Ridgefield public meetings in 2024

Mayor Council

At its Sine Die meeting on December 30, 2024, the Ridgefield Mayor and Council will vote on a consent agenda and several resolutions. Key items include authorizing a $85,350 CDBG grant for Pembroke Way road improvements, hiring DPW employees, appointing special police officers, and designating V&R Developers as the redeveloper for the former Borough Hall at 604 Broad Avenue.

• $85,350 CDBG grant for Pembroke Way road improvements (Resolution 280-2024)
• $38,000 professional services contract with Colliers Engineering & Design for CDBG roadway improvements (Resolution 281-2024)
• Appointment of Najey N. Abid and Ameer K. Jaloudi as Special Police Officers (Resolution 282-2024)
• Hiring of four DPW employees: Steven Severino and Nick Ronchi at $35,000/year, Carl Ost and Nestor Delgado at $18/hour (Resolution 284-2024)
• Designation of V&R Developers as redeveloper for former Borough Hall at 604 Broad Avenue (Resolution 285-2024)

The Ridgefield Mayor and Council held a Sine Die meeting on December 30, 2024, approving the consent agenda (resolutions 280-2024 through 285-2024) and two resolutions (286-2024 and 287-2024) by unanimous vote of the four present members. No substantive decisions were made beyond these routine approvals; the meeting was largely procedural with comments from officials.

• Approved consent agenda items 280-2024 through 285-2024 (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 286-2024 Transfer of Appropriations (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 287-2024 Warrants (4-0)

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council will hold public hearings and final readings for five ordinances, including zoning changes to restrict smoke shops and updates to fire department and salary codes. The body will also address several consent agenda items including a library roof replacement and a redevelopment designation.

• Ordinance 2503: Prohibits smoke shops in all zoning districts except E Light Industrial Zone
• Ordinance 2504: Amends C Commercial Zone to permit civic, social, religious, and educational activities
• Resolution 271-2024: Authorization to advertise roof replacement for the Ridgefield Public Library
• Resolution 275-2024: Designation of V&R Developers as Redeveloper
• Resolution 274-2024: Notice of intent to purchase 2023 Starcraft Allstar Coach Bus

The Ridgefield Mayor and Council held public hearings and adopted five ordinances (Nos. 2503-2507) on zoning, stormwater management, fire department, and salaries, all by unanimous votes (5-0, with Councilwoman Kim absent). The consent agenda was approved, including resolutions on tax lien redemption, emergency appropriation, library roof advertising, employment agreement, grant application, bus purchase, and recycling settlement; one item (V&R Developers redeveloper designation) was removed. The council also approved a fire department membership application, transfers of appropriations, warrants (with some abstentions), and a library board appointment.

• Adopted Ordinance 2503 amending zoning code (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2504 amending zoning regulations (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2505 amending stormwater management (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2506 amending fire department code (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2507 amending salary provisions (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda resolutions 269-276 (5-0, item 275 removed)
• Approved fire department membership for Noel Aquino (5-0)
• Approved resolutions 277-279 including warrants and library board appointment (5-0)

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and final vote on Ordinance 2502, which adds a four-ton weight limit on Lancaster Road between Broad Avenue and Shaler Boulevard. The council will also swear in four new police officers and introduce ordinances on stormwater management, fire department amendments, and salary adjustments. Consent agenda items include a grant application for Morse Avenue improvements and a purchase from FieldTurf USA.

• Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinance 2502, adding a four-ton weight limit on Lancaster Road (between Broad Ave and Shaler Blvd)
• Swearing in of four new police officers: Daniel Derito, Andres Fernandez, Michelle Froehlich, Jacob Nebbia, effective Dec 12, 2024
• Introduction of Ordinance 2505 amending stormwater management code (Section 390-137.1)
• Introduction of Ordinance 2506 amending fire department chapter (Article I of Chapter 35)
• Introduction of Ordinance 2507 amending salary provisions (Section 92-1)

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council will hold final readings on ordinances regarding police department composition and capital improvements for Willis Park. The body will also introduce new ordinances concerning weight limits and zoning regulations.

• Ordinance 2500: $1,250,000 for Willis Park football and track field improvements, including $562,500 in bonds
• Ordinance 2501: Increase appropriation by $669,899 and bond authorization by $276,092 for roadway improvements
• Ordinance 2499: Amendment to Police Department composition (Chief, Deputy Chief, 2 Captains, 4 Lieutenants, 9 Sergeants, 17 Officers)
• Ordinance 2502: Amendment to the four-ton weight limit
• Consent Agenda: Professional service agreement with Colliers Engineering for library roof replacement

Mayor Council

The Ridgefield Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and final adoption on Ordinance 2498 to acquire a utility easement at 505 Studio Road. They will introduce three new ordinances: amending the police department's authorized strength, issuing $1.25 million in bonds for Willis Park field improvements (with $562,500 in borough bonds), and amending a prior roadway bond to increase funding by $669,899. A consent agenda including a shared-services agreement for 9-1-1 dispatching and seasonal hires will also be voted on.

• Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinance 2498 to acquire an easement at 505 Studio Road for a municipal sanitary pipeline
• First reading of Ordinance 2499 amending Police Department composition (1 chief, 1 deputy chief, 2 captains, 4 lieutenants, 9 sergeants, 17 officers)
• First reading of Ordinance 2500 appropriating $1,250,000 for Willis Park football and track field improvements, with $562,500 in bonds
• First reading of Ordinance 2501 amending Bond Ordinance 2457 for roadway improvements, increasing appropriation by $669,899 and bond authorization by $276,092
• Consent agenda includes a shared-services agreement with Bergen County for 9-1-1 dispatching services and hiring of fall/holiday seasonal employees

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and final vote on Ordinance 2496, which increases littering penalties to a minimum $200 and maximum $2,000 fine plus up to 90 days imprisonment. They will also introduce Ordinance 2497, removing certain parking restrictions and handicapped spaces on Studio Road, Oak Street, and Stewart Street, and Ordinance 2498 to acquire a utility easement at 505 Studio Road. The consent agenda includes a DPW hire, a bus stop relocation, and support for the NJ DOT Hendricks Causeway Bridge project.

• Final adoption of Ordinance 2496 setting littering fines $200–$2,000 and up to 90 days imprisonment
• Introduction of Ordinance 2497 removing parking restrictions on Shaler Boulevard and handicapped spaces at 571 Studio Rd, 396 Oak St, and 563 Stewart St
• Introduction of Ordinance 2498 to acquire a utility easement at 505 Studio Road (Block 2608, Lot 1)
• Consent agenda: Resolution 233-2024 hires a DPW/Sanitation employee (Montoya)
• Consent agenda: Resolution 235-2024 supports NJ DOT work on the Hendricks Causeway Bridge

Mayor Council

The Ridgefield Mayor and Council held a regular meeting on September 9, 2024, where they introduced Ordinance 2496 to amend littering penalties and approved several personnel and financial resolutions. The meeting also included a closed executive session for personnel matters, litigation, and potential real estate transactions.

• First reading of Ordinance 2496 to raise littering fines to $200–$2,000 per offense
• Appointment of four Class I Special Police Officers at $18/hour
• Hiring of Hunter Swartz as part-time DPW employee at $18/hour
• Appointment of Michael Cataraso as Electric Subcode Official for 6 months at $1,000/month
• Approval of $5,852,242.14 in warrants for current, trust, capital, and other accounts

The Ridgefield Mayor and Council introduced Ordinance No. 2496, amending littering penalties, and approved a consent agenda including appointments, hires, and permits. No public comments were made on the agenda. The meeting adjourned to executive session.

• Introduced Ordinance No. 2496 amending littering penalties (first reading, unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 228-2024 appointing Class I Special Police Officers
• Approved Resolution 229-2024 hiring DPW part-time employee Swartz
• Approved Resolution 230-2024 hiring Electric Subcode Official Cataraso
• Approved social affair permits for Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church (Nov 2 and Nov 9)
• Approved coin toss request for RMHS Boys Basketball (Sept 21)
• Approved Resolution 231-2024 for warrants

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council will consider two resolutions related to the collapse of a concrete masonry unit wall along Wolfs Creek, south of Clark Avenue, following Tropical Storm Debby. Resolution 226-2024 would appropriate $100,000 from Borough surplus for temporary stabilization and repairs, to be spread over three budgets. Resolution 227-2024 would award an emergency contract without competitive bidding to Joseph Sanzari, Inc. for the work. The wall's collapse poses a danger to public health and safety.

• Emergency appropriation of $100,000 for Wolfs Creek wall repair (Resolution 226-2024)
• Award contract to Joseph Sanzari, Inc. for temporary stabilization, up to $100,000 (Resolution 227-2024)
• Wall collapse occurred due to Tropical Storm Debby on August 9, 2024
• Funds to be drawn from Borough surplus over three years ($33,333.33 per year)
• Contract awarded without public bidding due to emergency under N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council will meet in regular session, with items on the consent agenda including numerous liquor license renewals for Blue Ocean Japanese Restaurant, appointments of school crossing guards and special police officers, and participation in a police cooperative pricing system. The council will also consider applications for a food truck festival permit and a raffle license, and hold a public comment period.

• Liquor license renewals for Blue Ocean Japanese Restaurant (518 Broad Avenue) for years 2016-2025 (resolutions 209-217)
• Appointment of 23 school crossing guards for 2024-25 school year (Resolution 218-2024, with hourly rates)
• Appointment of Class III Special Police Officers for 2024-25 school year (Resolution 223-2024)
• Participation in Cranford Police Cooperative Pricing System (Resolution 221-2024)
• Social affair permit for PBA Local 330 Food Truck Festival at Veteran's Field on Sept 14, 2024

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council will hold public hearings and final votes on three ordinances: amending park rules for bikes and electric transportation, creating a parking enforcement officer position, and amending salary provisions. The consent agenda includes several hires, equipment purchases, and a professional service agreement.

• Ordinance 2494 establishing up to 10 parking enforcement officers with power to issue tickets and tow vehicles
• Ordinance 2493 amending park rules to restrict bicycles, scooters, and electric modes of transportation in Veterans Memorial Park
• Ordinance 2495 amending Section 92-1 of the code (salaries)
• Consent agenda includes hiring DPW/sanitation employees, pool personnel, and a systems administrator
• Notice of intent to purchase excavator, dump truck, and GMC 3500 pickup truck

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council held a final reading for an ordinance changing Friday alternate side parking hours on Broad Avenue. The meeting also included the introduction of new ordinances regarding park usage, parking enforcement officers, and salary provisions.

• Final reading of Ordinance 2492 to amend Friday parking hours on Broad Avenue
• Introduction of Ordinance 2493 regarding bicycle and scooter rules in Veteran’s Memorial Park
• Introduction of Ordinance 2494 establishing the position of Parking Enforcement Officer
• Professional service agreement with Colliers Engineering for Charlotte Terrace roadway improvements
• Shared service agreements with Bergen County for vehicle use and maintenance

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council will hold final readings on bond ordinances totaling over $1.8 million for capital and roadway projects. These include police technology, DPW equipment, and park pavilion upgrades. The council will also introduce an ordinance regarding vehicles and traffic.

• Bond Ordinance 2490: $1,336,568 for police IT, DPW equipment, and park improvements
• Bond Ordinance 2491: $481,000 for roadway improvements
• Ordinance 2489: Amendment to Borough Code Section 35-12.1
• Ordinance 2492: Introduction of an ordinance amending the Vehicles and Traffic code
• Consent Agenda: Repaving basketball and tennis courts at Veteran's Memorial Park

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council of Ridgefield will discuss e-scooter and helmet safety rules during a work session. The public session covers final adoption of updated property inspection fees and first readings on two bond measures that would appropriate over $1.8 million for capital improvements and roadway projects. Updated fees apply to residential building inspections, while the approved bonds would fund local road repairs, open space preservation, and historic site maintenance.

• Final reading of Ordinance No. 2488 updating Certificate of Inspection fees, including a $100 base plus $120 for lead inspections on pre-1978 homes and tiered rates up to $250 for multi-family units.
• First reading of Ordinance No. 2490 appropriating $1,336,568 and authorizing $1,144,713 in bonds for capital improvements, including open space and historic preservation projects.
• First reading of Ordinance No. 2491 appropriating $481,000 and authorizing $206,061 in bonds specifically for roadway improvements.
• First reading of Ordinance No. 2489 amending Section 35-12.1 to adjust a monthly rate from $416.67 to $466.67, effective July 1, 2024.
• Work session discussion on revising the parks ordinance to address e-scooter and helmet safety regulations.

Mayor Council

The Ridgefield Mayor and Council will hold public hearings and vote on the CY2024 municipal budget, which funds borough operations and services. They will also consider final readings for ordinances that amend fire department data reporting duties, create a systems administrator position to manage municipal technology, update swimming pool regulations, and adjust property inspection certificate fees. A resolution authorizes a Bergen County Trust Fund grant application for park development. Routine administrative actions, including staffing appointments and the 2024-2026 snow plowing agreement with the County of Bergen, are scheduled under the consent agenda.

• CY2024 municipal budget adoption (Resolution 149-2024)
• Ordinance No. 2485 final reading: amends Fire Department Chapter 35 and sets $450 per quarter compensation for data reporting duties
• Ordinance No. 2486 final reading: creates a Systems Administrator position to manage municipal IT, cybersecurity, and network systems
• Ordinance No. 2488 first reading: amends inspection certificate fees in Chapters 319 and 390
• Consent agenda items include the 2024-2026 snow plowing agreement with the County of Bergen and tax lien redemption for 888 Maple Avenue

Mayor Council

The Ridgefield Mayor and Council will finalize an ordinance allowing the borough to exceed its state budget limit by up to $631,234.02 for 2024. The council will also hold first readings on three new ordinances: one creating a paid data reporting role in the fire department, another establishing a systems administrator position, and a third updating public swimming pool regulations. These changes affect local service funding, municipal hiring practices, and community facility rules.

• Ordinance No. 2484: Final adoption to exceed the 2024 municipal budget cap by $631,234.02 and establish a cap bank.
• Ordinance No. 2485 (First Reading): Amends fire department rules to authorize a data reporting line officer position paying $450 per quarter.
• Ordinance No. 2486 (First Reading): Creates the new municipal position of systems administrator.
• Ordinance No. 2487 (First Reading): Updates regulations for borough public swimming pools.
• Resolution 141-2024: Appoints Khalid Ghrayeb as second lieutenant in the Ridgefield Fire Department through December 31, 2024.

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council of Ridgefield are introducing the calendar year 2024 municipal budget and a first reading of an ordinance to exceed state budget appropriation limits by up to $631,234.02. The council will also consider routine consent agenda items, including a contract award for DeLalla Terrace road improvements and hiring compliance certifications.

• Ordinance No. 2484: First reading to increase the 2024 budget limit by up to $631,234.02 and establish a cap bank; final passage set for April 22 at Municipal Complex, 700 Shaler Boulevard.
• Resolution No. 135-2024: Introduction of the calendar year 2024 municipal budget, with a public hearing scheduled for May 13 at 6:00 P.M.
• Resolution No. 137-2024: Awarding the DeLalla Terrace Road Improvements Project contract to American Asphalt & Trucking LLC for $102,714.44.
• Consent agenda items include certifying EEOC hiring compliance, approving a part-time DPW/Sanitation hire, and processing a raffle license for the Ridgefield Memorial High School PTA.

Mayor Council

The Ridgefield Mayor and Council will hold public hearings on two capital improvement ordinances that fund local infrastructure projects. One ordinance allocates $121,000 for roadway work on Delalla Terrace to maintain street surfaces and drainage, while the second directs $70,000 toward patio upgrades at the Community Pool. The session also addresses police department promotions and routine administrative approvals.

• Ordinance No. 2482: Public hearing for $121,000 in Delalla Terrace roadway improvements ($78,000 grant + $40,952 borough bonds)
• Ordinance No. 2483: Public hearing for $70,000 in Community Pool patio upgrades funded by a state recreation grant
• Resolution 123-2024: Police promotions for Captain Kenneth Sheridan to Deputy Chief and Lieutenant Bruno Carbone to Captain
• Consent Agenda: Authorization of a Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Grant, purchase of a 2022 Ford Lightning Pickup, and liquor license ruling for VL Liquor LLC

Mayor Council

The Ridgefield Mayor and Council are reviewing ordinances for roadway work on Delalla Terrace and patio upgrades at the community pool. The council will also hold a final reading regarding changes to handicapped parking on Carpenter Place. Other items include routine appointments and contract approvals.

• Bond ordinance for $121,000 in roadway improvements to Delalla Terrace
• Capital ordinance for $70,000 in community pool patio improvements
• Final reading of ordinance to remove a handicapped parking space on Carpenter Place
• Approval of fireworks contract and municipal appointments

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council will hold a final reading on a bond ordinance for capital improvements totaling $1,166,000. This funding covers a new fire pumper truck and library building renovations. The agenda also includes public hearings regarding parking regulations and the borough code.

• Bond Ordinance 2478 for $1,166,000 in capital improvements
• Funding for a fire department pumper truck ($816,000)
• Library building improvements including roof and ceiling work ($350,000)
• Public hearing on amending no parking area regulations (Ordinance 2480)
• Introduction of ordinance regarding handicapped parking (Ordinance 2481)

Mayor Council

The Mayor and Council met to introduce several ordinances regarding municipal salaries, police off-duty rates, and parking changes. The meeting also included the first reading of a bond ordinance for $1,166,000 in capital improvements.

• Bond Ordinance for $1,166,000 in 2024 capital improvements
• Ordinance 2474: New hourly rates for off-duty police personnel
• Ordinance 2475: Removal of a handicapped parking spot near 1028 Elm Avenue
• Ordinance 2476: Amendments to the Borough salary schedule
• Resolution 75-2024: Salary increases for non-contractual and part-time employees