Glen Ridge Honors Police Sergeant Lost to COVID-19, Approves $2.48 Million Water Infrastructure Note
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The Council's May 26 meeting was dominated by tributes to Sergeant Charles "Rob" Roberts, a 20-year veteran of the Glen Ridge Police Department who died of COVID-19 complications on May 11, 2020. Mayor Patrick proclaimed May 12-18 as Police Week in his memory, and Councilor Lisovicz and other officials thanked the department and community for their outpouring of support following his death and the memorial service held for him.
On finances, the Council adopted Resolution 89-20, authorizing the issuance of a note of up to $2,480,000 to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to temporarily finance a water-system asset management plan and the replacement of lead service lines and hydrants ahead of permanent New Jersey Water Bank financing. The note passed 4-0, with Councilors Mans and Law abstaining. The Council also authorized a CARES Act reimbursement agreement with Essex County (Resolution 87-20) to recoup pandemic-related costs, and approved a grant application for the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, with the Borough committing to provide up to $400,000 in matching funds via an existing capital ordinance for library renovations.
The Council held public hearings and adopted prequalification bidding regulations for two historic restoration projects — the Glen Ridge Railroad Station (Resolution 82-20) and the roof of the Glen Ridge Public Library (Resolution 83-20) — with no members of the public speaking at either hearing. It also adopted the 2020 Essex County Hazard Mitigation Plan update (Resolution 90-20) and awarded a three-year elevator inspection contract to the Municipal Inspection Corporation. Councilor Morrow reported that Borough Hall remained closed to the public but that the Building Department and the Historic Preservation Commission continued to function via video conference, and a resident, Christine O'Neill, asked when parks would reopen; the Mayor said the Borough would follow the Governor's guidance on reopening playgrounds and athletic fields.
What to watch
- Prequalification-approved bidding to proceed for the Glen Ridge Railroad Station restoration and the Public Library roof restoration
- Parks and playgrounds to reopen once the Governor authorizes it statewide