Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting April 9, 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 April 9, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo asked for a moment of silence for the innocent people who live in warzones and those at home. Councilman Feffer 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, Councilman Glass, Councilwoman Dhariwal, Councilman Feffer and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen and Councilwoman Malellari Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela ALSO PRESENT: Borough Attorney John Shahdanian, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilman Glass, and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Special Meeting of March 7, 2026 and Special Meeting and Closed Session of March 30, 2026 are hereby approved. PRESENTATIONS – Verizon Wireless Proposed Small Wireless Facility in the Public Right-of-Way Kevin Jones, attorney for Verizon Wireless, Nate Slack, Project Manager for Scherer Design Group, LLC, Andrew Petersohn, P.E. from dBm Engineering, and Sean Breslin, Network, Building and Consulting were present for this discussion. Mr. Jones commented that they first presented in September 2025 regarding a small wireless facility deployment in the public right-of-way in order to improve coverage and capacity between the middle and high school. He noted that they are permitted to do so as per federal law provided that certain conditions are met. He explained that, as requested, they were able to design a site at 925 Fifth Avenue near Grace Lutheran Church, noting that it is a strategic location which will help bolster Verizon coverage. Mr. Slack described the dimensions as well as the equipment that will be included. The governing body members expressed agreement with the proposed location. Mr. Jones will work with Borough Attorney Shahdanian to draft a resolution to give municipal consent. Verizon is to notify the Borough as to when installation will commence and will work with both the Building Department and DPW. PUBLIC COMMENTS – On motion by Councilman Glass, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all present voting in favor, to open for public comments. Katherine Bounds, 753 Summit Ave, complimented the governing body on the 250th Anniversary cultural event at the Library, noting it was lovely and informative. She questioned the reason that Easter was removed as an adjective from the Egg Hunt event. She inquired as to the purpose of the two flag poles outside of Borough Hall. She expressed her opinion that religious symbols do not belong on Borough property. Jane Silane, 653 Bogert Road, advised that she lives on the corner of Bogert Road and Jefferson and commented that the parking restriction from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. has caused an unsafe and unneighborly situation on her street. She asked that either resident parking be implemented or the parking restriction be eliminated. On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Dhariwal, and all present voting in favor, to close public comments. Mayor Papaleo explained that the two flag poles were installed for architectural balance, noting that, in addition to the American flag, the Borough also displays the New Jersey and River Edge flags. Councilwoman Kinsella advised that, since her time on the governing body, the event has always been referred to as the Egg Hunt. She explained that Easter was inadvertently included in 2024 and the Recreation Director was asked to remove it. Borough Attorney Shahdanian added that naming the event without including Easter is consistent with the Borough policy not to have any religious connotations to displays or naming of events. He noted that the Supreme Court has ruled that the term holiday tree is permissible but it is not to be referred to as a Christmas tree. Mayor Papaleo explained that groups can obtain a permit to hold a religious event at the Library or Memorial Park. With respect to parking, he advised that Chief Walker and Sgt. Diamond will be attending a meeting in May to speak on the ordinance pertaining to no parking between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., snow parking statistics, ticketing, clearing of roads, and non-emergency parking on the roadway for an extended period. He suggested that Ms. Silane contact the Police Department should she witness a vehicle parked on her street for an extended period of time. He explained that the police will mark the tires and either ticket or tow if the vehicle is still there after 48 hours. MONTHLY REPORTS – Mayor Papaleo advised that the following reports are on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk and available for review: Tax Collector - March 31, 2026 Library Board of Trustees - March 31, 2026 SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES Ordinance #26-07 - #26-09 Mayor Papaleo read into the record: The following ordinances published herewith were first read by title only on March 26, 2026 and posted on a bulletin board outside of the Clerk’s office. ORDINANCE 26-07 – CALENDAR YEAR 2026 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4- 45.14) ORDINANCE 26-08 – BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE IMPROVEMENT OF BOGERT ROAD (SECTION 10) IN, BY AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $327,528 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO APPROPRIATE A STATE GRANT, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS. ORDINANCE 26-09 – BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAKING OF VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ACQUISITION OF NEW ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY, NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT, NEW COMMUNICATION AND SIGNAL SYSTEMS EQUIPMENT AND NEW AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES AND A NEW FIRE TRUCK (PARTIAL FUNDING), INCLUDING ORIGINAL APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, IN, BY AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $1,938,240 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO APPROPRIATE A FEDERAL GRANT, TO MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS. Public Comments on Ordinances #26-07 – 26-09 Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Dhariwal, and all members voting in favor, to open the floor to the public on Ordinance #26-07 through Ordinance #26-09. Katherine Bounds, 753 Summit Ave, questioned whether Ordinance #26-08 includes paving Bogert Road. Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Dhariwal, to close the floor to the public on Ordinance #26-07 through Ordinance #26-09. Mayor Papaleo advised that, although paving will take place, the Borough is awaiting PSE&G to complete the replacement of gas lines. Had this work been completed, he commented that paving would have taken place this year. He noted that the Borough is currently exploring legal options as well as communicating with PSE&G on a regular basis to have them fulfill their obligation. Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Ordinance #26-07 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: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: aye Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: absent Councilman Feffer: aye Mayor Papaleo explained that, with respect to Ordinance #26-07, this ordinance creates a cap bank to serve as an insurance policy by allowing the Borough to exceed the appropriation limits to be used only if necessary. He noted that this amount falls off after two years. Ordinance #26-08 is the bond ordinance pertaining to Bogert Road Section 10. He advised that the Borough funds the entire project through this ordinance and the NJ DOT reimburses the Borough for hard costs. Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Ordinance #26-08 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: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: aye Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: absent Councilman Feffer: aye Mayor Papaleo advised that Ordinance #26-09 relates to the capital fund which includes the purchase of equipment such as new police vests, vehicles, and Fire Department equipment as well as the repair and repaving of roads that are not being done through a grant. He noted that the Borough only borrows when necessary. Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Ordinance #26-09 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: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: aye Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: absent Councilman Feffer: aye RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #26-119 Authorize Execution of 2025 Municipal Recycling Tonnage Grant Program Reporting Form b. #26-120 Approve Refund – Recreation Department c. #26-121 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Settlement Agreement with Nicholas Auriemma and Matina & Son, Inc., for Litigation under Docket No. BER- DC-25764-25  d. #26-122 Approve the Hire of a Full-time Laborer in the Department of Public Works e. #26-123 Approve Refunds – Recreation Department f. #26-124 Authorize Execution of a Shared Services Agreement Between the Borough of River Edge and the River Edge Board of Education to Provide 2 Class III Officers g. #26-125 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Settlement Agreement with Nicole Conway for Litigation under Docket No. BER-L-3784-24 Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Kinsela, that the Consent Agenda 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: absent Councilman Feffer: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal recused from Resolution #26-120 and #26-123. ******** #26-126 Payment of Bills Council President Kinsella read resolution #26-126 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 April 9, 2026. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 2,079,850.81 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 17,315.63 GRANT FUND $ 1,570.00 TRUST OTHER $ 2,209.20 PAYROLL $ 25,927.08 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 2,378.75 RECREATION TRUST $ 6,899.79 Motion by Councilman Glass, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Resolution #26-126 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: absent Councilman Feffer: aye *Councilwoman Dhariwal recused herself from check #68446, #68447, #68449, #68450, #68450, #68461, #48462, #68463, #68465, #68470, #68471, #68505, #68511, #68512, #6179, #6180, #6181, #6182, #6183, and #6184. ******** NEW BUSINESS – There was no New Business. OLD BUSINESS – There was no New Business. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilwoman Dhariwal reported that there was a lot of positive feedback regarding the River Edge @USA 250 Committee kick-off event, noting that a lot of ethnic groups were represented. Mayor Papaleo thanked Councilwoman Dhariwal, Eric Model and Tina Meros for their hard work putting this event together. Councilwoman Dhariwal announced that the committee is encouraging residents to dress up as a historical figure for a contest to be held as part of the Fun Run. Councilman Feffer added that resident can dress up any figure throughout history. Mayor Papaleo detailed upcoming events which included the Arbor Day Ceremony at 4 p.m. on April 24th at Brookside Park, Farmers Market which reopens in May, 4th of July Parade, and River Edge Car Show in July. He thanked the Library for its cooperation as well as Joseph Ricca, Recreation Director, and Dan Jablonski, Assistant to the Recreation Director, for their hard work. He also acknowledged the various departments that make these events possible such as the Police Department, Fire Department, and DPW. Councilwoman Dhariwal announced that Caitlyn Meehan was recently appointed as River Edge Crier. She noted that April 18th through April 26th is Bergen County service week and encouraged residents to volunteer. She commented that the first event is at Bergen County Technical School and involves cooking. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilman Glass, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #26-127 at 7:50 p.m. #26-127 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 April 9, 2026 regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: A. Attorney-Client Privilege – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) 1. Constructive Eviction 2. Insurance Coverage 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 Councilwoman Dhariwal, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk