Glen Ridge Halts All Recreational Activities as COVID-19 Cases Surge Toward the Holidays

Citing a jump in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Glen Ridge from 63 on November 9, 2020 to 127 by December 9, 2020, and a new state Department of Health guidance pausing indoor sports, the council voted unanimously to prohibit all indoor and outdoor organized recreational activities on borough-owned fields, parks, and buildings -- including sports practices, clinics, and any group meetings or rehearsals -- until the pause is reevaluated in January 2021.

The meeting was chaired by Council President Murphy because both Mayor Patrick and Councilor Law were absent. Three residents -- Lillian Rattish, who made the original request, along with Robin Fields and Valerie Wields -- asked the council to install a menorah outside the Municipal Building for Hanukkah; Murphy, along with Councilors Mans and Morrow, voiced support, and Councilor Lisovicz later reported the council had voted unanimously to do so during its workshop meeting.

The council also awarded a $324,910 contract to Alden-Bailey Restoration Corp. of Mahwah for interior and exterior repairs to the Glen Ridge train station -- the lowest of five bids listed in the resolution, though the resolution's text states six bids were received. The project is funded through a 2018 bond ordinance.

In routine business, the council approved $7,586.10 in combined tax and utility overpayment refunds to three parties; transferred $98,000 among various 2020 budget lines; gave final adoption, without public comment, to three ordinances covering a special financial emergency in the current fund, a special financial emergency in the pool fund, and 2021 management salaries; approved a $20,725 affordable-housing-fund contract to A3 Contracting for a rehabilitation project; and opened the first of two required public hearings on a roughly $40,000 Community Development Block Grant application for ADA-compliant crosswalks. All votes were unanimous (Councilors Hughes, Lisovicz, Mans, and Morrow present and voting; Councilor Law absent).

What to watch

• The pause on borough recreational activities is set to be reevaluated in January 2021.

Watch key moments

• 0:39 — Menorah installation