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.