The Historic Preservation Commission’s initiative to affix QR code stickers to street signs throughout River Edge emerged as a focal point of the meeting. This project aims to provide residents and visitors with easy access to historical narratives related to street names and local figures. Recent examples include stickers for Bogurt Road, Fifth Avenue, and Zabriski, with new additions planned for Tenny, Lake View, and Reservoir streets. Commission members emphasized the positive feedback received regarding the initiative, which seeks to create a “walk through history” experience connecting significant sites like Bogurt Hall and Newbridge. The initiative extends beyond street names by highlighting various historical aspects of the town, moving away from a limited focus on Revolutionary War history. There was a proposal to enhance public awareness of the QR codes through official town messaging, potentially featuring the project prominently on the borough’s website.

The collaboration with local schools also forms a part of this effort, with plans to engage honor students in voiceovers for historical scripts. Additionally, the council discussed the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, planning to commemorate the occasion with banners along Main Street. These banners will celebrate significant events, such as George Washington’s retreat, while also promoting local businesses. Council members stressed the importance of obtaining proper approvals for public-private partnerships related to these initiatives, emphasizing that such projects should be officially sanctioned through formal proposals reviewed by the borough attorney and administrator.

The meeting also addressed the adoption of Ordinance 25-9 and Ordinance 25-20. Ordinance 25-9 amends the legal escrow fee for site plan reviews related to food handler licenses and establishes a 200-foot list provided by the tax assessor. Meanwhile, Ordinance 25-20 introduces an attendance policy for volunteers serving on boards, committees, and commissions, in compliance with the Citizenship Service Act. Both ordinances received unanimous approval after the Borough Administrator explained they were intended to improve governance and resource management.

Another highlight of the meeting was the council’s discussion on the best practices inventory required by the state. The borough achieved a notable score of 40 out of 43.5 on the survey, surpassing the minimum requirement to receive its final state aid payment. This inventory covered various municipal topics, including purchasing, personnel, budgeting, and shared services.

During the public comment portion, a resident affiliated with the New Jersey Libertarian Party expressed concerns about police presence during a demonstration in front of the River Edge Library. He recounted observing a police vehicle arriving during a previous event, which caused apprehension about potential harassment while exercising their right to protest. The mayor responded, assuring that the local police department has consistently respected first amendment rights without any incidents of harassment in 14 years, highlighting the police’s role in protecting both rally participants and public spaces.

The meeting also featured discussions about potential signage and historical exhibits, with emphasis on proper procedures and considerations regarding liability and authority. A proposal for new signs, including a blue sign similar to the one in front of Borough Hall and a green sign related to the fire department, was suggested. It was noted that any such project would require written proposals, including cost estimates, to ensure financial prudence. Additionally, the discovery of a River Sentennial flag during renovations at Borough Hall sparked curiosity about its history and past display.

Further community events were discussed, including a Halloween parade scheduled for October 25th, followed by a “trunk and treat” event sponsored by the River Edge Police Department and the local PBA. The council expressed appreciation for the police department’s discreet yet effective presence during community events.