Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting July 11, 2022 7:00 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 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for all those individuals throughout the world who are in the midst of struggling for freedom especially in Ukraine as well as for the American soldiers who are protecting the country and its interests. Borough Clerk Dodd 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. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilwoman Busteed, Councilman Chinigo, Council President Kaufman, Councilwoman Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilwoman Montisano-Koen and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney Thomas Sarlo, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, with Councilwoman Montisano-Koen abstaining and all other members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular and Closed Session Meetings of June 27, 2022 are hereby approved. FOR DISCUSSION – Memorial Park Revitalization Mayor Papaleo explained how this discussion will proceed and explained the process that would be followed should the grant application be approved, noting that the earliest the project would commence is June 2023. He advised that several funding pieces are already in place and reviewed other locations that were considered for a softball field but deemed not to be viable options. Robert Costa, Borough Engineer, Costa Engineering, introduced his colleagues Jeyson Flores and Greg O’Donnell. He reviewed the initial plan to create a softball field which was presented on June 27th. He advised that the cost estimate for this work is roughly $3.5 million, and although the work has been proposed to take place in 3 phases, it would be his recommendation to do this work in one phase, if possible. With respect to the second concept plan, Borough Engineer Costa explained that everything will remain as is in the north side of the park, the cul-de-sac to the east would be removed, cul-de-sac to the west will remain unless it is decided to remove it, a softball field would be built, a few pathways would be relocated, and the existing playground would be updated. He advised that the cost estimate for this plan is approximately $1.5 million. Councilwoman Busteed noted that a grant application was submitted to the County at the end of April for improvements to Brookside Park and what is being considered this evening is to repurpose that grant application to Memorial Park. She proposed moving forward with improvements to Memorial Park that would include updates to the playground equipment, drainage improvements to address flooding, and improvements to the walkways. She further recommended that they proceed with the grant application for improvements to Brookside Park and, in 2023, work in earnest with the Board of Education and stakeholders to get the softball program what they need and deserve with two fields at Roosevelt. Borough Engineer Costa provided further information on the improvements that are proposed in the third concept plan and advised that the estimated cost for this work is between $800,000 to $900,000. Mayor Papaleo reviewed the sources of funding that are currently available, noting that the entire amount would need to be set aside prior to going out to bid. He advised that he met with the Superintendent of Schools earlier today and commented that negotiations are essentially in the same place they were previously. He explained the terms upon which the BOE is willing to agree, advising that they are opposed to the three requests of REGAL for a permanent storage structure, snack stand, and year-round signage. He further explained that an interlocal agreement would need to be entered into and once authorized, special permission would need to be sought from the County to use grant funding for BOE property. Council President Kaufman, Councilwoman Kinsella, and Councilwoman Montisano-Koen expressed agreement with completing the proposed improvements to Brookside and Memorial Park. Councilwoman Kinsella and Councilwoman Montisano-Koen both expressed disappointment with the fact that there are no plans for a girls’ softball field in 2022. Although Councilwoman Malellari relayed that she agreed with the proposed improvements to Brookside and Memorial Park, she questioned whether one of the Little League fields could be utilized for the softball field. Mayor Papaleo explained that, although it is possible to turn one of those fields into a softball field, there is a constituency who is opposed to that idea and that decision could not be decided now. Councilman Chinigo expressed his belief that a girls’ softball field should be built. He noted that, although a plan was presented, nothing was set in stone and no decisions were made. He pointed out that the third plan presented this evening does not address anything that the governing body was trying to address when he brought this issue forward. He expressed his opinion that there is a need to go back to the drawing board and remarked that, with respect to the Board of Education, no headway has been made in the past and stated that he does not believe anything will be different now. He read a letter and editorial from the Bergen Record into the record which are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. A question arose as to where the proposed drainage improvements would take place in the third concept plan. Borough Engineer Costa advised that there would be sampling throughout the entire park. Councilwoman Busteed expressed her opinion that, by waiting until 2023 to submit a grant application, it will allow the opportunity for the governing body, stakeholders and community to come together to devise a plan. She commented that building this field at Memorial Park will have more of an adverse effect on the community than exploring other avenues. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – Beth Chinigo, REGAL President, expressed her belief that REGAL does not have equal access or treatment. She advised that she is a proponent of getting every dollar possible for the parks and that the softball field needs to be located on municipal land. Anna Delia, Tenney Avenue, Vice Chair of the Recreation Commission, read the following statement into the record on behalf of the Recreation Commission: “The Recreation Commission learned of this project last week by word of mouth and social media. We were not consulted or informed of any plans to build an additional field at Memorial Park. Once finding out, the commission was deeply disheartened that we had no part in this discussion. We meet each month to discuss ways to improve our towns recreation so that all benefit. For example, Previously we have requested to add pickle ball lines to our tennis courts, as we saw a need for many residents to use this. We were turned down when this would have been a minimal amount. This large and costly project was not shared with us openly. Yesterday the Mayor and Councilman Chinigo met with the members of the commission in Memorial Park to review the plans to use more of the park for a softball field. The majority of the commission is in full support of discussing a realistic option to provide our REgal teams with a field, however we do not support using Memorial Park as the home for this field. Memorial Park is a space all residents use on a daily basis and simply taking down most of it to add a field we feel would not be what is best for the majority of our residents. There are other options we did bring up at our meeting yesterday and we would like to continue these discussions as a commission, along with the other stakeholders in order to best serve all residents of River Edge. Given that there are other options we would like to explore, simply applying for a grant without the specifics does not seem like a viable path. Once all research is done, we would be in favor of revisiting how we can provide a field like this for our girls. It is important to us to have a plan and to work together to best serve and support the residents of our town.” Renee Munoz, 215 Webb Avenue, remarked that the residents are not opposed to the girls having the field that they deserve. He expressed his opinion that this plan has been rushed and poorly communicated. He suggested that a grant application not be submitted this year. Alphonse Bartelloni, 719 Oak Avenue, advised that this issue has been ongoing for a very long time. He noted that a lease agreement with the Board of Education was drafted four years ago and has gone nowhere since then. He expressed disappointment with option 3 and commented on the drainage issues that exist, noting that it presents a slipping hazard. He finished by stating that the inequity between the girls and boys needs to be addressed. Maryann Komar, 124 Voorhis Avenue, advised that the Recreation Commission was never consulted or notified of this proposed project. She noted that Mayor Papaleo and Councilman Chinigo met with the commission last night and she felt sick over the plans that were being proposed for Memorial Park. She thanked Councilwoman Busteed for proposing option 3, commenting that she is not against having a REGAL field. Michelle Ballar, 725 Elm Avenue, noted that, despite requesting subcommittee reports, she was met with no response. As this issue has been explored for so many years, she inquired as to why there are no alternatives to review. She expressed her opinion that a grant application for Memorial Park would most likely not be approved without resident support. Ken Krautheim, Beech Drive North, advised that he served as REGAL President for 10 years and many alternatives for a softball field have been proposed and explored in the past. He detailed how difficult the Board of Education has been during negotiations. He commented that a Freedom of Information Act request may be submitted to show the inequity in the funding that has been allocated to the boys since 1970 versus the girls. He expressed hope that there is another avenue for the girls as he does not see an agreement being reached with the Board of Education regarding Roosevelt. Alicia Armental, 200 Mohawk Drive, advised that she is a member of the Recreation Commission and commented that she believes it is misleading to put forth a proposal to the County with which everyone is not in agreement. She explained that, in the past, the Recreation Commission has always worked well with and felt respected by the governing body which has not been the case over the past few years. She noted that there are 7 fields available for the girls and commented that she would like to revisit with the Board of Education the idea of making the two softball fields at Roosevelt the home for REGAL. Jim Serednicky, 291 Monroe Ave, expressed his opinion that, although the girls do need a place to play, a more equitable use of the fields should be explored. He asked that Memorial Park not be gutted over a snack stand and signage. Ken Schuffenhauer, 780 Millbroook Road, noted that his issue is with the process. He commented that, as Memorial Park is not a Little League complex, use of one of the Little League fields for softball should be explored. He suggested the idea of hiring a park planner and stated that he does not agree with proceeding with the third plan. Steve Baxter, 865 Fifth Avenue, pointed out that Recreation, REGAL and Traffic and Safety were not consulted with respect to this plan nor was a topographical study conducted. He questioned what else has not been done. Mike DeSanctis, Elm Avenue, expressed that he is pro-REGAL and pro-equality and believes that the third proposal is a home run. He stated that it is time to share the Little League facility. Abigail Bartelloni, Oak Avenue, advised that she went through the REGAL system and spoke about the inequality in softball. She remarked that she would like her sister and future generations of girls to have what she did not have. Susan Russo, Bogert Road, advised that her daughter does not want to see her playground destroyed when there are already two fields in Memorial Park that can be shared. Diane Dunleavy, Manchester Road, suggested that a one-year calendar be developed to set milestones for addressing the fields as well as a 5-year plan. Liz Stewart, Chair of the Shade Tree Commission, commented that she is neither opposed to or in favor of this plan. She noted that the commission is charged with protecting the trees in the town and explained that the trees are protecting the park. She detailed the benefits that the shade trees provide and asked that the commission be involved in the process. Jennifer Dougherty, member of the Shade Tree Commission, advised that she does a lot of work with grants and noted that there needs to be a plan when applying for a grant. She commented that the Shade Tree Commission, Recreation Commission, and Environmental Commission all need to be involved in this process. Katherine Bounds, Summit Ave, expressed her opinion that Councilwoman Busteed was the voice of reason this evening and commented that all groups should be working together. She suggested that the facilities be shared while an agreed upon grant application can be prepared. Frank Garcia, Webb Avenue, advised that he received an inquiry from Joe Manzelli who served on the River Dell BOE for 13 years as to whether REGAL ever explored use of the River Dell Middle School field. Beth Chinigo, REGAL President, responded that REGAL is not permitted to speak to any entity on its own. She explained that requests are made through the Recreation Commission, and as such, she is unsure whether options at the middle school have been explored. Alicia Armental, Mohawk Drive, advised that, although a request for batting cages and a concession stand were not made, the middle school field is one of the seven fields that are utilized by the Recreation Commission for softball. Cindy Sherlock, Bogert Road, advised that the field at Roosevelt was skinned at REGAL’s request and a watering system was provided. She noted that skinned fields require a lot of maintenance which was relayed to REGAL. She expressed her opinion that use of the middle school field needs to be explored. Colleen Schwabik, 140 Wayne Avenue, remarked that the fields are underutilized and everyone should be working together to devise a plan. She expressed that she is not in favor of putting a softball field at Memorial Park and the current fields should, instead, be updated and maintained. Vince Sicari, 724 Elm Avenue, stated that having the boys share the fields will show them how to become men. He commented that something beautiful should not be torn down for equality. He asked that the governing body have the same courage and conviction to go after Little League. Gabrielle Monroe, Jefferson Avenue, expressed her opinion that a softball field in Memorial Park is not what is needed. She remarked that topsoil, gravel and shrubs should be added to help with the drainage issue. She expressed agreement that the fields should be shared and noted that the proposed field would be located three feet from homes. Suzanne Golden, Bogert Road, expressed disappointment in the BOE, commenting that she hopes this issue can be worked out with them. Sebastian Muscarella, Fifth Avenue, encouraged the community to think hard about the next BOE election. He inquired whether an expert can be retained to confirm that flooding will continue to be an issue at KBG in the future. He further inquired whether REGAL can make a concession with respect to their request for snack stand so Roosevelt can be used. Claire Suk, 209 Webb Avenue, explained that she posted information on this proposed project to Facebook as Memorial Park belongs to everyone in town. She equated this project to major surgery which would not be performed without consulting a patient. On a motion by Council President Kaufman, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed, and all present voting in favor, to close public comments on any item on the agenda. Mayor Papaleo reviewed the four concepts that were put forward this evening which included three by the governing body and one by the public. He addressed questions and concerns that were raised by members of the public. Although he noted that he typically does not get involved in debate, he advised that he would vote to convert one of the Little League fields to a softball field should the vote result in a tie. Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, to open to the public. Ken Schuffenhauer, 780 Millbroook Road, cautioned the governing body against deciding this evening to convert one of the Little League fields to a softball field as he believes it will cause a similar issue with Little League as they are facing this evening. Motion by Councilwoman Busteed, second by Council President Kaufman, to leave the 2022 grant application for Brookside Park as is, leave the 2019 and 2020 open space funding currently allocated to KBG alone, and direct the Recreation Commission to organize a meeting within 30 days for all stakeholders to discuss how to utilize the current fields more equitably among all residents. On a roll call, vote is recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye Mayor Papaleo noted that there were a lot of promises made to reach out to the Board of Education and expressed hope that these promises are true. He also expressed hope that there will be a plan for a softball field at this time next year without exception. Motion by Councilman Chinigo, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, to take a recess at 9:25 pm Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, to resume the meeting at 9:30 pm. APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES – Councilwoman Montisano-Koen inquired whether the Senior Bus would still be operational with this resignation. Borough Administrator Aportela confirmed that the principal driver is still on staff. On motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilwoman Busteed, and all members present voting in favor, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: Approve the resignation of Ozod Freeman, Senior Bus Driver effective July 8, 2022. MONTHLY REPORTS – Mayor Papaleo advised that the following reports are on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk and available for review: Historic Commission - May & June 2022 Tax Collector - June 2022 Fire Department - January – June 2022 Board of Health - June 2022 FIRST READING – ORDINANCES – Ordinance #22-11 Motion by Council President Kaufman that the following ordinance be introduced and passed on first reading and setting August 1, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the as the matter can be heard as the date and time and the Council Chambers of the River Edge Municipal Building as the place for a hearing on said ordinance. Second by Councilwoman Busteed. Mayor Papaleo read the title of the ordinance into the record: Ordinance #22-11 An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of River Edge, Chapter 400, “Vehicles and Traffic” Borough Administrator Aportela explained that, as the Continental Avenue project has been substantially complete, this ordinance implements recommendations from the Police Department pertaining to parking at the Ambulance Corps Building and prohibited parking at the crosswalk location. 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: aye (See Ordinance #22-11 attached and made a part hereof.) RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #22-218 Authorize Referendum for the General Election Ballot – Continuation of the Municipal Open Space Trust Fund Pulled for Discussion b. #22-219 Approve Refunds – Recreation Department c. #22-220 Amend 2022 Mayor & Council Meeting Schedule d. #22-221 Approve the Hire of a Full-time Laborer in the Department of Public Works e. #22-222 Authorize Refunds – Escrow Money f. #22-223 Authorize Purchase of 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 9C1 Pursuit for the River Edge Police Department g. #22-224 Authorize Purchase of 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe SSV for the River Edge Police Department h. #22-225 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Bogert Road-Section 6 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, that the Consent Agenda be approved as amended. 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: aye ******** #22-219 Approve Refunds – Recreation Department WHEREAS, participants of various programs offered by the River Edge Recreation Department have requested a refund; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela, has reviewed the requests and recommended them for Mayor and Council approval. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, that the refunds listed below are hereby approved; and RESIDENT ADDRESS PROGRAM AMOUNT ACCOUNT # Jill Hodge 60 Gates Avenue Summer River Edge, NJ 07661 Playground $300.00 T-18-55-286-003 Program BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Finance Department ****** #22-220 Amend 2022 Meeting Schedule of the Mayor & Council BE IT RESOLVED that the 2022 Meeting Schedule of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge adopted via Resolution #22-52 be amended to change the date of the August 8, 2022 Regular Meeting to Monday, August 1, 2022; and  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said meeting will commence at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of the Municipal Building located at 705 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, NJ 07661. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to The Record and Town News, as well as be posted on the Borough Hall Bulletin Board and Borough Website. ******** #22-221 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 Wilson Santana 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 July 12, 2022. ******** #22-222 Resolution to Refund Escrow Money WHEREAS, the following applications have been made to the Land use Board for Site Plan approvals and has since received such approval; and WHEREAS, all professionals have been paid. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to refund the following to: Block Lot Name Address Refund 108 11 Susan Ng 916 Poplar Avenue $250.00 Mailing Address: 141 Newcomb Road, Tenafly, NJ 07670 614 8.02 Kilim Mediterranean, LLC 645 Kinderkamack Road $425.00 705 1 Alex Sariyan 275 concord Drive $310.00 1101 18 Jelena & Nenad Pasic 171 Valley Road $375.00 1107 34 Olena Chumikova (HEM) 322 Van Saun Court $625.00 ******** #22-223 Authorize Purchase of 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 9C1 Pursuit for the River Edge Police Department WHEREAS, the purchase of new vehicles for the River Edge Police Department was authorized in the 2022 capital budget; and WHEREAS, Police Chief, Michael Walker, obtained quote from Mall Chevrolet for a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 9C1 Pursuit via ESCNJ Contract #ESCNJ 20//21-09 for $44,287.85 and has recommended at a purchase order be issued to Mall Chevrolet; 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, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this purchase. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that Police Chief Walker is authorized to issue a purchase order for a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 9C1 Pursuit to Mall Chevrolet, having its principal office at 75 Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 based on the quote submitted on June 1, 2022, in the amount of $44,287.85. ******** #22-224 Authorize Purchase of 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe SSV for the River Edge Police Department WHEREAS, the purchase of new vehicles for the River Edge Police Department was authorized in the 2022 capital budget; and WHEREAS, Police Chief, Michael Walker, obtained quote from Mall Chevrolet for a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe SSV via ESCNJ Contract #ESCNJ 20//21-09 for $45,775.74 and has recommended at a purchase order be issued to Mall Chevrolet; 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, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this purchase. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that Police Chief Walker is authorized to issue a purchase order for a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe SSV to Mall Chevrolet, having its principal office at 75 Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 based on the quote submitted on June 1, 2022, in the amount of $45,775.74. ******** #22-225 Approve Additional Engineering Services –Bogert Road – Section 6 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 Bogert Road Section 6 Project for a cost not to exceed $55,500.00; 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 June 30, 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 Bogert Road Section 6 Project for a cost not to exceed $55,500.00. ******** #22-226 Payment of Bills Council President Kaufman read resolution #22-226 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 July 11, 2022. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $706,725.83 CAPITAL FUND $446,859.70 GRANT FUND $ 1,819.25 ANIMAL CONTROL FUND $ 27.60 TRUST OTHER FUND $ 8,190.00 SELF INSURANCE TRUST FUND $ 859.50 RECREATION TRUST FUND $ 9,123.65 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Busteed, that Resolution #22-226 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: aye ******** #22-218 Authorize Referendum for the General Election Ballot – Continuation of the Municipal Open Space Trust Fund Borough Administrator Aportela explained that the purpose of this resolution is to approve a referendum question to be included on the November ballot. She noted that the resolution as it currently reads includes a reference to the Memorial Park project. In order to revise the resolution, it would need to be authorized by the governing body. It was decided to remove the following sentence from the Interpretive Statement, “An example of the allocation of these funds is for the revitalization of Veterans Memorial Park.” Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, to authorize Resolution #22- 219 as amended. 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: aye #22-218 Authorize Referendum for the General Election Ballot –Continuation of the Municipal Open Space Trust Fund WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge concur that the concept of preserving and protecting Open Space within the Borough is of the utmost importance; and, WHEREAS, this vital preservation can best be achieved by providing a definite long term fixed source of funding; and, WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40:12 15.7, et seq., authorizes the Mayor and Council to submit a question in order to ascertain the sentiment of the voters in including a binding referendum on the November 8, 2022, General Election Ballot. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, and State of New Jersey, that the following binding referendum be forwarded to the Bergen County Clerk for inclusion on the November 8, 2022, General Election Ballot: BINDING QUESTION ( ) Yes Shall the Borough of River Edge continue its Open Space Trust Fund which will be funded in the following manner for the following purposes: ( ) No A. The Open Space Trust Fund shall be funded through the collection of local property taxes in an amount of one cent ($.01) per one hundred ($100.00) dollars of assessed value per year for a period not to exceed ten (10) years, unless a proposition extending the same is approved by the voters. B. These funds shall be designated for recreation, conservation, or historic preservation purposes as may be permitted by law, to be determined following a public hearing. INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT This binding referendum will extend the Open Space Trust Fund that had been most recently approved by binding referendum on November 7, 2017. This fund collects a special municipal tax; the proceeds of which would be used for the recreation, conservation or historic preservation purposes as permitted by law after a public hearing. The tax would be collected for ten (10) years, and then expire, unless extended by approval of such a  proposition by public vote. As an example, the owner of a house assessed at $ 391,870.09 (the Borough’s average) would pay an additional tax of approximately $3.27 per month for a period of ten (10) years. The total amount the tax would yield each year would be approximately $148,000, which in turn will allow the Borough to apply for and receive matching state or county grants. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Bergen County Clerk is hereby requested to print the binding referendum and interpretive statement on the official ballot for the General Election to be held November 8, 2022. NEW BUSINESS – There was no New Business. OLD BUSINESS – There was no Old Business. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilwoman Busteed, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Beth Chinigo, 445 Windsor Road, expressed disappointment that the softball issue has been punted to the Board of Education, commenting that REGAL is left in the same situation it was in prior to this meeting. She requested confirmation that there will still be improvements made to the Little League batting cages. Mayor Papaleo advised that these improvements were included in the capital plan that was approved. Ms. Chinigo commented that she is disappointed in everyone on the governing body for deciding to forego this field as she does not believe the girls are receiving equal treatment. She announced that she has resigned as REGAL President effective September 30th. Borough Administrator Aportela clarified that the funds being utilized for the batting cages and hockey dasher boards are part of the repurposed grant application. She advised that this application will be considered in August by the Board of Commissioners. Ken Schuffenhauer, 780 Millbrook Road, commented that there appears to be issues with the vegetation collection schedule and questioned whether the DPW handles this issue. Borough Administrator Aportela responded that DPW should be notified whenever garbage or vegetation is not collected as they are the point person with the contractor. She explained that the contractor has had issues with vehicles and is also experiencing a labor shortage. A plan was devised to divide the collection schedule in half with the caveat that no pickups were to be missed. She advised that this year is the third of a 5-year contract. Mr. Schuffenhauer noted that the obligations of the contract are not currently being met. Although he stated that he feels badly to hear the Beth Chinigo has resigned as REGAL President, he expressed his belief that the decision not to vote this evening was the right one. Borough Administrator Aportela is to speak with Jason Milito, DPW Superintendent, regarding vegetation collection. Joe Armental, 200 Mohawk Drive, thanked the governing body for tabling the vote pertaining to Memorial Park as he believes it was the right decision. He noted that there are seven softball teams and seven fields, noting that he has not experienced issues in gaining access to the middle school field. Councilman Chinigo noted that school is not in session currently which may be the reason that there has not been an issue in utilizing the middle school field. He further noted that less teams are currently playing at this point in the season. Joe Gautier, 151 Concord Drive, explained that he has been involved in numerous sports and feels that more field space is needed in this town. He expressed his opinion that there needs to be more equality and progress and commented that adding an additional field may very well be the answer. Motion by Councilwoman Busteed, second by Council President Kaufman, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilman Chinigo stated that he feels terrible about what happened this evening and noted that he did not involve enough people in this issue beforehand. He commented that the presentation in June was just the first step of many and the process would have taken several years. He expressed that he feels like he and the entire governing body failed the girls of River Edge this evening. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen expressed hope that the community continues to rally in the same way they did this evening and holds the Board of Education accountable. Councilwoman Kinsella commented that she is disappointed that the girls are left without a field. She expressed hope that the community drives the Board of Education to take action. Mayor Papaleo thanked everyone for their efforts and stated that it is his position that something will be done next year whether it is allocating one of the Little League fields to softball or working out an arrangement with the BOE. He requested that “Softball Field” be listed under Old Business every month so that the governing body is constantly reminded of this issue. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Chinigo, and all members present voting in favor, to list this item to every agenda under Old Business. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Busteed, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #22-11 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, CHAPTER 400, “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows: Section 1. Section 400-14, entitled “Ambulance Corps. parking spaces”, shall be amended with the following: Delete: It shall be unlawful to park, stand, or stop a motor vehicle near the north curb of Continental Avenue from 75 feet from the west property line of 210 Continental Avenue. This section of the curb is designated "Ambulance Service Parking Only" unless the person parking exhibits an approved insignia indicating the person is a member of the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service and that person is on duty in some capacity with the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service. Add: It shall be unlawful to park, stand, or stop a motor vehicle along the north curb line, from 210 feet east, measured from the entrance/exit into the municipal parking lot from Continental Avenue. This section of the municipal parking lot (five parking stalls) is designated "Ambulance Service Parking Only". Vehicles shall exhibit an approved insignia indicating the person is a member of the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service and that person is on duty in some capacity with the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service. Section 2. Section 400-27, entitled “Schedule I: Parking Prohibited at All Times”, shall be amended with the following: Delete: Continental Avenue South No parking anytime 125 feet west of the westerly curbline of Elm Avenue Add: Continental Avenue South From 25 feet east of Elm Avenue to 25 feet west of the intersection of Millbrook Road  Section 3. Section 400-39, entitled “Schedule XIII: Location of Crosswalks”, shall be amended with the following: Add: Continental Avenue 175 feet west from the west curb of Elm Avenue and 445 feet from the northeast curb of Millbrook Road, across Continental Avenue Section 4. Any and all other ordinances or parts thereof in conflict or inconsistent with any of the terms hereof are hereby repealed to such extent as they are so in conflict or inconsistent. Section 5. In case any article, section or provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid in any court of competent jurisdiction, the same shall not affect any other article, section or provision of this ordinance except insofar as the article, section or provision so declared invalid shall be inseparable from the remainder or any portion thereof. Section 6. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law. INTRODUCED: ADOPTED: ___________________________________ Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Anne Dodd, Borough Clerk