Ridgewood Village Council Addresses Infrastructure and Public Safety in Budget Meeting

Overview: The recent Ridgewood Village Council special public budget meeting focused on key infrastructure improvements and public safety enhancements, with notable discussions on the installation of a sidewalk on Clinton Avenue, restructuring of emergency services, sanitation and recycling budgets, and significant water rate increases due to infrastructure needs. The council addressed residents’ safety concerns, emergency management’s restructured services, and the water utility’s budget and rate hikes, outlining the strategic planning for the village’s future needs.

School Board Approves Search Firm Amid Farewells and Donations

Overview: In a recent New Milford School Board meeting, the board approved the hiring of a search firm for the superintendent position, bid farewell to a long-serving board member, and recognized significant donations to the district. The session was marked by emotional acknowledgments of departing individuals and the approval of donations that will benefit various school events and activities.

Ridgefield Park School Board Addresses Student Resource Concerns

Overview: The Ridgefield Park School Board meeting on February 21st, 2024, highlighted concerns regarding student resources, particularly in special education, math instruction, and English as a Second Language (ESL) support. The meeting, which drew active participation from the community, also covered issues such as the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJ GPA) results, the expansion of the Early Childhood program, and acknowledged the accomplishments of the academic decathlon team and a successful fundraiser.

Emerson Borough Council Tackles Park Improvements and Grant Discussions

Overview: The Emerson Borough Council recently convened to address a variety of community concerns, with a marked emphasis on park improvements and the strategic utilization of grants. Key discussions centered on applying for the 2024 Bergen County Open Space Grant Municipal Park Improvement program and other funding opportunities to enhance local parks, such as Sunset Rosen Park. The meeting also recognized the life-saving efforts of law enforcement officers and introduced initiatives to engage the community in local governance and commemorative activities.

Englewood Council Tackles Age-friendly Initiatives and Salary Concerns

Overview: In a recent Englewood City Council meeting, the primary focus was on initiatives to make the city more accommodating for its aging population and concerns regarding salary increases for city staff. The meeting commenced with a presentation by Janet Sharma, the coordinator of Age-Friendly Englewood, who advocated for the integration of age-friendly policies into the city’s master plan. Additionally, a public hearing brought up issues of fairness and racial implications in the proposed salary increases for city hall employees.