Following this moving acknowledgment, the meeting addressed a variety of community concerns and projects. The Mayor highlighted the importance of CPR training and the procurement of additional electric defibrillators for the Health Barn. The meeting also featured swearing-in ceremonies for fire department personnel, including Fire Lieutenant Gregory Corkran, Volunteer Fire Lieutenant Jeffrey Krian, and Captain Robert Peacock.

The Village Clerk, Heather Mander, was commended for her dedication to her role, even while recovering at home from an emergency appendectomy. Public comments opened a platform for residents to voice their concerns. Among these were issues relating to pesticide use, drainage problems, and the controversial topic of installing artificial turf on the Shetler property. The environmental impact and safety of artificial turf materials were at the forefront of residents’ concerns, prompting suggestions for natural grass renovations and inquiries about the use of federal and state grants.

The council provided updates on the Safe Routes to School program’s grants and scheduled an in-person meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers to address flooding concerns. Condolences were offered for the passing of court administrator, Kim McWilliams.

Further discussions included the lighting project at Veterans Field, reassuring residents that there would be no extension of light usage beyond current curfew times. The upcoming closure of Valley Hospital’s Ridgewood campus services and their relocation to Paramus was another topic, with an advisory to avoid Lynwood Avenue during the patient transfer process. The Capital Budget for 2025 was deliberated, focusing on sewer improvements and emergency communications enhancements.

Community events and projects were also discussed, including the RBSA opening day parade, the Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Fair, and a Lyme disease discussion hosted by the Ridgewood Health Department. Council members reported on their engagement with the Fields Committee, Shade Tree Commission, and the Ridgewood Arts Council, addressing field assessments, tree inventories, and ordinance revisions.

An upcoming presentation by the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs on flooding and decarbonization in Ridgewood was announced. The Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of the Golden Hour Salon, and the Central Business District Advisory Committee prepared to discuss signage and zoning amendments.

During the public hearings, the Chief Financial Officer presented budget amendments, which led to discussions on EMS training funding, budget prioritization of public safety, and community events. Staff input was emphasized as reflective of the community’s needs. A resident inquired about the budget allocation for class three officers in schools, initiating a response from the Chief of Police regarding equipment and startup costs.

The shared communication system development sparked debate over its necessity given the county’s similar efforts. The council explained the need for system upgrades and the potential for future revenue through expansion to other municipalities.

The public hearing on the 2024 budget led to the approval of amendments, the adoption of the budget, and the introduction and discussion of several ordinances, including those for capital improvements and police services. The council debated the special assessment of costs relating to lead service line replacement, addressing residents’ concerns about personal financial impact.

The council contemplated the establishment of 2024 dates for dining corrals, with discussions on the duration and participation requirements. The debate on outdoor dining structures touched upon safety, business impact, and the mayor’s potential conflict of interest as a business and property owner.

Lastly, the council addressed the issue of soil testing at a specific site, engaging a third-party company following the dismissal of an illegal dumping summons. A resolution to enter a closed session for legal, contract negotiations, and personnel matters concluded the meeting.