Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting June 12, 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 June 12, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for the nation as it faces so many issues both nationally and internationally and asked for guidance for the nation’s leaders. Councilman Glass 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 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: Councilwoman Kinsella, Councilman Benson, Councilman Glass, Councilwoman Dhariwal and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Council President Montisano-Koen and Councilwoman Malellari ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney John Shahdanian, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilman Glass, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting and Closed Session of May 8, 2025 and Mayor and Council Special Meeting of June 4, 2025 and are hereby approved. It was the consensus of the governing body that, moving forward, Proclamations & Awards always be listed prior to Presentations. PROCLAMATIONS & AWARDS – Yoga Day Proclamation Councilwoman Dhariwal was joined by members of her yoga class to accept the proclamation in honor of Yoga Day. Mayor Papaleo read the proclamation into the record:  International Yoga Day WHEREAS, Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India, embodies the unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfillment, harmony between humans and nature and promotes holistic approach to health and well-being; and WHEREAS, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 21, as the International Day of Yoga, recognizing its universal appeal; and WHEREAS, Yoga offers physical, mental, and spiritual benefits, contributing to improved health, stress reduction, and community harmony; and WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey acknowledges the importance of promoting wellness practices that enhance the quality of life for its residents; WHEREAS, The International Day of Yoga, a day in recognition of Yoga, is celebrated around the world annually on the 21st of June, following its adoption by the United Nations in 2014. The date of June 21 was chosen, as it is the Summer Solstice, the day where there is the most sun out of every other day of the year. WHEREAS, Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning "to join" or "to yoke," broadly refers to a system of physical, mental, and spiritual practice aimed at achieving union and balance. It encompasses a variety of disciplines, including physical postures (Asanas), breathing techniques (Pranayama) and Meditation (Dhyana), all designed to connect the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga reflects the union of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Mayor Thomas Papaleo with River Edge Council, in the Borough of River Edge, in the State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim June 21, 2025, as International Day of Yoga in River Edge, New Jersey, and encourage all citizens to participate in activities that promote the practice and understanding of Yoga. Councilwoman Dhariwal asked those present to share their thoughts on what yoga means to them. PRESENTATIONS – Traffic Recommendations Due to being members of the Traffic & Safety Committee, Mayor Papaleo advised that both he and Councilman Benson are aware of and in agreement with these recommendations. Michael Walker, Police Chief, and Patrick Diamond, Police Sergeant, were present to speak on these recommendations with Joseph Zemaites, Police Lieutenant attending virtually. Sgt. Diamond reviewed ordinance recommendations to prohibit vehicular traffic on unpaved surfaces, prohibit the parking of trailers, utility trailers, recreation trailers, or campers on all streets between the hours of 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. unless attached to an operable and registered vehicle, prohibit the parking of any covered vehicle, scooter, moped, motorcycle or similar motor vehicle between the hours of 12 am and 6 am on any public roadway, and prohibit stopping or standing in the River Edge Road Train Station Parking Lot. In addition, he reviewed proposals to optimize the parking lots by introducing metered parking in underused areas as well as to implement weekend parking charges for those who do not have valid parking permits. He spoke to the benefits of this proposal, enforcement, and financial impacts. He finished his presentation by reviewing a recommendation to modify the Residential Parking Ordinance to create residential parking zones by color and district. He explained how the permit system will work and be enforced, noting that letters will be mailed to the impacted residents. He advised that the streets in these zones will need to be added to the Snow Removal Ordinance. He discussed potential challenges which included the impact on street sweepers as well as the cost. He finished by reviewing next steps which included conducting a Town Hall to invite feedback and implementation by the governing body. It was the consensus of the governing body to move forward with all the recommendations presented this evening. It was noted that, after the Town hall, the governing body would then decide whether the costs to implement the residential parking zones can be placed into the budget. 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 Councilman Glass, 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 Councilman Glass, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: • Appointment of Raymond Stitz to the 250th Anniversary Committee • Retirement of Captain Craig Casey effective July 1, 2025. 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 - May 14, 2025 Environmental Commission & - May 20, 2025 Green Team Tax Collector - May 31, 2025 Library Board of Trustees - June 3, 2025 FIRST READING – ORDINANCES – Ordinance #25-14 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella that the following ordinance be introduced and passed on first reading and setting July 24, 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 ordinance into the record: ORDINANCE 25-14 - AN ORDINANCE BY THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE RIVER EDGE BOROUGH CODE, CHAPTER 350 SITE PLAN REVIEW AND CHAPTER 416 ZONING Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the purpose of this ordinance is to codify recommendations from the Land Use Board to amend the Borough’s zoning regulations regarding swimming pools and building coverage, among other minor changes, in accordance with the Borough’s most recent master plan reexamination report. Mayor Papaleo detailed the reasons that these amendments are necessary. The vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye Councilwoman Malellari: absent Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye RESOLUTIONS - By Consent Mayor Papaleo noted that the large number of resolutions is due to the budget having been approved which has allowed the Borough to move forward with the capital projects. a. #25-159 2025 Salary Resolution b. #25-160 Authorize Execution of a Shared Services Agreement Between the Borough of River Edge and the River Dell Board of Education to Provide One Class III Officer for the 2025/2026 School Year c. #25-161 Amend Contract – Professional Planning Services – Housing Element and Fair Share Plan Burgis Associates d. #25-162 Approve Refunds – Recreation Department e. #25-163 Approve Refunds – Shade Tree Bond f. #25-164 Approve Severance Payment to Craig Casey g. #25-165 Amend 2025 Meeting Schedule h. #25-166 Amend the Bylaws of the River Edge Mayor and Council i. #25-167 Authorize Renewal of ABC Liquor Licenses for 2025-2026 j. #25-168 Approve the Appointment of a Junior Firefighter k. #25-169 Approve the Hire of a Police Dispatcher l. #25-170 New Program – Recreation Department m. #25-171 Authorize Purchase of Street Sweeper for the Department of Public Works n. #25-172 Amend Approval for Additional Engineering Services – Borough Hall Entrance and Police Station Parking Lot Improvements Project o. #25-173 Award Contract – Borough Hall Entrance and Police Station Parking Lot Improvements Project p. #25-174 Approval to Submit a Grant Application and Execute a Grant Agreement with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the Local Aid Infrastructure Fund 2025 – LAIF-2025-Continental Avenue q. #25-175 Approval to Submit a Grant Application and Execute a Grant Agreement with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the 2026 Municipal Aid Application – Bogert Road Improvement, Section 10 r. #25-176 Authorize Receipt of Bids – FY19, FY20 & FY24 KBG Field Improvements Project  s. #25-177 Award Contract – FY24 CDBG Sewer Improvements at Kinderkamack Road Project t. #25-178 Award Contract – 2025 Road Improvements – Riverside Cooperative u. #25-179 Authorize Receipt of Bids – Fire Company #2 and Sidewalk Improvement Project v. #25-180 Authorize Receipt of Bids – 2025 Drainage Improvement at Mohawk Drive and Intersection of Lozier Terrace & Van Saun Drive w. #25-181 Authorize Receipt of Bids – 2025 Local Road Improvement Program x. #25-182 Approval to Submit a Grant Application and Execute a Grant Contract with the New Jersey Department of Transportation FY26 Safe Streets Transit Program for the Completion of Riverside Way Pedestrian Improvements project y. #25-183 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2025 Road Improvement Program z. #25-184 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2025 Drainage Improvements at Mohawk Drive and Intersection of Lozier Terrace & Van Saun Drive aa. #25-185 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2025 Road Improvement Program – Riverside Cooperative bb. #25-186 Approve Additional Engineering Services – Fire Company #2 and Sidewalk Improvement Project cc. #25-187 Approve Additional Engineering Services - FY19, FY20 & FY24 KBG Field Improvements Project Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilman Benson, that the Consent Agenda be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye Councilwoman Malellari: absent Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye* Councilwoman Dhariwal recused from Resolution #25-162 and #25-170. ******** #25-188 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-188 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 June 12, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 611,781.10 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 45,837.92 GRANT FUND $ 6,975.00 ANIMAL CONTROL $ 7.20  TRUST OTHER $ 1,168.91 PAYROLL $ 22,499.92 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 3,217.50 SELF INSURANCE TRUST $ 1,624.04 RECREATION TRUST $ 7,457.09 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Glass, that Resolution #24-188 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: aye Councilwoman Malellari: absent Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye* Councilwoman Dhariwal recused from check #66428, #66429, #66441, #66475, #66480, #66481, #66496, and #6042 through #6047. ******** NEW BUSINESS – There was no New Business. OLD BUSINESS – There was no Old Business. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Dhariwal, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Marie Cottino, 247 Lexington Drive, expressed concern about a lack of services for seniors in the community. She also questioned the reason for the Bogert Road curbs and sidewalks being replaced, how it is being funded, and the reason that the rest of town is not privy to this benefit. Joan Ilg, 404 Valley Road, noted that there are no longer bus trips like in the past and commented that she has been going to other towns that offer these trips. Ved Arya, 20 Richard Court, advised that he has a group of more than 30 residents who want to have a cricket pitch installed as part of the KBG improvements. He noted that this group is growing and there is also interest from neighboring towns. Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. Mayor Papaleo advised that SCORE is a program through the Recreation Department which is specifically available to the senior citizen population. He further advised that the Borough offers transportation locally. Borough Aportela added that the Senior Bus takes residents to doctor’s appointments and stores. In terms of bus trips, she explained that participation declined due to COVID. She suggested that they reach out to the Recreation Director to see if these trips can be reinstated. Councilwoman Kinsella noted that the Recreation Director has tried to plan trips to Atlantic City and no one has signed up. She advised that she will discuss planning a trip to see a Broadway show. Councilman Benson announced that SCORE runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays with a $2 admission fee at the door. He added that, although the employee who runs SCORE has attempted to organize trips, he has found it challenging to find people who are interested. With respect to Bogert Road, Borough Administrator Aportela explained that those improvements ae funded through a grant from NJ Department of Transportation. She further explained that, in order to receive this funding, the road must meet certain criteria and not every street qualifies. She advised that Fifth Avenue will be the next road once Bogert Road is complete. Mayor Papaleo noted that this funding would go to another town if the Borough does not apply. He commented that, whenever a grant can be obtained, it helps save tax dollars. With respect to the cricket pitch, it was not a part of the approved plan and is not able to be installed at this time. Should further improvements be made at KBG, this request may be considered at that time. COUNCIL COMMENTS – There were no Council Comments. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilman Glass, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #25-189 at 8:25 pm. #25-189 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 June 12, 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. Signage 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 Councilman Benson, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE NO. 25-14 AN ORDINANCE BY THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE RIVER EDGE BOROUGH CODE, CHAPTER 350 SITE PLAN REVIEW AND CHAPTER 416 ZONING WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-62, the Borough of River Edge, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey (the “Borough”) may adopt or amend Zoning Regulations by Ordinance relating to the nature and extent of the uses of land and of buildings and structures thereon; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-89 requires that the governing body shall, at least every 10 years, provide for a general reexamination of its master plan and development regulations by the Municipal Land Use Board; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the 2020 Periodic Reexamination Report of the Master Plan & Development Regulations for the Borough of River Edge prepared by Burgis Associates, Inc., dated October 9, 2020 (the “2020 Reexamination”), it was recommended that the Borough review it regulations pertaining to single-family homes including the lot and building coverages and accessory structures; and WHEREAS, the Municipal Land Use Board of the Borough of River Edge (the “Land Use Board”) adopted amendments to the 2020 Reexamination entitled “2022 Amendment to the Reexamination Report of the Master Plan & Development Regulations”, dated May 13, 2022, prepared by Thomas Behrens, Jr. PP, AICP of Burgis Associates, Inc., which recommended additional changes to the Borough’s land use and development regulations, including updates to swimming pool and coverage regulations; and WHEREAS, the Borough’s Land Use professionals have reviewed the Borough’s Zoning Regulations and have identified proposed changes to the swimming pool and coverage requirements to maintain clarity and uniformity in the administration of the Borough’s land use regulations; and WHEREAS, the proposed changes will allow the uniform application of the Zoning Regulations, increased flexibility in improving private property, and will provide residents with certainty in the regulation of their property; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council desires to adopt zoning that is in the Borough’s best interest to maintain and support stability, future growth, development and uniform zoning determinations on all parcels of land in the Borough; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council believes that amending the Zoning Regulations is in the best interest of the Borough such that the Borough Code, Chapter 350 “Site Plan Review” and Chapter 416 “Zoning” be amended to update and clarify ambiguity in the swimming pool and coverage requirements and definitions, among other changes. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows: Section 1. The aforementioned recitals are incorporated herein as though fully set forth at length. 1  Section 2. The Borough Code of the Borough of River Edge, Chapter 350, Site Plan Review, Section 3, Definitions; Word Usage, is hereby amended and supplemented as follows (additions **between asterisks and/or in bold**, deletions {within brackets and/or struck through}): 350-3 Definitions; word usage. A. No change. B. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: BUILDING AREA For purposes of determining building coverage, the area of the building shall be the projected area on a horizontal plane of the outer extremities of the structure, including by way of example as part of the structure in determining said outer extremities, the foundation, roofs, protruding floors, **decks, porches, roofed patios, raised patios above natural grade** {patios} and any overhangs and the floors of any **other** structures **identified in Section 416-27(B), but excluding overhangs or projections which project 24 inches or less from the structure, including roof eaves, roof overhangs, projections above entranceways and garage doors, and chimneys** {not having a roof}. BUILDING COVERAGE That portion of a lot which is occupied by buildings and accessory buildings and structures, as identified in § 416-27B. **Among other items identified in § 416-27(A), swimming pools shall not be included in the definition or calculation of building coverage.** Section 3. The Borough Code of the Borough of River Edge, Chapter 416, Zoning, Section 4, Definitions and Word Usage, is hereby amended and supplemented as follows (additions **between asterisks and/or in bold**, deletions {within brackets and/or struck through}): 416-4 Definitions and word usage. BUILDING AREA For purposes of determining building coverage, the area of the building shall be the projected area on a horizontal plane of the outer extremities of the structure, including by way of example as part of the structure in determining said outer extremities, the foundation, roofs, protruding floors, **decks, porches, roofed patios, raised patios above natural grade** {patios} and any overhangs and the floors of any **other** structures **identified in Section 416-27(B), but excluding overhangs or projections which project 24 inches or less from the structure, including roof eaves, roof overhangs, projections above entranceways and garage doors, and chimneys** {not having a roof}. BUILDING COVERAGE That portion of a lot which is occupied by buildings and accessory buildings and structures, as identified in § 416-27B. **Among other items identified in § 416-27(A), swimming pools and hot tubs shall not be included in the definition or calculation of building coverage.** 2  Section 4. The Borough Code of the Borough of River Edge, Chapter 416, Zoning, Section 27, Accessory Buildings and Structures, is hereby amended and supplemented as follows (additions **between asterisks and/or in bold**, deletions {within brackets and/or struck through}): 416-27 Accessory buildings and structures. A. The term “accessory building or structure” is not intended to include (1) No change. (2) No change. (3) {Reserved}**Swimming pools and hot tubs**. (4) Unroofed {decks, unroofed porches or unroofed} patios **at natural grade**. B. The term “accessory building or structure” shall include but **shall** not be limited to the following, whether prefabricated or constructed on-site: (1) Pergolas, pavilions, {detached} **roofed or unroofed** decks, **roofed or unroofed porches, roofed patios, raised patios above natural grade,** gazebos, flagpoles, outdoor bins and other similar buildings. (2) No change. (3) No change. (4) No change. (5) **For the purposes of calculating accessory setbacks,** Air-conditioning units, HVAC equipment, electric vehicle equipment and generators for residential and nonresidential buildings ** shall be considered accessory buildings or structures, but shall not be included in the calculation of building coverage**. (6) {Aboveground and in-ground swimming pools} **Reserved**. C. Accessory buildings and structures in residential areas shall be governed by the following regulations. Accessory buildings and structures in all residential zoning districts which are not attached to a principal building or structure may be erected in any side yard or rear yard, provided that: (1) Except as provided in § 416-32, no such accessory building or structure shall exceed 12 feet in height, except for garages **with gabled roofs having a roof pitch not less than 6/12 (see diagram below)** and flagpoles, which shall not exceed 15 feet in height. 3  ** ** (2) No change. (3) The aggregate of all accessory buildings and structures shall not occupy more than 30% of the area of the side or rear yard in which said accessory building or structure is located**. No roofed accessory building or structure shall exceed 150 square feet** {or 150 square feet (area of accessory building), whichever is lesser}. (a) No change. (4) No change. (5) No change. (6) No change. (7) No change. D. No change. E. No change. F. No change. Section 5. The Borough Code of the Borough of River Edge, Chapter 416, Zoning, Section 28, Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Other Bodies of Water, is hereby amended and supplemented as follows (additions **between asterisks and/or in bold**, deletions {within brackets and/or struck through}): 416-28 Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Other Bodies of Water. A. No change. 4  B. Swimming pools, hot tubs and other bodies of water shall not encroach on any front or side yard required by this chapter. No wall of a swimming pool, hot tub or other body of water shall be located less than 10 feet from any rear or side yard property line or 25 feet from any street property line. For swimming pools, hot tubs or other bodies of water built above ground, the outside of the walkway or rail shall be the governing factor for the setback line. **Swimming pools and hot tubs shall not be included in building coverage calculations.** C. No change. D. No change. E. No change. F. No change. G. No change. H. No change. I. No change. J. No change. K. No change. L. No change. Section 6. The Borough Clerk is directed to give notice at least ten (10) days prior to a hearing on the adoption of this Ordinance to the Borough of River Edge Municipal Land Use Board and to all other persons or entities entitled thereto pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-26 and N.J.S.A. 40:55D-64. The Municipal Land Use Board is directed to make and transmit to the Borough Council, within thirty- five (35) days after referral, a report including identification of any provisions in the proposed Ordinance that are inconsistent with the Master Plan and recommendations concerning any inconsistencies and any other matter as the Borough Council deems appropriate. Section 7. Any and all prior Zoning Regulations of the Borough that are inconsistent with this Ordinance are superseded by the Zoning Regulations adopted by this Ordinance. Section 8. If any part of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be unconstitutional, preempted by federal or state law, or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such parts shall be severed and the invalidity thereby shall not affect the remaining parts of this Ordinance. Section 9. A copy of this Ordinance and the Zoning Regulations shall be available for public inspection at the office of the Borough Clerk during regular business hours. Section 10. This Ordinance shall take effect in accordance with all applicable laws. 5