Council Adopts Amended 2023 Budget, Rejects Over-Budget Bids for Municipal Plaza Rebuild
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Following a public hearing and a budget slideshow presented by Councilor Mans, chair of the Finance and Administration Committee, council formally adopted the amended 2023 municipal budget, raising total general appropriations to $17,648,513.50 (up from $17,591,449.50 as introduced) to account for a Body Worn Camera grant, an increased PILOT payment from Clarus, and other revenue adjustments. $13,233,044.78 will be raised through property taxes.
Council rejected both bids received for a project to rebuild the Municipal Plaza in front of the municipal complex — A Tech Concrete Co. ($157,450) and Berto Construction ($192,000) — after both exceeded the project architect's estimate and the funds available.
Council gave first reading to Ordinance No. 1784, setting 2023 salaries for non-union employees and management, and final adoption to Ordinance No. 1783, setting 2023–2025 salaries for CWA-represented employees, alongside ratification of a three-year (2023–2025) collective negotiations agreement with Communications Workers of America Local 1040. Council also approved a grant application to the NJDOT Local Transportation Projects Fund, set 2023 municipal office hours including summer hours, and approved a social affairs permit for a Glen Ridge Community Fund fundraiser at Hurrell Field. Councilor Hughes, chair of Public Safety, reported continued review of parking near the high school and the rollout of the "Blue Envelope" program to help officers identify drivers on the autism spectrum during traffic stops. During public comment, resident Antonio Pavan raised concerns about parking changes affecting Hillside Avenue.
All votes passed unanimously among the five councilors present; Lefkovits was absent for the entire meeting.
What to watch
- Ordinance 1784 (non-union/management salaries) up for public hearing and final adoption
- Borough expected to rebid the Municipal Plaza rebuild project after rejecting both bids as over budget
- Traffic and road closures expected for the Rhino Romp (May 25), Arts and Eco Fair (May 20) and Bike Rodeo (June 3)