Author: James

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Fair Lawn Police officer injured in a motor vehicle crash while responding to an emergency road rage call

Fair Lawn Police officer injured in a motor vehicle crash while responding to an emergency road rage call

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

December 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair Lawn NJ, A Fair Lawn Police uniformed patrol officer was injured in a motor vehicle crash while responding to an emergency call early Wednesday afternoon, 12/14. The crash, involving the officer’s marked police cruiser and a black, 4-door passenger vehicle, occurred at the intersection of Saddle River Road and Van Duren Avenue, Fair Lawn. The officer’s injuries were reported to be non life threatening. The other driver was apparently uninjured. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. Two (2) persons were said to be in custody in connection with the road rage incident/physical assault that the injured officer was responding to.

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No Neutral Ground: The Problem of Net Neutrality

Optical-Fibers01_Web(2)

December 14,2017

by Brian Dellinger

On November 21, the Federal Communications Commission announced plans to revisit its Obama-era internet regulations. It seems likely that the resulting vote will repeal the policies often referred to as net neutrality. The name is, perhaps, misleading; to support net neutrality is to support placing the internet more fully under government supervision. The related political debate often divides traditional allies with arguments for free expression pitted against defenses of small government.

To understand net neutrality, one must see its position in technical history. Traditionally, internet service providers (ISPs), such as Comcast and Verizon, have guaranteed their customers a certain quantity of bandwidth – that is, a certain amount of data per unit of time. It was assumed that even a voracious user would rarely use his maximum bandwidth, and services were priced under this assumption. ISPs also de facto allowed customers to access whatever websites they wished; while there was no legal protection for this behavior, technical complexities made discrimination by website infeasible. The result was a largely open web: anyone with a blog could potentially reach millions.
In the early 2000s, the situation changed. Technological innovations enabled providers to determine which site a user visited and so potentially to restrict access. In principle, an ISP could now sell “packages” of websites, in a fashion resembling cable television: “basic internet” for news and Facebook, say, or “premium internet” for those who wanted more. These years also saw the rising popularity of streaming video services like Netflix and YouTube. Users now binge-watched videos, consuming their maximum available bandwidth for hours at a stretch. Such trends increased costs for the ISPs, leading them to investigate new responses: restricted access to high-usage sites, artificially slow downloads, and so on.

Net neutrality stands in opposition to these changes. Broadly, under net neutrality, the government requires ISPs to treat all web traffic in the same way: no limiting access, no reducing speed. Since 2005, the FCC has several times established net neutrality regulations; inevitably, the courts struck down such rules on the grounds that the FCC lacked the authority to regulate ISPs. In response, in 2015 the FCC redefined broadband internet as a telecommunications service, placing it under FCC jurisdiction, and promptly passed net neutrality rules. With the political shift of the 2016 elections, new FCC Chairman Ajit Pai began rolling back these regulations – hence the upcoming vote.
Both sides of the debate have merit. Concerns that ISPs might slow targeted websites are not idle speculation; Comcast did precisely thatto Netflix in 2014. Indeed, Comcast and others have done little to engender public trust in their behavior. Comcast had pledged for years not to “prioritize Internet traffic or create paid fast lanes.” That pledge disappeared from its website less than a day after Pai announced policy changes.

It is also true that the meritocratic nature of the internet – its enabling of anyone to win a following through quality work – has been one of its most notable virtues. A world of “basic internet,” in which new entrants might be simply unreachable, would reduce its value as a platform for new ideas.

Despite these fair concerns, arguments against the FCC rollback seem insufficient. It is difficult to deny that price incentives have drastically shifted over the last decade; if streaming video is generating much of the ISPs’ expenses, it makes intuitive sense that providers might demand Netflix share those costs, or might price service by total consumption rather than maximum bandwidth. Nor are the corporations supporting net neutrality any more trustworthy than the ISPs. Setting Netflix aside, supporters such as Google and Facebook seek to block ISPs from trading in users’ private information – a trade on which these companies themselves depend. For them, net neutrality eliminates the competition.

Other objections rely too heavily on speculation. While a “fast lane” internet would be a marked shift, the brief history of the web is one of constant change. Indeed, the rise of mobile browsing, which often limits the user to app-specific websites and now constitutes a majority of all web usage, may produce a greater alteration than that net neutrality would prevent.

Further, the internet is historically the result of market activity rather than top-down regulations. If one approves of its remarkable evolution to this point, it seems peculiar to assert that this is the moment to freeze it through government action. Given how few accurately predicted that evolution, it seems hubristic to assert how it will change next. Perhaps, as the ISPs argue, the increased revenue from a non-neutral internet would enable the expansion of broadband networks, ending regional monopolies of service providers. Such a change might ultimately produce a faster, more accessible internet – or it might not, but the experiment seems worth the risk.

Finally, whatever one’s feelings on net neutrality, the 2015 rules should be seen for what they are: a staggering expansion of bureaucratic power, by decree of the bureaucracy itself. The result is an ugly patchwork of overlapping authority between the FCC and the Federal Trade Commission, with ISPs disfavored over similar services. This reclassification can never be a stable solution; it will always be vulnerable to precisely the kind of unilateral repeal currently occurring. If the public supports net neutrality, then let it be defended through the proper channel: by laws, and not bureaucratic fiat.

Dr. Brian Dellinger is an assistant professor of computer science at Grove City College. His research interests are artificial intelligence and models of consciousness.

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Friday Sermon at Jersey City, NJ: Imam Aymen Elkasaby Prays to Be Martyred on the Threshold of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Which Is “Under the Feet of the Apes and Pigs”

jersey city islamic center

December 14,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Jersey City NJ , Friday Sermon at Jersey City, NJ: Imam Aymen Elkasaby Prays to Be Martyred on the Threshold of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Which Is “Under the Feet of the Apes and Pigs”

Sheikh Aymen Elkasaby, imam of the Islamic Center of Jersey City, dedicated his Friday sermon on December 8 to U.S. President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Imam Elkasaby challenged the assumption that Israel is invincible, quoting from the Quran to demonstrate that the Jews “are the most cowardly of nations.” “So long as the Al-Aqsa Mosque remains prisoner in the hands of the Jews… So long as the Al-Aqsa Mosque remains under the feet of the apes and pigs, this nation will remain humiliated,” he said. Towards the end of the sermon, Imam Elkasaby prayed for Allah to grant him “martyrdom on the threshold of the Al-Aqsa Mosque” and to annihilate “the plundering oppressors” down to the very last one. At the end of the sermon, a community member stood up and invited the congregation to a demonstration in Times Square to protest the decision by the “lunatic” U.S. president. The videos of Imam Elkasaby’s sermon was posted on the YouTube account of the Islamic Center of Jersey City.

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WAYNE BUSINESS EXECUTIVE LAUNCHES NEW PRO ECONOMIC GROWTH PAC

Organization For Economic Growth

December 14,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Wayne NJ, the Goal Is To Promote Economic Growth & Candidates Who Will Improve Economy. Citing the need for immediate improvement of state and regional economies, more pro-business policies and effective tax policies, New Jersey businessman Joseph Caruso has launched a new Political Action Committee- – The Organization for Economic Growth (OEG ) https://www.NJOEG.com).

The NJOEG will serve as an advocate for economic policies that create jobs and spur investment, as well as a supporter of candidates for elected office who back pro-growth policies, says Caruso, who will serve as chairman of the organization.

Caruso, who will serve as chairman of the organization said, “The birth of the PAC comes from the large number of people I meet in and out of business who are completely frustrated by the state’s failed taxation and economic policies. There is a need for an organization that can turn that frustration into action that will change the economic climate of New Jersey.”

Caruso said that many elected officials from both parties seem oblivious to the economic peril that New Jersey is in and they fail to comprehend the burden that both homeowners and business owners live under and what will happen unless drastic changes are made.

“It is shocking to me and many other business people that there are legislators and other elected officials who continue to advocate for higher taxes and more regulations while ignoring the state’s lousy business reputation, its existing tax burden and its monstrous debt problems,” said Caruso, a partner in a corporate consulting firm.

“Our goals is to work with well intentioned officials on both sides of the aisle to help create a path to economic prosperity that both Democrats and Republicans can support,” added Caruso

ATTRACTING MILLENIALS

The OEG has attracted bright, young and energetic talent like: John DePinto of Bloomfield, who will serve as Vice Chairman, Ray Cottiers of New Milford will be the Director of Strategic Services and Alex Cucciniello of Mahwah will run the day to day operations as the Executive Director.

“If New Jersey doesn’t alter course soon, the jobs of the future economy – the jobs that will employ our Millennials — will be gone, followed by catastrophic economic consequences for the state,” added DePinto. “I’m a young professional and I would like to raise a family New Jersey, but currently that does not seem practical– or possible.”

Cucciniello said the OEG will serve as a information center to help educate the public and elected officials on economic and tax issues and to be a voice against the state’s bad economic policies.

“Much of the readily available economic information that is published or broadcast about our state and region is politically charged and often misleading. Our goal is to distill information from people actually working in business and interact with the media in a constructive way that will lead economic change,” said Cucciniello, who formerly worked in Washington D.C. as an intern in the White House Office of Political Affairs.

“I also believe people need to fully understand the consequences of New Jersey’s continued bad economic policies,” added Cucciniello.

Cottiers stated, “many public officials who want to improve the economy lack the information or the forum to persuade their constituents or colleagues about the best course to follow. Part of our mission will be to provide data to officials who are seriously committed to breaking down the barriers to economic growth. And part of our mission will be to be a the voice — across various media platforms — that argues against policies that harm businesses.”

The new Organization will host its initial fundraising event in January; details will be available shortly. For more information visit NJOEG.com and follow and like us on Facebook at Organization for Economic Growth (@StrengthThroughIndustry).

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Who Pays for Veterans Field Helicopter Landings

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December 14,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as the Ridgewood blog reported earlier today the Ridgewood Police, Fire Department , and Emergency Services personnel responded to assist at a medical transport helicopter landing on Wednesday, 12/13 at Veterans Field.
At Wednesdays council meeting resident Boyd Loving stated that lately these “courtesy transfers ”  from Valley Hospital  seem to be a frequent reoccurring event . He made the point that the use of Village services for courtesy transfers should not be paid for by Village taxpayers . Significant Village resources are being deployed and occupied by these transfers .
Loving stated that the Village should pass an ordinance requiring Valley to pay for the use of Village assets with the transport of patients outbound from The Valley Hospital to other facilities.
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Potential Village Council Candidate says Don’t Play the Blame Game on ParkMobile

janice willett

December 14,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ , Janice Willett sounded like she was running for council at Wednesday nights council meeting when she attempted to defend the unethical , gross incompetent and perhaps criminal behavior of he Village’s former manager Roberta Sonenfeld. In her comments she said she was “concerned we are playing the blame game ” . Willett did make a good point pointing out the ridiculousness of pretending no one had previously recognized the fee schemes imposed by ParkMobile and referred to a council meeting on March 11th  where the fees were discussed by the then council and questioned by residents . Willett’s point was that instead of trying to blame one person we should just admit it was a collective drop of the ball .

Nice try while some of her argument makes sense , the fact is the people who were being paid to manage Village finances were once again not doing their job . Making excuses is like making excuses for the previous “meter thief” episode when $800,000 or so of quarters walked out of the Village hall in 50lb bags and “no one saw nothing”.

A reader commented ,” it sounded to me like Janice Willett is planning to run. It also sounded like she was defending Roberta Sonenfeld. Not a good plan. Anyone who defends Roberta does not deserve to be in office. Come on people. Roberta was a disaster.”

While Willetts comments go a long way to blaming the entire previous council ,led by so called the “3 amigos” , who used themselves used the blame game on many occasions .

Like the meter thief as the facts present themselves and it becomes harder and harder to believe that there was just one person involved in this latest scam of Village tax payers.

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Expect Light Snow for the Morning Commute

snow day

December 14,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ, Light snow will continue to fall during the morning commute.Around 1 to potentially 2 inches of snow is forecast. Roadways may
become snow covered which would create slippery conditions.Motorists are urged to use extra caution while traveling this morning.

Light snow will continue through the morning commute. Around 1 to potentially 2 inches of snow is forecast

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Readers Continue to Comment on the Flagrant Abuse of Power of the Previous Administration in Ridgewood

Ridgewood 3 amigos

So first Roberta and Paul use public funds illegally to influence their stupid parking garage vote. Then we find out that Roberta, under the reign of Paul, has signed a contract that is in direct conflict with the resolution, costing us (according to the CFO last week) upwards of $200,000. Wow, Roberta, you were aces. Thank you so much for the breath of fresh air that you left on our fair town.

Active “vote yes” promotion of the parking garage by elected office holders and village employees was always wrong, wrong, wrong, and NOBODY should be criticized for complaining. Whether they live in Ridgewood or not. This was a thumb in the eye of village residents and a flagrant abuse of the reins of government. The fact that we have neighbors willing go on record with complaints against such behavior is a blessing we don’t always deserve.

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Justice Department Announces Guilty Pleas In Three Computer Crime Cases Involving Significant Cyber Attacks

Hacked

Defendants Responsible for Rutgers University Hack, Creating Mirai and clickfraud Botnets, Infecting Hundreds of Thousands of Devices with Malicious Software

December  14,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ,  The Justice Department announced today guilty pleas in three cybercrime cases. In the District of New Jersey, one defendant also pleaded guilty to launching a cyber attack on the Rutgers University computer network, and in the District of Alaska, that defendant and two others pleaded guilty to creating and operating two botnets, which targeted “Internet of Things” (IoT) devices.

Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick of the District of New Jersey; Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher of the FBI’s Newark Division; U.S. Attorney Bryan D. Schroder of the District of Alaska; and Special Agent in Charge Marlin L. Ritzman of the FBI’s Anchorage Division and made the announcement.

Paras Jha, 21, of Fanwood, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp in Trenton federal court in the District of New Jersey to violating the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act. Between November 2014 and September 2016, Jha executed a series of attacks on the networks of Rutgers University. Jha’s attacks effectively shut down Rutgers University’s central authentication server, which maintained, among other things, the gateway portal through which staff, faculty, and students delivered assignments and assessments. At times, Jha succeeded in taking the portal offline for multiple consecutive periods, causing damage to Rutgers University, its faculty, and its students. The count to which Jha pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross amount of any pecuniary gain or loss derived from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for March 13, 2018.

On Dec. 8, 2017, Jha, Josiah White, 20, of Washington, Pennsylvania, and Dalton Norman, 21, of Metairie, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to criminal informations in the District of Alaska charging them each with conspiracy to violate the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act in operating the Mirai Botnet. In the summer and fall of 2016, White, Jha, and Norman created a powerful botnet – a collection of computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the knowledge or permission of the computers’ owners. The Mirai Botnet, targeted IoT devices – non-traditional computing devices that have been connected to the Internet, including wireless cameras, routers, and digital video recorders. The defendants attempted to discover both known and previously undisclosed vulnerabilities that allowed them to surreptitiously attain administrative or high-level access to victim devices for the purpose of forcing the devices to participate in the Mirai Botnet. At its peak, Mirai consisted of hundreds of thousands of compromised devices. The defendants used the botnet to conduct a number of powerful “distributed denial of service” (DDOS) attacks, which occur when multiple computers acting in unison flood the Internet connection of a targeted computer or computers. The defendants’ involvement with the original Mirai variant ended in the fall of 2016, when Jha posted the source code for Mirai on a criminal forum. Since then, other criminal actors have used Mirai variants in a variety of other attacks.

Jha and Norman also pleaded guilty to criminal informations in the District of Alaska charging each with conspiracy to violate the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act. From December 2016 to February 2017, the defendants successfully infected more than 100,000 primarily U.S.-based Internet-connected computing devices, such as home Internet routers, with malicious software. That malware caused the hijacked home Internet routers and other devices to form a powerful botnet. The defendants then used the compromised devices as a network of proxies through which they routed Internet traffic. The victim devices were used primarily in advertising fraud, including “clickfraud,” a type of Internet-based scheme that utilizes “clicks,” or the accessing of URLs and similar web content, for the purpose of artificially generating revenue.

“Paras Jha has admitted his responsibility for multiple hacks of the Rutgers University computer system,” Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick said. “These computer attacks shut down the server used for all communications among faculty, staff and students, including assignment of course work to students, and students’ submission of their work to professors to be graded. The defendant’s actions effectively paralyzed the system for days at a time and maliciously disrupted the educational process for tens of thousands of Rutgers’ students. Today, the defendant has admitted his role in this criminal offense and will face the legal consequences for it.”

“Today’s guilty plea is a testament to the countless hours of hard work and dedication by law enforcement in the fight against cyber criminals,” FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher said. “Cybercrime knows no boundaries. Dismantling these operations is possible only by working closely with our partners.”

“The Mirai and Clickfraud botnet schemes are powerful reminders that as we continue on a path of a more interconnected world, we must guard against the threats posed by cybercriminals that can quickly weaponize technological developments to cause vast and varied types of harm,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan said. “The Criminal Division will remain constantly vigilant in combating these sophisticated schemes, prosecuting cybercriminals, and protecting the American people.”

For additional information on cybersecurity best practices for IoT devices, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ccips/page/file/984001/download .

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Valley Hospital patient transported out by medical transport helicopter

ridgewood police

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page

December 14,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police, Fire Department , and Emergency Services personnel responded to assist at a medical transport helicopter landing on Wednesday, 12/13 at Veterans Field, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood. The transport involved a patient outbound from The Valley Hospital to an out of state facility.

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GOP leaders cut a deal Wednesday on a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s tax laws

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December 14,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, House and Senate GOP leaders cut a deal Wednesday on a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s tax laws, paving the way for final votes next week to slash taxes for businesses and give many Americans modest tax cuts starting next year. While some deduction were eliminated or curtailed , the standard deduction was doubled .

Here is what we know so far , the agreement would set the top individual rate at 37 percent, down from today’s 39.6 percent. The corporate rate would come down to 21% down from the highest in the world 35 % and would take effect in 2018.The deal is also expected to eliminate the alternative minimum tax for corporations.

House and Senate negotiators finally agreed to expand the deduction for state and local taxes and to allow individuals to deduct $10,000 in property taxes. A change important to residents in high-tax states like New York, New Jersey ,California and Connecticut, but probably not enough to offset other cuts for certain types of wage earnings and will adversely impact towns like Ridgewood.

Among the other tax breaks, negotiators also agreed to let homeowners retain some of the mortgage interest deduction on the first $750,000 of a new mortgage, down from the current limit of $1 million.

From what we see so far it appears the changes favor entrepreneurs over wage slaves .

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Ridgewood Art Institute Hosts their Annual Member’s Holiday Show and Sale

Ridewood Art Institute

photo courtesy of the RAI

Tue, December 19, 2017
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Ridgewood Art Institute, 12 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Art Institute is home to many talented artists. We welcome you to visit us and view our Annual Members’ Holiday Show and Sale, usually featuring over 150 pieces of beautiful artwork. In addition, this year we are also including a Small Works Fundraising Exhibition with pieces priced at $150, all proceeds benefit The Ridgewood Art Institute.

What better way to kick off the Holiday Season, than to meet our artists and other art enthusiasts in a festive setting? Please join us for our opening reception on Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 1-4 pm. Work will be on view daily from 11am-3pm till December 24th, 2017.

Art makes a unique gift that can be treasured for a lifetime. Also, your gift helps support this fine institution, which is a gift to so many.

Members are invited to enter two original works to be exhibited in a festive holiday setting.

The Holiday show will include a special Small Works Fundraising Exhibition**.

Members are invited to donate a framed 8” x 10” painting. All proceeds will go to support RAI.

Receiving: Monday – Tuesday, November 13th- 14th

Pick-Up: Monday – Thursday, January 2nd – 5th, 2018

** Receiving/hanging/pick-up dates are same

for Small Works and Members’ Holiday Show

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DUMONT MAILMAN CHARGED WITH THEFT BY DECEPTION AND FORGERY

Ridgewood-_Post_office_theridgewoodblog

December 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Dumont NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of HECTOR O. TEJADA (DOB: 01/05/1967; married; a US Postal Service employee) of 518 New York Avenue, Union City, New Jersey on Theft by Deception and Forgery charges. The arrest is result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (“BCPO”) Financial Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Allendale Police Department under the direction of Chief George Scherb and the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General (“OIG”).

In September 2017, a resident of Allendale responded to the Allendale Police Department to complain that a New Jersey State issued check that was to be delivered to the resident’s home had been stolen. During the course of a cooperative investigation conducted by members of the BCPO Financial Crimes Unit and the Allendale Police Department with the assistance of agents of the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, it was determined that Hector O. TEJADA, a United States Postal Service mail carrier stationed out of the U.S. Post Office in Dumont, New Jersey, had stolen the check and had negotiated it through his personal bank account. An investigation of Mr. TEJADA’s activities revealed that between March 2017 and October 2017, he had stolen, from his mail route, approximately nine checks worth in excess of $8,000.00. After stealing the checks, Mr. TEJADA forged the names of the victims (check receivers) on the back of each check and deposited them into his personal checking account through the use of automated teller machines and cellular telephone, electronic deposits.

On December 11, 2017, Mr. TEJADA was arrested in Dumont, New Jersey by members of the BCPO Financial Crimes Unit, the Allendale and Dumont Police Departments, and U.S. Postal OIG agents.

Hector O. TEJADA was charged with one count of violating N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4A, Theft by Deception, a 3rd degree crime and one count of violating N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1A(2), Forgery, a 3rd degree crime. Mr. TEJADA was issued a summons and released pending his first appearance in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court at 9:00 a.m. on December 27, 2017.

This is an ongoing investigation and members of the public, particularly in the Dumont area, who suspect they may have been the victim of mail theft are encouraged to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-201-226-5532 or the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General at 1-888-877-7644.

Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and would like to thank the Allendale and Dumont Police Departments and the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General for their assistance in this investigation.

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Reader says The complaint was NOT filed by a group of dissatisfied residents. It was filed by John Paff, who is an open-government activist who does not live in Ridgewood

Ridgewood News

Evan Weitz –Aren’t you an attorney? Somewhat educated? Well., let’s see. The complaint was NOT filed by a group of dissatisfied residents. Nope. It was filed by John Paff, who is an open-government activist who does not live in Ridgewood. As an attorney, which you purport to be, you ought to get the FACTS straight. The Local Finance Board found Aronsohn and Sonenfeld GUILTY of using public funds to promote their own agenda. The size of the fine is meaningless – the fact is, they were found guilty, and rightly so. Mr. Weitz, you ran a (thankfully) failed attempt to get elected in Ridgewood. So we know now that you are NOT an advocate of the people. You, as a resident, do not care that your tax dollars were used to promote one side of a referendum question. You will never get elected, I hope you know that. Never. You come from the same poison well as Sonenfeld and Aronsohn. Done.

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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING DECEMBER 13, 2017 8:00 P.M.

Ridgewood Village Council

file photo by Boyd Loving

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING DECEMBER 13, 2017 8:00 P.M.

  1. Call to Order – Mayor
  1. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
  1. Roll Call – Village Clerk
  1. Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
  1. Acceptance of Financial Reports
  1. Approval of Minutes
  1. Proclamations

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over – 2017 Year End     Holiday Statewide Crackdown

 

  1. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3           minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
  1. Village Manager’s Report
  1. Village Council Reports
  1. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER

NONE

  1. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER

NONE

  1. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-372 THROUGH

17-379 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL.  THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

 17-372    Title 59 Approval – Line Stop and Valve                Insertion Services – Approves the plans and            specifications for Line Stop and Valve                 Insertion Services prepared by the Ridgewood           Water Department, pursuant to Title 59

17-373    Award Contract – Line Stop and Valve                   Insertion Services (NTE $100,000) – Awards             the first year of a two-year contract to the           lowest responsible bidder, Carner Brothers,           10 Steel Court, Roseland, NJ

17-374    Title 59 Approval – Water Billing and Data              Collection/Processing Services – Approves the           plans and specifications for Water Billing             and Data Collection Services prepared by the               Ridgewood Water Department, pursuant to Title          59

17-375    Award Contract – Water Billing and Data                Collection/Processing Services (NTE                    $237,395/year) – Awards the first year of a            three-year contract to the sole responsible              bidder, Computil, Inc., 30 Controls Drive,              Shelton, CT

17-376    Award Contract Under State Contract –                  Emergency Generators (NTE $100,291.65) –               Awards a contract under State Contract to             United Rentals, 222 Bergen Turnpike,                Ridgefield Park, NJ

17-377    Award Professional Services Contract –                 Evaluation of Water Quality (NTE $170,000) –            Awards a no-bid Professional Services                    Contract to Mott MacDonald, 111 Wood Avenue               South, Iselin, NJ. The required Pay to Play               forms have been filed with the Village                 Clerk’s Office.

17-378    Authorize Change Order #1 – Professional               Services for Lafayette Reservoir Improvements         (NTE $5,000) – Authorizes Change Order #1 to            the original low bidder, H2M Associates,               Inc., 119 Cherry Hill Road, Parsippany, NJ.             This change order is necessary due to                  remediation recommendations for the                 deteriorating inside of the reservoir dome.

17-379    Authorize Change Order #1 – SCADA System               Software (NTE $14,944.96) – Authorizes Change         Order #1 to the original low bidder, Emerson               Process Management Power and Water Solution,               200 Beta Drive, Pittsburgh, PA. This change             order is necessary due to additional                   software licenses needed for the Ridgewood            Water Department and the Village Water                 Pollution Control Facility.

  1. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION

3626 – Amend White Collar Salary Ordinance – Amends            Ordinance No. 3608 to make minor adjustments to           the previously adopted White Collar salary             ordinance

3627 – Amend Blue Collar Salary Ordinance – Amends        Ordinance No. 3607 to make minor adjustments to          the previously adopted Blue Collar salary             ordinance

3628 – Amend Management Salary Ordinance – Amends             Ordinance No. 3620 to make minor adjustments to           the previously adopted Management salary               ordinance

3629 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – CBD          Employee Parking – Cottage Place Lot – Restores          15 parking spaces to general parking by              eliminating 15 CBD Employee Parking spaces in          the Cottage Place lot

3630 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic –              Prohibit Overweight and Over Length Vehicles –           Glenwood Road – Prohibits vehicles in excess of           22 feet in length and 10,000 pounds in Gross            Vehicle Weight on Glenwood Road, from Upper             Boulevard to the Ho-Ho-Kus municipal boundary

  1. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING

3623 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic –             Establish Stop Signs at Cliff Street and First            Street

3624 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic –             Establish Stop Signs at Various Locations at        Intersections with West End Avenue

3625 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development –          Allow Certain Illuminated Interior Signs in           the Central Business District

  1. RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-380 THROUGH

17-411 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL.  THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

17-380    Approve 2018 Village Cash Management Plan –            Annual resolution which approves the Cash           Management Plan and Policy.  This Cash                Management Plan is to be used as a guide for           Village officials when depositing and                  investing the Village’s funds.   

17-381    Designate Official Newspapers for 2018 –               Annual resolution which designates The Record         and the Ridgewood News, and the USA Today               Network (the parent company of both                 newspapers) as the official newspapers of the        Village of Ridgewood

17-382    2018 Annual Meetings Statement – Annual                resolution which sets the schedule for the             Village Council Meetings for 2018

17-383    Approve Budget Transfers – Annual resolution            which transfers money in the 2017 budget from       departments which have excess funds to those           departments which do not have adequate funds

17-384    Approve 2018 Temporary Budgets – Approves              the 2018 Temporary Budgets for the General            budget, the Water Utility budget, and the               Parking Utility budget, which will fund               Village operations prior to the adoption of            the 2018 Budget

17-385    Award Contract – Preparation of 2018 Village           Council Meeting Minutes ($8.50/page/NTE         $18,000) – Awards a contract for preparation         of the 2018 Village Council Meeting minutes       to Caitlin Powers, 413 Van Emburgh Avenue,           Ridgewood, NJ as the sole quote

17-386    Title 59 Approval – Leasing of Police                  Vehicles – Approves the plans and                     specifications for 36 Month Lease and Service        Agreement for Two (2) SUVs, Two (2) Sedans,             and One (1) Minivan, as well as Service for            Other Authorized Vehicles Ridgewood Police              Fleet January 1, 2018 through December 31,               2020 for the Village of Ridgewood, prepared            by the Engineering Division, pursuant to                Title 59

17-387    Award Contract – Leasing of Police Vehicles            (NTE $2,335.10/month) – Awards a contract to           the lowest responsible bidder, Enterprise            Fleet Management, Inc., 1550 Route 23, Wayne,         NJ

17-388    Title 59 Approval – Landfill Disposal of               Solid Waste – Approves the plans and                    specifications for Landfill Disposal of Solid         Waste, prepared by the Ridgewood Water                    Department, pursuant to Title 59

17-389    Award Contract – Landfill Disposal of Solid            Waste ($66.95/ton) – Awards a contract for              2018 and 2019 to the lowest responsible                 bidder, IWS Transfer Systems of NJ, Inc, 375            Routes 1 & 9, Jersey City, NJ

17-390    Title 59 Approval – Rental of Two Designated           Parking Spaces on North Broad Street by the          Taxi Stand – Approves the plans and                specifications for Lease of Two (2)               Designated Parking Spaces at North Broad          Street Taxi Stand from the Village of               Ridgewood for One (1) Year Starting January        1, 2018, prepared by the Engineering              Division, pursuant to Title 59

17-391    Award Contract – Rental of Two Designated              Parking Spaces on North Broad Street by the               Taxi Stand – Awards a contract to the sole               bidder, E & K, LLC, 99 Royal Avenue,                    Hawthorne, NJ with payment to the Village of            $2,000 for the 2018 calendar year

17-392    Title 59 Approval – 2018 Recreational Program           Instruction – Approves the plans and                   specifications for Recreational Program                Instruction with the Department of Parks and           Recreation, Contract Year 2018, prepared by             the Ridgewood Recreation Department, pursuant           to Title 59

17-393    Award Contract – 2018 Recreational Program              Instruction – Awards contracts to various              vendors for 2018 recreation programs offered             by the Village of Ridgewood’s Department of            Parks and Recreation

17-394    Title 59 Approval – Poster Display                     Advertising at Train Station Complex –                 Approves the plans and specifications for            Rebid Poster Display Advertising at the                  Village Train Station Complex Specific                  Locations in the Village of Ridgewood,                 prepared by the Engineering Division,                 pursuant to Title 59

17-395    Award Contract – Poster Display Advertising            at Train Station Complex – Awards a contract               to the sole bidder, Intersection Media, LLC,           10 Hudson Yards, 26th Floor, New York, New            York. The Village will receive 60% of the Net           Annual Billings earned by Intersection Media,           LLC.

17-396    Award Contract Under State Contract – Police           Radios (NTE $30,648.50) – Awards a contract              under State Contract to Motorola Solutions,           Inc., c/o Regional Communications, 64 East               Midland Avenue, Paramus, NJ  

17-397    Award Professional Services Contract – Risk             Management Consultants (NTE $60,000) – Awards           a Professional Services contract under a

no-bid contract to Brown and Brown Metro,              LLC, 56 Livingston Avenue, Roseland, NJ. The              hiring of a Risk Management Consultant is           required under the Joint Insurance Fund’s              bylaws.

17-398    Award Professional Services Contract –                 Employee Assistance Program (NTE $5,000) –            Awards a non-exclusive Professional Services              Contract to West Bergen Mental Healthcare,              120 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ for an               Employee Assistance Program

17-399    Award Professional Services Contract –                 Security Improvements – Phase 1 (NTE                  $143,922) – Awards a no-bid Professional             Services Contract to Secure Watch 24, 70                Moonachie Avenue, Moonachie, NJ. The required           Pay to Play forms have been filed with the               Village Clerk’s Office.

17-400    Endorse Application for Community Development           Block Grant – SHARE, Inc. – 104 Cottage Place       – Air Conditioning Improvements – Confirms            endorsement of a $13,600 CDB grant. This           resolution does not obligate the financial              resources of the Village but will expedite             the expenditure of Community Development              funds.

17-401    Endorse Application for Community Development           Block Grant – Village of Ridgewood – Ridge              Road Ramp – Confirms endorsement of an                  $80,000 CDB grant. This resolution does not            obligate the financial resources of the                Village but will expedite the expenditure of            Community Development funds.

17-402    Endorse Application for Community Development           Block Grant – Family Promise – Sheltering               Programs – Confirms endorsement of a                   $25,000 CDB grant. This resolution does not            obligate the financial resources of the                Village but will expedite the expenditure of            Community Development funds.

17-403    Declare 1998 Ford E-150 Van Surplus – Traffic           & Signal Department – Declares this piece of               equipment surplus and authorizes the Village             Manager to dispose of said property

17-404    Authorize Refund of Portion of Property Taxes           Paid and Cancellation of Real Estate Taxes            for Disabled Veteran – Block 3609, Lot 4 –            Authorizes the Tax Collector to cancel                  property taxes paid on and after August 31,            2017, to a 100% disabled Veteran who has              filed proof of his disability with the Tax             Tax Assessor. Also authorizes the Tax                   Collector to provide for a refund of such              property taxes already paid on and after              August 31, 2017, which amount is $5,929.12.

17-405    Accept Grant Funding from Bergen County                Municipal Alliance Grant – Accepts a                   Municipal Alliance Grant in the amount of              $11,677 for the 2018-2019 program year. This            grant provides for Drug and Alcohol Awareness      Programs for the community.

17-406    Authorize Village Manager to Send Letter to             ParkMobile – Nonrenewal of Contract –                  Authorizes the Village Manager to send a               letter to Parkmobile indicating that the            Village wishes to terminate the current                Agreement with Parkmobile

17-407    Oppose New Beekeeping Regulations – Opposes            the new beekeeping regulations which limits               beekeeping and the number of hives to                 specifically sized lots throughout the State               of New Jersey

17-408    Appoint Health Officer – Appoints Dawn                 Cetrulo as the Health Officer for the Village         of Ridgewood

17-409    Appoint Joint Insurance Fund Commissioner –            Appoints Heather Mailander, Village Manager,               as the JIF Commissioner for 2018

17-410    Appoint Public Agency Compliance Officer               (P.A.C.O) – Designates Heather Mailander,              Village Manager, as the P.A.C.O. for the             Village of Ridgewood for the calendar year            2018

17-411    Endorse Application for Community Development           Block Grant – SHARE, Inc. – 104 Cottage Place       – Boiler Improvement Project – Confirms                    endorsement of a $12,925 CDB grant. This               resolution does not obligate the financial              resources of the Village but will expedite             the expenditure of Community Development              funds.

 

  1. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
  1. Resolution to go into Closed Session
  1. Closed Session
  1. Legal – Water Pollution Control                        Facility/RGRME Project; Ridgewood Water                Lawsuit
  1. Contract Negotiations – Parkmobile
  1. Personnel – Water Department; Performance              Review – Village Manager/Village Clerk
  1. Adjournment