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 MARCH 11, 2026 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 Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos. Also present were Keith Kazmark, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney. Mayor Vagianos led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 2. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS Mayor Vagianos moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on Hand as of February 28, 2026, be accepted as submitted. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Deputy Mayor Perron moved that the Village Council minutes of January 14, 2026, 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 Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 1 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 4. PROCLAMATIONS A. NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK 2026 Councilmember Weitz read the following Proclamation: 2 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 B. WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY Councilmember Mortimer read the following Proclamation: 3 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 C. WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY Councilmember Winograd read the following Proclamation: 4 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Mayor Vagianos opened the meeting for public comment. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Vagianos closed public comment. 6. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Kazmark began his Village Manager’s Report by reporting that earlier in the day, the Ridgewood Fire Department and Police Department responded to Graydon Pool for a reported garbage truck fire. Upon arrival, responders found that a sanitation truck conducting bulk pickup had caught fire, and they dumped it at the Graydon Pool parking lot when it caught fire, so that it would not do damage to the truck. The sanitation crew responded quickly, using a portable fire extinguisher to hold the fire at bay until the Fire Department arrived. The crew safely dropped the load, and there were no injuries and no damage to the vehicle. The Ridgewood Fire Department extinguished the fire, with support from the Streets Division, which also completed a full cleanup of the area. Mr. Kazmark thanked all involved departments for their coordination and commended the three sanitation employees assigned to the truck for their quick thinking, which limited the potential for injury and prevented costly damage to municipal equipment. Mr. Kazmark reminded the public that rechargeable and single-use lithium batteries should not be placed in the trash or in bulk refuse. Button cell, single-use lithium, and dry cell rechargeable batteries weighing up to 11 pounds should be brought directly to the Recycling Center for proper disposal, with non-conductive tape placed over the terminal ends. Outdoor power tools should also be brought to the Recycling Center for disposal. He noted that this was not the first garbage truck fire, another resulting from a disposed laptop computer, and asked residents to be vigilant about hazardous waste disposal. Mr. Kazmark announced that tree removal at the Schedler property had taken place over the past several days. All trees removed by the Parks Division were identified as necessary for the remediation work about to be undertaken on the property. The trees were dropped in place and removed from the site and disposed of, during the remediation process. He noted that the Village has approval from the Bureau of Solid Waste at the NJDEP and approval from the State Historic Preservation Office to undertake both the removal work and the forthcoming remediation. Mr. Kazmark also reported that PSE&G is planning tree pruning throughout the Village, with work anticipated to begin mid-month. The Village has been proactive in meeting with PSE&G representatives and their contractor to ensure that the pruning is done appropriately. He acknowledged the community’s care for the Village’s tree canopy and emphasized that while the Village does not have direct control over the contractor conducting the work, it has engaged proactively to protect that resource. With regard to the Governor’s budget address yesterday, Mr. Kazmark reported that there had been considerable anxiety ahead of the speech regarding the impact on municipal aid. As presented, the Administration is not recommending any cuts to municipal aid, which placed the Village in a good position to introduce its 2026 Municipal Budget at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Kazmark delayed the budget introduction from February to March, in part to await those developments. 5 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 Mr. Kazmark reported that last night, he had the opportunity to address the League of Women Voters at an event titled “Civics Night” at Park West Tavern. He thanked the event organizers for the invitation to share information about local government in Ridgewood. Finally, Mr. Kazmark announced that Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch hired three full-time dispatchers, bringing the headcount to full staffing for the first time during his tenure. He thanked Tom Pomroy, Director of Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch, for his efforts in recruiting qualified personnel. Mr. Kazmark then provided the following upcoming event and meeting reminders. The Parks and Recreation Department will hold a Seasonal Summer Job Fair on Monday, March 16, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Youth Lounge at Village Hall. The Recreation Department offers a variety of after-school programs beginning this month; residents may sign up through Community Pass. The Village Arts Council presents Children in the Arts on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ridgewood Public Library Art Studio. The Ridgewood Health Department will host a blood drive on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Youth Lounge at Village Hall; registration is available at nybc.org/letizia. Council Chat will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Caucus Room on Level 4 of Village Hall; reservations may be made by calling the Village Clerk’s Office at 201-670-5500, extension 2207. The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce presents Easter in the Park at Van Neste Square on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring an egg hunt, Easter Bunny pictures, music, games, and vendors. Upcoming Village Council meetings include a Work Session on March 25th, a Work Session on March 30th, a Public Meeting and scheduled budget adoption on April 8th, and a Work Session on April 22nd, all beginning at 7:30 p.m. 7. VILLAGE COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Mortimer reported that he met with the Ridgewood Arts Council and highlighted the Children in the Arts event taking place on Sunday, March 15th at 2:00 p.m. at the library art studio, at which children involved in the arts are interviewed about their motivations and passions. He also commended Ridgewood Water for the efficient replacement of water service lines, noting that his own lead service line had been replaced today in under two hours, in a manner he described as highly professional and efficient. He encouraged residents on the replacement list to expect a smooth experience. Councilmember Winograd had no Village Council reports but took the opportunity to thank her fellow Councilmembers and staff for covering for her, while she was away last week. Councilmember Weitz reported that the Historic Preservation Commission had met on Monday, though a prior work commitment had prevented him from attending. He thanked Committee Chair Stacey Tsapatsaris and all committee members for their continued service. He also described the honor of having been invited as a Village Councilmember to sit on an Eagle Scout Board of Review last Thursday, expressing deep respect for the dedication and achievement represented by the Eagle Scout rank. 6 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 Deputy Mayor Perron began by amending remarks she had made at previous meetings regarding PFAS levels in the Village’s water supply. After being questioned by two residents following the prior meeting, she verified with Ridgewood Water Director Richard Calbi that the Village purchases water from Passaic Valley Water Authority and other suppliers when those sources have lower PFAS levels than the Village’s own supply which is not necessarily PFAS-free water, but water at lower PFAS concentrations. In the wintertime, residents in low-lying zones may on some days receive water that is fully PFAS-compliant with non-detectable levels, but there are also days when the Village redirects or blends water, so PFAS-free water is not guaranteed on any given day. Deputy Mayor Perron also reported that Green Ridgewood met last week and discussed, among other topics, the new “Skip the Stuff” law and how to educate downtown merchants about its requirements. She noted that there is currently a vacancy on the Green Ridgewood committee as well as an opening on the Green Team; application forms are available in the Village Clerk’s Office and online. She thanked the League of Women Voters for hosting the “Who’s Really In Charge” event at which Village Manager Kazmark spoke, calling it informative, thoughtful, and well-balanced. She also noted that the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC) will be meeting tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. in the Caucus Room. Mayor Vagianos had nothing to report. 8. 2026 BUDGET INTRODUCTION A. BUDGET MESSAGE Mr. Kazmark introduced the 2026 Municipal Budget, thanking the Department Directors and Village Council for their patience during the process, which had been delayed from February due to the heavy affordable housing agenda and uncertainty about potential State cuts to municipal aid. He explained that the budget process had begun the prior summer and extended through recent days, involving three rounds of formal meetings with Department Directors, followed by five Village Council budget meetings in January and February. Mr. Kazmark described the budget as a living document reflecting the Village Council’s and Administration’s priorities for the calendar year, and characterized this as an especially challenging budget year. Skyrocketing health care costs, snow removal expenses following two historic storms, and the anticipated impact of global affairs on fuel costs, were identified as the major fiscal pressures, all shared by neighboring municipalities and counties across the State. He thanked Chief Financial Officer Robert Rooney, Accounting Assistant Olivia Andreula, Treasurer and Assistant Chief Financial Officer Stephen Sanzari, and all Department Directors and Supervisors for their work in preparing, refining, and making reductions to the budget. The budget presented to the Village Council delivers a 3.98% increase in the tax levy over 2025. The major driver of that increase is health benefits, with approximately $1.3 million in additional 7 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 expenditures for employee health care, prescription costs, and hospitalization. However, through the implementation of a high-deductible option under the State Health Benefits Plan and the implementation of the Difference Card, the Village was able to avert what would have been a $3.2 million increase, which is a 36.5% increase passed along to government entities by the State of New Jersey, and instead landed at a $1.3 million increase. Mr. Kazmark noted that the 2026 State Health Benefit increase came on top of a 23% increase in 2023, the same year that $2.6 million in Federal COVID aid was discontinued. The budget also maintains reserves and trust accounts, protects the Village’s AAA credit rating, reflects responsible negotiations with all collective bargaining units, continues investment in infrastructure and local parks and roads, includes no cuts to resident services, and maintains employee headcount flat, compared to 2025. S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed the Village’s AAA credit rating just over a year ago, citing continued tax base growth, sound budget performance, increased fund balance, and proactive, well-grounded budgeting practices. The Village’s unaudited 2026 surplus stands at $7.5 million, an increase of nearly $2.5 million over the 2022 balance. The equalized valuation of Village property has grown by 46.8% over the last five years. Among the major budget impacts reviewed were contractual obligations to bargaining units, all at or below 2.5% increases in 2026: police salaries and wages increased by approximately $345,000; fire department salaries increased by approximately $145,000; blue-collar employees by approximately $203,000; white-collar employees by approximately $108,000; and supervisors by approximately $32,000. Terminal leave obligations for retiring employees will be funded through the Terminal Leave Trust Fund, rather than direct tax levy impact. Pension costs reflected a slight decrease of approximately $21,000. Cumulative insurance and health benefits increased by just over $1.3 million. Snow removal costs for two major storms and one minor ice event amounted to over $417,000 in equipment, overtime, and materials; both major storms began on Sundays, triggering double-time pay for blue-collar staff. The gasoline allocation was increased by $325,000 in response to anticipated fuel cost increases, based on current world affairs. Debt service for the General Fund increased by $641,000. Significant budget cuts were identified to offset these pressures. Funding for the court-ordered reassessment, originally budgeted at $500,000, was removed, with the Village instead planning to pursue a special emergency appropriation that will spread the cost of the reassessment over a five- year period; a presentation on the reassessment is scheduled for the March 25th Work Session. Other reductions included $75,000 from the reserve for tax appeals; $130,000 from professional planning services (supplemented by escrow funds and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund); approximately $900,000 from insurance costs based on the Difference Card utilization data; $175,000 in terminal leave charges redirected to the trust fund; $125,000 in overtime; $24,000 in property maintenance; $50,000 in equipment maintenance and repair; $50,000 in salary negotiation services; $74,000 in conferences and training; $200,000 in utilities; $32,000 in chemicals for the Water Pollution Control Facility; $40,000 in recycling containers; $35,000 in legal costs; and approximately $426,500 in miscellaneous reductions. Despite these challenges, the 2026 budget funds a broad range of priorities. On the Public Safety side, the budget funds full accreditation of the Ridgewood Police Department, certification of the Ridgewood Fire Department, and ordering a new Fire Engine at $1.2 million, using money set 8 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 aside in a sinking fund. It also funds an architect to draw up plans for an Emergency Operations Center at the Douglas Place facility, Village-wide security improvements, new handheld portable radios, and body camera replacements as required by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. It maintains staffing at recommended levels for both the Police Department and Fire Department, at full strength for the first time in approximately five years. Public Works priorities include designing a new traffic signal at Oak Street and Glen Avenue, funding a $2.75 million road resurfacing and ADA handicap ramp program, updating tax maps for the reassessment, adding new pedestrian intersection crossing signals, improving the Recycling and Parks garage facility, and purchasing a new street sweeper, sign truck, and hydro sewer jet truck. The bridge at Habernickel Park will also be repaired. Parks and Recreation priorities include installing a playground and gazebo at Kings Pond Park to satisfy NJDEP Green Acres requirements, obtaining matching grants for improvements at Citizens Park and at the Graydon Skate Park, furnishing and providing startup costs for the History and Cultural Center of Bergen County at the Zabriskie-Schedler House, providing staffing for expanded programming at the Community Center, and planting 120 residential trees and 130 park trees. This brings the total to 250 trees planted, in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, along with 100 saplings and hazardous tree removal throughout the Village. Ridgewood Water’s aggressive 2026 plan includes completing all PFAS treatment facilities by the first quarter of 2027, utilizing $2.5 million in secured State and Federal grants for PFAS treatment and lead service line replacements, finalizing the West Glen Avenue distribution pump, installing 5,600 feet of new water main to better serve residents in Ridgewood and Midland Park, implementing a public-private partnership for asset management of the ten storage tanks, launching a rebranding of Ridgewood Water, a public education effort, and incorporating new ICPMS testing equipment for metals analysis in drinking water. The tax impact of the 2026 budget on the average assessed home in the Village, valued at $715,000, amounts to an increase from $4,926 to $5,122 in municipal taxes, or $195.89 per year, equating to approximately $16.32 per month. The budget is $3.88 million under the tax levy cap and approximately $1.3 million under the appropriations cap. Councilmember Weitz praised the budget, acknowledging that while a 3.98% increase was not welcome, he was proud of the fiscal responsibility and planning reflected in the document, particularly given that neighboring municipalities are contending with 7% to 12% municipal tax increases. He highlighted the fully staffed Police Department, the maintained AAA bond rating, the increased reserves, the full funding of critical services, the continued investment in roads and infrastructure, the sinking fund for the fire truck, and the prudent maintenance of a $7.5 million reserve. He commended Mr. Kazmark and all Village staff. Councilmember Mortimer thanked the Village Department Directors and staff, expressing particular satisfaction that the budget protects and supports Village employees who serve the community, with professionalism and dedication. Councilmember Winograd expressed pride in the work represented by the budget, noting that the capital projects listed reflect long-deferred improvements now being addressed. She highlighted 9 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 that hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants augment the capital plan and emphasized the importance of investing in the Village’s infrastructure and charm. She thanked Mr. Kazmark and Village Department Directors for their collaborative work. Deputy Mayor Perron thanked all Department Directors for their detailed work and guidance, noting that the budget was a testament to the quality of the Village’s governing entity. She acknowledged the difficulty of the year and the commendable outcome, citing the fully staffed Police Department, maintaining the AAA bond rating, increased reserves, preservation of health insurance coverage for employees, investment in new radios for the Police and Fire Departments, continued road improvements, and the strength of the Water Department. The Village Council and Mayor gave the assembled Department Directors a round of applause. Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer, explained that there are two additional actions associated with the budget introduction. He explained that Ordinance 4090 establishes a CAP Bank, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14, which allows the Village to exceed the standard 2% cap by an additional 1.5%, creating a safety net for future budget years by building additional cap capacity. The ordinance has no impact on the current budget but provides breathing room should the Village face a close cap situation in a subsequent year. Mr. Rooney also explained that Resolution 26-72, providing for the increase of deferred school taxes, is a mechanism the Village has used since the 1980s. When there is a change in the school levy, the Village is permitted to defer a portion of school taxes and realize income from it; the calculation is consistent with past practice. Councilmember Weitz noted that Mr. Rooney and Mr. Kazmark had met with him on the Friday prior to the meeting to walk through the full budget, which greatly facilitated the evening’s discussion. It was confirmed that the PowerPoint budget presentation will be linked in the Village’s E-News next Friday, and that the full budget documents will be posted on the Village’s website next week, once the State-required documents are completed and uploaded to the State budget portal . B. INTRODUCTION – ORDINANCE 4090 – ESTABLISH A CAP BANK Mayor Vagianos moved that Ordinance 4090 be read by title only on first reading, by title only. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None The Village Clerk read Ordinance 4090 by title only: CALENDAR YEAR 2026 – AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK – N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14 10 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance 4090 be adopted on first reading and that April 8, 2026 be fixed as the date for the public hearing thereon. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None C. RESOLUTION 26-72 – INCREASE DEFERRED SCHOOL TAXES The following Resolution, numbered 26-72, was adopted by Consent Agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and was read by title only. 11 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026  D. RESOLUTION 26-73 – APPROVE 2026 MUNICIPAL BUDGET AND SET APRIL 8, 2026 AS DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING The following Resolution, numbered 26-73, was considered separately and read in full. 12 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 9. ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER A. PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE #4084 – BOND ORDINANCE – WATER UTILITY CAPITAL ($4,955,600) Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance 4084 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None The Village Clerk read Ordinance 4084 by title only: A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS WATER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $4,955,600 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $4,707,600 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF The Public Hearing on Ordinance 4084 was opened. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance 4084 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 13 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026  B. PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE #4085 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – ESTABLISH 2026 RIDGEWOOD WATER RATES, FACILITIES CHARGE, AND PFAS TREATMENT CHARGE Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance 4085 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None The Village Clerk read Ordinance 4085 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 The Public Hearing on Ordinance 4085 was opened. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance 4085 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 10. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER The following Resolutions, numbered 26-74 through 26-80, were adopted by a Consent Agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and were read by title only: 14 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 11. ORDINANCES A. INTRODUCTION – ORDINANCE #4091 – AMEND SUPERVISORY SALARY ORDINANCE Mayor Vagianos moved that Ordinance 4091 be read by title only on first reading, by title only. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None The Village Clerk read Ordinance 4091 by title only: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 4020 TO FIX THE SALARY, WAGE OR COMPENSATION OF AND FOR THE SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEARS 2026 AND 2027 Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance 4091 be adopted on first reading and that April 8, 2026 be fixed as the date for the public hearing thereon. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None B. INTRODUCTION – ORDINANCE #4092 – AMEND CHAPTER 3 – ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT – EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL AND ESTABLISH OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AS A VILLAGE DEPARTMENT Mayor Vagianos moved that Ordinance 4092 be read by title only on first reading, by title only. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 15 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 The Village Clerk read Ordinance 4092 by title only: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER THREE OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT, TO REORGANIZE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS BY AMENDING SECTION 3-47 ENTITLED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, RELOCATING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF SECTION 3-47, AND CREATING A NEW SECTION 3-43.5 ENTITLED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance 4092 be adopted on first reading and that April 8, 2026 be fixed as the date for the public hearing thereon. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None C. INTRODUCTION – ORDINANCE #4093 – AMEND CHAPTER 145 – FEES – OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FEES Mayor Vagianos moved that Ordinance 4093 be read by title only on first reading, by title only. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None The Village Clerk read Ordinance 4093 by title only: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FEES, AT SECTION 145-4, DEPARTMENTAL FEES, AS IT RELATES TO FEES FOR AUTHORIZING COST RECOVERY BY THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR NON-EMERGENCY REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance 4093 be adopted on first reading and that April 8, 2026 be fixed as the date for the public hearing thereon. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. 16 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None D. PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE #4086 – BOND ORDINANCE – GENERAL CAPITAL ($6,799,545) Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance 4086 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None The Village Clerk read Ordinance 4086 by title only: A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $6,799,545 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $6,459,428 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COSTS THEREOF The Public Hearing on Ordinance 4086 was opened. Councilmember Perron drew attention to Paragraph C1 under the Parks Department and Parks Shade Tree Commission, which addresses the replacement of Maple Field turf, planting of residential trees, removal of hazardous trees, and planting of park trees, with a total appropriation of $473,800. She noted that the Maple Field portion represents the sinking fund contribution of $50,000 per year, set aside for future turf replacement, whether artificial or grass, whatever a future Village Council decides, and requested that Bond Counsel provide a more detailed breakout of the Maple Field amount in future ordinances. There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance 4086 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. 17 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None B. PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE 4087 – AMEND CHAPTER 190 – LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT – BLADE SIGNS Mayor Vagianos moved that the Village Clerk read Ordinance 4087 by title on second reading and that the Public Hearing thereon be opened. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None The Village Clerk read Ordinance 4087 by title only: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, ENTITLED ZONING, AT SECTION 190-122, ENTITLED SIGNS, AND SECTION 190-122H10, ENTITLED BLADE SIGNS The Public Hearing on Ordinance 4087 was opened. Councilmember Perron noted a typographical error in Paragraph B, third line, where a letter “O” should read “on.” She also noted that the Village has received a request to allow second-floor occupants to have blade signs, which was referred to the Historic Preservation Commission. Councilmember Weitz added that this matter was considered by the Historic Preservation Commission’s meeting last night, and that he would obtain the Historic Preservation Commission’s notes from that meeting, and send them to Councilmember Perron. The typographical error correction was directed to be made by the Village Clerk. There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Vagianos moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Councilmember Winograd moved that Ordinance 4087 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilmember Mortimer seconded the motion. Councilmember Winograd thanked Deputy Mayor Perron for her hard work on this ordinance, noting that these small measures help to maintain the character and charm of downtown Ridgewood. 18 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 Roll Call Vote AYES: Councilmembers Mortimer, Perron, Weitz, Winograd, and Mayor Vagianos NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 13. RESOLUTIONS The following Resolutions, numbered 26-81 through 26-94, were adopted by Consent Agenda, with one vote by the Village Council, and were read by title only: 19 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026 14. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Mayor Vagianos opened the meeting for public comment. Boyd A. Loving, a Ridgewood resident, addressed the Village Council regarding Resolutions 26-81 and 26-82, which had been adopted tonight concerning the design and installation of the playground and pavilion at Kings Pond Park. Mr. Loving reminded the Village Council that at least two residents of Lakeview Road had previously raised concerns about the presence of geese in the area where the playground is planned. He urged the designers of the playground and gazebo to consider mitigation measures to address geese activity in and around the planned playground, given that geese and their waste could pose a health concern for children using the facility. There were no further comments from the public. Mayor Vagianos closed public comment. In response to Mr. Loving’s comments, Mr. Kazmark stated that he and Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Bigos are in ongoing discussions with the Health Department about how best to address the geese issue on a Village-wide basis, and that a variety of options are being considered, including increased use of Village staff to manage facilities. Deputy Mayor Perron added that the Village previously administered a successful goose egg oiling program organized by volunteers and recalled it as effective in reducing the geese population. Councilmember Winograd noted that the Village is also exploring the use of geese egg addling and other management approaches, and that the Board of Health takes the matter seriously. 15. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion made by Deputy Mayor Perron, seconded by Councilmember Mortimer, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Regular Public Meeting was adjourned at . _____________________________________ Paul Vagianos Mayor _____________________________________ Heather A. Mailander Village Clerk 20 Village Council Regular Public Meeting March 11, 2026