Council ratifies emergency water main contract, reaffirms Green Team
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The council retroactively ratified a $131,500 emergency contract with CRJ Contracting to install a bypass water main after an October 2022 break on the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission's 72-inch transmission line disrupted the Montclair and Glen Ridge water systems; Glen Ridge's share of the cost was $32,875. Administrator Michael Zichelli and Commissioner Hughes both praised CRJ's work during the emergency. The council also passed a resolution reaffirming the Environmental Advisory Committee's role as the borough's official "Green Team" under the Sustainable Jersey certification program, and adopted a broader sustainable land-use resolution pledging attention to transportation choices, housing options, and natural resource protection in future master plan work.
Routine business included approval of nearly $9.4 million in current fund claims and payroll, a $46,000 budget transfer between 2022 appropriation accounts, several raffle and social-affair permit approvals for local schools and civic groups, and authorization for a July 4 fireworks display at the Glen Ridge Country Club. The Public Safety Committee recommended new no-parking restrictions for Hillcrest Avenue and an extra 30 minutes of crossing-guard coverage at Ridgewood and Belleville Avenues to accommodate students in after-school programs.
In committee reports, Councilor Lefkovits relayed that the Library Board had upheld all challenged books unanimously following a public hearing on a book challenge, drawing thanks from resident Phil Johnson during public comment. Resident Raymond Donnelly raised two unresolved issues — a broken light on the municipal building steps and a request to repaint a faded crosswalk at Baldwin and Ridgewood.
What to watch
- Hillcrest Avenue no-parking recommendation to be implemented
- Crosswalk repainting requested at Baldwin and Ridgewood Avenues