Mayor & Council

MINUTES Meeting of the Mayor and Council Thursday, November 13, 2025 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER – This Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge was held in person at the Council Chambers located at 705 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, NJ 07661 and virtually via Zoom on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo called for a moment of silent reflection in memory of those suffering due to acts of terrorism. Councilwoman Kinsella led those present in the salute to the flag. STATEMENT – Mayor Papaleo read the Statement of Compliance into the record as follows: 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, Mayor Papaleo ABSENT: None. ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney John L. Shahdanian, Esq. Mayor Papaleo congratulated Council President Montisano-Koen on her reelection to the governing body. He also congratulated Council-Elect Feffer. He noted that the results will be certified by the County on November 19th. Mayor Papaleo recognized Sebastian Muscarella for his Council campaign. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Ms. Aportela advised that she attended the Bergen County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund meeting earlier this evening. For 2026, the Borough’s assessment will increase by 2.8%. Ms. Aportela noted that the Sine Die and Reorganization meeting must be within the first 7 days of January as per state statute. She requested that the governing body members email potential dates to the Borough Clerk, who will have a draft 2026 meeting calendar for the next meeting. Ms. Aportela provided the following projects update from the Borough Engineer: • Borough Hall Entrance will be 90% complete by the end of the week. Railings for the Police Department’s side need to be installed, as well as curbs, sidewalks, aprons, pads, and streetscaping. The project, including punch list items, should be completed by mid- December. • For Fire Co#2 and sidewalks, the parking lot needs to be striped. The prefabricated shed is on order and is expected to be delivered in mid-January/early February. • The 2025 Local Road project is complete, and the contractor is finalizing the punch list items. • The 2025 Riverside Cooperative road project needs final striping to complete the project as well as to finalize punch list items. Moving forward, we will be going out to bid for road projects individually rather than participating in the Riverside Cooperative for this service. We received better pricing and the quality of work performed was better. Additionally, the Cooperative only requires 15% of the contract for the maintenance bond, whereas we require 100% of the contract as the maintenance bond for all contracts. • Bogert Road Sections 7 and 8 are complete. We are waiting for the NJ Department of Transportation to approve the design for Section 9, which includes the replacement of curb, sidewalk and driveway aprons from Concord Drive to Adams Avenue. • The improvements to KBG are on schedule. The underdrains and sprinklers will be worked on in the next 2 weeks. The first coat for the pickleball courts will be laid on Friday. The laying of the second coat is contingent upon weather. The remaining items include the installation of sod, turf, dugout covers, benches, batting cages and scoreboards. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA – On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all present voting in favor, to open the floor for public comments on any item on the agenda. No one came forward. On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all present voting in favor, to close the floor for public comments. APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES – On a motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all present voting in favor that the following Appointments and Personnel Changes be approved: a. Approve the appointment of Carolyn Smyth, Bruce Feffer and Tina Mereos to the River Edge@USA 250 Committee, effective November 13, 2025 b. Approve the resignation of Jeff Del Prete, School Crossing Guard effective November 1, 2025. c. Approve the appointment of Lissa Montisano-Koen to the Finance Committee as Alternate #1 effective November 13, 2025. d. Approve the resignation of Edwin Alter, Land Use Clerk/Tax Assessor Clerk effective  November 19, 2025. Mayor Papaelo recognized Edwin Alter’s service to the Borough and the Land Use Board over the past 8 years. He wished Mr. Alter well. MONTHLY REPORTS – Mayor Papaleo noted that the Library Board of Trustees’ October 28, 2025 minutes, Tax Collector’s October 31, 2025 report and Fire Prevention’s November 5, 2025 report are on file in the Borough Clerk’s Office and available for review. RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #25-283 Authorize Submission of Strategic Plan for the River Edge Municipal Alliance Grant – FY 2027 b. #25-284 Amend Refund – Farmers Market c. #25-285 Authorize Purchase, Delivery, and Installation of Council Chambers Recording System Upgrades d. #25-286 Authorize the Advertisement for Receipt of Proposals under the Department of Finance for Banking Services e. #25-287 Approve Service Agreement – Medical Examinations for Crossing Guards f. #25-288 Resolution Authorizing Budget Transfers for Calendar Year 2025 Council President Montisano-Koen inquired about Resolution #25-283. Ms. Aportela responded that this grant assists the Municipal Alliance with education efforts to deter the usage of drugs. Mayor Papaleo noted that Lt. Zemaites is the Chairperson of the Alliance. Council President Montisano-Koen asked if the cost for the recording system includes soft costs. Ms. Aportela confirmed that the cost includes installation, training, and a year of maintenance. She noted that future years of the maintenance contract will be included in the operating budget. Councilman Glass inquired about the other bids for this project. Ms. Aportela explained that this project was purchased through a national cooperative. In years past, there were 2 companies, Office Business Systems and Gramco, who provided this type of recording system. Business Information Systems acquired both companies and the state contract had expired. Therefore, the use of a national cooperative was required for this purpose. On a motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor that the Consent Agenda be approved. #25-289 - Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-289 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 November 13, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $9,548,901.15 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 240,394.34 GRANT FUND $ 108,734.36 ANIMAL CONTROL $ 443.60  TRUST OTHER $ 22,461.03 PAYROLL $ 48,481.64 DEVELOPER'S ESCROW $ 6,487.50 RECREATION TRUST $ 13,052.64 Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilman Benson, to approve Resolution #25-289 - Payment of Bills. 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 the following checks: #67385, #67407, #67416, #67418, #67438, #67439, #67447, #67478, #67479, #67493, #67499, #67500, #67501, #67519, #4530, and #6157 - #6163. NEW BUSINESS – None. OLD BUSINESS – a. Proposed Short Term Rentals Ordinance Mr. Shahdanian presented a proposed ordinance to regulate short-term rentals based on Jersey City’s model, which is the only model upheld in federal court. He noted that this type of regulation has been hotly contested over the last 5-7 years. Since the federal court decision is pretty strong, he feels the state courts should agree in the event of any litigation and recommends that the governing body move forward with the ordinance. Mr. Shahdanian highlighted that in this ordinance the permit applicant must own the property; the term of the rental cannot be more than 28 days; general liability insurance is required; and includes enforcement provisions. Councilman Glass inquired how will the Borough become aware of unauthorized rentals. Mr. Shahdanian responded that the code enforcement officer can check the website platforms and that rental apps provide listing alerts which can be cross-referenced to confirm if there is a permit. He noted that the fines range from not less than $100 and up to $2000. Mayor Papaleo added that property owners have the right to go to court to address their fines and this ordinance seeks to balance the needs of property owners, neighbors and renters. Councilwoman Kinsella requested clarification on the term of the permit. Mr. Shahdanian stated that the permit for the property is valid for one year, but rentals cannot be for more than 28 days. Councilwoman Dhariwal asked if the Borough can limit the number of permits issued. Mr. Shahdanian did not recommend doing so and stated that if the governing body wishes to proceed, they should follow the model of the version that has been upheld in court. He added that now the Police Department and Fire Department will have advanced warning of where these rentals are located in the event they need to respond to any calls. The consensus of the Council was to proceed with introducing this ordinance at the next meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS – On a motion by Councilwoman Dhariwal, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor, to open the floor for public comments. No one came forward. On a motion by Councilwoman Dhariwal, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all present voting in favor, to close the floor for public comments. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Council President Montisano-Koen reported that the Department of Public Works has started their annual tree planting program. Mayor Papaleo emphasized that street trees add to curb appeal, thereby generating higher property values. He stated that the Borough’s tree canopy needs replacement from dying trees and trees that have fallen due to storm damage. He added that these new trees will help lower the temperature in the Borough and add oxygen to the environment. A dedicated trust fund covers the cost of this planting. Council President Montisano-Koen explained that the Department of Environmental Protection requires municipalities to replenish trees, as well as private properties. Mayor Papaleo commented that the current tree ordinance is required by the state due to stormwater regulations. The Holiday Tree Lighting is scheduled on December 6th from 4pm to 6pm outside Borough Hall as the gathering place with the Fire Department hosting Santa. The next Mayor and Council meeting will be held on Monday, November 24th due to Thanksgiving. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Council President Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #25-290 at 7:35 p.m. #25-290 – Resolution To Go Into Closed Session and Exclude the 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 November 13, 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. Proposed RFQ Solicitation 2. Borough Hall Construction Update 3. Chapter 384 4. Potential Litigation - Unauthorized Street Opening 5. 2026 Paid Time Off Usage 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, seconded by Councilwoman Dhariwal, and unanimously carried to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:36 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lissette Aportela, MPA, RPPO, QPA Borough Administrator