“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. All the back room politics conducted by Paul,Aronsohn and his cohorts may totally backfire. What will be their platform? No one wants a giant garage or cares about CRAB, Schedler is off and running at a price thousands less than what a 90 foot baseball diamond would have cost. Valley is no longer an issue, high density ordinances passed and now people are concerned with the results…. Rurik spoke at the council meeting this evening and he was truly awful. Does anybody really listen to him and he is backing this poor woman.
Ridgewood NJ, During last night’s Village Council meeting, Rurik Halaby accused Mayor Susan Knudsen of personally orchestrating a web based smear campaign against his candidate (Alexandra Harwin). Halaby alleged that The Ridgewood Blog was being used “headquarters” for this activity.
Mr. Halaby referred to the Ridgewood blog in the endearing terms that President Trump was alleged to use in referring to certain 3rd world countries, who Glen Rock Mayor Bruce Packer invited to move to Glen Rock . He also referred to his friends and neighbors who read this blog , stating he knows who they are (does that mean all 30,000 plus ) in the most derogatory terms .
As for Alexandra Harwin the new face of the 3 amigos , she moved to Ridgewood in 2014 , her husband is a Rabbi from Washington Township who was very involved in attacking Mayor Knudsen during the “gay flag” controversy and is a very active member of Community Relations Advisory Board of Ridgewood and Glen Rock.
Alexandra is part of Emerge New Jersey a Democrat group that is involved in promoting liberal women and training them to run for office .
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that a Steilen Avenue resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to report being the victim of a fraud on February 12th. The victim reported she was advised all her Apple devices were compromised by a pop-up on her iPad from Apple technical support. A person then contacted her by phone and she was then convinced into purchasing a three year virus protection which she later learned was a scam after providing credit card information.
In “Tech Support Scams” such as this scammers call and claim to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft or Apple. Other scammers send pop-up messages that warn about computer problems. They say they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer. They claim to be “tech support” and will ask you to give them remote access to your computer. Eventually, they’ll diagnose a non-existent problem and ask you to pay for unnecessary or even harmful services.
If you get an unexpected pop-up, call, spam email or other urgent message about problems with your computer, stop. Don’t click on any links, don’t give control of your computer and don’t send any money.
Notice of Public Hearing – Prequalification Regulations NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ADOPTION OF PREQUALIFICATIONS REGULATIONS
February 14,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NOTICE is hereby given that February 28, 2018 at or about 7:30PM in the Court Room at Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450, the Village Council of the Village of Ridgewood will conduct a public hearing on the adoption of prequalification regulations for general restoration contractors which will apply to the anticipated bid for the Zabriskie-Schedler Roof Restoration. Any member of the public wishing to comment will be heard at that time. Copies of the proposed regulations are available for inspection at the Village Manager’s Office, 5th Level, Village Hall starting February 2, 2018.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report two incidents cyber harassment and terroristic threats one on February 9th, a Grove Street resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to report terroristic threats in the past. The victim reported an unknown person using Facebook and the WhatsApp messenger service threatened injury to a family member of the victim if money wasn’t paid. Patrol confirmed the family member was in good health and the incident was determined to be an extortion scam and the incident was documented.
On February 11th, A Lincoln Avenue resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters on February 12th to report Cyber harassment. The victim reported receiving social media messages which caused annoyance and alarm. The Ridgewood Police Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.
Ridgewood NJ,heard thru the proverbial grape vine and now confirmed that Rurik and Cynthia Halaby held a Meet the Candidates Forum last night at the Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club. They had a large turn out including Jeff Voigt, Paul,Aronsohn, Roberta Sonenfeld. Gwenn Hauck, Siobhan Winograd and Paul Vagianos.
Paul Vagionas spoke that he would not be running because his heart wasn’t in it but introduced Alexandra Harwin who is the wife of the Temple Beth Or Rabbi in Washington Township. I heard she was very well spoken. Then the group begged for others in the room to step and run in the upcoming election. There were sign up sheets for various campaign activities. It is all so behind the scenes just as everything Paul Aronsohn did when he was Mayor. She didn’t make the cut to fill the empty BOE seat, so I guess she’s going to give this a try. ( https://theridgewoodblog.net/six-interviewed-for-open-ridgewood-school-board-seat/ )
…..the fly has heard that a not so new face , new face was introduced to Ridgewood Politics. At a recent gathering hosted by the Siobhan Winograd and the Halaby’s at Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club, the new face of the toxic trio was resident Alexandra Harwin. Harwin has the support of the “toxic trio” or the “3 amigos” known as Gwen Hauk , Paul Aronsohn and Albert Pucciarelli. This is the first time anyone has seen Albert Pucciarelli since the three were driven from office .Others in attendance were rumored council candidate Paul ” the wall “Vagianos . Who’s own candidacy is a bit controversial given the current social environment. Former Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld was also in attendance .Local observers have called the “3 amigo” endorsement the “kiss of death “. Noticeably absent was Councilmen Jeff Voigt who’s antics on the dais have endeared him to many local town folk.
20180214 – Village Council Regular Public Meeting
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING FEBRUARY 14, 2018
8:00 P.M.
Call to Order – Mayor
Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
Roll Call – Village Clerk
Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
Acceptance of Financial Reports
Approval of Minutes
Proclamation
Dad’s Night Days – Hawes School and Somerville School
Read Across America Day
Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
Village Manager’s Report
Village Council Reports
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER #3631 – Bond Ordinance – Granular Activated Carbon Treatment System – Carr Well Field ($3,570,000) RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-34 THROUGH 18-40 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:
18-34 Title 59 – Pipe, Appurtenances, and Service Materials
18-35 Award Contract – Pipe, Appurtenances, and Service Materials (NTE $225,000)
18-36 Title 59 Approval – Tree Maintenance Service
18-37 Award Contract – Tree Maintenance Service (NTE $40,000)
18-38 Award Contract – Sole Provider – Furnish Corrosion Inhibitor (NTE $170,000)-
18-39 Award Professional Services Contract – Surveying of Elks Club Property -(NTE $2,200.00)
18-40 Authorize Signing of Water Utility Easement Agreements
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-41 THROUGH
18-42, WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
18-41 Title 59 – Customer Billing Portal, Communications and Consumption Analytics Software 18-42 Award Contract – Customer Billing Portal, Communications and Consumption Analytics Software (NTE $157,840)
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3633 – Amendment to Municipal Complex Parking
3634 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Significant Sewer Discharger Fees
3635 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Sewers and Sewage Disposal – Connection Fee for Residential and Non-Residential Development
ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3632 – Bond Ordinance – Street Paving and Streetscape ($2,160,000)
ORDINANCES – CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
3625 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Allow Certain Illuminated Interior Signs in the Central Business District
RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-43 THROUGH 18-67 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:
18-43 Approve Budget Reserve Transfers
18-44 Approve Bergen County Concept Plan – Improvements to Intersections/Traffic Signals
18-45 Title 59 Approval– Horticultural Supplies
18-46 Award Contract – Horticultural Supplies (NTE $45,000)
18-47 Award Contract under State Contract – 2018 Parts and Related Services (NTE $55,000)
18-48 Award Professional Services Contract – On- Call Traffic Engineering Services (NTE $10,000)
18-49 Award Professional Services Contract – Land Surveying Services – Upgrade of Intersections/Traffic Signals (NTE $17,100)
18-50 Award Professional Services Contract – 2018 Land Surveying Services Retainer for Preparation of Tax Assessment Map (NTE $1,700)
18-51 Approve Shared Services Agreement – Bergen County Police Chiefs Association Mutual Aid Plan and Rapid Deployment Force
18-52 Declare Building Department Vehicle Surplus Property
18-53 Accept Donation for Community Center from North Jersey Masters
18-54 Accept Donation – Windscreens – Somerville Tennis Courts
18-55 Authorize Increase of Petty Cash Account for Fleet Services
18-56 Authorize 2018 Prepaid Property Tax Refunds
18-57 Authorize Application for Sustainable Jersey PSE&G Grant
18-58 Designate Acting Municipal Court
Administrator (NTE $35/hour)
18-59 Approve Transfer of Liquor License – FISH Ridgewood to Oak Street Liquors
18-60 Appoint Members to Library Board of Trustees
18-61 Appoint Members to Open Space Committee
18-62 Appoint Members to Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee
18-63 Appoint Member to Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission
18-64 Appoint Members to Ridgewood Green Team Advisory Committee
18-65 Appoint Members to Citizens Safety Advisory Committee
18-66 Appoint Members to Historic Preservation Commission
18-67 Authorize Release of Bid Bond for Public Valet Parking
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 18-68, WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL: 18-68 Authorize Execution of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Treatment Works Approval (TWA) for Multi-Family Housing Projects Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
Resolution to go into Closed Session
Closed Session
Personnel – Appointments to Boards and Committees
Adjournment
Things to keep in mind when ordering food on the Valentines day.
The Top 10 Aphrodisiac Foods
You are what you eat, because what you eat directly influences your body and your body functions.
#10 Asparagus
An English herbalist from the 17th century, Nicholas Culpepper, wrote that asparagus “stirs up lust in man and woman.” Asparagus is a great source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin and folic acid.
#9 Almonds
Through antiquity, almonds were regarded as fertility symbols. The aroma of almond supposedly arouses passion in females — or so thought the poets and scribes
#8 Avocados
Just by looking at the shape of avocado, you will see the reason why it was associated with sexuality
#7 Bananas
By it shape its connection with sexuality is quite obvious, but you’ll also find that bananas are loaded with potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. It also contains chelating minerals and the bromeliad enzyme
#6 Basil
Basil not only makes the meals smell and taste better, but it also has a lot of beneficial effects on human body. Basil has a fantastic aroma that is said to have an
aphrodisiac effect
#5 Chocolate
Pure chocolate, the king of natural aphrodisiacs, contains a host of compounds including anandamide, the psyochoactive feel-good chemical, and PEA (phenylethylamine), the “love chemical,” which releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain
#4 Figs
This sexy fruit has long been thought of as an arousing stimulant, and an open fig is believed to emulate the female sex organs. Figs are steeped in history and are one of the oldest-recorded fruits.
#3 Garlic
Now, wait a minute! I know it’s stinky, but more importantly it’s strong, which is exactly what it will happen to guys. So, order up an extra-garlicky dish and
keep the Altoids handy.
#2 Oysters
Oysters are probably the food most associated with being an aphrodisiac, and most people are aware of their reputation for increasing sexual desire.
#1 Honey
Sweet, sticky honey is a great source of boron, a trace mineral that helps the body use and metabolize estrogen, the female sex hormone. Studies have shown that this mineral may also enhance testosterone levels in the blood.
The food you consume can have a direct impact on your sex life, affecting your hormones, brain chemistry and energy and stress levels. Some foods have psychoactive properties, and others arouse because they are psychologically suggestive. And if it does not have all that aphrodisiac effect, at least it’s healthy and it will do you good!
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council will be interviewing the four companies who responded to the RFP for the Hudson Street parking garage on February 21, 2018, beginning at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will be held in the Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room on the fourth floor of Village Hall, and will also be televised on the Public Access channel. Each company will summarize their proposals and will present their concept plan(s).
The deadline for the RFPs (Requests For Proposal) for the construction of the garage was January 19 at 10:00 am. Seventeen potential bidders picked up packets in late 2017, and four submitted proposals.
These were the proposals received, listed from lowest to highest overall:
1. Pike Company Inc:
$9,464,666
2. Terminal Construction Corp:
Version 3 – $10,100,000
Version 2 – $10,900,000
Version 1 – $11,480,000
3. Epic Management Inc:
$12,340,666 to $12,573,738
REMOVAL OF SYCAMORE TREE ON ISLAND AT GRAYDON POOL
February 14,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Village arborist and an independent arborist have both determined that the sycamore tree, on the island at Graydon Pool, must be removed due to the fact that a major portion of the trunk of the tree is hollow and poses a safety concern. Residents who would like to photograph the tree or visit the tree, prior to it being removed, may do so through February 19, 2018.
Kilwins Valentine’s Day Selection of Yummy Treats and Special Hours Tue, February 13, 2018 – Wed, February 14, 2018 Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Location: Kilwin’s Ridgewood, 121 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgwood, NJ 07450
February 13,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Valentine’s Day is coming, and Kilwin’s Ridgewood is ready with a wide variety of your gift giving needs!!
Our fresh strawberries are a big yummy hit!
Juicy and Hand-dipped in our very own milk, dark, and white KILWINS HERITAGE CHOCOLATE!!
Whether you want a big box to share or just a few for someone special, we are currently accepting pre-orders for fast and easy in-store pick up and guaranteed selection of your favorites.
Please call us at 201-445-4837, email [email protected], or come in to our store.
Open 7 days a week. SPECIAL VALENTINE’S HOURS TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY 2/13-2/14 9:00 AM-9:00 PM
Ridgewood NJ, councilmen Ramon Hache gave us an update on the Valley Hospital Litigation and what it means for the Village of Ridgewood . According to the councilmen , “On December 29, 2017, the New Jersey Department of Health granted The Valley Hospital a Certificate of Need to relocate its acute care and inpatient facility from Ridgewood to Paramus. The Village Council did not receive a copy of the Department of Health letter via email until January 22, 2018. The granting of the Certificate of Need now puts into play certain factors of the settlement agreement pertaining to the existing Ridgewood campus.”
Hache goes on , “During the 120 days that follow, the Village Planning Board will be working to adopt an amendment to the H zone ordinance that will make the existing Ridgewood facility conforming as to the existing bulk dimensions and size of the current facility to satisfy the terms of the settlement agreement. Simply put, this will allow interior and exterior changes to be made to the existing Ridgewood facility buildings as long as no additional square footage or height is added to the existing buildings. A copy of the settlement agreement is available upon request to the Village. “
Washington DC, The idea that individuals will skirt new limits on deducting state and local taxes is “ridiculous,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in January, highlighting concerns that people might be able to pay property taxes and claim them as a charitable deduction.
The Secretary continued ,“Let me just say again from a Treasury standpoint and IRS, I don’t want to speculate on what people will do, but I think it’s one of the more ridiculous comments to think you can take a real estate tax that you are required to make and dress that up as a charitable contribution,”
Mnuchin told reporters at the daily White House press briefing. “I hope that the states are more focused on cutting their budgets and giving tax cuts to their people in their states than they are in trying to evade the law.”
