The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
May 10 ,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that on May 4th, patrol units were dispatched to a vacant residence on Pershing Avenue for a report of criminal mischief graffiti found on the exterior of the residence. The painted symbol resembled a swastika and other graffiti was written on the exterior in orange paint. The Ridgewood Detective Bureau responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation.
file photo by Ridgewood Emergency Services
May 10,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that on May 6th, patrol units responded to 175 Franklin Avenue on a report of an intoxicated female in front of the business. Upon arrival patrol located the female party and requested the Ridgewood Ambulance respond to the scene. The Ridgewood Ambulance responded and was preparing to transport the female to the hospital for treatment and the female became combative and struck three volunteer ambulance E.M.T.’s with her arms and fist. The female was restrained and transported to the Newbridge Medical Center for treatment. All three E.M.T.’s denied injury at the scene.
file photo by Boyd Loving
They had no place to go
May 10,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that on May 4th, Ptl. Joseph Dibenedetto responded to a residence on Hillcrest Road on a report of a suspicious person who was observed urinating on a front lawn. Ptl. Dibenedetto responded, located and identified the accused. The event was reportedly videotaped by the homeowner and a civilian complaint was provided however the homeowner did not wish to pursue complaints at the time.
file photo by Boyd Loving
May 10,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, according to the Ridgewood Police ,Patrol units responded to the intersection of East Ridgewood Avenue and South Pleasant Avenue on May 7th for a verbal dispute in progress. Upon arrival an employee of Optimum reported a female party unlawfully entered a utility vehicle and turned off the bucket truck while the cable employee was working in the bucket, thus causing the utility worker to be stranded mid-air.
The actor then removed utility property from the truck and walked away. Patrol units located the accused and arrested a 59-year-old female from Ridgewood, N.J. and transported the arrestee to Ridgewood Police headquarters. The arrestee was served with criminal complaints for harassment, false imprisonment, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass. The arrestee was released with a pending court date.
file photo by Boyd Loving
Congrats to the winners
It’s not a mandate but many of us would never vote for someone like Harwin who sent nasty political mailers and had no ideas but simply ran as the “anti incumbent”.
As another poster pointed out, her support must have been from the newbies in town. Based upon the location of the lawn signs I’d have to agree.
Historically incumbents lose their popularity (siting of the firehouse, village hall renovations by prior councils) so for incumbent candidates I’d say they did very well “bitch slapping” at least one nasty challenger .
Thanks to the Ridgewood blog for pointing out the connections so we could see who was on the nasty challengers team and “connecting the dots”.
May 10,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Photos taken during a Ridgewood Police Department Awards and Recognitions Ceremony, held during a Public Meeting of the Ridgewood Village Council meeting on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in the Sydney V. Stoldt Court Room, Ridgewood Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood.
A. CPR Save – Sergeant Michael Lembo, Sergeant Peter Bolten, Police Officer Brandon Donnelly
B. Assisting in Birth of Baby with umbilical cord around its neck: Lifesaving Award – Police Officer Patrick Elwood; Honorable Service Award – Police Officer Douglas Christopher
C. Lifesaving Awards for Choking Victim: Police Officer Joseph DiBenedetto, Police Officer Peter Tuchol, Jr., and Police Officer Rosario Vacarella
D. Grand Cordon Medal – Sergeant John Chuck
E. Andrew K. Ruotolo, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Recipient – Sergeant Michael Lembo
![mudslinging[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/mudslinging1.gif "Reader says The fact that over 2000 Ridgewood residents support the hatred, lies and vitriol of the Harwin campaign is a strong indicator of the caliber of individuals migrating to RW and it does not bode well for the future of the town")
Congrats to Knudsen and Seldon.
.
However, it is shockingly sad that Harwin (especially) and Willett each got over 2000 votes.
Just goes to show what an ugly direction Ridgewood is heading.
The fact that over 2000 RW residents support the hatred, lies and vitriol of the Harwin campaign is a strong indicator of the caliber of individuals migrating to RW and it does not bode well for the future of the town.
When a candidate infiltrates our village with the manifest intent to promote outside interests inimical to our own, advances that candidacy by generating animus and calumny, and is assisted by outside organization and outside financing, that interloper ought be prepared to reap the derision sown so thoughtlessly by that person’s own campaign.
For details on the misinformation about the effects of additional apartments in Ridgewood, all you have to do is examine the poorly supported assumptions used in the decision to move to full day kindergarten. The town relied on a study (contracted for by developers) that concluded, with no real evidence, that the additional housing would bring no more than 50 students into the school system. The school board then argued that with 50 new students, the district would have roughly 4 additional students per grade. They did not look at existing apartments to get a sense of students per unit. The number 50 probably is a very low figure. Look at your own neighborhood to see the ages of kids when new families move to town. The distribution is not even across the ages. There is a high percent of kindergarten or younger students in new arrivals. It is rare that a new junior or senior arrives. The majority of new students in the first year will be in kindergarten, creating a bubble of overcrowding, one that will move through the schools and which will be continued as younger siblings move into the school system. Rather than 4 new students in kindergarten, we are more likely to see 15 or 20, based on past experience. The rooms do not exist for an additional kindergarten room or for anywhere near that many additional students in the existing classrooms. Expect a move to expand the schools, with its resulting new bond to raise the money.
photo by Melanie Whobin
20180509 – Village Council Regular Public Meeting
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING MAY 9, 2018 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. National Cancer Survivors Day
B. Emergency Medical Services Week
C. Proclaim May as Mental Health Month
D. Proclaim May as Older Americans Month
E. Proclaim June as Gay Pride Month
F. Proclaim National Gun Violence Awareness Day
8. Police Department Awards and Recognitions
A. CPR Save – Sergeant Michael Lembo, Sergeant Peter Bolten, Police Officer Brandon Donnelly
B. Assisting in Birth of Baby with umbilical cord around its neck: Lifesaving Award – Police Officer Patrick Elwood; Honorable Service Award – Police Officer Douglas Christopher
C. Lifesaving Awards for Choking Victim: Police Officer Joseph DiBenedetto, Police Officer Peter Tuchol, Jr., and Police Officer Rosario Vacarella
D. Grand Cordon Medal – Sergeant John Chuck
E. Andrew K. Ruotolo, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Recipient – Sergeant Michael Lembo
9. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
10. Adoption of Ordinance 3643 – Establish a CAP Bank
11. 2018 Budget Hearing
a. Overview of 2018 Budget
b. Village Council’s Comments
c. Public Hearing on 2018 Budget
12. 2018 BUDGET RESOLUTIONS
18-145 Amend 2018 Budget
18-146 Adopt 2018 Budget, as Amended
13. Village Manager’s Report
14. Village Council Reports
15. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
16. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER
3642 – Water Utility Capital Ordinance ($1,317,000)
17. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-147 THROUGH
18-151 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:
18-147 Title 59 Approval – Landscaping Services – Approves the plans and specifications for Landscaping Services prepared by the Ridgewood Water Department, pursuant to Title 59
18-148 Award Contract – Landscaping Services (NTE $61,000) – Awards the first year of a two- year contract to the lowest responsible bidder, LTI, Inc., 122 Main Road, Montville, NJ
18-149 Award Contract – Roof Repairs at Various Village Water Facilities (NTE $38,000) – Awards a contract to the lowest quote from American Construction Chimney & roofing Specialist, 378 Lawton Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ
18-150 Authorize Change Order #2 – Water Main Stream Crossings (NTE $32,084.56) – Authorizes a change order to the original contractor, Mott MacDonald, 111 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, NJ. This change order is necessary due to engineering charges resulting from contractor schedule overruns; field changes to match map records; and replacement of an adjacent main to facilitate the tie-in of the crossing
18-151 Authorize Change Order #2 – Installation of Backup Power at Critical Facilities (NTE $66,802) – Authorizes a change order to the original contractor, Arcadis U.S., Inc., 17- 17 Route 208 North, Fair Lawn, NJ. This change order is necessary due to additional permitting efforts for Planning Board approvals in thee municipalities; design changes required by the Planning Boards including bollards around the generators, moving the generator to a different location, and additional fencing and landscaping; and finalizing permitting with NJDEP.
18. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3639 – Amend Chapter 212-31 – Skate Park Rules and Regulations – Amends Chapter 212-31 of the Ridgewood Village Code, by removing the sections that require a fee for the badge; to delineate the non-smoking area; and to add scooters as a prohibition in the Skate Park
3646 – Establish Valet Parking Area on North Broad Street – Establishes a valet parking area on North Broad Street from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on all days, for use by an approved Valet Service
3647 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish Regulations for Blade Signs in Central Business District – Establishes regulations for Blade Signs, perpendicular to the building facades, in the B-1 and B-2 zone districts
3648 – Amend Chapter 172-6 – Nuisances Enumerated – Bands and Music – Amends the Village Code to add “bands and music” to Chapter 172-6(18)
19. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3644 – General Capital Ordinance ($4,948,000)
3645 – Increase Fees for Corrections to Vital Records
20. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-152 THROUGH
18-164 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:
18-152 Award Contract – Disposal of Recyclable Materials – Authorizes a contract for disposal of the Village’s recyclable materials for the second year of a two-year contract to Atlantic Coast Fibers, LLC, 101 Seventh Street, Passaic, NJ
18-153 Title 59 Approval – Crossing Guard Services – Approves the specifications for Furnishing and Delivering of Crossing Guard Services for Village School Posts for the Ridgewood Police Department, June 1, 2018 through July 31, 2019, inclusive, prepared by the Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59
18-154 Award Contract – Crossing Guard Services (NTE $387,369.45) – Awards a contract to the lowest responsible bidder, All City Management Services Inc., 10440 Pioneer Boulevard, Suite 5, Santa Fe Springs, CA
18-155 Title 59 Approval – Parking Transactions Using Mobile Technology and Other Related Services – Approves the specifications for Parking Transactions Using Mobile Technology and Other Related Services, prepared by the Finance Department, pursuant to Title 59
18-156 Award Contract – Parking Transactions Using Mobile Technology and Other Related Services – Awards a contract to Parkmobile, LLC, 1100 Spring Street NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA. The users of this technology will be assessed a $0.40 fee per transaction, in addition to the parking meter charges. The merchant services for processing the transactions will be incurred by Parkmobile. The Village of Ridgewood will pay nothing for this technology. This resolution also allows for authorized users to obtain parking permits electronically at a cost of $1.00 per permit, if the Village decides to implement this service.
18-157 Award Professional Services Contract – Professional Planner – Affordable Housing Planning Consultant – Awards a Professional Services Contract to Elizabeth McManus, of Clarke Caton Hintz, 100 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ
18-158 Award Contract – Eradication of Bicycle Lane Markings – Portion of Westbound Garber Square (NTE $11,503.70) – Awards a contract to Pavement Impressions, Inc., 900 Minesite Road, Allentown, PA, for eradication of a portion of the bicycle lane, westbound Garber Square, with their propriety products
18-159 Award Contract – Animal Control Services and Waterfowl Management (NTE $31,200) – Awards a contract to TYCO Animal Control Services, 1 Stout Lane, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
18-160 Authorize Planning Board to Prepare Redevelopment Plan for Hudson Street Parking Lot (NTE $1,800) – Authorizes the Planning Board to prepare a Redevelopment Plan for the Hudson Street parking lot to be used for a parking garage, by hiring Professional Planner Brigette Bogart of Brigette Bogart Planning and Design Professionals, LLC, 366 Harvey Court, Wyckoff, NJ
18-161 Approve Lease of Pease Building First Floor and Balcony – Approves the lease with the sole bidder, Ridgewood Medical Media, LLC, 30 Garber Square, Suite A, Ridgewood, NJ for the main and balcony levels of the Pease Building for an initial lease of three years, with one three-year renewal. The total annual rent is $111,963.20.
18-162 Endorse Application for Community Development Block Grant – Village of Ridgewood – Tables for Patrick A. Mancuso Senior Center – Approves endorsement of a $7,835 CDB grant. This resolution does not obligate the financial resources of the Village but will expedite the expenditure of Community Development funds.
18-163 Appoint Municipal Recycling Coordinator – Appoints Edward Bethune as the Interim Municipal Recycling Coordinator, effective immediately
18-164 Appoint Member to Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board – Appoints Lizabeth Kloak to a term which expires 12/31/20
21. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
22. Adjournment
May 9,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Society Cafe Concert Series presents The Annual Two Piano Festival on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at 3:00 pm at the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place. Duo piano teams will perform a wide selection of music for two pianos, including works by Bach, Dvorak, Stravinsky and Disney. The Festival raises money for a scholarship for a student pianist awarded by The Professional Music Teachers’ Guild of NJ. There will be a reception after the concert.
$20 admission via PayPal at www.societycafeconcertseries.com, or by calling 201-444-6225. $25 at the door.
Sun, May 20, 2018
Time: 3:00 PM
Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
May 9,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Former New York Giants Running Back and Dancing with the Stars Winner, Rashad Jennings, will sign his new book at Bookends in Ridgewood May 9th ,6pm: The If in Life. Books available: April 7th.
*Books must be purchased from Bookends Bookstore*
Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.
Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.
While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.
Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726
May 9,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Art Institute invites all young artists in Ridgewood and it’s surrounding communities to enter this exhibition. All entrants must be between the ages of 7 and 17. Original artwork, done either independently or at school is welcome. Any size is acceptable, however, all artwork must be framed, WIRED and ready to hang. No computer generated or 3-dimensional artwork will be accepted. Student members of the Ridgewood Art Institute may enter up two pieces, all others may enter one. Entries must be delivered to the Ridgewood Art Institute on Saturday, May 19th between the hours of 10am and 3pm. The following information must be printed on the back of the artwork: Name,Title, Age, Address, Contact Number, School and Grade.
In addition, you will be required to fill out an entry form on receiving day. Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony: Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 2-4pm
Artwork available for viewing through Friday, June 15th, 2018
Pickup: Saturday, June 16th 2018 10am-12pm
All entries will be judged by the the Ridgewood Art Institute’s instructors. Scholarships in traditional painting and drawing, cash prizes, merchandise awards, certificates of merit and honorable mentions will be awarded.
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a non profit organization providing the finest instruction in Classical Realism in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, and can be joined at anytime. Each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level. For more information on class scheduling, this and future events please visit www.ridgewoodartinstitute.org
The Ridgewood Art Institute’s 59th Annual Young People’s Exhibition: Call For Entries
Sun, June 3rd, 2018
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Ridgewood Art Institute
12 East Glen Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201 652-9615
The “washed-out” whiteboard is where the numbers of votes were recorded. Standing in front of the board are Mayor Susan Knudsen on the left and Deputy Mayor Michael Sedon on the right.
Once again the people have spoken.
Susan Knudsen and Michael Sedon won today by 1,000+ votes–over 59% of the vote. In descending order of number of votes, including all polling stations and absentee ballots:
Susan Knudsen: 2989
Michael Sedon: 2973
Alexandra Harwin: 2040
Janice Willett: 2025
We would not be bullied. We would not be lied to. We would not sit back and watch dedicated public servants be insulted and wrongly, shamefully accused of bizarre things.
As the challengers’ campaign went low and lower, Susan and Mike remained cordial and respectful. They could easily have replied in kind, but refused.
That’s the kind of person we want and need to lead us: a person who displays character and integrity and who tell the truth…all the time and without thinking about it.
All six grassroots groups in town endorsed the winning candidates. Our constituencies understood the falseness and manipulation behind the scenes in a council election unlike any Ridgewood has ever seen–fortunately.
Such tactics must not be plied upon us again. If it’s tried, it will fail.
Ridgewood is an old but forward-looking place. We are inclusive and we welcome debate. We reject mudslinging. Candidates must tell us what they have to offer. It’s that simple.
To the tiger in the zoo, Madeline just said, “Pooh pooh!”
To the mailers straight from Hell, voters answered, “LOL!'”
Congratulations to our reelected council members.
Endless thanks to every voter and to the large number of people who worked tirelessly to get out the vote. Mike knocked on more than 1,600 doors.
When the hate mailers began to arrive, donations began to pour in.
“That’s what Ridgewood is all about,” Mayor Knudsen said tonight. “That is why we love Ridgewood. We want to make sure the Ridgewood of future generations is the Ridgewood that we love today. As a community, we stand together.”
Like the results of the last council election two years ago, this is a historic win for Ridgewood. Outside interests will not, shall not, oversee our Master Plan. Developers will not have a “council majority” putting out the welcome mat. Development will be contained and controlled as befits the Village. The garage will not be ‘Zilla.
In all but three districts, the winning candidates had the most votes.
A district-by-district breakdown of election results, showing votes cast for each candidate, percentages, and totals, is usually posted in a table on the village website shortly after the results are in.
A small map showing the borders of each voting district can be found on the village calendar, one page in from the back cover.
Following long tradition, our reelected council members will be sworn in at noon on July 1 (a Saturday this year) in the 4th-floor courtroom at Village Hall. At that time the mayor and deputy mayor for the next two years, having been selected by the council privately, will be announced.
The public is invited to the biannual “reorg” meeting, as always. Refreshments are usually served afterward at the library, but it’s too soon to tell.
Speaking of refreshments, we are typing this at a table in a corner of a raucous and joyous victory party. Time to partake. Good night!
Swimmingly,
The Preserve Graydon Coalition, Inc., a nonprofit corporation
“It’s clear—we love Graydon!”
info@PreserveGraydon.org PreserveGraydon.org
Recall Ridgewood Councilman Jeffrey D. Voigt now!
Notice of intention
A recall committee of at least three registered voters is needed to initiate recall proceedings. This process may not begin until 50 days before the completion of the incumbent’s first year of the current term in office. The recall committee must notify the appropriate election official of the names and addresses of at least three members of the recall committee. The election official accepting the petition will then review the notice of intention for compliance with statutory provisions, calculate the cost of a special election, and notify committee members of the acceptance or rejection of the notice, within three business days. The election official also notifies the incumbent of the notice of intention of recall within five business and publishes a notice of the recall effort.
Signature requirement
Upon approval of the petition, the recall committee and other registered voters in the jurisdiction of the recall election will solicit the signatures of other registered voters in that jurisdiction. The recall effort is limited to 320 days for a Governor or 160 days for other elected officials from the date of the notice of intention. The petition requires the signatures of 25% of the registered voters in the jurisdiction, as of the last general election.
Petition review
The election official reviewing the petition will then certify the number of signatures and determine validity within 10 days. If the petition is accepted, the election official will schedule the recall election.
