Thank you. Thank you. This is everything we hope for. >> Good evening. Good evening everyone. Are you all here to see about the Ford pickup truck we're buying tonight?
>> So, let's begin. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall by mail to the Ridgewood News. The record and by submission to all persons entitled the same is provided by law of a schedule
including the date and time of this meeting. This is the Ridgewood Village Council public workshop. The date is November 5th, 2025. The time is 7:30. Today is otherwise known as Tony Damiano
Day. Yeah, we're going to do that a lot tonight. Heather, will you call the role, please? >> Council member Mortimer >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Pin >> here. >> Council member Whites >> here. >> Council member Winterrad >> here. And Mayor Vajanas
>> here. Will you all please join us in a salute to our flag? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. And I'm going to take something a little out of order tonight. We're going to go right to public comment. And for those of you who have anything they'd like to share with us tonight about the events of the evening, please
come up to the mic, identify yourselves, whether or not you are a Rididgewood resident, and we can begin our evening. >> He's saying if you have something nice to say about Tony, now is your time to do it. Good evening. Uh Glenn Carlo, 352
Fairway Road. Uh I own the Steel Wheel Tavern. Uh Tony, I just want to tell you how greatly I appreciate everything that you have done for this village and the
grace with which you treated me upon my arrival nine years ago. uh it will never be forgotten. Uh I we simply cannot overstate what you have done for this village.
It is truly miraculous. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you. >> Hi, good evening. My name is Lynn Needle and I reside at 425 Hawthorne Place and I'm here to thank Tony and his beautiful wife for everything that you've done in
our community. I've lived in town I don't know 35 you stopped counting after a while long time since 1989 and you have been present at every every event that embraces the arts embraces community in embraces diversity embraces
uh uh innovation entrepreneurship hopefulness uh from uh giving birth to concepts not just the guild but movies in the park and uh the film festival and that crazy
ice carver, you know, that crazy guy with the chainsaw and you know, you just and the horse the horseback riding the hay rides and you just brought so much delight to families and children and people of all ages and uh your name is
synonymous with um with happiness and with joy and with creativity and with believing in uh sometimes disparity ideas where people weren't sure if certain things could happen, but you were sort of the pi piper of the arts
and hopefulness that of course it could happen. And I so appreciate your positivity and your um your uh your commitment to to the village of Rididgewood and all the people that live here. So, thank you to both you and and
your wife. You're so special. Thank you. Um, I live at 414 Rididge Road in Washington Township. Um, Tonyy's a fascinating person. There's not anyone that has met Tony that hasn't felt his
vibrance and love of this town. I was fortunate enough to join him on the red carpet for the Ridgewood Guild Film Festival International. And I have to say he was offered a part in a movie and I'm an actor and he said, "Mary, would you mind helping me with
this script, etc. Could you join me on set if I need some advice, mentoring?" And I can tell you honestly, and I've told Tony this numerous times, star quality is rare. And when the camera
lights up, Tony is on it. He's extremely gifted. Every time we had to go on the red carpet, I'm like, "Tony, can we rehearse?" He goes, "No, we have this." And at last year's film festival, he would be thrown something, catch the ball while running and being torn in a
million pieces in directions, and he would handle it with grace, complete thoroughess. And I have had the opportunity to work with some of the worldrenowned actors in our field. And I can honestly tell you, you can't be
taught the way Tony is halfhazardly when you're thrown something on camera. The director changed the script and I buckled behind the scenes. And I cannot tell you how seamlessly he handled that. And a lot of
stars that are household names couldn't do the same. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Tony, I was humbled by your expertise, your presence, your love of community. And lastly, last Thanksgiving, I wasn't feeling well and
I was home alone and I didn't want to be at my friend's house. He has an elderly mother and I happened to call Tony. We were talking and he said, "What are you doing?" Bobby, Gina, and Tony were having Thanksgiving. And he said, "Mary, you're coming right to my house. I won't
stand for it." I said, "I'm aailing a little." He goes, "Come to my house." So, I thank you, Tony, from the bottom of my heart for your friendship, commitment, example, and yes, you are opinionated, but you know why? That's because you have a genuine heart. And whether or not someone agrees with it, I
can guarantee you something. It's coming from a sincere place. Thank you for your time. David Strike, 133 Heights Road. Why didn't you ever invite me to Thanksgiving, Tony? Was the food good? Um,
I have an import company selling uh ceramics and glass and uh Mango Jam was a customer of ours. That's where we first met Tony. It was one of the most beautiful shops in the country. It really was the taste level. My father was in the industry for 50
years and used to say that shop was just bar none the best. So I'm looking at our relationship a little different. He was a customer of mine customer. He wasn't always the easiest customer. So sometimes you know the quality of this plate but he was the most encouraging
wonderful uh just had a great has a great eye at looking at product. But most importantly, he's I consider him a friend and we even opened a store together if you remember
uh with Rick and uh we worked together side by side and um Tony, you're awesome. We love you and Tina, you're awesome and we're so happy that we can do this for you. Scott Leaf. Uh, where do I live? 507
Manchester Avenue, North Halen. Sorry, expat guys, but uh, I've long been involved with the Chamber of Commerce, past president, board of directors. And I first, uh, got to know of Tony when he created the guild, and it was big, what's going to happen? What's this going to be? And it
soon became apparent that he brought things to the table that the chamber wasn't, and we became very complimentary organizations. And I got to see he him create these great benchmark events to which he will always be remembered and always be known for. And I I've got to
say that uh every town, every village needs a Tony. I'm so glad we have ours. Jan Phillips, Union Street, Ridgewood. Tony, you are the heart and soul of community. I am so personally grateful
for the support you gave Crab, especially in the early days when we were asking for Pride. I love your spirit of how could we make this work. It speaks right to the words of our mayor. With all my heart and all my soul
and on behalf of the many people who I have worked with because of you, thank you. Hi, Kristen Plumbley, 169 Cottage Place. Hi, Tony. Hi, Gina. What everybody else has already said.
And I remember the first time I met you, somebody had said, "Well, go see Tony at Mango Jam." So, I walked into the store and there you were, the smile behind the register. and you're just always positive, so much joy, so giving with
all the different 501c3s that I I work with. You were always there to say, "Yes, I will help you with that. Yes, I will do this. Yes, I will do that." Um, just helping out, advertising, all the events that you've created for the village. There's just no one like you.
So, I say it from the bottom of my heart and with a song in my heart. Tony, we love you. Thank you. Albert Puchelli 152 Cottage Place in Ridgewood. I attended a meeting in this room in December of 2024 and the place
was crowded almost as it is tonight. That was a meeting convened by Tony. He inspired us with what we might do with the Warner Theater. Now whether that happens or doesn't happen and certainly if it does happen it will be because of the inspiration that Tony brought to that meeting and he has since been a
member of the board of trustees. He's a vice president and his efforts on behalf of that theater are outstanding but he is the prime mover behind that effort. So thank you. >> Hi Tina Satillaa former femot anymore. Um, Tony, I want to say thank
you so much for believing in every single one of us. Your belief in us really showed us we want to thrive. You You had this community thrive and you believed in every single one of us and you made it a point for us to have a better business, a better life, and you
make this world a better place. And we love you. We absolutely love you. Joan Groom, 27 Chestnut Street, because that really is my real home. Uh, well, Tony, I don't know where to talk about. I don't know if I should talk about the
days you saved my life when I needed a gift for somebody and I went into Mango Jam and the only problem there was I didn't know what to pick. So, I thank you for saving my life. And half the lawn decorations for each one of their holidays are from
Mango Jam. So, I thank you for that. And Miss Gina, we've worked together at Habitat for Humanity. Both of you were always doing events, loading up cars, all for good works. And that's what
Tony's all about, good works. I don't know if I'm going to cry or if I'm shaking or what, but I just want to say thank you from the bottom of all our hearts for every minute you've given us. Thank you both.
Lisa Plast 906 best court. You got to stop Tony. I met this man about 20 years ago, Mango Jam. I walked in, we were doing a Friends of Music fundraiser, and everyone told me, "You're going to fall in love with Tony the minute you see
him." And they were right. They were right. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have taught me so much about the community, giving back, and just making it happen. You're
an amazing person and we all love you so much and thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. Nikki Mans 11 Aspen Court in Wayne. Thank you Robin. That's amazing. I have
heart motion in Rididgewood. and Tony, the word that reminds me of you is vibrancy and positivity on top of being such a loving, generous person who has brought
this community together in so many ways. And when we all think of you, we see your smile. And Tina had told me this the other day and she said, "I've never seen Tony not smile. Mhm. >> And I thought about that because of all
the thousand million events you do at lightning speed, faster than anyone in the world, making this place a home. And for all of us who don't live here, we feel like Ridgewood is our home because of the events that you've created that
bring so much joy, so much deep impact, and make Ridgewood a place that's simply unparalleled anywhere else in New Jersey because of you. Um, and I remember when I walked into Mango Jam, you had told me and explained the guild in this way. And
long before I was on the board, you said, "We do a lot of arts in the town." And as soon as I thought about that, I said, "Okay." Um, so we have some singing, some acting, some dancing. You took that to a new level. between film
and theater and you know all of the events for families and children there are simply there are not these events in every other town. It's unparalleled. You are one word a legend. Thank you.
Nikki's a tough act to follow, but Tony and Gina, I'm so sad and happy to be here tonight. It's it's a really unique and wonderful occasion to be able to talk to you like this. And I wanted to share if you
remember when we moved to Ridgewood, I uh stopped into Mango Jam and that's where we met. And being a doctor, I haven't hosted that many Thanksgivings. So, I wanted to impress my in-laws. and you're like, "You got this. It's okay." And he set me up with the best place
settings. I mean, I really I really showed it. I really brought it. So, I loved you for that. And then we met again in Jamberee and we shared our love of disco and you you are an absolutely amazing dancer. You you really the hustle. We we
were hustling and we had a really good time and and Gina as well with all the music fest music of the night. Dave and I would perform many times and it it's just been wonderful to be part of this community and it wouldn't have been the
same without you Tony. Love you. And we have a couple of people on our hybrid access who I think want to make some comments. So Mr. Halib, you are up. Uh this is Roric Alab uh village uh
resident. Uh just a couple of words to say Tony and Gina Cind and I love you. Tony, people walk talk the talk. You walk the walk. You've done so much for Richwood. You are all heart. You are
honest and dependable. And I just want to give you a big hug. I could not be there myself, but I believe Cynthia is. So, a big hug to you and to Gina and many, many thanks for everything you've done for us. Thank you so much.
>> Janet Riley, you're up. >> Hi, I'm Janet Riley, 487 Dorchester Road. Um, I'm sorry to switch gears, but I'm calling actually to ask you not to enforce the bike lane that was in Janet on top. >> Janet, we're going to have a second
public comment after this. >> So, okay, if you'll hang around, we'd appreciate that. >> When does that start? I'm sorry. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else in the room?
>> Good. We will now we will now begin our ceremonies. Is this working? Here we go. Wow. This is truly a celebration tonight and the outpouring of affection for our friend
is overwhelming. Absolutely overwhelming. And so I'm going to begin by opening this up to the members of our council because I know that they each know you very well and have something to say. I'm going to start with Siobhan.
Only you could make this like the best meeting ever. Um so I'm I'm Siobhan Craig and I have a little bit of story telling about Tony. So I met Tony when I was a bride. Um, and I bought my um, bridesmaid dresses on Richard Abbott Sweet Feet. My mom said, "Oh, there's
this cool, funky, whimsical new shop called Mango Jam." And I went in and I met Tony and I instantly fell in love with him, fell in love with that store, which is a huge part of who you are in so many discussions. Um, I then became a
customer, a wife, I bought baby gifts there. Um, and as I became to get more involved in town, I went to so many meetings at Mango Jam. And within minutes, Tony became my friend, my kids' friends, my husband friends, and we
really rallied around um, a shared love of Rididgewood. Um, very quickly after that, I met the love of your life, Gina, who also became a friend, and it was just such an experience to be there. Um, as we got more involved, you know, we would sometimes come here and I see ex
Mayor Aaron. We'd yell at him and then we'd leave and we'd go have drinks and similar to things, you know, there's a couple officials here and now that I'm on the other side, I can make these jokes. We used to come, we used to say our piece and then we'd we'd leave them up there and we'd go have drinks and
recap. Um, Tony, similar to what everybody said, he he would complain and offer a solution, which is so rare. Um, and then he would take that solution and he would make it happen. And for an added twist, he would make all those steps fun. I can't tell you how many
times I have left a bad moment and a good moment and gone out and had the best moment recapping it with you. Drinks, snacks, coffee. Um, I want to also say that, you know, as my kids got bigger, I became one of those moms who asked endlessly to donate to our
schools. and Tony and Gina gave every single time in every single way through the recession, through some really scary times. I don't think you ever said no to Liam or Chloe and I am so grateful for all the kids who benefited from you
both. Um, a couple years ago, I had the privilege of recommending Gina to come work with me and that was also a neat treat because instead of me going to Tony's place of work and distracting him, came to ours and it was just lovely. Also, a
couple of years ago, we saw our town um light up on fire in a very bad way. Um, when Bealicious burnt down, we were there. We were I remember talking to Tony and saying I feel a small part of our the love of our community and my
childhood was burning and Tony was so instrumental in getting people help getting that business replaced and it was just such an awesome awesome day when I found out that Balicious was going to go into Mango Jam. So in
addition to being the customer that I know all of you did, I need a gift. I needed to be like this. I needed to be like that. When I turned 40, I went back into the shop and we were talking about what it means to be 40 and who's coming to your 40th. And um we made a joke that your friends are people who love you,
who show up for you, love your partner, show up for them, love your kids, and no matter what happens with your kids, love them, your family, and your dog. And so I said, Tony, that makes you one of my best friends. Um, I I could talk all
night, but I think I think so many people don't do what you do. And even when it's there's mistakes and problems and fighting and yelling, you always ended on a place of love and fun. And I'm looking forward to visiting you lots this next couple months. I see your
friends. I I'm the early morning visitor. Um, but I think everybody could take a note from Tony. Like I said, leaving here arguing with people and going out and finding a way to have fun with it and take your next step together is just the best thing about you. And
you will forever be my friend and our shared love will forever be Ridgewood. So Tony, it's literally standing room only and they're now piled out into the hallway. All right, that is for you. That's certainly not for us. that is for you. Um, but I too have my story about
the first time I met Tony Damiano. Uh, I had just moved to town. My wife was not feeling well. I wandered into Mango Jam with a one-year-old, a three-year-old, and my mother-in-law. Tony was able to simultaneously welcome me to Ridgewood while actually genuinely
showing interest in who I was. Uh, at the same time was able to keep my kids from breaking anything. and he was able to do it without being like the grumpy adult in the room. Like he was the cool adult who just happened to make sure my kids didn't break really expensive stuff that I couldn't afford to to pay for at the time. And to on top of all that
wound up selling a whole bunch of Wizard of Oz figurines to my mother-in-law who to this day still has them and loves them and always asks about you every time I see her cuz she's got this Wizard of Oz thing and still asks about you because she remembers you. I remember you from that day because I was so
takenback by what everyone else here is saying. You were able to make everyone feel heard, make everyone feel respected. You did it with a smile on your face. But the best part was you got to do you were doing all that while getting stuff done. I mean, that was my
first interaction with you. And the thing was, you know, as I got to know you, as I I joined the guild, I got more involved in civics in the town. I realized that that wasn't salesman salesmanship. That was just Tony being Tony. That's just what you do. Always with a smile on your face, always
getting stuff done. always making people feel good. It's such a gift, Tony. It's such a gift. Um, you know, Tony, as everyone said tonight, you are beloved and a gift to this community. The countless hours of joy you have brought
to family members and just kids and people in this village, you couldn't even count it. I mean, we're going to I I know there's a proclamation, but film festival, fall harvest festival, Winterfest, music in the park, volunteering on all your communities. just the joy you brought to everyone
just by being you. On top of all that, you have given more to this community than any one person could ever expect to give back. And your response is just to give more. Um Tony, we're a better community. We're a better village because we've had the good fortune that
you and Genie decided to call this place your home. Um you know, the term pillar of the community is thrown about like everybody uses it all the time. um is overused, but not for you. You're a pillar of this community. I grew up in
South Jersey. You're a stand-up guy. In my community, you're a mench the highest proportion. Give you an idea, and I don't think I'm giving away any secrets. This this Keys to the Village thing, Paul just made this up for you. I'm not I'm not kidding. This isn't a thing. We just
Paul and I give credit for Paul around like literally we just invented this for you because that's who you are and how much you are loved by this place. >> I am so proud to call you my friend. I'm so proud to call you and Gina my neighbor. I just want to say thank you
for all you do and all you have done both personally on behalf of a grateful grateful community. Tony, as everyone has said tonight, we just love you. So, I think we're all here tonight because Tony has made us feel good about ourselves. So, I'm going to tell my
story. I'm an emotional one. So, let's lighten it up and talk about Oktoberfest. So, Tony and I about five, six years ago were working to put that on and that's one of this town's best activities I still think. So,
besides being a crier, I'm also very emotic. And so, this year that Tony and I were working on it, that rain was expected the entire weekend. And it wasn't just rain. The first typhoon to hit New Jersey was expected.
And I'm like, "Tony, let's wait. Let's not cancel." And he's, "We might want to cancel." I'm like, "No, it's going to clear up. It's going to clear up. This event's too important. It's going to clear up." And he's like, "No." Yeah. So, so then Friday night before the event's going to start, we're out at October Fest under the tent. Nobody else
in Bridgewood is out of their house. We're under a tent and the clouds opened and it was like rivers from the sky were pouring down. There were people canoeing in the parking lot
and I said, "Tony, I think we should cancel it." And as opposed to saying, "Yeah, I told you that six hours ago." He said, "Yeah, I think you're right." And that's why you're special because
you make people feel good. Thank you. You are all here because you know Tony of today and from 10 years ago and from 20 years ago, but he was accomplished and and um admirable even before he got
to Richwood. So I wanted to tell you a little bit about his background. He has a degree in English and art education and he taught for a while and then um he went on to work for Pottery Barn and rose through the ranks to become the
director of visual marketing and store design across the country. And um he also was the uh visual merchandising director for the Dans company, if you know that pottery company. Um and has
designed and opened stores in 38 states and Puerto Rico all across the country. Um, and and I first noticed Tony's work going to the house tour and you'd walk in a dining room and you'd think, "Wow,
what a beautiful table setting." And it was always Tony's. Um, and uh, you bring people together in such a remarkable way, showcasing everyone else's talents. Um, I loved the fashion show at the
heart of motion where you brought all the businesses in and uh, Tina had all the clothes and and uh, you even had eyeglasses from Lovado Eyewear on on all the models. It was so much fun and I
really appreciate what you've done for the for the village and your energy is unbelievable. Thank you so much. You know, for anybody who's ever been in this village council chamber, um, just so you know, this is the first time in its history where there have been this
many people in the room who weren't all annoyed with the village council. And tonight, but tonight is a celebration. It's a celebration of Ridgewood's favorite son. Um, resident, entrepreneur, community
activist, all of that stuff. But personally, through the decades, he has been my partner in the central business district. He has been my ally. Most importantly, you have been my friend.
You have always put the needs of our community ahead of your own. Which is why we have asked you to sit on the boards of the Special Improvement District because if you're not on it,
who will be? and for the reconstituted Rididgewood Arts Foundation, whose mission is what was your mission, what has been your mission, which is to turn the Warner Theater into a performing arts center, and that's why you're
there. Um, in all the time I know you, you have never said no. Um, or that it can't be done, those words are just not in your vocabulary.
As we all know, Tony has a flare about him. He didn't host events. He created phenomenon one after the other after the other. And they've been mentioned before and
they'll be mentioned again. But I'm going to tell you some of my favorites. Music in the night. Movies in the park. If I can flip this. Here we go. the film festival. Who hosts a film festival?
Who has the audacity to say we're gonna have an international film festival? >> The the jazz festival. Most recently, the Pride Marketplace and my favorite of all time, the event
of the season, the Oscar party. When I think of all of the people who have had such a grand time through the years at all of these festivities and more and never knew that there was one
man behind all of them, which was always just fine with him. He is 50% inspiration, 50% workhorse,
and 50% get the hell out of his way. They say that everyone is replaceable. I think that we have finally found the exception to that rule. Tony, it is our honor, everyone in this room, to honor
you tonight. Tony, will you and Gina come and join us here? He's good. >> Come stand over here as I read the proclamation that this council has prepared for you.
Whereas Tony Damiano graduated from William Patterson University with a BA in both art and English teacher education and began his career as a teacher before pursuing his creative passions in the competitive visual
merchandising field working with prestigious companies including Pottery Barn. Whereas on February 21st, 1993, Tony married the love of his life, Gina Fernandez in Manila, the Philippines,
and together they have built a beautiful life together. And whereas in 2000, Tony opened Mango Jam. By the way, is there anybody here who doesn't have Mango Jam stuff in their house? I mean, come on. a gift shop on North Broad Street in
Ridgewood, which became a beloved cornerstone of our downtown for 20 years, earning multiple awards as best gift shop in Bergen County. And whereas Tony founded Mango Jam Interiors in
2002, a full-ervice design firm, undertaking various projects, including the transformation of celebrated Ridgewood restaurants such as Lour and Pearl, thereby enhancing the aesthetic character of our village. And whereas
Tony served eight years with the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, including two terms as president because he doesn't have enough to do in 2006 and 2007 providing visionary leadership during crucial periods of our business
community's development. And whereas in 2010, Tony founded the Rididgewood Guild, an organization which has become instrumental in maintaining the vibrancy and vitality of our central business district. And whereas as executive
director of the guild, Tony has created and sustained numerous beloved community events including the International Film Festival, Music in the Night, Mu Movies in the Park, Art in the Park, Fall
Harvest Marketplace, Winterfest, Pride Marketplace, Music Fest, October Fest, the list goes on and on and on. and with countless resident member events which bring our community together in
celebration and fellowship. And whereas Tony served on the Rididgewood Beautifification Team, the Rididgewood Library Foundation, and the Historic Preservation Commission, he also successfully resurrected the Rididgewood Arts Council after a 10-year
hiatus. And whereas during coid9 pandemic, Tony worked tirelessly with local officials to help restaurants expand safely onto the sidewalk and into dining corral, exemplifying his dedication to support
fellow business owners during their darkest hours. And whereas Tony's volunteerism has been known and felt throughout the entire Rididgewood community, touching the lives of literally thousands of village residents
and those in surrounding communities while serving as a role model for entrepreneurship, creativity, and civic engagement. And whereas our community stands united in support of our dear friend and his
loving wife Dean Gina during this incredibly difficult time recognizing that Tony has always been there for Rididgewood. And now it is our turn to be there for Tony. Now therefore, be it resolved that the
village council of the village of Rididgewood does hereby proclaim November 5th, 2025 as Tony Damiano Day in the village of Rididgewood as an expression of the village's profound gratitude and appreciation for the
lasting impact of his work which will continue to have on the village of Rididgewood and its residents for years to come. On behalf of a grateful community, let's hear it for our friend Tony Doniano.
And in case you hadn't heard, Tony is getting the first ever key to the village of Ridgewood. I will read the inscription and hand it to my friend. The key to the village of Rididgewood in
recognition of your dedicated service to our community for over 25 years of bringing vitality and energy to the Rididgewood's central business district. Your tireless work and dedication have left a legacy of special events which
will continue to invite multiple generations to enjoy and fall in love with Rididgewood's historic business district ensuring the stability of the business community. We thank you for your unwavering commitment and leadership and we are proud to honor you
for your many years of improving the village of Rididgewood presented with gratitude and appreciation by the village council of the village of Rididgewood on this day Tony Damiano Day. Well, needless to say, I am so
overwhelmed. Um, this is a great honor. I I couldn't ask for more and I hope to continue my tenure as community leader and create wonderful events. And the one thing I want to say is no person could do this
alone. This is all of you helping me create these events and carrying through. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart. No, you keep that. >> Yeah. Thank you all so much for being here
tonight. We have It has been maybe the nicest night that has ever taken place in this room. One, two, three. >> Love you. Don't forget your proclamation. >> There's a box for that. Thank you all. We're going to take a
five minute recess. Um, for those of you who want to stay around and watch us buy the Ford pickup truck I mentioned earlier, uh, for the rest of you, I know. >> Listen. >> All right. >> I could have moved this alone 15
minutes. >> Thanks everybody. >> You know, by the way, I haven't even noticed you're there tonight. >> Okay, >> friends. Friends, we are going to continue with our
meeting. Remember, I know that the rest of you really want to find out about what color that Ford pickup truck is. >> Thank you all. Thank you all for being here tonight. And so let us continue with our meeting.
Heather, do you need to take another role? >> Yes. Council member Mortimer, >> I'm still here. >> Deputy Mayor Parin, >> yes. >> Council member Whites, >> here. >> Council member Wendigrad >> here. >> And Mayor Bajanos >> here. >> Okay. >> And so let's go to that other public
comment. Good evening. Ann loving Ridgewood resident. I wanted to uh mentioned something that I wrote to all of you about last week. There's an idea floating around about planting 250 trees next year in honor of the 250th
anniversary of the country. And I think it's a fantastic idea. It's not my idea, but I think it's great. And um the thought is that this should go onto the budget. Now that budget season is starting, this is the right time to
think about it. Not to be part of the parks budget, not to be part of the regular tree planting schedule, not to be part of the sapling initiative at in different school systems, but to be its own its own entity. specifically 250
trees to honor the 250th anniversary of our country. So I hope you are going to consider that for the budget. Thank you. >> Thank you an good evening mayor and council. Michael no Ridgewood resident. I'm here tonight
to talk about the new bicycle lane on South Pleasant by Hor School. I wasn't sure myself how many kids actually use this bike lane uh coming to school. So, I got up early in the morning and went over to the corner of Dorchester and
South Pleasant to see for myself as it was a nice sunny day. I was surprised to see only two kids riding to school that day. Both of them rode on the sidewalk. I had a nice long talk with the crossing
guard who has worked on that corner for the past nine and a half years. He told me that about 8 to 10 kids ride their bikes to school, but only during the first few weeks of the year and the last few weeks of the year when the weather
is warm. I was surprised to learn that the high school kids who worked on the um the project never spoke to this crossing guard. Like I said, he was there nine and a half years. Nor did the police or anyone else from the town talk to the crossing guard.
The crossing guard also told me that none of the kids ride in the street. I spoke to the parents who pointed out correctly that the bike lane is only on the east side of the street, which means that kids only could use the bike lane
leaving the school but not riding to the school. They also pointed out that the bike lane ends at Gro Street, so older kids wouldn't be able to currently but ride to the high school after Gro Street.
Another parent pointed out correctly that having cars parked on the street slows traffic down, which I also observed. All the parents I spoke to didn't know and were quite surprised to learn that they wouldn't be able to park
in front of their house. It was interesting to note that the final report from the high school stated that cars would be allowed to park in the bike lane and this was repeated to the public by the mayor in a
prior meeting. So, what do we do? Well, option number one is approve the parking ordinance and there's 30 houses that abut the new bike path and they wouldn't be able to park in front of their house. Option two is to reject this ordinance
and paint over the bike lane and simply go back to how it was. I know the town manager stated that we got some funds to pave that section of the road with the bike lane, but that section of the road was in desperate need of repaving
anyways and would have been a town expense. Hopefully, the town manager can negotiate a small repayment to the Department of Transportation if we delete the bike lane. I don't know if option three is possible, but just not enforce the parking ordinances. I hope
you'll consider option number two. Thank you. >> Thank you, Michael. >> Cynthia O'Keefe, Rididgewood resident. So, in looking through the Sunshine Binder, I noticed um the suburban document where it um talks about
wetlands. I believe it's page seven. Um, and Keith, I believe that you mentioned at not only a fields committee meeting in March of this year, but also around that same time at a village council meeting that there were no
wetlands whatsoever. So my question after, I guess, paying Suburban, you know, over $10,000 to perform a wetlands assessment, um, when did Suburban realize there were wetlands?
When did the NJD determine there were wetlands? And why would declarative statements to the contrary be um be made publicly? Uh it's very confusing. Um I think now
you've left us in a quandry what's really going on. Um, you know, it seems to be uh the Shedler saga, but if you could provide some clarity because I was at both of those meetings where I heard you definitely
say there were no wetlands and you know based on this uh assessment, but there is paperwork that not only what's in the binder tonight, but other paperwork that has been uh identified stating that there were
conversations going back and forth between suburban engineering and the NJ to that effect. So I would like to hear from anybody who wants to answer this question what's going on. Thank you.
>> Thank Thank you Cynthia >> Carolyn Jacobe Richwood resident. First I just have to thank you all for what you did for me and this community and Tony tonight. This was uh
so uh remarkably special. Really, I'm I'm so moved and thank you for doing this. Really, this was so outstanding for everybody. Um I also want to give a a huge shout out to Nancy
Beos and her efforts with the New York New Jersey Trail Conference. Um, Councilwoman Peron was there with uh with me and a number of other residents on Sunday reviewing
um protocol for how do you retread these uh areas and how to uh how do you create trails and do everything. And uh I really encourage all of you to walk through Grove Grove Park, 30 plus acres
of this remarkable space that we have in this community. And it is really in such dire need of attention uh not only for trails, but we have, as you will know, I will mention
tree diseases that are affecting all of our our trees. We're losing all of our beaches and we're going to lose enormous amounts of of trees in that area and it is a flood plane. The trees really do enormous work for absorbing the water.
So we we and we need all of the retention places that we can have for potential flooding. So uh Mrs. loving suggestion of 250 trees. Grove Park would be a wonderful place for us to
park to to plant 250 smaller trees initially, keep them away from the deer. We would do what we need to do using the right tree for that environment and uh we can make it happen and hopefully I don't know. I was so
pleased to see the open space referendum passing. we have money and this is in infrastructure and maybe we can somehow manage to do that but that would be a wonderful initiative for our 250th anniversary. Thank you all. >> Thank you Carolyn.
Anyone else from the audience? Seeing no one, we're going to go to our hybrid access. Janet Riley, forgive me uh for interrupting you earlier, but we are ready for you now. Hi, Janet Riley, 487 Dorchester Road.
Yeah, I'm sorry. I apologize for interrupting the ceremony. It's >> all good. >> Sorry. Um, so as I was saying, I'm calling in to ask you to, as the earlier gentleman said, um, either not enforce the bike lane or to remove it. Um, I'm a huge supporter of biking. I bike every
Sunday with my children. Um, I live around the corner from this bike lane. Um, and I'm a a political science professor, so I do a lot of community service projects. And my understanding is that this was um a community service initiative by high school students to
improve the community. Um, which is wonderful. But it seems to me it missed an essential step in community service projects, which is outreach to the community and what we call community needs assessment, which should always be done before any kind of, you know, project to quote unquote help a
community is conducted. Um otherwise you end up imposing your own ideas of helping without really you know getting local buy in. Uh which seems to be the case in this is in this instance. Um the the bike lane I mean one is not necessary as the gentleman earlier noted
the children who uh are live in this neighborhood they bike on the sidewalk. I I don't see kids biking in the street. Um it's extremely unfair to the residents who live on that street. I mean, bike lanes are normally put into places that have high traffic, right?
And not residential neighborhoods. Um, the lawns where we live has generally small plots of the homes are on small plots. The driveways are single width and don't have a space to turn around. There's a lot of them don't have garages. Um, and so we rely on being
able to pull our cars out and park on the street. Um, otherwise we're pulling cars in and out all day, you know, if we can't park on the street. Um, so one, I just I feel it's extremely unfair to the residents on that street if they can't park in front of their homes. Um, second, I live, as I said, around the
corner on Dorchester. Um, South Pleasant is an extremely wide, straight street. It's perfect for parking on. Um, the school, it does not allow you to park in the front or the back parking lots. And so parents rely on parking on the street
both for pickup and drop off. But it's it can take I mean you can you can drive three cars with across the street and it's completely straight. So it affords great visibility and plenty of place to place to park. Um whereas if you don't allow people to park on that street they
will start parking on the surrounding streets where I live. Um and Dorchester and the streets around South Pleasant are extremely windy and much narrower. Uh it's not safe for children to be walking those streets if you have cars parked on either side. it decreases
visibility and also right at the corner of basically South Pleasant um Ellington and Dorchester is where the middle school bus drops off my daughter and those kids you know spill out into the surrounding streets. If you have street if you have cars parked on either side
of those streets it creates a visibility problem and we've seen children other neighborhoods hit by cars darting out you know as they've tried to cross the streets. Um I've spoken to many many people in this neighborhood. No one has expressed support for this bike lane. As I said, I'm a huge, you know, green
initiative supporter and bike supporter, but it's just this seems to have been really misguided. And I think it would be a good lesson for the, you know, the students who who supported this to take it one step further and to kind of follow up on this project and do some
kind of community outreach to understand the impact on the community. Um, and I I really hope this can be corrected. Um because it's I I don't think it's fair to the community to rob them of the street parking. >> Janet, your time is up. If you could finish up, please.
>> Yep, that's it. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Amy, you're up. Amy, you're Oh, there you go. >> Um hi, Amy McAbridge, Richmond resident. Um tonight I'm addressing uh something
that was just brought up. Um, it's been repeatedly denied by this governing body the existence of wetlands at the Shedler property. For months, you guys have told the public, um, there are no wetlands. But the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, your own
regulatory authority, said otherwise, and you guys knew it. On July 23rd, 2025, Ashley Wendawi, environmental specialist for the NJ DP, stated in writing, and I quote, "There was a very strong presence of hydroidic
vegetation, cattails, soft rush, iris, fragmites, and the area was ponded when everything else was bone dry and contained hydric soils." He went on to say, "When we took augur borings, the holes immediately filled up with water, which is typically a sign of high or perched water table." And then this is
the most important line. She concluded either way the area is jurisdictional. Those are her exact way uh her exact words. That means that the DP considers the area a regulated freshwater wetlands under state law. So I'm asking tonight
one simple question. Why did you tell the public that there were no wetlands when the D itself confirmed that there are? Your own village manager, Keith Kasmar, said the Shipo application was dependent on a wetlands LOI, but no LOI was ever obtained and somehow somehow
the application still moved forward. That means the project advanced under false or incomplete environmental information. That means either Shipo was misled or the village knowingly ignored state findings. Either way, it's not just unethical, it's illegal under New
Jerseys Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act. You cannot just pave over wetlands. Um, you cannot just destroy that area. The DE confirmed it in black and white that wetlands do exist at Shedler while you guys denied it and lied and lied and
lied to the public to Shipo or they're just as wrong as you guys are. Um, so I'm asking tonight for immediate accountability. Who signed off on a project without a valid LOI? Who told Shippo that there were no wetlands? and who is willing to take responsibility
for once again violating the public trust. We know the public now knows and now it's on record and we're never going to let this happen. You guys have lied so much and you are tearing down things that we need to live. You're going to ruin that neighborhood and their water
and you guys still I like I just can't believe it. I'm I'm just so disgusted and shocked with the letter that we have, Oprah, proving that you knew and you went ahead and you lied. You lied. You guys are liars. Shame on you. Thank
you. >> Thank you, Amy. Rurick, you're up. >> Yeah. Uh Rurick Hab on a more pleasant uh subject. Uh, Richard Resin, by the way, uh, yesterday was a wonderful day.
A wonderful day from California to the New York Island to the village of Rididgewood. Yes, this land is for you and me. In Rididgewood, we passed the open space ballot referendum by a landslide.
60% in favor and 40% against. The results of the referendum made me wonder why the landslide in my opinion. There are several reasons. First, one village, one vote allowed
Rididgewood's silent majority to make itself heard. Yes, still waters run deep and underestimate the intelligence of a richwood voter at your own risk. Do not
underestimate the intelligence of a rigid voter. Another reason is the professional way the village council planned the referendum and explained what it was all about. And here I include the excellent material and
graphics prepared by Village Hall for the mailing and social media. But to me, ironically, the unsung heroes who helped immeasurably were many of the people who railed against the referendum. Whenever
they came up with yet another outrageous reason for voting against the referendum, 10 people decided to vote yes. So to the village council, to the village hall, congratulations and thank you. People will remember a wonderful
referendum that was passed. Thank you. >> Thank you, Rurick. Anyone else? >> Seeing no one, I'm going to close public comment and ask the council and the manager if anyone would like to respond to any of the comments made this evening. So, Mayor, with regard to the
suburban proposal that's on tonight's agenda and the uh passage that discussed the freshwater wetlands general permit six, um the way that this works and the way that the village council chose to go about this was Suburban was contracted
by the council to go in and do a study as to whether or not there were uh confirmed wetlands on the property. Suburban submitted a report to us that there were not. However, that process requires concurrence from the NJD.
Um, that is what the first line of this passage on page seven of the suburban proposal that we will talk about later tonight says. Based on the determination of the NJD during the freshwater wetland LOI presence absence presence absence
review, Suburban will prepare an administrative administratively complete application for general permit 6. That's if necessary. So if the Determines that we need to apply for a general permit 6, Suburban will take care of that as part
of the proposal that was submitted tonight. No one lied. No one misrepresented any facts. The fact is is that suburb in suburban's professional opinion there is an absence of wetlands. But that concurrence needs to be confirmed by DP. Our other option and I
think council member Wintergrad brought this up was we could have waited in the queue for D to do that whole process. We elected to have Suburban do the initial review and then seek concurrence from the D. That's the process concerning the wetlands. So, I'm going to pick up on that um
because the word the saga of Shedler. So, upon taking her seat, there was a lot of um past due diligence that should have been done on the property in order for any council to move forward in any way. Um an LOI was required because we're encumbered by the state. Um if we
had waited for D, it would have been 12 to 18 months. So, we made the collective decision to move forward and hire Suburban, a highly reputable technical company to run this study. Um, I I will say that we have a $2.6 million asset
where heavy investing had occurred. You know, we all forget to talk about the house. This study, in order for the house to move forward, needed to be done. We had a clamoring from the residents. It was insisted. So, we did issue it because by law, we had to do it. We felt that it was not right to
wait for it. That was all publicly disclosed, publicly discussed, but there's no doubt that upon taking our seat, a lot of past due diligence needed to be done with the property, and the LOI was one of them. Um, so I want to say that and I just want to remind the
public at this point there's effectively $9.4 million including with the contamination hung up in Shedler. The time has come to move that forward for all the reasons, but mostly financial. $10,000 on a state requirement is is
necessary, required, and insignificant when you look at $9.4 million that has been held since 2009. I'm just going to keep going. Um, with respect to the tree planting because this has come up. Um, everyone on the council I I believe I had written back on the email is looking
for ways to honor the 250 um, within Shade Tree where this idea came up. Thank you Nancy Brendan Hill for all our advocacy. We're trying to determine whether we can do 250 street trees because that's a lot given the public appetite for street trees. I have met
with uh, council member Mortimer. We're talking about if we could split it, if we can put it in parks. We love the idea. Um 250 has many ideas. Also within Shade Tree, we're on a search and this will be going out in the e- notice for a liberty tree which means effectively we're looking for really old trees o
over the age of 250 years old. We're going to do a search through the schools. So um I want to thank Shade Tree for their advocacy. You'll be hearing a lot of these ideas in 2026, but Carolyn, of course, I love love what you said. I love that you came and that you're still advocating for the trees.
And I think somewhere between shade tree and parks, we can make some things happen as we stumble forward in the budget. And I kind of like the combination of both, but we have to see what each of our boards think about it. Um, and lastly, I did just want to say to the one caller, the the young women
who presented the bike lane study are now in college. Um, this study was done in conjunction with the board of ed, the principles. Um, it was covered here by the press. It was broadcasted and displayed on social media. They were all very interested in outreach and you know
there they were three high school seniors and they really did their best. We partner with them every year and we're very grateful for it. I do hear what the caller said but uh this was not sort of these girls did a lot of engagement I I should say as my daughter says these young women. Um so I just
want to clarify that and they're you know I don't even know if all of them are still living in Ridgewood. I could try to find out, connect them, but I did just want to address they went really above and beyond and it was an A+ project. The board of ed was involved, the schools were involved, police and
everybody. So that's all I want to say. >> Anyone else? >> Seeing no one, we will move on with our agenda. Keith, >> thank you, Mayor. Um, first I am pleased to report that the open space ballot
question that was on the general election ballot yesterday uh was approved by the voters here in Ridgewood. The unofficial numbers as reported by the county clerk's office as of this morning were 5,210
yes votes to 3,613 no votes. So, we will be moving forward and working with our finance uh department and with our tax collector to make that adjustment for calendar year 2026. I also want to thank everyone who has so
generously donated to our food donation drive in light of the federal government's decision to suspend SNAP benefits uh to over 200 families here in Ridgewood. Uh the mayor has worked closely with a lot of our organizations
here in the village uh to have drop off points for food donations. I can tell you that we've had overwhelming um amount of people come into village hall. If you walked through the lobby uh yesterday morning, there were endless
bags of food. Um but we are continuing to accept those for the next week or two. And the drop off locations are Village Hall, the public library, the YMCA, St. Elizabeth's Church, um First Presbyterian Church, Temple Israel,
Emanuel Church, and the Unitarian Society. So, anyone who would still like to donate um to um SSA, feel free to drop off any donations to those locations. Also pleased to report that the new traffic signal um which has
larger lights um and is much more visible has been installed by our signal division at Oak and Glenn. Um the addition of this enhanced traffic signal does not negate the fact that we are still having conversations with the county of Bergen about the possibility
of putting in a full traffic signal at that intersection. However, that's easier said than done. Um, one of the things that we've talked about, council member Mortimer and I have been on some Zoom calls with the county engineer along with our engineering department
here in the village. And one of the concerns is is that if you signalize fully signalize Oak and Glenn, could that potentially back up traffic to um Glenn and Maple and create a bigger problem? So, those are some of the things that we are talking about uh with
the county as to how those two lights, if they ever came to f fruition, would need to interact. Also pleased that our signal division has prepared the site for the arrival of the new bus shelter in front of Ridgewood High School. Uh
retaining walls installed, concrete pad is installed, and I'm told that before Thanksgiving, we should expect the new shelter to be installed by New Jersey Transit. Um, our tree planting, residential tree planting is in full
effect. We have, um, our vendor uh, around town planting new trees. And I'm also pleased that the balance of the saplings from Sapling Saturday, which was a week or two ago, um, will tomorrow be delivered uh, to our schools. Uh,
each of the schools is going to accept the sapling to be planted on their property. So, I want to thank Dr. Schwarz and his team at the Ridgewood Public Schools for partnering with us in that endeavor. And finally, um, Haw Field Project uh, started yesterday. Uh,
they were on hiatus today because Haw Elementary School had uh, state testing. Uh, but they will be back there tomorrow and they will be working um, for until Sunday if necessary. Uh, so that they are working during the teachers convention break. uh there are no
students at the school and we wanted to schedule this project with the least disruption uh to the education of the students who attend Haw School. Just a few announcements. Um first, the 1 million minutes of wellness challenge um
has hit the midway mark. We've now exceeded 500,000 minutes uh logged in. This is a 12-week challenge and is the cornerstone of the 2025 Mayor's Wellness Campaign. It's designed to introduce participants of all ages and abilities
to the eight pillars of wellness. Simply log in your minutes between now and December 5th by visiting the wellness challenge web page um on the village page. Leaf season has begun. Uh the leaves have started to more aggressively fall of late. Um the streets division is
out collecting and as the leaves continue to fall, we will extend their hours to try to stay ahead um of leaf collection. I want to stress that on the mailer that when home uh the dates are to place the leaves curbside, they are not the dates in which the streets
division will be by to collect in front of your home. Village Hall and all village offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th, and observance of Veterans Day. There'll be no garbage or recycling pickup on Tuesday. Also on November 11th, Veterans Day, at
11:00 a.m., American Legion Post 53 will be hosting a Veterans Day service at Vaness Square. All are invited to attend. The village council and the parks and recreation department are inviting everyone to Habernickle Park for the grand opening and ribbon cutting
of the ADA playground next Friday, November 14th at 3:30 p.m. Again, everyone is welcome to attend that event as well. The next Bergen County Utilities Authority household hazardous waste event will take place on Saturday,
November 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. That's rain or shine at the Bergen County Utilities Authority on Empire Boulevard in Munaki. Residents must stay in their vehicles at all times and please have your materials in your trunk, cargo area, or trunk bed to
easily access uh to be accessed by staff uh who will remove the materials from each vehicle. And finally, our upcoming village council meetings. November 12th is a public meeting, December 3rd is a work session, and December 10th is a public meeting. Each start at 7:30 p.m.
Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Keith. And let's go to council reports. Frank, >> thanks, Mayor. Today, I am all about the open space referendum, and I am so happy that it passed with an overwhelming
majority of 59%. 59%. And I was so excited today. I was thinking I was thinking back to high school, which was a long time for me, but even longer time for Paul. >> I was waiting for that one.
>> And I remembered learning about the term the silent majority. And today, the more I thought about, the more I realized that the silent majority really describes the voters of Ridgewood. The majority of Ridgewood voters don't decide how to vote because of what's being said on social media. Instead, they vote for what's right for our
village. So, I'd like to thank the 5,210 plus people that voted yes on this referendum and let each of them know that I am so very proud of our community. Together, we are going to use these open space funds to protect Ridgewood's natural beauty, preserve it
for future generations, and invest in our community's quality of life. Now, we will be able to acquire open land if and when it becomes available, improve neighborhood pocket parks and trails, revitalize areas overtaken by invasive species, and create accessible and
welcoming green spaces for all residents. And still, if anyone wants to know more about what open space does, our committee meets um at 700 p.m. at the stable the second Thursday of every of every month. stop on by. And once again,
thank you, Ridgewood. This is awesome. >> Thank you, Frank. Tell us how you really feel about this. Evan, >> I was just going to remind my fellow council Mortimer that making fun of other council members for being older than you is a bit of a slippery slope. Uh but no, I do want to thank Frank for
um the work at Oaken Glenn. I know Keith mentioned it. Uh the work looks great. Um especially at night. Um way bigger, way brighter. Um a colossal improvement. Also want to just reiterate um Keith's invitation on Veterans Day. The Veterans Day event in Vanest is a wonderful event. I know most of us will be there.
Um really important to honor our veterans. It's always well done. Uh would encourage everyone to come out for it's usually an hour or so. A really great use of our time. Um the only committee I had that met um in the last two weeks was library. Um just very few highlights. Um we're in the midst right
now of doing a upgrade on our bathrooms. Construction on that should be done by the end of the year. really really nice uh improvement to the library. Uh we've also just just about finished our HVAC upgrade as well. Again, really well done. Really nice job by the um entire library staff. Um I was struck by one uh
I'm always struck by this, but um I was particularly struck at the last meeting uh by one statistic that in the month of September over 7,000 7,000 people participated in library programs just in the month of September. Um a real testament to our library staff and the great work that they do.
Thanks, Evio. >> Sure. So, I have a couple things. First of all, I want to thank um the YMCA where several of us had the opportunity to attend their gala which was lovely. It was at Richard Country Club. Uh several hundred people showed up and rallied around the idea of funding camp
for those children in the community who can't afford it. I want to thank our partners at the YMCA, um, past Mayor Ramon Hashe, it was lovely and they exceeded their goal of raising $200,000 to have children in need participate in camp. So, thank you to them. Uh,
yesterday our fields uh, our fields meeting was cancelled. Um, and I just want to take a brief moment and thank the Ridgwood Police Department and the Bergen County K9 unit and our clerk's office and everybody who um at 6:15 in the morning um really made sure that our
polls were open and safe and um I just I really want to say that while these things can be scary, I am filled with gratitude that we live here and we have the amenities and we have the partnership with Bergen County to call in the dogs and that voting occurred throughout the day. So, thank you. Um, I
too want to thank the voters. I want to thank everybody who voted yes and no. And I did love seeing down ballot attrition early reports, close to 9,000 on our public question, which is not insignificant turnout for Rididgewood. Um, obviously we were all elected down
ballot, so it's always nice to see turnout down there. Really, really high. Um, it shows whether you voted yes or no, you're invested and you took the time. Now I'm gonna make fun of lawyers and open space, the very long explanation. So, thank you to everybody
who voted yes and no. Um, and mostly who participated in a conversation that isn't binary. It's not just yes or no. It could be maybe you want more open space, but you're tax sensitive and we hear you. Maybe you don't want it used for this. So, I just thought it was such
a great compliment to our town and as you know, past league voter registration person, I thought it was impressive to see that number. I also want to thank the clerk's office, our lawyer, um, and the open space committee partic particularly Mr. Bosler who went on in
unbelievable road show to make sure that this community was informed and, you know, had the ability to answer questions. So, thank you to everybody there. Um, Shade Tree will meet on Monday. We have a change because of Veterans Day. We're going to be meeting
on a Monday here. If anybody wants to come and talk about liberty trees or if you happen to find a 250 year old tree, we'd welcome you. Um, and lastly, I just while the communications committee doesn't exist anymore, um, I want to say a curious story that, you know, when we took our seat, we vowed to enhance
communications and when the snaps snaps email went out, it was overwhelming to me to see that one, the email was read, and two, the community responded and you could actually see it. And I, you know, there were several individuals on that committee who all
reached out to me and they were so happy with the SNAPS initiative, which was Paul's and the councils and but really without the ability to communicate and enhance communication services, we would never be able to harness all the goodness that came out of here. So, I want to thank everybody who gave, who
shared the message, who posted it. And I really want to thank that committee and Dylan Hansen who made sure that the technology that we have gets a message when it's really important about hunger and food insecurity and kids in our village who may go without lunch. So, just a big shout out to a committee that
doesn't meet, but I had the luxury of connecting with last week and I think many of the members of the council did as well. And I want to just loosely say to Paul, um, these messages are so so important for those of us that have worked in that space. It was amazing to see the letter go out and literally see
everything that came with it. So, thank you for writing it. Thank you for making it happen. Keith and Heather, thank you for hosting it and making all of it come true. And if you haven't yet, I strongly encourage you to donate in any way, any shape or form, even if it's not to the village effort. >> Thanks, Siobhan.
>> Mayor, can I just mention one thing? >> By all means. Um, I I do want to acknowledge um what occurred yesterday morning uh before the polls opened. Uh I want to just commend everyone who was involved yesterday morning when that
bomb threat came in. Uh it was received by email uh to a school employee at Somerville School. Um Heather woke me up yesterday morning at about 20 minutes to 6. Um let us know what was happening. Um
the police department, Chief Lions, his detective bureau was right on top of things. We were on the phone with Dr. Schwarz within minutes. Um he was on his way into the office um to address the situation, but it was seamless. Um
obviously completely unexpected. I don't think anybody expected to to wake up to that yesterday morning. um grateful and thankful um that those threats throughout the state, not just here in Rididgewood, were unfounded. Um but to our team here, and when I say our team,
I mean our village clerk, our police department, uh leadership at the public schools, the leadership at the board of elections. Um we were all able to work seamlessly uh to address the situation. Uh Dr. Schwarz made the decision to close the schools, which I think was the
right decision uh just because of the uncertainty that was happening um as these decisions were being made and needed to be made quickly. Uh but I just want to thank everyone. Um it made for a a seamless election day despite uh the disturbances uh that occurred with those
two evacuations that we had to have throughout the day. >> Thanks, Keith. Pam. >> Well, you saw tonight how important it is to honor people who have done good works. And the Y gala uh this past weekend was to honor Katherine and
Joseph Schmidt who have been very active in our community through Habitat through Humanity, Habitat for Humanities. You may know um the magazine Rididgewood Living that is edited by Katherine Schmidt. And um I'm I'm pleased to call
them friends and it was a wonderful evening. Also uh there was a Girl Scout gold and silver awards ceremony. They uh came up with a bumper crop of gold award recipients this year, more than any
prior year, I believe. So it was great to hear how accomplished and compassionate these girls were in their various projects. Um, I was I was very pleased to to honor them. Um,
and I also want to thank Jeannie Johnson, Kathy Woo Brady, and Jacqueline Carter for mounting the first outside air mural in the central business district. If you look at uh the alleyway
next to 11 Oak Street, uh there is a new beautiful educational interactive mural uh that that Jacqueline Carter painted and it is the first of several we hope to come. And uh let's see, the
planning board did not meet last night. Uh our next meeting is November 18th if we have applications. Green Ridge Ridgwood meets tomorrow in the senior lounge at 7:30m. The central business district meeting
will be via Zoom on November 13th at 8:30 in the morning. We also have a subcommittee meeting on parking tomorrow. Um the Ridgewood Business Alliance is in startup mode. Uh we are
looking for office space, insurance, um IRS designation as a 501c3 and all kinds of things like that. the New York New Jersey trail conference that Carol and Jacobe mentioned um did their final
training on Sunday and we are looking to create a pyramid structure um that that uh will make use of people who walk in the parks. I mean lots of us appreciate our parks and walk
in the parks. If you could volunteer once a month to walk through the park that of your choice for a short stretch of a trail and report back anything you see that needs attention like a blow
down a blown down tree or um um erosion or rutting. Uh it you don't have to do anything. you just report it up the chain and if necessary then the captain will send a sawyer out to take care of a
tree. Um if there's garbage uh so there are and if trails need to be marked. So we are looking for volunteers. If you would like to be walking in the parks uh it's a good excuse to be outside. Call
me, email me, or Frank um or Nancy Beos. And let's see, one last thing. This is a message from the director of recycling. Do not put pumpkins in the street. >> Yeah. >> Um it's dangerous. They become slippery
when they rot and they can cause accidents. Do not put pumpkins in the street. That's all I have. >> Thanks, Pam. Um, for those for anybody who questions what a magnificent village we live in, um, uh, to bear witness to
the tribute to our friend Tony tonight, um, warmed my heart as so many of these events do. Um, last week there was a celebration of Dvali, a Hindu festival that was at the high school. Hundreds and hundreds showed up. And if you
didn't even care about Dvali, you should go because the food is amazing. Um, and the dancing and the entertainment and the warmth and the welcoming attitude uh of everyone there. It's absolutely lovely. Um, the Y gala that um Siobhan
mentioned, um, I'm a former Y camper as a boy. And let me tell you something, they raised a lot of money for people who need a little leg up and you left that night saying, "Boy, I'm glad I
was there." It was it was just wonderful. I kudos to my my good friend Ramon Hashe. um the food drive. Uh I was absolutely overwhelmed with the response that this
community had to those people in our community who also need a leg up. Um and the food just keeps coming and coming. And um you know when this council reached out to uh our partners, the Y,
the schools, the houses of worship, everybody said they were in and it was an all hands on deck moment. Um I I I actually got a call from a couple of people who we don't agree on a lot of things, but we agreed on this and they
came to the table and and I was absolutely moved by that. It was wonderful. Um, coming up, the Elder Dinner again that that Siobhan mentioned, let me tell you something. It's a great event. It's just lovely. It makes it makes Thanksgiving into a
season instead of a day or a weekend. Um, something very important to me, election day that took place yesterday. Um, to all of you who voted, regardless of who you voted for, whether you voted
for the referendum, against the referendum, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for voting. There are millions and millions of Americans who have died so that we could have this right. And there are billions of people around the world who
would die to have that right. So, I don't really care who you vote for. I am just grateful that you voted and I am appreciative of that. And speaking of voting, let's take a moment to recognize
Sheila Broen who has served on the board of education for time immemorial and she does such a great job. No one no one filed a petition to oppose her.
you know that that woman is an icon in this community and I take my hat off to her and oh by the way just in case you didn't know today was Tony Damiano day. Okay so and and with that we will move
on to our regular agenda. Keith, >> thank you mayor. Uh I'd like to ask our representatives from Bridgewood Water. Bill Lonnie and Mike if you'd come up. >> We have the special public meeting first. >> Oh I'm sorry. That's okay. >> You guys you got you you could make your
way up anyway while Heather does that. This way we're saving time. But Heather, the floor is yours on that. >> The um under operations, we have the adoption of the revised human resources manual. Um these are some of the policies that we have implemented over
the last year at the local level in addition to changes that have been either mandated or recommended uh by the Bergen Joint Insurance Fund. So, um, Heather's office has worked to incorporate, um, all of those various
changes into the manual, uh, for 2026. >> So, we'll move on to the special public meeting. Um, I need a motion to suspend the work session and convene the special move. >> Second. Okay, hold on. Mortimer, >> yes. >> Pin, yes. >> Whites, yes.
>> Yes. >> And, yes. Mayor, if you could call to order the statement of compliance. >> Here we go. >> This is the village council special public meeting. The date is November 5th, 2025. The time is 9:20.
Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, the record, and by submission to all persons entitled the same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting. Roll call.
>> Council member Mortimer >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Pin >> here. Council member Whites >> here. >> Council member Winterrad >> here. Mayor Rajanis >> here. Comments from the public? Seeing none, I'm going to close public comment. >> On to the ordinances.
>> I'm getting there. >> I'm getting there. I got it. >> I move the clerk read ordinance 4061 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened. >> Second. >> Mortimer.
>> Yes. >> Parin. >> Yes. >> Whites. >> Yes. >> Wiggrad. >> Yes. >> Vaganos. >> Yes. Will the clerk please read the title of ordinance 4061? An ordinance vacating the public interest of the village of Ridgewood in a certain portion of Marbor Road to
satisfy the 1983 disposal of Green Acres restricted property in accordance with New Jersey Green Acres program requirements NJAC 736-1 EDSAC >> the public hearing is now open
>> I move seeing no one I move the public hearing be closed Second. >> I move that ordinance for Oh, sorry. >> Mortimer. >> Yes. >> Pamman, >> yes. >> Uh, Whites, >> yes. >> Wiggrad, >> yes. >> And Vaganos, >> yes. >> I move that ordinance 4061 be adopted on
the second reading and final publication as required by law. >> Second. >> Uh, Mortimer, >> yes. >> Parin, >> yes. >> Whites, >> yes. >> Wiggrad, >> yes. >> Vagos, >> yes. I move the clerk read ordinance 4062 by
title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened. >> Second. >> Mortimer. >> Yes. >> Aaron, >> yes. >> Whites, >> yes. >> Wiggrad, >> yes. >> Andos, >> yes. Will the clerk please read the title of ordinance 4062?
a bond ordinance providing for improvements to King's Palm Park and Playground in and by the village of Rididgewood in the county of Bergen, New Jersey, appropriating $618,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance of $587,000 bonds or notes of the village to finance
part of the cost thereof. >> The public hearing is now open. >> Uh, good evening, Boyd A Loving. I live in Ridgewood. Uh, I realize that you're pressed for time here because of the amount of time the initial um recognition for Mr. Danny Damiano took.
So, I'll just fire off these questions very quickly that I have and then you could respond to them. I'll take my seat and we won't waste a lot of time here. Uh, question number one, are grant monies going to be used to fund this project or is this strictly going to be bond money? Uh, question number two,
does is the construction of this playground contingent upon NJD approval of the diversion? Question three, is a rendering of the playground available? And if so, has it been shown to the people who are going
to live directly across the street from this playground? From what I see in the uh transparency binder, it is going to be a little Tikes playground. Can you confirm that that is still the case? And the final questions concern the site itself. There's been some concerns
expressed on social media about the presence of a body of water near a site that is going to be used for playground for little tikes. Uh will the monies that are being bonded allow for the construction of the proper fencing or whatever else it takes to ensure that
nobody falls into that pond? And uh I don't believe there are any sidewalks on that street. But does the money allow for the construction of sidewalks so that people can walk to the facility as opposed to having being driven to the facility? And uh what other improvements are planned like an enlarged parking lot
or whatever? Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Boyd. Anybody else? Seeing no one, I move the public hearing be closed. Second. >> Mortimer. >> Yes. >> Parin. >> Yes. >> Whites? >> Yes. >> Wiggrad?
>> Yes. Vanas? Yes, >> excuse me. Uh, mayor, I'll defer to Heather on responding to Mr. Loving. Uh, she's been working on this project uh for many years now. >> Right. So, grant monies are not being used for this. This is all through this
bond ordinance. Um, the construction of the playground, you asked, is that subject to D approval? While Green Acres has to approve everything that we're doing. If you're referring to NGT Green Acres, they are approving each step of
the way before it goes to the state house commission. Um the rendering of the playground, my understanding is is still the Little Tikes um version of it. Um and so we are going to move forward with that. Um they're concerned with the presence of the body of water. The
playground is actually going to be located closer to where the um wellhouse is for the water department, but not like set back. There'll be there are benches there. Now, there will be additional seating as well as um um it's
not a pavilion, but a smaller area that people can go to small to get out of Thank you. to get out of the sun to if all of a sudden a rainstorm came quickly to go under there just to get some quick
shelter. Um so it's further away from the pond. I mean it's right there but it it's not on the verge of it. So I think um most people who are bringing children to this playground which is geared I
believe for younger children is that they would um they would have eyes on them at all times. I mean, I realize sometimes parents lapse, but I think this age group, you usually keep your eyes on your children at all times. Um,
sidewalks or streets at this time, that's not planned. And right now, there's no plan to increase the size of the um of the parking lot. >> Okay. So, >> may we have a motion?
I move that ordinance 4062 be adopted on second reading >> and final publication as required by law. >> I second the motion. >> Uh Mortimer, >> yes. >> Baron, >> yes. >> Whites, >> yes. >> Wiggrad, >> yes. >> And Vaganas,
>> yes. >> Okay. The following resolution number 25-420 will be adopted by consent agenda with one vote by the village council. There uh they will be read by it will be read by title only. Adopt revised human resources manual.
May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. Okay. >> Mortimer. >> Yes. >> Parent. >> Yes. >> Whites? >> Yes. >> Wiggrad? >> Yes. >> Vanos? >> Yes. >> Motion to adjourn.
>> So moved. >> And reconvene the special public meeting. Okay. >> Second, Mr. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> Anyone opposed? Okay. Thanks, >> mayor. Moving on to our discussion items. If the council will indulge me,
um I'd like to move to number seven under Rididgewood Water first. Uh Michael Doulus is with us tonight. Uh he is our public policy consultant. He's got a long ride back to Hunter County. So, we'll try to move him up to the uh
front of the Ridgewood Water discussion items tonight. So, if we'll all refer to item seven. Mike, I'll turn the presentation over to you. >> Thank you, Keith. Mayor, Deputy Mayor, members of the council, thank you for uh the opportunity to be here tonight. It's a pleasure always to be here with you in Ridgewood and the wonderful things
you're doing. >> Good evening, Michael, and thanks for being here tonight. >> Thank you. So, I'll I'll quickly go over just the year in review for the public policy work that we've been doing as a team here in Ridgewood. Uh but it it starts in in 2018 when the village is
looking to better understand these changing laws and regulations around clean drinking water. It was something that folks weren't even talking about and now it's become a real household and important item. The uh we progressed from original goal of early education to now being the
educators for those who appine on legislation and regulation as it relates to clean drinking water. And today, now Rididgewood is well positioned to be the authority on drinking water legislation and received the benefit of millions of dollars from federal and state programs,
including interestf free loans due to changes in the administration and process because the intervention of of the of Ridgewood's work. Um, so now, as it's hard to believe, Ridgewood is coming towards the end of a of a major major capital improvement program, while
other utilities are still trying to figure out how they're going to tackle their PAS problem, making Ridgewood uh not just a state leader, but a national and maybe even a world leader on the projects. So I I think just to uh
commentary a little bit, the village of Ridgewood and Ridgard Waters's good government approach when it comes to shaping public policy around clean drinking water has yielded utility and this governing body. Uh a real reputation as a lead agency when it
comes to this work and has really developed great credibility with those who do the regulations state and federal. The statewide notoriety and credibility has been critical as we testify at the tables in the legislature similar to as we are here today as we
meet with our regulators um and also as we expand the knowledge to the public as to the good work that's gone on this project um providing this clean drinking water. In other words, the good work of the village of Rididgewood's governing body
and administration makes it an attractive and public trusted public entity for public dollar investment. And that's important. the uh credibility is now attracting funding and programs from agencies like the border public utility as they look at the water conservation
efforts that's happening here in Ridgewood and how they can invest in that conservation effort to not just advance it but to advance the model that the community here is engaged in um and to look to the requirements as it comes
to sensitive population reporting. more and more uh there's more put on the utility on a regular basis to report when there's emergencies to sensitive populations. We're working in the legislature as a model here in Ridgewood to make sure that uh we can do that
effectively. So, additional contaminants are being evaluated as we move through changes in clean drinking water um by NJD and we'll continue to continue to keep Ridgewood informed, work together as a team uh and continue the successes
of the past into the future. So, I've submitted a more comprehensive year in review. If you've had a chance to read it, I'm glad to take any questions. If not, that's my brief presentation. Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you, Michael. Questions >> through through you, mayor. Um, first of
all, I just want to thank Michael and his team. Um, without his professional guidance and assistance, especially navigating uh the legislature down in Trenton and the United States Congress, the grant awards that we've received both from the on the federal side with
Congressman Godheimr and most recently uh through the efforts of Assemblyman uh Tully and Chairwoman Swain. Mike was instrumental in helping us navigate that budget process. We were making phone calls at 11 o'clock at night as they were considering the budget
appropriations to deliver that million dollars at the state level this year. So, I want to thank you for that. One thing that I want you to drill down a little bit, Mike, and and I know you deal with this throughout the state and throughout the region. Um, but we are on
track to be complete by the end of 2026. Obviously, we're still working with the D on the Cedar Hill facility. Um that was there was a required archaeological study that needed to be done there. So, we're working within the consent order
on that. Um but we're going to be wrapped up very close to the end of 2026. Could you just talk a little bit to the council and more for the public who's frustrated that it's going to take another year to get this done where we are in comparison to other water
utilities in New Jersey? Well, thank you for your kind words, Keith. And just to be clear, we were all on that call at 11 working hard and and you and the mayor. And so, thank you everybody. Um, it's interesting because the these plants will need to be
completed by 2032 if they're going to meet EPA standards as it relates to POS. And that seems like a long time, but it's really not when you think about a three-year permitting and completion cycle, provided that all the materials and the engineering is all available.
And uh there will be consent orders that come out for those who aren't in compliance. So archaeological digs take dealing with in other communities. It's incredible. That's probably the longest part of any application process that
I've ever dealt with myself. and uh there there is the public component etc that just lingers on and and when it's done it's done. Um but I I do worry for utilities that are only starting this process now because uh they're not going
to make it in time. I hope that answers the question. So I mean smaller utilities, Hawthorne, Hocus for example, smaller systems, they're they're they're done, right? But these larger utilities, the Pic Valleys of the world, the Violas, like they're we're way ahead of
the curve as far as timing of treating water for POS, they haven't even taken the first step yet in some cases. Am I right in saying that? >> You are. And also too, anyone who's done a project knows the cost of construction is always cheaper today. And the fact
that Ridgewood has done this budget planning and has these projects well underway and has a handle on where these costs are going to be as you schedule them out through your bonding process, these larger projects, the numbers are going to be unfathomable had they
started them five years ago, 10 years ago. >> Understood. Thank you, mayor. I'd like to say thank you um Mike because your quarterly reports are so informative um on a federal level, on a state level, county level. You know, it
just you really keep us in the know and I appreciate the the quarterly meetings, too. >> Thank you. Yeah, I just want to echo that. I know you don't attend many council meetings, but I'm the guy up here that hates spending money on anything. Um this is a really worthwhile investment in Richard Water um in terms
of grant money, in terms of staying ahead of the curve. Um so I'm happy to vote for this tonight and want to thank you for the hard work. >> Thank you, Council Member Michael. Your steady hand has guided us through this entire process and from personally
having to deal with this and uh so much of this is is beyond me and you have educated us and helped us through all of this. So, thank you very much. This one's a layup. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you.
>> I also just want to say thanks and also good luck with the archaeological deck. I'm not sure if you're aware, we had to do one of those on one of our potential developments and it is very long and expensive. So, I wish you good luck with it. >> Thank you. >> I'm going to gather that from the comments there is a consensus.
>> Yes. >> On this contract. So, we are good. Michael, safe travels home. >> Thank you, mayor. Thank you, Mr. Council. Have a good night. >> Thank you, Mayor. And then I would uh ask Bill and Lonnie to uh take us through the balance of the Ridgewood Water portion of the agenda. >> Sure. Good evening, Mayor and Council.
Um, for those that don't know me, my name is Bill Burwas. I'm your superintendent, licensed operator. To my left is uh Yolanda McCullum. We're filling in for uh Richard Calby tonight. >> Bill and Lonnie, welcome. Thank you for being here tonight. >> Thank you. I just want to say that was an amazing ceremony. It was really cool
to see. Never seen anything like that. Um, when I first walked in, I was a little nervous that they they might have they might have been here to object my light tower. So, I'm very glad that's not the case. So that was that was cool to see though. It was very nice. So I'll
go quick. We have now 14 items instead of 15. But the first is a award of contract for the purchase of fiber cable. Um this fiber is necessary for communications and security at the new PAS plants. Um all the conduits in the
ground. This is just to procure the fiber to continue with that project. >> Proceed to the second one. Uh, everybody good with that? Any questions? >> Yeah. No, >> we're good. Go. >> I forgot. I kne I was waiting for you to say good go. All right. That's okay. Um, good evening. Good to be here. I also
loved the ceremony as a resident of Ridgewood. I teared up and I had never met Tony before, but I feel like I know him now and that was awesome. Um, so moving on to the second item. I wanted to be the first one to say I'm so excited that we're awarding the contract for Cedar Hill, which we were just
talking about. So, uh, this one we bid on October 9th. It was a rebid. The first bid um the low bidder um uh reject or they removed their they removed their bid and so uh we rebid the project because all the other bids were higher
than engineer's estimate. We rebided on October 9th and the low bidder was the same low bidder. They according to the um the law the bidder withdraws a bid they shall be disqualified from future bids. So, since they withdrew their bid the first time around, we had to again withdraw them, disqualify them, pardon
me, um, for the second round. Um, long story short, our new low bidder came in at 14 million uh,68,570, which is a little bit over the engineers estimate. These costs um, have increased over time, and it's it's our largest uh,
it's our largest facility. It's it'll be treating 3.6 million gallons a day. It has four large vessels, two at 12 foot diameter, two at 14 foot, and it's it's it's a big one. So, we uh are not super surprised at the price. Uh there we're
we're range between 14 and 17 million. Um so, we're we're comfortable with that uh the price it came in at. >> And Lonnie, could you talk a little bit about the delay in this project that I alluded to with my >> Yes, ex I was going to, but since you had Yes. So this is the one where we did do the arch archaeological study um that
was completed and we were finally able to um to go forward with the project after things were preserved and all the steps were taken to to do the archaeological cultural study properly >> and and that was all D required. Correct. >> Exactly. It was done. >> So the so just to be clear because
there's some banter out there about this. The same entity that we're in a consent order with to be done with our PAS treatment facilities by the end of 2026 is the same government agency, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection that required the
archaeological dig that could push this slightly into 2027. >> Precisely. Yes. >> There you go. >> Thank you for that. >> Good point. Thank you. >> Good. Everybody okay with this? >> Yep. >> Good. >> I was gonna make a slight joke at Evan. I thought Evan had gone in the hallway
to pass out, but he missed the four >> at the spending of $14 million. >> We got to start out with >> that you refer to as the low bidder. >> Oh, what a miss. Jeez, >> I was like, it was good that you weren't here for this. Would have upset you.
>> Mine is slightly less expensive. Um, this is the replacement of WA75, a distribution vehicle. We're replacing in kind with an F350. Paul, should we do a drum roll since this is the truck you've been talking about all night? >> This is the truck. No. Everybody good with this? Let's go.
>> Unfortunately, there's no hybrid in this uh in this category until 2027. And I did speak with Rich about this. >> Everybody good? >> Let's go. And to answer your question, mayor, it is white in color. Um number
four is a uh cooperative purchase of a towbeahhind compressor. This will be used by our meter and markout division. Um, it uh negates the use of a CDL vehicle now for blowout. So, it'll be a towbehind compressor. >> I have questions. Can you just tell me
what that means? What does it do? >> So, in order to access the valve to shut off the water from your home, sometimes it's filled with dirt. Presently, we're using a CDL vehicle with a compressor to blow that out. This is much smaller, much easier to tow, and it it'll afford
more employees without a CDL to be able to blow that curve box out. Um, like what's a curve box? I'm just curious. >> That's the shut off to your home. So, it's the large pipe that goes into the ground and then accesses the valve at the curb. Over time, it fills with dirt. So, when we come to your home, whether
it be an emergency or something scheduled, tends to be filled up and you can't access the valve. We use a compressor to blow that out. >> Blow the dirt out so you can reach the compet. >> That is correct. To turn off the water. >> Got it. Okay. Thank you. >> So, anybody else? >> Yeah. I only had one question. Is it new
or is it because United Rent it appears that I know it's state contract and everything but the name >> United Rentals does have a new sales division and they are state contract. >> Okay, thanks. >> You're welcome. >> Everybody good? >> Mhm. >> Let's go. >> Number five is from the same company.
This is a mobile light tower purchase. Typically, we would borrow this from the OEM division or the emergency management. This is to purchase our own for ridged water. >> All good. >> I think it's a bright idea. >> Terrible. Let's please let's go.
>> Number six is a walkbehind trench roller. Um now that we're moving away from lead service lines, distribution is going to be installing water manes. Uh this walkbehind trench roller will be used for compaction to help us achieve that compaction in the road so there's no settlement. Uh typically we would
rent this in the past. This is to purchase our own. >> Can you again explain to me how you use this? >> Yeah, this actually is pretty neat. It's got a remote control. It's got two vibratory rollers. You walk behind it. It runs the length of the trench and it's very heavy and it vibrates. And
what it does is it really compacts the ground. >> Gosh. Like you kind of fill it up first and then this kind of tamps it down. >> That is correct. So you do it in like one foot lifts, >> pull it out of the trench, do another foot, continue going. >> Um when when you run this, would you bring Frank by because he was really
liking this? >> Actually, I would. >> I know. And I I understand the life expectancy of this vehicle, this uh equipment is about 10 years. >> Yeah, I would say it's in the 10 to 15 year range. That's accurate.
>> Everybody good? >> Yes. Next. >> Um number seven was Morford Drus. You guys already saw his presentation. >> So number eight is the budget review by Rafelis. Uh this is a third party review
of our budget. As we know that's extremely complex. It's a third party review. It used to be done by in the past Howard Woods. It's now done by Raph Telis. >> Everybody good? >> Let's go.
>> Number nine. >> Oh, this is security. I'll take All right. So, this is um additional money for security improvements at the Twin facility. So, this is uh new IP camera and electronic door hardware. So, it's additional money. Um, we didn't foresee
this particular um doors needing this hardware, but it is in order to improve these doors, we had to add new latches, new panic hardware to work with our electronic system. So, it's an additional award. >> I think it's great for the security. My question is, who monitors it? Is it the
police or is it >> It's SCADA. So, that's our central SCADA division that's back at water headquarters. 247 surveillance. >> Got it. So you guys monitor the security of everything as well. >> Yes. If they get an intrusion alarm, then the camera would come up. They'd be able to see and alert the police.
>> Police also have access to our camera system. >> And and Frank, I would recommend um that you uh take a tour of the Ridgewood Water Facility because the SKA system and the screens and the 24-hour monitoring is is really uh it's very very impressive. >> Yeah, I'd love to give a tour.
>> It is like a Mission Impossible room. It really And I'm happy to report to the council that I did take a tour when I before I was sitting on the council. Oh, good. >> So I can meet with Rich. So I did see it is fascinating. It'd be kind of neat if we maybe had facilitated once a year
where the public could come in and take a tour because it is amazing how high-tech it is. >> Okay, next. >> So the next two are written as change orders, but they're not. They're additional awards. So the first one is for concrete paving. Um, this kind of
goes handinhand with um all the work our distribution team has done over the year and a lot of main breaks, a lot of uh backlog of of sidewalk and a uh driveway apron repair. So, we needed an additional award to get us through this year. Next year's budget will be um
well, I think better thought out. I think we underestimated this year because we didn't anticipate so many main brakes and so much um extra activity on our main to curb replacements that we really tackled. So that's the the sidewalk that's the uh sidewalk and concrete one. Um questions
>> that I can go through the amounts but it's additional 75,000 we're looking for there. >> Questions? Everybody good? >> Let's go. The next one is an additional award also on not a change order and it is similarly for um asphalt pavement. Uh
this one we had a little bit more of an increase. We did a systemwide or um for our our um our intermediate zone. We did a leak detection uh study and that detected several leaks and it required more road openings etc. So we went up
again with paving needs for the asphalt portion of it. Um, so that's an additional 50,000 requested >> questions. Good. >> Now that we've done 14 million, you know, come on. >> Okay, >> a couple thousand. >> The next uh let's see now we have these
inaugural uh resolutions for project closeouts. So, this is something new. Um the um what is it called? The insurance the joint insurance fund recommended that we um have a formal closure of projects. We're issuing our final payment and we're we're closing out the
project and we do it formally and this way it protects us. I don't know Keith if you want to explain that one or the reason we're having these uh closeout resolutions for final payment. >> So um >> the I I say we're starting with East Side because East Side has a change
order plus a final plus a closeout. So, one of the recommendations um that we received from the Bergen Joint Insurance Fund is that when we have larger projects that are being finalized and closed out that the governing body take
action on approval of final payment. Um, traditionally we have always had to approve any type of change orders to any type of large project. We have not done a final payment resolution. Um but to reduce liability in certain circumstances this is what the joint
insurance fund is recommending. >> Questions? >> So this I just to tell you these numbers are so the the two final um we have the PIA Valley. So that's one and then the east side those are the two we're asking to uh do final payment. The Pakic Valley
job is sort of an older job but we had a punch list that finally got completed and that's why this one's coming up now. And then for east side, that one was recently completed. And the change order associated with that, which is number uh 12 is for um $19,000 for additional
paving of Standish Road that we didn't anticipate um for that project. So now that road is is complete. The rest of the resurfacing for those people who live in that area are uh will occur after the uh raw water manes are installed for the POS for the east side POS facility and that's coming up in the
next few months. >> Questions? anyone. >> It's great. >> Okay, >> good. Thank you, Lonnie. >> Thank you. >> I kind of like the ceremony of it, too. >> You know, it's it's in >> It is nice to have a closeout ceremony, I think. >> Yes.
>> Yeah. 15 is just the uh declaration of surplus for the uh F250 that I was speaking about earlier. WA75. >> Excellent. >> All right. All set. >> Thank you all so much. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Thank you all.
>> Thank you. >> Uh mayor, moving on to parking um under item B. And I'm going to defer to Heather on this one. >> Okay. So um as you recall, you recently approved increasing the first step of
the progressive fines um for overtime parking to $50. This can't currently be enacted in the train station parking lot because after 9:00 a.m. we allow people to park for three hours. Um, therefore,
the PEO doesn't know the driver's intent on parking in the lot prior to 9. They don't know if they're there for as a commuter or they're there for the three hours. And it's a very short window to determine that. So, what the police traffic bureau um did was they conducted
a study and really The only day that there are no um uh fewer cars or any parking spaces available are Fridays because some people are still working from home or they condense it into a 4 day week or whatever it may be. Most of
the other days it is full. So there aren't extra spaces where people can park for three hours. So the recommendation is that the train station lot would be a commuter only lot until 3 pm. Then after 3:00 pm, it would open up
for three-hour parking. This will allow the parking enforcement officers to issue permit parking violations rather than just to being forced to issue a three-hour limit summons. This is because the new ordinance will extend the window to issue tickets for
the permanent parking from 9:00 a.m. to 3 pm instead of just until 9:00 a.m. Um after 3 p.m. the three-hour parking will be allowed. Um in addition, the recommendation is on Saturdays to have anyone be able to park in the train station lot. They don't need a parking
permit. They don't need a sticker. Anyone can park there. They could park all day if they wanted to or they could park three hours. You know, it's 10 to six are the meters. So, they could park as long as they want or as short as they want by paying the meter.
>> Non-residents as well. >> Yeah. Anyone could. >> And just remind me the on the on the west side of town, the the southern part of I guess south of the um flag pole, is that considered the commuter lot now as well or just No. No. >> Okay. So, that little strip will not be
commuted. that'll be open edges out and the everything on the other side of the of that little dividing area. >> If you're going into Liza on your left, that's the whole that's what we're looking to make um >> commuter only during the week >> until 3:00, right? And this will allow
um people who are coming in for dinner or for afternoon shopping to be able to park there after 3:00 for up to three hours. >> So, >> okay. Yeah, I think it's great to have it just set up so it's all standardized
and I'm guessing too that if it's a a holiday of some sort that then parking would be allowed on Monday. >> Yeah, holidays there are no meters or any um Okay, you know kiosk to be paid or you know so yes parking is free on holidays on federal holidays
>> and Sundays too. Correct. Y correct? Yeah, I think this is great. >> And and it's very clear then too if I didn't know and I saw, oh wow, there's this parking place here or I'm coming from another town even and then I look and say, oh, it's only commuter parking,
you know, until it would dissuade people from parking there. >> Everybody good? >> Yep. Okay, >> let's go. >> Okay. Um, next item under budget is the award of contract for e summons for various departments. Um after a lot of
discussion amongst our department directors uh we are recommending to move to e ticketing um across the village not just with the police department and parking enforcement. Um so there is a memorandum that's been prepared by Erica
Will, our court administrator, um delineating that process and that we would be moving from 26 licenses um to 67 licenses um with a that would amount to a $9,500
um increase in the contract from this year to next year. Uh but it would affectuate all of the departments that are legally able to issue tickets. So, they'd all be e tickets rather than um some handwritten and some uh from the police department and parking enforcement uh being electronic.
>> Um I didn't understand the third line that says Mob Event is offering 67 licenses for $30,000. This includes e and e summons. What's the difference between e and e summons? >> Um it depends on how it's being
distributed. Um, so for example, if you're in a vehicle and you're generating that ticket in the vehicle, for example, parking enforcement, that's issued one way, whereas an e summons would be issued by the billing department or the engineering department. >> That's fine.
>> Yeah, I I fully support this because when you um like look at um reporting in criminal justice that most things get overturned because it wasn't filled out properly. And that's why in in the education of that there's a lot of courses and books on report writing as
simple as it sounds. So to me what I think this is worth it is that when a summons or e ticket is written that those mistakes will be eliminated and therefore those can't get thrown out on a technicality. So I fully support this. >> We we believe that the added cost will be absorbed because there'll be more
efficiencies in in tracking and be able to follow up on collections when it comes to summones that are issued. Um in addition to the fact that the cost of this will be spread out over the operating um budgets of the various departments who will utilize the service. >> Everybody good? >> Yeah. Let's go.
>> Will Water also get them? >> I'm sorry. >> Will Rididgewood Water also get them? >> They have the ability to issue tickets. Um I don't know that Rich was involved in this conversation, but that's certainly something that we'll explore. But with 67 licenses, if they want to take advantage of the system, we'd have the ability to do that.
>> Okay. because I see they're only going to give uh five thermal printers. >> Yeah. Well, each department would need to buy the additional thermal printers as needed. So, if we needed to uh to expand, who would have access to that? Okay. All right.
>> Let's go. >> The um the next is the annual RFP for program instruction for the recreation division. Um there are two contractors um that are being that are new uh two vendors uh to provide
these this programming through the recreation department and the balance in the resolution are exercising their secondyear option for 2026. >> Everybody good? >> Yeah, let's go. >> Okay. Um item three is the proposal from
Suburban for the um professional engineering landscape architecture environmental services for the Zuberski Shedler park development project. Uh as you can see um this covers the field investigation and project coordination,
covers preliminary design, covers final design. It also covers all permitting services um whether they are required um or um whether they're if if they are required and then you have bidding services
listed in there as well. Um this does not include um construction and inspection services for the actual um construction part of the project. Um and it's a not to exceed $233,000 uh for what I just described. The other thing I want to mention too um is that
this would allow Suburban uh to begin their work as we complete the remediation um of the Burm and some of the other areas on the Zubriski Shuttler property. Uh we will actually be having a community meeting downstairs in the
youth lounge at 6:30 on Thursday, November 13th where Matrix will present to any interested residents or interested parties in the village. Um what the remediation process will look like. Um their report has been submitted
for review by the NJ to Tom Farrell and the division of in the Bureau of Solid Waste. Uh we're hopeful um that we will at least have feedback from Tom or a final sign off from Tom by the time of that community meeting. Um but as we promised once Matrix finished their
report and submitted their remediation plan to D we would meet with the residents and interested parties to let them know what is happening. So that process will happen first. Um once we have approval from Farrell we'll be able to uh prepare the bid specification for
the remediation piece. Um we anticipate that that will hopefully go out before the end of the year. Um and if the weather cooperates, we'll be able to commence with remediation uh sometime early next year. This proposal that you have before you tonight is for Suburban
to be working through that period on the preliminary and final design uh for the park development project because we want to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time um as we work to handle the remediation and handle the park development piece. What time was it on the 13th?
>> 6:30. >> Who is who's going from our side? >> So, I did not reach out to the council um on this. Uh this is going to be a presentation by matrix. I mean, certainly two of you are invited to attend if you so choose. Um I did have
some outreach. This room is being used for court that night, so we can't utilize the chambers. Um I did have a resident who is um incapacitated at this point who reached out and asked if there would be a Zoom link. I have not yet talked to it about that, but I'm going to see if that's an option so that
everybody who wants to participate can ask the questions of matrix and hear the presentation. Um, but it's 6:30 November Thursday, November 13th, um, downstairs in the youth lounge on the first level of village hall. >> Um, I have a couple questions.
on the first page. Um the first two uh at the bottom the first two bullet points they talk about designing uh the construction of new asphalt driveway from West Saddle River Road extending around the historic house to the parking
spaces um and a parking lot further to the northwest of the property. And the second bullet is construction of stamped and colored concrete and PA sidewalks extending from parking spaces along the new driveway to the house. My question
is does that prelude uh permeable paving? >> Um I don't know the answer to that. I'd have to talk to suburban. Um >> we need to talk to Shipo. So I don't know Heather, you're going to need to
chime in here. But before before we were on the council, Pam, there was a presentation on the color grading that Chipo had indicated and there was the discussion of like remember the whole access should it be like cinder because they wanted to be more revolutionary war. So I don't know if shipo still
dictated but that prior to us being on the council there was a color palette and shipo opined on the hardscaping connecting it to the house. Is that right? Okay. So, and we would have to get approval from shipo to be able to
use different materials. So, that can't be an aspect of the storm water improvement uh or mitigation clearly. What about on on page four? There are five bullets at the top uh at
the top and they're going to be developing a landscape and lighting plan. Um can they consider natives? I'm sorry, I didn't hear that last part. >> Can they consider native plants yet? >> Yeah, I think that I think that I think that was brought up at the Shipo hearing
and that's the intention of um of suburban. >> Yeah. And and be aware of certain cultivars that really don't help the environment even though they claim to be native. Um and I guess on November 13th they'll
explain whether they will whether remediation whether no >> whether storm water mitigation is installed
before or after artificial turf. So two separate things from my >> Yes. So so I just I want to be clear on that. So Suburban will not be there on the 13th. >> The matrix will be there on the 13th to talk about the excavation process. >> Oh okay. So, I mean, as far as order of
events, when we get to the park development piece of this, I can certainly find out how the storm water runoff system um impacts the turf field. I can tell you, watching turf fields being installed before, all of that infrastructure below the field is
obviously installed before the the the carpet is laid. And uh does I'm curious to know whether Suburban Consulting considers artificial turf to be permeable or impermeable. >> Yeah, I've never asked them that
question, but I can I can certainly ask >> because I think it it probably matters in terms of storm water mitigation. Yeah, I mean I I do know that I've I've in as many meetings as I've had with Joe and Bob from from Suburban, you know, there are very specific engineering
criteria um when it comes to the storm water management below a turf field that they have to follow. I can get more specifics on that from from them and and share that with you, Deputy Mayor. Um, but I do know that there there are there are very
specific criteria to be able to establish that runoff area underneath the turf field. >> Okay. And then I did have a question about the wetland passage uh
whether we will have to apply for what kind of permit was it? A a general permit six >> that that I answered after the public portion. That is going to be up to the D depending on um their review and report
back from the interpretation of the LOI that was developed by Suburban originally. >> And what is a G general permit six? Is it um is it saying you can build around the
wetlands but not over the wetlands or does it say yeah you can go ahead and build over the wetlands? I don't think you would anything would let you put it over. >> Yeah. So, we have no reason to believe based on Suburban's investigation that there are wetlands on this site. I've said that before. I'll
say it again. >> Right. I understand. >> D has to concur with Suburban. They have to endorse what the engineering firm is telling us. Depending on that discussion and that interpretation, they're leaving the option open that if they need to apply for any type of D
permitting, and it's on more than just page seven, that they will afford us the opportunity to make that application on the vill's behalf should it become necessary. >> Okay. I still don't quite understand the general permit six, like what it means,
but I guess we'll learn. >> I I can pull the definition for you and send it if you'd like to read it. >> Okay. >> Would you Please, deputy mayor. >> Oh, sorry. I thought these new mics catch everything. I guess not. Okay. Um,
that's all the questions I have. >> Okay. C can we go back to the other question? So, just I want to make sure this proposal from Suburban is regarding next steps in development and you're having a meeting on the 13th. >> Two separate issues separate. Just
remember my my point in telling in outlining the time frame is that we have to deal with the remediation piece first and then we will be dealing with the park development piece but we can be preparing for the park development piece during remediation. >> Got it. And who wants to go because I
think we should have people there. I I don't know. I don't have my calendar because it's on my phone but we should have two people for the remediation. >> Yeah. I have check I have to check my calendar. >> I don't have we don't have a phone but >> it's a Thursday night. It's a Thursday night at 6:30. >> So, we should think about that.
>> And and we painstakingly tried to find the best night because there's a lot of things going on in November and we wanted to have this done before Thanksgiving and with the conference the week before Thanksgiving and some of the school events that were happening, we
tried to be very sensitive to finding a night that would work for people to be able to attend. >> I think it's great with the quicker. I mean, everybody's been clamoring to have it remediated. I think it's great. >> So, we should all look at our calendars when we turn on our phones. It's amazing. We all don't know where we're
going to be because we can't check our phones. >> And by the way, uh correspondence went out to everyone who was on that um Shedler property list, all of the interested parties. I think it went out yesterday afternoon from Carol Belcowsky in my office. So, all of the interested parties who have been tuned into the the
Shedler um issue have been notified of this meeting to be held on the 13th. >> Thanks for that, Keith. >> Everybody good? >> Y >> let's go. >> Okay. Um the next item is the award of professional services for the physician
for the child health conference. Uh this is something that the village does jointly with Glenrock and Fairlon. Um Dr. Nikki has been with us for over 15 years. Uh rate is $200 per hour uh for a
maximum out of pocket of $2,000 for each of the municipalities who are involved in this endeavor. >> Good. Next issue is Valley Community Health. Uh they've submitted their 2026 community program services bid and provide nursing services for
communicable diseases investigations, child health clinics, adult health clinics, school audits, and flu clinics. Uh the maximum out of pocket for the village on this is $15,317. All >> good. All >> next is a shared services agreement uh
for the styrofoam densifier. Um this is um the municipalities that are outlined that we have shared services agreement with at this point um includes Hokus, Fairlon, Garfield, Oridel, and Glenrock. And at this point, we're looking to add
Franklin Lakes and Washington Township to that list. >> That's great. >> Good. Let's go. >> Okay. Next item is a 2025 budget amendment. um insertion of revenue into the budget for the Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addictive Services um New Jersey grant
and that comes out to $1,126.80. Next is a similar request uh from Bob Rooney um for the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addictive Services, a secondary grant for $3,38059. >> Good. >> This is just ministerial to add it to
this year's budget. Um, next item is a community development block grant um item from the county. Um, this is to accept a $75,510 grant for Carile Terrace sewage pipe
road improvements. You'll remember that we became grant eligible for CDBG for the first time in one section of town. Um, and this is the um this is another 75,000 uh to uh do that sewer work um in that
section of the village. >> Love the sound of that. >> Yep. >> All right. Sure. >> Shall we? >> Um next item on the agenda is from the recreation department and this is for the municipal alliance grant for fiscal year 2027. Uh, municipal alliance grant
reflects an amount of $4,5718. Um, and the recreation department is looking for authorization to pursue. >> Let's go. >> Okay. Um, mayor, I think, do you want to recuse yourself from the next item? Um,
11 and 12 are actually the same item. Uh, so we're going to talk about it as number 12, but this involves down tree service. I am recusing myself from both of these matters. >> Okay. So, um this too pertains to the Shedler property. Um we know that the
site remediation uh will be underway uh within the next few months. Uh we are in tree planting season and there is an urgency uh to try to replant uh the arborvites that are on top of the burm
and adjacent to the burm. Um we had three contractors come out uh to look at this. Um, we're making a recommendation to move forward with Downs Tree Service in the amount of $40,250 and their charge will be uh to with
under the direction of our LSRP Chris Peresi from Matrix New World Engineering um to safely remove those trees and relocate them at the northern end of the property where the suburban plan that was approved by the commissioner or the
assistant commissioner at the DP calls for two rows of trees at the northernmost end of the property abuing those residential homes. Um, and we're going to replant those trees um in about 80 of them in order to establish that
buffer zone. We're take advantage of the tree planting season this year so that the burm is free um of trees so that when the remediation comes we can success successfully endeavor uh to remove that soil from the site.
>> Great. All right. >> And and so when you say like there's 80, there's 80 that's a lot. It's a that's a rough number because again as they >> are >> removed downs will do an individual assessment of each tree before it's
relocated on the property. >> Um and again this will all be under the um oversight of our license site remediation professional. So they've already spoken to DS and there has been ongoing discussions about what that scope of work looks like. >> I'm just going to ask a question before
someone else does. Is there any concern that the um contaminated soil from the burm will go with the trees? >> No. There there are very specific instructions that have been provided by the LSRP of how they clean uh the the root structure, what's left of the root
structure um of the tree. Um what type of um precautions Downs will have to take, which DS is is clearly aware of of the situation that we're dealing with with the remediation effort. Um but they are confident that they can um in a in a
um effective way relocate these trees without concern about contamination and um try to give these trees new life on the other side of the property. >> And and then um do you recall a rough number of how much the trees cost when they originally purchased? Because I'm just curious how much money we're
saving. >> Um I can tell you that there is definitely a cost savings relocating these trees rather than buying new. I don't have that quantified. Um, but certainly I can look back at the engineers's estimate and see if we can we can quantify a number there. >> Well, that's that's great that we're
able to save some cash. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Uh, we have nothing under policy tonight. Um, under operations, uh, we have a memorandum to accept a donation for Planter Pops in the Central Business District from the Ridgewood Guild. Uh,
they've donated $2,700 towards that purchase. >> How appropriate that that's on the agenda. Siobhan, you have anything you want to add to that? >> Yeah, I just I I want to say thank you to the Richard beautifification team that partnered with the guild and created an awareness that we needed um
additional funds for beautifification. Um I want to thank Tony uh who worked with us and some of the interns to have people understand that the more beautiful downtown is, the more likely it is to lead to commerce. And um it is just such lovely timing. So, thank you,
Tony. >> Let's go. The next item is for the removal uh of the abandoned underground fuel storage tanks over at the North Walnut Street lot. Um unfortunately, our claim was reviewed by the Environmental Joint Insurance Fund and was denied.
However, the Egypt attorney, Peter King, has made a recommendation that we pursue a $10,000 grant um for in order to try to recuperate some of the funding that was utilized uh to Endeavor in this project.
All good. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Next item on the agenda um is from Sean Hamlin, our supervisor of sanitation and recycling. Um back in October of 1993,
the village tragically lost one of their employees, Ronald Fiser, um in a motor vehicle accident as he was collecting solid waste um as part of our sanitation team. Um, the 30-year anniversary of Ronald's passing is upcoming. Um, and
Sean and his team down at sanitation are making uh a request that we acknowledge Ronald's death um with a tree being planted um at the location on Godwin Avenue. Um that
we have a um acknowledgement at our November 12th council meeting. um some words by the mayor, a moment of silence, and an invitation to join us um in the spring of 2026 for an official ceremony. Um in addition to that, they're
requesting that a memorial tree and a plaque uh be installed by the Shade Tree Division um at Habernick Park. Um and they're also looking to put a plaque at the DPW garage um honoring Ronald's memory. >> Can I just ask I don't know if we know
if he has any family we reach out to or any connection families cross country, but Sean has made attempts to reach out. >> Okay. As long as they're aware and maybe we could see if there's a way to, you know, let them be a part of it or at least see it, but I'm very supportive of this. This is uh always important. >> Absolutely.
>> Let's and mayor, that concludes my portion of the agenda. >> Good. Let's return to public comment. >> Amy Richard, resident. Um, Keith, you literally like just lied again. Um, Suburban knew there were wetlands. They knew it. We have the email between them
and the NJ that there were wetlands. So, you knew about it. Suburban knew about it because the NJ wrote in an email, which I will give you, but you you have it. You know that. Um, Pam, I don't know what that thing that six is, that
general permit six, but I think you can't explain it because you need to figure out a way to figure out how to explain, unless you all know, which you probably do, that there were wetlands. And again, Suburban knew about it. We can go back and forth, but you lie. You
lie to this community. You lie to the public. >> I take exception to that comment. >> Okay? >> I take exception to being accused of lying. I am not lying. I am telling you that many people on this deis have been on meetings with Suburban where they
indicated that their report that needed to be submitted to the D, our attorney is acknowledging what I'm saying right now, our our legal council that there were not wetlands in their assessment that they needed to submit for the LOI. Am I correct in saying that, Matt? >> Absolutely. I mean, I that's
>> And mayor, I apologize for going out of term because we usually >> I was I was on the call and and what Keith is saying is accurate. >> That's awesome. I have the email saying the exact opposite. So, I Well, I >> So, you're accusing the village manager, two council members, and the village
attorney. >> Yes, I am. >> Who's licensed by the state of New Jersey of lying? >> Of course. >> Okay. >> Of course, I am. >> So, >> you're right. Of course, you are. Good. >> I am. >> Continue, Amy. So, we'll just leave that alone and
we'll fight that I guess to find out the truth. Um, Frank, I just want to say >> desire to fight. >> This is worth fighting for the trees, the truth, the dignity of of the people. That's worth fighting. >> Part of the problem is everybody's looking for a fight. I think that's the problem,
>> Keith. It's not worth responding to, Keith. It's just not worth it. >> Amy, continue. >> Frank, I just want to say that you were so proud about the open space referendum. Proud that you of what? that you sold the public a story about preservation while authorizing clear-cutting chemical turf and the permanent loss of living ecosystem. You
want to talk about open space? Then explain why your version of it requires bulldozing life to lie down, toxic plastic carpet that reaches 160° um in the heat for our children to play on. And you mentioned invasive species,
dude, we are the most invasive species in this world. And Siobhan, you keep talking about the $9.4 million and how much money and all of this. What you are destroying is worth far more than any dollar amount.
You're erasing a living history, a wildlife habitat, a natural defense against flooding and contamination. I'm talking about value. Trees that filter our air, the soil that holds our water, the wildlife that gives this place life.
That's no value any dollar could ever measure to. No budget can replace. Then you have a ceremony for PAS water plants. That shouldn't even be happening. You It shows how sick and and lost we are as a people. I'm sad for you all. I
really am. I'm sad that you're so blinded by money that you can no longer see the worth of a living world. The CRE prophecy said it perfectly. Only when the last tree has been cut down and the last fish has been caught and the last stream poison will we realize that
you cannot eat money. And you can smirk. Mayor, >> excuse me. I have an emergency at home. I have to take a >> That's fine. Thanks Cynthia O'Keefe Ridgewood resident. So I think what is concerning and I
guess when I came up before I was asking the question when did you know there were wetlands but you know you're saying that you didn't know. So then you're not privy to the documents that we've oper between the NJD and Suburban.
Uh some of the players are Ross Kamura. We've got someone from the NJD on May 7th who writes, "Hi Ross, I apologize for the delayed response. Myself and my supervisor were able to complete the
site inspection and found small isolated wetland behind the building. See attach markup since we will not be able to issue the LOI presence absence as absent. Please let me which means wetlands, right? Please
let me know if you would prefer to withdraw the application and apply for either an LOI verification or a freshwater wetlands general permit number six, which is Am. >> Huh? >> Through you, Deputy Mayor. Am I on that email?
Um, I do not see you on this email. >> Is any member of this day on? >> Well, hold on a minute. This is my public comment. So, I will you will yield to my time. When I'm finished, you can ask the questions. How's that? Is that fair? >> I see you're very angry.
>> Imagine how we feel, Keith, >> living in the neighborhood where we have been. >> It's like an emotional roller coaster. So >> what I would tell you is you know you can't your emotions right now. I'm not calling you a liar. I'm just saying we
have documentation that says there are wetlands and this was communicated to suburban an actual LSRP who at the time I told you I thought it was a conflict of interest to have somebody doing a
wetlands assessment and be a landscape architect. But you told me with all due respect at that time that you didn't agree with me. So now we have this Matthew S. Poppin is here, permitting manager. He's on this
email. So the way I look at it is it doesn't really matter whether you're on it or not. It exists. >> It exists. And you know when you operate all the documents from the NJD, all the people who wrote the letters, all the
neighbors you had in the first application, you know, the thousands of letters or hundreds of letters and the the um the people that signed the petition, you operate all that. So the village is also capable of performing opas, right, on documentation between
somebody that has a fiduciary relationship to Ridgewood. So I'm not accusing anybody. I'm just saying these emails exist. So, we need to get clear on why this wasn't disclosed to the village. I could go on and on and read
it, but my I have 34 seconds. So, you might want to get busy doing some due diligence because this exists. The NJ is saying there is wetlands on that property. Okay,
full stop. It exists. It's right here. So, uh, I I don't know what to tell you. You know, you didn't do due diligence on people like Peter Perma and other things. I would think that this is a loophole you can't get around and I
would expect some answers next week at this matrix thing that you could tell us about the wetlands because they do exist and the NJ D says so. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? uh boy a loving and again I must comment
that although I identified myself previously as Rididgewood taxpayer I do live in Ridgewood and I kind of resent the implication by somebody who calls in regularly that I was trying to hide something. So I do live in Ridgewood and I am a Rididgewood taxpayer and I should
be able to identify myself by either method. I just want to comment, uh, Heather, with respect to the parking in the train station parking lot beginning at 3, uh, if I recall correctly, you have to pay to park in that lot until 8:00 p.m. I would suggest that instead
of limiting people to park only for 3 hours if they park after 3, that you should be able to pull into that lot at 3:00 and park for 5 hours until 8. There are some people who come into the lot and want to go to New York City and want to be in New York City for a while. Uh I
I don't know why you wouldn't allow them to park in the lot for five hours instead of 3 hours. At that time of day, there not too many people coming into the lot and there should be plenty of spaces available to do that. uh the kiosk might not be able to handle it or at least the existing kiosk might not be
able to handle it, but certainly if you're using the mobile app and you ask for 5 hours in the lot beginning at 3, uh you should be able to park in the lot until 8. I can't think of any reason why you would want to limit to three hours when there are so many spaces in that lot once people start coming home from
work. Uh so I'd ask you to consider that before the ordinance is written. Thank you. >> Thank you, Boyd. Anybody else? Seeing no one else in the room, we have Janet Riley on hybrid access. Janet, you're up.
>> Hi. Uh Janet Riley, uh Ridgewood resident. Uh just coming back to the bike lane issue. I I you know ask that you please consider the points that I made when deciding about enforcement of this bike lane. Um it like I said I I really believe it will increase risks to
kids walking in the neighborhood if people are parking on the surrounding streets rather than on that street. Um also looking at the proposal this that um Miss Sharpenberg um RLE and Beck Becker I believe made um it it has a
slide that mentions street parking and says that street parking on Pleasant Avenue is spotty. In fact, like I said earlier, there's no cars allowed in the front or back lots of halls when during pickup and drop off. So, that is the main part that main street that people
park on. So, it's definitely not spotty for a couple at least a couple parts of the day. And then also, it says cars can still park. Bikes would need to go around. So, it's it seems to me when this proposal was made, there was an understanding that the that people would be allowed to park on the street still.
And so I I'd ask if you could please clarify at what point it was decided that people wouldn't be allowed to park in the bike lane. Um and if there was any outreach to the community about that decision because every resident I've spoken with and every person at Haw doesn't seem to have been made aware
that they would be losing parking on that street. Um, so if you are going to be enforcing it, I would, you know, really ask that you please give people notice and give them a chance to respond because I think most people are not aware that this is has been decided. Um, it was kind of sprung on them without
their um, consultation. And then um, it also looks like on the proposal that the bike lane is meant to extend all the way over to Graveyard basically down South Pleasant. Um, if that's the case, will parking also not be allowed in front of Somerville School because that's heavily
used during pickup and drop off as well. But if the bike lane extends on that side, then I assume there will be no parking there in front of Somerville school anymore either. Um, if it's not going to be extended, then it seems like this is just a bike lane to nowhere. Uh, which is just in hugely convincing the
residents um who are on that street. So again, I'd ask you to reconsider the bike lane. And then finally, um I just wanted to say to Mr. Kasmark, I appreciate the um you know, expediency that the field is being done uh over the
weekend because like today the lower field was also blocked off. I assume that's just temporary, but um I just, you know, I ask you to make sure there's at least one field available to the children. Um Haw is the only school in Ridgewood, as I'm sure you all know, that does not have its own field. every
other school has a BOE field and but the two fields at Haw are both village owned. So, um I just, you know, ask you to please be mindful of that and the fact that our children need somewhere to play. So, if um there's work being done, please get it done quickly. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Janet. Anybody else? Seeing no one, I'm going to close public comment and we will entertain a resolution to go into close session. >> Um I just want to say >> Oh, excuse me. So, sorry. So sorry um the hour is late and I for please
forgive me. >> Does anybody want to respond to any of the any of the comments made? >> I think Evan might wanted to maybe >> maybe after me but I Okay. So >> um I mean listen my my view is I would ask you not to or all of us not to. I mean I've had the privilege of being on
this council now for three plus years and there have been a certain number of folks that have done pretty much any argument anything they can to stop developing Shedler into what it's always been meant to be which is a park. Um there was an election two years ago or a year ago. One candidate supported
developing it. The other was a little lukewarm on it. Candidate that supported it sitting next to me. We've had more than thousands of hours of hearings than I could count. And again is argument after argument looking for the same conclusion to somehow stop, slow down,
or somehow hinder building what the community has clearly stated we need, which is that park and the design that the majority of the council has agreed upon. Everything I've just said is fine. That's healthy democracy, healthy advocacy. But continually coming here and bismerching the reputations of
people that work for the village with baseless and countless information is beyond the pale. And especially on a night like tonight where we started the evening really celebrating the best of end really celebrating the worst of Rididgewood is is truly unfortunate. I
very much respect all of your First Amendment rights to speak up and be heard. We have first amendment rights, too. And we're going to call it out when you accuse baselessly folks up here of taking money as if the Rididgewood Baseball Association is writing checks to us. Really? And Keith is somehow
lying in T-Some cahoots with lots of other folks and lying really. >> So my plea to the folks up here is just let it go. >> Well, >> let us stand for what it sounds like. I mean, I think it's it's on its face. It's not worth responding to and not worth our time or dignity in responding to either.
>> Agreed. Agreed. However, regret is a wasted emotion. So, I'm going to be very available for this. We just had massive accusations across our professional staff, people who work for the village. We don't, you know, we we're volunteers. And I'm I'm going to I
agree with Evan that no matter what we say, no matter what we do, it ends up with we did it wrong. It wasn't it. Some of you sit on a charity that represents the house. The house cannot be opened without the LOI. We did the LOI. We did
the LOI. The neighbors wanted the LOI. So, let's even go back a little bit further. What would have ruined the parcel of land was to not invoke the open space. Open space saved Shedler from very real development where no
trees would have survived. The house wouldn't have survived, a developer would have bought it and it would have gone away. So the idea that open space did anything other than save the neighborhood in 2009 is a farce. The that's that's one. Two, the prior
council approved turf and deforested the first batch with no immediate plan in sight. It's interesting that we always go back to us us public clamoring and due diligence for the LOI and now we did the LOI. It was too expensive. We just
can't win with it. It seems we're not transparent. The reason you know about this is because we publish everything. We talk about it on social media. And so you regret it if you don't do it because then you look opaque. We are transparent to the point of being see-through. And we've got we're going to have problems
tomorrow. Our professional staff providers, we're called players. Highly technical people who do massive amounts of business in the state of New Jersey were called players. We're told that we're ruining a parcel of land through open space and open space actually saved
the neighborhood. Can you imagine if it had been housing? Can you imagine if it had been a gas and set? There'd be nothing there. We just saved 80 trees to replant them and that's not going to be good enough. What's most upsetting to me
is it sort of doesn't matter. We delineate, we print timelines, we do this, we publish and it just ends in a personal insult. I take deep offense to Keith being insulted. Everybody has their first amendment rights. The idea that we can't push back, that's a farce,
too. Just because we sit up here, we will maintain decorum. We will maintain decency, but we were elected to have words. I don't appreciate, I understand you can do it, how our professional staff was treated. And the next time all of the meeting attendees see zero bids,
one bid, it's because statements like that are dissuading people from wanting to do business in Rididgewood because their professional standards are attacked repeatedly. >> That's it. So I will have regrets tomorrow >> through through you mayor. Um first of
all I >> Nobody took my advice. >> I did. >> Thank you. >> My Pay County comes out a little bit when I get called names. Um, I pride myself on what I do here every day. I love my job. I love the people I work
with. I love the professional staff that we work with. I like the vendors that we work with. Everybody here, in my estimation, is doing the absolute best they can. Are they right 100% of the time?
Absolutely not. I can tell you that as Matt alluded to and you know confirmed, we were having shedler calls every week. The last any of us on this day know is
that there are no wetlands that were determined to be found by suburban on that property. I can't Opra request documents I don't know exist, Cynthia. I I I I'm not a mind reader. So the reality is is that if there are correspondents that exist
that you think we should know about and I've said it up here so many times that you have to believe that I never saw what you read from tonight. Send it to me. Let's be partners in this. Email me what you have and say, "Keith,
what does this mean? Can you get some answers from Suburban?" But instead, we resort to name calling. And yes, I take offense to it. I think most of us would. I think if the comments were heading in the opposite
direction, feelings would be equally hurt. But at the end of the day, the best thing we can do walking out of this room tonight is for you to forward me what you read so that when I walk in here at 8:30 tomorrow morning, I can call Joe
Pillo at Suburban and say, "What is this?" Because I need answers. So, if you can send me that tonight, that's the best way to get a cure to this problem that was discussed here this evening. That being said, to uh
Miss Riley, um Haw Field, Lower Hall is closed just for the construction that's taking place in the next two or three days. Um they wanted to make sure that the um landscaper had the ability to access the property in a safe way. Um,
so lower halls will be open once the field renovation is done. However, upper halls, the baseball field will remain closed until the field takes and were able to reopen it in the spring for practice and play. Mayor, if I may, I just want to point
out that the comments that were made are defamatory and subject to any action that may be taken. uh they are legally recountable um to uh to get to the truth. So I just want to make sure that anybody who wants
to come up here and start calling people liars and names such as that have to >> have to be aware be aware >> that we're dealing with defamation. >> I just wanted to make that point. >> And with that, does anybody else have
anything they want to say? >> Yes. I'm the only one. >> Oh boy. No one. >> I sympathize with your cause and I think you are doing it a total disservice. >> Excuse me. Anybody else from the deis? >> I think let's return to how this day
started and remember that this room was packed. It was standing room only. And what a positive feeling that was. And as I mentioned in my comment about open space, that's the silent majority. They were here for positive. They're here to support us. And when we walk out of here
tonight, let's remember the amount of love that this council brought to the village and sent it to somebody that has actually done something to help our town. With that, I say motion to dismiss. >> Second. >> No, I have to do a resolution. The jury
>> be resolved by the village council of village of Bridgewood that the village council meet in close session on November 5th, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. or soon thereafter as the matter on the agenda can be reached and the said close session be held in the caucus room on the fourth floor of the Ridgewood Village Hall 131 North Maple Avenue in
Richmond, New Jersey. be further resolved that the matters to be discussed in close session are limited to personnel matters to include personnel PBA and PBA SOA negotiations tax assessor's office and legal matters to include affordable housing village planner and shedler property these
matters are allowable under NJSA 104-12 that se further resolved that the minutes of this meeting shall be made available to the general public when such matters have been deemed completed by resolution of the village council may I have a motion >> so moved Second. >> All in favor? I. Anyone opposed? Okay.
Thank you. When do you leave? >> That's exciting. Now, is this the one where you going with your daughter?