Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting January 23, 2025 6:30 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 23, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for the country as a new administration begins as well as for all immigrants and their particular situations. 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 via the January 21, 2024 Sunshine notice containing the 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 Web Site and filing a notice of the same with the Municipal Clerk. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Council President Montisano-Koen, Councilwoman Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilman Benson, Councilman Glass, Councilwoman Dhariwal, and Mayor Papaleo ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney John L. Shahdanian, Esq. 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 #25-57 at 6:31p.m. #25-57 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 23, 2025 special meeting and discussion of  the hereinafter specified subject matter: A. Attorney-Client Privilege – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) 1. Affordable Housing Regulations 2. Formal action may/may not be taken. 3. Minutes will be kept and once the matter involving the confidentiality of the above no longer requires that confidentiality, then the minutes can be made public. The regular meeting resumed at 7:14 p.m. On a motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to add Resolution #25-73 entitled “Resolution of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey Committing to Round 4 Present and Prospective Need Affordable Housing Obligations” to the Consent Agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, with Council President Montisano-Koen abstaining from the November 25th Minutes and Councilwoman Kinsella abstaining from the January 6th Sine Die and Reorganization Minutes and all other members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular and Closed Session Meeting October 28, 2024, Regular and Closed Session Meeting of November 25, 2024, Regular Meeting of December 9, 2024, Sine Die and Reorganization Meeting of January 6, 2025 are hereby approved. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, 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 Council President Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilman Benson, 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: Land Use Board - December 11, 2024 Tax Report - December 31, 2024 Library Board - January 6, 2025 FIRST READING – ORDINANCES – Ordinance #25-02 Motion by Councilwoman Dhariwal that the following ordinance be introduced and passed on first reading and setting February 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the as the matter can be heard as the date and time and the River Edge Library as the place and Zoom as the virtual platform for a hearing on said ordinance. Second by Councilman Glass. Mayor Papaleo read the title of the ordinances into the record: ORDINANCE #25-02 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 201 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED, “ESCROW DEPOSITS” Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the purpose of Ordinance #25-02 is to update the escrow deposits to align with the current fees. The vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Ordinance #25-03 Motion by Councilman Benson that the following ordinance be introduced and passed on first reading and setting February 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the as the matter can be heard as the date and time and the River Edge Library as the place and Zoom as the virtual platform for a hearing on said ordinance. Second by Councilwoman Malellari. Mayor Papaleo read the title of the ordinances into the record: ORDINANCE #25-03 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 206 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED FEES. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that this ordinance updates the Recreation Department fees for various events, programs, summer camp, etc. She noted that the Recreation Director presented the proposed fees on December 9th and the only revision from what was presented is a nominal discount for returning members of the Running Club, Councilwoman Dhariwal recused herself from the vote and stepped off dais. The vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: recuse (See Ordinance #25-02 & #25-03 attached and made a part hereof.) Councilwoman Dhariwal returned to the dais. SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #25-01 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinance published herewith was first read by title only on January 6, 2025 and posted on a bulletin board outside of the Clerk’s office. ORDINANCE #25-01 - 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 2025 Public Comments on Ordinances #25-01 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-01. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilman Benson, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-01. Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Dhariwal, that Ordinance #25-01 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: Council President Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #25-58 Award Contract – General Labor Services for the Department of Public Works b. #25-59 Approve Change Order #1 – Brookside Park Improvements Project c. #25-60 Authorize Delivery & Installation of Furniture for Borough Hall d. #25-61 Approve Refund – Solar Panel Installation e. #25-62 Approve Refund – Solar Panel Installation f. #25-63 Authorize Execution of Agreement – 2024 Municipal Park Improvement Program Kenneth B. George Park: Pickleball Courts, Seating, Fencing, Batting Cages, Drainage g. #25-64 Approve Hire of a Full-time Laborer in the Department of Public Works h. #25-65 Authorize Submission of Application for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs 2025 Local Recreation Improvement Grant Program i. #25-66 Approve the Appointment of a Junior Firefighter j. #25-67 Authorize Request for Proposals – Procurement Card Services k. #25-68 Approve the Appointment of a Junior Firefighter l. #25-69 Approve the Appointment of Crossing Guard m. #25-70 2025 Salary Resolution n. #25-73 Resolution of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey Committing to Round 4 Present and Prospective Need Affordable Housing Obligations Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that the Consent Agenda be approved as amended. The vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye ******** #25-71 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-71 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 23, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 2,333,459.30 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 32,579.96 GRANT FUND $ 972.00 TRUST OTHER $ 176.00 PAYROLL $ 21,002.99 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 70.00 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Glass, that Resolution #25-71 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye* *Councilwoman Dhariwal abstained from checks #65452, #65475, #65527, #65530, #65557, and #65569. ******** NEW BUSINESS – #25-72 – Confirm Recreation Program Instructors Councilwoman Dhariwal recused herself from this vote and left the dais. Motion by Council President, second Councilwoman Kinsella, that the Resolution #25-72 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: recuse Councilwoman Dhariwal returned to the dais. In-Person, Hybrid or Remote Meetings – Committees/Commissions/Boards As it appears that Borough Hall will be reopened sometime between the end of February and early April, Mayor Papaleo advised that it needs to be decided whether boards, commissions, and committees will hold in-person, hybrid or remote meetings. Borough Attorney Shahdanian advised that statutory boards and commissions must comply with the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and are required meet in person when the building reopens. He noted that committees are not required to comply with OPMA and can meet however they would like. After some discussion, it was agreed that the statutory boards and commissions are to meet in person when the building reopens. It was further agreed that committees should not be given the option to hold hybrid meetings. Liaisons are to reach out to their respective committees to conduct an informal survey of whether they would like to meet in person or remotely and then the discussion will be revisited at a future meeting. OLD BUSINESS – Discuss the Creation of the 250th Anniversary Committee Mayor Papaleo advised that the Borough’s 250th anniversary will be July 4, 2026 and there is the need to form a committee to start planning for this event. He noted that Eric Model has volunteered to chair this committee. On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, and all members voting in favor, to appoint Eric Model as Chair of the 250th Anniversary Committee. Liaisons are to reach out to their respective boards, commissions, and committees to see if anyone is willing to volunteer to serve on this committee. The Borough Attorney, Borough Administrator and Borough Clerk are to work on drafting a resolution to form this committee. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Ray Stitz, 210 Mohawk Drive, expressed a safety concern regarding the intersection of Howland and Bogert caused by parents blocking the intersection when dropping their children off at school. He further advised that people do not realize the service road off of Route 4 is a 2-way street and drive on the wrong side of the road. He asked that both issues be investigated by the Traffic Bureau. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. The Borough Administrator or Borough Clerk are to reach out to the Chair of the Traffic & Safety Committee, Chief Walker, and Sgt. Diamond to ask that they investigate Mr. Stitz’s concerns. When their deliberations are complete, they are to share them with the governing body and provide Mr. Stitz with an update. OLD BUSINESS – (continued) Veteran Banners Mr. Stitz reported that, although the program has not been that robust, he is hoping it will pick up once spring comes. He advised that only one complaint was received regarding the need to pay to have the banner displayed. He informed the governing body that he met with this resident to explain that all municipalities charge for the banners. He announced that Joe Maugeri’s banner has been placed near Cherry Hill School. He noted that he has extra copies of this banner that he would like to place in the Library and Borough Hall. Mr. Stitz was asked to send a picture of the banner to the Mayor to place on his Facebook page as well as to the Borough Clerk to place onto the website. It was agreed that the banner can be placed at the Library. Discuss the Creation of the 250th Anniversary Committee (continued) On a motion by Council President Montisano Koen, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to appoint Councilwoman Kinsella and Councilwoman Dhariwal as Co-Liaisons to the 250th Anniversary Committee. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Council President Montisano-Koen read the attached letter from Fire Chief Schlossberg into the record. She thanked him for this letter and commented that she looks forward to working with the department and Councilman Glass as Co-Liaison this year. Councilman Benson expressed that it was his pleasure to work with the Fire Department and stated that he was amazed by the time and effort that the volunteers put in to protect the community. Mayor Papaleo noted that when everyone is running away from a fire, the volunteers are running towards it. He commented that the Borough has a phenomenal Fire Department and the governing body is very proud of them. Councilwoman Kinsella thanked the DPW for doing a phenomenal job during this past storm. As she was absent for the Reorganization Meeting, she congratulated Councilwoman Malellari on her reelection and Councilwoman Dhariwal on her election to Council. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Dhariwal, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #25-02 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 201 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED, “ESCROW DEPOSITS” BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the following amendments to are hereby approved: Section 1. Section 201-7, entitled “Escrow deposits required for applications” shall be replaced with the following: § 201-7. Escrow deposits required for applications. A. Minor site plan: for development application where the square footage of the building(s) is not greater than 3,000 square feet: (1) Engineering escrow: $2,000. (2) Legal escrow: $1,500. (3) Planner escrow: $1,000. B. Major site plan: for development applications where the square footage of the building(s) is in excess of 3,000 square feet: (1) Engineering escrow: $5,500. (2) Legal escrow: $3,000. (3) Planner escrow: $3,000. C. Minor subdivision: for development of three or less lots as defined by Borough Ordinance: (1) Engineering escrow: $2,000. (2) Legal escrow: $1,000. (3) Planner escrow: $1,000. D. Major subdivision: for development of more than three lots as defined by Borough Ordinance: (1) Engineering escrow: $5,000. (2) Legal escrow: $3,000. (3) Planner escrow: $3,000. E. Use variances:  (1) Engineering escrow: $2,000. (2) Legal escrow: $2,000. (3) Planner escrow: $2,000. F. Redevelopment application: Any application for major site plan approval or minor site plan approval or major subdivision approval or minor subdivision approval on any lot located in an area designated by the governing body as an area in need of redevelopment shall require an escrow deposit of $50,000 for professional services connected therewith, including but not limited to legal services, engineering services, planning services, services relative to affordable housing regulations and compliance and other professional services the Borough or any applicable board may deem necessary. G. Soil movement application: $350. 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 Borough Clerk/Assistant Administrator  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #25-03 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 206 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED FEES. BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the following amendments to Section 206-2 entitled “Schedule of Fees” are hereby approved: Section 1. Subsection JJ, entitled “Recreation Department fees”, shall be replaced in its entirety by the following: (1) Summer Playground Program: Item Fees th Early registration (Resident) through 11:59pm on May 8 $380 th Regular registration (Resident) from May 9 at 12:00am through 11:59pm on $420 May 31st Late registration (Resident) from June 1st at 12:00am through 11:59pm on June $450 12th Non-Resident registration through 11:59pm on June 12th $650 Each Additional T-Shirt $9 Special Trips $10 - $100 A. The fees, dates, and eligibility terms contained within this Section entitled Summer Playground Program are approved for the 2025 season. B. Registration dates, terms, eligibility, and fees will be set annually, thereafter, by Resolution of the Mayor and Council as recommended by the Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. C. A $25 administrative fee will be deducted from all canceled registrations and refund requests. D. 100% of the registration fee minus the $25 administrative fee shall be refunded for all registration cancellation requests made in writing to the Recreation Director from the opening date of registration through June 1st of each year. E. 50% of the registration fee minus the $25 administrative fee shall be refunded for all registration cancellation requests made in writing to the Recreation Director from June 2nd through 14 days prior to the start date of camp each year. F. No refunds shall be given for any registration cancellation requests made within 13 days of the start of camp through the duration of camp each year. G. Residents of the Borough of River Edge are eligible for Early, Regular, and Late registration rates as set forth annually by Resolution of the Mayor and Council. H. Non-Residents are defined as 1. students attending any elementary (Kindergarten through 6th Grade) schools located within River Edge who do not reside within the Borough of River Edge’s geographical boundaries or 2. children who will be residing in River Edge for the summer season. Non-Residents who meet at least one of these criteria are eligible for Non-Resident registration rates as set forth annually by the Mayor and Council. (2) Adult Programs (per season): Item Fees Men’s Softball $60 Women’s Softball $50 Various programs/special trips $0 to $125 Item Fees Women’s Kickball $55 Women’s Badminton $40 Adult Open Gym Programs (September through June) $40 Senior Exercise Programs (Non-Residents Only) $5 per class Adult Tennis/Pickleball Lessons Instructors Fees River Edge Running Club $50 Youth Programs (per season): Item Fees Asphalt Avengers Hockey Clinic Instructors Fees Basketball Clinic/Camps Instructors Fees Breakdance Instructors Fees Chess in the Park Instructors Fees Tennis Lessons Instructors Fees Pickleball Lessons Instructors Fees Yoga Instructors Fees A. The fees, dates, and eligibility terms contained within this Section entitled Adult Programs & Youth Programs (per season) are approved for programs starting with the Spring 2025 season. B. Registration fees, dates, and eligibility terms will be set annually, thereafter, by Resolution of the Mayor and Council as recommended by the Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. C. The Youth Programs listed are programs that the Recreation Department will be, but limited to offering in 2025. Recreation Department could add programs throughout the year. All youth programs costs are based on the instructors fee per hour, or participant with a additional $20 Recreation Contribution Fee per participant. D. Requests for refunds must be made in writing to the Recreation Director no later than 14 days prior to the start of the season. Refund requests made in writing to the Recreation Director up to 14 days prior to the start of the season will receive 100% of the registration fee minus a $25 administrative fee. E. No refunds shall be given within 13 days of the start date of each season. F. No prorated rates. G. Registration for the programs listed in this Section entitled Adult Programs & Youth Programs (per season) are open to River Edge and Oradell residents only with the exception of Tennis Membership and Adult Open Gym, which are only open to River Edge residents. H. Seniors are defined as persons 62 years of age or older. I. Non-Residents are defined as persons not residing within the geographical boundaries of the Borough of River Edge. J. All Borough of River Edge-sponsored programs, defined as those sponsored by the Borough of River Edge, the River Edge Recreation Department or the Central Athletic Council, that are contained within this Section entitled Adult Programs and Youth Programs (per season), shall contribute $20 per participant per program and per season, unless exempted, to a dedicated trust fund to be used towards maintenance and improvements of Borough of River Edge-owned recreational facilities and/or towards lighting costs of Borough-owned recreational facilities or towards the costs of secondary insurance policies for these programs. The Recreation Director shall prepare a report at the end of each season providing details of each program including the number of participants, the revenue collected, and the amount that is  payable to the dedicated trust fund. This report shall be presented to the Recreation Commission for their review. Upon a satisfactory report, transfer of the $20 per participant fee to the dedicated trust fund shall be done by Resolution of the Recreation Commission and provided to the Finance Office. K. Adult Tennis/Pickleball Lesson participants must have a valid membership for the season. L. A $10 discount may be deducted from Men’s Softball and registration fees when registering for both Spring and Fall seasons at the same time upon recommendation of the Recreation Director and approval by the Recreation Commission and Mayor and Council. M. A $15 discount may be deducted from RE Running Club for returning registrants. N. To be eligible to be a Borough-sponsored program, recommendation of the Recreation Director with approval by the Recreation Commission and Mayor and Council is required. (3) Tennis and Pickleball: Tennis Annual Membership (Individual) $38 Tennis Annual Membership (Family) $58 Pickleball Registration (reserved) A. Registration is required for use of the River Edge Tennis Courts. B. The season is from April 1st through November 1st of each year weather permitting. The season dates are subject to adjustment and courts are subject to be opened and/or closed due to weather conditions at the discretion of the Recreation Director. C. The courts are open for play to registered participants from 8am to dusk. D. Registration for the programs listed in this Section entitled Tennis and Pickleball are open to River Edge residents only. E. The fees are approved for the 2025 season. F. No refunds or prorated rates shall be given. G. For-profit vendors using the facilities shall pay $40 to the Borough of River Edge for each participant of each program each season. A season is defined as one hour of court usage for up to six consecutive weeks or portion thereof. (4) Special Events: A. River Edge Run Pre-Race Day of Race USATF Members & First Responder Fee Discount 5k $30 $35 $5 (Pre-Race only) Healthwalk $12 $15 Fun Run $7 $10 B. 4th of July Fair, vendor booth 12 by 12: $100 C. Various special events: $100. (5) Picnic Rentals: A. Picnic Rental Permits will only be available to River Edge residents. B. Permits for River Edge residents, 100 attendees or less: - $75 C. Permits for River Edge residents, 100 attendees or more: $150 D. Permits for Borough of River Edge-sponsored events, River Edge or River Dell Public Schools - $0 E. Permits for meetings of River Edge based registered 501C3 organizations or non-profits - $25  F. Permits for special events or fundraisers of River Edge based registered 501C3 organizations or non-profits - $100 G. The Borough of River Edge reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to impose an additional $500 fee for special events which include but are not limited to bounce houses, inflatables, and food trucks. H. Requests for refunds must be made in writing to the Recreation Director no later than 14 days prior to the date of the picnic. Refund requests made in writing to the Recreation Director up to 14 days prior to the date of the picnic shall receive 100% of the registration fee minus a $25 administrative fee. I. No refund requests shall be granted approval within 13 days prior to the date of the picnic. J. The fees, dates, and eligibility terms will be set annually by Resolution of the Mayor and Council as recommended by the Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. (6) Use of Recreational Fields and Facilities by Non-River Edge Organizations and For-Profits: A. Seasons: 1. Spring (11 consecutive weeks): 2nd week of April through 3rd week in June (weather- permitting) 2. Summer (11 consecutive weeks): 4th week of June through week before Labor Day in September 3. Fall (11 consecutive weeks): Labor Day week in September through 3rd week in November (weather-permitting) A. Field and Facilities Timeslots are 8:30-10:30am, 10:30am-12:30pm, 12:30-2:30pm, 2:30pm- 4:30pm, 4:30pm-6:30pm. Exceptions to these timeslots are at the discretion of the Borough of River Edge. B. All non-borough sponsored programs, camps, clinics, will be charged $25.00 per hour for use of fields. These permits will not be issued until, all Borough of River Edge sponsored sports, youth & adult schedules are submitted for the season and proper documentation & fees are submitted to the Recreation Department. Exceptions of fees are by discretion of the Borough of River Edge Recreation Department and/or the Mayor & Council. C. 100% of the fee minus a $25 administrative fee shall be refunded for cancellation requests made in writing to the Recreation Director up to 14 days prior to the start date of the program. D. No refunds shall be given for cancellation requests made within 13 days of the start date of the program. E. The fees, dates, and eligibility terms will be set annually by Resolution of the Mayor and Council as recommended by the Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. F. Non-River Edge organizations are defined as organizations whose primary address is not based within the geographical boundaries of River Edge and/or whose members do not exclusively reside within River Edge. Membership rosters and proof of residency shall be required. G. Use of River Edge recreational facilities by Non-River Edge organizations shall be recommended by the Recreation Director with approval by the Recreation Commission and the Mayor and Council. (7) Use of Recreational Fields and Facilities by the Borough of River Edge, Borough of River Edge, the River Edge Recreation Commission or the Central Athletic Council Leagues: A. Programs within this category shall contribute $20 per participant per program and per season, unless exempted, to a dedicated trust fund to be used towards maintenance and improvements of Borough of River Edge-owned recreational facilities and/or towards lighting costs of Borough-  owned recreational facilities or towards the costs of secondary insurance policies for these programs. B. The fee for programs within this category shall take effect on January 1, 2025 and remain in effect through December 31, 2025.Thereafter, the fee shall be set annually by Resolution of the Mayor and Council as recommended by the Recreation Director. (8) Sponsorship: A. A sponsor may offer monetary or other acceptable material support to any authorized Borough program or related activity. This may include, but not necessarily be limited to, providing financial support to a Borough recreation program, activity or facility improvement or modification that provides a public benefit, subject to any applicable laws, ordinances and authorization by the governing body or Borough Administrator. Sponsors shall be entitled to recognition or acknowledgment by way of public address, approved signage, written announcements, correspondence or other appropriate means, subject to the following standard terms and conditions: B. All sponsorship proposals equal to or less than $5,000, including creation of sublevels may be set and approved by the Borough Administrator. Proposals in excess of $5,000 in material value are required to be approved by the governing body upon the recommendation of the Borough Administrator. C. No program participant, Borough employee or official shall be required to participate in surveys or focus groups as a condition of any such sponsorship. D. Such recognition in any manner shall not constitute the Borough's endorsement of any product, service or program provided by the sponsor. E. All sponsorships shall be appropriate for audiences of all ages and shall not promote any illegal or discriminatory activity. 4th of July, RiverEdge Run, Halloween in the Park, Annual Holiday Lighting Range & River Edge Day: Platinum OR Major (includes sponsors for Movie in the Park & Concert in the $1,000 to $5,000 Park for 4th of July) Gold $500 to $1000 Silver $200 to $500 Bronze $100 to $200 Patron or Family $25 to $100 (9) Memorial Bench Program: Memorial Bench Program Cost for Bench(s) & Concrete 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 5. 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  River Edge Volunteer Fire Department 695 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, NJ 07661 January 23, 2025 Dear Mayor Papaleo, Members of the Council, and Honored Guests, Thank you for providing the opportunity to address you this evening. I am writing to express my gratitude on behalf of the River Edge Fire Department and to take a moment to highlight the incredible work being done by our dedicated members. First and foremost, I would like to extend a special thank you to Councilman Benson for serving as our liaison. It has been a privilege getting to know Barry. His consistent support, as well as Mayor Papaleo support and active participation have not gone unnoticed by me or our membership. Attendance at several of our training events has demonstrated a genuine commitment to understanding the challenges we face and to witness the dedication we bring to our community. You, like us, are a person of action and a person of your word! Your encouragement has inspire me and reinforces the vital bond between the community, especially between this council and our River Edge Fire Department. The River Edge Fire Department stands as a pillar of safety and service in our community, and I could not be prouder of our membership. Our team—comprised of committed volunteers— embodies the spirit of selflessness and teamwork. Whether responding to emergencies, participating in rigorous training sessions, or engaging in community outreach, our members consistently rise to the occasion with unwavering dedication. I encourage everyone here to take pride in the River Edge Fire Department and to share in our mission of fostering a safer community. We are thankful and welcome your continued support, and we invite you to join us at future events and training sessions to witness firsthand the passion and professionalism that drive our team. We look forward to working with new Liaisons Lissa Montisano Koen and David Glass in 2025. Thank you again for your time, your partnership, and your commitment to the betterment of River Edge. Together, we can continue to make our community a safe and thriving place for all. Sincerely, Chief Robert Schlossberg River Edge Fire Department