The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, the historic Warner Theater property, a notable part of Ridgewood’s heritage, was a key topic during a special public meeting of the Ridgewood Village Council on January 8, 2025. The council entered a closed session to discuss contract negotiations regarding the theater.
Continue reading Ridgewood Village Council Discusses Warner Theater in Closed Session
VILLAGE COUNCIL
SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING
JUNE 14, 2023
Continue reading Village Council Special Public Meeting Agenda Closed
Councilwoman Hauck claimed on Facebook that all of the Village Council unanimously wanted her to serve on the mediation team. She wrote that “all five” of them wanted her to serve. This proved to be inaccurate. She asked to be on the mediation team so she could “learn about the litigation.” Susan Knudsen did not want her to be, Mike Sedon was interested but had childcare issues, Albert was recused from the discussion, and Aronsohn wanted Gwenn to serve. According to public comments by Councilman Sedon, the four of them “conceded” to allow Mrs. Hauck to serve. Valley got exactly what they wanted. A friend and generous donor served on the mediation team that was in place to help the residents of Ridgewood. And who won? Surprise, surprise, The Valley rode herd on us.
And oh, by the way, Councilwoman Hauck violated the confidentiality of the Closed Session meeting on December 2nd by announcing on social media how the discussion went. Not only did she violate the closed session meeting confidentiality, but what she said was also grossly inaccurate.
file photo by Boyd Loving
Reader asks I would like to know if Councilman Pucciarelli and Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck recused themselves from that closed session discussion on Valley
RULES FOR SOME BUT NOT FOR OTHERS ?
I would like to know if Councilman Pucciarelli and councilwoman Gwenn Hauck recused themselves from that closed session discussion on Valley. After all, Mr Pucciarelli stated during his campaign several times that he would recuse himself if Valley came to the council. In fact, he was very upset that one of his running mates, Russ Forenza, did not disclose his wife’s affiliation with Valley and therefore, Russ would have to recuse himself if he won a seat on council.
The Village Manager was so concerned whether Councilwoman Susan Knudsen should recuse herself from the (Residency) discussion because Susan had relatives on the current police or fire list that she informed Mr. Roger who then suggested to Susan that she recuse herself even though it plainly stated that they were not going to discuss police or fire. When question about this at an open meeting Mr. Roger said something to the effect that you never know were these discussion lead to. Whats changed? If these two did not recuse themselves then how do we know that Valley Hospital maybe privy to inside information. Our Mayor should have know that this would be a hot button item and for transparency reasons he could have made an announcement prior to going into closed session that these two would not attend. I get it .They are just to busy taking care of the chamber and the developers that they don’t have time for civility or transparency
file photo by Boyd Loving
Ridgewood under fire for closed session
MARCH 11, 2015, 11:59 AM LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015, 12:10 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD – A councilwoman with three sons in line for village police jobs claims several officials broke the law last month by meeting behind closed doors to discuss changes to Ridgewood’s residency requirement.
“This belonged in open session,” Councilwoman Susan Knudsen insisted at a recent council meeting, noting no specific village employee’s position was discussed during the closed-door meeting, but rather a policy relating to Ridgewood’s hiring practices.
“We did not follow the law,” Knudsen said. “That’s not an allegation, it’s a fact.”
But Village Attorney Matthew Rogers maintains officials acted appropriately, saying “the topic under discussion” by the council that evening “fit into the exceptions” outlined in the Open Public Meetings Act.
The village’s labor attorney also concluded the council did not violate the law.
“Generally, at the time the decision was made, it is my understanding there was reason to believe such discussions could impact upon the terms and conditions of employment of specific prospective employees or employee groups,” said Beth Hinsdale-Piller.
Knudsen opposes any change to the requirement.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-under-fire-for-closed-session-1.1286592
