Posted on 10 Comments

Ridgewood Blog offers an Apology to Our Neighbors in Glen Rock

glen_rock_theridgewoodblog

June 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,a reader challenged us  on the recent blog article , “There was much ADO about the Pride Flag in Ridgewood “,https://theridgewoodblog.net/there-was-much-ado-about-the-pride-flag-in-ridgewood/ .

“I’m happy Ridgewood chose to fly the flag, but the basis of your article was not about the flag or why it is so important to so many, and how it might be a teaching opportunity about equality, fairness and just ‘not being an asshole’ tearing down another to raise yourself up. The point of your article appears to be that Ridgewood is great and Glen Rock is not. Kind of an asshole article, tearing down one town that has no dog in the Ridgewood debate, to attempt to elevate Ridgewood.”

Unfortunately there were a lot of ugly politics at play. The pride flag was being used as an attempt to undermine the Village of Ridgewood’s Mayor Susan Knudsen and several sitting council members. A group looking to put the previous council back in place  used the pride flag to pressure the Ridgewood Village council by saying, look how great Glen Rock is ,they are wonderful and you are just a bunch of ignorant bigots .

The net result is many in Ridgewood felt they were being disparaged and it led to back lash which you see in that article . It is really not aimed at Glen Rock but  at Alfred Doublin of the Bergen Record , Village Councilmen Jeff Voigt and members of CRAB , Jan Phillips as well as the former Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn . The unfortunate side effect or unintended consequence is an attack on Glen Rock  and for that the Ridgewood blog would like to offer an apology to the Borough of Glen Rock and the Residents of Glen Rock. We did not in anyway mean to impune our neighbors ,who where simply caught in local Village political crossfire. Do not blame the Village , as editor and staff we should have made this far clearer in the article .

Posted on 16 Comments

Ridgewood Updates Shade Tree Removal Policy

Ridgewood-shade_tree_theridgewoodblog

June 15,2017

by Boyd Loving

Ridgewood NJ, An ordinance regulating tree removals on private property was unanimously passed by Village Council members on 6/14. A permit will now be required to remove any tree larger than 8 inches in diameter. Any healthy tree removed must be replaced, or a payment made in lieu of replacement. Key provisions of the new ordinance are outlined below.

Chapter 260, Section 260-4, Cutting or Removal of a Tree No person, property owner, hired firm, or other entity shall cause to be cut or removed any existing tree, with a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 8- inches, upon any lands within the Village of Ridgewood, without a permit. Any such cutting or removal of a tree or trees, with a DBH greater than 8-inches, shall only be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Exemptions to these requirements are set forth in Chapter 260-8.

Chapter 260, Section 260-7, “Permit Requirements for Tree Removal” Any Qualified Tree desired to be removed, with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of greater than 8-inches, in the Village of Ridgewood, shall require a permit issued by the Division of Engineering of the Department of Public Works, unless said tree meets the criteria for exemption from permit requirements in Chapter 260-8. No tree over 8-inches DBH shall be cut or otherwise removed from any lands in the Village without a tree removal permit, with the exception of those meeting the conditions of the exemptions as set forth in Chapter 260, Section 4 and 7. All such trees shall be referred to as Qualified Trees. All applications to the Village of Ridgewood Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Building Department, or Engineering Division that require, as part of the proposed work, the removal of any Qualified Trees, as defined in this Chapter, unless otherwise exempt pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, shall submit an application for a tree removal and protection permit. All applications for a tree removal and protection permits, whether in conjunction with a major or minor subdivision application, major or minor site plan application, or other development of property improvement action, shall be made to the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works for review and subsequent action. The Engineering Division shall coordinate all applications with the appropriate land use board, the Village’s Shade Commission, and the Village Arborist.

Chapter 260, Section 260-8, “Exemptions from Permit Requirements” The following tree conditions shall be exempt from the provisions of this Chapter. If a tree is deemed exempt, its removal shall not require a replacement tree. B. Removal of any tree or trees which are dead, dying, or obviously diseased, as determined by a Qualified Tree Expert for those on private property or the Village’s Arborist if the tree is within the public right-of-way of any street or road, or public property, in the Village. Trees that have suffered damage, trees whose growth has been compromised, or are a danger or hazard to structures and human life as confirmed by a Qualified Tree Expert or the Village Arborist shall be permitted to be removed without the need to obtain a permit. A replacement tree shall not be required for such trees under the provisions of this Chapter.

 

Posted on Leave a comment

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD 2017 DOG LICENSE INFORMATION

Vicious_dog_theridgewoodblog

photo by William Thomas

June 15,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Dog licenses are renewed during the month of June. One and three year licenses are available starting June 1st with a valid rabies certificate.

For 1 year licenses: Rabies Certificate that expires no earlier than May 1st of the following year.
For 3 year licenses: Rabies Certificate that expires no earlier than May 1st of the third year. (Example: a 3 year license purchased in June of 2012 will need a rabies certificate valid through May 1, 2015)

Beginning in the 2013 licensing year, renewal reminders will be sent via email. An application will be available on the website or in person at the health department. Renewal applications will be mailed upon request by calling 201 670-5500 ext 503. A Late Fee of $20.00 per dog will be assessed after June 30th.

It is the dog owner’s responsibility to renew the dog license when it expires. It is also the dog owner’s responsibility to maintain their pet with a valid rabies vaccination. The health department sends out reminders as a courtesy and to inform residents of our free rabies clinic.

FORMS:
Application for New/Renewal of Dog License
Rabies Exemption Form

Posted on 6 Comments

Ridgewood Moves Forward in Preserving Local History with Restoration of Zabriskie-Schedler House

Save Our Schedler Members & Friends at the Schedler House3
June 15,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ellie Gruber thanked the current council for finally stepping up on the Schedler Property after years of neglect by previous Village councils. Gruber silenced critics on the Historic Preservation Grant Application and Restoration of Zabriskie-Schedler House as well as Schedler Park Property by pointing out that past neglect has only increased the cost to the current renovations and that costs are expected around the $400 thousand mark , the historical grant will pay for 1/2 of all the repairs .

Many residents  from the east side spoke on the value of preserving local history and creating a community center . The Zabriskie Schedler House (circa 1825) is one of the last wood framed house from that time period . Preservation will further enhance the Village’s cultural assets.

On August 2012 ,three Bergen County Freeholders came to see the Zabriskie-Schedler house . Freeholders Mitchell, DeNicola and Hermanson wanted to learn about the history of the house and property and offered to help us save the house.

In October of 2012 “Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh favored preserving the house on the property and said the proposal needs to incorporate more than walking paths to cover the passive recreation component. Mayor Paul Aronsohn looked to Habernickel Park and said the process to complete that park should be used as a model.”

At the time as a result of these meetings held on the Schedler property, the Open Space Committee made a presentation to the Mayor & Council that will set the stage for the future design of one of the last open spaces in the Village.

Many who attended the three meetings and voiced their opinions. Some of you talked about safety, the importance of “true” open spaces, balance between sports facilities and park-like settings. Most importantly, nobody spoke against the demolition of the Zabriskie-Schedler house, the 1820’s Dutch wood frame farm house that greets all of us who exit Route 17 and enter West Saddle River Road. The demolition of this home should be prevented because it is one of the last remaining wood structures connected to our past.

At the time a group was interested in using the house. Such group, the Bergen Museum of Art & Science is proposing to house some of its antique collections in the Zabriskie-Schedler House.

However the council majority at the time took a different direction focusing on the clear cutting the park and building a 90 foot baseball diamond , but a new broom sweeps clean and at the RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING AND PUBLIC WORKSHOP SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING. MAY 24, 2017

17-56 Award Professional Services Contract – Professional Historic Architectural Consultant – Zabriskie-Schedler House Stabilization Project (Phase I)(NTE $50,000) –

This resolution authorizes the hiring of Connolly & Hickey Historical Architects to document the current conditions of the site, restore and stabilize roof, prepare and present nomination to New Jersey and National Register Nomination, and provide assistance for preparation of 2017 Bergen County HPTF Application.

Posted on Leave a comment

Ridgewood Village Council recognized the Ridgewood Art Ambassadors

Ridgewood Arts Council
June 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Village Council recognized the Ridgewood Art Ambassadors, Audrey Fink and Rosey Mccoe.
3rd grader Emilia Kelly and Madison Lenard a graduating senior was recognized ,for her work with the augmented reality virtual gallery.

18839222 1051339028300641 2274200554231386325 n
photo courtesy of Ridgewood Arts Council
The mission of the Ridgewood Arts Council is to promote and support the vital part all arts play in enriching our lives, and the lives of our children and community.The Emerging Artist Gallery is still up along Ridgewood Ave. There are 51 pieces of art. Download the Wallame App and discover our virtual gallery.

18836875 1051338648300679 3813261135666541731 o
photos courtesy of Ridgewood Arts Council
The map as a guide to “Hidden Ridgewood”.
Posted on 20 Comments

Reader says Philly has now added a brown and a black stripe to make the flag inclusive

philly pride flag

Let us call out the rainbow flag wavers for what they are – racists.

No I am not kidding. And this is not a conservative accusation. PROGRESSIVES are calling the rainbow flag racist because it excludes minority LGBTs.

Philly has now added a brown and a black stripe to make the flag inclusive (see link below).

So let us call out those flying a rainbow flag sans black and brown stripes in a white town like Ridgewood for what they are – racists.

I sense a huge opportunity for 4 members of the council to seize the initiative, call out the flag bearers for their bigotry and install an inclusive version of the flag.

https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/13/health/new-pride-flag-colors-trnd/index.html

Posted on 6 Comments

Reader says Simply install PROPER and VISIBLE signs at Glenwood

Ridgewood's Glenwood Road to become one way street east of Upper Boulevard

file photo by Boyd Loving

This entire debate is silly. I agree with previous posts that this Road has been in use for several decades with minimal issues. Traffic on this road is mostly local, and the hill is obviously used by those who are comfortable with it. Folks who get nervous about traversing lanes of normal width ought not to — and as a matter of practice don’t — use the hill. As far as I can tell, the “safety” issues all arise out a few anomalies where drivers of large trucks/buses have managed to get up/down the road without noticing the traffic signs. As with many other roads in the village, this is simply a matter of poor — or entirely missing — signage. Simply install PROPER and VISIBLE signs (“LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY”, “NO BUSES”, “NO TRUCKS”) and this will be quickly resolved. Turning the road into a one-way street is intellectually lazy and doesn’t address any of the true underlying concerns.

Posted on 8 Comments

“Pride Flag” Raised Over Ridgewood High School

Ridgewood_High_School1_theridgewoodblog

June 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Ridgewood high school is flying the LGBTQ community’s gay pride flag for the month of June, raising it in a short ceremony to signify and spread a message of acceptance for all.

Tyler Clementi , a gay student at Rutgers who came to a tragic demise was an alumnus of Ridgewood High School.

The rainbow or Pride flag will fly above Ridgewood High School for the rest of June . June is  LGBTQ Pride Month. Students, teachers and residents were on hand to witness the flag raising ceremony June 1.

The staff went by Ridgewood High School on Wednesday and unfortunately it was no where to be found.

According to several sources Ridgewood High School is the first high school in Bergen County to display the flag.

Posted on Leave a comment

Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Theme “Honoring Those Who Serve”

Ridgewood celebrates the 4th of July

June 14,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Please consider supporting the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Each year the parade and fireworks are organized and put on by a Private Non-profit, All-volunteer group. It relies entirely on the generous donations of individuals and businesses. The Fourth of July in Ridgewood is going on its 107th year, please consider making a donation to continue this tradition! Without your help, this event would not be possible!

Please join us for the 107th annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017.

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee 2017 is “Honoring Those Who Serve.” The 2017 theme recognizes and honors the many men and women who dedicate their work and life to others through military, police, fire, ems or civil service.

Each year, the Fourth of July Celebration Committee chooses a theme that celebrates a certain aspect of American history or culture. The theme also serves as the basis for the float competition held among the town’s elementary schools.

Thank you for your continued support of this great tradition!

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Commitee

 

Posted on 7 Comments

Reader says Village Council at its meeting tonight should quietly decline to appoint Matt Rogers

Roberta Sonenfeld

file photo by Boyd Loving

Matt Rogers blew it when advising the Village Council regarding the grave legal implications of approving third party displays on municipal property based on the content of the message that third party is trying to convey. More specifically, the Village Council deliberately voted to approve the display of the six-color flag/banner on municipal property because the five voting councilmembers personally supported so-called “gay pride” or “gay rights.”
.
Acccording to black letter federal Constitutional law, this is a huge no-no. (For a concept to be considered black letter U.S. Constitutional law, the related issues will typically have been long since been resolved by one or more precedential decisions by the federal Supreme Court such that they are no longer seriously being questioned by the legal community.) This remains true, despite the recent overwhelming onslaught on our secular and religious institutions, led by former president Obama, intended to promote sodomy as a valid lifestyle choice, and, in true Alinskyite fashion, condemn detractors, however well-meaning, to cruel social isolation.
.
Village Attorney Matt Rogers had plenty of time to consider the relevant issues, and was paid plenty of money to support the legal work that might be necessary to formally convey to the Village Council the foolishness of imagining that it is free to consider the merits of the social or political message being conveyed in the process of deciding whether or not to allow a proposed third party display to be erected on municipal property. It is not now, nor has it ever been free to do so, and for his part, Mr. Rogers should know this fact like the back of his hand.
.
In light of the above-described professional failure, and others in the past, such as the proposed (unconstitutional) law intended to ban signs bearing political messages on signs erected on the property of fee simple residences outside of election seasons, the Village Council at its meeting tonight should quietly decline to appoint Matt Rogers to another year as the Ridgewood’s Municipal Attorney.

Posted on 19 Comments

Reader says Ridgewood used to be a nice place to live where you could peacefully go about your lives

CBD ridgewood ArtChick

file photo by ArtChick

Ridgewood used to be a nice place to live where you could peacefully go about your lives. Now these intruders are led by the Record editor & championed by a councilman & a developer (gigantic flag ruining the view of downtown) who is trying to change the face of the whole town. Zero interest in anything except that of the self centered kind. Why have these towns become targets of intrusion where previously there was none? This thing of theirs has gotten the village on edge where previousy there was none.

Posted on 6 Comments

VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA :Schedler Park Property, Ridgewood Art Ambassadors and more

Village Council Meeting Uber

file photo by Boyd Loving

20170614 – VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

JUNE 14, 2017

8:00 P.M.

Call to Order – Mayor

Statement of Compliance with the Open Public       Meetings Act

Roll Call – Village Clerk

Flag Salute and Moment of Silence

Acceptance of Financial Reports

Approval of Minutes

Proclamations

NONE

Recognition of Ridgewood Art Ambassadors

Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3  minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)

Village Manager’s Report

Village Council Reports

Public Hearing – Historic Preservation Grant Application – Restoration of Zabriskie-Schedler     House Phase II at Schedler Park Property

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER

NONE

ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER

NONE

RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-148 THROUGH

17-149 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:

17-148    Award Contract – Improvements to                     Booster/Transfer Stations (NTE $827,000) –           Awards a contract to the lowest responsible              bidder, Fred Devens Construction, 403                 Stonetown Road, Ringwood, NJ

17-149    Award Professional Services Contract – Design        and Construction Administration of    Granular           Activated      Carbon (GAC) Treatment System at           Carr Treatment      Facility (NTE $303,400) –             Awards a no-bid contract to Arcadis U.S.,           Inc., 17-17 Route 208 North, Fair Lawn, NJ.               The required Pay to Play forms have been             filed with the Village Clerk’s Office.

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION

3601 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic –             Establish Stop Signs at Upper Boulevard and          Glenwood Road – Establishes Stop Signs at              Glenwood Road and Upper Boulevard

3602 – Amend Chapter 222 – Power Tools, Landscaping,           and Yard Maintenance Equipment – Amends this         ordinance to prohibit the commercial use of         power tools in all residential zones or within         200 feet of a residential property line, when           such use is conducted on a commercial or          industrial property, on all Federal holidays

3603 – Authorize Special Emergency Appropriation –         Master Plan Revision ($250,000) – Authorizes      this expenditure, which will be financed over 5      years, with one-fifth of the amount paid each           year

3604 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic –             Hours for Closure of Clinton Avenue to Through        Traffic – Authorizes Clinton Avenue to be closed  to through traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.          and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on school days

ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING

3599 – Amend Chapter 260 – Trees and Shrubs

3600 – Amend Chapter 212 – Parks and Recreation Areas         Prohibition of Dogs Off-Leash in Certain Parks

RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-150 THROUGH

17-185 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:

17-150    Waive Fourth of July Vendor Fees – Waives            solicitor’s fees for vendors connected with               the Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee

17-151    Grant Permission to Fireworks Company for           Fireworks Display – Permits Fireworks                Extravaganza, 174 Route 17 North, Rochelle               Park, NJ to hold a fireworks display on July             4, 2017, with a rain date of July 5, 2017

17-152    Authorize Snow Plowing Agreement with Bergen         County – Approves the second year of a                   two-year Agreement for snow plowing with            Bergen County for 2017-2018, whereby the               Village plows County roads, and is reimbursed        for same by the County

17-153    Title 59 Approval – Reconfiguration of                    Ridgewood     Train Station Parking Lot –                Approves the plans and specifications for           Train Station Parking Expansion with Compact            Car Spaces for the Village of Ridgewood,              prepared by the Village of Ridgewood                 Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59

17-154    Title 59 Approval – Butterfly and Sensory            Garden at The Lester Stable – Approves the             plans and specifications for                         Butterfly/Sensory Garden at Lester Stable           prepared by the Department of Parks and                  Recreation, pursuant to Title 59

17-155    Award Contract Under State Contract –

E-Ticketing Hardware (NTE $4,797.01) – Awards        a contract under State Contract to CDW                 Government, 75 Remittance Avenue, Suite 1515,        Chicago, IL

17-156    Award Contract Under Middlesex Regional                   Educational Services Commission Cooperative               Purchasing Program – Furniture for Village           Hall Lunchroom (NTE $15,000) – Awards a                   contract under Middlesex Regional Educational        Services Commission Cooperative Purchasing              Program to KI Furniture, 1330 Bellevue                   Street, Green Bay, WI

17-157    Title 59 Approval – Furnishing and Delivering        of Crossing Guard Services – Approves the               plans and specifications for Furnishing and               Delivering of Crossing Guard Services for           Village School Posts for the Ridgewood Police        Department, June 1, 2016 through July 31,            2017, inclusive, renewed for an Additional           Year, August 1, 2017 through July 31, 2018,             prepared by the Engineering Division, in            conjunction with the Ridgewood Police                Department, pursuant to Title 59

17-158    Award Contract – Furnishing and Delivering           Crossing Guard Services (NTE $329,630.49) –              Awards a contract for the one-year extension            in the original contract, to the lowest                  responsible bidder, All City Management                  Services, Inc., 10440 Pioneer Boulevard,             Suite 5, Santa Fe Springs, CA

17-159    Title 59 Approval – On-Call Traffic                  Engineering Services – Approves the plans and        specifications for Request for Proposals for              On-Call Professional Traffic Engineering           Services for the Village of Ridgewood,                   prepared by the Ridgewood Engineering               Division, pursuant to Title 59

17-160    Award Professional Services Contract – On-           Call      Traffic Engineering Services (NTE                    $5,000) – Awards a Professional Services             contract to Petry Traffic, LLC, 155 Passaic             Avenue, Fairfield, NJ from July 1, 2017                    through June 30, 2018

17-161    Authorize Shared Services Agreement –                Disposal of Dewatered Sludge (Passaic Valley             Sewerage Commission, NTE $48 per 1,000                 gallons) – Authorizes a three-year Shared             Services Agreement with the Passaic Valley           Sewerage Commission, for disposal of                 dewatered sludge from the Village’s Water            Pollution Control Facility

17-162    Approve Resource Room at Gatehouse at Irene               Habernickel Family Park – Women Gardeners of              Ridgewood – Approves the request of the Women        Gardeners of Ridgewood to renovate and                  utilize one room in the upper level of the           Gatehouse at the Irene Habernickel Family               Park to serve as a collection site to house               printed literature, periodicals, gardening           books, reference materials, and historical             artifacts or the Women Gardeners of                 Ridgewood. In addition, this resource room               will be open to the public one afternoon per              month, and a member of the Women Gardeners           will be present to supervise activity and               provide information and gardening assistance              to the public. The Women Gardeners of                 Ridgewood will renovate and furnish the room               as well as provide for insurance coverage, at        their own expense, as a gift to the Village.

17-163    Authorize Cleaning of Kings Pond Park by             Ridgewood Wildscape and Partners – Authorizes        a cleanup by Ridgewood Wildscape and their              partners of the Kings Pond area on June 11,             2017. The Village will provide assistance by            providing chest waders, gloves and other             protective equipment to handle the debris,           rakes and hand tools, and pickup and disposal        of the debris. This cleanup has been reviewed       by the Village Engineer, pursuant to Title           59.

17-164    Support the Fibrodysplasia Ossificans                Progressiva (FOP) Awareness Initiative –             Supports the FOP Awareness Initiative and               urges the medical community to continue                  researching for treatment and a cure for this          rare genetic disorder in which the body makes        additional bone in locations where bone                   should not form which in time produces a               “second skeleton” that immobilizes the joints       of the body

17-165    Approve 2016-2017 Renewal of Ridgewood Lodge              No. 1455 BPOE Liquor License – Approves the              2016-2017 renewal of the Ridgewood Lodge No.            1455 BPOE liquor license

17-166    Approve 2017-2018 Renewals of Liquor Licenses        – Approves the annual renewal of liquor                licenses in the Village of Ridgewood

17-167    Authorize Refund of Taxes for Disabled                    Veteran (Block 3106, Lot 28) – Authorizes a               refund to a resident who has filed proof of a          100% permanent disability due to active                   service in time of war. This refund shall be              from November 28, 2015 forward, without                 interest.

17-168    Urge Support of 2% CAP on Police and Fire           Arbitration Awards – Urges the State                 Legislature to support a five-year extension           on the 2% CAP on Police and Fire arbitration             awards, which will provide them with hard               data to examine and then make a final                decision as to whether this law should be            made permanent

17-169    Authorize Mailing of Estimated 2017 Third            Quarter Tax Bills – Authorizes the mailing of      estimated tax bills for the 2017 third                   quarter

17-170    Approve Funding of Master Plan Revision                   through Special Emergency Notes – Approves           the funding of the Master Plan Revision                through Special Emergency Notes and that they          be paid in amounts of not less than one-fifth         of the total amount appropriated

17-171    Authorize Acceptance of Senior Bus from NJ           Transit – Authorizes the Village Manager to             accept a Chevrolet El Dorado from NJ Transit,           which is used as the Senior Bus by the                Village. This vehicle is being released to           the Village in “as is” condition with no             warranties. This acceptance also requires              that when the vehicle is sold in the future,               any proceeds will be used for transportation               services.

17-172    Approve and Authorize Execution of Agreement              – Estate Card Tax Savings Program Master               Service Agreement – Approves the Estate Card            Tax Savings Program Master Service Agreement            and authorizes its execution by Village                    Officials

17-173   Appoint Members to Planning Board – Appoints              James Van Goor as a Class II Member with a           term expiring 6/30/18; Councilman Jeffrey           Voigt as a Class III Member with a term                  expiring 6/30/18; Joel Torielli and David           Scheibner as Class IV members with terms             expiring 6/30/2021; and Frances Barto as an              Alternate #2 member with a term expiring              6/30/19. All appointments will be effective               at the Planning Board’s Reorganization                   Meeting.

17-174    Appoint Members to Zoning Board of Adjustment        – Appoints Sergio Alegre and Greg Brown as             regular members with terms expiring 6/30/21           and John Papietro as Alternate #1 with a term          expiring 6/30/19

17-175    Appoint Municipal Court Judge – Appoints             David T. Pfund as the Municipal Court Judge              from 7/1/17-6/30/20

17-176    Appoint Village Attorney – Appoints Matthew               Rogers as the Village Attorney under a no bid        contract from for a term of 7/1/17-6/30/18.              The required Pay to Play forms have been              filed.

17-177    Appoint Village Labor Attorney – Appoints            Dominick Bratti of Budd Larner, P.C. as the              Village Labor Attorney under a no bid                    contract from 7/1/17-6/30/18. The required           Pay to Play forms have been filed.

17-178    Appoint Village Bond Attorney – Appoints             McManimon, Scotland, and Baumann, L.L.C., 75              Livingston Avenue, 2nd Floor, Roseland, NJ as         the Village Bond Attorney from 7/1/17 through          6/30/18 under a no-bid contract. The required       Pay to Play forms have been filed.

17-179    Appoint Municipal Prosecutor and Assistant           Prosecutor – Appoints Margaret Sullivan,            Esq. as the Village Prosecutor and Christine           Lilore as the Assistant Village Prosecutor           from 7/1/17-6/30/18

17-180    Appoint Public Defender and Alternate Public              Defender – Appoints Susan Cassell, Esq. as           the Public Defender and David Altieri, Esq.,               as the Alternate Public Defender from                   7/1/17-6/30/18

17-181    Appoint Community Development Representative         – Appoints Janet Fricke as the Village                 Council’s representative in the Community            Development program

17-182    Appoint Representative to Open Space Trust                Regional Committee – Appoints Timothy Cronin as               the Village Council’s representative to be a part           of the County of Bergen’s Open Space Trust                   Regional Committee

17-183    Appoint Members to Community Center Advisory              Board –

17-184    Appoint Members to Ridgewood Arts Council

17-185    Appoint Village Councilmembers as Liaisons to        Various Boards and Committees – Appoints           Village Councilmembers as Liaisons to various          boards and committees through June 30, 2018

17-186    Approve Release of Closed Session Minutes

Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)

Resolution to go into Closed Session

Closed Session

Legal – COAH; Valley Hospital
Contract Negotiations – Central Valet
Personnel – Boards and Committees

22.  Adjournment

Posted on 8 Comments

Reader says Ironically after all the hoopla in Facebook , local media etc. when I drive around town I only see a tiny number of “Pride”flags around

gay flag ridgewood

Ironically after all the hoopla in FB , local media etc. when I drive around town I only see a tiny number of flags around and this is great. People do not give a shit for pride about nothing. I am much more inclined to respect people who don’t show me their personal flags than someone who is waving it in my face. The American flag is what everyone should respect and embrace. Any other “pride” flags can be flown in private.
Yesterday, I heard they are raising “the flag” at RHS. I think this is discriminatory , the flag show be flown in middle schools and why not in elementary as well. I won’t be surprised if these people ask for it next year. A big , hearty FU to these jerks.

Posted on Leave a comment

Local student entrepreneur helps Ridgewood Historical Society with some heavy lifting

Joe Rahaim, is a rising senior at Ridgewood High School and Owner and Founder of Joe's Odd Jobs
June 13,2017
Vicky Herbert‎

Ridgewood NJ, According to Vicky Herbert‎ ,When the Ridgewood Historical Society and Schoolhouse Museum needed some heavy lifting, they called on local student entrepreneur, Joe Rahaim. We had bulky furniture and years of accumulated material in the attic we needed moved ,” said Historical Society volunteer, Kelly Gioia. Since the non-profit organization didn’t have regular volunteers with the strength, nor did they have a budget, Gioia called Joe’s Odd Jobs. Joe was happy to volunteer his time and said he would reach out to get some of his student crew to help too. “When I put the text out to my regular workers, the response was amazing, everyone wanted to help even though it was going to be an unpaid project,” said Joe Rahaim, “the Ridgewood community and it’s word of mouth have been very good to me, my business, and my team so we were happy to give back to the Historical Society”.

Joe Rahaim, is a rising senior at Ridgewood High School and Owner and Founder of Joe’s Odd Jobs, a local business he started his freshman year of high school. The business started out as a way to work given his busy sports schedule, but as word got out, he couldn’t do all the jobs himself and had to enlist fellow students. The business has now grown to a 10- plus person operation. “I found a niche”, said Rahaim, we do a lot of small projects like moves, clean-outs, minor landscaping, and small painting jobs. “It has been a great experience for me, I like hands-on projects and most of all, working with a great crew that knows how to have fun and work hard,” said Rahaim”

Posted on 4 Comments

N.J. school suspends yearbook advisor after Trump T-shirt controversy

make america great again

Updated on June 12, 2017 at 5:12 PMPosted on June 12, 2017 at 1:49 PM

BY ADAM CLARK

NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

WALL — The Wall Township High School yearbook advisor is suspended indefinitely as the district investigates why photos were edited to remove images supporting President Donald Trump, a district official said Monday.

The paid suspension comes after parents and students complained that at least two photos of students wearing Trump campaign shirts were edited and a Trump quote was removed from beneath another student’s photo.

Yearbook advisor Susan Parsons, a technology/media teacher, could not be reached by phone. A message to Parsons’ school email account was returned as “undeliverable” and a woman reached at her listed address in Wall Township declined to comment.

Parsons has worked in education for 21 years, including 13 in the district, according to state records.

https://www.nj.com/education/2017/06/nj_school_suspends_yearbook_advisor_after_trump_t-.html#incart_river_home