Tag: Ridgewood NJ

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Amazing Without Aronsohn, Pucciarelli, and Hauck and now Roberta the New Ridgewood Council accomplished volumes

3 amigos in action Ridgewood NJ
September 8,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood bog
Ridgewood NJ, Aronsohn, Pucciarelli, and Hauck often referred to Roberta as a “breath of fresh air,” even though clearly the air around her became increasingly foul as her (thankfully) short time in the job progressed.  Now that she has resigned and been escorted out of Village Hall, things are really running well.  We have Heather Mailander in the manager’s seat.  She is so capable, so professional, and she does her job without interjecting her opinion as if she were a 6th council member and without looking at Chris R and Janet F for affirmation every time she speaks.

We have a five-person council who are all independent thinkers, are polite, considerate, and they don’t interrupt each other at meetings.  They are actually prepared for meetings (well, Susan and Mike always were, but now they are joined by three more who are equally informed and have done their homework).  Now more nonsense like we used to have with Albert pontificating about anything and everything just to hear himself speak, and Gwenn reading from her ipad something that someone else wrote, and Paul furiously texting with Paul Vaggianos (yes, we witnessed this many times) during meetings and then giving us the doe-in-the-headlights look while saying “transparency, transparency, transparency.”

This new Council has been in place just since July 1, but so far they have accomplished volumes including that they:

1. are going to lengthen the time for public comments.

2. are respectful of members of the public who come to speak

3. overturned the much-hated Ordinance 3066

4. stopped the ridiculous Van Neste proposal

5. are going to prevent puppy-mill and kitten-mill animals from being sold in Ridgewood

6. are looking at many (and reasonable) ways to improve and increase the parking

7. are saving the Schedler House

8. will be putting grant money (hopefully) towards remediating Kings Pond

9. will be repealing the illegal ordinance that tried to prevent people from videotaping public meetings (put in place because hot-headed Aronsohn got caught getting nasty at an HPC meeting)

10. have hired a new Planning Board attorney (ok, so the VC didn’t do this, but it is yet another wonderful new development)

11. will be lowering the overkill lighting at Habernickel Park to be consistent with other parks and in response to the neighbors’ legitimate concerns about this ridiculous flood lighting

12. discovered that the extraordinarily cumbersome and confusing leaf collection process that Roberta put in place was based, in part, on a 7-day rule that has not been effective for a couple of years.  So now they are putting a smooth and simple leaf collection schedule up and we can stop hearing about “no leaf left behind.”

13. will be revising the prohibition of parking on Pomander Walk, which is discriminatory and was put in place to serve Gwenn’s friends on that street.

Wow, how much has been accomplished and all with a pleasant and civil atmosphere.  Way to go Susan, Mike, Ramon, Jeff and Bernie!!!
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“PissedOff”reader says ,Bible says that the person who did no sin shall throw the first stone, and yet here we are

Paul_Aronsohn_dunking_theridgewoodblog

 

Ridgewood NJ, “PissedOff” writes  from Starbucks perhaps :

“I wonder why there is so much hate and criticism. The role of the manager is to act as a spokesperson for the Village employees and be a part of the council. The council is elected to be a fair judge between the village government and the residents. Now, there is no way everyone would agree with the way things were handled and they certainly will not be 100% in support of going forward.
It’s amusing to see how this blog is becoming a podium for people to anonymously shame, disrespect and disregard others. Bible says that the person who did no sin shall throw the first stone, and yet here we are.
I would love to see the blog writers to put their energy into somethings more productive and help the community in a better way rather than just trying to creat a controversy. Paying taxes doesn’t mean we own people. This blog needs to be reported Since it’s acting as a platform for stirring hate and making the collar environment so toxic. SHAME AND DISGUSTING, THIS IS A PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR REPORTING.”

Well……………We got nothing lol ???

 

 

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Back to School Marked by Teacher Contract Protests in Ridgewood

Ridgewood Teachers
photo courtesy of the REA Facebook page
September 8,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, first day of school for students was marked by teacher contract protests . The Ridgewood Education Association held a rally at 4:00pm at the Ed Center. The REA was hopping to garner more support from parents and students and pressure the BOE to settle. The union has implied the possibility of a strike .

That evening a negotiation session was held the Board of Education members and the REA negotiating team met with the state-appointed super conciliator for ten hours. According to the BOE  progress was made, but a settlement was not reached.

The BOE in a letter to parents also went to great lengths to assure parents that in New Jersey it is illegal for public employees to strike. A 1967 NJ Supreme Court decision, In Re Block, confirmed this. Since then, teachers in districts such as Manville and Middletown have tried to strike and have had the county courts grant injunctions stopping them. Some teachers were arrested for civil contempt in violating the court injunctions. The NJ Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) has also re-affirmed that strikes are illegal and are not a protected union activity.

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Controversial Van Nest Memorial Park Project in Ridgewood on Hold

Village of Ridgewood : Van Neste Memorial Park "Revival" project

file photo by Boyd Loving

September 8,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, by all accounts last nights council meeting was very productive . In a major development Mayor Susan Knudsen  publicly announced that the controversial proposed “revitalization” of Van Neste Memorial Park project has been suspended as of August 27,2016.

 

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No Contract Yet For Ridgewood Teachers

Ridgewood Teachers

September 7, 2016

Dear Parents and Guardians,
Now that your children have started the new school year, we wanted to provide you with information about the status of the contract negotiations with the Ridgewood Education Association (REA).
Last night, September 6, the Board of Education members and the REA negotiating team met with the state-appointed super conciliator for ten hours. Although progress was made, settlement was not reached.
While we strive to settle the contract, our teachers and support staff continue to be paid under the terms and conditions of the expired contract. Teachers and support staff will receive their full salaries and benefits without any interruption or reduction. Stipends paid to staff members hired as advisors to our clubs, sports and performing arts extra-curricular programs will also continue to be fully funded in accordance with the expired contract.
However, please understand that at this time, teachers may refuse to take on club advisory responsibilities. They also may refuse to volunteer in some activities that fall outside the contract. For example, they may refuse to chaperone overnight/after-school field trips. If such actions occur, your child’s principal or other administrator will communicate this information directly to you.
In conversations with parents, some have offered to volunteer and take over club and field trip responsibilities. Some activities can be sponsored or supervised by parents, while other can’t for various insurance and personal liability reasons. Your child’s principal is the best source of guidance on this topic.
Teachers and support staff may also choose to strictly adhere to their contractual 7.5-hour work day, as listed below in parentheses. To minimize any disruptions to our children or our programs, and to keep our school buildings running smoothly during this time, we are asking you to follow the designated drop-off and pick-up times:
• Elementary schools (8 a.m.-3:35 p.m.) o Drop-off time: not before 8:35 a.m. o Pick-up time: 3 p.m.
• Middle schools (7:45 a.m.-3:20 p.m.) o Drop-off time: not before 7:45 a.m. o Pick-up time: 2:55 p.m.
• High School (7:40 a.m.-3:15 p.m.) o Drop-off time: 7:40 a.m. o Pick-up time: 3:15 p.m.
Lastly, it is important to clear up any misconception that our teachers and secretaries can go on strike. In New Jersey it is illegal for public employees to strike. A 1967 NJ Supreme Court decision, In Re Block, confirmed this. Since then, teachers in districts such as Manville and Middletown have tried to strike and have had the county courts grant injunctions stopping them. Some teachers were arrested for civil contempt in violating the court injunctions.
The NJ Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) has also re-affirmed that strikes are illegal and are not a protected union activity. The courts and PERC have consistently upheld the withholding of pay/benefits on days when teachers refuse to work.
While changes to activities may be an unfortunate reality during this period, it is important to stress that the Board of Education is committed to finalizing a contract that fairly compensates our teachers without jeopardizing the financial integrity of the district.
We are scheduled to meet again with the super conciliator on September 12 at 6:30 PM. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as the Board works through this process to finalize a labor contract.
Ridgewood Board of Education Sheila Brogan, President Vince Loncto, Vice President Christina Krauss Jim Morgan Jennie Smith Wilson
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New Jersey State Police : It’s Not #CreepyClowns that Parents Should be Worried About

creepy clown

A message from the New Jersey State Police

It’s Not #CreepyClowns that Parents Should be Worried About

There’s been a lot of talk about creepy clown sightings these days. It’s true. Recently in both North and South Carolina, there have been reported sightings of, for lack of a better term, creepy clowns prowling around neighborhoods, scaring children. Some reports claim that these clowns could be a publicity stunt while others claim that these people have a much more sinister intent, which is supported by reports of some attempting to lure kids closer with money.

Well, we know that there are a lot of good, hard-working clowns right here in Jersey. Heck, you might even work with one or two (wink). Of course, it’s probably their part-time job, unless you all work for a circus. With that being said, we’re happy to report no suspicious or creepy clown activity here in Jersey

But these recent event gives us an opportunity to talk about safety tips that you can give your kids. After all, the kids are back in school, which means many are walking to and from home. You see, a scary-looking clown beckoning children closer may be all that is needed to have your child do the right thing, which is to walk in the other direction. It’s the unassuming person, man or woman, who your child should be wary of. Here are some tips:

*Talk to your kids

*Tell them who they can expect to come and get them in an emergency (family member or close friend)

*When walking to school, there is strength in numbers—walk in a group

*Never get into a stranger’s car

*Keep a safe distance from strangers asking for directions or help

*Tell your kids to yell, scream and kick if grabbed by a stranger

*Look around, stop looking for Pokemon—be aware of your surroundings

*If a stranger claims to be a cop but is not in uniform, kids should find a trusted adult

Let’s talk about that last tip for a minute. Are your kids familiar with the faces of the local police? Don’t just rely on the cops visiting schools. Drop by a station anytime to have your kids meet the troops or local police who patrol your area! It’s a great way get to know the troops and for the troops to get to know you and your kids!

For all of the coulrophobics out there, we apologize for the pic, but it was necessary. Sadly, at the end of the day, if all of the bad people out there stuck out as much as a person dressed as a clown, we wouldn’t have write posts like this.

Be safe, people!

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Princeton Review Names Hillsdale College Among Nation’s Best for 2017

Hillsdale College

September 6,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale, Mich, Hillsdale College is one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company features the College in the 2017 edition of its flagship college guide “The Best 381 Colleges,” published August 30, and cites the College as being one of the best in the Midwest.

“Hillsdale’s commitment to teaching not only the ‘what’ but also the ‘how’ and ‘why’ is rare in American colleges and universities today,” said Dr. David Whalen, provost of Hillsdale College. “But our inclusion among The Princeton Review’s ‘Best 381 Colleges,’ as an institution who accepts zero federal or state dollars, is further evidence that a classical liberal arts education is the best preparation for students to meet the challenges of modern life.”

In addition to profiling the nation’s 381 best colleges, The Princeton Review produces lists of the top 20 colleges ranked in various categories. Hillsdale College appeared on several of these lists, including:

No. 1 on Future Rotarians and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
No. 6 on Professors Get High Marks
No. 9 on Best College Newspaper
No. 15 on Students Most Engaged in Community Service

The Princeton Review also calculates ratings in eight categories based on institutional data it collected during the 2015-16 academic year and/or its student survey for the book. The ratings are based on a scale of 60 to 99. Hillsdale College scored:

97 for Professor Accessibility
99 for Professor Interest
93 for Academics
92 for Quality of Life*

In its profile of Hillsdale College, The Princeton Review notes that admission “is a privilege extended to students who will benefit from, and contribute to, the academic, social and spiritual environments of the College. Important determinants for admission are intellectual curiosity, ambition, leadership and volunteerism.”

Published annually since 1992, the ‘381 Best Colleges’ list includes detailed profiles of the colleges with rating scores for all of the schools in eight categories based on The Princeton Review’s surveys of students attending the colleges.

About Hillsdale College
Hillsdale College, founded in 1844, has built a national reputation through its classical liberal arts core curriculum and its principled refusal to accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies — even indirectly in the form of student grants or loans. It also conducts on outreach effort promoting civil and religious liberty, including a free monthly speech digest, Imprimis, with a circulation of more than 3.5 million.

About The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review is a leading tutoring, test prep and college-admission services company. Every year, it helps millions of college- and graduate school-bound students achieve their education and career goals through online and in-person courses delivered by a network of more than 4,000 teachers and tutors, online resources and its more than 150 print and digital books published by Penguin Random House.

* Indicates increase in rating from previous year

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Governor Christie Gets Back to School Signs a Series of Education Reform Legislation

Chris_Christie_Governor_of_New_Jersey

September 06, 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, As many New Jersey students head back to school today, Governor Christie visited Grover Cleveland Middle School in Caldwell to act upon seven bills focused on improving education in the state.

“Over the last six years, my administration has prided itself on engaging in education reform to make sure our schools are safer, more effective, and facilitating the success of our students,” said Governor Christie.  “Providing and ensuring a high quality education for every student in every corner of this state is a firm commitment of mine and it is why I continue to support and bolster education in the Garden State.”

For the last two months, Governor Christie has traveled the state talking about his Fairness Formula, which would change the school funding formula to provide equal funding of $6,599 per enrolled student, while continuing aid for special needs students and at the same time providing much-needed property tax relief to municipalities.

The Governor’s fiscal year 2017 budget spends more than $13.3 billion on education, an increase of $548 million from fiscal 2016, continuing a six-year commitment to providing the highest amount of school aid in New Jersey history.

The state’s high school graduation rate continues to increase.  In 2015, the rate was 89.7 percent, up from 88.6 percent in 2014, the fourth straight year that the statewide high school graduation rate increased and the third consecutive year in which it grew by at least a full percentage point.

Other education accomplishments include reforming teacher tenure rules, greatly expanding charter schools, and establishing Renaissance schools under the Urban Hope Act.

The bills the Governor acted on today include measures to enhance school security and early intervention in situations where students exhibit behavioral or learning problems, and that will ensure that substance abuse instruction for students encompasses the latest research and best practices.  Governor Christie has also signed two bills focused on higher education, to increase transparency and enable public colleges and universities to save money by engaging in cooperative purchasing agreements.  Specifically, the Governor took the following action on the following pending legislation:

BILL SIGNINGS:

S-2081/A-3790 (Ruiz, Turner/Vainieri Huttle, Wimberly) – Limits expulsions and suspensions for students in preschool through grade 2 with certain exceptions; requires early detection and prevention programs for behavioral issues in preschool through grade 2

A-2292/S-372 (Vainieri Huttle, Benson, McKnight, Gusciora, Lampitt, Wimberly/Codey, Allen) – Requires review of Core Curriculum Content Standards to ensure guidance for substance abuse instruction provided to public school students incorporates most recent evidence-based standards and practices

A-2563/S-1753 (Jasey, Singleton, Wimberly, Danielsen/Turner) – Directs institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions to provide Higher Education Student Assistance Authority with graduation and transfer rates of State tuition aid grant recipients

A-2566/S-496 (Jasey, Wimberly/Ruiz, Turner) – Establishes Response to Intervention initiative in DOE to support and encourage school districts in implementation of Response to Intervention framework

A-2689/S-754 (Schaer, Prieto, Lagana, Lampitt, Vainieri Huttle, Eustace, S. Kean, Auth, Quijano, Wimberly/Beach, Gordon) – “Secure Schools for All Children Act”; establishes State aid program for security services, equipment, or technology to ensure safe and secure school environment for nonpublic school students

A-3405/S-1822 (Coughlin, Schaer, Jasey, Benson/Sarlo, Cunningham) – Permits certain public institutions of higher education to make purchases and contract for services as participating contracting units in cooperative pricing systems and through use of nationally-recognized and accepted cooperative purchasing agreements

BILL VETOED:

S-86/A-3629 (A.R. Bucco, Sweeney/A.M. Bucco, Rible, Singleton, Caride, Moriarty, Schepisi, Wimberly) – CONDITIONAL – Establishes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security in public and nonpublic schools and county colleges

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Reader suggests all 5 council members should meet with each department again to reevaluate and understand what’s been going on

New Ridgewood Council Gets Down to Village Business

file photo by Boyd Loving

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).

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Reader says the Village Manager’s method of leaving that most reveals her true character and ability

Roberta

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.

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Village Council Meeting Tonight at 7:30pm

New Ridgewood Village Council

VILLAGE COUNCIL

SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

7:30 P.M.

1. Call to Order – Mayor

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

18.       Adjournment

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Readers say Ridgewood teachers are unreasonable ,Ridgewood has always been very supportive of teachers and education

Ridgewood EA teachers protest

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.

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Reader says Sonenfeld was incompetent, defensive, “attitude” prone, disrespectful of council members and the public, all too willing to do the former mayor’s bidding

Village_Manager_Roberta_Sonenfeld_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

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.)

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RIDGEWOOD PLANNING BOARD MEETING TONIGHT 7:30PM

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PLANNING BOARD AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Village Hall Court Room– 7:30 P.M.

(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. – 7:55 p.m. – Resolutions re: Appointment of Planning Board Counsel

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

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BREAKING UPDATE (8:17 pm): Ridgewood Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld Resigns

Village_Manager_Roberta_Sonenfeld_theridgewoodblog

September 6,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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.