>Council members gave tacit approval for an additional $150K in funds to turf Maple Park. Projected costs are now $710K. An additional $100K was requested by the Ridgewood Sports Council; i.e., capital required to complete this project could eventually exceed $800K. Costs for the turf at Maple Park were to be provided entirely by grants and Sports Council raised monies. However, only $110K of Sports Council funds are on deposit as of now; grant funds authorized to date total $100K. Thus, taxpayers are currently at risk for $500K, with the possibility of this number reaching $600K.
Only one bid was received to lease the top floor of Pease Library. Wells Associates, an architectural firm now based in Oradell, submitted a proposal to provide all professional services, labor, and materials necessary to restore the building in lieu of making rent payments for 10 years. That’s right, no rent for 10 years if they restore the building to its 1920’s condition. Council members agreed to consider the proposal.
Citing concerns over costs to erect fencing required for display purposes, the Council rejected a request made by the Ridgewood Cultural Council to conduct art exhibits at the Ridgewood train station on days when the Farmer’s Market is in operation.
The purchase of two new 8-cylinder police vehicles was approved. Three police vehicles will be retired, resulting in a drop of the Village’s overall fleet size by one.
Mayor David T. Pfund requested that revised versions of the recently defeated “Change of Use” and “No Downtown Financial Institutions” ordinances be drafted by Village Attorney Matthew S. Rogers and presented to Council members for discussion.
A bandstand/gazebo will be constructed on the Walnut Street side of Van Neste Park. It will be similar in appearance to one located near the train station in Westwood. Funding will be provided by private donations.
Costs to construct a comfort station/concession stand at Vets Field are now estimated to be in the ballpark (no pun intended) of $550K. Council members asked that the project be advertised for bid immediately. A portion of the $550K will be provided by private donations.
$42K was authorized for the development of a comprehensive “Parks & Recreation Master Plan.” A public hearing on this “Special Emergency Appropriation” will take place at the Council’s 7/19/06 public meeting.