Glen Ridge Council reviews storm cleanup, secures new water supply and revives Film Fund grants

Following a significant summer storm, Mayor Patrick opened the August 10 meeting by thanking the Borough Administrator, Planning and Development, Public Works and Police for their cleanup response; Councilor Murphy reported that seven Borough trees had damaged homes or cars in the storm. The Council also adopted Resolution 109-20, authorizing a water purchase agreement with the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission for an additional 0.3973 million gallons of water per day from the Wanaque South Project, under a 10-year term (renewable for up to three additional five-year terms) that also gives the Borough the option to later purchase a permanent membership interest in the Wanaque South Project.

The Council revived and approved the previously tabled "Film Fund" grants (Resolution 113-20), distributing $1,000 to the Environmental Advisory Committee for a website, $500 to the Boy Scouts for camping equipment, $1,000 to Glen Ridge Community Concerts, $500 to the Women's Club for its performing arts program, and $2,000 to the Public Library's Selected Shorts program. The Council also introduced Ordinance No. 1733, setting non-union employee titles and salaries, on first reading, and authorized the Borough's continued participation through 2022 in the Sustainable Essex Alliance Energy Procurement Cooperative (Resolution 114-20), a joint energy-purchasing arrangement led by Maplewood.

Other business included reappointing Denise Iandolo as Court Administrator for another one-year term; setting pay rates of $15.25 and $16.25 (Post One) per hour for adult school crossing guards for the upcoming school year; approving continued participation in Essex County's Urban County Community Development (CDBG/HOME) program for 2021-2023; and awarding a $19,475 contract to A3 Contracting for an affordable-housing project funded through the Borough's affordable housing trust. Councilor Mans reported that grant applications had been submitted for Sustainable NJ technical assistance and for a small compost transfer station, and Councilor Law noted the summer day camp season was concluding for the year.

What to watch

• Ordinance No. 1733 (non-union employee titles) proceeds toward a public hearing and final vote
• A raffle event for the Banyon School at the Glen Ridge Country Club, planned for October 5, 2020, remains subject to COVID-19 restrictions