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.
Ridgewood NJ, John Young, an 18-year career veteran of the Ridgewood Fire Department, was sworn in as a Lieutenant during the 05/11 Public Meeting of Ridgewood’s Village Council. Many of Lieutenant Young’s fellow firefighters were present during the ceremony.
Ridgewood Nj, looks like Councilwomen Gwenn Hack has been using Anonymous Comments to attack other Ridgewood Council Members. Gwenn IP24.228.133.88 has also been posting under [email protected] to attack her fellow council members Mike Sendon and Susan Kundsen. Since she is on her way out ,I would guess it is only fair to say that we should expect the same from the trio she supports ,Brooks, Willett and Wietz .
The unsubstantiated, unhappy comments above are designed (as usual) to further confuse the public and upset good people.
Ask any/all seniors that I spend time with if I have ever told them who to vote for, or if I have ever distributed any
campaign fliers to them. They will tell you the Truth.
It was Voight, Hache and Walsh campaigners who targeted senior citizens leaving my non-political luncheon at the last one
I would ever have (already a sad and poignant day for me) with their campaign literature as they boarded their senior bus.
I treat senior citizens as people, not as votes. I would not target senior citizens as a voting block, like they did.
A few days ago I refrained from commenting on the total fabrications written on the blog about who really behaved poorly during my luncheon, but the insults cannot go undefended when they just keep coming, and coming, and don’t relent.
You can bet that the anonymous comments posted on the Blog are ghost-written by the same mean and angry people – and worse than being unkind, they are also untrue.
Incivility in Ridgewood Council insists its the Residents FaultView Post1717 comments
2016/05/09 at 6:39 pm
Anonymous [email protected]
24.228.133.88
3:39
Is he paying rent? People on this blog seem to make a lot of nonsense their business. Just playing the game.
What about Knudsen’s conflicts? Nothing to say about those?
People in multi-generational dwellings live longer? Really?
Residents Shocked over Gwen Hauck Serious Conflict of Interest with Valley HospitalView Post3838 comments
2016/01/08 at 4:13 pm
Anonymous [email protected]
24.228.133.88
1:36
Letter of the law is what matters.
Also, explain how Knudsen does not recuse herself from Schedler when her parents live directly across the street from the property.
Knudsen also has three sons on the list to become Ridgewood police officers. Why doesn’t she recuse herself on all matters related to the Police department especially when the Village is currently renegotiating the police contract that her son’s could potentially benefit from.
You hypocrites, especially the Lovings, are always crying about the attacks on Knudsen and Sedon. Be consistent.
By the way, does Sedon even pay taxes to the Village? Just asking. Hear he lives in his in-laws house. We have a councilman who doesn’t even own property in the village. What a joke.
This is a reminder that tomorrow is Election Day for three seats on the Village Council. The polls are open from 6 A.M. to 8 P.M. As is customary, we will be running our Senior Citizen bus so if you need a ride to your voting place, please contact Beth Spinato (201-670-5500, ext. 203).
If you have any questions about voting, including the location of your polling place, please contact our Village Clerk’s Office at 201-670-5500, ext 201 or email Heather Mailander at [email protected]or Donna Jackson at [email protected].
Local elections generally generate very low voter turnout, historically less than 20%. This is despite the fact that local governments in certain ways have a more profound impact on our day to day lives than national government; we as residents should make sure that our voices are heard.
“Voting is the right upon which all other rights depend.” – Thomas Paine
We believe that Bernadette (Bernie) Coghlan-Walsh, Ramon Hache (pronounced Ra-MONE Ha-SHAY), and Jeffrey (Jeff) Voigt are the candidates most likely to heed residents’ concerns about our village’s morphing into the type of urban environment that many moved here to escape.
Bernie, Ramon, and Jeff have been endorsed by other grassroots groups in town, including Concerned Residents of Ridgewood (CRR), protesting the near-doubling in size desired by Valley Hospital; Citizens for a Better Ridgewood (CBR), concerned about the results of proposed high-density housing downtown; and the Schedler neighborhood, working to preserve the woods and historic house just east of Route 17. We believe that those who favor what we love about the village would be the most likely to preserve Graydon as well.
Jeff, Ramon, and Bernie are not running as a team, nor do they agree on every issue. They would cooperate to resolve issues without falling into lockstep. Independent thinking from the dais is much missed and sorely needed.
In contrast, the other three candidates have clearly been working in sync, prematurely speaking as “we,” and have been publicly endorsed by the “council majority” (mayor’s voting bloc), who have installed their campaign signs on their front lawns. In addition, the mayor has placed placards for two of these candidates on the rear deck of his car.
Of the candidates favored by the mayor, one, who moved here a few years ago, said at Candidates Night* that his long working hours and family obligations prevented him from attending past council meetings. Another would welcome the larger school population resulting from the high-density housing she supports. The third faces potential conflicts of interest as the husband of the longtime attorney for our Planning Board.
Bernie, Ramon, and Jeff would seek “more pragmatic and sensible development,” as Voigt describes his goals in a video on his website. Hache said at the League of Women Voters’ Candidates Debate that his vision included “a town with officials protecting their community from the wrong type of development.” None would override valid resident concerns to push preconceived agendas.
Our group’s name contains the key word “preserve.” We wish to preserve not only our natural, historic swimming amenity but also the small-town ambience that we moved here to enjoy. Conserving and increasing unbuilt, truly open space must be a priority of those we endorse for Village Council.
Our choices on election day will affect Ridgewood for decades to come. We urge all residents to encourage friends, neighbors, and children ages 18+ to vote in the municipal election on Tuesday, May 10. Polls will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM.
Four years ago, a handful of votes locked in the current “council majority” that has controlled the village agenda. Every vote counts.
To have a lawn sign delivered to your door or to offer to help, contact:
Ridgewood, NJ – Citizens for a Better Ridgewood (CBR) is pleased to announce that we will be endorsing Jeff Voigt, Bernadette Coughlan-Walsh and Ramon Hache for VillageCouncil in the May 10th municipal election.
CBR is committed to ensuring that Ridgewood engages in inclusive and comprehensive
planning that will promote reasonable and appropriate growth and progress, while preserving the character, size and scale of our Village for generations to come. “We believe Jeff, Bernadette and Ramon will make decisions that protect and improve the quality of life of Ridgewood residents, as the next Village Council addresses opportunities and challenges that will impact us all,” said Trustee Amy Bourque.
CBR met with all six candidates and chose to endorse Voigt, Walsh and Hache because they support CBR’s goal of comprehensive planning for the future of Ridgewood. These three candidates are dedicated to community engagement that allows residents a voice in their future, and will exercise independent judgment always in the best interest of Village residents. Lori Weil noted, “we feel these three candidates will work hard to thoughtfully address the many issues facing Ridgewood, and trust they are best prepared to move toward the future while still maintaining the charm and character of our Village.”
Will this be the “kiss of death” for Richard Brooks?
April 9,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, Is Richard Brooks Campaign for Village Council over before it started? Richard Brooks the husband of Ridgewood Planning Board attorney Gail Price who seemed to have been more interested in representing Valley Hospital than the Village of Ridgewood and who’s stewardship led to Valley getting everything they wanted with no compromise in a mediation settlement .
Now to make matters worse for the Brooks campaign, the conflict of interest councilwomen of the year Gwenn Hauck who is so intertwined with Valley Hospital she can not seem to remember whether she got a check or gave a check , whether she paid her property taxes or as some allege is responsible for the mass murder of wood turtles ,an endangered species; has endorsed him. Apparently Gwenn has looked up from her ipad for a brief second and seen the light.
While some will say it was nice of her to take a break from ranting against Ridgewood residents , while others suggest that Gwenn suffers from a mild case of “foot in the mouth” disease and the Brooks endorsement is just more of the same .
Our modest suggestion is that perhaps Gail should sharpen up those resume skills , but on the other hand Valley might be hiring.
How anyone could support a candidate who is being endorsed by Gwen is beyond our comprehension :
Ridgewood NJ , Final voting registration for the May 10th Municipal Election is April 19th. To register to vote, individuals may register in the Village Clerk’s office from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM or in the Ridgewood Library Lobby on April 19th from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Ridgewood NJ, here is a video of Village Council Candidate Jeff Voigt, regarding his views on the high density issue. Jeff’s perspective is thoughtful and I believe reflective of how many of us see it.The video was filmed by resident Dana Glazer .
It’s so important that people understand what is at stake here and how important it is for all of us to be present at Ridgewood High School on the night of March 23rd for the vote on this issue.
