The meeting revealed issues within the Ridgewood Fire Department, primarily due to staffing shortages that have strained resources. The fire department, facing unexpected personnel absences due to workers’ compensation injuries and military deployments, is down by more than five firefighters at times. This shortage has led to increased reliance on overtime, with an anticipated year-end shortfall of approximately $250,000 needed to cover these expenses. The Chief Judge explained that while some reimbursement is expected from workers’ compensation and military compensation, the total recovery is estimated to be only $30,000 to $60,000, and would likely occur in the following fiscal year.

To address these staffing issues, the council discussed the possibility of an emergency budget appropriation for 2024. The council also reviewed the hiring process, expressing concerns over delays in replacing retiring firefighters. It was noted that while terminal pay reserves could mitigate some retirement costs, these funds would not fully cover the department’s needs.

Parallel to these discussions, the Shedler property project emerged as a contentious issue among residents and council members. Public comments highlighted the environmental implications of the proposed artificial turf field, particularly the detrimental effects on the local tree ecosystem. Concerns were raised about significant adverse impacts on groundwater, air and noise pollution, and wildlife. A speaker pointed out the inconsistency between the village’s tree planting initiatives and the proposed development at Shedler, which involves removing mature trees.

Safety concerns also dominated the conversation, especially regarding increased traffic on West Saddle River Road and the potential risks to children and bus stops. A recent incident where a car collided with a house near the Shedler property underscored these worries. Residents called for immediate attention to traffic management and soil contamination issues, urging transparency and communication from the New Jersey Department of Health about remediation plans.

In response to these concerns, the village manager reported on ongoing soil testing efforts at the Shedler site. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is finalizing a testing plan with expected physical testing in November. Letters will be sent to those living within 200 feet of the property, informing them of the testing schedule.

The council meeting also touched upon other community issues, including tree planting initiatives in flood-prone areas. Despite ongoing efforts, a 50% rejection rate from homeowners for tree requests was reported, with concerns about the impact on Ridgewood’s tree canopy. The council discussed the need to reassess the tree planting request list and the potential environmental benefits of trees in flood mitigation and stormwater management.

Attention was also given to the structural integrity of the downtown bus station, which was evaluated as unsafe by engineering consultants. Recommendations for its demolition were made, with plans to potentially relocate the bus station closer to the train station for improved integration of public transportation. The need for community engagement and consultation with local businesses about the impact of these changes was emphasized.

Lastly, the council addressed ongoing community engagement challenges in local governance, particularly the high costs of running for office and the negative impact of online commentary on potential candidates. Suggestions were made to explore community-sponsored forums to increase candidate visibility without the financial burden.