Ridgewood Council Adopts Anti-Nepotism Policy and Addresses Flooding, with Updates on Community Events and Programs
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
02/14/2024
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Recording Published:
02/14/2024
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Duration:
54 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Ridgewood
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting, the Ridgewood City Council adopted a series of ordinances and resolutions that will shape the future of the village. Among the most significant actions taken was the unanimous approval of Ordinance 3986, which establishes an anti-nepotism policy, aimed at bolstering transparency within the local government. The Council also addressed community concerns about flooding, approved a bond ordinance for a new garbage truck, and provided updates on local events and programs.
The anti-nepotism policy, as outlined in Ordinance 3986, marks a firm stance by the Council to ensure fair hiring practices and avoid conflicts of interest within the village government. The policy garnered unanimous support from the council members.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in Ridgewood, prompting Village Manager Keith Killion to urge residents affected by floods to complete a survey on the village’s flood portal. The collected data will assist the United States Army Corps of Engineers in addressing the issue. Killion also reminded residents of the waste collection procedures during snow and ice events and provided updates on office closures for President’s Day.
The Council also approved Ordinance 3990, authorizing the acquisition of a rear loader garbage truck through a bond ordinance. While the ordinance passed, Councilwoman Lorraine Reynolds raised concerns about the source of funding for the truck, sparking a discussion on fiscal responsibility and budget allocation within the council.
Councilmember Pamela R. Perron highlighted the success of the recent Jamboree weekend and provided updates on various committee meetings. She also drew attention to the Blue Acres program, which supports residents impacted by flooding. Moreover, Perron mentioned a unique opportunity for residents to purchase seats from the Warner Theater before its closure.
Mayor Paul Vagianos and Councilmember Evan Weitz acknowledged the contributions of the Fourth of July committee volunteers and the enjoyable experience at the cookie decorating contest organized by the Ridgewood Arts Council. Councilmember Weitz also shared updates from the Historical Preservation Committee.
The meeting also saw the passage of several ordinances after their second reading and public hearings. These ordinances covered road paving funding, rental dwelling inspections for lead-based paint, vehicle and traffic regulation amendments, and salary ordinances. Notably, Ordinance 3985, which proposed amending fees for recreational memberships and summer programs, was met with public support from resident Ann Loving, who commended the village manager for backing programs like Camp YDP and Citizens for Swimming in Patterson.
A resident’s concerns about parking regulations, specifically the prohibition of all-day parking on Cottage Place, led to a debate on Ordinance 3989.
Additionally, the Council carried out the adoption of several resolutions through a consent agenda, addressing contracts for software maintenance, landfill disposal, and sustainability projects, as well as making a new appointment to the Open Space Recreation Farmland Historic Preservation Committee.
Paul Vagianos
City Council Officials:
Pamela R. Perron, Lorraine Reynolds, Evan Weitz, Siobhan Winograd
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
02/14/2024
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Recording Published:
02/14/2024
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Duration:
54 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Ridgewood
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