The Village Council held a regular workshop meeting followed by a special public meeting. Key discussions included the introduction of the 2026 municipal budget and significant actions related to the Shedler property remediation, including the approval of a bond ordinance and emergency appropriation. The council also addressed updates to the village's affordable housing code to comply with state mandates. In a special presentation, the revised fields policy was reviewed, detailing updates to facility usage, scheduling, insurance requirements, and other operational aspects, a collaborative effort between the village and the Board of Education. The Ridgewood Water department provided updates on various contracts and projects, including a significant $1.53 million grant for lead abatement. Several agenda items were approved, including contracts for water system software, soil testing, and infrastructure projects, as well as a change order for the Shedler property soil mitigation and a shared services agreement for a styrofoam densifier program. Public comment covered a range of topics, including questions about loan versus bond resolutions, the proposed Shedler remediation funding, and suggestions for recognizing Loving Day. Residents also raised concerns about field lighting, water quality from external sources, and the persistent issue of parking at Village Hall. Council members provided responses to these comments, addressing concerns about funding sources, policy details, and ongoing efforts to find solutions for parking challenges.
Affordable Housing
Discussion and introduction of ordinances related to affordable housing compliance with the amended Fair Housing Act. This included amending land use and development code, and appointing a municipal housing liaison.
Shedler Property Remediation
Multiple discussions and approvals related to the Shedler property soil remediation, including a bond ordinance, emergency appropriation, change orders for project management and community outreach, and questions about funding sources and the use of joint insurance funds.
Water System and Infrastructure
Reports and contract awards related to the Ridgewood Water system, including SCADA software, soil testing, maintenance supplies, backfill material, and water main replacement projects. A significant grant for lead abatement was also announced.
Parks and Recreation Facilities
Presentation of a revised fields policy, donation of a new scoreboard for Maple Park, and discussions about field lighting and parking at Village Hall. The policy update aimed to optimize facility use, maintenance, and access.
Public Comment and Citizen Engagement
Several residents voiced concerns and asked questions on topics ranging from valet parking and loan resolutions to Juneteenth, Loving Day, soil remediation funding, field lighting, water quality, and parking. Council members provided responses and clarifications.
Introduction of 2026 Municipal Budget
Ordinance 4088: Bond ordinance providing for soil remediation at Shedler property
Ordinance 4089: Amend chapter 190 land use and development by repealing existing article 13 affordable housing
Award of a sole source contract for SCADA software
Award of second year of contract for soil testing and disposal
Annual award under the source well contract for Granger
Annual cooperative purchase for brain stone
Change order number one to Suburban Consulting for water main replacement on West Glenn Avenue
Change order number three to M McDonald for the PAS raw water main project
Correction to a prior resolution awarding contract to Water Smart
Correction to village ordinance on salaries for assistant recycling supervisor
Authorize a change order with Matrix New World Engineering Company for soil mitigation at the Shedler property
Authorize a shared services agreement with the Borough of Hillsdale for styrofoam densifier program
Donation of a new scoreboard for Maple Park from the Ridgewood Lacrosse Association
Request to surplus equipment
Adoption of the affirmative marketing plan
Appoint a municipal housing liaison
Revised Fields Policy
18:54Nancy Beos, Director of Recreation and Parks, presented the revised fields policy, a joint initiative with the Board of Education. Key changes include a revised committee structure, expanded regulated facilities to include school buildings, mandatory digital scheduling via Master Library, earlier reservation deadlines (45 days prior), revised insurance requirements ($1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate), stricter attendance at field meetings, new sections on camps and clinics, updated technical changes for lightning detection and weather, prohibited items, clarified dog policy, integrated pickleball, and aligned priority scheduling with NJSIAA schedules. The policy was updated to reflect recent growth and renovations in the park system.
Inquired about valet parking stations observed in the CBD and received a prompt and satisfactory response from Police Captain Glenn Ender, confirming compliance with ordinances.
Asked for clarification on the difference between a loan resolution and a bond ordinance, particularly concerning insurance settlements, and whether the current approach for the Shedler claim was appropriate.
Thanked the village for respecting Juneteenth as a holiday and proposed the village read a resolution for Loving Day (June 12th) to acknowledge the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling legalizing interracial marriage.
Questioned why Ridgewood residents should pay for the disposal of contaminated spoil piles dumped on the Shedler property, suggesting Ridgewood Water funds should be used. Also inquired about the status of Brownfields grants and future public information sessions regarding the remediation plan.
Inquired about changes to field lighting policies, specifically regarding the use of portable and private lights, and any differences in assignments compared to the past.
Expressed concern about the quality of water purchased from other towns, referencing past concerns about cancer clusters in Hawthorne, and asked if Ridgewood is treating this incoming water.
Raised concerns about the lack of parking at Village Hall, especially with increased usage from the senior center expansion, library programs, and other community activities, and asked about plans to address this.
Commented that the meeting was likely the shortest on record, attributing it to the leadership and efficiency of the Mayor and the council team.
Thanked Boyd for his comment and for the positive feedback regarding the prompt response from Police Captain Glenn Ender.
Opened the floor for council members to respond to Mr. Dani's question about loan vs. bond resolutions.
Responded to Mr. Dani's question, explaining that there are multiple resolutions concerning the Shedler claim, including amending the temporary capital budget, accepting the claim from the joint insurance fund, and introducing a capital ordinance (4088) to establish the mechanism for accepting the loan. He also mentioned a resolution to authorize an emergency appropriation.
Acknowledged Ann Loving's comments regarding Loving Day and stated he would check if the calendar posts were auto-populated and if there were any standing meetings on recognized holidays.
Responded to Ms. O'Keefe's concerns, clarifying that Ridgewood Water is a municipal government entity, not for-profit, and therefore cannot legally pay for mitigation at Shedler. He also mentioned that Matrix is working with the DEP on remediation grant applications and that plans for Suburban's work will be shared with the public when finalized.
Addressed Kathy's questions about field lighting, stating the policy covers curfews and timeframes, with minimal changes to existing commitments. He also confirmed that Hawthorne is PAS compliant and that Ridgewood Water has entered into a new 10-year agreement with them. Regarding parking, he acknowledged the struggles and mentioned ongoing conversations about relocating vehicles and potential long-term solutions.
Thanked Roric Holiday for his positive comments on the meeting's efficiency.
Offered an extra copy of the fields policy and reiterated that Ridgewood Water tests all purchased water in their labs for compatibility. He also suggested expanding senior bus service or piloting a jitney service as alternatives to increasing parking.
Join the conversation
Have a question or perspective about this meeting? Residents and community members are welcome.