Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting May 8, 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 May 8, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. 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 April 22, 2025 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 Website 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 Shahdanian, Esq. It was agreed that Resolution #25-145 would be considered prior to entering into Closed Session. #25-145 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter Mayor Papaleo expressed that it is a great honor to have another volunteer present this evening to be sworn in as a member of the Fire Department. He commented on how much time and effort the volunteers put in to keep the community safe. Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that the Resolution #25-145 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 Mayor Papaleo administered the Oath of Office to Edward Hazuka who was joined by his family and members of the Fire Department. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #25-141 at 7:05 pm. #24-141 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 May 8, 2025 regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: A. Attorney-Client Privilege – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) 1. Discussion with Labor Counsel 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 7:45 p.m. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for Catholic residents and Catholics throughout the world as a new Pontiff takes on the role of Peter. He then led those present in a salute to the flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, with Council President Montisano-Koen and Councilman Glass abstaining from the Minutes of the April 24, Regular Meeting and all other members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Special Meeting of March 8, 2025 and Mayor and Council Regular Meeting of April 24, 2025 are hereby approved. PROCLAMATIONS & AWARDS – Recognition of Deborah Aiello’s 35 Years of Service Mayor Papaleo advised that Deborah Aiello has been a Borough employee for 35 years and advised that the governing body wanted to recognize her many years of service to the Borough. He commented that she has been an amazing employee who has served under four different Police Chiefs. He expressed his opinion that the plaque being presented does not do her justice and congratulated her on her long tenure with the Borough. Ms. Aiello commented that 35 years does not feel that way when a person loves his or her job. She remarked that River Edge is a great town with a great Police Department. Chief Walker advised that he has been on the force for 37 years and commented that it has been a pleasure to work with Ms. Aiello. He detailed the various areas for which she is responsible and how he can always rely on her to find whatever documentation he needs, no matter how old it may be. He expressed that he loves having her in his department. Proclamation Declaring May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month Ellen Busteed, former Councilwoman and member of the Stigma-Free Committee, Marianne Maloney, Stigma Free Committee member, and Joseph Zemaites, Police Lieutenant and liaison to the Stigma Free Committee, were present to accept the Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation. Former Councilwoman Busteed explained the purpose of the stigma-free initiative. She detailed various resources that are available to those who are experiencing mental health issues. She recognized their municipal partners including the Police Department, Fire Department, and River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service and encouraged anyone interested in getting involved to reach out. Mayor Papaleo then read the proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well -being, and all people experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives and should feel comfortable in seeking help and support to manage these times; and WHEREAS, like physical illness, mental illness is a medical condition that can be treated effectively through prevention, early identification and early intervention and with effective treatment, all individuals with mental illness can make progress toward recovery and lead full productive lives; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a multitude of mental health challenges for our community members of all ages, and connecting people to care is more important than ever; and WHEREAS, there is a strong body of research that support user-friendly tools that all Americans can access to better handle challenges, and protect their health and well-being; and WHEREAS, it is the 10th anniversary of the beginning of the Stigma-Free Initiative in Bergen County and the month of May is recognized annually throughout the nation as Mental Health Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge had declared itself a Stigma-Free Zone in 2015 and will continue to support the Stigma-Free Initiative. WHEREAS, Stigma-Free Zones aim to inspire public interest and open dialogue about stigma, raise awareness of the diseases of mental illness and create a culture wherein residents who have the diseases of mental illness feel free to seek treatment without fear of stigma. THEREFORE, I, Thomas Papaleo, Mayor of the Borough of River Edge and on behalf of the Council do hereby proclaim:  May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month Former Councilwoman Busteed noted that Andrea Ouida had to relocate out of River Edge and she acknowledged Ms. Ouida’s amazing work in building this committee and getting it to where it is today. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilman Glass, 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 Malellari, 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: Tax Collector - April 30, 2025 SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #25-11 & #25-13 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinances published herewith were first read by title only on April 24, 2025 and posted on a bulletin board outside of the Clerk’s office. 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 #25-13 - AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $300,000 FROM THE GENERAL CAPITAL FUND BALANCE FOR THE UNDERTAKING OF RENOVATIONS TO AND FURNISHINGS FOR THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING Public Comments on Ordinances #25-11 and #25-13 Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-11 and #25-13. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that Ordinance #25-11 is a multipurpose bond ordinance which provides funding for debt service associated with the projects and equipment authorized during the budget process. With respect to Ordinance #25-13, she advised that this ordinance appropriates $300,000 from fund balance to be utilized for the Borough Hall Exterior project. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-11 and #25-13. Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Ordinance #25-11 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 Malellari, second by Councilman Benson, that Ordinance #25-13 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 Councilwoman Kinsella asked for confirmation that the medical examinations being authorized through Resolution #25-143 are not covered under the Borough insurance. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that, prior to hiring or rehiring Crossing Guards, the JIF requires the Borough to have them undergo vision and hearing tests. She noted that Sgt. Diamond was able to find this provider which resulted in a savings of approximately $45 per Crossing Guard as well as more convenient appointments. a. #25-142 Authorize Tax Collector to Adjust 4th Quarter of 2024/2025 Taxes for a $250 Disabled Persons Property Tax Deduction Disallowed b. #25-143 Approve Service Agreement – Medical Examinations for Crossing Guards c. #25-144 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Oak Avenue and Whales d. #25-146 Authorize Rejection of Bids – FY24 CDBG Sewer Improvement at Kinderkamack Road e. #25-147 Authorize Tax Collector to Prepare and Issue Estimated Tax Bills for 3rd Quarter 2025 Taxes f. #25-148 Approve Refund Farmers Market g. #25-149 Approve Last Chance Agreement  h. #25-150 Approve Refunds - Recreation Department Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilman Benson, 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* Councilwoman Dhariwal abstained from Resolution #25-150. ******** #25-151 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-151 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 May 8, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 8,512,951.78 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 93,509.29 GRANT FUND $ 34,885.00 TRUST OTHER $ 18,497.94 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 5,147.50 RECREATION TRUST $ 10,480.49 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Glass, that Resolution #24-151 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 #66274 and #66291. ******** NEW BUSINESS – There was no New Business. OLD BUSINESS – April 24th Bill List – Recreation Payments Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, with Councilwoman Dhariwal abstaining and all other members present voting in favor, to approve the Recreation payments which appeared on the April 24th Bill List which consisted of checks # 66149, #66153, #66161, #66178, #66194, #2956, #6018, and #6019 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. No one came forward. Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilman Glass reported that he received a donation request through the mail from the Fire Department and expressed his belief that all residents received this request as well. He commented that the Borough is very lucky to have a volunteer department as effective as theirs and noted that they responded to 338 calls in 2024. He expressed his intention to make a generous donation and asked that everyone consider doing the same to support the department. Councilwoman Malellari announced that the Hackensack River cleanup organized by the Environmental Commission will take place on Saturday, May 17th. A Styrofoam collection will also take place that day from 9 am to 10:30 am in the Continental Avenue parking lot. Councilwoman Dhariwal advised that the 250th Anniversary Committee has been holding meetings. She reminded everyone that volunteers for this committee are still needed. Mayor Papaleo commented that the committee should reach out to the departments to seek volunteers. He also asked that liaisons remind their respective boards, commissions and committees of the need for volunteers. He then advised that the Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at Veterans Field at 11 a.m. He noted that there will also be a ceremony held at Fire Company #1. 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 8:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE RESOLUTION #25-144 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Oak Avenue and Wales WHEREAS, on or about May 23, 2025, the Borough of River Edge granted permission to Mike Marri, 174 Wales Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey, to hold a block party on Oak and Wales Avenue on Friday, May 23, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 11 :00 p.m. in accordance with Borough Ordinance #1678;and WHEREAS, Mike Marri has requested that the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages be permitted in connection with said block party;and WHEREAS, Borough Code Section 114-15 allows the Governing Body to permit the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in or on a public street or sidewalk in connection with an authorized block party. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOL YEO, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that persons aged 21 and over be and hereby are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages at the block party described above, on the date and time specified herein. May 8, 2025 Motion Second Yes No Abstain Absent Montisano-Koen X X Kinsella X Malellari X 13enson X X Glass X Dhariwal X Mayor Papaleo I hereby certify that this resolution, consisting of_l page(s), was adopted at a meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, held on this 8th day of May, 2025. AnnQ�,B�