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 31, 2018 AT 7:30 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 7:29 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilman Hache, Deputy Mayor Sedon, Councilman Voigt, Councilwoman Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney; and Donna M. Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk.
Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as a Moment of Silence to honor the men and women serving our Nation and our first responders.
Mayor Knudsen announced that two yellow binders were present on the back table containing the documents pertaining to that nights meeting as a courtesy to attendees, and to consider these documents to be in draft form and for use during the meeting.
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Justin Watrel, 506 Collins Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, stated he runs the post-stroke and disabled support group in Ridgewood on Tuesdays from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Mr. Watrel stated that he wanted to thank the Mayor and Council for all of the support that Ridgewood give to his support group. They received a lot of support last year from the police department, fire department, the cultural arts agency, and the museums. Mr. Watrel expressed his thanks, stating that the support means a lot to the members of his group. Mr. Watrel stated that the outreach has been positive, as the OEM office came in, as well as the police chief and the fire department who brought in inspectors to go over different programs in Ridgewood that translate out to the towns that a lot of members live in. Mr. Watrel stated that his group is trying to bring a lot of Ridgewood’s health and senior members through Age Friendly Ridgewood to let them know the programs that his support group is involved in such as bringing in County lawyers, speakers from Social Security, and Meals on Wheels. Mr. Watrel again expressed his thanks for all of the support.
Mayor Knudsen expressed her thanks for the group and asked Mr. Watrel to share his website. Mr. Watrel blogs at www.bergencountycaregiver.com, which is currently read in 47 countries.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she saw on the agenda for tonight an overview of responses to the Hudson Street parking garage RFP and she wanted to say a couple of things about parking. Mrs. Loving stated that first of all she wanted to thank the Council for everything that they had done to try and address parking solutions such as the Central Valet, the employee discount, and some other attempts. Mrs. Loving stated that she really appreciates all of the efforts that have been conservative, practical, and cost-effective efforts. Mrs. Loving feels that some of these attempts may have been failures but it is still successful in that you learn from the experience. She referenced the employees not parking in the correct spots and the Central Valet not seeing high usage.
Mrs. Loving stated that it was her understanding that the number of spaces at the train station would be increased, and she hopes so, as this would be the epi-center of the location where commuters would like to park. Mrs. Loving also stated that she was hoping the Hudson Street lot would be re-striped and reconfigured to accommodate more spaces.
Mrs. Loving stated that sometimes the argument is used that losing the Brogan and Ken Smith lots to high density housing is going to cause the Village to lose parking, however, she feels this isn’t a legitimate argument as both lots used to be businesses and weren’t always parking lots. Mrs. Loving stated that she is in town regularly and that the Cottage Street lot always has available spaces, and is no more than 3 blocks from anywhere that you might want to go in the CBD. Mrs. Loving stated that she is not supportive of any parking solution that involves increasing meter rates in town or causes an increase in the parking time which is currently 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. She is also opposed to any increase in property taxes such as a multimillion dollar bond. Mrs. Loving stated that she also does not agree with using Parking Authority revenues to pay for construction because those revenues can be used for other things.
Mayor Knudsen responded to Mrs. Loving’s statement regarding the train station, stating that the Village is waiting on one additional piece of information before moving forward.
- PRESENTATION
- Results and Education on Lead and Copper
Rich Calbi, President of Ridgewood Water and Bill Bierwas, Ridgewood Water, began a presentation to review where Ridgewood Water is with their lead and copper compliance, which is an issue that has been in their target since 2012 when there was an exceedance of the Lead and Copper rule. Mr. Calbi stated that since then, Ridgewood Water has implemented a treatment program and tonight would be reviewing the results of that program.
Mr. Calbi began by reviewing how lead and copper contaminants get into our water. Mr. Calbi stated that there are 2 conditions that cause lead and copper contamination. Water comes in contact with materials containing lead, such as lead pipe or iron pipeline lead, brass fixtures or fittings, or lead solder joints. The second way is stagnation of the water, when water sits in the piping it allows the leaching of those metals into the water. Mr. Calbi stated that if either of those conditions are eliminated then the corrosion stops.
Mr. Calbi explained that in a typical home with plumbing in the walls to the fixtures, there are joints in that plumbing that has solder, fixtures and fittings above or below the faucet, and the service line which itself may contain lead, being lead material or lead line. To get the lead out, Mr. Calbi stated that the water’s contact has to be limited by either replacing material or a protective barrier between the water and material. Mr. Calbi stated that Ridgewood Water prevents lead and copper from corroding out of that material by providing corrosion control through the use of a chemical called poly-orthophosphate, which is a food-grade additive, where the phosphate inhibits the transfer of the metal from the plumbing material by forming a protective bond between the pipe and the water. Mr. Calbi stated that this treatment is approved by the State Department of Environmental Protection and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Calbi stated that this treatment was fully implemented in 2016. Mr. Calbi stated that it was implemented because the lead and copper rule has action limits for lead and copper, with lead’s action limit at 15 micrograms/liter and copper is at 1.3 milligrams per liter, and 90% of Ridgewood Water’s samples must be below that action limit to be in compliance. Mr. Calbi stated that in 2012, the 60 samples that were collected showed an exceedance of that action limit, thus the Village of Ridgewood and Ridgewood Water were required to take action.
Mr. Calbi showed a summary of the results of this treatment plan; in 2003-2005 there was compliance with 98% below 15 micrograms/liter; 2006-2008 there was a slight exceedance which was met through reporting to the State and a sample error was found; 2009 there was compliance; and then in 2012 a large exceedance, of the 90th percentile there was 21.6 which is over the 15 micrograms/liter action limit. Mr. Calbi stated that during all of the years there was never an exceedance in the copper level.
Mr. Calbi stated that at the point where there was an exceedance the State requires that no additional testing take place, and looking to 2016 when the treatment was fully implemented and the immediate results of lead treatment where the reading went down to 6.28 micrograms/liter, and in 2017 the reading was 4 micrograms/liter. Mr. Calbi stated that just last week Ridgewood Water received a letter of approval from the State recognizing these results and certifying them and moving Ridgewood Water back to standard monitoring. Mr. Calbi stated that every 6-month period they had been collecting 60 samples for testing which was very time consuming.
Mr. Calbi showed 12 sample homes and their readings over the years, he pointed out how their results were currently at no detection for lead and copper. Mr. Calbi stated that residents and commercial tenants should all still take precautions; that these reading are nowhere near saying this isn’t something to continue to worry about. Mr. Calbi stated that stagnant water should be avoided, the faucet should be run early in the morning, or if the water isn’t used for an extended period it should be run for at least 15-30 seconds or waiting until the water turns very cold. Mr. Calbi stated that only cold water should be used for cooking and baby formula, and individuals should look for alternative sources or treatment of the water including an NSF-Approved filter, which will also remove chlorine from the water.
Mr. Calbi stated that individuals could also call Ridgewood Water and inquire as to whether they have a lead service line and encouraged individuals to test their water as Ridgewood Water would come out and attempt to pinpoint where any lead contamination could be coming from if it exists. Mr. Calbi thanked the Ridgewood Water staff, as they spent time on weekends to ensure that 60 samples were collected during the three 6-month periods in a row to help get to this current point of compliance and standard monitoring.
Mr. Calbi opened the presentation for questions. Councilman Voigt inquired as to compliance and now that the standard has been met what testing needed to be done going forward. Mr. Calbi stated that the standard monitoring requires 30 samples, instead of 60, and it requires they are collected during the longest period of the year because temperature effects lead and copper corrosion, which is why only using cold water is stressed. Councilman Voigt stated that he was aware there had been issues with the EPA with regard to the samples that had been taken because the homeowner doesn’t necessarily collect the sample correctly. Mr. Calbi replied that samples are collected from the worst-case homes, called Tier 1, which are homes that Ridgewood Water knows have lead service lines. Mr. Calbi stated that there are 150 of these homes, from which 60 samples have to be collected, and ones that have sampled improperly are removed from the pool.
Councilman Voigt questioned whether the same 150 homes had to be used for each sample, considering there are about 6,000 homes in the Village. Mr. Calbi stated that the regulating requires that the samples are taken from Tier 1 homes, if they are not successful in getting 60 from that pool, Ridgewood Water can then move to Tier 2 homes, which are multi-family dwellings that have lead service lines, and if the sample number isn’t met from that group there is a secondary tier; Ridgewood Water is forced into this method for collection by the regulations. Mr. Calbi stated that this was why Ridgewood Water offered testing, where an individual could pick up a testing kit from their office and for a $25 fee with a local lab, the results would be provided to Ridgewood Water so in case there is an exceedance the homeowner can be contacted.
Deputy Mayor Sedon thanked Mr. Calbi and the Ridgewood Water employees for their work in collecting these results. Deputy Mayor Sedon inquired how someone could find out if they had a lead service line or would like to participate could they reach out to the water department. Mr. Calbi replied that they could call Ridgewood Water’s phone number, where they would reach a live person who could look up their line. Mr. Calbi also stated that on the Ridgewood Water website there are lead and copper resources, and individuals are also welcome to come into their office daily between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. to pick up a sample bottle.
Deputy Mayor Sedon inquired as to whether or not a new homeowner would be contacted if their home was a Tier 1 home. Mr. Calbi responded that Ridgewood Water does not do that, however he believes that part of the new ownership rule changes states that the seller has to disclose if they have lead services or piping or solder in their home that meets the criteria. Deputy Mayor Sedon inquired as to whether it was 150 homes that have lead service lines throughout the whole system, or if they were just in one town. Mr. Calbi responded that number was throughout the whole system, he added that on average these were the older parts of each community where the homes are over 100 years old.
Mayor Knudsen stated that most of her questions had already been answered, as she confirmed whether the poly-orthophosphate was food grade and asked Mr. Calbi to explain to everyone what that means. Mr. Calbi stated that is it a product that is also used in food manufacturing; it is found in many products that are used every day, for example phosphates are in soda and milk cheese as it is a preservative. Mayor Knudsen inquired as to whether the slide presentation could be made into a mpeg and shared through a website or Facebook posts so that individuals who aren’t present have the same information. Mr. Calbi replied that the presentation could be put on the Ridgewood Water website and could be included as part of a daily Facebook post.
- Carr Well Field Treatment System Design
Mr. Calbi, President of Ridgewood Water, and Mike Mondello, from ARCADIS, who is the consultant resident engineer on the project, began the presentation. Mr. Calbi stated that Ridgewood Water had been considering introducing a bond for treatment at the Carr Treatment Plant in Ridgewood. Mr. Calbi stated that it was a year ago when the beginning of the project was discussed, as well as why it was necessary, and that tonight that would also be discussed as well as some renderings shown of what this treatment is going to look like, as well as answer any questions as this is a groundbreaking project. Mr. Calbi stated that the only other water treatment facility that has this system is in Fair Lawn, where it was done as a demonstration project with the DEP about 5 years ago.
Mr. Calbi stated that ARCADIS was involved in this project in Fair Lawn, and that success has been found in this approved treatment in the removal of contaminants. Mr. Calbi stated that the chemicals Ridgewood Water is looking to remove include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), which are common elements found in firefighting foam; pretreated carpeting, clothing and textiles; dental floss; Teflon coated cookware; fast food packaging; industrial floor wax and removers; stone, tile and wood sealants; food contact paper; thread sealant tape, typically plumbers tape; and more. Mr. Calbi stated that the chemical does not break down, and it was recently discovered in the blood of polar bears in East Greenland, which makes it very difficult to remove and a contaminant of concern.
Mr. Calbi noted that all graded contaminants are used in manufacturing and used to break down and lower the surface tension between gas and a liquid or between liquid and solid, thus an example would be stain resistant carpet which is treated with this so that a spill would not penetrate into the carpet. Mr. Calbi also pointed out that rain gear is likely coated in these contaminants in order to repel water, as well as in treatment applied to the car windshield. Mr. Calbi stated that it has been found that these chemicals manufactured for these purposes are harmful.
Mr. Calbi stated that in 2016, the EPA released a Health Advisory on this chemical, where the standard is set at 70 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS individually as well as combined if they are both in the water; most contaminants that Ridgewood Water measure for are at the part per billion level. Mr. Calbi stated that currently the State Department of Environmental Protection is considering a new rule where New Jersey will have a standard of 15 parts per trillion, which would be the lowest standard in the United States.
Mr. Calbi explained the summary of results from the Carr Treatment Facility and why it was taken out of service and Ridgewood Water is providing treatment. Mr. Calbi stated that prior to August of 2016 there were results that were garnered as part of the EPAs unregulated contaminant monitoring program, which all facilities the size of Ridgewood Water are required to test for. Mr. Calbi stated that in August of 2016, Ridgewood Water started testing more frequently than was required, following the Advisory, and found that samples were very close to 70 parts per trillion. Mr. Calbi pointed out that during some of the months that the samples were taken, all 5 wells at the Carr Treatment Facility were not on, as some were shut down that had the highest level, and the results were still very close to 70 parts per trillion.
Mr. Calbi pointed out that in January 2017 the 70 parts per trillion limit was reached, and although Ridgewood Water could have continued to operate the Carr Treatment Facility system, however, Ridgewood Water erred on the side of caution and shut it down pending design and installation of treatment. Mr. Calbi explained that these contaminants are treated using granulated activated carbon contained in 4 vessels containing 20,000 pounds of charcoal to filter out the water, which will last for a year before needing to be replaced.
Mr. Carr stated that the Carr Treatment Facility is located at 207 Glen Avenue, directly behind the Ridgewood Recycling Center, which is where Ridgewood Water has its distribution division. Mr. Calbi presented an overview of the site, with the Distribution Facility on the left, Carr Treatment Facility on the upper right, and a storage garage for equipment and materials in the upper left. Mr. Carr presented an overview of the treatment and where the 4 vessels would sit on the site in relation to the existing buildings. Mr. Carr explained the piping, how it would come out of the Water Treatment Facility, run into the vessels, and then out into the system. Mr. Calbi stated that the vessels are 25 feet in height and are elevated because the entire site is in a flood plain. Mr. Calbi noted that the building to the right on the site is 30 feet in height, so coming into the site the building is higher, however the predominant concern is the properties to the rear as the trees that are present in the picture Mr. Calbi presented of the site are not present today. Mr. Calbi stated that 12-foot trees would be planted along the back-property line, and they will grow at a rate of about 2 feet per year to prevent the view from the homeowners in the rear.
Mr. Calbi explained how the facility works, with the pump station pumping the water out of 5 wells located in the Carr Facility, which co-join in the building, where they then run through a series of treatment which includes a standing aeration tower to remove all organic compounds. Mr. Calbi stated that the water would then come out of the building and goes through the 4 filtration units, get chlorinated, and then go out into the system free of these chemicals. Mr. Calbi stated that the next steps are to go to the State for approvals, as well as come before the Village Planning Board for a cursory view.
Mayor Knudsen asked Mr. Calbi to go back to the site plan to show where the generator is at the site. Mr. Calbi stated that the generator is in the lower right. Mayor Knudsen asked to confirm the height of the generator, and Mr. Mondello responded that it was 15 feet with the elevation block. Mayor Knudsen also asked to confirm the dimensions of the generator, to which Mr. Mondello replied 20 feet long by 8 feet wide.
Councilman Voigt questioned Mr. Calbi regarding the amount of PFOS and PFOA that New Jersey has in relation to other states with regard to the 15 parts per trillion regulations. Mr. Calbi stated that he was unsure, however the 15 parts per trillions was still a rule in the making and was not yet official. Mr. Calbi stated that he toured a plant in New York State in a similar situation due to firefighting on the nearby airport, so it is not only New Jersey where these chemicals have been found in the groundwater.
Councilman Voigt asked whether having these chemicals in the system at high levels over an extended period of time would be cancerous. Mr. Calbi responded that the chemicals would be cancer-causing, which is why the State of New Jersey is considering a stringent standard. Councilman Voigt then asked what this filtration system would be costing the Village of Ridgewood. Mr. Calbi responded that the bond is for $3.4 million. Councilman Voigt asked whether multiple filtration systems were needed for additional areas, such as wells. Mr. Calbi responded that Ridgewood Water is currently testing all other locations, which are all currently below the 70 parts per trillion level, however, testing will be done to ensure Ridgewood Water is in adherence with the new regulations from the State. Councilman Voigt confirmed with Mr. Calbi that Ridgewood Water was unsure if more of these systems would end up being necessary. Mr. Calbi stated that if the new regulations go through, Ridgewood Water would probably be looking at this system for other locations which would go into the multi-millions of dollars. Mr. Calbi explained that it is due to scale of water output, and with 26 natural points of entry, some sites have lower outputs which would not require as large of a system. Councilman Voigt asked whether this had been included into the Capital Budget Appropriations. Mr. Calbi responded that it had not yet been included.
Deputy Mayor Sedon questioned Mr. Calbi as to whether there was a timetable for when the Carr Well Field Treatment System would be completed and pumping again. Mr. Calbi stated that Ridgewood Water is aiming for the end of 2018 or the first quarter of 2019. The initial date for completion was expected at the end of 2018, however additional issues have arisen, including the addition of a sanitary discharge line coming out of the cipher backwashing, and getting the permits will push the timing for completion.
Councilwoman Walsh questioned Mr. Calbi regarding the action that is currently being taken at this time, prior to installation. Mr. Calbi stated that the action currently is to adhere to the EPA Advisory of 70 parts per trillion, and if any sites are over that to take them out of service and provide treatment. Mr. Calbi stated that Ridgewood Water has provided information on their website from the very beginning and has been a topic in at least two of their forums to the public about the contaminant and what Ridgewood Water is doing to treat it. Councilman Walsh questioned which 5 wells go into this facility. Mr. Calbi responded that there are 5 wells scattered around the Carr property. They are all Carr wells, are combined in the treatment facility, and are treated accordingly before being put out in the distribution system.
Councilman Walsh questioned how this treated water would be compared to other facilities throughout town, assuming there would be a population pointing out that their water is better due to the new system. Mr. Calbi responded that there are certain locations that have air strippers due to volatile organic compounds, and other locations that have nothing because they have not hit the testing limits. Mr. Calbi added that the water coming out of the Carr Treatment Facility would go to Ridgewood first, but it is getting mixed in the system from multiple other wells, and during the summer purchased water is flowing throughout the system as well to make up for any deficit due to lawn watering and peak usages. Mr. Carr stated that a lot of mixing occurs, and one of the alternatives that the State uses is to mix the water to dilute the contaminant, however Mr. Calbi stated that Ridgewood Water doesn’t have the ability to do that due to limitations that can be purchased from Suez and the points where that water is taken are far from the Carr location; he also questioned whether that was acceptable in terms of perception.
Councilman Walsh questioned if Ridgewood Water competitors had similar facilities. Mr. Calbi stated that the biggest competitors are the private companies, and the majority of them are surface water fed so they do not currently face this issue, however they will eventually as the majority of the water that is used by Ridgewood Water customers goes out into the sewer and is treated where it then goes downstream into a plant that then treats it for potable water purposes; however, all the groundwater facilities around Ridgewood Water will have the same issue. Councilman Walsh asked whether surrounding groundwater facilities would have a similar system installed, to which Mr. Calbi responded yes, or they would turn to purchasing all of their water. Mr. Calbi responded that to have four communities to serve does not allow Ridgewood Water to purchase all of their water. They are looking into possibly another source to purchase from, possibly Passaic Valley Water Commission, which would help. However, with this being one of Ridgewood Water’s largest-yielding wells, it was thought to be beneficial to make the investment. Mr. Calbi stated that at the initial proposal for the bond, they payback for the purchase of the system versus the purchase of supplemental water was presented as a couple of years.
Councilman Hache questioned whether there was anything that could be done from a supply chain standpoint, so that Ridgewood Water isn’t treating contaminated water. Could the flow of whatever contaminating that water be stemmed as a cheaper solution, if it was even available. Mr. Calbi responded that it is a comment he has made to the State before, as the State has done it before with other contaminants. They would go after the sources and then create a spill fund which then would be an opportunity for Ridgewood Water to get grant money to build the treatment. However, the best thing that Ridgewood Water users could do would be to lower consumption which has already been done in the Village. Now it is just a matter of extending that throughout the entire system. Mr. Calbi stated that Ridgewood had Stage 2 water restrictions all last year, and ultimately Ridgewood Water’s goal is to get people to use less water outside. This is lessening the need for the amount of water, and the amount that needs to be treated which would give Ridgewood Water leverage with the amount that needs to be provided with the treatment.
Councilman Hache questioned Mr. Calbi regarding grant money and what size grants have been seen from this type of contaminant. Mr. Calbi stated that he hasn’t seen any for this type of contaminant yet, but the best example from volatile organic compounds are that the State would pay for 75% of the treatment costs. If a system had to put up a stripping tower and the State had the knowledge of where the contaminant came from, then they collected money from that group that caused the contamination. Mr. Calbi stated that right now the State is studying our area relative to VOCs, but no one is undertaking a study of this contaminant as far as he knows.
Councilman Walsh asked a follow-up question regarding limiting consumption and the 4 proposed developments coming in to Ridgewood. She questioned which wells they would be drawing from and what would the challenge be. Mr. Calbi responded that unfortunately the State calculates capacity in terms of what’s available for development. They look at the worst month in 5 years and calculate the peak daily from that and compare it to what your capacity is. Currently right now, on paper, Ridgewood has a surplus that is large enough that the developments would likely get a permit. However, that has to be evaluated by the State. Mr. Calbi added that the developments have added a consumption and demand on the system. In most cases there was already demand at these sites; however, in each case it is an increase based on the amount of dwellings that are going in. Councilman Walsh questioned whether the State ever dictates any type of occupancy requirements. Mr. Calbi responded that it was strictly a demand calculation based on a number of units, and it only kicks in if there are 50 realty units or more. Anything below that doesn’t have to get a State permit for the connection.
Mayor Knudsen clarified with Mr. Calbi regarding the calculated rates. Mr. Calbi stated that the paper number is looking at one day in 5 years, but in reality, in a summer Ridgewood Water is operating through a fluctuation where at certain points in time the system can no longer keep up. Mayor Knudsen asked whether the Ridgewood Council could weigh-in with the State, regarding the paper number, to supplement that report by stating that historically there have been deficits and that that is an absolute adverse impact to the system. Mr. Calbi stated that he had never done that, but he was sure that it was possible, and that it would have more strength coming from a governing body and he believes the State would be open to anything, but they do have a process which is the formulation that he described. Mayor Knudsen stated that the Council would follow up on that.
Mayor Knudsen requested to see the before and after photos of the house when the tanks are added and questioned whether this project would be going before the Planning Board. Mr. Calbi stated that it would receive a courtesy review. Mayor Knudsen questioned whether the residents would be noticed within 200 feet. Mr. Mondello responded that Notice is not required. Mayor Knudsen stated that Ridgewood Water should at least notify residents within a proximity that might have a visual impact, including homes on the opposite side of the street as well. Mayor Knudsen stated that as a rule she feels Notification should be extended as a courtesy.
Councilman Voigt questioned whether the reason this has been identified in the Ridgewood Water system is first of all because it hasn’t been looked for before, and whether more of this contaminant is being found because the wells have to be drilled deeper to get the water or if it was appearing in the water table as is. Mr. Calbi answered that yes, it hasn’t been tested for before, and that he believes the contaminants were just appearing in the water table as is.
- DISCUSSION
- Ridgewood Water
- Award Sole Source Contract – Furnish Corrosion Inhibitor
Ms. Mailander stated that the Lead and Copper rule requires Ridgewood Water to implement a Corrosion Control Program; the phosphate inhibitors are added to the water, which then create a thin coating on the inside of the plumbing materials, effectively preventing the corrosion of lead and copper into the water.
Ms. Mailander stated that in 2013, Ridgewood Water implemented a pilot program, utilizing poly-orthophosphate to control corrosion in the system. Ms. Mailander added that based on the pilot programs success, Ridgewood Water installed the inhibitor at all of the active treatment facilities; this installation was completed in April 2016.
ESC Environmental uses a unique blend of polyphosphates and orthophosphate that is developed and distributed solely through their company. Utilizing a consistent formula is that same blend is important for Ridgewood Water to maintain corrosion control. Ms. Mailander added that therefore, Mr. Calbi is recommending the sole source contract award to ESC Environmental, Glenville, New York, in the amount of $170,000 for the year 2018.
Ms. Mailander added that bulk delivery is $10.49/gallon, 55-gallon drums are $10.98/gallon, and shipping is $60.00 per week, which is up about 51 cents per gallon since last year for the bulk delivery and about a dollar for the 55-gallon drums.
- Award Professional Services Contract – Elks Club Survey
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village is in the process of acquiring the parcel property where the Ridgewood Elks Club currently stands. Part of the process is to obtain an accurate current survey of the site. The Village Surveyor, Daniel M. Dunn, has given the Village a quote for the necessary work, including an ACAD file for design purposes, which is $2,220.00 and will include discerning the property corners and will give the topography as well, which is important due to its proximity to the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook.
- Parking
- Report on Parking Enforcement in the Central Business District – 7/1/2017 through 12/31/2017
Ms. Mailander stated that Sergeant John Chuck conducted a review of parking enforcement for the Village Council, regarding the second half of 2017. Three graphs were created showing the top 15 violations, and the top 15 locations in the CBD, and an hourly graph of when parking tickets were issued. The top four violations are related to parking meter use, they include expired meter, repeat parking, time limit restrictions, and CBD employee zone violations.
Sergeant Chuck and Captain Forest Lyons were introduced by Ms. Mailander to present their findings. Sergeant Chuck stated that e-tickets gave the Ridgewood Police Department great capabilities to see trends. Sergeant Chuck displayed a pie graph showing the top violations written by parking enforcement for the second half of the year, and the number one violation was expired meter use, followed by repeat parking. Sergeant Chuck stated that time limit restrictions would be slightly skewed because that is also a citation that is written on street level for 2-hour parking. Sergeant Chuck added that employees like to take advantage of broken meters, however after the 3-hour time limit they are no longer allowed to stay there, so that violation correlates with meter use slightly.
Sergeant Chuck added that the surprising location was the CBD employee zone violation and how large it was; the Police Department found that Saturdays was about 80% of that violation where people are parking without paying attention. Sergeant Chuck stated that this realization brought them back to the question of what can the Village do to make these numbers go down. Their goal ultimately is to have no violations. Sergeant Chuck mentioned better signage, and stated that the Ridgewood Police are working with Signal to add more Parkmobile signs so that when people find a parking space they will understand they are in a certain zone for the ParkMobile application.
Mayor Knudsen asked for clarification on repeat parking, asking whether she is parked in Zone A and moves her car but remains in Zone A if that was a violation. Sergeant Chuck replied that the way repeat parking has been defined and how the Ridgewood Police enforce it is per meter, so if you are in meter 14 all day, passed the 3-hour limit, and you pay twice then you are repeat parking. Mayor Knudsen asked if she moved from that meter to meter 28 and it was in the same zone, if it started all over, and Sergeant Chuck agreed that was the case.
Councilman Hache questioned that if a visitor went to a kiosk system how parking would be enforced then. Sergeant Chuck stated that the kiosk is attached to Chestnut Street lot, which has no meters. So, for that zone only, a visitor could not park in that whole zone for the 3 hours. Councilman Hache asked how it would be enforced if kiosks were put on the street. Sergeant Chuck stated that was something the Ridgewood Police had been talking to Mr. Rooney and Signal about. They would have to figure out if it is the spot that is being rented or the zone.
Mayor Knudsen asked for clarification on the kiosk lot. If she paid ParkMobile on the kiosk for spot #1, and then at 3:00 P.M. moved her car and she was still in that kiosk zone in spot #8, then would she get a ticket for repeat parking. Sergeant Chuck responded for that lot only, because the definition goes with the meter head as it’s written in the ordinance. Since there are no meter heads in that zone at all, the kiosk is the meter head. Mayor Knudsen questioned whether that was understood when the kiosk was implemented. Sergeant Chuck stated that was how they had been enforcing before the kiosk, and as long as the meters stay on the street level they would continue to go with the meters. So, if there were 12 kiosks throughout town and a visitor paid for East Ridgewood Avenue on the kiosk, the officers would know that the visitor had parked at meter 14 and then moved later to a new spot but in the same zone. Sergeant Chuck added that if the meter heads were eliminated it would become more difficult.
Councilman Hache stated that his understanding was that when a kiosk is present there are different numbered stalls and individuals end up coordinating the switching of spots. Captain Lyons added that this circumstance was why many areas switched to the zone.
Deputy Mayor Sedon questioned the violations, and if they had been broken up by percentage. For example, the blocks closest to the east side of the train station; Broad, Chestnut and Oak, and then going east of that, how the violation would break out. Sergeant Chuck stated that he could break out the pie graph into larger location areas. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that would be helpful, as he is guessing that the blocks closer to the train station are probably the worst offenders. Sergeant Chuck added that the old walking zones were Zones 1, 2 and 3, and they could break the pie graph down like that, which may be more helpful.
Mayor Knudsen asked Sergeant Chuck whether the Cottage Street Lot had the most number of violations according to the chart. Sergeant Chuck agreed this was the case. Sergeant Chuck added that Cottage Street Lot and East Ridgewood Avenue both have the largest amount of violations in the CBD.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that the overtime parking is occurring at two times, right after lunch at 1:30, and then at 4:00 P.M. which is probably people coming into town after picking up kids from school and thinking they are going to be there for 15 minutes to half an hour, and the overtime parking is the lions-share when looking at the graph. Councilwoman Walsh questioned how that could be fixed other than by paying the meter.
Mayor Knudsen added that overtime parking could be someone over by just a few minutes or someone who decides not to pay the meter. Mayor Knudsen added that if this chart was looked at in terms of how many violations there are per day, it may not be as dramatic as currently presented.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that in terms of enforcement and ordinances, it seems like there is almost nothing that could be done for overtime parking; however, in terms of CBD employee violations, additional signage could be useful. Sergeant Chuck stated that in terms of CBD employee parking, since the reduction of the unused space, the Police Department has seen that especially during the workweek it is 90% full every day, and also the Walnut Street is 90% full every day. Sergeant Chuck added that Saturday, however, is entirely different as there is more turnover, more short employees and more short visitors. So, as people are looking for spots they are just running into any spot available.
Mayor Knudsen asked about the 15% of overtime meter violations who are progressive penalty violators, questioning if they were repeat offenders, and then the other 40% progressive penalty violators on the repeat parking, and if the fines were tiered and increasing. Sergeant Chuck clarified stating that for an overtime meter, the first violation to the fifth violation is Tier 1, sixth through tenth is Tier 2, eleventh through twentieth is Tier 3, and twenty-first and above is Tier 4.
Ms. Mailander asked Sergeant Chuck to give the amount of each penalty individually. Sergeant Chuck stated that the first violation to the fifth violation is $25, sixth through tenth is $50, eleventh through twentieth is $75, and twenty-first and above is $100. Sergeant Chuck stated that as far as repeat parking, the first offense is $25, the second through fifth offense is $50, sixth through tenth is $75, and eleventh and up is $100.
Mayor Knudsen asked whether it would be possible to isolate the CBD employees that are repeat parking. Sergeant Chuck stated that it would be possible to find out the CBD employees that have paid for the use of the CBD area to see if they are violating the repeat parking. However, as far as the other employees that haven’t paid into that, it wouldn’t be possible.
Ms. Mailander added that the CBD employee permit allows individuals to park there for eight hours, so it would be less likely that the CBD employees would be repeat parking. Ms. Mailander stated that it might be overtime meter violations because they did not park in CBD spaces and therefore they would just receive the overtime violation. Sergeant Chuck added that the Police Department will see individuals receive a few repeat parking tickets, and then they won’t pay the meter, so there will be a flip-flop of how they choose to avoid paying. Mayor Knudsen added until they determine that, it is no longer in their best interest.
Ms. Mailander stated that the most summonses being issued between 1:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. is the most telling, and closer to the dinner hour is when the tickets tend to be issued. Sergeant Chuck explained the line graph he had prepared, showing the violation by time the summonses were issued, and added he was surprised that it was so skewed to after lunch and into the dinner hour, and after 6:00 P.M. the meter violations drop off. However, after that hour all of the existing summonses are safety violations, such as parking in yellow zones and double parking, as enforcement is out until 8:00 or 9:00 P.M.
Mayor Knudsen questioned whether the darkness effected the tickets that were issued, and Sergeant Chuck responded that no, it had no effect.
- Report on Public Valet Service
Ms. Mailander stated that there was a public valet at the area near Memorial Park and Van Neste Square along the central island, which ran from October 27th through December 30th. Ms. Mailander stated that it was found that the heaviest times were near the holidays, as expected, showing high usage on December 2nd, 8th, and 16th. Ms. Mailander stated that a revenue total of $1,335.00 was realized, with a total of 267 vehicles parked, and a loss of $22,996.00.
Ms. Mailander stated that Mr. Rooney was present for any questions, and Sergeant Chuck was present for any logistical questions as he was instrumental in helping the Village to set up the service and deal with the parking company.
Councilman Voigt questioned what was learned and if it could be improved upon. Mr. Rooney stated that there was competition from 2 other vendors who were providing services, so that probably impacted the usage. Sergeant Chuck stated that it could be logistically improved by placing the valet structure close to where the people are, and if it is in the right areas people are going to use the service. Councilman Voigt asked whether moving the valet service closer to the train station would be beneficial. Sergeant Chuck responded that he wasn’t thinking the train station exactly, but there would be better corners or locations for visitors to say that it would be easy to use.
Ms. Mailander added that she visited the Central Valet almost every Saturday night, and she felt that because the meters only went until 6:00 P.M., as opposed to 8:00 P.M., there might have been more of a demand possibly for a valet if the meters went later. Ms. Mailander also added that after 11:00 P.M. there was not much activity according to the reports. The valet was busy 7-9:00 P.M. and then traffic dwindled. Ms. Mailander added that there were a couple of events which prevented the Central Valet from being open, as well as some very cold nights where people did not seem to venture out.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that her observation was that the Village didn’t have the participation from the Chamber of Commerce and the other establishments. There should have been more of a partnership as Councilman Hache had tried to create, and that was the biggest challenge. Councilwoman Walsh felt that the Village was on its own hoping that people would use the valet service. The restaurants that have their own valet are servicing their restaurants only, whereas the Village had been hoping that all of the restaurants would pitch in and work with this service, which was a failure in this exercise. Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Council put in all of the money for the CBD, so they are the ones that truly lost.
Ms. Mailander stated that a portal was set up because there was interest in validation by the restaurants, so that the customers would get validated and not have to pay the parking fee themselves, and there was no participation.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he agreed with Councilwoman Walsh, that there was no buy-in from any of the businesses downtown, so that was unfortunate. Sergeant Chuck added that another demographic that isn’t a popular one for the valet is the employees, with 400 to 600 employees per night. Mayor Knudsen stated that the employees would have to be valeted around 4:00 P.M. as opposed to 6:00 P.M. because they would already be on shift.
Councilman Hache stated that it was a valuable lesson learned, and when looking at other areas where this system has worked, such as in Red Bank, visibility may be the most helpful. Councilman Hache also added that participation was most disappointing because when speaking with other establishments, particularly restaurants, the complaint was that there were a handful of restaurants in town that had a competitive edge by being able to provide valet parking for their customers. Councilman Hache added that the playing field was leveled by offering the valet services and the opportunity to validate parking for the restaurants customers, however there was no participation. Councilman Hache added that signage may have played an issue as people were confused in the beginning, believing the valet service to be part of a private event, perhaps adding Public or Municipal to the Valet Parking Sign. Councilman Hache also felt that visibility of the signs could have been better, as the downtown is not particularly well-lit. Councilman Hache added that it was different points of coordination, one being the desire from the restaurants to participate and the other being awareness. He added it was never meant to be a solution but rather a concierge experience to bring people downtown and increase foot traffic.
Mayor Knudsen agreed that she saw it as a concierge service, but also admits that she saw it as somewhat of a parking solution because the plan had been to relocate cars out of the immediate area of the restaurants and shift that over to the spaces that were picked up from the Board of Education. Mayor Knudsen stated that one restaurant owner told her that they were not going to participate in the Valet service because if they had a meal ticket that was $25, for example, and then taking a $5 charge on top of that for the valet was too much, however Mayor Knudsen noted that the number of patrons on any given night that may have used this service has to be considered rather than a single ticket because it actually may have proved a significant benefit.
Mayor Knudsen added that she felt the valet service was something worth re-thinking and re-visiting, adding that perhaps adjusting the hours and getting commitments from the businesses and restaurants ahead of time, perhaps going to the Chamber of Commerce and attempting to form a partnership.
Councilman Hache added there was scalability on this, because a restaurant running its own valet service sees costs of $50,000 to $60,000 per year because there is the cost of the lots in addition to the valet service. Councilman Hache added that a participating restaurant would only be paying for what they were using, as an example he mentioned ROOTS which is paying for the valet and the lot whether one person shows up for dinner or 200; where the beauty in this would have been allowing the restaurants to pay for their usage in the system. Councilman Hache added that he felt it could be reworked, but a commitment was needed from the businesses that they would participate going forward. Councilman Hache stated that the initial plan was for companies to come in and operate the valet system on their own, however these businesses make money off valeting as a service as opposed to parking cars.
Mayor Knudsen added that while visiting the valet service with Ms. Mailander, there were times when families were being valeted because the had a stroller and children, but mostly in the vicinity there were ample free parking spaces, so the question that begs to be asked is why someone would valet their car for free or for a fee if 30 to 50 feet away there is ample parking. Mayor Knudsen added that she feels the real usage should be looked at closely.
Ms. Mailander added that if the Village were to try the valet service again, perhaps it would consider running the service all day Saturday from noon to 11:00 P.M. because there were some businesses in town who said they would be interested in validating for their customers. Ms. Mailander added that it is very hard sometimes to find parking on a Saturday in the CBD, so for the convenience of going to see a movie, have some lunch and do some shopping it might be viable.
- Overview of Walker Report on Hudson Street Parking Garage – Financial Feasibility Study and Allocation Study
Ms. Mailander stated that this item was removed from the agenda for the evening due to inaccuracies in the assumptions. This will be revised and discussed further at the Work Session on February 28, 2018. There will also be an attempt to have representatives from Walker on hand that evening for any questions that the Council may have regarding their studies.
- Overview of Responses to Hudson Street Parking Garage RFP
Ms. Mailander stated that Mr. Christopher Rutishauser prepared an overview, stating that on January 19, 2018, the Village received 4 proposals. There were 22 registered plan holders with 6 of those parties being data firms. The 4 proposals that were received came from Pike Development, Prismatic Development, Terminal Construction, and Epic Management. Ms. Mailander stated that an overview would be occurring this evening, and that the Council would be setting another meeting specifically for the purpose of interviewing the firms which they wish to interview, which is similar to what was done with the former parking garage and is a way for the Council to get to know the principles and to ask them questions directly.
Mr. Rutishauser stated that there were 4 responses to the RFP, and after reviewing them and creating a summary, he felt that none of the responses were perfect. Mr. Rutishauser stated that the prices range from $9,464,666.00 to $14,399,000.00. Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Village should take a very deliberate path in determining which of these 4 vendors they would like to go with.
Mayor Knudsen requested to speak about Pike Development first. Mr. Rutishauser stated that Pike Development provided a façade rendering, where most of them submitted renderings, one firm did not submit any. Mr. Rutishauser added that Pike Development gave a view of what they were thinking, however it is not etched in stone and could be very much subject to how the Village wants to change it. Mr. Rutishauser stated that their 3 options had canopies, which could be a nice architectural feature, however they do not last for many years and prove to be a maintenance issue with the fabric material deteriorating over time.
Mr. Rutishauser explained one of the renderings done by Pike Development, showing a relatively open first floor on both South Broad Street and Hudson Street, whereas some of the other renderings that they had done closed up that area a bit more. Mr. Rutishauser stated that all 4 respondents were looking at parking structures that are relatively open, allowing a natural movement of air, so that they did not require a sprinkler or fire suppression system, or mechanical ventilation, because those are two large costs.
Deputy Mayor Sedon questioned whether because this was a redevelopment zone, anyone that the Council chose to go with could be negotiated with directly and make changes as the Council sees fit. Mr. Rutishauser stated that as he understood the circumstances, that was correct. Deputy Mayor Sedon asked Mr. Rutishauser if he had any idea why Prismatic did not submit a rendering. Mr. Rutishauser responded he was unsure, however they put in two small plans at the end of the proposal that gave an idea of a space layout.
Deputy Mayor Sedon asked whether the companies were given the opportunity to ask whether any other work had been done on the site, because the bulk of the proposals mentioned geotechnical and environmental studies and surveying, however he thought that a majority of that work had been done by the Village already. Mr. Rutishauser responded that a great majority of that work is done, and Prismatic was one of the respondents that asked a number of questions, including for the geotechnical information as well as the environmental work that the Village had conducted.
Mayor Knudsen questioned the bearing capacity that Pike Development mentioned in their RFP, because if it was something that was required it was not in their proposal and presumably that is a costly endeavor. Mr. Rutishauser stated that Pike quoted a bearing capacity of 4000 psi (pounds per square inch) which is a very strong concrete, and he thinks they may have meant to put psf (pounds per square foot) instead, which is more consistent with what the geotechnical report had mentioned where they are recommending a bearing capacity of 3500 psf, and this could prove to be a typographical error on Pike’s part. Mr. Rutishauser stated that as the Council moves forward with reviewing the RFPs there are questions that have to be asked to all respondents to get clarification. This is certainly a question to be asked because if they are truly anticipating that bearing capacity, it could make a significant cost difference in their proposal. Mr. Rutishauser added that there would still be discussion needed as to how or what would be needed to reach their bearing capacity if it was 4000 psf.
Mr. Rutishauser display another one of Pike Development’s options which showed retractable awnings along the South Broad Street façade, and also showed South Broad Street more closed in on level 1 with a moderate knee-wall and another somewhat higher knee-wall on the Hudson Street side. Again there were still sufficient openings to maintain natural ventilation.
Mayor Knudsen asked Mr. Rutishauser to go back to option 1 from Pike Development to review the knee-wall. Mayor Knudsen added that the missing knee-wall in this option led her to believe cars would go straight through and either hit an individual and then fall off the curb. Mr. Rutishauser responded that was a valid concern because the rendering did appear very open, as the only thing between the deck and sidewalk was some shrubbery, certainly nothing that would stop a vehicle. Mayor Knudsen stated that it would not be an optimal design from a safety perspective. Councilman Hache questioned whether wheel-stops would be placed. Mr. Rutishauser stated that a wheel-stop is good if a car is moving relatively slow, at just a couple of miles per hour, however if someone is coming through the deck and driving to exit and loses control they will end up going through.
Mayor Knudsen added that this circumstance could perhaps happen in any parking lot realistically, however, because the line of sight is already compromised due to the posts, so an individual might not even see someone walking past. Mr. Rutishauser stated that there was a concern because this is a heavily pedestrian trafficked area.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that she had been in Chicago recently where there was a building called The Honeycomb, which has a parking garage that is 16 stories in the air, and there is a double wire as the barrier. Mayor Knudsen stated that a heavy aviation cable could stop a vehicle. Deputy Mayor Sedon added that the first thing he thought when looking at the rendering was that if there were 2 people exiting and someone was in a hurry they may choose to go across the sidewalk. Mr. Rutishauser added that this design could appear to encourage poor driving behavior.
Councilman Voigt questioned Mr. Rutishauser as to whether or not he anticipated any environmental or geotechnical issues with this site. Mr. Rutishauser stated that an environmental investigation was done with First Environment, and there is some historic fill, as well as some minor contamination that should be cleaned up during any construction work. Mr. Rutishauser added that a geotechnical report was commissioned from Maser, which came back with the bearing capacity previously mentioned. Mr. Rutishauser stated that other than Pike Development, the other respondents were looking at conventional shallow and spread footings, which is why in the conversation that goes forward if the Council is more inclined to prefer one respondent over another. The geotechnical report should be sent to them, and it should be confirmed that all of their assumptions match those the Village of Ridgewood has completed, as well as making sure that they do not want to replicate the investigation due to the additional cost.
Councilman Voigt confirmed with Mr. Rutishauser that no major issues were to be anticipated. Mr. Rutishauser responded that, at this point in time, minimal cost was anticipated for environmental issues, and the footing is conventional shallow spread.
Councilman Hache questioned Mr. Rooney regarding the budgets and estimates from Pike Development which presented different financing options, one of which is interest only while the other is short term financing. He was also very interested in a three-year lease term with no amortization, simple interest, and a balloon payment at the end of those three years. Councilman Hache added that part of the challenge of this project is building up reserves in the process of construction to be up and running when the project is complete. He questioned Mr. Rooney as to where he had seen this type of approach being used and then picked up with long term financing. Mr. Rooney responded that he had not seen that type of financing before and, that this was unique to Pike Development. He believed that this would be very advantageous to allow the Village to build the equity that it needs to pick up the financing when it comes due. Mr. Rooney advised the Council that they could speak with the other 3 developers to see if they would like to come up with any ideas that may match that.
Mayor Knudsen requested that the Terminal Construction rendering be displayed. Mr. Rutishauser stated that Terminal Construction was partnering with Desman, which is a firm that the Village has utilized previously and had come back with a new design from previous renderings. Mr. Rutishauser stated that this new design was similar to Pike Development, however there were a lot more additions to the design, including architectural features which can increase the cost of the project. Mr. Rutishauser stated that this was the most expensive option at $11.5 million. Mayor Knudsen added that this development company was one that many may be familiar with and asked for clarification as to whether the design was fitting a 100’ depth.
Deputy Mayor Sedon questioned whether Terminal Construction was asking for an overhang in the rendering to cantilever over the sidewalk. Mr. Rutishauser stated that it was Prismatic Development that had proposed a cantilever to give some square footage, provided it will optimize layout.
Councilwoman Walsh added that the design from Terminal Construction had many bells and whistles, and if it was the Council’s decision the design would probably be scaled back. Deputy Mayor Sedon requested that the Terminal Construction design coming in at $10.9 million, be displayed, which is the scaled-back version, in addition there is another $10.1 million-dollar design which is even more sparse. Mr. Rutishauser expressed that Terminal Construction was attempting to display to the Village what the costs were associated with a more aesthetically pleasing façade as opposed to a functionary one. Councilwoman Walsh added that the parking building at her office is very basic whereas the buildings are very ornate, and the garage fits the space. Mr. Rutishauser added that Bergen County just added a second basic garage at the County Complex.
Mayor Knudsen added that when looking at the Pike design, the expanse is not seen, so when coloring both renderings and looking at the openings, the Pike and Terminal designs may actually be very similar. Mayor Knudsen requested the pricing for Terminal Construction’s designs. Mr. Rutishauser responded $11.5 million for option 1, $10.9 million for option 2, and $10.1 million for option 3. Mr. Rooney added that he didn’t think the Council should think those construction numbers are set. A lot of negotiation will take place before selection, and in the selection process decisions regarding the façade, and interior will be discussed, including what type of lighting levels would be desirable, which would all be a part of the final discussion.
Mayor Knudsen added that she found the benefit of understanding the pricing, not that it is set in stone, but more to see the difference in what the money would get in terms of additional accessories and visual aesthetics.
Mayor Knudsen requested the Epic Management design be displayed. Mr. Rutishauser stated that Epic took an interesting approach, in that they took a historic photo of the old Ridgewood Firehouse and replicated many of those design elements, extending them down to the Hudson Street façade. Mayor Knudsen added that the Pike design had the old firehouse emblem incorporated into the corner, however Epic really captured the firehouse with the exception of the glass tower that was added. Mr. Rutishauser added that ornate grates were incorporated on the first level for air flow and provided a different view from some of the other proposed facades.
Councilman Hache asked about the 3 design variations that Epic Management provided. Mayor Knudsen stated that they were the same design, however they showed different variations in terms of color and grates. Mayor Knudsen questioned Mr. Rutishauser regarding the price of this option, he responded it was $12.4 million. Councilman Hache questioned their financing options, as none were provided, and the Council was directed to contact a ConnectOne bank that they work with, and he felt it would be a good idea to reach out and see what types of options the bank would be willing to offer.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that it may be advantageous to bring all of the development companies in because there are questions on all of the designs. Mayor Knudsen stated that she agreed, however she had one question regarding Epic not providing information regarding a dry pipe sprinkler system, and whether the other companies had provided such information. Mr. Rutishauser responded that yes, the other development companies had provided this information. Two companies referred to a dry pipe system, while one had a stand pipe only. He was concerned about it because it had only stairwells in two locations on the deck and if there was a fire condition the fire department would have to either manually run or carry a hose from the standpipe to the fire source. Whereas, a dry sprinkler system covering all the floors of the deck would be able to get water on a fire condition quicker. Mayor Knudsen questioned Mr. Rutishauser regarding any heating system that would be needed on the pipes. Mr. Rutishauser explained that the pipes are dry and usually full of air and if a fire condition occurs the sprinkler head releases, all of the air rushes out, and the water would follow thereafter. Mr. Rutishauser added that this type of system was good for areas that could get below freezing, which this deck would.
Ms. Mailander added that an interesting part of the Epic Management proposal was the “valet assist” to help with the relocation of the people currently parked in the Hudson Street lot, and that was included in their pricing. Ms. Mailander stated that Epic was the only company to propose something like that, and since they are subject to negotiation it could be proposed to the other companies.
Mayor Knudsen questioned Ms. Mailander regarding the Walker Report and when would the Council have the corrected version of that. Ms. Mailander responded February 28th, which was when they would come into the Work Session. Mayor Knudsen asked if the report would be available earlier, to which Ms. Mailander responded that it would probably be available earlier but be discussed on that date. Mayor Knudsen proposed that if Walker was on February 28th, the Council would need to hold off on when they were going to have any presentations by the developers because the Council would need to understand the financials first. The Council was in agreement at this point.
Ms. Mailander questioned the Council as to how many of the developers they would like to interview, and then dates could be gathered after February 28th when all members of the Council would be available, giving an hour to each company, interviewing them back to back. Councilman Hache questioned why the Council couldn’t meet with the companies before the 28th. He added that moving things forward may hinge on the Walker report but there was a month to wait until that time. Mayor Knudsen added that the Council couldn’t actually because February 7th was a Work Session, then the 14th is a Public Meeting. Councilman Hache stated that it could be a Special Public Meeting solely for the garage. Mayor Knudsen added that it could be figured out, as they also needed budget dates.
Councilwoman Walsh added that she felt the companies should come in and talk about the designs and the Council could state that they will also be meeting on the financial report adding that the two have to go together. Mayor Knudsen stated that she disagreed because the Walker Report already made an assumption on an amount that the garage is going to be built at based on what meter increases would need to be and what time those increases would need to go to. So there are already assumed in that Report. Mayor Knudsen stated that the question was going to be ultimately is this going to come in less than or more than that amount. However, she feels that the Council needs to understand the financials, and she sees a benefit to understanding that report first.
Councilman Hache added that due diligence is an important part of the process. However, why wait another month for something that would take one evening for an interview to see what the developers are planning and to have an opportunity to negotiate and request their best numbers. Deputy Mayor Sedon added that it was budget season as well, and the Council hadn’t received any budget numbers yet, the schedule needs to be figured out due to a number of budget hearings, garage hearings, regular meetings, plus committee meetings.
Mayor Knudsen suggested having the Walker Report on February 28th, and then get the budget schedule and figure out who of the developers, even one or two, could come in on the first date and then the other two could happen on a different date at a Regular meeting. Ms. Mailander stated that a Special Meeting may be better as it would all be done on one night, and there would be the opportunity to bring any that were like the best back during perhaps another Work Session or Special Meeting. Mayor Knudsen stated that the Council should look at the budgeting schedule and go from there. Ms. Mailander stated that she would get the available dates for the budget as well as a Special Meeting for the garage. Councilman Voigt agreed that the date for the garage should be the soonest possible.
Ms. Mailander requested the majority preference, the Council agreed to do all 4 developers at one meeting, she added that it was important to fix a date so that the developer would know what date they were to come in. Mayor Knudsen added that it may be better for the public as well to do all of the companies together in one night.
- Amendment to Municipal Complex Parking
Ms. Mailander stated that there has been a request to establish the two parking spots, next to the handicapped parking spot in the Municipal Complex parking lot (one was previously designated for motorcycle parking), as visitor parking for Village Hall. The parking will be Monday through Friday, from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. In doing so, the Village could eliminate two of the six spaces in the middle section of the lot to leaving four visitor parking spots. The end result being the current total of six visitor parking spots for Village Hall will be maintained.
The Council was in agreement with this Amendment to the Ordinance.
- Budget
- Budget Reserve Transfer Resolution
Ms. Mailander stated that this was an annual resolution to transfer money in the 2017 budget from departments with excess funds to departments that need funding to pay 2017 bills.
- Sewer Fees for Significant Dischargers
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village has an ordinance that establishes a fee structure based upon equivalent dwelling units for commercial/industrial minor and significant dischargers to the Village’s sanitary sewage collection system. Non-profit and tax-exempt properties are also billed for the sewage treatment services they receive. The rate was set at $4.27 per 1,000 gallons of flow in excess of 109,500 gallons, which is a calculated average flow, discharged from commercial/non-profit properties as measured by water meter consumption during the two winter quarters for 2017.
Ms. Mailander added that after examining the operating costs, Mr. Rutishauser came to the conclusion that the rate should remain at $4.27 per 1,000 gallons, for 2018.
- Award Professional Services Contract – Upgrade Traffic Signals Survey – Part II and Proposed Intersection Upgrades
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village had previously awarded survey work for two intersections along Franklin Avenue. Those surveys have been completed and the survey drawing PDFs were forwarded to Bergen County, for North Broad Street/Franklin Avenue and Oak Street/Franklin Avenue, for consideration for upgrading the traffic signals.
Ms. Mailander stated that the next two intersections that need base map surveys so new traffic signals can be designed are East Ridgewood Avenue/North Maple Avenue and North Maple Avenue/Franklin Avenue. These two intersections are a critical traffic congestion location. As a result, the Village’s surveyor, Daniel Dunn, has indicated that he would do the survey for $17,100.00 for both intersections. Ms. Mailander stated that the quote is high due to the distance from each intersection that information needs to be developed for transition zones and turning lanes needed.
Ms. Mailander stated that the next part of the contract is the Bergen County Conceptual Plan for the intersections of East Ridgewood Avenue/North Maple Avenue and Franklin Avenue/North Maple Avenue along the North Maple Avenue corridor. The concept plan was prepared by Bergen County using available information. Ms. Mailander stated that the proposed improvements would require land takings at the southeast corner of East Ridgewood Avenue and Maple Avenue, as well as at the northwest corner of Franklin Avenue and North Maple Avenue.
Ms. Mailander added that this concept plan has been reviewed with the Enclave project team as there is road widening proposed along the Enclave frontage. The proposed traffic signals will be integrated with one another, have actuators to detect traffic approaching them, and include pedestrian walk/don’t walk signals.
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Ms. Mailander state that at this time, Bergen County would like to know if the Village Council is in favor of this proposed plan. Mr. Rutishauser added that the plan is a concept plan, and some survey work may change some of the takings, also adding that the final design has not been completed because the County needs the base survey map and also the AutoCAD file to design it on.
Mr. Rutishauser added that the concept plan is something that the County feels would work well for those streets and intersections. Mr. Rutishauser added that one critical step that he is awaiting from the County is a Shared Services Agreement that will need to be executed between the Village and the County. The agreement will further delineate each entity’s responsibility in this project. Mr. Rutishauser added that he is also awaiting a Shared Services Agreement for the two intersections that were previously discussed on Franklin Avenue.
Councilman Voigt questioned the status with the Planning Board, asking if this changed or amended what was already approved. Mr. Rutishauser stated that there was no additional road widening proposed for the Enclave site, rather it is widening the road that is seen currently from curb to curb within easement takings that have been long established; it is within the right of way. Councilman Voigt questioned if that information would be in the resolution. Mr. Rutishauser stated that every road has a right of way, and the Village has the ability to open it up or use it as necessary.
Councilman Voigt stated that the Enclave site approval would be memorialized next Tuesday. Mayor Knudsen added that the Enclave project team was on board for this project and were present and participating at the last meeting. Mayor Knudsen stated additionally that during the site plan interview it was found that the steps are in the road widening easement. Mr. Rutishauser stated that the steps were still a challenge that the Enclave’s engineer has to resolve to the County’s satisfaction.
Mayor Knudsen questioned a note regarding the County going down the corridor under discussion to Oak and Broad Street. Mr. Rutishauser agreed that it was Oak and Broad Street, and that the Village was going to look at an interlocal agreement for this intersection corridor, and then a separate one for Oak and Franklin Avenue, and North Broad and Franklin, where the survey work has already been done and submitted to the County. Mayor Knudsen questioned if this would happen at the same time. Mr. Rutishauser responded that it would happen concurrently, however, the key thing is that Franklin Avenue is in dire need of resurfacing and the Village Engineering Department would like to have the signalized intersection work done, the conduit installed, then the ADA ramps placed, and then at the very end the resurfacing would take place.
Mayor Knudsen questioned the last light on West Ridgewood Avenue, to which Mr. Rutishauser responded that the light had been a peripheral discussion and he believes it is something that could be revisited further with the County once the various pieces for the four lights that are to be replaced have been approved by their respective bodies and design work is underway. Mayor Knudsen questioned the land taking that is to be done and how long the process would take. Mr. Rutishauser deferred to Mr. Rogers, who stated that it was a matter of document preparation and he did not anticipate a very long process.
Deputy Mayor Sedon questioned whether the County was aware that the light on West Ridgewood Avenue/Wilsey Square may need to be upgraded as well. Mr. Rutishauser agreed that it had come up in conversations, however there is agreement that the sites that were previously discussed currently have a greater need. Once those projects are underway the Village Engineering Department will take up that discussion with the County. Deputy Mayor Sedon questioned if that upgrade would happen after the fact or in conjunction with the other four lights. Mr. Rutishauser stated that he could not predict the timeline, however he believes that the County will focus on these four intersections currently and once the construction work is happening at these lights, the design work could be going on for West Ridgewood Avenue.
- Award Professional Services Contract – 2018 Tax Assessment Map
Ms. Mailander stated that this resolution was for the annual contract for the tax assessment map by Daniel M. Dunn, P.L.S. and P.P.; the charge is $1,700.00 and has not changed for the past nine years.
- Award State Contract – Parts & Services
Ms. Mailander stated that this is an annual resolution that will indicate which various state contracts part and labor services can be used; tires, brush company, Route 23 Auto Mall, and various services that are purchased by the Village’s Fleet Services during the year.
- Award Second Year Contract – 2018 Horticultural Supplies
Ms. Mailander stated that this resolution is for horticultural supplies in 2018 and that bid proposals were accepted last year; this is the second year. Services are not to exceed $38,000 from the Village, and not to exceed $9,500 from Project Pride.
- Change Fee for New Sanitary Sewer Service Connection
Ms. Mailander stated that this is an amendment to the existing ordinance to consider a fee change for the sanitary sewer service connection fee that was adopted in 2009. The current connection fee is $5,000.00 per dwelling unit and it has been 8.5 years since this fee was increased; the proposal is to increase the fee by $1,000.00 to $6,000.00 per dwelling unit, with a corresponding increase for commercial property based on gross square footage. Ms. Mailander stated that part of the reason for this is that the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) is aging and maintenance costs are increasing.
- Yearly Renewal of Resolution for Acting Municipal Court Administrator
Ms. Mailander stated that this resolution was for the Acting Municipal Court Administrator, Kimberly McWilliams, CMCA, who was appointed last year. This is enacted if the Village’s Municipal Court Administrator and the Deputy Municipal Court Administrator are not available; the rate is $35.00 per hour.
- School Security Officer
Ms. Mailander stated that this resolution was for a school security officer for the Ridgewood Public Schools. Councilman Hache and Ms. Mailander met with Dr. Fishbein and Vincent Loncto, the President of the School Board, who mentioned that they were interviewing retired police officers who have a Class 3 designation for the position of School Security Officer, with a salary of approximately $50,000.00 per year with no benefits. It was asked if the Village would be willing to pay half of the salary, which would take the place of a School Resource Officer into the Ridgewood Schools.
Councilman Hache stated that having the School Resource Officer, who is one of the Village’s own officers, is community-building, particularly with the high school. Councilman Hache added that bringing in a retired police officer as a security officer could serve a function, but he does not view it as something that would replace the School Resource Officer concept. Councilman Hache stated that he felt that the Board of Education may be justified in hiring the security officer for other reasons, but he thinks the option of the School Resource Officer should be pursued with the Board of Education.
Mayor Knudsen stated that she had been in a meeting earlier with Dr. Fishbein and Mr. Loncto where there was some preliminary discussion, and Mayor Knudsen had raised the same issue and agreed with Councilman Hache that the School Resource Officer plays a vital role in the school setting, especially in the middle schools, where the students get to know the Village police officers, and to be comfortable with the officers. Mayor Knudsen added that she felt there was a very big difference between a retired police officer and one of the Village’s current, active members of the police department.
Councilman Voigt questioned the duties of the School Resource Officer. Councilman Hache stated that it was connecting with the kids; training students on various topics and building comfort with the students which is valuable in that the students may be more likely to report any issues. Councilman Hache added that he felt the School Resource Officer was a very different approach from responding to an individual who is hurt by calling the security guard, as the School Resource Officer is a recognizable face serving a function to build the community link.
Councilman Voigt questioned if the School Resource Officer would mostly be in the high school or middle school. Councilman Hache responded that they would be present at both. Mayor Knudsen added that many parents and students have fond memories of Officer Chris McDowell who acted as the School Resource Officer previously, and before that Former Mayor Killion; she stated that when there is a problem, the School Resource Officer is instrumental in bringing both sides together, sifting through the details, and offering a more professional approach to what may or may not happen to a juvenile. Mayor Knudsen stated that she felt that having a professional in the position as well as a recognizable face of the police officer in the building was important.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he felt the School Resource Officer had a higher level of interactivity with students and their families who might need that level of intervention at some point, such as getting in trouble at school, as opposed to simply having a security officer who may find a student getting in trouble and handing them off to the school administrators, parents, or police if it rises to that level. Deputy Mayor Sedon added that middle school and high school students will consider a police officer in uniform more seriously than a security guard, even though they may be a retired police officer, and that SRO may act as a deterrent.
Mayor Knudsen added that the more current training for police officers revolves around social media and those issues that are very real in the schools, which is more relevant to what may happen today. Deputy Mayor Sedon added that on the previous Council, the School Resource Officer was approved.
Councilwoman Walsh questioned how the employment of a school security officer would work, whether they would be an employee of the school. Ms. Mailander stated that the Council would pay half of the salary. Mayor Knudsen added that the Council was going to ask the Board of Education to fund part of the School Resource Officer during very early conversations when they were reimplementing and trying to fulfill that and approve the position. She, Councilman Hache, and Ms. Mailander were present and anticipated the Board of Education to pay into that position. Mayor Knudsen stated that the money that is now being allocated to the retired police officer, in lieu of a School Resource Officer, could in fact be reimbursed to the Village taxpayers.
Councilwoman Walsh questioned if a retired Ridgewood police officer could be applying. Ms. Mailander stated that it was indicated that no retired Ridgewood police officers had applied. Councilwoman Walsh stated that she recalled from the previous time she was on the Council that one of the challenges was that if it is a police officer and specific laws are broken, then they would have the ability to arrest students, and at the time that ability wasn’t wanted in the school.
Councilwoman Walsh questioned whether the Council had any obligation legally, because a salary would be paid. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that whether a police officer is used, or someone is hired for this position, there would be an obligation to pay them for their time, so it would more than likely be a full-time position and there would be benefits involved. There was a brief discussion about whose employee the security officer would become. At which point Mayor Knudsen stated that reimbursing the Board of Education the $25,000.00 would not make the security officer a Village employee. Mr. Rogers added that it was like a Shared Services Agreement situation, which has been done in other instances, where one declares them as an employee and the other helps supplement the salary.
Mayor Knudsen stated that her inclination was to go back to the Board of Education as this was not of interest and point out that the Council pursued putting back a School Resource Officer by reinstating that position, which was done in good faith, and that the School Board should be asked at the next meeting. Ms. Mailander confirmed that the Council was in agreement regarding the School Resource Officer.
- Award Contract – On-Call Traffic Services Proposal
Ms. Mailander stated that the Council passed a resolution in June of 2017 to award a contract to Petry Traffic, LLC, for On-Call Professional Traffic Engineering Services for the period July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. Petry Traffic, LLC changed ownership and now operates under the name of Bright View Engineering with Aaron J. Schrager being the licensed professional engineer. Therefore, Mr. Rooney suggested the Council consider a new resolution appointing the new firm and retaining such licensed engineer through the period ending June 30, 2018. Ms. Mailander stated that John Jahr is a partner with Bright View and will continue to assist in providing traffic related services to the Village.
- Policy
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- Contribution to Community Center – North Jersey Masters
Ms. Mailander stated that each year volunteers, made up of Parks and Recreation staff and family members, as well as neighboring residents, host a water table on Fairfield Avenue for the runners of the 10k during the Ridgewood Memorial Day Run, which is sponsored by the North Jersey Masters. As a thank you, North Jersey Masters donated some of the proceeds to the Community Center to help fund programs as needed. This resolution is to accept their $1,000.00 donation.
- Authorize NJDEP Treatment Work Permit Application Processing for Multi-Family Housing
Ms. Mailander stated that that multi-family housing projects recently approved by the Village Planning Board will require various permits from the NJDEP related to their sanitary sewer discharge. The process requires an authorized representative of the Village to review and then sign the permit applications. To expedite this process, the recommendation is to have the Village Engineer, Christopher Rutishauser, execute the permits on behalf of the Village as needed.
Mayor Knudsen questioned who else in the Village was qualified to execute these permits. Mr. Rutishauser responded that it was a County process.
- Implementation of Valley Hospital Settlement
Mr. Rogers stated that the implementation of the Valley Hospital settlement would be talked about in Closed Session, but a settlement was reached with Valley Hospital in the fall, all contingent upon Valley Hospital being issued favorably the Certificate of Need that it had filed with the State Department of Health. Mr. Rogers stated that Certificate of Need came down last week, and it then implements a number of things that have to take place at this point in time with regard to action to be taken by the Planning Board and the Council. As part of the settlement agreement, Valley Hospital needed to and wanted to maintain the same lot and buildings at the Village campus on Linwood Avenue, even after they move. So, as part of the settlement the Master Plan had to be amended to make the present campus conforming to the Zoning Code which would require review by the Planning Board and then a recommendation being forwarded to the Council to consider an ordinance consistent with that. Mr. Rogers added that the Council would then consider that ordinance, and any changes would force it to be sent back to the Planning Board, but there are a number of things that have to go through with that process. In the next 2-3 months, hearings will have to occur with regard to the settlement agreement and the Planning Board will have to take up the issue of amending the Master Plan to change the hospital zone to make the buildings on the campus conforming. Mr. Rogers added that there were a couple issues regarding future development with regard to requirements for a future power plant, as they are generating power for the site, and also an exhaust stack that may be part of that. Mr. Rogers stated that there were also some planning criteria with regard to conceptual uses for the property that had to be included by the Planning Board and then included in the ordinance. Mr. Rogers added that there was a lot to be done.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that his only concern was with Valley raising the $752 million, which he assumes can be done fairly readily, but if the amount is not raised would that void the Certificate of Need. Mr. Rogers stated that his understanding of the process was that the Department of Health did an extensive search and scrutinized rather significantly the financials for Valley Hospital, and that nobody would have proposed this if it wasn’t feasible or thought to be feasible. Mr. Rogers stated that if they didn’t raise the financing it would become a separate issue, as everything in the settlement agreement has been geared on the granting of the Certificate of Need. He couldn’t say, from a Department of Health standpoint, what it would mean if they couldn’t get financing. Deputy Mayor Sedon questioned from the Village’s standpoint, to which Mr. Rogers responded that from the Village’s standpoint there is a settlement agreement and they are to move to Paramus, and if there are any changes in that, then the Village goes back to the appeal.
- “No Knock” Solicitation Ordinance
Ms. Mailander stated that there has been a suggestion that the Village Council considers a “No Knock” Ordinance, similar to the one in the Borough of Hillsdale. The Borough Clerk and Administrator collects, prepares, and maintains a list of those properties where the owner has notified that they do not wish to have solicitors canvassing their premises. To be included on the “Non-Solicitation” list, the resident completes a form and indicates that they do not wish to have solicitation at their home. The Municipal Clerk then forwards the list to the police chief on a quarterly basis, who then notifies all potential solicitors that they cannot knock or solicit at these locations. Ms. Mailander stated that the updated list may be given more frequently if there is increased signing up. Any solicitor violating these provisions can be punished with a fine.
Mayor Knudsen stated that a couple of weeks ago residents in a particular area were having solicitors knocking on their doors, and in one instance apparently the resident asked them to leave and an aggressive stance was taken by the two individuals at the door. Mayor Knudsen added that it became an active topic on local Facebook pages and a resident emailed her regarding it. Mayor Knudsen questioned whether the High School Band could be distinguished from the solicitors. Ms. Mailander stated that would be a question for Mr. Rogers, that if a “No Knock” ordinance was enacted could commercial be separated from the high school students. Mr. Rogers stated that due process issues would arise. Mayor Knudsen mentioned that sales of Girl Scout cookies seemed to be occurring via email, however Councilwoman Walsh pointed out the poinsettias, fruit, and Boy Scout popcorn were at her door yearly.
Mayor Knudsen questioned that if a solicitor comes for a license, would the band be getting a license as well to sell the fruit. Ms. Mailander stated that the band does not actually receive a license, but they are soliciting door to door, and therefore request permission to do so. Ms. Mailander believes that under a solicitation ordinance, it indicates someone going door to door to sell goods, and as Mr. Rogers stated choosing not to have anyone knock would include high school students. Mr. Rogers stated that it was something that could be carved out; however it was a matter of how to approach the situation and what to classify certain things as; how to differentiate between purely commercial solicitations as opposed to fundraising for public entities. Mr. Rogers stated that he could respond to this issue via email during the week to the Council.
Councilman Hache questioned whether this was similar to the national Do Not Call Registry, and whether the homeowner was given anything to put on their door. Ms. Mailander stated that it was similar to the call registry; and that homeowners are not given anything, just the solicitors are given the list of where they cannot knock and if they do they are violating the ordinance. Mr. Rogers stated that if the homeowner wanted to they could put up a sign on their door stating that they subscribe to the “No Knock” policy. Councilman Hache stated that his concern is that the Village Council is good at proposing an ordinance, but enforcement is difficult, and he is concerned about the headaches that would be caused for code enforcement and the police department. Ms. Mailander stated that enforcement would be handled by the police department as they enforce solicitation.
Mayor Knudsen suggested a scenario where Councilman Hache knocked on her door selling purple ties and she took his card, then called the police department and questioned what would occur at this stage. Ms. Mailander stated that the solicitation license could be suspended or revoked. Mr. Rogers added that there would be a violation that was signed based on a probable cause statement, which would have to be heard in court, and if a violation was found by the judge then possibly there could be some repercussions. Mayor Knudsen stated that realistically if someone is willing to sign up for the “No Knock” ordinance, then they are willing to call the police department and ask for the solicitor to be removed from their property. Ms. Mailander and Councilman Voigt were in agreement, however Councilman Voight added that they may not want to get involved in court proceedings. A discussion surrounding calling the police and the removal of solicitors ensued. Deputy Mayor Sedon suggested that an individual signing up for the “No Knock” list would need to know that they would have to go to court for what could arise, and that may be a deterrent to pressing charges.
Mr. Rogers stated that what normally occurs when there is a citizen’s complaint, the police make it well known to the citizen that wants to file to complaint that they have to go to court to support it in order to get anywhere with it. Mayor Knudsen stated that she would want solicitors who are obtaining a license to be mindful of this list and to respect it, and hopefully the violations will be few and far between.
Ms. Mailander stated that this issue would be discussed again next week with a proposed ordinance.
- Suggestions for Use of Sycamore Tree at Graydon Pool
Ms. Mailander stated that the Village arborist as well as an independent arborist determined that the sycamore tree at the island in Graydon pool is very hollow, no longer viable, and a danger because it may fall, so unfortunately it will have to come down. It was said at the time that proposals from the public would be entertained. Marcia Ringel of Preserve Graydon notified people, and the Village received various proposals including benches, tables, or plaques, also perhaps having an enlarged photo of the sycamore tree in different seasons utilizing the wood in frames for these photos.
Ms. Mailander stated that Ms. Ringel was unable to be present at the meeting, however she did state that a couple of other suggestions were ones where pieces of the tree or slices could be preserved at each public school so that children could touch the wood and experience something from that. Ms. Mailander also stated that the Council may also have ideas, however she wanted to let everyone present know that Presidents Day, February 19th, will be the last day when people can go and experience the tree, take pictures, and then shortly thereafter the tree would be coming down.
Ms. Mailander added that there had been a suggestion to have an artist make bowls and various things from the wood, however she wanted to point out that it takes approximately 2-3 years to dry before it can be formed, and that it could actually take up to a year of drying per inch diameter of wood. Ms. Mailander pointed out that onlookers would be detrimental to the process that the Parks Department would be undertaking when bringing down the tree, and discouraged public from being in the area during that event.
Mr. Daniel Cramblitt indicated that he was available for any questions. Mayor Knudsen stated that for the record, anyone reading the comments from individuals who weighed in, they are very nice to read. Mayor Knudsen stated that Jean Epiphan was working on the seed pods, to which Ms. Mailander added that Ms. Epiphan has volunteered to take the seed pods and grow some baby sycamore trees, and also when the Village employees go up in the canopy, Mr. Cramblitt has indicated that if any seed pods are found some of them will be preserved as well for Ms. Epiphan.
Mr. Cramblitt stated that he took the time to go out and inspect the site for seed pods, and although none were seen on the ground he did see several in the canopy, and he believes that once members of the tree crew are up in the canopy enough seed pods will be found to make a concerted effort to grow about a dozen potential saplings. Mayor Knudsen stated that Deputy Mayor Sedon had suggested growing the trees by the recycling center. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he had been thinking of having the trees grown by the nursery, however it may not be optimal because it may be better to grow them wherever they were intended to be placed, perhaps somewhere around Graydon.
Councilwoman Walsh questioned that if the tree needed to be dried, where it could possibly be stored. Mr. Cramblitt stated that the Village does have a construction yard that is not part of the Parks Department, where some of the wood could be stored for a time, however it would be at the courtesy of other Departments. Mr. Cramblitt stated that aside from utilizing an expensive kiln, time was needed to dry the wood, and the greatest worries were security, vandalism, rot, animals, and various other factors that could come into play for what could be upwards of a decade for some of this wood to dry. Mr. Cramblitt stated that Ms. Mailander had pointed out that it could be 1 year of drying time per inch, so accordingly a 10-inch diameter branch could take 10 years to dry before it could be used.
Deputy Mayor Sedon questioned whether given the hollowness of the tree, if there was enough wood for some of the suggestions for bigger items such as benches and tabletops. Mr. Cramblitt stated that he felt a bench would be a more feasible option. A table is usually done with a live-edge slab and since the trunk is hollow the wood would not be able to be slabbed or cut in a continuous surface. Mr. Cramblitt stated that there are polymers and additional things that can be employed, however, the table would end up being more acrylic or polymer than wood; however, some of the larger limbs in the tree could be milled into smaller dimensional lumber, and a bench could be constructed out of that.
Councilman Hache stated that one of the suggestions he had seen in an email that day was for Adirondack chairs, which would be popular at Graydon, and the tree would not leave the site and could be enjoyed throughout the years. Mr. Cramblitt stated that items of that size were more realistic and feasible because the smaller diameter wood could be used as opposed to the trunk. Deputy Mayor Sedon added that it may be more feasible to store smaller limbs as opposed to large slices of the trunk. Mr. Cramblitt added that another factor when it came to saving the trunk was the large crack on the north side, and once removal begins they are unsure what would happen. He added that in his vast experience, removing sycamore and/or London planes, the trees can be brittle and when they hit the ground the tree can shatter, even though they would attempt to minimize this as much as possible while still considering safety of the community and Park Department. Mr. Cramblitt added that while every precaution could be taken, the wood would react the way that it wants to, and the location is not optimal for removal of a tree due to being in the middle of Graydon on the sand. The equipment that would be used is not 4-wheel drive, meaning the log trucks and bucket trucks, because at the time of purchase it would not have made sense to make that type of an expenditure.
Mayor Knudsen questioned Mr. Cramblitt regarding the tree shattering, and whether that was specific to the type of tree. Mr. Cramblitt responded that it could happen to any tree, however in his experience he has seen sycamores tend to shatter more frequently because they are such a strong, dense wood, that they shatter when they hit the ground. Mayor Knudsen stated that she knew that wood could be kiln dried, and she was wondering if when Marcia Ringel sent her email regarding Bob Kahn, that it was quite possible he would take the smaller pieces and actually go through that process. Mayor Knudsen stated that it didn’t make sense to her that he would be creating these pieces without the utilization of a kiln to dry the wood out. She suggested reaching out to Mr. Kahn and offering the wood with an understood interest in some of his items, with the expectation that he lets the Village know when some product will be available for the residents to purchase. Mayor Knudsen stated that she didn’t know if that would be the best use for the bigger part of the trunk.
Ms. Mailander stated that she has a colleague in another town whose husband does the same type of work as Mr. Kahn, and she asked the colleague how the wood was dried, Ms. Mailander was told that the wood was kept outside for 8 to 9 months and then it is brought into the garage for additional time. They have wood from last August that still had moisture in it and it would be 2 to 3 years before the wood could be used. Ms. Mailander added that the Village could reach out to Mr. Kahn, as Ms. Ringel had indicated that how would like to look at the tree to determine which part of it he would like to utilize. Ms. Mailander stated that the wood could be given to him, and possible 2 years from now he could sell the items at a Ridgewood Street Fair or make a link available on his website.
Mayor Knudsen questioned whether the finer branches could be collected, tied with a ribbon, and handed out. Mr. Cramblitt stated that he felt there would probably be enough to salvage, if there was an interest. However, it would be more a matter of time and manpower to collect those finer branches, as the tree crew is four individuals and to be able to bundle enough would be a large undertaking. Ms. Mailander questioned what if some of the branches were taken and cut into smaller pieces and placed in a basket for any individual who wanted a piece to come and collect it at Village Hall. Mr. Cramblitt agreed that with the manpower and equipment available that option would be very feasible. Deputy Mayor Sedon added that perhaps Mr. Kahn could be contacted as well, and he could take some larger pieces to craft as well.
Mayor Knudsen agreed that going both routes, cutting pieces that would be available to interested individuals, as well as contacting Mr. Kahn, was a good idea. Mr. Cramblitt stated that all he would need to know is how many pieces the Village would like to have. Mayor Knudsen stated that the number could be figured out and they would have a tag nicely presented for people to take. Councilwoman Walsh stated that she did not want the tree down, to which Mr. Cramblitt agreed that he was very unhappy when the condition of the tree was discovered. Mayor Knudsen stated that the Council would reach out to Mr. Kahn, and then figure out how cutting the pieces would be executed. Ms. Mailander questioned whether the pieces would be 5 to 6 inches in length. Mayor Knudsen agreed, stating that a ribbon could be tied around it with a tag stating, ‘Iconic Ridgewood Sycamore Tree’. Ms. Mailander stated that she would get in touch with Ms. Ringel to get Mr. Kahn’s contact information, and then reach out to Mr. Kahn and see if he was interested. Ms. Mailander also added that she would have Mr. Cramblitt get in touch with the Council before the 19th to look at the tree and indicate what he might be able to use. The Council was in agreement.
- Operations
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- Grant Application – Sustainable Jersey
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that this was the same that had been done last year, where the Village was unsuccessful in receiving the $20,000 grant from PSEG for the tree survey. This year, Millennium Strategies is the grant writer, and they have already reached out to Deputy Mayor Sedon and asked if he had the grant application from last year, so that was sent to them.
Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that the Shade Tree Commission and the Green Team REAC, were in agreement that the Village should try for this grant again. If the grant is received the Shade Tree Commission will budget for and do the tree survey, however there is a plethora of smaller grants from Sustainable Jersey for a whole range of different activities that could also be pursued.
Ms. Mailander questioned whether a resolution from the governing body was necessary to apply. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he believed a resolution was necessary and confirmed with Ms. Mailander that he would let her know a timeframe, so it could be placed on the correct agenda. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he felt the resolution should be done sooner. Ms. Mailander requested that Deputy Mayor Sedon send the template from Sustainable Jersey for the resolution to the Deputy Clerk.
- Establish Hours for Placement/Removal of Waste Containers at Curb
Ms. Mailander stated that currently there are times when recyclable and vegetative waste containers can be put out at the curb and must be back on the resident’s yard. Ms. Mailander stated that the Village does not have these regulations for garbage cans. During ice and snow events the Village requests that residents bring their garbage cans to the curb, and there are some residents in Ridgewood who always bring their cans to the curb. However, unfortunately, many times, those who bring their cans to the curb let them remain there for several days. Ms. Mailander stated that this item was for discussion by the Council after the Village was approached by a dismayed resident.
Ms. Mailander stated that the proposal is to place garbage cans at the curb no earlier than 5:00 P.M. the day before the collection, and they must be removed from the curb by 10:00 P.M. the evening of the collection. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that this ordinance mirrors what is already done for recycling and yard waste, so the last container that is not covered would be added. Ms. Mailander agreed that was the case.
Mayor Knudsen stated that there are individuals who bring their garbage curbside, and that a can left out could be a sign that something is wrong and an opportunity for a well-check. It could also create a deterrent for anyone who is willing to bring their garbage to the curbside. Ms. Mailander stated that these were the same times as for vegetative waste and recycling. Councilman Hache questioned that if the garbage cans were not moved would they receive a ticket. Ms. Mailander stated that they could, however right now there were no repercussions as there are with vegetative and recycling.
Councilman Hache questioned what would happen if someone went on vacation and the cans were left. Ms. Mailander stated that the cans could be left in the backyard because the Village has the pickup available. Councilman Hache suggested that during a snow event, if he were to leave town and his garbage cans were left, he would come back to a ticket. Ms. Mailander responded that he may come back to a ticket but reiterated that the garbage cans could be left in the backyard. Councilman Hache stated that he was mainly concerned about ice and snow events. Ms. Mailander responded that these garbage cans were left out year-round.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that the issue of the garbage cans being left out didn’t sound like it was rampant, but rather a couple of isolated incidences whereas the Mayor was saying maybe the neighbor could knock on the door or move them up the driveway. Mayor Knudsen was in agreement that she didn’t find it to be a rampant issue. Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that he took his garbage cans out to the curb most of the time, but it was a lot easier to take it back than take it out. Mayor Knudsen added that people could forget, or drive by the cans and be in a rush.
Mayor Knudsen read through the proposed ordinance and stated that she didn’t find a lot of garbage cans in the street, and that maybe a friendly reminder was all that was necessary. Ms. Mailander stated that she was getting the feeling that the ordinance wasn’t necessary. The Council was in agreement.
- MANAGER’S REPORT
Parking Permits - Ms. Mailander reported that the parking permits for the premium annual parking permits for the train station, Hudson, and Prospect Street lots, which has a limit of 210 permits, has just 2 permits remaining. The premium annual parking permits are $1,000, however on February 1 they will be reduced by 1/12th. Ms. Mailander stated that permits for the other lots are still available in abundance and aren’t really limited by the Village.
Coinless Parking Application - Ms. Mailander stated that bids were opened for a coinless app for parking that morning. Five proposals have been received to possibly replace ParkMobile. The proposals will be reviewed internally and then brought before the Village Council for discussion at the February 7th Work Session. Ms. Mailander added that the hope is to have a vendor in place by March 1st.
Village Promotions - Ms. Mailander stated that she wanted to mention a couple of promotions that have happened in the Village recently. Nancy Biggos has been promoted to the position of Director of Parks and Recreation; Dawn Cetrulo has been promoted to Director of the Health Department and has also been named the Health Officer for the Village of Ridgewood and has recently been reappointed as the Registrar of Vital Statistics. In the Fire Department, Jason Kane, Joseph Ferraro, and Vincent Krug have been promoted to the position of Fire Lieutenant; Brendan Corcoran has been promoted to the position of Fire Captain.
Leaf Collection - Ms. Mailander stated that the leaf collection is done until February 28th, and that if a resident wishes to get biodegradable paper bags, they can collect the leaves in the bags and call the Village Street’s Department at (201) 670-5585 and they will come and collect the bags. Residents may also bring the paper bags to the recycling center.
Garbage Cans - Ms. Mailander stated that when there is snow and ice on the ground residents must bring their garbage cans to the curb; she added that if it is snowing in the morning the garbage cans should be brought to the curb because as the snow builds the crews start slipping and sliding and will be unable to pick up the rear yard garbage. Ms. Mailander also added that as long as residents have a clear path to their garbage cans in the rear yard, the crews will go and get them, however if it is icy and snowy it would be preferred for residents to take the garbage cans to the curb. Ms. Mailander thanked the residents for taking the safety of the Village employees into account.
Senior Van Service - Ms. Mailander stated that the senior van service to the Ramsey Interstate Mall is being reduced to 2 Wednesdays each month as there hasn’t been a demand for every Wednesday. As a reminder this is being funded through a grant from Age Friendly Ridgewood and it is free to the user, all they would have to do is contact (201) 670-5500 ext. 203 to make a reservation.
Holiday Closures - Ms. Mailander noted that holiday closures of Village Hall and Offices would be taking place on February 12th in observance of Lincoln’s Birthday and February 19th in observance of Presidents Day, so there will be no garbage or recycling collection on those days and the recycling center will also be closed.
- COUNCIL REPORTS
Library Board of Trustees – Councilman Voigt stated that the Library Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, January 23rd, where discussions surrounding the hiring of a consultant to undertake the logistics of the library renovation took place. This person would be responsible for ensuring that the redesign was up to speed, fundraising efforts, and communications to the public regarding what would be happening, and identification of alternative space if and when the renovation does take place. Councilman Voigt stated that the 2018 budget is going to be flat from 2017, so there will be no increase whatsoever.
There are a couple of upcoming events for the library, including the Library Foundation Donor Appreciation Evening on February 9th at Betsy and Jim Giordano’s house; there is upcoming fundraising for the Library Foundation on June 16th at the Ridgewood Country Club; the Friends of the Library will be sponsoring the upcoming Reading Marathon for the Ridgewood schools with information and flyers being provided to students.
Councilman Voigt stated that upcoming events at the library include as part of Black History Month the Reel Voices Film Festival where the featured film will be ‘I Am Not Your Negro’ on Tuesday, February 27th at 7:00 P.M. It is an Academy Award nominated film inspired by James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript ‘Remember This House’ which is a collection of emotional letters written by Baldwin in the mid-1970s recounting the lives of his close friends Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and Medgar Evers. The speaker will be Professor Rich Blint from Columbia University.
The Ridgewood Arts Foundation event was held on the 28th at Park West and was well attended by approximately 80 people. Councilman Voigt stated that the following people were honored: Roberta Panjwani was honored for her work with the Reel Voices Film Festival; Tic Toc, To Introduce Culture to Our Children, was also honored. Councilman Vogt would like to thank the Trustees for putting on this event that includes Margie Downs, Linda Bradley, Kim Rice, and Albert Pucciarelli.
Open Space Committee – Councilman Voigt stated that the Open Space Committee met on Monday the 22nd and will continue to work on the Master Plan. There was some discussion on the status of the diversion, which will be spoken about during closed session.
Planning Board – Councilman Voigt stated that the Planning Board would be meeting on February 6th, and on the agenda is the 200/210 South Broad Street site plan, which is the building next to Brogan Cadillac. The Enclave at 257 Ridgewood Avenue, will be revealing the Resolution of Approval. KS Broad, next to the train station, will also be revealing a Resolution of Approval. Mountain Avenue will be memorializing the denial of the subdivision of a particular property. Ridgewood Water will be discussing installation of emergency generators.
Citizen Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) – Councilwoman Walsh stated that the Citizen Safety Advisory Council met on the 18th, where their new member Melinda Cronk, the HSA Federation President, was welcomed. Appointments, by-laws, and updates were discussed to ensure they are running smoothly. Councilwoman Walsh stated that a number of people attend the meetings, so the CSAC wanted to be sure that they had the proper membership people and updates completed.
Councilwoman Walsh asked to confirm with the Council that Complete Streets was on the calendar for February 7th. Ms. Mailander confirmed that it would be on the calendar for that date. Councilwoman Walsh added that many individuals knew about the Complete Streets program; however there were many that don’t, so the idea is to have a refresher.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that the following was discussed: the signal upgrades; the crosswalk on Van Emburgh Avenue at Hampshire should be done this summer; the County intersection lighting, which was discussed tonight as well; and the pilot for the valet service. CSAC would like to be able to review any proposed parking configurations once SHIPA has completed their review of the train station parking lot so they can make comments and suggestions to the Council.
Councilwoman Walsh also stated that CSAC realized that PSEG has a new individual working with Ridgewood and was hoping to invite them to coffee to begin to build a rapport.
Ridgewood Arts Council – Councilwoman Walsh stated that Eric Corriel was the last artist series, which was a great presentation where the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were both present as well.
Central Business District Advisory Committee – Councilman Hache updated on the follow-up from the feedback that was received at the CBD Business Community Forum. Many of the concerns that were expressed by the businesses were some of the challenges that commercial tenants face when they are trying to establish businesses in Ridgewood. Councilman Hache stated that there was even some discussion about creating a checklist for commercial tenants, and he was looking at something currently that he was hoping to work on with the CBDAC. There was also discussion about streamlining the permit application process in the CBD, which would reduce the time and money spent by applicants.
Councilman Hache stated that some additional things that were looked into were the ordinances related to signage, and Mayor Knudsen had some suggestions on how progress could be made on that. Councilman Hache added that he also had some conversations with the Village Planner due to concerns about Zoning, for instance B-1 versus B-2, and the permitted uses. He pointed out that a few months ago the Planner had expressed at a Council meeting, that Ridgewood’s zoning was too specific. Councilman Hache stated that the CBDAC was coming up with some ideas as well as reaching out to the Planning Board to see if the ordinances could be looked at that are making doing business in the CBD more difficult.
Mayor Knudsen added that at the CBD Business Community Forum she and Councilman Hache spoke about the idea of forming an ad-hoc committee to go through ordinances and to make recommendations. Mayor Knudsen stated that a number of years ago, she and the Village Attorney started to look into this; however it was a cumbersome process and was not feasible at the time. Mayor Knudsen stated that doing this type of review on an ad-hoc basis would start with the CBD. It would give the Village the opportunity to hone-in on some of the more difficult areas related to the types of zoning, permitted uses downtown B-1 and B-2, and how to refine that to make it easier. Mayor Knudsen added that some of the Village’s restrictions might be causing problems, for example in B-1 and B-2 there are certain types of businesses that are not permitted. Therefore, those businesses would choose not to go for a use variance and would not open in Ridgewood.
Mayor Knudsen stated that in moving forward with the ad-hoc committee, the Board of Adjustment annual reports should be made available to lend some guidance as to which direction the group should go in related to any variance relief that was sought, whether approved or denied. Mayor Knudsen added that the signage would be looked into, and some of the ways that the process could be streamlined and simplified. Mayor Knudsen stated that she had some preliminary conversations with the Village Planner, and she believes they came up with a solution that is very do-able, so they will start to look at that. Mayor Knudsen stated that in putting together the ad-hoc committee, perhaps everyone participating has an area of expertise and maybe they would want to look at that one area in the code.
Site Plan Exemption Committee (SPEC) – Mayr Knudsen stated that SPEC met yesterday morning for Bareburger, and they will be working at 15 East Ridgewood Avenue, and it is going to be very neat with garage doors opening up for open air, however they have to resolve issues regarding air curtains for public health and safety.
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Bill McCandless, 71 Ridge Road, thanked the Council for making the documents available in the yellow “sunshine” binders and stated that he hoped the packet could be scanned as a single pdf and posted to the website with the renderings from each of the bidders which were not included but would be great to have.
Mr. McCandless stated that there was excellent information on the valet program, and that it proved to have been an excellent AB test which is the simplest and most effective way to understand solutions to problems, and the Village now has an Occam’s razor situation on its hands that comes into play, and that the simplest answer is that people found parking so easily they didn’t need a service. Mr. McCandless pointed out that it was a clear and unbiased data point for the garage discussion; ample parking exists and now there is more evidence of it.
Mr. McCandless stated that the large, immediate, and unplanned spending needed for the water treatment for the cancer causing PFAS’s is a far more pressing concern to the Village; obviously that $3.5 million is set to grow and is a much more important item than any garage discussion. Mr. McCandless believes that this isn’t something that could be planned for, but the Village needs to reprioritize. He stated that he wanted to again point out that the Village faces a financial difference this year over last based on the end of Federal subsidies for State and Local taxes. This is needed to be taken into account as the Village figures out how much more it is going to ask taxpayers to spend.
Michael Velicu, 250 Hope Street and 23 North Broad Street, stated that he wanted to share his thoughts about the valet parking. Mr. Velicu observed every Saturday when he was there taking notes and trying to organize, calling and texting Councilman Hache every day, and finally driving him out of the house on a Saturday night to share with him the challenges that the Village faces. Mr. Velicu stated that it was a good project that unfortunately ended up not having a good result. In his opinion, it was the perfect example of the falling tree in the forest where no one was there to hear it.
Mr. Velicu stated that the non-existent marketing was the major cause of this undertaking not being a success in his opinion. He spoke with many people and at the end of the day the strong feeling was that no one knew anything about the valet service. Mr. Velicu stated that some of the restaurants didn’t know, and some of them didn’t want to know because they didn’t agree with the location. Mr. Velicu added most importantly were the patrons, who without exception, all of the patrons that he spoke with knew nothing about the valet service. Mr. Velico added that once the patrons were in town, the signage did not help either, as it was small, unclear, and very discrete.
Mr. Velicu stated that using this experience as a learning process, the following are his recommendations: first, it needs to be done in the summer when activity doubles or triples; second, it needs to be closer to the restaurant hub; third, it probably needs to be done on Saturday only, and he agrees with Ms. Mailander that one day is a great idea; fourth, the marketing needs to be done in a very serious way prior to it starting, and this service needs to be advertised on all of the websites, including the restaurants websites.
Mr. Velicu stated that on the second part of the project, he decided to advertise it on his website, and he ended up with 24 cars, but when he watched was his colleagues were doing, he was sad to find out that he was the only restaurant that mentioned and advertised this event. Mr. Velicu stated that he felt the valet service was a great idea that should be done, and should be done right, and could be very successful; however, the marketing campaign has to be very strong, so people know in advance what is going on. Mr. Velicu stated that he thought the new downtown website is going to help a lot.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he would like to comment on the proposed “No Knock” Ordinance. Mr. Loving stated that when people don’t want someone to knock, they don’t want anyone to knock, including Girl Scouts, and people selling band candy. Mr. Loving stated that these individuals didn’t want anyone to knock, so he did not know how the Council was going to differentiate and say its ok for the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the band, but it’s not ok for commercial people. Mr. Loving stated that this ordinance would either have to be all or none, and by doing all the Council would have to realize that the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the band, would be boxed out and unable to knock if the person has a no soliciting sign up.
Mr. Loving stated that he thought it would be unlawful for someone to call the police and for them to refuse to come because it was a Girl Scout at the door. Mr. Loving stated that if the Village has a “No Knock” Ordinance, it is a “No Knock” Ordinance, which would be including everybody. Mr. Loving stated that he also believed that public utilities were excluded when it comes to “No Knock”, so Verizon and Cablevision employees can get around the ordinance because he believes it doesn’t apply to them.
Mr. Rogers stated that he believes there were exceptions made for public utilities mostly because they were knocking on doors not to solicit money but to solicit assistance and provide the services that they were providing. Based upon that everybody needs to have those services for basic operation, they are usually excused.
Mr. Loving stated that many of the complaints that he hears are about people who are walking around in the red shirts that say Verizon on them or Cablevision, so if they are excluded from the ordinance and they are perhaps the biggest solicitors it doesn’t make much sense to him, so he encouraged the Council to watch very carefully because they may be excluding some people who they may not want to exclude, and the people the Council wishes to exclude they may not be able to exclude.
Mr. Loving stated that Councilman Voigt spoke about the library, and it very much concerned him that the library is discussing this renovation project. Mr. Loving stated that during a previous meeting it was mentioned that the library, at the time, had the intent of closing for a period of time during the renovation project, maybe up to a year. Mr. Loving stated that he was hoping that the Council gets the opportunity to review this renovation project before it moved forward, as he would be very disappointed if the library was closed for an entire year. Mr. Loving stated that he was hoping there was some way the renovation project could be completed without the library closing down, with a piece being done at a time. Mr. Loving asked the Council to take a close look at the renovation project when it comes in, and if there is any talk about closing down the whole library for an extended period of time, that the Council asks that something else be done. Mr. Loving added that he realized the library wanted to complete the renovation, but perhaps they could scale it down a bit, so the entire place doesn’t have to be closed down.
Mr. Loving stated that Councilman Hache mentioned the valet parking in terms of the locations that the vendors are using, and he believes that Park West is using the spaces behind Capital One Bank rather than Ken Smith as they were previously. Mr. Loving mentioned that another restaurant was using the United Methodist Church, so when Ken Smith and Brogan Cadillac begin construction it should not affect the valet individuals as they have other locations currently in use.
Mr. Loving stated that $14.5 million is the number that should be used to figure out if the Village could pay for a $14.5 million-dollar project without increasing parking rates, meter time, and without an additional burden on the taxpayers. Mr. Loving stated that as Mr. McCandless mentioned, the Council needs to remember that only $10,000 of property tax combined with State income tax is deductible now, and if there would be an additional burden on Ridgewood’s taxpayers to build a garage, there is going to be a lot of backlash. Mr. Loving pointed out that there was an election coming up, and that people would vote their pocketbooks. So, they will consider that there is a chance that their pocketbooks will be seriously impacted by the desire to build a garage, and valet parking with only 267 cars in a four-month period. The Council needs to be careful that there could be a lot of backlash. Mr. Loving added that the Council was trying to decide what this was going to cost. He reiterated, using the amount of $14.5 million, which is the highest bid that the Village received, and that should be used as a basis as to whether the garage could be paid for or not.
Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she believed the report from the Library liaison neglected to mention an upcoming event on February 6th, which is a Mardi Gras poster anthology and original works on exhibit at the Ridgewood Public Library during the whole month of February, and on the 6th there would be a New Orleans Tri-Centennial Celebration and King Cake party which will be open to the public from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. Poster and book signings will be taking place which will benefit the Friends of the Library as well as the Waldwick Museum of Local History, and local artist Andrea Mistretta will be on hand.
- RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION
Deputy Village Clerk Donna Jackson read Resolution #17-146 to go into Closed Session as follows:
- ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 11:11 P.M.
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Susan Knudsen
Mayor
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Donna M. Jackson
Deputy Village Clerk
