On The Blog people are the most honest of all because they are not afraid of repercussions from their employer (if they work at village hall) or the board of ed (if they work for the school system) or their neighbors or school acquaintances. Let’s say you hate the teachers but your neighbor is a teacher. Well, you are not likely to post honestly your feelings on the contract negotiations if you have to identify yourself. In fact, you are likely to post whatever you think your neighbor wants to hear, because you want to remain friendly with the neighbors. Let’s say you are a fireman in town or your spouse is a cop. Well, you are not going to write anything negative about the village manager if you have to be identified in the posting, because this could impact your employment or that of your spouse. Supposing you are totally opposed to the parking garage but you live next door to a person with pro-garage signs all over his front lawn. Are you going to keep the peace in your little world or go to war with him by posting under your own name how much you oppose the garage? The online discussion forums in which everyone has to be identified tend to contain a lot of politically correct BS and not a great deal of gut-wrenching honesty.
Now there are some exceptions, some people who are more than willing to state their case and not worry about repercussions. To these people I say thank you, but I also suspect that they are not in any of the situations described in the previous paragraph.
The Blog = honesty = transparency = THE BLOG RULES
Everyone tries to criticize anonymity on The Blog, but the fact is you get utter honesty here and that is what we really need.
Thank you James Foytlin for serving our community so well.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood shortly after 11 AM on Sunday, 09/11. Fire department personnel from Glen Rock, HoHoKus, and Waldwick assisted Ridgewood units at the scene. All occupants of the home were safely evacuated by Ridgewood PD officers prior to the arrival of firefighters. No one was injured in the blaze, however the house sustained damage that rendered it temporarily uninhabitable.
Historic Zabriskie-Schedler House/Village Council’s September 7 Work Session
September 8,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Read this for a full understanding of how former Ridgewood Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld, supported by former Village Council members Paul Aronsohn, Gwenn Hauck, and Albert Pucciarelli, worked AGAINST those seeking to preserve the Historic Zabriskie Schedler House.
Friends of Historic Zabriskie-Schedler House addressed the council last week . The Zabriskie-Schedler House, is a historical home built in the 1820’s and located at 460 West Saddle River Road.
The Zabriskie-Schedler House was purchased by the Village of Ridgewood, together with the surrounding area commonly referred to as the “Schedler Property”.
The group formerly known as RED made the following salient points to the council:
1. Since 2012 our group, the “Friends of the Historic Zabriskie-Schedler House” (previously known as “RED” (the Ridgewood Eastside Development)) has been repeatedly asking the Village to stabilize the house (which would include roof replacement and mold remediation). Despite our requests the only funds that have been spent by the Village thus far were for the installation of window louvers by the engineering department as a way to increase ventilation and decrease mold production. In lieu of Village funds, privately donated funds have been spent to provide for tarps (on several occasions) in order to protect the house from further water infiltration and saturation and for the removal of vegetation posing a threat to the structure of the house. These actions are merely “band aid” solutions which only have short term benefits. With fall nearly upon us and the accompaniment of torrential rain, as well as another harsh winter on the horizon, more permanent solutions are desperately needed at this time. Without immediate necessary remediation to the house, the house will not survive through the winter.
2. First and foremost, in order to stabilize the house, the house is in dire need of a professional roof replacement. The previous Council’s majority was instrumental in ensuring that no funds would be spent on the house stating that “no decision had been taken on the use of the house”. The Council made this statement ignoring the fact that our group had provided a use – the Bergen County Historical Society was very interested in using the house as a library. The interest was so strong that the President of the BCHS appeared at least twice before the Council. This use, as well as other productive suggestions (such as a field house for athletic groups, a community center and a nature classroom/organic garden) were continually ignored because we believe that the majority of the Council’s intent was for the house to be demolished by neglect.
3. The Schedler Property was purchased by the Village for $2.7 million funded through grants from the Bergen County Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. The Village received a $1 million grant in 2009, followed by a $570,000 grant from Bergen County in 2010 and a $450,000 matching grant received in 2011 from the Garden State Preservation Trust Fund. Historic preservation is an essential element of these grant monies. Nonetheless, the 2009 grant application (attached hereto) failed to include the historic house together with its historic four lots (9,10,11 and 12) of land. Also, a false NO answer was given on the grant application with respect to potential historic structures on the Schedler Property and the square footage of the house was grossly exaggerated to 21,000 when it is in fact only 2,200. The Bergen County Cultural Historic Commission was not contacted in connection with the application, however the application falsely states that the Village contacted the Ridgewood Historic Commission (the “RHC”) – while in fact there is no record of any such contact. In light of these errors it is our belief that the application was intentionally misleading in order to solely address the supposed “needs” of the Village’s athletic groups, rather than the needs of the entire community.
They went one step further and listed the steps that have been taken:
1. In 2014 our group, worked with the RHC on an application to give the house a Certificate of Historic Eligibility (a “COE”), which is attached hereto. The COE was awarded on May 2, 2014 and it recognizes the historical importance of the structure. This recognition allows the Village to file an application that once approved, places the house on the national historic preservation list.
2. In July of 2014, our group, tired of obtaining no assistance from the Council, worked on an application for grants to be issued by the Bergen County Historic Preservation Trust Fund, Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. These grants were a great opportunity to receive 50% of the total cost of stabilization since the Village kept stating that no funds were available for the house. However, the Village Manager, Roberta Sonenfeld, refused to sign the application, nor would she provide the required 50% of funds to match the grant. Moreover, Ms. Sonenfeld advised that our group was responsible for the 50% matching funds, but because the deadline to submit the application was very close, the application was never sent.
3. In July of 2015, thanks to privately donated funds our group was able to open a bank account to deposit the required 50% of matching grant funds in escrow. This information was communicated to Ms. Sonenfeld and our group was able to compile a labor intensive grant application (herewith attached) that included cost estimates, the history of the house and several other necessary documents. With 50% of matching funds in the account, there was no reason why the application could not go forward but, unbeknownst to us, there was another application being issued by Tim Cronin, the Director of Parks and Recreation, requesting Phase 1 grants to construct a 90′ multipurpose field. Mr. Cronin’s application provided for the demolition of the house. Additionally, while our group was always told that there were no capital funds available for the house, Mr. Cronin’s application clearly stated that the Village would provide $100,000 in capital funds, equal to 50% of matching funds. The grant application was signed by Ms. Sonenfeld.
4. On August 5, 2015, Mayor Aronsohn announced that in order to proceed with the application or municipal historic grants for the house, the Council needed to approve a resolution. In addition, Mayor Aronsohn mentioned the need for a second resolution relative to the 90′ field, which also required Council approval. The date for said resolutions was set for August 12, 2015.
5. On August 12 2015, the Council’s chambers were packed with concerned citizens who voiced their opinions regarding the house and the field. The meeting minutes, herewith attached, offer an additional glimpse into what transpired that night. To a very disappointed crowd, Resolution 15-257: Acceptance of Open Space Committee Recommendations Concerning the Schedler Property was approved (by a majority of 3-2) and Resolution 15-258: Apply for Grant – Schedler House was denied (by a majority of 3-2).
6. With our chances of applying for municipal historic preservation grants being denied, we had felt that once again we wasted our time and effort to preserve the history of our Village and the Schedler Property. Following the passage of these resolutions we were alerted by Ms. Sonenfeld that Resolution 15-257 included a section that would allow a 501(c)(3) group to file a grant application for the house on behalf of the Village on the conditions that the 501(c)(3) group would (i) enter into a 20-year lease with the Village and (ii) be responsible for the maintenance of the house. Our group immediately filed for 501(c)(3) status and asked for lease documents, but Ms. Sonenfeld stated that the Village attorney would have to charge our group legal fees in connection with the preparation of the lease. As a result, although a September 3, 2015 grant application deadline was met by our group, without 501(c)(3) status and a signed lease with the Village, our application was considered invalid. All of these consequences could have been avoided if Ms. Sonenfeld had signed the application on behalf of the Village as the owner of the house.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water wants to remind you that Stage 2 water restrictions are still in force.
In accordance with the Codes of the Village of Ridgewood, the Boroughs of Glen Rock and Midland Park, and the Township of Wyckoff, Stage II water restrictions in Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Midland Park, and Wyckoff, New Jersey are in effect beginning June 23, 2016 until further notice.
Residents, businesses, governmental agencies, and all other water users must adhere to Stage II of the restrictions shown on our website,water.ridgewoodnj.net.
If your address is an odd number, you may irrigate on Tuesdays and Saturdays only. If your address is an even number, you may irrigate on Wednesdays and Sundays only. A handheld hose may be used at any time including Mondays. No irrigation is allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays except the use of a hand held hose.
The restriction level had to be increased to Stage II because water is being consumed at a greater rate than the supply system can sustain, thus reducing the amount of water in reserve for fire fighting and other emergencies.
Compliance with the Stage II restrictions will reduce the likelihood that more severe controls will be needed. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Violators will be subject to a fine and court appearance
Ridgewood NJ, A dump truck became entangled in several utility wires on Thursday afternoon, 09/08 after its bed accidentally raised up while traveling eastbound on Grove Street near Stevens Avenue in Ridgewood. Cable TV, electric, and telephone services were interrupted to many nearby residences in the process. Two (2) passengers in the truck were trapped until firefighters and a PSE&G trouble shooter were able to confirm that their exit from the passenger compartment would present no life hazard. The truck’s driver had safely exited prior to the arrival of emergency responders. Grove Street was closed in both directions between South Pleasant Avenue and South Van Dien Avenue for several hours following the crash. The truck was able to drive away on its own power after cables were removed by cable TV, electric, and telephone company technicians. No injuries were reported in the incident. Ridgewood PD issued eight (8) summonses in connection with the mishap.
Ridgewood NJ, several readers have asked “What we’re all these comments in the council meeting about a raffle at Mt Carmel with a $25k prize. Those comments were perplexing.
It seemed to be implied by Mr. Halaby that there was a fix in and that is why the Mayor won the raffle.
The fact is the church was in Glen Rock, not Mt. Carmel. And the suggestion by Mr. Halaby that the raffle was rigged was pathetic and highly insulting to the church. What by the way did that have to do with anything? Just reaching for something ridiculous to attack the Mayor, and attack the church while he was at it.
Perhaps the opposition should take there own advice and behave civilly or maybe the council should morve to ban several residents from speaking at Village council meetings for “trolling”.
Ridgewood NJ, “PissedOff” writes from Starbucks perhaps :
“I wonder why there is so much hate and criticism. The role of the manager is to act as a spokesperson for the Village employees and be a part of the council. The council is elected to be a fair judge between the village government and the residents. Now, there is no way everyone would agree with the way things were handled and they certainly will not be 100% in support of going forward. It’s amusing to see how this blog is becoming a podium for people to anonymously shame, disrespect and disregard others. Bible says that the person who did no sin shall throw the first stone, and yet here we are. I would love to see the blog writers to put their energy into somethings more productive and help the community in a better way rather than just trying to creat a controversy. Paying taxes doesn’t mean we own people. This blog needs to be reported Since it’s acting as a platform for stirring hate and making the collar environment so toxic. SHAME AND DISGUSTING, THIS IS A PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR REPORTING.”
Glen Rock NJ, A crew working for PSE&G that was setting new utility poles on Lincoln Avenue in Glen Rock struck and ruptured a water main near Cornelia Place on Tuesday afternoon, 09/06. Traffic on Lincoln Avenue in both directions was disrupted while personnel from Ridgewood Water repaired the leak and the utility company resumed work setting poles. No injuries were reported in the incident. Hawthorne PD officers provided traffic control during the disruption.
Dear Nattering nabobs of negativism,
Although Stage 2 watering restrictions will continue to be in effect, Ridgewood Water will begin to consider waivers beginning on September 6th.
The following guidelines are the basis for granting individual exceptions to restrictions on outdoor water use:
New trees, shrubs, and perennials – Waivers may be granted, but will be limited to use of soaker hoses or drip irrigation on Tuesday,Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday only. No automatic irrigation will be allowed for this purpose.
New lawns (sod or seed) – Waivers may be granted for automatic irrigation on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday only.
Applications are available on the Ridgewood Water website atwater.ridgewoodnj.net. Your completed application and documentation may be submitted in the following ways:
Village Hall
131 N. Maple Ave.
Fifth Floor
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Waivers cannot be guaranteed and are subject to cancellation if conditions worsen. Residents are still urged to postpone landscape installations when weather conditions are unfavorable.
Thank you for your support and cooperation. By working together we have been successful in avoiding more stringent restrictions this year.
Have a great Labor Day weekend,
Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager 201-670-5500, ext. 203
Ridgewood NJ, a reader reminds us that sprinkler controls can be reset as of midnight next Wednesday (or just after your last “sprinkle” occurs before then): “Stage I will be in effect each year starting on June 1st and will continue through August 31st.”
The September 1 square on this year’s village calendar states that restrictions end that day. (This year’s calendar omitted a start date altogether after getting it wrong for at least a couple of years, stating that it was May 1. “Janet Fricke IS the village calendar.” –R. Sonenfeld at a recent council meeting. Maybe not something to be proud of?)
The reader goes on to say , “Water Dept or Village Manager could conceivably extend the end date, but if so, I believe it would be for the first time in history.”
Reader says , “At the council meeting it was explained that (although this makes no sense, since computers work a 168-hour week) it can take days for an online payment for a water bill to be registered as paid. Therefore, paying online on or near the due date does not automatically count as having paid on time. This is what happens when machines are allowed to take over the world. Interestingly, the time interval is similar to what people who mail a check have to plan for, if not more so.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eBill?
eBill is an Electronic Bill Payment Service which allows Bill Payers an easy and secure method to pay bills online.
How does eBill work?
Ridgewood Water sends bill information to MCC where it is processed and made available for you to pay your bills.You will receive an email notifying you when your payment has been posted to Ridgewood Water. You can also view the current status and payment history of all eBill payments.All information is on an encrypted, secure server and is not sold or released for any reason other than to complete a transaction.
How Do I Register?
Registering is easy and requires minimal information from you.
Create your account by filling out your email address and password.
You will receive an email with your Activation Number for accessing eBill for the first time.
Click the link in the email or return to the eBill home page and login with your email address, Password, and when prompted, your Activation number*. You are ready to pay bills on eBill.
*If you clicked the activation link you will not be required to enter an Activation number.
Is my information secure?
eBill accepts payments using a secure, 256-bit SSL encrypted webpage. This is the highest standard in Internet security. All information is stored in a secured database to prevent unauthorized access to the data. All information is kept private, and is not shared.
Why haven’t I received an email with my Login Information and Activation Number?
The security settings on your email may not allow an Activation Number to be sent to you.Before completing this Registration, please check the settings on your email system to ensure that email can be accepted from [email protected] If you do not receive an email with your Activation Number within 8 hours, please contact us at [email protected]
What forms of payment can be used on ebill?
eBill currently accepts payments using MasterCard®, Discover®, and American Express®. You may also pay using electronic check (ACH) from a checking or savings account.
Which Bills Can I Pay?
You may only pay Ridgewood Water bills.
Can I make a scheduled payment for a future date?
Yes. You can schedule a payment for a future date up to the cut-off-date.
What information is needed to complete an eBill payment?
The only information needed to complete a payment on eBill is your current bill and valid bank account or credit card information.
It’s that easy! After your first payment, your bill will be added to the My eBills section, making future payments even easier!
When can I pay?
eBill is available for payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What are the costs for using eBill?
There are no signup costs or subscription fees for using eBill.
Can I use a Credit Card to pay my bill(s)?
Below are the Credit Cards Ridgewood Water currently accepts:
American Express, MasterCard, Discover.
Visa® is not accepted at this time.
The non-refundable convenience fee when using credit cards is a percentage-based fee that varies depending on the card you use. The convenience fee is automatically calculated based upon the type of credit card used and the dollar amount of the bill being paid. A complete listing of fees can be viewed below:
Can I use ACH transfer (electronic check) to pay my bill(s)?
You can use an ACH transfer (electronic check) as a payment method using your checking or savings account.
Will I receive a confirmation number after paying my bill?
Yes, you will receive a confirmation number after your transaction is recorded (and authorized, in the case of credit card transactions). Please keep this number as a confirmation of your payment. Your confirmation number can also be used to track your Express Pay payment.
Can I use more than one payment method per transaction?
You may choose to use either a credit card or electronic check (ACH transfer) as a payment method for each bill in your payment cart and submit your transactions.
When paying by credit card, how does my payment appear on my statement?
You will find two transactions on your Credit Card statement; one amount covering the costs of the bill for Ridgewood Water, and one amount covering the cost of the transaction using eBill.
When paying by ACH transfer (electronic check), how does my payment appear on my bank statement?
You will find two transactions on your bank statement; one amount covering the costs of the bill for Ridgewood Water, and one amount covering the cost of the transaction using eBill.
Can I check if Ridgewood Water has posted my payment?.
Yes, log into eBill and choose Payment History found under My Account. Information will be displayed for each payment made under eBill.
Get a Copy of your Bill online:
Residents can get a copy of their mailed paper bill online. Simply log into your eBill account and search for your bill to view and print a copy of your bill. We suggest you save a copy of this bill to your computer for your records.
Can I opt for paperless bills?
Ridgewood Water is offering residents the option to Go Green! Sign up for this eco-friendly feature from your eBill account, under the My eBills tab. Residents can chose to discontinue receiving a paper bill in the mail. An electronic copy of the bill will be available under your eBill account. An email notification will be sent to you when a new bill is made available under your eBill account.
Is Auto Pay offered?
eBill Auto Pay is an easy and convenient way to pay your Ridgewood Water bills. This feature allows you to setup and make an electronic check (ACH) or debit/credit card payment automatically each time a bill is due. This option can be setup and managed from the My eBill tab.
Can I receive a text notification when a new bill is available to pay on eBill?
Yes, you can sign up to receive a text notification from the My eBill page. When a new bill is made available online by Ridgewood Water a text notification will be sent to the mobile number you have enter into eBill. You may update your mobile number from the My Account page.
If I have forgotten my password, how can I retrieve it?
If you happen to have misplaced your password, there is a Forgot Password link located right on the Secure Account Login page. Upon clicking on it, you will be prompted to enter your email address, and a link to reset your password will be emailed to you. Additionally, always feel free to email [email protected] for a password reset.
Can I edit my MCC login information?
You can edit your personal information at any time. This can be done within your account by selecting My Account.
Can I cancel an online payment made through MCC?
Cancellation options vary depending on when a payment is scheduled to process. Credit Card payments can be cancelled until the end of the day it was submitted. ACH payments can be cancelled until 6AM on a business day. For example, if a payment was submitted at 4AM, you have until 6AM that same day to cancel the payment. Another example, if you were to submit your payment at 10AM, you have until the next day at 6AM to cancel your payment. If you schedule a future payment, whether via a credit card or ACH transfer (electronic check), you have up until that day to cancel the payment. Cancellations can be completed by selecting My Account, then Payment History, and clicking on the CANCEL icon located next to your payment.
Ridgewood NJ, readers are asking residents to check your water bill. Many have noticed that they were charged a small “interest” fee on there bill. The reader insisted they were an “on time payer” and had a zero balance after the last payment.
From the Facebook group it takes a Ridgewood Village a writer commented , “I called water today and said I have never paid my bill late and she said she will “look into it”. I am paying bills today and that was not acceptable. It is only .84 cents but it’s the principle, I am not paying for something that I do not owe.”Check your water bills very carefully to see if you were charged interest. If there is a computer glitch, they need to be held accountable for fixing it.
Reader have as in the past debated the accuracy of their water bills and the ability of consumers to test and monitor their own water usage .
BY KRISTIE CATTAFI
STAFF WRITER |
THE GAZETTE (HAWTHORNE EDITION)
A water supply contract between the borough and Ridgewood was postponed until Aug. 17 until additional information could be found per a councilman’s request.
Hawthorne is currently one of Ridgewood’s water suppliers. They currently have a contract, but the Department of Environmental Protection has requested that Ridgewood extend the contract for 10 years.
