All authority meeting in the mayor and council of the bur of river edge February 9th 2026 regular meeting 700 p.m. Bur uh 705 kak road and uh zoom. I ask us in a moment to stand for a moment of silent reflection for all those
families who are suffering from any sort of uh ill or evil due to criminal behavior. Uh whether that criminal behavior be kidnapping or uh um assault or home invasion. Council Monsanor, you could lead us in
the pledge. Ready. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all. >> Okay. Um, Madam Clerk, roll call, please. >> We have a statement of compliance. >> Oh, yes. My failure. Sorry. Thank you. Statement of compliance with the open public meeting act. This meeting complies with the open public meeting
act uh by notification via January 9th, 2026 and January 16, 2026 sunshine notice containing the location, date and time and active information to the town news in the record by posting the same on the municipal bulletin board and the bor website and following notice of the
same with the municipal clerk. Madam clerk, roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Santa >> here. >> Council President Canal >> here. Councilwoman Malari >> here. Councilman Glass >> here. >> Councilwoman Dario >> here. Councilman Feffer >> here. Mayor Papo
>> here. Could I have a motion and second to approve the meetings of the mayor and the council in regular and close session January 22nd, 2026. >> One move. >> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstent?
>> I have to abstain. I wasn't present >> from both. >> Yes. >> All right. Any others? Hearing no more. It is so approved. Administrative report. Madame clerk. No, not madam clerk. This would be you. Madam business
administrator >> used to be. >> Um so of items which are um follow up to discussion from the last meeting. We had asked our recreation director
to look into um what is going on with Kenny George Park. And the first item he is recommending that the burrows fee of $20 for the league which are softball
and baseball if KBG is not open by the May first deadline whether it's due to weather or um supply chain issues the fee um and he quantified that the impact
would be about $4,000 that goes into our parks um playground maintenance fund and um if for whatever reason then if the park is not ready by May first then the
fee should um any additional program should also be be waved. So he just wants and he this fee of $20 per league is what the thorough will collect the the registration for softball and
baseball that is all done by those boards. So if there's a need for refund then res. >> Okay. And I believe there was a second letter that said that uh reduce the uh for those who weren't for pickable $10.
>> Yes. So and this follows the same trajectory. Um well right now with the the team with the tax as we start um in April but with the
tennis and pickle ball membership uh as with other groups if a family or individual just wants to play tennis there's that fee. If an individual family wants to play pickle ball, there's a se a separate fee. If
somebody or family wants to have a bag for both tennis and pickle ball, he recommends a $10 discount. But in this situation, since this is part of an ordinance, we would just have to amend the recreation fee board ordinance to allow for this $10 discount.
>> Okay. So for the public's benefit, the council, every member of council received a copy of those two letters that were requested by this body uh from the recreation uh director. So we appreciate that. Let's take this in pieces. Uh, is there discussion on uh
whether or not the council is interested in uh adopting the registr uh the the the recommendation of the um director uh regarding um AGB waiver fees for recreation?
>> U mayor, I'm okay with that. Um I just want to specify it's for the spring. Am I correct? Um Lette, it would be the spring session for softball. Correct. And >> baseball. >> And baseball. So, we've heard from one council person or is there another? >> Just a question. So, the total impact
will be $4,000. Yeah. For the spring. Yeah. >> Another council, please. Hearing none. Is there a motion to approve the recommendation and put into effect either by resolution or ordinance
uh this one time uh exception? So can I just say move? So move since you just explained it. Okay. So moved. >> Second. >> Is open for debate. It has been moved and second. Is there debate? >> Hearing none. Uh
all in favor please say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? Any abstension? >> Yes ma'am. I would like to recuse myself because this >> Okay. So we have uh five yeses. Yay. And
one uh Refusal. Uh, moving to item B 6B KGB fibable and tennis court. Uh, what say to council? Do they wish to go with this recommendation? >> I just want to understand if it is $10 discount for family for individual
>> if um so if an indiv there's individual and family membership. So it would the discount would apply to what's the dual purpose? So, if an individual wants to play tennis and um >> pickle ball
>> and pickle ball, then they're still they'll have $10 off. It can't be hybrid. It can't be like I want to do both, but I only want to test that. >> So, there's a family membership that's $58. Two different levels. So, family
members, you know, whoever individual is 38. So, they're still going to get a $10 discount whether they do a family one or a an individual. Correct, Lizette? >> Going for both because they have for both >> have two members
>> the same. Yes. >> But this has to be done by the language of that sports are home to pick home and will have access to so this isn't a one
time change this is a fun >> yes the governing body but these changes have to be done >> it is registration for both one it indicates that there is registration for both sports
>> of the same >> of the same yes yes and I think this goes to counciloman councilman prefer's question in the last meeting about the fees. >> So on the on the part of the um proposal that says pickle ball only for pickle
ball, tennis courts only for tennis courts, is that suggest that there will be no pickle ball lessons on the tennis courts? >> That is correct. the use of typical course is only
temporary until a permanent home was passed >> and I don't know if you know the answer to that but do you know if the uh companies or the instructors who have been giving lessons on the tennis court they've been made aware of that yet or >> yes all residents and companies and it
will be reiterated to them as far once they've solicited the the proper permit to Thank you. >> Even though I can't vote, >> you absolutely can be part of the end. >> So I just I just want to um this is
temporary till the wall courts are ready. Is that right? >> Because then it'll be it will still be the same. You can still have a rule shift and play at one place and the other. Right. >> Correct. >> It'll it forming forever. Yeah.
>> Okay. And over here they use a different access code. I think there is only one gate because you will have a different access. >> No no the pickle ball court will have if you go for for both you you will have two sets. One specifically for the pickle ball court and one specifically
for the court. So if they open into one open the court >> then kgs. Yes. >> So this is effective kg not now. So this would be effective well be introduced
February 26 and that is March 12th. So it will go into effect because over here there's only one in the court which also leads to the temporary court. Well, just to explain that the pickle
ball courts will be there until the the home for pickle ball will be at KBG. So, it's going to >> Exactly. Exactly. >> Good. Could I uh if the council is so inclined, could I have a motion second
to uh change to have a ordinance created to change the or uh to change from uh its current situation to $10 less if there's a joint if there's joint year membership. >> So move.
>> Is there a second? >> Second. >> It has been moved and second is open for debate. Is there debate? Hearing none. Uh all in favor please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstent? >> I would like to excuse myself because it
>> very good. All right. Uh could I have a motion? Well, first of all, is there anyone in the public? This is no one in the chambers. There are. So, could I have a motion second to open to the public on any item?
>> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? It is unanimous there. Uh there is no one in the chamber saying is there anyone remotely who'd like to raise their hands to have a three minute
ability to comment make a comment on anything whether it's on the agenda or not? Seeing none could I have a motion and second to close to the public on comments. >> So moved. Sorry. >> Been moved and seconded. All in favor please say I.
>> Okay. Any oppose? Any extension? Hearing none. It is unanimous. Okay. In a moment, could I have a motion and second for appointments and personnel changes? Um, and I'll read all three into the record together and then we will have a roll call. Uh, the mayor reappoints
Pamela B. Is that saying her name right? G for a three-year term uh 123128 to uh the environmental protection effective January 1st, 2026. the separation of Yosesef AB Dellesus I hope
is correct. Special Law Enforcement Officer 2 effective January 31st, 2026. Approve the appointment of Bethany Eagle. Bobby Conway, Everlin Ken, Jansancy George, Jim Conway, Campo
say >> Hamilton, >> that Sergeant Ren Sanchez, Tina, uh, Winnie. >> There we go. Uh, Yans.
Okay, great. To the River Edge at USA 20 220 250 committee effective January 9th 26. Before we go there, I want to thank all these people for all the work they have done for us and all the work they will be doing for us, especially our volunteers. Could I have a motion and
second? >> February. >> Yes. February February 196. Madam clerk roll, please. Sure. Councilwoman Makone, >> yes. >> Council President Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Malari,
>> yes. >> Councilman Glass, >> Councilwoman Darwal, >> yes. >> Councilman Beth, >> yes. >> Great. Okay, now we're up to ordinances. This is a first reading, so it doesn't open to the public, but I have a motion second after I read it to the record.
Motion the following ordinance will be introduced and passed on the first reading except February 26, 2026 at 7 PM or soon thereafter as the matter can be heard as the date and time and the council chambers as the place and zoom as the hotel platform for a hearing on
said ordinance ordinance 26-2 ordinance amending chapter 33 fire department of the revised general ordinance of the burough river. So >> second, >> it's been moved and seconded and madam clerk um no mad administrator, I'm
sorry, would you please explain to the public what we hope to achieve through this ordinance? >> This is a chapter regarding regarding the fire department with following changes. The uses the national emergency response information system to report
alarm and dispatch data instead of the national fire engineer reporting software. It adds civic officers and a members allows the resident member to the office and language to permit me now.
>> Okay. Is there a comment? Is there inquiry? Is there debate? >> I just want to reiterate reiterate the question of making sure that both houses were consulted and they both everybody
agreed on the changes to the um chapter. presented by those speech law firm. >> Okay. >> Okay. I just want to make sure. >> Any other comment, inquiry or debate?
>> Madam clerk, can I call the question? >> Councilwoman Santa. >> Yes. Oh, >> can I ask another question? Uh, >> we've already begun. I can I permit? is to participate. Yeah. No, you can't
ask. >> Okay. Continue, madam. >> Council President Canella. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Malari. >> Yes. >> Councilman Weiss. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Darw. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pifer. >> Yes.
>> I didn't say. >> So if because it will uh it will not be heard until the next meeting. You may ask a question or make a comment now. >> Now. Okay. >> Because it hasn't been approved as a final ordinance, as a final reading. We
are in between. So, u we could also make you wait until we get to old business, but there's no point to that. Go ahead. >> Okay. So, sorry. Um just a question about the uh so uh when when the firefighter is in good standing and the
firefighter leaves the um municipality, do they have to be here at a certain amount of time in order to be eligible to continue as a firefighter? >> The ordinance that was sent to >> Okay. >> But I don't remember.
>> Okay. it it had to do with the language that was colored a different color towards how that changed. But >> yes, there is some criteria. >> Okay. >> And since we're in between, if we could table that question and uh and maybe you
could ask after the meeting. >> Okay. And I'll just >> read it more thoroughly. >> We have resolutions 27 to 26-8 of course is paying the bill. So we'll read that for transparency but removing all of them. But I have a motion to Oh,
well before that is there any question or comment uh about any of the resolutions? Uh I've just >> I do a um I I know that Lisette will is Lisette explaining some of the
resolutions after that she does or can I just ask her to give us some more? >> She doesn't normally explain the resolutions unless we ask her. So I just need a little bit more understanding from for me and the public about uh 2679. What is that? Um
>> would you just read into uh resolution 267979 authorized execution of grant agreement between the bor river and state of New Jersey by and for the department of environmental protection. That is a grant that our EW superintendent worked
with our grant writer planning strategy through the department of environmental protection activity that the bureau has undertaken either as a DPW or working with the burrow engineer storm water coordinator to make sure that the reef
compost site is in compliance with the most upto-date regulations from the existing D. And um what this grant does, it will help reimburse costs that have been incurred over the past couple of years to maintain to find and to
maintain are the comple site which is very rare. Many municipalities are losing their complement. >> The rules are quite stringent and Cleveland does a phenomenal job. And I I recognize any council member who has not
gone down and seen the site to go see it somewhat impressive, but the public knows it is not open to the public. So So we're applying for the grant. We're not necessarily this agreement to enter
for to to petition for the grant. >> No, we received the award. >> Yes. to um finalize all the paperwork and for Jason to submit whatever documentation is required to receive the paper. >> All right. Thank you.
>> Cool. Anybody else? Very good. Could I have a motion and second to move resolution 26-27 through 26-8? >> So move. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. It is open for debate. Are there a date? If not,
could I have the finance chair please read 2618 for the record simply for transparency sake? >> Thank you, mayor. At a regular meeting of the mayor and council of the burrow of river edge, county of Bergen, state of New Jersey held on February 9th, 2026. Be it resolved that the mayor and
council of the burrow of river edge approve the following expenditures. Current fund $433,18.93. General capital fund $167.84. Trust other $22,65824. Unemployment trust $791.
Recreation trust $120. >> Okay. >> So, roll please. >> Sure. Councilwoman Mark, don't you call on me? You say yay. I repeat myself. Yes. >> Okay.
>> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Noi. >> Yes. >> Councilman Glass. >> Yeah. >> Councilwoman Dargo. >> Yes. I would like to reduce myself on 267 >> and all items.
>> Anything but Councilman Beer? >> Yes. All right. Excellent. New business. Is there any new business? Uh not an administrator. >> No. >> Uh any member of council? >> Just that um we recently received
information for the uh uh manager of the um the chef. We received the information for the >> Oh, for the farmers market. Yeah. >> Yeah. We we um have a new farm that is sustainable. It's green. It's it will
bring more variety than that we were looking for. and we're quite happy about that. >> Yes. Thank you, Michelle Coffin. >> Yes. Thank you, Michelle, for all her work. >> Um, public service announcement. We are both
on Thursday for president's birthday and Monday. >> Oh, any old business? Madam administrator. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Sure. March 28th, if um if I could have
mayor and counselor put it in their calendar, uh it is the kickoff event for R250 at the library between 11 and 1:00. So even if you can give a little time and be there and also to the public March
28, Saturday, uh 11 to 1 is R250. The event is called celebrating River. We're celebrating not only the different ethnicities that belong to River, but just the people of River. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, that's March 28th from 11 to 1
at River Library for our 250 kickoff celebration. Excellent. >> And I'm sorry, is there going to be an email from the library or from the committee? >> There there will be a >> both. Okay. >> And then they would request the mayor to post it. the library would necessarily
do it because it's not their sponsored event. We're using their space. >> But yeah, the committee 250 is going to >> 250 is part of historic preservation and historically is part of that. So >> So just should send an email to the
council so that it becomes part of the in addition to the uh and it can simply be a copy of the >> Can a Nixel go out with that on that mayor or no? Does the I would recommend that the committee wish to request the Nixel
>> when the fire comes out then yes because it's a kickoff event and we would like as as many >> yeah Nixl will help that because a lot of people get the Nixol alerts. So >> stages >> I would recommend the more the better.
>> Okay. >> Any other old business? >> Yeah. Well, we can jump to that. Any Well, no, that is actually all comments. What I think about you, you want us to move on?
>> All right. >> Just say it, Dave. >> Yes. Saturday was really >> Yeah. the back road flooding. >> Mhm. >> And like I said, it was really cold and
the guys were police department out there traffic detours, redirecting traffic and they were out there like the whole hour. >> Yeah. >> Really long days. >> So I just want to
>> Yes. It's amazing what our GPW does and our police department does for the safety and the well-being of our town in all sorts of ways and we are very very proud of them. I agree. Any other comments? >> Yes, I I'm on that level. I'd like to give a shout out to the DPW um
Superintendent Leo and his crew did an amazing job with all the snow because there were other towns who did not do uh as good a job as they did on our roads. So, they get a huge thank you from the residents. Yep. >> I should uh mention and I think that
comment on this to what degree I didn't prepare you for this but I was speaking to um superintendent and the snow played havoc on our equipment. We couple a week one axle broke and couple other things and uh of
course this is this is what it means to have uh a modern fleet. you know, it it works hard. It it works efficiently, but it it um it requires repairs and replacement. So, just like speak to that a little bit. >> You'll see it in the next bill.
All yes, Jason does a phenomenal job, keep an eye on, maintain it, making recommendations in the budget needs to be replaced and looking for ways to fund it out of operating. Um there are some
trunk accounts that he could apply also to help to break the cost and we're down a mechanic. So shout out to he's been doing a lot and guys are working all all types of weather on call
and helping fun. >> Yeah. Really work. Any other comments? >> I just Yeah. Um I want to wish the privileged Muslim community and the Muslim community across Bourbon and and
the state a very happy Ramadan which is a very holy month which begins February 15th and it goes on for holy month and was there is a community that celebrated it this Saturday and it invited the council we were there and put them.
>> Yeah. I want to thank uh Councilman Darville and Councilman Suffer for joining me. Uh I know everybody wasn't available because of their own schedules, but uh I I haven't yet put it on Facebook uh the mayor's page, but I intend to. I can't I was intending on
doing it on Sunday and things just got out of hand and so but I hope to to celebrate our diversity and our Muslim community by by acknowledging it on Facebook page which is and all the different people came. We had the four
commissioners, correct? >> And we had the under sheriff. >> Yeah. Under >> um so it was it was a great and and and a lot of leaders in the group community and couple from
>> Yeah. Oh yeah. Also, uh the president of the board of education. >> Yes. So, so it was good that. All right. Any other comments? >> Yes. Uh, I want to say happy Valentine's
Day, but I also want to um give a shout out to u uh the fire department and the police department and the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Corp uh in these cold weather snaps. They have all been um standing by or out uh helping the
public. Uh there have actually been fires in Ordo where a home burned down and a fire in Milford where a good portion of home burned down and our river edge long fire department was there police was standby at the end core
building and the police department of course always does great and um I believe also our um our auxiliary police department and did a great job too. No. All right. Okay.
>> Like your Oscar speech there. >> Yeah. As always, our our standby shelter is the library and the library does a great job of being available as we need them. Um and so we want to recognize them too. All right. Um
no more comments. Okay. So we will not be returning uh after close session. So we're going to I'm going to ask a motion in second as I read into the record to close session and then a motion second to adjourn and we will be adjourning for weekend. So
close session uh 26-81 resolution go to close session exclude the public client privilege NJFA 104-127 street opening litigation assignment of duties I have a motion second to go to
close session favor. All in favor, please say I. I. >> Could I have a motion and second to adjourn the public meeting, not to be reopened? >> Second. All in favor, please say I. I.
We are journ.