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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING MARCH 14, 2018

Village Council

Village Council Public Meeting
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING MARCH 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
Proclamations
Declare March Red Cross Month
Declare March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month8. Swearing-in of Fire Fighter Ryan Romero9. Swearing-in of Fire Lieutenant Joseph Ferraro10. Swearing-in of Fire Lieutenant Jason Kane11. Swearing-in of Fire Lieutenant Vincent Krug12. Swearing-in of Fire Captain Brendan Corcoran13. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)14. Village Manager’s Report15. Village Council Reports16. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER3636 – Re-establish Water Rates and Fees – 2010-2017 – Re-establishes the water rates and fees charged by Ridgewood Water, for the years 2010-2017 18-78 Award Contract – Supply and Maintain Cold Water Meters (NTE $169,255) – Awards the second year of a two-year contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Rio Supply, Inc., 100 Allied Parkway, Sicklerville, NJ18-80 Award Contract Under State Contract – Miscellaneous Materials and Supplies (NTE $50,000) – Awards a contract under State Contract for materials and supplies to W.W. Grainger, Inc., 55 Jackson Drive, Cranford, NJ 18-82 Award Professional Services Contract – Additional Services for Water Rate Study for Ridgewood Water, Years 2013-2017 (NTE $30,000) – Awards a Professional Services Contract to Howard J. Woods & Associates, 40 Overhill Road, East Brunswick, NJ. The required Pay to Play forms have been submitted to the Village Clerk’s Office. 3639 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Temporary Skatepark – Establishes the annual badge fees for the temporary skatepark at $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents3641 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Fees for Use of Village Facilities – Establishes fees for use of the Level One rooms in Village Hall 3634 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Significant Sewer Discharger Fees 18-86 Award Contract – Coach Bus Transportation Services – H.I.L.T. (NTE $9,260) – Awards a contract to the second lowest bidder, Panorama Tours, Inc., 45 Somerset Place, Clifton, NJ. The Village of Ridgewood has had various customer service issues with the lowest bidder; therefore, the contract will be awarded to the second lowest bidder. 18-88 Award Contract – Concession Refreshment Services – Graydon Pool – Awards a contract to the sole proposal by Michael Sims, Mellsworth Foods, Inc., 102 East Main Street, Ramsey, NJ which will pay the Village $9,300 for the summer season18-90 Award Contract – Paving and Resurfacing (NTE $1,900,000) – Awards a contract to the lowest responsible bidder, J.A. Alexander, Inc., 130-158 John F. Kennedy Drive North, Bloomfield, NJ18-92 Award Contract – Concession Refreshment Services – Graydon Pool – Awards a contract to the sole proposal by Michael Sims, Mellsworth Foods, Inc., 102 East Main Street, Ramsey, NJ which will pay the Village $9,300 for the 2018 summer season 18-93 Award Professional Engineering Services Contract – Upgrade and Maintain SCADA System – Water Pollution Control Facility (NTE $25,000) – Awards a Professional Services Contract under a no-bid contract to Keystone Engineering Group, 590 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 200, Frazer, PA. The required Pay to Play forms have been filed with the Village Clerk’s Office.18-95 Declare Property Surplus – John Deere Loader – Streets Department – Declares a John Deere Loader surplus and authorizes the Village Manager to dispose of said property 18-97 Declare Various Property Surplus – Fire Department Equipment – Declares various property of the Fire Department surplus and authorizes the Village Manager to dispose of said property 18-99 Grant Major Soil Moving Permit – KS Broad Street, LLC – Ken Smith II – Grants a Major Soil Moving Permit for KS Broad Street, LLC (Ken Smith II), for a project located at 76 and 80 Chestnut Street and 9-17 and 25-27 Franklin Avenue, which has already been approved by the Planning Board. This approval is granted, subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Village Planning Board’s resolution and those contained in the Village Council’s resolution, with the requirements in the Village Council’s resolution taking precedence.18-101 Approve Budget Reserve Transfers – Annual resolution which transfers money in the 2017 budget from departments which have excess funds to those departments which do not have adequate funds18-103 Correct Resolution #17-111 – Accept Partial Donations – Portable Fuel Cell Trailer – Parks and Recreation – This resolution corrects and replaces Resolution #17-111, adopted April 12, 2017. The best quote for18-104 Support Preservation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program – Supports the preservation of the CDBG Program in the FY 2018 Federal Budget at funding levels at least equal to funding in FY 2017 18-107 Appoint Members to Planning Board
24. Adjournment
23. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
18-108 Appoint Member to Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board
18-106 Award Contract – Repair and Purchase of Emergency Equipment and Radios for Police Cars (NTE $20,000) – Awards the second year of a two-year contract to Regional Communications, 64 East Midland Avenue, Paramus, NJ
18-105 Title 59 Approval – Approves the plans and specifications for , prepared by the Police Department, pursuant to Title 59
the Portable Fuel Cell Trailer was incorrectly listed in Resolution #17-111 as $5,478. This resolution correctly states the cost of the Portable Fuel Cell Trailer at $5,748.
18-102 Oppose Legislation for H.R. 38 and S. 446 – Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 and the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 – Opposes the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate which would force every State in the United States to recognize the concealed carry standards of every other State in the United States regardless of the standards, or lack thereof, of that State
18-100 Increase 2017 Deferred School Taxes – Increases deferred school taxes from $46,515,256.62 to $47,392,648.62, an increase of $877,392 from 12/31/16 to 12/31/17

18-98 Grant Major Soil Moving Permit – 257 Ridgewood Avenue, LLC – The Enclave – Grants a Major Soil Moving Permit for 257 Ridgewood Avenue, LLC (The Enclave), for a project located at 253-257 East Ridgewood Avenue, 48 North Maple Avenue, and 248 Franklin Avenue, which has already been approved by the Planning Board. This approval is granted, subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Village Planning Board’s resolution and those contained in the Village Council’s resolution, with the requirements in the Village Council’s resolution taking precedence.
18-96 Declare Property Surplus – Ford F250 Pickup Truck – Parks Department – Declares this property surplus and authorizes the Village Manager to dispose of said property
18-94 Authorize Shared Services Agreement – Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs (Washington Township) – Authorizes a Shared Services Agreement for Washington Township to bring certain vehicles to the Village of Ridgewood’s Fleet Services for maintenance and repair

18-91 Award Contract – Printing for 2018 Municipal Election (NTE $19,800) – Awards a contract to the sole quote from Royal Printing Service, 441 51st Street, West New York, NJ
18-89 Title 59 Approval – Paving and Resurfacing – Approves the plans and specifications for 2018 Road Resurfacing and Repair of Various Street in the Village of Ridgewood, prepared by the Ridgewood Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59
18-87 Title 59 Approval – Concession Refreshment Services – Graydon Pool – Approves the plans and specifications for Concession Refreshment Services – 2017, 2018, The Water’s Edge Café, Graydon Pool prepared by the Department of Parks and Recreation, pursuant to Title 59
18-85 Title 59 Approval – Coach Bus Transportation Services – Approves the plans and specifications for Supply of Coach Bus Transportation Services prepared by the Department of Parks and Recreation, pursuant to Title 59

18-84 Endorse Submission of Recycling Tonnage Grant – Annual resolution which endorses the submission of the Municipal Recycling Tonnage Grant Application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and designates Daniel M. Kiely, Recycling Coordinator, to ensure that the application is properly filed
22. RESOLUTIONS
3625 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Allow Certain Illuminated Interior Signs in the Central Business District
21. ORDINANCES – CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
3635 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Sewers and Sewage Disposal – Connection Fee for Residential and Non-Residential Development
3633 – Amendment to Municipal Complex Parking
20. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3642 – Bond Ordinance – Replacement of Maple Park Turf Field ($500,000)
3640 – Establish Policies for Use of Level One Rooms – Village Hall – Establishes policies for the use of The Garden Room, the Annie Zusy Youth Center, and the Patrick A. Mancuso Senior Center on level one of Village Hall
3638 – Amend Chapter 212 – Parks and Recreation – Establish Rules and Regulations for Temporary Skatepark – Establishes rules of conduct and regulations for use of the temporary skatepark located at the Ridgewood Roller Hockey rink from mid-April through mid-October
19. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION

18-83 Award Professional Services Contract – Design and Administration of Improvements at the Southside Reservoir (NTE $52,000) – Awards a Professional Services Contract to D.J. Egarian & Associates, Inc., Route 46 West, Suite G-208, Fairfield, NJ. The required Pay to Play forms have been submitted to the Village Clerk’s Office.
18-81 Award Contract – Installation of Water Mains (NTE $480,529.61) – Awards a contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Ferreira Construction Company, Inc., 31 Tannery Road, Branchburg, NJ
18-79 Award Contract Under State Contract – 2018 Ford Super Duty F350 with 8 Foot Box ($67,914.46) – Awards a contract under State Contract to Beyer Ford, 170 Ridgedale Avenue, Morristown, NJ
18-77 Title 59 Approval – Supply and Maintain Cold Water Meters – Approves the plans and specifications for Cold Water Meters and Supplies prepared by Ridgewood Water, pursuant to Title 59
18. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
17. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER

3637 – Amend Water Rates and Fees – 2018 – Revises the water rates and fees charged by Ridgewood Water in 2018

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The Organization For Economic Growth Calls On N.J. Legislators To Reject Gov. Murphy’s Toxic Budget Proposal

Phill Murphy -Sara Medina del Castillo

 

March 14,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Wayne NJ , Calling Gov. Phil Murphy FY-2019 budget another nail in New Jersey’s economic coffin, the New Jersey Organization for Economic Growth is calling on all legislatures to reject the governor spending plan and create a fiscally responsible budget.

“The governor’s economic plan in no way represents the fiscal reality facing New Jersey; nor does it address the concerns of the business community,” said OEG Chairman Joseph Caruso. “New Jersey leads the nation in taxes and has the worst business reputation in the country — and Gov. Murphy, unfortunately, wants to continue those trends”.

Murphy’s $37.4 billion spending plan is $2.7 billion – or 8 percent higher than the state’s current budget. Murphy’s FY-2019 budget increases spending by $1.5 billion and calls for an increase in the sales tax, as well as increases in the corporate business tax and another millionaire’s tax .

Murphy called his budget proposal “fiscally and morally sound,” which raised the ire of OEG Executive Director Alex Cucciniello.

“There is nothing moral about raising taxes on hardworking people and those who are trying to run businesses,” said Cucciniello. “There is nothing moral about supporting a budget plan that will lead to fewer jobs. The governor’s sense of morality is out step with residents of this state,” said Cucciniello.

“This budget will crush small businesses and the middle class in New Jersey. If the Governors goal is to get people to leave the state he is doing the right thing, ” said OEG Vice-Chairwoman Katie Cericola, an accountant. “New Jersey already has the highest corporate tax in the nation, increasing it will result in fewer jobs.

“Young people like me want to stay in New Jersey; it’s our home. But politicians like Gov. Murphy are making it hard for us to live here. He and his administration are out of touch with the economic struggles of Millennials,” added Cericola.

The governor’s proposed increased in taxes and spending — including adding $2.1 million to pay for legal fees for illegal immigrants who face federal justice, is an attack on working people in New Jersey, said Vice-Chairman John DePinto.

‘There are hard working legal residents of our state who cannot afford an attorney; yet we have a governor who wants those working people to pay for the legal bills of illegal immigrants so they can continue to violate federal law. That is not a morally or fiscally acceptable position,” said DePinto.

“The governor wants the already overtaxed people of New Jersey to pay for his progressive ideology. His personal priorities are wrong for the state,” added DePinto.

OEG officials said Murphy’s FY 2019 budget proposal failed to even consider cutting spending.

“In a state that is recognized as the most overtaxed in the nation; a state that is losing jobs and business investment; the fiscally prudent thing to do would be to find ways to reduce spending. But it appears that the governor’s team just larded more fat on an already bloated state budget,” said Cucciniello.

DISAPPOINTING

Caruso called the governor’s introduction of his first budget disappointing beyond expectations.

“The people of New Jersey elected a governor who ran on a platform of raising taxes. and that’s just what he intends to do. But I don’t think anyone could imagine that it would be this bad,” he said.

Caruso noted that the governor’s budget proposal fails to address the state’s very real and very damaging pension deficit.

“Like governor’s before him, Mr. Murphy actually believes New Jersey taxpayers can afford the public pension system the politicians created. And to continue the deception, Gov. Murphy, like governor’s before him, has greatly exaggerated the return on pension investments so he doesn’t have to deal with the giant pension and retiree benefits hole that gets bigger every month.”

REJECT THE PROPOSAL

Cucciniello said he hopes the legislature will reject the governor’s proposal and start over.

“Hopefully there are fiscally responsible people in Trenton who will not ignore the fact that New Jersey’s fiscal policies are causing great damaging the people of this state Hopefully, they will not continue to ignore the plight of many people — Millennials and retirees – who have to make the tough decision to leave New Jersey because our elected officials simply don’t want to make the tough decisions required to make this state affordable for the middle class,” said Cucciniello.

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Reader says Kids concerned that peers and teachers will look at her differently if they stay in classroom

hitler-youth-hitler-jugend-ww2-nazi-germany-history-pictures-amazing-incredibel-images-photos-011

My kid is in HS and doesn’t feel like she wants to go for the walkout. However she asked me what she should do as she is concerned that peers and teachers will look at her differently if she stays in classroom. See what happens? What am I supposed to tell her? I want her to follow her heart but I am also concerned that she may be subject to repercussions. This walkout shouldn’t happen during school hours. Either after hours or weekends. This way kids would be free to act as they wish without concerns of being watched. This administration is ruining the kids with political siding.

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Councilmen Ramon Hache has Consitantly Promoted the Same Positions

ramone hache

Ramon Hache last campaign flier 

March 13,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ, recently we have had a spat of emails and comments voicing concern over councilmen Ramon Hache changing his positions on key issues affecting the Village of Ridgewood . So the Ridgewood blog investigated if the criticism was valid or not and came to the conclusion is was not .

Ramon was against the oversized garage that was proposed by the “3 Amigos” . That garage over flowed the property line into the street a fact well hidden by the former administration.

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Valley Hospital Recognized for Promoting a Safe Work Environment

TEDDY-AWARD-2017-[1]

March 11,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Valley Health System has earned the 2017 Theodore Roosevelt Workers’ Compensation and Disability Management Award for their efforts to promote a safe work environment. The award was given by Risk & Insurance® magazine.

Valley was one of only four national winners, which included Delta Air Lines, Massachusetts Port Authority and Rochester Regional Health. Companies in all industries and of nearly all sizes were allowed to apply for the award.

Award recipients were selected based on how their companies have improved their employee safety through employee engagement and advocacy, performance, sustainability, innovation and teamwork. Two initiatives that made Valley’s workers’ compensation program standout among all other companies included the Code Atlas crisis management team and ALICE protocols (active shooter response training), as well as decreasing work-related injuries.

“Valley is proud to be a recipient of the 2017 Theodore Roosevelt Workers’ Compensation and Disability Management Award,” said Barbara Schultz, Director, Employee Health & Wellness. “Valley employees are truly embracing a culture of workplace safety by following guidelines outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. They have taken it to heart to take care of themselves and each other.”

Photo above: Valley Health System earned the 2017 Theodore Roosevelt Workers’ Compensation and Disability Management Award, given by Risk & Insurance® magazine, for their efforts to promote a safe work environment. Pictured: Valley employees Daniel Coss, Director, Security and Public Safety, and Barbara Schultz, Director, Employee Health & Wellness.

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THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA MARCH 13, 2018

Village Council

20180313 – Village Council Public Workshop Agenda
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
PATRICK A. MANCUSO SENIOR CENTER
MARCH 13, 2018
8:00 P.M.
1. 8:00 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
a. Ridgewood Water
1. Award Contract – Installation of Water Mains
2. Award State Contract – 2018 Ford Super Duty F350
3. Award State Contract – Miscellaneous Materials and Supplies

b. Parking – None
c. Budget
1. Award Contract – Annual Agreement – Upgrade and Maintain Scada System – WPCF
2. Budget Reserve Transfer Resolution
3. Tonnage Grant Resolution
4. Declare Surplus – Miscellaneous Fire Department Equipment
5. Shared Services Agreement –Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs –
Washington Township
6. Award Contract – Tub Grinder
7. Award Contract – Election Printing
8. Award Contract – Paving and Resurfacing
d. Policy
1. Proposed Ordinance – Temporary Skatepark Rules and Fees
2. Graydon Pool Hours, Fees, and Website Presence
e. Operations
1. Village Hall Meetings Room Policy
2. Replacement of Tree at Graydon – Report by Shade Tree Commission
3. Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017
7. Review of March 14, 2018 Public Meeting Agenda
8. Manager’s Report
9. Council Reports
10. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
11. Resolution to go into Closed Session
12. Closed Session
A. Personnel – Boards and Committees, Municipal Prosecutor
B. Legal – Ridgewood Water Litigation, Affordable Housing, Valley Hospital

13. Adjournment

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Gary’s is Opening its Fifth Location in Closter New Jersey

Gary;s

March 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Closter, NJ, also known as the “Hub of the Northern Valley,” has just welcomed Gary’s of Closter, to their town. Gary’s Wine & Marketplace began as a small wine shop in Madison, New Jersey in 1987 and has since grown to be one of the largest fine wine businesses in the New York metropolitan area.

Closter, New Jersey is the fifth location  and offers  the full Gary’s experience — fine wine, craft beer, small-batch spirits, hand-cut cheeses, gourmet delicatessen, barware, gifts and more! We hope you’ll visit Gary’s of Closter soon. Cheers and thank you!

When Gary  (CEO & Owner Gary Fisch ) was working toward his B.S. from Rider College in Political Science, he didn’t yet know where life was going to take him. Gary fell in love with wine in his senior year of college while working with his father, a liquor salesman, and decided to become an expert. He educated himself at the Sommelier Institute in New Jersey and at several of Windows on the World’s wine courses. The secret to his success is a passionate love and broad knowledge of his product — and the skill to communicate that delight. That enthusiasm and intelligence served him well when he teamed up with his brother Mark in 1987 and opened his first store in Madison, New Jersey. Two moves later, Gary’s now has stores in Bernardsville, N.J.and on Route 23 North in Wayne N.J. Gary’s expertise has earned him national media attention as “The Wine Guy” on the TV Food Network show Bobby Flay Hot off the Grill. He has made guest appearances on CNN, New Jersey 12 and Bloomberg radio and television. In January 2009, he was profiled in New Jersey Monthly’s “Power Issue” as one of the 101 Most Influential People in the Garden State. Not bad for a guy who simply loves to share his enthusiasm for wine!

The Grand Opening, which is open to the public, is taking place on March 15-17th, and will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Closter’s Mayor John Glidden.

Gary’s of Closter
67 VerValen Street, Closter, NJ 07624
(In the Closter Plaza Shopping Center – Between Whole Foods Market & Starbucks)
Phone: (201) 297-5000

 

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Harwin worked alongside Vagianos in the failed “Flip The 40th Campaign”

Itsgreektome_theridgewoodblog

March 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Facebook post from September shows Alexandra Harwin campaigning for Paul (the Wall)  Vagianos another promoter of high density housing and destruction of the Village character.

Alexandra Harwin
September 7, 2017

Hi all! I am hoping to do lots of canvassing for the Flip the 40th campaign, but I need someone to watch my kids (ages 3.5 and 1) during canvassing hours, as my husband (a rabbi) works Saturday and Sunday mornings during prime canvassing hours. Would anyone else with kids be interested in combining forces and hiring a babysitter together so we can canvas?

The Flip The 40th Campaign was the name of the campaign to get Paul (the wall) Vagianos elected to state assembly .

Thomas Duch For State Senate

Paul Vagianos and Christine Ordway For State Assembly

WHEN
April 16, 2017 at 10am – 12pm
WHERE
It’s Greek To Me
21 E Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood NJ 07450 USA
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
United States

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Colonial Paramus’ rich history — however you spell it — is really Ridgewood’s history to celebrate

ridgewood paramus

March 11,2018

by John Paquin‎
Originally posted Vintage Ridgewood New Jersey

Ridgewood NJ, How do you spell “Paramus”? “R-I-D-G-E-W-O-O-D”! Colonial Paramus’ rich history — however you spell it — is really Ridgewood’s history to celebrate, and the Zabriskie-Schedler House is a visible, physical tie to that past that Ridgewood taxpayers own, and owe to future generations.

But how do you really spell it? Let’s count some of the ways.

First, the name is Lenape or more properly Munsee, the local branch of the Lenape indian nation that occupied the land along the “Sadle River” when the first Dutch settlers arrived circa 1675. It’s most commonly thought to mean “land of turkeys” (which, as Jackie Hone correctly pointed out — is true once again!).

The indians of course did not “spell” it, but they did convey the name to the “original owner” Albert Zabriskie (yes that family — more on that later).

Here’s some of the many spellings:

Parames: 1708 English deed
Perampsepus: 1709 Indian grant
Peremis: 1731 call for minister for the church
Pyramus: 1780 George Washington correspondence
Perhamus: 1780 directions to the church from Albert Zabriskie — another one — a Tory! — to the British for their attack.
Paramus: Col. McPherson in his report of that attack
Paramus: auditing report for the building of the “new” church” in 1803

So the modern spelling seems to have firmly taken hold by the turn of the 19th C.

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Reader asks what does HealthBarn have on Ridgewood ?

snow storm healthbarn

photo transformer down on Hillcrest

You have got to be kidding!!! Susan, to the best of my knowledge you want to be reelected and you are not brain dead. What does this woman have on the town of Ridgewood? It has to be current or the council would not have done this. I’ll be honest. This present council, you included, have just put the final nail in your coffins. All you have done since taking office is spend, spend, spend. This woman is running a partially illegal operation (Have you ever looked at her insurance or is that something else the Village is paying for?) and taking the whole park for her personal use with, obviously, the council’s permission. I know your sons’ appointments fit legal guidelines but I’m even beginning to partially believe the constant slams about that that you receive. It is beginning to look like that may be the ONLY accomplishment you are going to be able to claim for your actions during this term! Residents and town businesses are suffering and you put generators in a business that is not even earned by a village resident!!! You must think the taxpayers of this town are total idiots and you are proving that with almost every action you take. How can you look at yourself in the mirror?

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Rooney, DePhillips decry Orange and Rockland’s lackluster response to power outages, call for investigation

Orange-and-Rockland-Featured-compressor[1]

March 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Wyckoff NJ, Assemblymen Kevin J. Rooney and Christopher DePhillips called out Orange and Rockland Energy Company for its lack of preparation, communication and leadership as thousands of people remain without power following Wednesday’s nor’easter. The assemblymen are demanding answers.

“This is a matter of public safety and public health in our communities and the lackluster response from Orange and Rockland is unacceptable,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “There are roads that are still impassable for police, firefighters and ambulances because of fallen trees and powerlines. The situation is dangerous. Orange and Rockland needs to explain why and how they have failed their customers with such great incompetence.”
“It is completely evident that Orange and Rockland hasn’t learned its lesson from past storms like Sandy,” said DePhillips (R-Bergen). “I am calling for an investigation by the Board of Public Utilities and the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee into Orange and Rockland’s complete mismanagement and lack of preparation. Not only has the response been insufficient, but it has taken days to even start fixing our communities.”

Wyckoff Mayor Brian D. Scanlan told The Record that the utility company has failed to provide adequate crews to restore power to the town, leaving town hall, the police station, two schools, a sewage pump station and traffic lights dark. He said Orange and Rockland crews were “sitting in trucks watching down lines” while PSE&G crews, who serves the eastern part of the town, were working.

Rooney and DePhillips said “this is nothing new” as each experienced the same poor response to outages from Orange and Rockland as mayor of Wyckoff, calling for the utility company to “get its act together.”

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IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM Mayor Susan Knudsen: Restoring Power to All Ridgewood Residents

PSEG

file photo by Boyd Loving

March 9,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Village is working very closely with PSEG to restore power to all Ridgewood residents still without power. Most of our streets without power have been placed on the PSEG priority list. Power has been restored to many areas, still some of our homeowners are still in the dark. I’ve participated in several conference calls with PSEG, the most recent at 2pm, and I’ve been assured crews are in the Village and working to finish the restoration work. Crews are working throughout affected areas including the Hillcrest/Beechwood area where they are assessing damage.

The priority list includes the following areas: Hillcrest/Beachwood/Andover/Woodland, Highland/Mountain/Grandview/McKinley, Fairmount, Linwood, Doris, Libby. If I failed to mention a street it’s likely on the priority list; however, email me asap [email protected]

Thanks to everyone for alerting me when power comes back on line, doing so helps whittle down the list and helps expedite the process.
Please remember, posting on Facebook is helpful but official communications are much more effective. Kindly email any concerns to Mayor Knudsen [email protected], Village Manager [email protected], copy to Deputy Mayor Mike Sedon [email protected]

Over the past few days Village employees have worked around the clock. Emergency responders answered calls during the storm, and Parks Department workers continue to clear trees and opening roads to travel in the hours and days after. Ridgewood employees and emergency responders are working hard but are prohibited from working around downed power lines until PSE&G deems it safe.

**PSEG HAS NOTIFIED ME THAT CREWS HAVE BEEN DISPATCHED TO THE HILLCREST/BEECHWOOD AREA

**Generators have been placed at the Habernickel Gate House to avoid taxpayer funding of costly repairs resulting from frozen pipes, water heaters etc

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WARNING – AVOID DOWNED WIRES! Downed wires should be considered “live.”

wyckoff police

photo courtesy of Wyckoff police

March 8,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, we have had many reports of downed wires today including a death in Franklin Lakes . Just received this message from Glen Rock Police . Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with. Cones & police line tape has been deployed, it is impossible for officers to remain at these locations.

Heavy, wet snow brought down large trees, branches and wires at numerous locations in town. Electric service crews worked through the night and will continue to work as safely and as quickly as possible. The restoration process will likely take several days given the damage from falling trees that will need to be cleared.

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Ridgewood Emergency Services had a full compliment of volunteers on duty during yeaterdays noreaster

Snow Ridgewood Emergency Services

photos courtesy of Ridgewood Emergency Services

March 8,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Emergency Services had a full compliment of volunteers on duty operating during yesterdays noreaster. It was a very busy day.

 

To give you an idea of how hard these guys work on February 18th in a little reported incident while the Ridgewood Emergency Services EMT’s are inside the home accessing and providing aid to the patient, Special Operation Members are outside doing their thing to ensure quick and safe exit for the patient and EMT’s to the Ambulance. It was truly a great team effort.

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Village of Ridgewood keeping it GREEN!

Ridgewood keeping it green k

march 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, 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.
https://www.sustainablejersey.com/