Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting June 26, 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 26, 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’s armed forces as the world continues to be a dangerous place and expressed gratitude for their safe return from their recent mission. 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: Council President Montisano-Koen, Councilwoman Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilman Benson, Councilman Glass, and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Councilwoman Dhariwal ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney John Shahdanian, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilman Benson, with Council President Montisano-Koen and Councilwoman Malellari abstaining and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting and Closed Session of May 22, 2025 are hereby approved. #25-202 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter Motion by Council President Montisano Koen, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, to approve Resolution #25-202. 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: absent Mayor Papaleo commented that the Borough is lucky to have such an active Fire Department. He then administered the Oath of Office to Justin Agnoli who was joined by his family. Mayor Papaleo thanked Firefighter Agnoli and his family for their commitment. Firefighter Agnoli thanked his family, the volunteers who were in attendance for their guidance, and Fire Chief Schlossberg for the opportunity to join the department. Chief Schlossberg thanked the Mayor and Council. He commented on how proud he is both of Firefighter Agnoli and the department for all the time they put in to protect the community, noting that they have responded to 11 calls in the last 7 days. He stated that he wouldn’t be as successful as he is without these volunteers. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilwoman Mallelari, 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 Councilman Glass, 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: Historic Commission - May 27, 2025 Land Use Board - May 28, 2025 RESOLUTIONS - By Consent Councilwoman Kinsella asked for an explanation of Resolution #25-193. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that, under the Local Public Contracts Law, equipment and vehicles that are purchased through public funds must be auctioned once they no longer have a useful life. She advised that they utilize a company called GovDeals to auction the items and then explained the process. With respect to Resolution #25-197, Council President Montisano-Koen requested Borough Administrator Aportela to explain the Clean Communities Grant. As the contractor for the Borough Hall exterior will be authorized to begin work prior to 8 a.m. via Resolution #25-198, she questioned whether residents in the area will be made aware of the possibility of noise before this time. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that the Clean Communities Grant is to be used for recycling purposes. She advised that these funds go into a specific budget line to show that they are being utilized solely for recycling-related purposes. She confirmed that the impacted residents will be notified should there be the need for construction to commence prior to 8 a.m. a. #25-190 Support Replacement of Grand Avenue Pedestrian Bridge b. #25-191 Approve the Appointment of a Junior Firefighter c. #25-192 Authorize Execution of a Shared Services Agreement Between the  Borough of River Edge and the River Edge Board of Education to Provide 2 Class III Officers d. #25-193 Authorize Auction of Surplus Property No Longer Needed for Public Use on an Online Auction Website e. #25-194 Approve the Hire of a Police Dispatcher f. #25-195 Approve Refunds – Shade Tree Bond g. #25-196 Authorize Tax Collector to Transfer 2025 Preliminary Tax Payments on a Sub-Divided Property h. #25-197 Resolution Requesting Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation NJS 40A:4-87 i. #25-198 Grant Exception to Noise Ordinance to LaSalle Landscaping & Construction for Borough Hall Entrance and Police Station Parking Lot Improvements Project j. #25-199 Appoint Alternate Municipal Prosecutor k. #25-200 Endorse the 2025 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan l. #25-201 Authorize Renewal of ABC Liquor Licenses for 2025-2026 m. #25-202 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter Approved earlier in the meeting Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilman Benson, that the Consent Agenda 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: absent ******** #25-203 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-203 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 26, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 374,385.22 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 69,192.91 GRANT FUND $ 1,877.87 TRUST OTHER $ 10,514.65 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 1,810.00 RECREATION TRUST $ 9,108.93 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Glass, that Resolution #25-203 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: absent ******** NEW BUSINESS – Councilman Glass noted the recent number of fire calls to which the department has responded effectively, efficiently, and safely all during the extreme heat. Councilwoman Kinsella reported that the 4th of July Parade will be next Friday starting at 11 a.m. at Cherry Hill Park followed by Family Fun Day from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park. She advised that the Fire Department is donating money for the rides, allowing them be free for all who attend. OLD BUSINESS – Construction Updates Bogert Road Section 7 & Section 8 Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the construction costs for both Bogert Road Section 7 & Section 8 are being funded through a grant from the NJ Department of Transportation (NJ DOT). She noted that section 7 is approximately 95% complete and section 8 is underway with substantial completion of major items anticipated to take place prior to July 4, 2025. Bogert Road Section 9 Borough Administrator Aportela reported that the Borough was awarded a grant for Bogert Road Section 9 through the NJ DOT which encompasses the replacement of curbs, sidewalks and aprons from Concord Drive to Adams Avenue. Approval of the bid specifications by the NJ DOT is needed prior to going out to bid for the project. Borough Hall Entrance & Police Parking Lot Improvements Project This project was awarded to LaSalle Landscape & Construction. The execution of the contract and receipt of the bonds are in process. A preconstruction meeting was held last week with a follow-up onsite meeting. Construction is anticipated to commence on July 8th and work will be done in phases with the entrance to Borough Hall taking place first. Once this phase is completed, a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) can be issued which will allow the building to be opened to the public. This milestone is anticipated to take place mid-August depending on weather. The Police Department entrance will be done next followed by the parking lot. Mayor Papaleo added that there may be a partial closure of Tenney Avenue which is being coordinated with the Fire Chief. FY19, FY20 & FY24 KBG Field Improvements Project/2025 Local Road Resurfacing Program/2025 Drainage Improvements at Mohawk Drive & Lozier Terrace/2025 Fire Company #2 & Sidewalk Improvement Project Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the above projects are currently out to bid with the bid opening scheduled to take place on July 8th. 2025 Riverside Cooperative This project was awarded at the last meeting to pave Manning Ave, June Court, North Drive and Ackerson. A preconstruction meeting is currently being scheduled. Borough Administrator Aportela noted that these streets tie in with PSE&G Phase 2A. The trenching of Manning Avenue has been completed and the hook-ups to the homes are in process. Paving is anticipated to commence in August or September depending on the weather. PSE&G Phase 2A will then continue with Fifth Avenue, Monroe Court, and all side streets between Manning to Continental Avenue. She advised that once that is complete, DPW Superintendent Milito will work on having Fifth Avenue micro-sealed until Bogert Road is complete and a NJ DOT grant can be sought for this road. 2025 Local Aid Infrastructure Fund Application/2026 Municipal Aid Application Borough Administrator Aportela reported that grant applications for Bogert Road Section 10 and Continental Avenue have been submitted. Borough Hall Dais The old dais has been removed and the new dais is currently being built. The sound system is being updated. All work is anticipated to be complete by the time the TCO is issued for Borough Hall. 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 Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – There were no Council Comments ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, on a motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk