The Democratic majority was sworn in to the Ringwood Council on January 5, 2004.
What was accomplished through December of 2005? Here are some examples:
• Held municipal taxes to a modest 2.7% increase in 2005, despite numerous legal crises, budgeting for “catch-up” road paving, higher garbage disposal costs, pension benefits (not funded by the state in years), and skyrocketing health insurance costs.
• Passed resolution to support constitutional convention on property tax reform.
• Passed resolution asking state for a water users tax to offset local property taxes.
• Requested and received two $575,000 planning incentive grants for the purchase of open space and a $110,000 grant from Passaic County for the purchase of Martini Field in Skyline Lakes, which will be used for recreation.
• Finalized the sale of Hickory Road parcel as open space, providing $125,000 in revenue for borough.
• Received $65,000 from Passaic County and a green acres low-interest loan as matching funds for the construction of new Skate Board Park, now open for use.
• Entered into partnership with the Highlands Council to create a plan for future economic development for Ringwood.
• Received $25,000 ANJEC grant for reviewing and revising our Master Plan.
• Lowered lake speed limits to 25 MPH after many failed attempts by previous councils.
• Increased funding for Emergency Services and bonded for two needed fire trucks.
• Passed a resolution supporting the Highlands Bill, which limits development in our area and protects our water supply.
• Ended a “handshake” agreement that allowed Wanaque to purchase water from Ringwood, even in times of drought when our residents were restricted. Limited Wanaque’s use of our water to true “emergencies”.
• Uncovered an MTBE spill on Skyline Dr. and lobbied NJDEP to obtain a $2 million reimbursement for a new water line for the affected residents.
• Passed a wellhead protection ordinance to protect water quality.
• Lobbied at the League of Municipalities convention for statewide MTBE ban, now signed into law by Acting Governor Codey.
• Redefined the slope ordinance to ensure that slopes are calculated in a consistent and accurate way, not the Borough Engineer’s “old fashioned way” which allowed developers to skirt the rules.
• Passed an ordinance that requires an Environmental Impact Statement for all major developments.
• Dealt seriously with the quarry re-licensing, strengthening regulation and enforcement while recovering some of the borough’s costs in the process.
• Supported residents in their quest to get Ford Motor Co. to clean up toxic sludge at the former Superfund site in Upper Ringwood, culminating in the re-listing of the site in 2006.
• Completed the Upper Ringwood playground, left unsafe and in disrepair for years, moving utility wires and installing equipment and picnic areas and adding a new basketball court paid for by a Passaic County grant.
• Authorized the installation of lights near the football field on Doski Drive, requested many years ago.
• Fostered better communication between the Recreation Commission and the Engineering Dept., completed long standing projects such as putting up nets around the baseball field, installed dugouts, increased bathroom facilities at the football field and addressed other needed safety issues.
• Added a second, earlier public portion to the council meetings.
• Revamped Channel 77, which now regularly rebroadcasts council meetings and events from Lakeland and Ryerson schools.
• Improved and updated the borough website, making information more easily accessible.
• Published a quarterly newsletter, updating residents on borough business.
• Sponsored the fun-filled Highlands Fair and Earth Day celebration to promote community spirit.
• Passed stricter litter ordinance, encouraged shopping center owners to improve appearances, and will install rain garden at the library.
• Ended the questionable policy of the borough providing health benefits to part time council members and their appointed professionals.
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