Mayor & Council Meeting

MINUTES Mayor and Council Regular Meeting Monday, May 24, 2021 6:30 P.M. *Meeting held via Zoom CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Papaleo called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Borough Hall. SILENT PRAYER – FLAG SALUTE Mayor Papaleo called for a moment of silence for all those who’ve passed especially Sergeant Cheevers. STATEMENT – 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 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 Kinsella, Councilwoman Montisano-Koen and Mayor Papaleo were present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilman Gautier the minutes of the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting of May 10, 2021 were unanimously approved. On motion by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, seconded by Councilwoman Kinsella the minutes of the Mayor and Council Special Meeting and Closed Session meeting of May 18, 2021 were unanimously approved PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA – On motion by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Chinigo to open public comments on any item on the agenda was unanimously approved. There being no comments by the public, the motion by Councilman Gautier, seconded by Councilwoman Kaufman to close public comments on any item on the agenda was unanimously approved. MONTHLY REPORTS – Land Use Board - April 14, 2021 Historic Commission - April 2021 Environmental/Green Team - May, 2021 APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES – On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed, the appointments and personnel changes were unanimously approved as follows: Appointment of Michael Walker to Chief of Police at an annual base salary of $165,000 plus longevity, effective May 24, 2021; The salary change of Anthony Preziuso, Laborer in the Department of Public Works from a Laborer II, Step IV salary of $48,043.00 to Laborer II, Step V - $50,297.00, effective June 17, 2021; The salary change of Daniel Dekker, Laborer in the Department of Public Works from a Laborer II, Step IV salary of $49,043.00 to Laborer II, Step V - $50,297.00 effective June 3, 2021. Mayor Papaleo administered the Oath of Office to Police Chief Michael Walker. Chief Michael Walker-said that their badges are covered in honor and memory of Sergeant Cheevers who should be here with us tonight. He thanked the Mayor and Council for having faith in him and choosing him for this position and also thanked members of the Police Department. He noted that River Edge is a great community and is proud to have grown up and work in such a great town. He recognized his family and thanked them for their support. RECESS – 6:38 p.m. On motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilman Gautier, to take a brief recess at 6:38 p.m. was unanimously approved. RESUME MEETING – 6:42 p.m. On motion by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Chinigo to resume the meeting at 6:42 p.m. was unanimously approved. RESOLUTIONS - By Consent On motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen, resolutions #21-153 through #21-171 on the consent were unanimously approved as amended. #21-153 Approve Change Order #1 – 2020 ADA Curb/Ramp Improvements at Various Locations – FDM Construction WHEREAS, via resolution #R20-232, adopted October 13, 2020, the Mayor and Council authorized the award of a contract to FDM Construction LLC for the for the 2020 ADA Curb/Ramp Improvements at Various Locations project in the amount of $186,695; and WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:34-4.7 permits change orders for construction, reconstruction and major repair contracts; and WHEREAS, there is a need to consider Change Order No 1 due to an increase in quantities which resulted in an increase of $23,017.20; and WHEREAS, the total amount of change orders approved to date including this change order do not exceed the originally awarded contract price by more than 20 percent; and WHEREAS, Change Order No. 1 had been reviewed and approved by the Borough Engineer. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that it does hereby authorize Change Order No. 1, a copy of which is attached hereto. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to execute Change Order #1. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Change Order shall decrease the final contract price from $186,695.00 to $209,712.20. May 24, 2021 ******* #21-154 Award Contract – 2021 Storm and Sanitary Sewer Improvements at Manchester Road WHEREAS, on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., three bids were submitted at the date and time specified for the 2021 Storm and Sanitary Sewer Improvements at Manchester Road and the Borough Administrator did open and read each bid aloud; and WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has reviewed the bid as submitted by Matina & Son, Inc., in the amount of $315,000.00 and has recommended the bid be awarded to Matina & Son, Inc.; and  WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this project. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that a contract for the 2021 Storm and Sanitary Sewer Improvements at Manchester Road shall be awarded to Matina & Son, Inc., having its principal office at 146 English Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 for the total bid amount of $315,000.00, based on the bid, submitted on May 5, 2021; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Administrator are hereby authorized to sign said contract on behalf of the Borough of River Edge. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-155 Authorize Purchase of a Sewer Camera Inspection System for the Department of Public Works WHEREAS, the purchase of a sewer camera inspection system for the Department of Public Works was authorized in the 2021 capital budget; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, Jason Milito has solicited quotes for the Verisight Pro Push Camera 200’ from three vendors and has recommended that a purchase order be issued to Jet Vac Equipment, LLC based on the quote received for a total cost of $14,957.00; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this purchase from the 2021 capital budget. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, Jason Milito is authorized to issue a purchase order for the Verisight Pro Push Camera 200’ to Jet Vac Equipment, LLC having its principal office at 195 Green Pond Road, in Rockaway, New Jersey 07866 based on the quote submitted on April 23, 2021 in the amount of $14,957.00. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-156 Award Contract – 2021 Road Improvement Program WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge is a member of the Riverside Cooperative; and WHEREAS, bids were received by the Riverside Cooperative for the 2021 Riverside Cooperative Road Improvement Program and the master contract was awarded on April 14, 2021 to D&L Paving Contractors, Inc.; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this contract from the 2021 Capital Budget. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the Mayor and Borough Administrator are hereby authorized and directed to execute a contract with D&L Paving Contractors, Inc. located at 675 Franklin Avenue in Nutley, NJ 07110 for the Borough of River Edge’s 2021 Road Improvement Program in the amount of $539,297.25. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-157 Authorize Purchase of 2 Mason Dump Trucks for the Department of Public Works Under State Contract WHEREAS, the purchase of two new Mason Dump Trucks for the Department of Public Works was authorized in the 2021 capital budget; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, Jason Milito investigated the options to purchase two Mason Dump Trucks under a New  Jersey State Bid contract; and WHEREAS, after evaluating the options for the purchase of the trucks, the Superintendent has recommended purchasing two 2021 Ford F550 Mason Dump Trucks; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11- 12, permits municipalities to purchase goods and services without advertising for bids, from companies under any contract or contracts for such goods or services entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury, commonly referred to as “State Contracts”; and WHEREAS, two 2021 Ford F550 Mason Dump Trucks, qualify to be purchased using State Contract #17-FLEET-00241, from Route 23 Automall of 1301 Route 23 in Butler, NJ 07405 for $76,286 each at a total cost of $152,572.00 and WHEREAS, Borough Administrator/Qualified Purchasing Agent, Lissette Aportela has verified that State Contract #17-FLEET-00241, was awarded to Route 23 Automall LLC on August 17, 2017 through August 16, 2021; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this purchase from the 2021 capital budget. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, Jason Milito is hereby authorized to purchase two 2021 Ford F550 Mason Dump Trucks under State Contract #17-FLEET-00241 at a total cost of $152,572 from Route 23 Automall. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-158 Authorize Issuance of Purchase Order – Phase I of the Borough Documents Management Project WHEREAS, Phase I of the Borough Documents Management Project was authorized in the 2021 capital budget; and WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge is a member of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) since July 11, 2019; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela obtained quote from AccuScan for the records management project via ESCNJ Contract #ESCNJ 16/17-48 for $31,270.00 and has recommended at a purchase order be issued to AccuScan; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this project. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela is authorized to issue a purchase order for Phase I of the Borough Documents Management Project to AccuScan, having its principal office at 950 Mt. Holly Road, Building 3 in Edgewater Park, NJ 08010 based on the quote submitted on February 11, 2021 in the amount of $31,270.00. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-159 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 May 14, 2021 via Executive Order 240; 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, Resolution No.: 21-139 passed by the Borough of River Edge on April 26, 2021 extended aforesaid permission through October 31, 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 December 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: 1. All prior regulations under Resolution No. 20-163, 20-279, and 21-139 remain in effect, unless otherwise revised as part of this extension. 2. All Temporary Outdoor Dining Permits issued in accordance with Resolution No. 20-163, 20-279, and 21-139 shall continue to be permitted through December 31, 2021 unless this Resolution is otherwise amended or vacated by the Borough Council. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. This Resolution shall take effect on November 1, 2021 and remain in effect until December 31, 2021 unless revoked or modified beforehand by the Borough Council. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-160 Authorize Receipt of Bids – LAIF 2019 Continental Avenue Project BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, that the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for the – LAIF 2019 Continental Avenue Project; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said bids shall be received at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Council Chambers in Borough Hall located at 705 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, at which time and place said bids shall be opened and read aloud under the regulations of Executive Order No. 239; and  BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that said advertisement shall be published in the Friday, May 28, 2021 issue of the Record in accordance with the Local Public Contracts Law. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-161 Authorize Tax Collector to Refund 2021 2nd Quarter Tax Overpayment(s) WHEREAS, the tax office has received duplicate and/or tax overpayments for the 2nd Quarter 2021 taxes on the following property(s); and WHEREAS, a written request was received from their mortgage company to refund the overpaid amount directly to the mortgage company. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Account Supervisor is hereby authorized to issue a refund check in the following amount and the Tax Collector to adjust her records accordingly. BLOCK/LOT HOMEOWNER/ADDRESS TYPE AMOUNT 604/12 KIM, WAN SOO & DUPLICATE 2,879.20 HAN, AH RUM 190 MONROE AVE 608/8 CHERYL, COURTNEY DUPLICATE 1,860.87 643 BOGERT ROAD 1002/15 RAVID, BENJAMIN & DEBORAH DUPLICATE 1,566.34 395 MERCER AVENUE 1104/22 SHAH, KAUSHAL & BHRANTI DUPLICATE 3,432.55 170 VALLEY ROAD 1205/4 ADVANI, SIDDHARTH & DUPLICATE 6,462.59 SINGH, NITIKA 182 OAK AVENUE TOTAL: $16,201.55 Make check payable to: CORE LOGIC TAX SERVICES P.O. Box 9202 Coppell, TX 75019-9978 Attn: Centralized Refunds May 24, 2021 ******** #21-162 Authorize Tax Collector to Refund a 2021 Tax Overpayment Due to the 2017 Homestead Rebate Credit Issued to a Tax Exempt Property WHEREAS, a Homestead Rebate Credit was applied to the 2nd quarter 2021 taxes on the following property that became tax exempt in 2020; and WHEREAS, property is exempt and no taxes are due. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Account Supervisor is hereby authorized to issue a check in the following amount and the Tax Collector to adjust her records accordingly. Block/Lot Name & Address Tax Qtr. Refund Amount 1004/29 Costa, Laura & Charles 2nd $1,050.00 2 Cherry Mews River Edge, NJ 07661 May 24, 2021  ******** #21-163 Authorize Issuance of Purchase Order – Editorial and Legal Analysis of the Borough Code WHEREAS, the printing of municipal ordinances or other services necessarily incurred in connection with the revision and codification of municipal ordinances is an exception to the bidding process pursuant to NJSA 40A:11-5(x); and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator received a proposal from the Borough’s codification company, General Code, dated May 17, 2021, for a complete analytical review of the entire Borough Code; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this project. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the Borough Administrator, Lissette Aportela is authorized to issue a purchase order for the Editorial and Legal Analysis of the Borough Code to General Code having its principal office at 781 Elmgrove Road in Rochester, NY 14624 based on the proposal submitted on May 17, 2021 in the amount of $7,200; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Administrator are hereby authorized to sign said proposal on behalf of the Borough of River Edge May 24, 2021 ******** #21-164 Resolution to Become a Member of the Somerset County Cooperative Pricing System WHEREAS, the Borough of River Edge desires to become a member of the Somerset County Cooperative Pricing System, #2-SOCCP, effective May 24, 2021 and, that such membership shall be for the period ending December 31, 2023 and each renewal, thereafter of the system, unless elects to formally withdraw from the system. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that Mayor Thomas Papaleo and Borough Administrator Lissette Aportela are hereby authorized to execute the attached agreement for such membership. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-165 Authorize Purchase of Ford F250 for the Police Department Under State Contract WHEREAS, the purchase of new vehicles for the River Edge Police Department was authorized in the 2021 capital budget; and WHEREAS, the Police Chief Michael Walker investigated the options to purchase a Ford F-250 Pickup Truck under a New Jersey State Bid contract; and WHEREAS, after evaluating the options for the purchase of a new vehicle, the Police Chief has recommended purchasing a 2021 Ford F250 Pickup Truck; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11- 12, permits municipalities to purchase goods and services without advertising for bids, from companies under any contract or contracts for such goods or services entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury, commonly referred to as “State Contracts”; and WHEREAS, a 2021 Ford F250 Pickup Truck, qualifies to be purchased using State Contract #88726, from Winner Ford of 250 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd in Cherry Hill, NJ 08034, at a total cost of $39,237.00 and WHEREAS, Borough Administrator/Qualified Purchasing Agent, Lissette  Aportela has verified that State Contract #88726, was awarded to Chas s Winner Inc. d/b/a Winner Ford on March 26, 2015 through August 25, 2021; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available for this purchase from the 2021 capital budget. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that Police Chief Michael Walker is hereby authorized to purchase a 2021 Ford F250 Pickup Truck under State Contract #88726 at a total cost of $39,237.00 from Winner Ford. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-166 Resolution to Adopt Standard Operating Procedure Policies – Department of Public Works WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works for the Borough of River Edge is required to have an established set of standard operating procedures based on the following policies: • CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy • Employee Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plan • Hot Work Procedure • Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Exposure Control Plan • Confined Space Entry • Indoor Air Quality Program • Lockout-Tagout Procedure • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Plan • Respiratory Protection; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, Jason Milito has prepared the policies, which were reviewed by Labor Counsel. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that the aforementioned standard operating procedure policies for the Department of Public Works are hereby approved; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works provide a complete set of the approved policies to all DPW employees. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-167 Approve Updated COVID-19 Travel and Quarantine Policy BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, that the attached policy regarding COVID-19 travel and quarantine protocols is hereby adopted. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution and policy be distributed to all departments for dissemination to all Borough employees and posted on the bulletin board in the lobby of Borough Hall. May 24, 2021 BOROUGH OF RIVER EDGE POLICY COVID-19 QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES UPDATED MAY 24, 2021 PURPOSE The Borough of River Edge (the “Borough”) believes the health, safety and welfare of Borough employees is paramount. To limit the continued spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) and provide a safe and healthy work environment, the Borough implements the following Policy to encourage employees to follow New Jersey Department of Health (“NJDOH”) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) guidance. COVID-19 LEAVE In December 2020, the Federal Government removed the mandatory requirement for employers to provide Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) leave to employees after December 31, 2020. See Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. In March 2021, the Federal Government enacted the American Rescue Plan Act (the “ARPA”), which maintained that employers are not required to provide FFCRA leave to employees after December 31, 2020. The Borough has chosen not to extend FFCRA leave, including Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency Paid Family Leave, after December 31, 2020. Accordingly, employees will be required to utilized accrued sick, vacation or personal leave for any absences related to COVID-19. Employees with medical conditions or disabilities are always entitled to request a reasonable accommodation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, employees who have childcare issues due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may still be eligible for New Jersey Family Leave Act (“NJFLA”) benefits. If an employee chooses to take NJFLA leave, s/he may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave consecutively, intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule. When the employee returns to work, the employee will be entitled to return to the same or similar position s/he held before taking NJFLA leave. NEW JERSEY TRAVEL ADVISORY As of May 17, 2021, New Jersey’s Incoming Travel Advisory is no longer in effect. New Jersey residents returning from travel and individuals visiting New Jersey are no longer advised to self- quarantine. However, travelers are still advised to follow all travel guidance from the CDC, NJDOH and all local health and safety protocols.1 International travelers must continue to follow CDC guidance on international travel, including the requirement that air passengers get tested for COVID-19 prior to returning to the United States. For more information, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html. The CDC and NJDOH still recommend delaying all non-essential travel and delaying any travel until fully vaccinated. The NJDOH continues to encourage everyone to follow all local health and safety protocols while traveling. POLICY REQUIREMENTS This Policy applies to all Borough employees: 1. Borough employees who test positive for COVID-19 and/or are diagnosed with COVID-19, must self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of the positive test (if asymptomatic) or 10 days after symptom onset and at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving (if symptomatic). These individuals will be permitted to work from home during the quarantine period, if possible. These individuals will be permitted to utilize accrued sick, vacation or other leave time to cover absences. If the individual has no accrued vacation or other leave time, the leave will be unpaid. In certain circumstances, a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the workplace may be reported to worker’s compensation if the employee is known or presumed to have contracted COVID-19 at the workplace. The Borough reserves the right to investigate all confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the purposes of determining worker’s compensation eligibility. 2. Borough employees who are identified as a “close contact” (any individual within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more) or otherwise exposed to COVID-19, must self-quarantine for 14 days from their last exposure (if asymptomatic) or for 10 days after symptom onset and at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving (if symptomatic). These individuals will be required to work from home during the quarantine period. If the nature and duties of the individual’s job cannot be performed from home, the individual will be required to utilize accrued sick, vacation or other leave time to cover absences. If the individual has no accrued vacation or other leave time, the leave will be unpaid. 3. The quarantine requirements for employees identified as a “close contact” do not apply to: 1 https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/travel-and-transportation/are-there-travel-restrictions-to-or-from-new- jersey.  a. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 3 months and recovered, as long as they do not develop new symptoms. b. Individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as long as they do not develop new symptoms. “Fully vaccinated” means: • 2 weeks after second dose in a 2-dose vaccine series (e.g., Pfizer or Moderna), or • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson/Janssen). Please be advised that the Borough is not requiring employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Further, the Borough cannot ask employees why they have not received a COVID-19 vaccination. 4. The Borough reserves the right to permit Essential Personnel/Critical Infrastructure Workers who have had an exposure to COVID-19 but remain asymptomatic to continue to work in- person subject to additional screening, social distancing, and mitigation practices prior to and during their work shift, as outlined by the CDC.2 5. The Borough reserves the right to request any documentation and/or records to effectively administer this Policy and ensure that employees are complying with the NJDOH and CDC guidance, including but not limited to: COVID-19 test results and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The Borough reserves the right to take any necessary actions to verify that Borough employees who quarantine are following all CDC and NJDOH recommendations and guidelines for effective quarantine. 6. The Borough reserves the right to make limited exceptions to this Policy on an individual, case- by-case basis. 7. The Borough reserves the right to revise, modify and/or update this Policy in accordance with new requirements, policies and guidance issued by State or Federal officials. EFFECTIVE DATE This Policy shall take effect immediately. 2 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/critical-infrastructure- sectors.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019- ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fcritical-workers%2Fimplementing-safety-practices.html ******** #21-168 Authorize Purchase of SUV for the Police Department Under State Contract WHEREAS, the purchase of new vehicles for the River Edge Police Department was authorized in the 2021 capital budget; and WHEREAS, the Police Chief Michael Walker investigated the options to purchase a SUV under a New Jersey State Bid contract; and WHEREAS, after evaluating the options for the purchase of a new vehicle, the Police Chief has recommended purchasing a 2021 Ford Utility Interceptor All Wheel Drive Vehicle; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12, permits municipalities to purchase goods and services without advertising for bids, from companies under any contract or contracts for such goods or services entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury, commonly referred to as “State Contracts”; and WHEREAS, a 2021 Ford Utility Interceptor All Wheel Drive Vehicle, qualifies to be purchased using State Contract #20-FLEET-01189, from Winner Ford of 250 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd in Cherry Hill, NJ 08034, at a total cost of $31,329.00 and WHEREAS, Borough Administrator/Qualified Purchasing Agent, Lissette Aportela has verified that State Contract #20-FLEET-01189, was awarded to Chas s Winner Inc. d/b/a Winner Ford on June 18, 2020 through June 17, 2022; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is  available for this purchase from the 2021 capital budget. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge that Police Chief Michael Walker is hereby authorized to purchase a 2021 Ford Utility Interceptor All Wheel Drive Vehicle under State Contract #20-FLEET-01189 at a total cost of $31,329.00 from Winner Ford. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-169 Approve Additional Engineering Services – 2021 Road Improvement Program WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer had submitted a proposal to perform project management and inspection services for the 2021 Road Improvement Program for a cost not to exceed $42,000; and WHEREAS, Chief Financial Officer Chris Battaglia has advised that funding is available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby accepts the attached proposal, dated January 28, 2021, from Borough Engineer, Robert Costa of Costa Engineering Corporation for additional professional engineering services associated with project management and inspection services for the 2021 Road Improvement Program for a cost not to exceed $42,000. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-170 Approve Refunds – Recreation Department WHEREAS, participants of various programs offered by the River Edge Recreation Department have requested a refund; and WHEREAS, the Recreation Director, Carolyn Baldanza has reviewed the requests and recommended them for Mayor and Council approval. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge, County of Bergen, that the refunds listed below are hereby approved; and RESIDENT ADDRESS PROGRAM AMOUNT Hyojin Jung 21 Wayne Ave River Edge, NJ 07661 Tennis Lessons $95 Katrina Bott 174 Jefferson Ave River Edge, NJ 07661 Tennis Lessons $95 Jenni Shahin 201 Cherry Lane River Edge, NJ 07661 Tennis Lessons $95 808 7th Ave Chris Norton River Edge NJ 07661 Men’s Softball $90 4 Carriage Way Michael Rudis Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Men’s Softball $45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Recreation Department and Finance Department. May 24, 2021 ******** #21-171 Resolution Authorizing Severance Payment and Memorandum of Agreement WHEREAS, Christopher A. Cheevers began his career as a police office in the River Edge Police Department on August 23, 1996 and rose to the ranks of Police Sergeant; and WHEREAS, Sgt. Cheevers passed away on May 4, 2021; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Council to authorize a Memorandum of  Agreement with PBA Local 201 to grant the request of the Estate of Christopher Cheevers for the terminal leave payment of Sgt. Cheevers as per Borough Ordinance 585. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge hereby authorize and approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Borough of River Edge and PBA Local 201 to establish a final compensation to the Estate of Christopher Cheevers effective May 31, 2021. May 24, 2021 ******** Councilwoman Kaufman read resolution #21-172 into the record. On motion by Councilwoman Kaufman, seconded by Councilman Gautier, resolution #21-172 was unanimously approved. #21-172 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 May 24, 2021. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of River Edge approve the following expenditures. CURRENT FUND $3,082,428.16 CAPITAL FUND $ 183,559.30 GRANT FUND $ 3,216.00 TRUST OTHER FUND $ 281,656.05 DEVELOPER’S ESCROW FUND $ 1,637.50 SELF INSURANCE TRUST FUND $ 18,328.18 RECREATION TRUST FUND $ 5,618.81 May 24, 2021 NEW BUSINESS – Pride Month Ceremony-Council was in agreement with the agenda and the Mayor will participate and say a few words. The ceremony will be held on June 1st at 6 p.m. at Memorial Park. Approval for In-Person Book Club-the Council voted in favor of an in-person book club to be held on June 3rd at 5 p.m. Approval for Library to do small group outdoor programs over the summer-the Council voted in favor of approving the Library to have small group outdoor programs and follow whatever the CDC guidelines are at the time for the number of participants. River Edge TV – Videographer-Councilwoman Kaufman explained that they need a team to oversee the camera equipment. She said that Glen Rock and Fair Lawn have volunteers who run those services. She said that she will reach out to see how it’s done. Councilwoman Busteed-inquired about re-instating in-person meetings. Mayor Papaleo-said that we should open all borough buildings as of June 1st and return to Council Chambers for in-person meetings as of the first meeting in June. He suggested getting someone to step in for the first couple of meetings to work the camera equipment if we cannot find a volunteer. All were in favor. Oradell Little League Email to REGAL – REGAL received an email from the Oradell Little League and they are working on a proper response. Ezio opined that there is no liability as they are members of the same JIF. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen will reach out to her counterpart in Oradell to obtain further information and find out what is behind the email. REGAL will respond but if things escalate, the governing body may have to get involved. OLD BUSINESS – Library Outdoor Concert – Request to Serve Drinks and Light Snacks-there was no objection by the Mayor and Council to serve drinks and light snacks. Cannabis Committee – Councilman Chinigo said that the Land Use Board will be sending their comments approving the ordinance to go forward. Lissette Aportela-said that she is trying to schedule a field trip to the Rise Dispensary in Paramus but hasn’t heard back. She said that the State Regulatory Commission is holding a meeting on June 1st at 12:00 p.m. and are soliciting comments and input from municipal representatives. Tom Sarlo, Esq.-said that Little Ferry will be holding a special meeting on Wednesday at 6 p.m. and representatives from the Garden State Dispensatory in Woodbridge will be making a presentation. He said that anyone is welcome to attend. PUBLIC COMMENTS – On motion by Councilwoman Kinsella, seconded by Councilwoman Kaufman to open for public comments was unanimously approved. There being no comments by the public, the motion by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilman Chinigo to close public comments was unanimously approved. COUNCIL COMMENTS – Councilwoman Busteed-said that the Mayor and Council received the minutes from the last Environmental/Green Team meeting which she was not able to attend but noted that there were questions regarding the progress in Cherry Blossom Park. She would like to join Councilwoman Montisano-Koen to facilitate a conversation to have some of the questions answered before the project moves forward. Councilwoman Busteed congratulated Mike Walker and thanked Lt. Craig Casey for all that he’s done. Councilwoman Montisano-Koen-agreed and said that she knows that there are some drainage issues. Councilman Chinigo-also congratulated Mike Walker and thanked Craig Casey. He said that River Edge is in good hand with Mike as Chief. Councilman Gautier-also congratulated Mike Walker and thanked Craig Casey for all that he’s done in the interim. On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed, resolution #21-173 was unanimously approved. #21-173 Resolution to Go Into Closed Session and Exclude Public WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12, permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain enumerated circumstances; and WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances will or 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 May 24, 2021 regular meeting and discussion of the hereinafter specified subject matter: Closed Session Statutory Docket # Item Title or Description Reference 21-5/24-1 Litigation – Update by JIF Attorney N.J.S.A. 10 :4-12(b)(7) 2. Formal action may/may not be taken by the Borough of River Edge’s Mayor and Council at this meeting.  May 24, 2021 There being no further business to come before the governing body, on a motion from Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed and all present voting in favor, the meeting was recessed to the Closed Session at 7:17 p.m. ADJOURNMENT –8:21 P.M. On motion by Councilwoman Busteed, seconded by Councilwoman Montisano-Koen to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 p.m. was unanimously approved. ______________________________ Mayor Thomas Papaleo Attest: __________________________ Stephanie Evans, Borough Clerk