June 17th, 2025 Ringwood’s Council Meeting Blog
Public Session:
Our June 17th, 2025 meeting consisted of a packed room of residents; many offered their valued thoughts and sentiments during the meeting’s public sessions. The majority of the comments and questions were regarding our library’s budget, which was unfortunately reduced this year by 8% or $50,000. However, it was imperative that the Council clear up apparent misconceptions about the library’s budget and reminded residents that all departments experienced budget cuts due to inflation and a decrease of rateables. These are hard times, and all areas managed by the Municipality must all share in the necessary adjustments.
Our Borough Manager recently met with the library director to discuss the necessary cuts and promised to meet again in advance of any consideration of further budget and program cuts in the future. At this time, there aren’t any plans of cutting any programs or cutting any hours of operations.
It became obvious that there were also some misconceptions about the ceasing of inter-library book loans. However, the Borough Manager reminded us that inter-library book loans are state funded, and are not controlled by the municipality. Our Borough Manager also explained that Ringwood’s Area of Revitalization plans includes our library, deeming it eligible for future grant considerations. The Council also clarified to the public, after a relevant question arose, that the budget’s surplus can’t be used for usual and recurring expenses such as a library’s budget, and must be used in emergency situations.
Manager’s Report:
We received a $35,000 Eco Tourism Grant from the Highlands Council. This grant includes a social media campaign, community and trail signage, and a summer concert series. We are excited for events like this to help bring our community together and to help boost our local economy.
There were dead and unhealthy trees removed as well as some other groundworks performed on the wooded area adjacent to Fieldstone Shopping, which will allow for a future grassy area for our Summer in The Woods Concert Series starting on July 24th.
See flyer here: https://www.ringwoodnj.net/qcontent/NewsFeed.aspx?FeedID=1640
Revitalization:
Steps we are taking as part of our revitalization plan:
Creating a special improvement district (SID)
Improving a safe pedestrian access on Skyline Drive
Enhancing train and community signage
Hosting more community events
Adding outdoor recreation activities
Strengthening partnerships with groups including JORBA (Jersey Off Road Bicycling Association) and the New York- New Jersey Trail Conference
We are currently negotiating union contracts with collective bargaining agreements with UPSEU White Collar, UPSEU Blue Collar, and PBA Local Number 247
The Borough’s fourth round of affordable housing obligations, as determined by the DCA in 2024, includes 16 units of a “present need” (rehabilitation need) and 133 units of “prospective need” (new construction need.) If a municipality does not meet the expressed deadlines, it forfeits immunity from exclusionary zoning litigation.
Resolutions
All six liquor licenses existing within Ringwood were up for renewal, including two pocketed licenses, which all passed. The two pocketed licenses will now expire in 2028.
We also approved some grants including the 2025 Local Recreation Improvement Grant for $80,000.00, the Clean Communities Grant for $40,853.29, the Recycling Tonnage Grant for $13,913.49, the Sustainable NJ - PSE&G Grant for $2,000, and the Passaic County Stigma Free Grant for $2,000.00.
End of Meeting Comments:
We have received many questions recently about Skyline Drive and how we are working to make it safer for drivers and pedestrians alike. We worked with the county to install striping on Skyline Drive, as well as rumble strips. Ringwood also increased police presence. All of these contributions have helped make the road safer. Some residents expressed that a radar speed sign at the bottom of Fieldstone Drive would help. (A traffic study would not be needed for this, but county approval would be required.) However, it is important to note that a speed radar sign is expensive, but the Borough will look into its feasibility.
Warm Regards,
