Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting September 28, 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 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for those who are dealing with mental illness, police officers who are under tremendous stress as well as for the needs of all those who suffer from stress. 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 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: Council President Kaufman, Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, Councilwoman Kinsella (arrived at 7:03 p.m.), Councilwoman Malellari, Councilman Benson and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Councilman Chinigo ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney Thomas Sarlo, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Council President Kaufman, seconded by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting of September 14, 2023 are hereby approved PROCLAMATIONS & AWARDS Proclamation Declaring October 8 – 14, 2023 as Fire Prevention Week Mayor Papaleo expressed that the Fire Department is doing a phenomenal job and read the following proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, cooking, heating, and electrical fires represent three of the nation's leading causes of home fires, and are collectively responsible for nearly half of all home fires and almost one-third of the associated fire deaths; and WHEREAS, the vast majority of home cooking, heating, and electrical fires can be prevented by taking simple safety precautions; and WHEREAS, developing a home fire escape plan and practicing it at least twice a year are critical to escaping a fire safely; and WHEREAS, proper installation, testing, and maintenance of smoke alarms are part of a thorough home fire escape plan; and WHEREAS, by preventing the leading causes of home fires, and by developing and practicing a thorough home fire escape plan, people can greatly reduce their risk to fire; and  WHEREAS, the Fire Prevention Week 2023 theme, “Cooking Safety Starts with YOU! Pay Attention to Fire Prevention” encourages the public to develop a home fire escape plan and make sure they have working smoke alarms; and WHEREAS, the fire service of the Borough of River Edge is dedicated to the safety of life and property from the devastating effects of fire; and WHEREAS, the members of the fire service are joined by other concerned citizens of this Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as well as other emergency service providers and safety advocates, businesses, schools, service clubs, and organizations in their fire safety efforts; and WHEREAS, I Thomas Papaleo, Mayor of the Borough of River Edge, do hereby proclaim the week of October 8– 14, 2023 as Fire Prevention Week This week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed more than 250 persons, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed more than 17,400 buildings. WHEREAS, I call upon the people of the Borough of River Edge to participate in fire prevention activities at home, work, and school, and to take the steps needed to make their homes and families safe from the leading causes of home fires, which include cooking, heating and electrical fires and plan and practice their home fire escape. Chief Cariddi commented that, although fire prevention is highlighted this week, it should be observed year-round. He noted that this year’s theme is cooking fires which account for 50% of home fires. He also provided safety tips related to fire and carbon monoxide. He advised that the Fire Department will have a table at River Edge Day and will have fire apparatus at the event as well. He expressed appreciation to the governing body for this proclamation. Mayor Papaleo thanked Chief Cariddi and all the volunteers for their service and expressed appreciation for all that they do for the community. Proclamation Recognizing Douglas Dunton Mayor Papaleo commented that the governing body is excited to recognize Douglas Dunton for his work with Boy Scout Troop 184 as Scout Leader. He read the following proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Douglas Dunton grew up in River Edge and has been in Boy Scout Troop 184 for 50 years during which time he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and is now a Scout Leader; and WHEREAS, Douglas has guided, mentored and assisted over 100 young men in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and has served in many different roles within the Boy Scout organization; and WHEREAS, Douglas has been a Scout Leader, a merit badge counselor and has been a strong advocate for the Boy Scouts by raising awareness of the organization’s mission; and WHEREAS, Douglas has attended every summer camp since joining as a scout, giving 2 weeks to mentor and assist in creating an environment where the troop would be able to thrive; and WHEREAS, Douglas is an educator in the English Department at The Frisch School in Paramus and his other areas of interest include American Literature Fantasy & Science Fiction where he has enthralled hundreds of scouts with his campfire storytelling; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge desires to express its appreciation and recognize Douglas Dunton on this date as he is a true example of patriotism and volunteerism for all citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Thomas Papaleo, and on behalf of the Borough Council of River Edge do Honor, Thank & Commend Douglas Dunton for his many years of dedicated service. Mr. Dunton thanked the governing body for this recognition and commented that being involved with the Boy Scouts has been a wonderful experience. He detailed some of the activities in which they have participated and noted that they will be attending River Edge Day. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilwoman Malellari, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, 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 Councilman Benson, 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, and all members present voting in favor, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: Approve the resignation of John Francin from the River Edge Volunteer Fire Department effective September 12, 2023. MONTHLY REPORTS – Mayor Papaleo advised that the following reports are on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk and available for review: Land Use Board - July 26, 2023 SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #23-16 & #23-17 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinances published herewith were first read by title only on September 14, 2023 and posted on the bulletin board of the municipal building. Ordinance #23-16 – An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of River Edge, Chapter 400, “Vehicles and Traffic” Ordinance #23-17 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 308 in the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of River Edge, Entitled ‘Parks and Public Lands’ Public Comments on Ordinances 23-16 & 23-17 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #23-16 and #23-17. Borough Administrator Aportela reported that Ordinance #23-16 updates the prohibited parking during certain hours along Bogert Road to account for the double sidewalk that was extended as part of the DOT-funded sidewalk improvements in the area. She noted that this amendment was recommended by the Police Department to allow additional vehicles to pull up along the curb line when dropping off and picking up students. She explained that Ordinance #23-17 codifies the start time for use of the tennis courts and updates the park permit process. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #23-16 and #23-17. Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilman Benson, that Ordinance #23-16 and #23-17 be passed on second and final reading and are hereby adopted and notice of same shall be published according to law. 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 (See Ordinance #23-16 and #23-17 attached and made a part hereof.) RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #23-275 Resolution to Refund Escrow Money b. #23-276 Authorize Mayor and Clerk to Sign an Agreement with the City of Hackensack for the Use of the Hackensack Sewer System c. #23-277 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Madison Avenue d. #23-278 Resolution Requesting Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation NJS 40A:4-87 e. #23-279 Resolution Appointing Affordable Housing Administrative Agent for the Borough of River Edge f. #23-280 Exercise the Fourth One-Year Option Renewal of the Solid Waste Collection Contract with Joseph Smentkowski, Inc. g. #23-281 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Oak Avenue h. #23-282 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Seventh Avenue i. #23-283 Authorize Purchase of Roadway Rock Salt via Bergen County Cooperative Pricing System #11-BeCCp Motion by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, second by Councilman Benson, that the Consent Agenda 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 ******** #23-275 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 601 9 Michael Koth $165.00 159 Tenney Ave.. River Edge, NJ 07661 813 4 Brian Conner $65.00 501 The Fenway River Edge, NJ 07661 901 19 Matt Park $270.00 210 Manchester. River Edge, NJ 07661 1004 26 Paul Perkins $3,112.50 311 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge, NJ 07661 ******** #23-276 Authorize Mayor and Clerk to Sign an Agreement with the City of Hackensack for the Use of the Hackensack Sewer System BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign an agreement with the City of Hackensack for the Borough of River Edge’s use of the Hackensack Sewer System by Prime 259 Restaurant, 259 Johnson Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey based upon the terms listed below. SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT This AGREEMENT, effective January 1, 2024, is by and between the BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, Bergen County, New Jersey (“Borough”), and the CITY OF HACKENSACK, Bergen County, New Jersey (“City”). RECITALS WHEREAS, Prime 259 is a restaurant located within the Borough with a street address of 259 Johnson Avenue; and, WHEREAS, Prime 259 has a sewer connection to service the premises that connects to the sewer facilities owned and operated by the City; and, WHEREAS, for many years, the City and Borough have entered into an agreement to establish the compensation to be paid by the Borough to the City for the sewerage flow from the property located at 259 Johnson Avenue in the Borough into the City’s sewerage facilities, with the current agreement expiring on December 31, 2023; and, WHEREAS, the City and Borough wish to enter into a successor Agreement for compensation to be paid by the Borough to the City for the sewerage flow from the property located at 259 Johnson Avenue in the Borough into the City’s sewerage facilities for a term starting on January 1, 2024 and running through December 31, 2028. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual terms and conditions contained herein, the undersigned parties agree as follows: 1. SCOPE OF SERVICE: The City agrees to accept the sewerage and effluent flowing from Prime 259 restaurant (or any subsequent business located at that address) located at 259 Johnson Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey during the term of this Agreement. 2. COMPENSATION: In consideration of the City’s acceptance of sewerage flow from 259 Johnson Avenue into the City’s sewerage systems and facilities, the Borough agrees to the following annual payment schedule for the period between January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2028: 2024 - $1600.00 2025 - $1800.00 2026 - $2000.00 2027 - $2200.00 2028 - $2400.00 Payment shall be made by the Borough to the City in advance within the first thirty (30) days of each calendar year. 3. ADDITIONAL TERMS: This Agreement shall commence on January 1, 2024 and terminate at the end of the day on December 31, 2028. The parties shall enter negotiations to extend this Agreement for an additional term prior to its expiration at an annual charge the parties agree is fair and reasonable. Should the Borough no longer need the service provided by this Agreement, it may cancel it by providing thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Hackensack City Manager. IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned parties do place their hands and seals on the date first above written. ******** #23-277 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Madison Avenue WHEREAS, on or about September 28, 2023, the Borough of River Edge granted permission to Kate Jerome, 109 Madison Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey, to hold a block party on Madison Avenue between Bogert Road and Kinderkamack Road on Sunday, October 22nd from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. in accordance with Borough Ordinance #1678; and  WHEREAS, Kate Jerome has requested that the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages be permitted in connection with said block party; and WHEREAS, Borough Code Section 114-15 allows the Governing Body to permit the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in or on a public street or sidewalk in connection with an authorized block party. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that persons age 21 and over be and hereby are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages at the block party described above, on the date and time specified herein. ******** #23-278 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 2023 in the sum of $3,085.60, which is now available from “Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant” in the amount of $3,085.60. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the like sum of $3,085.60 is hereby appropriated under the caption “Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant”; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the above is the result of funds from the US Department of Justice, in the amount of $3,085.60. ******** #23-279 Resolution Appointing Affordable Housing Administrative Agent for the Borough of River Edge WHEREAS, The Borough of River Edge’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan promotes an affordable housing program pursuant to the Fair Housing Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301, et. seq.), applicable Council on Affordable Housing (“COAH”) regulations and Uniform Housing Affordability Controls (“UHAC”) regulations; and WHEREAS, under authorization of the New Jersey Fair Housing Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301, et seq., hereinafter the “Act”) the Municipality is implementing a program to provide affordable housing units to low- and moderate-income households desiring to live within the Municipality; and WHEREAS, at Title 5, Chapter 80, Subchapter 26 of the New Jersey Administrative Code, the State has promulgated affordability controls in regulations designed to implement the Act, by assuring that low- and moderate-income units that are created under the Act are occupied by low- and moderate-income households for an appropriate period of time (the “Rules”); and WHEREAS, Section 5:80-26.14 of the Rules provides that affordability controls shall be administered by an administrative agent acting on behalf of a municipality; and WHEREAS, the Municipality has selected Community Grants, Planning and Housing to be the Administrative Agent for the purposes of administering the Borough’s affordable rehabilitation program; and WHEREAS, The Administrative Agent shall perform the duties and responsibilities of an administrative agent as are set forth in the Rules, including those set forth in Sections 5:80-26.14, 16 and 18 thereof. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge in the County of Bergen, and the State of New Jersey that Community Grants, Planning and Housing is hereby appointed by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge as the Administrative Agent for the administration of the affordable housing program.  ******** #23-280 Exercise the Fourth 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 fourth 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, 2023 – October 15, 2024 representing 44.7% of the total amount of $710,745.00 for the fourth 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. ******** #23-281 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Oak Avenue WHEREAS, on or about September 28, 2023, the Borough of River Edge granted permission to Saratheresa Bartelloni, 719 Oak Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey, to hold a block party on Oak Avenue between Continental Avenue and Webb Avenue on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (rain date Sunday, November 5th) in accordance with Borough Ordinance #1678; and WHEREAS, Saratheresa Bartelloni has requested that the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages be permitted in connection with said block party; and WHEREAS, Borough Code Section 114-15 allows the Governing Body to permit the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in or on a public street or sidewalk in connection with an authorized block party. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that persons age 21 and over be and hereby are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages at the block party described above, on the date and time specified herein. ******** #23-282 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Seventh Avenue WHEREAS, on or about September 28, 2023, the Borough of River Edge granted permission to Cindy Bequeaith, 745 Seventh Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey, to hold a block party on Seventh Avenue between Continental Avenue and Webb Avenue on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. (rain date Sunday, October 15th) in accordance with Borough Ordinance #1678; and WHEREAS, Cindy Bequeaith has requested that the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages be permitted in connection with said block party; and WHEREAS, Borough Code Section 114-15 allows the Governing Body to permit the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in or on a public street or sidewalk in connection with an authorized block party. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that persons age 21 and over be and hereby are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages at the block party described above, on the date and time specified herein. ******** #23-283 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, 2023, through September 30, 2024; and WHEREAS, the County of Bergen awarded the contract to Atlantic Salt Inc. of 134 Middle Street, Suite 210 in Lowell, MA 01852-11883 at a price of $78.75 per ton for untreated rock salt and $98.75 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. ******** #23-284 Payment of Bills Council President Kaufman read resolution #23-284 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 September 28, 2023. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $161,174.98 CAPITAL FUND $ 36,532.00 ANIMAL CONTROL FUND $ 413.00 TRUST OTHER FUND $ 1,00.000 UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND $ 4,911.99 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW FUND $ 1,815.00 RECREATION TRUST FUND $ 2,118.48 Motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, that Resolution #23-284 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 ******** NEW BUSINESS – Grant Writing RFP Evaluation Borough Administrator Aportela advised that a Granter Writer was solicited through the competitive contracting process for a period of 24 months with the option to extend the contract for an additional two years. She stated that three responses were received, and based on the evaluation criteria, Millennium Strategies scored the highest. She recommended that a contract be awarded to this firm on the next agenda. She advised that, should the governing body concur with this recommendation, she would arrange to have the appointed contact person meet with the departments to identify needs so grant opportunities can be explored as the 2024 budget is being prepared. She reviewed the funding that has been placed into this year’s budget for these services as well as the cost. There was discussion regarding the amounts that this firm has procured from grants for other municipalities as well as the private grant opportunities with which they have had experience. It was the consensus of the governing body to proceed with Borough Administrator Aportela’s recommendation to appoint Millennium Strategies as Grant Writer. A resolution will be listed on the October 12th agenda for approval. Mayor Papaleo inquired whether the school recently received a grant for trees through the assistance of the Shade Tree Commission, Borough Administrator Aportela confirmed that the schools did receive a grant through Sustainable Jersey, noting that the Shade Tree Commission assisted with the tree proposal portion. She announced that the Borough was recertified by Sustainable Jersey through the efforts of the Environmental Protection Commission/Green Team. OLD BUSINESS – Hours for Pickleball After some discussion regarding the lack of major noise complaints and the proposed plan to place a permanent court at KBG through grant funding, it was agreed that the pickleball hours be modified to the same hours as tennis. Borough Administrator Aportela is to relay this information to the Recreation Director who will notify residents through Constant Contact as well as reaching out directly to those who have obtained a permit. SCORE Update Councilman Benson reported that Henry and Carol Mah will be retiring from overseeing SCORE and there is not someone to take over the program at this time. He advised that they are looking into the possibility of moving to a space in Riverside Square Mall called Senior Source. It was agreed that no action will be taken until the temperature of all the members of SCORE is taken. Appreciation was expressed to Temple Avodat Shalom for the use of their facilities for this program. HPC QR Codes Councilman Benson advised that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is working on QR street signs that can be scanned to watch a video on the history of the street. HPC will be presenting this idea at the next Mayor and Council meeting. Busking Festival Councilman Benson announced that there is a Busking Festival being hosted by Ridgefield Park that features two bands from River Edge this Saturday. It was agreed that information on this event will be posted on the website as well as the Mayor’s Facebook page. Library Generator As the generator was installed today, Councilwoman Montisano-Koen reported that the Library should reopen tomorrow at 10 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Janet Marcella, 150 Kensington Road, commented on the lack of communication regarding the Voorhis Drainage project. She noted that the staging area is located in front of her property which has impacted her quality of life. She requested that the Borough Engineer regularly inform impacted residents of the progress. Borough Administrator Aportela is to convey to Mr. Costa that he should provide an update to the impacted residents with Mayor Papaleo copied on this correspondence. It was confirmed that the project is anticipated to be completed in two weeks. Mayor Papaleo noted that that this project will not only address flooding on Voorhis but flooding issues in Memorial Park as well. Motion by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilwoman Malellari announced that the Environmental Protection Commission will be participating in the Hackensack River Sweep from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday, September 30th and will have a table at River Edge Day on Sunday, October 1st. The Styrofoam Collection/Paper Shredding Event will be held on October 14th at the DPW from 9 am to 1 pm. Council President Kaufman announced that the Cultural Center will host an art show focusing on baseball on October 7th from 2 pm to 4 pm. She advised that next Thursday is the last Farmer’s Market of the season. Mayor Papaleo commended Council President Kaufman for her work on the Farmer’s Market as well as the entire committee and Cultural Affairs for their role. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, on a motion by Council President Kaufman, second by Councilman Benson, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk