February 18, 2025 Council Meeting

Feb 28

Below you will find a summary of the main points from the February 2025 Council Meeting. The full meeting is available to watch by clicking here.

PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Recognizing Laura and Dominic Ingraffea

Laura and Dominic Ingraffea were recognized by Ringwood for their years of service and dedication to the Ringwood Ambulance Corps, which included 2,000+ calls in their 50 years, and delivering 2 babies! Huge thanks to Laura and Dominic Ingraffea for 50 years of incredible service and dedication to the Ringwood Ambulance Corps. Your commitment to our community is truly inspiring!

PUBLIC COMMENT

Denise Wogisch expressed concerns about tractor-trailers driving through Erskine Lakes and asked for solutions.

Mark Savastano inquired about the status of the convent conversion into an Avatar addiction center. It is expected to open later this year.

MANAGER’S REPORT

The Borough Manager addressed the incident at the Park and Ride during a snowstorm where residents were ticketed. The dark lot was not plowed, and New Jersey Transit rerouted buses due to inclement weather. As a result, there was overparking at the lot. The manager placed the blame on communication issues with NJ Transit, but did not address how the Boro could have handled the issue more proactively or how it would address it next time.
There was a water problem on Cheshire Lane and a boil water alert was issued. There was a lot of damage to the roads and property damage to homeowners. There have been eight water main breaks this year (this was not a water main break) and anytime there is one, the manager encourages residents to visit the Borough website.
The manager commended the DPW for their efforts in maintaining roads despite reduced staff and challenging weather conditions.

OLD BUSINESS

A. Ordinance No. 2025-#01 - REVISED ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BLOCK 801 LOT 4.03

REDEVELOPMENT PLAN: The redevelopment plan ordinance has to be revised due to an error.

B. Ordinance No. 2025-#02 - WATER CONSUMPTION RATES: The water rates are going up by 4% this year.

NEW BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

RESOLUTIONS

2025-64 Business Development Consultant-No Fee

In perhaps the most overdue move of the decade, in Resolution 2025, 64 the Council established a redevelopment and a business generation and advisory committee designated to attract businesses to improve the community's access to services, commerce, healthcare and private business, and explore strategic partnerships and help the borough identify processes to facilitate the same. Unfortunately, the Borough has brought in no new blood for this and instead has placed its very own Borough Manager on this committee (When does this man sleep?), as well as Kristen Holton as economic development director, and Mr. Edwab as a business advisor.

2025-65 Resolution Providing for the Issue of Bonds with a Principal Amount of $8,159,000.00

The Boro is refinancing $8 million in short term bonds to get permanent funding.

They think they can get 3.5 percent, but a higher rate would end up costing taxpayers more money.

The Borough’s current capital plan does not reflect needs assessments, public engagement/feedback, or any true strategic planning. In essence, they are paying for groceries with their credit rather than bigger ticket items that would warrant borrowing, such as a permanent, modern and accessible community center.

SHAKE YOUR SHAMROCKS

The Ringwood Democratic Organization would like to invite you to Shake Your Shamrocks with live Irish music by the Lake Dwellers on Friday, March 21st at Skyline Lakes Clubhouse. Come meet the 2025 Council Candidates and pregame for the parade! Doors open at 6pm, and there are limited tickets: $20 admission. Click here for more info! Hope to see you there!