All right. >> All right. Looks like we're good. Are we ready, everyone? >> Lisa, green green light. >> Green light. >> I call to order the meeting of the mayor and council of the Burough of River Edge, March 2. >> Are we in? >> Yeah.
>> March 26, 2026, 7 p.m. Um 7:05 Kinderac Road and Zoom. ask everybody in a moment to stand uh for a moment of silent reflection uh for all of our brave soldiers, sailors, air force, and uh and
all those who support them uh during this time of world crisis. >> Council President, would you lead us in the pledge? I pledge algiance 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. Compliance with the open public meeting act. This meeting complies with the open public meeting act by notification on January 9th, 2026 and
January 16, 2026. the location, date and time and access information to the town news and the record and by posting of the same on the municipal bulletin board and our website and filing notice of the same with the municipal clerk. Madam clerk, roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Monol,
>> present. >> Okay. Council President Kazella >> here. >> Councilwoman Maleri >> here. >> Councilman Glass >> here. >> Councilwoman Darw is currently absent. Councilman Feffer >> here. Mayor Mao >> here. Okay. Uh we have public comments
and this is the only time we have public comments. So it's any item on the agenda or any item at all. Uh three minutes per speaker. The speaker must give their name and their address. Anyone who wishes I have to open to public. Can I have a motion second to open the public? So move. >> Second.
>> All in favor please say I. I. >> Thank you so much. Thank you so much, mayor and the council. Uh my name is Omar Hassan. I'm a resident of 7277th Avenue, River Edge, New Jersey. Been a resident of New Jersey. I'm resident of River Edge for
about 10 years. And um I think uh recently I've been emailing um uh the council and and the mayor to um invite and thank you so much for attending our um um Ramadan uh event in um last month
and um it was our third year celebrating um Ramadan and we really um appreciate all your um input and attendance and we um you know uh 3 years ago when uh actually I came in when we were doing
this meeting in the library and we um I actually uh wanted to see if we could have a crescent lighting uh down at the boro hall. And um as discussion um continued, you know, we started doing it in the River uh library in a smaller um
um you know um way. But thank you again for all your support through the last three years. And we want to um you know um now see if we could um have the boro help us uh do it in a uh bigger scale because we have seen a lot of uh
positive uh um I would say um review uh positive uh you know feeling about about the uh about the event and it brought my uh community members from all faith backgrounds. They were Jewish neighbors.
There were uh Catholic neighbors, there were Hindu neighbors, they all came in and it was a as a time for joy and enjoyment for the whole community. I think it brought us together. So all in all, I think it was a great um event to have everybody come in together. Um to
that note, I also want to um um put forward that uh the crescent lighting is not really a religious event. Um it's nowhere in our uh religion. It says that you have to light the crescent to start the month. So this is only an a cultural
event for American Muslims and this has gained popularity in in New Jersey, in New York and and other parts of the country as well. So I I I put forward this um um you know request for the uh
council to revisit this uh uh request and see if we could uh celebrate all u you know uh festivals that come uh from the the wishes of the river edge residents be it from different religious backgrounds and I think we should
celebrate everybody. We should have space for um every u community and and and have um representation uh and and celebrations of every religious uh um festivals. uh I think that only brings
um all the communities together and help us understand help our kids to understand each other's culture and help them to grow as a global citizen not only like you know with a with a narrow uh world view as they may have but thank you so much I appreciate uh the time and
I appreciate uh all your support over the last couple of years and forward. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Does anybody else wish to come forward and make a comment? Please say your name. Please come take the seat. Say your name, your address, and as soon as you finish identifying yourself, your three minutes begin. Um,
please speak into the mic. The microphone. >> You want to come? >> Uh, Dr. West, >> just speak into the microphone. No, not that one. The one that's lit green. >> Yes, that one there. >> Okay. My name is Dr. West. You know, I
have seen at least you, you know, the time years back when you're doing initially in your council meeting. >> You got to say your name and then your address. my 657 Bogurt Road, River Edge. I've been a resident from 2006 here in this community. All of my kids were
grown up here in this community going to the Browns parks and everywhere. We are the mix and know whenever the 4th of July happens, we put all the water, everything out for the community. Even you know when the when the parade goes by. So we are the part and partial of the community. We participate, we share
food, we though different people around with different religion you know uh many of my colleagues I would say the neighbors you know some of them were elders some of them passed away but we have a such a mix and we live with the harmony with the with the love with each
other. So when it comes to the point when we heard about this thing that this representation you know this is Chris Christendra is still representation of the Muslims who live here in in the community. So we want to see that we should be
represented in the town hall in the same way as any other religion. Okay. Like if you're Monora, if you other things, all the marks signs there posted. So we should also be allowed to represent ourselves cuz we are the part of the
community now. Okay. We are not asking to build a mosque or anything. We're not in that number. But again, you know, we are here. So I just want to say that you it should be a given a a reasonable consideration even from the
constitutional point of view at the DI point of view which New Jersey especially Democratic party you know I represent to the party and everyone may not be there could be a differences with each other but either either as a progressive or as a party part of the
party you know where we go and we support the different thing the fundraising and all those things. So we want to see that shared value should be represented here. That's all I have to say. >> Okay. Is there anyone else who would like to come forward? Please come forward. State your name and address.
Once you finish saying that your three minutes would begin and please speak into the mic. >> I'm Shaaz from uh ETH committee uh located in Pamus, New Jersey. >> So is your first and last name please? Chennaz Argand >> and your address
>> uh uh uh Pascatak Road in Paramis, New Jersey is the where the Eid committee is. >> Okay, continue. >> So I'm here I'm here to follow up on Eid committee's February 16th letter regarding Crescent Display. I want to beginning by acknowledging something
important. Riveridge has a longstanding practice of recognizing seasonal traditions in its public spaces. But tonight the issue before you is not whether those traditions should continue. The question is whether that same opportunity will be applied consistently because right now what is
being framed as a distinction between secular and religious symbols is creating something else entirely. An inconsistent standard creates an unintended and constitutionally fragile hierarchy among our residents. one where certain traditions are permitted because
they're familiar and others are excluded because they are not. That is not a neutral policy and it places the council in a very difficult legal position. The Supreme Court has been clear on this point in county of Alagany versus ACLU.
The court recognized that municipalities may acknowledge seasonal and cultural traditions, but they must do so in a way that is neutral and inclusive. Neutrality does not mean avoiding religion altogether. It means applying the same rules to everyone. And once a
municipality opens its public spaces to seasonal displays, it cannot selectively close that space to one community because at that point the issue is no longer about policy. It becomes a question of unequal access. By excluding the crescent while permitting the
manura, the burrow isn't being neutral. It's engaging in viewpoint discrimination. and respectfully that is where river is right now. Let me also ground ground this in our shared American framework. When Thomas Jefferson studied the Quran, it shaped
the Virginia statute for religious freedom with the revolutionary idea that this nation would not belong to one faith alone, but would protect the rights of all, including, in his own words, the Jew, the Gentile, the Christian, and the Muslim. That
principle became a cornerstone of what we now know as the first amendment. That principle is not abstract. It is meant to guide decisions exactly like this one. Now, let's bring this back to River Edge. This is a bur that takes pride in being welcoming. A borrow where families
choose to live because they believe their children will grow up feeling included. The Ramadan crescent is not a disruption of that identity. It is a reflection of it. So, the path forward here is actually very straightforward. The ETH committee is not asking you to change your traditions. We're asking you
to apply them fairly. We're asking that the council direct the burough attorney to formalize a clear viewpoint neutral display policy and affirm that River's public spaces are open to all residents on equal terms. Because ultimately this is not about introducing something new.
It is about ensuring that the standard you already have established is applied consistently. tonight. You have the opportunity to make sure that it does. Thank you. >> All right. Is there anyone else present? Yes, please come forward. Would you
check to see if there's anyone on the uh Please come forward. State your name, your address, and your three minutes will begin when you've completed that. >> My name is Shahed Akar. >> I'm from 86 my road, Emerson, New
Jersey. And I just I'm going to be brief and just make few points. I hope all of you know that there are more than 50 towns in Bergen County who have crescent lightings in their townships. At the same time, I've been
to neighboring towns like Oredell, Emerson, Hillsdale, Parkridge, Montville, and several other towns personally to witness the crescent lightings and such a joyful occasion for everyone there. Not just one community,
but even the council meet members families came to those lightings as well. Uh the other point I want to make is that uh two years ago uh my wife wrote
an email to the Emerson Council and the response was from the mayor. Oh, I've been looking some someone like you to assist us in in crescent lighting. I hope you guys are also receptive to the
idea and starting next year we should have a display of present in river edge as well. Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. Okay. Is there anyone remote? Please raise your hand if you'd like to speak. Is there anyone Well, no. All the
all those who have are here have spoken. >> Okay. Uh could I have a motion second to close to the public? So move. >> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Um, Rech. >> Mr. Jenkins, could you just please uh
restate uh River Edg's current legal advice? >> You're on. >> Yeah. Thank you. So the distinction uh in the displays as I think has been touched upon is the difference between
what is considered a religious display as well as a secular uh seasonal display has been urged this evening. uh this board uh council has been briefed on this with regard to what has been recognized
uh by the courts is that the you know the Christmas tree and manure are not deemed to be religious displays but to be seen season seasonal displays. Um
this council has made a determination and is the policy of the bureau that religious displays of any sort are not uh you know to be publicly displayed. So it is not
not embracing uh the various cultures and religions of the burrow but it is is the case that we can the policy is those have been recognized as
seasonal but anything else is is not for public display. Uh and again this is I'm saying that rather in ourfully but in in this has been briefed uh to the council and that's the policy is that it's either you know all or nothing and in
this case the policy of the bureau is they're not recognizing anything that is you know other seasonal displays or rather religious displays. >> It's not religious you know that. So um the council I myself have attended the
Eid um uh and the Ramadan and the crescent and star celebration that's occurred in our burough library. Um also uh there are sometimes other displays like Diwali that have happened in our
parks um organized by a private group to be a part uh to take place in River Edge. has happened before will happen hopefully in the future and uh I and the council have attended um the Supreme
Court's decision about uh uh a uh winter tree what whatever you want to call it and the manura have been cutouts that uh the United States Supreme Court has made and this council currently uh has stated as policy that uh it's going to not
participate in religious displays certainly There have never been a religious display. For instance, uh similar to Ramadan is Lent. Uh so we don't put a cross with a purple u uh sla
sash on it. Uh we we uh don't celebrate any holidays uh that are part of um say Rasiferianism or Santia or um Zorianism. Um so that's our current position. The council, if it
wishes to during new business, could uh move for us to reconsider any member of council. It would require a second and then it would require a majority vote at that point. We would ask our burough attorney to prepare a memo in this regard. Uh but for right now, that's our
current position. So, I'm simply restating where we're at. Um and I, uh at this point, uh we will move on. And if certainly if a council person would like to uh offer a comment during council comments that is also so um
>> Mr. Mayor if I just have a question for the attorney would now be the time to ask it. >> No it would not because uh this is we're simply uh restating our current position. But yes when we come to new business that that would be or council comments that would be okay.
>> Okay. >> All right. Um so we're going to move on now. Uh, we're going to go to appointment and personnel changes. Uh, approve. Uh, could I have a motion second in a moment to approve the resignation of Zachary Smith, part-time police dispatcher, effective March 26,
2026? >> So, move second. >> All in favor? Uh, well, this is No, it's not debatable. All All in favor, please say I. >> Any opposed? Any abstension? Hearing none. Okay, so we have first readings. Could I have in a minute? Could I have a motion? Second, we're going to move all
of them as a group. Uh oh, by the way, uh we're going if anybody would like to hang around when the meeting's over, if you'd like to talk to any member of the council, we of course always make ourselves available at the end meeting and this meeting will probably depending on new business and old business should
not be long unless new business, old business becomes long. But so we're right now at item number seven. Uh, in a moment, could I have a motion and second to move uh motions that following ordinances be introduced and passed on first reading
and setting April 9th, 2026 at 7 PM or soon thereafter as the matter can be heard as the date and time in the council chambers as the place and Zoom is the virtual platform for the hearing on said ordinance. Ordinance uh 26-07 calendar year 26
um 20 26 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank per New Jersey state statute states Su NJSA4A 4-45-14
ordinance 2608 bond ordinance to authorize the improvement of Bogurt Road section 10 in and by and for the Burough River Edge in the county of Bergen State New Jersey appropriate the sum of $327,528 to pay the cost thereof to appropriate a
state grant to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds. Ordinance 26-09, a bond ordinance to authorize the making
of various public improvements and the acquisition of new additional and replacement equipment and machinery, new information technology equipment, new communication and signal systems equipment, and new automotive vehicles
and new firetruck partial funding including original apparatus and equipment in and by and for the burough river edge in the county of Bergen, state of New Jersey to appropriate create the sum of 100 I'm sorry1 $1,938,240 to pay for the cost uh
sorry um authorizing the issuance of I'm sorry there therefore to appropriate federal fund federal grant and to make a down payment to authorize issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of
such bonds could I have a motion to second >> so Second. >> All right. It's been moved and second. Madame administrator, if you could explain what we're trying to achieve with ordinance 26070809. >> Yes. These three ordinances all deal
with our um upcoming municipal budget. The first one is the cap bank ordinance. Um the inside the cap appropriations annual increase is based on the inflation index rate for the previous year and no governing body can increase
those appropriations subject to spending by the cap for more than um unless you pass an ordinance to go up to 3.5%. The main reason for doing the index rate ordinance is to allow for any unused cap which is paper only similar to like a a
hold on your credit card to be banked for two years. If you do not use the um any of the amount under the ordinance, then the rate is lost. It's not put in your taxes. It just goes away similar to the credit card hold. And it's a good planning tool. Um all municipalities do
this. It's permitted under state law. Um 26-08 is a bond ordinance specifically for uh Bogurt Road section 10. This is an award under the New Jersey Department uh of Transportation Municipal Aid Program. And this has to be a standalone
ordinance since it has a since it is associated with a specific state grant. And 26-09 is the bond ordinance for everything else that has been approved by the mayor council and the citizens budget committee for the budget. that includes
vehicles, equipment, scanning of of records, and um the community development block grant funded program for um making renovating the bathrooms in the library to be ADA accessible.
>> Okay, this is open for debate, inquiry or comment question. >> Absolutely. Um and this is really for our borrow administrator. So my understanding and I'm just asking if you can correct me if I'm my understanding is wrong. I just want to make sure that
I I'm getting it correctly is that with respect to the bond ordinance, we're issuing bonds or a bond to make up for the a difference or a shortfall between the grant that we're getting for the Bogurt
Road uh construction or improvements and what the actual cost will be. Is that correct? Um when we receive a grant and it's financed through capital, we have to put in the entire amount and um
what under the U municipal aid program, the state grant only funds the construction. So what we're putting up front is the construction cost and soft cost, meaning the engineering for surveying, design, inspection, project closeout and police traffic detail. Then
once the um with this type of program, we apply for the grant, we receive the award um the engineer has to send the bid specifications for the state to approve before we can go out to bid. And then once the project is awarded and
completed, they submit documentation to the state and then the state um wires the bureau the the award amount. If we spend less than the award, we will only receive what we spent in in construction.
>> But are we spending more than the award? >> No. This total amount includes the section 20 cost, the professional cost that the grant doesn't cover. But we're not putting we're not spending more in construction. >> No. What I what I mean is
>> you have to bond the whole cost. >> Actually, you have to bond more than the cost. >> That's what I'm saying. >> Yes. You have to bond the project as a whole even though we're receiving a grant for it. >> Right. But the grant is not covering the whole cost. >> No, it only covers construction >> which is why we have to issue the bond.
>> Correct. >> Okay. So then my question is since there's a cost to issuing a bond, right? Is there a surplus somewhere else in the budget? money that we anticipated would be spent but maybe are not going to
spend that can be applied to this project as opposed to issuing a bond which is going to cost us more money >> with the with the municipal aid program as well as community development block program. You can't mix and match money.
So, it's not like that's why it has to be a standalone ordinance. And it's not like if we are purchasing um a vehicle and the vehicle came in $20,000 cheaper, can we apply the $20,000 savings to this type of project? We It cannot be mixed.
>> And what about if we issue the bond and there's a cost to issuing the bond? Can we use that? I don't want to say extra money, but money that was anticipated to be spent on something that doesn't get spent. Can that money be used to pay the cost of
the interest on the bond? >> That was an answer for a question for the CFO who happens to be >> and he did raise his hand. So, >> Oh, great. Okay. Sorry about that. Hello. Um, yeah, I can uh clarify a little bit.
>> Chris, for the sake of the public, please uh state your name, your uh the entity you represent. Uh so the and your role in the burrow. >> My name is Chris Katali and I'm the chief financial officer for the bureau. >> Um
the what the ordinance that you're adopting tonight, it's an authorization of debt. So by adopting the ordinance tonight is not immediately determining that we are going to bond for that money specifically. It is giving us the ability it's it's giving us the
authorization to do so as needed. So um when we don't spend uh money on projects that we think that we're going to spend or if we say we're going to authorize $400,000 on a project that only ends up costing $350,000. when we cancel that $50,000 balance, it
just reduces our total debt authorization. So, we never actually go out and borrow the money if we don't have to. So, the the the short answer is there there's not an available cash on hand to
be able to utilize to pay interest or anything else like that. um it's just a it's just an an authorization for us to um borrow the money as needed to pay for the projects. So once the projects are underway or completed
uh we'll we'll usually have a float of cash on hand to be able to pay for those projects. But but we have not been authorized to um to tax the taxpayers for it. we've been authorized to issue debt for it and we will pay the debt off
um based on the amortization schedule once once we have that. So, uh it's a a little bit complicated. There's a deep rabbit hole that we can go down to to to really discuss it. But we we do housekeeping every couple of years, if not every year. You'll see cancellation
resolutions on your agendas for old projects that we didn't move forward with. And the result of those cancellations is that it use it's used to offset uh the debt authorization that it that was issued by adopting that ordinance. >> Okay. So if I could just follow up to
sort of cap on this and >> pause though, will the record show that Councilwoman Dory Wall is now present uh on the deis. Go ahead. >> Yeah, I definitely don't want to go down the rabbit hole. I'm not sure which screen to look at to talk to you Chris, but so forgive me if you see the back of my head. Um, so what we're doing by
adopting this ordinance is authorizing the issuance of the bond. Theoretically, not necessarily going ahead with that, but correct me if I'm wrong. I think it's fair to say that we will go down that road. Yes. So, the
ordinance is actually doing two things. A, it's authorizing the appropriation, which allows you to go out to bid for projects. It allows you to award contracts. That's the most important component of it. The second is that it authorizes me to issue debt as needed. Now, the the initial debt that we issue
is short-term debt. It's only got a maturity of one year. So, if I were to borrow the full amount of the project because we are pretty confident that that's what it's going to cost. And then there's some change order that reduces it. My largest exposure is one year of interest on the delta between the
project award and the amount that I borrowed. I would never borrow it in advance like that anyway unless it was a large enough project where we didn't have the cash flow. But that would be your your your biggest exposure. We don't permanently finance which is when we finance for uh the duration of the of
the useful life of the projects, the blended useful life of all of our projects uh until the projects are long completed in most cases. Uh there would have to be a really unique situation for us to do that in in advance. But but I guess what I was getting at was that the money that we're we end up
not spending that we thought we might be spending or we we anticipated we budgeted for if there is surplus money. My understanding from the borrow administrator is we can't just take that money and apply it to the project. But
can that money be used to pay down that debt? The reason reason why we use it to apply and pay for that project is because it's not cash. It's just a it's just an authorization. So that's that is unlike what we're we're introducing our budget
tonight that we are raising in taxes. So anything that we that we uh raise in taxes is actually cash on hand. But the bond ordinance is just an appropriation. We are not raising that in taxes until much later. So the the two are
completely independent buckets. So um we we we wouldn't really be in a position to be able to pay with our operating dollars for capital projects because they're usually not in the same realm u from a cost perspective and it would be
uh it wouldn't be advantageous for us to do that um based on the useful life of the projects. So last question, how much how much do you estimate the issuance of this bond will increase our overall debt by
approximately how much? That's a that I I couldn't I couldn't even approximate that today because we wouldn't we wouldn't realize the cost of it until the projects are completed. So it will be less than what
you're authorizing in most likely. And then based on the projects that we that we uh cancel, we will we we would take the blended useful life of all of the remaining projects. And that's what will determine how far we're allowed to spread the debt out. So if our average
useful life of all of our projects is 10 years and we've authorized a million at by the end of this, it'll be $100,000 a year roughly in principal plus the interest at the time that we borrow the money, right? Which so the whatever the interest rate is in that year and then
that is locked in for the duration of that amortization schedule. >> Thank you. Thank you, >> Chris. Uh I I'm going to if I can for the public's benefit uh Councilman is uh Chris basically what we're doing is
we're creating a line of credit but we're not drawing on that line of credit. Would is that a good uh normal analogy that that the homeowner might be able to understand? You go to the bank, you get a line of credit, but you don't actually don't use any of it. The money
is there, but it's not it's not debt that we have to pay back because we haven't spent any of it. It's that it's I I I usually use a very similar analogy. Yes. What what what we're doing is we are we are putting our putting our uh our bid in for the house that needs
some construction. We're getting a construction loan on it. And then once the construction is done, that will determine the total amount of the permanent that we roll into either our mortgage, which is going to be permanently financed, or we'll have to pay off that short-term loan. In the case of municipalities, we don't pay off
the short-term loan. we roll into permanent financing and pay it over the useful life of the project. In the case of a mortgage, it would be 30 years. In the case of some some of our projects, it's usually between 10 and 15 years. But yes, mayor, that's that's the perfect analogy. >> But it's not like we never use it,
right? >> No, there there are times we never use it. So for instance, say >> the community, >> say we were going to say we decided we wanted the crane for the for shade tree and say like like the fire truck. We're
going to authorize debt over say a three-year period to buy a million dollar crane. Okay? And at the and then the council changes. There's an election. The council changes and the council the new council decides, guess what? We don't want a crane. We're going to lease a crane when we need it. So,
we're going to cancel all that debt authorization. Well, it never impact the we never got the money. Doesn't it's not in our pockets. It's not in our bank account. It is not affected the public other than it affects the budget because
um it what is it Chris? 5% of all capital has to go into the operating budget. >> 5% is our down payment requirement. Yes. So, we put that 5% in the operating budget, but we never spend that either. >> Right. Right. I understand that. But I but this is but this ordinance is for a
specific project. This bond is for a specific project. >> Yes. But say that for some reason we never do that project. Says >> right now we're anticipating doing it. I'm saying >> right now no money has changed any hands
and no debt has occurred. No interest is occurring. >> Right. So, >> but at some point it might. That's all I'm That's right. the only thing I'm trying to clarify. >> And for the public's benefit also, the reason we have to do this is because we, unlike a homeowner, can't buy something and then pay it off over time. We are by
law required to prove that we can pay it off before we actually spend it. >> So, we don't have technically a credit card. we have instead uh we have instead um uh a line of
equity if we actually move forward with it. >> Right. But the intention is to move forward with it. That's all I'm trying to say. It's not a hypothetical. >> It's not. >> Yeah. Okay. >> But next year's council, if if the project doesn't actually begin during this year's council, next year councils
could cancel it. And the public has to understand that. That's >> the role of the six of you. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> And if I can just say one more thing. >> Sure. Go ahead. >> In section three of the ordinance that you're referring to, um, it does
indicate that, you know, the total appropriation is $327,000, but we're only authorizing the issuance of $90,000 of debt because that's the difference between the grants. So in this particular case and the reason and every grant is different so I I don't want you
to take this as um you know all-incclusive but in this particular case it's a DOT grant. The DOT grant gives you 75% of the payment upfront when you award the bid. So we don't need to authorize the issuance of debt on it. So in section three of this ordinance it
says that it's only 90,000. 90,000 is the difference between the grant amount and the total appropriation. And again, we're not going to borrow that money if we don't need to. >> Got it. Thank you. >> Cool. All right. Any other comment,
question or um debate? >> All right. Um we're Can we move all three with a single vote or do you want separate votes because it's a first read? >> So, you just want to make sure I >> come.
Okay. Um, madame clerk, could you please roll the uh call the role for ordinance 260 Oh, hold on. Is there any member of council who wishes to have a separate vote for 2607, 2608, 2609? Seeing none, we're going to move all
three as a single vote. Madame clerk, please call the role for ordinance 2607, 2608, 2609. >> Councilwoman Montasano Cohen, >> yes. >> Council President Canella, >> yes. Councilwoman Malari, >> yes. >> Councilman Glass, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Darwal, >> yes. >> Councilman Ferris, >> yes. >> Okay, we have a second reading in a moment. Could I have a motion and second to open the public on this ordinance only? Uh, the following ordinance published here within was first read by title on March 12th, 2026 and posted on
the bulletin board outside the clerk's office. Ordinance 2606, an ordinance to fix the salary, wages, and compensation of the officers, employees of the burough of river edge in the county of Bergen in the state of New Jersey for year 2026. >> So second.
>> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Does any member of public uh can we check online wish to ask a question or make a comment about or actually it's just uh make a comment uh for ordinance 2606? Please raise your hand electronically or
come forward if you're present in the chambers. >> Seeing none, could I have a motion and second to close to the public for ordinance 2606? >> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Okay. Uh we are open for debate. Is
there debate? Is there inquiry or comment? Not not a debate, but if uh the borrow administrator could re remind us what it is and remind the committee. >> We just did do that. Thank you for reminding me to do that. Um madame administrator. >> Yes. This ordinance establishes the
salary range for the dual title of uh police department records clerk/ police department records custodian. >> Okay. Comment, question, debate. >> Seeing none, madam clerk, I call the question. >> I need a motion in a second to >> Oh, that's right. We didn't do that. So
sorry. Could I have a motion and second to adopt? >> So move. >> Second. >> Madame clerk. >> Councilwoman Maran Cohen. >> Yes. >> Council President Canella. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Malari. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Glass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Darw. >> Yes. >> Councilman Her. >> Yes. >> Okay. Can I have a motion second to introduce uh resolution 26107 introducing the 2026 budget, miss budget?
>> So move second. >> All in favor, please. But no, wait, hold on. Uh it's been moved and seconded. Can you bring Chris back up? >> He's here. He's >> Is he still there? >> He's there. >> Uh Chris
>> and we're going to do that. Chris, if you could just uh do a brief synopsis for the public of what we're hope to achieve through uh resolution 26-107, introduction of the 2026 budget and why we're introducing it now and uh what
might and and the process that moves forward. >> Well, we're hoping to introduce the the the budget for 2026. Um we had uh you know a 4-hour meeting
on on Saturday uh March 8th which followed many other meetings between uh department head staff uh council members finance committee etc etc. Um we are landing at a 4.57%
increase um in the total budget. Uh the this is we're actually maybe one meeting ahead of what the state schedule is. Uh the state schedule requires us to introduce our budget by the first meeting in uh first regularly scheduled
meeting following March 31st. Uh which would be your first regularly scheduled meeting in April. Uh so we are a little bit ahead of that which is great. Um we will be uh if we if the introduction passes tonight we have 28 days before
the public hearing. Um in our case uh I think it's going to be a little bit more than 28 days. Just checking the meeting uh schedule here. >> April
23rd. >> April 23rd. >> Did I hear somebody somebody say the the meeting date over there? It was uh so we'll be on April 23rd is the is the uh public hearing. Um that's when anybody
can can speak about the above the budget and uh we will adopt it at that time and then we'll be operating on our our adopted 2026 budget >> and this uh this process that we used included citizens from the town who were part of it. Correct Chris?
>> Correct. The uh the citizens budget committee was present for the Saturday March 8th meeting. They gotten all the paperwork and all the hundreds of pages of document documents in advance. And one of the critical factors that uh created the budget that it is was a um
were were uh several factors uh contributed to the budget the way it is that were above and beyond and out of the control of the burrow. Correct. >> Yeah. Yeah. That so I mean we $473,000 out of the $763,000
uh767,000 increase was medical all by itself. Then you have >> you didn't have any authorization with that. That was that came from the state uh as a 37% health benefits increase. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. Uh that's important for the public
to understand of that. Um and you said the increase was about 700,000. >> The the total increase of the budget was 767,000. That's the amount of additional uh revenue we're going to raise in taxes. Um and and the medical portion
was 473,000 of that. >> Yeah. So I just want the public to appreciate that. I want to thank uh the citizen budget committee. I want to thank the uh finance committee, the budget committee. I want to thank the council. I want to thank all the department heads and all those who
worked tirelessly to bring it in as low as we could. And uh I I think that's that's very important. Is there debate, comment or question from the council? >> I have a question, mayor. Um, when if
you mentioned 25 days, I'm just curious why the budget sits for 25 days. >> It's state statute. >> Okay. >> State law requires the public Chris, uh, the budget is on the website already. >> Uh, I'm not sure if it's on the website. If it's not, it will be.
>> It'll be. So for the public's benefit uh we once we introduce it it will go on the website it will be available public on de upon demand the public can then has enough time to digest it according to state statute and that's why the uh open hearing occurs after the
introduction and that's why there's essentially a month difference between the introduction and the adoption for public comment correct Chris >> that's exactly right yes >> okay any other comment question debate
Okay, Madame Clerk, roll call, please. >> Sure. Councilwoman Monsano Cohen, >> yes. >> Council President Canella, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Malari, >> yes. >> Councilman Glass, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Darwal, >> yes. >> Councilman Feffer, >> yes.
>> Okay. Uh, we have resolution 26-108 through 26-117. We're going to read 117 into the record just for transparency sake, but we're going to move all of them unless there is an objection. Does any member of council wish uh and of course we're
going to come to questions and comments and inquiry. But does any qu member of council at this moment have a request to pull any of these resolutions out for a separate vote? Okay. Does any member of council wish to ask a question or make a comment or
enter into debate? I do I do have a question for clarifying question. >> Um >> resolution >> uh resolution 26 111 >> which is the approval of 100% disabled
veterans tax exemption by title. Yeah, your question. >> Yeah, I I just want to make sure that this is um if the VA can confirm if this relates to a request we entertain a few meetings ago uh about a disabled veteran. If not, could you please explain?
>> No, this is a a different request. This is um a veteran who applied um and received confirmation from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, notified the tax assessor that um this veteran is uh 100%
totally disabled and qualifies under state statute for the 100% tax exemption. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Any other inquiry, comment, debate? Uh, could I ask the finance chair, our
council president to read into the record 26-117, which is one of the resolutions that we will be moving simply for transparency sake. >> All right. Thank you, mayor. I'll be as I'll try to be as accurate as possible. I forgot my glasses today. So, um, with
that said, at a regular meeting of the mayor and council of the burough of Riveridge, county of Bergen, state of New Jersey, held on March 26, 2026, be it resolved that the mayor and council of the burrow of Riveridge approve the following expenditures. Current fund $576,382.77.
General Capital fund $290,957.99. Grant fund $3,2827 Animal Control $115.80 Trust Other $18,75316 Developers Escrow $1,730. Self- insurance trust $20,218.
Recreation Trust $4,217.50. >> All right. Uh, all in favor? Oh, I'm sorry, Madame Clerk. >> We need a motion and a second. >> That's right. Could I have a motion in a second? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Madam clerk. >> Councilwoman Monsano Cohen. >> Yes.
>> Council President Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Malari. >> Yes. >> Councilman Glass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Darw. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Feffer. >> Yes. Oh, I'm sorry. I recuse myself. I recuse myself
from all the bills pertaining to recreation. >> Great. All right. Uh we come now to uh new business. Boy Scout reusable bag collection request. >> Yes. Um the request has been slightly
amended. Um this boy scout is seeking to as part of a project to collect um reusable plastic bags. The original date was to be this Saturday. Um and because there is the 250th event and and the egg
hunt uh there's a lot of activity. Uh so instead of the parking lot, the old American Legion parking lot, they were going to hold the collection in front of the library. However, the request has been amended to be held on April 11th. That's also a Saturday. And the request
is to since there isn't much scheduled to happen that day, um to hold it at the two spots at the far end of the American Legion lot and if the governing body grants this request, um the troop has to file the hold harmless agreement and
provide a certificate of liability insurance which is reviewed by our risk manager. >> Okay. questions, comments, thoughts? >> Good idea. >> Is that part of an Eagle Scout project? >> I would assume so.
>> Yes. >> Okay. >> And we we have traditionally always Eagle Scout and Gold um Gold Star. >> Gold Star Gold Star. >> All right. Um could I have a motion and second to uh approve the request as amended? >> So move.
>> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Hearing none is unanimous. Is there any other new business? Councilman Fecker, this would be time to ask a question if you wanted to ask a question. >> Sure. >> Regarding um comments made earlier
today. >> Okay. Can I start with a question not about comments made earlier today? >> You can do what you wish. Uh >> anything. >> Well, I mean, council comments is separate from new business. If you're if you're simply going to make a comment, then it should wait to council comment.
If you're thinking about making a motion, then it should happen under new business. >> Okay. So, I'll put the other issue aside and I'll stick to what we discussed earlier today. >> Okay. >> And before I make a motion, I just want
to preface it with a question. >> Absolutely. That's your progress >> for our attorney, borrow attorney. Um the this whole thing about religious symbols and and what's religious, what's cultural, and what we allow and what we
don't allow. I think in at least in my opinion, but I know in a lot of other legal opinions can become a bit of a morass because the Supreme Court has issued conflicting decisions. Courts have issued conflicting decisions. Um
and uh there's there's no one overarching rule and maybe that's not even possible given the nature of this topic. Um, so having said that, um, and
not to put you on the spot, but my the question that's in my head is how do we decide what is a religious symbol and what is not a religious symbol? Um, when
when we say as a as a burrow that I'm going to call it a Christmas tree because I really think that's what it is. When a Christmas tree and a monora are not religious symbols, how how does that get decided based on
what criteria? Because my understanding of the Christmas tree and the manora are that they represent holidays, Christmas and Hanukkah. Those are religious holidays.
And I I'm not saying we shouldn't have those symbols. I would like us to be neutral on all religious symbols. I don't I'm a separation of church and state guy. I don't think government should be getting involved in promoting religions.
But once we have the tree and the manora, we've already stepped into it. We've opened the door to that. And to say that the Christmas tree is really only a holiday tree. the manora is somehow not a religious symbol when it
it clearly celebrates a religious holiday represents a religious holiday. Once we do that, once we open the door, I'm trying to get a a clarification on how do we decide who gets excluded and
who doesn't? And and the flip side of that, and then I'll stop. I if if we're going to say we're okay with a Christmas tree and a monora as religious symbols, and I know that we're not saying that, then we
clearly have to let any religious symbols be displayed. We can't discriminate and promote some and not others. The problem is, the dilemma is that once the town tries to kind of monkey wrench the whole thing and say, "Well, these
aren't really religious symbols." So, we could display cultural symbols, but not religious symbols. And then we have people coming here to say the crescent is a cultural symbol, not a religious symbol. Now, we've got to choose which which
side are we on? Which path are we taking? Because if we're saying the tree and the manora are cultural and not religious, then it seems to me we have to let other cultural symbols in. If we're saying the tree and the monura
are religious and not culture, then we have to be open to religious symbols. And so, how do we thread that line? How do we define that? >> Uh before you answer, I want to correct the record. >> Okay. Uh the council has asked for a
legal opinion. That legal opinion is several pages long. >> I've read it. >> Okay. Uh and the council has adopted a policy based on the Supreme Court decision that the holiday tree which is not a religious symbol. >> Speaking as a Catholic and a former
priest, >> is not a religious symbol. >> Okay. You will not get any bishop, American bishops or the pope to say it's a religious symbol. It is not. But it represents a religious holiday >> that it's not a religious symbol.
>> Okay. But it represents a religious holiday. That's all I'm saying. >> Is also from the from the from the the council asked for opinion. The opinion came back that the Supreme Court designated these two items as not
religious. And based on that record of the council and the legal opinion given to the council, the council has decided to create a policy that we are not going to have any religious symbols. These are
not religious symbols according to the Supreme Court. I can't speak for the minora, but I can speak with some authority about the Christmas tree. We call it a Christmas tree, but it's it's not a religious symbol. It's in Macy's. It's >> Rockefeller Center. >> It's a Rockefeller Center.
>> And they both call it a Christmas tree. >> They do. Absolutely. >> Christmas is a religious hub. >> I'm simply setting the record straight because where the council came from. The council came from a Supreme Court decision that was given to us by a legal opinion. There are a lot of cultural
things that uh that may or may not that's for our attorney to say but the action that we took was based on a legal opinion that was based upon a Supreme Court decision. >> I understand that's the that's so we're
not the council is at this point not in murky territory. We're in very clear territory but that is debatable. If the council wishes to change its policy decision, they may do so. And I'm simply stating what we've been told in the past
and that's my role as mayor. >> Absolutely. I appreciate that. >> Not Reggie. >> I mean, actually, I have nothing to add. I have something to say. We're having discussion. >> Can we can I just hear from Can I just get an answer?
>> Discussion about this. >> Yeah. So, Reggie, uh, you know, um, I offered simply a history where the council was. If you want to reiterate the legal opinion that we have, um, to some degree, that that would be good. If you want to affirm anything that I've
said from the history, not from I was not offering a legal opinion. I was simply offering >> context of how the council came to its current policy. >> Sure. >> Only, >> right? And the only thing I offered with any authority was that a pine tree is
not a religious symbol. >> But a Christmas tree is. Would you grant that? >> No, I would not. Just because you call it a Christmas tree because it it I know I have lots of Jewish friends. >> Mhm. >> Who are who are some of them are
Orthodox who have pine trees and they would be very clear that it is not a Christmas tree that it's a holiday tree. >> Yes. And I'm simply saying that's the context from which we currently work. Now, if this council should choose to change his position, that's okay.
>> Well, that's why I'm trying to flesh this out a little more because if we're going to even consider changing our position, some of us may feel we should. Some of us may feel we shouldn't. I don't know that yet. I don't even know where I'm going to come down. But I
would like to have a clear statement opinion if you can offer that. And if you can't that's that's fine. I understand I certainly understand why it may not be possible. But if you can give us an opinion on how do we how do we
make those determinations as to what is a religious symbol, what is a cultural symbol, what we can display, what we can't display. So there's two parts to to that question. I think an opinion can likely be offered with regard to that to
further guide the council. I don't think it is productive or wise to spitball it right now. Um because again an opinion has already been answered. >> It might need to be refined in this
particular context. Um but at this point I don't think I am comfortable enough to give that guidance such that the this council would then want to act on it at that point and I think that would just be ill advised no matter
what. >> I appreciate that >> u because it is not one that >> you you can just do off the cuff. >> Right. >> No, I appreciate that. >> Particularly given the gravity of what the question is. >> Absolutely. Um but I would say in echoing what the uh uh mayor stated is
that we are getting into more the realm of policy and so those things you know every other thing aside it is the council's uh uh purview to say as a policy we want to do this or we now
want to move in a different direction. >> Uh and I have no opinion as to that direction right now. >> Thank you. I just can confirm what the mayor said with regard to the current policy. >> Yes. Thank you. Appreciate that. >> I just >> And I do for the for the record, I'll
just say this real quick. I do for the record and for the public. When I asked uh Mr. Shadenian last time, he was very clear that if we wanted to change the policy, we could consider doing that. So, um and
that wasn't said for any applause line, but that is what he said. So, >> and I restated that during my right the >> So, despite the memo that we got and despite the Supreme Court rulings, >> no, not despite
in in respect to the memo because the memo also says that we have the option to change it. It's not despite the memo. >> It's the memo states that the council can choose. >> Agreed. >> A different policy. >> Agreed. Accepted. Thank you. Just to reiterate, the mayor has said that every
single time we've had this discussion >> and and that's I think a good thing that it's not it's not something that is so set in stone that we can't change it. And someone might make an argument that
well we better follow this case or that case because we're opening ourselves up to a lawsuit. an argument could also be made that if we continue this current policy, we're opening ourselves up to a lawsuit. Um,
that's aside from just the question of what's fair and what's not fair to our neighbors, which is another part of, you know, this discussion. But I'll stop. I know other people have questions. >> I think it's good. We have to have these
conversations. Obviously with these things sometimes, you know, emotions can run very high and it's important to make sure we're doing the right thing. I just, you know, me, I'm like the technical guy, so I just want a data point. If I understand correctly, if you
don't mind me calling Reggie. Um, so there's been a ruling at some level, if I understand correctly, by the Supreme Court that a like the mayor said, pine tree and a manora are not religious symbols.
Has the has there been any um rulings with respect to any other symbols? I just want the data. >> You see, and that's one of the questions. >> There's only been a pine tree and a minora that the Supreme Court has ruled out.
>> Those are the ones that uh garnered particular focus of those decisions. >> Okay. >> Um in this context and not it may have been at some point in time that wasn't the subject of of that. Uh but that is one of the pointed questions
as to your question. Okay. Well, what now? What is the criteria? >> Yeah. Why did they only rule on those two objects? I'd like to know if that were really >> in the may because that's what was directly before. >> Yes, that's >> um so which is again why this is not
going to be fully fleshed out this evening because that is another wouldn't be flippant about it but that's a different rabbit hole to go down to ultimately get to the the answer to give them the proper guidance to this
council. I'd like to just add something because it it was uh Reggie, correct me if I'm wrong. It was uh litigated many many many times. There were municipalities in New Jersey and throughout the United States who are putting a crash. Now, a
crash is basically a a um short hut with Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the baby, the three wise men on borrow property. And the Supreme Court was very clear that you can't do that. And so that doesn't occur. uh and the reference I made before if uh if we're talking about a a
period of fasting similar to Ramadan but not equivocal because Ramadan is particular to Islam. Uh that if we're talking the similar Christian experience of that would be Lent and that would be putting a cross on the front on the
property uh usually with a purple uh statue I guess on it. So and that is also not permitted because uh because that that clearly is a religious symbol. Um so just saying that for context so
people understand that you may not put those two Christian symbols >> on uh and you cannot put a star of David on on burough prop >> which also is not a religious symbol a star of David. So I mean we could that's why this is a
morass because you can debate these things. What is religious? What is not religious? We have to have some sort of framework so that >> well we legal opinion which I I recommend that you reread. >> I I've read it. I've read the Supreme Court cases. I've talked to borrow the
burough attorney about it. Um it's not a question of reading it or not understanding it. The question is that even the content of the memo and the content of the Supreme Court cases leaves the question open and that
>> I agree with that. Uh um but I would say that's true about almost everything. >> Yeah. Could >> my my point now is we need to return to uh to our process. Our process is we we've we've answered those questions. We've stated in context the current
position of the council. We stated in context that that position could change. I don't think there is anything that we're in disagreement about right now. So, Councilman, do you wish to make a motion? >> Well, my motion would not be to
reconsider the policy at this time. Okay. My motion would be that we allocate some portion of time and that's very amorphous right now, but it now is obviously not the time. But we we need
to address this issue and have in my opinion a more clear uh policy than the one that exists now because we have a diverse community. We have people who are already coming here tonight and have come here before
representing a lot of other people who are asking for certain consideration and I think our policy is a little too amorphous right now. Our policy is not clear and and that means that it's vulnerable to being misinterpreted
and I think it it could be misinterpreted as as exclusive. So I I I go you you know you >> I would say that our policy is not amorphous. I would say our policy is very clear. Would you >> that that's that's exactly what I was
going to say. It may be disagreed with but in terms of what the policy is in its scope. It is it is very clear that there has been a pronouncement that there are two symbols that may be displayed. Um and that is
>> that part is clear >> right and that is in conjunction with the rulings that have come out of the courts uh given that it is also clear that anything that is not those two is excluded. >> I'm sorry >> is excluded. Anything that is not those
two are excluded. So the policy is very clear and the policy reasoning I believe is very clear. >> When just just when you say anything that's not those two is excluded that's the policy. That's not what I'm saying. Okay. That's not what the Supreme Court has said. >> No, but that's our policy.
>> That is our policy policy. I was putting it back into context. That is our policy. It's not amorphous. It's not unclear. This body has the authority to change that policy. >> Yes. >> That's why I asked you if you wanted to do a motion. Now, I can help you with this. Do you wish to make a motion to
reconsider the policy, which would then trigger a request for uh for further guidance? >> No. because that will be voted down. >> Okay. >> So my my my motion is >> an agenda at some future date a
discussion on this. That's what I'm saying that we should set aside some time on an agenda to discuss this policy and and look at the policy to see how it can be improved, modified, replaced, whatever we or kept
the same in light of the fact that we have a sign in my view a significant number of people who feel that our current policy is excluding them and treating them unfairly. >> Okay. And so I think we need to at least
have a intelligent and thought out time to discuss this. >> Okay. So uh a motion has been made. Are you making >> that's a motion. >> Is there a sec? >> Second. >> It has been moved and seconded. Is there
debate? >> There's no debate. I just want to say that once we do that, we are creating a president that we will have to actually live with and whatever guidance comes out of this will open the doors for all
the religions and we will have to treat religion because you brought it up not the symbols religion treated equally which is fine >> but it's something that >> this council will leave other councils with and I just need you to understand
So I guess now is not the time really to discuss that. >> Actually something in context though that that that guidance will if we actually proceed with the the change of the policy >> and that's what we should discuss. >> That policy will tie other councils and is something that we need to think
>> and my motion is not to do that or not to do that. My motion is that we discuss it. >> Yes. >> And like Mr. Prefer Councilman Per had mentioned last time that >> actually your motion isn't to discuss it. Your motion is to add it as an agenda item to discuss it. That's a small distinction, but it's an important
distinction. >> Well, not to discuss it now, but to put it on the agenda for further discuss what you articulate that >> the policy that exists now and whether it should be uh maintained, modified or replaced.
>> Okay. Um so just for clarity sake um this is a perfectly legitimate uh valid motion. Uh are within this motion are you looking for um further legal opinion what what
would be the preparation for this meeting because other than what we already have? >> Are you looking for us simply to rehash what we already have? >> No. or are you looking for us to discuss something something in addition to this?
And if so, what do we need our professionals to provide the council in order to have that discussion or do >> I mean the people can offer amendments to my motion, but I feel like I'm ready
to discuss it. I don't need further information to discuss it. But if people feel that it would be helpful to have greater a more thorough or in-depth legal analysis, I'm open to that. I don't have a problem with that. >> It's to vote. Um if you want to debate,
that's fine. Um because this is a motion and what you would say, I I move to oppose this motion on for and then you can say whatever you want as once you're recognized. Anyone wish to enter debate? I just want I just just for
clarification this is our policy right so you're saying you want a discussion to change the policy because not you >> because obviously you have opinions about foreign policy so you want to change the policy >> but I'm open to discussing it that's my point so that's why my motion says
maintain no maintain the policy modify the policy or replace the policy those would be that's what my that's what would be on the agenda a discussion about the policy whether we should maintain it the way it is, modify it or
replace it with something totally different. >> I I don't think we can modify it in terms of what we just discussed because as um Lisa said, it's either all or nothing. There's not necessarily like, oh yeah, we'll we'll have these symbols
in or these symbols in and not these. >> Well, that would be changing the policy, >> right? So that's what I'm saying. That's that's what you're >> I my motion at this time is not to change the policy. My motion is to set aside time on the agenda to have a discussion about whether the policy
should be changed. >> But you're not looking for additional information or a legal opinion. >> I'm not opposed to additional additional information is always good. >> Prior to you already discussed went through the legal opinion and discussed. So anytime a new member comes in and want to revisit
>> this is this is not >> can we go over this like >> that's not what's happening because there's a lot of >> that's what you're doing you're saying I don't want additional way councilwoman >> you're saying I don't want additional opinion but I want to discuss what already
>> let me clarify I'm not saying I don't want additional >> you wish to yield the floor to uh council >> I I just want to spend 30 seconds to answer council member Molinari I'm Not saying I don't want additional information. I'm saying we should have a reasonable discussion just like we're
having a discussion now. And if the council wants or feels they need additional information from a legal uh representative from our attorney, I'm not opposed to that. >> But that's what I'm saying that the council had the discussion, the members at that time had the discussion, the
attorney's opinion and a memo and made that decision for that policy. >> Yes. But circumstances change and information changes. requests every year and we maintain but it's not been made every year. >> I think that's that's
so here's what I recommend. >> Let's get more information. >> Let's here's what I'd like I'd like to suggest we amend your >> um proposal >> motion motion. to include >> our um and if you everyone agrees that
let's vote on this if see if there's agreement on this that we find out what other municipalities I once vaded on what other municipalities in New Jersey are doing and why and why their policy potentially conflicts with ours if any
of them do let's have that data let's understand that data and that can maybe enhance that's a reason to have discussion right so to find out if other and and why if they're doing it differently, why like did some other attorney um issue some legal opinion
that conflicts with what what the opinion we're we're complying. >> Okay. >> So, we have a motion to amend. >> So, maybe that's a reason for discussion. >> So, we have a motion to amend. I would just clarify that our policy is not in conflict with any other party because we
are a separate entity. You're simply saying uh your motion if I may correct it is to gain information about what policy other municipalities have chosen differing policies they have chosen to do because it's not in conflict because it would we we don't
>> conflict's not a good word differs if it differs >> differs. Okay. So now we have uh so we now have a motion to amend. Now is there a second to amend? If there is no second then it fails.
>> Second is we are now on the uh motion to amend. Uh it is open for debate. Is there debate on the amendment? If there is no debate then we will go to a vote. If the if the if the if there
are yays then we would then return we would then be um we would then return to a debate on the amended motion. If it fails, then we would um uh we would return to the original motion so that everybody understands what we're doing
according to Robert's rules. So, is there a second to amend? >> So, now I have a question just procedural. The the amendment is adding to >> altering the motion,
>> right? to say that as part of the discussion, correct me if I'm wrong, as part of the discussion that that the motion wants to put on the agenda, we would do this. >> Is that right? I'm asking the maker of the motion or the amendment >> as part of the discussion. We would
would solicit >> the mayor's offering >> that we >> No, I'm not offering. I'm clarifying. >> Let me let me >> Yeah. Okay. whether we want to put this on the agenda as an item for discussion. And I'm saying if it's going to be an item for discussion, it should include
new data. That's that's my suggest that's my amendment suggested amendment to the >> okay motion to the motion. >> Is there debate? If there's not debate, we go to immediately to a vote on whether to amend or not, not to approve.
Uh so is there debate? Is there comment? Is there inquir? >> Wait, sorry. What do she >> Okay, Robert's rules get a little confusing. I'm very good at this. So, what we have is a motion. And the motion is should we do something or should we
authorize something? Got it. Okay. >> In this case, it would be to enter into to review our position and and so what we're doing is asking what Councilman Feffer is doing is he's making a motion that we should revisit something that's
already been decided. You as a body should decide whether you wish to revisit it or not. If it seems unclear to you or you you see some reason to do that, you would then vote yes. If you don't, you would vote no if you're satisfied with our current policy.
However, Councilman Glass has now offered amendment. According to Robert's rule, we have to deal with amendments to a motion. And so what we are considering now is should we amend the motion that Councilman Feffer has made and we're
doing it by addition. You can do it by addition or subtraction. Okay. So it's that we would we would put on the agenda a uh a review of what was uh what is our current policy uh with new data. And the
data that was specifically requested was what are other towns doing? what is their policy and if we can figure out why they're doing that policy. >> Correct. >> So you're now if you're going to debate it, you're debating on the merits of >> motion to amend.
>> The motion to amend. I'm trying to put it in other language because she uh because when someone asked you if you simply repeat the answer that you're not clarifying. So uh you're what you're what you're deciding is do you feel that this merits a qualification? Because
what we're what Councilman Glass is doing is qualifying Councilman Feffer's emotion. Now, that doesn't mean you're going to vote yes for it. That just means yes, you see some you see that there is some validity or some some
value to clarifying or um narrowing the motion that Councilman Feffer originally came out with. If you want to debate it, you can. You can also just simply move uh we can simply vote on it. If you're unclear about it uh or you want to if
you want to argue for it or oppose it, you can do that too. So my question is, do you wish to debate argue for it or against it? Do you wish to ask a clarifying question or do you wish um to offer a comment?
>> None of the above. >> Okay. If there is if there is none of the above from everybody else, then we would be voting on whether to narrow the motion. Not to approve the motion, but to narrow the motion.
>> I'm not sure it's narrowing. >> It is in this case because you had a very broad and he's now making it more specific, >> but it's not limiting the discussion. >> It's not limiting discussion. >> Okay. So specify >> it's collecting additional
>> data or information >> quality. >> I'm good with all that teachers. >> All the above teachers >> teacher is on hyperdrive right now. Okay. So um so uh madam clerk uh because could we could we have um a quick roll
call on the on whether to amend the motion or not? >> Okay. Councilwoman Monsano Cohen. Can I make a comment if I say yes? >> Okay. >> If I say yes or no, >> you you can make Yes, we're going to allow that. That's not normally part of
Robert's rules, but at this point >> at this point, >> perfect. So, >> I will I I say I I will say yes just for two reasons. This is a recurring issue that we need to address. It has come forth to this body many times. Uh and it
has to be addressed. I am not prepared to make a decision without the new data point that council glass. So I in a fully agreement with a revised motion provided that we have the professionals involved in that
discussion. >> Council President Canella. >> Uh yes, but it doesn't mean that I'm going to vote yes for the entire motion. >> No, it does. >> Right. This is >> the amendment. >> Choose the amendment. Just >> councilwoman Malari,
>> yes to the amendment. >> Councilman Glass, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Darwal, >> yes. >> Councilman Feffer, >> yes. >> Okay, now we're uh now we're on the motion as amended. Do we wish to debate it, offer comment, or ask questions on
the U motion as amended? >> Okay. Uh, Madame Click. >> Councilwoman Montano Cohen, >> yes. >> Council President Fella, >> no. >> Councilwoman Malari, >> no. >> Councilman Glass, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Darwal, >> yes. >> Councilman Feffer, >> yes. >> Oh, this is great for me, huh? >> Four. Yes. better. >> No, I didn't know you were there. >> You're off the hook. >> You're good. >> Okay. So, um so what we're going to do
is we're going to look at our agenda. Uh Councilman Feffer, uh do you feel that this is something that needs to happen immediately or uh depending on the uh amount of I because it's it's probably going to be a 40minute discussion. >> I I think we need time u to do what we
>> just have to get prepared. >> Yes. For the attorneys to prepare for Mr. glasses process to >> So, how about since we're in March, how about we look to do it in uh in May? Well, by that time we'll be done with the budget. >> Yeah, >> we'll have enough time for our professionals. Uh so,
>> makes sense. >> Um Bug. >> Yeah. >> Um so, Richie, if you can tell John that uh and Lette, if you can do uh and uh actually it would be through the clerk's office. So, um Ann, would you please uh
um send an email to the other clerks of um of the municipalities around us asking uh to state their policy and if they can, what was the reasoning behind that policy? >> And that would fulfill the amendment. Correct. >> Thank you, mayor.
>> You're welcome. Are we all good? >> Yes. >> Well, this was fun. So, is there any other new business? All right. Is there any old business? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Sure. >> This Saturday, >> that's comments. >> Oh, that's comments.
>> Okay. >> Is there any other old business that we would take action on >> that you want to revisit? Okay. Council comments. Councilwoman Darwal. >> This Saturday we have uh with the from the River Edge 2 USA 250 committee. It's
the kickoff event which starts at 10:30. Um and it's going to be many different ethnic groups which are part different communities I would say which belong to river edge are coming together they would be displaying there would be food there would be music um you know just
just please come please show your presence and uh it because this is all river edges there would be a roundt discussion you're all everybody even the public anybody's welcome to join that uh again starts at 10:30 please park legally because there would be many
people Thank you. >> What's the location? >> It's celebrating River Edge. >> It's location is River Edge Library. >> Thank you. And I have to apologize in advance. I will not be able to attend because we're moving on Saturday. >> Oh, congratulations. >> Yeah. Fine. We're five months into our
fourmonth renovation and >> it's about back into our house. >> 25% over schedule is not bad. >> I'm above it. >> Well, if you are looking for some Indian snacks or Hispanic snacks or like you know, anything you just Go ahead. >> Thank you. Any other uh council
comments? >> Yes. Sorry, PI. Uh I know it conflicts a little bit because you're starting earlier on um on Saturday, but uh the annual egg hunt is on the same day >> at 12. At 12. >> And it is very nice because they're going to cross. People are going to come. They have
>> fingers, right? Yes. Yes. The full day. So, but it does start at 12 and it goes to two. >> Yeah. So, that's why I said that, you know, I mean, it's more parked legally. Park legally, please. We'll have lots. >> Yes. >> Good advice.
>> Good advice. And of course, be mindful of children, especially on Continental Avenue. >> Yes. >> Hopefully they'll pass at the crosswalk. But of course, >> and if you do not know the Riverdale Crier, if you know the crier, the Riverdale Crier and the Bergen County Crier will be there. Oh,
>> very nice. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Anyone else? All right. Uh, very, very good. Okay. Okay. Uh, could I have a motion and second to adjourn the meeting? >> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I.
finish because