Tenafly public meetings in 2022

Planning Board

The Board approved a site plan with variances for a third-floor storage addition at 255 County Road. A soil moving application for 62 Churchill Road was continued pending revised plans. The Board also waived a special meeting fee for 25 George Street LLC.

• Approved site plan and variances for third-floor addition at 255 County Road (5-1)
• Continued hearing for 62 Churchill Road soil moving application to February 8, 2023
• Waived special public meeting fee for 25 George Street LLC (unanimous)

Mayor & Council

The Tenafly Borough Council will hold a public hearing and final vote on an ordinance appropriating $55,000 to replace the approach slab and railing on the pedestrian bridge over Tenakill Brook leading to Oresko Park. The council will also consider a resolution to authorize the purchase and installation of a Caterpillar emergency generator system for the Department of Public Works. A 15-minute public comment period is scheduled before the consent agenda and public hearing.

• Ordinance 22-25: $55,000 appropriation for replacement of approach slab and railing on the pedestrian bridge over Tenakill Brook to Oresko Park
• Resolution R22-413: Authorize purchase and installation of a Caterpillar emergency generator system for the Department of Public Works

The Mayor and Council approved an appropriation for bridge repairs and authorized the purchase of an emergency generator. Ordinance 22-25 was passed on second and final reading.

• Approved purchase and installation of Caterpillar Emergency Generator System for DPW (5-1 abstain)
• Approved Ordinance 22-25 appropriating $55,000 for replacement of approach slab and railing for pedestrian bridge over Tenakill Brook to Oresko Park (6-0)

Welcome Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting with corrections. Members discussed potential new resident events for May and ice skating, and reported that postcards were mailed to 25 new residents from November.

• Approved minutes with correction

Planning Board

The Regular Public Meeting of the Tenafly Planning Board scheduled for December 14, 2022, was cancelled. No substantive decisions were made.

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council approved a consent agenda containing multiple resolutions, including police equipment and professional service contracts. The council discussed transitioning to a monthly format consisting of one work session and one regular meeting. A request to remove a sidewalk at 38 Leonard Avenue was deferred pending input from the Building Department.

• Approved Consent Agenda including resolutions R22-394 through R22-422 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from December 6, 2022 meeting (5-0)
• Authorized purchase of mobile computers for Tenafly Police Department (Consent Agenda)
• Authorized purchase of equipment for new fire vehicle (Consent Agenda)
• Extended outdoor seating program (Consent Agenda)
• Authorized purchase and installation of Caterpillar Emergency Generator System for DPW (Consent Agenda)
• Deferred decision on sidewalk removal at 38 Leonard Avenue
• Approved professional services contract amendments for Borough Auditor and Bond Counsel (Consent Agenda)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved an application to subdivide 25 George Street into two building lots. The approval includes variances for lot width, allowing 50 feet per lot instead of the required 75 feet in the R-9 Residential Zone.

• Approved subdivision and lot width variances for 25 George Street, LLC (6-1)
• Cancelled the Planning Board meeting scheduled for December 14, 2022 (Unanimous)

Recreation Board

The board approved the minutes from November 14, 2022. Members discussed the potential transition from a committee to a commission and reviewed budget items for the skate plaza and athletic fields.

• Approved November 14, 2022 minutes

Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees approved a 4% base salary increase for the Director, Assistant Director, and Administrative Assistant, and a 2% hourly wage increase for Sunday and substitute personnel. The Board also approved the 2023 meeting schedule and November 2022 financial statements.

• Approved 4% base salary increase for Director Julie Marallo (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved 4% base salary increase for Assistant Director Marcia Literati (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved 4% base salary increase for Administrative Assistant Ann Marie Connolly (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved 2% hourly wage increase for Sunday personnel and weekday/Saturday substitutes (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved 2023 Board of Trustees meeting schedule (Unanimous)
• Approved November 2022 financial reports (Unanimous)
• Approved November 14, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board rescheduled the January 19 meeting to January 12 and agreed to resume in-person meetings in March 2023. Members also discussed pedestrian safety and the status of local flu clinics.

• Moved January 19 meeting to January 12
• Approved return to in-person meetings starting March 2023
• Agreed to request a service trial from Contra Pest
• Agreed to include a pedestrian safety article in the next newsletter

Mayor & Council

The Tenafly Mayor and Council will hold a Committee of the Whole session to discuss items including outdoor seating, a local recreation improvement grant, the 2023 meeting schedule, salt shed evaluation, and a pedestrian bridge over Tenakill Brook. The regular meeting will follow with votes on a consent agenda of routine resolutions and introduction of an ordinance appropriating $55,000 for replacement of the approach slab and railing on the pedestrian bridge to Oresko Park.

• Ordinance No. 22-25: $55,000 appropriation for replacement of approach slab and railing on pedestrian bridge over Tenakill Brook to Oresko Park
• Award contract for Engineering Management Consultant
• Approve 2023 Drug and Alcohol Testing Agreement with Holy Name Medical Center Occupational Health Services
• Authorize auction of surplus property
• Adopt MEL JIF Cyber Risk Management Program, Master Technology Policy, and Cyber Incident Response Plan

The Council introduced an ordinance to fund bridge repairs at Tenakill Brook and approved a series of administrative refunds and policy adoptions via a consent agenda. A contract for an Engineering Management Consultant was approved following a separate vote.

• Introduced Ordinance No. 22-25 to appropriate $55,000 for the replacement of the approach slab and railing leading to the pedestrian bridge over Tenakill Brook to Oresko Park (Unanimous)
• Approved #R22-385 Award Contract – Engineering Management Consultant (4-2)
• Approved #R22-407 to amend the 2022 Capital Budget (Unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including #R22-400 Cyber Risk Management Program, #R22-401 MEL JIF Master Technology Policy, and #R22-402 MEL JIF Cyber Incident Response Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved #R22-406 contract for 2023 Drug and Alcohol Testing Agreement with Holy Name Medical Center (Unanimous)
• Approved #R22-404 to authorize auction of surplus property (Unanimous)
• Approved various tree mitigation escrow refunds and transfers for 191 Devon Road, 36 Floral Terrace, and 50 Edgewood Street (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from the November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting (Unanimous)

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council will hold a Committee of the Whole session to review correspondence, reports, and proposed legislation, followed by a Regular Meeting. Key actions include introducing an ordinance to appropriate $55,000 for replacing the approach slab and railing of the pedestrian bridge over Tenakill Brook to Oresko Park, and voting on a consent agenda with routine items such as contract awards, refunds, and policy adoptions.

• Introduction of Ordinance 22-25 appropriating $55,000 for pedestrian bridge approach slab and railing replacement over Tenakill Brook to Oresko Park
• Award contract for Engineering Management Consultant
• Authorize refunds from Tax Court judgments for multiple properties
• Adopt MEL JIF Cyber Risk Management Program, Master Technology Policy, and Cyber Incident Response Plan
• Approve contract for 2023 Drug and Alcohol Testing Agreement with Holy Name Medical Center

Board of Adjustment

The Board approved several variances for a property at 16 Cambridge Road, including building coverage and FAR. A separate resolution for 1 Palmer Ave was also approved. The Board decided to continue using remote meetings by funding Zoom through its budget.

• Approved resolution for 1 Palmer Ave (7-0)
• Approved FAR D variance for 16 Cambridge Road (5-2)
• Approved three C variance requests for 16 Cambridge Road (7-0)
• Approved 2023 meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Decided to maintain remote meetings via Zoom
• Approved minutes from November 7, 2022 (unanimous)

Environmental Commission

The commission accepted the September 15, 2022 minutes and reviewed tree removal and recycling cost data. The TNC agreed to plant 200 trees on a 3-acre clearing, with Tenafly funding the cost through its tree fund. The town is also modifying a grant application for two fast EV chargers at the post office parking lot.

• Accepted September 15, 2022 minutes
• Approved funding for 200 TNC-planted trees via the tree fund
• Modified EV charging grant to request two single-port DCFC units
• Proposed May 7, 2023 as the date for the spring Trash-a-Thon

Historic Preservation Commission

The Commission approved the minutes from October 27, 2022, and the 2023 meeting schedule. Members discussed goals for 2023, including hiring a new architectural historian and studying accessory dwelling units on historic properties.

• Approved October 27, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Determined 177 Hudson Avenue application is a major application requiring proper noticing
• Discussed hiring a new architectural historian to replace T. Robins Brown
• Discussed survey of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on historic properties

Mayor & Council

This is a special work session meeting of the Tenafly Mayor and Council. The main item is a presentation and discussion on improvements to the Senior Center, Library, and Recreation facilities. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion only.

• Discussion of improvements to the Senior Center at 6:30 PM
• Discussion of improvements to the Library at 7:30 PM
• Discussion of improvements to Recreation at 8:30 PM

Welcome Committee

The committee approved the previous meeting minutes. Chairperson Roxana Surrey reported the purchase of a pop-up tent, easel, thank you cards, and postcards with QR codes. The December meeting was cancelled.

• Approved minutes review
• Cancelled December meeting

Library Board of Trustees

The Board established an Existing Building Committee and a New Building Committee to manage facility issues. Members discussed a proposed $100,000 to $130,000 roof membrane and the possibility of relocating the library to a new building. The Board also decided to cancel the 2022 holiday party.

• Approved October 17, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved October 2022 financial reports (Unanimous)
• Created New Building Committee consisting of Teresa Austin, Kathleen Cook, Julie Lev and Elizabeth Warms
• Created Existing Building Committee consisting of Martin Gilbert, Soon Juhng and Nicole Motz
• Decided against holding a 2022 holiday party

Mayor & Council

The Tenafly Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on Ordinance 22-24, which amends the noise control section of the borough code. They will also vote on a consent agenda that includes authorizing purchases of police vehicles and equipment, awarding an engineering management consultant contract, and approving various escrow refunds and budget transfers. The meeting includes a closed session for litigation and contract negotiations.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 22-24 amending noise control regulations
• Authorize purchase of vehicle for Tenafly Police Department (R22-360, R22-361)
• Award contract for Engineering Management Consultant (R22-385)
• Authorize procurement of cleaning services for DPW and Senior Center buildings (R22-386)
• Authorize procurement of services for Downtown Marketing Program signage and banners (R22-388)

Recreation Board

The board approved a half-price registration discount to incentivize volunteer coaches. Members also voted to seek a quote for netting at Geissinger Field. The board discussed potential 2023 budget items including turf replacement and skate park funding.

• Approved half-price registration discount for volunteer coaches
• Approved motion to obtain a quote for Geissinger Field netting
• Accepted November 14 meeting minutes

Mayor & Council

The Tenafly Mayor and Council will consider an ordinance appropriating $55,000 for emergency repairs to the pedestrian bridge at Oresko Park. They will also discuss outdoor seating, a local recreation improvement grant, and a salt shed evaluation. The meeting includes a consent agenda with routine resolutions and public comment periods.

• Ordinance No. 22-25: $55,000 for emergency repairs to the pedestrian bridge at Oresko Park
• Award contract for Engineering Management Consultant
• Authorize auction of surplus property
• Approve contract for 2023 Drug and Alcohol Testing Agreement with Holy Name Medical Center
• Authorize refunds from Tax Court judgments for multiple properties

The Council approved a procurement contract for downtown marketing signage and banners. They also adopted an ordinance amending noise control regulations. A consent agenda including police vehicle purchases and various escrow refunds was passed.

• Approved procurement of services for Downtown Marketing Program Signage and Banners (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 22-24 amending noise control regulations (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including police vehicle and equipment purchases (6-0)
• Approved engineering and tree mitigation escrow refunds for multiple properties (6-0)
• Approved 2022 budget line item transfers (6-0)
• Approved minutes from July 18 and November 1, 2022 meetings (6-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved two site plan applications with variances. The board also adopted the 2023 meeting schedule and rescheduled a public hearing for 25 George Street.

• Approved site plan and variances for 114 County Road, LLC (4-0)
• Approved site plan and variances for Bergen Pro Builders, LLC at 4.5-5 W. Railroad Avenue (3-0)
• Adopted 2023 Planning Board Meeting Schedule (unanimous voice vote)
• Rescheduled public hearing for 25 George Street to December 12, 2022

Board of Adjustment

The Board approved a variance for a home expansion at 1 Palmer Avenue and approved two resolutions for previous cases. An application for 16 Cambridge Road was carried to a future meeting for more information.

• Approved application for 1 Palmer Avenue to add living space over garage and increase height (7-0)
• Approved resolution for 30 Bliss Ave additions (6-0)
• Approved resolution for 28 North Browning Avenue driveway straightening (6-0)
• Carried application for 16 Cambridge Road to December 5th meeting (7-0)

Historic Preservation Commission

The regular public meeting scheduled for November 3, 2022 was cancelled. No substantive decisions were made.

Mayor & Council

The Tenafly Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and vote on Ordinance 22-23, which appropriates money from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program for various capital improvements. The Council will also consider 13 consent-agenda resolutions, including approving expenditures, authorizing bids for police vehicle repairs and traffic signal maintenance, purchasing a police vehicle and equipment, and handling several tree mitigation escrow matters. A second ordinance, 22-24, amending noise control regulations, will be introduced for a future hearing.

• Public hearing and vote on Ordinance 22-23: spending federal COVID relief funds on capital improvements
• Authorize purchase of a vehicle for the Tenafly Police Department
• Authorize execution of a developer's agreement for GT Car Wash (PB#1-22-02)
• Introduction of Ordinance 22-24 amending noise control regulations
• Closed session to discuss police dispatchers, police retirement, crossing guard collective bargaining, and potential litigation

The Mayor and Council adopted Ordinance 22-23 to fund capital improvements using Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The council also introduced an ordinance to amend noise control regulations and approved a consent agenda covering various administrative actions.

• Adopted Ordinance 22-23 for capital improvements using federal recovery funds (4-2)
• Introduced Ordinance 22-24 to amend noise control regulations (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including police vehicle bids and tree mitigation escrow refunds (6-0)
• Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Tabled July 18, 2022 meeting minutes for grammar corrections

Mayor & Council

The Tenafly Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and vote on Ordinance 22-23, which appropriates money from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program for various capital improvements. The consent agenda includes authorizing bids for police vehicle repair and traffic signal maintenance, purchasing a police vehicle and equipment, and several tree mitigation escrow actions. The meeting also includes a closed session to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, and potential litigation.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 22-23 appropriating federal COVID relief funds for capital improvements
• Authorize receipt of bids for repair and maintenance of police vehicles
• Authorize receipt of bids for repair and maintenance of traffic signals and related equipment
• Authorize purchase of vehicle for Tenafly Police Department
• Authorize execution of developer's agreement for GT Car Wash (PB#1-22-02)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Commission approved the September 8, 2022 minutes. Members reviewed conceptual drawings for the former movie theater building at 4 ½-5 W. Railroad Avenue and discussed the need for a new architectural historian for 2023.

• Approved September 8, 2022 minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved minor Certificate of Appropriateness for basement windows at 89 Highwood Avenue on October 14, 2022
• Deemed Certificate of Appropriateness application for 177 Hudson Avenue incomplete

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved two site plan applications with variances and conditions. One application for a medical office conversion was approved, and a resolution for a separate site plan was passed. A subdivision application was adjourned to a later date.

• Approved Resolution of Approval for site plan at 11 W. Railroad Avenue (6-0)
• Approved site plan with variances to renovate and expand mixed-use property at 4.5-5 W. Railroad Avenue (6-1)
• Approved site plan with variances to convert former restaurant to medical office at 114 County Road (6-0)
• Adjourned subdivision application for 25 George Street to November 9, 2022
• Administered Oath of Office to Darren Esser as 2nd Alternate

Mayor & Council

The Governing Body will meet for a Committee of the Whole followed by a Regular Meeting. Action items include a public hearing on an ordinance regarding management and employee compensation, and the introduction of an ordinance for capital improvements using fiscal recovery funds.

• Ordinance 22-20: Salary and compensation adjustments for management, administrative, civilian dispatchers, and part-time employees
• Ordinance 22-23: Appropriation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for capital improvements
• Purchase of two 4-wheel drive utility vehicles for the Fire Department
• Negotiation of a contract for the Railroad Station Electrical Upgrades Project
• Agreement with PSE&G regarding installation and repayment

The council passed Ordinance 22-20 on second reading, fixing salaries for certain management, administrative, civilian dispatchers, and part-time employees for 2020-2023. The vote was 5-1 with one abstention. The council also introduced Ordinance 22-23 to appropriate $150,000 from ARP funds for capital improvements, voting 4-2. Consent agenda items including a PSE&G installation agreement and various refunds were approved unanimously.

• Approved Ordinance 22-20 fixing salaries for management and part-time employees (5-1, 1 abstention)
• Introduced Ordinance 22-23 appropriating $150,000 from ARP funds for capital improvements (4-2)
• Approved consent agenda including PSE&G agreement, refunds, and fire department vehicle purchases (unanimous)
• Authorized Borough Administrator to investigate other health insurance options for employees (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 24, June 28, and October 6, 2022 regular meetings (unanimous)

Mayor & Council

The Tenafly Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on Ordinance 22-20, which sets salaries for management, administrative, dispatcher, and part-time employees for 2020-2023. They will also introduce Ordinance 22-23 to appropriate federal COVID relief funds for capital improvements. The consent agenda includes 11 routine items such as expenditures, a PSE&G agreement, refunds, fire department vehicle purchases, and rejecting a bid for railroad station electrical upgrades.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 22-20 fixing salaries for management, administrative, civilian dispatchers, and part-time employees for 2020-2023
• Introduction of Ordinance 22-23 appropriating federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for capital improvements
• Authorize purchase of two 4-wheel drive utility vehicles for the Fire Department
• Reject bid and authorize negotiation of a contract for Railroad Station Electrical Upgrades Project
• Authorize additional professional engineering services for storm sewer outfall and detention basin inspections

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council are meeting for a special regular session. The primary item for consideration is a routine consent agenda matter regarding a utility agreement.

• Installation and Repayment Agreement with PSE&G (#R22-345)

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council are meeting to vote on several ordinances, including changes to solid waste management and animal control. The body is also reviewing various escrow refunds and municipal purchases.

• Ordinance 22-22 to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores
• Ordinance 22-17 amending Chapter 19, Solid Waste Management
• Authorization to purchase a vehicle for the Tenafly Police Department
• Authorization for a contract to clean and flush storm water culverts
• Ordinance 22-18 and 22-20 regarding salaries for management and part-time employees

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council are holding a public hearing on several ordinances, including a ban on retail pet store sales of dogs and cats. The body is also deciding on various municipal contracts, vehicle purchases, and salary adjustments for employees.

• Ordinance 22-22 to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores
• Ordinance 22-17 amending solid waste management
• Authorization to purchase a vehicle for the Tenafly Police Department
• Contract for cleaning and flushing of storm water culverts
• Ordinance 22-18 to fix salaries for management, administrative, and dispatch employees

Mayor & Council

The Governing Body will meet for a Committee of the Whole and a Regular Meeting. Discussion includes options for Senior Center and Library improvements, several tree mitigation escrow matters, and various municipal contracts and repairs.

• Ordinance 22-19 regarding DPW employee compensation for 2020-2023
• Tree mitigation escrow refunds and forfeits for Magnolia Avenue, South Park Drive, Jewett Avenue, and Wilson Road
• Contract for 2022 Riverside Cooperative Road Improvement Program
• Retroactive emergency repairs at Brook Road, Howard Park Drive, and Tenafly Road & W. Clinton Avenue
• Ordinance 22-22 to prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats by pet stores

Mayor & Council

The Governing Body will meet for a Committee of the Whole followed by a Regular Meeting. Action items include salary adjustments for Department of Public Works employees and several proposed ordinances regarding solid waste, animal control, and government administration.

• Ordinance 22-19: Salary/wage fix for DPW Local 342 (2020-2023)
• Ordinance 22-22: Prohibiting retail pet store sales of dogs and cats
• Tree Mitigation Escrow actions for 109 Magnolia Avenue, 28 South Park Drive, 11 Jewett Avenue, and 1 Wilson Road
• Contract for 2022 Riverside Cooperative Road Improvement Program
• Retroactive emergency repairs at 14 Brook Road, 76 Howard Park Drive, and Tenafly Road & W. Clinton Avenue

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council are meeting to vote on a solid waste management ordinance and introduce two ordinances regarding employee salaries and compensation for 2020-2023. The body will also review a series of consent agenda items including police equipment and professional services.

• Ordinance 22-17: Amending Chapter 19, Solid Waste Management
• Ordinances 22-18 and 22-19: Fixing salaries for management, civilian dispatchers, and DPW employees (Local 342)
• Purchase of Automatic License Plate Readers for the Police Department (Phases 2 and 3)
• Lease agreement with Goosetown Communications for the Department of Public Works
• Purchase of Toro Grandstand Multiforce Mower via Bergen County Cooperative Pricing Bid 22-09

Mayor & Council

The Governing Body will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting followed by a Regular Meeting. The agenda includes discussions on several proposed ordinances, tree mitigation escrow transfers, and various municipal service contracts.

• Purchase of Automatic License Plate Readers for the Police Department (Phases 2 and 3)
• Ordinance 22-17 regarding Solid Waste Management
• Ordinance 22-18 regarding management, administrative, and civilian dispatcher salaries
• Ordinance 22-19 regarding Department of Public Works employee compensation
• Purchase of Toro Grandstand Multiforce Mower and associated equipment

Mayor & Council

The Borough Council is scheduled to conduct a special regular meeting. The agenda includes a consent agenda item regarding the appointment of special employment counsel.

• Appointment of Special Employment Counsel: Sobel Han & Cannon, LLP (#R22-270)

Mayor & Council

The Governing Body will hold a Committee of the Whole to review various reports and proposed legislation before moving to a Regular Meeting. The agenda includes several resolutions for escrow refunds, equipment purchases, and a public hearing regarding a lease agreement with Consolidated Rail Corporation.

• Ordinance 22-16: Lease agreement with Consolidated Rail Corporation
• Ordinance 22-17: Amendment to solid waste management code
• Purchase of Caterpillar Front End Loader for Department of Public Works
• Purchase of Bandit Self Propelled Stump Grinder via Bergen County Cooperative Pricing Bid 22-09
• Purchase of Scott/3M SCBA Packs and Canisters for Tenafly Fire Department

Welcome Committee

The regular public meeting of the Tenafly Welcome! Committee scheduled for January 24, 2022, was cancelled.