October 15th, 2024 Council Meeting Blog Ringwood, NJ
Proclamation & Presentations:
Jason Okin introduced the Hunger Walk event happening on Sunday, November 3rd at 1pm at Lakeland High School in partnership with the CFA in Passaic County. They are a 501(c3) charity that provides food for people that can show that they are in financial struggles. Part of the NJ Food Bank which is like a giant food warehouse. One dollar is equivalent to $9 of CFA money. Mayor Noonan read a Hunger Walk Presentation and thanked the Hunger Walk Committee for their 25 years of dedication and service.
Manager’s Report:
Fresh Grocer has officially signed the lease, submitted permits, and will start the process of getting the new store ready right away. We encourage you to shop at this store during its soft opening. Fresh Grocer will create more jobs and will have some products that Stop and Shop didn’t sell. Our shopping center survey is still on our website, if you would like to participate in that. Our redevelopment plan at Fieldstone Park Shopping Center is in the works and more special meetings will be scheduled to keep residents informed on the process.
Sign Ordinance from last month:
Businesses can file a permit to have one to two temporary business signs close to the main roads.
Resolution:
● 2024-186 Approval of Bill List
● 2024-187 Award of Contract, Skyline Lakes Drive Roadway, Phase 2, Contract 2024-02-CON, $497,486.09
● 2024-188 Professional Services Recommendation, Skyline Lakes Drive Roadway Improvement Project, Phase 2 - Contract No. 2024-02-INSP, $40,000
● 2024-189 Contractor Payment Request, Construction for the Skyline Lakes Drive Roadway Improvement Project, Phase 1 Contract No. 2023-02-CON, $23,159.59
● 2024-190 Professional Services Payment Request Contract No, 2023-103, Skyline Lakes Drive Roadway Improvement Phase 2, $3,312.5
● 2024-191 Approval of Bill List ELPOA Lower Dam #8
● 2024-192 Approval of Bill List SLPOA #31
● 2024-193 Approval of Chapter 159, 2024 DOT Grant, $693,686.00
● 2024-194 Approval of Chapter 159, NJACC HO Enhancing Local Public Health Infrastructure, $168,049.00 Grant
● 2024-195 Approval of Chapter 159, NJDOH Strengthening Local Public Health Capacity, $74,664.00 Grant
● 2024-196 Approval of Chapter 159, DCA ARP Firefighters Grant Program, $65,000.00
● 2024-197 Approval of Chapter 159, Bullet Proof Vest Grant, $2,142.42
● This is a total of $1,003,541.42 worth of grant money for the Borough.
● 2024-198 Approval of the State of NJ Dept. of Community Affairs, Local Government Services for Best Practice Inventory
● 2024-199 Courtesy Bussing to Lakeland Regional High School 2024-2025 School Year
○ Budgeted at $27,378.30
● 2024-200 Resolution supporting the enactment of Senate Bill S3466 and Assembly Bill A4627
○ This urges our legislature and Governor Murphy to support, pass, and enact Bipartisan Bills to ensure funding equity and consistency among municipalities subject to the Highlands Preservation Act.
○ Calculations from the Highland’s Council estimate that Ringwood is owed $224,848 annually.
● 2024-201 Resolution for School Funding Reform Act
○ Ringwood Borough (K-8) had a funding change of -47.7% with an enrollment change of -24.7%.
○ Lakeland Regional (High School) had a funding change of -66.8% and enrollment change of -26.5%.
● 2024-202 Special Meeting October 28, 2024
○ Cancelled
Attorney’s Report:
2024-212 Resolution authorization execution of a Settlement Agreement between the Borough of Ringwood and Fair Share Housing Center in the Matter of the Application of the Borough of Ringwood, a Municipal Corporation of the State of New Jersey, Superior Court of New Jersey, Passaic County – Law Division, Docket No. PAS-L-2297-15.
Executive session regarding discussion of the Affordable Housing Agreement. The potential settlement will now head to court for the judge’s approval.
Executive session discussing an agreement regarding PBA Contracts.
○ The PBA contract was approved
● 2.75% increase except 3.0% increase to 2025
● Retro Pay from 2022
● 7 steps plus sergeant
End of Meeting Comments:
Thanks to the Green Team, the Environmental Commission, and the Borough, Ringwood has been awarded Sustainable New Jersey’s Bronze award again. 466 communities in NJ applied and 140 have been awarded Bronze certification. Ringwood has earned Bronze certification once again.
We would like to thank the Hunger Walk Committee for all their hard work and dedication. We also urge you to donate and join us on Sunday, November 3rd at 1pm at the Lakeland track.
Our Veterans’ Salute will be on Wednesday, November 6th at 6pm at the Community Center located on Erskine Road. All are welcome to attend.
Date to note:
Regular Council Meeting: Monday, November 25th (NEW DATE)
