Ridgewood NJ, Congratulations, to Mike ,Susan and Heather Village of Ridgewood and the Ridgewood Village Council received the 2017 Innovation in Governance Award, honored by the National League of Cities and Sustainable Jersey Silver certified!!
Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. By supporting community efforts to reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve environmental equity, Sustainable Jersey is empowering communities to build a better world for future generations.
The Sustainability Champion award recognizes municipalities that have scored the most points in the Sustainable Jersey certification program in three population categories (large, medium and small).
“The Sustainable Jersey municipal awards recognize the outstanding work being done at the local level,” said Randall Solomon, who co-directs Sustainable Jersey with Donna Drewes. “We are extremely impressed by the innovative and effective sustainability programs and initiatives of these towns. They deserve to be commended for their accomplishments.”
Ridgewood NJ, Village Council members are now considering approval of a Soil Movement Permit in connection with construction work on the Dayton housing project, located at the old Brogan Cadillac site on South Broad Street.
During Wednesday evening’s Village Council Work Session, Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser informed Council members that current plans call for approximately 400 large dump trucks full of soil to use a route which would require them all to exit the site and head southbound on South Broad Street into Glen Rock.
Citizen concerns were expressed as to the appropriateness of directing 400 large dump trucks full of dirt directly into a neighborhood consisting mostly of single family residences, along a primary walking route to and from the Orchard Elementary School, and into neighboring Glen Rock. Mayor Susan Knudsen indicated that given the aforementioned concerns, alternative routes would be reviewed and considered.
The Council is scheduled to formally vote on the Permit during a public meeting next Wednesday evening, November 8th.
Ridgewood NJ, the Village has awarded a contract to replace the collapsed storm sewer on Circle Avenue just south of East Ridgewood Avenue .According to Village Manager Heather Mailander , “the concord grated metal pipe has failed and needs to be replaced “. A seepage tank will also be added . The street is currently impacted by an indent surrounded by cones. The project needs to be finished before the cold weather sets in.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Village Council on Wednesday nights council meeting finally approved the dissolution of the Financial Advisory Committee in favor of a “Special Projects Task Force”.
The council voted 4-1 with Jeff Voigt the only dissenter, for what the mayor called a “rebranding” of the current committee, and assured the public that the change was met with the committee’s favor.
Financial Advisory Committee was nothing but controversial from the get go. Spearheaded by former Mayor Paul Aronsohn when he was in the council the committee was often used to attack Aronsohn opponents and his plans to Urbanize Ridgewood .
The Hudson County Democrat came to the village with the full intention of turning the Village into the next Hoboken , with many critics of the former mayor thought the next Bayonne was a more fitting description of the direction.
The Financial Advisory Committee was used effectively to attack former mayor Kieth Killion and Village Manager Ken Gabbert over his $12,000 deferred pay raise, while the same committee hardly ever mentioned a word at any of the multitude of Village over spending .
In a town that spent $500,000 for a toilet , a $12,000 pay raise hardly seems worthy merit.
After a massive defeat of the Aronsohn backed slate in the previous election , the hiring of a highly qualified Robert G. Rooney as Chief Finance Officer the Financial Advisory Committee seemed a bit of a rudderless ship.
They focused their attacks on the Mayor Kundsen joined by many Aronsohn holdovers , but failed to make their case often looking out of touch and way off base.
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. RESOLUTIONS
17-170 Award Contract – Infra-red Paving Restoration
17-171 Reject Bids – Central Valet Parking Services
17-172 Authorize Application to the Bergen County Historic Trust Fund – Zabriskie-Schedler House, Phase 2
17-173 Authorize Application to the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund – Turf Field at Maple Park
17-174 Annual Renewal of Liquor Licenses
17-175 Set Public Hearing Date for Settlement Negotiation
5. Adjournment
VILLAGE COUNCIL WORK SESSION
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S
PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
JUNE 28, 2017
7:30 P.M.
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 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Presentation – Open Space Survey Findings
7. Discussion
a. Ridgewood Water
1. Award of Contract – Infrared Asphalt Restoration
b. Budget
1. Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Grant Application
c. Operations
1. Purchase of Property
d. Parking
1. Rebid Central Valet Services
8. Motion to Suspend Work Session and Convene Special Public Meeting
9. Special Public Meeting – See At tached Agenda
10. Motion to Adjourn Special Publc Meeting and Reconvene Work Session
11. Discussion (Continued)
a. Ridgewood Water (continued)
1. Lease of Property for Co-Location of Wireless Telecommunications Antennas – Glen Avenue Tank Location
2. Award Contract – Polyphosphate Pumps for Corrosion Control
3. Award Professional Services Contract – Cedar Hill Reservoir Improvements
b. Parking
1. Train Station Parking
2. Update on Parking Garage
3. Clinton Avenue Parking – Safety Concerns
c. Budget
1. Declare Fire Department Equipment Surplus
2. Award Contract Under State Contract – Tires
3. Award Contract Under State Contract – Police Handguns, Holsters, & Magazine Pouches
4. Award Contract Under State Contract – Two Police Patrol SUVs
5. Award Contract Under State Contract – Lifts and Support Stands – Fleet Services
6. Award Contract Under National Joint Powers Alliance – Front End Loaders with Snowplows
7. Award Contract Under National Joint Powers Alliance – Two Sanitation Trucks with Snowplows
b. Policy
1. Boards and Committees – Fields Committee
2. Endorse Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Program – The James Rose Center
3. Title 59 Approval – Painting Curbs Yellow
4. Options for Glenwood Road Railroad Crossing
5. Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Tree Protection
6. Garber Square Bike Lane
e. Operations (continued)
1. Appoint Clean Communities Coordinator and Recycling Program Coordinator
2. Municipal Complex Parking Lot Changes
12. Manager’s Report
13. Council Reports
14. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
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.
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.
Ridgewood NJ, During last night’s Village Council meeting it was announced that design changes requested by Council members have resulted in a projected cost increase of $900k for the Hudson Street Garage. Resident Boyd Loving pointed out that the requested design changes were cosmetic in nature only.That’s right folks; an additional $900k because those on the dais didn’t like the way it looked. Loving reminded council members ,”It’s a parking garage, not the Taj Mahal , $900k more in a heartbeat.”
The PIKE garage proposal has so far not cost the Village a penny , but some of the final numbers and lose ends are still missing.The proposed $8 million garage now $9 million garage will add 240 spaces for a net gain of 140 plus spaces, additionally the Village is moving forward with the 30 plus extra spaces at the Ridgewood train station ,by re-configuring the grassy medium .
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. RESOLUTION
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 17-142 IS TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE THIS RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. THIS RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
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.
5. Adjournment
PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
MAY 24, 2017
7:30 P.M.
7:30 pm – Call to Order – Mayor
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.”
Roll Call – Village Clerk
Flag Salute/Moment of Silence
Public Comments (Not to Exceed 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
Motion to Suspend Work Session and Convene Special Public Meeting
Special Public Meeting – See Attached Agenda
Motion to Adjourn Special Public Meeting and Reconvene Work Session
Presentation
a. FAC – Amend Various Fees and Fines
Discussion
a. Ridgewood Water
b. Parking
1. Discussion of Proposed Parking Garage
2. Train Station – New Parking
c. Budget
1. 2017 Estimated Tax Rate
2. Hardware for E-Ticketing Software
3. Award Second Year of Contract – Crossing Guard Services
d. Policy
1. Boards and Committees – Structures and By-laws
e. Operations
1. Request for Resource Room at Gatehouse – Women Gardeners of Ridgewood
2. Proposed Stop Signs – Upper Boulevard and Glenwood Road
3. Kings Pond Area Cleaning Program – Ridgewood Wildscape Assoc. & Partners
4. Renew Agreement for Community Development Block Grant Program & Other Grants
5. NJDOT Request for Additional Bus Stop – State Highway 17 at Race Track Road
Manager’s Report
Council Reports
Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
Resolution to go into Closed Session
Closed Session
A. Legal – Partial Divestiture of Ridgewood Water, COAH; Valley Hospital; HealthBarn
B. Contracts/Negotiations – Barrington Road
C. Personnel – Appointments to Boards and Committees
Adjournment
Ridgewood NJ, the Village council responds to erroneous assertions made by former Village Manager Roberta Sonenfled.
IMPORTANT: In response to a recent Ridgewood News letter to the editor written by Roberta Sonenfled: Residents should be cautious relying on the content due to errors, omissions and misrepresentations.
• Sonenfeld’s suggestion that the process wasn’t transparent is remarkable! The process follewed is the same shwas required to follow as former Village Manager. AS REQUIRED BY LAW, once the budget is introduced it must be reviewed by the Village auditor and afterwards, again as required by law, must be submitted to the State in THEIR BUDGET FORMAT for review with the completion of check list and all required documentation. This process is no different than any other year – even during those she was village manager. When the budget is advertised, it advises the public to contact the Village CFO with the appropriate phone number and extension. No phone calls have been received to date.
• Sonenfeld’s feigned surprise about the use of “rainy day” funds is curious since Sonenfeld utilized the surplus over and over again. She need only review her use of $3.032mil in 2015 and $3.3mil in 2016. The 2017 use of surplus, at approximately 10% more, is well within the amounts stipulated by the guidelines of the resolution recommended by Sonenfeld and adopted by Village Council last year for the utilization of “rainy day” reserves.
• Sonenfeld writes, “the budget proposes $7.4 million in authorized general debt for 2017 – an 88 percent increase over last year.” If she had provided the actual 2016 amount of $6.021 million ( authorized general debt) readers would have recognized her math error…. The increase in 21% NOT 88% – the difference is for possible property acquisition. Remember this is not incurred debt, IT IS AUTHORIZED BUT NOT ISSUED
• Too many error, omissions and misrepresentations to list!!!
Again readers should consider the source. Email if you have any questions: [email protected]
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood council took on some local parking issues many of which have been well documented on this blog .
This included live discussions on parking on Pomander Walk, parking Cambridge Road and Bogert Avenue and Repeat Zone Parking.
Unlike the previous council ,the current council tried to look at the local parking issues in a more holistic approach reminded residents that its going to take compromise . Keeping in mind the unintended consequences of parking regulations on neighboring streets , local businesses and pedestrian safety.
Again the Village engineer with help of the Ridgewood Police put together a compromise plan the could hopes will me most of the local parking objections .
Repeat Zone Parking was more of an issues to get CBD employees to not park in customer parking . The issues has been raised that employees have not been parking in the designated spots in the CBD ,the main issue for “Repeat Zone Parking” is the amount of hands on effort needed by the parking utility to enforce the “Repeat Zone Parking”. The council and police clearly need a strict definition of “repeat parking”.
The council seemed to uniformly feel business owners the Chamber of Commerce and the Ridgewood Guild need to remind employees parking in the wrong spots cost them money and in the end they are the ones to suffer.
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 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Ridgewood Water Presentation – Lead and Copper
7. Discussion:
a. Ridgewood Water
Award Contract – Tree Maintenance Services
Award Contract – Water Main Replacements at Stream Crossings
Award Contract Under State Contract – Materials and Supplies – Water Main Repairs
Authorize Change Order – Rehabilitation of Glen Tank
b. Parking
1. Update on Hudson Street Parking Garage
2. Request for Proposals – Pilot Program – Alternative/Non-traditional Commuter Transportation Services
3. Preliminary Design for Train Station Parking Area
4. Parking on Pomander Walk
5. Cambridge Road and Bogert Avenue Parking
6. Repeat Zone Parking
c. Budget
Reject Bids – School Bus Transportation Services – Summer Day Camp
Award Contract – Professional Traffic Engineering Services – West Side Study Area
Award Contract – Gate House Sloped Entry – Habernickel Family Park
Award Contract – Communications – Police Department
Award Contract – Paving
Award Contract – Central Valet
Surplus of Police Vehicles
Temporary Emergency Budget Appropriations
Temporary Emergency Capital Budget
Capital Ordinances
d. Policy
Amend Chapter 260 – Trees and Shrubs
Sustainable Jersey Actions Regarding Responsible Pet Ownership
Age Friendly Ridgewood – Mayor’s Pledge
Boards and Committees – Structures and By-laws
Historic Preservation Grant Proposal through Bergen County Open Space Trust – Zabriskie-
Schedler House – Phase II
e. Operations
Release of Cash Security Bond – Sludge Hauling Contract
Installation of Bus Shelter/Bus Bench – West Glen and North Monroe
Upgrade of County Traffic Signals
Accept Donation – Restoration of Sally Port – Ridgewood Police Department
Surplus & Donation of Police Equipment
8. Review of April 12, 2017 Regular Public Meeting Agenda
9. Manager’s Report
10. Council Reports
11. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
12. Resolution to go into Closed Session
13. Closed Session
a. Personnel/Contract Negotiations – White Collar and Blue Collar Negotiations;
Boards/Committees
b. Contract Negotiations – Consideration of Purchase of Properties;
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 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Discussion
Ridgewood Water
Award Professional Services Contract – USEPA Compliance Services for Evaluation of Groundwater Wells
Item Moved to 6.c.5.
Authorize Change Order – Installation of Backup Power at Critical Facilities
Award of Contract – Furnish and Delivering Sodium Hypochlorite – Second Year
Award of Contract – Servicing and Repair of Potable Water Pumping Facilities – Second Yearb. Parking
Central Business District Non-residential Parkingc. Budget
Deferred School Tax for 2017
Appropriation Reserve Transfer Resolution
Sewer Fees for Significant Dischargers – Wastewater Collection System
Sustainable Jersey PSE&G Grant
Award Professional Services Contract – Review of HVAC System Operation at Village Hall
Award of Contract – Maintenance of Irrigation Systems – Water Fountains
Graydon Pool – Fees and Improvementsd. Policy
New Recycling Regulations
Establishment of an International Club
7. Review of February 8, 2017 Regular Public Meeting Agenda
8. Manager’s Report
8. Council Reports
9. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
10. Resolution to go into Closed Session
11. Closed Session
A. Legal – RCRD, Valley Hospital, Affordable Housing Litigation
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S
PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
JANUARY 25, 2017
REVISED
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 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Discussion:
d. Policy
1. Municipal Aid Grant Application – Resurface North Pleasant Avenue
2. Municipal Aid Grant Application – Safe Street to Transit
7. Motion to Suspend Work Session and Convene Special Public Meeting
Special Public Meeting Agenda:https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/…/1209-village-council-special-p…
8. Motion to Adjourn Special Public Meeting and Reconvene Work Session
9. Special Public Meeting – See Attached Agenda
10. Presentation
a. Ridgewood Public Library – Preliminary Presentation on Renovation Plans
11. Discussion
a. Ridgewood Water
1. Award Second Year of Contract – Landscaping Services
2. Award of Contract – Cold Water Meters and Accessories
3. Award Second Year of Contract – Pipes, Appurtenances and Service Materials
b. Parking
1. CBD Parking – Parking Garage Discussion
2. Sherman Place Discussion
3. Authorize Ordinance to Assist Drivers with Disabilities
4. Chestnut Street and North Walnut Street – Change in Parking Allocations
c. Budget
1. Award of Contract – Purchase of Vacuum Tank Unit
2. Award of Contract – Purchase of Sludge Hauling Tanker Truck Chassis
3. Award of Contract – Professional Services – Upgrade Traffic Signals
4. Award of Contract – Professional Services – Tax Assessment Map
5. Graydon Pool Fees
6. Authorize Designation of an Acting Municipal Court Administrator
7. Liquid Waste Acceptance Program
d. Policy
1. Removed from Agenda
2. Schedler Property – Next Steps
3. Committee By-Laws Timeline Discussion
4. Uber Discussion
e. Operations
1. Authorize Membership Agreement with PVSC and NJWCPS
2. Authorize Girl Scout Project – Tree Nursery at Parks in Flood Plain
3. Authorize Bus Stop Ordinance – NJ Transit
12. Manager’s Report
13. Council Reports
14. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
15. Resolution to go into Closed Session
16. Closed Session
a. Legal – Contract for Parking; Town Garage
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council repealed an ordinance that has in many residents eyes opened the door to unpopular village master plan amendments that included clearing the way for The Valley Hospital’s expansion and construction of high-density housing downtown.
The ordinance, No. 3066, was adopted in 2007 and states that “any interested party” can formally request amendments to either the master plan or its development regulations. The requests must be reviewed by the village, and the ordinance also outlines how a party must file such requests, as well as the fee structure for doing so.
Village Planner Blais Brancheau authored the ordinance nine years ago and has steadfastly claimed it was to “establish a clear procedure” for handling amendment requests and let the village charge the requesting party the cost of the professionals involved. Brancheau claims that without the ordinance, those costs would be carried by Ridgewood taxpayers.Critics of 3066 have long felt the Village had lost control of the planning process.
It was introduced by the Village Council under Mayor Pfund in 2007 (https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/minutes/07RPMJUN13.pdf ). Chapter § 190-143 of the amended Village Code is the kicker; it established procedures for interested persions (i.e. developers) to request amendments to the Village Master Plan or development regulations.
Council members Mancuso, Ringler Shagin, Wiest, and Pfund all voted in favor of the ordinance. Chapter § 190-143 is here https://ecode360.com/6694062 .
Over the years many residents argue that this should be repealed to ensure that we don’t see overdevelopment at Valley and in the CBD in terms of densities and building scale. It’s felt this will better protect our property values.
But last night the council agreed to repeal Ordinance 3066 once and for all in all its glory which will allow the Village to once again gain control of its own destiny and close the door on incongruous non conforming development. The final repeal will come in the August public meeting.
Ridgewood NJ, the Village council passed a new sign resolution no. 16-137 effective 5/4/16. This allows
“A Frame” type signs on the sidewalks of the CBD until December 31, 2016
The Chamber of Commerce will be handed out a copy of the resolution on Monday 23, 2016 to Chamber members.
-The placement of any sign must not interfere with
pedestrian safety
-No sign shall be permitted to constrict the 52-inch
area of the sidewalk utilized by pedestrians.
-All signs must be removed at close of business.
-You need to contact the Village of Ridgewood with a
valid, current certificate of insurance, naming the Village of Ridgewood as additional insured for Comprehensive General Liability.
This must be done one week before placement of sign.
Signs are allowed during Sale Days meaning today.
Side street businesses during Sale Days only.
Can have one sign at the corner, place out of the way of pedestrian. Other stores must keep their signs in front of their own locations.
