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Park Ridge council introduces multiple ordinances and adopts several capital measures, sets hearings for April 28
Summary
The borough council introduced several first‑reading ordinances on budget cap, water and electric charges and adopted capital appropriations for a fuel tank replacement and sewer repairs; a parking restriction for the James Lot was also adopted. Public hearings on first readings will be held April 28, 2026.
Park Ridge’s Borough Council moved through a package of ordinances and capital items at its meeting. Council members introduced first readings of ordinances to establish a municipal budget "cap bank" and to amend water and electric rate provisions; the council also adopted capital appropriations and a parking‑lot restriction.
Key ordinance actions
- Ordinance No. 2026‑012 (first reading): An annual ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank, explained by the CFO as an annual safety valve that allows up to 3.5% above prior appropriations and reserves unused portions of the 2% cap. The council moved and passed the ordinance on first reading; a public hearing is set for April 28, 2026.
- Ordinance No. 2026‑013 (first reading): Amends Chapter 98 (water rates). CFO Connie said the ordinance authorizes a water connection increase of $198 for the year. The ordinance passed first reading with a scheduled April 28 hearing.
- Ordinance No. 2026‑014 (first reading): Amends Chapter 56 (electric service regulations) to increase the electric connection fee by $22, per the CFO’s description. The ordinance passed first reading; public hearing set for April 28, 2026.
- Ordinance No. 2026‑015 (first reading): Amends Chapter 98 to establish water rates and security deposits for Park Ridge and portions of Woodcliff Lake served by the Park Ridge Water Department; CFO Connie said the change reflects the addition of 8‑inch meters. The ordinance passed first reading and will be heard on April 28, 2026.
Adopted capital ordinances and other measures
- Ordinance No. 2026‑009 (adopted): A capital ordinance appropriating an additional $25,000 for removal and replacement of an underground fuel storage tank at the DPW yard (a change order to a prior capital ordinance). Council adopted the ordinance after confirming it reflected the additional $25,000 discussed previously.
- Ordinance No. 2026‑010 (adopted): A capital ordinance appropriating $190,000 from the reserve for sewer improvements for Sybil Drive culvert/sewer repairs; CFO described it as an emergency appropriation for a collapsed sewer. The ordinance was adopted by roll call.
- Ordinance No. 2026‑011 (adopted): Amends Chapter 76 to add a new section (76‑1d) governing the James Lot (identified as 87 Madison Avenue) and restrict parking, including no overnight parking as described by the borough attorney. The ordinance was adopted; the attorney confirmed the referenced property address during the hearing.
The council approved the consent agenda, noted one abstention on Resolution No. 026‑146, and moved an appointment to the pool commission. Most roll calls recorded a 'yes' vote from the present members; Councilmember Bruce Goldsmith was consistently noted as absent for roll calls during the meeting.
What happens next: The introduced ordinances (first readings) will be published and a public hearing will be held on April 28, 2026; adopted capital ordinances will be published as final passage in the Bergen Record as required.
