A SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON MONDAY,  DECEMBER 3, 2007, AT 7:00 P.M.

 

1.                  CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW – ROLL CALL

 

Mayor Pfund called the meeting to order at 7:02 P.M. and read the statement of compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call, the following were present:  Councilmembers Harlow, Mancuso, Ringler Shagin, Wiest and Mayor Pfund.  Also present were James Ten Hoeve, Village Manager; and Heather Mailander, Village Clerk. 

 

2.         COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Mayor Pfund announced that they would be discussing the proposal on the second draft of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.  At this time, Mayor Pfund asked anyone wishing to address the Village Council to come forward.

 

Nancy Brennan Hill, Doremus Avenue, stated that she read the report online and she was surprised at the amount of money and the number of plastic fields that are proposed to be installed.  She said that Ridgewood residents are very conscious of the environment and global warming and plastic synthetic turf fields significantly raises the temperature of areas around a synthetic turf field.  She looked at the five most important areas that residents felt the report should be concentrating on and it is not sport fields but items such as woodlands, hiking, bike paths, exercise, and fitness followed by lacrosse and soccer.   It would appear that the Village cannot get their focus off of organized sports and increasing sports activities in the Village. 

 

Mayor Pfund asked if there are any artificial turf surfaces proposed for Ridgewood Municipal Parks.  Tim Cronin, the Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that there was one proposed in the previous draft, however, this has been removed.  The Council is not looking at any other “plastic” synthetic turf fields.

 

Linda McNamara, 575 Knickerbocker Road, said that there may be some confusion over artificial turf fields because at a November 12th meeting of the Village Council, the School Board discussed other grass fields they would like to have replace with artificial turf.  She pointed out that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has claimed that tire playgrounds are not suitable for children and the schools are getting rid of these playgrounds.  However, she finds it upsetting that tire particles can be used in artificial turf fields in the Village.  Ms. McNamara said that grass fields can meet community needs and many towns are beginning to ban pesticides which would solve the runoff issues.  Ms. McNamara noted that the NFL Report of 2004 states that 100% of football players prefer natural grass fields rather than artificial turf.  Many bacterial infections that we are hearing about in the news thrive on these inorganic surfaces which mean that there are maintenance costs involved with these fields.  She concluded by stating that children should play on green fields.

 

Katie McNamara, 575 Knickerbocker Road, stated that the Waste Tire Management and Recycling Act passed in 2004 provided for the collection and recycling of waste tires.  These waste tires pose significant public health, safety and environment risks.  Synthetic turf is generally made with rubber from these waste tires.  Substances found in tires persist in the environment and are carcinogenic and toxic and the synthetic grass fibers can be a significant source of pollution.  According to the NJDEP fractured rubber from tires is high in leachable zinc which can kill ornamental plants and prevent plants from growing.

 

Ms. McNamara stated that the NJDEP’s studies conclude that due to the natural and synthetic rubber components in some rubber products, there may be some members of the population who are allergic to latex and other components of rubber who could exhibit varying degrees of allergic dermatitis through contact.  NJDEP experts have suggested that children could be harmed by breathing the chemicals in the turf or by getting it on their skin or in their mouths.  Municipalities need to be aware that the fields are not permanent and disposing of them could potentially be a financial and environmental headache in the future.

 

Regarding expense, Ms. McNamara stated that Bard Fresenberg, an Extension Turf Grass specialist at the University of Missouri, completed a cost analysis over 16 years stating that a natural soil based field would cost $33, 5000 to maintain; a sand cap grass field would cost $49,000; a basic synthetic field would cost $65,800 and a premium synthetic field would cost $109,000.  Mr. Fresenberg concluded that a public agency could take the same money it would cost to install a synthetic field and instead put in a sand-capped field and put the remaining money into a maintenance fund with recurring bond value resulting in a premium natural grass field with most of the maintenance costs covered.

 

Ms. McNamara concluded that it is clear from the scientific literature that rubber should not be used as a field replacement, landscape amendment or mulch.  There is no question that toxic substances leach from rubber as it degrades contaminating the soil, landscape plants, and associated aquatic systems.

 

Steve Shea, 56 Heermance Place, said that he has been working with the Village Engineer to get a copy of the Stream Encroachment Permit Application that was filed with the DEP for the proposed turf fields at various schools.  This is important because some of these proposed turf fields are in the specific area of the flood plain known as the floodway where water continues to move.  He asked the Village Council to help him get copies of the application to the DEP.

 

Mr. Shea explained that he is concerned because he is an adjoining property owner and may be subject to additional flooding if the fields are not correctly installed.  He said that if the Village goes ahead with these fields, they look for areas that are not in the flood plain or floodway because the brook floods and it is common for Stevens Field and the High School Football Field to be somewhat under water.  Mr. Shea noted that at Maple Park Field, some of the rubber particles have come off and work their way into the stream.  The silt also gets mixed in with the particles and even though it is claimed that the field can be cleaned, he said that the field will not function correctly and may not hold up.  

 

Mayor Pfund said that the Board of Education and the Village have separate facilities and although the Master Plan took both entities into consideration, the facilities are clearly separate from one another.  He stated again that there are no further plans for synthetic fields from the Village.  Mr. Shea said that the Village Engineer should be involved no matter which entity is doing something in the floodplain or floodway. 

 

Melinda Taylor, 714 Grove Street, asked if there has been any further thought on parking lot versus linear parking on Grove Street for the Grove Street Park.  Mayor Pfund said that this item is up for discussion tonight.

 

Jim Morgan, 419 Beverly Road, recognized that the Village is not planning any further artificial turf fields on Village property.  He referred to a recent article in the Bergen Record, which stated that the problems with artificial turf are still in their infancy.  He stated that the Village Council should be involved in this issue even though the School Board is a separate entity and seem to be planning to install these fields on school property.  This affects the health and safety of the entire community and for the Village Council to ignore the issue is shortsighted.   He urged Village Councilmembers to become involved in the studies regarding the environmental impact to the Village.    

 

Councilwoman Ringler Shagin stated that the Village Council has previously read voluminous studies and research materials before moving forward with the existing artificial turf field.  She also visited Bergen Catholic which has one of the older turf fields and spoke to several different people all of whom were very pleased with the artificial turf fields. 

 

Mr. Morgan agreed that the Village Council did a lot of research on this issue.  He said that this is something that could have a huge affect on the children and facilities in the Village and he hopes that the Council will continue to monitor it.  Councilman Mancuso stated that he appreciates Mr. Morgan’s concern and he agreed that the Village Council should be vigilant and continue to monitor the situation.

 

Tom Thurston, 477 Beverly Road, said that he understands that the Board of Education and the Village are separate.  He noted that the majority of fields in the Village are located along the river.  The brook narrows as it travels past Veterans Fields and then goosenecks as it hits the bridge at the High School and those fields seem to flood more often now than in the past.  Mr. Thurston suggested that the Village assist the Board of Education in alleviating the concerns of flooding if money is spent on turf fields at the High School in the spirit of cooperation.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin stated that Mr. Rutishauser looked at these areas recently and has had some of the obstructions removed. 

 

No one else from the public came forward at this time.

 

3.         PRESENTATION BY TIMOTHY CRONIN, DIRECTOR OF PARKS

            AND RECREATION, ON VILLAGE PARKS AND FIELDS IN

            THE SCHOOR DEPALMA “PARKS, FIELDS, FACILITIES, AND

            RECREATION MASTER PLAN”

 

Tim Cronin began by stating that the goal tonight is to gather the feelings of the Village Council and what additions or changes they would like made to the report. The Committee will meet Thursday and review all of the suggested changes both by the residents and the governing body and then send the changes to CMX, formerly Schoor DePalma, and a final report will be issued.

 

North Monroe Street - Mr. Cronin recommended no changes to the page regarding the Village Tennis Courts on North Monroe Street.  Two additional tennis courts should be added.  Mr. Cronin stated that there are sixteen tennis courts at five locations in the Village.  Councilwoman Wiest asked about casual play at this location and Mr. Cronin said that he sees sporadic play such as Frisbee playing from time to time in this location.  Councilman Harlow commented that in looking through the report in general he finds many of the costs to be excessive.  All the work done here should total no more than $350,000.

 

Irene Habernickel Family Park -  Mr. Cronin struck the items that had already been done or funded at the Horse Farm such as pond testing, the traffic study and underground storage tank removal.  The second phase contains items that have all been funded.  The third phase includes the new roadway, which has already been done, and the fifth phase that has been completed. There is approximately $1.6 million worth of work to be done.  Mayor Pfund said that he wasn’t sure he wanted the amphitheatre included in the Master Plan along with a picnic shelter and renovations to the house and barn for $700,000.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin agreed that perhaps these items were too specific for a Master Plan but she did like the idea of an amphitheater.  After discussion, Village Councilmembers agreed that this is a plan and if these items want to be pursued further they should get all the information along with public input.  Councilman Mancuso said that the Master Plan contains broad statements and not specifics. 

 

Councilman Harlow pointed out that the things they don’t want in the Master Plan should be taken out.  He asked if everyone agreed that a gym should be omitted at the Haber nickel Family Park.  All of the Village Councilmembers concurred that a gym should be removed.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin wanted wording stating that where feasible, permeable materials should be used. 

 

Councilman Harlow noted that the pond at the Habernickel Farm was originally fed by the pond across the street and at that time the pond was 6 feet to 8 feet higher than it is today.   Today the pond is little more than a storm drain and only fills up when there is rain.  It acts as a storm drain for Hillcrest Road and when there is no rain, it is a mud hole.  Therefore, the dam and the gristmill below should be removed.  He pointed out that it would take a lot of work in this area to add trails, due to the amount of rock.  An open brook that would look more attractive and give more land should be constructed here at a lower cost rather than rebuilding the dam.  Mayor Pfund said that the engineer was looking at this possibility based on a prior recommendation. 

 

Upon questioning by Mayor Pfund, Mr. Cronin said that the trails are in the third phase.  Mayor Pfund said that he would like to see this as a priority and Councilman Harlow’s suggestion might be a good way to ensure that these trails are completed in a more timely fashion.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin commented that this venture shouldn’t be so expensive and she wants people to enjoy the property without a lot of organized activity.  Councilwoman Wiest stated that it would be wonderful if the trail had an area for use by the handicapped.  Mr. Ten Hoeve said that at the next meeting they will be asking for a resolution to apply for a trails grant.   Councilman Harlow stated that if a stream is built rather than a dam, it should be done in conjunction with the building of trails in the lower half of the property.  Councilwoman Wiest stated that a wetlands park similar to the Frelinghuysen Arboretum would be perfect for this venue.

 

Citizens Park - Mr. Cronin said that the remediation to the Bozzo Homestead has been completed.  He noted that taking the small diamond and making it a dedicated clay infield is proposed although the cost is high.  He agreed that a parking lot is needed and he would like to see 20 to 25 additional spaces added without interfering with sleigh riding.  Councilwoman Wiest suggested removing a small outcropping of rocks that is dangerous when sledding.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin questioned whether bathrooms and a parking lot are needed.  Mr. Cronin said that bathrooms are one of the amenities that people constantly ask for and Mayor Pfund agreed that this would be a good idea.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin proposed that the Master Plan include a provision for restroom facilities within a reasonable distance of the field.  The restrooms would  occupy the least amount of open space possible.  Mayor Pfund and Councilwoman Wiest felt that having children crossing the road to use the bathrooms at George Washington Middle School is dangerous.  

 

Kings and Gypsy Pond Park – Mr. Cronin said that the suggestions were creative and there are no eliminations suggested.  Many residents don’t know the park exists and the park should be more accessible to the residents.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin said that the appropriate signage should be done immediately, even before the trails are upgraded.   Councilwoman Wiest said that the accessibility to the trails must be improved.  She said that this 31 acre area has great potential which is greatly under used.  This area is not deep enough or long enough for kayaking and the proposed boat launch should be removed. 

 

Councilman Harlow asked if all of the parks had to be ADA compliant.  He noted that he views nature trails as being rather rugged and not macadam.  Mr. Cronin said that they were considering using stone dust and other permeable materials rather than woodchips.   Councilwoman Wiest stated that the ability to cross the dam via a bridge is important and she remarked that a dock might be interesting.  

 

Bellair Park – Mr. Cronin stated that the new driveway, parking lot and curbs have been completed.  The recommendation of the expansion of the putting green should be done cautiously due to the concern of the neighbors.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin said that the burial ground of the horses and Dalmatian that worked for the Fire Department must be preserved.  Councilman Harlow pointed out that the cost of $275,000 for the renovation of the tennis courts is excessive and Mr. Cronin said that there are three courts located here. 

 

Councilwoman Ringler Shagin noted that Orchard School was interested in using the putting green as part of its recess activity and she said that there should be a safer path from the school.  Council Members agreed to eliminate the synthetic turf between the tennis courts and the road. 

 

Memorial Park at Van Neste Square – The recommended renovation for the staircase and stones have been completed.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin said that she would be reluctant to include the gazebo as part of the Master Plan.  Mr. Cronin stated that the gazebo is noted to be funded by private donations.  Councilwoman Wiest said that the plans for the gazebo will come in front of the Historic Preservation Committee in January.  

 

Mayor Pfund indicated that there doesn’t seem to be a consensus to have the gazebo included in the Master Plan although he is not opposed to hearing about it.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin said that there is nothing to prevent the Council from hearing about the gazebo and approving it, however, she would be reluctant to have it included in the Master Plan.  Councilman Mancuso agreed. 

 

Mayor Pfund questioned the permanent Christmas tree in the park and Mr. Ten Hoeve said that they are waiting for the Council to come to a consensus on the gazebo.  If the gazebo is not built, the preferred location of the tree is exactly as proposed.  Councilwoman Wiest said that having a Christmas tree in the middle of the circle is awkward and it should be off to the Walnut Street side of the park.  Mayor Pfund said he didn’t think the Christmas tree should be part of this Master Plan.  Councilmembers agreed that the Christmas tree, the gazebo, and the relocation of the flag pole should not be part of the Master Plan.  Mr. Cronin said that the flag pole balances the property.  

 

Councilman Harlow said that whenever there is an event held at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, everyone ends up in the street but he believes that events should take place in the park.  He suggested turning the top of the monument around to be oriented to the park and not the street.  Councilwoman Wiest stated that the Historic Preservation Commission had investigated this and found that to turn the monument in, not including restoration, would be approximately $3,500.  She added that during events the buses create a problem due to the noise and fumes.  Mayor Pfund said he would like to hear the reaction of the American Legion and he suggested having this item listed for discussion on a Work Session agenda. 

 

Veterans Field - Mr. Cronin stated that on Page 66, under miscellaneous, $40,000 would be eliminated for the safety netting and on Page 67, the concession building would be left as rest room facilities.  The idea of a mobile concession stand is a project coming from private sources and Mr. Cronin didn’t think it should be part of the Master Plan.  There is a proposal for $100,000 for lighting and Mr. Cronin said that this is athletic field lighting that would eliminate portable lighting. 

 

Councilman Harlow said that for many reasons he supports the report’s recommendation for permanent lighting at Veterans Field.  The reasons include fixed points with lower stanchions and the fact that lighting can be designed to properly fit the field and designed so that it doesn’t shine into houses across the street.  The noise from portable generators would be eliminated and there would be a control to turn the lights on and off.  He added that this should be done as soon as possible.


Councilwoman Ringler Shagin said that solar panels and geothermal should be considered along with fluorescent lighting rather than incandescent.  Mayor Pfund said that he was disheartened with the lack of creativity at Veteran’s Field.  Mr. Cronin said that a maintenance agreement is being looked at for turf pesticide application; however, it needs to be done at the right time with the cooperation of the sports groups.  Councilman Harlow agreed that this page was a disappointment and he was hoping to see a different layout whereby a new baseball field could be created.  He suggested that they study the possibility of a field oriented the proper way, which could be considered for this area.   It was indicated that unless the band shell were removed, there were no alternatives for a new field. 

 

Councilwoman Wiest referred to the comfort stations and said they were needed due to the tremendous amount of people who use the fields.   Mr. Cronin stated that they have reached out to three architects and they are awaiting responses.  Councilman Harlow pointed out that Veteran’s Field is the most used facility in the Village for organized sports and many people also come to this area to walk. 

 

Graydon Park Facility – Councilman Harlow asked if there was already a handicapped ramp here and Mr. Cronin stated that this addresses getting from the existing ramp going into the facility and on to the water’s edge.  There are existing ramps on the Maple Avenue side, one off the deck and another off the beach.  The report is referring to the fact that the pitch of the staircase is not correct.  Councilman Harlow suggested putting handicapped parking next to Linwood Avenue and building a 2 foot or 3 foot ramp to get onto the sidewalk which would then continue across the bridge for handicapped access. 

 

Mayor Pfund stated that in view of the impending study of Graydon Pool, he would not recommend the installation of a concrete bottom facility when it appears that many people still prefer a sand bottom pool.  Councilmembers agreed, however, Councilwoman Ringler Shagin felt that a concrete bottom kiddie pool would be a good addition.   She suggested wording that this Master Plan would be supplemented at a future point regarding Graydon Park.   Councilman Harlow suggested wording to the effect that the construction of the pool is to be re-evaluated.   

 

Councilwoman Wiest stated that the new fencing around the pool is an asset.  She noted a gate midway along the length of the Linwood Avenue side where a manhole cover is located.  Mr. Cronin said that the purpose of the gate is to service the manhole which is the injection point for the chlorine and it is not meant to be used for public access. 

 

Regarding the new skate park, Mayor Pfund asked if the Village Council had decided on the concept.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin stated that she was awaiting advice from the Risk Management Committee.  Although she would like to like to have an area for children to skateboard, there are no rules and skateboarding is an injury intensive sport.  Mr. Cronin indicated that he has a notation on mobile portable ramps which are much less expensive.  Councilman Harlow said that he would support the suggestion of the ramps at the hockey rink and he asked where these ramps would be stored when hockey is being played.  Mr. Cronin stated that since hockey is played in the winter, the ramps could be stored in the pool buildings.  The ramps would be taken out of storage at the beginning of March when the hockey season ends and work begins to clean out the pool. 

 

Mayor Pfund asked if there is enough space on the hockey rink for the portable ramps.  Mr. Cronin said that the rink would be used as is.  He added that they approached the Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) and there is adequate space for six stations.   After further discussion, the Village Council agreed to put mobile skate ramps in the Master Plan and   Mr. Cronin noted that $30,000 has already been budgeted for this purpose.  Mayor Pfund recommended that the rendering with the circle for the proposed pool be removed  

 

Maple Park East – Mr. Cronin stated that the $5,000 for drinking fountains would be removed because this was part of the renovations which have been completed.  He has also removed that installation of the sports lighting and inserted the unisex bathroom.  Mayor Pfund commented that he would like more creative thought here. He also recommended that people should use the bathrooms that are available at Graydon.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin said that the goal should be to make the existing bathrooms inviting, clean and accessible.  Mayor Pfund suggested wording, in concept form, that restrooms would be available without having to spend money on new construction.    Mr. Ten Hoeve said that they had discussed using the phrase “installation of new footbridge or unisex bathrooms” 

 

Councilman Harlow said that the engineering of drainage paths and berms is a requirement.  Berms are located in some areas but in other areas they are missing.  Water will be an issue from time to time and the planting of any bush with fullness at the bottom will sieve the sediment out of the water resulting in clean water on the fields. 

 

Councilwoman Wiest asked if anything could be done now regarding the brightness of the lights at Maple Field.  Mr. Cronin said they could look at the position of the lighting and he said he has received feedback from some of the neighbors who were initially opposed to the lighting who are now in favor of it.  Councilman Harlow stated that this is an area where permanent lighting is needed as soon as possible. 

 

Leuning Park - Mayor Pfund stated that he doesn’t have an opinion on the sculpture at this park.  After some discussion, Councilmembers decided that this should be removed from the document.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin did not like the idea of a paved area here and she recommended using something natural.

 

Dunham Trail - This is an area between Spring Avenue and Grove Street.  Councilmembers disagreed with the recommendation for lighting in this area.  

 

Grove Park – Mr. Cronin referred to page 82 under recommended new facilities and stated that the Committee felt that developing a trail network and the installation of trail signage should remain.  Construction of a new gravel parking lot, along with a rustic picnic center, is eliminated.  Councilman Harlow wanted wording noting that parking spaces should be located along the street; however, Mr. Cronin stated that neighbors are concerned about this and would rather have a formal parking lot where the old gravel lot was located.   Councilwoman Ringler Shagin agreed that some parking is needed along the street and Councilmembers agreed to half a dozen linear parking spaces.  Mayor Pfund was concerned about the rate of speed that people travel along Grove Street and asked if this parking would be safe.  Mr. Cronin said that Grove Street is wide; however, he understood the Mayor’s concerns.  Councilwoman Wiest said that the Traffic Safety Committee is considering some traffic calming devices to slow down traffic on Grove Street.  Mayor Pfund said that he would like some research done by the Village Engineer to see if access for parking on Grove Street is as safe an option as a ten car cut out for a parking area.  After further discussion, Mayor Pfund suggested wording to the effect that there is an interest in some minimal lineal parking, either a cut out or along the curb, which will be determined.   

 

Councilwoman Wiest said that she is looking for the addition of a small boardwalk type walkway, in certain specific areas that are constantly wet, to be included in the section on developing trail areas.  Councilman Harlow agreed and said that any woodchips that are put down in these areas seem to disappear.  He said that a stream used to run through the middle of this area which is the reason for the wet areas. 

 

Pleasant Park – Mr. Cronin stated that this is tied into Board of Education properties.  The synthetic turf has been eliminated by the Committee who propose locating the field in the northwest corner of the property which would mean hitting out towards Ellington Road.  Councilman Harlow felt that if this field was pushed behind the school some benefits could be gained.  It would be more accessible to the parking lot, wouldn’t be as close to the housing, and a buffer could be built between the houses and the field which would result in the gain of a larger field.  Mr. Cronin said that the committee looked at other places and decided that this location would have the least impact on the woods.  This is tied into the redevelopment of the High School project if it happens.

 

Tennis Courts across from Somerville School – Mr. Cronin stated that these are Village owned courts and the proposal is to upgrade the facility.  The hand ball court is used by the High School on a regular basis. Councilwoman Wiest and Councilwoman Ringler Shagin stated that more than one back board is needed for tennis practice.

 

Twinney Pond – Mr. Cronin said that the proposal here is to develop a small trail network.  New plantings and a seating area are envisioned along with the clean up of a small memorial to a resident in the Village and interpretive trail signs.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin suggested making this a priority and Councilwoman Wiest agreed, stating that this is one of the accessible passive parks in the Village.  She stated that dredging of the pond is paramount here and weekly maintenance is necessary. 

 

Councilman Harlow stated that this is a storm drain pond or kettle pond that the Village is trying to reconstruct in order to make it more attractive.  He suggested evaluating the pond to make sure that nothing but natural water gets in and piping water in to ensure that the pond is relatively clean and fresh.  This will assist with the dredging by ensuring that less sediment comes in which means that there will always be a level of clean water.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin stated that the goal here should be to make this area an attractive small park.  Mr. Cronin gave a figure of $3,000 to cover the cost of dredging here.

 

North Road Park – Mr. Cronin said that this is a two acre property that the Village owns behind the Glen School area.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin asked if there was a way to access the park without going on private property.  Mr. Cronin said that this area is two acres of wood with a culvert running through it.  Councilwoman Wiest said that signage would be beneficial here.

 

Tennis Courts at Glen School – Mr. Cronin said that these two courts are Village-owned

and the Schoor DePalma report notes the cost of their renovation.  Councilman Harlow indicated that he feels this cost is too high.

 

Mr. Cronin said that the Committee will prepare a draft letter with the proposed changes and forward it to the vendor for incorporation.  Mayor Pfund said that the Planning Board will also have to review and adopt this Master Plan.  He said that there should be a notation stating that this is what the Village Council believes to be the optimum plan regarding the parks at this point in time which is subject to modification.  This should be a working document and not one that is binding for ten or fifteen years.  Councilwoman Ringler Shagin said that a Master Plan is a study that expresses the goals of the Village Council in 2008.

 

Councilman Harlow said that the Nausset Lane properties were never mentioned in the Acquisition Plan.  One piece of property is over 4 acres and the other is 1.3 acres.  The properties are adjacent to and located along the PSE&G right of way.   He asked that page 22, item 9 be deleted.  He added that Schoor DePalma spoke about the Village adding staff to take care of these plans; however, he said it would be more appropriate to discuss the possibility of taking the money they have now to build a professional staff with seasonal people.  Schoor DePalma are supposed to be experts in advising the Village regarding the implementation of this plan, however, Councilman Harlow found this type of information to be lacking in the report.   Mr. Ten Hoeve said that the types of funding for these projects such as memberships, fees, private donations and grants have been omitted from this report.       

 

Mayor Pfund thanked all of the volunteers for giving so much of their time to this project. 

 

4.         ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council on a motion by Councilman Mancuso, seconded by Councilwoman Ringler Shagin, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Special Public Meeting was adjourned at  9:07 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    _____________________________

                                                                                                David T. Pfund

                                                                                                        Mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________

                Heather A. Mailander

                    Village Clerk