Council Adopts Inclusivity Resolution, Advances Employee Salary and Environmental Committee Ordinances

Meeting in person for the first time in this stretch of minutes, the Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 88-21, affirming Glen Ridge's commitment to equal, respectful, and dignified treatment of all people and pledging to stand against hate and discrimination in all forms; the resolution directs the Borough Administrator to disseminate it to all employees and officials within seven days. Councilor Mans thanked colleagues for the resolution and for the Pride Progress flag newly displayed in the municipal building's vestibule.

The Council introduced two ordinances on first reading: Ordinance No. 1748, establishing job titles and setting 2021 maximum annual salaries for non-union Borough employees, and Ordinance No. 1749, establishing an Environmental Advisory Committee. Members finally adopted Ordinance No. 1747, the park property and regulations amendment, after a public hearing at which Maureen Mycka asked whether dogs in these parks would be monitored and fined. The Council also approved a $37,280 change order for the Glen Ridge Public Library roof rehabilitation by Alden-Baily Restoration Corp., bringing that project's total cost to $221,290, and renewed four liquor licenses via consent agenda for Bottle King Discount Liquors, the Glen Ridge Country Club, Fitzgerald's 1928, and the Glen Ridge Pharmacy and Liquors.

The Council approved the Borough's Municipal Alliance strategic plan for drug and alcohol abuse prevention funding ($13,100 in DEDR grant funds plus cash and in-kind match) for the coming fiscal year, and a budget amendment inserting $12,281.25 in previously-received Municipal Alliance grant revenue. Councilor Lisovicz congratulated new Chief Sean Quinn and Officer Caruso on their oaths of office, and Administrator Zichelli announced the Municipal Building was reopening to the public. Resident Gordon Levitt thanked the library and Public Works departments and asked about the return of the bottle-cap recycling program and speeding concerns on Hillside Avenue. All votes were unanimous.

What to watch

• Ordinance 1748 (non-union employee salaries) and Ordinance 1749 (Environmental Advisory Committee) require a public hearing and final vote at a future meeting