A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF
RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT
1.
OPEN
PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Killion called the meeting to order at 8:01 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call, the following were present: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and Mayor Killion. Also present were Dr. Kenneth Gabbert, Village Manager and Heather Mailander, Village Clerk. Matthew Rogers, Village Attorney was absent this evening.
Mayor Killion led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Killion moved that the Bills, Claims, and Vouchers, and Statement of Funds on hand as of July 31, 2011, be accepted as submitted. Councilman Riche seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Killion moved that the Village Council minutes of June 22, June 30, July 6, and July 13, 2011 having been reviewed by the Village Council and now available in the Village Clerk’s Office be approved as submitted. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. PROCLAMATIONS
DECLARE SEPTEMBER OVARIAN CANCERE AWARENESS
MONTH
The following proclamation was read by Councilwoman Walsh:
5. SWEARING-IN
OF POLICE OFFICER STEPHEN CUMMINGS
Mayor Killion swore in Stephen Cummings as a Police Officer. Officer Cummings’ mother held the Bible as his father looked on.
6. SWEARING-IN
OF POLICE OFFICER JOHN A. WARD
Mayor Killion swore in John A. Ward as a Police Officer. Officer Ward’s mother held the Bible as his father, Police Chief John Ward, and his family looked on.
7. COMMENTS FROM THE
PUBLIC
Mayor Killion announced that they would now have comments from the public and he asked that anyone wishing to address the Village Council to come forward at this time. Rick Sarkisian, Harrington Park, New Jersey, said that he had previously addressed the Village Council about the collapse of the monetary system and at this time he is concerned about the impact on municipalities. He referred to a statement by Moody’s which suggested that a possible U.S. downgrade would affect 7,000 municipal credits. He questioned how this would affect Ridgewood’s ability to raise money. Mr. Sarkisian said that the formation of a Super Council resulting from the agreement on the debt ceiling issue is unconstitutional and any municipalities that are depending on federal monies should be very worried. He encouraged local municipalities to pass a resolution in favor of the Glass Steagall re-enactment which was originally passed in 1933 and said that a lot of the issues faced by the U.S. economy are a result of the lifting of the Glass Steagall separation in 1999. Many municipalities such as Newton, New Jersey have passed the Glass Steagall resolution and Mr. Sarkisian asked Ridgewood to strongly consider passing this resolution.
Marilyn Snierson, 244 Lotte Road, spoke about the two year old abandoned construction site at 205 Lotte Road. She made a telephone complaint in May to the Property Maintenance Officer, Greg Moritz, but did not receive a reply. At the end of May, Ms. Snierson went to Village Hall and spoke to the Tax Assessor about the matter and subsequently Mr. Moritz issued two summonses to the property owner with a return date of June 23, 2011. She found that there was nothing about this issue on the Court calendar of June 23rd and Mr. Moritz explained that he couldn’t understand this, would investigate further and get back to her. Ms. Snierson said that as of today she hasn’t heard anything from Mr. Moritz.
Ms. Snierson said that she emailed Mayor Killion and Councilman Riche concerning this matter on July 27, 2011 inquiring as to why this matter was not on the Court calendar. She did receive an email from Dr. Gabbert stating that the matter was listed for June 23, 2011 and if no one appeared a warrant for the developer would be issued. Ms. Snierson said she found that this information was incorrect when she checked with the Municipal Court office and found that the matter had been listed for July 21, 2011. On this date, the property owner was a no show and the matter is now listed for August 18, 2011. She asked why it takes Village officials in excess of three months to get a property owner to clean up black plastic garbage bags from the front lawn of a construction site. On August 2, 2011 Ms. Snierson asked Dr. Gabbert to give several dates when he would be available to meet with neighboring residents about this problem but she has never heard back from him.
Ms. Snierson remarked on the indifference of Village employees and elected officials to emails and other communications with residents. She said that it would be nice if her emails had been acknowledged by the Village Manager because residents in this town deserve more than miscommunication and indifference regarding various Village practices and ordinances. She again requested a meeting between Dr. Gabbert and residents of her neighborhood in order to understand what is happening with this dumpsite.
Roberta Forcina, 250 Hempstead Road, stated that she is appearing to complain about the same property on Lotte Road. The property is an eyesore and has been in this condition for the past six years. The builder shows up one day every six months and then disappears. The property has become a health hazard and Ms. Forcina said that she is surprised at officials in the Village, including the Building Inspector, who should be following up on this matter. She suggested that new staff be hired to be more productive and do a better job. She reiterated that this is unsightly, unhealthy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should intervene and evaluate the structure and the air which is filled with mold. Ms. Forsena said that this is a disgrace to an upscale community like Ridgewood and none of the Village elected officials or employees have been accountable or forthcoming regarding this condition.
Diane Haderthauer, 470 Albin Court, spoke about the DOT salt shed located on Franklin Turnpike. She said that during the fall and winter, the foliage that hides this site will be gone. The area is overgrown with weeds and people use this area like a dump by dropping off black bags full of garbage. Ms. Haderthauer stated that the area is neglected and someone has to be held accountable. She emphasized that someone needs to stay on top of this situation and the garbage should be cleaned up.
Ms. Haderthauer said that her property abuts the Park and Ride and her back yard is directly opposite the salt tower. She referred to the ordinance which states that a commercial property abutting residential properties requires screening. The Park and Ride negatively impacts all of the homes abutting it, due to lights which remain on all night in the parking lot as well as noise from car alarms and salt trucks loading up at 4 A.M. Egress for all of the cars in the lot is directly behind the backyards of Albert Court and this is the location of an existing cell tower.
Ms. Haderthauer is requesting that evergreen trees be planted along the perimeter of the Park & Ride to ameliorate some of the negative aspects of this area. If Village officials checked the original plans for the Park and Ride, they will find that the plans proposed several rows of trees to provide a buffer area on Banta and Albin Court. She asked that these trees be planted to make the area a better place to live.
James Bloom, 256 Lotte Road, said that he can’t figure out why the property on Lotte Road has been allowed to remain in its present condition for seven years and that no ordinances have been used to force completion of this project. He asked for an explanation and Mayor Killion said that when the Public Comment section of the meeting is concluded, he will ask the Village Manager to respond and explain why this situation has continued for seven years. He said that he has been told that State Statues supersede Village ordinances and he added that he was told that the Port a John had been removed.
Mr. Bloom said that he doesn’t understand why Village codes cannot be applied in this situation. He added that the town is unable to collect the amount of taxes it should, due to the unfinished condition of the lot. He asked that the Village Council require the builder to finish the house on the outside.
John Walsh, 216 East Glen Avenue, said that his property is in a flood zone and the storm drains on both sides of the street, at the intersection by the Recycling Center, flood whenever there is a significant amount of rainfall. This is a result of debris blocking the storm drains on both Maple Avenue and East Glen Avenue. These drains are never cleaned and some properties have driveways with French drains that are connected to the storm drains which causes flooding in garages. Mr. Walsh asked the Village Council to have the storm drains cleaned.
Mr. Walsh said that the sidewalks in front of 210, 216 and 204 West Glen Avenue are caving in and one of the water valves for the curb box is sticking up 3 - 4 inches, creating a tripping hazard. He asked the Village Council to address these issues.
Mr. Walsh referred to a typographical error or a type of symbol in Dr. Gabbert’s Memorandum of Agreement and asked for clarification. Mayor Killion said that this will be discussed later this evening.
There were no other comments from the public at this time.
Dr. Gabbert spoke about the property on Lotte Road and the situation which has gone on for almost seven years. He said that complaints were received and warning letters have been written with no response. A summons was issued, also with no response and a Court date was set. There is a warrant pending on the builder that may or may not have been served and doesn’t mean that he has to do anything to improve the property. The issue is proceeding through the appropriate legal process. Dr. Gabbert said he is making attempts to get some action on the property and as a result, the grass has been mowed, the construction fence has been removed and siding is being applied to the structure. The owner indicated that the Port a John would be moved into the rear of the property.
Dr. Gabbert explained that in New Jersey, construction permits have been extended from six months to two years for improvements or on-going work for a development. This extension will run out in July 2012; however, Dr. Gabbert said that the Village is trying to get some noticeable improvements completed before that date. Everyone is aware of the situation and the Village is putting as much pressure as possible on the owner while attempting to have the property improved.
Mayor Killion stressed the importance of residents being able to get correct and proper information when they make inquiries. Referring to an earlier comment by Ms. Snierson, he said that he is troubled by the fact that residents aren’t given accurate answers or are told by Village staff that they don’t know the answers to questions which are being asked. Mayor Killion acknowledged the progress being made and asked that a meeting be set with the neighbors for a discussion of what the Village administration can and can’t do. The Village Attorney should attend to explain the law as necessary. Dr. Gabbert said that he would arrange for this meeting and added that he would also look into the other concerns raised this evening.
8. MANAGER’S REPORT
Dr. Gabbert said that he had distributed the second quarter revenue update on some departments, along with expenses. Regarding Emergency Services, there is a new agreement with Valley Hospital that is not as favorable to the Village. There will be a slight improvement over 2010 for Recreation and Graydon Pool combined that is due to an increase in revenue. Dr. Gabbert said that there appears to be a slight increase in revenue for Graydon Pool. There is continued improvement with the Municipal Court, but they remain in a catch up mode in certain activities. The Municipal Court should be near even, as they were in 2010.
Regarding Public Health, Dr. Gabbert recalled that death certificate license fees were changed in 2010 and there should be positive revenues for this department in 2011. The restructuring of Fire Prevention took place late in 2010 and the full impact is being realized in 2011. This means that almost all of the costs of this department will be covered. Dr. Gabbert reported that restructuring in the Building Department has been positive. Staff changes have been made to improve service and costs are being covered.
9. DISCUSSION – BEST
PRACTICES INVENTORY QUESTIONNAIRE
Dr. Gabbert stated that the time given to complete this report is tight and it must be returned to the State by September 1, 2011. The document requires that the Village Council have an opportunity to ask questions but Dr. Gabbert pointed out that Ridgewood is well within the standards set by the Department of Community Affairs and the Governor’s Office. The Village Clerk must certify that the Councilmembers discussed the Best Practices Checklist.
Mayor Killion questioned the absence of a Pay to Play ordinance in the Village which prohibits the award of public contracts to business entities that have made campaign contributions exceeding $300. Dr. Gabbert stated that the Village falls under the County Pay to Play policy as well as State regulations. Councilmembers agreed that a Pay to Play ordinance should be adopted.
Councilman Aronsohn referred to a question of whether the municipality provides documents and information showing employees’ salaries and how the salaries have changed. Dr. Gabbert said that the data is available and they are working on ease of accessibility at this time.
10. ORDINANCES
a. Introduction
- #3304 – Amend Chapter 151 – Fire Zones
Mayor Killion moved the first reading of Ordinance 3304. Councilman Aronsohn seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3304 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 151 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, FIRE ZONES, AT SECTION 151-8, “VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES”
Councilman Riche moved that Ordinance 3304 be adopted on first reading and that September 14, 2011 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Aronsohn seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
b. Introduction
- #3305 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions on
Walton Street
Mayor Killion moved the first reading of Ordinance 3305. Councilman Wellinghorst seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3305 by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 265 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT SECTION 265-69, “TIME LIMIT PARKING”
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Ordinance 3305 be adopted on first reading and that September 14, 2011 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Wellinghorst seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
c. Introduction
- #3306 – Bond Ordinance – Various Capital Improvements (3,250,000)
Mayor Killion moved the first reading of Ordinance 3306. Councilman Aronsohn seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3306 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMEENTS OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $3,354,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $3,087,500 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Riche moved that Ordinance 3306 be adopted on first reading and that September 14, 2011 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilman Aronsohn seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
d. Introduction
- #3307 – Bond Ordinance – Various Water Capital Improvements ($900,000)
Mayor Killion moved the first reading of Ordinance 3307. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3307 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS WATER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $900,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $855,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Councilman Wellinghorst moved that Ordinance 3307 be adopted on first reading and that September 14, 2011 be fixed as the date for the hearing thereon. Councilwoman Walsh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
e. Public
Hearing - #3303 – Bond Ordinance – Various Equipment for Water Utility
(869,789)
Mayor Killion moved the Clerk read Ordinance 3303 by title on second reading and that the public hearing thereon be opened. Councilman Aronsohn seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Village Clerk read Ordinance 3303 by title:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF VARIOUS EQUIPMENT FOR THE WATER UTILITY OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $869,789 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $826,300 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE VILLAGE TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
Mayor Killion announced that the Public Hearing was open. Roger Wiegand, 216 South Irving Street, referred to Section 3 C of the ordinance regarding the acquisition of a test bench at a cost of $52,000. He asked for a definition of a test bench and Frank Moritz, Director of Ridgewood Water, explained that due to the size of the utility, the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) requires that every meter that is removed be tested for accuracy and water flow. The testing equipment that the Village presently uses is 70 years old and needs to be replaced.
Leonard Eisen, 762 Upper Boulevard, questioned the difference between Ordinance 3303 and Ordinance 3307 which both deal with the Water Department. Dr. Gabbert recalled a lengthy discussion several months ago regarding water meters in the Ridgewood Water System. The least expensive way to make improvements to the water utility was to break it into a four or five year process utilizing Village staff as much as possible. Ordinance 3303 concentrates on meters with minor vehicle costs. Dr. Gabbert stated that the Ordnance 3307 is the 2012 activity, which would be the second year of purchasing the new water meters.
There were no further comments from the public and Mayor Killion moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Councilman Riche seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Riche moved that Ordinance 3303 be adopted on second reading and final publication as required by law. Councilman Aronsohn seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Aronsohn, Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and
Mayor Killion
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
11. RESOLUTION
11-193 – AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT: AMENDED EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011 – VILLAGE
MANAGER’S 2011 SALARY
Mayor Killion stated that Councilman Aronsohn has requested that this resolution be pulled from the agenda. Councilman Aronsohn explained that he has substantive and procedural concerns relative to this resolution. This resolution was not placed on the Village Council’s Agenda until 24 hours ago which means that the public has only had 24 hours for consideration. There is no time sensitivity to the resolution and Councilman Aronsohn asked that consideration and a vote be postponed to allow the public more time to engage in a discussion.
Councilwoman Walsh said that the Council determines the negotiations and salary for the Village Manager. Councilman Riche made a motion to move forward with the resolution, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and Mayor Killion
NAYS: Councilman Aronsohn
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Walsh moved that Resolution 11-193 be adopted. Councilman Wellinghorst seconded the motion.
Councilwoman Walsh said that the Village Council will discuss the fairness of this resolution which concerns the salary increase for Dr. Gabbert from $165,000 to $185,000. She recalled that before she was elected over a year ago, she discussed issues with Dr. Gabbert that needed to be taken care of immediately. When she asked for more details, it appeared to her that Dr. Gabbert knew what was needed in the Village and what was going on. She pointed out that Dr. Gabbert has successfully negotiated two labor contracts with the Police Department which will save approximately $250,000 per officer and with the Fire Department which will save $225,000 for the life of each individual.
Councilwoman Walsh stated that when Dr. Gabbert arrived, the fiscal health of the Village had been compromised and many Village workers were laid off. Seven of these workers have been rehired by the Village. She agrees that taxes should not be raised during difficult economic times but residents must understand that the majority of employees in the Village will receive fixed percentage increases under their union contracts. It is important for the Village Council and the Village Manager not to create a disincentive of unionized labor to accept advancement opportunities into management that is not unionized. Councilwoman Walsh stressed the importance of having employees that stay with the Village and work through their retirement.
Councilman Riche stated that he takes his representation of the residents of Ridgewood seriously. The Village Council must create an environment of success for Village employees and managers. Compensation is one aspect of this responsibility and the Village Council conducted a thorough salary analysis for all levels of upper management resulting in a performance evaluation merit incentive plan for upper management, in order to discourage automatic raises. Councilman Riche explained that the Village Council reached a conclusion relative to compensation for the Village Manager which is reflected in Resolution #11-193, which he endorses.
Councilman Aronsohn said that these are tough times and a 12% increase in salary could be unprecedented in Bergen County, New Jersey or even nationwide. He realizes that some of the challenges that the Village Manager has encountered were difficult; however, that is his job. Many people find themselves working longer and harder for the same amount of money or less and public employees are seeing minimal increases if any. Councilman Aronsohn pointed out that this resolution is retroactive to January 1, 2011.
Councilman Aronsohn disagreed with Councilwoman Walsh’s statement that this is not the public’s business because Councilmembers represent the 24,000 residents of Ridgewood. He does not support this salary increase and commented that the Village Manager had negotiated salaries with unions, resulting in salary increases no higher than 4%. For top management, there are no salary increases for 2010 and 2011 due to the passage of an ordinance which also includes a merit increase, based on a performance evaluation. Councilman Aronsohn concluded stating that he doesn’t support a 12% salary increase for the Village Manager.
Councilman Wellinghorst said that the Village Council acts as the Board of Directors for the Village, with Dr. Gabbert running the day to day business. He ran for the position of Councilmember as a fiscal conservative who wanted Ridgewood to be reeled in a little. During Councilman Wellinghorst’s six months on the Village Council, he has seen the Village move in a better fiscal direction than it had been going, thanks to Dr. Gabbert. It is up to the Village Council to take care of funding raises of Village employees, through the guidance of the Village Manager. He has saved the taxpayers of Ridgewood a significant amount of money over the last year. Councilman Wellinghorst stated that he believes in a merit based salary system and supports the resolution.
Mayor Killion said that none of the Council Members objected to union members getting pay raises of 3%; however, there are objections to the pay raises of non-union and management personnel. Dr. Gabbert has been with the Village for nearly two years and has had to address a lot of problems left by the previous Village Manager who made $191,260 plus a $7,500 bonus. In 2009, the former Village Manager received a $5,000 bonus bringing his compensation to over $200,000. Mayor Killion said that the Village Manager inherited a lot of problems and financial difficulties and he is surprised that no one complained about the former Village Manager’s salary in 2009. Mayor Killion indicated his support of the resolution.
Roll Call Vote
AYES: Councilmembers Riche, Walsh, Wellinghorst and Mayor Killion
NAYS: Councilmember Aronsohn
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
12. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS,
NUMBERED 11-177 THROUGH 11-192, WERE CONSIDERED ON A CONSENT AGENDA WITH
13. COMMENTS FROM THE
PUBLIC
Mayor Killion announced that they would again have comments from the public and asked anyone wishing to address the Village Council to come forward at this time.
Rick Sarkisian, Harrington Park, spoke about the Glass Steagall resolution and said that he is trying to get Representative Scott Garrett to be a co-sponsor on the bill. Representative Garrett is not committed one way or the other and has indicated that the resolution hasn’t been presented to his committee. The support of Ridgewood’s Village Council could help to persuade Representative Garrett’s decision on the resolution.
Eugene Tendrich, 796 Newcomb Road, said that he finds that amount of salary being paid to the Village Manager incomprehensible. He pointed out that the President of the United States hasn’t had a raise in some time and at IBM, Division Managers are making less than the Village Manager. He suggested that a consultant be contacted in order to find out how people in comparable positions are being compensated. Mr. Tendrich stated that the current salary of the Village Manager is exorbitant and the new salary is beyond belief. Mr. Tendrich worked in the field of cost reduction and saved his company hundreds of thousands of dollars but never received a bonus because he was just doing his job. The message here is that the Village Manager is doing his job and therefore should be over compensated for doing it. Mr. Tendrich stated that Dr. Gabbert might be worth what he is being paid, but this is the wrong time for a 12% salary increase which is actually incomprehensible at this or any other time. Mr. Tendrich suggested a recall effort to remove Village Councilmembers from office because the town’s money is being given away.
Lou Lembo, 721 Albert Place, asked when paving would begin. Dr. Gabbert said that the Village is now at the mercy of the contractors. An early start would be October with a late start defined as the end of November.
Changing the subject, Mr. Lembo questioned the amount of the bonuses given to the former Village Manager. Mayor Killion said that the Village Clerk provided him with these figures.
Roger Wiegand, 216 South Irving Street, said that he agrees with Councilman Aronsohn’s position regarding Dr. Gabberts’s salary increase. He recalled Dr. Gabbert saying recently that this is not the time to be giving a raise to anybody. Mr. Wiegand’s social security and pension payments have been frozen, but it is up to the taxpayer in Ridgewood to pay for Dr Gabbert’s salary. It appears that the United States is heading into another recession with more layoffs, and to give a raise at this time to anyone isn’t right. Mr. Wiegand commented that Councilmembers, with the exception of Councilmember Aronsohn, have made a big mistake because this is not the time for this type of salary increase.
James Bombace, 686 Midwood Road, stated that he is a lifelong resident of Ridgewood, as well as a former employee. He worked with many previous Village Managers and closely with James Ten Hoeve when he was Fire Chief. The role of a Village Manager is a difficult job, which requires a level of expertise that not everyone has. He has also had the opportunity to work with Dr. Gabbert for a short time and has interacted with Dr. Gabbert as a citizen. Former Chief Bombace said that he has not been impressed with Dr. Gabbert in either capacity. Dr. Gabbert takes a long time to make a decision and ignores things he should be paying attention to; therefore, he could not support this salary increase.
Mike Seiden, 319 Franklin Turnpike, spoke about resolution #11-185 regarding the Midland Park Sewer Hook Up. He recalled a similar situation several years ago when Midland Park backed out of the hook up and did not pay the Village. He asked what type of guarantee the Village has that Midland Park won’t back out again. Dr. Gabbert said that this item was placed in the 2009 budget with an anticipated revenue of $200,000. At that time, there was no intention on the part of Midland Park to pay or sign an agreement. The agreement was declared null and void and the Village took a hit on the revenue. He subsequently asked the Village Council for the $3,600 fee per connection to be taken off the books and replaced with a $5,000 fee. Dr. Gabbert explained that Midland Park was required to post a $20,000 escrow fund to cover the Village’s engineering fees or any other fees associated with the negotiations. Midland Park has now agreed to the $5,000 fee per hook up and the total figure is anticipated at $320,000 and there is no anticipation of funds in the 2011 budget. If the money comes in before the end of the year, it will be counted as unanticipated revenue and would become surplus which will benefit the Village in the long run.
Aze Antonio, 36 Columbine Road, Paramus, spoke regarding the salary resolution for the Village Manager. Mr. Antonio referred to the Borough Administrator in Paramus who makes a salary of $140,000. This Borough Administrator was faced with many difficulties also; however, Mr. Antonio said that he is amazed to see such a large increase from $165,000 to $185,000 for Dr. Gabbert. He has worked as an intern with the Borough Administrator in Paramus, and recognizes the challenges of the job. He also sees the other Paramus Borough employees who are working extremely hard and not making enough money. They must deal with downsizing and making sacrifices for their families. Mr. Antonio stated that a 12% increase in anyone’s salary doesn’t make sense and this decision does not represent the Village of Ridgewood.
There was no one else from the public that wished to be heard at this time.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Riche, seconded by Councilman Wellinghorst and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
___________________________
Keith D. Killion
Mayor
___________________________
Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk