RIVER VALE—The township council heard updates from the mayor, administrator, and engineer about ongoing projects at its meeting on Monday, June 28. Members touched on marijuana sales and discussed a proposed ordinance to waive building department fees for EMS volunteers, which one member praised as helping with a “dire need” for volunteers.
In his report, Mayor Glen Jasionowski spoke about an upcoming review of the construction of a new police headquarters. Jasionowski also noted the resignation of a Joint Planning Board member—Gregory Lowe resigned May 26—and encouraged the council to suggest replacements.
Projects underway, with more to come
According to Business Administrator Gennaro Rotella, the township has received half of the $1.04 million it was allocated under the American Rescue Plan signed into law this spring by President Biden. The “free million dollars,” as the mayor called it, could be used to build new catch basins or solve drainage infrastructure issues in the township.
Municipal Engineer Christopher Statile said a new exit ramp and parking spaces would be constructed at the River Vale Country Club, funded by a county community development grant. The township is also hoping to replace sports lighting near the baseball fields with LED lighting and is hoping to get a grant to cover up to 70% of the cost.
Statile noted it will be a “very busy summer” for construction in River Vale. The council later approved two additional grant applications to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
One grant, if awarded, would finance the reconstruction of Dorchester Drive and Colonial Road “for the purpose of making safety improvements” according to the agenda.
The township is also looking for $451,834.80 in funds from the state to construct a segregated bike path along Brookside Avenue.
Both projects have been planned out by the township engineer and “will also improve safety to the local schools and commuter lines,” the agenda reads.
The council unanimously passed an ordinance to spend $2,032,888 on capital improvements. To finance the costs not already covered, $1,874,241 in general improvement bonds will be issued.
$192,500 will be put toward park improvements, including the construction of pickleball courts. The balance will go toward telecommunications equipment for the township Police Department and Volunteer Ambulance Corps, as well as personal protective equipment and other materials needed by the Volunteer Fire Department.
Hopes for discussion on marijuana businesses
Councilman John Donovan made note of recent ordinances passed by neighboring town councils to regulate cannabis sales. So far in the Pascack Valley, Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake have all opted out of allowing marijuana businesses from operating.
Donovan pressed the council to look at “potential revenues” and the “pros and cons” of permitting such businesses in the township.
In February, following overwhelming support from voters in a statewide referendum, Gov. Phil Murphy followed through on a campaign promise and signed three bills that legalized and regulated recreational marijuana for those 21 and older.
Where it’s permitted, licenses will be available for cultivation, manufacturing, wholesaling, distribution, retailing, and delivery. There also will be licenses set aside for “microbusinesses” with 10 or fewer employees. Legal cannabis, gaining ground in the United States, is expected to be a multi-billion-dollar industry.
The New Jersey State League of Municipalities notes that municipalities have until Aug. 21 to “either prohibit or limit the number of cannabis establishments, distributors, or delivery services; the location, manner, and times of operation, and establish civil penalties for violation of ordinances.”
Donovan said it was “something that should be a bigger discussion.”
Council discusses perks for EMS volunteers
Council members expressed support for giving more perks to EMS volunteers, but no formal consensus was reached on what the benefits should be. The ordinance on the table for discussion would waive fees associated with the Building Department, which handles all kinds of permits for remodelings, renovations, and construction.
Noting the “dire need of volunteers,” member Denise Sieg said providing exemptions for things like recreational costs could “entice some people to join [the fire and ambulance crews].”
Sieg acknowledged the voluntary nature of their work but said it was “nice to be rewarded in some way.”
The Town Council’s next regular meeting is set for July 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall’s Council Chambers, 406 Rivervale Road. For more information, visit rivervalenj.org.