Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting December 11, 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 December 11, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for soldiers, especially those involved in foreign combat. 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 and December 11, 2025 Sunshine Notices 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 John Shahdanian, Esq. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Council President Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #25-297 at 6:32 pm. #25-297 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 December 11, 2025 regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: A. Personnel – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(8) 1. Potential Sidebar 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. The meeting reopened at 7:02 p.m. NON-CONSENT RESOLUTIONS #25-298 Authorize the Borough of River Edge to Execute & Ratify a Sidebar Agreement with the River Edge Superior Officers’ Association, Local 201 & the River Edge Police Benevolent Association, Local 201 Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilman Benson, that Resolution #25-298 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 Mayor Papaleo announced that, without objection, Ordinance #25-23 will be moved forward on the agenda. He then explained the various actions that can be taken with respect to this ordinance and read the title into the record: ORDINANCE 25-23 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 71-1 OF ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER 71 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE RESPECTING THE ELIMINATION OF THE POSITION OF CAPTAIN FROM THE TABLE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE After asking for a motion to open the floor to the public three times, no motion was made. As such, Mayor Papaleo declared Ordinance #25-23 dead and advised that he has signed Sidebar Agreement. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilwoman Dhariwal, seconded by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting and Closed Session of October 23, 2025 and Mayor and Council Regular Meeting of November 24, 2025 are hereby approved. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Borough Administrator Aportela reported on the following items: PSE&G • Xylem Tree Experts will be working with PSE&G to clear vegetation from substation lines  county-wide and have requested assistance with parking their vehicles. The DPW Superintendent has arranged for them to park in the River Edge Swim Club parking lot beginning later this month until May 1st. A Certificate of Insurance indemnifying the Borough has been provided. • PSE&G has contracted with W.B.E. Line Services to trim trees/vegetation within the PSE&G right-of-way both on public and private property in 2026. They have notified the Police Department and DPW and will obtain the necessary permits through the DPW. They will also provide ample notification to the residents regarding this work. KBG Field Improvements • Gallen Construction is onsite working on the DPW fencing, lighting issues and the high curb/retaining wall. Borough Hall Exterior • The punch list was sent to the contractor which included signs by Tenney Avenue as well as the railings on left side entrance stairs and back parking area. The signs are currently being fabricated and the railings will be completed tomorrow. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, 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. MONTHLY REPORTS – Mayor Papaleo advised that the following reports are on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk and available for review: Board of Health - December 2, 2025 Library Board of Trustees - December 2, 2025 Tax Collector - November 30, 2025 SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #25-21 - #25-22 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinances published herewith were first read by title only on November 24, 2025 and posted on a bulletin board outside of the Clerk’s office. ORDINANCE 25-21 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SUBSECTION, EE ENTITLED “MISCELLANEOUS FEES, OF CHAPTER 206 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, ENTITLED “FEES”. ORDINANCE 25-22 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 337, RENTAL PROPERTY, OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE TO ADD ARTICLE II RESPECTING THE REGULATION OF THE USE OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS Borough Administrator Aportela explained that Ordinance #25-21 adds a fee of the actual cost to the Borough to obtain a hard copy of Borough Code Supplements and Ordinance #25-22 implements regulations for short-term rentals. Public Comments on Ordinances #25-21 and #25-22 Motion by Council President Montisano-Koen, second by Councilman Benson, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-21 and #25-22. No one came forward. Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #25-21 and #25-22. Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Ordinance #25-21 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 Councilman Glass, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, that Ordinance #25- 22 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. #25-299 Amend Professional Services Contract – Information Technology Services b. #25-300 Approve the Hire of SLEO III c. #25-301 Schedule 2025 Sine Die and 2026 Reorganization Meeting d. #25-302 Authorize Execution of Grant Agreement Between the Borough of River Edge and State of New Jersey By and For the Department of Environmental Protection – Grant Identifier: GC2024-00050-PI e. #25-303 Resolution Authorizing Budget Transfers for Calendar Year 2025 f. #25-304 Request Scope of Work Change for PY 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant Award g. #25-305 Confirm Endorsement of Community Development Project FY26 h. #25-306 Authorize Execution of Rental Agreement with First Congregational Church of River Edge Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, that the Consent Agenda be approved. Council President Montisano-Koen asked for an explanation of Resolution #25-306. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that the Borough leases space annually for SCORE and Kol Dorot was looking to increase the rent by 3%. She reported that an arrangement was reached with First Congregational Church of River Edge which resulted in cost savings. She noted that the church may also be utilized for Recreation programs. 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 ******** #25-307 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #25-307 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 December 11, 2025. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 684,832.61 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 305,507.61 GRANT FUND $ 1,570.00 ANIMAL CONTROL $ 104,630.46 TRUST OTHER $ 4,326.10 PAYROLL $ 23,750.32 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 1,685.00 SELF INSURANCE TRUST $ 2,066.08 RECREATION TRUST $ 263.49 Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Council President Montisano-Koen, that Resolution #25-307 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 #67604, #67605, #67609, #67638, #67639, #67663, #67666, #67678, #67681, #67682, #6169, and #6170. ******** NEW BUSINESS – Fire Department Alcohol Policy Borough Administrator Aportela explained that Chief Schlossberg met with incoming Chief Sanders and former Chief Cariddi regarding the Fire Department Alcohol Policy. They are requesting that the policy be modified to have the Fire Chief make all requests to host social and special events where alcoholic beverages will be served which will ensure proper coverage. It was the consensus of the governing body to move forward with the modified policy. The modified policy is to be listed for approval at the Reorganization Meeting. OLD BUSINESS – Councilwoman Dhariwal reported that the 250th Anniversary Committee met and are looking additional volunteers. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Motion Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilman Benson, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments. Matthew Piterski, River Edge PBA 201, thanked the Mayor and Council for meeting with Chief Walker. He detailed the terms of the Sidebar Agreement which he noted will help the governing body realize savings. He thanked the residents for their support and expressed his opinion that they were able to arrive at an agreement that allows both sides to move forward. Motion by Councilman Benson, second by Councilwoman Malellari and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilwoman Dhariwal thanked Councilman Benson for his amazing service to River Edge. Councilman Benson expressed that he is happy with the outcome of this meeting. He stated that it has been a pleasure to serve this community, noting that being a governing body member has been an incredible learning experience. He commented that everything that this governing body does is transparent. Council President Montisano-Koen read the following statement into the record: “Good Evening As we meet tonight, it is critical to acknowledge the fiscal realities before us. Municipalities across New Jersey are confronting extraordinary pressures in 2026, including a 36.5% increase in state health benefits and reductions in aid from both state and federal legislatures. Financial pressures on the municipality won’t end in 2026. Our responsibility is to maintain a fiscally responsible budget that balances the needs of all departments while ensuring taxpayer dollars are allocated prudently. Nevertheless, public safety is and remains our highest priority and it saddens me that some in our community have suggested otherwise and that we do not support our Police Department. No patrol officers are being reduced, and no services are being compromised. Suggestions to the contrary misrepresent the intent of this governing body and overlook the significant investments made in the Police Department over the past five years, including new patrol cars, upgraded equipment, the ability to perform outside duty out of town, and a modernized communications and dispatch desk. After extensive discussions with Chief Walker and others, the Police Department identified cost savings for 2026 that allow this ordinance to die. This ensures our budget deliberations continue with clarity, while keeping the captain’s position separate from the broader fiscal challenges we face beyond 2026. As new information emerges, whether related to fiscal impacts, departmental needs, or regulatory obligations, we will continue a comprehensive review of every department to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. Thank You.” Councilwoman Kinsella read the following statement into the record: “Year over year the Finance Committee, with the Council at large, and the Citizens Budget Committee work tirelessly to keep the town running on 25% of the overall taxes collected. This is no small feat especially in recent times. It has been implied that the Mayor and Council do not support our Police Department. That is blatantly false. The record shows (if anyone cares to look at it) how much respect, admiration and backing we afford the REPD. We make the best efforts to ensure our decisions are the best for the town. To be fiscally responsible, is to look at the budget in totality, not in a vacuum. Overall, one department’s want should not supersede another department’s need. As of December 2025, 1.1 million American workers have been laid off with more to come in 2026. There is economic uncertainty, trade policies, inflation and a possible recession upcoming. These factors affect states and especially local municipalities. As a governing body, it would be “reckless” not to take into consideration what is happening around us.” Mayor Papaleo thanked the governing body, Police Chief, PBA, Borough Attorney, Labor Attorney and Borough Administrator for assisting in reaching a positive resolution. He commented that the River Edge Police Department is the best in Bergen County and Chief Walker has done a phenomenal job. Although he thanked the public for their participation, he noted that some comments on social media were uncalled for and inappropriate. He advised that the governing body has a tough year ahead in trying to keep the tax increase reasonable. He finished by thanking Councilman Benson for his years of service. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Council President Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #25-308 at 7:35 p.m. #25-308 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 December 11, 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. Affordable Housing 4th Round 2. Potential Litigation – Street Opening 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 Malellari, second by Councilman Benson, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE RESOLUTION #25-305 Confirm Endorsement of Community Development Project FY26 CDBG Library ADA Ramps and Doors Improvement WHEREAS, a Bergen County Community Development Grant totaling $138,765.00 has been proposed by the Borough of River Edge for FY26 CDBG Library ADA Ramps and Doors Improvement in the municipality of River Edge;and WHEREAS, pursuant to the State Interlocal Services Act, Community Development funds may not be spent in a municipality without authorization by the Governing Body;and WHEREAS, the aforesaid project is in the best interest of the people of River Edge;and WHEREAS, this resolution does not obligate the financial resources of the municipality and is intended solely to expedite expenditure of the aforesaid Community Development application. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governing Body of the Borough of River Edge hereby confirms endorsement of the aforesaid project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Director of the Bergen County Community Development, Robert G. Esposito, One Bergen County Plaza, 4th Floor, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 so that implementation of the aforesaid project may be expedited. December 11, 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 ce11ify 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 11th day of December, 2025.  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE RESOLUTION #25-306 Authorize Execution of Rental Agreement with First Congregational Church of River Edge WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge acknowledges that there is a need in River Edge for adequate facilities to conduct a meaningful and ongoing program as it relates to the recreational needs of the senior citizens of River Edge (SCORE); and WHEREAS, First Congregational Church of River Edge, located at 109 Continental Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey has agreed to make available to the SCORE such facilities that are deemed necessary to cany out a senior citizens recreational program; and WHEREAS, the Local Lands and Buildings Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12-15(i), as well as N.J.S.A. 40A:48-9.4, permit the leasing and funding of facilities for this purpose; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Clu-is Battaglia has certified funds are available for this rental agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the attached rental lease agreement. December 11, 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 11th day of December, 2025.