Mayor & Council Meeting

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting April 26, 2021 6:30 P.M. Meeting held via Zoom CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Papaleo called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Borough Hall. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo called for a moment of silent reflection and led the salute to the flag. STATEMENT – Mayor Papaleo read the Statement of Compliance into the record. Statement of Compliance with Open Public Meeting Act: This meeting complies with the Open Public Meeting Act by notification on January 8th of this location, date and time to the Ridgewood News and the Record and by posting of same on the municipal bulletin board and Borough Web Site and filing a notice of the same with the Municipal Clerk. ROLL CALL – Councilwoman Busteed, Councilman Chinigo, Councilman Gautier, Councilwoman Kaufman, Councilwoman Montisano-Koen and Mayor Papaleo were present; Councilwoman Kinsella was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed the minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting of April 12, 2021 were approved unanimously. On motion by Councilman Gautier, seconded by Councilwoman Kaufman the minutes of the Mayor and Council Special Meeting of April 19, 2021 were approved unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilman Chinigo to open public comments on any item on the agenda was unanimously approved. New Business – Stigma Free Event at Memorial Park on May 22nd – Liz Smith – 291 Monroe Avenue -Stigma Free Committee Member-said that as part of the Stigma Free Initiative, they would like to hold a concert at Memorial Park. Her husband and his band mates would do a free concert for awareness. They would like the concert to start around 5 p.m. but before that, they would like to have a few speakers to talk about awareness. They would supply water and possibly contained snacks. She is looking for guidance about social distancing and wearing masks and said that they have a following so she can get the word out. She said that they would probably play from about 5:30 to 8:00. Mayor Papaleo-said that this is item #16 c on the agenda, Stigma Free Event at Memorial Park on May 22nd. The Mayor explained that the Governor has changed some rules regarding outside events today and knows that our Borough Administrator is looking at the details surrounding that. He said that the changes go into effect on May 10th. In addition to that, we so far have been following either the rules of the State or making rules more safety minded. He asked if any Council members has any questions for Ms. Smith. Councilwoman Busteed-said that she believes that Mrs. Ouida who is also working on the committee mentioned that they would be willing to have pre-registration so they would cap the attendees at a certain number. She committed to comply with all of their social distancing requirements as well as the wearing of face coverings. As Councilwoman Busteed mentioned at the last meeting when they approved the Library concert, she would like to see more of these types of programs for our community in a safe manner especially now that Governor has increased the number for outdoor events. Councilman Chinigo-agrees with Councilwoman Busteed in that we certainly want to get back to normalcy and make these available to everyone. His only concern is that we adhere to whatever the guidelines are including mask wearing. He feels that more of these things are going to be brought up to them and in the past they have said that some sort of plan had to be submitted to whatever department would be overseeing this, in this case would be Recreation. He said that Recreation should make sure that whatever plans are in place and make sure that the Governor’s mandates that are in effect at the time are followed. He feels that it might be difficult to regulate or police the number of people. He again said that a plan by the organization be submitted to the Recreation Department stating that they are willing to adhere to all of the guidelines. Councilwoman Montisano-Loen-agrees and feels that they should be required to submit the same documents that they requested of the Library including a mitigation plan. Mayor Papaleo-said that they are in support of this as long as it meets the guidelines that the Governor set down. He suggested that Liz work with Carolyn Baldanza, our Rec Director and our Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela and submit a request. The Mayor feels that the Council is very open to it. Junior Women’s Club Request to Conduct a Townwide Garage Sale – Agenda Item #16a Lauren Cerullo-162 Valley Road - Junior Women’s Club –said that they are hoping to do a townwide garage sale again this year and would like to have it the first weekend in June which is June 5th with a rain date of June 6th. She said that last year, the Council had given permission for them to have the sale in August and they are hoping to have it the first weekend in June as they’ve done in years past. They usually work with Oradell to have their sales on back to back weekends. Councilwoman Busteed-feels that this is an event where social distancing will just be practiced and is sure that they had a plan in place last year with Covid requirements. She suggested that they submit some type of plan if they haven’t already and sees no reason not to approve the garage sale on June 5th. Mayor Papaleo-asked Mr. Sarlo if either of these events require a motion and second from the Council or just by consensus? Tom Sarlo, Esq.-replied just by consensus. Mayor Papaleo-explained to Lauren that they would want her to work with the appropriate member of our staff and come up with a plan explaining the covid guidelines as far as masks and the Governor’s order. Council President Chinigo-feels that this is different than a gathering somewhere, these are individual homes and people will travel from home to home so he doesn’t think the same requirement needs to be put into place. He’s more concerned about a gathering that would bring a large group of people together in close quarters and doesn’t think this qualifies as such so he sees no reason not to allow it. Mayor Papaleo-asked if there was any objection to approving both of these events? No Objections Councilman Chinigo-said that as long as Stigma Free follows the procedure that was laid out earlier and again said that these are two separate events different in nature. Lauren Cerullo-wanted to clarify that she doesn’t have to submit a plan? Mayor Papaleo-replied no. He asked what is usually asked for a permit? Lauren Cerullo-explained that they’re flyer said that people have to register with them and then they have to obtain their own garage sale permit from Borough Hall. She said that they can also add on the flyer that masks must be worn for all garage sale attendees and homeowners. Lissette Aportela, Borough Administrator-explained that the organization needs to provide a certificate of liability insurance which is required by our Risk Manager. Lauren Cerullo-asked if all private homes or the people who are doing the garage sale would have to provide it? Lissette Aportela-said no, it would be her group, the Junior Women’s Club because everyone would be registering with you, then you provide the certificate of liability insurance which was part of the paperwork last year. Lauren Cerullo-said that in order to get a COI for an individual event, you need to have an address and this will be at 45 different homes that they are not actually at. The garage sale participants are doing their own garage sale so that’s why they are obtaining their own permit from the Borough. They are only registering with the Junior Women’s Club to be put on the map which shows all the garage sales that are occurring that day. Lissette Aportela-explained the process of obtaining a certificate of insurance. Council President Chinigo-suggested that they put Lauren in touch with Ezio, our Risk Manager to work it out. On motion by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Gautier to close public comments on any item on the agenda was unanimously approved. On motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilman Chinigo resolution #21- 132 was approved unanimously. #21-132 Resolution to Read the Budget by Title Only WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A:4-8 permits that the Budget as advertised may be read by its title providing that at least one week prior to the date of the hearing a complete copy of the approved budget shall a) be posted in a public place where public notices are customarily posted, and b) is made available to each person requesting the same during said week and during the public hearing, and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge has complied with the aforesaid requirements. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipal Budget for the year ending December 31, 2021 shall be read by title only. April 26, 2021 HEARING ON 2021 MUNICIPAL BUDGET On motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen to open the hearing on the 2021 Municipal Budget was unanimously approved. Chris Battaglia, Chief Financial Officer-said that it was a collaborative team effort, they had a few Saturday meetings and went through budget review which is something that happens every 3 years so in this particular year we know that they approved our budget. Unlike in previous years where we would certify ourselves. He said that the annual increase is well below $100 which is lower than it was over the last 2 years and feels that they’ve accomplished everything that they wanted to this year. Lissette Aportela, Borough Administrator-agreed with what Chris said in that it was a great collaborative team effort. She felt that the Saturday meetings were extremely productive and members of the committee had very thoughtful deliberative questions. Chris, our CFO answered everything thoroughly and broke down the Local Finance Law into an understandable concept. She said that we’re in good shape and is very proud of this budget and of the governing body, committee and our departments. James Cerullo, Auditor-said that having Alan and now Chris as the Borough’s CFO’s, they weren’t really needed except to conduct the audit. He agrees with Chris that the town is in really good shape and it has been all the years that they’ve performed the audits. Councilwoman Kaufman-said that the Finance Committee is made of herself, Councilman Gautier and Councilman Chinigo and thanked everyone involved in putting the budget together. Mayor Papaleo-thanked to our citizens who gave up their time 2 weekends for about 6 hours each and they did a great job in helping craft a budget that was not just fiscally sound but reasonable and met the needs of the public. He thanked Mr. Cerullo, Mr. Battaglia, Ms. Aportela, all Council members, Mr. Sarlo for attending and the public for doing a great job in keeping River Edge on the straight and narrow. There being no comments by the public, the motion by Councilman Gautier, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed to close the hearing on the 2021 Municipal Budget was unanimously approved. On motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilman Chinigo resolution #21- 133 was unanimously approved. #21-133 Adopting 2021 Municipal Budget BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, that the attached 2021 Local Municipal Budget is hereby adopted. April 26, 2021  SECTION 2 - UPON ADOPTION FOR YEAR 2021 RESOLUTION Be it Resolved by the COUNCIL MEMBERS of the BOROUGH of RIVER EDGE ,County of BERGEN that the budget hereinbefore set forth is hereby adopted and shall constitute an appropriation for the purposes stated of the sums therein set forth as appropriations, and authorization of the amount of: (a) $ 13,531,930.87 (Item 2 below) for municipal purposes, and (b) $ - (Item 3 below) for school purposes in Type I School Districts only (N.J.S.A. 18A:9-2) to be raised by taxation and, (c) $ - (Item 4 below) to be added to the certificate of amount to be raised by taxation for local school purposes in Type II School Districts only (N.J.S.A. 18A:9-3) and certification to the County Board of Taxation of the following summary of general revenues and appropriations. (d) $ 148,458.67 (Sheet 43) Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Levy (e) $ - (Sheet 44) Arts and Culture Trust Fund Levy (f) $ 653,164.06 (Item 5 Below) Minimum Library Tax RECORDED VOTE Abstained (Insert last name) Ayes Nays Absent 1. General Revenues SUMMARY OF REVENUES Surplus Anticipated 08-100 $ 1,062,500.00 Miscellaneous Revenues Anticipated 13-099 $ 1,849,349.30 Receipts from Delinquent Taxes 15-499 $ 277,000.00 2. AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSED (Item 6(a), Sheet 11) 07-190 $ 13,531,930.87 3. AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION FOR SCHOOLS IN TYPE I SCHOOL DISTRICTS ONLY: Item 6, Sheet 42 07-195 $ - Item 6(b), Sheet 11 (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-14) 07-191 $ - TOTAL AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION FOR SCHOOLS IN TYPE I SCHOOL DISTRICTS ONLY $ - 4. To Be Added TO THE CERTIFICATE FOR THE AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION FOR SCHOOLS IN TYPE II SCHOOL DISTRICTS ONLY: Item 6(b), Sheet 11 (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-14) 07-191 5. AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION MINIMUM LIBRARY TAX 07-192 $ 653,164.06 Total Revenues 13-299 $ 17,373,944.23 Sheet 41 SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS 5. GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS: XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX Within "CAPS" XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX (a & b) Operations Including Contingent 34-201 $ 11,034,965.58 (e) Deferred Charges and Statutory Expenditures - Municipal 34-209 $ 1,631,327.84 (g) Cash Deficit 46-885 $ - Excluded from "CAPS" XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX (a) Operations - Total Operations Excluded from "CAPS" 34-305 $ 2,495,879.30 (c) Capital Improvements 44-999 $ 150,000.00 (d) Municipal Debt Service 45-999 $ 1,471,000.00 (e) Deferred Charges - Municipal 46-999 $ 25,771.51 (f) Judgments 37-480 $ - (n) Transferred to Board of Education for Use of Local Schools (N.J.S.A. 40:48-17.1 & 17.3) 29-405 $ - (g) Cash Deficit 46-885 $ - (k) For Local District School Purposes 29-410 $ - (m) Reserve for Uncollected Taxes 50-899 $ 565,000.00 6. SCHOOL APPROPRIATIONS - TYPE I SCHOOL DISTRICT ONLY (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-13) 07-195 Total Appropriations 34-499 $ 17,373,944.23 It is hereby certified that the within budget is a true copy of the budget finally adopted by resolution of the Governing Body on the 26th day of April , 2021. It is further certified that each item of revenue and appropriation is set forth in the same amount and by the same title as appeared in the 2021 approved budget and all amendments thereto, if any, which have been previously approved by the Director of Local Government Services. Certified by me this 26th day of April Sheet 42 MONTHLY REPORTS – Library Board of Trustees - April 13, 2021 Land Use Board - March 24, 2021 FIRST READING – ORDINANCES - Mayor Papaleo read the title of Ordinance #21-19 into the record. Ordinance #21-19 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACCESS EASEMENT FOR SANITARY SEWER LINE ON LOT 33 IN BLOCK 1302 Lissette Aportela, Borough Administrator – explained that the Borough received an access agreement to be executed but in order to do so under Title 12 of the state statute we need to adopt an ordinance. After a public hearing and adoption on May 10th, the agreement can be executed and the property can be recorded with the County. On motion by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Gautier the first reading of Ordinance #21-19 was approved unanimously as follows: BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #21-19 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACCESS EASEMENT FOR SANITARY SEWER LINE ON LOT 33 IN BLOCK 1302 WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:12-4 authorizes a municipality to acquire easements; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:12-5 requires that the acquisition of easements by municipalities be accomplished by ordinance; and WHEREAS, a 15-foot-wide sanitary sewer line belonging to the Borough of River Edge is located on the property shown on the Municipal Tax Map as Lot 33 in Block 1302 and commonly known as 96 Elizabeth Street, River Edge, New Jersey 07661; and WHEREAS, as per Map No. 5597 entitled “Map of Churchill Homes Borough of River Edge Bergen County NJ,” recorded in the Bergen County Clerk’s Office on October 13, 1960, the Borough of River Edge is the beneficiary of a 15-foot-wide sanitary sewer pipe easement on a property shown as Lot 33 in Block No. 1302 on the Tax Map of the Borough, and commonly known as 96 Elizabeth Street; and, WHEREAS, an Access Easement Agreement was executed with the property owners of Block 1302, Lot 33 on September 24, 2018 via Resolution #18-307 and recorded in the Bergen County Clerk’s Office in Book 3084 at Page 110 on October 18, 2018; and WHEREAS, the property owner has presented the Borough with a proposed easement agreement that has been reviewed and approved by the Borough Redevelopment Attorney; and WHEREAS, the Borough acknowledges that by reason of its action permitting such improvements to be constructed within an area encroaching on its easement, the owner of the property has the right to expect the Borough to use reasonable care to avoid damaging such improvements while maintaining, repairing or replacing the sanitary sewer line the is within the easement. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen and State of New Jersey, that Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the Access Easement Agreement from Wendy W. and Barry L. Salkin, on the property known as 96 Elizabeth Street, River Edge, NJ 07661 (Lot 33, Block 1302) and the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the said Access Easement Agreement on behalf of the Borough. ___________________________________ Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Stephanie Evans, Borough Clerk SECOND READING & HEARING ON ORDINANCES – Mayor Papaleo read the title of Ordinance #21-16 into the record. Ordinance #21-16 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 2021 Ordinance #21-16 was introduced by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Gautier and unanimously approved at the April 12, 2021 meeting as follows: BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #21-16 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 2021 BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows: Section 1: The title and compensation for the full-time position of the Borough of River Edge for the year 2021 shall be amended as follows: 2021 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Office Manager/Administrative Assistant/ $16,150 - $68,100 Municipal Certified Recycling Coordinator Section 2. Any and all other ordinances or parts thereof in conflict or inconsistent with any of the terms hereof are hereby repealed to such extent as they are so in conflict or inconsistent. Section 3. In case any article, section or provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid in any court of competent jurisdiction, the same shall not affect any other article, section or provision of this ordinance except insofar as the article, section or provision so declared invalid shall be inseparable from the remainder or any portion thereof. Section 4. This Ordinance shall take effect as of April 1, 2021 upon final passage and publication as required by law. INTRODUCED: ADOPTED: ___________________________________ Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Stephanie Evans, Borough Clerk OPEN PUBLIC HEARING – Ordinance #21-16 On motion by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilwoman Kaufman to open the public hearing on Ordinance #21-16 was unanimously approved. Lissette Aportela, Borough Administrator-explained that this ordinance consolidates the position and appropriate salary compensation which has been reviewed and approved by the Personnel Committee. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING – Ordinance #21-16 There being no comments by the public, the motion by Councilman Gautier, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed to close the public hearing on Ordinance #21-16 was unanimously approved. ADOPTION – Ordinance #21-16 On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen to adopt Ordinance #21-16 was unanimously approved. ********** Mayor Papaleo read the title of Ordinance #21-17 into the record. Ordinance #21-17 – BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE IMPROVEMENT OF BOGERT ROAD (SECTION 5) IN, BY AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $319,000 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 #21-17 was introduced by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed and approved unanimously approved at the April 12, 2021 meeting as follows:  BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #21-17 BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE IMPROVEMENT OF BOGERT ROAD (SECTION 5) IN, BY AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $319,000 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. BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the Borough of River Edge, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows: Section 1. The Borough of River Edge, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey (the "Borough"), is hereby authorized to improve Bogert Road (Section 5) in, by and for the Borough. Said improvement shall include road resurfacing, sidewalk, curb and driveway apron improvements, where necessary, and all work, materials and appurtenances necessary and suitable therefor, and shall be undertaken in accordance with plans and specifications prepared or to be prepared by the Borough Engineer and hereby approved and incorporated herein by this reference thereto. Such plans and specifications are on file or shall be placed on file with the Borough Clerk and made available for public inspection during regular business hours. It is hereby determined and stated that said road being improved is of "Class B" or equivalent construction as defined in Section 22 of the Local Bond Law (Chapter 2 of Title 40A of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, as amended; the "Local Bond Law"). Section 2. The sum of $319,000 is hereby appropriated to the payment of the cost of making the improvement described in Section 1 of this ordinance (hereinafter referred to as "purpose"). Said appropriation shall be met from the proceeds of the sale of the bonds authorized and the State grant appropriated by this ordinance. No down payment is required pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:2-11(c) because this ordinance involves a project to be funded by a State grant. Said improvement shall be made as a general improvement and no part of the cost thereof shall be assessed against property specially benefited. Section 3. It is hereby determined and stated that (1) said purpose is not a current expense of the Borough, and (2) it is necessary to finance said purpose by the issuance of obligations of the Borough pursuant to the Local Bond Law, and (3) the estimated cost of said purpose is $319,000, and (4) $219,000 of said sum is to be provided by the State grant hereinafter appropriated, and (5) the estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes necessary to be issued for said purpose is $100,000, and (6) the cost of said purpose, as hereinbefore stated, includes the aggregate amount of $100,000, which is estimated to be necessary to finance the cost of said purpose, including architect's fees, accounting, engineering and inspection costs, legal expenses and other expenses, including interest on such obligations to the extent permitted by Section 20 of the Local Bond Law. Section 4. It is hereby determined and stated that the sum of $219,000 received or to be received as a grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation is hereby appropriated to the payment of the cost of such purpose. Section 5. To finance said purpose, bonds of the Borough of an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $100,000 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to the Local Bond Law. Said bonds shall bear interest at a rate per annum as may be hereafter determined within the limitations prescribed by law. All matters with respect to said bonds not determined by this ordinance shall be determined by resolutions to be hereafter adopted. Section 6. To finance said purpose, bond anticipation notes of the Borough of an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $100,000 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to the Local Bond Law in anticipation of the issuance of said bonds. In the event that bonds are issued pursuant to this ordinance, the aggregate amount of notes hereby authorized to be issued shall be reduced by an amount equal to the principal amount of the bonds so issued. If the aggregate amount of outstanding bonds and notes issued pursuant to this ordinance shall at any time exceed the sum first mentioned in this section, the moneys raised by the issuance of said bonds shall, to not less than the amount of such excess, be applied to the payment of such notes then outstanding. Section 7. Each bond anticipation note issued pursuant to this ordinance shall be dated on or about the date of its issuance, shall be payable not more than one year from its date, shall bear interest at a rate per annum as may be hereafter determined within the limitations prescribed by law and may be renewed from time to time pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by the Local Bond Law. Each of said bond anticipation notes shall be signed by the Mayor and by a financial officer and shall be under the seal of the Borough and attested by the Borough Clerk or Deputy Borough Clerk. Said officers are hereby authorized to execute said notes and to issue said notes in such form as they may adopt in conformity with law. The power to determine any matters with respect to said notes not determined by this ordinance, and also the power to sell said notes, is hereby delegated to the Chief Financial Officer who is hereby authorized to sell said notes either at one time or from time to time in the manner provided by law. Section 8. It is hereby determined and declared that the period of usefulness of said purpose, according to its reasonable life, is a period of ten years computed from the date of said bonds. Section 9. It is hereby determined and stated that the Supplemental Debt Statement required by the Local Bond Law has been duly made and filed in the office of the Borough Clerk of the Borough, and that such statement so filed shows that the gross debt of the Borough, as defined in Section 43 of the Local Bond Law, is increased by this ordinance by $100,000 and that the issuance of the bonds and notes authorized by this ordinance will be within all debt limitations prescribed by the Local Bond Law. Section 10. Any funds received from private parties, the County of Bergen, the State of New Jersey or any of their agencies or any funds received from the United States of America or any of its agencies in aid of said purpose (other than the State grant hereinbefore appropriated which shall be applied to the cost of such purpose, but shall not be applied to the payment of outstanding bond anticipation notes and the reduction of the amount of bonds authorized), shall be applied to the payment of the cost of said purpose, or, if bond anticipation notes have been issued, to the payment of the bond anticipation notes, and the amount of bonds authorized for said purpose shall be reduced accordingly. Section 11. The capital budget is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency therewith and the resolutions promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing full detail of the amended capital budget and capital program as approved by the Director, Division of Local Government Services, is on file with the Borough Clerk and is available for public inspection.  Section 12. The Borough intends to issue bonds or notes to finance the cost of the improvement described in Section 1 of this bond ordinance. If the Borough incurs such costs prior to the issuance of such bonds or notes, the Borough hereby states its reasonable expectation to reimburse itself for such expenditures with the proceeds of such bonds or notes in the maximum principal amount of bonds or notes authorized by this bond ordinance. Section 13. The full faith and credit of the Borough are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the obligations authorized by this ordinance. Said obligations shall be direct, unlimited and general obligations of the Borough, and the Borough shall levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable real property within the Borough for the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds and notes, without limitation as to rate or amount. Section 14. This ordinance shall take effect twenty days after the first publication thereof after final passage. ___________________________________ Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Stephanie Evans, Borough Clerk OPEN PUBLIC HEARING – Ordinance #21-17 On motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilman Gautier to open the public hearing on Ordinance #21-17 was unanimously approved. Lissette Aportela-explained that included in the budget is the capital budget and what this ordinance and the next bond ordinance does is allow the borough to make the proper expenditures for the projects in the budget and is split in two because this bond ordinance includes financing to a state grant with no down payment required. Ordinance #21-18 is a multi-purpose bond ordinance for various projects that includes down payments. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING – Ordinance #21-17 There being no comments by the public, the motion by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Chinigo to close the public hearing on Ordinance #21-17 was unanimously approved. ADOPTION – Ordinance #21-17 On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed to adopt Ordinance #21-17 was unanimously approved. ******** Mayor Papaleo read the title of Ordinance #21-18 into the record. Ordinance #21-18 – 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 A NEW FIRE TRUCK (PARTIAL FUNDING) AND NEW AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, 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 $3,435,561 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO APPROPRIATE BOROUGH OPEN SPACE TRUST FUNDS AND A COUNTY 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 Ordinance #21-18 was introduced by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella and unanimously approved at the April 12, 2021 meeting as follows: BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE #21-19 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACCESS EASEMENT FOR SANITARY SEWER LINE ON LOT 33 IN BLOCK 1302 WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:12-4 authorizes a municipality to acquire easements; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:12-5 requires that the acquisition of easements by municipalities be accomplished by ordinance; and WHEREAS, a 15-foot-wide sanitary sewer line belonging to the Borough of River Edge is located on the property shown on the Municipal Tax Map as Lot 33 in Block 1302 and commonly known as 96 Elizabeth Street, River Edge, New Jersey 07661; and WHEREAS, as per Map No. 5597 entitled “Map of Churchill Homes Borough of River Edge Bergen County NJ,” recorded in the Bergen County Clerk’s Office on October 13, 1960, the Borough of River Edge is the beneficiary of a 15-foot-wide sanitary sewer pipe easement on a property shown as Lot 33 in Block No. 1302 on the Tax Map of the Borough, and commonly known as 96 Elizabeth Street; and, WHEREAS, an Access Easement Agreement was executed with the property owners of Block 1302, Lot 33 on September 24, 2018 via Resolution #18-307 and recorded in the Bergen County Clerk’s Office in Book 3084 at Page 110 on October 18, 2018; and WHEREAS, the property owner has presented the Borough with a proposed easement agreement that has been reviewed and approved by the Borough Redevelopment Attorney; and WHEREAS, the Borough acknowledges that by reason of its action permitting such improvements to be constructed within an area encroaching on its easement, the owner of the property has the right to expect the Borough to use reasonable care to avoid damaging such improvements while maintaining, repairing or replacing the sanitary sewer line the is within the easement. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen and State of New Jersey, that Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the Access Easement Agreement from Wendy W. and Barry L. Salkin, on the property known as 96 Elizabeth Street, River Edge, NJ 07661 (Lot 33, Block 1302) and the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the said Access Easement Agreement on behalf of the Borough. ___________________________________ Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Stephanie Evans, Borough Clerk OPEN PUBLIC HEARING – Ordinance #21-18 On motion by Councilman Gautier, seconded by Councilwoman Kaufman to open the public hearing on Ordinance #21-18 was unanimously approved. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING – Ordinance #21-18 There being no comments by the public, the motion by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilman Gautier was approved unanimously. ADOPTION – Ordinance #21-18 On motion by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Gautier, Ordinance #21-18 was unanimously approved. RESOLUTIONS - By Consent On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Kaufman, resolution #21-134 through #21-137 were unanimously approved. #21-134 Approve Amended LOSAP Certification List – River Edge Fire Department WHEREAS, on March 8, 2021, the Mayor and Council approved the 2020 LOSAP certification list submitted by the River Edge Fire Department via Resolution #21-96; and WHEREAS, on April 14, 2021, the River Edge Fire Chief advised the Chief Financial Officer that the certification list needed to be amended to include 2 members who achieved the required points to receive the annual contribution; and WHEREAS, the Borough has reviewed the amended certification list as submitted by the River Edge Fire Department on April 14, 2021, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, that it does hereby approve the amended 2020 LOSAP certification list submitted by the River Edge Fire Department; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution and the certification list shall be returned to the River Edge Fire Department for posting for a period of thirty (30) days to allow sufficient time for membership review; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution and the amended certification list shall be posted at the Office of the Borough Clerk for a period of thirty (30) days; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that appeals to the amended certification list must be in writing and shall be mailed to the Borough Clerk and must be received within thirty (30) days of the posting date of the certification list; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that following the thirty (30) day period for filing an appeal, and subject to holding payment of any members being appealed, payment shall be made by the Borough of River Edge to Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Financial Advisors, its agent, for deposit into the LOSAP account in the deferred income program; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that funds for this purpose are available in the 2021 local municipal budget. April 26, 2021 LOSAP Recipients for 2020 Company 1 Company 2 Richard Berry Martin Blech Timothy Carroll William Camera Cornelius Carroll Brendan Cariddi David Delia Gregg Cariddi Edward Dowell Jonathan Cariddi Thomas Goodwin Brian Coyman John Mauthe Sr. John Francin John Mauthe Jr Micah Gibson Mark Mitchell Leonard Hanauer Richard Neerhout Stuart Heinzinger Tyler Neerhout Albert Hurm Frank Pugliese George O’Connell Eric Schultz William Sanders JP Younis Bennet Silver Joseph Cerciello Gyuchang Sim Mark Schwartz David Stucke Mallory Stucke Gary Wilhelm Sr.Kobi Zaken #21-135 Authorize Receipt of Bids – Cleaning Services for the Borough of River Edge WHEREAS, no bids were received for the Cleaning Services for the Borough of River Edge Contract bid opening held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 11 A.M. BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized to re-advertise for the receipt of bids for the Cleaning Services for the Borough of River Edge Contract; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said bids shall be received at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at the Borough Hall located at 705 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, at which time and place said bids shall be opened and read aloud virtually as per the Local Finance Notice 2020-10; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that said advertisement shall be published in the Friday, April 30, 2021 issue of the Record in accordance with the Local Public Contracts Law. April 26, 2021 ********* #21-136 Resolution to Refund Escrow Money WHEREAS, the following applications has been made to the Planning Board for site Plan approval and has since received such approval; and WHEREAS, all professionals have been paid. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to refund the following to: Block/Lot Name Refund Amount 213/13.01 Jakupi, Visar & Gentiani $375.00 830 Park Avenue 305/39 Monopoli, Michael $375.00 700 Millbrook Rd 902/18 Terhune, Matthew $375.00 206 Berkeley Rd 707/11 Hosey, Jason & Dana $375.00 219 Voorhis Ave $1,500.00 April 26, 2021 #21-137 Amend 2021 Meeting Schedule BE IT RESOLVED that the 2021 Meeting Schedule adopted by Resolution #21-52 be amended to conduct a Special Meeting on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. o The Special Meeting will commence at 6:30 p.m. to authorize the governing body to enter into Closed Session. The purpose of the Closed Session meeting is for a personnel matter to conduct interviews for Police Chief.  o Formal action may or may not be taken. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to The Record and The Ridgewood News, as well as be posted on the Municipal Bulletin Board and Borough Website. April 26, 2021 ******** Councilwoman Kaufman read resolution #21-138 into the record. On motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilman Gautier resolution #21-138 was unanimously approved. #21-138 Payment of Bills 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 26, 2021. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $273,966.78 CAPITAL FUND $ 46,313.72 GRANT FUND $ 1,130.85 TRUST OTHER FUND $ 10,700.00 OPEN SPACE FUND $ 430.77 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW FUND $ 735.00 RECREATION TRUST FUND $ 1,065.00 April 26, 2021 OLD BUSINESS – Tabled Ordinance #21-15 – Councilman Chinigo-explained that this ordinance will prohibit for the time being any cannabis related business in our town. The Cannabis Committee is reviewing the law and will make a recommendation at a later date. As the law is written, if we do not opt out at this time, we will not be able to take any action over the next 5 years. Going forward as various towns approve or deny it, we can take a pulse of what’s happening in the state before they make a decision here in town. He feels that it’s the most prudent action to be taken at this time and will continue to work with the Cannabis Committee to come up with a recommendation for the Council at a future date on how to address this law here in town. Lissette Aportela-explained that there needs to be a motion, second and roll call to take it off the table before making a motion to introduce. On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed to remove Ordinance #21-15 from the table was unanimously approved. First Reading – Ordinance #21-15 Councilwoman Busteed-said that Councilman Chinigo had some reservations at the last meeting and asked if those reservation gone now? Councilman Chinigo-said he’s comfortable moving forward. On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilman Gautier, the first reading of Ordinance #21-15 was unanimously approved as follows: BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE ORDINANCE NO. 21-15 AN ORDINANCE BY THE BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE IN THE COUNTY OF BERGEN, NEW JERSEY PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF ANY CLASS OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES WITHIN ITS GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES AND AMENDING CHAPTER 416, ZONING OF THE RIVER EDGE BOROUGH CODE WHEREAS, in 2020 New Jersey voters approved Public Question No. 1, which amended the New Jersey Constitution to allow for the legalization of a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis” for adults at least 21 years of age; and WHEREAS, on February 22, 2021, Governor Murphy signed into law P.L. 2021, c. 16, known as the “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act” (the “Act”), which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana by adults 21 years of age or older, and establishes a comprehensive regulatory and licensing scheme for commercial recreational (adult use) cannabis operations, use and possession; and WHEREAS, the Act establishes six marketplace classes of licensed businesses, including:  Class 1 Cannabis Cultivator license, for facilities involved in growing and cultivating cannabis;  Class 2 Cannabis Manufacturer license, for facilities involved in the manufacturing, preparation, and packaging of cannabis items;  Class 3 Cannabis Wholesaler license, for facilities involved in obtaining and selling cannabis items for later resale by other licensees;  Class 4 Cannabis Distributer license, for businesses involved in transporting cannabis plants in bulk from on licensed cultivator to another licensed cultivator, or cannabis items in bulk from any type of licensed cannabis business to another;  Class 5 Cannabis Retailer license for locations at which cannabis items and related supplies are sold to consumers; and  Class 6 Cannabis Delivery license, for businesses providing courier services for consumer purchases that are fulfilled by a licensed cannabis retailer in order to make  deliveries of the purchases items to a consumer, and which service would include the ability of a consumer to make a purchase directly through the cannabis delivery service which would be presented by the delivery service for fulfillment by a retailer and then delivered to a consumer. WHEREAS, section 31a of the Act authorizes municipalities by ordinance to adopt regulations governing the number of cannabis establishments (defined in section 3 of the Act as “a cannabis cultivator, a cannabis manufacturer, a cannabis wholesaler, or a cannabis retailer”), cannabis distributors or cannabis delivery services allowed to operate within their boundaries, as well as the location manner and times operation of such establishments, distributors or delivery services, and establishing civil penalties for the violation of any such regulations; and WHEREAS, section 31b of the Act authorizes municipalities by ordinance to prohibit the operation of any one or more classes of cannabis establishments, distributors, or delivery services anywhere in the municipality; and WHEREAS, section 31b of the Act also stipulates, however, that any municipal regulation or prohibition must be adopted within 180 days of the effective date of the Act (i.e., by August 22, 2021); and WHEREAS, pursuant to section 31b of the Act, the failure to do so shall mean that for a period of five years thereafter, the growing, cultivating, manufacturing, selling and reselling of cannabis and cannabis items shall be permitted uses in all industrial zones, and the retail selling of cannabis items to consumers shall be a conditional use in all commercial and retail zones; and WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the initial and any subsequent five-year period following a failure to enact local regulations or prohibitions, the municipality shall again have 180 days to adopt an ordinance regulating or prohibiting cannabis businesses, but any such ordinance would be prospective only and would not apply to any cannabis business already operating within the municipality; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge has determined that, due to present uncertainties regarding the potential future impacts that allowing one or more classes of cannabis business might have on New Jersey municipalities in general, and on the Borough of River Edge in particular, it is at this time necessary and appropriate, and in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of Borough of River Edge’s residents and members of the public who visit, travel, or conduct business in the Borough of River Edge, to the Borough of River Edge’s zoning regulations to prohibit all manner of marijuana-related land use and development within the geographic boundaries of the Borough of River Edge; and WHEREAS, officials from two prominent non-profit organizations that have been established for the purpose of advising New Jersey municipalities on legal matters such as have been presented by the Act (those organizations being the New Jersey State League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys) have strongly urged that, due to the complexity and novelty of the Act; the many areas of municipal law that are or may be implicated in decisions as to whether or to what extent cannabis or medical cannabis should be permitted for land use purposes or otherwise regulated in any particular municipality; and the relatively short duration in which the Act would allow such decisions to be made before imposing an automatic authorization of such uses in specified zoning districts subject to unspecified conditions, the most prudent course of action for all municipalities, whether or not generally in favor of cannabis or medical cannabis land development and uses, would be to prohibit all such uses within the Act’s 180-day period in order to ensure sufficient time to carefully review all aspects of the Act and its impacts; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as follows:  1. Pursuant to section 31b of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (P.L. 2021, c. 16), all cannabis establishments, cannabis distributors or cannabis delivery services are hereby prohibited from operating anywhere in the Borough of River Edge, except for the delivery of cannabis items and related supplies by a delivery service. 2. Chapter 416, Zoning of the River Edge Revised General Ordinances is hereby amended by adding to the list of prohibited uses, the following: “All classes of cannabis establishments or cannabis distributors or cannabis delivery services as said terms are defined in section 3 of P.L. 2021, c. 16, but not the delivery of cannabis items and related supplies by a delivery service.” 3. Any article, section, paragraph, subsection, clause, or other provision of the Borough of River Edge inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance is hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. 4. If any section, paragraph, subsection, clause, or provision of this ordinance shall be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, subsection, clause, or provision so adjudged, and the remainder of this ordinance shall be deemed valid and effective. 5. This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication and filing with the Bergen County Planning Board, and as otherwise provided for by law. ATTEST: Stephanie Evans, Borough Clerk Thomas Papaleo, Mayor ******** Senior Transportation – Lissette Aportela-the purpose of listing this item was to resume the transportation service but based on the number of registrants, there is not enough activity to resume the service. They initially wanted to use it for vaccination appointments only and the Superintendent recommended that it be expanded to include doctors appointment as well. Even with that, it doesn’t generate enough activity. In order to resume the service it has to include doctors visits and food shopping but at the same time maintaining social distancing and limiting the number of passengers. Ms. Aportela doesn’t have the authority to make that recommendation and is looking for direction from the governing body. Mayor Papaleo-has been in contact with our OEM Coordinator, Ron Starace who has been diligent in making sure our at risk residents have received vaccinations and that the need is being met. The Mayor agrees that there really isn’t a need or demand for Covid transportation because it’s been handled by our Health Office and Mr. Starace. The Council needs to consider whether to keep it closed or open it. Councilman Chinigo-asked if we have a list? Lissette Aportela- replied that the transportation coordinator informed her that there are only 11 seniors who have registered. They feel that if they expand the service, more people will register and sign off on the hold harmless form. Councilman Chinigo-feels that it should be open for doctors visits but not sure it’s time to open up for food shopping. Lissette Aportela-said that the other part of that is if there’s not enough activity, we cannot secure a driver. We have to provide 29 hours of transportation service. Mayor Papaleo-said it’s pretty much an all or nothing thing because the drivers need enough hours to make it worth their while. Councilman Chinigo-asked if they could get a different driver to drive even it’s going to be 10 hours? Councilwoman Busteed-feels that if we have the resources, let’s accommodate the 11 residents. Lissette Aportela-said the DPW was working on a back-up driver and she’ll have to find out the availability and if the current need is sufficient. The consensus of the Council is for Lissette to reach out to Jason and the Coordinator to determine how many seniors would be interested in the service and discuss the results under old business at the next meeting. Cannabis Committee- Council President Chinigo-said that there’s not much to report but at the last meeting they were given a presentation by Officer Sanches about her findings after speaking to different providers in Colorado. The Committee tasked her with checking dispensaries in Massachusetts which is closer to us than Colorado and they have a meeting tomorrow. The Committee continues to do research and are hoping to visit a medical dispensaries to help them understand what it is that they’re looking at. Extension of Temporary Outdoor Seating – Mayor Papaleo-said that he asked that this be listed because he’s concerned that the Governor in the next few months not be continuing the Emergency Executive Order and wants to make sure our businesses that are currently renting or purchased tents will not lose the opportunity. Tom Sarlo-explained that they extended it one time to allow outdoor dining which will expire on June 15th. They can extend it a couple more months and then revisit later in the year. Mayor Papaleo-asked about making it a permanent option the way shore communities do. Tom Sarlo-said that we have an outdoor dining ordinance on the books so it is permanent right now. He said there are many variables depending on what they’re looking to do because now they’re allowing dining in the parking lots and the increase in the percentage of indoor dining which would affect parking. Mayor Papaleo- asked if it would have to go before the Planning Board Tom Sarlo-suggested not going to them twice, make a finding before sending to them. Mayor Papaleo-would like to invite businesses owners who have used tents and come to the next meeting to give input as to what they would like to see. Right now, he would like to extend the tent dining through September 30th. Tom Sarlo-suggested that they send the ordinance to Tom Behrens and get his thoughts from a zoning perspective. Councilwoman Busteed-would like it extended into October because the weather can be really beautiful. Even if the Governor increases indoor dining, many people prefer to sit outside. She would like to see it extended to October 15th. Councilwoman Kaufman-agreed with Councilwoman Busteed. Councilman Gautier-also agreed. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen-agreed. Councilman Chinigo-suggested October 30th. Councilwoman Busteed-suggested October 31st.  On motion by Councilman Gautier, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed to add resolution #21- 139 to the agenda was unanimously approved. On motion by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Gautier #21-139 was approved unanimously. #21-139 Resolution to Permit the Extension of Temporary Zoning Permits for Sidewalk Cafes and Outdoor Restaurant Seating During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency WHEREAS, restaurants are an integral part of the local economies and social fabrics of municipalities, and WHEREAS, polices regarding restaurants established by the State of New Jersey through law, regulation and executive order rightfully prioritize public health; and WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order 103 declaring a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak within the State of New Jersey; and WHEREAS, Executive Order 103 declaring a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency has been extended every 30 days with the most recent extension being authorized on April 15, 2021 via Executive Order 235; and WHEREAS, the proper adherence of measures to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus has greatly affected the business model of restaurants; and WHEREAS, Resolution No.: 20-163 passed by the Borough of River Edge on June 8, 2020 permits Temporary Outdoor Dining Permits for Sidewalk Cafes and Outdoor Restaurant Seating through December 31, 2020; and WHEREAS, Resolution No.: 20-279 passed by the Borough of River Edge on December 14, 2020 extended aforesaid permission through June 30, 2021; and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge wishes to continue to help its local businesses through this difficult time by allowing additional time for Temporary Outdoor Dining Permits for Sidewalk Cafes and Outdoor Restaurant Seating through October 31, 2021. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen and State of New Jersey hereby agree as follows: All prior regulations under Resolution No. 20-163 and 20-279 remain in effect, unless otherwise revised as part of this extension. All Temporary Outdoor Dining Permits issued in accordance with Resolution No. 20-163 and 20-279 shall continue to be permitted through October 31, 2021 unless this Resolution is otherwise amended or vacated by the Borough Council.  The Borough Zoning Officer, Chief of Police, Fire Official, Construction Official, Engineer and Administrator shall have the discretion to create additional standards and/or restrictions for a particular property and to fashion such conditions as may be necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public. Appeals of such requirements may be filed with the Borough Council. All businesses shall comply with all requirements established by any and all Executive Orders issued by the Governor as well as any other applicable State, County and Borough orders and regulations that specify social distancing requirements, cleaning standards, and other rules and regulations for temporary outdoor seating areas. This Resolution shall take effect on July 1, 2021 and remain in effect until October 31, 2021 unless revoked or modified beforehand by the Borough Council. April 26, 2021 NEW BUSINESS – Recreation – Camp, Senior Programming and July 4th Mayor Papaleo – sent a memo to Lissette Aportela and Carolyn Baldanza asking if we somehow consider a Memorial Day ceremony. Carolyn Baldanza-is looking for guidance and approval for 3 items. The first was camp and she explained that last year they did a modified camp because the guidelines camp out late from the state. She said that this year they would like to offer a 5 day, 3 hour camp day. She will be attending a state webinar regarding camp this Wednesday and hopes to have more up to date guidelines. The Commission did discuss doing an a.m. and p.m. program to possibly split up the groups because they’ve had over 300 campers in the past. There has been a lot of positive feedback from parents so she would like to get more definitive answers out to them soon. Mayor Papaleo-thought the Governor changed outdoor events to 50% or 500 and said he might loosen regulations going because the rate of infection was lower. The Mayor feels that we should follow the state’s guidelines and if they allow us to go to an a.m. p.m. 5 day a week program, that’s the way we should go. Council President Chinigo-thought it was a good idea since most kids are already playing sports together and riding bikes together. He is hopeful that maybe in the future we could go to a full day camp as many parents would like. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen-said that as a parent, she always wanted it to be longer and she is interested to hear what is said at the webinar on Wednesday. She thinks it’s a great opportunity for the town to provide the a.m. p.m. sessions. The consensus of the Council was to give approval to move forward with the summer camp program. Carolyn Baldanza-said that there is a vacant position for Camp Manager and is looking for approval to advertise for the position. The hourly range between $20 - $22. Lissette Aportela-explained that Carolyn reached out to our CFO regarding this position and what the rates were which he did confirm. She said once the governing gave their permission, she and Carolyn would work together to get the ad in the paper, figure a timeline and then have Carolyn conduct interviews. Councilman Gautier-confirmed that this position has been budgeted for and is necessary for the camp. On motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed to approve advertising for a Camp Manager for the summer camp program was unanimously approved. Carolyn Baldanza-said that she was looking for guidance and approval for her to start planning items for the 4th of July. She feels that she can manage a parade with all precautions as provided by the CDC. Also considered is a concert and possibly a movie which they would consider spreading out to different nights to limit the amount of people in the park. She has spoken with members of the Knights of Columbus to try and come up with a plan to manage a beer garden with possibly pre- registration and a limit to the number of people at a table. Councilwoman Kaufman-commented on the parade and asked how does the 500 limit apply to that if people are lined up and down Bogert Road as they usually do? Carolyn Baldanza-said that they would have to designate and limit spots. People who are marching will be able to spread out and wear masks and they could mark spots so she thinks it’s definitely manageable. Mayor Papaleo-feels that they should give permission to move forward with planning without making further commitments and see what happens in the new 2-4 weeks with the Governor. Carolyn Baldanza-said she knows that the Knights of Columbus have fees attached to various permits that they have to get so she’s not sure of that timeline. She offered to invite them to the next meeting so they could answer any questions the Council may have. Council President Chinigo-said that they didn’t allow a block party because people would be eating and drinking alcohol without masks and now they’re looking at something that can involve 1,000 people. People in town are very friendly with each other and after a year and a half of not seeing each other at something like this, he only sees a disaster. Mayor Papaleo-feels that there’s significant differences between a block party and a beer garden and said that we would have more control over a beer garden and a parade. He feels that they should give go ahead to start planning. He said that we can control the route, the beer garden, the nights that things occur on, the park so we have positive control over all of the events and could cancel them at a moments notice. Carolyn Baldanza-feels that if you spread things out especially if they’re not having the fair after the parade it could be more manageable. She explained some of the options that should was thinking about. Councilman Chinigo-feels that it will be very difficult to police since our residents have been cooped up for over a year and will want to see their friends. Councilwoman Busteed-feels that we should give credit to our residents and agrees with the Mayor that if they submit a plan that is reasonable it will be easier to police. She also agrees that they should proceed with the plans to proceed and if we need to pull back, we pull back. She would hate to put a barrier up at this point and we should move forward. Councilman Chinigo-agrees that our residents are responsible but still feels that when you introduce alcohol into a situation, things change. He doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen-said that she is having trouble with this one because she too feels that it will be difficult to police but is okay with the Rec Commission moving forward with the planning for the July 4th parade. She said that based on their decision to deny a block party, this one will be more difficult to control. Again she said she’s ok with them moving ahead with parade planning but has reservations with the beer garden. Councilman Gautier-feels that by July 4th many people would have had the opportunity to be vaccinated. New Bridge Center is allowing walk-ins so anyone who wants a vaccine can now get it which is a lot different than it was a month ago. He said that if we don’t start planning for it, it will be impossible to have a 4th of July. Councilwoman Kaufman-asked how much are the licenses that they would have to buy and is there any kind of cancellation policy after they purchased them? Carolyn Baldanza-said she’s not sure but thought May 1st was one of the dates that they had to start applying. Council President Chinigo-said that although many people will be vaccinated, children under the age of 16 will not be vaccinated by July 4th. He doesn’t feel that we can rely that everyone will be vaccinated by that date. The consensus of the Mayor and Council was to approve the Rec Commission moving forward with the planning of the July 4th parade. On motion Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Gautier to approve the beer garden for the July 4th was approved on the following roll call: Councilwoman Busteed, Councilman Gautier and Councilwoman Kaufman voted yes; Councilman Chinigo and Councilwoman Montisano-Koen voted no. Mayor Papaleo-said that if the rate of infection changes, they will revisit this even if a permit has been pulled. The Mayor asked Carolyn is there are any plans for Memorial Day, possibly a small outdoor gathering. Carolyn Baldanza-said she did reach out to Ray Stitz and Pete Marion who normally coordinate the day and does think we can do an in person, socially distanced Memorial Day ceremony. Mayor Papaleo-said there would not be a parade, just a ceremony by invitation only. He asked if the schools are invited? Carolyn Baldanza-replied that the schools aren’t involved in Memorial Day just Veteran’s Day. The consensus of the Council is to move forward with an in-person socially distanced ceremony for Memorial Day. Senior Programs- Carolyn Baldanza-said now that the weather is getting nicer, she would like to put together programming for seniors and has spoken with representatives from SCORE to put a schedule together. She asked they could use the funds that were not used for rental at the Temple for the first quarter? She explained some of the programs that she has in mind. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen-is okay with using the funds or a portion of the funds but said that the only road block they might have is transportation. Carolyn Baldanza-spoke with Henry from SCORE who said he was waiting to see what the decision by the Council would be regarding bus transportation. He is trying to work out different options such as Uber that might help out. Councilwoman Busteed-thinks its terrific to provide programs provided by Rec and to utilize our parks. No objection by the Council to move forward with programming for senior citizens. Councilwoman Busteed-said that the Girl Scouts who came before them a few weeks ago about their Silver Award project will be sending Lissette a request to utilize the parking lot adjacent to the Library on 2 Saturdays in May from 10:00 to 2:00 to allow people to drop food and personal hygiene items. May 15th and May 22nd from 10:00 to 2:00 and they would like to advertise for their campaign. Councilwoman Busteed will remind them that they will need to send this as a formal request to the Borough Administrator.  On motion by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilwoman Kaufman to approve the Girl Scout Silver Award project to hold two donation drives on May 15th and May 22nd from 10:00 to 2:00 in the parking lot adjacent to the Library was unanimously approved. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen-reported that at the last Recreation meeting, Jim Blackman from Little League presented a proposal. She said that they were alerted of some issues with the Little League making changes in the outfield of Memorial Park without permission. Once they heard about it, work was stopped and our vendor put the field back to its original condition. Mr. Blackman was asked to formally request a permit to make the changes that want to do so he presented the plan to the Commission which was voted on unanimously after extensively explaining what they want to do. The improvements will accommodate older boys and provide them with the techniques that they’ve only been able to learn outside River Edge because the field isn’t conducive to that. The total cost with labor would be $2,500 and could be done in 1 day. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen doesn’t see a problem with it and said that it’s a win, win situation for the kids. Lissette Aportela-said that after approval from the Rec Commission, the next step would be for the governing body to determine whether they would like to invite Mr. Blackman to make a full presentation at the next meeting. Mayor Papaleo-asked if falls under the requirement for multiple bids? Lissette Aportala-said because it’s $2,500.00, no. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen-said that he had obtained 3 quotes even though it wasn’t necessary. The consensus of the Council is to have Mr. Blackman come before them and make a presentation. PUBLIC COMMENTS – On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed to open for public comments was unanimously approved. There being no comments by the public, the motion by Councilman Gautier, seconded by Councilwoman Kaufman to open for public comments was unanimously approved. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilwoman Kaufman-thanked our Citizen’s Budget Committee, our CFO Chris Battaglia, our Auditor Jim Cerullo, our Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela and all of the Council for their hard work on the budget. Councilman Gautier-thanked everyone who worked so hard on the budget and also mentioned that the DPW have started putting up the new signs in the park which should be complete by the end of the week. Mayor Papaleo-mentioned that New Milford has open its vaccination center to the residents of River Edge and thanked Mayor Michael Petrino for all that he’s done in bringing a vaccination center to New Milford and opening it up to our residents. The Mayor thanked our Health Officer, Sam Yanovich Arlene Faustini, our Public Health Nurse for coordinating with New Milford. He also thanked our OEM Coordinator Ron Starace for working with the OEM Director of New Milford. ADJOURNMENT – 8:35 P.M. On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Kaufman to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 was unanimously approved. _________________________________ Mayor Thomas Papapelo Attest: ______________________________ Stephanie Evans, Borough Clerk Dated: