Glen Ridge Council Adopts Tree and Salt Storage Rules, Reports Crime Down 11% Since 2022

The Glen Ridge Mayor & Council meeting on September 9, 2024 opened with news from Borough Administrator Zichelli that the long-awaited water main replacement project will begin in the coming weeks, with crews replacing water meters in homes throughout the borough as part of the work.

Council members also formally adopted two new local laws following public hearings at which no residents spoke. Ordinance No. 1811 repeals and replaces the borough's old shade tree rules and creates a new chapter requiring residents to obtain a historic-style permit — in this case, a tree removal permit — before removing trees from private property. Ordinance No. 1812 establishes new regulations for privately-owned salt storage in the borough.

On the public safety front, Councilor Hughes, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, reported that crime has dropped 11% when compared with 2022 figures. The Council also created a new part-time position, per diem Community Service Officer, within the Police Department, paying $22.00 per hour. Separately, Police Chief Quinn reported that the department's Cop Card Program has been a huge success, with five residents already awarded prizes and more still to be won. The Council also voted to donate unclaimed bicycles held by the Public Safety Department to the Glen Ridge Rotary Club for its Pedals for Progress Program, and authorized the sale of surplus borough vehicles and equipment — including a 2008 F250 pickup truck, a 2007 Dodge Caravan, steel wheels and tires, a lawn mower, and a drum of hospital-grade disinfectant — through the GovDeals.com online auction site.

Mayor Mans addressed ongoing concerns about flooding and stormwater, telling residents the borough will work with the State of New Jersey and neighboring municipalities on solutions; a Woodland Avenue resident spoke during public comment about flooding problems in the area. The Mayor also led a moment of silence and read aloud the names of Glen Ridge residents lost on September 11, 2001, inviting residents to attend the Essex County Remembrance Ceremony in West Orange on September 11, 2024. Finally, the Council approved a resolution authorizing more than $1.58 million in claims payments across various borough funds and issuance of employee payroll for the September 15, 2024 pay date.