Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting October 9, 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 in Council Chambers of the River Edge Municipal Building located at 705 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, NJ 07661 and virtually via Zoom on October 9, 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 Palestian/Israeli peace agreement. 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 via the October 7, 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 Reggie Jenkins, Esq. PROCLAMATIONs & AWARDS Diwali Day Mayor Papaleo read the following proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION DIWALI WHEREAS, Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word 'Deepavali', a row of lights, while the festival is known as 'Festival of Lights', symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, goodness over evil, and knowledge over ignorance; and WHEREAS, Diwali, is celebrated igniting traditional clay lamps 'Diyas', in the autumn of each year, at the end of harvest season, during 'Hindu Heritage' month, beginning on a New Moon, the darkest night of the Hindu calendar ("Panchanga"), Diwali date being determined by the Lunar calendar each year; and WHEREAS, Diwali is celebrated over five days by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, throughout Bergen County, and around the world; each with its own significance and traditions, the five days of Diwali being "Dhanteras", "Naraka Chaturdashi", "Diwali", "Govardhan Puja" and "Bhai Dooj"; ,and WHEREAS, Diwali includes many traditions, such as charitable giving (“dana”), providing selfless service (“seva”), gathering with friends and family for prayer ("Puja"), exchanging gifts, eating sweets, setting off fireworks and decorating homes with colorful rice, sand, chalk or flower patterns ('rangolis'); and WHEREAS, for Hindus, Diwali marks Lord Rama's return to his home, "Ayodhya", after defeating King Ravana and is therefore a celebration of goodness over evil, and light over darkness; and WHEREAS, for Sikhs, Diwali is the day when the sixth founding Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from confinement by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir; and WHEREAS, for Jains, Diwali symbolizes the attainment of Self-Realization, ("Nirvana"), by Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, who were the great teachers of Jainism; and WHEREAS, for Buddhists, Diwali represents the day Emperor Ashoka chose the peaceful path of Buddhism over destruction and carnage; and WHEREAS, the holiday is a uniting force, as it is celebrated by the majority of people from India, regardless of their faith and is celebrated by more than one billion people worldwide; and WHEREAS, Bergen County is the home to nearly 35,000 Indian-American residents, who strengthen and enrich 70 municipalities with their valued history, culture, heritage and vibrant traditions, while diversity represents one of the Borough of River Edge’s greatest strengths, and the Borough joins with the people of Asian Indian heritage across New Jersey and those around the world celebrating Diwali; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Mayor Thomas Papaleo, Mayor of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen in the State of New Jersey, do hereby recognize and proclaim October 18th through October 22nd as 'FIVE DAYS OF DIWALI' with October 20th, 2025 as DIWALI DAY; and we call this observance to the attention of all our residents and public officials of Bergen County, and call upon our residents to learn and recognize the religious, cultural and historical significance of the festival, observing the holiday with appropriate activities and programs. Members of the public present spoke to what Diwali means to them and shared their experiences with Diwali. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, 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 Benson, seconded by Councilwoman Dhariwal, 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 Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: a. Approve the salary increase of Michael McGinty from an annual Lieutenant salary of $160,361.00 to $162,175.00 per the contract, effective September 30, 2025. b. Approve the salary change of Yousef Abdelzaiz, Special Law Enforcement Officer II, from a weekly salary of $2,000.00 to an hourly rate of $45.00, effective October 3, 2025. c. Accept the termination of Joel Gutierrez Alonso, Department of Public Works, effective October 3, 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 - September 10, 2025 Tax Collector - September 30, 2025 FIRST READING – ORDINANCES – Ordinance #25-19 & #25-20 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that the following ordinances be introduced and passed on first reading and setting October 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard as the date and time and the Council Chambers as the place and Zoom as the virtual platform for the hearing on said ordinance. Mayor Papaleo read the title of the ordinances into the record: ORDINANCE 25-19 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SUBSECTION, LL ENTITLED “LAND USE BOARD – PLANNING (COMMERCIAL) FEES, OF CHAPTER 206 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED “FEES”. ORDINANCE 25-20 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, CHAPTER 17, ENTITLED ‘BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES” Borough Administrator Aportela explained that the purpose of Ordinance #25-19 is to amend the portion of the Borough Code pertaining to Land Use fees to add a legal escrow fee for a Food Handler License site plan review and to establish a fee for a 200-foot list. Ordinance #25-20 established an attendance policy for members of the Borough boards, commissions, and committees for both meetings and events. On a roll call, 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 SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #25-15 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinances published herewith were first read by title only on September 25, 2025 and posted on a bulletin board outside of the Clerk’s office: ORDINANCE 25-15 - AN ORDINANCE TO CHAPTER 286 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED “MULTIPLE DWELLINGS, REGISTRATION OF” ORDINANCE 25-16 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 438-4 ENTITLED “INSPECTIONS” OF CHAPTER 438 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED “CHILD-CARE FACILITIES”. ORDINANCE 25-17 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 206 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED FEES. ORDINANCE 25-18 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 384-7 AND 384-8 OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 384 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED “TREES” Public Comments on Ordinances #25-15 – #25-18 Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-15 through #25-18. No one came forward. Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-15 through #25-18. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the purpose of Ordinance #25-15 is to update the number of apartments from two to three in a property that requires inspections pursuant to Chapter 438, Ordinance #25-16 is to increase child-care center inspection fees and #25-17 is to increase fees for various Board of Health permits. With respect to Ordinance #25-18, she advised that the purpose is to preserve the tree canopy within the Borough and includes a refundable bond requirement for tree removals on private property. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, that Ordinance #25-15 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 Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Ordinance #25-16 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 Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Ordinance #25-17 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 Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Ordinance #25-18 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 a. #25-255 Resolution Authorizing Participation in an Electronic Tax Sale b. #25-256 Update Standard Operating Procedure Policies – Department of Public Works c. #25-257 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Oak Avenue d. #25-258 Amend Resolution #25-252 - Approve the Appointment of Crossing Guard e. #25-259 Reappoint Emergency Management Coordinator f. #25-260 Reappoint Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator g. #25-261 Amend Approval of Veteran 100% Tax Exemption h. #25-262 Approve the Hire of a Full-time Laborer in the Department of Public Works i. #25-263 Approve Change Order #1 – FY24 CDBG Sewer Improvements at Kinderkamack Road Project j. #25-264 Approve Refunds – Farmers Market k. #25-265 Approve the Hire of a Full-time Laborer in the Department of Public Works Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, that the Consent Agenda be approved. 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 ******** #25-266 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-266 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 October 9, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 2,482,195.56 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 328,880.50 TRUST OTHER $ 4,738.07 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 150.00 RECREATION TRUST $ 4,227.77 Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, that Resolution #25- 266 be approved. 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* Councilwoman Dhariwal recused from check #67079, #67098, #67101, #67144, #4503, #4510, and 6128 through 6151. ******** NEW BUSINESS – Exterior Sign Borough Administrator Aportela reviewed the different options for the exterior sign in front of Borough Hall, noting that DPW Superintendent Milito recommended the option for $15,900 wherein the DPW will provide the brick planter and base for the sign. It was the consensus of the governing body to move forward with the DPW Superintendent’s recommendation. Borough Administrator Aportela is to work with DPW Superintendent Milito to purchase and install the new sign. OLD BUSINESS – Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) QR Codes Councilwoman Dhariwal reported that she attended the recent HPC meeting and new street names were added to the HPC project “Walks Through River Edge History Trail.” PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion Councilwoman Dhariwal, second by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Pamela Gould, 683 Bogert Road, Environmental Protection Commission member, advised that a NJ DEP grant was identified with a quick turnaround time. She explained the requirements and advised that New Milford, Teaneck, and Hackensack have joined together in applying for this grant and would like River Edge to join. Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that there is a very tight deadline of two weeks, and as such, there is not sufficient time to apply for this grant. She noted that the DPW is working with the Borough Engineer on renewing the Borough’s Stormwater Tier A Permit, and once it is known what work and requirements are entailed, a project for this grant can be developed. She advised that the grant can be explored with more sufficient time next year. Councilman Glass requested that Borough Administrator Aportela inquire as to why this grant was not on the Grant Consultant’s radar. COUNCIL COMMENTS – There were no Council Comments. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilwoman Malellari, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #25-267 at 7:38 p.m. #24-267 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 October 9, 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. River Edge Swim Club Lease Agreement 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 Dhariwal, second by Councilman Benson, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #25-19 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SUBSECTION, LL ENTITLED “LAND USE BOARD – PLANNING (COMMERCIAL) FEES, OF CHAPTER 206 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED “FEES”. BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the following amendments to Section 206-2 entitled “Schedule of Fees” are hereby approved: Section 1. Subsection 2, entitled “Escrow Fees”, of Subsection LL, “Land Use Board – Planning (Commercial) Fees” shall be amended with the following: Add: (2) Escrow Fees: (f) Site Plan Review for Food Handler License: Legal Escrow $700 Section 2. Subsection LL, “Land Use Board – Planning (Commercial) Fees” shall be amended with the following: Add: (3) 200’ List: Tax Assessor $10 Section 3. Any and all other ordinances or parts thereof in conflict or inconsistent with any of the terms hereof are hereby repealed to such extent as they are so in conflict or inconsistent. Section 4. In case any article, section or provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid in any court of competent jurisdiction, the same shall not affect any other article, section or provision of this ordinance except insofar as the article, section or provision so declared invalid shall be inseparable from the remainder or any portion thereof. Section 5. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law. INTRODUCED: ADOPTED: ___________________________________ Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Anne Dodd, RMC, Borough Clerk/Assistant Administrator  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE NO. 25-20 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, CHAPTER 17, ENTITLED ‘BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES” BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows: Section 1. Chapter 17 entitled “Boards, Commissions, and Committees” shall be amended with the addition Article II entitled “Attendance Policy”: § 17-2 Attendance Policy for Meetings The office of any person appointed by the Mayor and Council to a board, committee, commission or other municipal agency, shall be deemed vacant if such person fails to attend and participate at meetings of such body for a period of six (6) consecutive weeks or for three (3) consecutive meetings, whichever shall be longer in duration, without being excused by a majority of the board, committee, or commission membership. Such board, committee, commission or other agency may refuse to excuse only with respect to those failures to attend and participate that are not due to legitimate illness. In such event, such body shall notify the Mayor and Council in writing of its determination. Mayor and Council shall determine if the circumstances presented establish a basis for removal. § 17-3 Attendance Policy for Events. For boards, committees, and commissions that hold Borough sponsored events, the office of any person appointed by the Mayor and Council to a board, committee, commission or other municipal agency, shall be deemed vacant if such person fails to attend and participate at events of such body for a period two (2) consecutive events, without being excused due to a legitimate illness by a majority of the board, committee, or commission membership. Section 2. Any and all other ordinances or parts thereof in conflict or inconsistent with any of the terms hereof are hereby repealed to such extent as they are so in conflict or inconsistent. Section 3. In case any article, section or provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid in any court of competent jurisdiction, the same shall not affect any other article, section or provision of this ordinance except insofar as the article, section or provision so declared invalid shall be inseparable from the remainder or any portion thereof.  Section 4. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law. INTRODUCED: ADOPTED: ___________________________________ Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk/Assistant Borough Administrator  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE RESOLUTION #25-260 Reappoint Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator WHEREAS, the Mayor has appointed William Sanders as Emergency Management Coordinator via resolution #25- dated October 9, 2025; and WHEREAS, William Sanders has indicated that he desires to reappoint Neal Carroll as a Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge, in the County of Bergen, does hereby confirm the reappointment of Neal Carroll as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator to serve a one (1) term effective July 25, 2025 through July 24, 2026. October 9, 2025 Motion Second Yes No Abstain Absent Montisano-Koen X X Kinsella X Malellari X Benson 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 9th day of October, 2025. Annrbd, �rk