Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting October 13, 2022 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER – A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge was held virtually via Zoom. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for those who are suffering in Ukraine as well as those living in fear in Europe and throughout the world that nuclear weapons may be brought onto the battlefield again. Mayor Papaleo 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 October 7, 2022 Sunshine Notice containing the date, time, and access information was sent to the Record and Town News and has been posted on the bulletin board and Borough website. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilwoman Busteed, Councilman Chinigo, Council President Kaufman, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilwoman Montisano-Koen and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Councilwoman Kinsella ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney Thomas Sarlo, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Council President Kaufman, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed, with Councilwoman Busteed and Councilwoman Malellari abstaining from the September 12th Minutes and Councilwoman Montisano Koen abstaining the September 29, 2022 Closed Session Minutes and all other members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular and Closed Session Meetings of September 12, 2022 and the Mayor and Council Closed Session Meeting of September 29, 2022 are hereby approved. PROCLAMATIONS & AWARDS – Proclamation Declaring October 9 – 15, 2022 as Fire Prevention Week Mayor Papaleo read the following proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, cooking, heating, and electrical fires represent three of the nation's leading causes of home fires, and are collectively responsible for nearly half of all home fires and almost one-third of the associated fire deaths; and WHEREAS, the vast majority of home cooking, heating, and electrical fires can be prevented by taking simple safety precautions; and WHEREAS, developing a home fire escape plan and practicing it at least twice a year are critical to escaping a fire safely; and WHEREAS, proper installation, testing, and maintenance of smoke alarms are part of a thorough home fire escape plan; and  WHEREAS, by preventing the leading causes of home fires, and by developing and practicing a thorough home fire escape plan, people can greatly reduce their risk to fire; and WHEREAS, the Fire Prevention Week 2022 theme, “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape” encourages the public to develop a home fire escape plan and make sure they have working smoke alarms; and WHEREAS, the fire service of the Borough of River Edge is dedicated to the safety of life and property from the devastating effects of fire; and WHEREAS, the members of the fire service are joined by other concerned citizens of this Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as well as other emergency service providers and safety advocates, businesses, schools, service clubs, and organizations in their fire safety efforts; and WHEREAS, I Thomas Papaleo, Mayor of the Borough of River Edge, do hereby proclaim the week of October 9– 15, 2022 as Fire Prevention Week This week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed more than 250 persons, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed more than 17,400 buildings. WHEREAS, I call upon the people of the Borough of River Edge to participate in fire prevention activities at home, work, and school, and to take the steps needed to make their homes and families safe from the leading causes of home fires, which include cooking, heating and electrical fires and plan and practice their home fire escape. Gregg Cariddi, Fire Chief, thanked the Mayor and Council for this proclamation and commented that every week should be dedicated to fire prevention. He urged everyone to ensure that they have working fire and carbon monoxide detectors on every level. He also recommended that everyone develop an escape route and designate a meeting spot in the event of a fire. Mayor Papaleo expressed appreciation to Chief Cariddi and the entire River Edge Fire Department for all that they do for the residents. Proclamation Declaring September 15 – October 15, 2022 as Hispanic Heritage Month Mayor Papaleo announced that Maria Rivera will be accepting the proclamation in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. He advised that she is the Scout Leader for Cub Scout Troop 229, volunteer for the PTO, and is very community-oriented. He then read the following proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, more than fifty years after the United States first observed what was then National Hispanic Heritage Week, Hispanics represent a vibrant and thriving part of our diverse nation; their histories and cultures stretch across centuries, and the contributions of those who come to our shores today in search of their dreams continue to add new chapters in our national story; and WHEREAS, America has always drawn its strength from the contributions of a diverse people and throughout our nation, Hispanics are advancing our economy, improving our communities and bettering our country; and WHEREAS, during National Hispanic Heritage Month, we renewed our commitment to ensuring ours remains a society where the talents and potential of all its members can be fully realized; and WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the rich heritage of the Hispanic community and celebrate its countless achievements as we celebrate the rich and vibrant traditions of Faith, Family, Hard Work and Patriotism within their communities. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Thomas Papaleo, Mayor of the Borough of River Edge do hereby proclaim: September 15 – October 15, 2022 as Hispanic Heritage Month As we honor the contributions of the Hispanic Community to our Borough. Maria Rivera thanked the Mayor and Council, stating that she is honored to be accepting this proclamation. She commented that she is just giving back and helping which is what she was raised to do. Mayor Papaleo thanked Ms. Rivera for always giving of her time and expressed appreciation for all she does for the community. Proclamation Declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month Mayor Papaleo advised that Wendy Benson is accepting the proclamation in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He then read the following proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, in the United States, Breast Cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer and colon cancer; and WHEREAS, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we renew our commitment to fighting this disease, raising awareness and supporting those affected by breast cancer; and WHEREAS, death rates from breast cancer have been declining and this change is believed to be the result of earlier detection and improved treatment; and WHEREAS, mammography, an “x-ray” of the breast, is recognized as the single most effective method of detecting breast changes that may be cancer long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt; and WHEREAS, October 21,2022 is National Mammography Day, a day set aside to promote the importance of regular screenings in the early detection and prompt treatment of breast cancer; and WHEREAS, we recognize the innovative, lifesaving work of medical professionals, through their efforts to prevent, detect and treat make a difference in the lives of our citizens; and WHEREAS, it is important to continue the fight against breast cancer and to reduce the risk of this disease among our citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Thomas Papaleo, Mayor of the Borough of River Edge and on behalf of the Council do proclaim: October 2022 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Wendy Benson explained that after a routine mammogram 7 ½ years ago, shelearned that she had breast cancer. She commented that early intervention and modern medicine are the reasons that she is still here. Mayor Papaleo advised that his wife’s mother died of breast cancer and has a male friend who was diagnosed with male breast cancer. He commented that procedures such as mammograms are key to survival and wellness. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, 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 Councilwoman Malellari, seconded by Council President Kaufman, and all present voting in favor, to close public comments on any item on the agenda. APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES – On motion by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Chinigo, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: a. Approve the salary increase of Miriam Fabisiak, Administrative Assistant in the Department of Public Works from an annual salary of $39,000.00 to $45,000.00 effective October 1, 2022. b. Approve the salary increase and job title change of Adrienne Capasso from part-time Clerk Typist in the Building Department at an hourly rate of $23.98 to full-time Administrative Assistant at an annual salary of $45,000.00 effective October 15, 2022. c. Approve the salary increase of Carol Byrne, Records Clerk in the Police Department from an annual salary of $46,282.08 to $50,000.00 effective October 1, 2022. d. Approve the appointment of Devran Ozkan as Alternate #1 to the Historic Commission for a one-year term from 9/1/22 to 8/31/22 effective September 1, 2022. e. Approve the appointment of Gary Barth to the Environmental Protection Commission for a three-year term through 12/31/25 effective October 13, 2022. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: absent Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye MONTHLY REPORTS – The following reports are on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk and available for review: Land Use Board - August & September 2022 Library Board of Trustees - October 2022 Tax Collector - September 2022 Historic Commission - September 2022 FIRST READING – ORDINANCES – Ordinance #22-14 Motion by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen that the following ordinance be introduced and passed on first reading and setting November 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the as the matter can be heard as the date and time and Zoom as the virtual format for a hearing on said ordinance. Second by Councilwoman Malellari. Mayor Papaleo read the title of the ordinance into the record: Ordinance #22-15 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. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that this ordinance codifies the personnel changes relating to the Administrative Assistant in the DPW, Clerk Typist in the Building Department, and Records Clerk in the Building Department that were approved this evening under Appointments & Personnel Changes. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: absent Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye (See Ordinance #22-15 attached and made a part hereof.) RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #22-284 Authorize Tax Collector to Adjust 4th Quarter 2022 Taxes for a Veteran Deduction Reinstated  b. #22-285 Amend 2022 Salary Resolution c. #22-286 Reject and Rebid – Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Assembly Project d. #22-287 Reject and Rebid – Voorhis Drainage Improvements e. #22-288 Approve the Appointment of a Crossing Guard f. #22-289 Resolution of Certification of the Annual Audit g. #22-290 Award Contract – Bogert Road Section 5 and 6 Improvement Project h. #22-291 Resolution Appointing Affordable Housing Administrative Agent for the Borough of River Edge i. #22-292 Authorize Purchase of Radios for the River Edge Department of Public Works Under State Contract j. #22-293 Form of Resolution Requesting Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation NJSA 40A:4-87 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Busteed , that the Consent Agenda be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: absent Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye ******** #22-284 Authorize Tax Collector to Adjust 4th Quarter 2022 Taxes for a Veteran Deduction Reinstated WHEREAS, the following homeowner filed a Veteran Deduction Application and was approved in 2017; 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 1107/3 Breuer, Richard J. Veteran 250.00 268 Valley Road ******** #22-285 Amend 2022 Salary Resolution BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, that Resolution #22-131 adopted on April 25, 2022, is hereby amended as follows: EMPLOYEE POSITION ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION/CODE ENFORCEMENT $ 45,000.00 CAPASSO, ADRIENNE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FABISIAK, MIRIAM ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT $ 45,000.00 POLICE DEPARTMENT BYRNE, CAROL M. POLICE RECORDS CLERK $ 50,000.00 BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the actions of the Chief Financial Officer, Accounts Supervisor and Payroll Clerk to pay these salaries and wages retroactive to October 1, 2022, unless otherwise noted is hereby ratified. ******** #22-286 Reject and Rebid – Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Assembly Project WHEREAS, bids for the project known as the " Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Assembly Project " were received on Tuesday, October 4, at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers in Borough Hall as advertised according to law; and WHEREAS, of the two bids were received, the lowest bidder’s bid was over 30% higher than the budgeted funds for this project and must be rejected; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Borough to re-bid this project. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council hereby rejects the bids submitted on October 4, 2022; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk is authorized to advertise a re-bid of this project in which bids are to be received on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the Court Room in the Public Safety Building (lower level) located at 705A Kinderkamack Road, at which time they will be opened and read aloud, and that said advertisement is to be published in the Record on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 in accordance with Local Public Contracts Law. ******** #22-287 Reject and Rebid – Voorhis Drainage Improvements WHEREAS, bids for the project known as the "Voorhis Drainage Improvements" were received on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers in Borough Hall as advertised according to law; and WHEREAS, of the four bids were received, the lowest bidder’s bid was over 70% higher than the Borough Engineer’s estimate for this project and must be rejected; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Borough to re-bid this project. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council hereby rejects the bids submitted on September 8, 2022; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk is authorized to advertise a re-bid of this project in which bids are to be received on November 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the Court Room in the Public Safety Building (lower level) located at 705A Kinderkamack Road, at which time they will be opened and read aloud, and that said advertisement is to be published in the Record on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 in accordance with Local Public Contracts Law. ******** #22-288 Approve the Appointment of Crossing Guard BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge that Albert Carpenter be and he is hereby appointed as a part-time School Crossing Guard at an hourly probationary rate of $18.00 with a six-month probationary period. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the appointment date is predicated on passing a physical examination. #22-289 Resolution of Certification of the Annual Audit WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-4 requires the Governing Body of every local unit to have made an annual audit of its books, accounts and financial transactions; and WHEREAS, the Annual Report of Audit for the year 2021 has been filed by the Registered Municipal Accountant with the Municipal Clerk pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:5-6, and a copy has been received by each member of the Governing Body; and WHEREAS, R.S. 52-27BB-34 authorizes the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey to prescribe reports pertaining to the local fiscal affairs; and WHEREAS, the Local Finance Board has promulgated N.J.A.C. 5:30-6-5, a regulation requiring that the governing body of each municipality shall, by resolution, certify to the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey that all members of the Governing Body has reviewed, as a minimum, the sections of the annual audit entitled “Comments and Recommendations”, and WHEREAS, the members of the governing body have personally reviewed, as a minimum, the Annual report of Audit, and specifically the sections of the Annual Audit entitled “Comments and Recommendations”, as evidenced by the group affidavit form of the Governing Body attached hereto; and WHEREAS, such resolution of certification shall be adopted by the Governing Body no later than forty-five days after the receipt of the annual audit, pursuant to N.J.A.C.5:30-6-5; and WHEREAS, all members of the governing body have received and have familiarized themselves with, at least, the minimum requirements of the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey, as stated aforesaid and have subscribed to the affidavit, as provided by the Local Finance Board; and WHEREAS, failure to comply with the regulations of the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey may subject the members of the local Governing Body to the penalty provisions of R.S. 52:27BB-52, to wit: R.S. 52:27BB-52: A local officer or members of a local governing body who, after a date fixed for compliance, fails or refuses to obey an order of the director (Director of Local Government Services), under the provisions of this Article, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, in addition shall forfeit his office. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, hereby states that it has complied with N.J.S.A. 5:30-6.5 and does hereby submit a certified copy of this resolution and the required affidavit to said Board to show evidence of said compliance. ******** #22-290 Award Contract – Bogert Road Section 5 and 6 Improvements Project WHEREAS, on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., five bids were submitted at the date and time specified for the Bogert Road Section 5 and 6 Improvements Project for the Borough of River Edge and the Borough Administrator did open and read each bid aloud; and WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has reviewed the bid as submitted by D&L Paving Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $513,433.88, and alternate A bid in the amount of $38,897.00 and has recommended the base bid be awarded to D&L Paving Contractors, Inc.; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has certified funds are available for this project. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that a contract for the Bogert Road Section 5 and 6 Improvements Project for the Borough of River Edge shall be awarded to with D&L Paving Contractors, Inc. located at 675 Franklin Avenue in Nutley, NJ 07110 in the amount of $513,433.88 based on the base bid, submitted on October 4, 2022; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to sign said contract on behalf of the Borough of River Edge. ******** #22-291 Resolution Appointing Affordable Housing Administrative Agent for the Borough of River Edge WHEREAS, The Borough of River Edge’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan promotes an affordable housing program pursuant to the Fair Housing Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301, et. seq.), applicable Council on Affordable Housing (“COAH”) regulations and Uniform Housing Affordability Controls (“UHAC”) regulations; and WHEREAS, under authorization of the New Jersey Fair Housing Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301, et seq., hereinafter the “Act”) the Municipality is implementing a program to provide affordable housing units to low- and moderate-income households desiring to live within the Municipality; and WHEREAS, at Title 5, Chapter 80, Subchapter 26 of the New Jersey Administrative Code, the State has promulgated affordability controls in regulations designed to implement the Act, by assuring that low- and moderate-income units that are created under the Act are occupied by low- and moderate-income households for an appropriate period of time (the “Rules”); and WHEREAS, Section 5:80-26.14 of the Rules provides that affordability controls shall be administered by an administrative agent acting on behalf of a municipality; and WHEREAS, the Municipality has selected Community Grants, Planning and Housing to be the Administrative Agent for the purposes of administering the Borough’s affordable rehabilitation program; and WHEREAS, The Administrative Agent shall perform the duties and responsibilities of an administrative agent as are set forth in the Rules, including those set forth in Sections 5:80-26.14, 16 and 18 thereof. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge in the County of Bergen, and the State of New Jersey that Community Grants, Planning and Housing is hereby appointed by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge as the Administrative Agent for the administration of the affordable housing program. ******** #22-292 Authorize Purchase of Radios for the River Edge Department of Public Works Under State Contract WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works Radio Replacement Project was authorized in the 2022 capital budget; and WHEREAS, on DPW Superintendent Jason Milito investigated the options to purchase radios under a New Jersey State Bid contract; and WHEREAS, after evaluating the options for the purchase of the radios, the DPW Superintendent Milito has recommended purchasing the following equipment: APX800 Tri Band Portable, 2.5, Mototrbo XPR5550e VHF Mobile and related accessories; 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 aforementioned radio equipment and installation qualifies to be purchased using State Contract #83909, from Regional Communications of 64 East Midland Avenue in Paramus, NJ 07653, at a total cost of $37,491.59; and WHEREAS, Borough Administrator/Qualified Purchasing Agent, Lissette Aportela has verified that State Contract #83909, was awarded to Motorola Solutions on May 1, 2013, through April 30, 2023; and WHEREAS, Borough Administrator/Qualified Purchasing Agent, Lissette Aportela has verified that Regional Communications with Vendor ID V00001603 is an authorized vendor under aforesaid State Contract; 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 DPW Superintendent Milito is hereby authorized to purchase the aforementioned radio equipment and installation for the Department of Public Works Radio Replacement Project under State Contract #83909 at a total cost of $37,491.59 from Regional Communications. ******** #22-293 Form of Resolution Requesting Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation NJSA 40A:4- 87 WHEREAS, NJS 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and WHEREAS, the Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for equal amount, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of River Edge in the County of Bergen, New Jersey, hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2022 in the sum of $21,082.33, which is now available from “Clean Communities - 2022” in the amount of $21,082.33. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the like sum of $21,082.33 is hereby appropriated under the caption “Clean Communities - 2022”; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the above is the result of funds from State of NJ in the amount of $21,082.33. ******** #22-294 Payment of Bills Council President Kaufman read resolution #22-294 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 October 13, 2022. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $2,092,323.15 CAPITAL FUND $ 278,871.43 GRANT FUND $ 5,100.00 ANIMAL CONTROL FUND $ 2.40 TRUST OTHER FUND $ 5,010.63 PAYROLL FUND $ 32,031.00 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW FUND $ 945.00 SELF INSURANCE TRUST FUND $ 1,126.75 RECREATION TRUST FUND $ 1,904.28 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, that Resolution #22-294 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: absent Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye ******** NEW BUSINESS – Best Practices Inventory Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the State issued the annual Best Practices Inventory and she worked with the CFO to complete this inventory. She noted that this inventory must be discussed at a public meeting and the score dictates whether a municipality receives its State Aid. She explained that 24 points was the minimum required to receive this funding and the Borough received 30 points. 2021 Audit Borough Administrator Aportela commented that a resolution to certify the 2021 Audit was just adopted and announced that there were no recommendations made in this report which means that the Borough is following proper protocols with respect to purchasing, payroll, Pay to Play, and budgetary procedures. OLD BUSINESS – Tabled Resolution #22-281 - Authorizing the Assignment of a Developer’s Agreement with ILBJ, LLC to Dark Sky Development, LLC for the Development of 335 Johnson Avenue (Block 1405, Lot 3) There was no motion to remove Resolution #22-281 from the table. Girls’ Softball Field Mayor Papaleo advised that Councilwoman Kinsella is currently attending a meeting of the stakeholders to discuss this topic. He further advised that there will be a follow-up meeting on Wednesday to further discuss what is being presented this evening. He expressed that he has high hopes that something wonderful will happen for the girls this spring. Farmers Market Council President Kaufman announced that this season of the Farmers Market ended on September 29th. She expressed that she is looking forward to next year and commented that this season was very successful, bringing in approximately $3,500 in revenue. Mayor Papaleo commented on the amount of good will and community and expressed appreciation to Council President Kaufman and everyone who was involved in making this year a success. Council President Kaufman acknowledged the bands who participated which included her husband, Steve Shalit, and his band Good Spirits, The Faculty, and Jim and JP Serednicky. Update on Construction Projects There were no new updates on construction projects. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilwoman Busteed, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Busteed, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – There were no comments. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Chinigo, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #22-295 at 7:30 pm. #22-295 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 October 13, 2022, regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: Closed Session Statutory Docket # Item Title or Description Reference 22-10/13-1 Collective Bargaining Update N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(4) 22-10/13-2 Attorney Client Privilege – Potential N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) Redevelopment Area 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. 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 8:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #22-15 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 positions of the Borough of River Edge for the year 2022 shall be amended as follows: 2022 BOROUGH HALL Administrative Assistant $40,000 – $55,000 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Administrative Assistant $40,000 – $55,000 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 October 1, 2022 upon final passage and publication as required by law. INTRODUCED: ADOPTED: ___________________________________ Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Anne Dodd, Borough Clerk