Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting December 12, 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 7:07 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for Herb Ouida, River Edge resident, who recently passed away, noting that he was a good man who has done a lot of good for the town. 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 Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilwoman Montisano-Koen and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney Thomas Sarlo, Esq. PROCLAMATIONS & AWARDS – Proclamation Congratulating Grace Lutheran Church on their 100th Anniversary Mayor Papaleo announced that Kevin Vogel is present to accept this proclamation on behalf of Grace Lutheran Church. Mr. Vogel provided the history on the church. He noted that the 100th anniversary celebration was delayed due to the pandemic. Mayor Papaleo read the following proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the Grace Lutheran Church has always been a vital part of the River Edge community; and WHEREAS, from its humble start in a small building, the church has grown to serve not only the people of River Edge but also the surrounding towns of Oradell, Paramus, New Milford and beyond. WHEREAS, the Grace Lutheran Church continues to create a welcoming environment to fulfil their commitment through their ministries in our community; and WHEREAS, with its large congregation, Sunday School, pre-school and summer camp programs, Grace Lutheran remains a vibrant, active congregation of faith and a pillar of the community.  NOW, THEREFORE, I, Thomas Papaleo, Mayor of the Borough of River Edge and on behalf of the Council commend, congratulate and celebrate: Grace Lutheran Church on their 100th Anniversary by wishing them continued success and growth for generations to come. Plaque Presentation – Councilwoman Busteed Mayor Papaleo commented that it is both a happy and sad time, noting that Councilwoman Busteed has done so much for the Borough during her tenure. He announced that, although December 31st is her last official day in the role of Councilwoman, tonight is her last active meeting. He presented a plaque and read the inscription which is as follows: ELLEN BUSTEED COUNCILWOMAN 2014 – 2022 COUNCIL PRESIDENT – 2019 ACTING MAYOR – 9/1/19 – 12/31/19 IN APPRECIATION FOR YOUR DEDICATED AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO SERVE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE RESIDENTS OF RIVER EDGE MAYOR THOMAS PAPALEO AND COUNCIL 2022 Councilwoman Busteed thanked the residents for the trust that they placed in her when she ran for a seat on the Council in 2013 and for their continued trust that helped her in being reelected twice more. She commented that, although her time on the governing body is coming to a close, she will never stop working to ensure that this community is the best that it can be. She expressed how lucky she has been over the past 9 years to serve with some of the smartest, most committed, and most compassionate councilmembers and mayors who have worked together to solve problems, prepare reasonable budgets, develop programs and implement projects that would have a positive impact on the community. She noted that, along the way, she worked with the most dedicated group of Borough employees, professionals, and remarkable volunteers. She advised that her first Council Comments in January 2014 focused on the importance of public service, something that her parents taught her from a very young age. As everyone has a capacity to give back, she encouraged everyone to do so in whatever way they can. She expressed her belief that, although the governing body may disagree, they must do so without being disagreeable, a lesson upon which she called when she was given the rare opportunity to serve as Acting Mayor. As no one enters public service alone, she commented on the importance of the mentors who she has been fortunate to have along this journey and she promised to pay forward the countless hours of advice and guidance that they have given to her. She congratulated Councilwoman Montisano-Koen and Council-Elect Benson and wished them luck as they embark on the next three years. She thanked her friends who have always had her back as well as the River Edge and Bergen County Democrats who have built a party of unity. She thanked her family for always believing in her and supporting her. She encouraged residents to continue to attend Mayor and Council meetings, raise their voices on issues that are important to them, and consider volunteering on a committee or commission as it truly does take everyone to make the community work. Mayor Papaleo expressed that Councilwoman Busteed has been a gift to both River Edge and the Council and thanked her for her service. 3/4 Grade Boys Champs – Team Earthquakes Certificates of Recognition were presented to the following players and coaches in recognition of the River Dell Soccer Association Team Earthquakes for winning the 3/4 Grade Boys Soccer Championship: Dylan Hirsch Max Liu Dylan Koch Maksim Bell Dylan Koch Cooper Houghtalin Jack Griffin Kai Ng Satvik Satvik Troy Kim Sebastian Bigu Gerard Schupner Jacob Guzman Caden Sugalski Avery Edwards Coach Rita Mungioli Coach Jay Kim Coach Mungioli congratulated all the players who competed so well this season, commenting that they showed phenomenal sportsmanship. She thanked the governing body for recognizing this team. 3/4 Grade Girls Champs – Team Dash Certificates of Recognition to the following players and coaches in recognition of the River Dell Soccer Association Team Dash for winning the 3/4 Grade Girls Soccer Championship: Adriana Bosco Brynn del Corral Meena Martinez Alexandra Katz Aubrey Cerullo Angelina D’Agostino Chloe LoPresti Olivia LoPresti Jilian Klein Amy Kwon Sophia Pearlman Josetta Blundo Grace Smith Coach Fred Bosco Coach Shane Klein Coach Joe Blundo Coach Michelle del Corral Coach Bosco stated that being a part of this team was a great opportunity to make good friendships and learn the lesson of sportsmanship. He commented on what a great time that the girls had this season, noting that they learned a lot of great soccer skills. 5/6 Grade Boys Champs – Team Timbers Certificates of Recognition to the following players and coaches in recognition of the River Dell Soccer Association Team Timbers for winning the 5/6 Grade Boys Soccer Championship: Adrian Jakupi Christoph Salva Jackson Grochala Dean Redzepagic David Gautier Joseph Dabies Noah Koen Karas Loutfalla Dylan Lehmann Cole Ranley Kevin Israil Ethan Morrisette William Connor Dillon Aller Noel Rivera Coach Joe Gautier Coach Josh Koen Coach Koen expressed appreciation to the Mayor and Council for this recognition. He also thanked the players who gave their all every game. He noted that the team was undefeated this season and commented that the players focused on sportsmanship and having fun. He thanked Fred Bosco, President of the River Dell Soccer Association, for his tireless commitment to ensuring that the season was a complete success. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Council President Kaufman, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #22-343 at 7:30 pm. #22-343 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 December 12, 2022, regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: Closed Session Statutory Docket # Item Title or Description Reference 22-12/12-1 Attorney Client Privilege – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) Shared Service Agreement 2. Formal action may/may not be taken. 3. Minutes will be kept and once the matter involving the confidentiality of the above no longer requires that confidentiality, then the minutes can be made public. The regular meeting resumed at 7:44 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Council President Kaufman, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular and Closed Session Meetings of November 28, 2022 are hereby approved. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Council President Kaufman, 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 Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed, and all present voting in favor, to close public comments on any item on the agenda. MONTHLY REPORTS – Mayor Papaleo advised that the following reports are on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk and available for review: Historic Commission - November 2022 Environmental/Green Team - November 2022 Board of Health - November 2022 Tax Collector - November 2022 SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES – Ordinance #22-16 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinance published herewith was first read by title only on November 28, 2022 and posted on the bulletin board of the municipal building. Ordinance #22-16 – Bond Ordinance to Authorize the Making of Various Public Improvements and the Acquisition of New Additional or Replacement Equipment and Machinery in, by and for the Borough of River Edge, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, to Appropriate the Sum or $3,870,000 to Pay the Cost thereof, to Make a Down Payment, to Authorize the Issuance of Bonds to Finance Such Appropriation and to Provide the Issuance of Bond Anticipation Notes in Anticipation of the Issuance of Such Bonds. Public Comments on Ordinances 22-16 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #22-16. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to fund additional requirements associated with Borough Hall Repair project, Fire Company No. 2 Interior Renovations, the balance of the Voorhis Drainage Improvements, Valley Road Emergency Repair, and the purchase of additional equipment for the Fire Department. With respect to Ordinance #22-17, she explained that this ordinance amends the portions Chapter 33 of the Brough Code entitled “Fire Department” relating to membership, leave of absence, the Junior Firefighter Program, disciplinary hearing and clothing allowance. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #22-16. Motion by Councilman Chinigo, second by Councilwoman Busteed, that Ordinance #22-16 be passed on second and final reading and is hereby adopted and notice of same shall be published according to law. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye (See Ordinance #22-16 attached and made a part hereof.) Ordinance #22-17 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinance published herewith was first read by title only on November 28, 2022 and posted on the bulletin board of the municipal building. Ordinance #22-17 – An Ordinance Amending the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of River Edge, Chapter 33, Entitled ‘Fire Department’ Public Comments on Ordinances 22-17 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #22-17. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #22-17. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that this ordinance was amended after introduction to remove a sentence, noting that this revision is not substantive and does not require reintroduction. Motion by Councilwoman Busteed, second by Councilman Chinigo, that Ordinance #22-17 be passed on second and final reading and is hereby adopted as amended and notice of same shall be published according to law. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye (See Ordinance #22-17 attached and made a part hereof.) RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #22-344 Support Senate Bill S-3213 to Authorize Creation & Issuance of Registered Nurse License Plates b. #22-345 Award Contract – Voorhis Drainage Improvements Project c. #22-346 Request Permission for Dedication by Rider for Recreation Trust – Fee Programs d. #22-347 Approve Change Order #1 – Borough Hall Selective Demolition e. #22-348 Approve Change Order #1 – FY21 CDBG Reservoir Avenue Sidewalk Improvements f. #22-349 Approve Change Order #1 – Replacement of HVAC System at River Edge Fire Department Company #1 g. #22-350 Resolution to Refund Escrow Money h. #22-351 Resolution for Municipalities to Confirm Endorsement of Community Development Projects i. #22-352 Municipal Endorsing Resolution for Bergen County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project j. #22-353 Resolution Authorizing Budget Transfers for Calendar Year 2022 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that the Consent Agenda be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Busteed: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Chinigo: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye ******** #22-344 Resolution in Support of Senate Bill S-3213 Which Authorizes the Creation and Issuance of Registered Nurse License Plates WHEREAS, at the request of registered nurse Elizabeth M. Pichardo-Burr from Teaneck, NJ Senator Gordon M. Johnson from District 37 and Senator Nilsa l. Cruz-Perez from District 5 have sponsored and introduced Senate Bill 3213 which authorizes the creation and issuance of registered nurse license plates; and WHEREAS, the bill provides that the design of the registered nurse license plate is to display the caduceus symbol, along with the words “Registered Nurse;” and WHEREAS, Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge recognizes the invaluable service provided to the public by registered nurses, especially during the COVID crisis; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge finds that the recognition of registered nurses through the creation and issuance of registered nurse license plates will enhance the profession of registered nurses and will encourage others to become registered nurses; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey that the Mayor and Council supports Senate Bill S-3213 and urges the Legislature to adopt same. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to distribute copies of this resolution to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the President of the New Jersey Senate, the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, State Senator Gordon Johnson, State Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez, State Senator Joseph A. Lagana, Assemblywoman Shama A. Haider, Assemblywoman Ellen J. Park, Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, Assemblyman P. Christopher Tully, and the Clerks in municipalities throughout New Jersey. ******** #22-345 Award Contract – Voorhis Drainage Improvements Project WHEREAS, on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., four bids were submitted at the date and time specified for the Voorhis Drainage Improvements Project and the Borough Administrator did open and read each bid aloud; and WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has reviewed the bid as submitted by Matina & Son, Inc. with a base bid of $1,798,000.00 and alternate bid of $68,000.00 and has recommended the total bid be awarded to Matina & Son, 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 Voorhis Drainage Improvement Project shall be awarded to Matina & Son, Inc. located at 146 English Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, in the amount of $1,866,000 based on the total bid, submitted on November 2, 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. ******** #22-346 A Resolution Requesting Permission for the Dedication by Rider for Recreation Trust – Fee Programs Required by PL 1999, Chapter 292 and NJS 40:48-2.56 WHEREAS, permission is required of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for approval as a dedication by rider of revenues received by a municipality when the revenue is not subject to reasonably accurate estimates in advance; and, WHEREAS, N.J.S.A.40A:4-39 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve expenditures or moneys by dedication by rider; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, New Jersey as follows: 1. The Governing Body does hereby request permission of the Director or the Division of Local Government Services to pay expenditures under the provisions of N.J.S.A.40A:4-39, as amended by P.L. 1999, c.292, for the exclusive purpose of depositing and expending funds paid by individuals to offset the costs of operating municipal “fee-based” programs for the Borough of River Edge. 2. The Clerk of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, is hereby directed to forward two certified copies of this Resolution to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services. #22-347 Approve Change Order #1 – Borough Hall Selective Demolition WHEREAS, via resolution #R22-312, adopted November 2, 2022, the Mayor and Council authorized the award of a contract to Skopye, LLC, for the River Edge Borough Hall Selective Demolition Project in the amount of $228,000.00; and WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:34-4.7 permits change orders for construction, reconstruction and major repair contracts; and  WHEREAS, there is a need to consider Change Order No 1 due to the need to remove asbestos containing ceiling plaster in the second floor corridor and lavatory surrounding the elevator shaft which resulted in an increase of $11,664.40; and WHEREAS, the total amount of change orders approved to date including this change order do not exceed the originally awarded contract price by more than 20 percent; and WHEREAS, Change Order No. 1 has been reviewed and approved by the Borough Architect. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that it does hereby authorize Change Order No. 1, a copy of which is attached hereto. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to execute Change Order #1. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Change Order shall increase the final contract price from $228,000.00 to $239,664.40. ******** #22-348 Approve Change Order #1 – FY21 CDBG Reservoir Avenue Sidewalk Improvements WHEREAS, via resolution #R22-259, adopted September 12, 2022, the Mayor and Council authorized the award of a contract to FDM Construction LLC, for the FY21 Reservoir Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project for the Borough of River Edge in the amount of $83,270.00; and WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:34-4.7 permits change orders for construction, reconstruction and major repair contracts; and WHEREAS, there is a need to consider Change Order No 1 due to an increase in quantity and an addition to the contract for driveways and ADA ramps which resulted in an increase of $16,075.00; and WHEREAS, the total amount of change orders approved to date including this change order do not exceed the originally awarded contract price by more than 20 percent; and WHEREAS, Change Order No. 1 has been reviewed and approved by the Borough Engineer. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that it does hereby authorize Change Order No. 1, a copy of which is attached hereto. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to execute Change Order #1. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Change Order shall increase the final contract price from $83,270.00 to $99,345.00. ******** #22-349 Approve Change Order #1 – Replacement of HVAC System at River Edge Fire Department Company #1 WHEREAS, via resolution #R22-110, adopted March 14, 2022, the Mayor and Council authorized the issuance of a purchase order to Great White American Mechanical, LLC, for the replacement of the HVAC system for the River Edge Fire Department Company #1 in the amount of $34,710.00; and WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:34-4.7 permits change orders for construction, reconstruction and major repair contracts; and WHEREAS, there is a need to consider Change Order No 1 due to a need for additional repairs to the 1st floor locker room’s commercial air handler and 2nd floor main bar system and 2nd floor right side air handler which was unforeseen due to location and resulted in an increase of $6,702.50; and WHEREAS, the total amount of change orders approved to date including this change order do not exceed the originally awarded contract price by more than 20 percent; and  WHEREAS, Change Order No. 1 has been reviewed and approved by the DPW Superintendent. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that it does hereby authorize Change Order No. 1, a copy of which is attached hereto. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the DPW Superintendent is hereby authorized to execute Change Order #1. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Change Order shall increase the final contract price from $34,710.00 to $41,412.50. ******** #22-350 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 DESCRIPTION REFUND 701.01 26 Alostaz, Yousef & Hala $282.50 288 Voorhis Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 617 1 & 18 Choongman Chicken $345.00 630 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge, NJ 07661 C/O: Irene/ Jong Jin Na 83 Rutgers Place, Apt. 2, River Edge, NJ 07661 1207 30 Green, Hernan $520.00 199 Bogert Rd. River Edge, NJ 07661 902 26 Ntarlagiannis, Dimitrios $195.00 258 Berkely River Edge, NJ 07661 ******** #22-351 Resolution for Municipalities to Confirm Endorsement of Community Development Projects WHEREAS, a Bergen County Community Development grant of $18,500 has been proposed by New Concepts for Living for Removal and Replacement of an Air Handler and Condenser to upgrade the AC Unit; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the State Interlocal Services Act, Community Development funds may not be spent in a municipality without authorization by the Governing Body, and WHEREAS, the aforesaid project is in the best interest of the people of River Edge and the residents at 11 June Court, and WHEREAS, this resolution does not obligate the financial resources of the municipality and is intended solely to expedite expenditure of the aforesaid CD funds. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governing Body of River Edge hereby confirms endorsement of the aforesaid project, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Director of the Bergen County Community Development Program so that implementation of the aforesaid project may be expedited.  ******** #22-352 Municipal Endorsing Resolution for Bergen County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project WHEREAS, a Bergen County Community Development grant of $16,000 has been proposed by Community Options to rehabilitate the Medical Group Home located at 200 Zabriskie Place by installing a life- saving generator for the four residents with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities who reside at this location; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the State Interlocal Services Act, Community Development funds may not be spent in a municipality without authorization by the Governing Body,and WHEREAS, the aforesaid project is in the best interest of the people of River Edge and the four residents who reside at 200 Zabriskie Place, and WHEREAS, this resolution does not obligate the financial resources of the municipality and is intended solely to expedite expenditure of the aforesaid Community Development application. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby confirms endorsement of theaforesaid project, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Director of the Bergen County Community Development Program so that implementation of the aforesaid project may be expedited. ******** #22-353 Resolution Authorizing Budget Transfers for Calendar Year 2022 WHEREAS, certain appropriations were required and provided for during the calendar year 2022 and will require additional sums for expenditures to the end of 2022; and WHEREAS, other appropriations reflect that balances do exist as of the end of the year 2022; and WHEREAS, it is provided per N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58 that municipalities may make transfers from appropriations having excesses to those requiring additional sums. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge that the list of transfers herein and below be and they are authorized to be made upon records of appropriations in the keeping of the CFO as per the amounts listed herein, provided this resolution is adopted by not less than 2/3 vote of the full membership of the Governing Body as required by Statute. IN: 2-01-31-447-166– Petroleum Products Diesel Fuel - $6,000.00 2-01-31-447-168– Petroleum Products Gasoline - $5,000.00 2-01-21-180-012- Land Use S&W - $8,000.00 2-01-22-200-012- Code Enforcement S&W - $15,000.00 2-01-23-221-100- Health Waiver -$8,000.00 Total $42,000.00 OUT: 2-01-26-290-178 – Salt & Sand -$11,000.00. 2-01-30-425-100 – Salary Adjustment Account -$31,000.00 Total $ 42,000.00 ******** #22-354 Payment of Bills Council President Kaufman read resolution #22-354 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 December 12, 2022.  BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $388,651.90 CAPITAL FUND $ 71,966.18 GRANT FUND $ 1,963.50 ANIMAL CONTROL FUND $ 209.50 TRUST OTHER FUND $ 3,652.75 OPEN SPACE FUND $ 7,235.00 UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND $ 15,307.90 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW FUND $ 850.00 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Kaufman, that Resolution #22-354 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 – 2022 Sine Die/2023 Reorganization Meeting – In-Person Meeting Borough Clerk Dodd advised that, at the last meeting, she was asked to further investigate the possibility of holding the 2022 Sine Die/2023 Reorganization Meeting either in a hybrid or in- person format. She advised that Mr. Sarlo has confirmed that a hybrid meeting is permitted and that it would be her recommendation to hold the meeting in this format. She recommended that the meeting be held at the Library which is already equipped to hold the meeting in a hybrid format. After some discussion, on a motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Busteed, and all members present voting in favor, that the 2022 Sine Die/2023 Reorganization Meeting will be held in a hybrid format at the River Edge Library. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen inquired whether the roll call beginning in 2023 can be done by seniority, noting that doing so will provide Council -Elect Benson with necessary context prior to voting. Borough Attorney Sarlo advised that the bylaws may need to be amended in order to change the order of voting. It was agreed that this change should be incorporated into the bylaws which are adopted annually at the Reorganization Meeting. Electronic Mayor & Council Agenda Packets Borough Clerk Dodd proposed moving to electronic Mayor and Council agenda packets beginning in 2023. She explained that doing so could be accomplished through a subscription to Microsoft OneDrive for her and the Deputy Clerk. She advised that this subscription would cost $5 per user per month and would allow the governing body to access the backup through embedded links within the agenda. It was agreed to move to electronic packets as proposed beginning with the 2022 Sine Die/2023 Reorganization Meetings. NEW BUSINESS – There was no New Business. OLD BUSINESS – Girls’ Softball Field Mayor Papaleo announced that the Borough is continuing to negotiate with the Board of Education with respect to the proposed improvements to the softball fields located at Roosevelt School. 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. Tabled Resolution #22-337 – Authorize Execution of Rental Agreement with Temple Avodat Shalom Councilwoman Kinsella explained that, although the Interim Recreation Director attempted to secure a new venue for SCORE, she did not have enough time to properly vet a new venue. Ms. Ryan has recommended that the Borough continue the lease with Temple Avodat Shalom this year and look to secure a new location for 2024. Borough Administrator Aportela confirmed that the temple has agreed not to increase the lease payment in 2023. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Council President Kaufman, to remove Resolution #22-337 from the table. 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 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Council President Kaufman, that Resolution #22-337 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 Update on Construction Projects Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the Borough Hall Repair project is moving along. The Voorhis Drainage Improvements project was awarded to Matina & Sons. Veolia will be relocating a water main on Oak Avenue between Voorhis and Manning as part of the reconfiguration of the utilities to be completed prior to commencement of the drainage improvements in the spring. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Busteed, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Tim O’Connell, Voorhis Avenue, inquired as to the final bond amount as well as the amount of the bid that was awarded for the Voorhis Drainage Improvements. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the bond amount is $3.87 million which encompasses numerous projects. She advised that the bid for the Voorhis Drainage Improvements came in at $1,866,000 which included Alternate A. Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. OLD BUSINESS (continued) – Sequence for Motions on Agenda Items – Virtual Meetings Mayor Papaleo requested that Council President Kaufman develop a sequence for members of the governing body to make motions on agenda items while in a virtual format. As there was no objection, Council President Kaufman is to create this sequence and share it with the members of the governing body. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilman Chinigo reminded everyone that the DPW has started its last leaf pickup which is anticipated to be completed by next week. Members of the governing body, Borough Attorney Sarlo, Borough Administrator Aportela and Borough Clerk Dodd acknowledged Councilwoman Busteed, thanking her for her guidance, leadership and support. They expressed that she will be greatly missed and wished her well. 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 #22-355 at 8:31 pm. #22-355 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 December 12, 2022, regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: Closed Session Statutory Docket # Item Title or Description Reference 22-12/12-2 Collective Bargaining - Contract N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(4) Negotiations Update 22-12/12-3 Personnel – Personnel N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(8) Subcommittee Recommendations 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 Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk