Ridgefield public meetings in 2020
28 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are conducting public hearings on several ordinances to implement affordable housing and authorize emergency appropriations. The body is also reviewing a consent agenda including grant programs and tax settlements.
- Ordinances 2394, 2395, 2396, 2397, and 2401 regarding affordable housing implementation
- Ordinance 2399 and 2400 authorizing emergency appropriations, including one for the swimming pool utility
- Ordinance 2402 to amend Section 92-1 regarding salaries
- Stipulations of settlement for 533 and 543 Shaler Boulevard
- Bergen County Cares Act Municipal Grant Program resolutions
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are holding public hearings and final readings for several ordinances related to affordable housing and development fees. The meeting also includes discussions on COVID-19 programs and emergency appropriations.
- Ordinance 2391: Amends development fees for multifamily (1.5% to 6%) and non-residential (2.5%) projects
- Ordinances 2394, 2395, 2396, 2397, 2398: Implementation of affordable housing
- Ordinances 2399 and 2400: Emergency appropriations, including one for the swimming pool utility
- Rights of Way License Agreements with Cross River Fiber, LLC and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T)
- Developer's Agreement with VL, LLC
Planning Board
The Planning Board will address new business regarding specific properties and several ordinances. The agenda also includes the approval of financial reports, resolutions, and minutes.
- 891 Banta Place (Block 2101, Lot 1)
- Railroad Avenue to Overpeck Creek (Block 503, Lot 1)
- Ordinance Nos. 2391, 2394, 2395, 2396, 2397 and 2398
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are deciding on the commencement of construction for a new municipal complex. The body is also processing liquor license renewals, tax lien redemptions, and the appropriation of federal and county grant funds.
- Authorization to proceed with construction of New Borough Hall/Police Station Site with Epic Management, Inc.
- Contract for Maser Consulting P.A. for construction administration services not to exceed $249,250.00
- Tax lien redemption for 624 Bergen Boulevard involving payments of $13,274.79 and $40,000.00
- Appropriation of $7,047.91 from Bergen County Cares Act Municipal Grant Program
- Appropriation of $19,327.63 from FEMA Emergency Protective Measures Grants
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are meeting to hold a public hearing and final reading for an ordinance regarding handicapped parking. The body is also considering several resolutions related to personnel appointments, grants, and professional service requests.
- Ordinance No. 2393: Adding a handicapped parking space in front of 589 Carpenter Place
- Resolution 217-2020: Hiring school crossing guards for 2020/2021 with hourly rates ranging from $13.15 to $17.50
- Resolution 218-2020: Inserting $10,000 in revenue and appropriations for Emergency Management Performance Grants
- Resolution 219-2020: Authorizing Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for 2021 professional services, including Borough Attorney and Engineer
- Resolution 216-2020: Appointing Marilena Ojeda to the Anti-Bullying Committee
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are holding public hearings on ordinances regarding development fees and affordable housing. The body is also introducing several new ordinances to further implement affordable housing and update handicapped parking designations.
- Ordinance No. 2391: Amends development fees for residential (1.5% to 6%) and non-residential (2.5%) projects
- Ordinance No. 2392: Amends the affordable housing code
- Ordinances No. 2394, 2395, 2396, 2397, and 2398: New proposals to implement affordable housing
- Ordinance No. 2393: Amends handicapped parking space designations
- Consent items: CSO Collective Bargaining Agreement and hiring of part-time DPW/Sanitation and clerical staff
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are reviewing ordinances to update development fees for residential and non-residential projects and modify affordable housing codes. The body is also voting on the removal of specific handicapped parking spaces.
- Ordinance 2390: Removal of handicapped parking spaces at 574 and 581 Carpenter Place
- Ordinance 2391: Proposed development fees of 1.5% for multifamily residential and 2.5% for non-residential projects
- Ordinance 2392: Proposed amendments to the 'Affordable Housing' chapter of the Borough code
- Grant application for the Shaler Blvd. Streetscape Project via NJDOT
- CARES Act Reimbursement Agreement with the County of Bergen
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are holding a public hearing for a final reading of an ordinance amending rent control definitions. They are also introducing an ordinance to remove specific handicapped parking spots and reviewing several appointments and a tax appeal settlement.
- Ordinance No. 2389: Amends Chapter 322 Rent Control definitions for 'Dwelling'
- Ordinance No. 2390: Removes handicapped parking spaces at 574 and 581 Carpenter Place
- Resolution 195-2020: Tax appeal settlement for 745 Bergen Boulevard adjusting 2020 assessment to $900,000
- Resolution 193-2020: Appointments to the Anti-Bullying Committee
- Resolution 194-2020: Appointment of Lauren Larkin as Senior Citizen Liaison
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are holding public hearings on ordinances to amend rent control and municipal court hours. The body is also considering a suspension of rental increases for properties subject to rent control during the pandemic emergency.
- Ordinance No. 2388: Suspension of rental increases during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency
- Ordinance No. 2387: Amending Municipal Court location and hours
- Ordinance No. 2389: Amending the definition of 'Dwelling' in Rent Control code
- Resolution 189-2020: Appointing a Redeveloper/Construction Manager for the New Borough Hall/Police Station Project
- Resolution 182-2020: Settlement Agreement with Biazzo Diary
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are meeting to introduce an ordinance regarding municipal court hours and location. The body is also deciding on the appointment of four towing companies and the issuance of warrants.
- Ordinance No. 2387 to amend municipal court location and hours
- Resolution 178-2020 to issue towing licenses to View Auto Body, Inc., Route 46 Auto Repair, Tumino’s Towing, Inc., and Merger Towing, Inc. dba ABC Towing
- Towing license refunds of $416.67 to four companies and $1,000.00 to Sano’s Broadview Corp. and A&D Towing & Recovery, LLC
- Resolution 179-2020 for warrants totaling $2,826,277.02
- Coin toss requests from RMHS Class of 2021 for September 12, September 13, November 7, and November 8, 2020
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are meeting to approve several routine consent items, including a contract for tree services and a multi-year snow plowing agreement with Bergen County. The body is also reviewing audit recommendations and a corrective action plan for the 2019 fiscal year.
- Contract award to Beucler Tree Experts, LLC for tree removal and trimming not to exceed $59,115
- Two-year snow plowing agreement with the County of Bergen for the 2020-2022 season
- Hiring of William Henderson as a seasonal DPW/Sanitation employee at $11.00 per hour
- Certification of review for the Annual Report of Audit for the calendar year ending December 31, 2017
- Appointment of Hoffman as Fire Official
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are considering several grant applications and intergovernmental agreements. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding the development of a parklet at the corner of Slocum Avenue and Bruce Street.
- Grant application for $74,687.50 from Bergen County Trust Fund for Ridgefield Community Center Field Project
- Application for NJDOT 2021 Various Streets Improvement Project
- Participation in Bergen County Community Development programs (CDBG, HOME, and ESG) for 2021-2024
- Ratification of temporary outdoor dining regulations
- Opposition to the construction of the NJ Transit Gas-Fired Power Plant in Kearny
Planning Board
The Planning Board will meet via Zoom to hear applications regarding four specific properties. The meeting is being held remotely due to state executive orders and the coronavirus health emergency.
- Application for 360 Abbott Ave., Block 3804, Lot 8
- Application for 1099 Linden Ave., Block 504, Lot 2
- Application for 585 Oakdene Ave, Block 1902, Lot 7
- Application for 505 Studio Rd., Block 2608, Lot 1
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are meeting to approve routine consent items and several resolutions. The body will discuss financial warrants and a state application for site remediation.
- Approval of warrants totaling $956,304.32
- Application to NJ DEP Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund for Block 905, Lot 1 and Block 906, Lot 1
- Hiring of Nikolas Palaia as a seasonal DPW/Sanitation employee at $11.25 per hour
- Proclamation of June 2020 as LGBTQ Pride Month in Ridgefield
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and final reading for an ordinance regarding appeals to the governing body for Planning Board decisions. The body is also reviewing several settlement stipulations and professional service contracts.
- Ordinance No. 2386: Amends Planning Board rules to allow appeals of final decisions to the governing body
- Resolution 144-2020: Rights of Way Agreement with Cross River Fiber
- Resolution 145-2020: $2,021.61 tax refund for 676 Shaler Boulevard
- Resolution 147-2020: Authorization to issue Tax Anticipation Notes
- Resolution 148-2020: Additional design services from Maser Professional Engineering for the proposed Municipal Building
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are deciding on estimated tax bills for the third installment of 2020 taxes due to the County of Bergen not yet adopting a budget. The body is also considering tax appeal settlements and a new technician appointment.
- Estimated 2020 tax levy set at $39,522,609.81 with a tax rate of 2.54
- Tax appeal settlement for 533 Shaler Boulevard adjusting 2019 total assessment to $550,000
- Tax appeal settlement for 543 Shaler Boulevard adjusting 2018 assessment to $850,000 and 2019 to $825,000
- Appointment of Christopher Freitag as Data Reporting/Light Technician at $300.00 per quarter
- Approval of warrants totaling $3,293,271.68
Planning Board
Stalwart Ridgefield LLC has submitted a preliminary and final major site plan for a large warehouse project. The proposal includes one warehouse building, surface parking, and associated infrastructure located in the OMH zone.
- Proposed 372,049 SF warehouse building
- Request for height variance from 35 feet to 50 feet
- Request for parking waiver to allow parking in the front yard
- Request for landscaping waiver regarding the 20% lot area requirement
- Proposed parking includes 308 car spaces, 56 truck spaces, and 71 loading bays
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council introduced the Calendar Year 2020 budget and a corresponding ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits. A public hearing on the budget and tax resolution is scheduled for April 27, 2020.
- Introduction of 2020 Municipal Budget with total general revenues of $22,693,123.23
- Ordinance No. 2384 to increase 2020 budget by up to 3.5%, amounting to $601,121.45
- Ordinance No. 2385 to amend Chapter 35 'Fire Department' of the Borough Code
- Settlement stipulation for 1012 Hoyt Avenue
- Authorization to advertise for tree trimming and removal
Planning Board
The Planning Board will meet to discuss new business regarding three specific addresses. The meeting also includes reviews of pending matters and financial reports.
- Application for 585 Oakdene Ave, Block 1902, Lot 7
- Application for 745 Bergen Blvd., Block 703, Lot 1
- Application for 375 Broad Ave., Block 3805, Lot 8
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and final reading for an ordinance adopting a redevelopment plan for the Borough Hall property. The body is also considering several roadway improvement bids and grant applications.
- Ordinance No. 2383: Redevelopment plan for Block 2801 Lot 1 (604 Broad Avenue)
- Bids for roadway improvements on Maple Avenue, Ray Avenue, Virgil Avenue, and Studio Road
- Grant application for New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act in the amount of $41,625.88
- Tax appeal settlement for 676 Shaler Boulevard
- Salary increase for crossing guards
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are meeting to hold public hearings on salary and bond ordinances and introduce a redevelopment plan. The session includes a presentation on the 2020 Census and a closed executive session for personnel and litigation matters.
- Ordinance 2383: Proposed redevelopment plan for Block 2801 Lot 1 (604 Broad Avenue)
- Ordinance 2382: Proposed $167,400 for Doc Miller Field improvements, including an $83,700 grant
- Ordinance 2381: Proposed $121,222 increase for 2019 capital improvements
- Ordinance 2380: Proposed salary range of $5,000 to $10,000 for Pool Maintenance Supervisor
- Resolution 110-2020: Contract for Veteran’s Memorial Park Turf Replacement Project
Planning Board
The Planning Board will address several pending matters and new business items. The agenda includes discussions regarding properties on Oakdene Avenue, Broad Avenue, Bergen Boulevard, and Pleasantview Terrace.
- 585 Oakdene Ave, Block 1902, Lot 7
- Redevelopment at 604 Broad Ave., Block 2801, Lot 1
- 530-540 Bergen Blvd., Block 2505, Lot 4
- 1030 Pleasantview Terrace, Unit 4B, Block 3805, Lot 1
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are considering several bond ordinances for capital improvements and updating the town's parks and salary codes. The meeting includes a final reading on park designations and the introduction of new funding for local facilities.
- Ordinance 2382: $167,400 for Doc Miller Field improvements, including an $83,700 grant
- Ordinance 2381: Proposed $121,222 increase for 2019 capital improvements
- Ordinance 2379: Final reading to amend park and open space designations on Slocum Avenue and Shaler Boulevard
- Ordinance 2380: Proposed creation of a Pool Maintenance Supervisor position ($5,000 to $10,000)
- Consent Agenda: Appointment of a Rent Leveling Attorney and retirement agreement for Lt. Wejnert
Planning Board
The Planning Board is considering a redevelopment plan for the 0.7-acre site of the current Municipal Building at 604 Broad Avenue. The plan aims to create flexible land use standards to attract private developers, with sale proceeds intended to help fund a new Borough Hall on Shaler Boulevard.
- Redevelopment plan for Block 2801 Lot 1 (604 Broad Avenue)
- Proposed superseding of existing zoning in Chapter 390 for the subject property
- Establishment of new standards for permitted uses, bulk, height, setbacks, and parking
- Designation of the site as a non-condemnation Area in Need of Redevelopment (AINR)
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are deciding on an emergency appropriation for property reassessment and amending the local code regarding parks and open spaces. The body is also approving several professional service agreements and appointments.
- Ordinance No. 2378: $200,000 emergency appropriation for Reassessment of Real Property
- Ordinance No. 2379: Amendments to Chapter 293 regarding Parks and Open Spaces, including changes to designations on Slocum Avenue and Shaler Boulevard
- Resolution 79-2020: Professional Survey Services contract with Maser Consulting, P.A. for Meadowlands Field not to exceed $10,850.00
- Resolution 80-2020: Maser Professional Service for 2018 CDBG Roadway Improvements on Maple Avenue
- Appointments to the Rent Leveling Commission and Board of Health
Planning Board
The Planning Board will conduct a reorganization and discuss pending matters. The meeting includes new business regarding five specific property addresses in the borough.
- Application for 536 Abbott Ave.
- Application for 745 Bergen Blvd.
- Application for 585 Oakdene Ave.
- Application for 1010 Edgewater Ave.
- Application for 869-875 Broad Ave.
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council are considering an emergency appropriation for a real property reassessment ordered by the Bergen County Board of Taxation. The body is also reviewing professional service agreements for surveying and appraisal services.
- Ordinance No. 2378: $200,000 emergency appropriation for Real Property Reassessment
- Resolution 71-2020: Acceptance of FY19 Emergency Management Performance Grant up to $10,000
- Resolution 72-2020: Professional service agreement with Caulfield Associates LLP for surveying
- Resolution 73-2020: Professional service agreement with Associated Appraisal Group
- Resolution 74-2020: Stipulation of Settlement for 600 Prospect Avenue
Mayor Council
The Mayor and Council conducted a reorganization meeting to appoint borough officials, professional services, and committee members for 2020. The body also established standing committees and approved a temporary budget.
- Appointment of Stephen Pellino as Borough Attorney
- Appointment of Russell Castelli as Council President
- Appointment of Ray Ramirez as Borough Administrator for a three-year term
- Appointment of Maser Consulting as Borough Engineer and DMR Architects as Borough Planner
- Approval of the CY2020 Temporary Budget