Village of Ridgewood

The council discussed proposed changes to the train station parking lot to make it a commuter lot only, with adjusted fee structures and hours for public parking. The goal is to reduce confusion and ensure permit holders have access to spots.

A temporary midblock crosswalk with concrete blocks was installed to address increased pedestrian traffic near Tate Bakery. The council discussed its effectiveness and the potential for a permanent installation after a pilot program, including considerations for snow plowing and aesthetics.

Director Rich Calby presented numerous annual contracts and bid awards for Ridgewood Water, covering services such as laboratory analysis, electrical repair, landscaping, pipe and appurtenances, and chemical supply. Several contracts were approved, with some discussion on costs and potential for future environmental considerations like electric-powered equipment.

Phase two of security upgrades for PAS treatment facilities, including cameras and door access controls, was presented. The council also discussed a final payment for bank stabilization along Dunham Trail and an in-kind agreement with NJIT for research on PAS testing and media longevity.

Short-term loan approvals were discussed for PAS treatment facilities and lead service line replacements, authorized through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. An easement agreement with 535 East Ridgewood Avenue for a new water main was also presented.

The bid for solid waste disposal was presented, with the unit price per ton remaining the same as the prior contract, which was seen as good news given expectations of an increase.

An emergency award of contract was authorized for the repair of a damaged sanitary sewer line on Corsa Terrace. The damage required significant equipment and assistance from the Hokus Public Works Department, and the village is exploring culpability with the natural gas main installer.

A change order was authorized for professional environmental services related to the removal of abandoned fuel storage tanks on North Walnut Street. This includes installing groundwater monitoring wells and periodic sampling, with VHB as the recommended vendor.

An additional $10,000 in funding was requested for legal counsel Martin Allen to continue services related to multiple Valley Hospital tax appeal matters.

The council discussed the transfer of opioid abatement funds through memorandums of agreement with the County of Bergen and the Ridgewood Board of Education. These funds will support education programs, harm reduction services, and addiction treatment.

A memorandum from the CFO outlined 2025 appropriation transfers totaling $68,900 in general operating accounts, $200 in water accounts, and $955 in parking accounts.

A Chapter 159 budget amendment was proposed to accept a $7,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services for a hearing loop system.

A significant discussion took place regarding a proposed $350,000 change order for barrier fencing on the fourth floor of the Hudson Street garage. The fencing is intended to prevent potential tragedies, with aesthetics being a key factor in the cost. The council requested to see the design before final approval and discussed involving the HPC.

This item renews the existing agreement for the maintenance and repair of police department motorcycle units, continuing the same terms as the past.

An additional $10,000 is being allocated to continue the professional relationship with Martin Allen for legal counsel on multiple Valley Hospital tax appeal matters, leveraging his expertise in healthcare tax appeals.

This item authorizes the transfer of approximately $100,000 in opioid abatement funds. Funds will be used by the Board of Education for educational programs on opioid use and misuse, and by the County of Bergen for their established opioid remediation programs.

This item addresses appropriation transfers totaling $68,900 in general operating accounts, $200 in the water account, and $955 in parking accounts, with a detailed explanation of the purpose of these transfers provided.

A $7,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services for the division of deaf and hard of hearing will be accepted to fund a hearing loop system.

A change order to the original contract for the Hudson Street garage is proposed to install barrier fencing on the fourth floor to prevent potential tragedies involving young people frequenting the area. The estimated cost is not to exceed $350,000, with discussions focusing on the necessity, aesthetics, and cost justification of the fencing.

A contract is awarded for the installation of a hearing loop system in three identified rooms: the courtroom, the senior lounge, and the youth center, with a not-to-exceed cost of $62,500.

The village council endorses a grant application for $450,000 to line sewer pipes in the area off Broadstrike Street, which is identified as a CDBG eligible neighborhood. The amount requested is the maximum possible, though full funding is not guaranteed.

A change order of $8,843.75 is authorized for hardware and software purchases through state contract vendor SHI International, due to unexpected increases in software package costs.

An encroachment agreement is authorized for 102 Stanley Place to memorialize an existing encroachment onto the right of way of Stanley Place. This follows a minor fender bender that brought the issue to the forefront, and the recommendation is to approve the agreement despite the narrowness of the street.

The community center item has been deferred to the January 7th work session.

Police vehicles, including a 2020 Chevy Tahoe, a 2018 Chevy Tahoe, and a 2017 Chevy Tahoe PPV, are declared surplus property. These vehicles will be traded to Enterprise for fair market value, and any vehicles deemed junk will be used by the fire department for training before being junked.

The village council will meet in closed session to discuss legal matters including Kensington traffic expert, vacation and village property, and personnel matters including annual performance reviews of the village clerk and village manager.

A.L. expressed dismay that the Matrix representatives left before public comments. She argued that bioremediation is a better option than excavation and disposal, stating that moving contaminated soil is irresponsible. She also raised concerns about the burm's protection and the potential harm to trees if excavation is chosen. A.L. questioned the certainty of the current plan, especially if testing is not done at the end, and also inquired about dust suppression foam.

P.I. agreed with previous comments, highlighting that 35 trees would need to be removed and 80 existing trees on the burm might not survive relocation. She found it 'insane' that testing would not be conducted at the end of the remediation process and questioned the safety of the site without the burm, given its proximity to the highway. P.I. urged the council to reconsider the plan.

Dr. S.I., a physician, argued that the proposed remediation is a temporary fix because land near a busy highway is constantly being contaminated. He suggested bioremediation as a way to combat pollutants and noted that trees acted as natural filters. Dr. S.I. expressed strong concerns about building a playing field for children in such a location, calling it 'malpractice' and predicting negative health outcomes.

N.F. felt her concerns were not being heard and questioned the timeline of the Shedler project. She pointed out the irony of the village needing to notify residents about high contamination levels when they were the ones who initially dumped the material. N.F. criticized the lack of post-remediation testing, comparing it to not testing margins after cancer surgery, and suggested delaying the project to the summer to avoid winter conditions.

C.O. echoed previous concerns, calling the plan 'terrible' and stating that the Shedler neighborhood has 'zero trust' in the council. She felt the council had done nothing to regain trust and criticized the overdevelopment and rushed remediation plan. C.O. highlighted the health risks to residents, including those with asthma, and questioned if health risks were factored into the plan.

P.W. inquired about the process and next steps following a court case with Kensington and Matt Rogers that was scheduled for that day.

R.A. addressed residents north of Route 17, appreciating their concerns but calling some of the arguments against the Shedler development 'silly' and 'crazy.' He praised the council and village manager for their competence and commitment to finishing the park. R.A. advised residents to work directly with the council and suggested alternative ideas like solar panels along highways.

S.R. questioned why the remediation at Orchard, which involved capping and repeated testing, seemed more thorough than the proposed plan for Shedler, which she understood would not involve post-remediation testing. She also thanked the village for opening the footbridge.

B. expressed concern that Mr. Alibab was allowed to call residents 'silly' and 'crazy' when the council had previously asked for respectful discourse, questioning the inconsistency in how speakers were treated.

S.R. clarified her earlier question, explaining that Orchard's remediation involved capping due to coal contamination, a different issue than Shedler. She offered to connect the council with the Board of Education's LSRP for more details. S.R. reiterated that the contamination at Shedler was from imported dirt, not Route 17, and that excavation was the cleanest option.

Mayor Vagianos clarified that the burm would need to be dismantled regardless of the remediation method. He also explained that the dirt would be taken to an approved facility and that the NJDEP does not require post-excavation testing because all testing is done upfront. He confirmed that 35 trees would need to be removed regardless of the remediation path.

Mayor Vagianos emphasized that the remediation plan was NJDEP-approved and that their experts recommended excavation over bioremediation. He explained that the upfront testing determines the depth of excavation needed for remediation.

A.L. suggested that the council members might be more comfortable if they used different chairs, noting that residents do not have to stand during meetings.

A.L. praised the flashing lights at South Irving and Ridgewood Avenue and recommended their wider implementation throughout town.

A.L. suggested reviewing village code sections 319 and 320, believing they should apply to everyone's manner of addressing the council, not just residents addressing the council, due to instances of inappropriate address from council members.

A.L. argued that safety should be the priority over aesthetics for the fence at the top of the Hudson Street garage, stating that people do not look up at the garage and that a lower cost would be preferable if safety is maintained.

A.L. found the new practice of ringing bells at the end of public comment intimidating and suggested that respecting the buzzer and allowing a few extra seconds, as was done that evening, is sufficient.

B.L. requested that the Mayor respect the emotional nature of comments regarding Schedler Field and refrain from dismissing them as 'silly' or 'crazy,' emphasizing the importance of respecting residents' feelings when they share their concerns.

R.H. stated he missed the 'emotional people' from the previous regime when he fought against turning Schedler into a dump, and clarified that his use of the words 'silly' and 'crazy' referred to ideas, not people, specifically addressing the idea of eagles nesting in Schedler and his own suggestion of solar panels.

C. clarified that hiring an LSRP was mandated by the NJ DEP, not a voluntary choice, and inquired about an alert process for neighbors regarding the remediation plan, emphasizing the need for contact information for all residents in the affected neighborhood.

C. asked for a plan detailing the total number of trees to be removed, beyond the initial 35, and how the process of removing and replanting trees, including those from the berm, would be communicated to residents, stressing the importance of transparency.

Mayor Vagianos stated that due to the ongoing litigation, the council could not comment further but assured that more information would be forthcoming. He explained the process involving a settlement judge and the timeline for potential resolution.

Mayor Vagianos apologized if he missed the word 'crazy' but stated he heard 'silly,' which he felt was borderline but not over the line. He asserted his effort to be consistent and fair in interrupting speakers.

Council Member Camarck explained that Orchard's remediation involved capping due to coal contamination, a different issue than Shedler. He offered to connect Ms. Ruan with the Board of Education's LSRP for more details. He also clarified that the contamination at Shedler was from imported dirt, not Route 17, and that excavation was the cleanest option.

Mayor Vagianos clarified that the burm would need to be removed regardless of the remediation method. He explained that the dirt would be transported by a certified hauler to an approved facility. He also stated that the NJDEP does not require post-excavation testing because all necessary testing is done upfront and the excavation plan is based on identified contamination depths.

Mayor Vagianos emphasized that the NJDEP-approved plan was based on expert recommendations, not the council's preferences. He explained that upfront testing determines the excavation depth required for remediation, ensuring the site is cleaned according to state standards.

Council Member Camarck provided updates on various village projects, including West Glenn Avenue sidewalks, a grant for West Ridgewood Avenue resurfacing, the new overnight parking portal, the village Christmas tree, the East Ridgewood Avenue crosswalk, the ADA accessible playground at Habernickle Park, flood dams at Village Hall, and the Mayor's Wellness Campaign. He also mentioned the upcoming parking and wayfinding study for the central business district.

Council Member Hache reported on the Open Space Committee meeting, discussing referendum wins and goals for 2026, as well as the Citizen Safety Committee meeting regarding the Maple and Franklin intersection, including restriping crosswalks and accident data. He also provided updates on site triangle compliance and the West Glenn sidewalks, noting the aesthetic of the retaining walls.

Council Member Perron echoed thanks for the Habernickle playground and encouraged residents to visit. She also attended the League of Municipalities conference and highlighted the availability of Jake's Law grants for inclusive playgrounds. She mentioned the winterization of town planters and the installation of holiday decorations. Perron also provided updates on the fields committee, the World Cup impact on New Jersey, and the interfaith community service. She congratulated an intern on his soccer championship and reminded residents about the sensory-friendly tree lighting and the Stigmafree 'cards of joy' initiative.

Council Member Kuilan praised the Habernickle playground and provided an update on the Ridgewood Business Alliance, including their startup phase and search for an executive director. He also discussed the League of Municipalities training and the Ridgewood Arts Foundation's work on the Warner theater project. Kuilan mentioned an opening on the Central Business District Advisory Committee and its upcoming meeting.

Mayor Vagianos recapped several upcoming events, including the Christmas tree dedication, the Million Minutes Challenge, the interfaith community service, and the sensory-friendly dinner. He announced the ribbon cutting for the Kingsbridge Lane bridge and paid tribute to Reverend Arturo Lewis of Bethlehem Lutheran Church on his retirement.

Council Member Camarck introduced Sergeant Torino from the Ridgewood Police Department to discuss agenda item 9B2 regarding parking at the train station parking lot, noting that Heather had requested a revisit of the topic.

Council Member Camarck clarified the proposed parking changes, confirming that the meters would need to be paid until 8:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Council Member Perron expressed support for the proposed changes, particularly the $50 fine, and inquired about the impact on westside businesses.

Council Member Kuilan questioned if the public parking could be opened up at noon instead of 3:00 p.m. on weekdays to accommodate shoppers and diners.

Council Member Perron inquired about snow markers for the concrete barriers and the aesthetic considerations for future crosswalks.

Deputy Mayor Evan asked about the historical use of shiny elements in roadways for crosswalk visibility and whether they were effective.

Council Member Perron asked about the possibility of using electric-powered leaf blowers for landscaping services, referencing a similar initiative by the Board of Education.

Council Member Perron questioned if tree maintenance services for the village and Ridgewood Water could be combined for bidding to potentially achieve better pricing.

Council Member Evan clarified the purpose of the concrete sidewalk restoration contract, confirming it would be used to fix sidewalks damaged during utility repairs.

Mayor Vagianos humorously noted that the water utility's budget was being 'broken' with the loan approvals.

Council Member Perron inquired about the appearance of the proposed fencing and expressed a desire to see the design before approval.

Council Member Kuilan requested to see the proposed fencing design before approving the resolution, citing the significant cost.

Mayor Vagianos expressed his strong motivation to address the safety issue at the garage, stating that the image of a teenager on the edge of the building 'haunts' him.

Council Member Evan suggested that the proposed fencing design should be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for feedback.

K.C. stated that there are no anticipated additional costs, but it depends on environmental testing results and D.E.P. requirements. He noted that an LSRP is still necessary for the Hudson Street garage, but funding for this type of service is not expected to be required moving forward.

P.P. acknowledged that code sections 319 and 320 apply to everyone in the room, but A.L. interpreted them as applying only to residents addressing the council.

P.V. agreed with B.L.'s request to respect the emotional nature of comments regarding Schedler Field.

P.V. acknowledged R.H.'s explanation that his use of 'silly' and 'crazy' was directed at ideas, not people.

P.V. stated that the soil was not contaminated and that a neighbor's outreach to the NJDEP prompted the urgency for the letter.

P.V. confirmed that 35 trees need to be removed within the excavation area and that there is no scenario where they can remain. He also noted that the relocation of 80 trees from the berm to the north end of the property is shown on the approved Schedler property schematic.