December 17, 2024 Council Update
The full meeting is available here.
Below you will find a summary of the main points from the December 17, 2024 Council Meeting.
PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
A. Police, Ceremonial Swearing in of New Officers, Recognitions and Promotion Awards
Among Scott Heck’s many duties as Borough Manager and Director of the Department of Public Works, he also oversees the hiring and promotions of Police Officers in town.
Congratulations and welcome to Patrolman Isaiah Van Dunk for becoming the newest officer and to Christopher DePree for being promoted to Captain!
Chief Mc Ginty presented the following awards: the Life-Saving Award to Sgt. Douglas Faber, Sgt. Brian De Pree, Ptl. Brett Salle, and Ptl. Charles Huber; the Meritorious Award to Ptl. Jonathan Tredy and Ptl. Rick Guerr; and the Honorable Service Award to Ptl. Jonathan Tredy. Thank you to these officers for their exemplary service!
B. Environmental Commission 2024 Year-End Report
Thomas Conway, chair of the Environmental Commision for the last five years, gave his last year-end report. In it he highlighted major accomplishments of the Commission during 2024 including building two trails behind the library, both built with no expense to the town. The newest trail, opened this fall, is a fun hike with great views at the top. They have also stayed vigilant about the Superfund Site, opposed the Tennessee Gas Pipeline (TGP), and hosted lake discussions. Thank you for your service Tom!
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Tom Conway spoke to Resolution Number 2024-243 demanding transparency and immediate action regarding the increased frequency and presence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Municipality and across the state. He criticized the broad nature of the resolution asking for more specificity including timelines, deadlines and requirements for the frequency of public briefings. He cautioned against shooting them from the ground, and noted that the Ringwood police had no jurisdiction since this is under the FAA.
Zachary Scott from Troop 76 is going for his merit badge and asked several questions pertaining to the road maintenance plan in Ringwood, such as what are the most common road issues, how they are being addressed, what technology is being used, is there long-term planning, and how the Council prioritizes projects especially with budget constraints. The Borough Manager answered these questions and offered to speak more extensively to the troop.
MANAGER'S REPORT
In a year end report, the Manager highlighted the achievements of the various Departments and commended them for their hard work and recognized our volunteer services.
RESOLUTIONS
2024-227 Approval of Bill List
2024-228 Approval of Council Reorganization Meeting on January 2nd, 2025, 7:30pm at Boro Hall
2025 2024-229 Approval of Appropriation Transfers
2024-230 Approval to Cancel Old Receivables
2024-231 Approval of Bill List ELPOA Upper Lake Dam #30
2024-232 Professional Services Recommendation, Skyline Lakes Drive Roadway Improvement Project, Phase 3 $41k
2024-233 Professional Services Payment Request Contract for Rain Garden at Ryerson School, $6,119.38
2024-234 Leap Implementation Grant Application
2024-235 Approval of Professional Services Contract with Professional Insurance Associates, a division of World Insurance Associates, LLC. as Risk Management Consultant for 2025
2024-236 Approval of Professional Services Contract with P.I.A. Security Programs, a division of World Insurance Associates, LLC as Consultant/Benefits Coordinator for 2025
2024-237 Approval to apply for the 2025 Local Recreation Improvement Grant for Resurfacing the Roller Hockey Rink - (they will apply for about $175k for this project for board replacement, fencing, etc.)
2024-238 Award Fair and Open Contract for Municipal Auditor
2025 2024-239 Award Fair and Open Contract for Special Counsel
2025 2024-240 Award Fair and Open Contract for Labor and Employment Attorney
2025 2024-241 Award Fair and Open Contract for Municipal Attorney
2025 2024-242 Award of Contract for Electrical Work at Borough Facilities
2024-243 Demand of Transparency and Immediate Action on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
With so much drone activity in our area, I'd like to highlight the drone resolution passed at the meeting. Please do not shoot into the sky!
The Reorg meeting where new officials will take oaths of office and the Council reorganizes their governing body for the new year will take place on January 2nd, 2025, 7:30pm at Boro Hall. All eyes are on the Council to see if they appoint a more representative governing body, instead of the current trend of boards with nearly all Republicans. The concept of groupthink was defined by Yale University Research Psychologist Irving Janis as a mode of thinking that people in a group engage in where striving for unanimity overrides the motivation to realistically appraise alternative courses of action.
Lastly, it's time to renew your Ringwood Democratic Organization's membership for 2025!
Click here to pay your dues!
Wishing you Happy Holidays and looking forward to continuing our fight for progress in Ringwood in 2025!
Breeze Sando
President, Ringwood Democratic Organization
