Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting July 24, 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 July 24, 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 country and world as whole as well as government leaders. 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 June 4, 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 (arrived at 7:04 p.m.), Councilwoman Malellari, Councilman Benson, Councilman Glass, Councilwoman Dhariwal and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney John Shahdanian, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilman Benson, with Council President Montisano-Koen abstaining from the Minutes of June 12, 2025 and all other members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting and Closed Session of June12, 2025 and Mayor and Council Regular Meeting of June 26, 2025 are hereby approved. FOR DISCUSSION – Determination & Award Certificate Chris Battaglia, CFO, explained that last year notes were sold in the amount of $9 million. As those notes have matured, the Borough was required to hold another sale to pay back the $9 million and borrow an additional $2,789,000 for a total of $11,789,000. He noted that the interest rate decreased from 4.5% to 3.75% which means the interest year over year will only increase slightly. He commented that the amount borrowed represents a little over a half of the Borough’s total debt authorizations, explaining that he attempts to borrow as little as possible to avoid incurring interest. He advised that in 2030, which is when the amortization schedule drops, he will be looking to sell serial bonds which will be permanent versus temporary financing. PRESENTATIONS – Police Department Table of Organization Although this topic was not listed on the agenda, Chief Walker explained that the plate readers are coming to the end of their useful life. He requested to use the Outside Duty Trust to purchase 4 plate readers, noting that they are currently buy one, get one free for a total cost of $64,000. He emphasized the importance of this equipment both for investigations and patrol. With respect to the Table of Organization, he advised that he is looking to fill the vacant Captain position. He then reviewed the current Table of Organization as well as what was in place under the three prior Police Chiefs. He explained the importance of the Captain position, noting that additional responsibilities have been placed on the department due to accreditation as well as increased training requirements and directives from both the Attorney General and Prosecutor’s office. He reviewed the job descriptions for each role in the department. He detailed the ways that he has both saved money and brought in revenue for the Borough. He expressed his belief that one Lieutenant is yielding to the other and Officer Blue is the only person on the list for the role of Sergeant meaning that they would only need to go through the promotional process for the position of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Zemaites commented that it has been overwhelming since the position of Captain became vacant as most of the responsibilities of that position have fallen on him and Lt. McGinty. He pointed out that there is money in the budget for this position since money was budgeted for the former Captain’s salary for the entire year. He confirmed that he would not be pursuing the Captain position at this time. Mayor Papaleo explained that, when Old Business is reached, there would need to be a motion and a second with 6 affirmative votes should the governing body wish to reconsider the Captain position and/or the plate readers. Should it be decided to reconsider one or both items, they would be considered at the following meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilwoman Malellari, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor, to open for public comments on any item on the agenda. Ken Schuffenhauer, 780 Millbrook Road, questioned whether the Borough will be going back out to bid for KBG quickly as the fall leagues were told they would need to find another location to play and that spring sports would not be impacted. He questioned whether any modifications are being made to ensure that the bids come in lower next time. 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. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that, although the bids were not substantially over budget, they came in too high which is the basis for the rejection. She noted that there were also questions on the lowest bidder. As such, she expressed her belief that it is in the Borough’s best interest to reject and go back out to bid. She stated that work must be completed by March 2026, and should there be the need to reject the bids again, it would allow the Borough to enter into negotiations. APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES – Mayor Papaleo announced that he is appointing Gemma Staines to the Green Team, as Student Representative for a term from 7/24/25 to 8/31/26 effective July 24, 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 - June 11, 2025 Fire Prevention - July 2, 2025 Tax Collector - June 30, 2025 FIRST READING – ORDINANCES – Ordinance #25-14 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinance published herewith was first read by title only on June 12, 2025 and posted on a bulletin board outside of the Clerk’s office. 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 Mayor Papaleo noted that there was a minor revision to this ordinance which is not substantive and was made only for clarification purposes. 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, to be consistent with the Borough’s most recent master plan reexamination report. Public Comments on Ordinance #25-14 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-14. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-14. Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Ordinance #25-14 be passed on second and final reading and are 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 requested that the Borough Administrator explain the purpose of Resolution #25-216. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that the Governor, in consultation with the Department of Treasury, adjusts the threshold over which municipalities must go out to bid every five years. She noted that the purpose of this resolution is to increase the bid threshold to this amount, and since she is a QPA, it will allow contracts under the bid threshold to be awarded without going out to bid. a. #25-204 Approve Refunds – Recreation Department b. #25-205 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Princeton Drive c. #25-206 Amend Professional Services Contract – Tax Appeal Attorney d. #25-207 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on The Fenway e. #25-208 Resolution of Certification of the Annual Audit f. #25-209 Approve the Hire of a Police Dispatcher g. #25-210 Award Contract – 2025 Local Road Improvement Program h. #25-211 Award Contract – Fire Company #2 and Sidewalk Improvement Project i. #25-212 Award Contract – 2025 Drainage Improvement at Mohawk Drive and Intersection of Lozier Terrace & Van Saun Drive j. #25-213 Resolution to Refund Escrow Money k. #25-214 Resolution Authorizing Advanced Travel Expenses for the Fire Department l. #25-215 Authorize Rejection of Bids - FY19, FY20 & FY24 KBG Field Improvements Project m. #25-216 Increase Public Bidding Threshold Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, 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 recused from Resolution #25-204 and #25-215. ******** #25-217 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-216 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 July 24, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 1,235,249.53  GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 529,009.61 GRANT FUND $ 443.89 ANIMAL CONTROL $ 21.60 TRUST OTHER $ 12,722.61 PAYROLL $ 23,241.32 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 315.00 RECREATION TRUST $ 32,680.95 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Glass, that Resolution #24-217 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 recused from checks #66559, #66576, #66606, #66627, #66629, #66635, #66669, #66687, #66705, #66706, #66707, #66731 and #6058 through #6086. ******** NEW BUSINESS – There was no New Business. OLD BUSINESS – Councilwoman Dhariwal announced that the 250th Anniversary met, and on behalf of Eric Model, Chair, she encouraged citizens to join this committee. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Ken Schuffenhauer, 780 Millbrook Road, questioned whether residents have access to the scope of work with for the KBG project. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Mayor Papaleo noted that the 2024 Audit did not include any recommendations or comments which is a credit to the Borough Administrator, CFO, and Department Heads. Borough Administrator Aportela added that there have been two perfect audits in a row and three since she joined the Borough in 2021. She commented that ensuring proper financial and purchasing practices are followed takes a team effort and she couldn’t have asked for a better team. On behalf of Chief Schlossbeg, Council President Montisano-Koen reported that the Fire Department responded to 30 fire calls this month with one critical call last week that was handled professionally and responsibly. Chief Schlossberg expressed appreciation to the DPW, especially Pete Stitz, Mechanic, and Jason Milito, DPW Superintendent, who have done a wonderful job both maintaining current vehicles and outfitting new vehicles which has saved the department approximately $13,000. She echoed Chief Schlossberg’s comments, noting that DPW Superintendent Milito and his staff work hard to save the Borough money where possible. Mayor Papaleo recognized the Recreation Department for a great Summer Camp season, advising that tomorrow is the last day. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilwoman Dhariwal, seconded by Council President Montisano-Koen, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #25-218 at 8:26 pm. #25-218 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 July 24, 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. Easement Maintenance 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 Benson, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, 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 RESOLUTION #25-216 Increase Public Bidding Threshold WHEREAS, the Public Bidding Threshold for Public Units is adjusted every five years by the s Governor in consultation with the Department of Treasury; and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge desires to take advantage of the increased bid threshold thus enabling the procurement of reoccurring goods and services to be transacted more expeditiously; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the Local Public Contracts Law N.J.S.A.40A:11-3c, as authorized by the New Jersey State Treasurer, the Borough of River Edge can increase its Public Bidding Threshold from $44,000.00 to $53,000.00 if the Borough has a Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA); and WHEREAS, Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela, was appointed as the QPA for the Borough of River Edge via Resolution #21-195 on June 28, 2021; and WHEREAS, Sections 11 and 12 of the P.L. 2023 Chapter 30 amend N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 and 20.5, respectively, to clarify that the governing body of a municipality or county (or any agency or instrumentality thereof) may delegate the authority to award a contract having an anticipated value in excess of $17,500 but below the increased bid threshold of a Local Public Contracts Law contracting unit with a Qualified Purchasing Agent (i.e. a “window contract”) to the QPA. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby increases its Public Bidding Threshold to $53,000.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Public Bidding Threshold for the Borough of River Edge shall equate to the approved bid threshold as adjusted by the State of New Jersey. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Lissette Aportela shall be and is hereby confirmed as the Borough’s QPA and, as such, she shall be and is hereby authorized to exercise the contracting powers granted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-3, including to prepare, sign, and execute such documents as needed for the purposes of such an award. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Lissette Aportela, as the Borough’s QPA has the authority to award a contract having an anticipated value in excess of $17,500 but below the increased bid threshold of a Local Public Contracts Law pursuant to P.L. 2023 Chapter 30, Section 12. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. July 24, 2025  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE RESOLUTION #25-218 Resolution to Enter Into Closed Session WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, NJSA I 0:4-12 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 RESOL YEO by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows: I. That the public shall be excluded from the July 24, 2025 regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: A. Attorney-Client Privilege- N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(6)(7) I. Easement Maintenance 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. July 24, 2025 Motion Second Yes No Abstain Absent Montisano-Koen X X Kinsella X X Malellari X Benson X Glass X Dhariwal X Mavor 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 24th day of July, 2025.