Glen Ridge council extends tax deadline for furloughed federal workers, adopts employee handbook and advances stormwater code

The Glen Ridge Borough Council unanimously approved a package of motions at its regular meeting, including a temporary extension for fourth-quarter property-tax payments for borough residents who are federal employees affected by the recent government shutdown, the adoption of an employee handbook and the first reading of a revised stormwater ordinance.

Councillor Meyer, who presented the finance and administration items, introduced Resolution 142-25 “authorizing an extended grace period of the fourth quarter tax payment for eligible federal employees who are residents of the Borough of Glen Ridge affected by the federal government shutdown.” Meyer said residents had brought the issue to the council and moved approval; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous roll call of the four councilors present. The resolution provides temporary relief measures for eligible, affected federal employees; the council asked residents with questions about eligibility to contact borough offices.

The council also approved Resolution 143-25, adopting an employee handbook that the borough described as the governing document for personnel matters involving employees, volunteers, appointed officials and independent contractors. Councillor Meyer said the handbook sets operating standards and procedures for the borough’s workforce; the motion was approved unanimously.

Other routine actions included: approval of Resolution 141-25 to authorize payment of capital and operating bills and assorted expenses; approval of Resolution 144-25 granting a social affairs permit to the Women’s Club for a Jan. 24 fundraiser; and Resolution 445-25 appointing Kayla Armstrong to the Environmental Advisory Committee to fill a midterm vacancy left by Kevin Sherry. Each motion passed by unanimous roll call votes of the councilors in attendance.

On stormwater policy and code, Councillor Moody presented Resolution 146-25, which adopts a stormwater policy that codifies the borough’s capital planning priorities and clarifies certain liability and planning matters related to storm-water management. Moody also offered Ordinance 1828 for first reading, which would repeal and replace chapter 1324 (Storm Water Management) of the borough code to bring local rules into alignment with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection MS4 permit requirements; the council introduced the ordinance on first reading and referred it to the municipal clerk for statutory publication and posting.

Mike, the municipal administrator responsible for roll calls and agenda materials, reported no written communications and reminded residents the agenda and handouts are posted online. He also encouraged turnout for early in-person voting and noted the town’s dropbox at town hall.

During the public-comment portion, resident Phil Johnson (55 Chest Place) raised a concern about county-led repaving on Bloomfield Avenue and asked for better advance communication about closures and detours. A borough official replied that staff would continue to work with the county to improve scheduling notices.

A police department representative reminded residents to exercise caution on Halloween night because pedestrian traffic will increase, and an Environmental Advisory Committee representative promoted the borough’s annual post-Halloween pumpkin-smash event for composting at the Benson Street Garden.

The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn carried unanimously. Further details, including eligibility guidance for the tax grace period, were referred to borough staff and the municipal clerk for follow up.