Councilwoman Judy Cusick announced that the borough had received the 2025 safety award from their insurance carrier, an achievement that will result in financial savings for the borough.

Ordinance 09-2025 was introduced to address the need for a new senior bus, as the current vehicle has reached the end of its operational life. The council secured a generous donation exceeding $70,000 towards the purchase of the new bus. Moreover, the ordinance included partial funding for a new ambulance, vital for the Ramsey Ambulance Corps following a recent breakdown of one of their vehicles during an emergency call. The Ambulance Corps plans to cover a portion of the ambulance’s cost, utilizing $300,000 of their funds alongside the borough’s additional $70,000.

Councilwoman Jane Woods provided an update on the ongoing Ramsey Emergency Services Complex project, which is currently facing budget challenges due to escalating construction costs. This project is important for enhancing the borough’s emergency response capabilities, and the council is seeking solutions to overcome the financial hurdles.

In another development, the council passed Ordinance 10-2025, aimed at improving the security of public records in municipal buildings. By establishing restricted areas, the ordinance seeks to safeguard confidential information.

Councilwoman Sara Poppe reported on several community events, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses. She attended the Tropical Smoothie ribbon-cutting event and highlighted the upcoming Ramsey Chamber event, which includes an open business forum. Poppe also announced the successful hosting of a “walk and talkathon” by the Ramsey stigma-free team, which focused on mental health awareness and received positive feedback.

Mayor Deirdre A. Dillon expressed her appreciation for the stigma-free event, acknowledging the plansning involved. She also informed the council about a potential New Jersey Transit strike, advising residents to work from home due to anticipated disruptions in train and bus services.

The council addressed several resolutions, including Resolution 94, which authorizes the purchase of the new senior bus, and Resolution 95, which allocates funds for the new ambulance. Additionally, Resolution 98 amended a previous resolution related to the Northwest Bergen cooperative pricing program, and Resolution 99 confirmed the appointment of Erica Abruiz as a part-time administrative assistant in the borough clerk’s office.

As the meeting progressed, Borough Administrator Bruce Jose introduced Ordinance 11, which seeks to amend parking regulations on certain streets to alleviate congestion during specific months. Ordinance 12 proposes the establishment of a new redevelopment zone to facilitate the construction of low and moderate income housing, aligning with the borough’s fair share housing obligations.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future ordinances, including updates on recreational facilities, lead service line replacements, and retiree health insurance policies. The council is also considering a parking ordinance on private property to streamline parking management within the borough.