Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting January 22, 2024 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER – A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge was held in person at the River Edge Public Library located at 685 Elm Avenue, River Edge, NJ 07661 and virtually via Zoom on January 22, 2024. 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 homeless or suffering from poverty, making it difficult to heat their homes both in the United States and throughout the world. Mayor Papaleo 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 11th of this location, date, time and access information 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: Councilwoman Kaufman, Council President Montisano-Koen, Councilwoman Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilman Benson, Councilman Glass and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Borough Attorney John L. Shahdanian, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting and Closed Session of December 11, 2023 are hereby approved On a motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Sine Die and Reorganization Meeting of January 5, 2024 are hereby approved. PROCLAMATIONS & AWARDS Certificates of Recognition to River Dell Flight Team Winners U10 Sullivan Mayor Papaleo congratulated the players on Team Sullivan who were joined by Coach Chris Sullivan and Assistant Coach Mark Strasser. He then presented Certificates of Recognition to the following players for winning their Fall 2023 Flight Division (10U Boys) Northern Counties Soccer Association: Henry Dzamba Thomas Gandolfo Liam Grimes Alexander Kang Luke Lamarca Matthew Nutland Anthony Ruta Robert Snider Blake Strasser Jack Sullivan Logan Theodorakos Peter Woods Coach Sullivan commented on the team’s record for the season and noted that the players always gave their best effort. He noted that they will be trying to move up a flight again in the spring. U12 Privitera Mayor Papaleo presented Certificates of Recognition to the following players for winning their Fall 2023 Flight Division (U12 Boys) Northern Counties Soccer Association: Brayden Boehm Dylan Crowe Peter Dorizas Jax Eisler Matthew Feimer Nathaniel Furrer Michael Gozenput Nathan Kim Yiannis Krikelis Timothy Marin Ludovic Motylinski Jayden Kristopher Ortaliza Matthew Petrocelli Eamon Pospischil John Privitera William Snider Ruhaan Tambavekar Mayor Papaleo recognized Coach Chuck Privitera who was joined by Assistant Coaches Elton Cuffe-Perrin and Nathan Motylinski. Coach Privitera spoke to the team’s record and commented that everyone played together as a team and contributed. He commented on how proud the coaches are of the team and advised that they have been promoted to “E” flight in the spring. Mayor Papaleo congratulated the parents as well, noting that it is as much of an achievement for them as it is for the players. U15 Ruiz de Somocurcio Mayor Papaleo presented Certificates of Recognition to the following players for winning their Fall 2023 Flight Division (U15 Boys) Northern Counties Soccer Association: Kevin Barnes Giancarlo Bosco Quinn Brennan Matthew Brooks Logan Durow David Gautier Douglas Kwon Ryan Mckinley Colin Mckinley Ethan Miller Jeonghyun Oh Nathaniel Oltmanns Ryan Pinto-Spiegel Anthony Ruiz De Somocurcio Luca Scalcione Sebastian Steiner Jake Van Wettering Phoenix Yu Former Councilman Joe Gautier, parent, expressed that this group is resilient, battling through injuries and playing a flight up. He advised that the coaches put in countless hours which is the reason why this group has developed into the team that they have become. PRESENTATIONS – Dynamic Traffic – Findings Overview Mayor Papaleo advised that John McCormack, Traffic Engineer for Dynamic Traffic, was tasked to look at what was then the Board of Education’s (BOE) decision to reconfigure. He noted that the BOE has postponed its decision to reconfigure and expressed his belief that there will be a study conducted as well as public interaction prior to deciding whether to move forward. He commented that, as the safety of the Borough’s children is of upmost importance, Dynamic Traffic’s recommendations will still be reviewed, and if possible, implemented. Mr. McCormack advised that he is joined by John Pesce, Project Manager. He reviewed his credentials and explained that his firm was tasked with providing an independent review of the various reports that were prepared in connection with the reconfiguration. He advised that the recommendations that were included in his report were derived from observing morning and afternoon activity at both schools as well as review of the various reports from Klein Traffic Engineering and Chief Walker. He reviewed the changes in the number and ages of students that would have resulted from the proposed reconfiguration. He then reviewed the recommendations for each school, noting the jurisdiction responsible for implementing each recommendation. With respect to Cherry Hill, he advised that the following recommendations are being made: • Staff parking should be increased BOE jurisdiction • Curb frontage (double sidewalk) length should be increased Borough jurisdiction  • Bogert Road pedestrian crossing location should be relocated Borough jurisdiction • Continue the pedestrian crossing prohibition at the Bogert Road intersections with Howland Avenue and Wayne Avenue Borough jurisdiction • Wayne Avenue/Green Avenue loop should be maximized Borough jurisdiction • The pre-k start time should be staggered from the rest of the school BOE jurisdiction • Incentivize early arrival BOE jurisdiction • Staggered start/dismissal times BOE jurisdiction Mr. McCormack detailed the following recommendations for Roosevelt School: • Staff parking should be increased BOE jurisdiction • All frontages should be utilized for morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up BOE jurisdiction • Curb frontage (double sidewalk) length should be increased Borough jurisdiction • Designate Oak Avenue as one-way in northbound direction during drop-off and pick-up activity periods Borough jurisdiction • Consider installing a curb bumpout and rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) at the intersection of Continental Avenue and Bogert Road Borough jurisdiction • Consider installing All Way Stop Control at the intersection of Continental Avenue at Elm Avenue due to the level of vehicular and pedestrian activity at this intersection Borough jurisdiction • Assign crossing guard to the intersection of Bogert Road and Tenney Avenue Borough jurisction Mr. McCormack advised that the following general recommendations are also being made which all fall under the Borough’s jurisdiction: • Install crosswalk improvements along Bogert Road • Consider installing All Way Stop Control at key intersections along Bogert Road • Consider instituting a bike bus which consists of parents or school staff leading a group of students along the “bus” route It was decided that Borough Clerk Dodd is to send Dynamic Traffic’s report to the Traffic & Safety Committee, Police Chief, and both the Superintendent of Schools and Board of Education President for review and comment. She was also requested to encourage all three bodies to watch this presentation. As Mr. McCormack may be contacted with questions or comment, he was asked to copy Mayor Papaleo, Council President Montisano-Koen, Borough Clerk Dodd, and Borough Administrator Aportela on all correspondence. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, 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 Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all present voting in favor, to close public comments on any item on the agenda. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS – Mayor Papaleo announced that he is making the following appointments:  The Mayor appoints Dario Chinigo as a Class IV-1 to fill the unexpired four-year term of James Arakelian through 12/31/25 to the Land Use Board effective January 11, 2024. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Kaufman, and all members voting in favor, to confirm the foregoing appointment. Mayor Papaleo thanked James Arakelian for his service to the Land Use Board and announced that Mr. Arakelian will be honored at the February 15th Mayor and Council Regular Meeting. He advised that he will be administering the Oath of Office to Dario Chinigo at the Land Use Board Meeting on Wednesday. APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES – On motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilwoman Kaufman, and all members present voting in favor, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: Approve the re-appointment of Kathy Privatera for a two-year term through 12/31/25 to the Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee, effective January 22, 2024. Approve the appointment of Councilman Barry Benson to the River Edge Alliance Against Alcohol & Drug Abuse as Senior Citizen Representative for a one-year term through December 31, 2024. Approve the appointment of Councilman Barry Benson as liaison to the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service effective January 1, 2024. Approve the appointment of Matthew Panchi as Volunteer Deputy Emergency Manager effective January 22, 2024. Mayor Papaleo administered the Oath of Office to both Councilman Benson and Matthew Panchi who attended virtually through Zoom. MONTHLY REPORTS – Mayor Papaleo advised that the following reports are on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk and available for review: Fire Prevention - December 31, 2023 Library Board of Trustees - January 2, 2024 Tax Collector - December 31, 2023 Land Use Board - December 13, 2023 FIRST READING – ORDINANCES – Ordinance #24-02 Mayor Papaleo advised that this ordinance is being revised to amend the date included in Section 33-11 Section 1 Subsection A(2) from January 15th to January 31st. Motion by Councilman Glass that the following ordinance be introduced and passed on first reading as amended and setting February 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the as the matter can be heard as the date and time and both the River Edge Library as the place and Zoom as the virtual platform for the hearing on said ordinance. Second by Councilwoman Kaufman. Mayor Papaleo read the title of the ordinance into the record: Ordinance #24-02 – An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 33 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of River Edge, Entitled Fire Department Mayor Papaleo explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to increase the maximum reimbursement of expenses to active volunteer firefighters from $60,000 to $80,000 as well as to amend the date for issuance of payroll checks to members from January 15th to January 31st. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Council President Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye (See Ordinance #24-02 attached and made a part hereof.) SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #24-1 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinance published herewith was first read by title only on January 5, 2024 and posted on the bulletin board of the municipal building. Ordinance #24-1 - An Ordinance to Fix the Salary, Wage and Compensation of the Officers and Employees of the Borough of River Edge, in the County of Bergen and State of New Jersey for the Year 2024 Public Comments on Ordinance #24-1 Motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #24-1. Mayor Papaleo advised that the purpose of Ordinance #24-1 is to set the salary ranges for employes who are not represented by a Collective Bargaining Unit. No one came forward. Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilman Benson, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #24-1. Motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, that Ordinance #24-1 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 Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Council President Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #24-60 Authorize Deputy Treasurer To Release Unclaimed Funds b. #24-61 Amend Change Order #1 River Edge Police Department – HVAC Replacement c. #24-62 Award Contract – Vegetation Collection & Disposal d. #24-63 Confirm Emergency Purchase – Repairs to Kenneth B. George Park e. #24-64 Approve LOSAP Certification List – River Edge Fire Department f. #24-65 Approval of Veteran 100% Tax Exempt g. #24-66 Approve Refunds – Recreation Department h. #24-67 Approve Change Order #4 – Borough Hall Addition & Alterations i. #24-68 Authorize Execution of Agreement – 2023 Municipal Park Improvement Program Memorial Park: Phase I for Replacement of Walking Paths & Playground j. #24-69 Confirm Emergency Purchase – Glass Replacement Public Safety Building k. #24-70 Authorize Tax Collector to Cancel and Refund 2023 Taxes Due to a County Board Judgment Granting Full Exemption l. #24-71 Authorize Tax Collector to Cancel the 2023 Added Assessment Taxes Due to a County Board Judgment m. #24-72 Authorize Tax Collector to Cancel the 2023 Added Assessment Taxes Due to a County Board Judgment n. #24-73 Recovering Funds from Non-Vested Former LOSAP Member o. #24-74 Emergency Temporary Appropriations for the Purchase of A DPW Vehicle p. #24-75 Authorize Purchase of Vehicle for the Department of Public Works Under State Contract q. #24-76 2024 Salary Resolution – Non-Contractual Employees Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilman Benson, that the Consent Agenda be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Council President Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye ******** #24-77 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kaufman read resolution #24-77 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 January 22, 2024.  BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 2,297,021.59 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 13,818.97 GRANT FUND $ 961.88 PAYROLL FUND $ 670.32 UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST $ 31,126.32 RECREATION TRUST $ 60.58 Motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Resolution #24-77 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Council President Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye ******** NEW BUSINESS – Purchase of Chromebooks for Mayor & Council Councilwoman Kinsella explained that she raised the possibility of purchasing Chromebooks for the Mayor and Council. As these devices are not equipped to handle the programs that are needed, she advised that the IT Consultant recommended that laptops be purchased in lieu of Chromebooks. Due to the cost of the laptops, she indicated that she is rescinding this request. It was agreed that, if necessary, the governing members would use their own devices to view the agenda materials. OLD BUSINESS – There was no Old Business. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. No one came forward. Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Kaufman and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilwoman Malellari announced that the Environmental Protection Commission will be holding a styrofoam collection on February 3rd from 9 am to 11 am in the parking lot on Continental Avenue. Councilwoman Kaufman advised that the Mayor and Council will be holding a Town Hall on February 5th at 7 pm both at the Library and virtually through Zoom to discuss the possibility of permitting one cannabis retailer on the west side of Route 4. Mayor Papaleo provided background on this issue, noting that the governing body is seeking public input to see whether the current law should be amended to allow retail cannabis, and if so, whether the proposed location is acceptable. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Council President Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #24-78 at 8:20pm. #24-78 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 January 22, 2024 regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: A. Attorney-Client Privilege – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) 1. Social Media Communications 2. Formal action may/may not be taken. 3. Minutes will be kept and once the matter involving the confidentiality of the above no longer requires that confidentiality, then the minutes can be made public. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilwoman Kaufman, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #24-02 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 33 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED FIRE DEPARTMENT. BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the following amendments to Section 33-11 entitled “Reimbursement of expenses/clothing allowance” is hereby approved: Section 1. Subsection A, “Appropriation and payments to cover losses incurred” shall be amended by the following: Delete: (1) The governing body of the Borough of River Edge may by resolution appropriate and pay each year to any active volunteer firefighter doing public fire duty under the control or supervision of the governing body such sum as in the judgment of the governing body will be sufficient to cover any losses incurred by him in attending upon dispatches in the municipality under and within which he may be doing public fire duty. The Municipal Clerk shall keep a true and complete list of the active volunteer firefighters of the Borough. The total cost to the Borough in any year shall not exceed $60,000. (2) To be eligible to receive the clothing allowance provided herein, all members must timely submit all necessary payroll forms, including but not limited to an I-9 and W-4 or W-9, to the Borough Finance Department. The Borough will issue payroll checks, less applicable deductions, on January 15 of each year to each member entitled to clothing allowance for their performance of duties in the prior year via the Borough payroll system. Add: (1) The governing body of the Borough of River Edge may by resolution appropriate and pay each year to any active volunteer firefighter doing public fire duty under the control or supervision of the governing body such sum as in the judgment of the governing body will be sufficient to cover any losses incurred by him in attending upon dispatches in the municipality under and within which he may be doing public fire duty. The Municipal Clerk shall keep a true and complete list of the active volunteer firefighters of the Borough. The total cost to the Borough in any year shall not exceed $80,000. (2) To be eligible to receive the clothing allowance provided herein, all members must timely submit all necessary payroll forms, including but not limited to an I-9 and W-4 or W-9, to the Borough Finance Department. The Borough will issue payroll checks, less applicable deductions, on January 31 of each year to each member entitled to clothing allowance for their performance of duties in the prior year via the Borough payroll system. Section 2. Any and all other ordinances or parts thereof in conflict or inconsistent with any of the terms hereof are hereby repealed to such extent as they are so in conflict or inconsistent. Section 3. In case any article, section or provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid in any court of competent jurisdiction, the same shall not affect any other article, section or provision of this ordinance except insofar as the article, section or provision so declared invalid shall be inseparable from the remainder or any portion thereof. Section 4. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law. INTRODUCED: ADOPTED: ___________________________________ Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Anne Dodd, RMC, CMR Borough Clerk/Assistant Administrator  Section 5: The compensation for Judges who shall serve in the absence of the Municipal Court Judge, shall be paid whenever required, on a varying scale of ZERO to EIGHTY-FIVE dollars ($0 - $85.00) per hour, upon presentation of duly executed voucher as required by law.Section 6: The compensation for Prosecutors who shall serve in the absence of the Municipal Prosecutor, shall be paid whenever required, on a varying scale of ZERO to EIGHTY-FIVE dollars ($0 to $85.00) per hour, upon presentation of duly executed voucher as required by law. Section 7: In addition to the salaries set forth herein, non-contractual employees of the Borough of River Edge covered under this ordinance shall be entitled to those benefits as specified in the Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual adopted by Resolution #21-264, dated September 13, 2021, and updated by Resolution #23-239, dated August 14, 2023. Any difference in terms between the above Manual and Ordinance, the Manual will be deemed dispositive. Section 8: ln addition to the salaries set forth herein, the Borough Administrator of the Borough of River Edge covered under this ordinance shall be entitled to those benefits as specified in her contract as adopted by Resolution #20-283, dated December 14, 2020, Resolution #21-339, dated December 13, 2021, and Resolution #22-358, dated January 4, 2023. Section 9: ln addition to the salaries set forth herein, the Borough Clerk of the Borough of River Edge covered under this ordinance shall be entitled to those benefits as specified in her contract as adopted by Resolution #21-302, dated November 8, 2021, and Resolution #22-359, dated January 4, 2023. Section 10: Any difference in terms between the above policy and ordinance, the policy will be deemed dispositive. The employee compensation disclosure form shall be made part of any formal action taken by the local unit, but shall not be considered part of any contract or agreement. Section 11: The salaries, wages or compensation of all officers and employees shall be paid in twenty­ four (24) installments, or upon presentation of duly executed vouchers as required by law. Section 12: This ordinance shall take effect as of January 1, 2024 when passed and published as required by law. INTRODUCED: January 5, 20224 ADOPTED: January 22, 2024 Motion Second Yes No /\bstain /\bsent Kaufman X X Montisano-Koen X X Kinsella X Malellari X Benson X Glass X Mayor Papaleo I hereby certify the above to be a true copy of an Ordinance Thomas Papaleo, Mayor adopted by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge on az� January 22, 2024 Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk 1/23/2024  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE RESOLUTION #24-78 Resolution to Enter Into Closed Session 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 January 22, 2024 meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: A. Attorney-Client Privilege – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) 1. Social Media Communications 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. January 22, 2024 Motion Second Yes No Abstain Absent Kaufman Montisano-Koen Kinsella Malellari Benson Glass Mayor Papaleo I hereby certify that this resolution, consisting of 1 page(s), was adopted at a meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, held on this 22nd day of January, 2024. ________________________________ Anne Dodd, Borough Clerk