The Village Council of Ridgewood held a public workshop on March 30, 2026. The meeting began with a special presentation by Penn Miller Jones, a new business owner, who introduced his plans to open 'The Milkshake Factory' in town. Following this, Rich Calby, Director of Ridgewood Water, presented several agenda items concerning water infrastructure, including a research project with Revive, an agreement with the NJDOT, a supplemental bond ordinance for PAS plants, and a new vendor for drug and alcohol testing. Chief Judge also provided an update on BLS billing services and the urgent need to replace an aging ambulance, which was approved by the council. The council then discussed and approved a grant acceptance from NJIT for a storm water management study, aimed at developing flood mitigation strategies. This initiative was highlighted as particularly important due to ongoing flooding issues and reduced federal support. Further agenda items included the authorization of grant applications for improvements to Upper Citizens Park and the rehabilitation of the pedestrian tunnel at the Ridgewood train station, with applications being submitted to both county and state historic preservation funds. The meeting concluded with the council voting to enter into a closed session to discuss legal matters concerning Valley Hospital tax appeals. The council members expressed enthusiasm for the various projects and initiatives discussed, particularly those focused on improving infrastructure and community services.
New Business Development
A new business owner, Penn Miller Jones, presented his plans for 'The Milkshake Factory', a new franchise set to open in Ridgewood, highlighting his background and anticipated hiring.
Water Infrastructure and Operations
Rich Calby, Director of Ridgewood Water, presented several items related to water infrastructure, including a research project with Revive, an agreement with NJDOT for guide rail replacement, and a supplemental bond ordinance for PAS plants. He also discussed a new vendor for drug and alcohol testing.
Public Safety and Emergency Services
Chief Judge discussed the success of BLS billing services and the critical need to replace an aging and unreliable ambulance, outlining the financial and logistical considerations.
Storm Water Management and Flood Mitigation
The village accepted a grant from NJIT for a storm water management study to develop flood mitigation strategies. This initiative is seen as crucial given ongoing flooding issues and limitations with federal support.
Park and Historic Preservation Grants
The council authorized applications for grants to improve Upper Citizens Park and to rehabilitate the pedestrian tunnel at the Ridgewood train station, seeking funding from both county and state sources.
Award of contract for drug and alcohol testing and pre-employment physicals
The council considered a recommendation to move to a new vendor, Concentra Health Services, for drug and alcohol testing and pre-employment physicals, which was found to be cheaper than the current vendor.
Authorization to authorize a property tax refund for block 3307 lot 2
The council authorized a property tax refund of $21,567.08 for a tax-exempt veteran.
Award of contract for billing of basic life support services
This item authorized the extension of a three-year contract with Coronus Health for BLS billing, which has shown significant revenue increases over the past three years.
Capital reallocation for the purchase of a new ambulance
The council discussed and approved a capital reallocation to purchase a new ambulance, as the current oldest ambulance (Ambulance 48) is unreliable and frequently towed. The new ambulance is available at a significantly lower cost due to an abandoned contract.
NJIT grant acceptance for a storm water management study
The council accepted a grant from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) for a storm water management study. This partnership will provide a full-time engineer for 24 months to develop flood mitigation strategies and infrastructure recommendations at no cost to the village.
Authorization for grant application for the 2026 Bergen County Trust Fund for municipal park improvement plan
The council authorized an application for a grant to fund improvements to Upper Citizens Park, requesting $67,320.
Authorization for application for the 2026 Bergen County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Grant
The council authorized an application for a grant to fund the rehabilitation of the pedestrian tunnel at the Ridgewood train station. Matching funds would be $541,880 if granted.
Authorization for application for the 2026 New Jersey Historic Trust Capital Preservation Grant
The council authorized a second grant application, this time to the New Jersey Historic Trust, for the same pedestrian tunnel rehabilitation project at the Ridgewood train station. Matching funds would also be $541,880.
Introduction of new business owner, Penn Miller Jones
4:50Penn Miller Jones, a new business owner and 15-year resident, introduced himself and his plans to open 'The Milkshake Factory' at 61-63 East Ridgewood Avenue. He discussed his background in finance, his family's involvement in the franchise, and his anticipation of hiring 15-20 employees. The business will focus on milkshakes and handmade chocolates, with an expected opening by the end of July.
Ridgewood Water items and budget item
16:14Rich Calby, Director of Ridgewood Water, presented three items related to water infrastructure and one budget item. The first water item involved a collaborative research project with Revive to study reactivating carbon in situ for PAS facilities, which would be at no charge to the village. The second was an agreement with the NJDOT for guide rail replacement impacting water lines. The third was a supplemental bond ordinance to supplement a 2023 ordinance for PAS plants, requiring an additional $4 million appropriation for fees and administrative expenses. The budget item concerned a professional service contract award for drug and alcohol testing and pre-employment physicals.
Chief's report on BLS billing and new ambulance
23:53Chief Judge discussed the success of the BLS billing services with Coronus Health, noting a significant increase in revenue over the past three years. He also presented the need for a new ambulance, as Ambulance 48 is old and unreliable, and discussed the opportunity to purchase a replacement at a discounted rate by reallocating funds from the engine sinking fund.
Storm water management study presentation
30:46The engineering department presented the NJIT grant acceptance for a storm water management study. This partnership aims to design comprehensive flood mitigation strategies and infrastructure recommendations, with NJIT providing a full-time engineer for two years at no cost to the village. The study will also serve as a model for other municipalities.
Mayor Vagianos asked Penn Miller Jones about what makes The Milkshake Factory special and why their milkshakes might be better than average.
Council Member Perron humorously asked if discounts would be needed for town employees.
Council Member Mortimer reported on the successful Ridgewood Arts Council artist talk at the library, thanking Mark Caner for MCing and noting the large turnout.
Council Member Winograd shared her positive experience attending the library's focused strategy group, highlighting the library's high visitor numbers and diverse offerings beyond books, such as programming and the 'library of things'.
Council Member Perron spoke about a heartwarming interview with Tamara Freeman, a former teacher, and her research on the music of the Holocaust.
Mayor Vagianos congratulated Rich Calby on the activation of the sixth of twelve PAS facilities and encouraged him to announce such news anytime.
Council Member Perron asked if the Revive PAS destruction technology was in use elsewhere, to which Rich Calby responded it was not.
Council Member Winograd expressed her admiration for the forward-thinking nature of the Revive project.
Council Member Weitz inquired about the frequency of water pipes being close to guide rail installations.
Council Member Perron stated 'All good' regarding the supplemental bond ordinance.
Council Member Perron asked for clarification on the locations for physicals and drug testing.
Mayor Vagianos asked if everyone was good with the property tax refund.
Council Member Winograd asked Rich Calby if he attended NJIT and encouraged him to give a shout-out before leaving.
Council Member Perron asked what made the BLS billing 'incredibly successful'.
Council Member Weitz expressed concern about the financial implications of reallocating funds from the sinking fund for the ambulance purchase, but agreed that a reliable ambulance is a priority.
Council Member Perron asked if additional funds would be needed to equip the new ambulance with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Council Member Winograd expressed excitement about the NJIT grant, particularly the assurance that recommendations would be 'doable here in Ridgewood'.
Mayor Vagianos asked if everyone was good with the NJIT grant.
Council Member Perron asked if there were any questions regarding the grant applications for park improvements and tunnel rehabilitation.
Council Member Winograd expressed general excitement and thanked those involved in the grant applications for the park improvements and tunnel rehabilitation.
Mayor Vagianos indicated that the Mayor's portion of the agenda was concluded.
Join the conversation
Have a question or perspective about this meeting? Residents and community members are welcome.