Glen Ridge waives online payment fees and greenlights Arbor Day as council tables Film Fund grants

Meeting again by teleconference, the Council took several steps aimed at easing the burden of COVID-19 on residents and local business. Resolution 67-20 waived the $1.05 transaction fee for residents paying property tax and water bills online via e-Check, effective April 14, 2020 and remaining in effect until the state of emergency is lifted (the waiver does not apply to credit or debit card payments). The Council also certified compliance with federal EEOC guidance on considering arrest and conviction records in hiring decisions, a requirement tied to the Borough's state budget submission.

On construction and public works matters, the Council approved a $8,400 change order for the Public Works Yard salt shed project — raising the total project cost to $173,200 — after the contractor extended an interior barrier wall by four feet, and awarded a tree-pruning contract to Birchler Tree Services, LLC for a base amount of $23,250 plus additional work, not to exceed $39,500 total. Resolution 68-20 tabled a "Film Fund" grants resolution to a later meeting rather than acting on it that night. The Council also proclaimed April 24, 2020 as Arbor Day in Glen Ridge.

Committee reports noted that the April Planning Board meeting had been cancelled due to COVID-19, with the May meeting to be held via teleconference if needed; that DPW garbage and recycling collection continued uninterrupted while drop-off programs were postponed; and that although overall crime had decreased, Chief Byron-Lagattuta reminded residents to keep car doors locked. One resident, Mary Ellen Liddy, called in to thank Borough officials and police for their communication and hard work during the pandemic.

What to watch

• The tabled "Film Fund" Grants resolution is expected to return for a vote at a later meeting
• May Planning Board meeting to be held via teleconference if needed due to COVID-19