Council Meeting Blog February 24th, 2026
Proclamations:
The Great Chain Proclamation: The United States Army’s latest logo on their football uniforms shows iron chains. This pays homage to Ringwood’s history of iron mining.
Councilman Kiraly presented a framed jersey to the recreation department and a t-shirt to a resident that suggested the proclamation.
Assemblyman Bergen said a few words.
Presentation from our library’s director, Mary Ellen D’Elia with her year end report.
Presentation can be found here from 10:51-21:43:
Presentation from Jennifer Hsu with the Green Team’s end of year report.
The report can be found here: https://www.ringwoodnj.net/filestorage/2500/20141/End_of_Year_Report_2025.pdf
Old Business:
Ordinance No. 2026- #02- Amending water and sewer fees
Each year we have to slightly raise the fees, but we are still charging much less compared to some of our neighboring towns.
New Business:
Ordinance No. 2026- #03- Ordinance amending section 2-60 of the Ringwood Code
Our Borough attorney discussed this in further detail and explained that some municipalities have a 15 year policy for their high level employees, when in fact Ringwood only grants these benefits for high level employees who have worked at least 25 years.
Borough Attorney Comments: (1:11:00-1:18:45)
Ordinance No. 2026- #04- Fair Share Housing Zoning Regulations
Keep in mind the Borough is required to zone. This does not necessarily mean housing will be built. Lack of sewers proposes an obstacle for builders.
Manager’s Report:
Resolutions:
Open Space Grant application submitted by the Ringwood Little League for batting cages at the Borough ballfield
Authorization for the Borough Manager to sign the Escrow Funding Agreement with Ringwood Site Trust Fund.
Snow
This winter has brought 28 storms, with snowfall totals exceeding 63 inches to date, and the season is not yet over.
Managing 150 lane miles of roadway during a storm with such magnitude, like yesterday, is a major operational undertaking.
Over the past several years, our fleet has endured extreme winter conditions. Constant exposure to salt and harsh environments has taken a serious toll on our trucks and equipment.
Many vehicles have been repaired and rebuilt, but some have now reached the point where replacement is unavoidable. Continuing to rely on aging equipment in these conditions is no longer sustainable.
Budget
As we look at the budget, we must consider the following: the Borough is facing reduced tax revenue as properties come off the tax rolls, increased state and federal mandates, and mandated rising costs for water systems, police, public works, OPRA, and required employee training.
By way of example, the $18,499,460.18 2025 budget, 27.6% was not raised in the tax levy or what we charge for taxes – we raise $5,098,110.60 through fees, surplus, grants, and miscellaneous revenues.
The fact is we are facing a simple reality. We must either cut expenses or increase revenues. We have worked hard to minimize increases, but unless new revenue sources are identified or spending is reduced, difficult financial decisions are unavoidable.
State and federal agencies continue to require more from local governments and many of these requirements come without funding and carry financial consequences for taxpayers.
The Mayor and Council will need to make difficult decisions with the long-term future of our community in mind.
End of Meeting Comments:
Thank you note:
Piggybacking on Mr. Heck’s manager’s report, thank you to everyone that helped keep our roads safe during our latest snowstorm. I actually had to take my son to a doctor’s appointment this morning and I’m grateful that our roads were clear so that I could get to that appointment safely.
Economic Developement:
Our Director of Economic Development, Ms. Holton started in March 2024 and I reached out to ask for an update.
In under two years we’ve had 29 new businesses, a few of which are still in the process of opening. Beyond simply welcoming new businesses with ribbon cuttings, the level of support our existing business community receives has significantly expanded.
Ms. Holton works closely with brokers and landlords to market available commercial spaces and assist with the onboarding process for potential tenants when needed, helping ensure that new businesses are supported from their very first steps in our community.
In addition to business attraction, We’ve focused on strengthening business retention and support. Both new and long‑established businesses now receive hands-on assistance through regular walking tours, business resource visits, and direct connection to State and County agencies. These engagements give every business access to outside expertise and opportunities that were not previously reaching our community.
We’ve also greatly increased access to education and professional development. We now host a series of business education seminars featuring specialists in:
Business startup and fundamentals
Marketing & branding
Ai for small businesses
Legal considerations
Succession planning
Grants & low‑interest loans
Free business support resources
Ringwood also has a new partnership with the William Paterson Small Business Development Center on a pilot program funded by the USDA: the Rural Business Academy. The first seminar in this series is Strategic Business Planning Fundamentals will be held on March 12, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Ringwood Public Library.
Ringwood is also hosting the 2nd Annual Home Improvement Fair on March 25, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Ringwood Community Center. This event continues to grow in participation and serves as an important showcase for many of our independent home improvement business owners who do not have storefront locations. It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents to put a face to the name and meet the local contractors who support our community and help keep economic dollars here in Ringwood.
Highlands Impact Aid Now:
Ringwood is joining other towns including Jefferson, Vernon, West Milford, and Kinnelon in the Highlands Impact Aid movement. The mayors are working together. We are asking to fix the school funding formula, implement a water user fee, and establish a permanent Highlands Impact Aid fund. Please join us at the rally at Jefferson Township High School on Saturday, March 7th at 1pm.
OUR NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE THURS., MARCH 12th AT 7PM AT BOROUGH HALL.
Warm Regards,
