The Ridgewood Village Council held a Public Workshop on February 4th, 2026, addressing a range of agenda items and public comments. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Shedler remediation project, where the lowest bid of $2.6 million was presented. Council members and residents discussed the high cost, the necessity of the remediation, and the process for financing the project, including potential loans from the Bergen Joint Insurance Fund. Concerns were raised about potential change orders and the communication plan for residents living near the contaminated site. Another key discussion point was the request to add a Ramadan crescent lighting, which received enthusiastic support from the council as a cultural expression to foster community celebration. The council also reviewed and approved several items related to Ridgewood Water, including a professional service contract, security upgrades, and a rate adjustment that will result in an 11.3% increase for average customers. The acceptance of donations for public land enhancements, such as the children's sensory garden and field renovations at Veterans Field, were also approved. Public comments touched upon the broadcasting of meetings, the desire for more virtual access, and the challenges associated with it. Residents also inquired about the placement of a former council member's photo and expressed concerns about the process of awarding bids and managing change orders on public projects. The council addressed these concerns, explaining legal requirements and ongoing efforts to mitigate risks and ensure transparency.
Meeting Broadcasts and Virtual Access
Several residents and council members discussed the broadcasting of meetings, the desire for more virtual access to planning board and other meetings, and the challenges and legalities of providing such access. The council acknowledged the IT challenges and staff time required.
Shedler Property Remediation
This was a major topic, with discussions on the high bids received, the process of awarding contracts, financing the project, and the necessity of remediation regardless of future park development. Residents expressed concerns about costs, change orders, and communication regarding the work.
Community Gardens
The establishment of a new community garden at Habernickl Family Park was discussed, including its location, the potential for raised beds, and the need for soil testing. The flooding of existing gardens was also mentioned.
Public Land Enhancements and Donations
Donations and projects aimed at enhancing public lands were highlighted, including the acceptance of a gift for the children's sensory garden and a donation for field renovations at Veterans Field. The request for Ramadan crescent lighting also fell under this theme of community beautification and cultural expression.
Water Services and Rates
Several agenda items related to Ridgewood Water were presented, including a professional service contract, security upgrades, a rate adjustment, and a refund for an overpayment. The rate adjustment, an 11.3% increase, was a significant point of discussion.
Acceptance of $6,000 gift from the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands
The council considered accepting a $6,000 gift from the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands to finalize hardscaping at the children's sensory and butterfly garden, enhancing its appearance and safety.
Request for Ramadan crescent lighting
Mahmud Hamza presented a request to add a crescent lighting as an expression of culture and joy, not religious symbolism, to be displayed during Ramadan. The council expressed enthusiastic support for this initiative.
Professional service contract with WSP Incorporated for hydrogeologist and engineering services
A professional service contract with WSP Incorporated was discussed for hydrogeologist and engineering services related to NJDEP permitting, well contractor oversight, and well rehabilitation for Ridgewood Water, not to exceed $109,000 for 2026.
Phase three of security upgrades at water facilities
Phase three of security upgrades at water facilities, including smart door locks, security cameras, and SCADA integration, was presented for approval at a cost not to exceed $311,493.82.
Amendment to Chapter 145 of the Bridgewater Code (Rate Adjustment)
An amendment to Chapter 145 of the Bridgewater Code was proposed, involving an 8% increase to the volume rate and facility charge, resulting in an overall 11.3% increase for the average customer, to be introduced as an ordinance next week.
Refund of overpayment on a water account
A refund was authorized for a customer who overpaid their water account after selling their house, involving three properties where payments were made twice.
Authorization of a shared services agreement for cosmetology inspections
Authorization was sought for a shared services agreement between the Ridgewood Health Department and the Bureau of Norwood for cosmetology inspections, an ongoing service since 2022, with a proposed annual fee structure.
Acceptance of a donation from RBSA for field renovations at Veterans Field
The council considered accepting a donation from RBSA for renovations to the baseball and softball fields at Veterans Field, aimed at restabilizing playing surfaces for safety and adhering to regulation standards.
Rescind and replace resolution 2621, annual maintenance for software for the finance department
A resolution was presented to rescind and replace a previous one due to a typo, authorizing annual maintenance for finance department software (Edmunds) with a not-to-exceed amount of $33,377.53.
Shedler remediation project
The bids for the Shedler remediation project were reviewed, with Northstar Environmental Services submitting the apparent low bid of $2.6 million. Discussions focused on financing the project and the need for remediation regardless of future park development.
Donation of concrete patio for children's sensory garden at the stable
A donation for the concrete patio of the children's sensory garden at the stable was presented, funded by the Conservancy for Public Lands, with a quoted project price of $6,450.
Request for Local Recreation Improvement Grant for a community garden at Habernickl Family Park
A request for a Local Recreation Improvement Grant of up to $75,000 was discussed for the creation of a new community garden at Habernickl Family Park, with discussions about raised beds and soil testing.
The resident thanked the council for broadcasting the budget meeting and appreciated Councilman Weiss's questioning. She noted that the parking meeting in the downtown area was not broadcast and expressed disappointment.
The president of the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands expressed pleasure regarding the agenda item to accept a $6,000 gift for the children's sensory and butterfly garden, highlighting the conservancy's 13 years of work and over $100,000 raised for public lands.
The resident praised the parking meeting for its conversational tone and dialogue. He advocated for more such meetings and for planning group meetings to be virtual to increase community engagement.
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, Mahmud Hamza requested the addition of a crescent lighting as a cultural expression for Ramadan, emphasizing it is not a religious symbol and aims to foster community celebration.
The resident expressed concern over the high bid for Shedler remediation, questioned the process for handling potential change orders, and criticized the lack of advance communication regarding work on the contaminated site, especially concerning children's safety.
The resident inquired about the delay in placing former Councilwoman Lorraine Reynolds's photo on the board, noting it had been 13 months since she left office.
The resident expressed strong opposition to change orders on the Shedler project, urging for their elimination. He also inquired about the possibility of broadcasting meetings without requiring staff presence, questioning the legality and practicality.
Council Member White responded to Ann Loving's comments about his questioning, stating he has never felt ridiculed and that disagreements are a part of democracy. He appreciated her kind words.
The Mayor acknowledged John Fry's request for meetings and stated his willingness to meet with groups from the neighborhood abutting Post Kensington, noting the council's limitation of meeting in pairs.
Council Member White offered to meet with John Fry, stating his email is online and he is happy to do so. He also thanked Cynthia and the conservancy for their work.
Council Member Mortimer enthusiastically supported the Ramadan crescent lighting, calling it a 'no-brainer' and comparing it to the menorah and Christmas lighting. He offered to help with the installation.
The Mayor expressed admiration for the picture of the crescent lighting and looked forward to its installation, suggesting a kickoff event.
Council Member Windrad also expressed excitement for the crescent lighting, calling the picture beautiful and wholeheartedly supporting its installation in Ridgewood.
The Mayor asked Mahmud Hamza to clarify the timeframe for the crescent lighting, specifically when Ramadan begins and ends, and the desired duration for the display.
Council Member White echoed the Mayor's question about the timeframe and asked for an explanation of Ramadan and Muslim practices during that month.
The Mayor asked if there were any questions regarding the professional service contract with WSP Incorporated.
Council Member Windrad indicated readiness to move forward with the security upgrades item.
Council Member Mortimer noted that the rate adjustment for water services was discussed during the budget hearing and would be discussed again next week.
The Mayor asked if there were any further questions regarding the water rate adjustment.
The Mayor asked if everyone was good with the refund of the water account overpayment.
The Mayor asked if there were any questions regarding the shared services agreement for cosmetology inspections.
Council Member White thanked the RBSA for their donation.
Council Member Mortimer echoed the thanks to RBSA, stating they 'keep coming through'.
The Mayor agreed with the sentiment that RBSA 'keep coming through'.
Council Member White expressed personal gratitude after sitting through the RBSA's presentation, highlighting the passion and safety aspects of the field renovations.
The Mayor asked if everyone was good with the resolution to rescind and replace the finance software maintenance agreement.
The Mayor asked Keith for clarification on whether the Shedler remediation funds were solely for removing contaminated soil, independent of park development.
Council Member Mortimer stated that regardless of park development, the remediation needs to happen and thanked Keith for seeking alternate funding sources.
Council Member White acknowledged the high cost of the Shedler remediation but expressed relief that it has approval and can proceed, thanking staff for exploring funding options.
Council Member Windrad noted the significant cost but highlighted that the bid was the lowest from multiple submissions and that trucking and disposal fees have increased dramatically.
Council Member Mortimer expressed support for fixing the contamination issue and thanked Keith for exploring funding, while also noting the pressure on the capital budget.
The Mayor confirmed that the council supports Keith beginning discussions with the Bergen Joint Insurance Fund regarding financing for the Shedler remediation project.
The Mayor began the discussion on the concrete patio donation by thanking Cynthia and the conservancy for their contributions.
Council Member White agreed with the Mayor's thanks to Cynthia and the conservancy.
Council Member Mortimer, speaking as a spokesperson for pollinators, thanked the conservancy.
The Mayor asked for questions regarding the Local Recreation Improvement Grant for a community garden.
Council Member Mortimer expressed gladness about the community garden project, noting that existing gardens flood. She inquired about the specific location and whether beds would be raised.
Council Member White clarified that the new community gardens would be located where the old barn was, adjacent to the existing garden.
Council Member Mortimer asked if the garden beds would be raised, noting that older gardeners prefer them and that this was a plan for previous community gardens.
Council Member White suggested that the possibility of raised beds could be discussed with the recreation department.
Council Member Mortimer raised the concern of checking for lead in the soil where the old barn was located.
Council Member White confirmed that soil sampling had been done and that the existing garden area was tested and found to have no issues, and that further testing would be done before building the new garden.
The Mayor thanked Cynthia O'keewood for her comments.
The Mayor thanked Ann Loving for her comment.
The Mayor asked if there were any other comments.
Keith explained that municipalities are required by law to award bids to the lowest responsible bidder and that due diligence is performed to ensure the bidder's capability. He stated that rejecting a low bid is not an option unless the bidder is found not responsible.
Keith addressed Boyd Loving's concern about change orders, explaining that there is no ability to tell a company they won't approve a change order, as it's part of the local public contracts law. He provided an example of the Walnut Street lot where unexpected issues required a change order.
Keith addressed Cynthia O'keewood's concerns about risk mitigation and communication. He stated that risk mitigations for the highway proximity are being incorporated into the park development plans and that the public will be informed when work begins. He also mentioned that the police department is involved in managing truck traffic and that bus stops might be relocated.
Heather responded to Ann Loving's inquiry about Lorraine Reynolds's photo, stating she is working on it.
Mayor Vanos stated that she was unaware of a lack of communication regarding heavy equipment at the Shedler site and invited Cynthia to send any specific incidents to the council.
Heather added to the discussion about hybrid access, noting the ongoing issue of unauthorized participants and the need for security, which is a concern for unmanned meetings.
Join the conversation
Have a question or perspective about this meeting? Residents and community members are welcome.