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01/17/07 8:00pm Village Council Public Meeting
01/24/07 7:30pm Village Council Work Session
02/07/07 7:30pm Village Council Work Session
02/14/07 8:00pm Village Council Public Meeting
02/28/07 7:30pm Village Council Work Session
Tag: Ridgewood Real estate
>NEW BOE ATHLETIC POLICY
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The Board passed a revised policy on interscholastic athletics at RHS. In the new version, the expression that a “no-cut policy is desirable” was eliminated. Instead, the new policy refers to a suggested range for participation in each sport that is contained in administrative procedures. The range of athletes per team is determined by the nature of the sport, facility use, coaching personnel, budgetary constraints, and transporting students safely to events. For example, the range for football at the varsity, junior varsity, or freshman level is 44-60, while boys or girls golf is limited to 8-12 at the varsity level only.
>Moving to Florida
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>It is time that we, as Ridgewood residents, take a long look in the mirror
>The BOE members may be incompetent and unqualified to serve in their positions. But, if the BOE has been “the most arrogant clique in Ridgewood” for decades, who is to blame…the BOE members, or Ridgewood residents who keep elected them?
The Anonymous post at 8:15 is characteristic of the lack of accountability that is tolerated and, in some cases, promoted in Ridgewood. Nowhere is this more prevalant than in the BOE, which has settled for mediocrity in almost every aspect of our school system, to a point where academic and athletic programs have suffered, the physical plant is in shambles, the budget continually seems beyond their control and the relationship between the BOE and the community is at the lowest point in recent memory. Yet, it exists all around us. It’s in the Police Department. It’s in Village Hall. It’s in volunteer organizations, whose boards are unable to make important decisions for fear of the backlash they might get from one or two disgruntled residents. But, most importantly, it’s in many of the parents of Ridgewood who don’t take responsibility for their own actions and fail to require such responsibilty from their children.
There are countless examples of parents who complain or threaten to sue because their child didn’t have the ability or commitment to qualify him or her for a particular sporting team. Go to any public outdoor location, where Ridgewood residents (not just children) gather and notice the countless half-finished water bottles strewn on the ground when they leave, often just yards from the nearest trash can. There is the absurd debate about the RHS smoking policy, when smoking is illegal for 98% of its students. There is the debate about whether RHS campus should be closed, as if the school administrators can decide whether they want the “inconvenience” of being responsible for students during school hours, or as if high school students have some inalienable right to leave campus if they choose. Every day there are post on this blog by those who fancy themselves to be “community watchdogs”, who attend every public meeting looking for the next big community issue. How many of the these bloggers donate their time or their money to improve the quality of life for all residents in town? How many even follow up their complaints with constructive recommendations of ways to address their complaints?
It is time that we, as Ridgewood residents, take a long look in the morror and accept that if we are not part of the solution, then we are part of the problem. Stop blaming the “other guy.” Stop the belly aching and take action. This requires more than going to public meetings to express your opinion. This means not settling for mediocrity or compromising on the option that results in the least resistance. This means assuming the responsibility to take actions that will make this town a better place to live for all of us, not just yourself.
more blog readers speak out….
Agreed; we as Ridgewood residents are to blame. We must refuse to accept continued mediocrity and incompetence on the part of our elected officials. We must start demanding the best and nothing less.However, taking action in the form of attending meetings, making public comments, and posting on this blog should not be characterized as just “part of the problem.” Much good comes from publicizing issues that others might not have been aware of.This blog is widely read by administrators at Village Hall and BOE headquarters (although no one would ever admit to it) and several elected officials. Behaviors change when someone sees their name posted, or thinks their name may be posted. Letters to the editors of our local newspapers result in behavior changes as well.So please don’t to characterize Ridgewood’s gadflies/anti government grumblers as just a “part of the problem.” Although you may not agree with our tactics, we do produce results – more results than you might ever be aware of.
blog critic speaks out….
Unfortunately, the problem is not limited to our elected officials. I applaud concerned residents, who use this or other forums as a tool to improve the quality of life in Ridgewood, if it is accompanied by positve action. But, that’s generally not what I see in this blog. What I see is constant whining, criticizing and complaining, without offering constructive alternative solutions. Anonymous gadflies and government grumblers, who merely point to a problem, assess blame and snipe at those who (in their minds) are responsible ARE part of the problem, unless they are willing to take action to rectify the issues they perceive. Do you honestly think most people on this blog are interested in creating public awareness? Go back and check the archives. Most of what you’ll find are posts from miscreants who are emboldened by anonymity and get a kick out of taking pot shots at their neighbors. That’s not what I consider to be a productive community service. Nor is using this blog to post scandalous inuendo, without the slightest documentation or factual basis.
>BOE Plans to Keep Public Waiting – Again
>Notwithstanding public criticism that followed their decision to conduct an
Executive Session in the midst of a November 27th open public meeting, which
kept 25 taxpayers and a Cable TV viewing audience waiting 55 minutes, BOE
President Mark Bombace has scheduled another such session to take place
during the BOE’s Monday, January 8th open public meeting.
The topic of this planned closed door session is thus far being kept top
secret. However, the NJ Open Public Meetings Act will require BOE members
to publicly approve a resolution prior to the meeting that must disclose the
general discussion topic.
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>Village Council Schedules Special Closed Door Meeting
>Village Council Schedules Special Closed Door Meeting to Discuss
Controversial Appointment to Police Department
Village Council members will meet at 6:30 PM on Monday, January 8th to
discuss the proposed appointment of a current patrol officer’s son to the
Ridgewood Police Department. Rumors are that the current officer promised
to retire if his son were appointed by Village Manager Jim Ten Hoeve.
However, it is also being reported that the officer told colleagues
privately he would renege on the deal after his son was sworn in.
Councilman Jacques Harlow is rumored to have demanded the scheduled
discussion meeting.
>Request for Proposals – Police Department Performance Audit, Review and Utilization Study
>Request for Proposals – Police Department Performance Audit, Review and Utilization Study
The Village of Ridgewood is requesting proposals for “Police Department Performance Audit, Review and Utilization Study”. Bids will be opened on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 10AM in the 5th Floor Conference Room, Village Hall, 131 North Maple Ave., Ridgewood. For information call 201/670-5500 x203. Link below will take you to the actual RFP package.
https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/police/rfp/PDRFP122206.pdf
>Village Seeks to Limit Its Liability for Homeowners’ Damages Related to Sewer Main Backups
Got Sewer Main Backups? Citing its desire to stop paying out huge claims related to Village maintained sewer trunk failures that in the past caused extensive damage to private residences, on December 13, Village Council members voted unanimously to introduce Ordinance #3036, which would establish a new section under Village Code Article XI entitled: “Damage Claims for Backup of Sewage on Certain Properties.”
If approved, following its scheduled Public Hearing on January, 17, Ordinance #3036 would:
1) Exclude from recognition any claim made by a homeowner who did not have an “accepted” backflow prevention device installed on his/her private sewer line (running from house to connection with Village maintained sewer trunk).
2) Limit claims to individual owners of single family, two family or three family homes who make such premises their primary residence, and who own such premises in their own individual name or names, and from whose insurance coverage the claim is either fully or partially excluded.
3) Any claim partially covered by private insurance would be excluded from coverage to the extent of such private insurance coverage.
4) The Village will compensate a qualifying claim only as follows: cost of removal of sanitary sewerage and of cleaning and sanitizing premises, fixtures and salvageable personal items – 100% to a limit of $1,500.00; the cost of repair to or replacement of damaged structure, fixtures or personal items – 100% to a limit of $2,500.00. Total = $3,500.
5) Any covered persons must notify the Water Pollution Control Facility immediately upon discovery of any backups into the residential structure.
6) Claims must be filed within 5 days of the discovery of damages.
It is rumored that the Village recently paid out several claims in excess of $25,000. It is also rumored that the Village’s sewer system infrastructure, excepting the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Glen Rock, is rapidly decaying; major portions of the subterranean system were constructed in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
>Scott Garrett Swearing In Ceremony Bus Trip
>BUS TRIP
TO
CONGRESSMAN
SCOTT GARRETT’S
SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
Thursday, January 4th
Leaving Ridgewood at 5:30 am
from the Graydon Pool parking lot.
(Northern Pkwy. & Linwood Ave.)
Return time from Washington to be decided by group.
$25.00 Person
Call Jerry DeSimone (cell) 201.709.5668
or
e-mail [email protected] for reservations
>2006 the Year in Pictures….
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>Community Alert
>On Monday, December 18, 2006, a BFMS student who was walking home from school was passed several times in the Travell School area by a slow moving vehicle. The incident is under police investigation. The Ridgewood Police Department asks parents to advise their children to use extra caution and tell an adult immediately if they see any suspicious activity.
>BOE Approves Field Use Policy; Bob Hutton Casts Only “No” Vote – 50% Reduction of Portable Light Usage at Glen School Promised
>By a 4-1 vote, with Vice President Robert Hutton casting the only “no” vote, BOE members approved the contentious Athletic/Recreational Field Use Policy late last night. Jack Carroll, of the Village’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, promised that if the policy were approved as is, there would be a 50% reduction in the use of portable lights at Glen School during next year’s Fall soccer season.
Residents of Eastbrook Road and other streets in the Glen School area had come out in force during recent meetings to protest the heavy use of the school’s athletic field. Citing their desire to have significant reductions in noise levels, intrusive lighting, and litter, residents petitioned BOE members to move games & practices elsewhere, or at least rotate activities among other schools within the district.
BOE President Mark Bombace thanked Mr. Carroll for coming up with a workable compromise for next fall’s Glen School field schedule, but insisted that Board members would need to approve all schedules beginning with those planned for Fall 2007 (to ensure no single neighborhood is being overloading with activity). A memorandum of agreement will be attached to the Field Use Policy to accommodate Mr. Bombace’s request.
Separately, and in what could be considered a very politically damaging revelation, Mr. Carroll, speaking again on behalf of the Village’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, made this somewhat eerie, on-the-record statement about the continuing controversy over use of mobile floodlight trailers on Village and BOE owned athletic fields: “I know there’s been some discussion about, you know, the legality or Village Code on the use of portable lights and what have you. And my understanding is that the Village has the Engineer and, um, um, Building Inspector looking into it; and, they are expecting a report back, and they asked for this in August. And they are not in a big hurry; and it is also my understanding that the Council [Village Council] is willing to change the Village Code if needed [to legalize the use of mobile flood light trailers on athletic fields]. With that said, their initial advice apparently was they probably would not have to change the Village Code. And that is what is standing as far as that issue is concerned.”
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>NJ Police and Fire Pension "The Truth"
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>Village Council Public Meeting – 12/13/06, Meeting Highlights
>Council members presented Ridgewood Police Officer Douglas Henky with an Exceptional Duty Citation. Henky single-handedly apprehended two individuals who police suspect were responsible for committing a series of house burglaries in Glen Rock and Ridgewood.
Two residents spoke about rumors that athletic fields would be constructed at Grove Park and Pleasant Park. Mayor David T. Pfund assured the audience that no plans to construct additional athletic fields within the Village were currently before the Council. However, Deputy Mayor Betty G. Wiest advised the audience that all Village owned open space would be “in play” with respect to the on-going evaluation of properties potentially suited for the construction of more athletic fields.
An ordinance establishing procedures for filing sewer back-up claims with the Village; which would require the installation of a backflow prevention valve by the resident once a sewer back-up claim has been filed, was introduced. The ordinance would limit the Village’s financial obligations if a sewer claim is accepted. During a previous meeting, it was revealed that several homeowners have filed multiple claims, some in excess of $25K.
The Council voted unanimously to defeat a controversial ordinance which was intended to establish a “no knock” registry. During a November meeting, the proposed ordinance was challenged by several residents who felt that it would have negatively impacted the fund raising abilities of many local not-for-profits.
New lease agreements for both Village owned homes in the Irene Habernickel Family Park were approved. The larger home will rent for $4028 per month; the smaller one for $3803.
The parking lot expansion project at Village Hall is nearing completion. Once finished, an additional 13 spaces will be available for public use (including after business hours use of a portion of the employee lot now marked with “Do Not Enter” signs).
In support of a taxpayer’s comments regarding the lack of progress relative to a street light upgrade project in the Central Business District, Councilwoman Kim Ringler Shagin declared that she was “tired of being held hostage” by the Historic Preservation Committee’s inability to reach a decision. Mayor David T. Pfund directed Village Manager James M. Ten Hoeve to light a fire under the feet of those responsible. Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser was identified as the Village employee who will be charged with getting the project rolling fast.
>A Reader asks ", Do you have recommendations about how to address these problems?"
>…Instead of constant complaining and ranting & raving about abuses by our elected officials, how about offering some CONSTRUCTIVE suggestions about how to solve the issues we face:
-fields shortages
-late evening use of lights at fields
-imrproved effieciency of current facilities
-funding the continued preservation of our undeveloped areas
-funding of current field maintenance
Did you speak up BEFORE Habernickel was purchased to explain why it would be a major screw up? Or, did you speak up BOEFORE Village Hall was renovated to point out that the new design might flood and how it could be prevented? There are a small handful of people speaking up and acting NOW to offer thoughtful solutions about the issues above. You don’t seem to be one of them. Why not start being a part of the solution. Constantly complaining about what doesn’t work, without offering viable solutions makes you part of the problem.
And continues …
I am sure that you would agree that, when one is trying to solve a specific problem (such as a lack of field space and offensive usage of lights at some locations), simply complaining does not help.
The difficulty has always been that, when these issues come up, too many residents dig their heels in and insist that they will not tolerate one thing or another. Furthermore, they refuse to propose viable alternatives or consider viable alternatives proposed by others.
I don’t know how or why the renovation decisions at Village hall were made. Frankly, I am amazed that village engineers did not implement measures to address the flooding issue…like installing submersible pumps in the parking lot drains, which could automatically remove water when it reached a certain level, before flooding. I wonder if anyone proposed that.
I am not interested in rehashing an old Village Hall controversy…I AM interested in positive long-term resolution to the field related issues before us NOW. Do you have constructive suggestions regarding those? If so, I am sure that everyone would like to hear them.
On this blog in the past couple of months, a few people raised ideas about how we can maximize field layout efficiency, how to address fooding and poor field conditions, how to improve the usability of our current fields and how to address the noise and light polution with portable lights. Generally, the ideas have met with unrelated and unproductive rants and raves. Do you have recommendations about how to address these problems?
