Village Council Meeting

A REGULAR PUBLIC WORK SESSION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURTROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON MARCH 27, 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 7:30 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Also present were Keith Kazmark, Village Manager, Eileen Young, Deputy Village Clerk, and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. Councilmembers Reynolds and Weitz were absent. Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Mayor Vagianos stated there is a threat of parking lot flooding. Attendees can move their vehicles to Maple Avenue. 2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Ellie Gruber, 229 South Irving Street, expressed frustration with the Village’s actions concerning the Schedler property and the application made to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). She provided direct commentary from the SHPO four-page report. She believes it will take much longer for the Village to resubmit than the projected timeframe being reported. Ms. Gruber requested the amount paid to the vendor for the report and the anticipated budget for the resubmittal. She expressed concern with the timeline for the property to be usable as opposed to the neighborhood design. Stanley Kukulka, 500 East Saddle River Road, inquired about the next steps in the process to engage the Army Corps of Engineers to address the flooding along the Saddle River. Seeing no further comments Mayor Vagianos closed public comment. Mayor Vagianos provided clarification on the evolving plans for the Schedler property under various administrations. He stated the plan under Mayor Pfund and Mayor Aronson included a full-size baseball field with permanent lighting. Mayor Vagianos stated he believed Ms. Gruber was referring to another plan composed in 2016. Councilmember Winograd reiterated her position is independent and she applies independent decision-making to all issues facing the Council when rendering her vote. The response from SHPO is not a rejection but an opportunity for the Village to submit additional information. The 1 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024 Mayor’s synopsis in the application is interpreted as a statement of intent. Councilmember Winograd stated that while it is frustrating to have to spend additional funding on the clarifications, in the end, it moves a long stagnant project forward. Councilmember Winograd also highlighted the enhanced transparency within this process, specifically posting all the documents to the website for the public. Mayor Vagianos stated he would open public comment for one more speaker as the hand was raised just as the session was closed. Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue asked for an update on the Master Plan re-examination process. A list was supposed to be created that reflects the action items taken relating to the Master Plan. She further commented that the four-page response from SHPO outlines deficiencies in the application that need to be remedied, not just minor supporting information for completion. Deputy Mayor Perron stated that Master Plan action item tracking is ongoing. There have been various issues that led to some delays. She is hoping to present an update of these items to the Planning Board and the Village Council in the spring. 3. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Kazmark stated the Village received the response from the SHPO last Friday. The actual information requested was not nearly as significant as some of the public commentary. This is standard and a typical response from the Department of Environmental Protection. He reiterated that during his extensive municipal experience, this particular response was standard. Mr. Kazmark summarized seven items that need to be addressed. Moving forward various interested parties will be included in forthcoming correspondence. SHPO requires a project narrative and field facility use and alternatives analysis. He stated the Parks and Recreation Department has already gathered most of that data. He stated that SHPO is seeking participation from sports organization team statistics for each organization. Mr. Kazmark continued, SHPO also requests that items relative to the restoration of the Zabriskie Schedler house be removed from the application. He commented on the incongruency of that request as they are looking for support letters concerning the house component. He stated other items include an updated budget and expenditures report as well as a letter of interpretation from the NJDEP on the wetlands issue. He stated the Village received guidance from SHPO concerning the archaeological feedback in phase one. While the Village recognizes this is a highly emotional issue, the mischaracterizations of this letter within the social media platforms are unnecessary. The Village is complying with all required and requested items to move this project along. 2 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024 Mayor Vagianos stated that in a previous professional career, he served as a Deputy Attorney General at the Environmental Prosecutions Task Force and worked closely with the NJDEP for many years. He agreed with Mr. Kazmark’s position that this is a typical response from SHPO during these applications. Mayor Vagianos stated this is not a denial; it is a request for additional documentation. Mayor Vagianos stated that the application contains the design of a full-size field to support the needs and growth of the Village. The Village does not have enough fields to support the programs when flooding occurs. There is a need to add fields in areas that are on higher ground. He reiterated the only difference between the previous plan and this plan is a slightly larger field. Mr. Kazmark reiterated the document received is not a denial or a rejection. Councilmember Winograd clarified this project is not only constructing a field but rather building a field. She stated the appearance of controversy seems to reside on two issues. Those being the size of the field and the turf. She stated she is pleased the process is moving forward, and that all additional materials will be provided. Councilmember Winograd thanked the Village Manager for his effort. Mr. Kazmark stated that his job as the Manager is to implement the policies and the decisions made by the Village Council. He summarized other efforts from municipalities concerning SHPO applications and Open Space acquisitions and reiterated the Village of Ridgewood will be moving through this process as directed. Mr. Kazmark thanked Congressman Gottheimer for coming yesterday to announce a $178,000 appropriation to support the Safe Routes to School programs. Mr. Kazmark reported that a meeting was held today with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. It was a very productive meeting. The Village shared all the data collection with the Corps. The GIS departments of both agencies are already discussing the logistics of the data transmission. Mr. Kazmark reported there were 105 submissions through the flood portal. He stated there are two programs available to the Village. One is a more long-term study, called a general investigation study that would need a federal appropriation to conduct. Mr. Kazmark stated the Village has applied for funding through the Water Act through Congressman Gottheimer’s office. He stated in the short term, there is a technical assistance program in which the Army Corps of Engineers will come in and meet with the Village and the Board of Education to evaluate short-term projects that are affordable to protect homes and the Village and Board’s infrastructure. Mr. Kazmark stated the Village will be pursuing these efforts aggressively and requested that the Army Corps of Engineers hold a public forum with the residents of the Village to be held in late spring/early summer. 3 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024 Mr. Kazmark stated that all the Village’s fields are open for the season. The Board of Education fields should be opening soon. Mr. Kazmark thanked staff within the Parks and Recreation Department and the Shade Tree Commission for moving forward with the nominations of six Big Tree applications to the NJDEP program. Also, the authorization for the 2024 Road Resurfacing bid award is listed later on the agenda. With carry-over from the 2023 program and the identified 2024 streets, approximately 40 streets will be resurfaced this year. Mr. Kazmark stated that the “my service lookup” feature has finally migrated to the new website. He stated there were technical issues that have been resolved. In addition, March 29, 2024, Village Hall will be closed in observance of Good Friday. There will be no garbage or recycling pickup on that day and the recycling center will be closed. Easter in the Park sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at Van Neste Square will be held on March 30th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Mr. Kazmark announced the online registration for Graydon Pool, Tennis, and Pickleball badges begins on April 1st through Community Pass. The Village Shredding event will be held on Saturday, April 6th from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM or until the truck is full at the Graydon pool Parking lot. There is a limit of five boxes or paper bags per vehicle. Mr. Kazmark stated the Ridgewood Baseball Softball Association opening day parade will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024. The parade will begin at 9:00 AM at the Ridgewood Train Station and the 2024 Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Fair will take place on Sunday, April 21st at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. He provided a summary of upcoming Village Council meetings including the April 3 Work Session, the April 10 Public Meeting, and the April 24 Work Session. 4. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Winograd expressed appreciation for the restorative service look-up feature on the website as it exemplifies the communication enhancement of the Village Council. Councilmember Winograd stated Shade Tree Commission is excited to focus on the Sommerville School area this year with the sapling program being launched this week. She further announced the Pride celebration is scheduled for June 1, 2024. Planning meetings have been held and more details will follow. There will be various speakers and entertainers. Councilmember Winograd stated the Key Club will be officially launched as an offshoot of Kiwanis organization and there has been a lot of student interest. Also, the logo for the ACCESS group is under design as it currently does not have an adopted logo. 4 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024 Councilmember Winograd provided a recap of the recent Iftar dinner held at the YMCA and stated it was well attended and a lovely event. She announced a new intern for the Village will be assisting with social media analytics to see how the Village can increase engagement in a positive productive meaningful way within the community, particularly with the younger demographic. Councilmember Winograd thanked the Ridgewood High School Democrats Club which organized the first-ever rally for Women's History Month. It centered on domestic violence. Councilmember Winograd announced a Parks and Recreation meeting was held last night. She addressed the issue of a Green Acres diversion of a park improperly taken many years ago on Broad Street. This issue has created a grant funding blockage, and the Village Clerk has worked hard to clear this issue. She announced the prospective funding amounts that should resolve the issue and clear the diversion. Councilmember Winograd thanked everyone involved in this difficult and complex issue and that this clearance of the diversion will enhance the Village’s grant-worthy status. Deputy Mayor Perron stated the Planning Board met and heard an application for a minor subdivision with C variance at 229 South Maple. The Planning Board voted to approve the application. The approval allows (2) two-family homes on the lot. The Planning Board also adopted a resolution on the application of 915 Glen View Road. Deputy Mayor Perron announced the Park Walks will begin on Saturdays from April to September at 10:00 AM. There will be guided tours given by each of the members of the Open Space Committee. She provided the schedule for the season. Deputy Mayor Perron stated the Central Business District Advisory Committee met and discussed exclusionary zoning. Deputy Mayor Perron stated she and the Chairman of Green Ridgewood met with the Columbia graduate students in Manhattan to discuss their upcoming report regarding Ridgewood’s ability to decarbonize and to mitigate flooding and stormwater runoff. Green Ridgewood is working hard to make final preparations for the upcoming Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Fair. Deputy Mayor Perron reported she enjoyed participating in the recent Iftar dinner and the Access dinner. Mayor Vagianos reported on the very moving Interfaith Council peace vigil held on Sunday. He stated he also attended the Iftar dinner, and it was a warm and welcoming evening as well as the Access dinner. He announced the next one is tentatively scheduled at Lisa's Turkish Kitchen on April 30th. The restaurant will be opening just for this event and just for the attendees. Mayor Vagianos thanked Deputy Mayor Perron for taking him on a tour of Kings Pond Park. He also reiterated that 40 more Village roadways will be resurfaced this year immediately after 5 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024 paving 32 miles of roads last year. Mayor Vagianos acknowledged Councilmember Winograd for the website enhancements and increase in communication presence in the Village. 5. DISCUSSION A. RIDGEWOOD WATER 1. AWARD SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT- SPARE PARTS KITS FOR CHEMICAL AND POLYPHOSPHATE PUMPS Mr. Kazmark reported in Mr. Calbi’s absence the first award is for a sole source contract for spare part kits for chemical and polyphosphate pumps. He explained this contract provides disinfection and corrosion control to prevent bacteria and viruses in lead and copper from leeching into the water system. The contract is recommended to be awarded to GP Jager Inc. of Boonton, New Jersey in an amount not to exceed $49,134.50 and the funds are available through the temporary budget now and then through the Water Utility Operating Budget once it is adopted on April 10th. 2. AWARD CONTRACT UNDER STATE CONTRACT – WATER QUALITY TESTING EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES Mr. Kazmark stated the award is under a state contract for water quality testing equipment and supplies. The award is to the Hatch Company through the New Jersey State Cooperative contract. This will allow the water department to purchase water quality testing equipment and supplies necessary to monitor and report levels of pH phosphate and chlorine required for system operation. The amount of the contract will not exceed $37,032.66 3. AWARD CONTACT UNDER SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM- VARIOUS MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT-MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF RIDGEWOOD WATER FACILITIES Mr. Kazmark reported this award contract is under a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program for various materials, supplies, and equipment maintenance and upkeep of the Ridgewood Water facilities. The contract is for Granger of South Plainfield NJ in an amount not to exceed $65,000. These materials are not only for facilities maintenance repair and operation-related costs but also for Public Safety related equipment supplies accessories and services and janitorial supplies. 4. REQUEST BIPARTISAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION FOR $12,000,000 IN FUNDING TO MITIGATE EXPENSES RELATED TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR PFAS TREATMENT 6 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024 Mr. Kazmark stated the next item is to request bipartisan legislative action for $12 million in funding to mitigate expenses related to the Capital Improvements for PFAS treatment. He referred to a memorandum in the meeting packet. He stated a meeting was held with members of the legislature including Assembly budget appropriation Chair Lisa Swain and Assemblyman Chris DePhillips. Discussion included the need for supplemental funding to offset the cost of the PFAS treatment centers. Participants also received a tour of the CARR facility. This is a request for a state appropriation through the next budget year. All municipalities serviced through Ridgewood Water have been requested to adopt a similar document. Deputy Mayor Perron submitted revisions to the drafted request. B. PARKING 1. NONE C. BUDGET 1. AWARD SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT - PURCHASE OF EFFLUENT (WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY) Mr. Kazmark stated there is a recommendation to award a sole source contract to purchase effluent pump for the water pollution control facility. This award will replace an existing Penn Valley pump at a not to exceed amount of $19,363. Deputy Mayor Perron confirmed the existing pump is over 20 years old has been running continuously and needs to be replaced. 2. AWARD SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT-RISK MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY - NJ STATE ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (NJSACOP) ACCREDITATION SERVICES, MAINTENANCE OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND MANDATED TRAINING FOR NJ POLICE LICENSURE Mr. Kazmark stated the next award is for a sole source contract for risk management tools for Public Safety New Jersey State Association of Police Chiefs accreditation services maintenance of policies and procedures and mandated training for New Jersey police licensure. Mr. Kazmark referred to a memorandum from Sergeant Ward outlining the reaccreditation of the Ridgewood Police Department. He reiterated this project was proposed during the 2024 operating budget presentations. The total cost for this year is $53,124.16 with an estimated annual cost is about $21,324.16. The vendor will do cursory updates each year. An accredited Police Department reduces liability translating to incentives through the Joint Insurance Fund. Mr. Kazmark stated that while some of this work used to be done in-house, the new legislation mandating the police office licensure program warrants the usage of a third-party 3. AWARD OF CONTRACT- 2024 ROAD RESURFACING AND REPAIRS-VARIOUS VILLAGE STREETS 7 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024 Mr. Kazmark stated the next item is an award of a contract for the 2024 road resurfacing repairs for various Village streets. Bids were received on February 28th and the apparent low bidder is American Asphalt and Trucking. The Village Engineer is recommending a partial award to the low bidder for $1 million to start the paving work as soon as possible. 4. AWARD CONTRACT UNDER STATE CONTRACT- AMMUNITION- POLICE DEPARTMENT Mr. Kazmark stated the next item is to award a contract under a state contract for the annual ammunition purchase for the police department. The contract is to be awarded to Eagle Point Gun/T.J.Morris in an amount not to exceed $40,806.32 5. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT WORK SCOPE OF SERVICES FOR SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL DESIGN ASSISTANCE TO ADDRESS STORMWATER MANAGEMENT RULES Mr. Kazmark stated the next item is an award of a Professional Services contract for extra work scope of services for the Safe Routes to School Design Assistance to address stormwater management rules. Mr. Kazmark referred to a memorandum prepared by the Village Engineer. He stated the Department of Transportation approved the extra scope of work. The work will be reimbursed by the DOT. The recommended award is to NV5 in the amount of $142,970.48. Deputy Mayor Perron acknowledged the usage of permeable surfaces for sidewalks. It was also stated that the tightened ordinance should provide for flooding reduction in the Village. Deputy Mayor Perron thanked Jeanie Johnson for her assistance in the drafting of the grant application. Mayor Vagianos also thanked Ms. Johnson for her assistance. 6. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT- ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING Mr. Kazmark stated there is an annual renewal award to Piazza and Associates as Affordable Housing Administrative Agents for the Village. D. POLICY 1. NOMINATION OF VILLAGE-OWNED TREES TO NJDEP FOREST SERVICE BIG TREE PROGRAM 8 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024 Mr. Kazmark referred to a memorandum submitted by the Parks and Recreation Director regarding the NJDEP Forest Service/Big Tree Program. The recommendation, in partnership with the Village licensed tree expert, is to apply for Big Tree status on six eligible Village trees. Councilmember Winograd thanked members of the Shade Tree Commission and Village staff for their recommendations. It was noted that the State Tree of New Jersey is the Red Oak, and one of the six nominations is for a Red Oak on South Pleasant Avenue. The Village is hopeful that there is a future expansion for this program to include trees on private property as well. It was noted that the Sugar Maple at Schedler was examined by an independent arborist and the report has been shared with Village Councilmembers. Councilmember Winograd noted that the outside age of the sugar maple is 180 years. She continued that Heritage trees will be addressed in the future possibly by another committee. Mayor Vagianos thanked Councilmember Winograd and the Shade Tree Commission for their hard work on this effort and for preserving the exceptional tree canopy known in the Village 2. APPROVE SLOW MOW MAY Mr. Kazmark summarized the Slow Mow May initiative with the amended resolution. Deputy Mayor Perron explained the option for the residents to participate inclusive of mowing every other week. Councilmember Winograd supported this policy initiative. She suggested cutting lawns every 10 days. Mayor Vagianos thanked Frank Mortimer for his efforts with the committee to support this initiative. E. OPERATIONS 1. INSTALLATION OF TWO SMALL NODE TELECOMMUNICATION LOW-POWER ANTENNAS-VERIZON WIRELESS Mr. Kazmark stated there is a resolution request for the installation of two small node telecommunication low-power antennas from Verizon Wireless. He referred to a memorandum from the Village Engineer within the packet. The locations are one on Linwood Avenue and one on East Ridgewood Avenue. Residents will be advised if they are within 200 feet sometime during the week of July 24th to July 28th. 2. ACCEPT DONATION UPGRADES TO VARIOUS MUNICIPAL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL FIELDS Mr. Kazmark summarized the resolution needed to accept donations from the Ridgewood Baseball and Softball Associations for field renovations. It was stated the donations are site- specific: Habernickel Park $18,600; Lower Hawes $14,600; Upper Hawes $12,750; Citizen Park 9 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024 $6,700 and Veterans Field Southwest softball $9,700. The work will be supervised by Park Supervisor Matt Andreula, parks employees, and members of the RBSA Board of Directors. Mr. Kazmark stated the total donation is $62,350.00 from the RBSA. Mayor Vagianos thanked the RBSA and Scott Muller for their contributions to the Village. Councilmember Winograd thanked the RBSA for their donation. 7. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, responded to various comments made prior in the evening. Comments included inquiries regarding the SHPO application’s financial page. She inquired about the vendor's payments for the preparation of the application. She stated there is a discrepancy between the different plans over the years, the requests of the neighbors, and the direction of the Village. She stated air quality has been compromised as well as water quality. She requested the Council consider the entire neighborhood when making final decisions for the property. It was clarified that Ms. O’Keefe did received the letter from Mr. Calbi regarding a meeting concerning water line interconnection. Mr. Calbi only received a response from one neighbor. Mr. Kazmark reiterated the option for the property owners to meet with Mr. Calbi. Ms. O’Keefe highlighted there are many municipalities fighting turf fields. Denisa Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, spoke on the improvements to the website. She commented that the site is faster, and the layout is easy to navigate. She inquired when the old site link would be removed as well as when 2024 minutes would be posted to the site. Ms. Lima commented on North Park on the other side of Route 17. She inquired as to the status of the implementing the updated Master Plan. She does not agree with the Village Council’s interpretation of the SHPO response. Mayor Vagianos responded to Ms. O’Keefe’s statement concerning the Village Council’s attention to the Schedler neighborhood. He emphatically stated all members of the Village Council care for the neighbors in the area. Deputy Mayor Perron and Councilmember Winograd expressed their continued support for the neighborhood. Councilmember Winograd reminded the public that the intent to purchase the property preserved the area from overdevelopment. It was noted that the lasting disagreement is related to turf. Councilmember Winograd noted that North Park is a nature preserve and has a path through it. Mayor Vagianos stated the original plan in 2016 called for a specific type of turf called Cool Play Turf. He stated that this is the type of surface that can withstand the kind of play that is put on it. 10 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024 Deputy Mayor Perron expressed her concern with a turf substance. Councilmember Winograd reiterated complications from grass surfaces as well. She stated artificial turf is not a far-reaching idea as well and the turf field was fully funded for years. She recommended Green Ridgewood examine the grass surface contributions. Mayor Vagianos stated many turf fields in the Village are repaired to maintain quality. It was reiterated that crumb-rubber is not the recommended surface for Schedler. 11 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024 8. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Winograd, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Work Session was adjourned at 9:22 p.m. ____________________________________ Paul Vagianos Mayor ______________________________________ Eileen Young Deputy Village Clerk 12 Village Council Regular Public Work Session March 27, 2024