Village Council Meeting

A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING 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 AUGUST 14, 2024 AT 7:30 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE Deputy Mayor Perron 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, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd. Also present were Keith Kazmark, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. Mayor Vagianos was absent from the meeting. Deputy Mayor Perron led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of July 31, 2024, be accepted as submitted. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd NAYS: None ABSENT: Mayor Vagianos ABSTAIN: None 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Council minutes of February 26, February 28, March 27, and May 22, 2024, having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office, be approved as submitted. Councilmember Winograd seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds*, Weitz and Winograd NAYS: None ABSENT: Mayor Vagianos ABSTAIN: None 1 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 * Councilmember Reynolds said that she was absent for the March 27, 2024 meeting, but voted yes for all of the other meeting minutes. 4. PROCLAMATIONS A. PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Councilmember Winograd read the following proclamation: 2 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 B. PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH Councilmember Reynolds read the following proclamation: 3 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 C. PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH Deputy Mayor Perron read the following proclamation: 4 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 5. SWEARING IN OF POLICE OFFICER LUKASZ ADAMKIEWICZ Deputy Mayor Perron asked Lukasz Adamkiewicz to come forward to be sworn in as a Police Officer for the Ridgewood Police Department. She asked all Councilmembers to join her on the floor. Deputy Mayor Perron then swore in Police Officer Lukasz Adamkiewicz, as his wife held the Bible. There was a resounding round of applause. 6. SWEARING IN OF POLICE OFFICER ADAM COLLURA Deputy Mayor Perron asked Adam Collura to come forward to be sworn in as a Police Officer for the Ridgewood Police Department. With all Councilmembers on the floor, Deputy Mayor Perron then swore in Police Officer Adam Collura, as his mother held the Bible and his father and brother looked on. There was a resounding round of applause. 7. SWEARING IN OF POLICE OFFICER JOSEPH MISILMERI Deputy Mayor Perron asked Joseph Misilmeri to come forward to be sworn in as a Police Officer for the Ridgewood Police Department. With all Councilmembers on the floor, Deputy Mayor Perron then swore in Police Officer Joseph Misilmeri, as his mother held the Bible and his father looked on. There was a resounding round of applause. 8. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, said that he wanted to give a shout out to Mike Junta, Supervisor of Public Works, who was instrumental in having Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) fix a giant pothole on Grove Street, near Kenilworth Road. The pothole had been that way for years and had been caused by a PSE&G manhole. Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, thanked the Village Manager for notifying the public about the situation with the berm on the Schedler property. He hopes that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will ask the Village to remove the berm and build a barrier wall instead. Mr. Halaby said that there has been a lot of “fear mongering” regarding the proposed turf field at the Schedler property, specifically with regard to the poisoning of the neighbors’ well water. He wondered if the NJDEP has taken any position regarding turf fields. Mr. Halaby again thanked Mr. Kazmark for constantly keeping the public informed about what is going on in Ridgewood. Mr. Halaby said that he loves the new Village website. Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that at the Village Council meeting held on August 7, 2024, Councilmember Winograd stated, “Progress and development take out trees.” Ms. Loving said that global warming is real. She was recently in Barcelona, Spain, and experienced the hottest day in Spain’s recorded history. She said that trees help to mitigate global warming. She said that it 5 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 was not “progress” to take down trees; rather, it is the polar opposite of progress. Ms. Loving added that Councilmember Winograd said to Councilmember Reynolds, “Your sidewalks took out trees.” Ms. Loving said that she found it interesting that Councilmember Winograd attributed the responsibility of the sidewalk projects to Councilmember Reynolds, when all of the Village Councilmembers voted for the sidewalk projects. Ms. Loving stated that such a “gratuitous swipe” against a Council colleague is not the behavior that Village residents expect of its elected officials. In addition, Ms. Loving said that at the August 7, 2024 meeting, Councilmember Reynolds bemoaned the planned removal of over 200 trees on the Schedler property, which would be replaced by less than 100 saplings, and said that it was not going to be an even trade. Councilmember Weitz then accused Councilmember Reynolds of trying to make political hay on the Schedler issue, and this was not the first time he has done so. Ms. Loving said that the only person on the dais who is not a politician is Councilmember Reynolds. Ms. Loving stated that she learned from someone from the Shade Tree Commission that they are having a hard time finding 60 small trees for planting. Larger trees, such as oaks and London plane trees, are plentiful, but the smaller ones are apparently in short supply. Ms. Loving said that a number of years ago, a gentleman named Ted Schlesinger worked for the Village and he was a tree expert. Mr. Schlesinger told her that there was a tree farm in Ridgewood, where trees were being cultivated specifically to be planted around the Village. However, she does not know where this farm used to be located. Ms. Loving suggested that the Village consider making the Schedler property into a tree farm. She said that the property is good for growing trees, since there are hundreds of trees there that have been growing without tending or assistance for years. Children and senior citizens could become involved in the care of the trees at the farm. Ms. Loving stated that the artificial turf field planned for the Schedler property has to be panned, and the property should instead be used to reduce global warming. Cynthia O’Keefe, 542 West Saddle River Road, said that she made some comments at the end of last week’s meeting which were misconstrued. One of the comments had to do with her empathy for the family with a special needs member residing on Clinton Avenue. She said that she was not bashing Ridgewood; instead, she said that Village officials are not always on the same page as its residents. Ms. O’Keefe said that there has been a palpable disdain shown for the Schedler neighbors on many occasions in the past by the Village Councilmembers. She said that she never said that the Schedler property was purchased for the residents on the east side. She actually said that there were a number of times when the Village solicited grant money from various organizations. One of these organizations was the New Jersey Historic Trust, and Janet Fricke, former Assistant to the Village Manager, signed the grant application in 2021. These applications support the historic significance of both the house and property. Ms. O’Keefe stated that the grant application stated that when Route 17 was constructed, the residents on the east side of the highway were cut off from the center of the Village. The residents 6 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 felt a dramatic change in the landscape, with the loss of a local school in their area (Glen School). There was no part of the Village with which the east side residents could identify. Ms. O’Keefe reiterated that she never said that the Schedler property was purchased for the east side. She meant that in most of the grant applications, there was a “nod” to the east side residents. She implored the Village Councilmembers to think about the residents who live on the east side. Quoting a comment made previously by Councilmember Winograd, Ms. O’Keefe said that inclusion does not work if everyone doesn’t feel included. She said that the east side residents do not feel included, and she recommended that a committee be formed to discuss new plans for the development of the Schedler property, with affected residents being included in any kind of decision making. Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, thanked the Village Council for having the Proclamation regarding ovarian cancer read at the meeting this evening. She is a survivor of ovarian cancer for almost 13 years. She asked if there has been any discussion regarding how Ridgewood would demonstrate their support of ovarian cancer, such as putting ribbons around trees in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. Ms. Lima spoke about the defeat of the recent billboard application before the Zoning Board of Adjustment, which she felt was the right decision. Regarding the berm at the Schedler property and the possible removal of it, Ms. Lima said that there are rare local red river rocks that were thrown into the berm, which she said is now covered by weeds. She recommended that these rare rocks be saved to create something special on the Schedler property. Ms. Lima thanked the Village Councilmembers for reinstating hybrid access. She asked if the “Sunshine Binder” could be put online, so that people calling in remotely could access the documents being discussed by the Village Councilmembers. Ms. Lima asked if hybrid access would being implemented with the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board. She asked about the Village Council minutes being posted on the Village website, and stated that minutes are missing for approximately 30 meetings. Addressing Deputy Mayor Perron, Ms. Lima said that she was still waiting for an overview of the Master Plan. Addressing Councilmember Weitz, with regard to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), Ms. Lima asked about the status of adding the corridor to the Old Paramus Reformed Church area, that is in the Master Plan. She said that she reviewed all of the agenda items from the HPC meetings and did not find any discussions regarding same. Ms. Lima said that she is embarrassed by the fact that Ridgewood Water received the recent award from the State of New Jersey, for its work to improve drinking water. She stated that since 2021, the PFAS levels in the water have exceeded recommended levels. There were no further public comments. 7 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 Addressing Mr. Loving, Mr. Kazmark said that, in the future, if Mr. Loving detects a pothole in the road, he should send a message to the Village directly for resolution. Mr. Kazmark thanked Mr. Halaby for his kind words. Regarding the position of both Bergen County and the NJDEP regarding turf fields, Mr. Kazmark stated that he was unaware of any formal written position they have taken on turf fields. However, the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund and the NJDEP’s Green Acres program continue to fund turf fields through their grant application processes. He believes that the awards through the Open Space Trust Fund are listed on an annual basis. Mr. Kazmark said that he would defer to Councilmember Winograd to address Ms. Loving’s comments. Addressing Ms. O’Keefe, Mr. Kazmark said that he felt that most of her comments were directed at him. He said that he understood her compassion and empathy for the family on Clinton Avenue with a special needs family member. However, he said that he resented Ms. O’Keefe’s comment implying that Mr. Kazmark and the Village Councilmembers did not care about this family. Addressing some comments made by Ms. Lima, Mr. Kazmark said that there have been some discussions about expanding hybrid access. However, any expansion of same depends upon available resources and staffing. I.T. support is needed to televise Village Council meetings. If Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board meetings were also available via hybrid access, the necessary staff would need to be available in order to do so, which he stated has been a challenge. However, it is something that they are considering, going forward. Regarding the comments made by Ms. Lima about the award received by Ridgewood Water, Mr. Kazmark pointed out that the NJDEP decided that Ridgewood Water would be the first recipient of the “Our Water’s Worth It” award and that Ridgewood Water did not make an application to receive the award. He said that if Ms. Lima wants a crystal clear answer why the award was received, she should review social media posts which were published today, showing that eight vessels were received for installation at the various state-of-the-art PFAS treatment facilities that are being built to rid the water of PFAS contamination by 2026. He said that Ms. Lima would clearly see the reason why Ridgewood Water received this award, after viewing the posts and videos on social media. Mr. Kazmark pointed out that the PFAS problem was discovered around the time of the Covid-19 epidemic, and at that time, it was difficult to get equipment and building materials. The NJDEP and Ridgewood Water have worked out a schedule to complete this project, despite the challenges faced during Covid. Addressing Ms. Loving’s comments about comments made by some of the Village Councilmembers during the August 7, 2024 meeting, Councilmember Weitz stated that Ms. Loving should not confuse candor and directness with disrespect. He said that he has the utmost respect for Councilmember Reynolds; however, he said that there are times when the Village Councilmembers will disagree with one another. He said that the Village Councilmembers owe it to voters to be vocal 8 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 in their disagreements and advocate for their positions. He does not feel that his comments made toCouncilmember Reynolds were disrespectful. Addressing Ms. O’Keefe’s comments that the Village Councilmembers have disdain for the Schedler neighbors, Councilmember Weitz said that there can be nothing further from the truth. He said that reasonable people can disagree about soccer fields and how to develop the Schedler property. He said that there was no disdain involved when the Village Councilmembers voted on the latest plans for development of the Schedler property. He said that they listened to everyone’s opinions regarding the property, and the vote on the final plans simply means that there was a difference of opinion. Councilmember Weitz said that he always appreciates both negative and positive feedback, and it was wonderful to hear Mr. Loving praise Mr. Junta and to witness the swearing in of the three police officers this evening. Councilmember Winograd stated that the Village Councilmembers have a great dynamic amongst themselves. She said that she thinks of the sidewalks as Councilmember Reynolds sidewalks, because she is a consistent advocate for walkability, and was an active voice in favor of prioritizing the sidewalk construction during the budget hearings this year. Councilmember Winograd said that her comment toward Councilmember Reynolds was meant as a compliment. Regarding the planting of trees on the Schedler property, Councilmember Winograd said that they are not going to be planting saplings on the property. Rather, they are planting bigger, more expensive trees. The cost for a sapling is around $35.00, and the cost for a bigger tree costs around $275.00, when bought in bulk. Councilmember Winograd then explained the sapling program and stated how easy it is to find sites to plant the young saplings. However, more difficulty is encountered when trying to purchase the saplings, in five different species. Councilmember Winograd said that she is confident they will find places to purchase 60 more saplings. Addressing the comments made by Ms. O’Keefe, Councilmember Winograd said that she echoed the comments made by Councilmember Weitz. She acknowledged that the failure to develop the Schedler property after so many years has left the residents on the east side feeling isolated. One of the primary reasons the property was purchased by Ridgewood, and $2.6 million was invested in the Zabriskie-Schedler house, was to integrate the eastside neighborhood into the community. She said that she and the other Village Councilmembers fully support the comments made by Janet Fricke when she wrote up the grant application for the Schedler property. Regarding the comments made by Ms. Lima regarding the expansion of hybrid access, Councilmember Winograd said that they are looking into the possibility of having closed captioning available during Village Council meetings. She said that if more resources are put into having hybrid access available for both the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board, there will be 9 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 less resources that can be used to implement the closed captioning feature. She said that loss of hearing is an invisible disability that impacts a large portion of the population. Mr. Kazmark said that Carol Bialkowski, Director of Communications and Special Projects in the Village Manager’s Office, has been researching closed captioning along with Dylan Hansen, Director of the I.T. Department. He said that recommendations should hopefully be made at the end of this year, regarding closed captioning. Deputy Mayor Perron echoed Ms. Loving’s comments that there was once a tree nursery in Ridgewood; however, she cannot recall where it was. There have been some discussions about starting a tree farm either by the Recycling Center or by the tennis courts on Bellair Road. Deputy Mayor Perron said that she liked the idea brought up by Ms. Lima about saving the red river rocks when the soil is removed from the Schedler berm. However, she said that she disagreed with Ms. Lima about the award received by Ridgewood Water. She stated that the staff of Ridgewood Water works around the clock to give Village residents potable water. Deputy Mayor Perron reminded everyone that the PFAS nightmare was foisted upon Ridgewood residents by corporations who were making a profit by manufacturing these forever chemicals. She said that Ridgewood Water had to “clean up the mess” and has done an excellent job so far. Deputy Mayor Perron said that the staff of Ridgewood Water are often called upon to instruct other towns and counties in New Jersey about how to rid their water of PFAS. The 12 new water treatment facilities, built at a cost of $150 million, will deliver clean, PFAS-free, potable water to residents. Therefore, Deputy Mayor Perron said that the award received by Ridgewood Water was very well deserved. Deputy Mayor Perron said that a Planning Board subcommittee that records the accomplishments made, as recommended in the Master Plan, consists of Richard Joel, Diane O’Brien, Deputy Mayor Perron, and Rob Willis. David Refkin acts as an alternate member when one member cannot make a meeting. She said that, as far as she knows, there has not yet been any progress made regarding the historic corridor mentioned in the Master Plan. Councilmember Reynolds echoed Deputy Mayor Perron’s comments with regard to Ridgewood Water and how much they deserved to receive the “Our Water’s Worth It” award. She said that the work done by Ridgewood Water staff is phenomenal, and she is disheartened when she hears something negative said about Ridgewood Water. Ridgewood is very far ahead of other towns with regard to ridding the water of PFAS contamination. 9. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Kazmark began by congratulating Lukasz Adamkiewicz, Joseph Misilmeri, and Adam Collura on their graduation from the Bergen County Police Academy and their formal swearing in this evening. He attended their graduation ceremony last week, and he stated that these three 10 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 men are joining the ranks of an outstanding Police Department in Ridgewood. He wished them much success in their careers. Mr. Kazmark reminded everyone that property taxes were due on August 1, 2024; however, since the third quarter bills were sent out late this year, there is a grace period until August 26, 2024. If taxes are not paid by August 26th, the interest will revert back to August 1st. The Village saved about $5,000.00 in printing and postage costs by only sending out one tax bill this year, rather than having to first send out estimated tax bills and then the actual tax bills. Mr. Kazmark said that, today, the Village released an outline of the next steps with regard to the soil testing at the Schedler property. The soil testing revealed exceedances, and the reports by Matrix New World Engineering are now posted on the Village website under “Projects,” with regard to the testing of the berm and of the remainder of the property. Soil delineation testing will be performed, if approved this evening by the Village Council, within the next 30 days, and results will be provided upon completion. The report will also be posted on the Village website when received. Once those results are received, Matrix will provide conclusive recommendations to the Village with regard to the remediation that will be required on the Schedler property, subject to approval by the NJDEP. With regard to the Schedler property, Mr. Kazmark said that the Village has been advised that there is no need to close off access to that area. The Village unquestionably takes the health and safety of its residents and employees very seriously, and Village officials will do everything in their power to address the soil remediation issues found at the Schedler property. Mr. Kazmark encouraged any residents to contact him directly by email, with any questions or concerns they may have regarding the soil testing, and either someone from Matrix or the Village will provide answers to their specific inquiries. Mr. Kazmark said that an insurance claim has been filed with the environmental branch of the Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) on the issue related to Schedler. In preparation for the installation of the pavilion and playground at Habernickel Park, Mr. Kazmark stated that soil testing at the park revealed one isolated area with exceedance of an arsenical compound. Eight areas were tested at the park. The preliminary recommendation for the one area where an exceedance was found is to remove an area of soil measuring five feet by five feet and replace it with clean fill. All other areas tested clean, including the garden and the area closer to where the playground will be installed. Delineation testing is required, similar to what will be performed at the Schedler property, and Mr. Kazmark said that he should receive the necessary paperwork from Matrix New World Engineering tomorrow. He said that the compound was not found on the surface level and there is no need to restrict access to Habernickel Park. The delineation testing will not delay the installation of the pavilion or the new playground. All NJDEP requirements are being followed by the Village. 11 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 There was a meeting held yesterday with Connolly & Hickey, the contractors who will be doing the work on the pedestrian tunnel by the train station. Concept plans will be presented at the September 25, 2024 Village Council Work Session. Mr. Kazmark said that he wanted to welcome the Village’s new Court Administrator, Aarika Will. She has been hired as the Court Administrator for Glen Rock, Ridgewood and Wyckoff, through a Shared Services Agreement. Mr. Kazmark wished her much success in her role as Court Administrator. The Ridgewood Guild continues to hold “Music in the Night” on Friday evenings in the CBD, through Labor Day. Destination Ridgewood is sponsoring free “Music in the Park” on Saturday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. The summer concert series at the Kasschau Bandshell continue on Veterans Field, through Labor Day. The performances on Tuesday nights start at 8:00 p.m., and the performances on Thursday nights start at 8:30 p.m. The Ridgewood Guild will also be sponsoring free “Movies in the Park” on Wednesday evenings at 8:15 p.m. “The Day After Tomorrow,” was shown this evening, and “Batman” will be shown on August 28, 2024. On Monday, August 19, 2024, there will be a demonstration of the new voting machines, which were initially used in Bergen County during the 2023 Primary Election. Deanna Schablik, Recreation Program Coordinator, has organized this demonstration with the assistance of the County Superintendent of Elections Office. Space is limited, so residents are encouraged to register through Community Pass. Interested individuals may also call the Recreation Department at 201-670-5500, extension 5560. The Senior Bus will be making special trips on this day for seniors who want to learn about the new voting machines. Individuals who wishes to ride the bus may call Beth Spinato in the Village Manager’s Office at 201-670-5500, extension 2203, to make arrangements for transportation. Each Sunday, the Chamber of Commerce holds its annual Farmers Market through October 29, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on the west side by the train station parking lot. The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 29th Annual Car Show in the Central Business District on September 6, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Kazmark announced that Village offices will be closed on September 2nd in observance of Labor Day. There will be no garbage, yard waste or recycling pickups on that day. Residents should look at their Village calendars for alternate pickup dates. Mr. Kazmark stated that upcoming Village Council meetings are scheduled as follows: Work Sessions on September 4 and September 30, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., and a Public Meeting on September 11, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. 12 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 10. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Weitz said that most of his committees are still recessed for the summer. The Historic Preservation Committee met this week and reviewed five applications. The Ridgewood Arts Council has not met in person, but they have been communicating via email to try to organize some events for the fall and next spring. Councilmember Weitz said that the Village Councilmembers will vote this evening on various matters, including the pavilion installation at Habernickel Park, the new lighting for Veterans Field, and authorization of a Shared Services Agreement for the Styrofoam densifier. Councilmember Weitz said that the Village Council does a lot of positive and important work for the Village, so he wanted to highlight some of the matters that do not get as much attention as other matters. Councilmember Weitz said that he bought his eighth season pass for Graydon Pool and spent part of last weekend there. He said that Nancy Bigos, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, and her staff are doing a wonderful job keeping the water clean and offering amenities for visitors. He wished everyone a great Labor Day. Councilmember Winograd reported that the Shade Tree Commission met last night and it was a very productive meeting. She thanked Nancy Brennan Hill and Adam Brown for running the meeting. One topic of discussion was how to better implement policies and procedures for removal of weeds and maintenance of the tree wells in the CBD. Councilmember Winograd is working on this with Councilmember Reynolds, and a report will be forthcoming in September. The report cards have been received on the Village’s Big Tree nominations and all five trees that were nominated have been approved for inclusion on the State’s Big Tree registry. The tree nominated by Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, has been named as the largest pin oak in Bergen County. The report gives the tree’s dimensions, designates its Latin name, and even tells one how many gallons of water the tree drinks. Another tree at Somerville School has been named as a Big Tree. Councilmember Winograd thanked the NJDEP, as well as Tim Graham and Cavan Sieczkowski, for their assistance in this matter. She encouraged anyone who wanted to nominate a Big Tree to contact someone on the Village Council or Shade Tree Commission for review. Councilmember Reynolds stated that she has not had any committee meetings since last week. She stated that there will be an open position on the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC). Any interested individuals who wish to serve on CSAC may go to the Village website and download the Citizens Volunteer Leadership Form to apply. Councilmember Reynolds said that she spoke with Mr. Kazmark this afternoon about the cost to remediate the soil on the Schedler property, as well as the costs for the archaeological survey on the property. The Village Council bonded $350,000.00 and, after the vote this evening for the soil delineation, there will be approximately $90,000.00 left from the $350,000.00. 13 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 Councilmember Reynolds does not feel that $90,000.00 is enough money to complete all of the projects planned for the Schedler property, unless money is received from the JIF for insurance claims related to the berm. She said that she wanted to start a conversation about where the money will come from, if more money is needed. Councilmember Reynolds said that she had been against approving the $350,000.00 bond in the first place, since part of these funds would come off the top of the 2025 Capital Budget of $7.5 million. She would rather take the funds out of the allocation which has already been earmarked for the Schedler property (approximately $1.9 million). She asked if Robert Rooney, CFO, could be present at the next Village Council Work Session to explain where funds would be derived from, if more than $90,000.00 is needed to complete projects on the Schedler property. Councilmember Winograd agreed with Councilmember Reynolds, but stated that no meaningful discussions can be had until a determination is made regarding the insurance claim and the cost for the additional work to be performed by Matrix has been finalized. She stated that a comprehensive review needs to be done to see what funds are still available from the numerous bonds which have been approved for the Schedler property. Councilmember Reynolds agreed, but stated that they need to start having this conversation to see how much money is available, in the event the $90,000.00 is not sufficient enough to pay for the multiple projects planned for the Schedler property. Deputy Mayor Perron said that it is really up to Mr. Rooney to tell the Village Councilmembers when the right time is to have this conversation. Mr. Kazmark said that before the $350,000.00 bond was approved, both he and Mr. Rooney sought written clarification from the Village’s Bond Counsel and Village Auditor. He said that he can share the pertinent documents with the Village Council. Councilmember Weitz asked when a determination would be received regarding the JIF insurance claim and when Matrix would advise the Village how much the delineation work will cost on the Schedler property. Mr. Kazmark said that the soil delineation work will be expedited, since the full insurance claim cannot be submitted without an estimate from Matrix, as to the cost of any remediation work that is necessary. If the relevant resolution is approved this evening and the contracts are signed tomorrow, Mr. Kazmark said that the Village will receive results from Matrix within 30 days, or less. Deputy Mayor Perron reported that the Open Space Committee will be having its next Park Walk on September 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. Matt Lindenberg will lead the tour. The Village Clerk’s Office is still accepting applications from residents to serve on the Residential Flood Advisory Committee. They are particularly seeking residents to serve on the committee who have experienced flooding inside their homes. 14 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 Deputy Mayor Perron stated that the Special Improvement District (SID) Steering Committee continues to meet every other week, and sometimes more often than that, regarding the feasibility study. They are close to the end of Phase 1 and should begin Phase 2 of the feasibility study after that. 11. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER Depity Mayor Perron said that there were no ordinances for introduction, public hearings or resolutions for Ridgewood Water for the Village Council to consider this evening. 12. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 24-251 through 24-254, would be adopted by a Consent Agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and would be read by title only: 15 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 13. ORDINANCES A. INTRODUCTION - #4009 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – SEWER FEES FOR SIGNIFICANT DISCHARGERS Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #4009 by title on first reading. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd NAYS: None ABSENT: Mayor Vagianos ABSTAIN: None The Village Clerk read Ordinance #4009 by title only: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-6, “ENUMERATION OF FEES RELATING TO CODE CHAPTERS” Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #4009 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 2024 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd NAYS: None ABSENT: Mayor Vagianos ABSTAIN: None B. INTRODUCTION - #4010 – AMEND CHAPTER 3 – ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT – SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CLASS III INTO POLICE DEPARTMENT TABLE OF ORGANIZATION Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #4010 by title on first reading. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd NAYS: None ABSENT: Mayor Vagianos ABSTAIN: None 16 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 The Village Clerk read Ordinance #4010 by title only: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT, ARTICLE V, DEPARTMENTS, AT SECTION 3-43, POLICE DEPARTMENT Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #4010 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 2024 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd NAYS: None ABSENT: Mayor Vagianos ABSTAIN: None C. INTRODUCTION - #4011 – AMEND CHAPTER 190 – LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT – MODIFY STANDARDS FOR SITE PLAN EXEMPTIONS AND CERTIFICATES OF CONTINUED OCCUPANCY Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #4011 by title on first reading. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd NAYS: None ABSENT: Mayor Vagianos ABSTAIN: None The Village Clerk read Ordinance #4011 by title only: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, TO MODIFY STANDARDS FOR SITE PLAN EXEMPTIONS AND CERTIFICATES OF CONTINUED OCCUPANCY Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #4011 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 2024 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. 17 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd NAYS: None ABSENT: Mayor Vagianos ABSTAIN: None D. INTRODUCTION - #4012 – ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – PARKING SPACES AND LOADING ZONES AT TAXI STAND Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance #4012 by title on first reading. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd NAYS: None ABSENT: Mayor Vagianos ABSTAIN: None The Village Clerk read Ordinance #4012 by title only: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265- 27, “TAXI STANDS,” AND SECTION 265-72, “SCHEDULE XXII: LOADING ZONES,” AND SECTION 265-73, “SCHEDULE XXIII: TAXI STANDS” Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance #4012 be adopted on first reading and that September 11, 2024 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Weitz and Winograd NAYS: None ABSENT: Mayor Vagianos ABSTAIN: None 14. RESOLUTIONS Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 24-255 through 24-277, with the exception of Resolution #24-263, were to be adopted by a Consent Agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and would be read by title only: 18 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 Resolution #24-278 was removed from the agenda. Ms. Mailander stated that the following resolutions, numbered 24-263 and 24-279, would be considered separately and read in full. Prior to the vote on Resolution #24-263, Councilmember Reynolds voted against approval, since she felt that a 17% upcharge by Matrix to expedite the imported fill delineation on the Schedler property was too much money and felt that the Village could wait a few weeks to receive the Matrix report. Councilmember Weitz said that Councilmember Reynolds made a valid point; however, he was voting in favor of the resolution so that the soil sampling could be expedited, since the contamination presents a public safety issue. Councilmember Winograd agreed with Councilmember Weitz, stating that the sooner the Schedler neighbors can be given factual information regarding the soil testing, the better. 19 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 15. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Boyd A. Loving, 342 South Irving Street, asked when complete information about the soil contamination at Habernickel Park would be posted on the Village website. He also asked if a map could be posted, so that residents could learn exactly where in the park the soil was found to be contaminated. Mr. Kazmark said that the information and map would be posted on the Village website, once the final report has been received from Matrix New World Engineering. Mr. Loving asked if anyone from Matrix is aware how this contamination arose, and Mr. Kazmark replied that the compound found in the soil at Habernickel Park is a compound that is commonly found in New Jersey soil. He stated that no exceedances were found on the second round of testing, particularly near the garden and where the playground is to be installed. Mr. Loving said that some comments were made this evening about the future installation of bathrooms in Habernickel Park. He said that he was concerned about the amount of digging that would be entailed in order to connect the sanitary sewer lines to the bathrooms. Mr. Loving said that he did not believe a septic system would be suitable for the property. Mr. Kazmark remarked that there are already some sewer lines which exist at Habernickel Park and they will take into account the location of these sewer lines, when it comes time to determine the location of the bathroom installation. Anne Loving, 342 South Irving Street, stated that she was happy to see that two convex mirrors were installed in the pedestrian tunnel by the train station. However, she said that there really need to be three more such mirrors installed. Ms. Loving said that she appreciates the fact that Councilmember Reynolds is looking out for the Village taxpayers and the money that is spent by the Village. She heard Councilmember Weitz state that he has no problem spending the extra $7,000.00 expedited charge by Matrix for the soil testing, because the contamination presents a safety issue. However, earlier in the meeting, Mr. Kazmark had stated that there is no safety issue at the Schedler property, due to the soil contamination, and that no signs need to be erected to warn the public. Therefore, Ms. Loving said that she does not understand why Councilmember Weitz said that there was a safety issue. Ms. Loving said that Councilmember Reynolds asked during the meeting that Mr. Rooney attend a meeting to discuss available funding for the Schedler property. Ms. Loving said that she did not understand why Councilmember Reynolds did not have the right to request that this matter be put on a Village Council meeting agenda for discussion. Ms. Loving said that she was under the impression that everyone sitting on the dais had equal standing. Regarding the insurance claim made by the Village with JIF, in relation to the contaminated soil on the berm at the Schedler property, Ms. Loving said that she hoped the Village would receive money on the claim. However, she said that she is concerned that it was the Village’s fault that the contaminated soil was imported to the property in the first place. 20 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 Denise Lima, 319 East Glen Avenue, said that Zoom, Swagit and YouTube all have audio/visual settings for closed captioning. She said that it was easy and the public just needs to be instructed on how to use this feature. Ms. Lima thanked Mr. Kazmark for thinking about expanding hybrid access. She hoped that it could be expanded this year to include either the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the Planning Board. Ms. Lima reiterated that she would like to see the Sunshine Binders put online for the public to review. Ms. Lima said that she was Director of the League of Women Voters for many years and talked a lot about Ridgewood Water. Bumper stickers were made to support Mr. Calbi’s endeavors. However, Ms. Lima said that the facts set forth on the Ridgewood Water website corroborate that the drinking water in Ridgewood has exceeded recommended levels for PFAS for over 14 quarters. Ms. Lima said that at a prior Village Council meeting, Mr. Calbi had stated that the water would be free of PFAS by 2023, yet this has still not occurred. She acknowledged that this was a difficult matter to resolve, as well as the fact that the water was contaminated by third parties. The award given to Ridgewood Water was twofold: conserving water and ridding the water of PFAS. Ms. Lima said that Ridgewood Water is doing a great job with water conservation. However, she could not understand how anyone could give accolades to Ridgewood Water regarding the PFAS issue, when the drinking water has not been potable for over 14 quarters. There were no further public comments. Councilmember Winograd denied that she told Councilmember Reynolds that she could not put the financial planning of Schedler projects on a Village Council meeting agenda. She said that there is a professional agreement amongst the Village Councilmembers that if a matter is going to be placed on an agenda for discussion, the packet supporting the matter must contain sufficient information in order to have a meaningful discussion. Before this particular matter can be placed on the agenda, they need information from Mr. Rooney regarding how much money is left over from the 11 bonds approved for the Schedler property. Deputy Mayor Perron added that the Village is very sensitive about asking staff to work overtime, late into the night. Addressing Ms. Lima, Deputy Mayor Perron said that she does not believe that Mr. Calbi ever stated that the drinking water would be free of PFAS by 2023. She stated that Mr. Calbi probably stated that the Carr treatment facility, the first facility put online to treat PFAS, would be up and running to deliver PFAS-free water by 2023. Mr. Kazmark said that the imported fill delineation work to be performed by Matrix on the Schedler property must be done expediently. He does not believe this is a public safety issue. However, he stated that there is growing urgency in the community to obtain answers regarding the soil contamination. This is evidenced by the number of residents who have reached out to him concerning this matter, most of whom live near the Schedler property. The additional fee of $7,000.00 is for the laboratory to expedite the soil testing results. Mr. Kazmark added that, since he 21 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 became Village Manager in 2023, he never heard Mr. Calbi state that the drinking water would be PFAS-free by 2023. He has always heard Mr. Calbi say that the treatment facilities would be completed by 2026. The major delays in this project had to do with Covid and problems with the supply chain. Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney, stated that he has worked on a number of projects with Mr. Calbi, including the PFAS project. The submittal of the overall plan by Ridgewood Water to the State, to treat PFAS in the water, occurred before the most recent regulations promulgated by the State, which lowered the acceptable levels of PFAS in the water. That is the reason why Ridgewood Water has been in the forefront of other water utilities in the State and why Ridgewood Water has been called upon to instruct other water utilities in the State on how to rid their water of PFAS contamination. The NJDEP requires that notices be sent out by Ridgewood Water to the public announcing the levels of PFAS, if the deadline to rid the water of PFAS has not yet been met. The plan to rid the water of PFAS was approved by the NJDEP in 2021 or 2022. Mr. Rogers said that he could assist Ms. Lima in obtaining these documents if she is interested in reviewing them. Mr. Kazmark concurred with Mr. Rogers and stated that the exceedance notices will continue to be sent out, until the PFAS levels in the water do not exceed the levels set forth by the NJDEP. Councilmember Reynolds asked Mr. Kazmark if he could contact the Signal Department, to see if more mirrors could be installed in the pedestrian tunnel by the train station. Mr. Kazmark said that he would follow up with Rich Tarleton, the Supervisor of the Signal Division, in the morning. 16. RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION Ms. Mailander read Resolution #24-280 to go into Closed Session: 22 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024 17. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilmember Winograd, seconded by Councilmember Reynolds, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m. ____________________________________ Pamela R. Perron Deputy Mayor ______________________________________ Heather A. Mailander Village Clerk 23 Village Council Regular Public Meeting August 14, 2024