Glen Ridge Council Advances $2.2 Million Water Main Bond, Adopts Property Revaluation Funding
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Glen Ridge's Mayor & Council gave first reading approval to Ordinance 1815, a bond measure authorizing $2.2 million in bonds and notes to pay for water main replacement work around Carteret Street and Forest Avenue. A councilmember noted that $1 million of that amount is expected to eventually be forgiven through a New Jersey Infrastructure Bank loan program.
On final reading, the council formally adopted Ordinance 1813, authorizing a $400,000 special emergency appropriation to fund a complete revaluation of all property in Glen Ridge. The council also adopted Ordinance 1814 on final reading, appropriating Capital Improvement funds for various town equipment and improvement projects. Separately, the council adopted a resolution authorizing the tax collector to take part in electronic tax sales through a vendor called NJTaxLiens, as approved by the state Division of Local Government Services.
The council also announced that on October 10th, the Glen Ridge Police Department was unanimously voted a state-accredited department by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. Council members also extended condolences to the family of a longtime municipal employee, referred to as Alado R., who worked in the municipal building for 23 years and was a longtime community member.
Several community items were also discussed. Essex County will hold a household hazardous waste disposal day on Saturday, November 9th, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the county public works yard on Bradford Avenue, accepting items such as oil-based paints, pesticides, automotive fluids, car batteries, and fluorescent bulbs from county residents with ID. The town's second annual "Pumpkin Smash" composting event will be held at the Benson Street parking lot, with residents urged to bring their pumpkins after Halloween. A second townwide newsletter is being prepared for mailing to residents, with council recognition given to Jim Pal for compiling submissions. Council members reminded residents that the general election is November 5th, that early voting is already underway at locations in neighboring communities, and that vote-by-mail ballots can be dropped in the box in front of the municipal building until it is removed on election day.
Council members also offered praise and reminders: commending the police department and organizers, including a resident named Mike, for a well-received Diwali event put together on short notice; praising the Parks and Public Works department for the condition of town athletic fields, particularly Carteret field; and reminding residents that Halloween falls on Thursday, urging drivers to use caution given the number of children expected out that evening.
What to watch
- Household hazardous waste disposal day set for Saturday, November 9th
- General election day, November 5th, including removal of the municipal building's ballot drop box that day