So >> call to order. I call the Jul July 9th, 2026 mayor and council meeting to order. Um we stand forction. >> Sorry. Um uh let's have a moment of silent reflection for the burough residents
impacted by last week's heatwave and July 4th storm. Um also the um those who died in the Venezuela earthquake. I call on um Councilman Feffer to do the
>> I pledge allegiance 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. [clears throat] >> Um statement of compliance with open
public meeting act. This meeting complies with the Open Public Meeting Act by notification via the January 9th, 2026 and January 16, 2026 Sunshine notice containing the location, date, time, and assess information to the
town's new to the town news and the record and by posting of same on the municipal bulletin board and burrow website and filing a notice of the same with the municipal clerk. Roll call. Um, Lzette, can you conduct a roll call?
>> Council President Canella >> here. >> Councilwoman Monsano Cohen >> here. >> Councilman Glass >> here. >> Councilwoman Darwal >> here. >> Councilman Feffer >> here. >> Okay. Uh, approval of the minutes. May I have a motion and second for the
approval of the June 25th, 2026 minutes. >> So, >> somebody has to second because I have to abstain. you know, I need to abstain. >> No, pretty. >> It was the last meeting. >> Okay. >> So, what happened to the meeting in the
in between which I didn't attend? >> Those minutes are um haven't been done. >> Okay. >> I I >> Okay. I need to abstain from the June 25th meeting. And as council president, I have to uh abstain as well. I will not hear.
>> Um Oh, all in. [laughter] I >> I >> um so public comments on any item on the agenda. >> Um may I have a motion? >> Any item? >> Um
>> any item? Yeah. May I have a motion and second to open the to the floor for public comments? >> So move. >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Just uh state your name and address. [clears throat] You have to press the button
>> there. There. There it is. You're good. You're good. >> It's on. It's on. >> It's on. You're good. Okay. Um, my name is Marge Burns. I live at 236 Wales Avenue in River Edge. I'm about 10 houses from where the fire occurred. And I just wanted to come and let all of you
know what a phenomenal job the firemen, volunteer firemen did, the DPW, the police. It was it was unreal. Absolutely unreal. Uh, I never thought with a a
rainstorm like that, it didn't occur to me that anything was happening until I went to my kitchen window and I saw through the the yards going from woodland and whales in the yards. I could see flames 10 ft high.
>> And truthfully, it scared me to my core because it's been dry. Yeah, we did have rain, but I thought if the wind kicked up again, I envisioned Los Angeles. >> I really did. I thought we were done.
Uh, I ran outside. I saw fire firemen coming down, fire trucks. They had the pumper in front of my house because two doors from me, we have a a hydrant. God bless him. He kept they kept trying
to screw it on and get the get the hoses out and move the truck down to the to the dirt path that goes to the junior high between Wales and Woodland. But they were dealing with the public because there were a lot of kids roaming
around. I mean their kids. It was 4th of July. It was early evening. But what got me were the people that were driving down. That really blew my mind. And unfortunately, I thought about
uh auxiliary, if there were auxiliary around that maybe they could have gotten a handle on that quicker. I don't know. But um they were actually telling them turn around and go home. And I don't think people really
wanted to uh hear that. and the hoses were in the street. And then finally, I guess they put something up on Elm to the police, maybe they put barriers up or something cuz then all of a sudden it it had quieted down and word got out.
But Facebook is a is a two-edged sword. It's great for information, but on the other hand, it's a happening. And it's a happening at somebody's unfortunate expense. And that's what saddened me.
But I wanted to let all of you know what a phenomenal job, the volunteer firemen and the DPW and the police, all the services. I did not go down to the site. I couldn't because it looked like a huge fireworks display at the end of the
street cuz all the wires were on fire in the street. And I went down Sunday night early evening and and and got down there and just take took a peek. But it was mind-blowing. It was really mind-blowing. And thankfully
we didn't have have it occur during school time >> because that our street gets a little bit busy and woodland because of the traffic for the students uh parents getting them in. But I I just wanted to
let all of you know that this was I I'm here 49 years and I've never seen anything like this. This is this is stunning. It really is. And we're very grateful that we have a good town like this that has good people, good workers.
Um we took took it upon ourselves, my husband and I, to clean up our property. I was talking to this other young lady here and she was telling me that they did the same for a neighbor and all that and we were all trying to do that
because we knew the DPW they weren't going to come around. >> It was just there was a lot of a lot of debris. >> A lot of debris. But I don't want to take up too much of your time. I think I got my three minutes. [laughter] >> Okay. But I came this evening because I thought I actually thought there'd be
more people here. And I'm so grateful that they sent out word tonight that the Fifth Avenue will be open because we, you know, we do have the um car show on Sunday >> and that will be that'll be something that hopefully people will come out and
support after all of this uh horror show. >> Thank you so much. >> You're welcome. [clears throat] >> Thank you much. Yeah, it's great that you came in and I mean these guys deserve huge recognition >> and it's great to hear from someone in the burrow.
>> Not only that, somebody that was there close enough to witness. >> So, thank you so much for being here. >> You're very welcome. >> Thank you, March. >> Let me see if anybody >> not that I talk social media, but they've done a lot a lot on social media and at the news as well in the in the
regular press as well. and deserve. >> I mean the GoFundMe I mean they opened that right away and so many people jumped on that and it's such a great thing >> and there are other new GoFundMes to the other families that were impacted as well. >> Yeah. >> Someone asked me if that was legitimate
>> because they said there's sometimes fraudsters that come. >> That's true. Yeah. >> But is it do you know if it's >> I don't. That's a great question. >> Who created it? You know the lady that created it, right? Guys, I just want to see if there's anybody in the um on
online that needs to say anything. >> Raise your hand. >> Seeing none. Okay. >> Um make a motion to close to the public. >> So move. >> Second. All in favor? >> I.
>> Thank you. Good night. >> Good night. >> Good night. >> Good night. Um monthly reports, land use board minutes of May 27, 2026 and historic commission minutes of June 23rd, 2026 and the tax
collectors June 30th, 2026 report are on file in the burough clerk's office and available for review. Um we go to resolutions. Um we're just doing it all in one, right? Okay. Uh resolution 26-199 to 26203.
Um, may I have a motion and second for the approval of uh those um resolutions? And we'll read the payment of bills resolution into the record. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> Okay. Um,
>> do you want to read it first and then >> No. Do you want to ask I if I need to abstain? >> I need you have to read it first. just read it and then I have to read it first and then u maybe Dave you want to read it and I'll just second it since
I'm sure >> at a regular meeting of the mayor and council of the burrow of river edge county of bourbon state of New Jersey held on July 9th 2026 be it resolved [snorts] that the mayor and council of the burrow of river edge approve the following expenditures current fund
924,551.79 general capital fund Fund743,912. Grant fund $164.39. Animal control $12. Trust other $2,254.77. Payroll $25,93.64. Developers agreement $935.
Recreation trust $7,81425. Yum. >> Thank you. >> Okay, let me do roll call first. >> Okay. Okay. Council President Canella. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Montasano Cohen. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Malari is absent. Councilman Glass. >> Yes.
>> Counciloman Dario Wall. >> Yes. But I want to abstain myself from all um resolution and the bills pertaining to recreation department. >> Councilman Feer. >> Yes. [laughter] Um, so since there's no old or new
business, old or new business, uh, I'm opening it up to council comment, but I'm going to do it by seniority. So, um, >> sure, >> Councilwoman Montson, Senator Cohen. >> Sure. So, I want to echo what the community has been outpouring,
support, and, uh, thankful to our first responders and DPW. As leation to the DPW, I am going to read uh a report from DPW Superintendent Jason Milito into the record. On July 4, 2026 at approximately
8:00 p.m., the Department of Public Works was called into service by the River Edge Police Department due to a sudden severe storm that caused significant damage throughout the middle and northern sections of River Edge. The storm resulted in numerous down trees, fallen tree limbs, and substantial
debris that created hazardous conditions on local roadways. DBW crew responded immediately and worked through the weekend and into the evening of July 5th to restore safe conditions for residents. The cleanup included eight down trees, two uprooted, six broken at
stalk, and two required cranes for removal. 12 major limbs broken out. will have to remove four more trees because of the lean losses and 20 plus branches down hanging branches with an estimated total storm cost of $20,000. Superintendent of the Department of
Public Works, he is proud of the leadership demonstrated by the tree foreman Eric Phillips under his supervisionary coordinated the response efforts were working alongside the crew in multiple capacities throughout this storm cleanup. Their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork ensured that
the work was complete completed safely and efficiently. I would like to extend my personal sincere appreciation to the following employees for their standing efforts during the July 4th weekend. Starting with the superintendent, Jason Milo, Eric Phillips as Foreman, Kenny Moors,
Ben Muan, Anthony Troselle, Anthony Naam, Roger Tarpy, Matthew Farley. Their willingness to respond on a major holiday weekend and work long hours under challenging conditions reflects the commitment and professionalism of the reverse department of public works.
In the week following the storms, the residents requests concerns will also address by the rest of the DPW staff. Again, special thanks to the entire DPW team as they strive to ensure that all residents are safe and that roadways
remain accessible during emergency events and throughout the year. In addition to the uh individuals that I've named, I also want to individually recognize Rick Steven, Lisa Hesman, Miriam Fab Fabisc, William Camera, Peter Stitz, Eric Schultz, Daniel Decker, Mark
Ritney, Frank Gallagher, Edward Hazuka, Justin Fiero, Thomas Lesk, Diego Japz, Anthony Lee, and the rest of the DPW team for their efforts, their work, and their dedication to our community.
Um, in addition to that, I want to also read an advisory that just came out from the DPW about an hour ago. All our roadways have that were closed as a result of the recent storm have been reopened with the exception of Woodland Avenue. Uh, Woodland Avenue will
continue to be monitored. The water company is expected to complete its repairs and reopen the roadway by approximately 1000 p.m. tonight. um residents who are still without utility service to contact the respective utility provider directly for
updates and to report remaining outages. Lastly, I would like also to thank the library for opening its doors to the residents that needed to charge their devices, cooling off um and have a place to work during those days that uh a
number of uh residents didn't have electric power. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, Councilman Grass. >> Thank you, Council President Canella. So, I was in town on July 4th and it was really bad.
We had severe conditions. I mean, like we just heard. Um, you know, the eyes were popping out of my head. Um we are incredibly lucky to have the um resources we have, the dedication we
have from the members of the key departments that responded. Um I want to make special note. I'm going to read you a message from our police chief Walker. Um, but special, very special recognition goes and I know every one of
these guys and they're incredibly dedicated, incredibly hardworking and they're protecting us every day. And their response to this event was swift and uh just uh exceptional. And um the folks that I
want to recognize specifically are Lieutenant Zettes, uh Lieutenant Body, Sergeant Diamond, um patrol officer Lee, patrol officer Duran, patrol officer Riley,
um and Detective Peterski, and also dispatcher Lopez, and of course Chief Walker backing them all up. So, this is from from our chief. Um, I'm going to read it directly to you guys.
Um, on the evening of July 4th, River Edge experienced a fastmoving and severe storm that swept through the north end of the burrow, resulting in numerous down trees, down power lines, and other weather related emergencies. These conditions ultimately contributed to the
house fire at 822 Fth Avenue. Throughout the event, the patrol division was responding from call to call, addressing the many incidents that the severe storm often create. I'd like to make the mayor and council aware of the exceptional efforts of several members of the River
Edge Police Department. I just um listed those for you guys before. Um as well as our law enforcement partners during this incident. Sergeant Diamond was the tour commander throughout the storm. Despite his patrol squad being short staffed,
as three of our four patrol squads are, he effectively triaged incoming calls, assigned personnel where they were most needed, and addressed each incident with focus and professionalism. Sergeant Diamond was the first River Edge police officer officer to arrive in the area of
Woodland Avenue and Fifth Avenue for down wires. Upon arrival, he quickly determined that a residence was actively on fire and immediately requested the necessary assistance from the River Edge Fire Department, mutual aid partners, and other emergency services. His prompt
assessment and decisive action ensured that the appropriate resources were dispatched without delay. While the River Edge Police Department was managing both the house fire and the numerous storm related emergencies, Detective Peterski was actively assigned
to the Bergen County who was actively uh assigned to the Bergen County rapid deployment team elsewhere in the county was monitoring River Edge police radio traffic. As a command staff officer with the RDT, Detective Peterski recognized that River
Edge was being overwhelmed by simultaneous calls while contending with a significant structure fire. Detective Peterski brought these concerns to his RE super supervisor, Lieutenant Chris Whiting of the Burden County
Prosecutor's Office and received authorization for himself and approximately eight additional RDT members to respond to River Edge to assist. Their assistance proved invaluable in helping the department manage the extraordinary volume of
incidents. Among those responding from the RDT was patrol officer Moolik of the Pramis Police Department, a former member of the River Edge Police Department. Officer Molech was assigned as the law of enforcement liaison to the family displaced by the houseire.
He was able to locate the family who had walked to a nearby neighbor's house. Working closely with Detective Peterski, he provided support to the family and coordinated police escort to a friend's resident, ensuring they were safely
relocated during this difficult time. Lieutenant Zimemedi, also off duty when the storm began, observed down utility wires at the intersection where the house fire subsequently occurred. He immediately notified dispatch of the hazardous conditions. After Sergeant
Diamond arrived on scene, confirmed the fire, and requested the necessary emergency response, Lieutenant Zumemedis recognized that the incident had transitioned into a major fire operation. He responded to the River Edge Fire Department command post and
represented the River Edge Police Department. His presence at the command post allowed Sergeant Diamond to remain focused on coordinating the many other simultaneous emergencies occurring throughout the Burrow. the coordinated efforts of Sergeant Diamond, Detective
Peterski, Lieutenant Simettes, our patrol officers, and our regional enforce law enforcement partners exemplify the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication displayed during this challenging event. Their decisive actions, effective
communication, and willingness to go above and beyond assured that the burrow received the highest level of public safety services during an exceptionally demanding evening. While no one ever hopes for incidents of this magnitude, I, Chief Walker, am proud to say that
the members of the River Edge Police Department consistently demonstrate their readiness to meet whatever challenges come their way. Their professionalism and commitment to serving our community are a credit to this department and to the borrow of River Edge. Sincerely, Chief Walker. I
couldn't be more grateful to these guys. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman Glass. Uh Councilwoman Darw. >> Thank you, Council President, Mayor Pinsella. um being a being a lesson on
to the River Volunteer Fire Department. Um here's a little note from uh Chief William Sanders. On July 4th, um they dispatched at the area of Fifth Avenue and Wales Avenue for a reported house fire. Chief Sanders arrived on the scene
and discovered that the severe storms had caused a tree to fall onto the power lines, bringing live wires down onto a residence and igniting a fire. As a result of the electrical issues, two neighboring homes also experienced basement fires creating a rapidly
expanding incident. Firefighters were faced with significant significant challenges as energized power lines remain down on the involved home and burning in the street, limiting firefighting operations until utility crews
were able to secure the power. Due to the complexity of the incident and the extensive resources required, the fire was upgraded to a fifth alarm, bringing mutual aid companies into River Edge to assist. Even as many as those same
departments were managing storm related emergencies in their own communities. Um, one firefighter sustained a non-lifethreatening injury and was transported to Hackinack University Medical Center for evaluation. We um again he thanks Orael Fire
Department, New Milford Volunteer Fire Department, City of Hackinac Fire Department, Paramis Fire Department, River Edgepa and Tene Fire Department. Also upon asking if he would like to acknowledge one or two or few, he said all firefighters onsite and offsite. Um
and it's it's a it's a salute to all of them for their dedication and hard work. As of today, all power has been restored by was restored by 9:00 p.m. on Monday. The water company is still working in the area. All streets with the exception of Woodland by 5th are open. OEM is
applying for aid for both the burrow and the homeowner at 8225th Avenue. The firefighter that was injured is back to full duty. Unknown about Verizon and Optimum if they have issues with each other. This is from the Riverage Fire
Department and again uh personally and um I I would like to thank the whole department for their courage their dedication even if they were onsite or offsite but they were they were 100% ready to uh go inside the danger when we were um actually celebrating July 4th.
Uh there is a little note from uh our captain Nicole uh being a lesson on to the reebas uh river edge um ambulance service. Um this is a note from them. The storm caused much chaos for the residents of River Edge. All emergency
services were worked well together with the devastating fire. Leas transported one firefighter with minor medical from the fire. Leas returned to the fire scene and remained on scene assisting with rehab and support services for the
firefighters. It was a great assistance from Hackinac Hospital, Emergency Management, Holy Name EMS, and Holy Name paramedics. So, thank you to Reas for being there. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um, Councilman Becker, would you like to
say anything? >> Sure. Just briefly, I mean, I certainly echo everything that's been said. Um, I don't have a formal statement from anyone to read. Um, but I'll just uh if you would indulge me for 30 seconds, I I do want to just echo the the gratitude
that everyone has expressed. Um, and you know, this is something that is is kind of a historic event in River Edge in terms of uh how rare it is, but also how severe the impact is and how many lives it touches.
This one incident touched so many lives and even if you weren't directly impacted, you feel the impact because you know it's it it reminds all of us that things that we take for granted can be put in jeopardy at any moment. Um,
life is unpredictable and so we we uh shouldn't take for granted all the people that rush to the scene when everyone else is rushing away from the scene. Um, that's something that's special. That's something that we should
always be grateful for. And and um, you know, just if I may on behalf of the council, just wish the family well. I mean, this impacted directly a family that lived in that house. Thank God they're safe. Um, and it's it's just a
tribute to the town that so many residents came to their support. So many neighbors who didn't know them and don't know them, but felt that this was a community and we all need to have each other's back. Uh, and the last thing I'll say is I just thank um Marge Burns
who came earlier. uh not many people show up to these meetings, but she made a special effort and took time out of her evening just to come here and and say thank you to the people who helped out. Um and maybe more
people can think about doing that in the future. Um, but certainly, you know, to the folks out in the public who may be listening, um, if you see a firefighter or a DPW worker or a police officer or, you know, a medical person in the
community just doing their job on a normal day, just say thanks because they're the ones who are going to be there for you when you need them. So, that's all I have to say. Thank you. >> Thank you, council members. Um uh I will just say that it is true like it it's
rare that someone comes into the council meeting and actually has something >> positive >> positive to say. Um uh but it was refreshing and well um well said uh I will say it's it shows it's an testament to
how when something tragic is happening everybody can come together. every every single department came together to work and help the families that were affected. So, I'd like to say thank you to every single firefighter, police
officer, OEM, um, library, um, revas. Oh, I'm know I'm going to miss someone. Am I going to miss someone? DPW DPW. Oh my god. Yes. Sorry, Jason. Um, and crew. uh but every single member of those organization really came together and
helped uh any and every resident that was out there. So thank you. >> And uh on just a side note there is Riveridge car show. Yes. On Sunday July 12th it is at Riverdale High School uh premises and uh Riveridge 250 committee
is recognizing uh the car which is the most patriotic. So, um, please be there 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. And, uh, it's lovely. The community is there. Lovely cars over there. And hopefully we have a beautiful weather. >> That's great. Do you have to do you have
to tell do you know how many cars are going to be in the running for the patriotic cars or just >> I don't know. Yeah. Whoever shows up with the patriotic theme. >> Yeah. >> Okay. If um if that's it. Are we good? >> Motion. >> Okay. So, motion to close.
>> So moved. >> Second. All in favor? I >> turn. >> Good job. Congratulations. >> You did it. >> 7:31. >> 7:30. >> No, I thought the last meeting was
shorter than >> Are we sure we covered [laughter]