Mayor & Council

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting April 23, 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 23, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Thomas Papaleo. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Councilwoman Dhariwal asked for a moment of silence for the victims and families of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir which took place a year ago and asked that peace prevail. 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, Councilwoman Malellari, Councilman Benson, Councilwoman Dhariwal and Mayor Papaleo. ABSENT: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen and Councilman Glass ALSO PRESENT: Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela Borough Attorney John Shahdanian, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Dhariwal, and all members present voting in favor, that the Minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting of March 12, 2026 and Mayor and Council Regular Meeting of March 26, 2026 are hereby approved. RESOLUTIONS – #26-128 Authorize Promotion of Michael McGinty to the Position of Police Captain Motion by Councilman Feffer, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Resolution #26-128 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: absent Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye #26-129 Authorize Promotion of Marc Abate to the Position of Police Lieutenant Motion by Councilman Feffer, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Resolution #26-129 be approved. The vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: absent Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye #26-130 Authorize Promotion of Edward Blue to the Position of Police Sergeant Motion by Councilman Feffer, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Resolution #26-130 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: absent Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye OATH OF OFFICE – Mayor Papaleo will administer the Oath of Office to Michael McGuinty for the position of Police Captain Mayor Papaleo administered the Oath of Office to Captain Michael McGinty who was joined by his wife. Mayor Papaleo will administer the Oath of Office to Marc Abate for the position of Police Lieutenant Mayor Papaleo administered the Oath of Office to Lieutenant Marc Abate who was joined by his son. Lt. Abate thanked the governing body for their trust in appointing him to this position. He noted that he plans to utilize his knowledge and experience to carry out this role. He stated that he looks forward to working with both patrol and Chief Walker. He expressed appreciation to his family, the residents, and the retired officers who were present. Mayor Papaleo will administer the Oath of Office to Edward Blue for the position of Police Sergeant Mayor Papaleo administered the Oath of Office to Sergeant Edward Blue who was joined by his family. Chief Walker thanked all the officers in the Police Department. He thanked Lt. Zemaites, Sgt. Griffth, and the PBA who agreed to modify the process to make these promotions possible. He acknowledged the officers who were not promoted for being present this evening. He expressed gratitude to the Mayor and Council for taking the time to understand the Table of Organization which he noted is very important to the operations of the Police Department. He commended Captain McGinty, Lt. Abate, and Sgt. Blue for working out of title, advising that their salary adjustment will not take place until a month from now. 2026 MUNICIPAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION – #26-131 Resolution to Read the Budget by Title Only Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Resolution #25-131 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: absent Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye #26-132 Self-Exam Resolution Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Resolution #26-132 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: absent Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye Chris Battaglia, CFO, advised that the budget has been thoroughly reviewed prior to adoption. He stated that total amount of appropriations is $22.8 million and the amount that will be raised in taxes to support this budget is $17.5 million resulting in an approximate increase of 4.5% year over year. He noted that 61% of this increase resulted from the increase in medical benefit premiums with the remainder resulting from contractual obligations. He advised that they were able to keep the increase to $767,000 with $473,000 being comprised of the medical benefits costs alone. Public Hearing on 2026 Municipal Budget Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, to open public comments on the 2026 Municipal Budget. No one came forward. Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and all members present voting in favor, to close public comment, all in favor. #26-133 Adopting 2026 Municipal Budget Motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, second by Councilwoman Malellari, that Resolution #24-132 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: absent Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye PROCLAMATIONS & AWARDS – Arbor Day Mayor Papaleo read the following proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, In 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and WHEREAS, this holiday, called ARBOR DAY was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska; and WHEREAS, ARBOR DAY is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife; and WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products; and WHEREAS, trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community; and WHEREAS, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Thomas Papaleo, Mayor of the Borough of River Edge, do hereby proclaim: April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day in the Borough of River Edge, and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands; and FURTHER, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well- being of this and further generations. Mayor Papaleo advised that there will be a tree planting on Friday at Brookside Park which is being sponsored by the River Edge @USA 250 Committee. He further advised that the proclamation will be read again at this event. PRESENTATIONS – Health Insurance Alternative Borough Administrator Aportela read the following information into the record: “Fall of 2022 – claims history was requested since the 2023 premiums were increasing by 22% - it was shopped around with the health insurance funds that existed at that time and directly with insurance companies. Based on our claims’ experience, no other insurance entity offered the Borough coverage. Summer of 2024 – Difference Card was presented to the unions which would require everyone to move from Direct 10 to the 20/35 plan. There was no interest from the unions in proceeding with this option. It is important to note that while the premiums increased 36% in 2026, the 20/35 plan received a 54% increase due to the number of entities who had employees switch to this plan to use in conjunction with the Difference Card. July 2025 – requested claims history since the original reported 2026 increase was estimated to be 29%. Received the medical claims report in early August and the prescriptions claims report in late August. Upon receipt of each claims report, I had forwarded them to the risk manager to shop around. On October 16th received a proposal from NJ Solutions. Reviewed with the CFO and on 10/20, met with Conner Strong to go over the proposal and steps that were required in the event the M&C wanted to switch. Presented this information to employees on 10/23 who requested that the M&C remain in the State Health Benefits Program. If the M&C wanted the change to be effective January 1st, a resolution to opt out of the state program was required to be adopted and the state had to be notified by October 31st. The state requires 60 days’ notice. The Mayor and Council decided not to switch insurance carriers. November 2025 - A bill based on Governor Murphy’s proposal eliminated all the plans and reduced them to a Direct 35/50 PPO, the tiered network plan, and the HD plan with HSA. No legislation moved forward to provide relief to schools or local entities for the 2026 SHBP increase, most of the same bills were introduced again in January and remain in committee. Past few years, the state has lowered the premium increase for state employees only. New year – received requests to revisit the difference card from one group of employees and other group requested to look into a High Deductible Plan citing Butler, Glen Rock and Oradell. Labor Counsel did not recommend mandating enrollment in a high deductible plan. Oradell implemented a voluntary transition to a High Deductible Plan but according to the Administrator, the voluntary transition is not yielding enough relief and are looking into other options. Butler has implemented a High Deductible Health Plan Incentive Program, modeled with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) of $2500 for single coverage and $5000 for spousal, parent/child, or family coverage and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs)of $3,700 for single coverage and $7400 for spousal, parent/child, or family coverage funded by the Borough. According to the Butler Administrator, participation was not mandatory; however, it was incentivized through collective bargaining. During negotiations, they removed the Direct 10 plan and tied salary increases to enrollment levels: If 70% of union members (PBA and Blue Collar) enrolled in the HDHP, raises would be 4% annually. If the threshold was not met, raises would be limited to 2%. Non-union employees were told that Direct 10 was no longer being offered and that if they enroll in the HDHP option, they would receive the same incentives as union employees. 49 out of 50 employees enrolled in NJ Direct HD High. No issues with HSA funding or access, but early challenges are now emerging with HRA utilization, primarily related to employees navigating Explanation of Benefits (EOB) documentation and reimbursement procedures. Butler’s 2026 budget increase will be at 6.49% - an increase of $194.97 per assessed value of $450,000. January 15, 2026 – Since the lame luck legislative session ended without any changes to the health insurance program, I requested our risk manager to look into options based on the suggestions received from the employee groups and asked if we can engage in a shared service with another municipality. With regards to a shared service, that is what a Health Insurance Fund is for. March 9, 2026 – I asked our risk manager if we can join the county since they are self-insured based on a recommendation from a member of our citizens budget committee. Next day, I was informed that the county is not allowing any municipality to join their insurance. March 26th received a proposal on combining the Difference Card with the High Deductible Plan. March 29th received the current proposal from NJ Solutions, which would offer coverage effective July 1st without soliciting a new medical and prescriptions claims report. Met with the insurance representatives and labor attorney on April 2nd. It was not recommended moving forward with the High Deductible Plan with Difference Card option because based on the mid-year analysis by the state, it appears that the High Deductible Plan will receive a greater increase than the rest of the plans for 2027, similar as to what happened with the 20/35 plans. I provided a memo for the governing body that day to review and discuss on the April 9th Closed Session. On April 13th, I notified employees that a presentation by our risk manager and Connor Strong regarding the potential of joining NJ Solutions would take place on April 17th. It was a meeting of over 2 hours that included participation by employees asking questions and stating their concerns. If the M&C want the change to be effective July 1st, a resolution to opt out of the state program is required and the state has to be notified by April 30th. It takes time for the risk managers throughout the state and authorized insurance brokers to receive proposals. As I had explained in this year’s budget meeting, the state conducts its open enrollment every October in which all employees can change their plans. Currently there are 6 PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) levels to select either through Horizon or Aetna, 1 HMO plan to select either through Horizon or Aetna, 1 tiered plan to select either through Horizon or Aetna, and 2 high deductible plans to select either through Horizon or Aetna. The coverage levels and corresponding premium rates are single, member-spouse, parent-child, and family. It is a balancing act for employees to choose the right plan for themselves and their dependents. Based on an employee’s salary, one can be paying up to 35% of the medical premium. Co-pays are a factor depending on one’s health condition and frequency of medical visits. The High Deductible High plan recommendation that been mentioned does provide a premium that would be about ½ the cost of the NJ Direct 10 plan. With the Direct 10 plan, all primary and specialist co-pays are $10 with no deductible, 10% co-insurance for select services, a total out-of- pocket maximum of $400 for individuals and $1000 for family for in-network services. With the High Deductible High Plan, the deductible must be met first, which is $4150 for individuals and $8300 for family including the eligible prescription cost share, then all medical visits (except a physical) require a 20% payment of the costs after the deductible is met including eligible prescription cost share, and a total out-of-pocket maximum of $5,150 for individuals and $10,300 for family including eligible prescription cost share. A Health Savings Account can be tied into the high deductible plan, which can be funded either by an individual and/or employer at a maximum of $4400 for individuals and $8750 family coverage. These limits are determined by the IRS and adjusted annually. The Health Savings Account can be withdrawn to pay for qualified medical expenses, can earn interest, unused funds can be carried over annually, and the account belongs to the employee, not the employer, even if the employer is contributing to the HSA. If an employee leaves, he/she takes the Health Savings Account with him/her. The purpose of the High Deductible Plan is for those who could afford to self-insure and are healthier. The premium is lower because the exposure is greater to the participant. Due to employer incentives to move, the more expensive risk pool is moving to this plan. The number of claims isn’t changing, just which plan it is going under. On yesterday’s state health plan committee call, it was noted that 2027 will have a greater premium adjustment to the HD plan as what had taken place with the 20/35 plan.” Scott Davenport, Connor Strong & Buckelew representative, commented that the financial situation with SHBP is getting worse. He explained that, in 2026, the greatest number of entities have exited the plan with even more anticipated to leave as an even higher increase in premiums is expected next year. Although he noted that the High Deductible Plan is very popular, it will be much less appealing moving forward. He recommended that the Borough move to NJ Solutions as of July 1st. Councilwoman Kinsella read the following statement into the record: “Thank you, Mayor. I just have a few comments, one thanking our BA Lissette Aportela for the history that she just explained to everyone, and it has been inferred that this idea of switching health providers or health insurance has been sprung on the employees is a little bit misleading. When state health insurance rates began to balloon for municipalities in the last few years, our BA has been looking into alternative plans. Last year NJ Solutions was discussed, and employees were notified about this possible alternative. All Borough employees asked the Mayor and Council not to switch carriers because this group was too new to the market to switch and there was the promise of relief from Trenton, which did not happen. Again, this past year RE’s budget was hit with a cost of $473,000 for employee health insurance. This prompted another round of “shopping” by our BA for possible alternatives which was mentioned in the budget meetings. The shopping must be done through the Risk Manager using an Insurance Broker due to the complexity of medical insurance as per the NJ State Comptroller. The State Comptroller recommends letting insurance brokers do what they do best: evaluate the quality and cost of insurance. As we know getting information from the state takes some time. Our BA received the proposal that is being discussed just 3 weeks ago. NJ Solutions are here to present a viable alternative for the Mayor and Council to consider without the need to solicit claims history at this time. Just a note, when my law firm changes insurance companies, I don’t get a say. They don’t ask me what I think as I am sure many in the corporate and/or public sector world can attest. I could not attend the April 17th presentation but watched it after the fact. The State Treasurer’s office released a report dated May 19, 2025, which was mentioned during the presentation, called Structural and Financial Challenges in the State Health Benefits Program for Local Government, Executive Summary. I would like to read into the record part of the conclusion to the report. The SHBP-Local Government program has reached an inflection point. What began as a commitment to offer affordable, high-quality coverage to public employees has become structurally unstable system, driven by adverse selection, diminished participation, and cost escalation. The plan’s very high actuarial values, a depleted Claims Stabilization Reserve, and a static governance model have created a self-reinforcing loop of premium increases and employer exits – what actuaries commonly refer to as a “death spiral”. Local governments and state employees do not know what the rate will be in 2027, but we can surmise it will be “equal to or better than” last years increase. Earlier this week, the State Treasurer testified that “based on the plan actuary’s midyear reports and SHBP Local Government fund levels, it is possible that rate increases could be as high as the rate increases we experienced last year.” And in the summary of that report premiums for 2027 could be just under 40%, in 2028 50% and in 2029 60%. With that said, the Mayor and Council hear our employees and their concerns. I believe at this time our best course of action for all involved would be to wait until we get the final numbers from the State, but preemptively request another round of the claims reports, and “shop around” if needed. Even under this scenario, since receipt of the claims reports already takes 60 days, the soonest we can expect to receive any proposals to consider would be late September to early October and we will need to make a decision before October 31st.” It was noted that a meeting was held with the employees to discuss moving to this plan and a link to listen to the SHBP Design Committee meeting was also shared with employees. It was further noted that the employees do not wish to change at this time. After further discussion regarding the High Deductible Plan, it was the consensus of the governing body to wait until after the SHBP rates come out in July to make a decision on how to proceed. At that time, a claims history through the end of June will be requested to see if a change will be made to have in place by January 1st. Members of the governing body commended Borough Administrator Aportela on the work that she did regarding this matter. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilman Feffer, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella, and all present voting in favor, to open for public comments on any item on the agenda. Matt Piterski, River Edge PBA, thanked the Mayor and Council for taking the employees’ concerns into consideration regarding the health insurance matter. He expressed hope that the PBA can continue to have a seat at the table with this discussion. On a motion by Councilwoman Malellari, 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: Fire Prevention - April 15, 2026 RESOLUTIONS - By Consent a. #26-134 Approve Refunds – Recreation Department b. #26-135 Approve Refund – Farmers Market c. #26-136 Authorize Execution of Rental Agreement with Kol Dorot d. #26-137 Refund Overpayment of Taxes Due to a 100% Disabled Veteran Tax- Exempt Status-Blueland Title Agency, Inc. e. #26-138 Resolution Approving an Agreement with Affordable Cartage LLC For the Release of Escrowed Funds For Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Services in Consideration of Receipt of an Indemnification from Affordable Cartage LL d. #26-139 2026 Salary Resolution Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that the Consent Agenda be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: absent Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye* Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal recused herself from Resolution #26-134. ******** #26-140 Payment of Bills Councilwoman Kinsella read resolution #26-140 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 23, 2026. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $ 2,543,349.36 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND $ 117,572.46 GRANT FUND $ 4,974.40 ANIMAL CONTROL $ 55.80 TRUST OTHER $ 34,789.50 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW $ 426.25 SELF INSURANCE TRUST $ 13,397.57 RECREATION TRUST $ 6,884.19 Motion by Councilwoman Malellari, second by Councilwoman Kinsella, that Resolution #26-140 be approved. On a roll call, the vote was recorded as follows: Councilwoman Montisano-Koen: absent Councilman Glass: absent Council President Kinsella: aye Councilwoman Dhariwal: aye* Councilwoman Malellari: aye Councilman Feffer: aye *Councilwoman Dhariwal recused from check #68520, #68521, #68529, #68564, #68566, #68599, #3072, #3073, and #6185 through #6191. NEW BUSINESS – There was no New business. OLD BUSINESS – Admin Report Borough Administrator Aportela reported on the following matters: Annual Safety Award Breakfast The Borough received the Platinum Award. Borough administrator Aportela expressed appreciation to the Risk Manager and Jason Milito, Safety Coordinator, Miriam Fabisiak, DPW Administrative Assistant, and Annmarie Schryver, Deputy Clerk, for their hard work in this regard. KBG: Significant progress has been made across the site. The turf installation was completed during the last week of March. Final grading of the field was completed in early April, followed by the installation of sod during the second week of April. The acrylic coating for the pickleball courts has also been completed. In addition, the batting cage installation is complete, and the irrigation system has been installed, tested, and is fully operational, with only minor head adjustments remaining. The electrical work for the scoreboard has been completed as well, with final testing still pending. Additional updates include the following: • The softball field clay installation is being finalized today and is expected to be completed by tomorrow. • Fence padding installation is currently in progress and is anticipated to be completed early next week. • The dugouts are expected to be delivered toward the end of next week, with installation anticipated to take approximately three (3) days. • At this time, all major project components, with the exception of the dugouts, are expected to be completed by next week. While construction activities have progressed well and are aligned with the project schedule of May 1, there has been ongoing coordination with the DPW Director and Recreation Director regarding field readiness. Based on these discussions, it has been determined that the newly installed grass area should be allowed to properly establish. This process includes time for settling, growth, application of fertilizers and treatments, and at least two mowing cycles prior to use. As such, it is recommended that use of the grass field area be deferred until the end of May to ensure long-term durability and optimal performance of the field. Veolia: Replacement of water mains along Madison Avenue and Center Avenue to correct low-flow situations started on April 20, 2026. The water main installation will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026. Mayor Papaleo added that that they are awaiting PSE&G to complete Phase 2 of their high-pressure gas line installation. He noted that they have only completed Phase 2a and PSE&G has not given a solid timeframe for when the remainder of this phase will be completed. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilwoman Kinsella announced that the River Edge Run will take place on Saturday, rain or shine. She provided the event details which included the Fun Run, 5k, and Health Walk. Councilwoman Dhariwal added that they have had people sign up to participate in the Historic Costume Contest which is being held in conjunction with the Fun Run. Councilwoman Malellari thanked Borough Administrator Aportela for her work with respect to the health insurance issue. CLOSED SESSION – On a motion from Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Malellari, and all present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned to the Closed Executive Session via Resolution #26-141 at 8:34 pm. #26-141 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 23, 2026 regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: i. Attorney-Client Privilege – N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7) Subcommittee Recommendation on RFQ 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 Dhariwal, second by Councilwoman Malellari, and unanimously carried, to adjourn this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anne Dodd, RMC Borough Clerk