Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Zoning Board of Adjustment, The Ridgewood Arts Council, the Library Board of Trustees, The Ridgewood Community Center Advisory Board (this member must have a child in the Ridgewood School system), and the Shade Tree Commission. The Deadline for submissions is July 17, 2018 .
The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears variance applications and appeals from rulings and determinations arising from the enforcement of Village zoning ordinances.
The Ridgewood Arts Council will assist in the promotion of and encourage artistic and cultural programs and will provide for educational opportunities in the areas of art and culture. The Ridgewood Arts Council will also provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to the Village Council, as needed.
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing board for the Ridgewood Public Library and its employees. The Board of Trustees works with the community to establish Library policy and secures funds to carry on services to the public, and set goals and objectives.
The Ridgewood Community Center Advisory Board develops policies and procedures for the operation of the Community Center facility and assists in the fulfillment of the County Municipal Alliance Grant requirements. The member position open is for a resident with children in the Ridgewood school system.
The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource.
All interested residents should fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website by clicking on “Forms”, then clicking on Page 2, and then clicking on “Village Clerk”), and send it along with a cover letter indicating on which board(s) or committee(s) the resident wishes to serve, and a biography or resume to:
Donna Jackson
Deputy Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07451
Deadline for submissions is July 17, 2018.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water reminds you July is #SmartIrrigationMonth. July is Smart Irrigation Month, a public awareness campaign to promote efficient water use. In the United States, more water is used in July than in any other month. In summer months, outdoor watering accounts for more than half the total water use of a home in our service area. And most water used to irrigate lawns and landscapes ends up evaporating or on paved areas. During #SmartIrrigationMonth take a look into some water-saving tips that will also produce financial savings and preserve our water resources.
Now is a good time to make sure you’re watering efficiently. A rain shut-off device is an inexpensive gadget to add to your sprinkler system to prevent if from running in the rain. Rain sensors are actually required by law in the state of NJ on automatic sprinkler systems. When it’s hot or windy, more than a third of the water can be lost to evaporation.
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey School Boards Association NOVEMBER ELECTIONS: IMPORTANT DATES 2018 School Board Candidacy & Election Dates
DATE – ACTION
May 16
Term begins for newly appointed board members in Type I districts (those with appointed boards) other than cities of the first class (those with a population of more than 150,000). July 30 4 p.m. is the deadline for candidates to file nominating petitions with the county clerk. Aug 13 Deadline for filing in Superior Court to Protect School Election Candidate’s Rights. Aug 3 Deadline for filing objections to Nomination Petitions for School Election Candidates with the county clerk. Sept 7 Last day for a candidate to withdraw from the election. A signed, written notice must be filed with the county clerk Aug 9 Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge for School Election Candidates by the county clerk.
Aug 9
Last day to amend a defective petition. The candidate may amend the petition to remedy the defect at any time before the date, but generally may not add signatures. The candidate may add his or her own signature if necessary to provide verification of the signatures on the petition, but only if the petition already contains ten valid signatures.
Aug 13
Date for Drawing of Ballot Position for School Election Candidates by the County Clerk.
Nov 6
Annual School Election NOTE: Board members must undergo criminal history record checks through the New Jersey Department of Education within 30 days of election or appointment.
Jan 1-7
Newly elected board members are sworn in at annual board organizational meetings
Feb 1-7
Last day to file Personal-Relative and Financial Disclosure forms with the Executive County Superintendent and Board Secretary. For newly elected or newly appointed school board members, the deadline is 30 days after taking office
“What are the best ways to communicate with the Board of Education?” For district parents, these further instructions also apply:
1. The best way to communicate with the Board of Education is to butt out and leave everything up to us, your betters.
2. If you must communicate with us, say something nice or don’t say anything at all.
3. Get over yourself. We don’t care how well-educated you are.
4. You scared off notorious constructivist education theory gurus (junkies, really) Martin Brooks and Jacqueline Grennon Brooks when we had almost succeed in handing the district over to them, lock, stock and barrel. We will never forgive you.
Ridgewood NJ, Summer Fun with the Small Business Resource Group!
The Small Business Resource Group (SBRG) is a networking group founded by a panel of professionals well-versed in the varied needs of startups and small businesses. SBRG seek to build a supportive community of professionals who can be a resource for one another, sharing knowledge, experience and referrals.
Join us at Serendipity Labs Ridgewood for this free event:
• Meet your Business Neighbors
• Meet the SBRG Team Members
• No Workshop …Just Wine & Fun!
• Raffles / Games / Door Prizes
• Free Consultations from the SBRG Team Members
RSVP today! We’re looking forward to meeting you!
Below is a link to the registration page:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-fun-with-the-sbrg-tickets-47514716797
For more information please reach out to:
Jed Regen at 201.835.5161
Wed, July 18, 2018
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Serendipity Labs, 45 N. Broad St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Ridgewood NJ, Valley Health System has made it easier and more affordable to schedule a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer. Valley’s Fast Track Screening Colonoscopy streamlines the process by eliminating the need for patients to meet with a gastroenterologist for a pre-procedure consultation; they simply come in on the day of their procedure.
Ridgewood NJ, since this came up in the last Village council election we thought we would embark on an local civics lesson . Contrary to the misinformation campaign ,the Ridgewood Village Council does not control nor is responsible for school budgets, policy or funding of Ridgewood public schools . It has no say and former Mayor Knudsen had nothing to do with the lack of voter participation in school board elections.
The Ridgewood school budget is in the area of $110,000,000 and yes that is huge . That budget accounts for over 60% of the Village’s property taxes .
From the Ridgewood School website :
About the Board
About the Board/Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Board of Education?
The Board of Education does not “run” the Ridgewood Public Schools. That’s the job of the Superintendent. Rather, the BOE’s job is to ensure that the schools are well run. The Board does this by
1) Setting district policies and goals
2) Communicating policies and goals to the superintendent
3) Overseeing the budget
4) Hiring and evaluating the superintendent
5) Serving as the communications link between the community and the school district.
What is the role of the superintendent?
The Superintendent’s responsibilities fall into three areas:
1) Primary advisor to the Board of Education
The superintendent briefs the board on district issues and provides updates on district operations as well as background information, alternatives, suggestions, and recommendations before Board decisions are made. The superintendent may ask other district staff to attend board meetings to give reports on particular items.
2) Chief Executive Officer of the school district
Responsible for administering the policies adopted by the school board and for running the school system on a daily basis. The superintendent is accountable to the board regarding how well the district is run.
3) Educational leader of the community
It’s the superintendent’s job to evaluate and assess how district policies are being implemented at all levels. The superintendent ensures that all issues on an agenda for board action are accompanied by his/her recommendation, including staff input and study when necessary. The superintendent also acts as the liaison to the Board for all district employees.
What happens at Board of Education meetings?
At public meetings, the Board of Education takes official action on school business, discusses policy and confirms personnel appointments recommended by the superintendent. Board members have the opportunity to discuss items prior to voting on official agenda items. At every public meeting of the Board, there are two opportunities for the public to address the Board.
Where and when can I get minutes from a previous Board of Education meeting?
Minutes of public Board of Education meetings are available on the district website (click here), at the Ed Center at 49 Cottage Place. Board minutes are presented for approval at subsequent Board meetings, in order to be voted into the public record.
Where can I get a copy of an upcoming Board of Education meeting agenda?
Board of Ed agendas are available on the District website (click here) on Friday afternoon prior to the meeting. The agenda is also posted at the Ed Center at 49 Cottage Place by Monday afternoon prior to the meeting.
How and when may I address the Board during a Board of Education meeting?
The Board seeks public comment twice during each regular public meeting. The first opportunity for comment is at approximately 7:30 p.m. under the agenda item “IV. Comments from the Public.” The presiding officer (usually the Board president) may limit public comments to conclude at 8:00 p.m. in order for the Board to continue with its scheduled agenda. Later in the meeting, at approximately 9:00 p.m., there is a second opportunity for public comment under the agenda item “IX. Comments from the Public.” The time may be adjusted at the discretion of the presiding officer, taking into consideration a break point in the agenda.
Persons wishing to speak must, upon being recognized, approach the podium, state their name and address and also write their name and address on the sheet at the podium. Each speaker shall be limited to four minutes. The Board Recorder will note the time. A speaker who has not finished in the allotted time will be directed by the presiding officer to summarize quickly and relinquish the floor within 30 seconds.
The public is invited to address the Board on any topic regarding the school district, both subjects on the agenda or general topics. Comments should be limited to issues. If personal remarks or discourteous statements are made, the presiding officer shall require the speaker to stop. No person will be recognized for a second time until all others asking to speak have been heard.
Why does the Board go into closed Executive Session?
The Ridgewood Board of Education may meet in closed Executive Session prior to, or at the end of, a regular public meeting. In accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (aka the “Sunshine Law”), closed Executive Sessions are not open to the public. Although debate may be private, any action taken must be in public session. The Board will indicate that “action may be taken” when they return to public session and before the meeting is adjourned.
Only items that fall under the following topics may be discussed during closed Executive Session:
Collective bargaining agreements/proposals or other contracts
Personnel issues
Matters confidential by law
Items protected by attorney-client privilege
Matters of individual privacy
Specific pending or anticipated litigation
Purchase or lease of real estate
Protecting public safety
How is the Board of Education selected?
Members are elected to three-year terms by the local voters. School board elections are in November. Board members elected in November will be sworn in and take their seats at the Reorganization meeting in January.
If a vacancy occurs between elections, the current Board will appoint a new board member to serve until the next election. Appointed members will be sworn in and take their seats at the next regular public meeting of the Board.
What are the legal requirements to become a Board member?
To become a member of a local Board of Education in New Jersey, you must:
Be able to read and write
Hold U.S. citizenship and one year’s residency in the school district
Have no interest in any contract with, or claim against the Board
Not hold office as mayor or member of the municipal government body, or in the case of county school districts, the county governing body
Be registered to vote in the district
What is the Board member’s Code of Ethics?
All school board members in New Jersey are required to abide by the following Code of Ethics for School Board Members:
a. I will uphold and enforce all laws, rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes shall be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures.
b. I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing.
c. I will confine my board action to policy making, planning, and appraisal, and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them.
d. I will carry out my responsibility, not to administer the schools, but, together with my fellow board members, to see that they are well run.
e. I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board.
f. I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends.
g. I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which, if disclosed, would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. In all other matters, I will provide accurate information and, in concert with my fellow board members, interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its school.
h. I will vote to appoint the best-qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the chief administrative officer.
i. I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties.
j. I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer and will act on the complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution.
L18A:12-24.1
If I have a question or concern about something in the district, whom should I contact?
If you have a concern, we encourage you to talk first with the teacher or principal, next the department supervisor, then the assistant superintendent, and finally the superintendent. Should the superintendent be unable to resolve a problem, and it involves district policy, school board meetings and agenda items, the budget or requests for specific courses or programs, the Board of Education is the final step in the process. Please remember that all personnel items should be referred directly to the administration.
What are the best ways to communicate with the Board of Education?
To communicate with the Board as a whole, we invite members of the public to attend a regular public meeting and share your ideas and thoughts during the public comments period. You may also write a letter to the Board President, care of the Ed Center, which will be shared with other Board members. Individual Board members can be reached via email
Ridgewood NJ, West Bergen Mental Healthcare, with offices in Ridgewood, Mahwah and Ramsey, has once again been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for a period of three years for the following programs: Day Treatment: Mental Health (Adults), Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Adults), and Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Children and Adolescents). West Bergen received its first Three-year Accreditation in 2003 and has maintained this accreditation ever since. This latest accreditation is West Bergen’s sixth consecutive.
West Bergen CEO, Michael Tozzoli, says of the accreditation, “We are extremely proud to be awarded another Three-Year Accreditation from CARF. This independent designation demonstrates West Bergen’s commitment to ensuring our clients receive the best possible care across our many programs. Congratulations to the entire West Bergen staff on a job well done.”
This acknowledgement by CARF represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to approximately 2,500 standards established by CARF. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation outcome has voluntarily put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality.
West Bergen Mental Healthcare is a private, nonprofit agency providing counseling, psychiatric and specialized services for all members of our communities – regardless of ability to pay. Since opening in 1963, the Agency has been a leader in the provision of quality, evidence-based mental health care programs and services. To learn more visit www.westbergen.org; follow us on Facebook or Twitter
CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services. More information about the CARF accreditation process, can be found at www.carf.org.
Ridgewood NJ, Note: These streets are not listed in order of paving. The order of paving will be determined by the contractor and the Village Engineering Department. The paving season is April through November 2018, and some streets listed may be delayed until spring 2019, depending on weather conditions and logistical issues that may arise during the paving season.
Street From -To
E. Ridgewood N. Maple – Paramus Rd.
Bergen Spring – Court
Somerville Spring – E.R.A.
Spring S. Pleasant- East End
Addison Irving- Southern Parkway
Beveridge Norman- Stratford
Bingham E. Saddle River- Eastbrook Road
Chesterfield Sheffield- Fairfield
Deerfield Sheffield- Fairfield
Doremus Ackerman- Godwin
Eastgate VanEmburgh Ave.- Town Line
Fairway N. VanDien- N. Pleasant
Fox Dead End- East Side
Hamilton Norman – Stratford
Hillcrest Morningside – N. Monroe
Jefferson South End- Orville
Jefferson Orville- Hampshire
John Wyndermere- Linwood
Litchfield Sheffield – Fairfield
Madison N. Hillside – N. Monroe Ave.
Madison N. Monroe- Crest
Maynard To Dead End – W. Ridgewood Ave.
MonteVista N. Monroe- Heights
N. Hillside W. Ridgewood Ave.- N. Monroe
N. Monroe W. Ridgewood Ave.- Monte Vista
N. Pleasant E. Ridgewood Ave. – Linwood
N. Pleasant Linwood- E. Glen
Pershing Wall- Linwood
Randolph Doremus- East End
S. Irving Spring- E. Ridgewood
Salem Van Emburgh- West End
Sherman Godwin- Washington
Sherman Washington Place – North End
Terhune W. Saddle River- East End
Valleyview N. Monroe- Heights
Valleyview Heights- Crest
Wall Pershing- East End
Washington S. Monroe – W. Ridgewood
West End Lincoln- Bellair
West End Bellair- Godwin
William Jefferson- South End
William North End- Jefferson
Woodland N. Monroe- Crest
Ground Water Under Direct Influence of Surface Water (GWUDI)
July 8,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water completed a year-long study of its supply well system to evaluate the vulnerability of the wells to microbiological contamination from nearby surface water bodies.
Ridgewood Water performed the GWUDI study under a rigorous Source Water Monitoring Plan which was approved by the EPA. The study involved the collection of water samples from up to 38 wells and three surface water locations on a weekly and biweekly basis. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory for evidence of microbiologic activity and for other “indicator parameters” that may indicate surface water influence.
All samples were collected and analyzed by an NJDEP-certified laboratory and were reported on a quarterly basis to the NJDEP and EPA.
Group 1 Wells (2 locations)For the two Group 1 wells, EPA determined that the occasional presence of of e.coli in raw water required further assessment to determine whether there is evidence of a direct connection of these sources to surface water. Ridgewood performed weekly raw water monitoring at the two Group 1 wells for the presence of fecal coliform, e. coli and turbidity.
GROUP 1
Franklin- 2016 Q3, Q4
Mountain- 2016 Q3, Q4rformed weekly raw water monitoring at the two Group 1 wells for the presence of fecal coliform, e. coli and turbidity.
Group 2 Wells– (3 locations)
For the three Group 2 wells, EPA determined that the occasional presence of of e.coli in raw water required further assessment to determine the degree of influence of nearby surface water on each well and whether there is a need for additional treatment. Ridgewood Water performed weekly raw water monitoring at the two Group 2 wells for the presence of fecal coliform, e. coli, aerobic spores, pH, temperature and turbidity. Ridgewood also performed weekly surface water monitoring at associated surface water bodies for the same parameters. The third well has been shut down and is being reevaluated for reconstruction or permanent closure.
Group 3 Wells – (33 locations)
The 33 Group 3 wells have not exhibited any evidence of being under the influence of surface water. These wells were previously screened by NJDEP and were not found to warrant additional assessment. As such, the NJDEP issued monitoring waivers to Ridgewood for these wells. EPA has determined that a further assessment of these wells was warranted. The monitoring consisted of biweekly raw water sampling and analysis for e.coli bacteria.
Ridgewood also performed Hydrogeologic Sensitivity Assessments (HSAs) of all Group 3 wells. These are reviews of the conditions and potential sources of surface contamination at each location to assess their vulnerability to future microbiologic contamination.
Ridgewood NJ, You don’t need citronella candles, DEET spray, or any wonky hacks to keep nasty mosquitoes away from you. The simple solution to repelling these bugs is an electric fan. Yes ,according to the American Mosquito Control Association a large fan on your deck would work because mosquitoes are weak fliers.
The fan will create a windstorm which should provide enough of a gust to keep bugs away. Plus, fans help dissipate the carbon dioxide you exhale and reduce body heat, both of which have been found to attract mosquitoes.
The New York Times also reports that a fan’s breeze “disperses the human emanations that allow female mosquitos [the gender that bites us] to zero in on us.” Entomologists from Michigan State University found that fan-generated wind greatly reduces mosquitoes and they recommend we use it in our backyards to protect ourselves and our pets.
Ridgewood NJ, a Great White shark has been spotted off of Atlantic City on the Jersey Shore. So if you want to avoid the sharks and duck the traffic on the Garden State Parkway ,Graydon Pool is right in your own back yard . The pool features a shaded playground, water play fountains, shade kites, Adirondack chairs, a picnic area with charcoal grills, a sheltered pavilion, and the Water’s Edge Cafe. Additional amenities include volleyball, basketball, ping-pong, shuffleboard, four-squares, hop-scotch, backgammon, a lending library and for the little ones, “Storytime” under the Graydon pavilion.
GRAYDON MEMBERSHIP RATES
RESIDENT GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIPS
Village priced memberships are available to Ridgewood residents, non-residents who pay local property taxes to the Village of Ridgewood, and employees of the Village of Ridgewood and Board of Education. Proof is required.
ADULT – $120.00
CHILD – (ages 2-15, under 2 free) $110.00
SENIOR – $30.00 (62 and older)
PERMANENT DISABLED – $30.00
LATE SEASON ADULT MEMBERSHIP – $60.00 (available August 1st)
LATE SEASON CHILD MEMBERSHIP – $55.00 (available August 1st)
DAILY PASS – $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00
NON-RESIDENT GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIPS
The Village Council and the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to invite all families in the surrounding area to join the Graydon Pool facility for the summer season.
ADULT (ages 16 and up) – $200.00
CHILD (ages 2-15) – $175.00
GUEST PASSES (must be accompanied by a current season member)- $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00
Purchase all badges from the comfort of home via CommunityPass (Visa and Mastercard accepted). In person assistance is available daily at the Graydon Badge Office, on site at the pool facility. Hours vary by season dates.
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Zoning Board of Adjustment, The Ridgewood Arts Council, the Library Board of Trustees, The Ridgewood Community Center Advisory Board (this member must have a child in the Ridgewood School system), and the Shade Tree Commission.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears variance applications and appeals from rulings and determinations arising from the enforcement of Village zoning ordinances.
The Ridgewood Arts Council will assist in the promotion of and encourage artistic and cultural programs and will provide for educational opportunities in the areas of art and culture. The Ridgewood Arts Council will also provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to the Village Council, as needed.
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing board for the Ridgewood Public Library and its employees. The Board of Trustees works with the community to establish Library policy and secures funds to carry on services to the public, and set goals and objectives.
The Ridgewood Community Center Advisory Board develops policies and procedures for the operation of the Community Center facility and assists in the fulfillment of the County Municipal Alliance Grant requirements. The member position open is for a resident with children in the Ridgewood school system.
The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource.
All interested residents should fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website by clicking on “Forms”, then clicking on Page 2, and then clicking on “Village Clerk”), and send it along with a cover letter indicating on which board(s) or committee(s) the resident wishes to serve, and a biography or resume to:
Donna Jackson
Deputy Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07451
Deadline for submissions is July 17, 2018.
RIDGEWOOD ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING – REORGANIZATION
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE
SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
July 6,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a special public meeting on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, in the Village Hall Court Room, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ. The purpose of the meeting is to hold the Annual Reorganization Meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. A regular business meeting will follow.
All meetings of the Ridgewood Zoning Board of Adjustment (i.e., official public meetings, work session meetings, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings which are always open to members of the general public.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Public Library Presents Sunday Concert: Nash East Country Band, Sunday, July 8, 2pm. 4-piece band plays Grande Ole Opry hits by Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, more.
All welcome; donations greatly appreciated.
Sun, July 08, 2018
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Ridgewood Public Library, 125 N. Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
