Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting October 24, 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 7:02 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for those who are suffering in St. Louis as a result of the school shooting as well as for those who are suffering in Ukraine and those places in which there is conflict in the world. He also asked for a moment of silence for those who suffer from domestic violence as it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. He then 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 Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilwoman Montisano-Koen and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney Thomas Sarlo, Esq. CLOSED SESSION – Borough Administrator Aportela announced that an Attorney-Client Privilege matter pertaining to a sidewalk and Certificate of Occupancy is being added to the Closed Session. On a motion from Council President Kaufman, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #22-294 at 7:06 pm. #22-294 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 24, 2022, regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: Closed Session Statutory Docket # Item Title or Description Reference 22-10/24-1 Attorney Client Privilege – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) Department Organization 22-10/24-2 Collective Bargaining – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(4) Contract Negotiations Update 22-10/24-3 Attorney Client Privilege – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) Sidewalk & Certificate of Occupancy Matter 2. Formal action may/may not be taken. 3. Minutes will be kept and once the matter involving the confidentiality of the above no longer requires that confidentiality, then the minutes can be made public. The regular meeting resumed at 8:01 p.m. 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. #22-301 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter As Matthew Zucchi was present, Mayor Papaleo announced that Resolution #22-301 would be pulled from the Consent Agenda and considered as the next item on the agenda. Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Resolution #22-301 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 Mayor Papaleo thanked Matt Zucchi for volunteering, commenting on the level of commitment that is required to volunteer as a firefighter. Mayor Papaleo then administered the Oath of Office to Firefighter Zucchi. Firefighter Zucchi thanked the governing body for allowing him the opportunity to serve, commenting that it something that he has always wanted to do for the community. #22-301 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge that Matthew Zucchi be and he is hereby appointed as a Volunteer Firefighter in the River Edge Volunteer Fire Department effective October 24, 2022. ******** PRESENTATION – Girls Softball Field Michelle Ryan, Interim Recreation Director, advised that she, along with Alicia Armental, Alphonse Bartelloni, and Brianne Etter, members of the Recreation Commission Subcommittee, are present this evening to discuss a long-term solution for field use by the REGAL Girls Softball program. She detailed various meetings that have taken place to date as well as the process that was followed and noted that the Recreation Commission, REGAL and Baseball/Little League are in agreement with the proposal that is being presented this evening to improve the two existing softball fields at Roosevelt School. She advised that the main components of this proposal include sprinklers, drainage, and regrading of the field, dugouts, solar-powered scoreboards, and batting cages. She requested that, as an alternative, the Borough Engineer be authorized to explore the following three (3) separate options for synthetic turf installation: 1. The entire field 2. The infield only 3. The outfield only. The members of the subcommittee commended Ms. Ryan on her hard work and commented on how positive all the meetings were. It was noted that everyone expressed an eagerness to work together to find the best solution for all the children in River Edge. It was questioned whether there is funding in the engineering line within the budget for this request. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that, although this project was not a budgeted item, there is a special projects line to which this request could be charged. She further explained that the Borough Engineer has advised that his hourly rate would be charged for this work. After some discussion, it was the consensus of the governing body to list this item for further discussion at the November 14th Mayor and Council Regular Meeting. It was decided to authorize Mayor Papaleo, Councilwoman Kinsella, and Borough Administrator Aportela to engage with the Board of Education regarding this proposal and provide feedback to the governing at the next meeting. Borough Administrator Aportela is to schedule either a face-to-face or Zoom meeting prior to November 14th. Borough Clerk Dodd is to notify all property owners within 200 feet of Roosevelt School about this proposal and invite them to attend the November 14th meeting. It was also agreed that this proposal should be forwarded to the Borough Engineer, Police Chief, and Fire Chief for a cursory review and the DPW Superintendent for a more in-depth review. Comments are to be forwarded via email to the Borough Administrator by the Wednesday prior to the next meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, with Councilwoman Kinsella abstaining from the Minutes of October 13, 2022 and all other members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting of September 29, 2022 and the Mayor and Council Regular and Closed Session Meetings of October 13, 2022 are hereby approved. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed, and all present voting in favor, to open for public comments on any item on the agenda. Ken Schuffenhauer, 780 Millbroook Road, advised that he attended the stakeholders meeting regarding the softball field proposal and commented on the refreshing spirit of cooperation that he witnessed. He noted that anyone interested can view the proposed dugouts by visiting Emerson High School. He advised that the Board of Education indicated that they are in possession of some cursory work performed by Costa Engineering. He agreed that communication is key when it comes to this project being successful. On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, 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 Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: Approve the resignation of Andrew M. Cimiluca, P.C., Municipal Prosecutor effective November 30, 2022. Approve the $500.00 stipend for Scott Ader, Road Foreperson in the Department of Public Works for obtaining the ACRT certification per the contract, effective July 1, 2022. Approve the $500.00 stipend for Kenneth Morse, Tree Trimmer I in the Department of Public Works for obtaining the ACRT certification per the contract, effective July 1, 2022. Approve the $500.00 stipend for Benjamin Mullen, Laborer II in the Department of Public Works for obtaining the ACRT certification per the contract, effective July 1, 2022. Approve the $500.00 stipend for Eric Phillips, Tree Trimmer I in the Department of Public Works for obtaining the ACRT certification per the contract, effective July 1, 2022. Approve the $500.00 stipend for Eric Schultz, Equipment Operator I in the Department of Public Works for obtaining the pesticide license per the contract, effective July 1, 2022. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye MONTHLY REPORTS – Mayor Papaleo advised that the following reports are on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk and available for review: Fire Prevention - July 1 – September 30, 2022 Land Use Board - September 28, 2022 Board of Health - October 2022 Environmental/Green Team - September 2022 Recreation Commission - July 2022 RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #22-297 Authorize Refund of a Special Events Permit b. #22-298 Authorize Refund of Construction Permit c. #22-299 Resolution to Refund Escrow Money d. #22-300 Award Contract – Fire Department Co. #2 – Interior Renovation e. #22-301 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter Voted on separately f. #22-302 Authorize Purchase of Roadway Rock Salt via Bergen County Registered Cooperative Pricing System #11-BeCCP g. #22-303 Authorize Purchase of Gasoline, Diesel & Fuel Oil via Bergen County Registered Cooperative Pricing System #11-BeCCP h. #22-304 Adopt Standard Operating Procedures – River Edge Police Department i. #22-305 Award Contract – Planting of Street Trees j. #22-306 Resolution Authorizing Participation in an Electronic Tax Sale k. #22-307 Resolution Requesting Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation NJS 40A:4-87 l. #22-308 Resolution to Enter into Agreement with Elsbeth J. Crusius, Esq., 267 Summit Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 for Professional Services as Municipal Prosecutor for the Borough of River Edge m. #22-309 Exercise the Third One-Year Option Renewal of the Solid Waste Collection Contract with Joseph Smentkowski, Inc. Motion by Councilwoman Busteed, second by Councilman Chinigo, 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 ******** #22-297 Authorize Refund of a Special Events Permit WHEREAS, an application for a Special Events Permit was received from Roosevelt PTO on September 23, 2022; and WHEREAS, a fee of $15.00 was collected; and WHEREAS, the application was submitted in error. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Accounts Supervisor is hereby authorized to issue a refund in the amount of $15.00 to: Name/Address Amount Melcer Flores $15.00 787 Kinderkamack Road River Edge, NJ 07661 #22-298 Authorize Refund of Construction Permit WHEREAS, Whalen & Ives, 180 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 was issued construction permit #21-0505 in the amount of $320.00 for the property located at 485 Fifth Avenue; and WHEREAS, the job was cancelled and the contractor has requested a reimbursement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Accounts Supervisor is hereby authorized to issue a refund check to: Name/Address Amount Whalen & Ives $320.00 180 Kinderkamack Road Park Ridge, NJ 07656 ******** #22-299 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 611 3 Como, Robert & Michelle 149 Concord Dr. $235.00 707 24 Shamis, Yarkov 230 Kensington Rd. $375.00 907 22 Guleyupoglu, Nilufer 257 Wayne Ave. $217.50 909 13 Maietta, Jerry 421 The Fenway $217.50 ******** #22-300 Award Contract – Fire Department Co. #2 – Interior Renovations WHEREAS, on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., six bids were submitted at the date and time specified for the Fire Department Co. #2 – Interior Renovations and the Borough Clerk did open and read each bid aloud; and WHEREAS, the Borough Architect has reviewed the bid as submitted Lanyi & Tevald, Inc., in the amount of $268,000.00, and has recommended the base bid be awarded to Lanyi & Tevald, 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 Fire Department Co. #2 – Interior Renovations shall be awarded to with Lanyi & Tevald, Inc. located at 6 Powder Horn Drive, Warren, NJ 07059 in the amount of $268,000.00 based on the base bid, submitted on September 1, 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. ******** #22-302 Authorize Purchase of Roadway Rock Salt via the Bergen County Registered Cooperative Pricing System #11-BeCCP WHEREAS, the County of Bergen administers a cooperative purchasing program known as the Registered County Cooperative Pricing System #11-BeCCP and had solicited for the furnishing and delivery of treated and untreated roadway rock salt for a 12-month period, between October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022; and WHEREAS, the County of Bergen awarded the contract to Atlantic Salt Inc. of 134 Middle Street, Suite 210 in Lowell, MA 01852-11883 with an option to renew for one (1) twelve (12) month period; and WHEREAS, the County of Bergen has exercised this renewal option at a price of $78.75 per ton for untreated rock salt and $99.75 per ton for treated rock salt; and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge is a member of said cooperative. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works is hereby authorized to purchase roadway rock salt from Atlantic Salt, Inc,. under the pricing obtained through the Registered County Cooperative Pricing System #11-BeCCP. ******** #22-303 Authorize Purchase of Gasoline, Diesel & Fuel Oil via the Bergen County Registered Cooperative Pricing System #11-BeCCP WHEREAS, the County of Bergen administers a cooperative purchasing program known as the Registered County Cooperative Pricing System #11-BeCCP and had solicited for the furnishing and delivery of gasoline, diesel and fuel oil for a 24-month period, between March 3, 2021, through March 2, 2023; and WHEREAS, the County of Bergen awarded the contract to Rachles/Michele’s Oil Co., Inc. of 116 Kuller Road, in Clifton, NJ 07011; and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge is a member of said cooperative. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works is hereby authorized to purchase gasoline, diesel, and heating oil from Rachles/Michele’s Oil Company, Inc. under the pricing obtained through the Registered County Cooperative Pricing System #11-BeCCP. ******** #22-304 Approve Standard Operating Procedures – River Edge Police Department BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, that the attached Standard Operating Procedures for the River Edge Police Department, as required for the accreditation of the department, are hereby approved. ******** #22-305 Award Contract – Planting of Street Trees WHEREAS, on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., three bids were submitted at the date and time specified for the Planting of Street Trees within the Borough of River Edge and the Borough Administrator did open and read each bid aloud; and WHEREAS, the Chairperson of the Shade Tree Commission has reviewed the bid as submitted Aspen Landscape Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $67,433, and has recommended the bid be awarded to Aspen Landscape Contracting, 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 Planting of Street Trees within the Borough of River Edge shall be awarded to Aspen Landscape Contracting, Inc. located at PO Box 5269 in North Branch, NJ 08876 in the amount of $67,433.00 based on the bid, submitted on October 14, 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. #22-306 Resolution Authorizing Participation in an Electronic Tax Sale WHEREAS, NJSA 54:5-19.1 authorizes electronic tax sales pursuant to rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Director of the Division of Government Services, and WHEREAS, the Director of the Division of Local Government Services has approved NJ Tax Lien Investors/RealAuction.com to conduct electronic tax sales, and WHEREAS, an electronic tax sale is innovative and provides a greater pool of potential lien buyers, thus creating the environment for a more complete tax sale process, and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge wishes to participate in an electronic tax sale. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the governing body of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, that the Tax Collector is hereby authorized to participate in an electronic tax sale and submit same to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services if necessary. ******** #22-307 RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPROPRIATION NJS 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 $66,000.00, which is now available from “NJ UCF Stewardship Grant” in the amount of $66,000.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the like sum of $66,000.00 is hereby appropriated under the caption “NJ UCF Stewardship Grant”; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the above is the result of funds from State of NJ in the amount of $66,000.00. #22-308 Resolution to Enter Into Agreement with Elsbeth J. Crusius, Esq., 267 Summit Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 for Professional Services as Municipal Prosecutor for the Borough of River Edge WHEREAS, Andrew Cimiluca, Esq. was appointed as Municipal Prosecutor for the Borough of River Edge on January 4, 2022 via resolution #22-7 for a 1-year term commencing January 1, 2022 and expiring on December 31, 2022; and WHEREAS, Andrew Cimiluca will be resigning effective November 30, 2022. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that Elsbeth J. Crusius, Esq is hereby appointed Municipal Prosecutor for the Borough of River Edge to fill the unexpired term of Andrew Cimiluca commencing December 1st through December 31, 2022 and the Mayor and Borough Clerk are authorized to sign the proposed contract submitted by the Municipal Prosecutor. BE IT FINALLY 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. ******** #22-309 Exercise the Third One-Year Option Renewal of the Solid Waste Collection Contract with Joseph Smentkowski, Inc. WHEREAS, on February 6, 2019, bids were received by the Borough of New Milford for Complete Solid Waste Collection Service for New Milford and River Edge; and WHEREAS, a contract was awarded to Joseph Smentkowski, Inc. of 3 York Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 in the total amount of $3,545,931.00 for a one-year contract with four one-year options for renewal by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge on March 11, 2019, via Resolution #19-113; and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge and Borough of New Milford have agreed to share the cost of the solid waste collection service for all years, which will be determined by the annual Table of Aggregates; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available for this service. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, that they hereby exercise the third one-year renewal of the Solid Waste Collection Contract with Joseph Smentkowski, Inc.; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Borough of River Edge agrees to pay $317,703.02 for the period October 16, 2022 – October 15, 2023 representing 44.7% of the total amount of $710,745.00 for the second one-year renewal option of the contract. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be provided to Joseph Smentkowski, Inc. and the Borough of New Milford. ******** #22-310 Payment of Bills Council President Kaufman read resolution #22-310 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 24, 2022. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $1,254,798.34 GRANT FUND $ 1,534.50 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilman Chinigo, that Resolution #22-310 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 ******** FOR DISCUSSION – None. NEW BUSINESS – There was no New Business. 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. Update on Construction Projects With respect to the asphalt testing at Beech Drive, Borough Administrator Aportela reported that the results came back within parameters. As approximately 150 feet will need to be milled and repaved, a new grading plan will need to be implemented, requiring a change order. Borough Administrator Aportela confirmed that she would be able to work within the various capital lines to find the additional funding should the governing body wish to proceed. It was the consensus of the governing body to proceed. A resolution to formally authorize this change order will be listed for approval once finalized. A meeting with the contractor is being scheduled to discuss the results of the asphalt testing for the Train Station Parking Lot project. The Borough Hall parking lot is anticipated to be completed by this Saturday. Borough Administrator Aportela noted that this project will bring the Borough into compliance with safety requirements under the Joint Insurance Fund. In regard to the Upper Train Station Parking Lot on Center Avenue, she advised that it is a three- to four-week project and concrete and retaining wall work will commence as soon as the weather improves. Permit holders were notified that the work was anticipated to commence this week weather-permitting. The FY21 CDBG Reservoir Avenue Sidewalk Improvements project is underway and is anticipated to take approximately 3 weeks. Borough Administrator Aportela announced that she will work with the Borough Clerk to schedule a special meeting next week to authorize the purchase of the trees for the Tree Planting project. She advised that a resolution to authorize the contract award for the interior demolition work as part of the Borough Hall Repair project will also be listed on this agenda. She further advised that the move of the departments is being finalized and lightening the load on the building is taking place with files being sent for archive storage. She reviewed to where each department will be relocated during construction. It was decided that an announcement as to where each department will be located will be made after Approval of Minutes at each meeting until construction commences. Borough Administrator Aportela is to draft a memorandum detailing this information which will be posted to the Borough website and shared on the Mayor’s Facebook page. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the bid opening for the rebidding of the Voorhis Drainage Improvement project and 2022 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Assembly project will take place on November 2nd. The Valley Road Retaining Wall Emergency Repair project is complete. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Chinigo, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Ray Stitz, 210 Mohawk Drive, advised that he sent a notice to the governing body regarding the Veterans Day Ceremony which will take place at 11 a.m. on November 11th. He noted that this year marks the first time that the schools will not be participating in the ceremony. He announced that a memorial stone will be dedicated to Joe Maugeri at this ceremony, explaining that it will be placed exactly where Joe would have stood during the ceremony as a lasting tribute to him. Mayor Papaleo advised that Council President Kaufman will be attending this ceremony in his absence. Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Council President Kaufman announced that the River Edge Fire Department will be holding a recruitment drive on November 6th from 10 am to noon at Fire Company No. 1. Councilwoman Busteed noted that the Teachers’ Convention is on November 11th which could be the reason that the school is unable to participate in the Veterans Day Ceremony. Ray Stitz, 210 Mohawk Drive, commented that, although he understands that the convention is on this day, the school did not attempt to coordinate with the VFW. Mayor Papaleo advised that letters of commendation were received for Detective Daniel Lee for delivering a lost wallet and Officer Matt Piterski for assisting members of Temple Avodat Shalom during the high holy days. Mayor Papaleo commented that these are just two examples of great community policing. Councilwoman Kinsella thanked Michelle Ryan, Interim Recreation Director, and Brianne Etter, Alphonse Bartelloni, and Alicia Armental of the Recreation Commission for participating in tonight’s meeting. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Busteed, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk