Tag: Ridgewood Council

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Readers Debate “Free Speech” at Village of Ridgewood Council Meetings

Village Council Meeting2

file photo by Boyd Loving

July 28th ,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, After a federal court judge in Newark denied the dismissal of a freedom of speech violation lawsuit filed by a political operative against the City of Hoboken after he was ejected from the October 21 city council meeting.

Its seems that speech can not restricted during public comment at a council meeting . The previous mayor Paul Aronsohn and his administration tried many times either through rules, ordinances ,intimidation or silly anti free speech committees like the “Civility Committee”.

While readers best describe the new council ,”it’s amazing to watch the new council meetings. Respect for all those who ask questions. Even questions that are asked are answered or will be researched and followed up on. Keep up the good work.”

A reader suggests that some Section’s of the Village Code may violate an individual’s right to Freedom of Speech , we are not so sure :

“Except upon consent of the Council, by the majority vote of those present, each person addressing the Council pursuant to this section shall be required to limit his remarks to five minutes and shall at no time engage in any personally offensive or abusive remarks. On a hearing on ordinances on second reading, a person who has previously addressed the Council on the issue may be permitted a period of no more than an additional five minutes, after all others desirous of speaking on the issue have had an opportunity to do so, provided the comments of the speaker are not repetitive. The Chair shall call any speaker to order who violates any provision of this section.”

As does this one:

“Any person who shall disturb the peace of the Council, make impertinent or slanderous remarks or conduct himself in a boisterous manner while addressing the Council shall be forthwith barred by the presiding officer from further audience before the Council, except that if the speaker shall submit to proper order under these rules, permission for him to continue may be granted by a majority vote of the Council.”

Matt Rogers: Are you on this?

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RIDGEWOOD’s KASSCHAU SHELL FREE SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT UNDER THE STARS

Kasschau_Band_Shell_theridgewoodblog

July 27,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The music shell on Veteran’s Field was erected and donated as a gift to the Village in member of Frank Kasschau, a widely recognized choral conductor, organist and teacher.  The shell is dedicated to and accepted for use by the citizens of the Village of Ridgewood as a place where summer programs of fine music and related artistic and cultural endeavors may be presented to the community in a setting of natural beauty.

Bring your chair and blanket starts at 8:30pm.

Only three performances left ; July 28th TREBLE – Popular Rock , August 2nd Bishop of Jazz and His Abbotts (Rio Clemente) and August 4th Mack Brandon & The Connection – Popular Gospel .

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Deputy Mayor Michael Sedon Beats the Heat at Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool

Deputy Mayor Michael Sedon

photos by Boyd Loving

July 27,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Like a lot of residents ,Deputy Mayor Michael Sedon spent a day at Graydon trying to beat the heat .

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2016 SEASON GRAYDON POOL SEASON
Regular Season
Saturday, June 4 through August 14, 2016
Daily, 10 am to 7:30 pm
**Holiday** – July 4th, close 4 pm
Late Season
Monday, August 15 through Labor Day, September 5, 2016
Weekdays – 12 noon to 7:30 pm
Weekends/Holiday – 10 am to 7:30 pm

CONTACTS
Pool Manager’s Office – 201-670-5500, ext 7002 (in season)
Badge Office – 201-670-5500, ext 7003 (in season only)
Recreation Office at The Stable- 201-670-5560
[email protected]

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RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – Village priced memberships are available to Ridgewood residents, non-residents who pay local property taxes to the Village of Ridgewood, and employees of the Village of Ridgewood and Board of Education.  Proof is required.
ADULT – $120.00
CHILD – (ages 2-15, under 2 free) $110.00
SENIOR – $30.00 (62 and older)
PERMANENT DISABLED – $30.00
DAILY PASS – $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00

NON-RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – The Village Council and the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to invite all families in the surrounding area to join the Graydon Pool facility for the 2016 summer season.
ADULT (ages 16 and up) – $200.00
CHILD (ages 2-15) – $175.00
GUEST PASSES (must be accompanied by 2016 season member)- $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00

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Readers say There is no room for your NJEA style tactics in our Village of Ridgewood

Ridgewood EA teachers protest

Picketing our BOE with red shirts and signs is a union thug tactic . There is no room for your NJEA style tactics in our Village. Tell the full-time NJEA lawyers, activists and lobbyists advising the REA that we have no room for their thug-like tactics in our beautiful Village. Take it back to Hudson County.

I think the term “thugs” was used referring to union tactics but our teachers are not behaving professionally. If you look at the faces in the middle picture above none of them look very happy. I’d say malcontent is an accurate description. If I made a face like that at my job, I’d be placed on a PIP for having a bad attitude! I believe the majority of Ridgewood residents support the BOE holding the line given that we already pay our teachers very generously. We live in a beautiful town and we value education but a lot of us are struggling to make ends meet and our property taxes are getting out of hand. We don’t speak openly because we do not want our children punished in the classroom for our opinions.

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Two More Ridgewood Residents Report Identity Theft Incidents

Nigerian scam michael-scott-
July 27,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Ridgewood Police Department would like to remind citizens of the increased amount of scams. Always investigate communications made through postal mail, telephone, and/or the internet to prevent fraud and deceptive activity. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Ridgewood Police Department to ensure you’re not becoming a victim of these scams.

A Unadilla Road resident responded to headquarters on 7/20/16 to report identity theft in the past. The victim reported an unknown person utilized his personal identity to open a Comcast account in the state of Maryland between 10/07/15 and 12/31/15. The victim reported Comcast is in the process of clearing the victim’s name from balance of $2777.44.

A Hamilton Road resident responded to police headquarters on 7/23/16 to report a fraud in the past. The victim reported an unknown person utilized his personal identification to open Verizon Wireless account without authorization. The victim reported he began receiving letters from a collection agency in reference to the fraudulent account. Verizon was notified and advised the victim the situation is being taken care of.

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Ridgewood Motor Vehicle Stop Results in Stolen Car and Drug Arrest

ridgewood_police_theridgewoodblog
file photo by Boyd Loving
July 27,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ptl. Elwood conducted a motor vehicle stop on 7/22/16 which led to the arrest of Matthew Clancey Jr., age 50, 267 Hamilton Avenue Paterson, N.J. and Jordan R. Stevens, age 27, 88 North Street, Saddle Brook, N.J.

The vehicle was reported and confirmed to be a stolen motor vehicle operated by Mr. Clancey. Mr. Clancey was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and provided a false name in attempts to conceal a criminal history. Mr. Clancey was arrested and charged with Receiving Stolen Property, Hindering Apprehension, and Possession with intent to use Drug Paraphernalia .

The passenger, Mr. Stevens was arrested and charged with Possession with intent to use Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Hypodermic Syringe. Both arrestees were transported to headquarters, processed, provided criminal complaints and transported to the Bergen County Jail after failing to post bail.
All actors are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Free Speech is a Live and Well at Village of Ridgewood Council Meetings

New Ridgewood Village Council
file photo by Boyd Loving
July 26,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as previously reported on this blog the new Council has lead to more positive environment at council meetings. A reader said it best ,”it’s amazing to watch the new council meetings. Respect for all those who ask questions. Even questions that are asked are answered or will be researched and followed up on. Keep up the good work.”

In an article in the Hoboken/Weehawken, News by John Heinis July 25, 2016 , Hennis reports on why a Federal Judge denied Hoboken’s motion to dismiss freedom of speech violation suit.

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file photo by Boyd Loving of the 3 amigos 

Its seems that speech can not restricted during public comment at a council meeting . The previous mayor Paul Aronsohn and his administration tried many times either through rules, ordinances ,intimidation or silly anti free speech committees like the “Civility  Committee”.

“A federal court judge in Newark denied the dismissal of a freedom of speech violation lawsuit filed by a political operative against the City of Hoboken after he was ejected from the October 21 city council meeting.

On July 21, Judge Kevin McNulty denied two motions filed by the city to dismiss the complaint, writing that “the same issues of factual interpretation bar dismissal on grounds of qualified immunity.”

In the 11-page ruling, McNulty earlier noted that “qualified immunity issues (such as whether a violation was ‘objectively apparent’ under the circumstances at the time) may often require the kind of factual context that is only available on summary judgement or a trial.”

McNulty also states that although it is not proven that Liebler’s First Amendment rights were violated, “if it happened as plaintiff claims, then a First Amendment violation would have been apparent to a reasonable official in these Council members’ positions.”

https://hudsoncountyview.com/judge-denies-hobokens-motion-to-dismiss-freedom-of-speech-violation-suit/ “

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Reader says 1,100 applicants for Ridgewood BOE job openings in the past 12 months

REA Members come out to greet our Board of Ed

1,100 applicants for Ridgewood BOE job openings in the past 12 months. Hopefully there are a lot more job openings once we get rid of the thugs pictured above. Can anyone name these people? The look on their faces tells it all: they are smug, self-entitled, and angry about $15 co-pays instead of the current $10… let’s fire the malcontents and replace them with educators who want to work with our kids.

These teachers and their benefits are out of control. Hold the line BOE. Thank goodness most of our volunteer BOE members don’t have kids in the schools anymore – the REA abused previous board members who did have kids with veiled threats and heaped abuse. The REA’s tactics are in BAD faith, and they are selfish. Support our students, support the BOE and support Ridgewood taxpayers.

The greedy teachers don’t $15 co-pays, they want to keep $10. And their platinum coverage covers up to 96% of medical expenses both in and out of network with full family coverage worth $28,000 a year in premiums…. NO ONE in the private sector gets a plan like that, only greedy public sector workers who think it’s their right.

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Reader says I am still very annoyed to read that Gwenn Hauck was so involved in the Duck Derby

Gwenn Hauck Duck Derby Ridgewood

Whoever wrote that about Gwenn Hauck was on point. Why was she there in some kind of official capacity? Does she work for the Village? Is she an elected official? No, she does not and she is not. She is a VOLUNTEER on a committee. The event should have been run by an employee of the Village, not by a committee volunteer. Sorry, Mrs. Hauck, we no longer need or want you around. I was not at the duckie derby, but I am still very annoyed to read that she was so involved in it.

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Ridgewood Residents : Stay Safe During the Heat

Garydon Pool Ridgewood

Stay Safe During the Heat

The Red Cross recommends taking these steps to stay safe during the heat:

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service
Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles
Eat small meals and eat more often
Avoid extreme temperature changes
Limit intake of alcoholic beverages
Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid drinks with caffeine.
Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day
Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat
Take frequent breaks if working outdoors
Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat
Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat, and ensure they have water and a shady place to rest

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HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM EDT MONDAY

emergency_theridgewoodblog

…VERY HOT AND HUMID MONDAY… …HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM EDT MONDAY… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM EDTMONDAY. THE EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* HEAT INDEX VALUES…UP TO 103 DUE TO TEMPERATURES AROUND 90… AND DEWPOINTS IN THE LOWER 70S.

* TIMING…HIGHEST HEAT INDICESMONDAY AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS…THE COMBINATION OF THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY WILL INCREASE THE RISK FOR HEAT RELATED HEALTH ISSUES…ESPECIALLY FOR THE ELDERLY…THOSE WITH CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS SUCH AS LUNG AND HEART DISEASE…THOSE WORKING OUTDOORS…AND OTHER HEAT SENSITIVE GROUPS OF PEOPLE.

* AFFECTED AREAS: EASTERN BERGEN … EASTERN ESSEX … EASTERN PASSAIC … EASTERN UNION … HUDSON … WESTERN BERGEN … WESTERN ESSEX … WESTERN UNION

Instructions:

A HEAT ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN THE COMBINATION OF HEAT AND HUMIDITY IS EXPECTED TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE IT IS 100 TO 104 DEGREES FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE HOURS. TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY…CALL 9 1 1.

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Reader says The REA just wants more money taken from the students and extracurricular’s to pay for their average annual above inflation (and above 2% property tax cap) wage increases and “platinum” health plan benefits

REA Members come out to greet our Board of Ed

#DOITFIRDAKIDZ

The REA just wants more money taken from the students and extracurricular’s to pay for their average annual above inflation (and above 2% property tax cap) wage increases and “platinum” health plan benefits covering 96% of all medical benefits with $10 co-pays. Why are Ridgewood residents paying above average property taxes in Bergen County for schools to only cut spending on students to pay even more for teachers who already earn the highest average salaries in Bergen? Does this make any sense? Won’t our property values decline if our schools keep declining like they have?

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Reader says Ridgewood Teacher’s Union supporters are blatantly misleading readers and twisting facts

REA, ridgewoood teachers

You are blatantly misleading readers and twisting facts!!! Assuming you pay average Ridgewood property taxes of $16,000 a year, and assuming you are, in fact, a soon to retire teacher, then your $16,000 in property taxes helps cover the cost of Village contributions towards your lifetime defined benefit TPAF pension.

Assuming you are a Tier 1 member (enrolled in TPAF before July 2007), you can retire between age 55~60 you will receive full retirement benefits. To calculate how much your annual pension is worth, you divide your service time by 55, then multiple that by your average salary for the three years immediately preceding your retirement. So say 35 years divided by 55 = 63.6% of your average final salary $118,000 = $75,000 in taxpayer protected, defined benefit pension every year until you die which will be more than 25+ years if you retire at 60 and live to the average U.S. lifespan of 85 years. For this you contributed only 6.5% of your base salary but you get a defined benefit amount in retirement plan, i.e. you are insulated from any investment risk and benefit from taxpayer protected pension plan with an assumed annual rate of return of 7.95%. Yes the percentage contribution will gradually climb to 7.5% by 2018, but it’s still less than the 10% that PFRS members contribute and you take no investment risk like the rest of us with defined contribution IRAs or 401(k) plans. Those who enrolled in TPAF on June 28, 2011, or later are won’t be eligible until 65 for a pension, but that is for members who will retire in 35+ years from now, NOT you.

That $16,000 in property taxes also helps to subsidize your “Platinum” level health benefits, as defined by the ACA, which is an annual benefit of up to $28,000 a year depending on family member coverage. This plan covers up to 96% of eligible medial costs with $10 co-pays..TPAF members with at least 10 years of service time also receive a free group life insurance policy payable upon their death to their beneficiaries. You can also choose to purchase an additional group life policy that costs 0.4% of your paycheck. Not bad for $16,000 in property taxes, which is why it means you should be ASHAMED of your comment that “I am Ridgewood tax payer too and suffer just like you when the rates increase.” You don’t suffer, it’s in YOUR beneficial interest because you benefit from increased taxes which help pay for your retirement. Put in $16,000 a year in property taxes and get out over $105,000 in annual benefits. So please tell the whole story here or it truly is “shame on you.”

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New Central Business Advisory Committee just Another Way to Fast Track High density housing?

CBD ridgewood ArtChick

file photo by ArtChick

July 25,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, while the Village is looking for volunteer’s for the Financial Advisory Committee in an effort to turn it into a real financial advisory committee,by recruiting people with financial backgrounds instead of the current group of lawyers and political “yes men” that the ex mayor pushed . Many residents
have also asked to make sure the Financial Advisory Committee or FAC also post agenda’s and record minutes.

Meanwhile the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce is looking to control the New Central Business Advisory Committee.

The Chamber sent out and eblast to all it members asking them for input. Readers of this blog have already voiced concern about the Central Business Advisory Committee saying, “Another way to get Paul the Greek, John Saraseno and Ed Sullivan a fast track to the Council. Who thought up this committee?”

Others were even less impressed with the idea saying ,”(CBDAC) Another new committed ! What did we elect council for?”

The mission statement for the CBDAC committee:The Central Business District Advisory Committee will work with the Village Council, residents and businesses to evaluate and initiate enhancements to improve traffic flow, parking, pedestrian safety, and the mix and balance of business establishments; while incorporating and refining the CBD’s historic elements and beauty to create a desirable, vibrant and memorable destination for all visitors.

The terms are for 2 years, staggering to serve one year term at the outset. The Point person is Councilman Ramon M. Hache who can be reached at [email protected] , or by calling 201-670-5500 ext. 201 .

SEEKING RESIDENTS AND OTHER PERSONS TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON THE FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the Financial Advisory Committee and the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC).

The Financial Advisory Committee assists in the review and understanding of the financial considerations necessary to the operation of the Village and the Village’s preparation of the Annual and Capital Budgets; provides review, advice and recommendations to the Village Council on Village financial and budgetary matters; and prepares an annual report for the Village Council to assist the Councilmembers in their budget preparation.  Members will preferably have strong finance, accounting, government and/or business backgrounds.

The Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) will work with the Village Council, business owners and residents to evaluate and initiate enhancements to improve the viability of the CBD, including traffic flow and patterns, parking, pedestrian safety and the balance of commercial uses; while maintaining and refining the historic and aesthetic elements to create a more desirable, vibrant and memorable destination for all visitors. The CBDAC is made up of one representative from the Chamber of Commerce; one representative from the Ridgewood Guild; five Ridgewood residents (one of whom shall be a member of the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee); and three business owners, one of whom is a property owner in the CBD.

All interested residents and others wishing to serve on these committees should send the following:

A cover letter indicating on which committee(s)the person wishes to serve
A Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website under forms)
A biography or resume

to:         Heather Mailander, Village Clerk

Village of Ridgewood

131 North Maple Avenue

Ridgewood, NJ  07450

Deadline for submissions is August 5, 2016.

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Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market

RidgewoodFarmersMarket_theridgewoodblog6
Sun, June 26, 2016 – Sun, October 30, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Train Station Parking Lot, Godwin Ave & W Ridgewood Ave

Event Description

It is here!
Sundays
June 26, 2016 – October 30, 2016
9:00am – 3:00pm

Enjoy “Farm to Table”
Ridgewood Train Station
Parking Lot West Side

or call 201-445-2600