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Sustainable Jersey Certification Report

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This is the Sustainable Jersey Certification Report of Ridgefield Park Village, a Sustainable Jersey silver certified applicant.

Ridgefield Park Village was certified on October 05, 2022 with 385 points. Listed below is information regarding Ridgefield Park Village’s Sustainable Jersey efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable Jersey contact for Ridgefield Park Village is:

Name:Mark Olson
Title/Position:Sustainable Ridgefield Park Commissioner / Village of Ridgefield Park
Address:234 Main Street
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
Phone:2017410644

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Ridgefield Park Village was approved for in 2022 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • Arts & Creative Culture

    Establish a Creative Team

    10 Points

    Program Summary: On June 8, 2021 at a regular meeting of the Ridgefield Park Board of Commissioners a resolution was passed designating the Ridgefield Park Public Arts Champions as the village’s Creative Team. The Public Arts Champions has 29 members. Makeup is 2 elected officials, 7 artists, 1 business leader, 2 education community, 4 Green Team. The rest are residents of the village. The Public Art Champions meet at least quarterly to discuss the scope and direction of municipal Creative Placemaking initiatives.

    Creative Assets Inventory

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Village of Ridgefield Park continues to update its resource listing for inclusion in the Public Arts Master Plan which is under development (Updated Creative Assets Inventory attached). The inventory is on the Concerts, Arts and Culture section of the website under Public Arts Champions (https://www.ridgefieldpark.org/concerts-art-culture/pages/public-art-champions) with an invitation to the public asking for information/assets they think should be included. The Public Arts Champions identify future projects, public assets for inclusion, other ideas and designs for consideration. Inventory review includes public art placed in our local parks, community garden and downtown in the form of murals, sculptures and free-style pieces. The Artist Laureate Program recognizes the accomplishments of artists who live in the village. The proclamation and the 2021 Artist Laureate information is attached. Information on the recipient is on our website under Concerts, Arts and Culture – https://www.ridgefieldpark.org/concerts-art-culture/pages/artist-laureate-2021. A Village of Ridgefield Park Artist/Artisan Survey is in process to gain insight into our community of artists. Survey results will be presented at the December, 2021 Public Arts Champions meeting.

    Municipal Commitments to Support Arts and Creative Culture

    25 Points

    Program Summary: Ridgefield Park has created and incorporated a Public Art Element into the Village's Master Plan which was approved in April, 2022. The element details two cultural districts plus goals, objectives and strategies. The inclusion of this element was fueled by the presentation of the Public Art Master Plan to the Planning Board and City Planner which was created for Ridgefield Park through a nine month long planning and community engagement process during 2019 led by Northern New Jersey Community Foundation. Members of the community involved in this process became known as "Public Arts Champions" – and have been designated as our Creative Team.

    Utilizing Your Creative Assets

    30 Points

    Program Summary: The Village of Ridgefield Park has not formally implemented a Creative Placemaking Plan. However, several initiatives are underway including projects with local art and artists, engaging with the Ridgefield Park Arts Association, Creative Bergen, and support of local business. These projects have added depth to daily life within the Village. Three of the projects underway are included here. They are Arts Amble 2021, Mural Mania and Business District Economic Development.

  • Community Partnership & Outreach

    Create Green Team

    10 Points
    Bronze Required Silver Required

    Program Summary: Formed six years ago with a cross-section volunteers who promote sustainability and educate our community about the different projects underway in the Village of Ridgefield Park. We work with residents, businesses, public schools and the village to cost effectively reduce our impact on the environment and rethink how things are done through conservation and good choices. In 2021 the Green Team re-certified at Silver Level. We work to recycle more than what is mandated plastic, styrofoam, crayons and batteries. We participate with the Bergen County HUB project, Creative Bergen on their annual Arts Amble and with our Arts Association. The Green Team hopes to see the final Master Plan Public Art element as well as continue to work on educating the public about living a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.

    Community Education & Outreach

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Deborah Fagnan, head of the Children's department in the Ridgefield Park Library was chosen out of the 350 applicants across the country for a Plant Wildflowers Grant from Tangle Bank Studios. We stood out because the program is community-focused, partner-driven, and a pollinator-friendly proposal. The partners for this initiative are Gianna Terrarosa, Ridgefield Park resident and Ambassador Girl Scout working on her Gold Award, The Environmental Commission, The Green Team and Shoprite of Hackensack. The library ran a toddler and pre-K story time program, and a cooking program centered around honey and bees. Gianna Terrarosa created and ran three programs at the library, one for children, one for teens and one for adults educating through slide presentations, lecture, a film and printed materials about the importance of planting native plants for pollinators and the correlation of planting native plants and the survival/revival of pollinators, specifically the monarch butterfly and bees, environmental health and public health. Native plant seed packets were handed out at all programming and are also available to anyone who visits the library. The library had two viewings of the film, My Garden of a Thousand Bees. The Environmental Commission and Gianna Terrarosa held a BioBlitz at Ridgefield Park's McGowan Park. Both the RP library and Gianna Terrarosa had tables at the Ridgefield Park Earth Day celebration where they educated the public on the plight of the bee and monarch butterfly and what they can do to help. There was free native seed packet give-a-ways, books to look at and borrow from the library, educational material to look at and take home as well as verbal education and a beekeeper to field any questions for those interested in keeping bees. The Green Team promoted all activities by publishing a press release written by Deborah and Gianna on our town's Facebook page, handing out printed material at our April, materials reuse and Arbor Day events, publishing it in our town newsletter, posting it at our municipal building and post office. They also acquired bees wax wraps that were given away at Earth Day. The library promoted the activities through their website, online calendar, Constant Contact email blast and Instagram. Gianna promoted all activities with hard copy posted on her Little Library as well as making seed packets available for visitors to take. She also promoted all programming on her Just One Plant website and through the Environmental Club at her high school. Gianna petitioned the RP Commissioners to take the NWF Mayor's monarch pledge and they accepted. They have already planted an additional 4 pollinator gardens in RP.

    Green Fair

    10 Points

    Program Summary: On May 1, 2021, the Ridgefield Park Green Team and the Bogota Green Team sponsored a Green Fair from 10:00am – 5:00pm at Riverside Park, 24 Industrial Avenue, Ridgefield Park, NJ in conjunction with the Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission's Earth Day. Attendees were encouraged to carpool, walk, jog or bike to the event. A detailed schedule of the day's events are uploaded. Over 65 families attended. Also present were Department of Public Works Reduce, Reuse, Recycle information kiosk, Ridgefield Park Arts Association gave out flyers for the upcoming Summer Arts Festival and had information on the upcoming Village Art Exhibit featuring student art work. Ridgefield Park Grammar Schools were represented with their recycling poster projects. The community garden helped visitors plant seeds to take home. The Green Team had multiple handouts on recycling, caring/cleaning reusable bags, leaving grass cuttings to name a few.

  • Diversity & Equity

    Lead Education & Outreach Programs

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Ridgefield Park Health Department handles lead education outreach for the Village. Education focuses around hazards of lead paint, lead paint exposure for children/pregnant women as well as safe lead paint removal. The Village website (www.ridgefieldpark.org) has information for residents wishing to learn about the dangers of lead in homes listing links to www.epa.gov/lead and www.cdc.gov/lead. The Health Dept. page of the website lists info on the Bergen County Childhood Lead Program offering free screenings to all families who are interested. Children are exposed to lead from different sources such as paint, cosmetics, certain foods, water, dust, soil, and time spent in a home built before 1978. (Info on website - uploaded). A flyer on free lead screenings is uploaded. (www.ridgefieldpark.org) A lead remediation pamphlet is available in the Board of Health office as well as online. (uploaded). On the Village website, different informational flyers are rotated covering: Blood Levels in Children; Lead Poisoning – Know the Facts; The Good News – Lead Poisoning is 100% Preventable; Are you Pregnant?; Lead Poisoning – Know the Facts (www.ridgefieldpark.org), Protect Your Family. (all uploaded) Info on Lead Poisoning & Hazards is available online on the Board of Health page of www.ridgefieldpark.org. (info uploaded) The Environmental Commission & Green Team makes this information available to everyone that visits the website, electronically distributes the info to the schools and also distributes at public events such as the annual Earth Day/Green Fair, Street Fair and Health Fair. There is a table with info in it in the Health Dept. and hallway at the Clerk's Office. Info is also available at the Building Dept.

  • Emergency Management & Resiliency

    Emergency Communications Planning

    15 Points

    Program Summary: The Main Communications Center is Police Headquarters, 234 Main Street, Ridgefield Park, NJ with a Backup Center a 50 Main Street. The Village of Ridgefield Park uses a variety of methods to keep residents informed using Reverse 911, NIXLE, Social Media and Message Boards. A Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) which was activated during Covid 19 pandemic to make welfare checks via calls from the OEM office and also offer contact less help to get needed groceries or other supplies for our special needs, elderly with medical situations or otherwise challenged residents. CERT was also activated during a major storm that caused flash flooding impacting places of residence and people traveling in cars. The civic center was used as a shelter for those who had their dwelling flooded. Our OEM office distributes updates to the special needs listing from the police department highlighting medical conditions, issues, special concerns of the population. The Village uses the quarterly Village Newsletter to solicit updated information from residents. OEM and/or CERT participates at Volunteer night, Earth Day/ Green Fair, Back to School nights and school functions as part of the outreach plan. The Village website http://www.ridgefieldpark.org/files provides guidance for hurricane preparedness and overall emergency management. Our outreach also includes reissuing our OEM Communications letter with visits and presentations to the Civic Center for our Senior Citizens, as well as 278 Main Street & 265 Main Street where some of our special needs adults reside. We reach out to three group homes with 24-hour counselors who insure that all special needs for those residents are captured and provided to the Emergency Operations contact annually.

    Vulnerable Populations Identification for Emergencies

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Ridgefield Park's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has developed a village-wide Special Needs Registry. The OEM keeps the lists of all residents who have special needs and it is shared with the Police Department. Both organizations encourage everyone who has special needs situations to register. The school district has a special needs list of our autistic population which is shared with our Police Department and OEM. Information and registration forms can be found on the village website, the village newsletter, and at specific locations in the village including the OEM office and the municipal building. These are fluid lists that are updated as information changes. Our emergency services and CERT have been engaged to assist when necessary. Several village stakeholders as shown in the checklist are those in the position to know who their special needs population is and encourage them to register and can notify the OEM office of a specific situation. The Council provides the oversight necessary to make clear policy decisions and planning updated based upon changes in the community.

  • Energy

    Energy Tracking & Management

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Ridgefield Park has undertaken tracking energy usage for municipally owned buildings. The excel spreadsheet is uploaded in this action. Monthly gas and electric billing is supplied by our utility provider, PSE&G. The data is entered and consolidated into an excel spreadsheet stored in SharePoint so different departments can update it easily. The municipality uses the data to track energy use and identify issues.

  • Food

    Community Gardens

    20 Points

    Program Summary: Ridgefield Park Community Garden was officially opened in April 2017. Now in season 5, there are 2 village-owned locations for those who wish to garden. One is at McGowan Park which is on Bergen Turnpike and the other location is in Fellowship Park on Bergen Ave and Hobart Street. We have 50 gardeners. The gardens have created an opportunity for community members of diverse backgrounds to meet, work, and collaborate with others who have similar interests. We maintain chemical-free gardens and encourage natural methods of fertilizing and insect control. The community garden concept is supported by our Mayor and Commissioners, and our DPW. The estimated cost of the gardens is $8,000 and approximately 500 hours is spent on maintenance and improvement. The day to day running of both the Fellowship and McGowan locations is coordinated by the community garden oversight committee a committee of six gardeners, who report to the Commissioner of Public Works. The gardeners are expected to maintain their plot and the overall care of the garden primarily through group work sessions. Both locations have sheds and access to running water. The DPW mows the lawn surrounding the outer ring at McGowan and delivers mulch and soil as requested. At Fellowship the gardeners mow inside the garden area and the DPW does the edging of the public plots when they do the rest of the park. Yard waste and garbage is collected weekly. Each garden location has public plots planted with vegetables around the perimeter which are shared with village residents. The Food Pantry Garden located on the premises of St. Francis of Assisi Church - 114 Mt. Vernon Street is planted and maintained by garden volunteers. The location has access to water and an onsite shed for storage. This is a non-denominational food resource which assists over 90 families and individuals in need. A drop off procedure is in place to get the fresh produce to the food pantry volunteers for distribution. Available plots are typically advertised in our village newsletter, municipal announcement board, banners at both locations, on Facebook pages, and on the village website. Applications are available on our website as well as in the municipal building and library. A closed group Facebook page is maintained for our gardeners to share pictures, garden updates, growing tips, recipes, plus general announcements. Meetings reminders are posted there as well as emailed to our gardeners. The meeting dates attached.

    Buy Fresh Buy Local Programs

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Ridgefield Park Green Team, supports its local economy and small businesses promoting access to local food and food resources for our community of 4,851 households. When buying local transportation especially lessening fuel consumption has environmental benefits. We are close to Routes 46, 17, 80 and 95 making it easy for residents to access Bergen and Passaic County Farmers Markets and sustainable resources for sourcing nutritious food. A list of these resources within 10 miles of Ridgefield Park is posted on the Village’s website and Facebook page, is part of our Welcome Guide, was shown at the Green Team station on Earth Day in May and was covered in the June, 2022 newsletter. We have a local mainstay Village IGA which has been offering home delivery for over 43 years well before supermarket chains. We will interact with local restaurants, cafes, small eateries and bakeries and promote those businesses that support local food production and may use in-season produce.

  • Health & Wellness

    Building Healthier Communities

    25 Points

    Program Summary: Mayors Wellness Campaign signed, Resolution passed. Board of Recreation - bowling, basketball, cheerleading, acting classes, tennis, softball, lessons, clinics. Senior Center - yoga, Zumba, dancing, lunch, BP screening, speakers. Rising Sun - martial arts academy helping all ages learn to defend themselves. Jiu Jitsu, karate, ladies’ cardio kick boxing, boot camp. Free training to police officers. http://risingsunacademy.net/ Board of Health - flu shots for employees; Hep B shots for firefighters; well-baby clinic; rabies vaccine; handouts. Police Dept.: • checks car seats • safe use of bicycle helmets • Junior Police Academy Program physical conditioning/training; first aid, DWI Presentation • OPERATION TAKE BACK NEW JERSEY PROGRAM – proper medication disposal • Babysitting Class • Law Enforcement Against Drugs Program. Utilizing Too Good for Drugs curriculum reinforcing skills to empower students to lead safe, healthy lives; setting goals; building positive relationships; effectively communicating; resisting peer pressure; information about consequences of drug use, drug related crimes, bullying, violence and benefits of drug-free, nonviolent lifestyle • Fitness room Library - health/wellness programs Environmental Commission: • Bat Walk – education on bats; how they help control mosquito population. • Nature Preserve – trails underway and wildlife - walk, jog, bike - just get back to nature, right in our own backyard! • Village Leaders Walks • Fishing Derby. • Earth Day/Green Fair Community Garden Members: • work outdoors • learn gardening • demonstrations/ lectures • maintain public plots & picking days so all enjoy fresh healthy vegetables • maintain plots donating fresh food to food pantry. Municipal pool - swim, lessons, swim team. Summer recreation camp: • outdoor play • evening program - Teens & Adults • weight room, basketball courts, volleyball courts available Neighborhood parks: • outdoor exercise, walking, jogging, sports, kayaking, canoeing • outdoor track lit until 10:00 p.m. attracting walkers • added bike paths promoting biking Village sports available: soccer, baseball, wrestling, football, men’s softball St. Francis Church - Health Fair scheduled Oct. 20, 2018. www.ridgefieldpark.org for Village info.

  • Innovative Projects

    Innovative Community Project 2

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Environmental Commission/Green Team had been contacted by Gianna Terrarosa, a 10th grade Ridgefield Park High School Student and Senior Level Girl Scout who was proposing a project for her Gold Award. She attended several of our Environmental commission meetings to explain her project of planting a pollinator garden using all native plants at her high school to help pollinators (endangered Monarch butterflies, bees, and birds), educate students at all levels, as well as the community to the plight of pollinators as well as the importance of native plants in the environment and of course to beautify the neighborhood. Gianna met with the EC several times to discuss the parameters of her project. She contacted the appropriate people in the borough to approve the location for the planting. With the help of the Environmental Commission, special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Quinn for plant donations and guidance, the Bergen County Audubon Society, with special thanks to Tammy Laverty for plant donations and guidance, D & G Landscaping for soil donation, Rohsler’s Nursery for plant donations, This and That Hardware store in town for plant donations, the Home Depot for timber donation to frame the garden, Mr. Pablo Lema neighbor and master carpenter for help framing the garden, Commissioner Olson and the RP DPW for mulch donation and back hoe work and of course special thanks to Superintendent, Dr. Bender for supporting the project and approval of the location, allowed for a completion of the physical planting of the 10 x 10 garden with 14 different species on 5/28/21. Plant stakes with information about each plant as well as permanent signage designed by Gianna and donated by Signarama were installed on July 20th 2021. The sign has the "Just One Plant" logo Gianna designed for her project as well as a QR code that brings people to the website that she has created. Placed pollinator water dish on August 30th, 2021. The in person education section of the project took place on August 31st, 2021. Gianna did a presentation for a group of Girl Scout Brownies teaching them about pollinators, native plants and her garden. As the garden gets established and flourishes Gianna plans on splitting plants and placing them in other locations in the neighborhood i.e. elementary schools, the library, and our parks.

  • Local Economies

    Green Business Recognition Program

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Green Team is in its 6th year using the actions of the New Jersey Sustainable Business Registry for its general program. Nine businesses are registered where their business has completed 3-5 actions and is recognized by the village. An interview survey document is completed with a business owner meeting. It is reviewed and approved and the owner receives a seal acknowledging the businesses commitment to sustainable practices. At the May 21, 2022 Earth Day event we announced our new additions, posted them on the Green Team webpage. An additional piece will be put on the Village’s Facebook page. A Qualifications and Actions spreadsheet details the businesses, dates of recognition and what they do to be recognized.

  • Natural Resources

    Environmental Commission

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Environmental Commission is committed to making the Ridgefield Park community more sustainable in a variety of ways, including but not limited to a drug take back program, community garden project, weedings and planting of native plants at our Nature Preserve, Green Business program, crayon recycling, Styrofoam recycling, Bring Your Own Bag give-a ways and education on cleaning your reusable bags, reusable straw give-a ways, education on straw, plastic bags and foam, suggestion to BOC that when large apartments or office building or buildings are built, that they require those buildings being built use bird protecting glass, continued protection of the eagle preserve as well as work on the soon to be completed Nature Preserve and Nature Trail. The Nature Preserve will provide many opportunities for special educational programs for the Ridgefield Park school system, especially the nearby Junior Senior High School, and also be available to Village scouting and civic organizations for programming. Most importantly, it will be available to ALL Village residents for taking a peaceful and relaxing stroll in nature!The Environmental Commission is committed to making the Ridgefield Park community more sustainable in a variety of ways, including but not limited to a drug take back program, community garden project, weedings and planting of native plants at our Nature Preserve, Green Business program, crayon recycling, Styrofoam recycling, Bring Your Own Bag give-a ways and education on cleaning your reusable bags, reusable straw give-a ways, education on straw, plastic bags and foam, suggestion to BOC that when large apartments or office building or buildings are built, that they require those buildings being built use bird protecting glass, continued protection of the eagle preserve as well as work on the soon to be completed Nature Preserve and Nature Trail. The Nature Preserve will provide many opportunities for special educational programs for the Ridgefield Park school system, especially the nearby Junior Senior High School, and also be available to Village scouting and civic organizations for programming. Most importantly, it will be available to ALL Village residents for taking a peaceful and relaxing stroll in nature!

    Environmental Commission Site Plan Review

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission has taken an active role in reviewing applications before the Planning/Zoning Board and voicing opposition to plans that would be a quality-of-life issue and negatively impact the environment. In the past 18 months, the EC has received approximately 15 cases/applications to review. (minutes uploaded) In March of this year, NJ Transit advised the Village that it was in the early stages of investigating the acquisition of the 56-acre property known as the “Skymark” Redevelopment Area. The Village has been actively trying to redevelop this property for decades. NJ Transit plans to take this property and build a 500-bus garage and maintenance facility on this site for its fleet of loud, aging diesel buses. After receiving NJ Transit’s letter, the BOC immediately objected to the size and location of this project, and also asked to start a dialogue about how a NJ Transit project could be structured to benefit both the Village and NJ Transit. During covid, the BOC did not get anything back from them. The BOC asked NJ Transit for the plans, studies, reports and other documents that they were using to support this takeover but NJ Transit refused to provide these important documents, in violation of State Law. The BOC sent out a letter to all residents explaining the situation and asked them to write, call and email our State representatives and NJ Transit to tell them to move the site or make it right. The BOC doesn’t want to see this go to eminent domain where the Village gets nothing. A large amount of this money ($6 million annually) was going to help with the CSO situation. The EC has remained in constant contact with the BOC on this matter. A petition was started in opposition to New Jersey Transit's 500 bus garage in Ridgefield Park that, to date, has over 2,300 signatures. As far as the proposed bus terminal, there is not much progress as far as the project being stopped. The fate of the eagles is still in question as the NJ Fish & Wildlife and the US Fish & Wildlife service agreement with Skymark is not something that carries over to this new acquisition so it would be up to environmental groups such as the EC and Bergen County Audubon and others to make the developers aware of the need to save those eagles. The EC reviewed an application from Challenger 60 for 522 residential units with retail on first floor as well as the Environmental Impact Report Re: 60 Challenger Road. After reading the application for 60 Challenger Road, Tammy Laverty (EC member) suggested to Chairman Steve Quinn that birdproof glass be used on this project. Steve submitted comments to the Planning Board and backed them up with lots of data that literally millions of birds are killed every year by this glass. The applicant was very agreeable and they will provide birdproof glass. This shows that one person can make a difference. Based on that, the EC put together a letter to the BOC that when large apartments or office buildings or buildings (non-specific) are built, that they require those buildings being built use bird protecting glass. The EC reviewed an application before the ZB for 291 & 295 Main Street. After much push back, the original plan of a multi-unit apartment building was dropped. The new plan was to combine two lots into one residence. This change in design is a good thing. There are some big, beautiful elm trees on the property that would be a shame to lose. The EC sent a letter about the trees on the property and hopes that the architectural nature will fit in with the neighborhood after looking at the plans.

    Community Forestry Management Plan & NJUCF Accreditation

    20 Points

    Program Summary: The Ridgefield Park Community Forestry Status Report confirms compliance with the four requirements of the New Jersey Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act.  The Village of Ridgefield Park tree cover goal continues to be set at 27% to be achieved over the next decade. Although the current Community Forestry Management Plan indicates that opportunities for further expansion of the tree canopy cover are limited in most areas of the Village due to high density development, the Shade Tree Commission concentrates on municipal tree replacement and outreach programs where possible to encourage Village residents and businesses to plant and maintain trees on their properties, where opportunities for additional canopy cover are greatest.

    Tree Hazard Inventory

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Ridgefield Park has a current tree hazard inventory for every street tree in the village. Trees are rated according to the severity of the damage or threat to a given tree. An outside consultant was used to custom-design and performed the survey. The DPW is provided with a list of high priority trees that require pruning or removal. In an emergency when there is a potentially hazardous situation the tree is removed immediately. In a a non-critical situation the tree is scheduled for action. The property owner is notified by the Shade Tree Commission and informed of action that will be taken. 2018 Shade Tree Commission Work Plan details the trees removed, planted and pruned. In 2019, work is underway to identify and evaluate trees in parks and other public properties (school grounds) for action.

    Tree Maintenance Programs

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Ridgefield Park's Shade Tree Commission has had a tree maintenance program since 1979. Tree maintenance is included in the Shade Tree Commission's annual budget. The Shade Tree Commission tracking uses a baseline inventory, ongoing inventory updates and additional information to keep the public tree population current. Resources from the DPW and two outside arborists complete the maintenance tasks which may require highly specialized equipment or skills. The guideline for street plantings under power lines are to only use smaller varieties which avoid conflicts with above ground electrical wires. A single PDF attachment contains: - Introduction - Tree Maintenance Section of the Community Forestry Management Plan. - Annual Work Plan for 2021 submission in the Tree City USA Annual Report with trees and stumps removed, trees planted, pruned, elevated, and inspected. - Tree Budget Statement as it appeared in the NJUCF AAR for 2021 including actuals plus DPW and contracted vendor man hours worked.

  • Operations & Maintenance

    Adopt a Green Purchasing Policy by Resolution *Retires 12/31/23*

    5 Points

    Program Summary: On November 19th 2020 the Village of Ridgefield Park adopted a Green Purchasing Policy. Resolution is attached/uploaded.

    Recycled Copy Paper

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Clerk's Office coordinates all requests for paper to insure that the departments are using paper with 30% post-consumer content. The Village of Ridgefield Park departments: Clerk's office, Building Department, Health Department, Assessors Office, Municipal Court, Board of Recreation, Pool and Police Department have fully adopted using recycled paper. The scanned documentation confirms that recycled paper is in use as stated above with 30% post-consumer content. Attached are the Office Universe Invoices for 2021 paper orders.

  • Sustainability & Climate Planning

    Community Asset Mapping

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Village of Ridgefield Park community assets information is captured on a spreadsheet and categorized by type of entity with contact information as appropriate and available. It is on our Village Website for the general population to use. Significant challenges to accomplish this were time, resources and people. The community asset log was built by volunteers who walked the town and verified information by doing Internet searches. The log was supplemented using the Creative Assets Inventory process as a resource. The Public Arts Champions (Creative Arts Team) use this information when deciding which areas of the Village will be focused on for Public Art projects.

  • Waste Management

    Prescription Drug Safety & Disposal

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Village of Ridgefield Park conducts two drug take-back events in April and October at the Police Department Headquarters 234 Main Street physically inside the department's offices. Collection is handled anonymously. Neither the number of clients nor the number of prescriptions deposited by clients are counted only the weight. Community notification takes place using a flyer distributed and displayed at the Municipal Building, on the Municipal Message Board, Lombardi Towers, Marlboro house, Main Street Senior Building, 7-11, IGA, CVS, post office, as well as the eight doctors offices within the village. Information is placed on the village website calendar, the PBA Facebook page, and a standard format NIXLE message distribution occurs prior to the event along with notification to citizens who signup for email and text messages.

    Community Paper Shredding Day

    5 Points

    Program Summary: The Village of Ridgefield Park conducts two community paper shredding events annually, in April and October using an outside company. It is held on a Saturday between 9am - 1pm at the DPW Garage-24 Industrial Avenue, Ridgefield Park, NJ. where DPW employees assist residents to insure that only acceptable material is submitted for shredding. The event is publicized on the Village website and on the Village message boards. 7,240lbs of material was collected at the April 24, 2021 event (receipt attached).

    Household Hazardous Waste

    15 Points

    Program Summary: The DPW recycling center at 24 Industrial Avenue is where the village collects car batteries, consumer electronics, fluorescent light bulbs, cooking oil, and used motor oil is collected for recycling and disposal. We do not recycle Paint, Pesticides, and Herbicides. Instructions are located on the Village website at: https://www.ridgefieldpark.org/department-public-works. The DPW webpage also directs residents to the BCUA for the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule. The DPW was instructed by the BCUA to cease collecting paint. A flyer announcing the change to paint collection was distributed on Earth Day/Green Fair on May 1, published on the DPW webpage and in the June 2021 newsletter. (Attachment: No More Paint flyer). The June 2021 newsletter is on the Village website in the News Box at https://www.ridgefieldpark.org/about-us. The last page of the newsletter contains relevant DPW information, instructions, and the office number. Using the website and Recycling Coach app (see image attached) residents can create a customized monthly calendar using their physical address. When requested the DPW will supply a physical packet of information which residents can pick up at the office or have it dropped off at their home. (Attachment: 2021 DPW Webpage and Packet Info).

    Non-Mandated Materials Recycling

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Plastic bags/film - The plastic bag and film recycling program is a partnership with Bogota and Englewood. The Village has six collection sites plus the DPW recycling center. Material is sorted through by volunteers then bagged. Plastic is accumulated at the DPW until taken to the Englewood DPW where it is baled then stored. Attachment: Combined Plastic Bag and EPS Information EPS - The Village Recycling Center is open to residents six days a week for EPS recycling. Signage on the container and a DPW employee onsite guides residents about what is acceptable. Material is regularly sorted through by volunteers then bagged. When enough EPS has accumulated it is taken to POLY/MOLDING LLC. Attachment: Combined Plastic Bag and EPS Information Textiles - The Fire Dept. has four textile collection boxes around town and in the DPW recycling center. Attachment: Textile Collection, https://www.ridgefieldpark.org/department-public-works/pages/recycling-information#anchor_textiles Cooking Oil is collected for recycling in a tank provided by MOPAC RENDERING. When enough has accumulated MOPAC picks it up. Attachment: Cooking Oil Documentation, https://www.ridgefieldpark.org/department-public-works/pages/recycling-information#anchor_cooking Other Fluorescent Bulbs, Wood Waste and Crayons Fluorescent Bulbs are accumulated at the DPW recycling center for pickup by National Bulb Recycling Corp. Attachment: Other_Fluorescent Bulbs Wood Waste and Crayons Wood Waste is brought by residents to the DPW recycling center and accumulated in a 20 yard roll off dumpster. When full it is brought to a processing location. Attachment: Other_Fluorescent Bulbs Wood Waste and Crayons Crayon collection boxes are at all public schools, the library and Municipal Building. Flyers are electronically distributed to schools. 195 new packs of crayons were made for donation to children’s hospitals.(crayoninitiative.org) Attachment: Other_Fluorescent Bulbs Wood Waste and Crayons Recycling calendar is delivered to homes twice a year and is at https://www.ridgefieldpark.org/department-public-works/pages/recycling-information A physical packet of information containing the recycling calendar and instructions is given to new residents.

    Recycling Depot

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Recycling Center in the Village of Ridgefield Park is open six days a week (M-S 9am - 12pm) and manned by a Village employee who guides residents through the deposit process. A recycling board that details what Village residents can drop off at the center has been posted which includes the information shown below: computers, small appliances, TVs, DVD players, etc. metal, wood general trash yard waste corrugated cardboard propane tanks used automobile oil commingled recycle (glass, plastic, aluminum) newspaper, magazines and junk mail Residents contact the DPW to arrange specific pickups for washers, dryers, refrigerators, hot water heaters and large objects made of metal. Photos of members of the Green Team educating the public about items on National Recycling Day are uploaded. Photos of Green Team members working at the Recycling Depot are uploaded.

    Grass - Cut It and Leave It Program

    5 Points

    Program Summary: The Village of Ridgefield Park has been using its newsletter and website to promote the value of leaving grass cuttings behind since May of 2018 with selected reprints used to discuss the value of leaving the grass cuttings at our Earth Day and Green Fair events each year. The Village Newsletter contains a Grasscycling Article with a reprint posted on the website http://www.ridgefieldpark.org/green-team. Members of our Green Team and Environmental Commission informally share the advantages of using a mulching blade - saves time because it speeds up the job and you don't have to stop and empty the container. The website and handouts also include information on thatching as suggested.

    Materials Reuse Program

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Village continues to operate their Materials Reuse Program at the DPW Recycling Center and as part of our overall recycling program. Several items were taken from the materials reuse area within the recycling depot, cleaned up and given away at the Earth Day & Green Fair. (photo uploaded from May 2021 Earth Day_Green Fair Exhibit). Since the Materials Reuse Program has been active for a number of years, the volume remains constant. The DPW caretaker of the area maintains that well over 200 people go to the materials reuse to either drop off or pick up an item which saves minimally 2 tons of material from landfills. He also tries to match up what is brought in with people in need of items. People who stop by the recycling center are shown available items and instructed they can also drop off items they no longer need. Attached is the notice that has been in the Village website and distributed in the schools. The flyer is also available at public events such as Earth Day, annual Street Fair, Health Fair etc. (Photos uploaded) RP Girl Scout, Gianna Terrarosa, came up with the idea to promote literacy and community involvement through recycling. She built a Little Free Lending Library for Ridgefield Park which is installed in Fellowship Park. All the books the Little Library holds are recycled, donated by residents and borrowed by residents and visitors.

    Reusable Bag Education Program

    5 Points

    Program Summary: The Environmental Commission distributes reusable cloth bags on Earth Day/publilc events and asks people to sign a pledge that they will use the cloth bag. (photo & pledge uploaded). It also asks stores to put the uploaded BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) sign in their windows to remind people to bring reusable bags. The uploaded flyers educating people about the positive aspects of using reusable bags and care for reusable bags are on our website and distributed electronically in the schools as well as at tables hosted by the Environmental Commission throughout the year at public events such as Earth Day, EarthFest, Health Fair and the annual Village Street Fair. Members also talk to local store owners throughout the year about encouraging reusable bags. We have distributed the uploaded flyers in the schools as well as at public events.