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,
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,
Katie McNamara,
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
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,
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,
Jim Morgan,
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,
No one else from the public came forward at this time.
3. PRESENTATION BY
TIMOTHY CRONIN, DIRECTOR OF PARKS
AND RECREATION, ON
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.
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
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
Kings and
Councilman Harlow asked if all of
the parks had to be
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
Memorial Park at
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
Councilman Harlow said that
whenever there is an event held at Memorial Park at
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.
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
Councilwoman Wiest stated that
the new fencing around the pool is an asset.
She noted a gate midway along the length of the
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 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
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
Tennis Courts across from
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
Tennis Courts at
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
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