Ramsey public meetings in 2022

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board will meet to discuss an application for the Ramsey Animal Clinic at 5 S. Franklin Turnpike. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the November 22 meeting and public comment. No site plans are listed for review.

• Application: Ramsey Animal Clinic, 5 S. Franklin Turnpike
• Minutes for November 22, 2022, to be approved
• Public comment period scheduled

The Board approved the meeting minutes for October and November. An application for signage at Ramsey Animal Clinic was deferred until the applicant submits all proposed materials for review.

• Approved October minutes
• Approved November minutes
• Deferred Ramsey Animal Clinic signage application to January 24, 2023

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Board approved a variance for new signage at 1275 Route 17 S for a rebranding from Citgo to BP. It also approved a residential application for a swimming pool, patio, and deck expansion at 216 Darlington Avenue.

• Approved resolution for Kevin & Christie Nabipour at 23 Darlington Avenue (5-0-1)
• Approved resolution for John Kuntz & Abbey Van Horne at 50 Morton Drive (5-0-1)
• Approved pool, patio, and deck expansion at 216 Darlington Avenue (6-0-0)
• Approved signage variances for BP Products North America at 1275 Route 17 S (7-0-0)
• Approved minutes of 11/16/22 (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will hear reports on the lead service line replacement project, decommissioning of test wells, and the North Central Treatment Building. The board will also review minutes, correspondence, and a resolution for payment of vouchers. Public comment is invited.

• Lead Service Line Replacement project update
• Decommissioning of Test Wells
• North Central Treatment Building update
• Resolution – Payment of Vouchers

The Board of Public Works approved the preparation of proposal and bid documents for phase 1B of the lead service line replacement project. The Board also recommended an ordinance requiring lead service line surveys during home ownership transfers and large renovations.

• Approved Crew to prepare proposal and bid documents for phase 1B of lead service replacement
• Recommended Board Attorney present an ordinance for lead service line surveys upon home transfer and large renovations
• Approved $197,217.47 in bills charged to the current Water/Sewer 2022 Budget (6-0)
• Approved minutes of October 17, 2022 meeting
• Approved minutes of November 21, 2022 meeting

Mayor & Council

The Council passed a consent resolution approving several municipal appointments, budget transfers, and grant applications for housing and borough hall improvements. The meeting also marked the departure of Councilman Harry Weber after 12 years of service.

• Approved appointments of Ryan J. Hourigan (Fire Department), Ruben Gonzalez (Police), and Zachary O’Connor (Police)
• Approved $50,000 grant application for Borough Hall HVAC improvements
• Approved grant agreement with NJDEP for tree inventory resiliency planning
• Endorsed construction of six affordable supportive special needs housing units at 13 North Central Avenue
• Endorsed West Bergen Mental Health Center's porch renovation application
• Approved 2022/2023 salaries for non-union employees, including a 2% annual increase
• Authorized Interlocal Agreement with Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority for sewer TV inspection (2023-2024)
• Approved budget appropriation transfer number 2

Library Board of Trustees

The Board unanimously accepted the 2023 budget draft proposal, which includes an additional $117,308 in funding. Trustees also approved salary increases for the Director and Assistant Director. The 2023-2026 Strategic Plan was discussed and will be voted on in January.

• Approved November bills (unanimous)
• Accepted 2023 budget draft proposal (unanimous)
• Approved 2% salary increase for Assistant Director Elwell (unanimous)
• Approved 5% salary increase for Director Latham (unanimous)
• Accepted November 14, 2022 meeting minutes

Board of Health

The Board approved the November meeting minutes and discussed the implementation of N.J.A.C. 5:28A regarding lead paint inspections in rental dwellings. Members reviewed public health statistics and scheduled upcoming clinics. President Jeff Nemeth announced his retirement after nearly 20 years of service.

• Approved November meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled WellCare clinic for December 21 at Ramsey train station
• Scheduled Annual Free Rabies Clinic for January 14, 2023

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved a soil movement application for a home at 209 Grove Street and granted four business waiver applications. The board also approved the 2023 annual meeting schedule.

• Approved soil movement application for 209 Grove Street (7-0)
• Approved business waivers for Law Offices of Laurie Morrison, Coremet Trading Inc. LLC, Lane Valente Industries Inc., and The Rubber Stamp Corp. (7-0)
• Approved 2023 Annual Schedule of Regular and Special Meetings (7-0)
• Approved minutes of 11/01/22 (unanimous)

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council confirmed the appointment of Earle “Casey” Hines to Lieutenant of the Ramsey Police Department. The governing body also authorized a grant agreement with the NJDEP for electric vehicle charging stations.

• Appointed Sergeant Earle “Casey” Hines to Lieutenant of the Ramsey Police Department
• Approved grant agreement with NJDEP for electric vehicle charging stations (Resolution 222-2022)
• Approved payment of vouchers (Resolution 220-2022)
• Ratified governing body actions for payroll number twenty-four (Resolution 221-2022)
• Approved minutes from workshop on 11-14-22

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board will consider applications for Pub 17 & Lounge at 1315 Route 17 South and Eyes on Ramsey at 44 East Main Street. No site plan items are listed. The board will also approve minutes from October 25, 2022, and receive correspondence.

• Application review: Pub 17 & Lounge, 1315 Route 17 South
• Application review: Eyes on Ramsey, 44 East Main Street
• Approval of October 25, 2022 minutes

The Design Review Board approved sign applications for two businesses. Pub 17 & Lounge must meet additional zoning and building requirements and submit revisions before installation. Eyes on Ramsey received approval for a 38.5 ft aluminum and pvc facade sign.

• Approved replacement façade and ground signs for Pub 17 & Lounge (1315 Rt. 17 South), pending zoning/building requirements and revisions
• Approved new façade sign for Eyes on Ramsey (44 E. Main St.)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will receive reports on the lead service line replacement project, decommissioning of test wells, and a water conservation plan. Routine items include approval of minutes, payment of vouchers, and public comment.

• Lead Service Line Replacement project update
• Decommissioning of test wells
• Water Conservation Plan
• Resolution – Payment of Vouchers

The Board approved the hiring of a full-time operator and a full-time meter reader/laborer. The Board also approved the payment of bills totaling $599,698.63 from the Water/Sewer 2022 Budget.

• Approved hiring Michael Scalione as full-time operator
• Approved hiring Jonathan Perske as full-time meter reader and laborer
• Approved payment of $593,363.43 in current bills (4-0)
• Approved payment of $6,335.20 in reserve bills (4-0)

Shade Tree Commission

The Commission approved tree removal permits for 216 Darlington Avenue and 3 Twinbrook Court. Members also decided to cancel the December 15, 2022 meeting and tabled a decision on increasing permit fees.

• Approved removal of six trees at 216 Darlington Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved removal of 18 hemlocks and one silver maple at 3 Twinbrook Court (unanimous)
• Cancelled the December 15, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Tabled decision on raising permit fees from $25
• Accepted October 20, 2022 regular and executive session minutes (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment approved two residential variance applications for home additions and a carport. Additionally, the board approved three resolutions for previous cases and the 2023 meeting schedule.

• Approved application for pool, pool house, and carport at 23 Darlington Avenue (7-0)
• Approved one-story kitchen addition at 50 Morton Drive (7-0)
• Approved resolution for 23 Farmington Court (4-0-3)
• Approved resolution for 10 Island Park Avenue (5-0-2)
• Approved resolution for 105 Lakeside Drive (5-0-2)
• Approved 2023 Annual Schedule of Regular Meetings (7-0)
• Approved minutes from 10/19/22 (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new Au Pair/Nanny Library Card Policy and the 2023 meeting and holiday schedules. The board also approved the payment of October bills. A proposed 2022 budget adjustment was discussed but not voted upon.

• Approved Au Pair/Nanny Library Card Policy (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Board of Trustees meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 library holiday schedule (unanimous)
• Approved payment of October bills (unanimous)
• Accepted October 17, 2022 meeting minutes
• Accepted October 17, 2022 Executive Session minutes
• Tabled vote on 2022 budget adjustment proposal

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council passed a consent resolution approving several administrative actions, including a budget transfer and the acceptance of a Bergen County grant. The council also authorized the police department to acquire excess Department of Defense equipment through the 1033 Program.

• Approved acceptance of Bergen County Municipal Alliance grant for FY 2024 (Resolution 214-2022)
• Approved Appropriation Transfer Resolution #1 to reallocate 2022 budget funds (Resolution 215-2022)
• Approved corrective action plan for the 2021 borough audit (Resolution 216-2022)
• Authorized Ramsey Police Department to participate in the Defense Logistics Agency 1033 Program (Resolution 217-2022)
• Confirmed appointment of Lola Callahan Santos as Ramsey Rescue Explorer Member (Resolution 218-2022)
• Approved payment of vouchers and payroll ratifications (Resolutions 212, 213, 219, 220-2022)

Board of Health

The Board approved the minutes from the September meeting. Members discussed upcoming lead-based paint inspection laws and the planning of the annual rabies clinic. No final decision was made regarding the rabies clinic location.

• Approved September meeting minutes (carried by all)

Environmental Commission

The Commission accepted the minutes from the October 11, 2022 meeting. Members discussed ongoing projects including Sustainable Jersey certification, storm drain adoptions, and potential 2023 initiatives regarding electric vehicles and recycling.

• Approved October 11, 2022 meeting minutes

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved waiver applications for six businesses, including a restaurant and an auto repair shop. Approval is subject to the consent of the Construction Official, Board of Health, and Fire Official. The Chick-fil-A application was adjourned to a future date.

• Approved minutes of 10/18/22
• Approved waiver for Craft Exteriors LLC (600 Lake Street)
• Approved waiver for Center for OCD & Misophonia, LLC (900 Lake Street)
• Approved waiver for Callinan & Smith LLP (70 Hilltop Road)
• Approved waiver for The IRIS Center for Holistic Wellness LLC (246 Franklin Turnpike)
• Approved waiver for EZ Dynamics Auto Repair, LLC (1065 Route 17 S)
• Approved waiver for EONS Food for Life (475 North Franklin Turnpike)
• Adjourned Chick-fil-A application to a future date

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council passed a consent resolution approving several financial actions and grant agreements. The body also recognized local Volunteers of the Year and extended outdoor café licenses through the end of 2022.

• Approved $43,356 grant agreement with Bergen County Community Development for Senior Center improvements (Resolution 209-2022)
• Approved $22,500 grant agreement with Bergen County Community Development for Finch Park improvements (Resolution 210-2022)
• Extended 2022 outdoor café licenses through December 31st (Resolution 211-2022)
• Approved payment of vouchers (Resolution 205-2022)
• Ratified payroll number twenty-one (Resolution 206-2022)
• Received the 2021 borough audit (Resolution 207-2022)
• Approved the 2022 Best Practices Check List (Resolution 208-2022)

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board will consider four applications: Creative Learning at 29 Church St, Optimum at Interstate Shopping Center, Stretch Lab at 1300 Rt. 17 North, and T-Mobile at 475 Franklin Turnpike. No site plan items are listed. The meeting also includes public comment, approval of minutes from September 27, 2022, and old/new business.

• Creative Learning application at 29 Church St
• Optimum application at Interstate Shopping Center
• Stretch Lab application at 1300 Rt. 17 North
• T-Mobile application at 475 Franklin Turnpike

The Design Review Board approved applications for new facade, pylon, and ground signs for four businesses. Each applicant was advised that window coverage for advertising is limited to 20 percent of available space. The board also approved the minutes from September 27, 2022.

• Approved new facade and pylon sign for Stretch Lab at 1300 Rt. 17N
• Approved new facade and pylon sign for T-Mobile at 475 Franklin Turnpike
• Approved new ground sign for Creative Learning at 29 Church St
• Approved new facade sign for Optimum at Interstate Shopping Center
• Approved September 27, 2022 minutes

Shade Tree Commission

The Commission unanimously accepted a revised landscape plan for The Wash Club at 506 Route 17, with planting scheduled for spring. A tree removal request at 216 Darlington Avenue was not approved because no commissioners had inspected the property. The board also discussed a $6,000 restitution offer for unauthorized tree removal at 69, 87, and 99 Spring Street during closed session.

• Accepted revised landscape plan for The Wash Club (unanimous)
• Denied tree removal request at 216 Darlington Avenue (no inspection done)
• Approved meeting agenda change to move presentations earlier (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 15, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Moved into closed session to discuss restitution amount (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will receive reports on the lead service line replacement project, decommissioning of test wells, and a presentation from Suez/Veolia on a water storage tank maintenance program. The meeting includes roll call, minutes review, and public comment.

• Lead Service Line Replacement project update
• Decommissioning of test wells
• Suez/Veolia presentation on water storage tank maintenance and repair program
• Resolution for payment of vouchers

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board is meeting to review applications for several businesses. The board will also address minutes from June 28 and August 23, 2022.

• The Wash Club: 506 Rt. 17 North
• Trinity Rehab: Interstate Shopping Center
• Sherwin Williams: 735 Rt. 17 South
• Vantage Veterinary Surgery: 535 E Crescent Ave
• Wawa: 966 Rt. 17 North

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works is meeting to correct a bid award for test well decommissioning and approve a negotiated labor agreement. The labor contract would cover employees of Teamsters Local 11.

• Correct bid award to William Stothoff Company for $68,900 for decommissioning of test wells
• Negotiated agreement with Teamsters Local 11 employees for the term January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2025

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works is reviewing reports on water and sewer infrastructure. Key discussions include lead service line replacements and the status of decommissioned wells.

• Lead Service Line Replacement project
• East Crescent Avenue Lead Service Line Test Pitting Project rebid
• Water and sewer connection application for 39 Upland Road
• Resignation of Eric Moritz from the Department
• Resolution for payment of vouchers

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board is meeting to consider an application regarding Fado at 4 E. Main St. The board will also review minutes from the June 28, 2022 meeting.

• Application for Fado at 4 E. Main St

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will review reports on water infrastructure projects and regulatory compliance. The Borough Administrator will present a proposal for water and sewer rate changes and a water overpayment for 14 Indian Valley Road.

• Proposal for Water & Sewer Rate Change
• Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Program
• East Crescent Avenue Water Service Line Test Pit Project
• Ramapo Reservation Well Decommissioning Project
• Water overpayment for 14 Indian Valley Road

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works is reviewing reports on the lead service line replacement project and water infrastructure. The meeting includes a resolution for the payment of vouchers.

• Lead Service Line Replacement project (Phase 1B)
• Installation of a new submersible pump, motor, column, and wire at the Brookfield well
• Submission of Capital Improvement Report for NJDEP
• Resolution for payment of vouchers

Board of Public Works

The Board will receive reports regarding the Brookfield Well arsenic treatment and a lead service line replacement project. Staff are also working on road preparation for milling and paving.

• Brookfield Well Arsenic Treatment update
• Lead Service Line Replacement project updates
• Capital Improvement Report submission for NJDEP
• Payment of Vouchers resolution

Board of Public Works

The Board will review bid results for the Lead Service Line Replacement project. Updates include the completion of spring fire hydrant flushing and the submission of a Lead Consumer Notice to the NJDEP.

• Lead Service Line Replacement bid results
• Spring time fire hydrant flushing completion
• NJDEP Lead Consumer Notice submission
• Payment of Vouchers resolution

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works is reviewing reports on lead service line replacement and regulatory compliance. The meeting includes updates on springtime fire hydrant flushing and roadway preparation for paving.

• Lead Service Line Replacement project updates
• Springtime fire hydrant flushing
• Roadway preparation for paving
• Resolution for payment of vouchers

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board is meeting to consider applications for three specific properties. The board will also review minutes from November 23, 2021, and January 25, 2022.

• Application for Natural Garment Care at 503 Franklin Tpke
• Application for Mitsubishi at 1355 Rt 17N
• Application for Bottle King at 476 Rt 17N

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will review reports on water and sewer infrastructure. Discussions include lead service line replacement and a specific project at 66 Route 17 North. The board will also consider a resolution for the payment of vouchers.

• Lead Service Line Replacement project
• Wayne Motors, Inc./ Lincoln Dealership at 66 Route 17 North
• Fire hydrant flushing scheduled for April 11, 18, and 25
• Resolution for payment of vouchers

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will discuss the 2022 budget and the East Oak Street Water Facility Façade Project. The meeting includes reports on water main breaks and lead service line replacements.

• 2022 Board of Public Works Budget
• East Oak Street Water Facility Façade Project
• Poplar Street/Christopher Street Water Main Project
• Brookfield Well Arsenic Treatment Facility
• Lead Service Line Replacement project

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board will review applications regarding Minetti Dennis Group Realty at 205 N. Franklin Tpke and Village Square at 57 Main St. The board will also review minutes from the December 28, 2021 meeting.

• Application: Minetti Dennis Group Realty, 205 N. Franklin Tpke
• Application: Village Square, 57 Main St.

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works is meeting to receive reports on water treatment and sewer operations. Discussions include the Brookfield Well Arsenic Treatment Facility and a pump failure at the Sauna Road sewer pumping station.

• Brookfield Well Arsenic Treatment Facility report
• Ramapo Reservation Wells report
• Lead Service Line Replacement report
• Sauna Road sewer pumping station pump failure and repair
• Resolution for payment of vouchers