Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act
MAYOR: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided
by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall,
by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
Roll Call
RESOLUTIONS
17-285 Award Contract Under State Contract – 2 Chevrolet Tahoes – Police Department (NTE $73,000)
17-286 Award Contract Under State Contract – Emergency Equipment for 2 Tahoes (NTE $27,000)
17-287 Award Contract – Radar System for Police Vehicles (NTE $3,300)
17-288 Award Contract Under State Contract – VHF/UHF Radios for Police Vehicles ($17,000)
17-289 Award Contract – Striping of Police Vehicles (NTE $3,000)
17-290 Approve Central Valet Pilot Program in Central Business District
Adjournment
Village Council’s Public Workshop
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S
PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 7:30 P.M.
1. 7:30 pm – Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with Open Public Meeting Act Mayor: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute/Moment of Silence
5. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Discussion
b. Budget
1. Award of Contract – Two 2017 SUVs and Vehicle Equipment
7. Motion to Suspend Work Session and Convene Special Public Meeting
8. Special Public Meeting – See Attached Agenda
9. Motion to Adjourn Special Public Meeting and Reconvene Work Session
10. Presentation
a. Eagle Scout Project
b. Historic Presentation – Bergen County Clerk
c. REAC – Ban Plastic Bags
11. Discussion (continued)
a. Ridgewood Water
1. Award of Change Order – Professional Services for Glen Tank Rehabilitation
2. Authorizing Lease of Co-Location of Wireless Telecommunication Antennas – Glen Avenue Tank
b. Budget (continued)
2. Award Contract – Recapped Tires
3. Award Partial Contract – Tree Planting
4. Award State Contract – Ford F250 Pickup with Plow – Engineering Department
5. Award Professional Services Contract – Professional Engineering Services – Improvement to HVAC System in Village Hall
12. Manager’s Report
13. Council Reports
14. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
15. Resolution to go into Closed Session
16. Closed Session
A. Legal – COAH
B. Personnel/Contract Negotiations – Supervisors Union Contract
Ramapough Lenape Nation , Join us for an early celebration of the 1 year Anniversary of Split Rock Sweetwater Prayer Camp on Sunday, October 1st from 12-5pm. Bring food (potluck!), games, family, and friends as we celebrate and recognize the entire community we have built over the last year.
– Tobacco Ceremony (12pm)
– Potluck (bring a dish!)
– Beading workshops (11am and 3pm)
– Artisans
– Community Building
On October 16, 2016, the Ramapough Lenape Nation and supporters erected teepees on their ceremonial grounds at 95 Halifax Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430 in solidarity with Standing Rock and to resist the proposed Pilgrim Pipeline.
Since then, indigenous groups from all over the world, environmentalists, and allies have come together in prayer and solidarity for protection of the land and waters. Come out and join us for a huge celebration!
Sunday at 12 PM – 5 PM
Split Rock Sweetwater Prayer Camp
95 Halifax Road, Mahwah, New Jersey
Ridgewood NJ, The Bergen County Board of Elections is currently recruiting poll workers. This important civic responsibility is open to all registered voters in Bergen County. It is vital to the democratic process to recruit and train reliable poll workers.
In order to be eligibility, you must meet the following criteria:
Must be able to work from approximately 5 AM to 9 PM on election day.
Must be able to read and speak English.
Must be registered to vote in Bergen County.
Must complete a 2-hour Poll Worker Training Class.
Duties include but are not limited to:
Arriving at 5:15 AM to set up machines, poll books and other material at designated polling district.
Sign-in voters and/or activate machine to receive voters.
If necessary, assist voters in the operation of the electronic voting machine.
Answer voter’s procedural questions.
Close polls at the end of the day which may include delivering materials to borough hall.
How to Apply:
Call the Board of Elections at 201-336-6235 or 201-336-6230
Complete the Poll Worker Application available here https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/5997 and fax to 201-336-6242 or mail to
Bergen County Board of Elections, One Bergen County Plaza, 3rd Floor, Room 310, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Upon approval of your application, you will be scheduled for a Poll Worker Training Class.
After successful completion of training class, you will be assigned to a polling site and contacted with this information.
Several dozen tradition-minded Roman Catholic theologians, priests and academics have formally accused Pope Francis of spreading heresy with his 2016 opening to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics.
In a 25-page letter delivered to Francis last month and provided Saturday to The Associated Press, the 62 signatories issued a “filial correction” to the pope — a measure they said hadn’t been employed since the 14th century.
The letter accused Francis of propagating seven heretical positions concerning marriage, moral life and the sacraments with his 2016 document “The Joy of Love” and subsequent “acts, words and omissions.”
The initiative follows another formal act by four tradition-minded cardinals who wrote Francis last year asking him to clarify a series of questions, or “dubbia,” they had about his 2016 text.
Francis hasn’t responded to either initiative. The Vatican spokesman didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment late Saturday.
None of the signatories of the new letter is a cardinal, and the highest-ranking churchman listed is actually someone whose organization has no legal standing in the Catholic Church: Bishop Bernard Fellay, superior of the breakaway Society of St. Pius X. Several other signatories are well-known admirers of the old Latin Mass which Fellay’s followers celebrate.
But organizers said the initiative was nevertheless significant and a sign of the concern among a certain contingent of academics and pastors over Francis’ positions, which they said posed a danger to the faithful.
The teachers union faults the Senate president for his stand on public-employee pensions and school funding — and they want to make him pay.
What has 200,000 members, a deep-pocketed super PAC, and one of the most powerful presences in all New Jersey politics?
It’s the New Jersey Education Association, and it’s not to be trifled with.
That’s the apparent message being conveyed by the relevant-as-ever group this election season, as it continues to wield its influence in several state and local races following a hard-fought primary and ahead of a November general election. Through special-interest spending and public endorsements, the group has sought to advance its agenda by aligning itself with both Republicans and Democrats, ultimately making itself known in nearly every corner of the state.
The organization has issued endorsements in 37 out of 40 legislative districts, including one for Democrat Phil Murphy in the state’s high-profile gubernatorial election.
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the following arrests:
ANTHONY PEGUERO (D.O.B. 2/07/1994; single; and employed as a mover) of 272 S 8th Street, Newark, New Jersey; charged with Trafficking in Stolen Identities, Check Fraud and Theft by Deception;
DALESKA DILLERVA (D.O.B. 2/21/1995; single; and unemployed) of 272 S 8th Street, Newark, New Jersey; charged with Trafficking in Stolen Identities, Check Fraud and Theft by Deception;
LEZLIE MERCEDES (D.O.B. 10/07/1997; single; and employed as a concierge) of 27 Newman Street, Hackensack, New Jersey; charged with Check Fraud and Theft by Deception;
GUILLERMO LOPEZ (D.O.B. 8/04/1987; single; and unemployed) of 92 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey; charged with Check Fraud and Theft by Deception;
ALYSHA VIERA (D.O.B. 12/04/1997; single; and employed as store clerk) of 313 2nd Street, Carlstadt, New Jersey; charged with Check Fraud and Theft by Deception;
FRANCISCO TROCHE (D.O.B. 10/27/1991; single; employed as a cook) of 20 Hiram Place, Harrison, New Jersey; charged with Check Fraud and Theft by Deception;
CLAUDIO RODRIGUES (D.O.B. 9/14/1991; single; and employed as an automotive service manager) of 117 Rutherford Place, Kearny, New Jersey; Check Fraud and Theft by Deception.
The arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutors Office Financial Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.
In August of 2017, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received a complaint from County of Bergen financial officers regarding the fraudulent production and deposit of checks which were made to appear as if they were issued from a Bergen County payroll account. Along with the checks, it was determined that illicit wire activity had also occurred which brought the total theft amount to over $50,000.
The investigation revealed that DILLERVA and PEGUERO organized the illicit activities of a group of individuals who were responsible for forging and negotiating business checks. The checks were deposited in co-conspirators’ accounts and then the illicitly obtained funds were withdrawn before the forgeries and deception were uncovered. MERCEDES, LOPEZ, VIERA, TROCHE, and RODRIGUEZ acted in concert along with DILLERVA and PEGUERO to access and use the illicit bank accounts in which the forged checks were deposited. As a result of the still ongoing investigation, other suspected victim business accounts have been identified.
As a result of the investigation:
Alysha VIERA was arrested on Friday, September 8, 2017 in Paramus, New Jersey and charged with one count of Issuing or Passing Bad Checks, with a value greater than $1,000 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5, a 3rd degree crime; and, one count of Theft by Deception, with a benefit greater than $500 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4a, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a summons and VIERA is scheduled to appear in Central Judicial Processing Court at 8:30 a.m. on September 20, 2017.
Guillermo LOPEZ was arrested on Monday, September 11, 2017 in Jersey City, New Jersey and charged with one count of Issuing or Passing Bad Checks, with a value greater than $1,000 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5, a 3rd degree crime; and one count of Theft by Deception, with a benefit greater than $500 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4a, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a summons and LOPEZ is scheduled to appear in Central Judicial Processing Court at 8:30 a.m. on September 27, 2017.
Anthony PEGUERO was arrested on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey and charged with one count of Fraudulent Use, Distribution, Manufacture, and/or Possession of Items Containing the Personal Identification Information of Another (Trafficking in Stolen Identities), ten of more items pertaining to five or more persons, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17.3, a 2nd degree crime, one count of Issuing or Passing Bad Checks, with a value greater than $1,000 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5, a 3rd degree crime; and one count of Theft by Deception, with a benefit greater than $500 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4a, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a warrant and PEGUERO was detained pending a detention hearing.
Daleska DILLERVA was arrested on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey and charged with one count of Fraudulent Use, Distribution, Manufacture, and/or Possession of Items Containing the Personal Identification Information of Another (Trafficking in Stolen Identities), ten of more items pertaining to five or more persons, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17.3, a 2nd degree crime, one count of Issuing or Passing Bad Checks, with a value greater than $1,000 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5, a 3rd degree crime; and, one count of Theft by Deception, with a benefit greater than $500 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4a, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a summons and DILLERVA is scheduled to appear in Central Judicial Processing Court at 8:30 a.m. on October 4, 2017.
Francisco TROCHE was arrested on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 in Paramus, New Jersey and charged with one count of Issuing or Passing Bad Checks, with a value greater than $200 but less than $1,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5, a 4th degree crime; and, one count of Theft by Deception, with a benefit greater than $500 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4a, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a summons and TROCHE is scheduled to appear in Central Judicial Processing Court at 8:30 a.m. on October 4, 2017.
Claudio RODRIGUES was arrested on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 in Paramus, New Jersey and charged with one count of Issuing or Passing Bad Checks, with a value greater than $1,000 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5, a 3rd degree crime; and, one count of Theft by Deception, with a benefit greater than $500 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4a, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a summons and RODRIGUES is scheduled to appear in Central Judicial Processing Court at 8:30 a.m. on October 4, 2017.
Lezlie MERCEDES was arrested on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 in Paramus, New Jersey and charged with one count of Issuing or Passing Bad Checks, with a value greater than $1,000 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5, a 3rd degree crime; and, one count of Theft by Deception, with a benefit greater than $500 but less than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4a, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a summons and MERCEDES is scheduled to appear in Central Judicial Processing Court at 8:30 a.m. on October 4, 2017.
Midland Park NJ, A two (2) vehicle, Sunday afternoon, 09/24, collision at the intersection of Franklin and Vreeland Avenues in Midland Park brought out Midland Park Police, EMS, and FD. One (1) person was transported by ambulance to a local hospital; a paramedic team from The Valley Hospital assisted with patient evaluation and care. Both vehicles were rendered undriveable and had to be towed from the scene. Midland Park Fire Department attended to a minor crash related fluid spill.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that on September 15, a North Pleasant Avenue resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to report a fraud. The reporting party advised she had responded to job opportunity on the internet and provided personal information.
Shortly thereafter she received a check in the mail with instructions to deposit the check. The reporting party determined this was suspicious and reported the incident.
All I know is certain individuals in Village hall are so concerned about certain posts on this blog, we find it extremely funny These certain individuals watch the blog more than any of the press in the area. They know they cannot control the blog like they did with other newspapers. In the old days the woman’s club, the ridgewood realtors, and a few others controlled everything. Nowadays people trust The blog more than the press. why because people can speak from there Gut , not from their ass. And the powers to be don’t like it. We the people saying too damn bad.
Ridgewood NJ, The Garden State saw a net decrease in population, with the number of people that moved out of the state of roughly 33,700, costing New Jersey about $2.6 billion in taxable income between 2014 and 2015, according to a USA Today Network analysis of IRS migration data.
New Jersey is constantly ranked as the worst business climate in the USA and the state the leads the nation in people wanting to leave .
According to OpportunityNJ, New Jersey ranks dead last in national rankings on the impacts of our four most significant taxes: property, income, sales and corporate business tax.Outmigration of New Jersey residents has had a significant impact on the state’s economy. High taxes and numerous barriers for business operations are causing people to leave the state which has led to the loss of income, economic activity and job creation.
OpportunityNJ (ONJ) is a non-partisan, grassroots coalition comprised of New Jersey interests representing employers, employees, business, trade groups, community organizations and other concerned citizens in the State.
This exodus has become so concerning to New Jersey business leaders that they have championed a campaign to make the state more affordable for its residents and more attractive to out-of-state residents on the move.
“We are at the bottom of every tax ranking. We have an affordability issue. We know why people are leaving,” Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of New Jersey Business and Industry Association.
Her organization estimates that New Jersey has lost over $21 billion in adjusted gross income since 2004 from people leaving the state. That translates to about 87,000 jobs, $13 billion in lost economic activity and $4.6 billion in lost labor income, Siekerka said.
Addressing the affordability issue would help keep seniors and millennials, both of which are the leading demographic groups leaving New Jersey, Siekerka said. When seniors leave, they take with them the bulk of the lost income. But when millennials flee, they take with them a life time of potential earnings. It’s a hit to the state’s future workforce, which means the state sees no benefit from roughly $250,000 per student in public education spending.“We invest in our K-12 education system significantly to have a good product,” Siekerka said. “When millennials leave New Jersey, we aren’t getting a return on that investment.”
I was struck Sept. 11 by the fact that the Ridgewood does not have a village-wide sponsored memorial service. I realize that there is an ongoing display in the library and that Mt. Carmel Catholic Church held a mass. Mt. Carmel represents an important part of the community, but it is not a Village government-sponsored gathering. I contrast this with our other holidays. Each year residents gather to remember Martin Luther’s message with a march through town. Veterans service is recognized on Memorial Day with speeches at the column in Van Ness Park. We have a huge July 4 parade and celebration to commemorate the nation’s founding. I was disappointed that there wasn’t a more public memorial service for 9/11.
Each year, my wife and I participate in the Glen Rock 9/11 service. We did so again this year. It is a simple event with music and several survivors sharing their experiences. Several reflected on the profound changes in their lives that were a direct result of that terrorist act. The mayor speaks for the town. A member of the town’s religious community offers their thoughts. It concludes with a reading of the names of the 11 Glen Rockers that died. Many of those that attended were not family members of those who died. They were, however, mourning for missing friends and neighbors that needed the public affirmation of their loss.
One of the important aspects of a community memorial is the education of our kids. We do a lot to educate them about 9/11 in the public schools. A town-wide service would drive home many of the lessons they learn and emphasize the direct links between the Village and the tragedy. At the Glen Rock service, Boy Scouts handed out candles, the high school choir sang and children of all ages were moved by the impact the gathering had on their parents.
September 11, 2001 was a terrible event. In the aftermath, there was a period of good will and cooperation that reaffirmed all that is good in America. Annual public commemorations are important reminders of why this is a special country. Just as we remember July 4, Martin Luther King and Memorial Day, having the local government leaders gather the community together in public to remember who we are is important to our fabric as a community.
Our community was deeply and permanently impacted by the World Trade Center attack. We need an annual Village sponsored 9/11 memorial service.
James A. Morgan is a member of the Ridgewood Board of Education. He has written this letter in a personal, non-official manner
Washington DC, President Donald Trump took to Twitter again on Saturday to continue his attacks on NFL players protesting the national anthem.”If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL, or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem,” Trump tweeted. “If not, YOU’RE FIRED. Find something else to do!”
Earlier President Trump started his war of words with the NFL national anthem protesters setting off a firestorm , “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he’s fired. He’s fired!”
President Trump has gone as far as to say NFL fans should stop going to football games until players who kneel during the national anthem are suspended or fired.
Owners, players and media continue to defend the players actions ,while rating plummet and stadiums sit empty . The NFL seems to want to demand respect , while disrespecting . The right to protest and dissent is fundamental to the American way of life ,but so are the consequences of that protest.
While players feel that they have a right to give voice to past and present perceived injustices most fans see little more than a bunch of over paid athletes complaining about making far to much money. Like Entertainers , who are generally valued for their their talent not their political acumen most fans wish the players would just play football .
Recent revaluations about concussions have already done serious damage to the NFL brand casting a shadow over the leagues long term viability , but now the leagues efforts to alienate their fan base looks to be putting the final nails in the coffin .
Ridgewood NJ, In Ridgewood, NJ the Gold Star Mother’s Day Committee will sponsor our seventh annual event commemorating Gold Star Mother’s Day on Sunday, September 24th, at Van Neste Park. There will be a short ceremony starting promptly at 7:00 p.m. and hundreds of luminaries will be lit to honor Gold Star Mothers and their families. But in addition, our goal is to see thousands of other luminaries lit throughout Ridgewood and other towns on September 24th to honor the Gold Star Mothers and families!
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims September 24, 2017, as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As we solemnly observe Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, we honor and extend our deepest gratitude to the families of military service members who gave their last full measure of devotion to our country. Gold Star families have paid the ultimate price for our Nation’s freedom with the life of their loved ones. Our grateful Nation grieves with them in their loss, but also shares their pride in the selfless service of their sons and daughters.
Our country is built on the sacrifices of men and women who have willingly raised their hand to defend our Nation and its security. As members of our Armed Forces take an oath to protect our freedoms and liberty, they understand the gravity of their commitment to defend our way of life. And when that commitment results in the ultimate sacrifice, we come together as a Nation to walk beside the devoted families left behind and help them shoulder the vast absence they forever bear. Their loved ones did not die in vain. They gave of themselves to protect and defend the freedoms we all enjoy. Despite their grief, these families bravely move forward with dignity and grace.
Despite having endured unfathomable loss, many Gold Star families have turned their sorrow into action and community outreach to help others navigate this difficult journey. Their compassion, courage, determination, and strength inspire us all.
When the last rifle volley is fired, the final note of Taps echoes and fades away, and the carefully-folded National Colors are presented, it is our sacred duty to stand with these patriotic families to ensure they receive the care, compassion, and respect they have earned. On this day of remembrance, we pay tribute to those brave men and women in uniform who died protecting our great Nation, and we stand with the families who nurtured and loved them. Gold Star families have our sympathy, but more importantly, they have our respect and our gratitude.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as “Gold Star Mother’s Day.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 24, 2017, as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this special day. I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation’s gratitude and respect for our Gold Star Mothers and Families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
Ridgewood NJ, When you post today on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll likely reach thousands of folks very quickly. You’ll share a great idea or thought that could change the lives of many people.
Five hundred years ago, when you wanted to share your ideas, you posted them on the Church door. Martin Luther did just that, and probably didn’t have a clue that his post would turn the Church or his life upside down much less that his post would be celebrated for years to come.
This October 29, 2017 marks the 500th year since Martin Luther made his famous post. Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ridgewood has planned a full day of special activities to mark this anniversary. Please join us at 155 Linwood Avenue, Ridgewood.
A communion worship service will be offered at 10:45 AM. A brunch is being offered at noon (Please sign up on our website, www.bethlehemchurch.live, so we can sure to have enough food). A festival worship is offered at 1:30 PM with the collaboration of the Ars Música Chorale directed by world renowned organist James Kennerley. A reception will follow for all to meet and greet the Chorale and the Bethlehem Congregation.
You don’t have to be Lutheran to attend, nor do you need to wear your Sunday best! This is an opportunity to hear great music, exhilarating organ selections from Mr. Kennerley and getting to hear about Jesus.
More information and the brunch registration may be found at www.bethlehemchurch.live. You may also call the church office at 201-444-3600 (ext. 200) with any questions.
photos courtesy of the Paramus Police Department
September 24,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, The Paramus Police Department is ecstatic that Officer Jon Henderson was able to recover the lost engagement ring of Kimberly Garcia. On Sunday, Ms. Garcia was changing a flat tire on her vehicle on Route 4. When she returned home she realized that her ring was missing and called our department to file a report. An initial search by the victim and police failed to find the ring. The next day, Henderson spent his free patrol time scouring the area where she had been and was able to locate the ring near the roadway and return it to Ms.Garcia.
