Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting October 23, 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 23, 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 those who are battling cancer. He 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: Councilwoman Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilman Benson, Councilwoman Dhariwal and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Council President Montisano-Koen and Councilman Glass ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney John Shahdanian, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilwoman Malellari, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting and Closed Session of September 25, 2025 and Mayor and Council Regular Meeting and Closed Session of October 9, 2025 are hereby approved. NON-CONSENT RESOLUTIONS – #25-268 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter – Duque Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, that Resolution #25-368 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye #25-269 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter – Garofalo Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, that Resolution #25-369 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye #25-270 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter – Knopf Motion by Councilman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, that Resolution #25-370 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye #25-271 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter – Morquecho Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, that Resolution #25-371 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye #25-272 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter – Miller Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, that Resolution #25-372 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye #25-273 Approve the Appointment of a Volunteer Firefighter – Ortiz Peralta Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, that Resolution #25-373 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Mayor Papaleo thanked all these volunteers for their time, energy and effort. He then administered the Oath of Office. Chief Schlossberg commented that he is very proud of the members of the Fire Department, noting that they have been very active with both training and their recruitment program. He remarked that it is quite an accomplishment to have six new members join and advised that they plan to have a few more members join before the end of the year. He congratulated the new firefighters and thanked the governing body members for their support. Mayor Papaleo expressed his opinion that the River Edge Fire Department is the best in the State. He noted that Chief Schlossberg has been asked to be a keynote speaker at a firefighters’ award ceremony. APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES – On motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: Approve the appointment of Andrew Golden for the unexpired three-year term through 12/31/25 to the Historic Commission as a Class C member, effective October 23, 2025 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. No one came forward. On a motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, 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: Land Use Board - September 24, 2025 SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #25-19 & #25-20 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinances published herewith were first read by title only on October 9, 2025 and posted on a bulletin board outside of the Clerk’s office. 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” Public Comments on Ordinances #25-19 and #25-20 Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-19 and #25-20. 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. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilman Benson, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-19 and #25-20. Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Ordinance #25-19 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: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, that Ordinance #25-20 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: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #25-274 Authorize Deputy Treasurer to Release Unclaimed Funds b. #25-275 Authorize Recreation Director to Transfer Funds from Recreation Trust Account entitled River Edge Run c. #25-276 Resolution Permitting the Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a Block Party on Van Saun Drive  d. #25-277 Exercise the Second One-Year Option Renewal of the Solid Waste Contract with Affordable Cartage, LLC e. #25-278 Authorization of Third Amendment to Lease Agreement By and Between the Borough of River Edge and the River Edge Swim Club, Inc. f. #25-279 Authorize Purchase, Delivery and Installation of Furniture g. #25-280 Authorize Tax Collector to Cancel and Refund Taxes on a Tax-Exempt Property Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that the Consent Agenda be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye ******** #25-281 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-281 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 23, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 1,492,991.23 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 128,189.39 GRANT FUND $ 166,938.21 ANIMAL CONTROL $ 3.60 TRUST OTHER $ 2,155.98 PAYROLL $ 24,731.32 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 450.00 RECREATION TRUST $ 6,795.18 Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Resolution #25-281 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Council President Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Benson: aye Councilwoman Kinsella: aye Councilman Glass: absent Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye* *Councilwoman Dhariwal recused from check # 67292, #67300, #67306, #67308, #67310, #67314, #67334, #67346, #67349, #67360, #251, #4513, #3013, and #6152 through #6156 and voided checks #. ******** NEW BUSINESS – Best Practices Inventory Borough Administrator Aportela explained what is entailed in completing the Best Practices Inventory and noted that the score determines whether a municipality receives its final State aid payment. She advised that there was a total of 70 questions, 50 of which were scored, and the Borough received 40 out of a possible 43.5 points. OLD BUSINESS – There was no Old Business. PRESENTATIONS – Historic Preservation Commission Updates Jim Hoogstrate, and Eric Model, Historic Preservation Commission members, provided an update on the “Walk Through River Edge” QR Sticker project and reported on developing projects pertaining to both the commission and the 250th Anniversary Committee. These projects include the River Edge Local History Banner project at both Old Bridge and the Retreat Route, Local Historic Marker for Old Bridge, River Edge Wayfinding Project, and Interim Wayfinding for the southern end of the Borough. There was discussion regarding a location to place the QR sticker for Mary Donohue’s residence. It was requested that Mr. Hoogstrate and Mr. Model speak with Jason Milito, DPW Superintendent, to determine whether a pole can be placed to which the QR sticker can be adhered. In response to a request to place laminated QR codes within the Library and Police lobby, they were advised to speak with the Library Director and Police Chief to seek permission. It was suggested that they work with the Borough Clerk to have information regarding the QR codes posted to the Borough website. With respect to the banners, they were advised to work with DPW Superintendent Milito on having them placed. As Mr. Model proposed the possibility of creating a public-private partnership with businesses in the Borough, Mr. Model was requested to submit a written proposal to the Borough Administrator which will be reviewed by the Borough Attorney prior to consideration by the governing body. He was also requested to prepare a written summary of all items presented this evening. On behalf of the HPC Chair, Mr. Model advised that, in connection with the 250th Anniversary, an exhibit through RevNJ will be staged at the Cultural Center in October 2026. Mr. Hoogstrate encouraged everyone to visit HPC’s Instagram account to view pictures from their archives. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Joseph Dunsay, 6 Taggart Way, Saddle Brook, advised that he is a member of NJ Libertarian party. He noted that they held a Mad Pride demonstration at the River Edge Library to stand up for the rights of psychiatric patients and commented that, as he was leaving the parking lot, a police car entered. He expressed concern that the police may have been looking to interrogate or harass them. He asked for assurance that the police will not harass them should this demonstration be held in River Edge again next year. Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. Mayor Papaleo remarked that there have been many rallies in River Edge and expressed his belief that the Police Department does an amazing job in protecting people’s First Amendment rights. He noted that there has never been an incident in his 14 years on the governing body in which the department harassed demonstrators. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilwoman Kinsella announced that Halloween in the Park will be held this Saturday, October 25th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Mayor Papaleo added that the Trunk or Treat sponsored by the River Edge Police Department will be held immediately after the parade. He also reported that Mayor and Council meetings are being now being held in Borough Hall and take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilwoman Dhariwal, seconded by Councilman Benson , and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #25-282 at 7:47 p.m. #25-282 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 23, 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. Solicitation Process 2. Assignment of Duties 3. NJ Solutions JHIF Proposal 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 Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk