:00 A.M. and ending at 1:00 P.M., or as soon as the truck is full. The event will be held at the Graydon Pool parking lot. Residents should stay in their vehicle, with items to be shredded placed in paper bags or cardboard boxes. No plastic bags will be allowed, and there is a limit of five file-sized boxes per vehicle. Documents will be securely shredded. This is free for all Ridgewood residents and businesses, and will take place rain or shine.
Ms. Mailander announced that the old parking meter poles have been removed from Chestnut, Oak and Walnut Streets.
A household hazardous waste event will be held by the Bergen County Utilities Authority on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. in Moonachie. They will accept various types of hazardous waste such as aerosol cans, antifreeze, batteries, blacktop sealers, paints and varnishes. This event will be held rain or shine, and no commercial vehicles will be allowed.
On Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., the Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter, Ridgewood Health Department, and Parks and Recreation Department will hold an event called “Community Impact of COVID-19 for Caregivers: A Caregivers Guide to Resources.” Attendees will learn about the connection between Covid-19 and dementia, as well as caregiver tips and resources that can help with legal, medical, and financial matters. This event will be held in the Annie Zusy Youth Lounge. Lunch will be provided. The Senior Bus will also be available for transportation, and interested individuals should call 201-670-5500, extension 2203, to make reservations for the bus. Registration for the Alzheimer’s event can be accomplished through Community Pass, under the Village of Ridgewood Parks and Recreation tab.
Upcoming Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, on FIOS Channel 34 and YouTube. The next Public Meeting is scheduled on April 12, 2023 at 7:30 P.M. (new time). The next Village Council Work Sessions will be held on March 22, April 3 (a change from usual scheduling due to Passover), and April 26, 2023 at 7:30 P.M. The next Budget Meeting will be held on March 15, 2023 at 5:00 P.M. in the Village Hall courtroom. All meetings will have hybrid access (in person, Zoom or phone). Additional Budget Meetings may need to be scheduled before the introduction of the budget at the end of March and adoption of the budget at the end of April.
8. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Weitz congratulated the EMS personnel who were sworn in this evening, stating that they represent “the best of Ridgewood.” He encouraged residents to attend Council Chat and stated that he enjoyed attending the Council Chat on Saturday with Mayor Vagianos. He said that it provided a great opportunity to hear directly from residents.
Councilmember Weitz stated that the Ridgewood Arts Council is seeking new members. Interested individuals should reach out to Ms. Mailander or to Councilmember Weitz for further information.
Councilmember Weitz also stated that he attended a Board of Education meeting as Village Council Liaison, but he would defer to Mayor Vagianos to report on that meeting. He also stated that the Ridgewood Library received a $500,000.00 gift from the Library Foundation, which will be utilized for renovations to the library at no cost to taxpayers, such as a Teen Space, a private study room, and cosmetic updates. The Ridgewood Library is also launching their new ADA-accessible website on March 15, 2023. This endeavor was funded with a grant from the State of New Jersey.
On March 11, 2023, “LibraryCon” will be held, focused on graphic novels; on March 15, 2023, the Bergen County Mobile Job Center will have representatives at the library; and on March 25, 2023, a presentation will be given on laser printers and 3-D printing. Councilmember Weitz congratulated the staff of the Ridgewood Library for organizing such great events.
Councilmember Winograd said that on March 7, 2023, she attended a Fields Committee meeting and a Parks and Recreation Conservation (PRC) Board meeting. The Master Library (for field scheduling of Board of Education owned fields) continues to be rolled out, along with its integration with the Village using Master Library for field and room scheduling software. It is contemplated that this will be completed by the upcoming fall season. Councilmember Winograd stated that several adult athletes, who play in over 50 and over 60 leagues, showed up at the Fields Committee meeting and expressed the desire to participate more in organized activities. Currently, some youth teams are given preference for fields, and the adult athletes asked for expanded playing hours on the fields.
Councilmember Winograd said that the Schedler property was discussed at both meetings, and there was also a lengthy discussion about Graydon Pool at the PRC meeting. She announced that there are job opportunities available at Graydon Pool, and she encouraged residents with teenaged children to urge them to apply for one of these positions. There remains a shortage of lifeguards across the United States, and Graydon Pool is hiring lifeguards, concession aides, and badge checkers. The Parks and Recreation Department received an award from the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association. Councilmember Winograd said that the Parks and Recreation Department does a great job communicating the activities they have organized in the Village.
“No Mow May” was also discussed, and a dedicated website for this initiative will be published soon. This movement originated in Appleton, Wisconsin, and it is hoped that Ridgewood residents will participate in “No Mow May,” to preserve the habitats of many insects and bees and to promote conversations about the environment. Councilmember Winograd said that she learned the optimal time to leave grass uncut is for a period of three weeks in May, but they are encompassing the entire month of May in order to create dialogue.
On March 2, 2023, Councilmember Winograd said that she took an ACCESS road trip to the “Rising Above Bakery” in Nyack, New York, which employs members of the special needs community. This bakery is privately funded and teaches job skills to special needs individuals. She said that there are more special needs adults living in the Village now, due to the new housing development, and these adults are looking for employment. Councilmember Winograd said that she was surprised to learn that some of these special needs adults work less than two hours per week.
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that she was in awe of the EMS personnel, who are more than just public servants. They volunteer their time, while also working full-time jobs during the day. These jobs require bravery, strength, and dedication. These EMS workers had to risk their lives and help people during the Covid pandemic, while most people were sheltered in place. Deputy Mayor Perron also wished everyone a Happy International Women’s Day.
The Green Ridgewood Committee met recently and they are gearing up for the Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Fair. The theme this year is “Ridgewood’s Master Plan: A Vehicle for Change.” She encouraged residents to attend this event to learn what Ridgewood is doing to help the environment and our health. This is a big family event, which will be held on April 23, 2023 from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. There will be a petting zoo, a tree swing, and a Cahoots contest with prizes.
Deputy Mayor Perron said that Super Science Saturday was a lot of fun. She learned a lot about electricity that she did not know before. She encouraged everyone to attend Super Science Saturday next year.
Mayor Vagianos stated that he also attended Super Science Saturday and the paper airplane launcher was “about the coolest thing” he had ever seen.
Mayor Vagianos stated that he and Councilmember Weitz attended a Board of Education (BOE) meeting last week. They have finalized the later start times at Ridgewood High School. Instead of classes running from 7:55 A.M. to 2:50 P.M., they will now run from 8:20 A.M. to 3:05 P.M., beginning in September 2023. Mayor Vagianos said that this will alleviate traffic congestion on East Ridgewood Avenue, since students and teachers will be arriving and leaving at different times. Mayor Vagianos also announced that the search for a new Superintendent of Schools has concluded, and the BOE is currently discussing employment terms with the successful candidate. The candidate’s start date will be July 1, 2023, and this will be announced on March 20, 2023.
Mayor Vagianos said that he will be putting the number for the Poison Control Hotline into his phone and he encouraged all Village residents to do so, as well. The number is 973-339-0702.
Mayor Vagianos also stated that he had a meeting with Ridgewood Water regarding PFAS. The Village is in the midst of a very large capital project to rid the drinking water of this contaminant and bring PFAS down to undetectable levels. The State of New Jersey has very stringent guidelines for drinking water, unlike some parts of the country, which have no guidelines whatsoever. Mayor Vagianos said that the EPA is considering the issuance of PFAS guidelines for all states, setting the limits for PFAS levels to current New Jersey standards. In this event, many towns across the country, and even in New Jersey, will no longer be in compliance. However, once the capital project for Ridgewood Water is completed for PFAS remediation in the spring of 2026, the Village will be compliant with those new standards.
9. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER
A. INTRODUCTION – #3945 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – WATER RATES AND PFAS TREATMENT SURCHARGE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3945 by title on first reading. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3945 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS”
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3945 be adopted on first reading and that April 12, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
B. PUBLIC HEARING - #3940 – AMEND CHAPTER 269 – WATER – SMART CONTROLLERS AND WATER EMERGENCIES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3940 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3940 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 269 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, WATER, AT ARTICLE IV: IRRIGATION SCHEDULE AND WATER EMERGENCIES
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3940.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that he has spoken before the Village Council in the past about the Smart Controllers. He noted that at the January 25, 2023 Work Session, there was a discussion regarding Smart Controllers. While he appreciates the fact that the hours have been reduced for the use of Smart Controllers, he is still concerned that there is no limit in terms of the number of days on which these systems are allowed to operate. He asked why Ridgewood Water believes that residents with Smart Controllers should be allowed to water more days per week than those who do not have them.
Mr. Loving pointed out that Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that her Smart Controller could be programmed to only water two days per week, whereas Mr. Calbi indicated that he was not aware if there were any Smart Controllers that could be programmed to do so. Mr. Loving stated that, even with the new changes to the ordinance, people with Smart Controllers are going to be allowed to water seven days per week, despite the fact that there are three days during the week when no one is supposed to be watering their lawn. Residents with automatic sprinklers are limited to watering only two days per week. Mr. Loving feels that this is disparate treatment, even though Rich Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, indicated that residents, during a typical summer, would use less water using a Smart Controller. However, during last summer’s drought conditions, lawns were being irrigated every day with the Smart Controllers, because there was very little rain and the soil remained dry. Mr. Loving asked why Ridgewood Water continues to make the assertion that less water is used with Smart Controllers.
Jill Fasano, Senior Engineer for Ridgewood Water, indicated that she was not prepared to answer Mr. Loving’s question. She said that the use of Smart Controllers is intended to conserve water. Deputy Mayor Perron corroborated this by stating that Mr. Calbi noticed that water was being conserved through the use of Smart Controllers by examining past water bills of customers who had these devices.
Mr. Loving replied that Mr. Calbi also admitted that Smart Controllers were activated more during drought conditions, thereby using more water. He said that he still did not understand why people with Smart Controllers were allowed to water seven days per week. Mr. Loving said that Ordinance 3940 indicates that Smart Controllers are allowed to be used during permissible days; however, it does not indicate what those permissible days are. For every other type of sprinkler system, manual or automatic, the permitted days of usage are listed in the ordinance. Mr. Calbi indicated at the January 25, 2023 Work Session that there would be enforcement of these regulations. Mr. Loving stated that he could not understand how summonses could be issued if the ordinance does not indicate the number of days during which the Smart Controllers can be used. It only indicates “permissible days.” He asked what those permissible days are and where they are defined in the ordinance. Mr. Loving felt that the specific days need to be stated in the ordinance.
Mayor Vagianos said that Ms. Fasano and Mr. Calbi should be given the opportunity to review this matter and the questions posed by Mr. Loving, so that answers could be provided at the next Village Council meeting. The public hearing will be continued until April 12, 2023. Mr. Loving said that he appreciated the Village Council’s consideration and decision not to vote on this matter until the next meeting.
There were no further comments from the public, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be continued to April 12, 2023. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
10. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-90 through 23-99, were to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
11. ORDINANCES
A. INTRODUCTION - #3946 – ESTABLISH A CAP BANK
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3946 by title on first reading. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3946 by title only:
CALENDAR YEAR 2023 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3946 be adopted on first reading and that April 12, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Vagianos stated that the introduction of Ordinance #3947 was being removed from the agenda, because further revisions are needed.
B. INTRODUCTION - #3948 – AMEND CHAPTER 26 – GREEN TEAM MEMBERSHIP
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3948 by title on first reading. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3948 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 26 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, GREEN TEAM, AT SECTION 26-2, “PURPOSE,” AND SECTION 26-3, “MEMBERSHIP; TERMS OF OFFICE”
Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3948 be adopted on first reading and that April 12, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
C. INTRODUCTION - #3949 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – PARKING RATES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3949 by title on first reading. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3949 by title only:
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 Weitz moved that Ordinance #3949 be adopted on first reading and that April 12, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
D. PUBLIC HEARING - #3941 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – GRAYDON POOL, TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL BADGES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3941 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3941 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145, FEES, OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIP FEES AND TENNIS MEMBERSHIP FEES
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3941.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that the fees seem very much in line with what people would typically pay to go to a municipal swimming pool. The modest $5.00 increase for senior badges would be affordable, since there was an increase in Social Security this year. He stated that in 2022, the Village Council did not raise the fees that were in effect in 2021. Residents were happy about this, but were unhappy when the hours of operation at Graydon Pool were cut back due to a shortage of lifeguards. This caused frustration to residents who had paid for a full seasonal membership, yet were not told until June of 2022 that the hours during which the pool would be open were being decreased, due to a lifeguard shortage.
Mr. Loving asked the Village Manager how Graydon Pool is doing in terms of hiring lifeguards this year and whether the hours of operation would be cut back again this year due to a shortage of lifeguards. He added that although the hours were cut back in 2022, employees’ salaries were not cut back at the same time, although employees paid hourly earned less money.
Mayor Vagianos stated that he attended a Parks and Recreation meeting last night. He said that the Parks and Recreation Department held a Job Fair this evening in the Youth Lounge. Mayor Vagianos said that they have “upped” their marketing game significantly. He said that normally around this time of year, there are five or six lifeguards signed up to work at Graydon Pool. However, there are currently 21 lifeguards signed up to work at Graydon Pool. Last year, there was a maximum of 24 lifeguards. Their goal this year is to sign up 36 lifeguards. Mayor Vagianos said that the Parks and Recreation Department is ahead of the curve in this regard and they are cautiously optimistic that they will meet or come close to that goal.
Mr. Loving thanked Mr. Vagianos for his comments and said that he was looking forward to another great season at Graydon Pool.
There were no further comments from the public, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3941 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
E. PUBLIC HEARING - #3942 – AMEND CHAPTER 3 – ADMINISTRATON OF GOVERNMENT
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3942 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3942 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3942.
Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that when this ordinance was discussed, he expressed his concern that some of these “Restricted Area - Authorized Employees Only” signs would wind up being placed on doors where such a sign was not warranted. He was told that the purpose of this ordinance was to safeguard confidential records. He said that such a sign is affixed on the door to the Zabriskie-Schedler house, and he could not understand why since no records are being stored in the house. Mr. Rogers interjected by saying that while he has not observed the sign himself, he was sure that it was a temporary sign to protect the facility and to prevent people from entering the house during construction, for their safety and protection. Mr. Loving thanked Mr. Rogers for his explanation.
There were no further comments from the public, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3942 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
F. PUBLIC HEARING - #3943 – AMEND CHAPTER 156 – FOOD AND FOOD HANDLING ESTABLISHMENTS – OUTDOOR CAFES – MONTHS OF OPERATION AND DURATION OF LICENSE
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3943 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3943 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 156 ENTITLED “FOOD AND FOOD HANDING ESTABLISHMENTS” AT ARTICLE VIII, CHAPTER 156, ENTITLED “OUTDOOR CAFES” AT SECTION 156-85 ENTITLED “SEASONAL OPERATION; DURATION OF LICENSE”
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3943. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3943 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
G. PUBLIC HEARING - #3944 – AMEND CHAPTER 156 – FOOD AND FOOD HANDLING ESTABLISHMENTS – OUTDOOR CAFES – PROPERTY MAINTENANCE OF OUTDOOR CAFES
Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3944 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3944 by title only:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 156 ENTITLED “FOOD AND FOOD HANDLING ESTABLISHMENTS” AT ARTICLE VIII, CHAPTER 156, ENTITLED “OUTDOOR CAFES” AT SECTION 156-80 ENTITLED “PROPERTY MAINTENANCE”
Mayor Vagianos opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance #3944. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Weitz moved that Ordinance #3944 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Reynolds
ABSTAIN: None
9. RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Mailander indicated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-100 through 23-118, were to be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:
10. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Vagianos asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public.
Joe DeMarco, 572 West Saddle River Road, said that he previously spoke before the Village Council about the dangers of injuries on turf fields. He mentioned a study that was presented at the 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference, which concluded that there is an increased risk of concussion in youth with artificial turf. He said that the study demonstrated that the hardness of artificial turf, compared to natural grass, resulted in a higher rate of deceleration on fall impact, leading to more forceful pediatric athlete head impact with the ground. Previous studies have shown that over 15% of concussions can be attributed to contact with the playing surface. The report stated that these risks must be considered when making a decision that could lead to a long-term negative impact that affects developing children.
Mr. DeMarco said that as the 10-year-old baseball player reminded everyone last week, sports teaches children important life lessons, like learning how to be a good teammate. He urged the Village Council not to forget the values that children learn while playing sports as a team. He asked the Village Council to be a good teammate with the Schedler neighbors by addressing their concerns.
Jacqueline Hone, 30 Carriage Lane, said that she wanted to make it very clear that the Schedler matter is not a “no field argument.” It is a field size argument, as well as a call for the Village Council to do their due diligence when it comes to developing the Schedler property. A larger field will create a big impact on the neighbors. Ms. Hone felt that studies are mandatory and a fiduciary obligation of the Village Council. After the original plans were developed by the Schedler Ad Hoc Committee in 2017, the Village Council was asked to obtain expert independent studies. Ms. Hone said that she has communicated with SHPO and they furnished her with a copy of a letter they had sent to the Village Engineer. In part, the letter read: “The Historic Preservation Office understands that the subject property was purchased to provide recreational facilities to residents in an underserved area of the Village. We believe that this goal may be achieved while minimizing the effects on the historic property through a redesign and perhaps scaling back of proposed recreational facilities. Specifically, we recommend that the Village explore moving all of the proposed development to the northern portion of the property, with a vegetative buffer.”
Ms. Hone said that the letter stated the historic setting of the Zabriskie-Schedler house could be protected and the municipality could achieve its goal of providing recreational space for local residents. What stands out to Ms. Hone is that the property was purchased to provide facilities to residents in an underserved area. She does not know at what point the goal became to serve special interest sports groups. The other important wording is “recreational space for local residents.” SHPO advised Ms. Hone that “New Jersey Historic Preservation Office staff will determine whether the proposed park development meets the Secretary of Interior’s standards for rehabilitation. Projects that meet the standards are administratively approved by our office. Those that are determined to be encroachments are forwarded to the New Jersey Historic Sites Council (HSC) for their review.” Ms. Hone said that this is what Mr. Rutishauser has repeatedly stated to the Village Council.
Ms. Hone explained that the letter also stated that, “The Historic Sites Council is charged with weighing not only the encroachment on the historic property, but also the public benefit of the project.” Ms. Hone stated that she does not see how this project is going to benefit the local residents that SHPO had alluded to, in their previous email to the Village. The proposed changes to the plans will not serve the underserved local residents. Another point made by SHPO was that the HSC needs to determine whether feasible and prudent alternatives exist. Ms. Hone said that other parcels do exist in Ridgewood where a larger field could be built. The third point made by SHPO indicated that the HSC must determine whether sufficient measures could be taken to avoid, reduce or mitigate the encroachment. During the HSC meeting, the applicant presents their project and members of the public have an opportunity to comment on the application as well. If the necessary studies are not performed by the Village, Ms. Hone stated that, more than likely, she and others will appear before the HSC to state that sufficient measures were not taken to avoid, reduce or mitigate the encroachment. She said that this is needless, since a plan already exists, which can be used to develop the Schedler property, which is the plan from the Schedler Ad Hoc Committee.
Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, stated that he has the Annual Report for the Sylvester Manor on Shelter Island. The house sits on 237 acres. The remainder of Shelter Island was inhabited by the descendants of Nathaniel Sylvester, a Quaker merchant who bought the island in 1650. Mr. Halaby stated that a visit to the Sylvester Manor is an easy way to “quickly feel” 500 years of American history. Indigenous people originally inhabited the island and many are buried there in a mound. English settlers then inhabited the island, which was a stopping point along a trade route from Barbados to England. Mr. Halaby gave more of the history of the island up to the present time.
Mr. Halaby said that Sylvester Manor and appurtenant structures are being restored at a cost of $15 million, all of which is being raised through private donations. No public funds are being used. In this way, the people restoring the manor will remain unencumbered and will not have to go through a lot of red tape in order to complete the restoration. Mr. Halaby urged the Village Councilmembers to do what they can to “get out from under the yoke” of SHPO. He said that SHPO has taken control of the project and Village residents are the losers.
Mr. Halaby sincerely thanked Mayor Vagianos for encouraging robust public comments. He said that he has tried very hard to understand the people who vehemently oppose the changes to the plans for the Schedler development. Mr. Halaby said that the 2017 plan was only a conceptual plan and not a final plan cast in stone. He said that it was up to the Village Councilmembers to do what they need to do to serve the needs of Ridgewood in general, not just for one neighborhood. Mr. Halaby said that the neighbors have no problem with the smaller field, but have a big problem with a bigger field that is perhaps 25 yards longer than the smaller one, citing concerns regarding health, traffic and safety.
Mr. Halaby said that he did not understand these concerns. He researched the subjects of particulates and pollution, as well as children playing near major highways, and he said that the playground at Benjamin Franklin (BF) Middle School is just as close to Route 17 as the Schedler property is, and it lies in a southerly direction. Mr. Halaby said that if people are concerned about children developing health conditions while playing at Schedler Park, then the playground and playing fields at BF should be closed.
Mr. Halaby heard that some neighbors along the Schedler property use well water. He encouraged them to use filters in their homes. He said that a turf field leaching into the ground water would take 50 years to occur. Mr. Halaby said that their water was being impacted by things that were done 10 to 30 years ago. He added that the Schedler property used to be a farm and, in the old days before modern agriculture practices were used, people used their land as a dumping ground. He said that anyone in that area should use a filter and not worry how the Schedler development might affect them.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that she looked up some definitions of the word “obsessive.” When a person is obsessive, he or she thinks about something way too much, in a way that is not normal. A person who is obsessed, has lost control over clear thinking about a subject. Ms. Loving said that it is her impression that Mayor Vagianos and Councilmember Winograd have become obsessed about building a huge field jammed into a not-huge Schedler property. She said that the obsession has become so distorted that attempts are now being made to overturn the established historic status assigned by the State of New Jersey to both the property and the house. This obsessive behavior includes a determination to figure out who approached SHPO about the historic status in the first place. She said that Councilmember Winograd referred to it as a “whodunit,” as if it were some sort of mystery game.
Ms. Loving said that requests for air quality studies, traffic safety studies, and other studies were met with a comment from Councilmember Winograd that she was comfortable bypassing these safety measures. Ms. Loving stated that the Village is in a “budget crunch” and yet some members of the Village Council are seeking to hire an attorney, at an unspecified expense, in an attempt to finagle the installation of an artificial rubber turf field, lights, netting, backstops and bleachers on this historic property. The majority of the Village Council is considering the purchase of more property to expand the acreage of the Schedler property, during a budget crunch. Ms. Loving said that Mayor Vagianos has the Engineering Department working incessantly to somehow fit a baseball field on top of the soccer field. She learned last week that the Engineering Department must do this work during regular business hours, since overtime is not permitted. This means that the Engineering Department cannot perform their usual duties, because they are so busy developing different Schedler plans.
Ms. Loving said that this was utter financial mismanagement and implored the Village Council to stop and take a deep breath. She said that a compromise plan is “ready to go” and she urged the Village Council to get their obsession under control and take a reasonable approach.
Michelle Italia, 3 Betty Court, stated that she had asked the Village Council to reflect on the original plans that were developed for the Schedler property, after residents diligently worked with the Village Council, Village Attorney, and Village Engineer to come to a suitable compromise that was felt would benefit everyone, not just one segment of the community. However, the Village Council is pitting the Schedler neighbors against the athletic groups in the Village. Ms. Italia said that the Village Council has become so sympathetic to the athletic groups that they have not been able to “think outside the box.” She said that because the other fields in Ridgewood flood, the proposed Schedler field is becoming the “Jesus” of the athletic players, because then Ridgewood athletes would finally have a field on which they could play. She said that the Schedler property should not be used to solve the “problem of the whole town.”
Ms. Italia suggested that the Village Council should look outside of the box and find other areas on which to build a large field. She said that this was the responsibility of the Village Council and not that of a part-time coach who is volunteering his time. She asked the Village Council to stop wasting taxpayer money and to abide by the original plans that “made sense.”
Laurie Weber, 235 South Irving Street, said that she wanted to address the concerns of several commenters this evening about the potential of their well water being contaminated by the installation of a turf field, in close proximity to their wells. She urged these neighbors not to leave themselves at the mercy of the Village Council and to be proactive by filing an injunction to stop the Village from polluting their well water. If their well water becomes contaminated, these neighbors may not be able to sell their homes without installing appropriate water filters at their own expense.
Ms. Weber stated that there was a resolution adopted this evening regarding the Village Council’s support of a legislative bill for Open Public Records Act (OPRA) Reform. She asked if the Village Council could explain to her what this is.
Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, said that she wanted to reply to Mr. Halaby’s remarks concerning the Schedler property. She clarified that when the original plans for the Schedler property were developed in 2017, studies were supposed to be conducted, even with the smaller field, as recommended by the Village Engineer and the Ad Hoc Committee. These studies were never performed. Ms. Ruane stated that Mr. Halaby’s comment about Benjamin Franklin Middle School (BF) being very close to Route 17 is very misleading. This is because BF is easily one-half mile away from Route 17 and there is no comparison with the Schedler property, which literally abuts Route 17.
Regarding Mr. Halaby’s comments that it would take 50 years for the neighbors’ well water to become contaminated by a turf field, Ms. Ruane said that people from East Palestine, Ohio (where there was a train crash with a chemical fire) would certainly love to know how long it took for their water to become contaminated. She said that the time period of 50 years was just a guess on Mr. Halaby’s part, and was not scientific.
Kathryn Schmidt, 123 South Irving Street, said that given the charm and history of Ridgewood and the wonderful events and cultural aspects, she thought that obtaining historical designation of a property in the Village was a gift. She was really excited about the designation and she is surprised that anyone would want to unravel that gift. She does understand that the Village Council would be free to do what it wanted with the Schedler property, without interference by SHPO, but that would just result in overdevelopment of the property.
There were no further comments from the public.
Deputy Mayor Perron stated that it is not obsessive for the Village Council to fully examine all options. It is not obsessive to consider various designs or to look for a legal path that prior Village Councils never thought of, for the Schedler property. The Village Councilmembers exploring all options is an example of their intellectual integrity.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilmember Weitz, seconded by Councilmember Winograd, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 10:03 P.M.
____________________________________
Paul Vagianos
Mayor
____________________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
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