She exhibited several episodes of unprofessionalism and inappropriate behavior to be our village manager. Her classless, drama-filled exit yesterday; interfering with citizen’s right to petition and most importantly spending over $200,000 of taxpayer money on a highly contested, questionable outcome of the garage. She signed construction documents committing to a floor plan for the garage BEFORE the November vote. She did not seem to understand that she reported to a 5 member council, that all 5 members represent residents. Her treatment towards 2 council members and residents was horrible and several displays of arrogant, disrespectful treatment not only displayed bad judgment but her incapability to manage effectively. I think all 5 council members should meet with each department again to reevaluate and understand what’s been going on (Roberta led meetings with new council members but her presence thwarted full disclosure from employees).
There’s something about Obamacare that really shines a light on the stupid. And by that I mean stupid politicians, stupid “experts,” and even regular – but stupid – Americans. And in case you missed it, the last few weeks have presented us, and the presidential candidates, with more solid evidence of ACA-related stupidity than usual. Let’s look at the top three contenders on the Obamacare Stupid Bowl ’16:
First, we now know that Obamacare enrollment has fallen short by 24 million people. The real number of enrolled Americans in ACA plans is 11.1 million. Making matters worse is the fact that a major chunk of the people not signing up are the younger and healthier Americans the ACA’s architects were foolishly relying on to help absorb the costs from older and sicker enrollees. This is the continuing development that many call the “Obamacare Death Spiral.”
Second, so many Insurance companies are curtailing their participation in Obamacare exchanges that 31 percent of U.S. counties are likely to have just one insurance company option for health coverage by next year. That’s what we call a monopoly. And in case you don’t know how dangerous monopolies can be in health care, Google the words “Mylan” and “EpiPen” when you get a chance.
I heard she was a competent administrator, but the few times I spoke with her, I had the sense she did not understand numbers, so I never formed an impression of her abilities one way or the other. At the same time, I believe she too strongly pushed Paul Aronsohn’s self-promotion and political agenda, by, for instance urging people not to sign the parking petition. I also thought her letter to the editor a few weeks back regarding Schedler was completely off the mark and bizarre. Having politicized her position and made it personal, she created her own fate.
Perhaps it is her method of leaving that most reveals her true character and ability. Arrive on Tuesday to announce you are leaving a CEO role on Friday and then send emails to staff saying its all too hostile for you to stay on??? A person in that position – – someone who signed up to promote and preserve the health, safety and welfare of 25,000 people – – should have the fortitude and wherewithal to give adequate notice, ensure a smooth transition and go out with head held high. Instead, we get more drama.
2. 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.”
3. Roll Call
4. ORDINANCES – CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
3540 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Regulations for Political Signs and Temporary Signs
3541 – Repeal Ordinance 3066
5. Resolution #16-254 – Confirm Endorsement of Community Development Block Grant – SHARE, Inc. – 130 Prospect Street – Emergency Repair of Hot Water Heating Boiler – Confirms endorsement of a $15,000 CDB grant. This resolution does not obligate the financial resources of the Village but will expedite the expenditure of Community Development funds.
6. Adjournment
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S
PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 7, 2016
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 5 Minutes per Person – 30 Minutes in Total)
6. Discussion
a. Community Development Block Grant – SHARE, INC.
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
Update on Lead in Water
Friends of Schedler
11. Discussion
Ridgewood Water
Award Contract – Two Jeep Patriot Vehicles – Water Department
Award Contract – Feasibility Study for Removing PFCs at the Carr Treatment
Facility
Award Contract – Design and Construction Administrative Services for Various Improvements at Booster and Transfer Stations
b. Parking
Valet Parking – Chestnut Street
Traffic Calming Project Near Travell School
Sherman Place, Stanley Place and Pomander Walk Parking Issues
Amendment to Parking Regulations for Brookside Avenue
Regulations on Broken Meters
c. Budget
Award Contract – Ford F350 Pickup Truck – Traffic & Signal Department
Award Contract – Ford F350 Pickup Truck – Traffic & Signal Department
Award Contract – Purchase of Brush Chipper – Parks Department
Award Contract – Two Stump Grinders – Parks Department
Award Contract – Second Year – Laboratory Analysis Services – Graydon Pool & Water Pollution Control Facility
Award Contract – Second Year – Sodium Bisulfite Solution and Sodium Hypochlorite Solution – Water Pollution Control Facility
Award Contract – Elgin Street Sweeper – Streets Department
Award Contract – Electronic Equipment, Software and Computer Upgrades
Award Contract – Property Maintenance Services for Derelict Properties
EUS – Blower Motor – Water Pollution Control Facility
Authorize Extension of Leasing Maintenance Program – Police Cars
Surplus of Dump Truck – Parks Department
Ridgewood Senior Citizen Housing Corporation Pilot
Amend Capital Budget for Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch
Shared Service Agreement – Child Health Clinic to Include Fair Lawn
Reject Bid – Janitorial Services
d. Policy
Letter to Planning Board on Revisiting Master Plan for AH-2, B-3-R, and C-R Zones
General Lighting Policy at Village Parks and Lots
Amend Ordinance #3547 – Sale of Dogs and Cats
Ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Transportation Alternatives Program Grant
Amend Chapter 275 – Yard Waste
Discussion of Ord. 3532 – Regulations of Audio/Video Recordings at Public Meetings
Historic Preservation Grant – Schedler House
Discussion of Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Grant – Kings Pond Park
Policy on Public Comment
e. Operations
Authorize Property Maintenance Violation Service at 505 Fairway Road
Cleanup of Gypsy Pond/Kings Pond Area
12. Review of September 14, 2016 Regular Public Meeting Agenda
13. Manager’s Report
14. Council Reports
15. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
16. Resolution to go into Closed Session
17. Closed Session
a. Legal – Valley Hospital Litigation; HealthBarn
b. Personnel – Village Clerk’s Office, Village Manager’s Office
BOE – stay strong. The teachers are unreasonable. Might not have this opinion if it was a different town but Ridgewood has always been very supportive of teachers and education as illustrated by the pay scale. We just can’t and don’t want to afford to indulge them any more. Note: Rankings are slipping … time to reconsider a lot when it comes to our schools. Some new blood might be a very good thing. Please move on if you are not happy with what our BOE is offering you.
Teachers remain completely unreasonable and are not negotiating with our volunteer BOE in good faith. Time for higher pension contributions, higher copays, and salaries growing less than the 2% property tax cap. It’s time to wake up to the reality faced by all residents of Ridgewood, not just your “la-la fantasy world” union rose tinted glasses greed.
It is time for teachers and there arrogant union leaders to step in to the twenty first century and stop livening as though it was the 1950’s where you did not have great pay and benefits. BOE say no to these people the taxpayer is fed up.
You can keep someone around with a less-than-great attitude if they’re highly competent, experienced, and brilliant. Maybe you can keep someone around who’s less than great, but their sunshine makes everybody happy and they get things done. People kept saying that at least she wasn’t an alcoholic like previous managers. Can you imagine hearing someone say that about yourself in your job? Talk about faint praise.
She worked hard–many hours–we know this because she mentioned it a lot. But what was she doing? Working on projects behind some council members’ backs and intended to foil the wishes of residents. Determinedly following through on Aronsohn’s plans. This woman was a hiring disaster except for the person who hired her. Unqualified for many important Village Manager tasks, requiring expensive outsourcing and in one case, the excuse for creating an HR position for a friend that quickly morphed from part time to full time. Let’s get rid of that person and that position soon.
Sonenfeld was incompetent, defensive, “attitude” prone, disrespectful of council members and the public, all too willing to do the former mayor’s bidding. Shockingly, did not hesitate to chew out council members–totally unacceptable. Expressed far more personal opinions than a manager should.
Waster of money, pusher of projects we didn’t need–most recently the digging up and overhauling of Van Neste, which fortunately was caught in time. Cashed in her favor-chips with that HR job and giving her Health Barn friend part of a municipal park (let’s rip up that contract asap). Never learned the true role of a village manager. We will be far better off without her. Aronsohn’s legacy is now diminished in the most significant way since the council election. CLEAN HOUSE. (Judge Pfund needs to go, too.)
Glen Rock NJ, A crew working for PSE&G that was setting new utility poles on Lincoln Avenue in Glen Rock struck and ruptured a water main near Cornelia Place on Tuesday afternoon, 09/06. Traffic on Lincoln Avenue in both directions was disrupted while personnel from Ridgewood Water repaired the leak and the utility company resumed work setting poles. No injuries were reported in the incident. Hawthorne PD officers provided traffic control during the disruption.
Hackensack NJ, Rep. Scott Garrett today announced the Veterans for Garrett coalition and unveiled its district-wide leadership team. The members of Veterans for Garrett are all actively involved in various veterans’ affairs and veterans’ organizations, and include Roy Bud, a Bergen County Vietnam Veteran; Frank Crotty, a Bergen County Vietnam Veteran; Fmr. Assembly Majority Leader Paul DiGaetano, United States Navy; William Dobbins, a Warren County Vietnam Veteran; Senator Michael Doherty, Captain United States Army; Patty Green; Col. John “Jack” O’Neil (Ret.); Lt. Col. Larry Peterson (Ret.); and Bob Salvini.
“The sacrifices made by these brave men and women are the reason we are able to enjoy our freedom and liberty today,” said Rep. Scott Garrett. “I am incredibly honored that the members of this coalition have agreed to join me in this re-election effort so that I may continue to serve those who have served our state and our nation.”
In an open letter addressed to fellow veterans, Veterans for Garrett said, “We are dedicated to the appropriate recognition of all veterans for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of our great nation and to assuring prompt and proper medical care for them upon their return to civilian life. Thus, we are proud to announce our support for Congressman Scott Garrett and it is our hope that he will be able to count on your support as well.”
The letter also detailed Congressman Garrett’s impressive record of working vigorously on behalf of America’s veterans, which includes the following:
Scott Garrett helped lead the New Jersey Congressional delegation in ensuring reduced waiting time for medical attention and to improve the care provided by the Veterans’ Administration. Scott Garrett has strongly supported the Veterans Choice Program allowing veterans to seek care outside of the VA system if they choose. Scott Garrett co-sponsored the VA Accountability Act, authorizing the discharge of employees at the VA for poor job performance or misconduct. Scott Garrett is a co-sponsor of the Toxic Exposure Research Act which establishes a national VA center to study and treat the long-term problems experienced by veterans and their children as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals. Most significantly for veterans in Sussex and Warren Counties, New Jersey, Scott Garrett has been the moving force behind the VA’s decision to open a new VA Clinic in Newton, making VA care much more accessible to veterans in Northwest New Jersey. On behalf of the first responders suffering from medical conditions related to the September 11th terrorist attacks, Scott Garrett is a proud co-sponsor of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
Hillary Clinton is caught up in a marathon coughing fit and struggles to speak in Cleveland but tries to play it off as an ‘allergic reaction’ to Trump
Clinton caught a case of dry mouth during Labor Day speech in Cleveland ‘Every time I think about Trump I get allergic,’ Clinton quipped afterwards She and her VP nominee Tim Kaine stressed importance of winning Ohio Clinton’s critics have raised questions about her alleged health problems Said today that she doesn’t ‘pay attention’ to those conspiracy theories
By FRANCESCA CHAMBERS, WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT FOR DAILYMAIL.COM IN CLEVELAND, OHIO
PUBLISHED: 14:56 EST, 5 September 2016 | UPDATED: 11:47 EST, 6 September 2016
Hillary Clinton caught a case of dry mouth on Monday afternoon that caused her to choke and cough through the first few minutes of her stump speech at a Labor Day event.
Clinton welled up as the coughing fit continued and told a park full of people in Cleveland, Ohio, that it was an ‘allergic reaction’ to Donald Trump.
‘Every time I think about Trump I get allergic,’ she whispered before she whipped out a glass of water from behind the podium and took a big gulp.
JEREMY BEAMAN – UNIVERSITY OF MOBILE •SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
‘A safe space for Black CSLA students …’
California State University Los Angeles recently rolled out segregated housing for black students.
The arrangement comes roughly nine months after the university’s Black Student Union issued a set of demands in response to what its members contend are frequent “racist attacks” on campus, such as “racially insensitive remarks” and “microaggressions” by professors and students. One demand was for a “CSLA housing space delegated for Black students.”
“[It] would provide a cheaper alternative housing solution for Black students. This space would also serve as a safe space for Black CSLA students to congregate, connect, and learn from each other,” the demand letter stated.
(all timeframes and the order of agenda items below are approximate and subject to change)
7:30 p.m. – Call to Order, Statement of Compliance, Flag Salute, Roll Call – In accordance with the provisions of Section 10:4-8d of the Open Public Meetings Act, the date, location, and time of the commencement of this meeting is reflected in a meeting notice, a copy of which schedule has been filed with the Village Manager and the Village Clerk, The Ridgewood News and The Record newspapers, and posted on the bulletin board in the entry lobby of the Village municipal offices at 131 North Maple Avenue, and on the Village website, all in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act.
7:55 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Riverside Medical Group Minor Site Plan and Variances, 74 Oak Street, Block 2009, Lot 6
9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Ridgewood Dayton, LLC Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan, 100 & 152 South Broad Street, Block 3707, Lot 5.01 and Block 3905, Lot 1.01
11:00 p.m. – 11:05 p.m. – Adoption of Minutes: August 23, 2016
11:05 p.m. – Executive Session (if necessary)
Adjournment
In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, all meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work sessions, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings, which are always open to members of the general public.
Members: Susan Knudsen, Jeff Voigt, Joel Torielli, Melanie McWilliams, David Scheibner, Richard Joel, Kevin Reilly, David Thurston, Isabella Altano, Debbie Patire
Professional Staff: Blais L. Brancheau, Planner; Christopher J. Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Michael Cafarelli, Board Secretary
Breaking Update : (8:17 pm)the Ridgewood blog has learned that the now former Village manager was escorted out the building after misusing her Village email by sending out misinformation about her departure.
Ridgewood NJ, various sources have confirmed as of 9:17 am this morning Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld as tendered her resignation . Her last official day is Friday . We are not sure if she will be at the Council meeting tomorrow night . Heather Mailander will take over temporary manager duties.
September 6th 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wyckoff NJ , the campaign season kicked off a little early with Congressman Scott Garrett holding a rally to an over flow crowd at the Wyckoff public library .Garrett hit on his usual themes focusing deficit reduction, working people keeping more of their own money ,Bergen County rail safety, creating more economic opportunities and focusing his criticism on Dodd Frank and among many things it’s institutionalization of “Too big to Fail”.
The well attended event featured GOP Chair Paul DiGaetano whipping up the crowd in a further indication of a major shift of Bergen County Republican Organization politics. It is no secret of past strains between the BCRO and the Congressman . DiGaetano’s appearance was a welcome sight to many Garrett supporters who have long looked at the BCRO as the enemy.
Garrett spoke about the Choice Act ,” Washington desperately needs transparency. Dodd-Frank created bureaucracies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that gave immense power to a single, politically appointed director who makes economic decisions on your behalf. The CFPB tells you what financial products you can have or not have because they think they know what’s best for you when it comes to loans, mortgages and car purchases.”
He continued ,”Our plan makes the CFPB, and other unaccountable agencies, into bipartisan commissions. We would also require all financial regulations to undergo strict cost-benefit tests to make sure they’re not doing more harm than good. And we would change the system to ensure that all major financial regulations are approved by Congress before they are imposed on the American people.”
During the Q&A Garrett took a swipe at the Bergen Record’s coverage of him ,reminding a Record reporter that (unlike the Ridgewood blog) no Record reporter has ever come to any of his DC press conferences.
Rep. Garrett summarized , “Spending more money than we have is dangerously short-sighted and continues to stifle the economic future of our country. I will continue fighting to rein-in Washington’s out-of-control spending so our children and grandchildren can have an opportunity to achieve their own American Dream.”
Trenton, NJ , Governor Chris Christie demanded today that the Senate “do its job” and act on seven judicial vacancies that are jeopardizing the efficient delivery of justice to citizens in Mercer County, where the reassignment of a Superior Court judge this week underscored the emergent need for a full complement of judges in the vicinage.
In May, Governor Christie nominated seven qualified candidates, both Democrats and Republicans, to fill the Mercer County vacancies, but the Democrat-controlled Senate has failed to schedule them for a review and confirmation.
Now, Superior Court Judge Pedro Jimenez, a Middlesex County judge who has been assisting Mercer County in its criminal courts for the past seven years, is being reassigned back to his home county. Mercer County, which normally has a complement of 24 judges, has had one vacancy on the bench since March 2012 and six other vacancies since the departure of six judges in the fall of 2014.
“This is a complete disservice to the public and it falls firmly at the feet of Senate Democrats. They continue to fail in their constitutional responsibility to review and act on nominees to many key government posts in New Jersey, including the courts. Just as Senate Democrats created problems in Essex County a couple of years ago by blocking appointments, their inaction now in Mercer County is impeding the effective delivery of justice there,” said Governor Christie. “These judicial vacancies not only threaten our efforts to enact bail reform, but also leave the short-staffed Mercer County judicial system juggling to resolve serious matters, such as issuing restraining orders for victims of domestic violence and providing people accused of crimes a swift adjudication of their cases.”
Beyond Mercer County, the Senate also has failed to act on six other Superior Court nominees waiting to fill judicial vacancies elsewhere in the state and they are holding up 76 other nominations made by Governor Christie to various boards and commissions that serve the public.
