Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Blog has learned the Ridgewood new code enforcement officer has been making the rounds in the CBD counting chairs and tables to check if restaurants are in compliance with their the outdoor cafe permits . She has issued several written warning for those that are in violation. We wonder if she is also check for encroachments in to the pedestrian right of way? Is she checking for planters and flower pots that made impeded people from walking or parking their car ( and lets nor forget people with disabilities) ? Does she do her checking during her 9-5 work day or does she come out at night and on the weekend when restaurants load up the sidewalk and tables?
This morning at 10 am I had the opportunity to meet with PSEG officials along with Village Engineer, Chris Rutishauser and Janet Fricke, Assistant to the Village Manager. The hour long meeting resulted in PSE&G representatives agreeing to reschedule work on North and South Broad Street to begin in January. David Hollenbeck, PSE&G regional public affairs manager, who along with other representatives from the utility agreed to implement a work-around schedule pushing the start date to on or about January 9, 2017, avoiding a critical fourth quarter impact on businesses in the area. The rescheduling resulted from a cooperative effort to resolve the issue of work previously scheduled to begin Sept. 26, in the Village’s historic business district. The meeting was cordial and professional. PSE&G officials appreciated the vulnerabilities of our small businesses, especially during the fourth-quarter holiday retail season. They responded and we’re most appreciative.
The Village Council, recognizing the serious nature of the work in upgrading utility infrastructure, is grateful to PSE&G for working collaboratively with us.As well we appreciate the patience of our businesses while we worked through the details with PSEG. We wish you all the greatest success and many, many sales during the upcoming fourth quarter.
(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.Roll call: Knudsen, Voigt, Altano, Joel, Reilly, Patire, Thurston, Scheibner, Torielli, McWilliams
7:35 p.m. – 7:40 p.m. – Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board
7:40 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. – Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics, Correspondence Received by the Board
7:45 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. – Ridgewood/Dayton, Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan, 100 & 152 South Broad Street, Blocks 3707/3905, Lots 5.01/1.01 – Public Hearing continued from September 6, 2016
10:15 p.m. – 10:20 p.m. – Adoption of Minutes: October 20, 2015
10:20 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – Unfinished Business and New Business- Open Space Committee Liaison, Resolution re: Appointment of Alternate Planning Board Counsel, Scheduling of meetings and applications, Committee Appointments, and discussion of any other open items
10:30 p.m. – Executive Session (if necessary)
AdjournmentIn 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
“Golden Toilet” by Maurizio Cattelan retrospective at the Guggenheim
September 17,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New York NY, Are you sitting down? Maurizio Cattelan: “America” opened yesterday, September 16, in one of the museum’s public restrooms. “America”—the first piece that #Cattelan has exhibited since his 2011 retrospective at the Guggenheim—is a working toilet cast from gold, which museumgoers are allowed to use just as they would any other facility in the building. In a gallery environment where visitors are usually told, “don’t touch,” this is an extraordinary opportunity to spend time completely alone with a work of art.
Its nice to see a Golden Toilet get a appreciation it deserves .
We often get asked great article ,but what does this have to do with Ridgewood ? The Ridgewood blog was inspired by the “Golden Toilet” retrospective. Many of our readers have accused the Village of flushing money down the toilet years . Recent projects like the idiotic “traffic easing”, or the over priced ramp at Graydon pool ring a bell but for many the “Golden Toilet Fiasco: was one of the biggest flushes of money down the drain .The $400,000 toilet rivaled only the “Village Hall Fiasco” . While not quite on the same scope financially as the Village Hall Fiasco ,the “Golden Toilet ” became emblematic for everything wrong with the Village of Ridgewood.
Government has become a self perpetuating beast; enacting regulations (to protect the people!) which require people to enforce, require extra hours and costs to adhere to them and thus driving up costs for everyone else. The private sector has profit as motivation, government has service as its mandate. Government should not be running businesses that private enterprises can provide cheaper https://theridgewoodblog.net/the-golden-toilet-government-has-become-a-self-perpetuating-beast/
So next time you hear that the “Government” , or “Village Hall ” ought to do something remember the “Golden Toilet ” a $400,000 place wher only an 5th grader can go.
“here I sit all Brokenhearted paid a dime and only ….well you know the rest.
Ridgewood NJ, On Saturday morning September 17th the underpass on West Glen Ave will be closed to all traffic from 8am until 4pm for utility work. Detours will be in place at Oak Street and North Monroe Street. Police officers will be stationed at intersections around the detour to assist with keeping the traffic flowing.
NEWARK NJ ,New Jersey Transit Police have charged a man with criminal sexual contact after identifying him from a victim’s description given to police a few days earlier.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday, September 9, 50-year-old Raghavan E. Narayanan of Hillsborough was arrested at Newark Penn Station and charged with criminal sexual contact. Officers recognized him from a description given by a female customer, who reported a man inappropriately touched her while on board a NJ TRANSIT train two days earlier.
“We are grateful that the New Jersey Transit Police were able to act so quickly in apprehending this person,’’ said Interim Executive Director Dennis Martin. “The safety of our customers is paramount to us and we do not take that lightly.’’
“The officers of the New Jersey Transit Police Department are the eyes and ears of the state’s transportation system,’’ said Police Chief Christopher Trucillo. “Incidents like this reinforce how our police department is vigilant when it comes to protecting our customers both in plain sight and behind the scenes.’’
Narayanan was issued a summons and released pending a court date for later this month.
The charges and allegations contained in this release are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Rurik Halaby called Schedler a DUMP, said any plan to spend money there is STUPID, And with his penchant for big fancy words and historical accuracy, he still cannot pronounce the Mayor’s name. Rurik, it is not KAH-nudsen. It is a silent K. You KAH-now how the silent K works, dontcha?
Tony Damiano made a fool of himself and the entire Ridgewood Guild. First he gets all huffy that his name was put on a committee. Seems he is unwilling to serve on any committee unless he knows all the members beforehand, because, well, he wants TOTAL CONTROL. Then he whines and whines about his mom and pop store and how his 8-hour employee has to lock the store and drive around for 20 minutes after four hours in order to find another parking space to cover the next four hours. Ummm …..start at Cottage Place before your work day begins, park there all day, you never need to leave. It is so simple. Damiano LIED when he said there is nowhere for his employee to park. He just doesn’t want his employee to walk a couple of blocks from the always empty Cottage lot. Duh.
The owner of Roots restaurant mentioned that “Roberta” is a bad word that he hesitates to use in the council chambers.
On a very sad note, Mayor Knudsen acknowledged the passing of Meegan Shevlin, who lost her battle with breast cancer last week. Whether you agreed with Meegan or not, hers was always a lively, passionate, and informed voice on various subjects. She was a wonderful person and a fine example of citizen participation in local issues.
And then there was the continuing revelation that the mystery of the concrete which was illegally dumped at Kings Pond last year remains, well, it remains a MYSTERY. Boyd Loving has attempted to learn what contractor did this dumping, who from the Village enabled it, all with the goal of making sure that such an EPA violation never happens again. And to make sure that this contractor is never hired again. And to make sure that anyone on the inside who enabled this illegal action gets called on the carpet.
The meeting was smooth, efficient, and wow, just amazing how Roberta’s absence is a beautiful presence…..or you might say it is the PRESENT that just keeps on giving.
Ridgewood NJ, last night council meeting saw Rurik Halaby in fine form, pronouncing Mayor Susan Knudsen’s name wrong once again and ranting that Schedler was a dump filled with broken glass,plastic bottles and god knows what else. He further claimed the house was a junk heap and there were no endangered species there claiming that Eagles don’t hang out near highways.
Anne Loving remedied the situation, durring the public comment she asked Susan about the pronounciation of her name so that all would hear. Don’t know if Rurik or it was past his bed time but it will be in the minutes.
Deputy Mayor Michael Sedon is planning to request municipal funds to be used to upgrade the tree replacement program which is practically non existent except for volunteer efforts. We have been losing trees due to age, sidewalk replacement, storms and neglect. At one time Ridgewood had nine employees in the Shade Tree Division now we have three.
But the big news I heard is that the sports groups/ field committee are looking to replace the turf at Maple Field. Councilmen Ramon Hache said that it is so hard and damaged that it is unsafe to play on. Artificial turf in a flood plain well here we go again. A little snippet from the Ridgewood blog in 2007 ; Reader says, “All you “fiscally responsible” folks — artificial turf, like that at Maple, is the way to go” https://theridgewoodblog.net/reader-says-all-you-fiscally-responsible-folks-artificial-turf-like-that-at-maple-is-the-way-to-go/
Parking came up as usual and there is concern that it is now on the back burner but the council is currently looking at all their options and revisiting the Hudson Street Garage.
Heather Mailander was very competent and managerial. What a pleasure and such a change from our previous manager who talked more than the whole council put together.
Strongly Urges Customers Not to Use or Charge the Device Onboard Vehicles or in Facilities
September 13, 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Following safety concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note7, NJ TRANSIT is strongly urging all customers not to use or charge the mobile device on board trains, buses, light rail vehicles or in stations and facilities.
“We are asking our customers who have the Galaxy Note7, to simply turn it off before entering an NJ TRANSIT facility or boarding a vehicle.” said interim Executive Director Dennis Martin. “Because of the uncertainties surrounding this device, we are issuing this precautionary advisory to ensure the safety of all of our customers.”
The Samsung Galaxy Note7 has been the subject of numerous accounts of the batteries bursting into flames. Both Samsung and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission are urging owners to power down these devices and stop charging or using them.
“NJ TRANSIT is urging our customers to do the responsible thing and heed the manufacturer’s advice to power down the Galaxy Note7” said Gardner Tabon, Chief of NJ TRANSIT’s Office of System Safety. “This is especially critical when riding a transit system along with hundreds of thousands of others.”
NJ TRANSIT has not had any reported cases of a Samsung Galaxy Note7 becoming a fire hazard. In February 2016, NJ TRANSIT restricted customers and employees from using, charging, storing or transporting hoverboards following similar fire safety concerns.
Ridgewood NJ, looks to be a very full plate for the Village Council for tonight’s meeting .The agenda features some changes in public comment at Village council meetings, the repeal of the requirementof notification of audio/video recordings , amending the Valet Parking Ordinance for Chestnut Street, amending the 2016 Capital Budget for Northwest Bergen County Central Dispatch, authorizing the Application for Historic Preservation Grant for Zabriskie-Schedler House, and authorizing the Application for Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Grant for Kings Pond Park. There are also a host of appointments to the Financial Advisory Committee, Central Business District Advisory Committee and the Ridgewood Arts Council.
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL
REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING
SEPTEMBER 14, 2016
8:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
5. Acceptance of Financial Reports
6. Approval of Minutes
7. Proclamations
A. Fire Prevention Week
B. Gold Star Mother’s Day
C. National Breast Cancer Awareness Week
8. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 5 minutes per person – 30 minutes in total)
9. Village Manager’s Report
10. Village Council Reports
11. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
12. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
13. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
16-285 Award Contract under State Contract – Two Jeep Patriot Vehicles (NTE $42,793) – Awards a contract under State Contract to Hertrich Fleet Services, Inc., 1427 Bay Road, Milford, DE
14. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3548 – Amend Chapter 265 Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Regulations – Brookside Avenue – Amends this chapter to provide for three hour parking, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, from September 1 through June 30, on both sides of Brookside Avenue from Spring Avenue southward
3549 – Repeal Ordinance 3532 – Audio/Video Recording of Public Meetings – Repeals Ordinance 3532 which requires notification of audio/video recordings of public meetings of Village Boards/Committees which are not usually recorded
3550 – Amend Chapter 275 – Yard Waste Regulations – Amends this chapter to provide new regulations concerning putting leaves out into the street and leaf pick-up as well as new regulations regarding the separation of grass clippings and other types of yard waste
3551 – Amend Chapter 3 – Administration of Government Section 3-13(A) – Order of Business Relating to Public Comment – Amends this chapter to allow for Public Comment at the beginning of the meeting for no longer than 40 minutes; and changing the time for speakers to three minutes each; and allowing speakers to only speak once,
3552 – Various Capital Improvements at Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch ($26,000) – Appropriates $26,000 from the Capital Fund Balance for improvement at NWBCD including cameras, doors, computers, air conditioners, emergency generators and alarm panel
3553 – Amend Ordinance #3547 – Sale of Dogs and Cats – Amends Ordinance #3547 to disallow hobby breeders to sell their dogs and cats in pet stores in Ridgewood
3554 – Amend Valet Parking Ordinance – Chestnut Street
15. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3542 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Violations and Penalties – Increase Parking Ticket Fines
3545 – Amend Chapter 249 – Streets and Sidewalks – Increase Fines for Paving Moratorium Violations 3546 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Sewers and Sewage Disposal Fees – Increase Annual Service Charge for Out of Village Dischargers
3547 – Regulate/Ban the Sale of “Dog and Cat Mill” Animals in Pet Shops
16. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 16-259 THROUGH
16-284 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:
16-259 Title 59 Approval – Laboratory Analysis Services – Approves the plans and specifications for Furnishing Laboratory Analysis Services Beginning January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, Inclusive, prepared by the Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59
16-260 Award Contract Laboratory Analysis Services – Graydon Pool & Water Pollution Control Facility (NTE $14,316.50) – Awards a one-year extension of the 2016 contract to Garden State Laboratories, Inc., 410 Hillside Avenue, Hillside, NJ, at the same price as 2016
16-261 Title 59 Approval – Sodium Bisulfite and Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions – Approve the plans and specifications for Furnishing and Delivering of Sodium Bisulfite Solution and Sodium Hypochlorite Solution Beginning January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, Inclusive, prepared by the Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59
16-262 Award Contract – Sodium Bisulfite and Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions – Water Pollution Control Facility – Awards a one-year extension of the 2016 contract to Miracle Chemical Company, 1151 B Highway No. 33, Farmingdale, NJ, at the same price as 2016
16-263 Title 59 Approval – Property Maintenance Services – Approves the plans and specifications for Rebid Property Maintenance Services (October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017, inclusive) prepared by the Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59
16-264 Award Contract – Property Maintenance Services – Awards a contract to the lowest responsible bidder, ConQuest Construction, 20 Carver Avenue, Westwood, NJ at various prices based on the tasks performed
16-265 Award Contract Under State Contract – Ford F350 Pickup Truck – Traffic & Signal (NTE $57,416) – Awards a contract under State Contract to Cherry Hill Winner Ford, 250 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ
16-266 Award Contract Under State Contract – Ford F350 Pickup Truck – Traffic & Signal (NTE $47,284) – Awards a contract under State Contract to Cherry Hill Winner Ford, 250 Berlin Road, Cherry NJ
16-267 Award Under State Contract – Electronic Equipment, Software, and Computer Upgrades (NTE $223,248.77) – Awards a contract under State Contract to SHI International Corporation, 290 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, NJ
16-268 Award Contract Under National Joint Powers Alliance – Brush Chipper – Parks Department (NTE $119,738.36) – Awards a contract under the National Joint Powers Alliance to Northeastern Arborist Supply, 50 Notch Road, Woodland Park, NJ
16-269 Award Contract Under National Joint Powers Alliance – Street Sweeper – Streets Department (NTE $206,896.45) – Awards a contract under the National Joint Powers Alliance to Timmerman Equipment Company, P.O. Box 71, Whitehouse, NJ
16-270 Award Contract Under The Education Services Commission of New Jersey Contract – Two Stump Grinders – Parks Department (NTE $67,504) – Awards a contract under The Education Services Commission of New Jersey Contract to Cherry Valley Tractor Sales, 35 Route 70 West, Marlton, NJ
16-271 Award Extraordinary, Unspecifiable Services Contract – Blower Motor – Water Pollution Control Facility (NTE $30,000) – Awards an Extraordinary, Unspecifiable Services Contract to various vendors: Spencer Turbine Co., 600 Day Hill Road, Windsor, CT; Carfi Electric, 124 Emeline Drive, Hawthorne, NJ; and Keystone Engineering Group, 590 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 200, Fazer,
16-272 Authorize Extension of Contract – Leasing and Maintenance Program for Police Cars (NTE $30,000) – Authorizes the extension of a contract for the third year of a three-year contract to Enterprise Fleet Management, 1550 Route 23 North, Suite 101, Wayne, NJ
16-273 Declare Property Surplus – Parks Department Dump Truck – Declares a Parks Department dump truck surplus property and authorizes the Village Manager to dispose of said property
16-274 Amend 2016 Capital Budget for Northwest Bergen County Central Dispatch Capital Improvements – Amends the 2016 Capital Budget to indicate that $26,000 from the Capital Fund Balance be appropriated to pay for the Village’s share of capital improvements at Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch
16-275 Approve Shared Services Agreement – Child Health Clinic (Glen Rock and Fair Lawn) – Authorizes a Shared Services Agreement with the Borough of Glen Rock and the Borough of Fair Lawn to have their residents participate in the Child Health Clinic in the Village of Ridgewood. Each municipality will pay one- third of the cost for the remainder of 2016, which is $1,266.
16-276 Reject Bid – Janitorial Services – Rejects the sole bid for this service due to the fact that its benefits were outweighed by its detriments
16-277 Authorize Application for Historic Preservation Grant for Zabriskie-Schedler House – Authorizes that an application for a Historic Preservation Grant for the Zabriskie-Schedler House be submitted
16-278 Authorize Application for Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Grant – Kings Pond Park – Authorizes that an application for a Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Grant be submitted for various improvements at Kings Pond Park
16-279 Authorize Cleaning of Gypsy Pond/Kings Pond Park by the Ridgewood Wildscape Association and Partners – Authorizes several volunteer groups to clean the Gypsy Pond/Kings Pond Park, along with a Public Awareness Campaign, on October 15, 2016. The Village Engineer has reviewed the proposal, the group has agreed to certain safety precautions, and the resolution is adopted pursuant to Title 59.
16-280 Establish Annual Service Charge and Payment for Guarantee Bond for Ridgewood Senior Citizen Housing Corporation and Guaranty of Payment of Revenue Bonds – Authorizes the Village Manager to execute an agreement reflecting the annual service charge, in lieu of taxes, for Village services provided to the Ridgewood Senior Citizens Housing Corporation’s housing development. In addition, it requires the payment of $25,000 from the Ridgewood Senior Citizen Housing Corporation for guaranty of the timely payment of principal and interest of 2005 Revenue Bonds.
16-281 Authorize Letter be Sent to the Planning Board for the Review of Ordinances 3489, 3490, 3491, and 3492 – Authorizes that a letter be sent from the Village Council to the Ridgewood Planning Board requesting that the Planning Board openly discuss and
re-evaluate the zoning criteria which was the basis for regulations found in Ordinances 3489, 3490, 3491 and 3492, specifically the appropriate densities of development compared to floor area ratios and on-site parking in the Central Business District
16-282 Appointments to Financial Advisory Committee – Appoints members to the Financial Advisory Committee
16-283 Appointments to Central Business District Advisory Committee – Appoints representatives of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, the Ridgewood Guild, resident members, business owners, Village Council liaison, the Police Chief or designee and the Village Engineer for staggered two-year terms
16-284 Appointments to Ridgewood Arts Council – Appoints members to the Ridgewood Arts Council to terms expiring 6/30/17. Also appoints Audrey Fink as the Chair and Rosemary Gunther McCooe as the Vice-Chair for terms expiring 6/30/17.
17. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
The prevalence of driving with phone in hand is very high. But the worst case I have seen was a woman driving a Hummer, talking on her cell phone with one hand and holding a cup of coffee in the other. She would regularly turn from Meadowbrook onto Fairfield during the school rush while steering that Hummer with her knees! She was followed closely in stupidity to the man driving down Rt 17S during rush hour while reading his newspaper. PLEASE, for everyone’s sake, DRIVE SAFELY!
Ridgewood NJ, The Board of Education and the REA negotiating teams signed a Memorandum of Agreement at 12:15 AM on September 13, 2016 concluding negotiations on a 3-year contract for the period July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018. Terms of the agreement will be released after the REA members have ratified the contract.
On The Blog people are the most honest of all because they are not afraid of repercussions from their employer (if they work at village hall) or the board of ed (if they work for the school system) or their neighbors or school acquaintances. Let’s say you hate the teachers but your neighbor is a teacher. Well, you are not likely to post honestly your feelings on the contract negotiations if you have to identify yourself. In fact, you are likely to post whatever you think your neighbor wants to hear, because you want to remain friendly with the neighbors. Let’s say you are a fireman in town or your spouse is a cop. Well, you are not going to write anything negative about the village manager if you have to be identified in the posting, because this could impact your employment or that of your spouse. Supposing you are totally opposed to the parking garage but you live next door to a person with pro-garage signs all over his front lawn. Are you going to keep the peace in your little world or go to war with him by posting under your own name how much you oppose the garage? The online discussion forums in which everyone has to be identified tend to contain a lot of politically correct BS and not a great deal of gut-wrenching honesty.
Now there are some exceptions, some people who are more than willing to state their case and not worry about repercussions. To these people I say thank you, but I also suspect that they are not in any of the situations described in the previous paragraph.
The Blog = honesty = transparency = THE BLOG RULES
Everyone tries to criticize anonymity on The Blog, but the fact is you get utter honesty here and that is what we really need.
Thank you James Foytlin for serving our community so well.
