Village staff asked the council to support applying for a Bergen County grant to install hearing-loop systems in three municipal rooms — the council chamber, the senior lounge and the youth lounge — and the council signaled support for moving forward and covering a potential local funding gap.

Carol Baukowski, director of communications and special projects, described the hearing loop as "the gold standard of technology for people who are experiencing hearing loss," explaining that people with T-coil-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants automatically receive clear audio, and that portable receivers are available for visitors without compatible devices.

Baukowski said Audio Directions provided a site visit and a full quote: $62,500 to install loops in the three rooms and $19,050 for additional audio equipment in two rooms, for a total of $81,055. Bergen County is eligible to apply to a New Jersey Department of Human Services program that offers up to $70,000 per county; county attorneys asked whether the village would fund any amount above the $70,000 cap.

Council members and advocates for seniors and accessibility voiced support. Council members noted the prevalence of hearing loss and said the installations would improve access in public meetings and municipal programming. Staff said the village has existing small-listening devices required by ADA and that three more portable receivers are included in the quote.

Village staff identified available internal funds in older IT capital accounts as the likely source to cover the estimated $11,055 difference if the county application is successful and does not fully cover the project. The council requested the grant application proceed and asked staff to coordinate with Bergen County; the county indicated willingness to submit the application on Ridgewood's behalf.

Next steps: Bergen County will submit the county-level application; if the grant is awarded, staff will return to the council with final grant amounts and a funding plan for any village share.