Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting September 23, 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 September 23, 2024. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for the troubled world. Councilwoman Kaufman 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 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: Councilwoman Kaufman, Councilwoman Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari (arrived at 7:41 p.m.), Councilman Benson, Councilman Glass and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Council President Montisano-Koen ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney John Shahdanian, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilman Benson, with Councilwoman Kaufman abstaining and all other members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting of September 9, 2024 are hereby approved. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilman Benson, 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 Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor, to close public comments on any item on the agenda. As Stephanie Walliser was present, it was decided to move Resolution #24-287 as the next item on the agenda Res. 24-287 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Kaufman, that Resolution #24-287 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Malellari: absent Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye Mayor Papaleo administered the Oath of Office to Firefighter Walliser. Robert Schlossberg, Fire Chief, welcomed Stephanie to the River Edge Fire Department, noting that her father also serves a first responder and commented that it is an honor to see her carry that on. He introduced the other members of the Fire Department who were present which included Deputy Chief Eric Schultz, Lt. Ben Silver, Firefighter Ron Silvestri and Firefighter Micah Gibson. APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES – On motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: Approve the resignation of Milo Fondanarosa, Summer Help in the Department of Public Works effective September 27, 2024 SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #24-22 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinance published herewith was first read by title only on September 9, 2024 and posted on the bulletin board of the municipal building: ORDINANCE #24-22 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, CHAPTER 122, “ANIMALS” Public Comments on Ordinances #24-22 Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilman Glass, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #24-22. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the purpose of this ordinance is to codify regulations regarding the proper disposal of solid pet waste as required by DEP. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #24-22. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Glass, that Ordinance #24-22 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: absent Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye (See Ordinance #24-22 attached and made a part hereof.) RESOLUTIONS - By Consent Councilwoman Kinsella asked for an explanation of Resolution #24-295. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that the purpose of this resolution is to authorize the Tax Collector to hold an electronic auction for properties with outstanding tax payments. a. #24-283 Approve the Appointment of a Junior Volunteer Firefighter b. #24-284 Cancel Outstanding Checks c. #24-285 Cancel Outstanding Checks d. #24-286 Approve the Hire of SLEO III e. #24-287 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter Pulled and approved previously f. #24-288 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Oak Avenue g. #24-289 Authorize Rejection of Bids – Bogert Road Section 8 Project h. #24-290 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Borough Hall Entrance Project i. #24-291 Appoint Acting Municipal Court Administrator j. #24-292 Authorize Purchase of Vehicle for the River Edge Fire Department under the Bergen County Pricing System k. #24-293 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Bogert Road l. #24-294 Authorize Auction of Surplus Property No Longer Needed for Public Use on an Online Auction Website m. #24-295 Resolution Authorizing Participation in an Electronic Tax Sale n. #24-296 Authorize Tax Collector to Adjust 4th Quarter 2024 Taxes for a 2024 Veteran Deduction Allowed o. #24-297 Resolution Requesting Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation p. #24-298 Approve Refund – Recreation Department q. #24-299 Approval of 100% Disabled Veteran Tax Exemption r. #24-300 Proclaim September 15-October 15, 2024 as Hispanic Heritage Month s. #24-301 Approve the Appointment of Crossing Guard t. #24-302 Approve the Appointment of Crossing Guard Motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, second by Councilman Benson, that the Consent Agenda be approved as amended. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Malellari: absent Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye ******** #24-303 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kaufman read resolution #24-282 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 23, 2024. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 216,311.81 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 331,656.18 GRANT FUND $ 7,112.75 ANIMAL CONTROL $ 9.60 TRUST OTHER $ 8,371.25 PAYROLL $ 20,918.24 UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST $ 1,023.33 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 2,665.00 RECREATION TRUST $ 5,556.15 Motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Resolution #24-303 be approved. The was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Kaufman: aye Councilwoman Malellari: absent Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye ******** NEW BUSINESS – Library Holiday Party Request Borough Administrator Aportela explained that this request is made annually to allow alcohol at the Library’s holiday party. She noted that this request requires Mayor and Council approval due to the event being held in a public facility. It was the consensus of the governing body to grant this request. Letter From Residents Regarding Remodels and New Housing Borough Administrator Aportela explained that a letter was submitted by a group of property owners along Webb Avenue to express concerns regarding flooding and environmental damage that have resulted from remodels and new housing. She further explained that this group is looking for ways to mitigate these issues. She advised that Jeyson Flores of Costa Engineering is present to answer any questions or address any concerns that the governing body may have. As members of this group were present, it was decided to move Public Comments as the next item on the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Michael Hoffman, 330 Webb Ave, expressed concern with construction taking place in his neighborhood as homes in the area are now experiencing significant flooding. Cindy Bequeaith, 745 Seventh Avenue, stated that stronger measures need to be put in place for mitigation of water and soil. She spoke to the flooding that neighbors are experiencing and noted that there currently is nothing in place to protect homeowners in adjacent properties. Jen Kuriakose, 320 Webb Avenue, commented that, although she loves new construction, there is a concern as to whether the proper reviews are in place. She spoke to issues she has experienced at her property which resulted from new construction in her neighborhood. Bob Kuriakose, 320 Webb Avenue, requested that thorough reviews be conducted by the Borough and Land Use Board when there is new construction. He asked that it be ensured that new construction is in compliance with limits on impervious coverage. Jeff Bequeaith, 745 Seventh Avenue, requested that a policy be implemented to hold builders accountable for damage to adjoining properties. Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilman Glass, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. Mayor Papaleo explained that the governing body recently adopted an Ordinance to strengthen the Borough Code with respect to planning and zoning. He reviewed new measures that were put in place. It was noted that, if a subdivision is sought, the application would need to go before the Land Use Board and all property owners within 200 feet will be notified. The residents present were encouraged to attend the Land Use Board meeting to express their concerns as the governing body does not have jurisdiction. Mr. Flores explained that, if a property does not need to go before the Land Use Board, they are only permitted to directly police a project when a soil movement permit is required. Residents were encouraged to contact the Building Department if they see that soil is being moved to ensure that a permit was issued. OLD BUSINESS – There was no Old Business. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilman Glass noted that, with respect to the concerns that were raised tonight, the property in question will go before the Land Use Board if a subdivision is sought. He advised that there are rigorous requirements in place regarding lot coverage and setbacks and suggested that this group go to the Land Use Board meeting to voice their opinions. Councilman Benson thanked Cindy and Jeff Bequeaith for buying dinner for the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service and Fire Department, commenting that it was nice to see them give back to the volunteers who serve this community. Councilwoman Kinsella advised that River Edge Day will take place on October 6th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. On behalf of Council President Montisano-Koen, Mayor Papaleo advised that Patrick Smith, Borough resident, reached out to commend George Neher, Senior Bus Driver, and Miriam Fabisiak, Senior Bus Coordinator, for the great job that they do, expressing his opinion that they deserve kudos. Mayor Papaleo stated that he couldn’t agree more. He commented on how blessed the Borough is to have so many great employees. Councilwoman Kaufman announced that there are five weeks left for the River Edge Farmers Market. She advised that it takes place Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and encouraged all to attend. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #24-304 at 7:58 p.m. #24-304 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 September 23, 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. Contracts & Change Orders B. Personnel – N.J.S.A 10:4-12(b)(8) 1. Reappointment 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 Councilwoman Kaufman, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk  § 122-31 Requirement for Disposal. All pet owners and keepers are required to immediately and properly dispose of their pet's solid waste deposited on any property. public or private, not owned or possessed by that person. § 122-32 Exemptions. Any owner or keeper who requires the use of a disability assistance animal shall be exempt from the provisions of this section while such animal is being used for that purpose. § 122-33 Enforcement. The provisions of this section shall be enforced by the River Edge Police Department and the local Board of Health of the Borough of River Edge. § 122-34 Violations and Penalty. Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $2,000. Section 2. Any ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith any are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. Section 3. In case any clause, sentence, section or other provision of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or repeal the remainder of this ordinance except insofar as the clause, sentence, section or other provision so declared invalid shall be inseparable from the remainder thereof. Section 4. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law. INTRODUCED: September 9, 2024 ADOPTED: September 23, 2024 Motion Second Yes No Abstain Absent Kaufman X Montisano-Koen X Kinsella X X Malcllari X Benson X Cilass X X Mayor Papaleo