Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting May 23, 2022 6:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER – A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge was held in the Council Chambers of the River Edge Borough Hall at 705 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, NJ 07661. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for those who are suffering from COVID. Councilwoman Kinsella led those present in a salute to the flag. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE - Mayor Papaleo read the Statement of Compliance into the record as follows: Statement of Compliance with Open Public Meeting Act: This meeting complies with the Open Public Meeting Act by notification on January 7th this location, date and time to the Town News and the Record and by posting of same on the municipal bulletin board and Borough website and filing a notice of the same with the Municipal Clerk. Notice of this meeting via the May 16, 2022 and May 17, 2022 Sunshine Notices were sent to the Town News and the Record and posted on the municipal bulletin board and Borough Website. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilwoman Busteed, Councilman Chinigo, Council President Kaufman, Councilwoman Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney Thomas Sarlo, Esq. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Council President Kaufman, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #22-168 at 6:32 pm. #22-168 Resolution to Go Into Closed Session and Exclude Public WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, NJSA 10:4-12 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows:  1. That the public shall be excluded from the May 23, 2022, regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: Closed Session Statutory Docket # Item Title or Description Reference 22-5/23-1 Personnel Matter – Recreation N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(8) Director 2. Formal action may/may not be taken. 3. Minutes will be kept and once the matter involving the confidentiality of the above no longer requires that confidentiality, then the minutes can be made public. The regular meeting resumed at 7:14 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilwoman Busteed, Councilman Chinigo, Council President Kaufman, Councilwoman Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney Thomas Sarlo, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Council President Kaufman, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, with Councilwoman Busteed and Councilman Chinigo abstaining and all other members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular and Closed Session Meetings of May 9, 2022 are hereby approved. PROCLAMATIONS & AWARDS Certificate of Recognition for Boys 7th Grade Basketball Travel Team Mayor Papaleo presented Certificates of Recognition to the following players and coaches of the River Edge Boys Basketball League Boys 7th Grade Basketball Travel Team for winning the Bergen Travel Basketball League’s Air Force Division Championship: Aayush Pandya, Dario Ouziel, Michael DeGroat, Nick Clark, Ethan Wigdor, Lincoln Walker, Hunter Barone, Henry Arturi, Anthony Pereiri, Charles Orsino, Muhammad Ali-Bascom, Adi Timen, Head Coach Brent Walker, Assistant Coach Nick Clark, and Assistant Coach Joe Barone. Assistant Coaches Nick Clark and Joe Barone commented on how proud they are of this team and expressed that they are looking forward to many more memories in the future. Appreciation was also expressed to Head Coach Walker who was unable to attend this evening. ******** Certificate of Recognition for REGAL Girls 4th Grade Basketball Travel Team Mayor Papaleo presented Certificates of Recognition to the following players and coaches of the River Edge Girls Athletic League Girls 4th Grade Basketball Travel Team for winning the Bergen Travel Basketball League’s Army Division 2021-2022 Championship: Abby Butler, Ava Conway, Emma Gibbons, Mia Pescatore, Kaitlyn Rayside, Anna Sansevere, Aelynn Searles, Shaelyn Talty, Kaylee Victory, Coach Ray Searles, Coach Dean Rayside, Coach Mark Dolaghan, and Coach Paul Victory. He noted that this team had an outstanding record of 15-1. Coach Ray Searles commented on the great season that this team had, noting that these girls are the toughest in River Edge. He stated that he is very proud of this group. ******** Certificate of Recognition for Boys 4th Grade Basketball Travel Team Mayor Papaleo presented Certificates of Recognition to the following players and coaches of the River Edge Boys Basketball League Boys 4th Grade Basketball Travel Team for winning the Bergen Travel Basketball League’s Air Force East Division Championship: Luke Arkenau, Corey Barone, Christopher Cha, Paddy Joyce, Brayden Koch, Luke Koth, Aidan Manocchio, Edgar Quinoy, Dante Stramiello, Head Coach Craig Arkenau, and Coach Marty Joyce. Head Coach Craig Arkenau commented on how proud he is of this team both for the level of effort that they displayed as well as for acting as a team. ******** Proclamation Declaring June 3rd as National Gun Violence Awareness Day Mayor Papaleo read the following proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, every day, 100 Americans are killed by gun violence and on average there are nearly 13,000 gun homicides every year; and WHEREAS, Americans are 25 times more likely to be murdered with guns than people in other developed countries; and WHEREAS, protecting public safety in the communities they serve is a Mayors’ highest responsibility; and WHEREAS, support for the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens goes hand-in- hand with keeping guns away from dangerous people; and WHEREAS, we renew our commitment to reduce gun violence and pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our children safe. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Thomas Papaleo, Mayor of the Borough of River Edge, do hereby proclaim: June 3, 2022 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the Borough of River Edge, and I encourage all citizens to support their local communities efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human lives.  FURTHER, we honor and remember all victims and survivors of gun violence and declare that we as a country must do more to reduce gun violence. Kara O’Donnell, member of Moms Demand Action, thanked the governing body for this proclamation and encouraged the public to learn more information on this cause by visiting wearorange.org. Councilwoman Busteed commented that River Edge is so fortunate to have residents like Ms. O’Donnell and Beth Chinigo as well as others who have stepped up to raise awareness regarding gun violence. PRESENTATIONS – Robert Costa, Borough Engineer – Voorhis Avenue Project Robert Costa Borough Engineer, Greg O’Donnell, Assistant Engineer, and Jason Milito, DPW Superintendent, were present for this discussion. Mayor Papaleo provided background information on the flooding issues on Voorhis Avenue. He advised that the discussion this evening pertains to mitigation methods to ensure that property loss will not be experienced during a normal summer downpour. Borough Engineer Costa detailed the reasons that this area experiences flooding. He advised that 900 linear feet of 60” pipe will be buried in this area to increase water storage. He further advised that they are proposing to run a 36” overflow pipe with a 1% pitch down Oak Avenue. He noted that, although there will still be some flooding in this area, this proposed solution should prevent cars and homes from being impacted. He advised that the plans are currently being prepared to go out to bid in July with an anticipated start date in September and completion date by November. He commented that the biggest challenge currently is supply chain which could impact this timeline. Public Comment on Voorhis Avenue Project Only Motion Councilwoman Busteed, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to open the floor for public comment on this issue only. Tim O’Donnell, 150 Voorhis Avenue, expressed concern that the conduit will remain in place as there is a bottleneck in this location. He also questioned whether there are any grants or funds that can be applied to offset the cost. Mr. Costa explained how the issues with the current conduit will be addressed. With respect to funding, Borough Administrator Aportela explained that, although it was initially thought that funds from the American Rescue Act could be used for this purpose, doing so would overcomplicate the project. These funds were, instead, utilized to offset revenue which assisted with the down payment associated with the overall capital plan of which this project is a part. Erik Neilis, 151 Voorhis Ave, asked for confirmation that the pipes in this area have been scoped and no debris needed to be removed. DPW Superintendent Milito confirmed that the pipe was scoped and explained that there was only 3 inches of debris. He further explained that this amount is not enough to cause a blockage, and as such, removal of this debris was not warranted. Mr. Neilis noted that, since living at this location, he has lost 4 cars and expressed gratitude to the governing body for completing this project. DPW Superintendent Milito commented that the DPW has also implemented a yearly basin cleaning program which, in conjunction with cleaning the pipes, has substantially helped to mitigate flooding. Nick Folkers,149 Voorhis Avenue, inquired as to the current flow rate. Tim O’Donnell, 150 Voorhis Avenue, further inquired how the additional pipe will increase the inches per hour that this area will be able to handle. Borough Engineer Costa reviewed the acres of flooding in this area. He expressed his belief that this number will be increased to 30 acres but noted that he will confirm and report back. Erik Neilis, 151 Voorhis Ave, asked whether there are any weaknesses in this plan. Borough Engineer Costa advised that, should there be weaknesses in this plan, the only other option would be to pump mechanically. Kevin Uhl, 167 Voorhis Ave, expressed disappointment that more isn’t being done to help divert the water during severe storms such as having the Fire Department assist. Mayor Papaleo advised that this plan is meant to prevent this area from being unique in terms of what takes place during a storm and $1.3 million is being dedicated to this project. Erik Neilis, 151 Voorhis Ave, inquired what impact new construction may have on this area. Borough Engineer Costa explained that every new home in the past 5 to 10 years has been required to put in seepage pits. He expressed confidence that this plan is the solution to help mitigate flooding in this area. Mayor Papaleo advised that all impacted residents will be notified when the contract award for this project is listed on a Mayor and Council agenda. As the bid opening is open to the public, the residents will also be notified of this date should they wish to attend. Motion by Councilman Chinigo, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, to close public comment on the Voorhis Avenue Project. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM – On motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilman Chinigo, and all present voting in favor, to open for public comments on any item on the agenda. Gene Getter, 880 Fifth Avenue, inquired as to the reason that ADA ramps are being installed in his area as well as how this project is being funded. He noted that proper notification was not given to the impacted residents. He spoke to the safety hazards posed by uneven sidewalks in this area and suggested that this funding, instead, be used to replace those sidewalks. Should the work on the ramps not be completed satisfactorily, he inquired to whom this information should be reported. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that this project is completed every year to meet federal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act. She further explained that, once the ADA ramps are completed, the street is then paved. She noted that the 2022 ADA Ramp project will be going out to bid and those streets will be added to the schedule to be paved next year. With respect to funding, she advised that, since this work is mandated, it is funded through the Capital Budget every year. Regarding uneven sidewalks, Mr. Getter was advised that sidewalks are the property owner’s responsibility. He was told that uneven sidewalks can be reported to the municipality and an inspector will go out to determine whether a warning should be issued to have the sidewalk repaired. The process to determine whether a project is completed satisfactorily was explained as well as the process to have deficiencies corrected. On a motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all present voting in favor, to close public comments on any item on the agenda. APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES – On motion by Councilman Chinigo, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: Approve the appointments of Priti Dhariwal, Steven Shalit and Claritza Rodriguez to the Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee for two-year terms through December 31, 2023. Approve the resignation of Zachary Link, Laborer in the Department of Public Works effective May 26, 2022. Approve the salary increase of Matthew Polandick, Laborer in the Department of Public Works from an annual Laborer II, Step I salary of $37,142.00 to Laborer II, Step IV - $43,637.00 effective June 1, 2022. Approve the resignation of Victor Fonseca, Senior Bus Driver effective May 20, 2022. Approve the hire of Simon Krivoruk as Part-Time Summer Help in the Department of Public Works at an hourly rate of $15.00 per week or 29 hours per week effective June 1, 2022. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye, abstain on appointment Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent of Steven Shalit MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS – Mayor Papaleo announced that the following appointments are being made: Gary Esposito as Alternate #1 (unexpired Grasso) to the Land Use Board for a term ending December 31, 2023. Colin Busteed as Alternate #2 (unexpired Exposito) to the Land Use Board for a term ending December 31, 2022. MONTHLY REPORTS – Mayor Papaleo advised that the following reports are on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk and available for review: Library Board of Trustees - May 2022 Historic Commission - April 2022 Land Use Board - April 13, 2022 SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #22-10 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinance published herewith was first read by title only on May 9, 2022 and posted on the bulletin board of the municipal building. Ordinance #22-10 An Ordinance to Amend Chapter of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of River Edge, Entitled “Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Department” Public Comments on Ordinances 22-10 Motion by Councilman Chinigo, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #22-10. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that, with the exception of members of the Recreation Commission, this ordinance eliminates the restriction that a member of another board is prevented from serving on the Cultural Affairs Committee. No one came forward. Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #22-10. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Busteed, that Ordinance #22-10 be passed on second and final reading and is hereby adopted and notice of same shall be published according to law. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent (See Ordinance #22-10 attached and made a part hereof.) ******** RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #22-169 Approve Senior Transportation Program Guidelines b. #22-170 Authorize Refund of Solicitors Permit  c. #22-171 Authorize Tax Collector to Refund 2022 2nd Quarter Tax Overpayment(s) d. #22-172 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2021 CDBG Sidewalk Replacement at Reservoir Avenue Project e. #22-173 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Borough Hall & Fire Company #1 Parking Lot Improvement Project f. #22-174 Authorize Purchase of Outdoor Book Return for the River Edge Public Library Under State Contract g. #22-175 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Fire Company #2 Parking Lot Improvement Project h. #22-176 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2022 ADA Ramps at Various Locations i. #22-177 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Voorhis Avenue Drainage Project j. #22-178 Authorize Issuance of Purchase Order – Phase II of the Borough Documents Management Project k. #22-179 Approve the Hire of a Full-time Laborer in the Department of Public Works l. #22-180 Authorize Purchase of 4 x 4 Utility Vehicle for the Department of Public Works Under State Contract m. #22-181 Renewal of ABC Liquor Licenses for 2022-2023 n. #22-182 Award Contract – 2022 Road Improvement Program o. #22-183 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2022 Road Improvement Program p. #22-184 Approval to Waive a Portion of the Police Outside Duty Rate for Mark Dolaghan, 608 5th Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey q. #22-185 Confirm Emergency Purchase – Garbage Truck Repair Motion by Council Present Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Busteed, that the Consent Agenda be approved The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent ******** #22-169 Approve Senior Transportation Program Guidelines BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the attached guidelines for the Senior Transportation Program are hereby approved. ******** #22-170 Authorize Refund of Solicitors Permit WHEREAS, the Borough Clerk’s office collects a fee of $25.00 for a solicitors license application; and WHEREAS, Aptive Environmental submitted eighteen (18) applications for solicitors licenses on 4/27/22; and  WHEREAS, Aptive Environmental inadvertently paid for nineteen (19) applications and is requesting a refund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Accounts Supervisor is hereby authorized to issue a refund in the amount of $25.00 to: Aptive Environmental 5132 N 300 W Suite 150 Provo, UT 84604 ******** #22-171 Authorize Tax Collector to Refund 2022 2nd Quarter Tax Overpayment(s) WHEREAS, the tax office has received duplicate and/or tax overpayments for the 2nd Quarter 2022 taxes on the following property(s); and WHEREAS, a written request was received from their mortgage company to refund the overpaid amount directly to the mortgage company. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Account Supervisor is hereby authorized to issue a refund check in the following amount and the Tax Collector to adjust her records accordingly. BLOCK/LOT HOMEOWNER/ADDRESS TYPE AMOUNT 309/20 Lustenberger, Fred Duplicate 3,855.87 730 Seventh Avenue 706/15 Bhalla, Sunil Radhirkumar Duplicate 1,121.65 203 Manning Avenue 901/4 Wilhelm, Gary & Walter, Amy Duplicate 3,884.52 259 Dorchester Road TOTAL: $8,862.04 Make check payable to: CORE LOGIC TAX SERVICES P.O. Box 9202 Coppell, TX 75019-9978 Attn: Centralized Refunds ******** #22-172 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2021 CDBG Sidewalk Replacement at Reservoir Avenue Project WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer had submitted a proposal to perform additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the 2021 CDBG Sidewalk Replacement at Reservoir Avenue Project for a cost not to exceed $25,000.00; and  WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the attached proposal, dated May 3, 2022 from Borough Engineer, Robert Costa of Costa Engineering Corporation for additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the 2021 CDBG Sidewalk Replacement at Reservoir Avenue Project for a cost not to exceed $25,000.00. ******** #22-173 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Borough Hall & Fire Company #1 Parking Lot Improvement Project WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer had submitted a proposal on August 12, 2021, to perform additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the Borough Hall & Fire Company #1 Parking Lot Improvement Project for a cost not to exceed $26,250.00; and WHEREAS, Resolution #21-330, adopted on November 22, 2021, approved the surveying and design for the aforementioned project for a cost not to exceed $13,124.50; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for the balance of these services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the attached proposal, dated August 12, 2021, from Borough Engineer, Robert Costa of Costa Engineering Corporation for additional professional engineering services associated with bid services, project management and inspection services for the Borough Hall & Fire Company #1 Parking Lot Improvement Project for a cost not to exceed $13,125.00. ******** #22-174 Authorize Purchase of Outdoor Book Return for the River Edge Public Library Under State Contract WHEREAS, the purchase of an outdoor book return for the River Edge Public Library was authorized in the 2022 capital budget; and WHEREAS, the Library Director, Daragh O’Connor investigated the options to purchase outdoor book return under a New Jersey State Bid contract; and WHEREAS, after evaluating the options for the purchase of the outdoor book return, the Library Director has recommended purchasing the 80 C-Series Supermax Versa DualDrop Return; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12, permits municipalities to purchase goods and services without advertising for bids, from companies under any contract or contracts for such goods or services entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury, commonly referred to as “State Contracts”; and WHEREAS, the purchase of the 80 C-Series Supermax Versa DualDrop Return, qualifies to be purchased using State Contract #17-FOOD-00246, from Demco Inc. of PO Box 8048 in Madison, WI, at a total cost of $7,799.99; and WHEREAS, Borough Administrator/Qualified Purchasing Agent, Lissette Aportela has verified that State Contract #17-FOOD-00246, was awarded to Demco, Inc. on August 31, 2017 through August 30, 2022; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this purchase from the 2022 capital budget. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that Library Director, Daragh O’Connor is hereby authorized to purchase the 80 C-Series Supermax Versa DualDrop Return under State Contract #17-FOOD-00246 at a total cost of $7,799.99 from Demco Inc. ******** #22-175 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Fire Company #2 Parking Lot Improvement Project WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer had submitted a proposal on August 12, 2021, to perform additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the Fire Company #2 Parking Lot Improvement Project for a cost not to exceed $22,500.00; and WHEREAS, Resolution #21-329, adopted on November 22, 2021, approved the surveying and design for the aforementioned project for a cost not to exceed $11,250.00; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for the balance of these services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the attached proposal, dated August 12, 2021, from Borough Engineer, Robert Costa of Costa Engineering Corporation for additional professional engineering services associated with bid services, project management and inspection services for the Fire Company #2 Parking Lot Improvement Project for a cost not to exceed $11,250.00. ******** #22-176 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2022 ADA Ramps at Various Locations WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer had submitted a proposal on August 12, 2021, to perform additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the 2022 ADA Ramps at Various Locations Project for a cost not to exceed $34,500.00; and WHEREAS, Resolution #21-331, adopted on November 22, 2021, approved the surveying and design for the aforementioned project for a cost not to exceed $17,250.00; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for the balance of these services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the attached proposal, dated August 12, 2021, from Borough Engineer, Robert Costa of Costa Engineering Corporation for additional professional engineering services associated with bid services, project management and inspection services for the 2022 ADA Ramps at Various Locations Project for a cost not to exceed $17,250.00. ******** #22-177 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Voorhis Avenue Drainage Project WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer had submitted a proposal to perform additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the Voorhis Avenue Drainage Project for a cost not to exceed $220,000.00; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the attached proposal, dated May 3, 2022 from Borough Engineer, Robert Costa of Costa Engineering Corporation for additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the Voorhis Avenue Drainage Project for a cost not to exceed $220,000.00. ******** #22-178 Authorize Issuance of Purchase Order – Phase II of the Borough Documents Management Project WHEREAS, Phase II of the Borough Documents Management Project was authorized in the 2022 capital budget; and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge is a member of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) since July 11, 2019; and WHEREAS, AccuScan is has been awarded a contract for Document Management for Records Retention and Disposal (#ESCNJ 16/17-48 through June 30, 2022 and #ESCNJ22/23-11 from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024) WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela obtained quote from AccuScan for the records management project for $35,550.00 and has recommended at a purchase order be issued to AccuScan; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this project. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela is authorized to issue a purchase order for Phase II of the Borough Documents Management Project to AccuScan, having its principal office at 950 Mt. Holly Road, Building 3 in Edgewater Park, NJ 08010 based on the quote submitted on April 20, 2022, in the amount of $35,550.00. ******** #22-179 Approve the Hire of a Full-time Laborer in the Department of Public Works  BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge that Paul Lee Hemmendinger be and he is hereby hired as a full-time Laborer in the Department of Public Works at an annual Laborer II, Step 4 salary of $43,637.00 with a one (1) year probationary period, effective June 8, 2022. ******** #22-180 Authorize Purchase of 4 x 4 Utility Vehicle for the Department of Public Works Under State Contract WHEREAS, the purchase of a new 4x4 utility vehicle for the Department of Public Works was authorized in the 2022 capital budget; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, Jason Milito investigated the options to purchase a 4x4 utility vehicle under a New Jersey State Bid contract; and WHEREAS, after evaluating the options for the purchase of a new vehicle, the Superintendent has recommended purchasing a 2023 Ford F-350; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12, permits municipalities to purchase goods and services without advertising for bids, from companies under any contract or contracts for such goods or services entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury, commonly referred to as “State Contracts”; and WHEREAS, a 2023 Ford F-350, qualifies to be purchased using State Contract #17-FLEET- 00241, from Route 23 Automall LLC of 1301 Route 23 in Butler, NJ 07405, at a total cost of $87,658.00; and WHEREAS, Borough Administrator/Qualified Purchasing Agent, Lissette Aportela has verified that State Contract #17-FLEET-00241, was awarded to Route 23 Automall LLC on August 17, 2017, through August 16, 2022; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this purchase from the 2022 capital budget. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, Jason Milito is hereby authorized to purchase a 2023 Ford F-350, under State Contract #17-FLEET-00241, at a total cost of $87,658.00 from Route 23 Automall LLC. ******** #22-181 Renewal of ABC Liquor Licenses for 2022-2023 Whereas, all Plenary Retail Consumption, Retail Distribution, Limited Distribution and Club Licenses will expire on June 30, 2022; and, Whereas, the following applicants have complied with the provisions of the Act of the Legislature entitled, “An Act Concerning Alcoholic Beverages”, being Chapter 436 of the Laws of 1933, its supplements and amendments, and with the Rules and Regulations issued or to be promulgated by the State Commissioner of Alcoholic Beverage Control applicable.  Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey that the Borough Clerk be and is hereby authorized to issue licenses to expire June 30, 2023, to the following: PLENARY RETAIL DISTRIBUTION LICENSES - $2,500.00 LICENSE# LICENSEE LICENSED PREMISES 0252-44-002-012 Country Wine & Liquors, LLC 842 Kinderkamack Road 6402 Smith Avenue #2 North Bergen, NJ 07047 0252-44-003-004 Wine & Liquor River Edge, LLC 504 Kinderkamack Road t/a River Edge Liquors ******** #22-182 Award Contract – 2022 Road Improvement Program WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge is a member of the Riverside Cooperative (35-RC-21-01); and WHEREAS, bids were received by the Riverside Cooperative for the 2022 Riverside Cooperative Road Improvement Program and the master contract was awarded on April 28, 2022, to American Asphalt & Trucking, LLC; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this contract. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute a contract with American Asphalt & Trucking, LLC located at 818 Summer Avenue in Newark, NJ 07104 for the Borough of River Edge’s 2022 Road Improvement Program in the amount of $492,102.32. ******** #22-183 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2022 Road Improvement Program WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer had submitted a proposal to perform project management and inspection services for the 2022 Road Improvement Program for a cost not to exceed $37,000; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the attached proposal, dated May 19, 2022, from Borough Engineer, Robert Costa of Costa Engineering Corporation for additional professional engineering services associated with project management and inspection services for the 2022 Road Improvement Program for a cost not to exceed $37,000. ******** #22-184 Approval to Waive a Portion of the Police Outside Duty Rate for Mark Dolaghan, 608 5th Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey WHEREAS, Mark Dolaghan applied for a street opening permit for the removal and replacement of a sewer line in front of his property; and WHEREAS, at the request of the contractor, Stanziale Construction, a police officer was requested for traffic duty due to the location; and WHEREAS, Mark Dolaghan made an appeal to the Police Department to waive the administrative fee portion of the $135.00 per hour rate and be billed for the officer’s overtime rate; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council recommend that the outside duty rate of the $135.00 be waived and that the actual overtime rate of the police officer assigned to that duty be charged. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Police Department and the Chief Financial Officer are instructed to adjust their billing accordingly and to notify Mark Dolaghan of the fee to be paid for the services provided. ******** #22-185 Confirm Emergency Purchase – Garbage Truck Repair WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works 29-yard packer garbage truck had a rotted floor, which made the vehicle unusable; and WHEREAS, this vehicle provides the Borough with a safe and effective way to pick up recyclables throughout the year, the leaves during the leaf season, is used to plow during snowstorms, and is crucial because it is used throughout leaf season to remove debris as required by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works determined that this situation was an emergency affecting the public health, safety and welfare and the repair to this vehicle is vital in order to remove the debris throughout the Borough until a replacement vehicle is purchased; and WHEREAS, the Borough is required to contract with an outside vendor as the garbage truck cannot be repaired in-house any longer due to the extent of the repair required and the need to return the vehicle to the active fleet as soon as possible; and WHEREAS, Transportation Repairs & Refinishing, Inc. has responded to the emergency for a total contract price of $7,652.13. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby confirm that the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works was authorized to issue a purchase order to Transportation Repairs & Refinishing, Inc., 267 Green Street, South Hackensack, NJ 07606 for the repair of the 29-yard packer garbage truck (#81) in the amount of $7,652.13 as an emergency purchase as per NJSA 40A:11-6. ******** #22-186 Payment of Bills Council President Kaufman read resolution #22-186 into the record: At a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, held on May 23, 2022. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $3,233,753.26 CAPITAL FUND $ 397,335.71 GRANT FUND $ 62,053.61 TRUST OTHER FUND $ 10,662.50 PAYROLL FUND $ 16,048.00 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW FUND $ 1,530.00 SELF INSURANCE TRUST FUND $ 20,406.02 RECREATION TRUST FUND $ 3,088.92 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by dc, that Resolution #22-186 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent ******** NEW BUSINESS – Summer Camp Refunds Councilman Chinigo noted that there were complaints on social media regarding refunds not being issued for summer camp. He expressed his desire to implement a refund policy. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that she looked at the fee schedule within the Borough Code and there is not language to indicate whether the fee for summer camp is refundable. She explained that a refund would need to be authorized via resolution and the fee scheduled amended to specify whether the fee is refundable. She also inquired whether a nonrefundable administrative fee should be charged. There was a suggestion that refunds be permitted on a sliding scale. Councilwoman Busteed expressed her belief that there may already be a refund policy through Community Pass. Borough Administrator Aportela is to determine whether there is a refund policy in place. Should there be an existing policy, she is to determine whether this policy needs to be amended to specify that refunds are to be made on a sliding scale. She is also to provide a recommendation on whether to retain an administrative fee. Vegetation Collection Councilwoman Busteed noted that vegetation was not collected in some of the districts last week, and when it was collected, it was placed into a garbage truck. As a lesser rate is charged for this waste versus garbage, she requested that the DPW Superintendent ensure that the Borough is not being overcharged. Borough Administrator Aportela confirmed that DPW Superintendent Milito is addressing this issue with the garbage contractor. OLD BUSINESS – Update on Construction Projects Borough Administrator Aportela reported that there were several resolutions on this evening’s Consent Agenda pertaining to projects that were funded through the Capital Budget. She noted that one resolution authorized engineering services for the Voorhis Avenue project discussed earlier this evening. She announced that tomorrow is the bid opening for the 2022 ADA Ramps project combined with the resurfacing of this parking lot as well as the parking lot located at Fire Company #2. A preconstruction meeting for the 2022 Road Paving Program has been scheduled. She noted that, as River Dell Middle School will have an extended closure for Memorial Day, paving will first begin on this side of town. Farmers Market Update Council President Kaufman reported that a tentative famer has been secured provided that additional vendors can be secured. She advised that four vendors have committed to the Farmers Market to date. She further advised that Councilwoman Kinsella has contacted members of the Cultural Affairs Committee to see whether someone is interested in managing the market. June 30th is the tentative start date and it is anticipated that the market will be held on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. NEW BUSINESS (continued) Cultural Center Parking Lot Councilwoman Busteed questioned the reason that large trucks are parked in the former Cultural Center parking lot. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that there are punch list items being completed by the contractor for the Continental Avenue project. She advised that she will contact the Project Manager to obtain more information on the outstanding items and report back. Councilman Chinigo asked when the radar speed limit sign will be put back in this area. Borough Administrator Aportela will also look into this issue and report back. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Ray Stitz, 219 Mohawk Drive, reported that he is working on obtaining a memory stone for Joe Maugeri free of charge and expressed his belief that it will be ready by Veterans Day. He advised that, although he placed a Ukranian flag on the fabric of the fence over Route 4 which is permitted, it has been ripped down several times. He stated that he will be ordering additional flags to place in this location. Motion by Councilman Chinigo, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Council President Kaufman congratulated the teams that were honored earlier this evening. Councilwoman Busteed announced that the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony will take place on June 1st at 6 p.m. in Memorial Park. She thanked the Stigma Free Committee for hosting the 2nd Annual Music in the Park event on Saturday at which time they raised awareness regarding the Stigma Free Initiative. She advised that there are still shirts available for purchase. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, on a motion by Councilman Chinigo, second by Councilwoman Busteed, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk