Tag: Village Council

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Ridgewood Board of Education Details New NEA Teachers Contract

welcome-back-kotter

October 10, 2016

Dear members of the Ridgewood community:

Tonight the Board of Education (Board) formally approved the three- year contract with the Ridgewood Education Association (REA) that was ratified by the REA on September 28th.

Highlights of the contract include the following:

•Term:3 Years: July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018.
•Salaries: A 1% increase for the first year of the contract (2015-16). For 2016-17 and 2017-18, salary increases of 2.7% per year, inclusive of the cost of the incremental movement (vertical step movement) on the salary guides. That is equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of 2.13% over the life of the contract. Importantly, the approved contract assures that our salaries will continue to be competitive, allowing our district to attract and retain highly qualified teachers.
•Health Benefits: Current REA members may continue to enroll in NJ Direct 10 or in any of the 20 plans offered by the state under the School Employee Health Benefit Plans (SEHBP). Employees hired on or after September 12, 2016 may not enroll in NJ Direct 10 before reaching tenure, but instead shall enroll in the NJ Direct 15 or any other state-offered school employee medical plan.
•Chapter 78 Health Benefit Employee Contributions : The rates by which Ridgewood teachers contribute to their individual healthcare premiums is determined by a graduated structure, with employees at higher end of salary grades paying a greater percentage of their individual premiums than those at the lower end.
Effective January 1, 2017, full-time teachers will pay between 14% and 26% of the premium cost for their medical, prescription and dental benefits; full-time secretaries will pay between 10% and 14% of the total premium cost.As an
example, using an 8.6% increase for the 2017 NJ Direct 10 premiums, teachers enrolling in single coverage would contribute between $1,635(14%) and $3,036 (26%) for the year. Teachers choosing family coverage would contribute between $4,676 (14%) and $8,684 (26%). According to the latest Kaiser Family 2016 survey, the average U.S. worker pays $1,129 peryear for single (employee-only) medical coverage and $5,277 for dependent/family medical coverage.

Last May, the state -appointed fact finder recommended a settlement that would have cost the District $4.4 million over the 2% cap during the life of the three- year contract. The Board rejected this recommendation, believing that the fact finder ignored the district’s ability to fund his suggested settlement.
The contract approved today reduced this excess by almost half to $2.5 million over the 2% cap.The Board and administration are now tasked with the challenge of funding the contract, which will require budgetary reductions next year that will result in changes to staffing and programming. While it would be unrealistic to expect that a spending reduction of this magnitude will be without consequences to the district, when preparing the 2017- 18 budget the Board will work closely with Dr.Fishbein to identify reductions that will have the least impact on the instructional programs and extra-curricular offerings. Notwithstanding the upcoming challenges, we are pleased to be moving forward and are confident that the 2016- 17 school year will be successful as we all focus on what unites us as a community, the education of our children and our excellent schools.
Ridgewood Board of Education
Sheila Brogan, President
Vince Loncto, Vice President
Christina Krauss
Jim Morgan
Jennie Smith Wilson
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Ridgewood Voters Are you Registered to Vote?

Vote Ridgewood NJ

file photo by Dana Glazer

October 11,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, not sure you are registered to vote ? New Jersey has a system where you can check your status .

https://voter.njsvrs.com/PublicAccess/servlet/com.saber.publicaccess.control.PublicAccessNavigationServlet?USERPROCESS=PublicSearch#

 

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Reader says Unscheduled free time to explore and play as the child chooses,especially time to focus on one activity as long as he wants to, determines a child’s ability to solve all kinds of problems for the rest of his life

"Our Gang" aka The Little Rascals"

“Those who protest that children need more unscheduled time are using a half-baked argument.”

Not according to, The Creative Spirit, written by Goleman, Kaufman and Ray, companion book to PBS series by the same name.

According to these experts and Gardner, children develop their ability to be creative by the age of eight years of age. Unscheduled free time to explore and play as the child chooses,especially time to focus on one activity as long as he wants to, determines a child’s ability to solve all kinds of problems for the rest of his life.
Not only must a half-day kindergarten schedule remain, but learning to read in kindergarten, forcing a developing brain that wants to be free to explore all day is destructive. At least coming home after a half day gives the child time to explore without being exhausted after a full day.

If I were a parent with a young child nowadays, I would home school for kindergarten or send to, only a half-day Montessori type education. I would enter the child in the first grade. And believe me, folks , he would learn to read and understand what he read.

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Readers say the Ridgewood Board of Education seemed to have learned nothing from what happened with the parking garage fiasco

Ridgewood Board of Education ,Unlawful election sign placement, election, vote

file photo by Boyd Loving

Even if their attorney told them it’s okay, as was reported on Facebook, I still think it’s a bad idea. It serves to alienate a significant number of taxpayers for no reason. The sign isn’t going to result in a significant number of yes votes. They seemed to have learned nothing from what happened with the parking garage fiasco. Take the sign down now Dan.

Either someone should go take the damn sign Down, or then its ok to put up a Vote NO to full day kindergarten sign also in the same spot – taxpayer funded public property. Equal voice on public funded property. My voice should count too!

BOE members seem to be clueless/out of touch (i.e., parking garage issue). This will cost them more votes than they’ll gain by the stupid little sign. Arrogance continues to reign at 49 Cottage Place

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Reader says Ridgewood is in the process of taxing itself to death

Ridgewood_BOE_theridgewoodblog

Ridgewood is in the process of taxing itself to death. Look at houses at the high end of the market that are already not selling. This will creep down to the middle market as we continue to make avoidable expenditures like this that increase our taxes. Remember that we already have unsustainable union contracts and expenditures legislated by Trenton to swallow every year. We need to be looking for ways to reduce spending – not increase it for the benefit of the few.

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Ridgewood Open Houses for October 9,2016

for sale Ridgewood_Real_Estate_theRodgewopodblog

1639391.1 MLS # 1639391
653 Robert St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, C/C
Jane Certo, Broker Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1640155.1 MLS # 1640155
371 S Pleasant Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, C/C
Carolee Chirico, Broker Associate
Keller Williams Valley Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
23

1621787.1 MLS # 1621787
379 S Pleasant Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath, C/C
Jee E. Chang, Sales Associate
Weichert Realtors, Fort Lee

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Sun. 10/16
25

1634331.1 MLS # 1634331
640 Linwood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Theresa Jung, Sales Associate
Realty 7, LLC

  • Open House: 1:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/9
23

1635658.1 MLS # 1635658
30 Maltbie Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath, Col
Ghada Abbasi, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
23

1640302.1 MLS # 1640302
474 Sheffield Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, Col
Laura Gill, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
22

1636142.1 MLS # 1636142
506 Farview St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
William W. Mack, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Kinnelon/Butler

  • Open House: 12:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1639318.1 MLS # 1639318
359 Linwood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Jennifer McSherry, Sales Associate
Marron Gildea Realty, Inc. Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
24

1639914.1 MLS # 1639914
165 Kemah Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, Col
Nicholas R. Alutin, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1640554.1 MLS # 1640554
130 Woodside Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath, Col
Ghada Abbasi, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1628041.1 MLS # 1628041
135 Woodside Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 5 Full Bath, Col
Erin Pruitt, Sales Associate
Frances Ekblom, Sales Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1639467.1 MLS # 1639467
620 Albert Pl, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Jeff Vander Molen, Sales Associate
Terrie O’Connor Realtors-Wyckoff

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1636234.1 MLS # 1636234
331 S Van Dien Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath, Col
Qizhan Yao, Broker Owner
Realmart Realty, LLC

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1614612.1 MLS # 1614612
676 Terhune Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath, Ranch
Ghada Abbasi, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
24

1615483.1 MLS # 1615483
200 Claremont Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
2 Half Bath, Col
Till Horkenbach, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
22

1640758.1 MLS # 1640758
145 W Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
6 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
2 Half Bath, Col
Cathy Bossolina, Sales Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1639438.1 MLS # 1639438
285 Manor Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath,
2 Half Bath, Ranch
Christine Gubb, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
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Reader says , Don’t go holier than thou about residents’ trees ,What about artificial turf, especially in a flood plane

maple+field1-300x19911

Don’t go holier than thou about residents’ trees. What about artificial turf, especially in a flood plane; artificial turf means DEATH to all life. Talk about destruction of our already destroyed ecosystem, NATURE. Plant trees in Maple Field like there used to be. No more artificial turf.

What about the still open possibility of clear cutting trees in Schedler. Even dead trees provide food for birds, where insects inhabit. No dead trees shall be removed in public fields. There are not enough of them.

Kids will have to learn to live with nature be a part of nature not apart from nature and wait for grass to grow before playing their games.

Some residents cut down trees because they are afraid branches or the whole tree could fall on them and kill them in a storm. We have worse storms now because of man made climate change. And now people on the council want residents to risk having their families killed from trees that can fall on them and fall through their house.
Residents should go to court and fight over the idea of having to pay a fine to cut down a tree on their property.

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Ridgewood : “Turning Over A New Leaf”

fallleaves artchick.biz 2

file photo by ArtChick

Dear Friends at the Ridgewood blog,
As autumn leaves fall and residents begin the process of clearing their properties, the Village begins their new season entitled “Turning Over A New Leaf” which signifies the start of the leaf collection program.  Leaf removal will begin the week of October 24th.  A flyer is currently in the process of being mailed to your homes, outlining the new schedule for 2016.

A notable change in the schedule is that the dates which are indicated in the flyer reflect the time period in which leaves are to be placed in the street.  Village crews will be collecting leaves after the dates posted.

Just to highlight some of the rules and regulations for pick up:

  • All leaves are to be placed in the curb line fronting your property during the dates indicated in the schedule.
  • Leaves may NOT be placed in plastic bags or cans for collection.
  • No branches or brush will be collected during leaf season.You may bring leaves as well as brush to the Recycling Center.The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
  • If you employ the services of a landscaper, please communicate your schedule with them.
  • As weather is a key component to leaf collection, if changes become necessary it will be posted on the Village website –www.ridgewoodnj.net
  • Use caution when our leaf removal crews are on your block.When possible, please take an alternate route to ensure the safety of all.

Should you have any questions, please call the Street Division at (201) 670-5585.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Have a happy and healthy Fall season!

Heather A. Mailander
Acting Village Manager

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Reader contradicts , No Councilman Hache did not say “free parking for Employees”

Parking_meters_theridgewoodblog

WHAT??? I was at that meeting and that is not what Councilman Hache said. He was supporting a reduction in the parking fee at Cottage Pl for 60 spots to be set aside for employee parking. It was just for those spots only. He suggested reducing the rate to 25 cents. It was a suggestion in order to get employees to use that lot instead of parking on the street, which will open up spots for customers. And yes, it could also help some of the employees who are minimum wage earners. The free parking was suggested by somebody else.

Editors Note: From what we have heard ,there are over 700(?) employees in the Central Business District so employee parking represents a major issue .Frankly we think employees should be parking at some kind of discounted rate , or free if they park in some distant out of the way spots. We also think meter rates should be lowered but meter times should be extended later into the evening say 9pm ,to give dinners a chance to participate and take some of burden off CBD shoppers .

 

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Ridgewood Board of Education :Unlawful election sign placement?

Ridgewood Board of Education ,Unlawful election sign placement, election, vote

photo by Boyd Loving

October 8,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Does the placement of this sign (vote yes for all day K) on public property violate New Jersey state election laws?  Didn’t we just go through this in Ridgewood?

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Pedestrian struck on East Ridgewood Ave near Somerville

Pedestrian struck on East Ridgewood Ave

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving

October 8,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood PD, FD, and EMS personnel responded to a “pedestrian struck” report on Friday, 10/07 at approximately 1900 hours. The incident occurred on East Ridgewood Avenue near Somerville Road. With the assistance of a paramedic team from The Valley Hospital, the victim was evaluated on location before being transported by ambulance to Hackensack University Medical Center’s Trauma Unit. The extent of the victim’s injuries were not made public at the scene. The driver of the vehicle involved remained at the scene and was cooperating with police.

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SUV Hits Tree at the intersection of Godwin Avenue and South Monroe Street in Ridgewood

SUV Hits Tree in Ridgewood

photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

October 7,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The adult male driver of a Jeep SUV was taken into custody, handcuffed, and transported to Ridgewood Police headquarters following a single vehicle crash (into a tree) at the intersection of Godwin Avenue and South Monroe Street, Ridgewood, late night on Thursday, 10/06. A small, crash related engine compartment fire in the Jeep was extinguished by Ridgewood FD members. Ridgewood EMS responded to evaluate the driver; he refused medical aid. The crashed Jeep was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck.

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Readers ask did Councilman Ramon Hache suggest that because most employees in the CBD make minimum wage the Village of Ridgewood should give those employees free parking?

Ridegwood parking Town garage 12:10 5 24 2016

Did you hear Councilman Ramon Hache suggest that because most employees in the CBD make minimum wage the Village of Ridgewood should give those employees free parking. So let me understand this Councilman because the employers only pay their employees minimum wage it now becomes the Village taxpayers responsible to supplement there income by giving them free parking. How are you going to know if they are indeed being paid minimum wage Councilman ask for their w 2 before you give them free parking ?

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Readers say Leaf My Trees Alone

streetscape_theridgwoodblog

To Mike Sedon: You are a nice guy BUT leave me and my trees alone! I don’t need more government telling me what trees I can and cannot take down on MY property. AND, if the village needs to plant more of their own trees then they should start planting the trees that were never planted and died at the recycling center!

“village to examine trees on private property and if a tree had a diameter larger than 6 inches, it could not be taken down unless it was deemed diseased, dead or a hazard.” Hey Deputy Mayor Mike Sedon your going to tell taxpayer that they cannot take down a tree on their own property “village to examine trees on private property” are you kidding me? We pay taxes on or land and if we the taxpayers want to take down tree on our property because we want more sunlight or plant a garden who the hell do you and the village think you are to tell us what to do. You are really get out there on this one .

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Mr. Rutishauser, the name of that tree is the Sunburst Honey Locust. Not the Paterson Palm. Not a ghetto palm tree

Paterson Falls

October 7,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser seemed to contract “foot in mouth disease”,on Wednesday night when talking about the Village tree stock he used the term Ghetto Palms to describe a tree that grows in Patterson ,saying “The Paterson Palm.  A tree that grows best in ghettos.” he would like to eradicate in Ridgewood.  It was said in a somewhat derogatory manner and both Anne and Boyd spoke about this during public comment.  They were highly offended. Other felt it was a dumb and insensitive comment.

If you missed the comments from Mr. Rutishauser, here’s a link to the OFFICIAL Village of Ridgewood video of the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IixAGgdClMA&feature=youtu.be&t=2h31s

The word is that Ms. Johnson ( bike lanes to nowhere guru) is planning on leaving Ridgewood as her children have graduated. Regarding Chris Rutishauser’s reference to the lovely and sturdy honey locust tree as a “ghetto palm” found all over Paterson, I would like to quote The National Arbor Day website: the honey locust tree “has captured the hearts of community foresters and homeowners throughout America and is tough enough to withstand just about any urban setting.” Sounds like a great tree for Ridgewood that is becoming more urbanized as we speak.