Glen Ridge Police earn statewide accreditation as council eyes gas leaf-blower limits
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Resident Eric Madison used public comment to press the council on gas-powered leaf blower restrictions, distributing a list of municipalities nationwide with such bans — including New York City, Los Angeles, Malibu, and nearby Westchester towns, plus Maplewood and Montclair — and noting Maplewood had just expanded its seasonal ban to a full year starting next January, while two state bills pending in Trenton could eventually restrict sale and use statewide. The council's liaison said Glen Ridge's Environmental Advisory Committee would revisit the issue given the town's "diverse constituency" on the topic.
The council's public safety report was dominated by news that the Glen Ridge Police Department had received a three-year state accreditation, putting it among fewer than half of New Jersey police departments fully compliant with state police chiefs' and attorney general standards; the next review is expected around October 2024. Chief Quinn's office also reported a pedestrian-crosswalk enforcement detail on April 18 that produced 48 vehicle stops, 7 summonses, and 41 warnings, and announced a "buddy bench" dedication planned for May 3 at Forest Avenue School in memory of Officer Rob Roberts, who died of COVID-19 two years earlier, plus a coming Woodland Avenue student drop-off zone near the high school, to be introduced with an educational campaign this spring before enforcement begins next school year. Detective Perego was noted for an upcoming Essex County 200 Club recognition tied to a homicide arrest in East Orange.
The council adopted Resolution 73-22, joining the fee-free Bergen County Cooperative Purchasing group to improve pricing on borough purchases, and Resolution 75-22, proclaiming April 29, 2022 as Arbor Day and highlighting the borough's Tree City USA status, a statewide award for its Shade Tree Commission, and 50 new county-funded trees coming to Ridgewood Avenue. Administrator Zichelli used the occasion to recognize the late Larry Stoffer, a longtime Shade Tree Commission member, and commission chair Elizabeth Baker, and reported on Hurricane Ida repairs to the Officer Rob Roberts memorial arboretum in the Glen. The council also recognized Municipal Clerk Tara Ventola for Clerk's Week and borough dispatchers for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, approved raffle licenses tied to the May 21 Arts and Eco Fair, and noted the 2022 municipal budget presentation was still pending state review and expected at the next meeting.
What to watch
- Municipal budget presentation expected at the next council meeting, pending state review.
- Woodland Avenue student drop-off zone launching with an educational campaign before enforcement begins next school year.
- Buddy bench dedication for Officer Rob Roberts set for May 3 at Forest Avenue School.
- Police department's next accreditation review expected around October 2024.