Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting March 12, 2026 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 March 12, 2026. 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 suffering from the impacts of war, especially those in Michigan and Virginia. Councilwoman Malellari 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 January 9, 2026 and January 16, 2026 of 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 Kinsella, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilman Glass, Councilwoman Dhariwal (7:01 pm), Councilman Feffer and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney John Shahdanian, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilwoman Dhariwal, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting of February 26, 2026 are hereby approved. PROCLAMATIONS & AWARDS – Blackhawk Certificates Mayor Papaleo commented on the outstanding volunteer coaching program in River Edge. He expressed that the governing body is very proud of all the players and excited to recognize their achievements. Carla Rodriguez, River Dell Blackhawks Director of Operations, remarked that these two great teams have won their flight. She commented that she is excited to recognize them this evening. Annie Mapes, Coach of the River Dell U10 Girls Team, spoke to the team’s record. She noted that they started in the H flight, and after only 5 years, will be promoted to the A flight in the spring. She commented on the team’s sportsmanship, poise and hard work, noting that they also know how to have fun. Ted Stein, Coach of the Blackhawk U15 Boys Team, acknowledged Frank Stramiello and Josh Ratner, Assistant Coaches. He spoke to the team’s record, noting that this team is the first U15 team in A flight to ever win their flight in Blackhawk’s history. Mayor Papaleo then presented a Certificate of Recognition to the following players and coaches: U10 Girls Team Coaches Annie Mapes, Coach Angelica Cortes, Assistant Coach John Dugan, 2nd Assistant Coach Players Mariana Sanchez Harper Dugan Helena Lopes Madelyn Schweiger Hadley Irving Julia Daibes Madeleine Giblin Juliet Deitch Kiera Thiffault Lauren Donaghy Rose Mapes Tessa Pratt Vasi Fikaris U15 Boys Team Coaches Ted Stein Frank Stramiello Josh Ratner Players Gio Song Lucas Lemma Batu Kozan Andrew Carballeda Dante Stramiello Daniil Alipov Evan Calderone James Melki Jo Koyama Arda Kozan Cristian Guttilla Riyaan Bovell Rocco Renga Mason Ratner Benjamin Rizkalla Jack Crawford Daniel Yi Vikram Sehgal PRESENTATIONS – Red Cross John Felice, Government Operational Lead, and Andy Stone, Executive Director of Northern New Jersey, from the American Red Cross were present for this presentation. Mr. Felice provided a history on the organization and explained how they impact lives every day. He described the assistance that is provided to disaster survivors, noting that more people need help after a disaster than ever before due to climate change. He expressed that the Red Cross is here for every member of the community to help educate and prepare for times of distress. Neal Carroll, Deputy OEM, advised that Mr. Felice is very active in the County as he is always called on to make presentations. He commented that any time you call him, he is there. Mr. Stone noted that preparedness is almost as important as the emergency response. He advised that they run a home fire campaign and will be in Newark on April 18th installing fire alarms for those who need them. Mr. Felice commented that they will install alarms in every home regardless of income. PUBLIC COMMENTS – On motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all present voting in favor, to open for public comments. Jyotsana Gaur, 337 Howland Ave, requested that the Mayor and Council grant permission to hold a lighting ceremony in Borough Hall in mid-October and explained the benefits of doing so. Akhil Chawla, 325 Lexington Drive, requested that the governing body adopt a new tradition and hold an annual lighting ceremony. He explained the purpose of the event and expressed his desire to share Diwali’s light with the governing body. Benito Asuncion, 45 Richard Ct., and Dr. Park, 954 Kinderkamack Road, reported that last Friday at 11:30 p.m. someone hit the fence between their properties. They noted that this problem has been ongoing as patrons for the Oak House park their cars on Richard Court until 12 or 1 o’clock and requested that parking restrictions be implemented. On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all present voting in favor, to close public comments. With respect to the request for parking restrictions, Mayor Papaleo advised that Mr. Asuncion and Mr. Park would need to make this request to the Traffic & Safety Committee, noting that the next meeting is March 31st. In regard to the lighting ceremony request, Borough Attorney Shahdanian explained that, based on case law from the Supreme Court, the Borough has adopted a policy not to host any celebrations that are related to a religious event. He noted that if Borough Hall is opened to one group, it would need to be opened to everyone. Councilman Feffer questioned what defines a religious group and inquired as to whether there have been any similar requests in the past three to five years. It was confirmed that there have been requests within this timeframe and noted that the Borough has remained consistent in its stance. Borough Attorney Shahdanian noted that there a multitude of recognized religions and expressed his belief that there are certain parameters for a religious group to be recognized. Borough Administrator Aportela is to recirculate the memo prepared by the Borough Attorney’s office providing guidance on this matter. APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES – On motion by Councilman Glass, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all members present voting in favor, to approve the following appointments and personnel changes: a. Approve the termination of Joseph Scotellaro, Laborer in the Department of Public Works effective February 26, 2026. FIRST READING – ORDINANCES – Ordinance #26-06 Motion by Councilwoman Malellari that the following ordinance be introduced and passed on first reading and setting March 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the as the matter can be heard as the date and time and both Council Chambers as the place and Zoom as the virtual platform for the hearing on said ordinance. Second by Councilwoman Kinsella. Mayor Papaleo read the title of the ordinance into the record: ORDINANCE 26-06 - AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY, WAGE AND COMPENSATION OF THE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2026. Borough Administrator Aportela explained that this ordinance creates the salary range for the dual title of Records Clerk/ Police Department Records Custodian. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: aye Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #26-03 – Ordinance #26-05 Tom Behrens, Borough Planner, explained that Ordinance #26-04 and #26-05 are part of the Borough’s 4th round compliance process. He advised that the Borough adopted its Housing Element and Fair Share plan last year and received a challenge by Fair Share Housing Center. He noted that they reached a mediation agreement and there is a statutory deadline of March 15th to meet the Borough’s affordable housing requirements. With respect to Ordinance #26-04, he explained that this ordinance creates two new overlay zones to permit inclusionary multifamily development for Block 1418 Lots 1,2, 3. 3.01, & 4 (Johnson Avenue) and inclusionary multifamily or mixed-use development on Block 203 Lots 2, 2.01, 3 and 4 (River Dell Filling Station/Verizon building), amends the existing New Bridge Land Redevelopment Plan to permit a maximum density of 36 dwelling units per acre, amends the existing AH-1 New Bridge Road Affordable Housing Overlay Zone to permit a maximum density of 25 units per acre, and amends the existing Multifamily and Senior Citizen Housing Conditional Use District to require a minimum affordable housing set-aside of 20%. He commented that there are no active development proposals and noted that the maximum height for a multi-family or mixed-use development at the River Dell Filling Station/Verizon site would not exceed what is currently in place. With respect to Ordinance #26-05, he explained that this ordinance pertains to general affordable housing regulations and replaces the existing regulations to be consistent with new state regulations. He advised that it also includes an update to the mandatory set-aside to increase it to 20% and incorporates the Borough’s development fee regulations. He commented that the reason for adopting both ordinances is to retain immunity from builder’s remedy lawsuits and allow the Borough to maintain maximum control over zoning. Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinance published herewith was first read by title only on February 26, 2026 and posted on a bulletin board outside of the Clerk’s office. ORDINANCE #26-02 – AN ORDINANCE TO FIX THE SALARY, WAGE AND COMPENSATION OF THE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2026 Public Comments on Ordinances #26-03 - #26-05 Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Dhariwal, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #26-03 through #26-05. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #26-03 through #26-05. Borough Administrator Aportela advised that Ordinance #26-03 codifies the pickleball membership fees and provides a $10 discount when registering for both annual tennis and pickleball memberships at the same time, Ordinance #26-04 adds two new overlay zones, and Ordinance #26-05 replaces Chapter 50 of the Affordable Housing of the Borough Code to comply with the state’s amended affordable housing regulations. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: aye Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Ordinance #26-04 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: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: aye Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Ordinance #26-05 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: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: aye Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #26-95 Amend Approval for Additional Engineering Services – Borough Hall Entrance and Police Station Parking Lot Improvements Project b. #26-96 Approve LOSAP Certification List – River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service c. #26-97 Transfer of Funds in Budget Appropriation Reserves d. #26-98 Resolution Adopting Fourth Round Spending Plan e. #26-99 Resolution Endorsing the Amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan f. #26-100 Resolution Adopting an “Affirmative Marketing Plan” For the Borough or River Edge, Bergen County, New Jersey g. #26-101 Approve the Hire of a Full-time Laborer in the Department of Public Works h. #26-102 Authorizing the Borough of River Edge to Appoint a Records Custodian for the River Edge Police Department i. #26-103 Approve Job Description j. #26-104 Approve Change Order #1 – 2025 Road Improvement Program – Riverside Cooperative k. #26-105 Declare March 2026 as Women’s History Month Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilman Glass, that the Consent Agenda be approved. Councilwoman Malellari read Resolution #26-105 into the record: #26-105 Declare March 2026 as Women’s History Month Councilwoman Malellari read Resolution #26-105 into the record: WHEREAS, every day, without fame or fanfare, women inspire, support, and strengthen their families, communities, and our country. Women’s History Month presents a great opportunity to celebrate the tremendous impact women continue to have on our great Nation; and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge recognizes the month of March, as Women’s History Month, established in 1987 by Congress, to celebrate the contributions American women have made to strengthen the nation since its inception; and WHEREAS, Women’s History Month honors women from all generations and backgrounds, women of every race, status and ethnicity who have challenged the social and legal structures that have kept women’s labor underappreciated and underrepresented throughout history; and WHEREAS, American women have been leaders not only in securing their own rights and equal opportunity, but also at the forefront of every major social change movement in history, paving the way for future generations to enjoy the unalienable rights, duties and responsibilities afforded equally to all citizens of the United States of America; and WHEREAS, each woman is extraordinary in her own way, proving that women working inside the home, or outside in academia, science, technology, business, labor, governance and more maintain a critical role in every sphere of society; and WHEREAS, when women succeed, their communities prosper; and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge is especially proud to acknowledge and celebrate the brilliant and talented female trailblazers in Borough Administration today. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge do hereby proclaim March 2026 as: “WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH” and call upon all the residents of River Edge to celebrate the exceptional women in their lives and around our town, state and country. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: aye Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye ******** #26-106 Payment of Bills Council President Kinsella read resolution #26-106 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 March 12, 2026. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures.  CURRENT FUND $ 270,774.05 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 158,712.74 GRANT FUND $ 1,570.00 TRUST OTHER $ 1,290.61 PAYROLL $ 24,836.08 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 4,745.00 SELF INSURANCE TRUST $ 13,397.57 Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilman Glass, that Resolution #26-106 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: aye Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye ******** NEW BUSINESS – There was no New Business. OLD BUSINESS – Special Projects Engineer Borough Administrator Aportela explained that the Borough solicited Request for Qualifications for Special Projects Engineer and there are projects for which this professional is needed. She noted that there are federal funding opportunities as well that the Borough would like to pursue. It was agreed that the Legal Review & Ordinance Subcommittee, with Councilman Glass sitting in for one member, is to review the RFQs and report back at either the next meeting or first meeting in April with a recommendation. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilwoman Dhariwal thanked the governing body for recognizing Women’s History Month. She called upon all residents to celebrate the exceptional women in their lives. Councilman Glass expressed that he is glad that the Borough is moving forward with the affordable housing requirements and recognized Mr. Behrens and the Land Use Board for their roles in the process. He also thanked Mayor Papaleo for the leadership that he has shown on the Land Use Board. Mayor Papaleo announced that the River Edge Run is on April 25th. Councilwoman Dhariwal reported that the River Edge @ USA 250 Committee is hosting an event, Celebrating River Edge, at the Library from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mayor Papaleo asked that the DPW Superintendent and Recreation Director also be included when reviewing the RFQs. He advised that the Borough is currently undergoing a reassessment which takes place over the course of 5 years where 20% of the Borough is done each year. He announced that he and the Tax Assessor will be in Council Chambers on March 21st from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to answer resident questions or address concerns. With respect to the 2026 budget, he thanked the Citizens Budget Committee, governing body, CFO, Borough Administrator, Finance Committee, and all who worked to draft the budget. He noted that the budget will be introduced at the next meeting and adopted at the second meeting in April. He explained the reasons that it was a difficult budget year and commended Council President Kinsella for working hard to present an essential budget. He advised that there is a 4.76% increase with which they are not happy but noted that it was the best that they could do. Councilwoman Kinsella announced that the Annual Egg Hunt will take place on March 28th beginning at 12 p.m. On motion by Councilwoman Dhariwal, seconded by Councilman Feffer, and all present voting in favor, to open for public comments. Neal Carroll, 321 Wales Ave, advised that the Mayor and Council are being afforded the opportunity to learn about the incident command service process and all things related to the Office of Emergency Management in Rochelle Park next Thursday. Mayor Papaleo noted that Mr. Carroll has served as the backbone in so many areas and his connections with the County OEM has afforded the Borough with many benefits. He thanked Mr. Carroll for his unwavering attention to detail. Mayor Papaleo and Council President Kinsella relayed that they would attend this class. On motion by Council President Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all present voting in favor, to close public comments. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, on a motion by Councilwoman Dhariwal, second by Council President Kinsella, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk