Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting March 13, 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 March 13, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Councilman Benson asked for a moment of silence for people around the world who are affected by conflict and asked for prayers for their safety and that they find peace. Councilwoman Malellari 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 6, 2025 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 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 William Rupp, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Council President Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular of February 27, 2025 are hereby approved. PRESENTATIONS – Richard Mehrman Mayor Papaleo advised that this evening Dick Mehrman is being honored for his many years of service to the Land Use Board. He noted that Mr. Mehrman served with a sense of volunteerism, exemplifying the quintessential resident who cares for his community. He commented that Mr. Mehrman’s influence can be seen in so many places throughout the community. He then read the following proclamation into the record:  PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Richard A. Mehrman, PE was appointed to the Planning Board for the Borough of River Edge in 1988, where he served as the Chairman from 1993-1995 and Land Use Board Vice Chairman from 2017-2025; and WHEREAS, he has a vast knowledge and experience in multiple industries including public works, industrial power industry, Recreation and major corporations. He has helped rehabilitate, upgrade and modernize numerous firehouses. Mr. Mehrman was involved in operating and refueling components of 4 Nuclear Power Plants. He was the lead Civil Engineer for site work, including state of the art drainage facilities for the next generation power; and WHEREAS, Mr. Mehrman had an intricate role in many projects in River Edge. He helped design and construct the Public Safety Building. He played a vital part in the downtown Kinderkamack Road improvements to establish a gateway. Mr. Mehrman facilitated the “River Edge 2000” study of potential downtown improvements. He was the driving force behind putting in the Kinderkamack / Voorhis Avenue commercial shopping site. He also functioned as Board Engineer for the River Edge Crossings (Total Wine) design and development; and WHEREAS, Richard Mehrman’s mission has always been to promote a safe, orderly and open space for development, preclude land abuse and be cognizant of potential high rise canyon consequences. His presence will be deeply missed by the Land Use Board, the governing body of the Borough of River Edge who have benefited from his knowledge and leadership in the face of challenges and changes that have been presented over the past 40 years. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , that I, Thomas Papaleo, Mayor, on behalf of the Governing Body and residents of the Borough of River Edge, do hereby extend our thanks and sincere appreciation to Richard A. Mehrman for his many years of dedicated and committed service to the Borough of River Edge. Mr. Mehrman advised that he served the Borough for 40 years. He expressed that he has interfaced with many people along the way including Borough employees and consultants. He especially recognized Ed Alter, Land Use Clerk, and thanked him for his assistance, noting that Mr. Alter is labeled as the guardian angel of the Land Use Board. He commented that he finds it personally satisfying to see what the board has done in terms of traffic, development and streetscapes. He finished by introducing the people who were present with him this evening. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Council President Montisano-Koen, 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 Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, 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 Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: Approve the Appointment of Lisbelt Torres to the 250th Anniversary Committee MONTHLY REPORTS Mayor Papaleo advised that the following reports are on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk and available for review: Tax Collector - January 31, 2025 Library Board of Trustees - March 4, 2025 FIRST READING – ORDINANCES – Ordinance #25-07 Motion by Councilwoman Malellari that the following ordinance be introduced and passed on first reading and setting March 27, 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 Benson. Mayor Papaleo read the title of the ordinances into the record: ORDINANCE 25-07 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 384-7 AND 384-9 OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 384 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED “TREES”” Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the purpose of Ordinance #25-07 is to update Chapter 384 entitled “Trees” to clarify the determination of the replacement alternatives and reduce the number of trees removed per acre from 4 to 2 that fall under category 1, 2, and 3 of the replacement table under exemptions. She noted that doing so will help to save the Borough’s tree canopy. 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. #25-95 Resolution to Authorize Tax Collector to Refund 2024 Taxes Due to a County Board Judgement b. #25-96 Appoint Violations Clerk c. #25-97 Transfer of Funds in the Budget Appropriation Reserve d. #25-98 Authorize Purchase, Delivery, and Installation of Furniture e. #25-99 Authorize Receipt of Bids – Borough Hall Entrance and Police Station Parking Lot Improvements Project Motion by Councilman Glass, second Councilwoman Dhariwal, that the Consent Agenda be approved. With respect to Resolution #25-99, Councilman Glass expressed that he is unclear as to the status of the concept and design for this project and asked for additional information. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that the Borough Engineer met with the DPW Superintendent to fine tune the design in order to finalize the plans. She advised that there is a base bid with alternates based on the presentation and follow-up discussion with the DPW Superintendent. She noted that, once bids are received, it can be determined whether they came in within budget. Councilman Glass commented that he hasn’t see the bid design or packet. He also expressed that he didn’t think an agreement was reached on the final design. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that she will request that the Borough Engineer forward the bid documents to the governing body. 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 ******** #25-100 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-100 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 March 13, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 124,245.60 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 50,977.71 GRANT FUND $ 5,530.00 TRUST OTHER $ 13,522.31 PAYROLL $ 21,562.96 UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST $ 5.00 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 187.50 RECREATION TRUST $ 150.99 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Resolution #25-100 be approved. The 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 #65860, #65879, #65880, #65893, #65945, #6004 and #600. ******** NEW BUSINESS – There was no New Business OLD BUSINESS – There was no Old Business PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Ray Stitz, 210 Mohawk Drive, questioned when construction on the Route 4 walkover bridge will start as he will need to remove the flags. He reported that the veteran banner program is progressing and expressed his hope that requests will increase as more banners are placed around town. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the design plans are being fine tuned so that public comment can be solicited. The design will be finalized and bids will be solicited after comment has taken place. Construction is estimated to be complete in either 2029 or 2030. Mayor Papaleo provided additional information on the construction that will take place. COUNCIL COMMENTS – There were no Council Comments. 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 #25-101 at 7:28 p.m. #25-101 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 March 13, 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 P:rocess  2. Construction Update 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 Glass, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE NO. 25-07 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 384-7 AND 384-9 OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 384 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED “TREES”” BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows: Section 1. Subsection F. of Section 384-7, Tree Replacement Requirements, of Article II, Tree Removal and Replacement, of Chapter 384, Trees, of the Code of the Borough of River Edge, is hereby amended to read as follows: F. Replacement Alternatives: Unless the Superintendent or designee of the Department of Public Works, has determined otherwise that more or less of the 50% can be planted, all property owners must replace no less than 50% of the trees that are removed on the property where the tree removal activity occurred. For any balance of trees that are not replanted on the property where the tree removal activity occurred, the applicant shall do one of the following: (1) Plant replacement trees in a separate area(s) approved by the municipality. (2) Pay a fee of $400.00 per tree not replanted in accordance with the tree replacement criteria in the above table. This fee shall be placed into the Borough’s Shade Tree Trust Fund. Section 2. Subsection A. of Section 384-8, Exemptions, of Article II, Tree Removal and Replacement of Chapter 384, Trees, of the Code of the Borough of River Edge, is hereby amended to read as follows: A. Residents who remove less than two (2) trees per acre that fall into category 1, 2, or 3 of the Tree Replacement Requirements Table within a five-year period. Section 3. Any and all other ordinances or parts thereof in conflict or inconsistent with any of the terms hereof are hereby repealed to such extent of such conflict or inconsistency. Section 4. 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 Borough Clerk/Assistant Borough Administrator