During a recent Ridgewood Village Council meeting, significant resolutions regarding tree planting and community concerns over environmental issues were discussed. The council approved a resolution for the rebid of tree planting throughout the village, awarding the contract to Downstream Service Company Inc. for an amount not to exceed $103,625. This decision was made to ensure that the village does not miss the fall tree planting season, with council members expressing gratitude to the engineering department for their swift action in facilitating the rebid process.

However, the meeting also highlighted pressing community concerns, particularly regarding contaminated soil at the Schedler property. Residents voiced frustrations over a perceived lack of responsiveness from the council regarding their environmental concerns. Christina Million, a local resident, raised alarms about the potential health risks posed by contaminated soil near residential properties, demanding clarity on the situation and a timeline for remediation efforts. She emphasized the need for a public Q&A session to address the complexities of a recent scientific report on the issue.

The meeting also saw heated discussions about bullying within the community, particularly in relation to a recent incident during a Fields Committee call. Residents criticized council members for their handling of the situation, with calls for a formal statement of decorum to prevent future occurrences of bullying. Cynthia O'Keefe and Anne Loving, among others, expressed their disappointment over the council's response to the incident, urging for accountability and a commitment to fostering a respectful dialogue among community members.

Additionally, the meeting coincided with the anniversary of September 11, prompting reflections on the day’s significance and the importance of unity within the community. Residents called for constructive dialogue and respect in discussions, emphasizing the need for collaboration to address the village's challenges.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to community projects while also revealing the urgent need for improved communication and responsiveness to residents' concerns about environmental safety and community conduct.