Glen Ridge council approves year‑end claims, permits and two settlement agreements

Glen Ridge — The Mayor and Council met Dec. 15 and approved a slate of year‑end measures, including authorization to draw claims totaling roughly $3.3 million, a social‑affairs permit for the Women’s Club, a settlement resolving multiple tax appeals by Montlair Hospital, and a pair of agreements resolving affordable‑housing challenges connected to a 0.85‑acre tract at 200 Highland Avenue.

Councilor Leovitz introduced Resolution 161‑25 to approve claims and draw warrants “including roughly $3.3 million from the current fund,” a figure cited in the resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilor Law and passed on a roll call of five ayes; Councilor Meyers was absent. The council recorded the vote by name and the minutes reflect the five affirmative votes.

Councilor Hughes moved Resolution 162‑25 to grant a social‑affairs permit to the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge for an event on Feb. 6; Councilor Leovitz seconded and the measure passed on a five‑to‑zero roll call with one absence.

On Resolution 163‑25, Councilor Law told colleagues the borough attorney, tax assessor and staff had negotiated a proposed settlement with Montlair Hospital resolving tax appeals covering 2019 through 2025. Law said the council had reviewed the terms and found them “fair, reasonable and in the best interest of the borough.” The motion (moved by Law, seconded by Councilor Hughes) carried on a five‑to‑zero recorded vote with Councilor Meyers absent.

Councilor Moody presented Resolution 164‑25, authorizing the borough to enter settlement agreements with the Fair Share Housing Center and JMF Properties LLC relating to the borough’s fourth‑round fair‑share obligations and a specific parcel at 200 Highland Avenue (described in the meeting record as about 0.85 acre). The council’s discussion referenced a New Jersey Superior Court order that set the borough’s present need at zero units and a prospective need of 171 units; the resolution authorizes the borough to execute the negotiated settlement documents. The motion (moved by Moody, seconded by Councilor Zimit) passed on a five‑to‑zero recorded vote with one absence.

Administrator Mike Zelli thanked the mayor and council for meeting on short notice to complete year‑end business, saying settling the items had removed a “tremendous weight off” staff given state timing constraints. Another participant, John Malisquez, offered thanks to colleagues and singled out Councilor Peter Hughes and Mike Zelli for their years of service and support.

The meeting concluded without public comment and the council adjourned after a motion by Councilor Zimit.

What passed at a glance • Resolution 161‑25: Approve claims/draw warrants (includes roughly $3.3 million from current fund). Moved: Councilor Leovitz; Second: Councilor Law; Vote: Leovitz, Hughes (Peter Hughes), Zimit, Law, Moody — Aye; Meyers — Absent; Outcome: approved. • Resolution 162‑25: Social affairs permit for the Women’s Club (Feb. 6). Moved: Councilor Hughes; Second: Councilor Leovitz; Vote: 5–0 (one absence); Outcome: approved. • Resolution 163‑25: Settlement and mutual withdrawal of claims in tax appeals with Montlair Hospital (2019–2025). Moved: Councilor Law; Second: Councilor Hughes; Vote: 5–0 (one absence); Outcome: approved. • Resolution 164‑25: Settlement agreements with Fair Share Housing Center and JMF Properties LLC; related to 200 Highland Avenue (approx. 0.85 acre) and the borough’s fourth‑round obligations; referenced NJ Superior Court findings (present need zero; prospective need 171). Moved: Councilor Moody; Second: Councilor Zimit; Vote: 5–0 (one absence); Outcome: approved.

The council did not take additional public comment, and the mayor closed the meeting.