A REGULAR PUBLIC WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON  JANUARY 25, 2023 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Vagianos called the meeting to order at 7:34 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call the following were present:  Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Eileen Young, Deputy Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.

 

Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.  He announced that Ridgewood unfortunately lost a “pillar of the community,” Elena McKinnon, who was the owner of the La Casita store in the Central Business District (CBD) for approximately 50 years.  He asked for a moment of silence in her honor.

 

Mayor Vagianos spoke about some new meeting changes which will take place this evening.  Improvements have been made to the public comments portion of the meeting.  The podium has been moved from the center of the room to the side of the room, so that speakers do not have their backs to the audience, and a clock has been installed in the front so that people can monitor their allotted time. Improvements have been made to the sound system, with more acoustical improvements to occur in the future.

 

In addition, Mayor Vagianos announced that this evening’s meeting will represent the Village Council’s first hybrid access meeting, which will continue indefinitely.  Speakers wishing to make public comments, but who are not physically able to attend, may access the meeting via Zoom or by phone.  Mayor Vagianos explained that 40 minutes are normally allotted for public comments at the beginning of the meeting (three minutes per person); however, the total allotted time may be adjusted as necessary.  The first ten people in attendance who wish to speak will be heard first, after which time the next seven people attending remotely will have a chance to speak.  Mayor Vagianos commended Ms. Winograd for her suggestions about improving public comments and also Dylan Hansen, Director of IT, for his efforts in improving the sound quality in the room.

 

2.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Paul Coopersmith, 373 Meadowbrook Avenue, stated that he has resided in Ridgewood for over 30 years and has been an active member of the Ridgewood soccer community for the last 20 years.  He coached for the Maroons (soccer) and the Ridgewood Softball Association when his son and daughter participated in these sports. Mr. Coopersmith added that he has also been a member of the Ridgewood Men’s Soccer Club for 20 years.  He said that the soccer club has been in existence for 30 years and has won several United Soccer League of New Jersey championships. The club received the “Best Sportsmanship Award” last season. Mr. Coopersmith indicated that the majority of the club members, who are soccer enthusiasts, have a background similar to his regarding volunteerism and coaching.  He stated, however, that the lack of field availability in Ridgewood has remained an ongoing issue for the club, limiting the number of teams fielded over the years and causing many games to be played away from Ridgewood at neutral sites.

 

Mr. Coopersmith stated that soccer is a sport “on the rise” in the United States.  A recent study was done by the Aspen Institute called “Project Play” and the survey results were published in their report entitled “State of Play 2022.”  He said that he could provide a link to that study to whomever is interested.  Quoting from the report, Mr. Coopersmith stated, “Soccer is the third most popular team sports for kids, rebounding with a 20% increase in 2021 for kids aged 6 to 12, and returned to pre-pandemic levels.”  He stated that although baseball remains the number one participation sport for youths aged 6 to 12, youth participation, when combining soccer, football and lacrosse, is 10% greater than baseball.

 

Mr. Coopersmith stated that he was speaking this evening primarily on behalf of the Soccer Club, but also for the soccer community at large.  He reiterated that field availability has historically been a problem not just for the soccer community, but for other sports teams as well. He stated that a full-sized turf field at Schedler Park would help to alleviate this problem not only for soccer players, but also for lacrosse, football and field hockey players.  He said that space utilization for the greatest number of athletes should be the ultimate goal.

 

Lauren Cuneo, 373 Mountain Avenue, stated that she is a staunch supporter of the development of the Schedler property.  She is the mother of three athletes, aged 15, 13 and 10, who all participate in the Maroons Soccer Club and Ridgewood Lacrosse Association.  She has been a Board Member of the Maroons Soccer Club for seven years, in addition to being a coach and manager for many teams.  For the past two years, she has scheduled training sessions for the Maroons Soccer Club, consisting of 522 players aged 8 and above, who are all Ridgewood residents.  Ms. Cuneo spoke of the problems she has faced in scheduling fields for the players.  She spoke of the field infamously known as “Vets West,” a bumpy, sloped patch of grass scattered with trees (along Linwood Avenue).  She also spoke of her safety concerns at the Glen School field, where the soccer field overlaps the softball infield, due to the unlevel ground.

 

Ms. Cuneo stated that all of the fields in Ridgewood are overused.  She cited the example of four teams sharing half of the Citizens Park field in the spring and fall.  This overuse results in most of the grass being destroyed within the first two weeks of the season, after which time the players must play on dirt.  She emphasized that Ridgewood needs more open space.  Ms. Cuneo stated that she strongly supports the development of the Schedler property, including a walking path, playground, restroom facilities, and a full-sized, multipurpose turfed sports field with permanent lights.  She stated that if costs are an issue, the Village Council should reach out to sports organizations for financial assistance.  She said that the Maroons Soccer Club is prepared to provide financial support towards a turf field and permanent lights.

 

Carolyn Holt, 249 Mountain Avenue, stated that she has been a resident of Ridgewood for the past 18 years.  She has three children who have all enjoyed playing soccer for many years, with her oldest now playing on the Ridgewood High School soccer team.  She attributed the overuse of the fields in Ridgewood to their suboptimal condition. She said that while lack of maintenance is also an issue, the main issue interfering with field use is flooding, which impacts both grass and turf fields.  The lack of field availability negatively impacts all athletes in Ridgewood.  Ms. Holt recalled when the turf field at the high school was flooded and most games had to be played in other towns.  Ms. Holt suggested that more field space be developed on the Schedler property.  A full-sized field is desperately needed, which is not located in a flood zone.

 

David Refkin, 401 Wastena Terrace, said that he is Chair of the Green Ridgewood Committee.  He said that the Village Council will be considering an amendment to an ordinance next week related to Green Ridgewood, which would increase the number of citizen committee members from six to eight.  Since he cannot attend next week’s meeting, he wanted to make his comments this evening.  He stated that Green Ridgewood serves as an advisory committee to the Village Council on a range of environmental issues.  There are currently six citizen members and five liaisons (including Deputy Mayor Perron).  The citizen members are appointed for three-year terms, and the Green Team, which is responsible for the Sustainable Jersey award application, reports to the Green Ridgewood Committee. 

 

Mr. Refkin stated that, over the past few years, sustainability, resiliency and the environment have grown in importance, since there has been a lot of flooding from storm and hurricane events, as well as from climate change. Especially in Ridgewood, significant flooding has created extensive property damage, which in turn creates health and safety issues for Village residents. Mr. Refkin spoke about the Master Plan implementation and how the Green Ridgewood Committee has reorganized itself into subcommittees focused on recycling and resource management, green building and sustainability, resiliency, flooding and stormwater, as well as subcommittees related to Earth Day, communications and the Green Team.  It is the desire of the Green Ridgewood Committee to collaborate closely with the Planning Board and the Village Council to address the challenges and opportunities facing Ridgewood; however, Mr. Refkin feels that in order to work effectively on these issues, there should be more people on the Green Ridgewood Committee.

 

Bill Bond, 335 Kensington Drive, said that he has resided in Ridgewood for the past 18 years.  He is Executive Vice President of the Ridgewood Baseball/Softball Association (RBSA) and is speaking on their behalf this evening. Mr. Bond first congratulated the new Village Councilmembers.  He then stated that the RBSA is the largest sports organization in the Village, with 1,351 “unique” participants in the program last year.  Some participants are in travel and rec programs, and there is an all-star program for special needs athletes.  Mr. Bond stated that the RBSA has partnered with the Village for many years, donating $49,000.00 in 2020, $50,000.00 in 2021, and $83,000.00 in 2022 toward maintenance of the fields and the purchase of field-related items.  He urged the Village Council to look for ways to increase field utilization and develop new fields, particularly a 60 foot by 90 foot baseball field on the Schedler property.  Mr. Bond stated that the RBSA has “lost” approximately three fields over the years (for example, when the track was built at Benjamin Franklin Middle School), while other Village sports associations have gained field utilization.

 

Karyn Schoenherr, 251 Lotte Road, stated that she is the mother of two teenage female athletes who are very involved in sports, particularly soccer and lacrosse.  She mentioned that it is important to everyone’s mental and physical well-being to get exercise, especially children, in order to alleviate stress.  Ms. Schoenherr stated that there is a lack of fields and green space in Ridgewood, and that she supports the development of the Schedler property.  She would like to see a full-sided turf field constructed on the site, with permanent lights for maximum use.

 

Ms. Schoenherr said that she has been a coach for the Maroons Club for over nine years and, each year, she has had to manually schedule ten home games, which she stated was “near impossible.”  She said that flooding of the fields has often precluded use of the fields for games.  Ms. Schoenherr spoke about the pros and cons of grass fields versus turf fields, stating that some out-of-town teams have refused to play on Village fields due to their poor condition (Hawes, Vets and Glen Fields).  Players are being lost to other programs with more field offerings.  Even practice games are limited, with only a short amount of time allotted to teams and no goals set up.

 

Ms. Schoenherr said that she is an active athlete and supporter of unorganized sports and plays adult pickup soccer each week.  However, they often have trouble finding a “tiny corner” of a field to play on.  She mentioned that her daughter attempted to practice recently on a field, but she was unable to do so because the field was locked up and the goals were locked to the fences.  This caused a lot of frustration to Ms. Schoenherr, especially since she tries to get her children to be active outside in the fresh air rather than sitting at home on the phone or computer.  In conclusion, Ms. Schoenherr said that there is a need for a large-sized field at Schedler that is not in a flood zone, with permanent lights.  She feels that turfing is worth the investment so that different sports groups can play on the field and emphasized that the construction of the field could be accomplished with the help of financial contributions from Village sports organizations and personal donations.

 

Richard Brooks, 777 East Ridgewood Avenue, said that he is President of the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board.  He spoke about when the Schedler property was first acquired in 2009 and stated how happy he is that the Village Council is finally “shining light” on the development of that property.  In addition, he stated that since 2009, the recreational needs of Ridgewood residents have “exploded,” especially in the last three years due to the pandemic.  The Village has always had a shortage of fields, and those involved in scheduling fields had to “make do.”  He said that this was not good enough anymore, since recreation and sports needs are more diverse than ever before, citing the latest introduction of girls’ flag football at Ridgewood High School.  Mr. Brooks asked the Village Council to focus on this issue like a “laser beam” and develop the best park ever on the Schedler property, taking into account the increased needs of the Village residents, and to develop the property as quickly as possible.

 

Yu Sun, 420 Racetrack Road, said that he was very excited about the development of the Schedler property.  He is currently a member of the Open Space Committee, and he was on the Ad Hoc Committee for the Schedler property, but his involvement was interrupted due to the pandemic.  Mr. Sun mentioned that there is a lot of support in Ridgewood to get the Schedler project completed, and he personally would like to see it completed as soon as possible, hopefully with a playing field that can be used for different sports.  He stated that the population of Ridgewood is growing and, along with that, the needs of the residents are growing as well.  Mr. Sun said that he does not want to wait another 12 years for this project to be completed.

 

Fred Jubitz, 56 Heermance Place, stated that he is a lifelong resident of Ridgewood and Vice-Chairman of the Open Space Committee.  He mentioned that the committee reviewed the proposed plan for the Schedler property last week, and their overall consensus was that the plan was thoughtful but that the space for the playing field should be larger.  Mr. Jubitz stated that the committee members also commented that the Village Council should develop this property with a sense of urgency, since it has been well over 10 years since the property was purchased.

 

Jennifer Devlin Burke, 400 Lincoln Avenue, stated that she is the mother of three school-aged children who have been involved in Village sports programs for over 14 years.  Ms. Burke also stated that she was grateful for the new Village Councilmembers and was glad to see that there was a discussion about the state of the Village drinking water on this evening’s agenda.  She stated that she was supportive of the development of the Schedler property and that she would like to see it developed with a proper sports venue, with at least one full-sided turfed field.  She had almost given up hope that actual, meaningful progress and improvements for the sole benefit of Ridgewood residents would be accomplished and that the project would eventually have given way to developers. 

 

Ms. Burke stated that whenever an innovative or positive plan arises, naysayers hijack the conversation and put up roadblocks.  She cited the examples of when citizens asked that Graydon Pool be converted into a hard-bottomed pool facility that would have served as a “social hub” for the Village and expanding the Ridgewood Library with a “true performing arts theater” and a large teen center for studying and socializing.  Ms. Burke stated that newcomers to Ridgewood are astounded by the terrible condition of Village fields.  She stated that no one seems to be able to “get their act together” and make comprehensive improvements, but rather “use Band-Aids” to address the problem as the years fly by.  Fields are overcrowded and eventually become “dust bowls” on which children must play sports, and many fields are closed due to predictable flooding which leave contaminants in the turf for children to inhale.  This is particularly concerning to her, since her two children have asthma.

 

Ms. Burke stated that over the last three years, she estimated that approximately 40% to 50% of her children’s soccer and lacrosse practices and games have been canceled or changed because of field issues, which creates negative “cascading effects” for everyone.  She said that now is the time to make meaningful improvements to the fields in Ridgewood.

 

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, said that she was thrilled to be the first person to attend the meeting remotely.  Ms. Lima remarked that it was very easy to access the meeting remotely.  She stated that she understood the problems facing sports teams in Ridgewood due to the lack of field availability.  She stated that when she viewed the Schedler plans, there were no measurements that she could see on the plans.  She suggested that, going forward, there be some measurements shown on the plans, so that everyone can see the size of the field in relationship to the Zabriskie-Schedler house, and the size of the parking areas (inside the property and along the street).  If the field is expanded, she suggested looking into how that would affect the parking situation and the neighbors living near the property (especially with cars speeding off of the Route 17 exit ramp).  In addition, Ms. Lima indicated that expanding the playing field would possibly create some safety issues and crowds at the property.

 

Kathryn Schmidt, 123 East Irving Street, stated that she appeared many times before the Village Council in the past to advocate for better acoustics and hybrid meetings.  She thanked the Village Council for “making this happen.”

 

Lillian Blood, 250 North Maple Avenue, stated that she is very happy that the Village Council has instituted hybrid meetings, since she could not physically attend the meeting this evening.

 

Hans Jurgen Lehmann, 234 Union Street, stated that he is very grateful that he is now able to access the Village Council meetings remotely, although some glitches will need to be fine-tuned along the way.  Mr. Lehmann stated that in approximately September of 2022, he spoke before the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) about some safety issues on Union Street.  These issues related to drivers going the wrong way on Union Street (which is a one-way street), and people driving from Maple Avenue to Dayton Street like it was a “racetrack.”  He also mentioned that there is no crosswalk signage at the intersection of Union Street and Maple Avenue.

 

Mr. Lehmann indicated that Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, was at the CSAC meeting when he spoke last year.  Mr. Lehmann indicated that he has not seen anything done since that time to improve the safety conditions on Union Street.  He asked the Village Council what he could do as a resident to improve safety on Union Street, especially since there are many families with small children who reside there.

 

Saurabh Dani, 319 Bedford Road, stated that he sent an email to Mayor Vagianos this evening about the conditions of the curbs around Village schools.  He said that it was his understanding that the curbs were the responsibility of the Village and that the curbs would not be fixed unless the street was scheduled to be paved.  Mr. Dani mentioned that there are several broken curbs around the schools, which pose a safety hazard. He wanted to bring this to the attention of the Village Council so that they could review the policy of not repairing curbs until a street is scheduled to be paved.

 

There were no further comments from the public.

 

3.         MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Ms. Mailander stated that a new event called “Council Chat” will start on February 4, 2023 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. in the Village Hall Courtroom.  Interested individuals must call to make a reservation at 201-670-5500, extension 2207.  Walk-ins are welcome, but priority will be given to those who have made reservations.  This event will be held on the first Saturday of every month between 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M., at which time two Councilmembers will be present to listen to questions and concerns from Village residents.

 

A Summer Job Fair will be held on March 8, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in the Annie Zusy Youth Center in the Community Center, on the ground floor of Village Hall.  The fair will be focused on young adults ages 16 and older for summer employment.  A wide variety of employment opportunities will be presented.  Young adults will be able to speak with supervisors to have their questions answered and learn what the specific requirements are for each employment opportunity.  There will be individuals in attendance who can assist with resumes and interviewing skills.

 

Christmas tree pickup continues on Tuesdays (east side) and Thursdays (west side) through the end of January.  Trees must be undecorated and left at the curb.  Wreaths and garlands will be collected with regular garbage.  Trees should not be wrapped in plastic bags. Individuals may also drop off their Christmas tree in the designated section of the Graydon Pool parking lot.

 

Ms. Mailander reminded everyone about the new styrofoam densifier at the Recycling Center which is able to recycle styrofoam.  The styrofoam must be from packaging and brought to the Recycling Center for recycling.  Vegetable cooking oil is also being recycled at this time.  Individuals may call the Recycling Center to learn the details of these programs at 201-670-3373.

 

The 2023 Village calendars have been mailed and every resident should have received one by this time.  Any resident who has not received a calendar should call Village Hall to have one mailed to them.

 

Upcoming Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, on FIOS Channel 34 and YouTube.  The next Public Meeting is scheduled for February 8, 2023 at 8:00 P.M.  The next Village Council Work Sessions will be held on February 1, February 22 and March 1, 2023 at 7:30 P.M.

 

Ms. Mailander announced that the call-in and log-in information for hybrid access to Village Council meetings will remain the same for every meeting.

 

4.         COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Councilmember Winograd said that she and others met with Board of Education (BOE) representatives on January 18, 2023 regarding the Master Library, a third-party application which handles the scheduling of fields and facilities in the Village. This application can be used by coaches if they want to schedule a field, as well as by Girl/Boy Scout leaders if they wish to use a BOE facility. Councilmember Winograd said that fields are often shared by various teams and suggested that the end users for the Master Library include Village residents.  She mentioned that the application is a very “manual” process, and she would like to see it ultimately become more automated to make the scheduling of fields more fair, balanced, and accessible.

 

On January 20, 2023, Councilmember Winograd met with the ACCESS Committee.  The members of the committee wanted to have their information more publicly available and the committee meeting minutes posted online, both of which have been accomplished. The members wish to explore advocacy for members of the special needs community who want to get married, which is sometimes difficult due to the fact that they receive state entitlements.

 

The Shade Tree Commission meeting was canceled.  However, Councilmember Winograd met with a subgroup of the Shade Tree Commission and reviewed three categories in which there were a lot of expenditures in 2022, mostly regarding the planting of numerous shade trees in the Central Business District (CBD).  She mentioned the emerald ash borer, which has required the removal of most of the Village’s ash trees.

 

On January 24, 2023, Councilmember Winograd attended a meeting at the Lester Stable with Parks and Recreation.  She mentioned that the Parks Committee is doing a great job advertising the available job opportunities at Graydon Pool.  She acknowledged that there was a nationwide labor shortage last year and the Village had a hard time finding lifeguards to work at the pool.  They also reviewed the plans for the Schedler property.  Councilmember Winograd concluded by saying that all of these meetings are open to the public and are listed on the calendar.

 

Councilmember Weitz attended his first Library Committee meeting on January 24, 2023.  He thanked the committee members for their warm welcome.  He said that the members are very impressive and that they are planning a lot of exciting events for this year.

 

Last week, Councilmember Weitz met informally with several members of the Historic Preservation Committee.  He stated that the committee is in desperate need of additional members and additional help.  He encouraged anyone who is interested in the history of Ridgewood and in preserving the character of the Village to seek membership, since the members wish to revitalize this committee.

 

Councilmember Weitz stated that he was privileged to attend the AAPI Lunar New Year event, which was recently held in the Village.  He said that it was “amazingly” well done, and that the audience was overflowing.  He personally thanked the Ridgewood Police for being present at the event to make everyone feel safe, considering the horrific shooting which took place the night before at another Lunar New Year event in California.

 

Councilmember Reynolds announced that the Kasschau Shell Committee met on January 11, 2023.  They are celebrating 65 years of “Music under the Stars” this year.  Concerts will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 1 to August 10, 2023.  In the past, concerts have normally begun at 8:30 P.M.  However, on Thursdays during the month of July and the first two weeks of August, the concerts will begin at 7:30 P.M.  This time change enabled the committee to hire some big bands to perform, including The Nerds and Bruce Springsteen and Grateful Dead tribute bands.  The start time will be at 8:30 P.M. for all other dates.  For the first time ever, the committee will be holding a “Community Donation Drive.”  All donors will be listed on their website and donations of $50.00 or more will be listed on the Community Donation Board posted at the Kasschau Shell.  She encouraged everyone to attend these performances and donate whatever they can to the cause.

 

Councilmember Reynolds stated that CSAC met on January 19, 2023.  The paving of the Franklin Avenue corridor has finally been completed.  Councilmember Reynolds stated that all CSAC members look forward to continuing upgrades such as signals and other safety features on Franklin Avenue. Councilmember Reynolds stated that Safe Routes to School construction of sidewalks will hopefully occur in 2023.  The design process for the continuation of the Glen Avenue sidewalks is ongoing and monies will be in the 2023 budget to pay for the construction of these sidewalks.  At the CSAC meeting, there was a discussion about sight triangle obstructions.  All residents are encouraged to report locations where they feel there are safety concerns to the Engineering Department for review and possible implementation of safety features, if deemed necessary. 

 

Councilmember Reynolds indicated that the Engineering Department was asked to consider the addition of an in-street pedestrian crossing sign at the intersection of Franklin Turnpike and Nagel Street, since that location has been the site of ongoing safety issues.  One resident at the meeting brought up a safety concern at the intersections of Bogert and East Glen Avenues and Fairfield and East Glen Avenues, stating that the intersection is very dark at night, making it dangerous for anyone to cross there at night.  Councilmember Reynolds reported that Police Officer Torino is currently collaborating with PSE&G on a project called “Operation Bright Idea,” which will enhance the illumination at certain intersections, and he will consider putting these latter two intersections on the list to obtain greater visibility.

 

At the CSAC meeting, Councilmember Reynolds indicated that there was an update about the safety concerns on Union Street.  She was told that the weather needs to get warmer before the striping can be accomplished in that location.  She indicated that the next CSAC meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2023.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron echoed Councilmember Weitz’s comments about how wonderful the Lunar New Year event was.  Residents from Ridgewood participated in the event, representing Japan, China, India and the Pacific Islands, and Deputy Mayor Perron said that the food was terrific.

 

The Planning Board had its Reorganization Meeting last week and they voted to appoint Richard Joel to be the Chair once again, with Dianne O’Brien appointed as the Vice Chair.  There was a discussion about the Zoning Board’s Annual Report from 2021, in which they indicated that there were five points that need to be addressed by the Village Council and the Planning Board, in order to clarify some ordinances, including the allowable width of a driveway, whether or not a circular driveway can exist on a small lot, whether or not minimum and maximum setbacks may be used rather than “strict setbacks,” and whether or not porches may be added to homes (not currently allowed but which would add to streetscape aesthetics).  The Planning Board is seeking direction from the Village Council as to whether or not the Village Planner may draft proposed ordinances regarding those issues. Councilmember Reynolds stated that all Councilmembers should have received a copy of the report from the Planning Board.

 

Mayor Vagianos felt that those were all valid points and said he had no objection to the drafting of the proposed ordinances.  Matt Rogers, Village Attorney, stated that he did not recall ever receiving a copy of the Planning Board report mentioned by Deputy Mayor Perron.  He said that the Village Councilmembers could certainly discuss those matters this evening.  Ms. Mailander clarified by stating that the Planning Board members merely wanted to know if they may use the Village Planner to draft the proposed ordinances.  Mr. Rogers said that a resolution is not needed, but the Village Council needs to decide as a group whether or not they would approve using the Village Planner in such a capacity.  He indicated that the Municipal Land Use Law would allow the Planning Board to draft such ordinances on their own.  Deputy Mayor Perron asked Ms. Mailander to again circulate the 2021 Annual Report from the Planning Board to the Councilmembers and Mr. Rogers, since the 2022 Annual Report has not yet been released.  Deputy Mayor Perron said that these reports do not vary much from year to year.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that the Planning Board divided up into subcommittees, and the subcommittee on which Deputy Mayor Perron will be a member deals with implementation of the Master Plan.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron announced that she also attended a Green Ridgewood meeting, and they went on a field trip to the newly constructed Ridgewater Water Headquarters, followed by a visit to the Carr Treatment Plant where they viewed “enormous” PFAS treatment tanks.  She said that this shows just how much Ridgewood Water is doing to make the drinking water compliant with the maximum contaminant limits for PFAS.  They also visited the well in Glen Rock.  Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that this field trip was very educational.

 

The Green Ridgewood Committee is “gearing up” for the Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Fair.  They are looking for vendors, sponsors and exhibitors to participate in this event, which will be held on April 23, 2023.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the subcommittee, Encouraging Alternative Green Energy for Ridgewood (EAGER), met with their new consultant, Gabel Associates, to discuss the municipal energy aggregation program for electricity.  They are seeking more renewably sourced electricity at a lower price.  She stated that the energy market is terrible right now, but the first meeting was nevertheless productive and informative.  They will next meet in March, at which time it is anticipated that Gabel Associates will have more insight into the current state of the energy market.

 

In addition, Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the members of Green Ridgewood are planning a town hall meeting/public forum to address the deer overpopulation in Ridgewood, along with Lyme disease, to be held on March 31, 2023.

 

The Green Team also met on January 16, 2023, and the members are working hard to earn more credits towards a Sustainable Jersey certification.  They have proposed “No-Mow-May” in an effort to preserve the habitat and food for pollinators and other insects.  Individuals may register in order to obtain a lawn sign to let others know that they are participating in this initiative.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that she attended the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Installation Dinner.  She stated that it was a wonderful event.  She also stated that the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebratory events were terrific, with inspiring speakers and singers.

 

The Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) met, and Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that they discussed the “Main Street” program, a national program that filters down to municipalities and which attempts to assist downtown areas to thrive through training and support.  She mentioned that the application process is rather daunting, so they were considering whether or not it would be worth the time and effort to participate in the program.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron stated that if anyone sees a lamppost which is not lit at night in the CBD, they should alert the Engineering Department (Yendi Anderson or Chris Rutishauser), who will follow up with Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) to have them replace the bulb.  Ms. Mailander added that a pole number will also be needed when calling the Engineering Department.

 

CBDAC members are also discussing what priorities they feel should be followed during the implementation of the Master Plan in the downtown area.  CBDAC will submit its memo to the Village Council for review.

 

The Open Space Committee recently had a Reorganization Meeting, during which time officers were elected.

 

Mayor Vagianos indicated that he met with the Stigma-Free Committee last week.  He stated that there are several programs which are planned.  “Mom Matters Too” will take place virtually on February 15, 2023 from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.  This talk will center on the topic of how mothers must take care of themselves, so that they can take better care of their families.  “Kids and Social Media:  What Parents Should Know and What They Can Do” will be held virtually on March 16, 2023 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  This will be a discussion about the challenges facing middle-schoolers and teens in the digital age, and will focus on what parents should know about the effect of social media on their children and what they can do to mitigate those effects.  Individuals interested in either event may register online at www.ValleyHealth.com or contact Danielle Fabrizio at 201-291-6264.

 

Mayor Vagianos also stated that there is a program for home-bound residents to get flu and Covid vaccine boosters.  Interested individuals may contact Corinne Scarpa at the New Bridge Health Center at 201-961-9256.

 

Mayor Vagianos stated that former Ridgewood Mayor Ramon Hache, who is currently a Bergen County Commissioner, organized a group of people together to discuss the issue of repeated flooding on Veterans Field and Stevens Field.  These people included representatives from the State of New Jersey, Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE), New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Bergen County, and the Village of Ridgewood. Also among the attendees were Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips; Dr. Leonard Fitts, Ridgewood Board of Education Interim Superintendent; Jeff Nyhuis, principal of Ridgewood High School; Councilmember Winograd and Mayor Vagianos. 

 

Mayor Vagianos stated that during the meeting, it was pointed out that the stadium field at the high school, and Stevens Field adjacent to it, have flooded five times in the last two years.  The bridge that connects the high school stadium field and Stevens Field, and which is owned by the BOE, is a very low bridge, with only three feet of clearance above the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook.  Debris often gets stuck in the location of the bridge during inclement weather, which results in a “damming” process, creating water overflow onto the adjacent fields.  The meeting attendees were informed by the NJDEP that this was a “very easy fix.”  A permit can be obtained so that the bridge can be replaced or reconstructed so that it is well above the water level.  Bergen County and State officials, along with Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, and Assemblyman DePhillips, will collaborate during the permit application process, along with Scott Bisig, Business Administrator for the BOE.

 

In addition, during the meeting, there was a discussion concerning the bridge on Ridgewood Avenue, which is owned by the County.  This bridge is scheduled for replacement within the next two years.  Mayor Vagianos explained that this bridge is a “curved bottom” bridge, and debris accumulation and damming occurs at this bridge as well.  He mentioned that once this bridge and the bridge near the high school are reconstructed, it will affect residents who live “downstream,” and State and County officials will look into this to see how flooding can be ameliorated in that area.

 

5.         PRESENTATION

 

            A.        SCHEDLER PROPERTY UPDATE

 

Ms. Mailander announced that Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, would be giving an update regarding the Schedler property.  Before he began, Councilmember Winograd pointed out that when the plans for the Schedler property were first publicly discussed in 2017, Village residents (including herself) were unaware that all seven acres of this property had been declared an historic site by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).  Once the plans are approved and voted upon by the Village Council, they will then need to be submitted to SHPO for approval.

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that Councilmember Winograd was correct in stating that the entire site is governed by the oversight of SHPO.  Any development on this property that the Village wishes to make must be reviewed and approved by SHPO.  His office has been working closely with SHPO over the past 1-1/2 years to develop a site plan that can be approved administratively by SHPO without the need for a variance and hearing before the Historic Sites Council. The plans currently in the hands of the Village Council are the latest plans developed by his office.  Prior plans had been previously presented to the prior Village Council in December of 2022, and Mr. Rutishauser stated that he has been asked to present the plans again for the benefit of the new Councilmembers, along with some new changes which have been made to the prior plans.

 

Mr. Rutishauser announced that he recently learned from SHPO that they do not recommend artificial turf on the Schedler property.  If artificial turf is desired, then the matter would need to be heard before the Historic Sites Council, similar to a hearing before the Zoning Board or Planning Board.  Such hearing would delay the project even further, since the Historic Sites Council does not meet very often.

 

Mr. Rutishauser explained that, as shown on sheet 4 of the plans, that they propose the construction of a soccer field measuring 225 feet by 150 feet.  There is a proposed parking area as well as a comfort area and restrooms with an overhang, which he stated was critical for protection from lightning and the elements for players utilizing the field.  There will be a proposed handicapped accessible playground, which will be fenced around its perimeter.  The plans also include a walking path, which goes around the entire property, approximately 2,000 feet in length.  There is also limited parking proposed near the historic Zabriskie-Schedler house, which is currently in Phase 2 of its interior restoration.  Phase 1 consisted of restoration of the roof, siding and windows.  There is a “divided” entrance proposed near Kingsbridge Road, with a center island, similar to the design employed at Habernickel Park on Hillcrest Road.  The natural meadow to the left of the entrance as one enters the Schedler property will be left in its natural state and will not be mowed on a regular basis.

 

Mr. Rutishauser pointed out that there are rain gardens scattered throughout the property, which are needed for stormwater management.  There will be a seven-space parking lot located on the west side of the house, consisting of five conventional spaces and two handicapped parking spaces.  This parking lot connects to an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) ramp, which has already been constructed through a Bergen County Community Block Development Grant (CBDG).

 

As one follows the entrance road, there is another parking lot which can accommodate approximately 24 vehicles.  Mr. Rutishauser explained that he is proposing the construction of two spaces for electric vehicles (EVs) with charging stations.  He and his staff are currently reviewing which level charging station would be installed, leaning towards the stations which offer a high Level 2 or Level 3 charge.  These stations will have a meter, so that people using the charger can pay for their use accordingly.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the Level 1 chargers, such as those installed at the Hudson Street Parking Garage, are slow and do not render a long-lasting charge.

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that there is a storage shed proposed near the restrooms, which will house equipment for the Parks Department so that they can maintain the fields.  There are 18 parallel parking spaces proposed along West Saddle River Road, with islands in between the spaces to accommodate utility poles with significant overhead wiring.  There will be an eight-foot space block to assist people with parallel parking.

 

Councilmember Weitz asked Mr. Rutishauser how many parking spaces would be at the property, and Mr. Rutishauser replied that there are a total of 49 parking spaces.  When questioned by Councilmember Winograd, Mr. Rutishauser replied that there will be a total of four parking spaces for disabled individuals.  There are no ADA-compliant parking spaces along West Saddle River Road, due to the width needed to make a spot handicapped accessible.

 

Mr. Rutishauser continued by stating that between the house and the playing field, there will be a screening buffer comprised of trees which would grow no more than four or five feet high, per the recommendation of the Police Department, to allow for greater visibility and access to an emergency on the property.

 

For the parking area nearest to the house, the materials used would consist of permeable paving blocks, the color of which would need to be reviewed and approved by SHPO.  The curbing on the site would be of a reduced height, with a three-inch reveal instead of the normal six-inch reveal.  This three-inch reveal will help to maintain the pavement edge and allow for efficient snow plowing.  They propose to tint the curb, which will be reviewed by SHPO.  From a historical perspective, Mr. Rutishauser explained that when the ADA-accessible ramp was constructed at Graydon Pool, the concrete had to be tinted to the satisfaction of SHPO.  He mentioned that colors are critical to SHPO.

 

Mr. Rutishauser stated that, taking into consideration some of the public comments made this evening, there are currently no plans for fixed lighting for the playing field.  They are proposing an eight-foot wide concrete sidewalk, which will circumvent the property and which would accommodate the width of a pickup truck with an attached snowplow.  This sidewalk will also be tinted, and they are proposing the use of C27 “Westwood Brown” Chromix P admixture.  Approximately eight park benches will be installed along the sidewalk for the enjoyment of visitors.

 

They propose to plant “underwire type” trees along West Saddle River Road so that there will not be any interference by the trees on the overhead utility wires.  These trees are recommended by PSE&G.  SHPO recommended that no trees be planted along the house frontage, to allow for greater visibility of the historic house.

 

Discrete security cameras will be installed on the property, which will be connected to the Village’s fiberoptic network and to the Police Department, to allow for safety and security on the property.  The work to be done according to the plans will require removal and grinding of the stumps of most of the trees on the site, with the “triangle” of land on the southernmost corner being preserved, as well as the brown area shown on the plans which represents the wooded area with the walking path.  They are doing everything possible to preserve the sugar maple tree which is located at the northwest corner of the house.

 

Councilmember Weitz asked how long it would take this project to be completed.  Mr. Rutishauser said that the timeline depends upon how fast the plans are approved by SHPO and how long it will take to bid out the project.  He said that construction should take approximately 180 to 240 days.  When asked by Councilmember Weitz if Mr. Rutishauser felt that these plans would be approved by SHPO without the need for a hearing, Mr. Rutishauser replied that he is very confident that the plans presented this evening to the Village Council should be approved by SHPO without having to go before the Historic Sites Council.

 

Regarding stormwater runoff, Deputy Mayor Perron asked Mr. Rutishauser whether or not there were any stormwater grates within this park, or whether he was relying solely on the rain gardens to absorb the runoff.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that there are no proposed stormwater catch basins or grates, and that all stormwater management will be dealt with by the rain gardens situated throughout the site.  Grading done on the property will direct surface water runoff to those areas.  Preliminary tests have shown that the property contains well-draining soil.

 

Regarding the playing field, Deputy Mayor Perron asked Mr. Rutishauser in which direction the water would flow off of the field.  Mr. Rutishauser said that the field is graded, as shown on drawing 5, with swales along the field’s northeast corner which will direct water flow northward towards the rain garden.  Correcting a previous statement, Mr. Rutishauser mentioned that there are two minor lawn inlets that will also capture water runoff, located at the playing field’s southwest and southeast corners.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked what the dark lines symbolized on the plans, mentioning the “ellipse” in the center of the playing field.  Mr. Rutishauser mentioned that, on drawing 5, the lighter lines represent the existing topography, gleaned from their field survey, and the heavier darker lines represent the grading which is proposed.

 

Councilmember Winograd mentioned that in 2017, the entrance to the park was located further away from Route 17, and these current plans have the entrance located much closer to Route 17. She asked if Mr. Rutishauser was comfortable with having the entrance located so close to Route 17, and Mr. Rutishauser explained that he was very comfortable with having the entrance located there, stating that it is a “true intersection.”  A traffic study was done by the Ridgewood Police Department in 2015, which showed that there was a rapid deceleration off of Route 17 in that area.  He said that he could furnish the traffic study to Ms. Mailander, who could then distribute it to the Councilmembers.  Councilmember Winograd and Deputy Mayor Perron both said that they would like to see the report.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked Mr. Rutishauser if SHPO had a schedule of hearing dates by the Historic Sites Council, in case the Village Councilmembers decided that they would like a fully sided, artificially turfed playing field.  Mr. Rutishauser said that he did not know the schedule offhand, but that he would obtain a schedule from the Historic Sites Council and would let her know. Councilmember Winograd mentioned that the original plans in 2016 and the recommendations made in 2017 proposed a full-sided field.  Mr. Rutishauser indicated that he would get in touch with his contact at SHPO and ask him those two questions.  When asked by Councilmember Winograd if he could ask the questions about the field (full sided and turfed) in two separate questions, Mr. Rutishauser reiterated that SHPO does not recommend the use of turf.  Councilmember Winograd indicated that grass requires watering and more maintenance than does a turf field, and that a turf field is more durable than grass and has more longevity.  She pointed out that, during public comments, many people mentioned the poor field conditions in Ridgewood, specifically Citizens Park which has been nicknamed the “dust bowl.”  She also mentioned water restrictions and how a turf field would not need to be watered.

 

When asked by Mr. Rutishauser how large a field Councilmember Winograd was talking about, she replied that she did not know the exact dimensions, but she was thinking the same size as the Maple Avenue field.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that in their preliminary work performed several years ago, there was a suggestion that either a full-sized soccer field or a 90-foot baseball diamond would work on the Schedler property.  He said that enlarging the field would conflict with the proposed parking lot behind it.  Councilmember Winograd said that younger players generate more traffic than older players, and therefore making the field larger (for use by older players) would bring less traffic to the site.  Mr. Rutishauser agreed.

 

Councilmember Winograd mentioned that she envisioned the field as a multipurpose field, for use by football, lacrosse and soccer teams.  She said that she was concerned about using the field for lacrosse without appropriate protective netting/fencing around the perimeter to contain wayward balls.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that the park is surrounded by 42-inch high, three-rail post-and-rail fencing, with a box mesh installed on the inside, which would protect against any wayward balls.  Councilmember Winograd mentioned that netting would be needed such as that installed on East Ridgewood Avenue behind the goal posts.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that if the field were to be used for lacrosse, he would have to look into a netting system similar to that which is used at the 90-foot baseball field at Veterans Field.

 

Regarding the proposed playground, Councilmember Winograd asked if it would satisfy the diversion requirement that is still outstanding.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that he would have to ask the NJDEP whether or not installing a playground at the Schedler property would satisfy their diversion requirement.  He explained that since the Village removed a playground on South Broad Street many years ago, the NJDEP would like the replacement playground to be as close to the original site as possible.  He said that the Schedler property was as far away as one could get from South Broad Street. 

 

Ms. Mailander remarked that there is also a timeframe issue.  Once the matter is heard at the state level, a new playground must be constructed within six months of that date. However, with delays incurred due to SHPO having to approve the plans, Ms. Mailander said that she was not sure whether a playground could be constructed that quickly.  If the playground is constructed outside of that timeframe, the diversion matter may still not be satisfied.  If the playground is erected before the matter is heard by the State, then the playground will not count towards the diversion. That is the reason why the playground to satisfy the diversion issue was constructed at Kings Pond.

 

Councilmember Winograd stated that the diversion issue was discovered 15 years after the Habernickel and Schedler properties were acquired. She feels that the State needs to be reasonable, given the fact that good-faith purchases were made by the Village of 10 acres at Habernickel and 7 acres at Schedler.  In addition, she stated that one of the goals of purchasing the Schedler property was to help residents living on the east side of Ridgewood integrate into the community.  She stated that without a playground on the Schedler property, the park becomes less family oriented.  When Ms. Mailander explained that there is already a proposal to construct a playground at Schedler, Councilmember Winograd stated that on the budget paperwork, there was a notation that the funding for the playground would be considered at a later date.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked how old the sugar maple tree is by the Zabriskie-Schedler house and how much longer it is expected to survive.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that from his perspective as a former arborist (1979-1985), he would characterize the tree, in human terms, as a 95-year-old with Stage 3 or Stage 4 cancer, with a limited lifespan.  He said that the tree could live another five to ten years, or it could topple over tomorrow.  Extensive cabling has been done throughout the interior of the tree and several of those cables have snapped, since some of them are at least 30 years old.  The tree has a few cavities, but much effort has been done to resuscitate the tree through pruning and deep-root feeding.  Winds have torn off branches over the past couple of years.  His biggest concern about the tree is that it stands at the northwest corner of the Zabriskie-Schedler house.  Since prevailing winds in this area generally come from the north-northwest, he is concerned that the tree will eventually topple over onto the house.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron noted a “silt fence” mentioned on drawing 2, and she asked Mr. Rutishauser what that was.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that a silt fence is mandatory under a soil erosion/sediment control permit that was required for this project by the Bergen County Soil Conservation District.  It is usually black plastic fencing that is installed with the flap tucked underground.  If it rains before the excavated ground can be stabilized, the silt fence will stop sediment flow as much as possible.  The silt fence is removed once the project is completed and the open graded areas have been seeded.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked if the small triangular-shaped piece of land to the left of the entrance could be used as a community gardening area.  She mentioned that the community garden located in Maple Park has repeatedly flooded, especially around “harvest time.”  Mr. Rutishauser said that he saw no reason why it could not be used for that purpose, but SHPO would have to approve such usage.  He will check with them.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked what the environmental effects are regarding disposal of artificial turf.  This had to be done at Maple Field.  She also asked what disposal costs were involved.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that the turf was disposed of through solid waste.  He stated that he was not sure whether or not this solid waste was landfilled or incinerated. Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that when she was researching turf about five years ago, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was considering legislation that would affect turf.  She asked if the EPA had any rules or regulations that would affect the installation of turf at the Schedler property. Mr. Rutishauser replied that he knew of no such rule or regulation.  He said that, unlike most fields in the Village, the Schedler site is outside the purview of the NJDEP and the EPA, since there are no wetlands or bodies of water on or near the property.

 

Matt Rogers, Village Attorney, added that, despite that, nothing could be installed which was noncompliant.  Mr. Rutishauser agreed, stating that although the property is outside the purview of the NJDEP and EPA, nothing can be installed that would cause a contamination issue “in their eyes.”

 

Referring to drawing 7, Deputy Mayor Perron asked if the “HotBox LokBox” was for electricity or gas.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that that was for the irrigation system and would be used to drain the irrigation lines before the cold winter months ensued.  However, if there was a cold night in October, this box would be used to prevent the system and valves from freezing and breaking.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked if the Director of the Parks Department had reviewed the landscaping plan shown on drawing 8 of the plans.  Mr. Rutishauser said that he has reviewed these landscaping plans with the Parks Department; however, they have “much less say” in the landscaping than SHPO does.  SHPO has instructed him to “stick to” native plants.  When the original proposed tree species for the berm could not be obtained due to a disease issue, he had to send information to SHPO regarding an alternate species (Green Giants), which SHPO eventually approved.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked about the “2 inch PVC for future use” shown on drawing 7.  Mr. Rutishauser explained that this is usually a spare conduit, in the event that additional fiberoptics or communication wires need to be installed.  He said that it was more cost effective to put in this spare conduit while the property was being developed rather than having to do it after the project was completed.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron then asked if the playground equipment will be ADA compliant, and Mr. Rutishauser confirmed that it would be, similar to the equipment installed at Habernickel Park.

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked what size field was recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee. Mr. Rutishauser replied that he believed the field size they recommended is the one shown on the plans presented this evening.  The Ad Hoc Committee was comprised of neighbors who resided near the Schedler property, representatives from sports teams, and a couple of Councilmembers.  There was no one from the Engineering Department present at any of the Ad Hoc Committee meetings.  Councilmember Reynolds recalled a lot of disagreements and discussions before there was agreement on the field size as shown on these plans, and she felt that this size should remain as is because it was a “community effort.”

 

Councilmember Reynolds stated that she did not recall the fact that so many trees will have to be removed.  She recalled a lot of wooded areas and passive recreational areas.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that there is an area at the northern section of the property where trees will have to be removed in order to accommodate the soccer field.  Regarding the walking path, Councilmember Reynolds envisioned a path similar to the shady walking path at the Ridgewood Duck Pond.  She remarked that the walking path shown on the plans would be mostly in the sweltering sun.  Mr. Rutishauser disagreed, stating that there are 24 shade trees (2” D.B.H.) of various species which they propose to plant along the area to the right of the parking lot, alongside the parking lot and on the east side of the walking path, which will block most of the morning sun.  Councilmember Reynolds asked how tall these trees would be.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that these usually grow to six or seven feet.  When asked how long it would take for these trees to provide shade on the walking path, Mr. Rutishauser replied that it could take a couple of years, depending upon how they “take to the ground.”  He said that more money would have to be allocated by the Village Council if bigger trees were desired.  Councilmember Reynolds said that she would prefer bigger trees.

 

Regarding the walking path and the plan to construct it out of concrete, Councilmember Reynolds asked if Mr. Rutishauser had considering using the rubberized sidewalk material which was used for some of the sidewalks on Hope Street.  Mr. Rutishauser indicated that he would not recommend using that rubberized material on this walking path, because it will be destroyed once the snowplows drive on it to remove snow.  He said that was the reason why the material is being used on a trial basis, to see how it fares during the winter with snow shoveling.

 

There was a discussion about the two “undisturbed” areas on the property:  the area to the left of the entrance and the wooded area on the northern property line boundary.  Councilmember Reynolds asked Mr. Rutishauser if he could estimate how many trees would remain along the northern property line.  He said that it depends on one’s definition of a “tree,” whether or not one would count a sapling as a tree.  He stated that there were a lot of trees that have come down over the years, which were subsequently cleaned up.  He said that he could not estimate the number of trees in that section off the top of his head.  Councilmember Reynolds remarked that she would like to see more trees than what are shown on the plans.

 

When questioned by Councilmember Reynolds, Mr. Rutishauser explained the location of the bathrooms and storage shed.  There is also an area to store plumbing supplies, as well as an overhang area (covered patio) primarily to be used for lightning protection, but a game spectator could also use it for protection from the sun.  Mr. Rutishauser explained that this was a necessity since the house may not always be open.

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked if the “site clearing” shown on drawing 3 had to do only with the walking path, and Mr. Rutishauser replied in the affirmative.  Mr. Rutishauser pointed out that there will be a small culvert arch pipe located near the rain garden off the walking path, which will direct surface overland flow underneath the walking path and into the adjacent rain garden area. 

 

Councilmember Reynolds stated that she was completely against the installation of permanent lights on the property, stating that it would desecrate this historic site.  Councilmember Reynolds added that she was confident that Mr. Rutishauser has done his due diligence and has developed these plans after many lengthy discussions with SHPO representatives. Mr. Rutishauser confirmed this, saying that they have submitted a lot of proposed ideas and suggestions to SHPO and sought their feedback.  He reiterated that his ultimate goal is to prepare plans which can be administratively approved by SHPO without going before the Historic Sites Council.

 

Councilmember Reynolds added that they also have to keep in mind the promises which have been made to the adjacent neighbors. She said that the east side does not currently have a playground or a park, so the residents in that area will be the ones who will be primarily using the park.  She wants to protect that neighborhood from clear-cutting the property, as well as the noise from Route 17, while acknowledging that there is not enough field space in the Village. Mr. Rutishauser responded by saying that a considerably high berm with trees was constructed along the Route 17 boundary of the Schedler property.  The Green Giant trees will be irrigated and, if they take hold, they can add an additional 20 feet of screening on top of the berm.

 

Councilmember Reynolds also added that she is completely against the use of turf, stating that it was dangerous in many ways.  She also stated that it has not taken 12 years to complete this project.  When the property was purchased by the Village in 2009, there were no specific plans for the property until years later, when the Village Council began talking about what to do with the property.  She believes that the Ad Hoc Committee did not come up with a plan until 2017.

 

Councilmember Winograd stated that the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee in 2017 called for the use of CoolPlay Turf (on page 10 of the proposal which is listed on the Village website).  She disclosed that her husband Mike served on the Parks and Recreation Board at that time and was on the Ad Hoc Committee, but that this did not influence her opinions or actions.  She mentioned that Mr. Nyhuis of Ridgewood High School has witnessed five 100-year floods in less than two years.  Councilmember Winograd stated that they cannot “cherry pick” what the Village Council wants to honor.  Since turf was recommended in 2017, she recommends exploring a full-sided turf field because of global warming and persistent flooding. Addressing Ms. Mailander, Councilmember Winograd stated that there was a study done by Ho-Ho-Kus, which could be circulated, regarding the environmental impact of turf.  She said that the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee for the construction of a baseball field cannot be ignored.

 

Councilmember Winograd stated that this project has taken way too long to complete and, in addition, the property has been off the tax rolls for many years.  Not only did the Village spend millions of dollars to purchase the Schedler property, but the taxpayers have also been making up for the loss of tax revenue for all of those years.

 

Councilmember Weitz asked if proposing a full-sized soccer plan would slow down the approval process with SHPO.  Mr. Rutishauser said that he plans to send an email to SHPO with various questions, one of which will be the one just posed by Councilmember Weitz.  He stated that enlarging the field and using turf are “trigger items” which would probably cause the project to go before the Historic Sites Council.  Councilmember Weitz said that this project has taken way too long to complete.  He said that he is not sure whether or not he prefers turf, but if this element would add a year or two to the approval process, he would prefer grass.  He said that he agrees with the plans proposed by Mr. Rutishauser, although he does support the larger field unless it causes further delay.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron stated that she was concerned about the Green Giant trees on the Schedler property.  She said that a tree company representative came to her house and told her that many people are planting Green Giant trees, which he predicted would not last more than five years before a blight attacked these trees.  Mr. Rutishauser said that that was a good point, and that is the reason why they have not concentrated on a single species of trees for the landscaping.  He said that he would consult with the Village Arborist to get his feedback. 

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked where the irrigation lines are located.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that the Green Giant trees on top of the berm and at the base of the berm were planted with an irrigation system.  Regarding irrigation for the other trees, they are going to install a water line on the property, but still have to figure out how to irrigate the field.  Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that the newly planted shade trees will need to be watered at least once a week for the first two years.  Mr. Rutishauser agreed.

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked Mr. Rutishauser to mention “Leland Cypress” to the Village Arborist when he speaks with him to get his opinion on this tree species.  Mr. Rutishauser indicated that he would do so.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked if this property could be “reclaimed” from SHPO.  She said that she understood that the house was historic but wondered what made the land historic.  She said that the answer to this question has never been given to her.  Mr. Rutishauser said that he could not answer that question because he was not involved in the process of declaring the land and house as historic. 

 

Mr. Rogers said that the reasons why the land and house were deemed historic should be researched.  He added that when the property was purchased by the Village, it was supposed to be used for both active and passive recreation.  He said that he was not sure why it was declared historic, but that the best person to ask would be the representative from SHPO.  He stated that a full-sized soccer field and a full-sized lacrosse field are approximately the same size (60 yards by 180 yards).

 

Mayor Vagianos asked Ms. Mailander if she could place this matter on the agenda for the Public Work Session scheduled for February 22, 2023.  He encouraged the public to attend.  Mayor Vagianos reiterated the process followed by the Village Council regarding public comments.  He indicated that questions can also be submitted by residents in writing to Ms. Mailander, who will then forward them to Mr. Rutishauser for a response at the next Village Council meeting.  He said that he doesn’t want to “shut anybody out” of this conversation.

 

Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Rutishauser if there would be any problem fitting a full-sized field on the Schedler property.  Mr. Rutishauser asked if he was talking about a full-sized soccer field or a 90-foot baseball diamond. Mayor Vagianos first asked about a full-sized soccer/lacrosse/ football field.  Mr. Rutishauser said he believed that it could fit within the parameters of the property; however, the parking at the base of the berm would have to be changed since the full-sized field would encroach upon the parking lot in its current proposed location.  Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Rutishauser if he could draw up some new plans showing a full-sized field and provide them to the Councilmembers in sufficient time for them to review before the next Public Work Session on February 1, 2023 (would need to be submitted by Friday, January 27, 2023 to be included in the packet).  Mr. Rutishauser stated that that was a tight timeframe and would result in Jovan Mehandzic working overtime, but that he would try to accomplish this.  Ms. Mailander said that it could be placed on the February 1, 2023 agenda if the renderings were prepared in time.

 

Mayor Vagianos then asked if putting a baseball field on the property was possible.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that before he gave an answer to that question, he would like to consult with Jovan so that the baseball diamond and soccer field dimensions can be put on the drawings.  In this way, he can visually show the Councilmembers how the fields would be placed and what limitations they would impose.

 

Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Rutishauser to explain the functions of the Historic Sites Council.  Mr. Rutishauser compared the Council to the Planning Board, where variances are heard for a particular project, because what the applicant is seeking is outside the realm of what an organization or governing body can approve administratively.  He added that he will ask SHPO the various questions posed by the Councilmembers this evening and would like to come before the Council again to furnish them with the answers.  He emphasized that it would be quicker to complete the project if it did not have to be heard before the Historic Sites Council.  He will ask how often Historic Sites Council meetings take place and what the procedure would be for making application before the Council (whether or not SHPO would make application or whether the Village would have to do so).  Ms. Mailander added that it will take longer for the Schedler project to be completed if SHPO looks upon any changes unfavorably.

 

Regarding the old sugar maple tree on the property, Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Rutishauser what would be done with that space if the tree were removed.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that nothing could really be done with that space.  He pointed out where the tree was delineated on drawing 4 and stated that the “drip line” would cover part of the parking lot near the house, the sidewalk in back of the house, and part of the screening Green Giant trees.  He said that removal of the tree would not really affect anything.  Mayor Vagianos asked if removal of the tree would create more space for a larger field.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that it would not.

 

Mayor Vagianos said his concerns about the smaller playing field stems from his meeting last week with NJDEP officials, BOE officials and others.  He said that two full-sized fields in Ridgewood have flooded five times in the last two years.  He stated that weather patterns have drastically changed in the years since the Ad Hoc Committee first met, and they continue to change for the worst.  Mr. Rutishauser stated that if flooding occurs on the Schedler property, then everyone should start building a “big boat.”  Mayor Vagianos stated that he would like to explore constructing a full-sized field on the Schedler property, which he described as a “high ground” field, since the current full-sized fields in Ridgewood are constantly flooding and there is a scarcity of playing fields in Ridgewood.

 

6.         DISCUSSION

 

            A.        RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

1.         REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 269 – WATER EMERGENCIES – SMART CONTROLLERS

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item deals with revisions to Chapter 269, dealing with water emergencies and Smart Controllers.  The changes are proposed to codify permit conditions that were established during the summer of 2022, placing Smart Controller exemptions on the same watering time schedule as all automatic systems.  Additionally, there was a discussion with the 2022 Village Council to consider also limiting the days.

 

Rich Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, recalled that, last year, there was a discussion before the Village Council about amending the “Water Conservation Ordinance” to make the timeframes for the use of Smart Controllers more in line with the timeframes allowed for all other underground irrigation systems.  Smart Controllers were allowed to water for a longer period of time, and he is recommending that those households with Smart Controllers be placed on the same watering times as other automatic systems.  Mr. Calbi stated that the proposed Ordinance amendment also has other changes.  The definition of “Smart Controller” has been changed to reference the permit that is required from Ridgewood Water, and section E has been amended to reflect the times during which Smart Controllers and automatic watering systems may be used (between 3:00 A.M. and 7:00 A.M. on the permissible day).  Mr. Calbi indicated that he would like to have this amended Ordinance adopted at this time, since all current permits for Smart Controller use are re-certified every March.

 

Councilmember Reynolds said that she was pleased to see Smart Controllers included in Section E.  She stated that she would also like to see Smart Controller usage limited to two days per week for odd-numbered addresses and two days per week for even-numbered addresses.  She recalled that Mr. Calbi had said at a prior meeting that approximately 50% of residents adhere to the watering restrictions and 50% do not.  Mr. Calbi stated that he is not sure if that will ever change unless there is stricter enforcement.  Councilmember Reynolds remarked that it will be much easier to find violators if every household, including those with Smart Controllers, are on the same watering timetable.

 

Mr. Calbi said that he would not recommend putting those residents with Smart Controllers and automatic systems on the same two-day-per-week timetable since he is not sure that this can be programmed into a Smart Controller.  He said that Smart Controllers are set up for the purpose of watering smart and using weather sensors to control the watering, and setting up restrictions would go against what the Smart Controller is trying to achieve.  He said the answer would be stricter enforcement.  He said that his staff is limited in checking Smart Controller regulators inside residents’ homes.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the brand of Smart Controller which she has, called the “Rain Bird,” can be programmed to four days per week, since her husband has set their controller to water two days per week.  It is not operated manually and is programmed to only water on certain days.  She said that she was unsure about other brands of Smart Controllers.

 

Mr. Calbi stated that Smart Controllers were brought into the purview of the ordinance approximately five years ago, with the knowledge that the EPA had certified that they save 20% of water usage on average.  He said that too many restrictions will make people not use Smart Controllers at all.  Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that she was fine with the amendment, as proposed, as a “first step” (3:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.).  Mr. Calbi indicated that the permit is still contingent upon certain conditions.  He stated that if the Village moves to either Stage III or Stage IV restrictions during drought conditions, all Smart Controller permits will become void.

 

Mayor Vagianos mentioned the small number of customers (approximately 300) served by Ridgewood Water who own Smart Controllers, 50% of whom may be “cheating.”  He stated that it doesn’t make sense to monitor those 150 accounts excessively, considering the fact that Ridgewood Water has approximately 21,000 customers.  Mayor Vagianos said that he was completely satisfied with Mr. Calbi’s recommendations.  He said that the ultimate goal is to conserve water and use it wisely, and he stated that the use of Smart Controllers, over time, will save a lot of water.  Mr. Calbi added that those customers who used their Smart Controllers appropriately last year saved 49% on their water usage.  The customers who didn’t comply used 51% more water.

 

Councilmember Winograd also thought Mr. Calbi’s recommendations were fine, but stated that she felt that the Village could do a better job of educating the public about water conservation via various messaging systems.  Mayor Vagianos said that he was in favor of implementing Mr. Calbi’s recommendations.

 

Councilmember Reynolds suggest, in the first sentence of Section 269.45, the use of a generic pronoun such as “his/her” instead of “his.”

 

2.         AWARD CONTRACT – PIPE, APPURTENANCES AND SERVICE MATERIALS

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the awarding of a contract for pipe, appurtenances and service materials.  These materials are necessary to facilitate repairs and replacements to the water system.  Ridgewood Water received three bid proposals.  The award of bid is based upon the low bid total by category on a per-unit basis.  Several vendors are being recommended.  Ferguson Waterworks of Lakewood, New Jersey, is the recommended vendor for clamps/sleeves and hydrants.  Raritan Group of Edison, New Jersey, is the recommended vendor for fittings, hydrants and copper tubing, and Capitol Supply Construction, LLC, of Wayne, New Jersey, is the recommended vendor for pipes, valves, hydrants, boxes, and brass.  Funding is in the Water Utility Operating Budget.  The contract is not to exceed $410,000.00 in 2023.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked why Capitol was chosen to supply boxes (Section F), since they were not the lowest bidder.  Mr. Calbi replied that Ferguson did not bid the entire section (did not bid on items 30 through 33).  They were required to bid the entire section.  Hydrants (Section E) was the only section where vendors did not have to bid the entire section.

 

3.         AWARD STATE CONTRACT – VARIOUS MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT FOR UPKEEP OF FACILITIES

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the awarding of a contract under a Sourcewell contract to Grainger of South Plainfield, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $65,000.00, for the purchase of materials and supplies for Ridgewood Water.  The materials and supplies are for facilities, maintenance, repair and operating related supplies, public safety related equipment and supplies, accessories and services, and janitorial supplies.  Funding is budgeted for in the 2023 Water Operating Budget.  Deputy Mayor Perron pointed out a typo in the proposed resolution, stating that in number 2, the word “One” should be “once.”

 

4.         AWARD CONTRACT – YEAR TWO – HVAC MAINTENANCE

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this item pertains to the awarding of the second year of a two-year contract for annual HVAC maintenance services for the Village of Ridgewood and Ridgewood Water.  In March 2022, the Village awarded a two-year contract for these services to TM Brennan Services Inc. of Hamburg, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $55,000.00.  It is recommended that year two of this contract be awarded.  Funding will be available in the Village Operating Budget and the Water Utility Operating Budget.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked, in the event of a contract such as this, whether or not each party’s proportionate share is based upon square footage.  Mr. Calbi replied that in this particular contract, it is based upon the number of units and size of the units.

 

5.         AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT – HYDROGEOLOGIC CONSULTING SERVICES

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the awarding of a contract for professional services for hydrogeologic consulting services for Ridgewood Water in connection with the Capital Improvement, Well Maintenance and Testing Programs. This is for the rehabilitation of existing wells and new well construction projects.  This work will include such tasks as well permitting applications, replacement well drilling, well repairs, treatment plans, soil and well testing production plans, and general services to assist with regulatory compliance and emerging contaminants.  It is recommended that this contract be awarded to WSP USA of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $152,000.00 for 2023.  A total of $90,642.89 was spent in 2022 for this service.  Funding is in the Water Utility Operating Budget.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked what the “biofilm condition” meant in WSP USA’s memo regarding the Carr Wellfield.  Mr. Calbi explained that, over time, due to the age of the wells, the casing inside the well that goes underground will develop a biofilm on it, similar to what occurs in water distribution pipes.  When the water comes in contact with the casing, the minerals and bacteria in the water create a film.  If the biofilm is left untreated and allowed to grow, it will eventually clog up the well and limit the ability to pump water out of it.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked why the bid this year is $62,000.00 more than it was in 2022.  Mr. Calbi explained that it was $62,000.00 more than was spent in 2022.  The allotment for these services in 2022 was close to the “not to exceed” figure this year ($152,000.00).  Not as much work was done last year, but the vendor is always asked, when submitting a bid, to provide estimated costs for all the services that Ridgewood Water may possibly need for the year.  In this way, Ridgewood Water does not have to appear before the Village Council if the allotted amount is exceeded.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron pointed out a typo in the fifth “Whereas” paragraph of the proposed resolution, stating that the word “first” should be “firm.”

 

            B.        BUDGET

 

1.         INTEREST RATE FOR DELINQUENT TAXES AND NON-PAYMENT OF OTHER MUNICIPAL LIENS

 

Ms. Mailander explained that there are several annual resolutions for interest rates.  The first is the interest rate for delinquent taxes and non-payment of other municipal liens.  This fixes the interest rate according to statute and establishes a 10-day grace period for payment of property taxes.  Mayor Vagianos asked if these interest rates are the same as for 2022, and Ms. Mailander replied in the affirmative, stating that they are set according to statute.

 

2.         WATER DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE FEE

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this item is in regard to an annual resolution for the payment of an annual maintenance fee for Ridgewater Water, calculated by multiplying the assessed value of the properties that Ridgewood Water owns by the current year’s property tax rate for the period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.  This year, the maintenance fee is based on the land value of $4,538,000.00.

 

3.         INTEREST RATE FOR SIGNIFICANT SEWER DISCHARGER FEE

 

Ms. Mailander said that this item pertains to the annual interest rate for significant sewer discharger fees.  If payment for significant discharger annual flow charges are delinquent, the Tax Collector is authorized to charge an interest rate of 8% per annum on the first $1,500.00 and 18% per annum on the balance over $1,500.00 for non-payment of bills beyond the due date, for all bills in excess of $50.00.  There will be a 30-day grace period for all bills.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked whether or not “warnings” were sent out to delinquent account holders.  Ms. Mailander replied that no warnings are sent.

 

4.         AUTHORIZE ESTIMATED 2023 THIRD QUARTER TAX BILLS

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to estimated third quarter tax bills, which have been sent out by the Village for at least the past five years.  In this way, the Village is able to pay third quarter taxes to the BOE and Bergen County and prevents the Village from having to borrow money to pay those taxes and enables the Village to maintain cash flow to meet those obligations.

 

5.         WATER UTILITY INTEREST RATES FOR DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that this item pertains to interest rates for the Water Utility for delinquent accounts.  The Water Utility is authorized to charge an interest rate of 8% per annum on the first $1,500.00 and 18% per annum on the balance over $1,500.00 for non-payment of bills beyond the due date, for all bills in excess of $50.00.  There will be a 30-day grace period for all bills.

 

6.         AWARD CONTRACT – SOFTWARE FOR FINANCE DEPARTMENT

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to an annual resolution awarding a contract to purchase software for the Finance Department.  This is for the support and maintenance of proprietary computer hardware and software, and it is recommended that this contract be awarded to Edmunds & Associates of Northfield, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00.  Funding is in the Finance Operating Budget.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron pointed out that the year 2023 should be substituted for the year 2021 in the proposed resolution, and that the apostrophe should be deleted after the word “Associates.”

 

7.         COST OF MAILING TAX SALE NOTICE

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this annual resolution allows a tax sale notice to be sent by regular or certified mail in lieu of any two publications, of the four publications required for a tax sale notice, and allows the Tax Collector to charge $25.00 per mailing for each set of notices, as provided by statute.

 

8.         AUTHORIZE ELECTRONIC TAX SALES

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the authorization of electronic tax sales.  This has been authorized for at least the past three years.  It is an annual resolution that allows for the continuation of electronic tax sales.  This provides a greater pool of potential lien buyers, creating an environment for a more complete tax sale process.  The electronic tax sale will be conducted through the services of NJ Tax Lien Investors/RealAuction.com.

 

9.         CANCELLATION OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS AND DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this resolution pertains to the cancellation of tax overpayments and delinquent accounts in amounts less than $10.00.  This is an annual resolution which allows the Tax Collector to cancel delinquent accounts or tax overpayments of less than $10.00.

 

10.       AWARD COOPERATIVE CONTRACT – REPAIR OF SLUDGE DIGESTER MIXERS

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that this item pertains to the awarding of a contract for repair of sludge digester mixers at the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF).  The WPCF has been having difficulties with the mixers for two anaerobic sludge digesters.  The two digesters each have three mixers, two of which are inoperable.  The mixers turn the sludge in the tanks, aiding in its volume reduction by bacteria.  When there is less sludge volume, there is less digested sludge which has to be trucked offsite for final disposal.  Ms. Mailander indicated that repairing mixer shafts is a specialty.  Working with the PVSC Cooperative Purchasing Program, an approved vendor, Universal Electric Motor, has been found.  It is recommended that a contract be awarded to Universal Electric Motor of Hackensack, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $46,500.00 per mixer shaft, for a total of $93,000.00.  This would be paid through the General Capital Ordinance.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked if this work would be under warranty.  Ms. Mailander said that she would find out the answer to this question.

 

11.       REFUND OF ESCROWED FUNDS – HOPPER RIDGE

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the refund of escrowed funds for the Hopper Condominium Association and a release of the Site Improvement Performance Bond for a project performed at Hopper Ridge on Durar Avenue.  This project consisted of reconstruction of their retaining walls and pond dredging.  The escrow is in the amount of $5,000.00.  The Engineering Division, Planning Board and the Building Department have all deemed this project as being satisfactorily completed.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked about the status of the receptacle for floodwater.  Ms. Mailander replied that this could not be done, because the Association was supposed to submit their plans to the Village in a timely manner and did not do so.

 

            C.        POLICY

 

1.         GRAYDON POOL AND PICKLEBALL MEMBERSHIP 2023

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this matter pertains to the fee policy for Graydon Pool for 2023 and pickleball membership.  Nancy Bigos, Director of Parks and Recreation, has recommended that the current fee schedule for Graydon Pool be maintained for 2023.  It is also recommended that a babysitter category be added for families in need, which would allow a family to purchase a babysitter pass for their household to be used for any caretaker over the age of 18 who may be caring for their child.  Further, it is recommended that non-resident pickleball membership be reinstated.

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked whether or not the “Senior” category for the regular season for non-resident seasonal membership should have a dollar figure rather than “NA,” as well as the non-resident seasonal membership for seniors regarding pickleball.  Ms. Mailander said that she would find out, and added that the Parks and Recreation Department will be presenting a revised fee schedule at next week’s meeting.

 

2.         UPDATE – IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Ms. Mailander explained that Dylan Hansen, Director of IT, would give an update regarding improvements to public comments.  Mr. Hansen indicated that he has gotten some prices on equipment but has not yet toured the Bergen County conference facility.  He has been in contact with two sound/acoustic companies, and some representatives from those companies are going to visit the courtroom in Ridgewood to study the acoustics in the room and see what they would recommend to improve the sound.  He got pricing on lapel mics ($3,290.00 for ten), an audioboard to accept the lapel mics and the current setup in the courtroom (48 channel analog audio board for $6,800.00), an additional amplifier for the center speakers ($840.00), and an installation estimate from a local vendor ($4,200.00).  Mr. Hansen indicated that he has not yet received any feedback regarding the sound quality during hybrid access, although he did state that he had to resolve the “echo” problem.

 

Councilmember Winograd stated how thrilled she was with the improvements made to the public comments portion of Village Council meetings.  She thought it was important to canvass residents who participated in hybrid access to get their feedback on the sound quality, before further equipment is purchased, and she offered to help in this regard.  Mayor Vagianos agreed with Councilmember Winograd.  He commended Mr. Hansen on the great job he did to improve the room acoustics and also thanked Councilmember Winograd for bringing this matter to the attention of the Village Council.  Mr. Hansen also thanked his team for the great job they did.

 

Councilmember Weitz remarked that he saw a vast improvement in the sound quality and is also interested in hearing feedback from residents.  He noticed that people in the audience were not straining to hear what was being said during public comments.  Mr. Hansen said that there are more tweaks which he wants to make to further improve the sound quality and acoustics in the courtroom.

 

Councilmember Reynolds remarked that she likes the podium in its new location.  She asked Mr. Hansen if it will need to be moved back and forth for Council meetings and court hearings.  Mr. Hansen replied that he will need to speak with the Court Administrator to see if it would be alright to leave the podium in its current location.  Councilmember Reynolds said that she noticed that people using Zoom or calling in were not seen.  She asked if this was an individual choice, and Mr. Hansen replied in the affirmative.  Mr. Hansen indicated that some people accessing the meeting remotely by phone did not “raise their hands” by pressing on a certain number, so he is going to develop a list of instructions to assist them in this regard, as well as listing Robert’s Rules of Order and the protocol for hybrid meetings. 

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked if these instructions could include the statement that the Village Councilmembers would prefer to see the faces of speakers.  Mayor Vagianos felt that they can at least ask speakers to turn on their cameras, considering the lengths to which the Village Council has gone to enable hybrid access.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked Mr. Hansen about Ridgewood’s Rules of Order and asked whether they could be circulated in time for next week’s meeting.  Mr. Hansen indicated that the rules are already posted on the news feed and that he was waiting for feedback before posting them on the Village website.  Councilmember Winograd asked Mr. Hansen to circulate the rules once again to the Councilmembers in both Word and PDF formats for review.  Ms. Mailander stated that she has already done so, but she would check to see if they were sent to Councilmember Winograd.  Councilmember Winograd suggested asking phone-in speakers to raise their “digital hand” rather than just raising their hand.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked whether or not the hybrid access instructions could be included with each meeting agenda.  Ms. Mailander indicated that it would be the same for every single meeting.  Mr. Hansen stated that if one clicks on the calendar event for the meeting, the link to instructions for hybrid access is located below the actual agenda.  Councilmember Winograd suggested that the link be mentioned in the body of the agenda. Mr. Hansen agreed.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked Mr. Hansen whether or not he was able to determine whether the sound difficulties emanated from the microphones or the speakers.  Mr. Hansen replied that he did turn down the top speakers and increased the sound on the speakers in the front and back on the amplifier.  However, he still wants to have an audio engineer visit the courtroom to make suggestions on how sound quality could be improved.  Mayor Vagianos said that he noticed a dramatic improvement in the sound quality and stated that he didn’t have to speak as loudly as in the past.  In addition, no one had to be told to speak into the mic during public comments.  Ms. Mailander indicated that she also noted a tremendous improvement in the sound quality and thanked Mr. Hansen for his efforts.

 

7.         PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Don Delzio, 636 Upper Boulevard, indicated that he agreed that the acoustics are much improved in the room.  He was on hybrid access at the beginning of the meeting and stated that the acoustics in the room, and the “flow through” to the Village website, are not as good if the speaker is not directly next to the microphone.  Mr. Delzio remarked about earlier comments which were made about Jovan having to work overtime in order to produce further plans for the Schedler property to show full-sized fields.  Mr. Delzio indicated that those plans already exist, drawings done more than 10 years ago in 2012 as well as plans drawn up in 2015.  He said that these plans show the full-sized baseball field, as originally conceived. He stated that he could give these plans to the Councilmembers or to Mr. Rutishauser directly, so that the plans could be included in the paperwork needed by Friday (so that the Councilmembers have time to review everything before the February 1, 2023 meeting).  Mr. Delzio gave the plans to Ms. Mailander, who indicated that she would make sure to give them to Mr. Rutishauser.

 

Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said that he was unable to turn on the video.  Regarding the Schedler property, Mr. Halaby urged the Village Council to think of their “legacy” to future generations.  He stated that if Harvard did a study on a mismanaged project, they would use Schedler as an example. He was disappointed that the discussions this evening revolved around minutiae instead of the “big picture.”  He would like to see what could be done to “take away” the historic house from SHPO, since they are “calling all the shots.” 

 

Mr. Halaby spoke about the proposed field and the rain gardens on the property.  He stated that the proposed field was too small and that, after a year, the rain gardens would be full of garbage.  In addition, he said that the trees planted on top of the berm will never cover enough area to create a sound barrier from Route 17, since the trees will grow tall but will not branch outwards.  Mr. Halaby stated that, within six months, the berm will be covered with weeds and it will cost a lot to maintain the berm.

 

Mr. Halaby suggested that the Village Council “go back to the drawing board” and develop the Schedler property in a way that would create a space which residents of all ages can enjoy in the future. He thanked Mayor Vagianos for leading this evening’s meeting and also thanked Councilmember Winograd for the excellent job she has done.  Mr. Halaby suggested that perhaps the house could be moved more towards the edge of the property so that there is more room to construct a full-sized field.  He indicated that he was not even sure what the smaller field would be used for.  He encouraged the Village Councilmembers to “think outside the box” and not to get stuck on details.

 

Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Halaby how the sound was on his end.  Mr. Halaby stated that he felt the sound was much better and that he could hear people much better.

 

Kathryn Schmidt, 123 South Irving Street, stated that this evening’s meeting was the first time, out of all of the meetings she has ever attended, that she was able to hear everything that was said in the room.  She said she didn’t even have to use the closed captioning feature.  She said that she is thinking about only attending meetings remotely, because she can hear things so much better than in person, and she was also able to view the maps of the Schedler property.  She thanked everyone for their efforts.  Ms. Schmidt indicated that she tried turning on her video, but apparently it was not working.  She stated that the password and number for remote access were not listed on the agenda, and she thought that it would be useful to list the password and number for remote access on every agenda.

 

Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, said that the audio was great this evening, but encouraged Councilmember Winograd and Mr. Rogers to speak closer to their microphones.  She said that she would like to see the Schedler project completed as soon as possible.  She was dismayed to hear talk about “going back to the drawing board,” drawing up more plans to include a full-sized field and taking the property back from SHPO, all of which will cause further delays.  Ms. Lima stated that she was extremely disappointed that no one this evening mentioned the impact of the Schedler project upon the neighboring residents.  She felt that the neighbors, within a certain radius, should be notified in writing about any proposed work on the property.  The neighbors have a right to know what the ramifications would be (more traffic, overflow parking on side streets, safety concerns for children, and lighting) if a larger field is constructed. 

 

Ms. Lima also would like to see more measurements, metrics and dimensions indicated on the plans.  For example, as the plans stand currently, there is no measurement regarding how far the entrance to the park would be from Route 17.  She mentioned how fast cars will be traveling off of Route 17 on the ramp.  She stated that she would also like to see an updated safety survey performed.  She spoke about the discussion about cutting down the existing sugar maple tree on the property, as well as the removal of more trees in order to accommodate a larger field.  Ms. Lima asked what happened to the Shade Tree Commission and their efforts to preserve trees in the Village.  Ms. Lima spoke about the Green Giant trees and the fact that the trees should not all be of the same species.  She stated that the Green Giant trees, although they are hardy, will need to be watered more than once a week, since she lost three of them on her property last year due to the drought.

 

Ms. Lima concluded by saying that she has been closely following the development of the Schedler property for the past few years and feels that the project should move forward without any further delay.

 

Mayor Vagianos thanked Ms. Lima for her feedback regarding the sound system, and he also stated that Councilmember Reynolds was very clear this evening about her concerns for the neighboring residents of the Schedler property.  Mayor Vagianos stated that they will be reaching out to the neighbors tomorrow to let them know that the Schedler project is “in play.” There is no proposal at the current time for a larger field, but it is something that the Village Councilmembers would like to examine.

 

Lillian Blood, 250 North Maple Avenue, stated that the sound was great during remote access this evening.  She said that she could hear and see everything and that it was very simple for her to access the meeting remotely.  Ms. Blood stated that the Village Council should not rush into something that has already taken them 13 years to do.  She feels that they should look into why the land has been designated as historic, in addition to the house.  Ms. Blood stated that she felt a bigger field was needed, considering the extra traffic involved when younger athletes play sports. She reiterated how wonderful the meeting was this evening.

 

There were no further comments from the public.

 

Councilmember Winograd reminded the viewing public that this evening’s meeting was merely a Work Session during which there was a collaborative discussion amongst the Councilmembers and that nothing was voted upon at this meeting.  Addressing Mr. Halaby’s comments, she stated that the smaller field relates to the number of players.  Younger children, who are less coordinated than older children, tend to learn the sport quicker on a smaller field with fewer players.  She stated that a “5v5” (5-a-side) soccer fields (40 yards long and 30 yards wide) are typically used by children in kindergarten through second grade.  She stated that a full-sided field “goes to full squad.”  She mentioned that the rain gardens are not merely decorative, but that they are strategically placed to deal with water runoff.  Councilmember Winograd stated that all of the Councilmembers want to develop the Schedler property in a way that is agreeable to the adjacent neighbors, so that the east side may be “integrated” into the Village.

 

Mr. Rogers said that he wanted to publicly thank the Village Councilmembers and Village staff for their kind thoughts, wishes and gifts regarding his father’s passing two weeks ago.  He said that this meant a lot to him and his family.

 

8.         RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

 

Deputy Clerk Eileen Young read Resolution #23-56 to go into Closed Session:

 

 

9.         ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 10:51 P.M.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                Paul Vagianos

                                                                                                                     Mayor

                                                                       

Eileen Young

              Deputy Village Clerk

A REGULAR PUBLIC WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON JANUARY 4, 2023 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Vagianos called the meeting to order at 8:05 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call the following were present:  Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd and Mayor Vagianos.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Eileen Young, Deputy Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.

 

Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.  There was a moment of silence for all frontline workers and the brave men and women serving to protect our country.

 

2.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Matthew Lindenberg, 165 Claremont Road, congratulated all new and returning Village Councilmembers.  He stated that he was happy to see two particular items on this evening’s agenda, which were established during the Covid-19 pandemic:  Hybrid Access to Village Council Meetings and Pedestrian Plaza and Dining Corrals. Mr. Lindenberg stated that these items were discontinued just as they were gaining momentum.  He greatly urged the Village Councilmembers to re-adopt these policies, since he feels that the pedestrian plaza and dining corrals contributed to the vibrancy of the downtown area, and that hybrid access encouraged fuller participation and engagement in Village government.

 

There were no further comments from the public.

 

3.         MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Ms. Mailander stated that pickup of Christmas trees has begun.  Pickups will take place on Tuesday on the east side and on Thursdays on the west side, through the end of January.  Undecorated trees should be left at the curb.  Wreaths and garlands should be put out for regular garbage collection.  No plastic bags are allowed.  Christmas trees may also be dropped off in the designated area of the Graydon Pool parking lot.

 

Restaurant Week will run from January 15 through January 19, and again from January 22 through January 26.  Ms. Mailander encouraged everyone to visit local eateries so that they may enjoy delicious meals at reduced prices, while at the same time supporting local Ridgewood businesses.

 

On Monday, January 16, 2023, the Village will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. There will be a musical program, along with a speaker focused on Dr. King’s legacy. All are welcome to attend.  In observance of this holiday, all Village offices and departments will be closed.  There will be no garbage or recycling pickup, and the Recycling Center will also be closed.

 

The 2023 Village calendars are being produced and will be mailed to each Ridgewood residence shortly.  Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that the 2022 Village calendar has the month of January 2023 at the very end of it, which they can use until they receive the 2023 calendar.

 

Upcoming Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, on FIOS Channel 34 and YouTube.  The next Public Meetings are scheduled for January 11 and February 8, 2023 at 8:00 P.M. The next Village Council Work Sessions will be held on January 25 and February 1, 2023 at 7:30 P.M.

 

4.         COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Councilmember Reynolds, Councilmember Winograd and Councilmember Weitz stated that they had nothing new to report.  Deputy Mayor Perron stated that she also had nothing to report, but she wanted to remind everyone that styrofoam from packaging (extruded polystyrene) is now being accepted at the Recycling Center.  She said that it is better to recycle it rather than dispose of it in the garbage or bulk waste.  The styrofoam will not be picked up, and residents must bring it to the Recycling Center for recycling.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron also announced that Green Ridgewood will be meeting on January 5, 2023 at 7:30 P.M. in the Senior Lounge.  The meeting is open to the public and guests are welcome. The Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) is meeting on January 12, 2023 at 8:30 A.M. in the Senior Lounge.  This meeting is also open to the public.

 

Mayor Vagianos stated that several of his committees met in late December.  Stigma-Free Committee members spend a lot of time working with the vulnerable population in Ridgewood.  Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) has a “Winter Termination Program,” which protects customers from having their heat turned off.  This program runs from November 15 to March 15. Interested individuals should call 1-800-624-0241. 

 

The Health Department has reported that there is a sharp rise in Covid, flu and RSV (a respiratory illness) in Ridgewood and in Bergen County as well.  There is a bivalent Covid booster available, and the Health Department strongly urges everyone to get this booster and the flu shot as well.  There will be bivalent boosters and flu shots available at a clinic scheduled for January 11, 2023. To date, over 300 of the bivalent boosters have been dispensed.  Covid home tests are available, and interested individuals should contact the Health Department.  The CDC once again recommends that people wear masks in all crowded places, due to the recent surge of Covid cases. Mayor Vagianos stated that the flu shot available this year is far more effective than those offered in the past (50% effective as opposed to 10% in prior years).

 

The Stigma-Free Committee sent out 750 “Cards of Joy” to seniors during the Christmas holidays, just to let them know they aren’t alone.  Many cards were sent to the SHARE house and Ridgecrest.

 

There is a proposed new program by the Ridgewood Fire Department called the “Blue Angel” program.  Fire Chief John Judge showed the Village Councilmembers an item resembling a lockbox, such as those used by realtors. Homeowners aged 55 years and older, or homeowners who are disabled, can put their house keys in the lockbox so that emergency personnel with the code or spare key to the lockbox may be able to enter their homes during an emergency.  Other municipalities, such as West Orange and Princeton, have also initiated a Blue Angel program.

 

Chief Judge explained that the Blue Angel program is a nationwide program.  This program was brought to his attention by Sheila Brogan of the Stigma-Free Committee.  There are two different locks:  one is combination based and one has an access code.  This would be used in cases of medical emergencies only.  A temporary lockbox can be requested by a resident who takes care of their elderly parents and who will be away for work or vacation, so that emergency personnel may respond to an emergency during their absence.

 

Mayor Vagianos announced that the Fields Committee met this week, their first in-person meeting in three years.  It was a hybrid meeting, whereby people could either attend in person or access the meeting via Zoom.  The winter field schedule is going smoothly.  The committee is still working on integrating the Ridgewood High School’s Master Library program (which monitors and schedules fields owned by the Board of Education) with the Village’s software that monitors and schedules Village-owned recreational fields. 

 

Mayor Vagianos stated that there is now a Girls’ Varsity Flag Football team at the high school.  Fifty girls attended the initial meeting, making this the most popular varsity sport in the Village.  There are 70 teams in northern New Jersey, and it is funded by the New York Jets.  Games will be regularly scheduled every week, for a period of eight weeks.  Mayor Vagianos stated that colleges are now beginning to recruit for their club teams.  The championship game will be played at MetLife Stadium.

 

Mayor Vagianos next reported on the status of the Gold Star Monument.  Local architect Lynn Brady and local designer Tess Juliani, who have both served on the Historic Preservation Committee, are assisting the American Legion in the design and placement of a monument honoring Gold Star Families.  They have already surveyed Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, and they are scheduled to meet with the American Legion on January 23, 2023 to get their feedback prior to developing the design.  Mayor Vagianos announced that he will be donating his entire stipend this year to the Gold Star Monument fund.

 

Mayor Vagianos reported that he has been collaborating with Deputy Mayor Perron, Fire Chief John Judge, and Will Kievit, Director of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, on the EMS merger.  He met initially with Chief Judge and Mr. Kievit on December 29, 2022 to discuss the merger.  Mayor Vagianos stated that they are determined to make this a successful merger.  Along with Deputy Mayor Perron, Mayor Vagianos then met with the “rank and file” of the EMS Department (approximately 25 members) to answer questions and concerns about the merger.  Mayor Vagianos said that they are all intent on working to make the merger succeed in order to enhance the EMS Department.

 

5.         DISCUSSION

 

            A.        RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

1.         AWARD CONTRACT – LINE STOP AND VALVE INSERTION SERVICES

 

Ms. Mailander explained that in December 2021, the Village awarded a two-year contract for Line Stop and Valve Insertion Services to the sole bidder, Carner Brothers of Roseland, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00. This is the second year of a two-year contract, and an official award must be made each year.  Funding is in the Water Utility Operating Budget.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked if she and Councilmember Weitz could obtain a copy of the contract with consultant, Matt Streger. Mayor Vagianos said that the contract would be supplied to them.

 

2.         AWARD CONTRACT – DISTRIBUTION WATER MAIN REHABILITATION AND REPLACEMENT – NAUSET LANE AND LAKEVIEW TRANSFER STATION

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the awarding of a contract for distribution water main rehabilitation and replacement.  This work is required within Ridgewood Water’s Distribution System due to the size, age and condition of the pipes.  The project consists of replacing approximately 900 linear feet of ductile iron water mains of various sizes, and related valves, fire hydrants, service connections, and appurtenances, and rehabilitation of 3,900 linear feet with Cured In Place Pipe (CIPP).  Seven bids were received, out of 10 that were picked up.  Ridgewood Water has worked with Suburban Consulting Engineers (SCE), the engineer of record, and they agree with the recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder, Conquest Construction, Inc., of Westwood, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $2,882,576.00.  Funding for this project is in the Ridgewood Water Capital Budget.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron explained that this project entails the rehabilitation of all of the old water mains, which should make a difference in terms of reducing leakage from Village pipes.

 

3.         AWARD CONTRACT – CONTAMINANT MONITORING

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the awarding of a contract for contamination monitoring.  The 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments require that once every five years, the New Jersey Environmental Protection Agency (NJEPA) issue a new list of no more than 30 unregulated contaminants to be monitored by public water systems. The fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) was published on December 27, 2021.  The UCMR5 requires sample collection for 30 chemical contaminants between 2023 and 2025 using analytical methods developed by the NJEPA and consensus organizations.  Ridgewood Water is mandated by Federal and State law to perform this contaminant monitoring. Quotations were received from laboratories capable of performing this unregulated monitoring on a system as large as Ridgewood Water.  It is recommended that this contract be awarded to Eurofins Analytical Lab of Monrovia, California, in an amount not to exceed $30,060.00.  Funding has been budgeted for this work in the Water Utility Operating Budget.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked if any of this testing could be performed in-house.  Richard Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, replied that testing of this type, which is monitored by the NJEPA, cannot be performed in-house and must be performed by laboratories certified by the NJEPA.

 

4.         AWARD YEAR TWO CONTRACT – DELIVERING OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE SOLUTION

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this item pertains to the awarding of the second year of a two-year contract for the furnishing and delivery of sodium hypochlorite solution for Ridgewood Water.  In December 2021, the Village awarded a two-year contract to the lowest responsible bidder,  PVS Minibulk, Inc., of Detroit, Michigan, at a price of $1.68 per gallon, in an amount not to exceed $84,000.00.  Funding will be budgeted for this contract in the Water Utility Operating Budget.

 

5.         AWARD YEAR TWO CONTRACT – SERVICING AND REPAIR OF POTABLE WATER PUMPING FACILITIES

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the awarding of the second year of a two-year contract for the servicing and repair of potable water pumping facilities for Ridgewood Water.  In November 2021, the Village awarded a two-year contract to the sole responsible bidder, Wm. Stothoff Company, Inc., of Flemington, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00.  The official award must be made each year. Funding for this contract will be budgeted for in the Water Utility Operating Budget.

 

6.         AWARD YEAR TWO CONTRACT – LANDSCAPING SERVICES

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this agenda item pertains to the awarding of year two of a two-year contract for landscaping services for Ridgewood Water.  In February 2022, the Village awarded a two-year contract to the lowest responsible bidder, LTI, Inc., of Montville, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $113,250.00.  Funding will be budgeted for in the Water Utility Operating Budget.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked whether the cost for landscaping services will decrease next year, since the initial landscaping has been completed at the new Ridgewood Water headquarters. Mr. Calbi replied that this landscaping work will be performed at over 50 facilities which are owned and operated by Ridgewood Water, not just at the new headquarters.  Landscaping services include lawn mowing, leaf removal, weed whacking, debris cleanup, and gutter cleaning at system locations, such as wells, pumphouses, tanks and offices.

 

7.         AWARD YEAR TWO CONTRACT – SERVICING AND REPAIRING OF ELECTRIC SOURCE

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this item pertains to the awarding of year two of a two-year contract for servicing and repairing of electric source for Ridgewood Water.  In November 2021, the Village awarded a two-year contract to the sole responsible bidder, Vanore Electric Inc., of Hackensack, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $250,000.00.  The official award must be made every year.  Funding will be budgeted for in the Water Utility Operating Budget.

 

8.         AWARD YEAR TWO CONTRACT – WATER BILLING AND DATA COLLECTION SERVICES

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the awarding of year two of a three-year contract for water billing and data collection services for Ridgewood Water.  In July 2022, the Village awarded a three-year contract to the sole responsible bidder, Computil, Inc., of Shelton, Connecticut, in an amount not to exceed $320,096.00.  Funding will be budgeted for in the Water Utility Operating Budget.

 

9.         BOND ORDINANCES FOR RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to Bond Ordinances for Ridgewood Water which will be introduced at the next meeting on January 11, 2023.  One is for the construction of raw water mains for $18,500,000; the second one is for the construction of new treatment plants in the amount of $42,000,000.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked Mr. Calbi whether he found out the answer to the question she asked him recently, whether PFAS should be specifically mentioned in the ordinance, since this construction is necessitated by the contaminants in the water. She is concerned about this because the Village has a lawsuit pending against the manufacturers which produced these contaminants, so that the funds expended to remediate the condition of the drinking water can be reimbursed to the Village. 

 

Mr. Calbi replied that her concerns are being addressed and that Bond Counsel will be developing revised Bond Ordinances for review by the Village Councilmembers in time for next week’s meeting.  The revised documents will address the concerns of Deputy Mayor Perron and any other concerns which are raised this evening. Mr. Calbi acknowledged that the Bond Ordinances deal with a lot of money, but he stated that this is money well spent.  He explained that these two ordinances are the “next big step” in the treatment of PFAS.

 

Mr. Calbi explained that the Village and Ridgewood Water initially came up with a master plan to eliminate PFAS from the groundwater. This plan was approved by the Village Council approximately two years ago, and then subsequently reviewed by the NJEPA, which “quasi-approved” the plan.  There will eventually be 12 water treatment plants constructed.  There are currently 52 wells and 31 treatment plants, which will be consolidated into 12 treatment plants.  Two of those 12 plants are already in operation.  Upgrades to one of those plants are currently being performed.  They are building a pipeline to add an additional well to the Carr Treatment Plant, thereby doubling its capacity.  A fourth plant is “on the shelf” ready to go out to bid.  He is waiting for permission from the NJEPA to build the plant, as part of a grant received last year by Ridgewood Water, which will fund 80% of the project.  The remaining projects are currently in the design phase, with designs already completed for the four largest treatment plants.

 

The Bond Ordinances before the Village Council this evening pertain to four large treatment plants:  two in Wyckoff, one in Midland Park, and one in Glen Rock.  These plants will service the majority of the wells (over 30 of them) which will be connected to the treatment plants via thousands of miles of water main.  The $42,000,000 Bond Ordinance is for the construction of four treatment plants (buildings, vessels, the GAC media which is utilized on the inside to remove contaminants, water pumps, and heating).  The second Bond Ordinance of $18,500,000 provides for the construction of the required raw water mains, which will connect all of the satellite wells to the treatment plants. 

 

Mr. Calbi explained that most of this work is being funded through the New Jersey I-Bank, which lends out billions of dollars a year to municipalities for this purpose.  State I-Bank funds will be used:  50% of those funds will be borrowed at zero percent interest, and the balance will be borrowed at very competitive rates (even lower than Ridgewood’s AAA rating).  The Village will also be eligible for $1,000,000 of principal forgiveness.  It is Mr. Calbi’s hope that these Bond Ordinances will be approved so that the projects can be bid out within the next two months.  The projects themselves will take between 18 months to two years to complete.  Once these projects are complete, most of the water in the Ridgewood Water system will be PFAS compliant.

 

Mr. Calbi stated that they studied how much of the water in the system is coming from sources that are PFAS compliant and how much is not.  For the past two or three years, Ridgewood Water has been operating the system to lessen, as much as possible, the amount of PFAS flowing into the system.  Wells with less PFAS in the water are favored over those wells with higher concentrations of PFAS.  Mr. Calbi indicated that currently, in the winter, when not as much water is being used, at least 50% or more of the water flowing through the system to all four municipalities (Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Wyckoff and Midland Park) is below the PFAS maximum contaminant level. For 2022, regarding the total amount of water produced and distributed, 25% of it was compliant (on an annual basis).  Mr. Calbi stated that this will continue to improve as more and more treatment plants go online.  The reason there was such a dramatic increase over the prior year was because of the connection that was made with the Passaic Valley Water Commission.

 

Mayor Vagianos asked how much more work needs to be done after the construction of the raw water mains and treatment plants before 100% of the water is below the PFAS maximum contaminant level.  Mr. Calbi replied that there will be five remaining plants which will need to be constructed, which will be smaller than the new facilities being built through these Bond Ordinances.  After the new facilities are completed (bringing the total to seven treatment plants), Mr. Calbi predicts that at least 75% of the water flowing through the system will be below the PFAS maximum contaminant level and would be 100% in the winter.  He explained that water demand triples in the summer.  People will need to be educated more on water conservation.  After all of the plants are completed and brought online, the water will be 100% compliant, even in the summer months.  Mr. Calbi anticipates that all of the work will be completed by 2026.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron said that she was very pleased with the proactive efforts of Ridgewood Water to eradicate the PFAS problem. 

 

Councilmember Winograd remarked that she was glad to see that the Village is investing money towards eliminating PFAS from the water, but she feels that the Village should partner with the other municipalities in order to reduce the demand on the water system during the summer months. This is especially so since Midland Park, Glen Rock and Wyckoff are not regulated under Ridgewood ordinances. Councilmember Winograd suggested that Ridgewood’s Water Conservation ordinance be shared with these municipalities and that the Village request that they develop similar ordinances, since all of the municipalities have a vested interest in water conservation and PFAS levels are reduced as water usage decreases.  She volunteered to work towards this goal, and asked that the applicable ordinance be supplied to all Councilmembers.

 

Mayor Vagianos thought that the suggestion made by Councilmember Winograd was outstanding. Mr. Rogers said that Ridgewood Water has attempted to get compliance over the years from the other municipalities.  While Ridgewood is highly compliant, he mentioned that some of the other towns are more lax in water restrictions and violation enforcement.  He mentioned that there are currently four applications for site plan approval:  two major plants in Wyckoff, a smaller one in Wyckoff, and one in Midland Park.  Hearings will be held on these applications within the next month.  He fully supported Councilmember Winograd’s suggestion.

 

            B.        PARKING

 

                        1.         EXTENSION OF 24/7/365 PARKING SPACES

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the extension of 24/7/365 parking spaces.  She explained that there are six such parking spaces in the Hudson Street Garage on the third floor and six parking spaces in the Cottage Place lot.  By the end of 2022, four of the six parking permits for the Hudson Street Garage were purchased and none of the Cottage Place parking permits were purchased.  These spaces cost $1,625.00 per year in the Hudson Street Garage and $1,300.00 per year in the Cottage Place lot.  Ms. Mailander spoke with Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer, who indicated that the pricing could remain the same for 2023 if the Village were to continue selling these parking spaces.

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that at least three people (of the current four) would like to purchase a space for 2023 in the Hudson Street Garage, and she has received other inquiries about these spaces over the past couple of weeks.

 

Councilmember Weitz asked if these spots were used for commercial vehicles or private cars, and whether or not the spaces could accommodate more than one car.  Ms. Mailander replied that there can only be one car per space and are used mostly by individuals who reside in or near the CBD. Councilmember Weitz asked whether the fee charged for these parking spaces is commensurate with what the Village would receive for that spot over the course of a year.  Ms. Mailander said that it is not, but it is commensurate when adding together the fees charged for a premium parking permit and an overnight parking permit.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron questioned whether or not it would be worthwhile to continue with the six spots in the Cottage Place lot, since none were purchased last year.  Ms. Mailander replied that these spots are not cordoned off, so if someone is interested in renting a space, then a parking spot would be dedicated to that individual.  She felt that there would be no harm in continuing to offer these spots in the Cottage Place lot.  This was agreeable to Deputy Mayor Perron.

 

Councilmember Winograd thought that this provided a wonderful service for some people.  She asked if the fees are prorated during the summer months when college-aged residents are home.  Ms. Mailander replied that the fees are prorated based upon when the parking permits are purchased (per month).  Councilmember Winograd asked if there has ever been a discussion about selling the parking permits during the summer months.  Ms. Mailander replied that she was not aware of such a discussion, but that they could certainly talk about it.  The yearly fee could be broken down per month and the permits could be sold for a set number of months.  She would first like to see how many permits for the spots in the Hudson Street Garage are sold.  She suggested that perhaps the discussion could be done in March as the summer months approach. This was agreeable to Councilmember Winograd.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked, if the Cottage Street lot is still underutilized, whether or not some spots could be offered for free to employees who work in the CBD, on a raffle basis.  This would alleviate street parking and open up parking spots to shoppers and diners, as well as “train” the employees to park offsite.  Ms. Mailander replied that if this were done, the Village would lose revenue from those five or six spots.  Deputy Mayor Perron agreed, but she stated that the employees would then not park on the street.  Ms. Mailander stated that it would also depend upon where each employee worked.  She stated that there have also been instances where parking areas have been dedicated to employees in the Cottage Place lot at lower rates, yet those spots remained empty while the rest of the lot was full and shoppers and diners could not find anywhere to park in that lot. 

 

Ms. Mailander also stated that she was not sure if a raffle would be legal or not, and she would have Mr. Rogers look into it.  Councilmember Winograd felt that a raffle would be a great idea if it could legally be done.  Deputy Mayor Perron remarked that she felt the spots should be offered for free, since even reduced parking fees for employees did not entice them to park in the Cottage Street lot.  Mr. Rogers interjected by saying that he thought public raffles are “frowned upon,” but that he would look into it and let them know.

 

Everyone was in agreement to continue the 24/7/365 parking permits in the Hudson Street Garage and Cottage Place lot. Councilmember Winograd asked if there would be any promotional materials, such as flyers, announcing the availability of these parking spots.  Ms. Mailander replied in the affirmative, saying that the original announcements were sent out via E-notices and were posted on the Village website.

 

            C.        BUDGET

 

                        1.         ESTABLISH 2023 TEMPORARY BUDGET

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the establishment of the 2023 Temporary Budget, until the actual 2023 Budget is adopted.  The percentage of the budget is based on statute.

 

2.         REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT OF TAXES – 460 NORTHERN PARKWAY

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this resolution is in regard to a refund of an overpayment of taxes in the amount of $2,311.47, as a result of a double payment on fourth quarter 2022 property taxes for 460 Northern Parkway.  The actual amount will be verified by Ms. Mailander, since two different amounts were cited in the paperwork.

 

                        3.         TAX EXEMPT VETERAN REFUND OF TAXES

 

Ms. Mailander said that this resolution would authorize a refund of taxes paid regarding 409 Morningside Road, since the homeowner is a tax-exempt, 100% disabled veteran.  The property taxes refunded would include the third and fourth quarter taxes for 2022, and will be refunded to Corelogic, the firm that paid the taxes.

 

4.         AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT – LAND SURVEYOR SERVICES

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to an annual contract for professional land surveyor services.  This represents an annual retainer for Daniel M. Dunn, PLS, PP, of Dunn Surveying and Mapping, P.A., of Waldwick, New Jersey, to provide professional land surveying services for the certification, survey work supervision, and assistance with preparation of the Village of Ridgewood Tax Assessment Map for 2023. Mr. Dunn has provided this service successfully and without any issues since 1999 to the Village. The retainer is not to exceed $1,900.00 (increased by $200 from 2022).  The retainer provides the Village with a New Jersey Professional Land Surveyor to endorse the Village tax maps and provide the license coverage for the survey work the staff of the Engineering Division prepares for various construction projects and regulatory submittals.

 

5.         AWARD YEAR TWO CONTRACT – LANDFILL DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that this item pertains to the awarding of year two of a two-year contract for the provision of landfill disposal of solid waste.  The official award must be made each year.  It is recommended that the award of year two be made to the sole responsible bidder, IWS Transfer Systems of N.J., Inc., of Jersey City, New Jersey, in an amount not to exceed $764,655.00 per year ($80.49 per ton).  Funding will be budgeted for in the 2023 Village Operating Budget.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked in what landfill the solid waste is deposited and also asked whether Village trucks or IWS trucks are used to transport the solid waste to the landfill.  Mr. Calbi replied that IWS is strictly a transfer mechanism.  All garbage is transferred from the Village in Village trucks to a transfer station in Paterson, after which time the solid waste is hauled in IWS trucks to a landfill in Pennsylvania.  When questioned by Deputy Mayor Perron, Mr. Calbi said he was not sure of the name of the landfill but would find out and report back to her.  Deputy Mayor Perron remarked how expensive it is to dispose of solid waste.  Mr. Calbi confirmed that there are thousands of tons of solid waste disposed of per year.  Attempts are being made to reduce the amount of solid waste through recycling.

 

Councilmember Winograd asked whether or not residents are being educated about the cost of solid waste disposal and how they may contribute to lessening the tonnage per year through recycling and/or sale through secondary markets.  She stated that consumers should be educated on both the environmental and financial impacts of solid waste removal.  She offered to help Mr. Calbi with this initiative.  Mr. Calbi replied that Joanna Latrell does a good job of preparing the recycling “Green Guide.”  He mentioned that some pages of the guide this year will include literature advising residents how they may reduce the amount of garbage picked up every week, but he agreed that more should be done to educate residents.

 

6.         ACCEPT NAME CHANGE OF VENDOR – LEAF VACUUM TRUCK

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to a resolution to change the name of the vendor which sold a new single operator leaf vacuum truck to the Village on May 25, 2022.  Peirce Eagle Equipment, of Branchburg, New Jersey, has changed their name to Vac-Con Services, Inc., and this resolution will authorize acceptance of the name change for this vendor for billing purposes.  The purchased leaf vacuum truck is scheduled to be delivered to the Village this week.

 

7.         AUTHORIZE SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT – TV INSPECTION

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this resolution pertains to the authorization of a Shared Services Agreement for TV inspection of the sanitary sewer system and other systems.  This annual Shared Services Agreement with the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority (NBCUA) expired on December 31, 2022, and this resolution will authorize the signing of a new Shared Services Agreement for the years of 2023 and 2024.  This will be the first year of a two-year agreement whereby the Village will pay NBCUA a per foot price of $0.89 in 2023 and $0.92 in 2024, with a minimum payment of $500.00 for each day of inspection.  Ms. Mailander explained that the Village must clean the sanitary sewer lines and provide traffic control while this is being performed.  These services are performed on an as-needed basis.  If these services are not used, the Village will not need to expend any money.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked if the State of New Jersey requires regular inspections of sewer mains.  Ms. Mailander replied that the state does not, but the Village will utilize these services if there is a blockage in the system from roots or other debris.  Deputy Mayor Perron asked whether the “other systems” referred to in the Shared Services Agreement included stormwater or water mains.  Ms. Mailander said that these services are primarily used for sewer mains and that the services are not used that often.  Mr. Rutishauser of the Engineering Department indicated that this TV inspection is used primarily for sanitary sewer lines.  He mentioned that the Village’s collection system is well past its life expectancy and problems periodically occur.  Cameras are usually the best way to investigate such problems before digging is commenced.  The cameras could be used in the Village’s stormwater collection system if there are concerns of a collapse.  This service would not be used for the potable water system due to disinfection requirements (going from one type of surveillance to another).

 

8.         ENDORSE GRANT APPLICATION – SOLID WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RECYCLING

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the endorsement of a grant application to be made by Sean Hamlin, Recycling Coordinator for the Village of Ridgewood.  This is in regard to the submission of a Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program for Political Subdivisions of States and Territories application.  Ms. Mailander indicated that this is a Federal grant.

 

9.         ENDORSE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION – FAMILY PROMISE – EMPOWERING HOMELESS WORKING FAMILIES THROUGH FINANCIAL EDUCATION

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this resolution pertains to the endorsement of a resolution by the Village Council to Family Promise of Bergen County so that they may apply for a grant to carry out a proposed project, to be funded by Bergen County Community Development, entitled “Empowering Homeless Working Families through Financial Education.” The amount requested for fiscal year 2023-2024 is $24,500.00.  The Village will not be obligated to expend any funds for this project.

 

10.       ACCEPT DONATION – FENCING/POSTS FROM RIDGEWOOD BASEBALL/SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that this item pertains to the acceptance of a donation by the Ridgewood Baseball/Softball Association (RBSA) of new seasonal fencing and posts.  This will secure and preserve the newly sodded and renovated 90-foot official baseball diamond at Veterans Field. This gift is valued at approximately $1,000.00. The fencing and posts were purchased and installed by members of the RBSA, in order to protect the Village’s significant investment on this field after the last flood. 

 

When questioned by Deputy Mayor Perron, Ms. Mailander replied that it was her understanding that the fencing and posts can be used year after year.  Councilmember Reynolds asked how long the fencing and posts would be erected.  Ms. Mailander said that she would find out the answer to this question.  When questioned by Councilmember Reynolds, Ms. Mailander replied that it appears that the fencing and posts will only be used off-season to protect the field.  Deputy Mayor Perron asked if there is a proposed storage location when the fencing and posts are not being used, and Ms. Mailander replied that she is confident that they will be able to find an appropriate location to store the items during baseball/softball season.

 

11.       RESCIND RESOLUTION 22-414 – FINAL DESIGN SERVICES – SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to rescinding Resolution 22-414 so that she may have time to verify the amount of funding available for “Final Design Services” for the Village of Ridgewood, based upon the scope of improvements included in the Safe Routes to School Program Grant Project, prior to awarding a Professional Services Contract for the final design services.  She anticipates that a new resolution to award at least part of this contract can be adopted at the January 11, 2023 meeting.

 

12.       CAPITAL ORDINANCES - PAVING

 

Ms. Mailander stated that this item pertains to Capital Ordinances for Paving.  Mr. Rutishauser explained that he has prepared a preliminary list of streets to be resurfaced, and he would like to bid out these jobs shortly.  The award will be limited to the amount of funding provided by the Village Council.

 

            D.        POLICY

 

1.         HYBRID ACCESS TO VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this matter concerns the establishment of hybrid access during Village Council meetings.  She said that certain parameters need to be established so that everyone understands how hybrid access will work, such as whether or not attendees need to be on camera or audio only.  Councilmember Reynolds said that she would like to see the person when they are speaking. Councilmember Weitz agreed with Councilmember Reynolds.  Councilmember Winograd stated that she was fine with audio only, to allow people with social anxiety to be able to speak and participate.  Councilmember Reynolds pointed out that video would show body language and facial expressions, which would enhance the words being spoken.  Councilmember Weitz pointed out that showing a speaker’s face would verify a person’s identity and would ensure accountability.  Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that she is fine with audio only, stating that she did not want hybrid access to be more of an expense than it needs to be.  Mayor Vagianos said that the ultimate goal is to remove as many barriers as possible, because remote access attendees are only making comments, not trying to have an application approved or anything like that.  He stated that he would be fine with audio only, but that he would prefer to see speakers’ faces.  He suggested “hybrid-hybrid access” whereby speakers may choose whether or not to allow their faces to be seen while making comments.  He mentioned seniors who may not know how to allow access to their device’s camera.

 

Dylan Hansen, Director of IT, stated that both scenarios could be achieved.  If someone calls in through the Zoom app, they have the option of whether or not to turn on their camera on their iPhone or computer. Mayor Vagianos said that speakers would be asked to turn on their cameras, if they are able to do so.  For residents who do call in, their phone numbers will be logged (with the last four digits of their phone number shown on the screen). When questioned by Councilmember Reynolds, Mr. Hansen indicated that voices will be heard over the speakers.  If the caller chooses video, their image will appear on the screens located in front and in back of the Councilmembers. The images will also automatically be fed into the system and shown on TV and YouTube as part of the regular meeting.

 

Mayor Vagianos asked what needs to be done so that hybrid access can be instituted as soon as possible.  Mr. Hansen replied that this can be accomplished fairly quickly.  Ms. Mailander indicated that if an appropriate resolution is adopted at the January 11, 2023 meeting, then hybrid access could be accomplished in time for the meeting scheduled for January 25, 2023.  Councilmember Weitz asked if closing public comments could be done via Zoom after the resolution is passed on January 11, 2023.  Ms. Mailander indicated that there was not enough time to get the equipment up and running in time for the January 11, 2023 meeting.  Announcements also have to be sent out to the public so that they are aware that hybrid access has been re-instituted.

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked what the order of the speakers would be (in-person speakers versus remote speakers).  Ms. Mailander said that this was an important decision to make since only 40 minutes are allotted for opening public comments.  A discussion ensued about how speakers would be queued.  Mayor Vagianos pointed out that if there are a lot of people physically in the audience who want to speak, there may not be enough time for remote attendees to make comments.  Councilmember Reynolds pointed out that there is no time limit for closing public comments, other than the five minutes allotted per person.  Councilmember Winograd suggested “toggling” the speakers (taking, for example, two people physically in attendance, then two remote speakers, and so forth).  Mr. Hansen said that this would make it a bit harder for him to operate the cameras, but it could be done, as long as adequate directions were given to him and his crew.

 

Mayor Vagianos asked if preference should be given to in-person attendees.  Deputy Mayor Perron felt that they should be given preference because they made an effort to attend in person and then still need to drive home in the dark of night.  Councilmember Reynolds agreed, stating that it would not be fair for an in-person attendee to have to wait until remote attendees made public comments, because they may not have a chance to be heard early in the meeting and then would have to wait up to three hours before making comments at the end of the meeting.  Councilmember Weitz remarked that Mayor Vagianos has the option of extending the time for public comments.  He also said that if it is apparent that a lot of people are going to be speaking on the same topic, then perhaps some remote speakers or in-person attendees could be heard who may speak about different topics.  He suggested that the order of speakers not be written into the resolution, but rather leave it to the discretion of Mayor Vagianos in which order people will make public comments. 

 

Councilmember Winograd mentioned that one of the reasons for instituting hybrid access is to make all things equal and to “open doors” for people who cannot physically attend a meeting, due to childcare, disability, work schedules or otherwise. She feels that giving in-person residents the opportunity to speak first defeats the purpose of even having hybrid access.  She feels that a fair resolution should be arrived at so that an equal number of people from both sides has the opportunity to speak.  Councilmember Weitz said that the queuing does not need to be set in stone, and reiterated that he did not feel that parameters should be written into the resolution and decisions regarding when people will make comments should be done on a case-by-case basis. 

 

Mr. Rogers agreed with Councilmember Weitz, stating that such decisions should be made on a meeting-by-meeting basis, after determining how many people are in attendance physically and how many people are queued on Zoom.  He said that other municipalities and legislative bodies utilize a system whereby people who wish to speak virtually sign in ahead of time.  In this way, the Village Council would know how many people wish to speak via Zoom and they also have an idea how many people are present at the meeting who wish to speak. He was not sure whether a “set number” could be obtained and felt that this should be determined “on the fly,” stating that a specific number should probably not be mentioned in the resolution. 

 

Councilmember Weitz remarked that he liked the idea of people “registering” ahead of time, by either emailing the Village Manager or calling ahead of time.  Mayor Vagianos agreed with both Councilmember Weitz and Councilmember Winograd that the order of people making public comments should be left to the discretion of the Village Councilmembers.  To avoid going back and forth between in-person speakers and remote speakers, Mayor Vagianos suggested that public comments begin with people actually present at the meeting (perhaps 10) and then switch over to people waiting in the Zoom queue.  Then, at the discretion of the Village Council, the time for the public comments portion of the meeting can be extended if necessary, to include at least seven more people via Zoom.  He suggested that a specific number be left out of the resolution.  Everyone was in agreement with this suggestion.

 

Mr. Hansen stated that if only the screens in front of the Councilmembers are enabled, he can give them a different view so that they can actually see how many people are waiting in the log, like an “admin view.”  People viewing the meeting would see the Zoom speakers, but people in the audience would not be able to see them because he has only one connection.  However, people viewing via You Tube, Swagit, or Channel 34 would be able to view the Zoom speakers.  Mayor Vagianos asked if all of the screens could be enabled, with one screen at the dais showing the queue to allow monitoring.  Mr. Hanson stated that he would have to contact the Signal Division so that another cable connection could be installed.  When asked how long that would take, Mr. Hansen replied that he would check to see how busy the Signal Division is at the current time.  Mayor Vagianos felt that it was important that members in the audience be able to see people who are speaking via Zoom.  Mr. Hansen said that he would find out and get back to Ms. Mailander.  Everyone was in agreement with this.

 

Ms. Mailander asked whether or not Village Councilmembers would be allowed to participate in a meeting from a remote location. She would recommend same only in very unusual circumstances, such as illness, and definitely not for Public Meetings because Village Councilmembers must be physically present in order to vote.  Councilmember Winograd thought that this was a good idea, in a limited capacity.  Councilmember Weitz agreed.  Mayor Vagianos thought that this recommendation was excellent, especially in cases of Covid where a person needs to be isolated but is well enough to participate during a meeting.  Ms. Mailander said that this would be incorporated into the resolution.  Ms. Mailander also indicated that when hybrid meetings are begun, a moderator from IT would need to be present to ensure the smooth queuing of people into Zoom, so that the meeting can be done in a webinar format (to avoid Zoom-bombing which has occurred in the past).

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked how much it will cost to have hybrid access.  Mr. Hansen replied that the cost will depend upon the length of the meeting.  Ms. Mailander explained that the IT moderator would have to be in attendance until the closing public comments, and that after 40 hours, IT personnel are paid at time-and-a-half.  Mayor Vagianos recalled that when he spoke to Mr. Hansen a while back, they estimated the cost to be in the $8,000 to $9,000 range for the year. Mr. Hansen said that he could calculate a more accurate figure, based on rotating the staff in the IT department, so that hopefully no one would exceed 40 hours.

 

2.         EAGER – SELECTION OF ENERGY CONSULTANT

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this matter concerns the selection of an energy consultant.  Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that EAGER stands for “Encouraging Alternative Green Energy for Ridgewood.”  The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of Village residents.  If the demand for electricity can be aggregated, a lower fixed price could be obtained with more renewable content. She mentioned that there are several municipalities in New Jersey which have already gone this route.  In 2022, the Village Council passed an ordinance to enter into an energy aggregation program for a three-year period.  Bids for an energy consultant were sent out.  Deputy Mayor Perron mentioned that the area of energy aggregation is so complex that an energy consultant must be hired in order to navigate the process of hiring a third-party electricity supplier.  Three bids have been received from Gabel Associates, Good Energy, and Taurus, and each prospective energy consultant gave a presentation before the Village Council.  Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the Village Council must now vote on which energy consultant they would like to hire.

 

Mayor Vagianos acknowledged the tremendous amount of time and energy spent by Deputy Mayor Perron in researching energy aggregation and thanked her for her efforts.  Deputy Mayor Perron remarked that there are members of a subcommittee of Green Ridgewood who worked alongside her in this regard.  When interviewing the three prospective energy consultants, they learned that the energy market is really bad at the present time.  However, she feels that the Village should be prepared, by first hiring an energy consultant, so that decisions can be made when energy prices improve.  She mentioned that the consultant gets paid through the third-party supplier and the Village does not need to expend any money to “hire” the consultant.  Most municipalities are now waiting for the energy market to improve, hopefully by June of 2023.  By engaging an energy consultant earlier rather than later, the consultant will be able to perform the initial steps, such as obtaining all the necessary energy consumption data pertaining to Village residents.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron stated that of the three consultants being considered, she feels that Gabel Associates is the “best bet” for Ridgewood.  They administer energy aggregation programs for municipalities in New Jersey, and the Village is a participant in Strategic Energy Management (SEM), a system of organizational practices, policies, and processes that creates persistent energy savings by integrating energy management into business practices.  Deputy Mayor Perron mentioned that the Village has used Gabel Associates as consultants in the past regarding various matters.  Their company has been involved from the beginning of the deregulation process in the early 2000s, being directly involved in developing the rules and regulations.  Deputy Mayor Perron feels that Gabel Associates has the most contacts with third-party suppliers and can “winnow the weed from the chaff.”  She mentioned that she has spoken to officials from other municipalities who advised her that they initially went with Good Energy but eventually retained Gabel Associates to administer their energy aggregation program.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron indicated that many of her colleagues liked the presentation given by Good Energy.  She indicated that the presentation by Taurus was almost too good to be true (regarding the fact that the Village would be able to cancel a contract with a third-party supplier if energy prices rose during the term of the contract).  After checking once again with Taurus, it was discovered that it was indeed too good to be true.  Deputy Mayor Perron stated that Taurus is more active nationally than the other two candidates and she doesn’t feel that Taurus has as many contacts in the energy supplier field as does Gabel Associates.

 

Councilmember Weitz also thanked Deputy Mayor Perron for her extensive work in this matter.  Councilmember Reynolds stated that the only problem with this energy aggregation program is that it is an “opt out” program, whereby customers are automatically opted into the program and must opt out if they want to stay with their current provider.  She would like customers to be able to opt out very easily, without jumping through hoops. She mentioned that some people, especially the elderly population, are not technologically savvy.  Deputy Mayor Perron agreed and stated that the opt-out methods will be explained before the program goes into effect.  She said that people can easily opt out at any point during the course of the contract with the third-party supplier. 

 

Mayor Vagianos said that it will be incumbent upon the Village to communicate effectively with residents concerning the option to opt out at any time.  Councilmember Reynolds anticipated a lot of negative feedback from residents initially.  Mayor Vagianos said that the ultimate purpose of having such a program is to save money for residents, and the public needs to be properly educated about the program and its benefits.  Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the consultant would supply templates to the Village which can be used to notify residents of the program.  Mayor Vagianos indicated that he has reviewed all of the materials and that he agrees with Deputy Mayor Perron’s assessment that Gabel Associates is clearly the leader in the energy aggregation field in this region.

 

Councilmember Winograd said that the work done by Deputy Mayor Perron and others to date is incredibly impressive and thanked everyone for their efforts.  She said that she would defer to the other Councilmembers who heard the presentations given by the three prospective consultants, and added that she likes the fact that Gabel Associates has a proven track record and the company is “Jersey focused.”  She indicated that she felt it would be beneficial for the Village to be prepared and in a good position to bid on energy with a third-party supplier once the energy market prices become more favorable.

 

                        3.         PEDESTRIAN PLAZA AND DINING CORRALS

 

Ms. Mailander pointed out the memorandum which she distributed to the Councilmembers contains certain questions and topics for discussion regarding the pedestrian plaza and dining corrals.  She stated that the pedestrian plazas were previously in operation all day on Saturdays and Sundays, and asked everyone if they would like to keep the same format.  Mayor Vagianos said that he would like to see the same hours of operation, and the other Councilmembers agreed.  Mayor Vagianos remarked that he spoke with Mr. Rogers about whether or not he would need to recuse himself from this discussion, since he owns a business in the CBD. 

 

Mr. Rogers stated that Mayor Vagianos wanted to make sure that his actions were proper and legal and that he did not violate any ethical standards or considerations required of municipal elected officials.  After due diligence by researching case law and speaking with judges and other elected officials and organizations such as the League of Municipalities, it is Mr. Rogers’ opinion that Mayor Vagianos can participate in discussions regarding the usage of properties and streets in the Central Business District. 

 

Mr. Rogers cited a section of the Local Government Ethics Law, which states that a government officer will not be deemed to be in conflict if he participates in a discussion that involves a group of which he is a member and where he may receive a benefit similar to the benefit received by other members of that group.  Mr. Rogers said that he was confident that the “group” could entail the Central Business District since, in case law, “groups” have been deemed to include parishioners of churches, homeowners’ associations, land areas, and, in this case, a central business district or an area of commercial properties.  

 

Mr. Rogers stated that the decision as to whether or not to participate is subjective, but he stated that he was confident that according to the Local Government Ethics Law and relevant case decisions, Mayor Vagianos could participate in and vote on such matters, unless Mayor Vagianos has a specific vested interest or would realize an economic advantage in a certain matter that other merchants in the CBD would not.  Regarding the pedestrian plaza and dining corrals, Mr. Rogers stated that Mayor Vagianos would not participate in location discussions or votes.

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked Ms. Mailander if the prior locations of the pedestrian plaza would remain the same as in the past.  Ms. Mailander said that that decision needs to be made by the Village Councilmembers.  She recalls some complaints from merchants that people would take up the parking spaces near their businesses and then walk up to the pedestrian mall area, without visiting the businesses near where they parked.  She said that making the pedestrian plaza the entire length of East Ridgewood Avenue would be cost prohibitive, unless the Village Council decides that they would like to do so, perhaps once a month.

 

Mayor Vagianos said that the location of the pedestrian plaza really needs to be decided by the Ridgewood Police, since traffic issues are involved.  When the pedestrian plaza was first initiated, Mayor Vagianos said that he never participated in location discussions.  Rather, he deferred to the police and others to decide which streets should be closed.  In this present discussion, Mayor Vagianos stated that he will not participate in the discussion as it pertains to location.  He thanked Mr. Rogers for doing extensive legal research.

 

Councilmember Reynolds stated that the “perception” by the public will not be good if Mayor Vagianos participates in any of the discussions regarding the pedestrian plaza and dining corrals.  Councilmember Weitz stated that Mr. Rogers does not work for the Mayor or Council, but works as independent counsel for the Village of Ridgewood.  He said that it does not make sense for Mr. Rogers to do extensive research, draft a memo, and announce his conclusions, and then have it all be for naught.  While he understood Councilmember Reynolds’ point of view, he stated that truth and facts are more important than perception, and he was strongly inclined to go with the independent advice of Mr. Rogers when he stated that Mayor Vagianos’s participation in this discussion (other than location) would not be a conflict of interest.  He agreed with Mayor Vagianos that the key consideration for the location of the pedestrian plaza should be a police “traffic flow” conversation.

 

Mr. Rogers suggested to Ms. Mailander that she first ask the Councilmembers who was either for or against the reinstitution of the pedestrian plaza.  Deputy Mayor Perron stated that she was in favor of the pedestrian plaza.  Councilmember Reynolds said she was also in favor but not on a weekly basis, stating that it was too harmful to some of the businesses in the CBD.

 

Mayor Vagianos stated that shoppers are now in an “Amazon economy” and that retailers need to be provided with an “experiential retail/restaurant” experience.  He stated that last year was a very difficult year for the CBD without the pedestrian plaza, and the pedestrian plaza is critical to the survival of the CBD.  He added that, most importantly, Ridgewood residents and businesses want the pedestrian plaza to return every weekend, stating that this is the only way the pedestrian plaza will work.  He stated that it cannot only be held once every couple of weeks or once a month.  He said that after the police establish a pedestrian plaza “zone,” businesses will ultimately gravitate into that zone or out of that zone, depending upon their type of business.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron stated that one of the ideas which has come up during the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) meetings is to rotate the location of the pedestrian plaza, from street to street on various weekends, so that no one business establishment is overly burdened.  After discussions with Police Chief Luthcke, it was determined that certain streets did not lend themselves to such location rotation.  Each street had its own limitations; i.e., blocking off Oak Street entirely would block buses at the bus terminal and blocking off Chestnut Street would block access to the Chestnut Street parking lot, which takes up one-quarter of the block. Deputy Mayor Perron stated that it seemed like the prior setup for the pedestrian plaza would be the most feasible.

 

Ultimately, all Village Councilmembers stated that they were in favor of reinstituting the pedestrian plaza.  Days that the pedestrian plaza would be in operation was next discussed.  Mayor Vagianos stated that he believed the only way to reinstitute the pedestrian plaza would be to have it all day Saturday and Sunday as before, stating that that format worked very effectively in the past.  Councilmember Weitz, Councilmember Reynolds and Councilmember Winograd also agreed.  Councilmember Winograd added that the pedestrian plaza could be expanded to Fridays, since there are many people still working from home and many people expressed this to her during her recent campaign.  Mayor Vagianos agreed and said that perhaps, at the end of summer, having the pedestrian plaza on Fridays could also be discussed.

 

Dates that the pedestrian plaza would be in effect was next discussed.  In 2020, it was from May through the end of September; in 2021, it was from July through Labor Day.  The pedestrian plaza was not in effect during holiday weekends in 2021.  Mayor Vagianos stated that people “come out” once the warm weather arrives and suggested that the pedestrian plaza start on May 1 and continue through the end of October, perhaps longer if the weather continues to be warm.  He stated that this will re-invigorate the CBD.

 

Councilmember Reynolds stated that she was completely against having the pedestrian plaza for six months, stating that she was afraid a lot of merchants in the CBD would go out of business.  Mayor Vagianos insisted that the pedestrian plaza is what will save businesses, stating that businesses thrived during the Covid pandemic.  Councilmember Reynolds agreed but stated that that was because people were not able to go inside stores and restaurants.  Mayor Vagianos replied that people could indeed go into business establishments in 2021.

 

Councilmember Winograd felt that they should obtain more information from the police before arriving at a decision.  She recalled that the police felt previously that staffing the pedestrian plaza was cumbersome.  She stated that six months was a long time for the pedestrian plaza, but felt that it should be extended into the fall months.

 

Councilmember Weitz felt that they should not start out “big” with the pedestrian plaza, until they saw how successful it was going to be.  He mentioned that businesses/restaurants may pay for the spaces for six months and then would require a partial refund if the Village Council decided that having the pedestrian plaza every weekend, from May 1 through the end of October, was too much.  He suggested an initial shorter timeframe for the pedestrian plaza, which would give the Village Council some “wiggle room” in case interest waned towards the end of September.  Councilmember Weitz would like to see the pedestrian plaza run from mid-May to mid-September, with the option for the Village Council to extend the dates if it turns out to be very popular.  Mayor Vagianos agreed with Councilmember Weitz.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the programming also needs to be taken into consideration, such as activities and music, which draw people to the pedestrian plaza and into the CBD.  She said that six months of programming is a lot to fill up.  In addition, if the Village Council decides to extend the time of the pedestrian plaza, they would need to give a lot of advance notice to whoever will be “getting the word out” that the pedestrian plaza is being extended.

 

Mayor Vagianos said that he was fine with having the pedestrian plaza from May 15 to September 15, with the option to extend based upon its success.  He agreed that entertainment was a huge component of the pedestrian plaza, and stated that he did not see any problems in the past with securing entertainment with local bands and other activities.  Councilmember Weitz agreed.  Most Councilmembers agreed with this suggestion, except for Councilmember Reynolds for the reasons she stated previously.

 

Regarding holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Columbus Day and Labor Day), Councilmember Reynolds felt that adequate police staffing would be a problem on holiday weekends.  Mayor Vagianos said that Police Chief Luthcke told him that she did not feel staffing would be a problem. Councilmember Reynolds asked who would pay for police coverage, and Mayor Vagianos indicated that the merchants and restaurants would pay for “every nickel.”  Mayor Vagianos stated that as long as the pedestrian plaza did not interfere with other Village activities, such as the Fourth of July parade, he is in favor of having the pedestrian plaza on holiday weekends.  All Councilmembers were in agreement.

 

Ms. Mailander asked the Councilmembers whether both restaurants and retail establishments would be able to go out into the streets during the pedestrian plaza.  Previously, both were allowed to do so after making application through the Code Enforcement Officer, which included the submission of a sketch showing where tables or racks would be placed.  Mayor Vagianos mentioned that the last time the pedestrian plaza was allowed, the retail businesses he had to coax onto the street found that their most successful and profitable days, in the history of their businesses, occurred during the pedestrian plaza.  Therefore, he would like to see both retailers and restaurants participating.  He mentioned that, in the past, a suitable spot in the pedestrian plaza was found for a clothing business located on Hudson Street.

 

Ms. Mailander then asked about music and performances during the pedestrian plaza.  In the past, bands played in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on Saturday nights, as well as in other areas of the pedestrian plaza.  The Ridgewood Guild held “Music in the Night,” and The Chamber of Commerce arranged for other performances on Sunday afternoons.  A local resident also arranged for performances in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on Sunday nights.  Mayor Vagianos stated that he absolutely wanted the music and performances to continue, stating that the bands and the performers were a “giant draw” and Ridgewood became a “happening place.” He said that there were many volunteers, as well as Village staff, who were able to schedule performances with great success.  Councilmember Weitz agreed, stating that the music and other entertainment is what made the pedestrian plaza so special in the past.  Deputy Mayor Perron added that there were also dance classes held on the street by the Arthur Murray Studio.  Ms. Mailander remarked that Heart of Motion also put on artistic performances.

 

Ms. Mailander then asked the Councilmembers whether they wanted to have the “Touch a Truck” event take place during the pedestrian plaza.  If so, she asked for some general dates when they would like to have this event occur.  Deputy Mayor Perron felt that doing the “Touch a Truck” event once a season was enough and that it becomes “ho-hum” if done too often.  Ms. Mailander mentioned that the regular “Touch A Truck” event usually takes place in May.  Mayor Vagianos said that he would defer to the Village Manager’s discretion, as long as it worked out logistically for the Village.  Councilmember Winograd added that she thought this event was wonderful for children and mentioned that workers could also be recognized and honored at the same time.

 

Councilmember Winograd stated that there were some concerns raised regarding parking during the pedestrian plaza.  She suggested the establishment of some 15-minute meter parking spots, such as “Grab and Go” meters for customers of businesses that are more service oriented, in the parking lot behind Park West Tavern.  She stated that, particularly on the north side of the CBD, there may be a need for more 15-minute parking meters to offset the fact that certain roads will be closed off during the pedestrian plaza.  Mayor Vagianos said that he actually visited the Chestnut Street lot, behind the shoemaker’s store on Oak Street, and he thought that installing 15-minute meters in that location would be a great way to address the concerns of service providers in the CBD. Councilmember Winograd indicated that she would provide pictures to the Councilmembers, Ms. Mailander and Police Chief Luthcke of some areas where she thought 15-minute meters would be useful. Councilmember Reynolds agreed with Councilmember Winograd, stating that she thought it was a great idea to give people an opportunity to run quick errands.  If such meters were established, Ridgewood residents would need to be informed where these meters are located.

 

Regarding dining corrals, Ms. Mailander asked when the Village Councilmembers would like them to be in effect.  Previously, when eating was not allowed inside restaurants at all or at reduced capacity, the dining corrals were in effect for most of 2020.  Ms. Mailander stated that the dining corrals were discontinued around November 1 because of the approaching holiday season and the possible need to have streets clear for snowplowing.  Mayor Vagianos suggested a more limited season for dining corrals, mentioning the fact that people did not dine outside in the cold weather.  He suggested May 1 through October 1 for the dining corrals.  Councilmember Weitz suggested aligning the dates for the dining corrals with the dates for the pedestrian plaza, which would also give the Village Council the option of extending the date for the dining corrals if they are successful.  Mayor Vagianos agreed with Councilmember Weitz that the dining corrals should run from May 15 to September 15. 

 

Councilmember Winograd was also in agreement, although she stated that she felt the restaurants on Broad Street would be put to a disadvantage to some degree, since they are outside of the pedestrian zone.  She felt that dining corrals were very successful in the past, stating that they provided a buffer and increased revenue for businesses.  Councilmember Winograd suggested “movable corrals” that are more functional than the previously used cement barriers.  She felt that any applications for outdoor dining be reviewed by the Planning Board to ensure safety.  Councilmember Winograd would like to see a more “charming” element of the dining corrals moving forward.

 

Mr. Rogers stated that if the dining corrals are going to be temporary and would be limited for a period of time during the warmer months, he would like to see another mechanism in place to approve the corrals rather than having the applicants go before the Planning Board, which can take a few months before the application is even heard.  He said that perhaps the Building Department or Site Plan Review Committee could review such applications, since the dining corrals would be temporary structures. 

 

Ms. Mailander explained that such applications in the past were reviewed by the Code Enforcement Officer regarding layout and table placement.  There was a discussion about the layout designed by Steel Wheel Tavern, which Councilmember Winograd felt was more vibrant.  Mr. Rogers suggested that this design be distributed to other applicants for consideration. 

 

Councilmember Reynolds recalled that Mr. Rutishauser developed some ideas for permanent bollards that were installed in the ground.  She said that she doesn’t remember what the cost was for doing so, but did remember that they would be expensive and would not be paid for by the restaurants.

 

Mayor Vagianos recalled that Mr. Rutishauser had proposed “vehicle defeating bollards,” which would entail drilling a hole in the street, placing a sleeve into the hole, and then installing the bollard into the hole, with three or four feet of the bollard being above ground level.  Such bollards would be able to be removed by a restaurant owner.  This would avoid the use of the large cement barriers.  Mr. Rutishauser still has the plans for the bollards, but Mayor Vagianos stated that the bollards may not be able to be received in time for this year’s dining corrals, due to supply chain issues, and the cement barriers would probably need to be used this year. 

 

Mayor Vagianos explained that the bollards would be uniform and purchased by the Village in bulk, after which time each participating restaurant would be responsible for purchasing them from the Village.  The Village would be responsible for drilling the appropriate holes and placing the sleeves into the holes.  Once the “go ahead” is given by the Village Council, Mr. Rutishauser could begin looking into the purchase of the bollards for use in 2024. Mayor Vagianos suggested that the use of the bollards be enveloped into the “Café Ordinance,” which was developed for the sidewalk cafés.  Each restaurant must develop a scaled drawing and submit same to the Building Department for review and approval.

 

Mr. Rogers remarked that there may be some enforcement issues which may arise with the use of the bollards.  He mentioned that, previously, some restaurants had developed outdoor cafés without submitting their plan to the Building Department and obtaining a license.  Regarding the encroachment of the dining corrals into the vehicular right-of-way, Mr. Rogers stated that this may present an easement situation, particularly if the business owner is going to own the bollards.

 

Councilmember Winograd said that she agreed with using the concrete barriers this year for the dining corrals, while exploring other options for 2024.  She said that there is presently a Ridgewood ordinance that restricts outdoor dining during certain times of the year, and she felt that it should be rescinded.  Mayor Vagianos remarked that that ordinance will not be in effect this year.  Mr. Rogers said that he would check out the ordinance to make sure.  Councilmember Winograd felt that there should not be any restrictions for outdoor dining, stating that sometimes there are warm days during the winter. 

 

Mayor Vagianos mentioned that the outdoor dining licenses have always been effective year round; however, perhaps two years ago, the Village Council restricted it to a certain number of weeks/months.  Mr. Rogers remarked that this was due to the need for snow removal on the streets.  Mayor Vagianos explained that the packets regarding dining corrals, which were distributed to businesses this year, stated that the licenses in 2023 would be effective for 12 months.  Councilmember Winograd said that she would like the restrictive dining corral ordinance to be rescinded, since it is a formal ordinance on record. Regarding enforcement, Mayor Vagianos said that the warning to businesses not to place chairs or tables outside before receiving an appropriate license is published prominently on the first page of the packet.

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked if dining corrals would be allowed everywhere in Ridgewood.  Ms. Mailander explained that any dining corrals have to be approved by the Police Department Traffic Bureau and the Village Engineer, taking into account how far the dining corrals would encroach into the street and the width of the streets.  Councilmember Reynolds said that she gets nervous with the dining corrals being located near where the buses travel, especially with dining corrals that are located opposite each other.  Ms. Mailander explained that the Police Department Traffic Bureau and Village Engineer take all of these scenarios into account when deciding where dining corrals can be safely located. She mentioned that some restaurants on East Ridgewood Avenue had to locate their dining corrals into the Prospect Street parking lot, since the street would have been too narrow if the dining corrals were located on East Ridgewood Avenue.  Restaurants must abide by whatever decision is made.

 

Councilmember Reynolds asked if the charge per space would be $350.00 per month, based upon the recommendation by Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer.  Ms. Mailander said that the spaces previously cost $250.00 per space per month, a discounted amount during the Covid pandemic.  She said that the cost per space would need to be decided upon by the Village Council.  Deputy Mayor Perron remarked that two restaurants had established outdoor dining on their own private property.  Mayor Vagianos remarked that those restaurants were not covered under the Café Ordinance.  Councilmember Reynolds felt that the Village Council should follow the advice of Mr. Rooney, and Mayor Vagianos agreed. 

 

Councilmember Winograd agreed, but stated that the restaurants on Broad Street with horizontal parking would be paying less than Steel Wheel Tavern, which has diagonal parking in front.  She feels that the charges need to be more equitable in that regard.  Councilmember Reynolds remarked that the process needs to be equitable to the Village as well, which was understood by Councilmember Winograd.  It was decided that the charge would be $350.00 per space, per month.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the next items to be discussed were the rates to be charged for seating at outdoor cafés and dining corrals.  The current rate structure for tables and chairs is as follows:  1 to 4 seats, $100.00; 5 to 12 seats, $175.00; 13 to 20 seats, $300.00; over 20 seats, $450.00; and benches, $100.00.  Deputy Mayor Perron asked if these rates were per month or per season.  Mayor Vagianos replied that the rates are per season.  The Village Councilmembers were in agreement that the current rates would apply to 2023 as well.  Ms. Mailander said that they should look at increasing the rates for 2024, and Councilmember Weitz agreed, stating that the restaurants benefit greatly with the use of dining corrals.

 

Ms. Mailander asked whether the Village Councilmembers wanted to allow the use of tents, greenhouses, igloos, and bubbles.  Mayor Vagianos stated that he recommended against the use of such structures in 2023, since the use of such structures in the winter in the past was primarily due to the fact that indoor dining was prohibited during the Covid pandemic.  Deputy Mayor Perron agreed with Mayor Vagianos, saying that the use of such structures require sandbags, which present tripping hazards and were unsightly.  People complained in the past during the winter about the messy appearance of the dining corrals. 

 

Mayor Vagianos mentioned that much was learned during the two years of having the dining corrals, and the process will be tweaked along the way to determine what works and what does not work.  Ms. Mailander indicated that she appreciated all the feedback and that she would speak with the Traffic Bureau and Police Chief about various safety concerns regarding the location of the pedestrian plaza and the dining corrals.  She will place this matter on the agenda again at either the January 25, 2023 or February 1, 2023 meeting.

 

                        4.         FIRE WATCH ORDINANCE

 

Fire Department services and equipment are sometimes required in a non-emergency response manner, and this is called a Fire Watch.  Fire Watches are often required for special events, when there are disabled or broken fire suppression systems in occupied structures (other than one- and two-family dwellings), when pipes freeze in the winter, and during other situations in which Village firefighters and equipment are required to stand by to secure a scene for the protection of life and property.  These proposed ordinances provide for a mechanism to charge the costs of a Fire Watch to a responsible entity when a Village Fire Official determines a Fire Watch is required.  Fire Watches usually require additional personnel who must be paid for their time.

 

Chief Judge said that Fire Watches are required when a fire alarm or sprinkler system, for example, in a nursing home, is out of service.  The ordinance would set a standard so that the nursing home or other entity knows how much it will cost them when their fire suppression system is out of service.  In his experience, once the entity discovers how much it will cost them for the Fire Watch, their disabled system gets fixed much quicker.  If the sprinkler system at a nursery school becomes disabled, the building cannot be occupied without a Fire Watch and occupants must evacuate the building.  A Village Fire Official would determine how much staffing and equipment would be needed in any given situation.

 

Chief Judge stated that the rate per hour for firefighters during Fire Watch services was previously set; however, the vehicle rates were not.  The vehicle rates are based on scheduled equipment rates set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):  $25.00 per hour (or part thereof) for a car/pickup truck; $90.00 per hour (or part thereof) for an engine/rescue truck; and $125.00 per hour (or part thereof) for an aerial ladder truck. 

 

Regarding the administrative fees, Chief Judge stated that they “maxed out” FEMA’s administrative fee because sometimes, when a fire system breaks on a Friday, the system cannot usually be fixed until the following Monday (or Tuesday if the Monday falls on a holiday).  This represents three or four days when the Fire Watch is required.  For 3-1/2 days or 84 hours, this would amount to over $1,700.00 in administrative fees; therefore, they proposed that the administrative fee not exceed $500.00 per Fire Watch.  There shall be a minimum payment of three hours per person assigned to the Fire Watch, since fire personnel do not want to show up for only 25 minutes.  Chief Judge mentioned that he collaborated with the Fire Official in Rutherford when developing the proposed ordinance.

 

Mayor Vagianos thanked Chief Judge and also Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, for developing this ordinance.

 

                        5.         AMENDMENT TO PAVING MORATORIUM VIOLATIONS

 

Ms. Mailander explained that the purpose of the paving moratorium is to keep Village streets smooth by preventing street openings by utilities or contractors within five years of a street being paved.  Paving moratorium violations occur when a contractor or utility excavates a newly paved street to perform work.  The moratorium is to dissuade marring of newly resurfaced streets.  It is recommended that the fine for moratorium violations be increased from $2,000.00 per opening before the five-year time period to $2,500.00 per opening. Regarding the decorative thermoplastic crosswalks, Ms. Mailander stated that it is important that the restoration of any work across them be done correctly so as to maintain their pleasing appearance; therefore, an additional $200.00 per measured square foot will be assessed for any thermoplastic crosswalk material that is damaged or removed.

 

Mr. Rutishauser said that Village streets are “quite bumpy” as a result of gas main installation by PSE&G.  He described a constant “tug of war” with them in an effort to maintain Village streets.  PSE&G will sometimes resurface a street which they have dug up.  The increased fees will further dissuade PSE&G from digging up freshly paved streets (within five years).  However, there will be emergencies where the street needs to be dug up due to a sewer main failure in a residence only a year after a street has been paved, and the homeowner is not going to wait four years to repair it.  In such a case, the homeowner will bear the cost of the moratorium violation. However, if the homeowner claims hardship, it will be up to the discretion of the Village Manager whether or not the fee will be waived.  The fees would not be waived for someone “flipping” a home.

 

Councilmember Reynolds agreed that fees should be levied against utilities which excavate a street within five years of it being paved, but feels that homeowners should not be penalized in the event of a sewer main break at their home. Mr. Rutishauser replied that most sewer main breaks he sees “do not happen overnight.” He said that debris builds up in a pipe and a homeowner will clean the pipe every one or two years, with the homeowner feeling that cleaning the line is less expensive than replacing it. He stated that he has “less sympathy” for those homeowners who “draw out the need” to perform a sewer line replacement.  Mr. Rutishauser said that keeping the Village streets in good order is a continual challenge.  He reiterated that a homeowner assessed with the fine can petition the Village Manager for a waiver. Mr. Rutishauser explained that there are some utilities who will check with him prior to opening up a street, in order to find out when the street was last resurfaced, and if it is within that five-year timeframe, they will wait to perform the work until five years has passed.

 

Mayor Vagianos asked Mr. Rutishauser how many street openings could be attributed to PSE&G and how many could be attributed to residences.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that the great majority of street openings are done by utility companies (PSE&G or telecommunications companies such as Verizon or Altice).

 

Deputy Mayor Perron asked if the work done by Altice was the reason why she was seeing all kinds of excess wires looped all over telephone poles in the Village.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that large wire loops, about two feet in diameter, are generally fiberoptic, and a lot of that work was done by Altice.  They performed fiberoptic connectivity work for the Village, and they are going to try to sell this to Village residents.  Deputy Mayor Perron asked if Altice was going to “clean up” the wires.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that Altice was “kind of slow on that.”  He and his staff have been trying to “chase them down,” but he stated that that has been difficult.  When the work was performed, Altice used a lot of subcontractors, and Mr. Rutishauser stated that this posed a lot of challenges for the Police Department.  Deputy Mayor Perron said that Altice personnel have to come back and clean up the mess, and Mr. Rutishauser replied that he will see what he can do.

 

Councilmember Winograd agreed with Councilmember Reynolds that the fees could create a lot of hardships for homeowners.  She asked what would happen if a new homeowner purchased a home that had been neglected and there needs to be work done on the sewer line. She asked Ms. Mailander if that would qualify as a hardship.  Ms. Mailander said that she could certainly review and evaluate such a hardship petition.  Councilmember Winograd asked Mr. Rutishauser how many times a homeowner has applied for a hardship and how many times the waiver was approved.  Mr. Rutishauser replied that there were perhaps two petitions in 2022.  There was a discussion about the responsibility of a home purchaser to have the sewer line inspected prior to the purchase, especially since many homes in Ridgewood are 100+ years old with pipes made out of vitrified clay, which deteriorate without proper maintenance.  All Village Councilmembers were in agreement regarding the increased fees.

 

                        6.         ADOPT NOTICE OF CLAIMS FORMS

 

Ms. Mailander explained that this item pertains to the adoption of Notice of Claim forms, such as the form updated by the Bergen County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund (JIF).  The General Counsel for JIF would like the Village to revise its Notice of Claim form to align with the JIF Claim Form.  Ms. Mailander indicated that this should be done on an annual basis.  This should be done in order to get the full benefit pertaining to Notice of Claim forms.  It is recommended that the new Notice of Claim form be adopted by the Village via an appropriate resolution.  The new form would be posted on the Village website, and any resident making a claim would have to utilize the new official form.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron agreed but stated that the JIF Notice of Claim form was replete with typographical errors.  She handed a revised and corrected copy of the Notice of Claim form to Ms. Mailander.  She suggested that the Notice of Claim form be placed on the Village website under the tab labeled “I Want To…” as a dropdown menu item labeled “File a Notice of Claim.”

 

                        7.         IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that Councilmember Winograd has provided “Ridgewood Rules of Order: A Citizens Guide to Public Comment, Debate & Decorum” to the Village Councilmembers, which Councilmember Winograd suggested be posted on the podium.  Ms. Mailander felt that the guide should probably be placed on the table with the agendas, since people speaking at the podium will probably not be reading the guide beforehand.

 

Councilmember Winograd indicated that the public comment portions of Village Council meetings can be enhanced.  She receives many questions from the public regarding the different types of meetings (Work Sessions and Regular Public Meetings) held by the Village Council, and she feels that posting the “Ridgewood Rules of Order” would be very helpful to educate residents about the protocols to be followed during meetings.

 

During public comments, Councilmember Winograd stated that many questions have been heard repeatedly from the public.  She suggested the use of a “countdown clock” behind the dais so that people are aware of how much time they have left to speak.  Such clocks are used by the Board of Education.  She stated that members of the public have requested that the podium be moved because they feel like they’re in a “fishbowl” when speaking at the podium where it is currently placed in the center of the courtroom.  Councilmember Winograd also stated that the sound in the courtroom is terrible, and suggested that a Bergen County Sound Engineer be contacted for advice on improving the acoustics in the room.  Finally, she would like to have a discussion about possibly offering closed captioning during meetings for disabled residents.

 

Ms. Mailander pointed out that there is a sample description of a countdown clock in the packet assembled by Councilmember Winograd.  Mr. Hansen indicated that the clock would be installed underneath the TV.  The clock measures 8.75 inches in height, allowing for adequate visibility from the back of the room, and the numbers are white (but available in other colors).  There is an audible alert when the time limit is about to be reached, and the clock automatically resets for the next speaker.  There is a feature which allows the clock to be stopped midway in the event a Village Councilmember wants to speak during public comment, and then it can be restarted again at whatever point it was stopped.

 

Mayor Vagianos asked if a clock could be made available for Zoom meeting participants.  Mr. Hansen replied that there may be an add-in on Zoom which can be used for such a purpose.

 

Regarding speakers, Mr. Hansen indicated that he reached out to the Sound Engineer of Bergen County.  They are currently revamping their entire conference room with a new audio system.  Mr. Hansen said that he plans to visit the location in Bergen County to inspect the system.  He mentioned that the room in Bergen County is “squarer” in configuration than the courtroom in Ridgewood which has a cathedral-style ceiling, similar to the vault architecture in a church.  He spoke to the sound engineer of a church, who stated that they use an analog audio board which can be more precisely controlled, with speakers using lapel mics rather than a fixed microphone.  He spoke about the pros and cons of using lapel mics, particularly if someone forgets to turn off their mic after speaking and private comments are inadvertently televised.

 

Mr. Hansen explained that these 100% wireless lapel mics cost approximately $350.00 each.  Batteries for the lapel mics would have to constantly be checked to ensure that the batteries will not go dead in the middle of someone speaking.  Mr. Hansen indicated that he would like to order at least ten of the lapel mics to ensure that an adequate supply would always be on hand.  He said that if the lapel mics are utilized, there are not enough channels in the current system to accommodate the additional mics, and an additional board would need to be purchased to accept the approximate 10-12 additional ports (for the additional wireless devices). 

 

Mayor Vagianos asked if the microphone system could be upgraded for people sitting at the tables and speaking at the podium.  He said that many residents speak too far away from the mic at the podium.  Mr. Hansen indicated that the sensitivity could be turned up on the podium microphone.  He said that the current positioning of the speakers in the courtroom has enhanced the acoustics in the room, since there used to be a really bad echo when people spoke.  He would like to have the Bergen County Sound Engineer take a look at the current setup in the courtroom and offer advice on improvements.  In addition, he would like a sound engineer from a local business in Paramus to take a look at the system as well.

 

Mr. Hansen stated that the speakers in the courtroom were installed before the lights were installed, and a lot of the sound coming from the speakers is being distorted by the close proximity of the lights, causing echoing and reverberation.  Councilmember Weitz agreed that the sound problems in the room are due to the positioning of the speakers, rather than the microphones themselves.  Mr. Hansen was considering adding two additional speakers at the back of the courtroom and shutting off the speakers up front to allow for better audibility from the back of the room, while at the same time “boosting” the microphones at the podium and on the dais.  It was decided that Mr. Hansen would do further research and report back to the Village Councilmembers on how the acoustics in the courtroom can be improved.

 

Ms. Mailander remarked that the podium had been moved in the past to the side of the courtroom, but it didn’t work out well and the podium was moved back to the center of the room. Councilmember Reynolds remarked that she really liked when the podium was placed at the side of the room rather than in the center, since she felt the audience could hear the speaker at the podium better and the speaker could face either the audience or the Councilmembers.  Ms. Mailander explained that having the podium on the side created some problems with sound clarity.  Mr. Hansen added that the podium, when it was located at the side of the courtroom, had to be dragged back and forth without wheels between court sessions and Village Council meetings, since the podium always had to be in the center while court was being held.  This created some damage to the bottom of the podium.  It was mentioned that court sessions are held both in person and via Zoom.

 

Mayor Vagianos indicated that he liked the idea of having the podium at the side of the room rather than in the center.  He said that people speaking at the podium when it is in the center of the room are constantly looking behind them so that they can address the people, which results in their mouths being further away from the microphone.  He asked Mr. Hansen if he could figure out a way to make the podium more portable (wheels) so that it can be moved to the side during Village Council meetings.  Mr. Hansen replied that he would ask the Signal Division if they could somehow repair the bottom of the podium (damaged from moving it around without wheels) and install wheels on it.  In the alternative, he would recommend the purchase of a new podium with wheels already affixed to it.  He would also need to look into installing the necessary jack and wiring to enable the microphone on the podium in that location.

 

Regarding closed captioning, Mr. Hansen replied that this is enabled on the YouTube channel after the video has been uploaded.  He will do some research to see if there are any apps which would enable closed captioning during the “live” Village Council meetings and report back to the Councilmembers.  Councilmember Winograd mentioned that Zoom has the closed captioning feature, at an additional fee. Mr. Hansen agreed and mentioned that Swagit does all the live streaming and broadcasting to the television channel.

 

There was a discussion about where to post the decorum guide.  Councilmember Winograd suggested that in addition to posting the guide in the courtroom, it should also be posted on Instagram and sent to high school students so that they can learn about local governance.  Mayor Vagianos felt that posting the guide on the podium is not the best place, since residents will not have enough time to read it and then make their comments during the allotted time limit.  He suggested that an announcement be made at the start of each meeting that the guide is available for review on the tables where the agendas are placed.  He even suggested attaching it to the agenda. 

 

Councilmember Winograd said that she was thinking more along the lines of having “directions” printed in a big font on a sheet of paper at the podium, directing the speaker to state their name and address, turn on the microphone, and speak close to the mic.  There was discussion about when there used to be a Sergeant-at-Arms present at every Council meeting.  It was agreed that Mr. Hansen would order the countdown clock with the white numbering.  Enhancements to public comments will again be discussed at the January 25, 2023 meeting.

 

6.         REVIEW OF JANUARY 11, 2023 PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

 

Ms. Mailander did not review the entire agenda for the January 11, 2023 Public Meeting, but did point out some relevant items.  The first pertains to the appointment of a Joint Insurance Fund Commissioner, which has usually been the Village Manager in the past.  The next item pertains to the appointment of a Public Agency Compliance Officer, which has also been the Village Manager in the past.  Ms. Mailander said that she would be happy to serve in both capacities, if satisfactory to the Village Council.  Items to be added to the agenda would be the hybrid access guidelines and the awarding of a professional services contract for the energy aggregation consultant.  All of the other items on next week’s agenda have been previously discussed by the Village Council.

 

Ms. Mailander asked the Village Councilmembers if they wanted anything off of the consent agenda, and there were none at the present time.

 

7.         PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, remarked that he has never left a Village Council meeting feeling as happy as he does after this evening’s meeting.  He stated that the meeting was civilized, and he profusely thanked everyone on the dais.  He joked that this meeting could be broadcast as “Civics 101” at various colleges, demonstrating what the democratic process is all about and what mutual respect looks like.  Regarding improvements to public comments, Mr. Halaby said the established rules should apply to residents as well as to those sitting on the dais, saying that it needs to be a “two-way street.” 

 

Mr. Halaby stated that he was in full agreement with the microphone improvements, stating that some Councilmembers speak loudly enough so that the audience in the back of the room can hear them, while others do not.  He liked the idea of lapel mics and larger monitors in the courtroom.  Mr. Halaby stated that he was delighted with the discussion regarding the pedestrian plaza, as well as the extensive research done by Mr. Rogers regarding the situations in which Mayor Vagianos would need to recuse himself from discussion.  He stated that too much emphasis was being placed on people getting hurt at a pedestrian mall, citing the fact that New York City is debating on whether or not to convert Fifth Avenue, from 42^nd Street to 59^th Street, into a pedestrian mall.  Mr. Halaby felt that the pedestrian mall should start May 1 and continue through the end of October.

 

There were no further comments from the public.

 

Mayor Vagianos assured Mr. Halaby that the respect required from the public during meetings will also be shown by the Village Councilmembers to the public at all times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.         ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Work Session was adjourned at 11:11 P.M.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                Paul Vagianos

                                                                                                                     Mayor

                                                                       

Eileen Young

              Deputy Village Clerk

A REORGANIZATION MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON JANUARY 4, 2023 AT 6:30 P.M.

 

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

 

Deputy Mayor Perron called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call by Ms. Mailander, the following were present:  Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Vagianos.  Mayor Knudsen was absent from the meeting. Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk, and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.  There was a moment of silence for all men and women serving in the Armed Services and for all first responders.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron invited Reverend Nolan Palsma of the Upper Ridgewood Community Church to give an Invocation.  Reverend Palsma began by stating that he is retiring in April, 2023.  He thanked the Village Councilmembers and Mr. Rogers, Village Attorney, for their support over the past few years. During the Invocation, Reverend Palsma thanked Mayor Knudsen and former Councilmember Michael Sedon for their many years of community service to Ridgewood.  He also congratulated the two new Councilmembers, Siobhan Winograd and Evan Weitz, on being elected to the Village Council, and expressed the hope that they would serve the Village with wisdom, kindness and justice. Reverend Palsma also urged Village residents to respect and honor the Village Councilmembers, even though there may be differences of opinion.

 

2.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Adita Singh, 182 Mountain Avenue, began by thanking Mayor Knudsen for her many years of service to the Village.  He then read a statement from Ellie Gruber:  “I’m sorry that I cannot be here in person, but hopefully this will be read aloud. Tonight is a bittersweet time for me.  I cannot imagine the Village Council meetings without the leadership of Susan Knudsen.  For years and years, she has guided the Village with extreme care.  Susan has a quality that we need and we miss, an astute memory. Without this, mistakes are made.  Ideas are not thought through.  She is smart and always thinks of the residents first. Early on, when she was a minority voice as a Councilmember, she was not afraid to speak out.  As Mayor, she presided over a Council that had divergent views but, in the end, so many projects had improved our life and health.  Top among this was the successful effort to keep our water as pure as possible.  Through no fault of our own, dangerous forever chemicals dropped into our once pure aquifer.  Second was the new Master Plan.  For years, our Master Plan was out of date, but she presided over a years-long effort to create an effective Master Plan.  This was no small accomplishment and, as usual, no lack of constructive criticism and accusations at the microphone. Concerning the Schedler house and property, she stopped the project that would have placed a large baseball field, concession stand and lights on the east side of town. An historic house would have been replaced by concrete, and an equipment house.  Those residents would have suffered.  No thought was given to them.  So thank you, Susan, for your incredible fortitude for all of us.  I will miss seeing you at the podium.  Ellie Gruber.”

 

Manish Shrimali, 625 Terhune Road, thanked Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, and his staff for providing a comprehensive update on the Schedler house and property last month.  He stated that this update was one of the most detailed, clear and relevant updates given to the public so far.  Mr. Shrimali requested similar updates on a quarterly basis, if possible.  He also requested the two incoming Village Councilmembers to continue efforts to complete the long-running Schedler project.  Mr. Shrimali thanked Mayor Knudsen for her great service and leadership, stating that she was instrumental in setting the stage for executing many complex projects and challenges, which the Village has faced over the past 10+ years.  He stated that Mayor Knudsen has made the Village a better place in countless ways, which is much appreciated by Village residents.  He wished Mayor Knudsen the best of luck in her future endeavors, and welcomed the two incoming Councilmembers.

 

Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, congratulated Ms. Winograd and Mr. Weitz on being elected to the Village Council.  He stated that he was speaking this evening about the lack of decorations this past holiday season in the Central Business District (CBD).  He stated that aside from the “glorious” Christmas tree, the other decorations were “lackluster.” He said that the planters throughout the CBD are “nothing but ashtrays.” He said that the planters could be filled inexpensively with white branches and greenery throughout the winter season, and that the Menorah and clock in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square could be similarly decorated.  He said that the clock, a focal point in the Village, just sat in a bed of dirt. 

 

Mr. Damiano said that he has reached out to the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands and the Women Gardeners, and will also reach out to the Parks and Recreation Department, to develop decoration plans for the 2023 holiday season. He indicated that the Ridgewood Guild could contribute money toward decorations, and some fundraising could be accomplished. He described Ridgewood as the “hub of Bergen County,” but towns such as Teaneck, Englewood, and Fair Lawn “outshone” Ridgewood in terms of their holiday decorations.  Mr. Damiano said that visitors to the CBD want to see and experience a festive atmosphere, which enhances both shopping and dining in the CBD.  He indicated that the lights on the Christmas tree are not lit during the day, and some areas are rather “gloomy.”  He thinks it would be a great idea to have the lights on during the day, as well as during the night.

Gail McCarthy, 153 Hope Street, said that her grandmother used to tell her that when one feels gratitude and it is not expressed, it is like wrapping a present and not giving it to someone.  She expressed her gratitude to Mayor Knudsen for her many years of service on the Village Council, for her dedication to Village residents, and for her efforts ensuring healthy drinking water. She emphasized that the Village has excellent Emergency Services, Police and Fire Departments.  She thanked Mayor Knudsen for her countless hours of volunteerism.  Ms. McCarthy indicated that she was particularly grateful for Mayor Knudsen’s “unmatched knowledge” and her commitment to reasonable development in the Village.  She congratulated Ms. Winograd and Mr. Weitz on being elected to the Village Council and wished them all the best in the future.  Ms. McCarthy also expressed thanks to Deputy Mayor Perron, Councilmember Reynolds, and Councilmember Vagianos for their years of service.

 

Marcia Ringel, 250 Ferris Place, said that Mayor Knudsen was not present at the meeting this evening due to illness.  She stated that she has seen Mayors and Village Councilmembers “come and go” in Ridgewood over the past 50 years.  She said that Mayor Knudsen was the most accessible, responsive Mayor that the Village has ever had, because she cared and she knew what to do to get things done.  She compared Mayor Knudsen to New York City Mayor LaGuardia in the 1930s and 1940s where he “battled for the underdog.” Mayor Knudsen gave her time generously and cheerfully, and never boasted after a successful project.  She stated that Mayor Knudsen was not a politician or “self-seeker.” Ms. Ringel said that the “slings and arrows” thrown at Mayor Knudsen on social media, in person, and in the newspaper were unprecedented, with vitriol and lies, but Mayor Knudsen never “stooped to the nastiness.” She stated that she respected Mayor Knudsen, who saved taxpayers a fortune.

 

Jim Reynolds, 550 Wyndemere Avenue, thanked Mayor Knudsen for her leadership, for the countless meetings that she has attended, and for making Ridgewood her priority.  He stated that Mayor Knudsen never backed down from making tough decisions and doing what was best for Ridgewood.  He thanked her for sharing her time generously, such as leading tours through Village Hall for children, speaking at interfaith group gatherings, being a judge at the car show, and being hoisted 40 feet into the air to light the Christmas tree.  He said that Mayor Knudsen’s commitment was commendable and “set a very high bar.”  Mr. Reynolds also acknowledged Mayor Knudsen’s husband, John, the driving force behind Mayor Knudsen’s success.  He wished the incoming Councilmembers the best of success in the future.

 

Mahmoud Hamza, 528 Amsterdam Avenue, thanked Mayor Knudsen for her hard work and dedication to the Village during her tenure. He said that being Mayor is a thankless job, regardless of how hard one works. He wished Mayor Knudsen the best of luck in her future endeavors.  Mr. Hamza also congratulated the two incoming Councilmembers, Evan Weitz and Siobhan Winograd, and said that they were now “on the hot seat.”  He wished them the best of luck in the future, and stated that he was confident they both want to do the best they can for the Village.  He said that differences of opinion are never personal, but just different perspectives on various issues.  Mr. Hamza urged the two new Councilmembers to open their minds and their hearts and give serious thought to what Village residents have to say.  He said that Ridgewood has a charm of its own, and cautioned against “progress” that will “kill the character” of the Village.

 

Dana Glazer, 61 Clinton Avenue, thanked Mayor Knudsen for her service and stated that it was a pleasure working with her.  He also wished the best of luck to the two new Councilmembers, Evan Weitz and Siobhan Winograd.

 

Hyunju Kwak, 278 Claremont Road, thanked Mayor Knudsen for her contributions to the Village and her years of public service.  She said that Mayor Knudsen was “open of mind, big of heart, and strong of will” in her governance.  She wished Mayor Knudsen the very best in the next chapter of her life.  Ms. Kwak congratulated Ms. Winograd and Mr. Weitz on being elected to the Village Council, and thanked the current Councilmembers as well.

 

Ellen Fionda, 159 Oak Street, thanked Mayor Knudsen for everything she has done over the years while serving on the Village Council and as Mayor of Ridgewood.  Ms. Fionda stated that Mayor Knudson worked tirelessly and was fair to everyone.  She said that she was extremely grateful for Mayor Knudsen bringing special needs housing to the Village.  Her son is living in the newly constructed units, and Ms. Fionda stated that her son is flourishing there, living and working on his own, while growing into an independent young man. 

 

Matt Fionda, 257 East Ridgewood Avenue, thanked Mayor Knudsen for all she has done for the Village of Ridgewood and the special needs community, particularly bringing special needs housing to Ridgewood.  He wished Mayor Knudsen the best of success in the future.

 

Jeanne Theisen, 354 Fairfield Avenue, congratulated Ms. Winograd and Mr. Weitz for being elected to the Village Council. She feels confident that they, along with the other Councilmembers, will ensure a very “strong future” for Ridgewood.  She added that she is looking forward to the Schedler project being completed, along with the pedestrian plaza and other things, which Village residents have asked to be reinstated.

 

There were no further comments from the public.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron welcomed United States Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte of the United States District Court, Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, and Bergen County Commissioner Ramon M. Hache, Sr., to the meeting this evening.

 

 

 

 

3.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Council minutes of November 30 and December 14, 2022, having been reviewed by the Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted.  Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds and Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Mayor Knudsen

ABSTAIN:   None

 

4.         RESOLUTIONS

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-1 through 23-2, would be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only.

 

 

5.         REMARKS BY VILLAGE COUNCILMEMBERS ABOUT MAYOR SUSAN KNUDSEN

 

Deputy Mayor Perron began by stating that Ridgewood has never had a Councilmember as committed, diligent and creative as Mayor Knudsen.  No job was ever too large or too small for Mayor Knudsen, whether drafting the Master Plan, orchestrating Downtown for the Holidays, or responding to phone calls from constituents.  She volunteered countless hours of her time.  Deputy Mayor Perron said that she learned a lot from Mayor Knudsen regarding procedure, personal relations, and leadership.  She thanked Mayor Knudsen for serving many years on the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and Village Council.

 

Councilmember Vagianos remarked that he has observed Village Council meetings for more than 30 years, and Mayor Knudsen was the hardest-working Councilmember and Mayor he has ever known.  Her dedication to the Village was unparalleled, with public service being part of her family’s tradition.  Councilmember Vagianos stated that Mayor Knudsen served “on the front lines,” which is not an easy thing to accomplish.  Despite going “head to head” on different issues with Mayor Knudsen, Councilmember Vagianos said that they often agreed on issues as well.  He said that he has learned a lot from Mayor Knudsen and thanked her for her service to the Village.

 

Councilmember Reynolds echoed the comments made by Councilmember Vagianos and Deputy Mayor Perron.  She thanked Mayor Knudsen for everything she has done for Ridgewood over the past 12 years.  Mayor Knudsen began her service as a volunteer on the Zoning Board of Adjustment for four years, then served as a Village Councilmember (since 2014) for 8.5 years, serving as Mayor for four of those years.  Councilmember Reynolds stated that Mayor Knudsen achieved many accomplishments during her years of service, including rescinding Ordinance #3066 (thereby protecting Ridgewood from developers being in control of housing matters). Mayor Knudsen championed the purchase of the former Elks Club for Ridgewood Water, and she supported the Water Utility as they strove to purify the drinking water. 

 

Councilmember Reynolds stated that Mayor Knudsen was on the Master Plan Subcommittee of the Planning Board and worked diligently on it until completion.  She also supported the preservation of the historic Zabriskie-Schedler House, listening to the wants and needs of the Schedler neighborhood.  Although the project has taken a long time to complete, eventually it will become a wonderful recreational area.

 

Councilmember Reynolds remarked that Mayor Knudsen has helped thousands of residents over the years, fielding numerous phone calls throughout the day from concerned residents.  Mayor Knudsen worked closely with the developers (United Way and Madeline House) to construct special needs housing in the Central Business District.  In addition, during Mayor Knudsen’s tenure, a much-needed parking garage was built on Hudson Street, which fit on the existing footprint.  Mayor Knudsen was instrumental in beginning the process for the Village to take over the Town Garage through eminent domain.  Councilmember Reynolds hoped that eventually a pocket park could be constructed at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Walnut Street.

 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mayor Knudsen’s greatest accomplishment was collaborating with the Health Department to set up vaccine clinics for Ridgewood residents. When there became a shortage of vaccines, Mayor Knudsen called Governor Murphy directly and convinced him to supply more vaccines to the Ridgewood clinics. 

 

Councilmember Reynolds thanked Mayor Knudsen’s family for “sharing” her with the Village for many years, stating that public service is extremely time consuming.  She concluded by stating that Ridgewood was extremely lucky to have had Mayor Knudsen serve as both Mayor and Councilmember for 8.5 years, because Mayor Knudsen is intelligent, compassionate, extremely thorough, a problem solver, and creative in finding solutions to problems.

 

6.         REMARKS BY MAYOR SUSAN KNUDSEN

 

Matt Rogers, Village Attorney, read a statement by Mayor Knudsen, since she was ill and could not attend the meeting this evening:  “It is with great regret that I could not be here this evening for my last meeting serving on the Village Council and as Ridgewood’s Mayor.  I had the honor and privilege of serving fellow Ridgewood residents for well over a decade: four-plus years on the Board of Adjustment and 8.5 years on the Village Council, including two terms as Mayor, with one term as Deputy Mayor sandwiched in between. During my tenure on Council, especially under my leadership as Mayor, a great deal of work was done, and a lot was accomplished, with much to be proud of.  I’d like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work with the talented and dedicated members of the Village staff, residents who serve on Village boards and committees, Council colleagues, and to the many residents, business owners and stakeholders I have worked with on countless issues over the years.  I’m profoundly grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Village Manager, Heather Mailander, and the Village Attorney, Matt Rogers. I’m also extremely thankful for the love and support of my friends and family.  The Village of Ridgewood is truly blessed.  Congratulations to the new Village Council! A successful and impartial governing body will best serve the interests of our community. I wish the incoming Village Council the best of luck and much success.  With gratitude, Mayor Susan Knudsen.”

 

Mr. Rogers thanked Mayor Knudsen for her service.  He said that he worked with her for eight years and witnessed her tireless dedication to serving the Village, its residents and business owners. Mayor Knudsen made a 24/7 commitment to fulfill her service to the public. She fearlessly promoted the issues that she supported and fearlessly defended those issues when necessary.  Mr. Rogers said that he has known the Knudsen family for many years, working with her husband, John, during Dad’s Night and coaching her children in recreational football and rugby. Mr. Rogers explained that although he and Mayor Knudsen disagreed on some issues, they never lost respect for each other.  Their common goal was to make Ridgewood a better place, and he thanked Mayor Knudsen again for her dedicated service.

 

7.         READING OF CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION OF EVAN WEITZ

 

Ms. Mailander read the Certificate of Election of Evan Weitz, confirming that Mr. Weitz was elected to the Village Council at the Municipal Election held on November 8, 2022, for a four-year term beginning on January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2026.  The Certificate of Election was dated January 4, 2023.

 

8.         OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO EVAN WEITZ

 

The Oath of Office was administered to Evan Weitz, appointing him as Councilmember of the Village Council, by United States Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, as Mr. Weitz’s wife and children looked on.  There was a resounding round of applause. 

 

9.         REMARKS BY COUNCILMEMBER EVAN WEITZ FROM THE DAIS

 

Councilmember Weitz began by thanking his family for their support while he was running for election.  He also thanked Judge Almonte, who was a colleague of his when he worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.  Councilmember Weitz also thanked Jim VanGoor, for running for election as a Village Councilmember, describing him as a dedicated public servant.  He stated that he and the Village of Ridgewood were very appreciative of Mayor Knudsen’s many years of public service.  He stated that Mayor Knudsen’s dedication was truly inspiring and he hoped to live up to her example.  Councilmember Weitz also thanked Ms. Winograd and the other Councilmembers, and stated that he looks forward to working with everyone.

 

Councilmember Weitz said that he felt both honored and humbled.  He has a deep love of public service and is very excited that he will be able to serve on the Village Council.  He promised that he would do his very best to live up to the high standards which the Village deserves.  Councilmember Weitz announced that he will be donating his salary as Councilmember, and this year he will be donating it to the Ridgewood Cub Scouts, a wonderful organization that he and his son have been involved in for several years.  Councilmember Weitz concluded by thanking the citizens of Ridgewood, stating that it was an honor and privilege for him to serve on the Village Council. There was a resounding round of applause.

 

 

 

 

10.       READING OF CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION OF SIOBHAN WINOGRAD

 

Ms. Mailander read the Certificate of Election of Siobhan Winograd, confirming that Ms. Winograd was elected to the Village Council at the Municipal Election held on November 8, 2022, for a four-year term beginning on January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2026.  The Certificate of Election was dated January 4, 2023.

 

11.       OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO SIOBHAN WINOGRAD

 

The Oath of Office was administered to Siobhan Winograd, appointing her as Councilmember of the Village Council, by Deputy Mayor Perron.  Her mother held the Bible as her son and husband looked on.  There was a resounding round of applause.

 

12.       REMARKS BY COUNCILMEMBER WINOGRAD FROM THE DAIS

 

Councilmember Winograd began by thanking the voters of Ridgewood, especially the first-time voters from the Ridgewood High School Class of 2022.  She also thanked the League of Women Voters for promoting the election and organizing the candidate debate.  The “One Village, One Vote” team was instrumental in moving the Village Council Election to November, which saw an unprecedented number of local voters coming to the polls (42%) last year.  Councilmember Winograd thanked them for all of their efforts to promote greater participation in local governance.  She also thanked her supporters, donors, canvassers, and volunteers who organized fundraising parties, as well as her friends and neighbors. Councilmember Winograd gave thanks to her family for their unwavering support during the election.

 

Councilmember Winograd expressed her plans for the future, in accordance with her election campaign.  She mentioned that she will be leaving her website (Winograd2022.com) up while serving as Councilmember, to serve as a benchmark, so that her progress during her term as Councilmember can be monitored on the site, as well as on social media.  Councilmember Winograd said that the current Village Council will be a “body of one” with five equal votes.  She stated that she looks forward to working with her Council colleagues as a team.  She also gave thanks to Mr. Weitz for being a respectful running mate.

 

Councilmember Winograd announced that she is also going to donate her Council stipend. This year, she is going to donate her stipend in three parts.  The first part will be donated to the Ridgecrest Pantry in honor of Eugene Thomas and her father.  She reminded everyone that 1 in 4 Americans will become disabled during their lifetime.  The second part will be donated to the Ridgewood Guild, which contributes much to the culture and vibrancy of the Village.  The third part will be donated to the planting of trees.  There was a resounding round of applause.

 

 

13.       ROLL CALL OF NEW VILLAGE COUNCIL

 

Ms. Mailander took the roll call of the new Village Council as follows:

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Vagianos, Weitz, and Winograd

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

14.       CALL FOR NOMINATION FOR OFFICE OF MAYOR

 

Ms. Mailander called for nominations for the position of Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood.

 

Councilmember Reynolds said that she would like to have an open and transparent conversation about the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. She stated that there has been a lot of divisiveness over the past 20 years and did not want to see it continue.  She wanted a Mayor to be appointed that everyone “can get behind.”  She said that everyone sitting at the dais would make a good Mayor, but she wanted to nominate Deputy Mayor Pamela Perron as the new Mayor of Ridgewood, due to her neutrality. Councilmember Reynolds said that they need to show Village residents that all Councilmembers can get along and do what is right for the Village.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron told Councilmember Reynolds that while she appreciated her support, she would have to decline the nomination.  Deputy Mayor Perron then made a motion to nominate Councilmember Paul Vagianos as Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.  There were no other nominations for Mayor.

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there would a roll call vote to close the nominations for Mayor.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, Weitz, and Winograd

NAYS:         Councilmember Reynolds

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

Ms. Mailander stated that there would be a roll call vote on the nomination of Paul Vagianos as Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood, for a two-year term commencing on January 4, 2023.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Vagianos, Weitz, and Winograd

NAYS:         Councilmember Reynolds

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

15.       OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO PAUL VAGIANOS

 

The Oath of Office for Mayor was administered to Paul Vagianos, by Bergen County Commissioner Ramon M. Hache, Sr., as his wife joined them on the floor.   There was a resounding round of applause.

 

Mayor Vagianos thanked everyone for the opportunity to become Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood.  He especially thanked Councilmember Reynolds for her honest and frank remarks.  He said that is the way the new Village Council will operate, telling the truth at all times.  He recalled a wise saying, which he heard when his children were playing sports:  “You play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.”  He likened this phrase to the way the Village Council should operate, solely for the benefit of Ridgewood.  Mayor Vagianos said that not only were the Village Councilmembers part of the team, but the Village residents were part of the team as well.  He said that all residents need to “get off of the bench and into the game” by supporting the Village Council.  He urged citizens to volunteer for a committee, coach a team or sponsor an event, anything that would benefit the community. He also urged residents to respectfully give constructive criticism to the Village Council, so that the Councilmembers may be aware of what they are doing right and what they are doing wrong.  There was a resounding round of applause.

 

16.       CALL FOR NOMINATION FOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY MAYOR

 

Mayor Vagianos stated that he would like to call for the nominations for the title of Deputy Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood. Councilmember Winograd moved to nominate Pamela Perron as Deputy Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood for a two-year term commencing on January 4, 2023.  Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

There were no other nominations for Deputy Mayor, and Mayor Vagianos moved that the nominations for Deputy Mayor be closed.  Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

Ms. Mailander said that there would be a roll call vote on the nomination of Pamela Perron as Deputy Mayor of the Village of Ridgewood for a two-year term commencing on January 4, 2023.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    None

ABSTAIN:   None

 

17.       OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO PAMELA PERRON

 

The Oath of Office for Deputy Mayor was administered to Pamela Perron by Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, as her husband joined her on the floor.   Mr. Rogers stated that he has known Deputy Mayor Perron and her husband Chuck for a number of years, and has been fortunate to work with Deputy Mayor Perron on the Village Council for the past 2-1/2 years.  He said that she has brought a “fresh intelligence” to the Council, while focusing on issues concerning the environment, land development, safety, and the beautification of Ridgewood, as well as punctuation, grammar and syntax.  There was a resounding round of applause.

 

18.       CALL FOR NOMINATION FOR OFFICE OF PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL

 

Mayor Vagianos called for nominations for the title of President Pro Tempore of the Village Council.  Councilmember Winograd moved the nomination of Councilmember Evan Weitz as President Pro Tempore of the Village Council for a two-year term commencing on January 4, 2023.  Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.  There were no other nominations.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Mayor Vagianos moved that the nominations for President Pro Tempore of the Village Council be closed.  Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that there would be a roll call vote on the nomination of Evan Weitz as President Pro Tempore of the Village Council for a two-year term commencing on January 4, 2023.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:             Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       None

ABSTAIN:      None

 

19.       OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL

 

The Oath of Office for President Pro Tempore of the Village Council was administered to Councilmember Evan Weitz by Judge Almonte, for a two-year term commencing January 4, 2023.  There was a resounding round of applause.

 

20.       REMARKS BY DEPUTY MAYOR PERRON

 

Deputy Mayor Perron welcomed Councilmember Weitz and Councilmember Winograd to the Village Council.  She said that there was a lot of work, which needs to be accomplished by the Village Council in the future, and stated that the two new Councilmembers bring an array of talents to the table, which will greatly improve and benefit the Village.  She encouraged them to pay close attention to every resident or business owner who contacts them and to remember that all Village employees are the Village Council’s greatest assets. She also encouraged the new Councilmembers to ask a lot of questions, to ensure that they completely understand the issues or concerns brought to them.  Deputy Mayor Perron advised them to be generous of their time and be willing to listen.   She encouraged all Village residents and businesses to contact the Village Councilmembers with their ideas, thoughts, comments and gripes.  There was a resounding round of applause.

 

 

21.       RESOLUTIONS

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-3 through 23-17, with the exception of 23-8, which will be considered separately and read in full, would be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:

 

 

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Resolution #23-8, Appoint Village Prosecutor, would be considered separately and read in full.

 

 

22.       PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Tony Damiano, 274 South Broad Street, congratulated everyone on the Village Council.  He stated that the Village has had a “rough couple of years” and has been divided on certain issues.  He is viewing the composition of the new Village Council as a “renewal” and said that he looks forward to working with them.  He said that everyone is on “Team Ridgewood.”

 

Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, said that a “fresh, bright dawn” has emerged over Ridgewood, following a six-year-long “stormy night” worthy of the Game of Thrones.  Mr. Halaby said hearing the new roll call was music to his ears, stating that the Councilmembers’ “smarts,” energy, creativity and intellectual integrity will help to restore Ridgewood to its former glory.  He asked for the Councilmembers to always tell the truth and never mislead Village residents.  He expressed his congratulations and best wishes to the Village Council.

 

Lillian Blood, 250 North Maple Avenue, congratulated the new Village Councilmembers and the existing Councilmembers.  She said that she appreciates the hard nature of public service, with long nights and countless hours required.  Ms. Blood thanked the Village Council for enabling the pickleball courts to be available to seniors.  She presented flowers and presents to the Councilmembers.

 

Linda Scarpa, 569 Northern Parkway, congratulated the newest members of the Village Council.  She said that she hoped the Village could once again be governed with truth, grace, and communication.

 

Hyunju Kwak, 291 Highland Avenue, congratulated the Village Councilmembers and acknowledged that each Councilmember has “stepped up” to serve the community, for which Ridgewood residents are grateful. She said that everyone could disagree without being disagreeable.  Ms. Kwak stated that residents have certain expectations of the Village Council as their elected trustees.

 

There were no further comments from the public.

 

 

23.       ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Reorganization Meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                Paul Vagianos

                                                                                                                     Mayor

 

 

 

                                                                       

                  Heather A. Mailander

           Village Manager/Village Clerk

 

A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON JANUARY 11, 2023 AT 8:00 P.M.

 

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

 

Mayor Vagianos called the meeting to order at 8:07 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call, the following were present:  Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos.  Councilmember Reynolds and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, were absent from the meeting.  Also present was Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk.

 

Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.  He asked for a moment of silence to recognize some people who passed away last week:  Ridgewood resident, Lesley Linker, 53, who suffered with MS for many years; former Fire Captain Greg Hillerman, age 59, to esophageal cancer; Jim Rogers (father of Matt Rogers, Village Attorney), who would have been 101 on Saturday, January 14; and Scott Strange, brother-in-law of Heather Mailander, Village Manager, who suffered from a rare disease.

 

2.         ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that Acceptance of Financial Reports and Approval of Minutes were removed from this evening’s agenda.

 

3.      PROCLAMATIONS

 

Deputy Mayor Perron read the Proclamation “Recognize Lunar Year Festival Day, January 22, 2023.” 

 

Representatives from all four of the groups (Ridgewood Asian American Pacific Islander Alliance, Ridgewood Chinese American Association, Ridgewood Korean Parent Community, and Ridgewood Indian Community) were present this evening to receive a copy of the Proclamation.  Mayor Vagianos thanked everyone for organizing this event, stating that it is the diversity in the Village that makes Ridgewood so strong.  There was a round of applause.

 

4.      COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, stated that his friend who owns a small, successful consulting firm always stood by the credo, “Creativity, integrity, results.”  Mr. Halaby indicated that this credo could also be used to guide the Village Council.  He said that creativity is not genius or having simple answers to difficult challenges; it is thinking outside the box with imaginative and bold solutions that go beyond “just fiddling at the edges.”  He stated that creativity was needed when dealing with the Central Business District (CBD) and the Schedler property.  He said that creativity arises when one has the self-confidence to make mistakes and to learn from their mistakes, as well as having the courage to admit one’s mistakes.  Mr. Halaby stated that the integrity of the Village Councilmembers means being honest with themselves and their constituents.  He quoted Samuel Johnson, a famous British philosopher, as saying, “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.”  Mr. Halaby said that the Village Councilmembers have one of the “toughest” jobs in America and need to repair the damage created over the past six years by building a foundation to allow Ridgewood to regain its “former glory.”  He concluded by saying that the future of Ridgewood is in the hands of the Village Council.

 

Hyunju Kwak, 291 Highland Avenue, thanked the Village Council for their support and for the Proclamation read this evening by Deputy Mayor Perron.  She said that the rapid sale of tickets for the Lunar New Year Festival Day event to be held on January 22, 2023 means a lot to the four participating groups.

 

There were no further public comments.

 

5.         VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Ms. Mailander stated that Christmas tree pickup will take place on Tuesdays on the east side and on Thursdays on the west side until the end of January.  Undecorated, unbagged trees should be left at the curb.  Wreaths and garlands will be collected with regular garbage.  Christmas trees may also be dropped off in the designated section in the Graydon Pool parking lot through the end of January.

 

Restaurant Week will take place from January 15 to January 19, 2023, and again from January 22 to January 26, 2023.  Ms. Mailander indicated that this is a great way to enjoy delicious meals at a reduced price, while at the same time supporting local businesses.

 

On Monday, January 16, 2023, the Village will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  Village departments and offices will be closed, and there will be no garbage or recycling pickup on that day.  The Recycling Center will also be closed.  On Monday, the Martin Luther King Committee will present a program with music and a speaker focused on Dr. King’s legacy.  On Friday, January 13, 2023, there will be an in-person screening and discussion of “March on Washington:  Keepers of the Dream,” at the Ridgewood Library.  Speakers will be Reverend Mack Brandon and Walter Nagel, a Civil Rights activist.  Advance registration is required, since space is limited.  Interested individuals may register by contacting Roberta Panjwani at the Ridgewood Library.  On Saturday, January 14, 2023, a Day of Service will be held at Ridgecrest Senior Housing.  There will be a food drop-off from 10 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.  On Monday, January 16, 2023, there will be an in-person interfaith worship service held at 10:00 A.M. at the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, 100 Dayton Street.

 

Ms. Mailander announced that the 2023 Village calendars are in production and will be mailed to each Ridgewood resident shortly, hopefully before the end of next week.  She pointed out that the month of January 2023, at the very end of the 2022 Village calendar, can be used until the new 2023 calendar is received.

 

Upcoming Village Council meetings are broadcast live from the Village Hall Courtroom, on the Village website, on FIOS Channel 34 and YouTube.  The next Public Meeting is scheduled for February 8, 2023 at 8:00 P.M.  The next Public Work Sessions will be held on January 25, February 1 and February 22, 2023 at 7:30 P.M.

 

6.         VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Councilmember Winograd said that on Sunday, January 8, 2023, she took part in the Girl Scouts Silver and Bronze Awards ceremony at St. Elizabeth’s Church.  Seventeen girls completed a myriad of projects, in order to earn their awards.  Councilmember Winograd mentioned that, statistically, it is very rare for girls to continue in the Girl Scouts through the Silver and Bronze Awards and that only 4,000 girls across America receive the Gold Award.  She told the girls that the Village Council would support them in any way possible.

 

Councilmember Winograd announced that, with the approval of the Village Council, she has formed an ad hoc Communications Committee.  This informal committee will look into how the Village communicates with its residents and will discuss ways to improve communications.  They will develop a formal presentation to the public sometime in February.

 

In addition, Councilmember Winograd stated that she met with Deputy Mayor Perron, Ms. Mailander, Dylan Hansen, IT Director, and Janet Fricke, Assistant to the Village Manager, to talk about digitizing the Village calendar, in addition to printing it.  The digital version will help new residents in Ridgewood, since they probably will not have received the Village calendar.  She thanked everyone who helped her in this regard and who answered her informal survey as to whether or not people still used and wanted the paper calendar.

 

Councilmember Weitz stated that he had nothing new to report.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the Village Councilmembers were asked to put their cell phones away, so that they could be 100% present at meetings.  The only time phones will be used would be to calculate something or in an emergency.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the Green Ridgewood Committee met last week.  Jill Fasano of Ridgewood Water has arranged for the committee to take a field trip through the Ridgewood Water Department Headquarters and the Carr Treatment Facility.  They will witness how water is treated, processed, filtered and distributed.

 

The Steering Committee of Green Ridgewood is working on the flyer for the Daffodil Festival and Earth Day event to be held on April 23, 2023.  Vendors, exhibitors and sponsors will be solicited to participate in this event.  Deputy Mayor Perron asked Ms. Mailander if this event could be advertised on Instagram and TikTok.  Ms. Mailander replied that the Village is on Instagram, but she would have to ask Mr. Hansen about whether the Village is on TikTok.

 

The Chamber of Commerce met on January 11, 2023.  They have hired a consultant to help them develop a strategic plan for the upcoming year, regarding succession planning, procedures, goals, and ways to accomplish those goals.  The consultant held an exercise this morning called “SWOT,” which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.  This was held to help the Chamber of Commerce members understand what the future needs and goals of the Chamber of Commerce should be, going forward, as well as how to accomplish those goals.  Two more meetings will be held with the consultant before the strategic plan is actually developed.  Deputy Mayor Perron said that she found the meeting to be interesting and enlightening.

 

Mayor Vagianos announced that he had breakfast this week with the Northwest Bergen Mayors Association, where the general topic of discussion was “Shared Services.” Mayor Vagianos mentioned during the event that the Ridgewood Recycling Center has a Styrofoam densifier, and he said that everyone was fascinated by this.  He said that the plan for the densifier was not only to recycle Styrofoam from Village residents, but also to set up a program to share the densifier with other municipalities, at a fee, to offset costs to the Village.

 

 

 

 

7.         RESOLUTIONS

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-17A through 23-17B would be adopted by a consent agenda, and read by title only.

 

 

8.         ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

A.        INTRODUCTION – #3934 – BOND ORDINANCE – WATER CAPITAL – CONSTRUCTION OF RAW WATER MAINS TO NEW PFAS TREATMENT FACILITIES

 

Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3934 by title on first reading.  Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3934 by title only:

 

BOND ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAW WATER MAINS BY RIDGEWOOD WATER TO CENTRALIZE THE TREATMENT AND REMEDIATION OF PFOA AND PFOS, APPROPRIATING $18,500,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $18,500,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF.

 

Councilmember Weitz moved that Ordinance #3934 be adopted on first reading and that February 8, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Deputy Mayor Perron seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

B.        INTRODUCTION – #3935 – BOND ORDINANCE – WATER CAPITAL – NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANTS

 

Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3935 by title on first reading.  Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3935 by title only:

 

BOND ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TREATMENT PLANTS BY RIDGEWOOD WATER TO CENTRALIZE THE TREATMENT AND REMEDIATION OF PFOA AND PFOS, APPROPRIATING $42,000,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $42,000,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3935 be adopted on first reading and that February 8, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

Mayor Vagianos announced that there are no Public Hearings for Ridgewood Water this evening.

 

9.         RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-18 through 23-31 would be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:

 

 

 

10.       ORDINANCES

 

A.        INTRODUCTION – #3936 – BOND ORDINANCE – GENERAL CAPITAL – PAVING, PURCHASE OF VEHICLES, AND PURCHASE OF LUCAS DEVICES

 

Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3936 by title on first reading.  Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3936 by title only:

 

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $2,508,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,382,600 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF.

 

Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3936 be adopted on first reading and that February 8, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

B.        INTRODUCTION – #3937 – AMEND CHAPTER 149 – FIRE PREVENTION – ESTABLISH FIRE WATCH SERVICES

 

Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3937 by title on first reading.  Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.

 

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3937 by title only:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 149 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FIRE PREVENTION

 

Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #3937 be adopted on first reading and that February 8, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

C.        INTRODUCTION – #3938 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – FIRE WATCH SERVICES

 

Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3938 by title on first reading.  Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3938 by title only:

 

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

 

Deputy Mayor Perron moved that Ordinance #3938 be adopted on first reading and that February 8, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilmember Weitz seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

D.        INTRODUCTION – #3939 – AMEND CHAPTER 249 – STREETS AND SIDEWALKS – PAVING MORATORIUM VIOLATIONS - FEES

 

Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #3939 by title on first reading.  Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

The Village Clerk read Ordinance #3939 by title only:

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 249 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS, AT SECTION 249-44, “GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS”

 

Councilmember Weitz moved that Ordinance #3939 be adopted on first reading and that February 8, 2023 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon.  Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote

AYES:          Councilmembers Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos

NAYS:         None

ABSENT:    Councilmember Reynolds

ABSTAIN:   None

 

Mayor Vagianos stated that there were no Public Hearings on Ordinances this evening.

 

11.       RESOLUTIONS

 

Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 23-32 through 23-53 would be adopted by a consent agenda and read by title only:

 

Ms. Mailander indicated that resolution numbered 23-54 would be considered separately, and read in full:

 

12.       COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Mayor Vagianos asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public.

 

Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that at this evening’s meeting, the Village Council indicated that it planned to spend the sum of approximately $68.2 million.  He said that this represented a lot of money, yet the Village Councilmembers still had paper signs in front of them on the dais. He said that he understood why Councilmembers Winograd and Weitz had paper signs, since they were newly elected to the Village Council, but Mayor Vagianos and Deputy Mayor Perron have sat on the Village Council for quite some time.  Mr. Loving said that he had asked about the paper signs some years back, and that he was told that the sign company had gone out of business.  He was puzzled how the Village could spend $68.2 million, yet could not find a company to make appropriate name signs for the Village Councilmembers.

 

Mr. Loving stated that he has noted, over the past nine or ten months, that a Councilmember will recuse themselves from a discussion or vote when the matter pertains to a friend of theirs or a former business associate, who stands to gain financially from the outcome of such discussion or vote, while other Councilmembers will not.  Mr. Loving feels that there should be a policy setting forth guidelines in this regard, whether or not Mr. Rogers gives his approval or not.  He said that any Councilmember who does not recuse himself or herself does not pass “the smell test.”  Mr. Loving said that if there are clearly enough majority votes, there is no need for a Councilmember to participate in a discussion or vote on a particular matter if there could potentially be a conflict of interest.

 

Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, thanked the Village Council for passing the resolution enabling hybrid access during meetings, stating that she was very grateful.  She added that she was also delighted to hear that the Village Councilmembers will not be using their cell phones on the dais, except in certain circumstances.  Ms. Loving stated that this was actually prohibited via Resolution #13-87, which was passed by unanimous vote by the Village Council in April 2013.  The resolution was spearheaded by then Councilmember Albert Pucciarelli, following a “major kerfuffle” on the dais, which Ms. Loving said was a huge embarrassment. Item 4 of that resolution states that telephonic and electronic communication between or among Councilmembers or between a Councilmember and a member of the public is prohibited during public meetings.  Ms. Loving stated that this resolution has been disregarded widely by the Councilmembers, and she is happy that it will not be disregarded moving forward.

 

Ms. Loving spoke about the caveats set forth by Deputy Mayor Perron to the effect that cell phones can be used if a Councilmember needs to make a calculation or in the case of an emergency.  She stated that if there is indeed an emergency, the Ridgewood Police Station is two flights down from the courtroom.  Ms. Loving stated that if a Councilmember needs to make a calculation, they could do so on their government-issued iPads or whatever is sitting before them on the dais.  She feels that cell phones should be completely turned off and the Councilmembers should carry calculators with them.

 

Mayor Vagianos remarked that since the Village is expending the sum of $68.2 million, he thinks the Village should be conservative and hold on to the paper signs for a while.  Regarding conflicts, Mayor Vagianos stated that there are varying degrees of “friends” and “business associates.”  He believes that it is within the purview of each Councilmember to determine if their relationship with a friend or former business associate is of such a nature as to require their recusal.  He stated that each Councilmember knows many people in the Village, many of whom are referred to as “friends.” However, the status of that friendship may not rise to the level where a Councilmember would have to recuse himself or herself. 

 

Deputy Mayor Perron added that a Councilmember may engage in a discussion or vote if there is not a conflict and a Councilmember has consulted with Mr. Rogers for advice.

 

Mayor Vagianos also indicated that he and the other Councilmembers are thrilled to have instituted hybrid access.  Regarding the use of phones on the dais, the Councilmembers are all in agreement, and feel the same way as Ms. Loving. Mayor Vagianos did state that some Councilmembers have small children and caregivers may not have the wherewithal to call the police in the event of an emergency, but would rather contact the child’s parents.

 

There were no further comments from the public.

 

13.       CLOSED SESSION

 

Ms. Mailander read the following resolution #23-55, to go into Closed Session:

 

 

 

 

14.       ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Winograd, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                ____________________________________

                                                                                                Paul Vagianos

                                                                                                        Mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________________

                     Heather A. Mailander

             Village Manager/Village Clerk