Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting April 10, 2025 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 April 10, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Council President Montisano-Koen asked for a moment of silence for the families and crew who lost their lives today in the Hudson River crash as well as those in the Dominican Republic who lost their lives in the nightclub disaster. Councilman Benson 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, and Mayor Papaleo ABSENT: Councilman Glass and Councilwoman Dhariwal ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney John L. Shahdanian, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Council President Montisano-Koen, with Councilwoman Malellari abstaining and all other members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting and Closed Session of March 27, 2025 are hereby approved. PRESENTATIONS – Hair We Are Proclamation Mayor Papaleo commented that River Edge is blessed with many businesses, including generational businesses like Hair We Are. He then read the following proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION  WHEREAS, in 1948, Angeline and Anthony Nardozza made a life-changing decision, leaving behind their roots in Scranton, PA, to seek better opportunities for their family in the bustling town of River Edge, NJ. Their primary motivation was to provide a brighter future for their children; and WHEREAS, their daughter, Beverly, immersed herself in the community, attending middle school in River Edge and later Bergen Tech high school for cosmetology. In this vibrant town, the Nardozza family decided to establish their own businesses; and WHEREAS, in 1950, Angeline Nardozza realized her dream of owning a beauty salon, opening the doors to “Lady Fair”. This establishment, later rebranded as “Hair We Are” in the 1980s, became a staple of the community. Meanwhile, Anthony Nardozza ventured into the business world himself, launching the “River Edge Bowler-Drome” in the same strip mall; and WHEREAS, in 1958, Beverly graduated from Bergen Tech and joined her mother at the salon, working alongside her in creating beautiful transformations for their clients. The salon would eventually establish itself as a cornerstone of the community, attracting notable figures like Mickey Mantle and Joe Pepatone, who entrusted their wives’ hair to Angeline and Beverly’s skilled hands; and WHEREAS, Beverly and Angeline forged a strong bond as they worked together, side by side, until 1984, when Angeline passed the torch to her daughter, entrusting her with the legacy they had built; and WHEREAS, The Salon’s prominence reached new heights in the 1990s when it was featured on a segment of “60 Minutes” showcasing its enduring commitment to beauty and community; and WHEREAS, Today, nearly 75 years since its inception, “Hair We Are” continues to serve the residents of River Edge. Beverly now a pillar of the community herself, can still be found every day, opening the doors with a warm smile, welcoming customers in to enjoy the salon’s inviting atmosphere. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Thomas Papaleo, Mayor of the Borough of River Edge, on behalf of the Borough Council wish to congratulate Hair We Are for their many years of distinguished service. Steven Bruno, Beverly’s son, commented this his mother is a shining example of what hard work means. He noted that she has been a great mother and father figure as well as a homemaker all while working full time at the salon. Beverly, owner of Hair We Are, thanked the residents of River Edge and the clients who have kept her in business all this time. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, 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 Council President Montisano-Koen, 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 $500.00 stipend for Mark Rigney, Department of Public Works for obtaining the pesticide license per the contract, effective March 24, 2025. Approve the resignation of Brian Johnson, Part-time Police Dispatcher effective April 14, 2025. 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 - April 2, 2025 Library Board - April 1, 2025 Environmental Protection Commission - March 24, 2025 & Green Team Land Use Board - March 12, 2025 Tax Collector - March 31, 2025 SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #25-08 - #25-12 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinances published herewith were first read by title only on March 27, 2025 and posted on the bulletin board outside of the Clerk’s office. ORDINANCE #25-08 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 206 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED FEES. ORDINANCE #25-09 – CALENDAR YEAR 2025 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14) ORDINANCE #25-10 – BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE IMPROVEMENT OF BOGERT ROAD (SECTION 9) IN, BY AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $670,000 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO APPROPRIATE A STATE GRANT, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS. ORDINANCE #25-11 – BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAKING OF VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ACQUISITION OF NEW ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY, NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT, NEW COMMUNICATION AND SIGNAL SYSTEMS EQUIPMENT AND NEW AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES AND A NEW FIRE TRUCK (PARTIAL FUNDING), INCLUDING ORIGINAL APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, IN, BY AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $3,579,128 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO APPROPRIATE A COUNTY GRANT, TO MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS. ORDINANCE #25-12 – ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000 FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN APPROVED TAX MAP. Public Comments on Ordinances #25-08 through #25-12 Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilman Benson, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-08 through #25-12. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-08 through #25-12. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that Ordinance #25-08 updates the Building Department fees. She explained that Ordinance #25-09 is an index rate ordinance to allow for any unused cap to be banked for two years, noting that it is a good planning tool that is recommended by the State, Borough Auditor and CFO. With respect to Ordinances #25-10 and #25-11, she advised that Ordinance #25-10 is a bond ordinance for Bogert Road Section 9 which encompasses Concord to Adams and Ordinance #25-11 is a bond ordinance to fund all other projects and equipment authorized during the budget meetings. Ordinance #25-12 provides funding to update the Borough tax maps which she noted have not been updated in 25 years. Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Ordinance #25-08 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: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: absent Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilman Benson, that Ordinance #25-09 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: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: absent Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Ordinance #25-10 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: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: absent The vote on Ordinance #25-11 was inadvertently missed. Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Ordinance #25-12 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: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: absent RESOLUTIONS - By Consent Council President Montisano-Koen asked for an explanation of Resolution #25-113. She also questioned whether the fees being charged in Resolution #25-114 are similar to those charged by other municipalities as well as whether these fees go into a trust. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the report being authorized by Resolution #25-113 is done annually to record tonnages which is the basis for the grant award amount. She noted that this grant can be used for anything recycling related. With respect to Resolution #25-114she explained that these fees are used to pay the instructors and are separate from user fees which go into the trust. Mayor Papaleo inquired as to the limits for Bogert Road Section 8 which is being awarded via Resolution #25-115. He also asked for an explanation of the project being undertaken via Resolution #118. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the purpose of the Bogert Road Section 8 project is to replace curbs and sidewalks from Windsor to Concord. She noted that funding has been received through an NJ DOT grant which covers construction costs. With respect to Resolution #25-118, she explained that the Borough received federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant to cover construction costs for this project. She then detailed the work that will be completed through this project. a. #25-113 Authorize Execution of 2024 Municipal Recycling Tonnage Grant Program Reporting Form b. #25-114 Amend Resolution 25-72 – Confirm Recreation Program Instructors c. #25-115 Award Contract – Bogert Road Section 8 Project d. #25-116 Approve Refunds – Recreation Department e. #25-117 Resolution Authorizing the Sale of $100,000 Special Emergency Notes of the Borough of River Edge, In the County of Bergen, New Jersey and Providing For Other Matters In Connection Therewith f. #25-118 Authorize Receipt of Bids – FY24 CDBG Sewer Improvement  at Kinderkamack Road Project g. #25-119 Authorize Purchase of 2 Mason Dump Trucks for the Department of Public Works Under State Contract h. #25-120 Approve the Hire of a Police Dispatcher i. #25-121 Approve Refunds – Farmers Market Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second Councilwoman Kinsella, 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: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: absent ******** #25-122 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-122 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 April 10, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 2,370,939.59 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 13,097.12 ANIMAL CONTROL $ 39.00 TRUST OTHER $ 4,232.29 PAYROLL $ 21,562.96 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 630.00 RECREATION TRUST $ 4,039.84 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Resolution #25-122 be approved. On a roll call. the was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: aye Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: absent ******** NEW BUSINESS – There was no New Business OLD BUSINESS – Borough Hall Exterior Rober Costa, Borough Engineer, stated that the bid opening for the Borough Hall Exterior project took place this morning and four bids were received ranging from $674,000 to $2.2 million. He reviewed the alternates included in this bid and noted that there is a $48,000 allowance included for unforeseen circumstances. He advised that, as the bids will need to go to the Borough Attorney for review, this project will not be awarded this evening. He expressed his belief that the award may take place on April 24th with the project most likely commencing towards the end of May before Memorial Day. Borough Administrator Aportela recommended that, in addition to the base bid, the flagpoles and potentially the benches be awarded due to the amount of funding that is available. She explained that, in order to get the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) to allow the building to be occupied, the Construction Official is requiring a timeline for this project. Jason Milito, DPW Superintendent, noted that the useful life of this work will be 25 to 30 years and strongly recommended that the radiant heating and additional parking be awarded. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that she spoke with the CFO and additional funds can be appropriated through an ordinance which will require two readings. If the governing body chooses to go in this direction, she explained that this ordinance would be listed for introduction on April 24th and adopted on May 8th with a 10-day waiting period before the project can be awarded. She noted that going this route will delay receiving the TCO. There was discussion regarding concrete versus pavers for the front. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that pavers would create additional maintenance which would increase the DPW budget. There was also discussion regarding whether it is necessary to run a conduit to where the current message board is located. Issues with the current location were noted and the possibility of instead placing a message board at Main and Kinderkamack was suggested. The need for radiant heating was questioned. DPW Superintendent Milito explained the benefits of having this heating, noting that without it, there are both safety and maintenance concerns. After further discussion about potential ways to find funding to award the alternate for radiant heating, Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the funding for the dais can be used for this purpose and the dais can be bonded for later. As a result, it was agreed to award the base bid along with the flag poles and radiant heating system. It was further agreed that conduits should not be run the current message board. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. No one came forward. Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilwoman Kinsella announced that the River Edge Run will take place on April 26th. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Council President Motisano-Koen, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #25-123 at 8:29 p.m. #25-123 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 April 10, 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. Potential Litigation 2. Insurance Requirements for Farmer’s Market Vendors 3. First Amendment Signs 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 Councilman Benson, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk