Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting May 22, 2023 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 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for the country, those who are dependent upon the federal government to pay bills, those in Ukraine, those who are suffering from physical illnesses and those who are in need of prayers, support and good wishes. 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 9th of this location, date and time to the Town News and the Record and by posting of same on the municipal bulletin board and Borough website and filing a notice of the same with the Municipal Clerk. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilman Chinigo, Council President Kaufman, Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, Councilwoman Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilman Benson and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Councilman Chinigo Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela ALSO PRESENT: Borough Attorney Thomas Sarlo, Esq. PRESENTATIONS – Environmental Protection Commission Annual Report – 2022/Green Team Annual Report – 2022 Patty Almberg, Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) Co-Chair, reviewed the commission’s mission statement and recognized the members of both the EPC and Green Team. She noted that David Kraft, EPC Co-Chair, is present this evening to speak to both the EPC and Green Team annual reports. Mr. Kraft reviewed the three main themes that the EPC/Green Team support which include stormwater management, legislation pertaining to improved environmental practices, and watershed improvements and support of the New Jersey water system. He detailed the ways in which these themes have been supported such as the Storm Drain Art Contest, communications around the plastic bag ban, and river cleanups. He also spoke to annual events that have been held such as the Second Chance Toy Drive and Styrofoam and Paper Shredding Event. With respect to Styrofoam, he noted that Oradell has a machine that can melt this material and use it in reusable materials. He added that Oradell is looking to partner with other municipalities for use of this machine and questioned how this service can be implemented. Mayor Papaleo advised that the use of this machine would need to be authorized through a Shared Services Agreement and suggested that the EPC/Green Team either a resolution or memorandum that this potential shared service be investigated. Mr. Kraft detailed other events in which the EPC/Green Team participated such as the recycling of prom flower boxes, garden contest, and River Edge Day. He advised that they would like to restart their speaker series which was put on hold during COVID. He explained that data is collected during all events to learn the interests of the community as well as which communication methods have worked best. He explained that the various efforts undertaken by the commission earn points toward certification through Sustainable Jersey and noted that the Borough is currently Bronze certified. There was discussion regarding the Storm Drain Art Contest and the potential of displaying all the artwork either at the Library or Cultural Center. It was also agreed that the finalists would be recognized at a future Mayor and Council meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On 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 Meeting and Closed Session Meeting of May 8, 2023 are hereby approved. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Council President Kaufman, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, 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 Councilwoman Kinsella, 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: Library Board of Trustees - May 2023 RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #23-152 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Brookside Park Improvement Project b. #23-153 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Bogert Road, Section 7 c. #23-154 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2022 CDBG Sidewalk Replacement at Oxford Terrace and Rutgers Place Project d. #23-155 Authorize Fire Mutual Aid Agreement Between Participating Bergen County Municipalities  e. #23-156 Authorize Inclusion in Bergen County Community Development Program f. #23-157 Authorize Execution of Agreement with County of Bergen to Supersede Cooperative Agreement Dated July 1, 2021 & Amendments Thereto Establishing Bergen County Community Development Program g. #23-158 Appoint Borough Representatives to the Community Development Regional Committee h. #23-159 Endorse S3739/A5402 – 4th Round of Affordable Housing Obligations i. #23-160 Authorize Purchase of 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Pursuit for River Edge Police Department j. #23-161 Cancel Capital Balances k. #23-162 Amend 2023 Meeting Schedule l. #23-163 Authorize Receipt of Bids – River Edge Borough Hall Addition & Alterations m. #23-164 Resolution to Authorize Tax Collector to Refund 2023 Taxes Due to a County Board Judgment n. #23-165 Approval of Veteran’s 100% Tax Exemption o. #23-166 Authorize Execution of Shares Services Agreement with Borough of Oradell – Athletic Field Use p. #23-167 Authorize Rejection of Bids – Cleaning Services for Borough of River Edge Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Council President Kaufman, that the Consent Agenda be approved. Councilman Benson questioned Resolution #23-164, noting that the refund is quite substantial. Although Council President Kaufman expressed her belief that this matter will be further investigated, she explained that, as less than 50% of homes in River Edge have a landline, Verizon has requested that their property be assessed at $0. She noted that this trend is happening across the country and state. Councilwoman Malellari asked for an explanation of Resolution #23-161. Council President Kaufman advised that the purpose of this resolution is to cancel older capital balances and transfer those funds to surplus. It was noted that, although doing so will not have an impact on this year’s budget, it will have a positive impact on next year’s budget. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilman Chinigo: absent Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye #22-168 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kaufman read resolution #22-168 into the record: #22-168 Payment of Bills At a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, held on May 22, 2023.  BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $206,127.26 CAPITAL FUND $209,900.44 ANIMAL CONTROL $ 10.20 TRUST OTHER FUND $ 2,286.01 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW FUND $ 676.50 RECREATION TRUST FUND $ 9,889.83 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, that Resolution #23-168 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilman Chinigo: absent Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye ******** #23-152 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Brookside Park Improvements Project WHEREAS, playground and park improvements at Brookside Park is a project in which the Borough will receive funding from the 2022 Municipal Park Improvement Program of the Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund; and WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer had submitted a proposal to perform additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the Brookside Park Improvements Project for a cost not to exceed $43,000.00; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the attached proposal, dated May 11, 2023, from Borough Engineer, Robert Costa of Costa Engineering Corporation for additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the Brookside Park Improvements Project for a cost not to exceed $43,000.00. #23-153 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Bogert Road – Section 7 WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer had submitted a proposal to perform additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the Bogert Road Section 7 Project for a cost not to exceed $62,00.00; and  WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the attached proposal, dated February 8, 2023, from Borough Engineer, Robert Costa of Costa Engineering Corporation for additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the Bogert Road Section 7 Project for a cost not to exceed $62,000.00. #23-154 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2022 CDBG Sidewalk Replacement at Oxford Terrace and Rutgers Place Project WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer had submitted a proposal to perform additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the 2022 CDBG Sidewalk Replacement at Oxford Terrace and Rutgers Place Project for a cost not to exceed $39,000.00; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the attached proposal, dated May 9, 2023, from Borough Engineer, Robert Costa of Costa Engineering Corporation for additional professional engineering services associated with surveying, design, bid services, project management and inspection services for the 2022 CDBG Sidewalk Replacement at Oxford Terrace and Rutgers Place Project for a cost not to exceed $39,000.00. #23-155 Authorize Fire Mutual Aid Agreement between Participating Bergen County Municipalities WHEREAS, mutual aid and assistance agreements between municipalities, counties, fire companies or fire departments situated in Bergen County, are permitted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A: 14 -26 and 40A: 14-156.1; and WHEREAS, the Director of the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs promulgated rules in accordance with the "Fire Service Resource Emergency Deployment Act," N.J.A.C. 52:14E-11 et. seq., commonly referred to as the "Fire Service Resource Emergency Deployment Regulations," N.J.A.C. 5:75A et. seq, and WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interests of the residents of various municipalities to enter into a Fire mutual aid and assistance agreement with the County of Bergen and other municipalities to provide additional protection against loss, damage or destruction by fire, catastrophe, major emergency or other extraordinary devastation damage or destruction to person and property, in those situations when outside aid and assistance is needed; and WHEREAS, the Fire Chief recommends entering into said Fire Mutual Aid Agreement for the benefit of River Edge and Bergen County residents and the residents of neighboring counties in New Jersey, in the event of an emergency; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that, upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief, the Borough of River Edge is hereby authorized to enter into a Fire Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement with the County of Bergen and Participating Bergen County Municipalities, a copy of which is attached hereto and made part hereof.  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the agreement and any other related documents necessary to effectuate the intent and purpose of the contract in a form to be approved by Borough Attorney. #23-156 Authorize Inclusion in Bergen County Community Development Program WHEREAS certain Federal funds are potentially available to the County of Bergen under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; the HOME Investment Partnership Act of 1990, as amended; and the Emergency Solutions Grant of 2012; and WHEREAS the current Interlocal Services Cooperative Agreement contains an automatic renewal clause to expedite the notification of the inclusion process; and WHEREAS each Municipality must notify the Bergen County Division of Community Development of its intent to continue as a participant in the Urban County entitlement programs noted above; and WHEREAS it is in the best interest of the Borough of River Edge and its residents to participate in said Programs. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby notifies the Bergen County Division of Community Development of its decision to be included as a participant Municipality in the Urban County entitlement programs being the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG) for the Fiscal Years 2024, 2025, and 2026 covering the period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an original copy of this resolution be made available to the Director of the Bergen County Division of Community Development as soon as possible and no later than MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023. #23-157 Authorize Execution of Agreement with County of Bergen to Supersede Cooperative Agreement Dated July 1,2021 & Amendments Thereto Establishing Bergen County Community Development Program WHEREAS certain Federal funds are potentially available to the County of Bergen under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; the HOME Investment Partnership Act of 1990, as amended; and the Emergency Solutions Grant of 2012; and WHEREAS it is necessary to supersede an existing Interlocal Services Cooperative Agreement for the County and its people to benefit from these Programs; and WHEREAS, an Agreement has been proposed under which the Borough of River Edge and the County of Bergen in cooperation with other Municipalities, will modify an Interlocal Services Program pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq.; and WHEREAS it is in the best interest of the Borough of River Edge to enter into such an Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough of River Edge that the Agreement entitled “Three Year Cooperative Agreement” (an Agreement superseding the Cooperative Agreement dated July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024) to clarify the planning and implementation procedures and to enable the Municipality to make a Three Year irrevocable commitment to participate in the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG) for the Fiscal Years 2024, 2025, and 2026 covering the period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027, be executed by the Mayor and Municipal Clerk in accordance with the provisions of law; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect immediately in accordance with law and that an original copy be made available to the Director of the Bergen County Division of Community Development as soon as possible and no later than MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023. #23-158 Appoint Borough Representatives to the Community Development Regional Committee WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge has entered into a three-year Cooperative Agreement with the County of Bergen as provided under the Interlocal Services Act N.J.S.A. 40A:8a-1 et seq. and Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; and WHEREAS, said Agreement requires that the Governing Body appoint a representative and alternate for the FY 2023-2024 term starting July 1, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2024. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby appoints the Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela as its representative and Borough Clerk, Anne Dodd, as its alternate to serve on the Community Development Regional Committee for FY 2023-2024; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an original certified copy of this resolution be immediately emailed and sent via postage by the Borough Clerk to Robert G. Esposito, Director; Bergen County Division of Community Development; One Bergen County Plaza, Fourth Floor; Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 (resposito@co.bergen.nj.us) as soon as possible and no later than Monday, June 26, 2023; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Borough Clerk forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Borough Administrator. #23-159 Endorse S3739/A5402 – 4th Round of Affordable Housing Obligations WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge endorses Bill S3739/A5402 preserving the currently established 3rd round obligations for an additional three years by legislating a pause in determining 4th round Affordable Housing obligations, including present and prospective need and related litigation, which is scheduled to commence in July of 2025; and WHEREAS, this would give all parties additional time to assess the efficacy and local impacts on the 3rd round agreements and give the legislature and the Governor time to reestablish their proper roles in balancing the needs of all stakeholders in this process; and WHEREAS, New Jersey’s municipalities working through the 3rd round obligations require more time than had been allotted given the cascading effects of COVID-19; and WHEREAS, municipalities are still sorting out the ripple effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on their tax base and land use plans; and WHEREAS, many builders are demanding more residential units than the infrastructure of our fully developed communities can safely and responsibly absorb faulting the post COVID-19 record inflation that drives construction, debt financing and service costs to levels that incentivize builders to overreach; and WHEREAS, municipalities should be allowed to work towards appropriately meeting the 3rd round commitments before adding yet another layer that public health safety & welfare, limited infrastructure, hyper-local environmental and infrastructure challenges and fiscal realities may show to be unrealistic. NOW THEREFORE BEING RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge strongly endorse Bill S3739/A5402 and believe that extending our 3rd round obligation to 2028 will present a clearer picture of how each of the towns fared in meeting their goals and might also reveal the hyper-local environmental and infrastructure challenges each municipality is facing in achieving those goals; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that our municipality should be allowed to work towards appropriately meeting the 3rd round commitments, before adding yet another layer of unrealistic allocations - allocations that disregard the structural limitations costs and ancillary impacts on our already overburdened taxpayers; and AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Murphy; the members of the NJ Senate and Assembly; the League of Municipalities; and all NJ Municipalities. #23-160 Authorize Purchase of 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Pursuit 4WD for the River Edge Police Department WHEREAS, the purchase of a new vehicle for the River Edge Police Department was authorized in the 2023 capital budget; and WHEREAS, Police Chief, Michael Walker, obtained quote from Mall Chevrolet for a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Pursuit 4WD via ESCNJ Contract #ESCNJ 20//21-09 for $50,629.45 and has recommended at a purchase order be issued to Mall Chevrolet; and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge is a member of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) since July 11, 2019; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this purchase. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that Police Chief Walker is authorized to issue a purchase order for a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Pursuit 4WD to Mall Chevrolet, having its principal office at 75 Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 based on the quote submitted on March 29, 2023, in the amount of $50,629.45. #23-161 Resolution to Cancel Capital Balances WHEREAS, certain Capital balances remain dedicated to projects now completed; and WHEREAS, it is necessary to formally cancel said balances, so that the unexpended balances may be returned to Capital improvement fund or credited to Capital Fund Balance and unused debt authorizations may be canceled; and WHEREAS, receivable balances remain on the Capital balance sheet; and  WHEREAS, it is necessary to formally cancel the receivable balances from the balance sheet NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge the following unexpended and dedicated balances be canceled: GRANTS RECEIVABLE AMOUNT TO CANCEL 20-06 - BC OPEN SPACE - ROOSEVELT $136,875.00 FIELD IMPROVEMENT AUTHORIZATIONS AMOUNT TO CANCEL 1806 - ADOPTED 04/21/2014 $16,903.78 1837 - ADOPTED 06/15/2015 $25,069.73 1856 - ADOPTED 04/05/2016 $1,143.58 1859 - ADOPTED 04/18/2016 $72.90 17-12 - ADOPTED 05/01/2017 $61,825.29 18-10 - ADOPTED 04/23/2018 $11,383.66 18-24 – ADOPTED 11/19/2018 $174,559.87 19-09 - ADOPTED 04/22/2019 $4,395.00 19-10 - ADOPTED 04/22/2019 $1,275.00 19-13 - ADOPTED 05/28/2019 $9,823.89 20-06 – ADOPTED 05/11/2020 $349,978.55 21-18 - ADOPTED $72,000.00 Grand Total $728,431.25 #23-162 Amend 2023 Meeting Schedule BE IT RESOLVED that the 2023 Meeting Schedule adopted by Resolution #23-52 be amended to conduct a Special Meeting on Monday, June 5th at 7:00 p.m. virtually via Zoom. The purpose of the Special Meeting is to authorize the Mayor and Council to enter into Closed Session for the purpose of conducting interviews for the rank of Police Officer; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that formal action may or may not be taken; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to The Record and Town News, as well as be posted on the Municipal Bulletin Board and Borough Website. #23-163 Authorize Receipt of Bids – River Edge Borough Hall Addition & Alterations BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for the River Edge Borough Hall Addition & Alterations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said bids shall be received at 11 A.M. on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the lower level (Municipal Courtroom) of the Public Safety Building located at 705A Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, NJ 07661 at which time and place bids will be opened and read aloud; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that said advertisement shall be published in the Friday, May 26, 2023, issue of the Record in accordance with the Local Public Contracts Law. #23-164 Resolution to Authorize Tax Collector to Refund 2023 Taxes Due to a County Board Judgment WHEREAS, a County Board Judgment was received for the year 2023 by the tax office on 05/01/23 reducing the Assessed Value on the following property; and WHEREAS, the reduction in the assessment for 2023 has also reduced the total tax amount for 2023; WHEREAS, taxes for the 1st and 2nd Quarters of 2023 have been paid. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Account Supervisor refund the following amounts and the Tax Collector adjust her records accordingly. BL/Lot Name/Address Old Value New Value Tax Refund 1500/1 VERIZON-NJ C/O DUFF & PHELPS 4,467,427 0 82,647.40 PO Box 2749 Addison, TX 75001-2749 #23-165 Approval of Veteran 100% Tax Exemption WHEREAS, the Tax Assessor has been notified by the Department of Veterans Affairs that Robert M. Lyttle, residing at 478 Windsor Road also known as Block 815, Lot 18, has been declared 100% totally disabled and has been approved for 100% tax exemption on his dwelling effective May 17, 2023, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30 et seq. as amended by P.L.2019, c.413; N.J.A.C. 18:28-1.1 et seq.; BE IT RESOLVED, copies of this resolution shall be provided to the Borough Tax Assessor, Borough Tax Collector and Mr. Lyttle. #23-166 Authorize Execution of Shared Services Agreement with the Borough of Oradell – Athletic Field Use WHEREAS, the Uniform Shared Services and consolidation Act (N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 -1, et seq.) allows public entities to enter into a contract with each other to share services which the entities are empowered to provide or receive within their own jurisdictions, including services incidental to the primary purposes of any of the participating public entities; and WHEREAS, River Edge and Oradell residents jointly participate in recreational programs; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Oradell provides use of its recreational fields and/or facilities for the recreational programs and desires to be compensated for this use; and WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into such an Agreement for this purpose. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, that it does hereby authorize the Mayor and Borough Clerk to execute the attached Shared Services Agreement with the Borough of Oradell. #23-167 Authorize Rejection of Bids – Cleaning Services for the Borough of River Edge WHEREAS, bids for the project known as the "Cleaning Services for the Borough of River Edge" were received on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the lower level (Municipal Courtroom) of the Public Safety Building as advertised according to law; and WHEREAS, two bids were received and read aloud by the Borough Administrator; and WHEREAS, after review of the bids, it is in the best interest of the Borough to reject the bids in order to substantially revise the specifications for the services as per NJSA 40A11-13.2(d). NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council hereby rejects the bids submitted on May 9, 2023. NEW BUSINESS Proposed Updates to Recreation Fees Michelle Ryan, Interim Recreation Director, explained that the Recreation fees were reviewed by the Recreation Commission to ensure that they are in line with costs and cover all the current programs. She noted that the proposed ordinance was sent to the Legal Review & Ordinance Committee and advised that she will be meeting with the committee in the near future to discuss the proposed updates. Pickle Ball Courts Ms. Ryan advised that over 100 residents have expressed interest in pickle ball, expressing her belief that there are residents present this evening who wish to speak to this matter. She further advised that there was discussion at the last Recreation Commission meeting regarding this request and it is being recommended that the tennis court furthest from the residents also be made into a pickle ball court on a temporary basis by having the lines taped versus painted. Councilwoman Kinsella added that one tennis court can be made into two pickle ball courts. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on this issue. Kathleen Milk, 376 Lee Avenue, thanked the governing body for looking into this issue as residents have been wanting a pickle ball court for some time. She expressed her belief that one tennis court can be turned into four pickle ball courts. Should the governing body wish to proceed, Mayor Papaleo recommended that the DPW Superintendent and Borough Administrator determine whether two or four courts should be created. He commented that this project would be done in consultation with JIF to prevent potential safety risks from being posed. Toni Pasqualicchio, 92 Surrey Lane, thanked the Mayor and Council as well as the Interim Recreation Director for considering this request. She expressed her opinion that it will be a great way to bring the community together as there is interest among members of both the older and younger generations. Tracy levine, 535 Bogert Road, expressed appreciation to the governing body for considering this request as she believes that it will be great for the town and all age groups. Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to close the floor for public comment on this issue. It was decided to proceed with having the DPW temporarily stripe one tennis court with lines for pickle ball. It was further decided that the DPW Superintendent and Borough Administrator are to determine the safest number of pickle ball courts to place onto this tennis court. #23-169 Approve Storm Water Drainage License Agreement for the Property Located at 296 Lexington Drive, River Edge, New Jersey Mayor Papaleo announced that the resident who is associated with this resolution has requested that this item be removed from consideration. There was no motion to approve this resolution. PROCLAMATIONS & AWARDS Proclamation Dedicating KBG Baseball Dugout in Memory of Pete Romagnino Mayor Papaleo advised that Tony Romagnino is present to accept the proclamation in honor of his father, Pete Romagnino. He then read following proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Pete Romagnino was a proud resident of the Borough of River Edge for over fifty years; and WHEREAS, Pete, an extraordinarily dedicated, generous, and civic-minded individual, turned his passion for baseball into creating an amateur league, The Valley Central Scholastic Baseball League, for River Edge high school students as well as those from Bergen, Hudson, and Rockland Counties to participate in; and WHEREAS, under Pete’s leadership, The Valley Central Scholastic Baseball League existed for forty-five years as an avenue for thousands of athletes to learn the nuances of baseball, to practice healthy competition, and to constructively occupy their summer breaks from school; and WHEREAS, the players of this league not only learned about baseball, but through Pete’s example of hard work and discipline, adherence to rules, and respect for everyone, they learned the importance of education as well as valuable life lessons to carry with them into adulthood; and WHEREAS, through Pete’s selflessness and personal generosity, everyone was given the opportunity to participate in the league, regardless of financial circumstances, with yearly scholarships awarded to deserving players; and WHEREAS, Pete Romagnino and The Valley Central Scholastic Baseball League are fondly regarded for professionalism and pioneering vision by all who were involved and are aware of the program; and WHEREAS, in a true testament to Pete’s influence, countless players have gone on to highly successful careers both in and outside of baseball with many becoming coaches and volunteers in their own communities, sharing the lessons they learned during their time spent in The Valley Central Scholastic Baseball League with younger generations.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Thomas Papaleo, Mayor of the Borough of River Edge, in recognition of Pete Romagnino’s dedicated service, especially to the baseball athletes of the Borough of River Edge, do hereby dedicate: The Dugout at KBG Baseball Field In Memory Of Pete Romagnino and further hereby present this Proclamation to Pete’s beloved wife, Judy, and son, Anthony, as a token of gratitude for Pete’s outstanding commitment and contributions to our community. Mr. Romagnino commented that the ceremony at the Library on Saturday was great and expressed that his father would have been very humbled by this honor. He noted that his father was a very selfless human being and loved this town. Mayor Papaleo thanked Mr. Romagnino for attending this evening and for the gift of his father. NEW BUSINESS (continued) Potential Zoning Ordinance Revisions Council President Kaufman reported that she met with the Construction Official to discuss homes that appear to be out of character with the town. She advised that, as a result, she has been working with the Borough Planner, Councilman Chinigo and Mayor Papaleo to improve the Borough’s zoning regulations. First Congregation Church – Request for Stage Use Mayor Papaleo explained that members of the First Congregational Church requested use of the Borough’s stage for an upcoming event. He further explained that it is not possible to grant this request as he was advised by the Interim Recreation Director that this stage is only meant for Borough use and allowing use by outside organization would pose a liability risk. #23-166 Authorize Execution of Shares Services Agreement with Borough of Oradell – Athletic Field Use Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor, to reconsider Resolution #23-166. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilman Chinigo: absent Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, to table Resolution #23- 166 to the June 12th Mayor and Council Regular Meeting. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilman Chinigo: absent Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Council President Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Malellari aye Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye OLD BUSINESS – River Edge Lions – Request to Place Lawn Signs on Borough Property Borough Clerk Dodd provided the dimensions of the membership sign. Based upon this information, it was decided to grant the request to place this sign on the front lawn of Borough Hall. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, second by Council President Kaufman, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. No one came forward. Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Council President Kaufman announced that the Farmer’s Market starts Thursday from 5 pm to 7 pm. She provided details on both the entertainment that will be offered and vendors who will be participating. She commented that it was great to meet Pete Romagnino’s wife and son at the ceremony on Saturday which was moved from KBG to the Library due to inclement weather. She expressed that River Edge is lucky to have had a resident like him. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilwoman Malellari, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #23-170 at 8:09 p.m. #23-170 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 May 22, 2023, regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: A. Attorney-Client Privilege – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) 1. JIF Litigation Matter Update 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 Councilman Benson, second by Council President Kaufman, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk