Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting August 1, 2022 6:00 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 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for the people of Kentucky who have lost everything due to flooding as well as people worldwide who have become homeless or financially insolvent due to natural disasters. Councilwoman Busteed 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 by Resolution #22-220 was sent to the Record and Town News and posted on the municipal bulletin board and Borough website. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilwoman Busteed, Council President Kaufman, Councilwoman Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilwoman Montisano-Koen and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Councilman Chinigo ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela (telephonically) Borough Attorney Thomas Sarlo, Esq. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #22-227 at 6:03 pm. #22-227 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 August 1, 2022, regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: Closed Session Statutory Docket # Item Title or Description Reference 22-8/1-1 Personnel Matter – Fire Department N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(8) 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 meeting resumed at 6:30 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, seconded by Council President Kaufman, and all present voting in favor, to open for public comments on any item on the agenda. No one came forward. On a motion by Council President Kaufman, 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 Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: Approve the resignation of Wilson Santana, Laborer in the Department of Public Works effective July 14, 2022. Approve the resignation of Austin Berninger, part-time Police Dispatcher, effective August 1, 2022. Approve the resignation of Stuart Heinzinger, Emergency Management Coordinator, effective July 18, 2022. MONTHLY REPORTS – Mayor Papaleo advised that the following reports are on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk and available for review: Land Use Board - May 25, 2022 Fire Prevention - April – June 2022 Environmental/Green Team - July 2022 FIRST READING – ORDINANCES – Ordinance #22-12 & #22-13 Motion by Council President Kaufman that the following ordinances be introduced and passed on first reading and setting September 12, 2022 at 7:00 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 ordinances into the record: Ordinance #22-12 An Ordinance to Fix the Salary, Wage and Compensation of the Officers and Employees of the Borough of River Edge, in the County of Bergen, and State of new Jersey for the Year 2022 Ordinance #22-13 An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 65 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of River Edge, Entitled Officers and Employees The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: absent Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye (See Ordinance #22-12 & #22-13 attached and made a part hereof.) SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #22-11 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinance published herewith was first read by title only on July 11, 2022 and posted on the bulletin board of the municipal building. Ordinance #22-11 An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of River Edge, Chapter 400, “Vehicles and Traffic” Borough Clerk Dodd explained that this ordinance implements recommendations from the Police Department pertaining to Continental Avenue as a result of the project that was recently completed. Public Comments on Ordinances 22-11 Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Council President Kaufman, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #22-11. No one came forward. Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Malellari, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #22-11. Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Busteed, that Ordinance #22-11 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: absent Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye RESOLUTIONS - By Consent Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Council President Kaufman, and all members present voting in favor to add Resolution #22-247 to the Consent Agenda. a. #22-228 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Berkeley Road b. #22-229 Approve the Hire of a Full-Time Accounts Payable Clerk c. #22-230 Award Contract – Architectural Services – Borough Hall Additional and Renovation – Arcari & Iovino, PC d. #22-231 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Tenney Avenue e. #22-232 Confirm Emergency Purchase – Public Safety Building Elevator Repair f. #22-233 Amend Purchase Order – PK Environmental g. #22-234 Authorize 2022-2024 Snow Plowing Agreement – County of Bergen h. #22-235 Appoint Emergency Management Coordinator i. #22-236 Authorize Receipt of Bids – River Edge Fire Department Co. #2 – Interior Renovations j. #22-237 Approval of Veteran 100% Tax Exemption k. #22-238 Authorize Tax Collector to Cancel 3rd Quarter 2022 Estimated Taxes on a Tax-Exempt Property l. #22-239 Authorize Tax Collector to Adjust 4th Quarter 2022 Taxes for a Widow of a Veteran Deduction Reinstated m. #22-240 Resolution Permitting the Possession and consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on the Fenway n. #22-241 Approval to Waive a Portion of the Police Outside Duty Rate for Kathy Brankov, 768 Fifth Avenue, River Edge, NJ o. #22-242 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter p. #22-243 Authorize Receipt of Bids – Voorhis Drainage Improvements q. #22-244 Resolution Authorizing Advanced Travel Expenses for the Fire Department r. #22-245 Authorize Issuance of Purchase Order – Phase II of the Borough Documents Management Project s. #22-247 Place Firefighter Timothy Carroll on Probation for a Period of One Year Motion by Councilwoman Busteed, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that the Consent Agenda be approved as amended. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: absent Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye Mayor Papaleo administered the Oath of Office to Emergency Management Coordinator William Sanders who was joined by his wife. ******** #22-228 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Berkeley Road WHEREAS, on or about August 1, 2022, the Borough of River Edge granted permission to Patricia Rodio, 217 Berkeley Road, River Edge, New Jersey, to hold a block party on Berkeley Road between Elm and Fifth Avenue on Saturday, September 17th from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m. (rain date Sunday, September 18th) in accordance with Borough Ordinance #1678; and WHEREAS, Patricia Rodio has requested that the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages be permitted in connection with said block party; and WHEREAS, Borough Code Section 114-15 allows the Governing Body to permit the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in or on a public street or sidewalk in connection with an authorized block party. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that persons age 21 and over be and hereby are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages at the block party described above, on the date and time specified herein. ******** #22-229 Approve the Hire of a Full-Time Accounts Payable Clerk BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that Angela Genovesi is hereby hired as Accounts Payable Clerk at an annual salary of $55,000 with a six (6) month probationary period, effective August 8, 2022. ********** #22-230 Award Contract – Architectural Services – Borough Hall Addition and Renovation – Arcari & Iovino Architects, PC WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council awarded a professional services to Arcari & Iovino Architects, PC, for the Borough Hall Repair/Renovation Initial Phase project via Resolution #22-88 on February 14, 2022; and; WHEREAS, the aforesaid contract had been amended into include the repair/renovation expansion study on May 9th via Resolution #22-158; and; WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the May 9th presentation to the Mayor and Council selected an expansion designated as Option 1; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela received a proposal prepared by Arcari & Iovino Architects, PC for professional architectural and engineering services on July 20, 2022, for a fee not to exceed $221,000; and WHEREAS, a completed Business Entity Disclosure Certification and Political Contribution Disclosure Form are on file in the Borough Clerk’s Office; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available and said certification is attached to the original of this resolution. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, a professional services contract be awarded to Arcari & Iovino Architects, PC, having its principal office at One Katherine Street in Little Ferry, NJ 07643 for architectural services for the Borough Hall Addition and Renovation project for a fee not to exceed $221,000; and  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in accordance with NJSA 40A:11-5 (1)(a)(i) the Borough Clerk shall publish a notice of award of this professional services contract stating the nature, duration, service and amount of the contract, and that the resolution and contract are on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Borough Clerk in the Record. ******** #22-231 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Tenney Avenue WHEREAS, on or about August 1, 2022, the Borough of River Edge granted permission to Krista VanWettering, 180 Tenney Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey, to hold a block party on Tenney Avenue between Bogert Road and Elm Avenue on Saturday, 3rd starting at 2:00 p.m. (rain date Sunday, September 4th) in accordance with Borough Ordinance #1678; and WHEREAS, Krista VanWettering has requested that the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages be permitted in connection with said block party; and WHEREAS, Borough Code Section 114-15 allows the Governing Body to permit the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in or on a public street or sidewalk in connection with an authorized block party. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that persons age 21 and over be and hereby are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages at the block party described above, on the date and time specified herein. ******** #22-232 Confirm Emergency Purchase –Public Safety Building Elevator Repair WHEREAS, an emergency repair to the elevator of the Public Safety Building was required due to broken and rotted pipes breaking which leaded on the electronics and damaged the controller/power unit of the elevator; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works determined that this situation was an emergency affecting the public health, safety and welfare for employees and the general public to access the Public Safety Building; and WHEREAS, TK Elevator has responded to the emergency for a total contract price of $108,394.00, of which $78,258.60 will be reimbursed by insurance. 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 TK Elevator Corporation of 400 Raritan Center Parkway, Suite H, Edison, NJ, 08837 for the repair of the elevator in the Public Safety Building in the amount of $108,394.00 as an emergency purchase as per NJSA 40A:11-6. ******** #22-233 Amend Purchase Order – PK Environmental WHEREAS, Resolution #22-120 authorized the issuance of a purchase order for the preparation and submission of LOI and FHA Verification applications to the NJDEP for the ball field upgrades at Kenneth B. George Park to PK Environmental, the amount of $8500.00 on March 28, 2022; and WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works site (Lot 2) needs to be included in the application due to its proximity to Kenneth B. George Park and the Hackensack River; and WHEREAS, the additional cost of including the Department of Public Works site is $2500. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the initial blanket purchase order for the preparation and submission of LOI and FHA Verification applications to the NJDEP for the ball field upgrades at Kenneth B. George Park to PK Environmental, is hereby amended to include the additional $2500.00 for Department of Public Works site (Lot 2)  ******** #22-234 Authorize 2022-2024 Snow Plowing Agreement – County of Bergen WHEREAS, the current Snow Plow Agreement with the County of Bergen (“County”) expired in April 2022; and WHEREAS, the County has provided the Borough of River Edge (“Borough”) with the Agreement for the 2022-2024 snow plowing seasons; and WHEREAS, the Borough agrees to furnish the necessary equipment and personnel required to perform snow plowing operations on County roads located within the Borough for the two winter seasons commencing October 1, 2022 and ending April 30, 2024; and WHEREAS, per the terms of the agreement, the County shall compensate the Borough at a rate of $115 per hour of active plowing. The County will not be required to pay for standby time. The County will continue to provide the municipality with salt sufficient for County roads. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute the 2022-2024 Snow Plowing Agreement with the County of Bergen. ******** #22-235 Appoint Emergency Management Coordinator WHEREAS, pursuant to NJSA App. A:9-40.1, the mayor of a municipality shall appoint a municipal emergency management coordinator from among the residents of the municipality for a 3-year term; and WHEREAS, Mayor Papaleo has appointed William Sanders as Emergency Management Coordinator effective July 25, 2022, for a 3-year term to expire July 24, 2025. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that William Sanders will serve as the Borough’s Emergency Management Coordinator through July 24, 2025; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in accordance with the aforementioned statute, EMC Sanders is required complete the current approved Home Study Course and the basic Emergency Management workshop by July 25, 2023; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk forward certified copies of this resolution to the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. ******** #22-236 Authorize Receipt of Bids – River Edge Fire Department Co. #2 – Interior Renovations BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, that the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for the River Edge Fire Department Co. #2 Interior Renovations Project; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said bids shall be received at 11 A.M. on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Council Chambers in Borough Hall located at 705 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, at which time and place said bids shall be opened and read aloud; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that said advertisement shall be published in the Friday, August 5, 2022, issue of the Record in accordance with the Local Public Contracts Law. ******** #22-237 Approval of Veteran 100% Tax Exemption WHEREAS, the Tax Assessor has been notified by the Department of Veterans Affairs that Peter Gibbons, residing at 220 Dorchester Road also known as Block 708, Lot  21, has been declared 100% totally disabled and has been approved for 100% tax exemption on his dwelling effective June 30, 2022 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 54:4-3 et.seq. L 1948, c259 as amended; BE IT RESOLVED, copies of this resolution shall be provided to the Borough Tax Assessor, Borough Tax Collector and Mr. Gibbons. ******** #22-238 Authorize Tax Collector to Cancel 3rd Quarter 2022 Estimated Taxes on a Tax-Exempt Property WHEREAS, Mr. Peter Gibbons, has qualified for a 100% Disabled Veteran Tax Exemption after providing the necessary documents to prove his status and the Tax Assessor has approved his application as of June 30, 2022; and WHEREAS, the 3rd Quarter 2022 Estimated taxes have been billed. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Tax Collector cancel the 3rd Quarter2022 Estimated taxes and adjust her records accordingly. Block/Lot Name & Address Qtr. Cancelled Amount 708/21 Gibbons, Peter & Elaine-Ten In Com 3rd 3,966.55 220 Dorchester Road River Edge, NJ 07661 Total: 3,966.55 ******** #22-239 Authorize Tax Collector to Adjust 4th Quarter 2022 Taxes for a Widow of a Veteran Deduction Reinstated WHEREAS, the following homeowner filed a Widow of a Veteran Deduction Application and was approved in 2020; and WHEREAS, the deduction was deleted from the County records in 2022 in error; and WHEREAS, the deduction was reinstated by the Tax Assessor for the year 2022; and WHEREAS, the deduction was not listed in the 2022 Tax Duplicate. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Tax Collector is hereby authorized to adjust the 4th Quarter final taxes for the deduction amount. Block/Lot Name & Address Deduction Adjusted Amount 1002/63 Moore, Valerie Widow of a 250.00 422 Lee Avenue Veteran ******** #22-240 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on The Fenway WHEREAS, on or about August 1, 2022, the Borough of River Edge granted permission to Colleen Kiely, 489 The Fenway, River Edge, New Jersey, to hold a block party on The Fenway between Wayne Avenue and Kensington Road on Saturday, September 3rd starting at 3:00 p.m. (rain date Sunday, September 4th) in accordance with Borough Ordinance #1678; and WHEREAS, Colleen Kiely has requested that the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages be permitted in connection with said block party; and WHEREAS, Borough Code Section 114-15 allows the Governing Body to permit the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in or on a public street or sidewalk in connection with an authorized block party.  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that persons age 21 and over be and hereby are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages at the block party described above, on the date and time specified herein. ******** #22-241 Approval to Waive a Portion of the Police Outside Duty Rate for Kathy Brankov, 768 Fifth Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey WHEREAS, Kathy Brankov, 768 Fifth Avenue hired Brute Contracting Inc., for sewer line repair work on her property; and WHEREAS, at the request of the contractor, Brute Contracting Inc., a police officer was requested for traffic duty due to the location; and WHEREAS, Kathy Brankov made an appeal to the Mayor and Council 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 Kathy Brankov of the fee to be paid for the services provided. ******** #22-242 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge that Dylan Wagreich be and he is hereby appointed as a Volunteer Firefighter in the River Edge Volunteer Fire Department effective August 1, 2022. ******** #22-243 Authorize Receipt of Bids – Voorhis Drainage Improvements BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, that the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for the Voorhis Drainage Improvements Project; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said bids shall be received at 10 A.M. on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Council Chambers in Borough Hall located at 705 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, at which time and place said bids shall be opened and read aloud; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that said advertisement shall be published in the Friday, August 19, 2022, issue of the Record in accordance with the Local Public Contracts Law. ******** #22-244 Resolution Authorizing Advanced Travel Expenses for the Fire Department WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A5-16.1 permits the governing body for any local unit to authorize payment in advance toward expenses for authorized official travel; and WHEREAS, certain officers of the Fire Department have requested an advance payment of travel expenses for attendance at the New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention in Wildwood, New Jersey; and WHEREAS, the Trainings, Seminars, Conferences and Conventions portion of Section Four: Personnel Rules and Regulations of the Borough’s Personnel and Policy Procedure Manual, provides a policy for Fire Department members to attend certain conferences and enumerates regulations pertaining to travel expenses; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available from the Meetings & Seminars line item in the Fire Department Operating Budget in the amount not to exceed $5,000.00; and  WHEREAS, the Fire Officers of the Borough of River Edge will verify their expenses and any excess cash will be repaid to the Borough of River Edge along with a detailed bill or items of demand, and the certification or affidavits required by N.J.S.A. 40A:5-16 which will be submitted by the officers within 10 days after the completion of the travel for which the advance was made. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Accounts Supervisor and Chief Financial Officer are hereby instructed to reimburse up to $5,000.00 to the River Edge Fire Department for life members to go to the New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention, September 15, 16, 17, 2022. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk is hereby instructed to send a copy of this resolution as well as the policy of the Borough with regard to travel expenses, to each of the Fire Department Officers receiving the advance. ******** #22-245 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 (ESCNJ22/23-11 from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024); and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela obtained quote from AccuScan to review the records within the Recreation Department as part of the records management project for $9,750.00 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 July 28, 2022, in the amount of $9,750.00. ******** #22-247 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, COUNTY OF BERGEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY PLACING RIVER EDGE FIRE FIGHTER TIMOTHY CARROLL ON PROBATION FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR. WHEREAS, the River Edge Fire Department has initiated disciplinary proceedings affecting a member of the River Fire Department, in particular, firefighter Timothy Carroll; and WHEREAS, as a result of an incident that occurred on June 21, 2022, a hearing was held before a Fire Committee that was established pursuant to Ordinance §33-9 on July 11, 2022; and WHEREAS, the Fire Committee has provided a report setting forth a summary of the hearing, its findings and disciplinary recommendation to the Mayor and Council; and WHEREAS, on August 1, 2022, the Mayor and Council considered the Fire Committee’s report including its findings and recommendations; WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council concurs with the findings and recommendations of the Fire Committee. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, this 1st day of August, 2022, by the Borough of River Edge as follows: 1. Firefighter Timothy Carroll shall be placed on probation for a period of one (1) year, effective August 1, 2022; 2. Firefighter Timothy Carroll shall comply with all rules, regulations and guidelines governing probationary firefighters; and  3. In accordance with the by-laws of the River Edge Fire Department, Timothy Carroll shall not be eligible to run for any civic fire officer position within the River Edge Fire Department for one (1) year after his probationary period is concluded and shall not be eligible to run for any Firematic Officer position for two (2) years after his probationary period is concluded; 4. A copy of this resolution shall be forwarded by the Borough Clerk to River Edge Fire Chief Gregg Cariddi. ******** #22-246 Payment of Bills Council President Kaufman read resolution #22-246 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 August 1, 2022. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $8,291,092.12 CAPITAL FUND $ 74,625.99 GRANT FUND $ 99.16 TRUST OTHER FUND $ 993.40 OPEN SPACE FUND $ 11,667.50 PAYROLL FUND $ 16,688.24 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW FUND $ 4,515.00 RECREATION TRUST FUND $ 8,797.45 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Resolution #22-246 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: absent Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye ******** NEW BUSINESS – There was no New Business. OLD BUSINESS – Girls’ Softball Field Councilwoman Kinsella reported that an initial meeting of the Recreation Subcommittee is scheduled to take place on September 14th at 7 pm in the River Edge Courtroom with REGAL and Little League to discuss their respective wants and needs. The Board of Education will be included in future meetings. Mayor Papaleo added that future meetings will also involve the “Save the Park” group as well as the other stakeholders. Borough Clerk Dodd was reminded to place this issue as an agenda item under Old Business going forward. Update on Construction Projects Mayor Papaleo announced that a retaining wall on Valley Road has been compromised due to the recent storms and an emergency repair will be needed. The Voorhis Avenue Drainage Improvements project is moving forward. A proposed schedule has been shared with the impacted residents which will be dependent on the bids and supply chain. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Donna Sanders, Millbrook Road, inquired as to the hours of the Tennis Courts, noting that tennis is being played as early as 6 a.m. Borough Clerk Dodd is to look into this issue and speak to the DPW Superintendent and Interim Recreation Director to see whether a sign needs to be posted with the hours of play. She was also asked to make the Police Chief aware of this issue so that violations can be addressed. Motion by Councilwoman Busteed, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Council President Kaufman reminded everyone that the Farmers Market is every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Councilwoman Busteed advised that the Environmental Commission and Green Team met in July at which time concerns pertaining unnecessary idling. She advised that she will request that Councilman Chinigo bring this issue to the Traffic & Safety Committee. Councilwoman Kinsella announced that the Tennis Courts do not open until 8 a.m. Mayor Papaleo reported that it is hoped that the new room at the Library will be open by the fall, noting that there have been issues in securing supplies which has impacted this project’s progress. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Busteed, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #22-12 AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY, WAGE AND COMPENSATION OF THE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2022 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: The title and compensation for the full-time position of the Borough of River Edge for the year 2022 shall be amended as follows: 2022 BOROUGH HALL Accounts Payable $40,000 – 55,000 Section 2. Compensation for the following part-time position of the Borough of River Edge for the year 2022 shall be amended as follows: 2022 OEM Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator $1,000 - $5000 Section 3. 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 4. 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 5. This Ordinance shall take effect as of August 1, 2022 upon final passage and publication as required by law. INTRODUCED: ADOPTED: ___________________________________ Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Anne Dodd, Borough Clerk  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #22-13 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 65 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES. BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge: Section 1. Chapter 65 entitled “Officers and Employees” shall be amended by the following: Add: Article IX – Emergency Management Coordinator § 65-36 Office created. In accordance with the terms of N.J.S.A. App. A:9-40.1, there is hereby created and established the position of Emergency Management Coordinator. § 65-37 Responsibilities. The Emergency Management Coordinator shall: a. Complete the current approved Home Study Course (Professional Development Series) and the Basic Emergency Management workshop within a year of the initial appointment. b. Following the completion of the first years' courses, the Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator must complete 24 hours of Emergency Management Continuing Education per year. c. All courses taken by Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator must be submitted to and approved by the County Emergency Management Coordinator. d. The Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator is responsible for the provision of leadership in the field of Emergency Management at the municipal level of government. As such, the Coordinator is responsible for Emergency Management program administration and program development encompassing the four phases of Emergency Management, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. e. The Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator shall also be responsible for the following: • Program Administration • Ensure that the Municipal Office of Emergency Management is available on a 24-hour basis. • Supervise the day-to-day operations of the Municipal Office of Emergency Management. • In the event of a forecasted major storm (hurricane, tropical storm, snow, etc.), must conduct a pre-meeting with representatives of the Police, Fire, Department of Public Works, and Administration for logistical coordination, no less than the day before the forecasted storm (in person or virtually) and conduct a post-event meeting no later than 2 business days after the storm to assess damage. • In the event of a federally declared disaster, must compile all information, meet with adjusters, and submit documentation to FEMA for reimbursement, as well as to the JIF for insurance reimbursement. • Ensure that the municipality meets all the requirements for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Management Assistance Program; including meeting goals agreed to in the annual work plan, maintaining a currently approved Municipal Emergency Operating Plan, and providing the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management with quarterly program status reports, if applicable. • Prepare, submit, and justify the annual Municipal Emergency Management budget. • Secure County, State and Federal technical and financial assistance available through the County Office of Emergency Management. • Personally attend at least 75% of the scheduled County Office of Emergency Management meetings. The Coordinator must assure representation at all other County Emergency Management meetings. • Maintain a continuing knowledge of all municipal, county, State and Federal laws and plans concerning Emergency Management. • Interact with County Emergency Management Coordinator regarding: Municipal Operations Plans (EOP) review All mutual aid agreements • The approval and scheduling of attendees for state and Federally sponsored Emergency Management courses, etc. • Maintain adequate files, records, and correspondence relating to Emergency Management activities.  • Coordinate with the municipal agencies, departments, and bureaus regarding Emergency Management responsibilities. • Implement policies and procedures regarding Emergency Management. • Conduct quarterly staff members, providing advance notice to the County Office of Emergency Management. • Receive and react to weather emergency notifications. • Cooperate with National Warning System (NAWAS) program. • Comply with all directives, rules and regulations issued by the New Jersey State Office of Emergency Management. • Conduct a minimum of one (1) exercise per year, providing a minimum thirty (30) day advance notice through the County Office of Emergency Management to the State Office of Emergency Management. • Research and apply for emergency management related grants on behalf of the Borough • Coordinate the dissemination of information to the public and businesses regarding post- disaster resources. § 65-38 Compensation. The Emergency Management Coordinator shall be paid a salary at a range to be established from time to time by the governing body of the Borough of River Edge. § 65-39 Term of office Pursuant to NJSA App. A:9-40.1, the mayor of a municipality shall appoint a municipal emergency management coordinator from among the residents of the municipality for a 3-year term. Section 2. 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 3. 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 4. This Ordinance shall take effect as of August 1, 2022 upon final passage and publication as required by law. INTRODUCED: ADOPTED: ___________________________________ Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Anne Dodd, Borough Clerk