RIVER VALE, N.J.—The Township Council on June 23 approved a $9,800 change order for patio upgrades at the River Vale Public Library.
The increase, awarded to Watch Us Grow Landscape Design LLC, covers an expanded patio area, a clear coat for the gazebo, and an added walkway. The amendment brings the total project cost to $147,923.75, up from the original $138,123.75.
Officials said the additional cost will be covered by the township’s Open Space Trust Fund.
The council also authorized the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe AWD for the volunteer Fire Department from Gentilini Motors in Egg Harbor, under a state contract, at a cost of $54,452.76. Funds will come from the township’s General Capital Account.
In other business, the council approved the installation of two fire hydrants by Veolia Water, at 620 Rivervale Road and 49 Greenhalgh Lane.
Additionally, members introduced revisions to Ordinance 460-2025, addressing maintenance of watercourses, drainage ditches, and easements. The ordinance outlines prohibited acts, assigns responsibility, details notice procedures, and sets penalties.
One section reads:
“It shall be unlawful for any owner, tenant, or any occupant of any tract of land within the Township (including landscapers), across which there exists any drainage ditch, drainage easement, ravine, culvert or other water source, to permit or suffer the accumulation of loose brush, fallen leaves, tree branches, dead trees, stumps, garbage, trash and/or debris to the extent that such accumulation presents a risk of washing downstream during periods of heavy drainage, thereby causing a blockage of the watercourse and/or flooding or damaging of adjacent downstream properties.”
Residents will have 10 days to remove debris after receiving notice from the DPW superintendent or code enforcement official.
A public hearing on the ordinance is set for the council’s July 14 meeting.