RIVER VALE—The Township Council on April 13 approved nine change orders totaling $111,576.18 for the new Public Safety Complex, reducing the project’s remaining contingency allowance to $72,057.95.
A council budget meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m., with department presentations and a budget recap planned through 10 p.m. River Vale does not livestream or video record its public meetings. Audio recordings may be requested from the clerk, and approved minutes are typically posted within one to two months.
The contingency fund, officials previously said, began at $750,000. If change orders or other project costs exceed that balance, the overall cost of the project could increase.
All change order payments will go to Dobco Inc. of Wayne, the project contractor, for ongoing construction modifications and additions, per Resolution 2026-108.
The approved change orders include:
- Boiler gas piping revision — $22,899
- Added vestibule steel framing — $27,810
- Added concrete for cells — $5,479
- Reinstall door frames 36 and 57 — $3,607.19
- Monument sign changes — $22,431
- Remaining roof ladder — $13,549
- Clean agent compliance provisions — $5,104.49
- Bollard posts — $9,980
- Elevator floor — $716.50
Efforts to reach CFO/Administrator Gennaro Rotella and Mayor Mark Bromberg for comment were not immediately returned. This story will be updated online if additional information becomes available.
At a Feb. 9 council meeting, township engineer Chris Statile said the building was approximately 95% complete and anticipated a temporary certificate of occupancy in early March. At that time, the contractor was moving in furniture, completing painting, and finishing elevator work.
The council in November 2023 awarded Dobco a $14.8 million construction contract. The project is supported by nearly $20 million in bond funding approved through two ordinances. Officials have previously said change orders are typical for projects of this scale and expressed confidence costs would remain within the contingency.
E-bike restrictions introduced
Council members also introduced Ordinance 470-2026, which would amend local code governing all-terrain vehicles to prohibit the operation of electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, electric scooters, and bicycles in municipal fields, parks, recreation areas, parking lots, and trails.
The ordinance cites damage to turf, facilities, and landscaping, as well as safety concerns for pedestrians and other users, as the basis for the restrictions.
Salary ranges adjusted
A second measure, Ordinance 471-2026, would establish updated minimum and maximum salary ranges for select municipal positions. Most ranges remain unchanged.
Among the adjustments:
- Chief financial officer maximum increases to $169,000 from $164,000
- Chief of police maximum increases to $252,000 from $244,000
- Department of Public Works director range increases to $140,000–$220,000 from $125,000–$208,000
- Municipal clerk maximum increases to $152,000 from $140,150
The ordinance does not list current employee salaries, which are public records available through an OPRA request.
The mayor’s annual salary of $9,000 and council members’ $7,000 stipends remain unchanged.
Other action
The council also approved a resolution to apply for a $75,000 Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund matching grant to support reconstruction of the Mark Lane basketball courts.