William Bierwas

The meeting included a public comment section where residents requested weight-limit signage and a review of pedestrian signals at Maple and Franklin intersections. Key discussions covered pedestrian safety and signal limitations at the Maple Avenue, Franklin Avenue, and Marshall Street intersection, pending traffic study results. Improvements were planned for the Maple Ave./East Ridgewood Ave. crosswalk and ramp following County work. Updates were provided on E-Bike safety initiatives and Site Triangle Enforcement, which has resulted in 50 summonses since November 2024. Overall incident and accident reports showed a year-over-year decrease. Future plans include lighting improvements at the West Side Train Station Parking Lot, permanent markings for the East Ridgewood Avenue Mid-Block Crosswalk, and reconstruction details for South Pleasant Avenue Phase II. Safety concerns regarding North Monroe Street Sidewalks will be addressed in the next meeting. Proactive safety initiatives, including the deployment of portable speed feedback signs, were reviewed.

The meeting agenda covered several items including the welcome of a new potential member, Caroline Avakian. Discussions included feedback on the 'Downtown for the Holidays' initiative and welcoming Lauren Imbruglia from Deeply Rooted for feedback. Upcoming events planned for the Month of May include the Older Americans Art Exhibit with a reception scheduled for May 12th, requiring immediate flyer distribution. Preparations for the 'Children in the Arts' event on March 15th involve creating flyers, developing a social media waiver, and securing snacks. An Artist Talk with Tamara Freeman is scheduled for March 26th, requiring flyer distribution starting February 26th. Jazz Jam Sessions are currently on hold due to new ownership at Sugar and Spice, with plans to work with the Ridgewood Guild on potential new spaces. A co-sponsored lecture with the Ridgewood Public Library about Art is set for May 16th. Updates were also provided on the Ridgewood Arts Foundation (RAF) Showcase scheduled for April 10th. The next meeting is scheduled for March 9th, 2026.

The meeting addressed the introduction of a new member and provided an update regarding the Ridgewood Living Magazine, confirming inclusion in the February issue. Key upcoming events were planned, including the Older Americans Art Exhibit in May, requiring flyer distribution and art collection parameters; the 'Children in the Arts' event in March, which requires flyer creation, program development, and logistical support for snacks and video equipment; and an Artist Talk with Tamara Freeman in March, also needing flyer approval and video support. There was a follow-up discussion regarding hosting a Jazz Jam Session. Updates were provided on the RAF Showcase scheduled for April 10th, 2026, and planning for the Art Salon. Other art events discussed included the 'ARTFusion 2026 / Paper Trails' exhibit in February, the Ridgewood Guild Oscar Party in March, and Earth Day planning for April.

The agenda for the meeting includes public comment periods, a section for correspondence, the introduction and welcome of new members, and the reorganization process to elect a Chair, Vice Chair, and establish Committee Assignments. Key reports will be presented by liaisons and committees, including the Village Council, Board of Education, and various specific committees. Major discussion items involve the review and update of the Fields and Recreational Facility Use Policy, a hearing on the Department's 2026 Capital & Operational Budgets, and discussion of open positions within the Parks Division. The agenda also covers various ongoing projects such as sun shades at Graydon Pool, the Community Forestry Management Plan, and playground/pavilion improvements at Kings Pond Park. A significant portion addresses Recreation matters, including reports on the HealthBarn, winter programs, camp planning, and a tentative schedule for special events. The meeting will also address the Premier Community Center Proposal Update.

The meeting was a Reorganization and Public Meeting. Key agenda items included the election of officers and the adoption of the 2026 meeting schedule as part of the reorganization process. The commission also reviewed applications for review from several businesses regarding proposed signage, specifically for Ridgewood Dosa House (proposed sign), Pizza by From Scratch (proposed blade sign), and Steel Wheel Tavern/High Line (proposed blade signs).