A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURTROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015, AT 8:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE – MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Aronsohn called the meeting to order at 8:01 P.M., and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn. Also present were Roberta Sonenfeld, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney.
Mayor Aronsohn led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Mayor Aronsohn then asked for a moment of silence to honor the men and women in the United States Armed Forces who protect and defend our freedom every day, as well as those serving as first responders.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on hand as of April 30, 2015, be accepted as submitted. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Village Council minutes of March 4, March 11, March 25, and April 1, 2015, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilwoman Hauck
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. Recognize Brian Vanore as 2015 Electrical Inspector of the Year
Councilwoman Knudsen read the following proclamation and Brian Vanore accepted the proclamation after she did so:
B. National Cancer Survivors Day
Councilman Pucciarelli read the following proclamation:
C. Emergency Medical Services Week
Councilman Sedon read the following proclamation and members of Ridgewood Emergency Services accepted the proclamation after he did so:
D. Proclaim May as Mental Health Month
Councilwoman Hauck read the following proclamation:
5. RESOLUTION OF AND APPOINTMENT AND SWEARING-IN OF TEMPORARY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER – ROBERT G. ROONEY
A. Resolution 15-129 – Appointment of Temporary Chief Financial Officer
The Village Clerk read the following resolution in full:
B. Swearing-In of Temporary Chief Financial Officer
Mayor Aronsohn administered the Oath of Office to Temporary CFO Rooney, while his wife held the Bible.
6. SWEARING-IN OF FIREFIGHTERS
A. Firefighter Anthony Dinice
Mayor Aronsohn administered the Oath of Office to Firefighter Dinice, while his father, Police Officer Paul Dinice held the Bible, and his sister looked on.
B. Firefighter Henry Van Wageningen
Mayor Aronsohn administered the Oath of Office to Firefighter Van Wageningen, while his wife, Jennifer, held the Bible, and his daughter looked on.
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
There were no comments from the public at this time, and Mayor Aronsohn closed the time for public comment.
6. MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Sonenfeld started her Manager’s report with a discussion about parking. Parkmobile was formally implemented this past Monday, which allows residents to pay for parking fees via cell phone. It has been fully activated in all of the parking lots, and the response has been mostly positive. There are approximately 600 parking spaces available in Ridgewood, and approximately 325 Ridgewood Parking Permits (RPPs) were sold. It is assumed that some of those users are taking up spaces in the parking lots, as well. Out of the 275 spaces currently available, approximately 56 drivers paid for their parking using Parkmobile yesterday. Approximately seven of those were at the train station, with many more users at the Chestnut Street parking lot. In addition, the Click and Park option went live this week so that Ridgewood residents could obtain daily passes by going on-line. That has been used already, with residents purchasing their passes online, printing them out, and placing them in the dashboard of their cars. They must also have an annual resident sticker. The multi-space parking machine was removed earlier this week at Chestnut Street.
There are currently two parking committees in Ridgewood, one of which is a Steering Committee, in which Mayor Aronsohn, Councilman Sedon, Ms. Sonenfeld, and several other Village personnel are members. The Steering Committee’s focus is to move forward with the building of a parking garage. The other parking team was put together a couple of months ago, and they will be meeting with Mr. Rooney, the Director of the Parking Utility, on Monday. At that time, they will discuss the status of the current parking initiatives, including the Hudson Street garage; the North Walnut Street Redevelopment Zone; a review of Parkmobile, and zoning the streets for its use; and valet parking, which has several issues, including whether it should be regionalized. In addition, the committee must also review how many RPPs have been sold, and it might be necessary to determine the point at which the Village will no longer sell them, but that decision cannot be made until more information is available.
The committee members will also be examining the issue of employee parking passes to see what the trends are. Currently, it seems that the purchase of those passes is increasing. They will also have to review the political issue that has arisen over the decision to add some parking spaces to the Park-and-Ride on Route 17. Some extra parking spaces have been found on Ridgewood streets, which must be reviewed, and it might be possible to add some extra parking spaces on Hudson Street, but that needs to be discussed with the Engineering Department. The committee will also analyze the status of the coin collection process and contract with Eastern, who has picked up coins several times already. They must also discuss with the Parking Enforcement Officers any issues or concerns that they may have. There will also be the usual review of financial records and expenses, as well as a discussion about Corella Court as it relates to Hawes School and the parking situation there.
Stage I watering restrictions begin on June 1, 2015. Odd-numbered addresses can irrigate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays; while even-numbered addresses may irrigate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. However, irrigation using hand-held hoses is always allowed. More information is available on the Ridgewood Water website.
Ms. Sonenfeld noted that there will be a vote on the capital budget tonight. There was a previous vote in January 2015, and Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that it is a good thing that both of these votes were taken early, because it allows the Village to start the various projects that are planned much earlier than in the past. For example, it has allowed the “municipality in a box” software initiative to move forward; and the purchase of the leaf vacuum that is needed for leaf season.
Dylan Hansen, Network System Administrator, presented some information about the fiber loop project. Mr. Hansen commented that in the past couple of months, the fiber loop project went live. For the past year, the Signal Department has been installing, splicing, and connecting fiber throughout Ridgewood and Glen Rock. Due to the training session that staff members received on fiber optics, more than 125,000 feet of fiber has been properly installed and will be maintained by Village staff. With the completion of fiber installation in Glen Rock several months ago, the Ridgewood fiber loop is nearly finished, with seven facilities currently connected to Village Hall. This has enabled the cancellation of three Internet service providers at those facilities, which will garner monthly savings. Access to files from these locations has vastly improved, cutting down on wait time for items to load. Mr. Hansen said it has also increased redundancy and reliability, as well as utilizing storage space more efficiently. Other capabilities that were gained include remote access to terminals via the internet for problem-solving, maintenance, and monitoring; and centralizing of security and policy deployment. The individuals that make this happen and should be recognized for their efforts include Mr. Rutishauser; Jim O’Connell; Rich Tarleton; Jared Montgomery; Lenny Rausch; Kyle Monton of the Signal Department; and Kevin Scarpa. Mr. Hansen also thanked the Board of Education for allowing the Village to use their fiber network. He said he is very proud to have such an experienced team of individuals working with him.
Dave Scheibner, Business Manager for Ridgewood Water, discussed water that is not accounted for and how that works, as was promised at a previous Village Council meeting. He explained that basically, it is the difference between what is put into the system and what is measurably used. The difference is unaccounted for, and the way Ridgewood Water keeps track of how much water goes into the system is by using meters at the wells. Meters are also at the users’ locations (Ridgewood Water customers’ homes), which allow them to measure how much water is being used at those locations. There are some legitimate uses of water that are not measured, including hydrant flushing and testing; facility and well flushing; and firefighting. Unaccounted-for losses can be due to meter inaccuracy; unauthorized use or theft; and leaks. In the Ridgewood Water system, the meters are extremely accurate. During the meter change out project, Mr. Scheibner noted that it was very encouraging to find that nearly all of the meters coming out of service that were tested were still accurate after 15 years. The other major advantage of the meter change project is that the large meters, many of which had been in service for decades, could be changed. This is important because large meters, in general, are less accurate at low flows than the smaller meters, which is why Ridgewood Water has resized many locations that previously had large meters with smaller meters. This helps to greatly reduce the amount of losses due to unmetered water, or water that is under-registered by meters. Ridgewood Water does not have a big problem with water theft at this time. Therefore, most of the unaccounted-for water is due to leaks. Mr. Scheibner commented Ridgewood Water is about to embark on a project with respect to leak detection. Most leaks are on-going for a long time before they are discovered. Leakage tends to drain away until the amount has become so large that the water appears at the surface. This means that once a leak is discovered by observing water at the surface, the leak has most likely been continuing for a long time, even years. The professionals who do leak detection use sound to find the leaks. Sounds can be heard from pipes in the ground that are leaking, similar to the sounds made in a home when water is running through the pipes. It is harder to hear the sounds made by the pipes in the ground, due to environmental noises. The leak detectors go out in the middle of the night with listening devices and correlating devices, so that if they hear hissing in a particular area, they will attempt to listen in another spot, and correlate where the leak is. The advantage of doing this leak detection is that leaks can be found earlier, so repairs can be planned. This helps to avoid an emergency situation, because the leak is smaller, easier, and cheaper to repair. That is why finding and repairing leaks help to reduce water losses, consequently reducing pumping and treatment costs, and will improve the resiliency of the utility during periods of high demand. This leak detection project will be undertaken with one-third of the system being covered each year.
Councilwoman Hauck noted that the Councilmembers approved infrared crack repair, and she thought that was for Ridgewood Water. Mr. Scheibner explained that the infrared project has to do with pavements. Councilwoman Hauck asked if the same technology could not be used for leak detection. Mr. Scheibner said that it is a completely different situation, because the technique for detecting water leaks is listening. There are various devices for that, and the professionals use those devices when they are doing leak detection projects.
Councilwoman Knudsen thanked Mr. Scheibner for his presentation, noting that several months ago, when this discussion first arose about unaccounted-for water, she wanted to know what the value of the water was; where it goes; and how it can be found. Councilwoman Knudsen said she appreciated that this is now being approached in this manner.
In her “Response to Residents” section, Ms. Sonenfeld stated that there was an inquiry about why Stage 1 water restrictions do not seem to be publicized as much as they should be. Ms. Sonenfeld agrees with that assessment, because she believes that communication could be, and efforts will be made to increase awareness on the restrictions with email blasts; announcing restrictions at Village Council meetings, as Ms. Sonenfeld did earlier; issuing a press release; and posting the information on the Village website, as well as the Ridgewood Water website.
Upcoming events include the annual “Touch-a-Truck” event tomorrow. The Sidewalk Sale Days will be held on May 14-16, 2015. Project Pride day is May 16, 2015, and all are encouraged to join the Project Pride group to help plant containers of flowers along East Ridgewood Avenue. They will be assembling on East Ridgewood Avenue near Memorial Park at Van Neste Square at 9:00 A.M. On May 16th, there will be a household hazardous waste disposal at the Campgaw Mountain Reservation from 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M., rain or shine. The Building Safety Conference is scheduled for May 20th, in the Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr., Courtroom of Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to come speak to the Village building officials and ask any related questions. The next “Meet the Manager” event will be on May 23rd at Village Hall from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 noon. On May 25th, the 40th annual Fred D’Elia Ridgewood Run will be held.
7. COUNCIL REPORTS
Fourth of July Committee – Councilwoman Knudsen commented that the Fourth of July Committee met this past Monday evening at the firehouse. This year, the flag raising ceremony will feature the Maroon Men singing the national anthem, and the Village Council representative speaker will be Councilman Pucciarelli. The evening events will include the Illumination Flag Twirlers; a Patriotic Brass Band; skydivers; and fireworks. Currently, the Committee is seeking a bagpipe band or bagpipers for the parade, and volunteers are especially needed to act as parade marshals. Anyone interested should visit the Fourth of July Committee website at www.ridgewoodjuly4.net. Councilwoman Knudsen reminded those interested to complete the “Contact Us” form, and they will be contacted.
Planning Board– Councilwoman Knudsen noted that the Planning Board will meet on Tuesday, May 19th, at 7:30 P.M. The agenda includes the continuation of the Church of God application. The Planning Board also continues with its Master Plan re-examination. They are now looking at Open Space and Historic Preservation, which will also be discussed on Tuesday.
On June 2, 2015, at 7:30 P.M., there will be a continuation of the Public Hearing for the land-use plan element of the Master Plan. Both of those meetings are scheduled to be held at Village Hall.
Councilwoman Knudsen also mentioned that she and Councilman Pucciarelli attended a COAH meeting, along with Mr. Rogers, Ms. Sonenfeld, Mr. Brancheau, and Gail Price, the Planning Board attorney. They reviewed current COAH information, and because this is an extremely complicated issue, they are working through all of the information to assess what the Village’s options will be in the future.
Historic Preservation Committee – Councilwoman Knudsen mentioned that the Historic Preservation Committee will meet in the Garden Room tomorrow evening at 8:00 P.M.
Federrici Sculpture Update – Councilwoman Knudsen stated that the art restorer has begun work on the Federrici sculpture to bring it back to its original, pristine condition. It will take approximately 1-2 weeks for the moist soil and mossy growth to dry out, and they have sifted carefully through the soil to see if any of the stone fragments have come loose. The parts of the statue that were covered with soil are in better condition than the parts that were exposed to the elements.
Civility Conference – Councilman Pucciarelli mentioned that he attended the Civility Conference this past Monday, and the subject was sports. It was a very passionate yet civil discussion about the sports organizations involving children, and Councilman Pucciarelli thanked everyone who participated.
CBD Forum– Councilman Pucciarelli noted that the next CBD forum that was tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 20th, has been postponed due to the Building Safety Conference that will be held in Village Hall. Councilman Pucciarelli encouraged everyone to attend the Building Safety Conference. He noted that the next CBD Forum has been moved to Wednesday, June 17th, and more information will be forthcoming.
Affordable Housing – Councilman Pucciarelli mentioned that he attended the Affordable Housing meeting alluded to by Councilwoman Knudsen earlier.
Councilwoman Hauck stated that she did not attend any meetings since the last Village Council meeting, but she mentioned that Dawn Cetrulo and the Health Department sponsored a free rabies clinic for Ridgewood residents today, which is an annual event. Councilwoman Hauck also thanked the Responsible Pet Ownership Committee for donating 75 microchips to be placed in Ridgewood pets.
Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) – Councilman Sedon commented that the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) met yesterday, and they are wrapping up some final preparations for Earth Day. Councilman Sedon plans to reach out to various community groups to see what can be done going forward for the summer and fall. Different projects are being explored, and more information will be coming.
Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Sedon commented that the Shade Tree Commission also met yesterday. They are moving forward with their various projects, including the website, which is nearly completed. The Adopt-A-Tree program is coming together, and more details will be available through the website. The Commission is also composing a letter to go out around the beginning of June to residents who have been on the waiting list for tree replacements after trees were removed. Mr. Cronin estimated that approximately 90% of Ridgewood residents request a tree to replace one that was removed, and the letter will inform people who have been on the waiting list for some time that this program exists.
Councilman Sedon commented that the Open Space Committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow at The Stable at 7:30 P.M., and the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) will meet on Thursday, May 21st, in the Garden Room, and they plan to discuss the new Corella Court ordinance. Residents are invited to come to that meeting to give input.
Mayor Aronsohn reminded everyone that the annual Memorial Day Service will be held on Monday, May 25, 2015, and Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, at 11:00 A.M.
Chamber of Commerce – Mayor Aronsohn noted that at the last Chamber of Commerce meeting, the majority of the time was spent discussing parking, including Parkmobile. One issue that was raised was regarding Cottage Place, and ensuring that information is distributed to the businesses and their employees that Cottage Place allows eight-hour parking.
Northwest Bergen Mayors Group – Mayor Aronsohn stated that the Walter Luers, Executive Director of the New Jersey Foundation for Open Government, spoke at the last meeting of the Northwest Bergen Mayors Group. Mr. Luers previously spoke to the League of Women Voters and Ridgewood residents in February. Mayor Aronsohn suggested that Mr. Luers be invited, because he thought it was a useful discussion. Most of the Mayors present agreed that it was a very informative and useful discussion.
Ms. Mailander announced that the Village is seeking individuals who might want to show off their convertibles in the Fourth of July parade by driving one of the Councilmembers, or the Village Manager, through the parade route. If anyone has a convertible and would like to drive in the parade, please contact Ms. Mailander’s office.
8. ORDINANCES
a. Introduction – #3478 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Corella Court – Stop Sign and Parking Restrictions
Mayor Aronsohn moved the first reading of Ordinance 3478. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3478 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX “STOP INTERSECTIONS,” AND SECTION 265-65, “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES”
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3478 be adopted on first reading and that June 10, 2015, be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
b. Public Hearing – #3471 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Definition of Loading Zones
Mayor Aronsohn moved the second reading of Ordinance 3471 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3471 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-26, “LOADING ZONES”
Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Hauck moved that Ordinance 3471 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
c. Introduction – #3472 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Corella Court – Stop Sign and Two-Hour Parking Limit
Mayor Aronsohn moved the second reading of Ordinance 3472 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3472 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-59, SCHEDULE IX “STOP INTERSECTIONS,” AND SECTION 265-69, “TIME LIMIT PARKING”
Mayor Aronsohn announced that, due to public input and further review, the ordinance for Corella Court has been amended and introduced this evening as a new ordinance, #3478. Ordinance #3472 will be defeated, but the Public Hearing for this ordinance has been advertised for this evening and will be held. The Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3472 be defeated. Councilman Sedon seconded the motion. Ms. Mailander reminded everyone that an “aye” vote would be to defeat the ordinance.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
d. Public Hearing – #3473 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Delineation and Clarification of Yellow Zones on Curbs in Central Business District and Establish Vehicle Height Restrictions
Mayor Aronsohn moved the second reading of Ordinance 3473 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3473 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF 3473 THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-16.1, “OVER-HEIGHT VEHICLES,” AND AT SECTION 265-19, “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES”
Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Pucciarelli moved that Ordinance 3473 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
e. Public Hearing – #3474 – Establish a CAP Bank
Mayor Aronsohn moved the second reading of Ordinance 3474 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3474 by title:
CALENDAR YEAR 2015 – ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK
Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Sedon moved that Ordinance 3474 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
f. Public Hearing – #3475 – General Capital Ordinance
Mayor Aronsohn moved the second reading of Ordinance 3475 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3475 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $2,559,725 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,431,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Pucciarelli moved that Ordinance 3475 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Hauck seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Pucciarelli, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:Councilmembers Knudsen and Pucciarelli
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
g. Public Hearing – #3476 – Water Capital Ordinance
Mayor Aronsohn moved the second reading of Ordinance 3476 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3476 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATER UTILITY IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $2,625,000 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,493,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF
Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Hauck moved that Ordinance 3476 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilwoman Knudsen seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
h. Public Hearing – #3477 – Parking Utility Capital Ordinance
Mayor Aronsohn moved the second reading of Ordinance 3477 and that the Public Hearing be opened. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3477 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $60,000 FROM THE PARKING UTILITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE PICKUP TRUCK AND PLATE READER SYSTEM FOR THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD PARKING UTILITY
Mayor Aronsohn announced that the Public Hearing was open. There were no comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Knudsen moved that Ordinance 3477 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Pucciarelli seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli, Sedon, and Mayor Aronsohn
NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 15-130 THROUGH 15-146, WERE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, AND WERE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
10. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Aronsohn stated that they would again have comments from the public and asked anyone wishing to address the Village Council to come forward.
Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that he wrote a letter to Mayor Aronsohn on March 16, 2014, about his concerns that the handicapped parking spaces at Village Hall are non-compliant with State law. Mr. Loving received a reply on April 28, 2015, that the matter was being investigated, but he has received no other direct replies since that time. However, Mr. Loving did receive a copy of correspondence to Mayor Aronsohn, dated May 2, 2015, from Ms. Sonenfeld indicating that the matter was being investigated, and several alternatives were being considered. Mr. Loving is concerned because he is not sure how several alternatives can be examined when the law specifically states what the requirements are with respect to signage. Mr. Loving noted that Mayor Aronsohn is an advocate for the disabled, yet there is a situation in Village Hall, which opened in 2007, and the parking situation has been non-compliant since that time. It appears as though the Village administration is still dragging their feet with respect to bringing the spaces into compliance. Mr. Loving wanted to know what alternatives are being considered.
Next, Mr. Loving mentioned that on March 11, 2015, the Village Council unanimously adopted Resolution #15-90, which deals with the wayfinding signs. Part of the resolution provides that the Chamber of Commerce will pay $25 per sign erected. Mr. Loving obtained information through an OPRA request showing that to date, none of that money has been collected. Mr. Loving asked if invoices have been sent to the Chamber of Commerce for that money, or if it is planned that invoices will be sent to the Chamber of Commerce. Although it is a small amount of money, Mr. Loving considers the principle to be important. He opposed this plan from the beginning, because he felt that taxpayer money should not be used for commercial purposes. It was agreed that the Village would collect $25 per sign from the Chamber of Commerce, but the taxpayers have not yet been paid what is due them.
Regarding the handicapped parking spaces, Ms. Sonenfeld stated that the investigation/project is in process. Materials have been ordered, and the Village is awaiting that delivery so that the Signal Department can install them. The various alternatives that were considered had to do with whether the signs had to be put into the concrete, because the problem with doing that is that the signs get knocked down by the snowplows. That is why alternatives were being considered about how the signs would be installed. Ms. Sonenfeld noted that whenever she walks past the handicapped parking spaces, the cars do have the required handicapped stickers. There is a sign that might not be compliant, but it does direct people to the five available handicapped parking spaces. Ms. Sonenfeld reminded Mr. Loving that, as she mentioned last week, there are limited resources available in the Engineering Department at this time to do a long list of projects.
Regarding the Chamber of Commerce wayfinding signs, Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that the new signs have not yet been put up. Installations have begun, and Ms. Sonenfeld believes the best way to handle the payments would be to send one large bill after everything is completed, rather than sending numerous invoices for small amounts. No payments have been waived by the Village.
Finally, Mr. Loving said he filed an OPRA request regarding all of the Councilmembers, and he was notified that each Councilmember was given a copy of the request. Mr. Loving asked if it is standard practice that copies of OPRA requests are given to people who are the subject of those requests. Ms. Mailander answered that it is. Mr. Loving asked if that includes all Village employees. Ms. Mailander responded that it depends upon the request. Mr. Loving asked when that practice was implemented, and Ms. Mailander responded that it was always the policy.
Howard Crumb, Corella Court, commented that he has lived in Ridgewood since 1967, and knows a bit about the history of the area. He commended the Councilmembers for what they have done, and for spending a lot of time on what Mr. Crumb considers to be a very small problem. Having spoken with some of the school staff, Mr. Crumb understands that there are adequate parking spots for the faculty and staff, but when additional aides are brought in, that creates the parking problems. Mr. Crumb noted that there are usually 6-11 cars parked on Corella Court on a daily basis, from 8:15 A.M. until approximately 3:30 P.M. If there are going to be additional spaces, Mr. Crumb asked if the Village Council could defer the implementation of restrictive parking and stop signs in the area. He noted that Corella Court is only approximately 200 feet long, and it is impossible to obtain much speed on that street before a vehicle must come to a complete stop. The congestion is primarily caused by parents dropping off and picking up their children at school during the day, once in the morning, and again in the afternoon. Some of these parents park where they should not be parking, usually because that is the only space they can find to park their cars. Once in a while, residents of that area speak to the drivers to remind them that it is a no parking zone, but they are ignored. Mr. Crumb is concerned about who will do the enforcement if parking is restricted. He proposed that the Councilmembers wait to implement any parking restrictions to see if the additional parking at the school helps to solve the problem.
Mr. Crumb also pointed out that there are no stripes painted from the north crosswalk of Corella Court to the south crosswalk. It is the only area along Stevens Avenue that does not have a painted crosswalk. Mr. Crumb believes that if lines are painted, it will discourage people from parking in that area.
Ms. Sonenfeld commented that she had spoken to Mr. Crumb previously on several occasions, and Councilman Sedon had also discussed the problem with him. The Citizens Safety Advisory Committee will be assessing the situation, and will consider Mr. Crumb’s input, as well as input from other residents of that area.
Councilwoman Hauck thanked Mr. Crumb for being so pleasant in his comments.
There were no more comments from the public, and Mayor Aronsohn closed the time for public comment.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilman Pucciarelli, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 P.M.
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Paul S. Aronsohn
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk
