Ramsey council adopts new floodplain management ordinance; introduces funding for senior bus and ambulance

The Borough of Ramsey Mayor and Council on April 23 adopted an ordinance to replace the borough’s flood-damage prevention rules with a new floodplain management chapter to align with recommendations from FEMA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Borough Administrator Jose Vozseid told the council that FEMA reviewed the New Jersey model flood ordinance and that the DEP revised the model to ensure compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program; Vozseid said, "With the public hearing and vote on adoption at tonight's meeting, it will ensure our compliance with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's timeline." The ordinance was opened for public hearing; no members of the public spoke. The council approved final adoption by unanimous roll call.

Why it matters: the DEP-directed update is intended to keep Ramsey in the National Flood Insurance Program. Vozseid said the DEP requires participating municipalities to adopt the revised ordinance by June 18, 2025.

The meeting also moved several routine and financial items. The governing body approved a block of consent resolutions (Resolutions 84–90) that included endorsement of a single block-party permit and the borough's continuation as lead agent in the Northwest Bergen cooperative pricing program. During communications the mayor noted a $76,000 local recreational…