Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting February 27, 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 February 27, 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 all unvaccinated children due to the spread of measles. Borough Attorney Shahdanian 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 February 24, 2025 Sunshine Notice containing the location, date and time 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 #25-84 at 6:31 p.m. #25-84 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 February 27, 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. Solicitation Process 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 7:15 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilman Glass, seconded by Councilman Benson, with Council President Montisano-Koen and Councilwoman Kinsella abstaining and all other members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular of February 13, 2025 are hereby approved. PRESENTATIONS – Police Department – Accreditation Presentation Harry Delgado, Director of Accreditation for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs, expressed that becoming accredited is a significant achievement as it means that the River Edge Police Department has made a commitment to adhere to best practices at a state and national level. He then spoke to the benefits of accreditation which included substantial discounts through the JIF. He noted that the department exceeded expectations, commenting that the number and diversity of those who wrote or called to support of the department was incredible. He then presented the Certificate of Accreditation and explained that this process will take place every 3 years. Chief Walker noted that one of the ideas that he presented when he was interviewed for the position of Chief was the need to become accredited. Although he acknowledged that it is a costly endeavor, he advised that there will be cost savings down the line. He commended Lt. Zemaites, commenting that the department wouldn’t have attained this achievement without his dedication. He expressed that he is much more at ease knowing that best practices are in place. Lt. Zemaites explained that attaining accreditation was a team effort among command staff and rank and file. He noted that there has been positive feedback from the officers regarding the policies that have been implemented. Mayor Papaleo expressed gratitude for the hard work of the department to become accredited. He expressed his opinion that the community policing model that has been in place since he began in public service has been exemplary as well as the work of both the individuals and department as a whole. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilman Glass, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor, to open for public comments on any item on the agenda. No one came forward. On a motion by Councilwoman Malellari, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor, to close public comments on any item on the agenda. APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES – On motion by Council President 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 Frederick Adiao, School Crossing Guard effective February 13, 2025. SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #25-04 - Ordinance #25-06 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinances published herewith were first read by title only on February 13, 2025 and posted on a bulletin board outside of the Clerk’s office. ORDINANCE #25-04 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 206 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED FEES. ORDINANCE #25-05 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, TO ESTABLISH CHAPTER 309 ENTITLED, “PUBLIC BUILDINGS” ORDINANCE #25-06 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, CHAPTER 79, ENTITLED ‘DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS” Borough Administrator Aportela explained that the purpose of Ordinance #25-04 is to increase the legal escrows for zoning applications. She noted that the amount was reviewed and recommended by the Land Use Board. Ordinance #25-05 establishes areas of restricted access within municipal buildings throughout the Borough to protect vital records and is an action that has been recommended by the Joint Insurance Fund. With respect to Ordinance #25-06, she explained that the purpose is to reorganize the Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs as solely the Department of Recreation, abolish the Cultural Affairs Committee, and rename the Recreation Commission to the Recreation Committee to be consistent with the authorized duties of the volunteers. Mayor Papaleo added that Cultural Affairs will now be under the umbrella of the Recreation Committee. Public Comments on Ordinances #25-04 - #25-06 Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-04 through Ordinance #25-06. No one came forward. Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilman Benson, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-04 through Ordinance #25-06. Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilman Benson, that Ordinance #25-04 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 Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Dhariwal, that Ordinance #25-05 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 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, that Ordinance #25-06 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: recuse RESOLUTIONS - By Consent Councilwoman Kinsella questioned whether the purpose of the agreement being authorized via Resolution #25-85 is to assist the DPW with leaf collection. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that this site is where leaves are taken. She noted that the Borough is able to sell compost to DTS for its use as a landscaper which in turn helps to clear the site for the new year. With respect to Resolution #25-87, Councilwoman Malellari inquired which portion of Bogert Road is being paved. Borough Administrator Aportela expressed her belief that this portion will take paving to Monroe. She noted that Section 9 is in this year’s budget which will extend paving further but will not reach Continental Avenue just yet. a. #25-85 Authorize Agreement – Purchase and Disposal of Compost b. #25-86 Authorize Submission of Strategic Plan for the River Edge Municipal Alliance Grant – FY 2026 c. #25-87 Authorize Receipt of Bids – Bogert Road Section 8 d. #25-88 Authorize Purchase of High-Density Mobile Storage System e. #25-89 Amend Resolution LOSAP Certification List – River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service  f. #25-90 Resolution Requesting Permissions for the Dedication By Rider for a Tree Replacement Fund (NJDEP N.J.A.C. 7:8) Motion by Councilman Glass, second Council President Montisano-Koen, that the Consent Agenda 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 ******** #25-91 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-91 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 February 27, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 2,325,604.44 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 199,218.27 UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST $ 1,398.96 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 64,782.50 RECREATION TRUST $ 1,176.00 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Resolution #25-91 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 check #65775, #65823, #65838, #65839, #6002, and #6003. ******** NEW BUSINESS – #25-92 – River Dell High School Early Field Approval – Recreation Department Borough Administrator Aportela explained that a request from River Dell High School was received to use Kenneth B. George Field before it opens in April. She detailed the various requirements that the high school will have to meet in order to be granted permission to use this field. It was agreed that the resolution should reflect an end date of March 31, 2025. Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, with Councilwoman Dhariwal recusing and all other members present, that Resolution #25-91 be amended to reflect an end date of March 31, 2025 for use of the field. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Resolution #25-92 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: recuse 250th Anniversary Committee Councilwoman Dhariwal advised that Lisbelt Torres from the Ambulance Corps would like to join the 250th Anniversary Committee. It was agreed to list this appointment on the next meeting agenda under Appointments & Personnel Changes. Dhiwali Day Event Councilwoman Dhariwal explained that she would like the governing body to hold a Dhiwali Day event in Borough Hall on October 16th from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. She detailed the various activities that would take place which included a proclamation, stories, and light ceremony. As the source of light is typically a lighted candle, Borough Administrator Aportela indicated that she would need to check with the Fire Department to see what would be permitted. Concerns were raised that religious and cultural events have never been held in Borough Hall in the past and it was questioned whether having such an event would set a precedent. Borough Attorney Shahdanian advised that if Borough Hall is opened for this event, it would have to be open for all events. The consensus was to maintain neutrality and allow these events to take place either at the Library or in the park with a permit. It was also agreed that, although this event would not be an official event of the governing body, the Mayor and Council would be invited. Upcoming Events Council President Montisano-Koen announced that the Farmer’s Market will restart on May 22nd. She advised that Michelle Kaufman, former Councilwoman and Farmer’s Market Manager, is working diligently to have all the vendors return. Councilwoman Kinsella reported that the River Edge Run will take place on Saturday, April 26th and registration is currently open. She stated that REGAL and Little League Opening Day will take place on Saturday, April 5th. OLD BUSINESS – Reassessment Mayor Papaleo advised that James Anzevino, Tax Assessor, was here this evening from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm to speak with residents about their assessment. He announced that he will be holding a pop-up for the public on March 15th from 11 am to 1 pm at the Library with Mr. Anzevino and a representative from Appraisal Systems to discuss the new assessments. He urged the public to allow the appraisal company into their homes. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – There were no council comments. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilman Glass, seconded by Council President Montisano-Koen, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #25-93 at 7:56 p.m. #25-93 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: 4. That the public shall be excluded from the February 27, 2025 special meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: B. Attorney-Client Privilege – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) 1. Construction Update 2. Security Detail 5. Formal action may/may not be taken. 6. 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 Glass, second by Councilman Benson, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk