call to order the meeting of the mayor council. Okay. >> Okay. Meeting of the mayor and council obver. >> So anyone currently have is anyone signed into this meeting currently in this room?
participants. >> Dan, are you muted? >> Which that person? >> Oh, no. I'm not. Okay. >> Attending. >> Okay. Uh, again, uh, welcome to the regular meeting of the mayor and council
of Burve River Edge, um, River Edge Library, 685 Elm Avenue, also on Zoom. Um could we please stand for a moment of silent reflection uh for our country for the world
especially as the UN meets in New York City or hazmatian would you lead us in the flag 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. >> All right. Statement of compliance with the open public meeting act. This meeting complies with the open public meeting act by notification on January 6, 2025 of this location, date and time
to the town news in the record and by posting of the same by the municipal bulletin board uh and the burough website and filing notice of the same with the municipal clerk. Madame clerk, roll call. >> Sure. Council President Monttoano Cohen
>> here. >> Councilwoman Canella >> here. >> Councilwoman Malari >> here. >> Councilman Benson >> here. >> Councilman Glass >> here. >> Councilwoman Darwal.
>> Mayor Capileo >> here. All right. Um there we go. I have mine now. Great. Um, we have uh first we have approval of the minutes. Could I have a motion and second to approve the minutes of the mayor and council regular meeting
and close session of August 19th, 2025 and the regular meeting of September 4th, 2025. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. Mayor, I have to abstain for September 4th. >> Okay. Well, we have the
>> Yeah, there it is. Great. Uh with without object, you also >> two because that will be >> very good. Without objection, we're going to move an item from the um resolutions to the beginning of the meeting to uh approve um where is it?
Here >> there it is. 246 uh to approve the appointment of a volunteer firefighter. Uh is there objection? Hearing none. It is so moved. Could I have a motion in a second to approve
resolution 25-246? A resolution. Hold on. Let me just make it a little bit bigger for myself to see. a resolution uh approving the by the governing body of the Burough River Edge that Alfredo Navar uh hold on
>> uh B and here is hereby appointed as a firefighter in the River Edge Volunteer Fire Department effective September 25th, 2025. Do we have a motion and second? >> So moved. >> Second. >> It is moved and second. All in favor, please say I. >> Good. All right. If I call the entire
fire department up and uh Alfredo and his family and Alfredo, if you can stand right at the edge of the table and if the fire department can fill in behind right there with mom and dad. Alfredo, um would it be okay for your family to hold the Bible while you take the oath? Okay.
So, if I could have mom and dad over on this side and if you can hold this, right, we'll let the fire department fill in and so we'll make sure that everybody can see. is going to help us a little bit.
>> All right, great. Now, for the purpose of the Oh, I don't think we got all the firefighters in just another. >> All right, we just um we need for you to move because you're blocking the camera. >> That's all right. >> A little bit more. Great. And I'm going
to step out of the way, too, so that uh the firefighter is a scene. Uh but then you'll look at me so you can turn. So, put your hand raise your right hand. >> Right hand. Put your hand on the Bible. Okay, this is great. I state your name.
>> I, Alfredo Navar, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> of the State of New Jersey. that I
>> that I >> will bear true faith >> bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the government >> and to the government >> established in the United States >> established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people
>> under the authority of the people >> I state your name >> I offer on the bar >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties perform all duties >> as a firefighter
>> as a firefighter >> of the River Edge Volunteer Fire Department. >> of the River Edge Fire Department. >> volunteer fire department. >> Oh, >> that's okay. >> That's all right. To the best of my ability. >> To the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me go. >> Congratulations.
So, it is because of volunteers that we have a outstanding, in my opinion, the best Bergen County Volunteer Fire Department. And Chief, if you could speak a little bit to Alfredo and to the public. >> No, we're just delighted to have Alfredo
join our department. the officers and I have been very aggressive with our uh recruitment program and we're just proud to have you join our family. >> There is a signature. >> All right. And mom and dad, thank you
for raising such a great young man. >> All right, everybody. Oh, do you want to No, they took >> pl I have grace. Great. >> All right. >> Now, you are more than welcome to stay and watch the rest of the boring
meeting, but you may want to go out and celebrate with your family. >> Take care. >> Congratulations. I remember you being my kids fifth grade math teacher. >> Alissa Vasquez and Julian Basquez.
>> Oh my god. She's in SCAD in Savannah, Georgia. >> Oh, wow. >> Savannah College of Art and Design. And he's in Felician. He's a freshman this year. >> Anyway, I I saw your Mr. Papo and then I saw the title. I'm like, he's the mayor.
>> Congratulations. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. >> He's awesome. I see you. >> Yes. Right. >> All right. Yeah. >> All right. Everyone, uh, we have a presentation, the River Edge Swim Club
lease. Uh, who will be leading that? Come on up. Everyone who is going to speak, please come forward at this time. And if you're not going to speak so that you're not sitting by yourself, >> come in. Sit down. >> Sure.
>> And pull more chairs around. That's why those three chairs are sitting there all by themselves. There's a nice seat here. >> Awesome. >> Good. pull those three seats up. >> All right. >> So, uh, bill requires for you to state
your name and address. >> Uh, I am Teresa Donahghue. >> Yes. >> 485th Avenue in River Edge. >> Teresa, I'm glad you're here. >> All right. >> Good evening. Thank you for having us, mayor, and the
members of the town council. I'm the current president of the swim club. With me tonight are Bob Bolerman, our business manager. Bob >> Miriam Miguel, our treasurer. Miriam >> Samantha Berman, our secretary. >> Hi Samantha.
>> And Colleen Schwab. >> Welcome. >> Is our person that does a million things at the pool. >> Would you just move the mic over a little bit? >> Go ahead. For the past 64 years, the Riverhead
Swim Club has been a cherished part of our community. Since May of 1961, generations of families have created lasting memories, spending their summers relaxing with friends and neighbors at our idyllic location along the Hackinack River. My husband's family was one of
the first to join, and they spent many summers at the pool raising their eight children. Having lived in the town for 45 years myself, my family has continued the tradition. The swim club has proudly served the families of River Edge, teaching countless youngsters the vital
life skill of swimming. Many of these individuals later return to the pool for their first jobs as lifeguards. We hold many fond memories within our grounds and we are hopeful for many more years to come. River swim is fiscally sound. We operate
completely in the black and we have 100% of our bond money. Should a member choose to resign, their bond money is returned to them promptly. There are not many clubs left that can say that. We respectfully request a renewal of our
lease with no increase in the rate so that the future generations of families can continue to experience the joy of spending their summer days relaxing at the RECC. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else would like to
speak? So, um, Lette, before we open to the council to ask questions, um, uh, we currently lease the land to them for a nominal amount. Is that correct? >> For $51. >> $51. >> Yes.
>> And we also, I think, uh, they're part of our insurance, correct? >> Partially. Yes. >> Okay. And so, uh, the renewal would be essentially asking for the $5001 to continue. Correct. >> Correct. The $51
is the rent, but also includes the water charge while the swim club >> water and sewer >> water and sewer. And have the water and sewer remained flat? >> Um, it fluctuates depending on the year, but it has not exceeded the $500 portion.
>> So, it seems a reasonable request. Yes. Any member of council asked wish to ask a question? Make a comment. >> Taxes. >> And taxes. >> And taxes. >> And taxes. >> Taxes. >> Yes. Taxes. >> Okay. >> Just one question. How long has it been
$5001? >> I'm not sure. Probably with the >> since 1992 when our new lease uh it was $1 prior to that 1960 when we signed the original paperwork with the town. Then
we got our another extension on lease 90 92 I think it was at that time. >> Just have to say your name and address for the record. >> Boberman 95 Kilmer Road Ma, New Jersey. >> Go ahead, Bob. >> Um I'm the business manager. Um
199 uh 1960 when the town leased the land to the to the board here. Uh it was $1 and that continued on until 1992 when they added a sewer charge. At that time our they also took away some of parking
because at that point in time there was nothing down there when we originally signed lease it was gravel road. So that's where we stand at this point you know and we do pay the full amount on taxes. >> Okay. Anything else? >> Yep. >> Any other member from council?
>> Um council glass >> I'm 100% behind it. uh pool is I think a great asset to Lara um and um it's very well >> yeah and I I can imagine how much work
that is too. >> Yes, it is. >> So I just want to thank you. >> Thank you. >> We work so hard. All of us. We work so hard. >> You guys do a great job. >> Really great job. >> We love it. We absolutely love it. We love the place. We take care of it. like >> like it's our backyard.
>> It's ours. Yeah. We really we want to give it make sure everybody has it. But we have >> put our heart and souls. >> Excellent. >> into into this bowl. We love it. Beautiful. My children are fourth generation. So that's something that I'm proud of. My grandparents were original
members, my parents, myself, and now my children. So that's something I would like to continue. So very proud of >> because you spoke, you have to say your name and address. Hey, >> Hamilton 140 Avenue. >> All right, cool. Um, >> question.
>> Sure. You opened up to out of town residents. Is that right? What how many have we gotten? Have you gotten a lot of interest? >> No, >> not a lot. >> Was everybody else around us does the same thing? >> Okay. >> Do you need any of the modifications in
the contract we have with you? >> We need any? >> Yes. >> No, we like to keep just the way it is. >> Okay. Very good. Um, so, uh, Lzette, I I suppose the procedure would be the council move to, uh, have a resolution put on for the next council meeting if
the council isn't so inclined. >> So, could I have a motion second to >> It'll be discussed in close session. >> It has to be discussed in close session, but could I have a motion second to move it to the next council meeting as a resolution pending the discussion and close session? So, move.
All >> in favor, please say I. I. Great. Thank you. >> Thank you very much for your time. >> Appreciate your consideration. [Music] Thank you.
>> Okay. And you have the electronic copy uh from the bequis, right? >> Correct. Did you want me to read that now? >> As soon as we open to the public for any item on the agenda. Okay. Could I have a motion and second from any member of council to open to the public on any
item on the agenda? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Okay. If you'd like to speak, um, please raise your hand. if you're uh electronically or uh raise your hand if you're here present for any item on the
agenda. Not on the agenda, you can absolutely speak again when we open for any item at the end of the meeting. Um we do have one copy of a letter sent about an agenda item. Uh Ann, would you please uh read it into the record
starting with uh the name and address of the person who sent it to us? >> Sure. It's Cindy Uquath uh 7457th Avenue and it's regarding ordinance uh 25-18
which is to amend chapter 384 on the trees. Um she said I would appreciate if you would consider adding wording to the updated ordinance so special circumstances can be considered for exceptions when the tree count on properties is significant. There should
be an ability for those fees to be waved. I am not asking for this waiver to be used when trees are taken down for construction. I have 29 trees on my property. Of those 13 trees are in category 2 which are between 16 in to 24 in diameter. A variety of oaks which are
all which are over 75 ft tall. 17 trees are in category 1 with smaller diameters. Beaches, arborites, aninoi, cypresses, pines, magnolia, junipers, Japanese maple, etc. but are all over 15
feet tall. We've planted 13 new ones since we moved into our home in 2010. We bought our home in a large part due to the trees and other plantings on the property. We love our forestlike setting and we don't plan on taking down any trees unless they are diseased or have the potential to do damage to our
property, our neighbors properties or public access. Thank you for your consideration. Okay, as is our policy, we'll now hear from anyone else who'd like to speak and then we'll close to the public. Any item on the agenda? Would anyone like to speak to any item on the agenda? Uh
there's only one person in the waiting room. Um attendees, I do not see a hand there. So, I think we'd have a motion and second to close the public on any item on the agenda. >> So, second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I.
>> Okay. So, um, Lzette, um, this is a request to make an change to an ordinance we're about to present, but, um, the ordinance only affects those who are, um, doing construction, correct?
>> Now, this is also for, um, a request for removal on private property. Yes. And there's the application fee of $100 a bond for 100. But as long as the trees are replaced, the bond is refundable.
What cannot be planted um then that bond money gets moved to our tree replacement fund. >> But I I guess my point would be this only um becomes applicable if you are moving to remove if you're uh looking to remove trees.
>> Correct. There is um if a tree is hazardous and it requires a removal then that's exempted from the fees. >> Yes. So if a tree was sick or dying as uh mentioned here there would be no bond there would be no fee. >> Correct.
>> So it's exact. I think this addresses uh Mr. and Mrs. bequath's concern, but it is open for the council to discuss it when we go to the ordinance later on in the meeting. If the council feels that this is something we should make a
change, I think it would be a substantive change and so we could not then move the ordin ordinance forward. But I do not believe that this applies to their concern because as long as they're not removing the a healthy tree,
it doesn't go into effect. >> Correct. >> All right. Um any um so uh is there any comment from council before we move on to the rest of the meetings? So, so, um,
the request really doesn't >> apply to that >> apply to the the actual ordinance that we're going to put into effect. >> No, it doesn't. Based on on the way the the homeowner has described it that they have no desire to take down their trees, they like their forest setting, right?
>> So, if they're not and they would only take down trees if they were uh a danger or disease, right? >> And then they would be exempt from the cost. >> Okay. and from the bond. >> So, >> but you know that's something if you don't read ordinances on a regular basis you may not get out
>> right and I make a suggestion. >> I think council president has a slur and then we'll go to you. >> So if I understand in her concern is the exemption right the >> Yes. >> So perhaps she's coming from the ordinance that exists right now in the
world website. Yeah. Which >> this ordinance is revising those exemptions. So for clarity I think um once and if the ordinance is passed it should be communicated to her directly
that that exemption exists in the new ordinance that we are considering tonight. I'm not saying we're passing it but it's cons is in the the new ordinance. I think they'll be watching this, but Ann, if you could reach out to the tweets uh sometime next week or so
and uh share the council president's very good uh thoughts about that, that would be great. >> Excuse me. >> Sure. >> The hazard exemption is already in the current ordinance is in the current code. Again, just because it's there, it may not be something that a lay person
who doesn't read ordinances every day, >> which is why I'm concerned if she's look picking up something that that is in the in the ordinance right now >> that we need to look further. >> Well, the council has the authority uh when we come to the second reading to
pull the ordinance and have it rewritten at that time. So if the council if uh there is some matter that is not clear uh that we're not understanding that would be appropriate for us to rewrite then we can pull in the second reading. >> Okay.
>> And u and uh reissue the ordinance with corrections. >> Well reintroduce it. >> Reintroduce it. >> Thank you. >> Uh Councilman Glass. >> Thank you mayor. No, I was just gonna kind of echo what you and the council president just said. I'd like to see us
reach out to her. >> Yeah. >> You know, because we're having a hard time understanding exactly what the ask is. >> Yeah. >> So, you know, I think that would be a nice proper thing to do is just >> So, do the opportunity to speak directly with someone that's knowledgeable and answer any questions she has.
>> Yeah. >> I think you guys already said that. No, no. It's good to reinforce it because we we very much want the public to understand that we we feel an obligation to listen to them and you know and to act appropriately. So I agree
smart. >> Okay. Are we good? All right. There are monthly reports available uh through the clerk's office tax collector report of a August uh and lus board of August and the health department uh of September.
We have our first readings ordinances 2516 2517 2518. We're going to move them as a unit and we're going to um uh I'm going to ask after I read them all into the record and if I have one member
council move and another member second, I'll ask the uh burough uh administrator to explain what we hope to achieve with these uh new laws or ordinances. So uh please uh allow me read all four into the record before I have a motion
and a second. I call for motion that the following ordinances be introduced and passed on first reading and setting October 9th, 2025 at 7 p.m. or as soon thereafter as a matter can be heard as the date and time in the council chambers in River Edge Municipal
Building, God willing, as the place in Zoom as the virtual platform for the hearing on said ordinances. I will now read all four of them into the record. Ordinance 25-15, an ordinance to um chapter 286 of the
revised general ordinance of the Burough River Edge entitled multiple dwellings registration of ordinance 25-16, an ordinance to amend section 438-4 entitled inspections of
chapter 438 uh of the revised general ordinance of the Burough River edge entitled child care facilities. Ordinance 25-17, an ordinance to amend chapter 206 of the revised general
ordinance of the Burough River Edge entitled fees. Ordinance 25-18, an ordinance amending section 384-7 and 384-8 of article two of chapter 384 of the revised general ordinances of the
burough river edge entitled trees. Please hold for a second. Uh uh Miss um Miss uh Dodd as our clerk, this is the updated version I read. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. Which is different from the
published version that went out to the council. The hard copies. >> Correct. Because I caught the error after those were made. >> And let's just point out to the public where the correction is. Where is that correction? So the the
correction is the date for the public hearing being October 9th, 2025 instead of today and the location the physical location being the River Edge Municipal Building versus the library. >> Just so that everybody understands why
they might see a difference. Very good. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Um could I have a motion and a second? >> So move second. It has been moved and seconded. Uh, madame business administrator, would you please explain what we hope to achieve for each of
these ordinances? >> Yes. The first three ordinances um were based on recommendations approved by the board of health. 25-15 updates the number of apartments in a property that requires the provision for inspection from 2 to three as a multiple dwelling.
25-16 increases the fees for um inspection of child care centers by $25. It is the first increase in 25 years. 25-17 increases various fees for health um board of health permits by about 25%.
Um the last set of increases depending on the activity were um no sooner than seven years ago and no later than 22 years ago. And lastly, the tree ordinance 25-18 um is an update to preserve the tree canopy in the burrow and it includes a
refundable bond requirement for removals on private property. >> All right. Um so it is open for debate. Is there debate? Hearing none. Madam clerk, roll call, please on all four ordinances.
>> Sure. Council President Montasano Cohen. >> Yes. Councilwoman Canella, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Malari, >> yes. >> Councilman Benson, >> yes. >> Councilman Glass,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Darwal, >> are there any opposed or any abstensions? Hearing none, it is unanimous. All right, let's go to resolutions now. Are there any questions from the council
regards to any of the resolutions including payment of bills? All right, we're going to move all of them. Uh, but we're going to ask that uh the um finance chair read the uh the uh payment of bills into the record even though we're moving all of them. So
could I have a motion and second to move 25-244 through 25-253 with the exception of 25-246 which was already been moved >> so second
>> could I ask the finance chair to read 25-253 for um for uh for the sake of um what's the word >> transparency Transparency.
>> Mayor, um, at a regular meeting of the mayor and council of the burrow of river edge, county of Bergen, state of New Jersey, held on September 25th, 2025, be it resolved that the mayor and council of the burrow of river edge approve the following expenditures. Current fund
5,322,21751. General capital fund $23,2460. Grant fund $113,19327 animal control $3.60 60 trust other $1,93752 payroll $23,781.32 developers escrow 68800
$6,83930 recreation truck $8,4985. So moved. >> Okay. Um it's already been moved and seconded. Could I have a roll call, please? Move. >> There was no second.
>> No. >> When I moved the original, I moved them all as a block. >> You excluded 25 plus. >> I excluded 25246 and only 2526. >> They don't need no longer need to second for this. >> No, because we've already moved and
seconded. You simply read into the record for transparency sake. Okay. >> Roll call, please. >> Council President Mons Cohen. >> Yes. Councilwoman Canella. >> Councilwoman Malari. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Benson. >> Yes. >> Councilman Glass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Darw. >> I need to >> recuse. I need to recuse from 25-245
and 25-248 and 25-253 with any bills pertaining to recreation. >> Very good. All right. Very good. Um thank you. Uh we have for discussion
proposed ordinance entitled uh boards, commissions and committees. >> Yes. Um there was a question that arose from a couple of department heads that uh run various boards and committees
about attendance. And in researching further, there was the citizenship uh service act from 2009 that actually went into effect um in which we could put an attendance policy
of um uh declaring a position whether a full member or alternate is vacant if such person fails to attend and participate. um for it originally eight consecutive weeks or four consecutive meetings, but
the law allows the municipality to restrict that further um to six weeks or three meetings. And even though that's a state law, we need to codify it to whichever version the governing body so chooses to implement and then um the
various boards will be notified of this attendance requirement. >> Very good. Mr. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the council should uh use either the less stringent or the more stringent version,
um the option to uh ex uh to um to enact uh to to uh to do that is is left to the council. So even though if we chose the more stringent, we could say uh we could just choose not to uh to avail ourselves
of that option. Is that not correct? in passing the ordinance you can choose either option or once it's chosen if you want to undo it if that's the question. No, no. Say there is somebody uh what was the what was the lesser of two? >> Uh three meetings. >> Three meetings. Someone had missed three
meetings and the council felt that there was extenduating circumstances and chose not to take not to remove them. They could simply by not acting not remove them. >> Absolutely. Because the ordinance presupposes that the mayor and council have the right to determine whether the
circumstances present the basis for removal. It's not automatic. >> That's what I thought. Correct. So I would recommend the council we use the more stringent version instead of the lenient one so that um if uh there removal is is needed especially for a
committee that only meets uh say quarterly we could then take action uh because there are uh there is at least one committee uh that uh meets quarterly and so uh if we use the more uh lenient one
we would have no recourse. course but it is now open for discussion. >> Is that um when we say three meetings is it consecutive or >> Yes. >> Yeah. Okay. >> I just I mean I think that we when we when L said and this came up and we
discovered that there was statue in the books and we needed to quadify this. I think it will help strengthen the committees and commissions uh and ensure that those that volunteers actually that accept being a volunteer meet their commitments. That's that's I think the
objective of this uh ordinance. Um we're always looking for comm members and and volunteers for committees and committee and and commissions. So um I'm totally in in agreement with with that. And mayor, this um is that this extends
to any students who are appointed to committees as well. Correct. >> Any members? >> Any members? Okay. >> Any other comments? So, if the council seems uh to be in uh in agreement, could I have a motion
second to uh to move this to a written ordinance? >> So, move. >> All in favor, please say I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Okay. 100% disability veterans tax exempt letter. >> Um okay. So in the last meeting there
was a resolution in which um authorized the tax exemption for a 100% disabled veteran and it was effective August 1st of this year and the governing body received a letter that's in your packet.
um from said veteran and spouse requesting to extend the exemption to January 1st of this year. >> Okay. So, this has some unique uh as lawyers like to say facts to them,
right? It's facts sensitive. In general, we should um not be uh predating or or going back retrospective to um in in this because it's it's just as he's explained to me, it's it's not really
good policy. However, in this individual case, and correct me if I'm wrong, >> there was an error made by the Veterans Administration. >> Yes. and that veter and so the the person was denied when they should have
been approved. When the individual family fought for their veterans rights, the Veterans Administration recognized its error and then approved. If it had been approved when it was first put forward, the the benefit would
have begun in January 1. So the council has reason if they wish to to um grant the um benefit from January 1. We must grant it because they are entitled to it. The question is are we going to
grant it from >> well it was granted at the last August 1st. Yes. The question is whether it's to be extended retroactively to January 1st of this year. Um, so I think there is grounds for it if the council is so interested in doing
so. Is there interest? >> What's the amount? >> Um, the letter is true. That's true. >> Okay. You're saying that if it if it was originally granted, it would have been
exempt anyway January 1st. >> It would have been Yeah. January 1st. But but the Veterans Administration made a mistake. They corrected the mistake. And so it's not the uh homeowner's fault, >> right? So the amount >> Yeah. the amount wasn't even in the
original resolution. >> I didn't mean to indicate that I don't support this. I was curious what the amount of. >> Okay. Um All right. Um so is the council inclined to have a resolution put on for
the next meeting to uh backdate the U benefit? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All right. So can I have a motion to second? >> Second. >> All in favor please say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Any abstensions? All right. Um so now we have the
cultural center car show letter. >> Okay. Um the cultural center holds an annual car show and um they had submitted a letter stating that um they received a bill from our police department for the outside traffic duty
detail and um they had not planned this. This is the first time that they had been charged. um and based on their budget, they don't have any wiggle room for non-budgeted expenses. In their letter is the first time in 25
years they received the bill and um so it's up to the governing body. The bill was for $1,8768 for um for the sergeant and two crossing guards.
>> Okay. Now, um Lzette, I asked you to um research this and we've talked about it, but for for the councils and the public's benefit, um you spoke to the chief and has this been something that we have charged the car show for in the past? >> The chief did indicate that they did not
build a cultural center in the past. It was only um it was only this year they realized the police department realized that um the cultural center had not been charged for outside duty. And in fact, I spoke to the mayor of Ordell and they too had not charged them in the past and
they too sent uh a letter of request for uh outside duty. Now, Lzette, what do we what has been our practice in regards to nonprofits and uh uh police requirements, traffic and safety requirements? um they at the nonprofit's
request instead of charging the outside duty fee um they would be charged the assigned officer's overtime rate. >> Okay. So um so I think there's a couple things I want to kind of put before the council. One, this was not something
that the cultural center could have anticipated. >> Uh and so I think that there seems to there is reason for latitude in this. Uh again, the facts are that they did not expect this. Two, um we do for
nonprofits regularly um grant them and uh an accommodation that instead of the normal fee, we only charge uh the overtime fee. Yes. >> For the particular officer. >> Yes. >> Um which means no money comes to the
burrow. Um and only the officer's rate is paid. Um, so it's up for the council to discuss and there's room to think about this in a lot of different ways. One way the council could consider this is no, this is uh something that they
should uh pay or that would be the one option. A second option would be uh well, we're we're we're going to charge them for the uh overtime and only the overtime like we do other nonprofits. or uh three uh op third option could be
since they didn't know that this was going to be an expectation we could for this year only not charge them anything and simply absorb the cost because they didn't know it was coming. Uh I personally think the first option of simply telling them they have to pay it
would not be fair in my opinion and the second and third option I think have merit. Um, and I leave it to the council to uh, well, the council can do whatever it wishes, but um, I I would recommend to the council the second or the third option.
>> Question, mayor. Um, so were they did they have a police officers in the past and they just weren't charged? >> That's correct. >> But the car show has been going on for a very long time. No, >> 25 years longer, something like that. >> So they've never been charged
>> ever to the best of our knowledge. We asked the chief about it. And of course, Chief Walker has not been the chief for 25 years, right? But he was an officer um of the department under um you know, uh >> previous chiefs. >> Previous chiefs. >> And this bill, when did this bill go out
to them? >> I think in August >> and the car show had been held >> July. >> July. >> July. So >> So it was after the event occurred. >> So it's retroactive. They had no chance to budget for it or plan for it. Um and they had never been built for it. I I go
with option three that you said mayor um you know put them on notice next year but we'll start charging but for this year >> and that also that they would have to request that we do the lesser rate >> right okay >> and it would not bind the next year's council
>> and just for clarification so other events like the St. Peters Carnival Baron Fest they do request >> Yes. >> Yes. So that being said, they would just be in equal footing with other events >> I would think.
>> So I agree with with Kman Benson with option three based on those facts. >> Can you repeat the first part of what you just said? You gave an example of what was that? >> So there there is a St. Peters carnival and the Baron Fest of the student. >> I I'm glad you brought that up. Um I
think you know we support all those activities uh and the nonprofits but I honestly believe strongly that um our cost should be covered you know whatever cost the burrow is incurring and I think that's
what the mayor suggesting in essence um should they should be charged and they should pay >> this year >> um as long as they're given proper notice and it's properly communicated to uh you know moving forward.
>> So Councilman Benson's motion that we move with option three. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's what I >> Okay. >> Yes. I'm I'm in agreement that they have never been build before, they were not expecting this cost and so as long as they're on notice for next year and they
know what it will be >> and that they have to make the request >> and they have to make the request. I think that's like the other two events. I think you really need to be diligent in collecting all the >> all the events >> on the boards to be fair. >> That's >> Yeah. Well, that we do.
>> That's what that's what I why I brought the violent fest at Carnival. I just want to make sure that everybody's on equal footing. >> So, could I have a motion in second to um to um how would we phrase that?
um wave the fee for this year only and they're subject to it next year. I >> ask a question. I'm sorry. >> Yeah. >> Do we I mean I I How does the cultural center work? Do do we know do we get do we know what their finances are? Do we see their bank accounts? Do they have a
lot of money >> budgeting line? >> They're they're 501c3. They're separate from the burrow. So we don't have access to that. I was just thinking I mean if they they do have a lot of money that you know whatever they might use it for. I could
see where >> well when they make the request next year the council can say we're your request is pending you know a disclosure of your financial records if the council chose to do that. I mean, we don't want to hit them up just because
>> No, no, I I understand. But if they're using money for other things that you know, you know, >> I think the important thing is we get reimbursed for a cost. >> Yeah. And that's what we do >> for that. If if it's an out if it's an
event other than a nonprofit of the town, we just charge them the regular flat rate. So, okay. >> So, um could I have a motion and second uh I think there's a consensus. Could I have a motion and second to wave the fee for this year, but explain to them that
they must petition us every year from this point on to get the lower rate. Uh and of course, it would be then the decision of that council to decide whether they were going to do it or not. >> I'm just curiosity. >> I cannot sorry. We will open to the
public soon but we this is not how official meetings work. >> But also notify them that they will get charged if the >> Yes. >> Right. next year. Will the other um events will have the same? >> They already know it. >> Yes. >> They're already following the procedure.
>> They follow the protocol. >> While that's happening St. Peters by the police. >> Yeah. When did they come to us? About a month ago. >> Yeah. It was one of our resolutions. Yeah. >> So they send the letter, it comes on the
agenda, we consider it and we we it has been our past practice to approve it >> for nonprofits of the town. >> So again, it's just putting everybody in the same >> same group. Police department does a lot for St. Peter.
>> The what? >> Our police department does. Yeah, they really are very helpful with >> if there's a if there is a if there's at any other religious uh institution, any the synagogue, the churches, the you know that if they have an event and they
ask us, we we it's been my 14 years that we've never said no. >> Absolutely. >> So, I have a motion. Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Okay. Is
there new business? Is there old business? >> All right. >> So, uh, as 250 committee, the 250 committee is in leading and I would like to request the mayor and council, we need more members to be, uh, filling in
the 250 to have those activities planned and executed next year. >> If you could please go to your departments if you can or reach out to the public. math departments to our liaison and to the to the public also if
anybody is interested in joining the committee >> led by Eric Mo. >> So if the council could reach out to all their uh liaison ships and ask uh for someone to uh step forward to be a part of the 250th year of the United States
Constitution. Can I also yeah suggest anybody that is listening >> yes >> they if they want to participate there's an opportunity to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US so that's something that should be communicated publicly too not only to the
>> would there would be a table for 250 they're thinking of putting up a table at the river day perfect >> so they would get more information >> okay and how about this Ann can you please send an email to all the department count committees, boards, and
commissions that uh that they should reach out to Councilwoman Jarwall in regards to uh someone who uh could represent them on the committee. >> Sure. >> It'd be completely voluntary. >> Sure. >> Is that good?
>> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Anyone else on council? >> Okay. Could I have a motion and second to open to the public for any comment? All in favor, please say I. >> I.
>> Okay. Um, >> did you want to Yeah, come forward. State your name and address and uh please be seated. Andrew Jaffy, 297 Concord Drive, a resident for 43 years. >> Andrew, I'm very happy.
>> You have two minutes. Just a simple qu I mean I didn't come to ask anything but listen to what took place. So the cultural council is the River Edge Cultural Council. >> Oh well we don't we don't do dialogue back and forth procedure.
>> You just ask and somebody let that down. The car show I think was very successful at Riverdale and if I understood from what I heard not knowing anything a bill was sent out to the Ordell police and the River Edge police.
Is it going to be split evenly? Is there a different pay rate for Oriel police from River Edge since both were at the same 85 90 degree day at the place? So, I just think it should be equitable,
whatever it is. And maybe there's leaning a little more on River Edge since it's the River Edge Culture Club, not the I'm just asking. Just curiosity. Anything else? >> No. >> All right. We have that written down, somebody. Great. Uh because I was
looking for a Great. Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to come and speak before the council >> on any item or >> any item? Hello everyone. Uh my name is Lou Graasso and I'm a managing member of 846 Kinder Realy which owns 840 through 846
Kinder Road, River Edge. It's a mixeduse building with retail on the ground floor and apartments on the second. I'm here tonight to comment about the proposed parking ordinance changes on certain streets which prohibit 9 to 11:00 a.m. parking. The first zone, I understand, will cover streets from Richard Court
through Riveridge Road. All residents in that zone, I understand, will be permitted to park on any street in that zone for the entire day. A change from the presently 9 to 11 excluded. Commuters who arrive who reside on the streets north of Washington would most
likely park on Washington and Lincoln all day due to the fact that those two streets are much closer to the train station. This would result in an extreme parking hardship for the business district located between Lincoln and Washington. The parking for businesses located between Lincoln and Washington
is often difficult now, but spaces are usually available on the side streets. With commuters parked there all day long, this would make an already difficult parking situation worse. I think the purpose of this proposed parking ordinance change was to allow residents to park in front of their own
homes or the street they live on without receiving a summon. This goal could still be accomplished by making two of the streets closest to the train station, Washington and Lincoln, separate zones and have their own permits. This would allow residents to
park on their own street at any time, but prevent streets closer to the train station from having parked cars from other streets. This system would help the business district by continuing to have available parking on the side streets and avoiding customers having difficulty finding a
space to park and potentially leading to potentially business owners vacating their locations. Thank you. >> Welcome. >> All right. Uh, anyone else? Seeing none, could I have a motion second to close to the public?
>> Second. >> All in favor? All right. >> All right. So, the first thing is um each town is its own entity in regards to um traffic and safety costs and each town creates its own ordinances and
resolutions. So, whatever the um police department and council chooses to do is a matter of for them and them alone. Um so, um what was the second question? Well, I think he want clarification
about the cultural center like how it's kind of commissioned, right? >> So, the cultural center has existed for decades upon decades. They're their own entity. They have a >> 501c3 >> 501c3. Um they uh do different events. Uh they
do art events. They do the show. Um this is they're completely separate from the burrow's authority. We uh we allow them to have space in the burrow. We have a house uh off of the library. It's you can see it when you leave which they
rent for like a dollar or something. >> Nominal >> nominal amount. And um and so um so they are not uh technically a river edge entity. They are an entity unto themselves that that are within the
river uh river edge. Um but uh yes uh as to what the Ordell council and police department is going to do, I couldn't say. I will be uh I spoke to the uh the mayor of Ordell about this and I will tell them what the our council has chosen to do. This may or may not affect
what they choose to do. Um but that's uh pretty much it um to the um permits. Um there is an open um um >> Tuesday >> Tuesday uh the 30th there will be a traffic and safety meeting which will
have a town hall uh style meeting. uh the individuals who live on the affected sections of the town. Uh just those blocks that actually have the uh do not park between 911 or it could be others
will be meeting there and you can meet and u make that recommendation. The traffic and safety will then make a recommendation to council and the council will then uh ask Mr. Chenian to draft an ordinance. So, we're not at the point where an ordinance is uh being
considered yet, but uh the council, I think, is predisposed to doing something to give relief to those residents. Uh but your suggestion of a um special district for that one area uh is uh something that you can convey. You
certainly the council certainly heard you and I would recommend that you might send an email to U. Sergeant Diamond and Chief Walker. uh recommending this uh tweak of the proposal and uh I think I
would hope uh that uh we might be able to accommodate uh given the special nature uh the facts of that particular area of town. >> Anything else? All right. Council comments
>> have a comment. Um, just want to thank Michelle Kaufman for managing a very successful 2025 farmers market that ended today, but fortunately had to be >> postponed uh because of the rain that
never came and Steve Charlotte for live music and coordinating other musicians to join us as well. The farmers market committee for their support and especially the community that make the 2025 a successful season. >> Excellent.
Councilman Benson, you were on the cannabis committee, correct? >> Yes. >> Is there anything you'd like to offer in council comments today? >> Oh, yes. Well, today we had the uh well, the soft grand opening of the Sweet Spot cannabis store on Route 4. Um the mayor
and and I uh councilwoman uh Montasano Con was there and Canella was there as well. And um it was very interesting. We got a chance to meet with the team there. They toured us around the facility. Uh they showed us
the back rooms where they the safe and everything. Um and it was very impressive. Um and very exciting to know that this business is coming into River Edge and um and you know we'll we'll benefit from them from 2% of of their sales which will be fantastic and we're
hoping that they have fantastic success. We're feeling very comfortable and confident, I think, having met them that that it will be very successful. So, we urge all our residents who are interested in cannabis and are taking in that potential substance to please uh,
you know, go to our sweet spot store that just opened up Crossroad for a lot of people don't know that's River Edge. Um, I didn't when I joined the council. That whole area with Ethan Allen, those stores are part of our our burrow. This river is actually a peninsula. We're
surrounded on three sides by water. Um, one of the things I want to emphasize is our chief police there was there for the grand opening too and our chief of police have uh met with uh with the uh owners and uh so has uh some the officers in designing their security
system. And in fact, every camera in the building and outside the building is a is um is connected to our own monitoring system at our police department. So the police department have 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, 365 years uh access to all their cameras uh both in and outside the vault, both in and outside the public areas, both in and outside of the building itself. So, it is very secure and the police will be present uh to uh
monitor and control traffic uh at the beginning of the opening and they're opening to the public on Saturday. And council president, uh if you could say a few words about uh the other grand opening we've had today. >> So, we had a reopening of the um Dunkin
Donuts on um Main Street by CBS. They've done a phenomenal job in reddoing the entire inside of the uh the facility, making it a river edge. The Dunkin Donuts River Edge is prominently shown is a is they're making it more appealing
and more homey for uh all ages and it was um a great success. They donated $3,000 to an NGO, a local NGO um and the public was uh in attendance as well as uh members of the council. It was very very a nice event to attend.
>> It really was. They've been there. They've been uh they've been a company in River for 22 years. >> First in Kikamak. >> First on Kindamak and now here for 22 years. They've been a one of our businesses. We're very grateful that businesses choose River Edge. Uh and the
chief was also present at that uh at that grand opening too. So we we're grateful for that. Um anything else? River Edge Day is coming upon us, right? >> Yes. >> October 5th, we have River Edge Day is
coming upon us. Anything else >> with a rain date of October 12th? >> With a rain date of October 12th. All right. All right. Um before we uh adjourn the meeting, could I have a motion and a second for me and council for to go into close session? Resolution
25-254. Resolution to go into close session exclude the public or attorney client privilege NJSA 10 col4-12B7 uh Burrow Hall construction update river edge swim club lease agreement potential
litigation unauthorized street opening and so could I have a motion and second >> second >> all in favor please say I >> uh since we will not be coming back into session to take any action we will be closing the public session and not reopening it. But I have a motion to
adjourn the public session. >> So move second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> We are closed.