Of note were two ordinances that moved past their second readings and were adopted unanimously. Ordinance 2023-14 amends the Land Use Chapter, thereby establishing a Cannabis Transfer and User Tax. Ordinance 2023-15 amends the Affordable Housing Overlay Zone by adjusting specific bulk standards. Both measures carry significant implications for the borough’s fiscal landscape and residential development.

New Ordinances 2023-17 and 2023-18 were introduced for first reading. The former amends Chapter 285 of the Borough Code to prohibit parking without a permit on certain streets, while the latter amends specific provisions of the Towing Ordinance of the Borough of East Rutherford. Both ordinances were advanced to the second reading phase with no recorded opposition.

The Council also ratified payments made by the Chief Financial Officer from Kearny Bank during May 2023 under Resolution 100-2023 and renewed liquor licenses for various establishments under Resolution 101-2023, stipulating closure times for outside bar and seating areas.

Two agreements were authorized, with the Otteau Group, Inc. to provide a market study of 10 Morton Street for $9,500, and with Bertin Engineering to provide engineering design services. Both specified restrictions on political or candidate committee contributions by the contracted firms.

The Council moved to greenlight a Developer’s Agreement with 315 Railroad LLC for a multi-family development project on 315 Railroad Ave., following prior approval by the Borough’s Planning Board in 2022. An agreement with Bergen County was also ratified, allowing for the reimbursement of engineering and design services related to intersection improvements at Hackensack Avenue and Union Avenue.

An application for a grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to support the East Union Avenue Road Program was also approved during the Mayor’s Report.

As the meeting closed, the Council adjourned into an Executive Session to discuss personnel and litigation matters. The session concluded with the authorization for the Clerk to certify the sergeant and lieutenant list, call for new tests for both positions, and to dismiss Bill Swiston from the East Rutherford Emergency Squad.