Village Council Meeting

A REGULAR PUBLIC WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON FEBRUARY 28, 2024 AT 7:30 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Vagianos called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Also present were Keith Kazmark, Village Manager, Eileen Young, Deputy Village Clerk, and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Frank (“the Bee Man”) Mortimer, 426 Van Buren Street, thanked the Village team for submitting an extensive and professional application to the State Historic Preservation Office for the Schedler property. Chris Wolfstirn, 35 East Glen Avenue, thanked the Village Council for considering the installation of sidewalks within the section discussed at the recent budget meeting. He stated he and his wife support this initiative as it will allow for increased pedestrian safety measures. Greg Osbourne, Morningside Road, he is on the foundation board of Ramapo College and co- chair of Waterkeepers Alliance’s External Affairs committee. Kudos to application for Schedler. Wants to share his experience and help the community. He owns the company but is not looking to make a profit but rather help the Village. The company created the first one and only toxic free safe turf. He’s been a coach in Ridgewood for Soccer and Basketball. He is confident we can get the Sierra club our way and he can help the Village without making a profit himself. They created the only product that is fully recyclable, permeable, carbon reducing, and safe material for turf. Paul Woodburn, 66 North Irving Street, provided comments on various topics. He emphatically opposed installing permanent lighting on Veterans Field. He indicated there would be an increase in cost to the taxpayers for the additional electricity needed for evening games. He suggested installing lighting at Benjamin Franklin Middle School since the facility is not subject to flooding like Veterans Field. 1 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 Mr. Woodburn also stated that the current cleanup of Stevens Field consists of painting the bridge and allowing the dirt on the field to be moved back into the waterway. He stated this is not a permanent fix to the flooding issue with the Brook. Clay Fisher, 5 Maynard Court, identified himself as the President of the Maroons Soccer Club. He stated on behalf of the club, they support and look forward to the field installation on the Schedler property. He emphasized the need to install the turf field to create additional facilities for the many sports organizations currently experiencing limited field time due to flooding. He stated there is an enormous cost to rent fields out of town for the members of the club the opportunity to play. Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street expressed concern with the commentary from the Village Council at the recent budget meeting regarding public notice for the Veterans Field lighting project. She stated that the action plan called for waiting until the project is funded and the vendor is secured before noticing the residents. This would be to allow the vendor to present the technology already approved by the Village Council. She stated she did not support this timeline, as it does not fully represent transparency to the residents. Boyd Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that after reviewing the Ridgewood Water presentation posted on the website, it appears the Ridgewood Water rates were compared with municipalities, not within the Northwest Bergen section of Bergen County. He recommended rates from utilities in Waldwick, Ramsey, and Mahwah be examined to ensure the rates are within market standards. He added that the annual average cost to customers of Hawthorne should also be examined as Ridgewood Water purchases supply from the Hawthorne utility. Mr. Loving also expressed concern about the lack of notification about an upcoming significant water main repair scheduled for South Irving Street. He also requested that the project be examined to see if there are alternative connections through nearby right-of-way infrastructure to avoid major disruption to the residents of the area. Cynthia O'Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, thanked Marsha Stoltz for her article published in the Bergen Record regarding the Village’s Schedler application to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). She noted that a significant portion of the application includes all the details and petitions that oppose the current plan for the property. Ms. O’Keefe further stated that she along with many residents around the Schedler property do not feel that there have been any compromises, accommodations, or adherences to the original recommended plan. She stated if the plan is approved by SHPO, the property will be ruined, air quality would be diminished and pedestrian safety at risk. She asked Mr. Kazmark for an update on the contaminated soil remediation and the number of children within the sports organizations. 2 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 Karyn Schoenherr, 251 Lotte Road, stated in addition to youth soccer needing dry, playable fields, adult players have the same needs. She thanked the Village Council for the vision of this property and the process thus far. Christine Corbett, 405 Heights Road expressed opposition to the Veterans Field lighting project proposal. She highlighted Veterans Field is subject to flooding. She stated there needs to be financial responsibility to the taxpayers to ensure the funds are being spent wisely. She stated that multiple large-scale capital improvements should be staggered and not done at the same time. Dan Gioia, 447 Fairway Road, provided comments on the Schedler Field Project. He stated he supported the project to onboard additional fields into the Village’s inventory. There is a limited number of fields that are used across many different sports. Mr. Gioia thanked the Village Council for continuing to stay the course with the project, timeline, and public notifications. Robert Lynch, 40 Sherwood Road spoke on behalf of the Ridgewood Lacrosse Association and the over 700 players and families. He thanked the Village Council for their support of the Schedler Field project. He commented that new sports have been added such as Girls Flag Football. New sports and registrants increase the need for additional fields in suitable conditions. Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, thanked the Village Council for posting the full Schedler Application on the Village website. Mr. Gruber noted that the change in field size from the original ad-hoc recommended report to the current plan for the property is significant. She inquired if independent studies were performed for environment, noise, and traffic safety as suggested in the ad-hoc report. She stated the current plan focuses heavily on the needs of the sports community and less on a balance with the neighborhood. Rurik Halaby, 1 Frankin Avenue, commended the Village Council and Manager for the vision and plan for the Schedler property. He complimented the Village Council for their resilience amongst criticism and professionalism throughout the process. He acknowledged Councilmember Winograd’s creative re-purposing of the Schedler home on the property. He thanked the Village Council for continuing hybrid access technology. Kevin Shen, 147 West Glen Avenue, urged the Council to fund the sidewalks on this section of the road. As stated earlier, it will improve pedestrian safety, especially for children walking to and from neighborhood schools. Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, thanked the Council for moving the process along for the Kingsbridge Pedestrian Bridge repair. She stated the bridge does not impact or increase nearby flooding. She encouraged the Village Council to be mindful of the Capital budget project approvals. She stated the projects that promote safety should be prioritized. She inquired as to the membership of the Zoning Board as it appears new appointments were made. She cautioned the Village Council about installing turf at the Schedler property. She indicated it could create 3 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 more flooding in the area. She thanked the Village Council for posting the Schedler Application but believes the timeline is incorrect. Alex Finston, 150 Brookside Ave, expressed his appreciation to the Village Council for moving the plans for the Schedler property along. He reiterated previous comments concerning the limited field inventory when storms create damage impacting playability. He encouraged community engagement to work together and create a long-term solution and usage for the property. Mayor Vagianos stated this will conclude the first session of Public Comment, there will be a second opportunity to address the Village Council at the end of the meeting. Councilmember Winograd responded to various comments from the public session. She stated Village Council meetings are recorded and televised. She outlined the various formats of meetings. The Capital projects referenced this evening such as the Pavilion at Habernickel and the Lighting at Vets must still go through the proper process through dedicated Public Budget Meetings. If those project concepts are approved, the project then is calendared to a Work Session for discussion and public input during public comment. Councilmember Winograd highlighted that no additional funding requests have been initiated for the Schedler property. The project has been fully funded for some time by prior Councils. The current Village Council is moving the project forward. CouncilmemberWinograd noted that the field at Benjamin Franklin Middle School is owned by the Board of Education and does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Village Council. Mayor Vagianos reiterated funding for the Veterans Field Project has not been approved. He stated Mr. Kazmark is setting up a session for the Village Council to see the Maple Field Lights in the evening and another session will be scheduled for members of the community to see the demonstration. He stated the Village Council intends to improve the quality of life for surrounding residents. Mayor Vagianos noted that the Village Council will be suspending the Work Session into a Public meeting to address funding for various projects such as sidewalks and the Kingsbridge Pedestrian Bridge, however, this step is a funding mechanism. He added there will be further review and discussion on both projects before formal notice to proceed is provided. Mr. Kazmark stated he respectfully disagrees with comments made earlier about the budget discussion held on Monday evening. The Village Council has asked for more information on various Recreation and Engineering projects and both department directors will be attending the March 6, 2024 Work Session to continue those discussions. 4 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 Mr. Kazmark reiterated the technological advancement made in field lighting. He stated that spillage has been greatly reduced thus reducing glare on surrounding properties. He confirmed the Mayor’s statement regarding a community-wide opportunity to see the lighting will take place, should the project move forward. Mr. Kazmark responded to the request for the number of participants in the sports organizations. To date the breakdown is Ridgewood Junior Football had 726 participants. This creates over 75 to 80 flag football teams and 7 tackle teams. Additional field time will be needed for the Girls Flag Football division that is being organized as well. Ridgewood Lacrosse had 711 participants, and RBSA had 1,305 participants. The Soccer Association had 1,890 registrants in the fall. The Board of Education also uses the Village facilities, which increases the overall number of youth athletes on Village fields. The number of registrants is a key factor in moving the Schedler project along and strategically planning for installing permanent lights. As explained in prior sessions, the lights will allow for evening games on Veterans Field. Updated numbers and team counts will be provided after the close of spring sports registration. Mr. Kazmark noted that additional information was added to the Schedler applications and has since been made available on the website. Mr. Kazmark confirmed the process is underway to prepare the fields for the spring season. The intent is to have Maple Field ready by the end of next week. The strategic decision was to wait to complete the restoration of Veterans Field until the bulk of the inclement weather tapered off. Mayor Vagianos thanked all the staff and vendors for their hard work to meet the deadlines needed to open the fields for the playing season. Mr. Kazmark stated the bridge engineer, the professional retained for the project, will review if there was any impact on flooding as a result of the Kingsbridge Pedestrian Bridge. He further confirmed that the timeline provided in the Schedler application was correct. A timeline for the soil testing is forthcoming. 3. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Kazmark provided updates on various projects and operations. The Habernickel barn was removed at the end of last week. All requirements were completed for the demo permit to be issued. A presentation for the proposed pavilion will be held during the March 6, 2024 Work Session. Mr. Kazmark outlined the timeline for the Schedler application. It was received by the State Historic Preservation Office and is under review. Once the Village receives the SHPO findings, 5 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 the next steps will be taken. This can include sending supplemental documents and/or submitting them to the appropriate agencies. Mr. Kazmark stated the new Valley Hospital in Paramus is scheduled to open on April 14, 2024. The Village Police, Fire, and OEM departments have been working in partnership with Valley management concerning the logistics of transport of critical care patients and transfer of operations. Mr. Kazmark congratulated the Parks and Recreation Department on their recent state award for the inception and hosting of the Ridgewood Elder Dinner. Mr. Kazmark gave the schedule of upcoming budget meetings including March 5, 2024. He announced the Parks and Recreation Department's upcoming trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show. He announced upcoming health seminars and the scheduled date for the next “Council Chat” on March 2nd from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Mr. Kazmark announced the March Council meetings March 6th and 27th are scheduled Work Sessions and March 13, 2024 is the regular Public Meeting. 4. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Winograd reported the ACCESS meeting was held last week and welcomed two firefighters who outlined their recent training. The training is for First Responders rendering service to those with Autism. She stated she is so proud to be in a community where representatives of the Police and Fire Departments now have specialized training to provide the best assistance to those in need. Councilmember Winograd reported Access held another successful sensory-friendly dinner last night. She thanked all representatives from the Village staff that attended and encouraged all residents to attend in the future. Councilmember Winograd reported the “adopt-a-sapling” area is going to be the Somerville School area. Somerville School has selected a school-wide reading book related to trees. She thanked Carolyn Jacoby for all her hard work on the Shade Tree Committee. The Village will miss her and wishes her well as she steps down as Chair. Councilmember Winograd stated the process to assist new business owners in the community began with a strategic meeting held yesterday. More details will follow but there are many opportunities to streamline and create better systems to assist. She encouraged residents to patrol all businesses and especially show support to new establishments as well. 6 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 Councilmember Weitz thanked Mayor Vagianos for filling in for him at the Library Board meeting. It was held the same night as Ridgewood Arts Council. He announced the Ridgewood Arts Council will be hosting museum talks at the library on March 27th and April 3rd. Councilmember Weitz thanked the Village Manager and Village staff for the budget presentation and meetings. It has been a positive experience and truly reflects the cooperation within the Village staff. He thanked the Village Manager for expediting some capital issues that need critical attention. Councilmember Reynolds encourages active participation from the public at the upcoming budget meeting on March 5, 2024. Deputy Mayor Perron reiterated Mr. Kazmark’s comments about the award the Parks and Recreation Department received in Atlantic City for the Elder Dinner program. Deputy Mayor Perron announced the poster contest in the elementary schools in honor of the Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Fair on April 21, 2024. She announced the next Central Business District Advisory Committee will be meeting on March 7th in the Senior Lounge at 8:30 a.m. in Village Hall. Deputy Mayor Perron announced the Open Space Committee will be meeting on March 21st and will be scheduling the Parks walks. The Planning Board Subcommittee on the Master Plan hopes to make a presentation to the public in late spring. Mayor Vagianos stated the Community Center Advisory Board met last week and the main topic of discussion was a fundraiser to sell Ridgewood emblazoned beach towels and water bottles. He stated the Library Board meeting reviewed the ongoing renovations. Mayor Vagianos thanked Puzo’s for hosting the recent sensory dinner. They opened on a Monday evening when the restaurant is usually closed, and he commended this establishment as well as others that have hosted this wonderful event for families. Mayor Vagianos commented that the 2024 budget proceedings are going well and the process has been positive. He also congratulated the Parks Department on their recent award. The staff’s hard work again lends support to the mantra that Ridgewood is the greatest town in America. 5. MOTION TO SUSPEND WORK SESSION AND CONVENE SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING On a motion made by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Reynolds and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Work Session was suspended to convene a Special Public Meeting at 8:59 PM. 7 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 6. PRESENTATION- GREEN RIDGEWOOD – PARTNERSHIP WITH COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS- SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS David Refkin, Chair of Green Ridgewood presented on various topics. Mr. Refkin stated that statistically Ridgewood is supposed to experience one 3-inch of rainfall storm every two years. Ridgewood has experienced three 4-inch rainstorms in the last three and a half months. He noted the Resilience Flooding and Stormwater subcommittee has been meeting regularly to come up with a range of solutions. He stated the subcommittee presented the initial recommendations to the Village Manager and Village Engineer a few weeks ago. Mr. Refkin stated by 2100 it is predicted by the National Association of Atmospheric Sciences that there will be a 25% increase in annual rainfall. This results in risks to our habitation, residents, and infrastructure. The subcommittee has prepared ways to reduce flooding. Major categories are a decrease in slow runoff hitting flood zones, increase temporary water storage capacity, try to restore to floodplain, move water out of flood zones faster, and expand the water capacity near flood zones. The plan still needs fine-tuning and the Columbia students are working on finalizing the report. Also, prioritizing the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and the Saddle River are key components of this plan. He highlighted the advantages of the Blue Acres Program to provide areas to expand water capacity during these very heavy rain events. He also stated utilizing green infrastructure slows down the speed of the stormwater reaching the local waterways and improves stormwater quality. Installation of rain gardens and bio-retention basins that accept stormwater runoff and expanding the tree canopy throughout Ridgewood would also provide relief. Another recommendation includes the de-snagging and desilting of the Ho-Ho- Kus Brook and Saddle River on a two-year rotation. He spoke about specific types of permeable pavement that can be used in parking lots adjacent to waterways that help absorb stormwater as another innovative opportunity. Mr. Refkin stated Ridgewood is fortunate to be working with a graduate student from Columbia's Graduate School of International Public Affairs. The student's capstone project will take place over 11 weeks, which translates to approximately $250,000 of free consulting from Columbia University. Green Ridgewood also has access to one of the national experts who's a professor at the Earth Science School in Colombia who is assisting in how we can implement decarbonization and expand our renewable energy initiatives. Mr. Refkin explained the concept of a Climate Fresk, which was invented in Paris. He explained it is like a tabletop exercise but in a card game format. Ridgewood is only the second municipal government that has been selected in the United States. He stated the activity is collaborative, creative, and entertaining. Green Ridgewood would like to schedule another Climate Fresk in the spring and he welcomed the Village Council to participate. Mr. Refkin stated Green Ridgewood is reviewing the NJDEP sample stormwater regulation ordinance to be adopted by July 16, 2024. Recommendations will be forthcoming. 8 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 Community education and outreach are paramount. The committee is made up of a diverse group of people. Green Ridgewood works collaboratively with the Green Team on various initiatives. He thanked Deputy Mayor Perron and the Village Council for their support. Mayor Vagianos thanked Mr. Refkin for this important and outstanding presentation. Councilmember Reynolds stated that the presentation was informative, engaging, and motivating. Councilmember Winograd thanked Mr. Refkin. The community outreach from the committee is so impressive as reflected in the No Mow May initiative. Deputy Mayor Perron acknowledged the grant application that Ridgewood High School Biology teachers are submitting in the amount of $32,000 is partnering with Green Ridgewood as the community organization within the application requirements. Deputy Mayor Perron thanked Mr. Refkin for his leadership. Mr. Kazmark thanked Mr. Refkin and Green Ridgewood for their time and talent. Mayor Vagianos thanked Mr. Refkin and Green Ridgewood for their passion and volunteerism. 7. A. DISCUSSION 1. RIDGEWOOD WATER a. APPROVE SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT - LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT (GLEN ROCK, MIDLAND PARK, AND WYCKOFF) b. ESTABLISH SPECIAL TAX ASSESSMENT - COST OF LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENTS Mr. Kazmark welcomed Mr. Richard Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water, and Michael Cohrs, Business Manager. Mr. Calbi stated Ridgewood Water has been working diligently over the period of the last two years with all four towns to develop a lead service line replacement plan. He stated this is a requirement because of a state law that passed in 2021 requiring that all lead service lines within the state of New Jersey be replaced. He explained this includes both those lines that are owned by the utility that run from the water main in the street to the curb and those that run from the curb to the building that is privately owned by the residents or the commercial building. He stated the need for all four towns to work together as it is necessary to build a coalition relative to this project. The State law allows two options for the program. Option one would provide that 9 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 the utility would pay for the entire improvement including on private property and then charge the ratepayers the cost of the replacement. The second option allows the utility to pay for its portion and then assess the cost of the private portion onto the property-owner. He stated the latter option was chosen by all four municipalities unanimously. He further explained the law expanded the definition of lead service lines. Before the law passed, Ridgewood Water had about 200 lead service lines throughout all four communities. Upon the passage of the new law, language included in the definition of lead service lines and galvanized lines that increased the account to over 2,000. This resulted in an estimated project amount of $30 million to be about $39 million. Mr. Calbi further stated four towns have agreed based on the second option model and all are ready to introduce it and ratify the necessary shared service agreements. The Village of Ridgewood will be bonding for the entire improvement. The three other communities and Ridgewood itself will be responsible for paying back the assessment money they collect for the private portion. Mr. Calbi introduced the Management team that helped prepare the plan. It was explained that within the packet are the following: A cover letter with the LSLR Program information, the sample shared service agreement, the sample resolution authorizing the shared service agreement, and the special tax assessment ordinance. It was explained that all components of this program must be enacted to move forward. A new website will be launched on March 4th that will include all information to help people understand the program. Matt Jessup, Village Bond Counsel, indicated property-owners that have confirmed lead service lines have three choices. He stated the first one is to not do anything with their lead service line the second is to replace it on their own or to opt into this lead service line financing replacement program. For those property-owners across all four towns that opt-in, their construction cost will be funded through the issuance of bonds by the Village to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. He stated the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank is a low-interest loan program set up for local governments to finance Water and Sewer Improvement projects including lead service lines. He reiterated the Village will issue all of the bonds; however, each of the four municipalities is obligated to pay their share of the debt service. The obligation to pay their portion of the debt service is contained in the Shared Service Agreement. It was confirmed the special assessment runs with the land and would be transferred upon real estate transactions. Mr. Jessup explained the one-time special assessment is essentially added to the value of the assessment of the property over thirty years. The amount is not blended into the Land and Value on the property record card, there will be a separate line that records the special assessment. It was clarified that the New Jersey state law applies to water utilities, not homeowners. Therefore, the utility must develop and implement a program for compliance. The law prescribes the utility must offer at least four times to make the replacement. 10 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 Councilmember Weitz asked if the assessment is recorded and revealed through real estate transactions. Upon real estate transactions, the obligation restarts. Councilmember Weitz asked how preventative measures will be enacted to insulate the utility due to homeowners withholding this information at resale. Mr. Calbi stated this mandate will most likely be federally enacted and required by the homeowner as well. Mr. Rogers stated he would work with Mr. Calbi to construct a process. Councilmember Weitz welcomed input from Mr. Rogers with ways to protect the Village from legal ramifications in the future. It was confirmed that the price of the improvement will be known to the customers before the assessment being issued. Mayor Vagianos commended the team for making a complicated issue workable amongst the other municipalities as well as presenting the materials. C. AWARD SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT - 2024 EXCHANGE OF GRANULATE ACTIVATED CARBON MEDIA AT CARR AND TWINNEY TREATMENT FACILITIES Mr. Calbi stated the next item is the award of a sole source contract for the 2024 exchange of granulated activated carbon media at the two active treatment facilities. This is a not to exceed contract with Calgon Carbon in the amount of $270,000 and will be funded through the 2024 Village operating budget. D. ESTABLISH 2024 WATER RATES AND PFAS TREATMENT CHARGE Mr. Calbi stated the sample ordinance governs the annual establishment of the water rates and PFAS treatment charges. It is a requirement as part of the budget cycle to meet the revenue requirement that was presented at the budget presentation last week. Mr. Kazmark explained the question stated during the public comment session concerning comparing Ridgewood Water rates with local utilities. Mr. Calbi explained Ridgewood Water tries to pick water utilities that are multi-district utilities. Stand-alone utilities only service their specific municipality and would be difficult to compare fairly. Ridgewood Water is probably one of the most complex systems in the nation with 52 groundwater wells, 31 treatment plants, and five distinct pressure zones. Mr. Kazmark confirmed that Ridgewood Water provided an apples-to-apples comparison in their presentation slide. Mr. Calbi stated the other municipalities affected by PFAS are singular utilities. 11 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 Mr. Calbi explained two projects are occurring on North Irving Street and South Irving Street. One may be tied into the PSEG main; however, the question earlier referenced the stand-alone improvement that is not able to be tied into the Right of Way. Mr. Calbi acknowledged the vendor anticipated the work to start and all the notifications had not been issued which caused the miscommunication. There are many large-scale projects underway over the course of the next months. Deputy Mayor Perron appreciated the information. Mayor Vagianos thanked Mr. Calbi for his direction and leadership. B. BUDGET 1. AWARD EMERGENCY CONTRACT-REPAIR OF BOILER AT STREETS DIVISION MATERIAL AND SUPPLIES Mr. Kazmark referred to a memorandum from the Village Engineer declaring an emergency repair. He provided the history of the issue regarding the discovery of the failure of the boiler. He indicated the Traffic and Signal Division identified the parts and materials needed to repair and he recommends the award to Sachs and Zitcer Supply Corp in an amount not to exceed $8,509.54. 2. AWARD CONTRACT UNDER STATE CONTRACT_TWO TRI_BAND PORTABLE RADIOS_RIDGEWOOD FIRE DEPARTMENT 3. AWARD CONTRACT UNDER STATE CONTRACT-FIREFIGHTER TURNOUT GEAR 4. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT-AMBULANCE BILLING SERVICES Mr. Kazmark welcomed Fire Chief Judge, who outlined the need for the purchase of the two portable radios for Deputy OEM Coordinators. It is State contract pricing although they are expensive, the authorized state contract vendor is Motorola. The cost for the purchases is $18,350.80 and will be funded through the previous 2022 capital budget. Councilmember Weitz expressed concern about the cost of two radios. He asked for clarification about the technology. Chief Judge explained the radios are tri-band, which allows the ability to have communications with multiple agencies during events. Chief Judge explained the next item would replace 10 sets of turnout gear; this purchase will be funded by outstanding capital from 2023. There was a recommendation to create a rotation plan for the five-year capital plan to replace turnout gear. 12 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 Chief Judge summarized the bidding process for 3rd party ambulance billing. He recommends the award to Coronis Health. This vendor already provides this service to reputable agencies such as Holy Name, Robert Wood Johnson, and Atlantic Health as well as multiple fire departments. The vendor would assume 7% of collections as their fee, which is a slight increase from the current 6.75%. Chief Judge confirmed the level of service and rate of collection will improve with the new vendor. 5. AUTHORIZE 2023 BUDGET RESERVE TRANSFER Mr. Kazmark referred to the memo provided by Mr. Rooney, CFO. There are five outstanding budget transfers against the 2023 Budget that need to be approved by resolution. E. OPERATIONS 1. RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE BOND_ SHELL GAS STATION AND DUNKIN DONUTS – 657 FRANKLIN AVENUE Mr. Kazmark explained a resolution is required to release the surety bond posted by 675 Ridgewood LLC. The Village Engineer confirmed the work covered by the bond has been satisfactorily completed. 2. DECLARE PROPERTY SURPLUS Mr. Kazmark stated there is a memo issued by Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer requesting a resolution declaring various vehicles and equipment surplus. The Village Engineer recommends the resolution be approved and items sold through the online auction vendor Govdeals. Mr. Kazmark stated there is a memo issued by Fire Chief Judge requesting various items be declared surplus. This consists of Stretchers, AED, and Ambulance Turnout helmets and coats. 8. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, reiterated his concern about the accuracy of the presentation slide in the Ridgewood Water rate comparison. He also noted there was a photo included in the Green Ridgewood presentation that he did not receive credit for, He stated that although there is a release on file, he was not notified of the photo inclusion in the presentation. Mr. Kazmark indicated he would notify Mr. Refkin. Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, clarified that advocating for the Schedler neighborhood does not mean the residents are anti-sports. She will continue to advocate for the 13 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 area and the best interests of the residents. She remarked on the disparity of the Village Council embracing the efforts of Green Ridgewood and having discussions of turf field installations. Suzanne Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, thanked the Village Council for appropriating funds for sidewalks on West Glen Avenue and the Kingsbridge Pedestrian Bridge repair. She stated there was a technological issue and was not able to hear Mr. Kazmark’s responses to her previous comments. She stated she is hopeful the pavilion will be managed by the Village. This can be a revenue stream. Mary Lou Handy, 695 Kingsbridge Lane, stated the Green Ridgewood presentation was impressive and informative. She inquired if there could be an added day of recycling collection. She thanked the Village Council for funding the repair of the Kingsbridge Pedestrian Bridge. She stated the Kingsbridge Pedestrian Bridge does not contribute to nearby flooding due to the high arch. Scott Muller, 118 John Street, thanked the Village Council for moving the Schedler property forward to create more athletic facilities. He stated the new facility would take the stress from our overused municipal fields. It will also provide a wonderful passive park. Leo Ruane, 705 Kingsbridge Lane, acknowledges the level of public engagement from sports organizations in support of the Schedler property improvements. He stated he opposed the installation of the full-sized field. He thanked the Village Council for funding the Kingsbridge Pedestrian Bridge repair. Councilmember Winograd stated members of the Council are charged with listening to everyone and balancing the needs for the betterment of the community. It is concerning to hear people questioning the intent of groups advocating their needs one way or another. Mr. Kazmark repeated his comments in response to Ms. Ruane’s request. There were no further public comments. 14 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024 8. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilmember Reynolds, seconded by Deputy Mayor Perron, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Work Session was adjourned at 10:31 p.m. ____________________________________ Paul Vagianos Mayor ______________________________________ Eileen Young Deputy Village Clerk 15 Village Council Regular Public Work Session February 28, 2024