[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6049568,"mediaKeyId","3510145-05ff2d2a69e38e63171d8326eb8aa910","parentId",3510145,"title","Council advances flood-hazard ordinance and adopts bylaws, capital and bond ordinances on second reading","audioSeconds",84,"startMs",1519000,"endMs",1603000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3510145-05ff2d2a69e38e63171d8326eb8aa910&start=1519&end=1603","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3510145-05ff2d2a69e38e63171d8326eb8aa910/thumbnail_1519000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6049568/Rutherford/Bergen-County/New-Jersey/Council-advances-flood-hazard-ordinance-and-adopts-bylaws-capital-and-bond-ordinances-on-second-reading","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6049568-515333c3fc4604628e3215340b025264/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178123&Signature=FfrpYzFYeoop-VdUclUEksMMSTwbyWob7PZy9tLUjqRVmdeaUmkWw9D0WgJIBp6kjKPa91E2Gmd20UMI5sbicnex5lw399FZpOfIAYfOEG1DAeX-O2j2u6kqEcBNk-l-pUT~68g836xrF6w3SloBSDJqCswmJhBv4tAaS2LP3BBSJ6RthYDjY3M84Iai5PM4VubtEzvJdz~LPGsnoZUozb6lnURwI8QqsXZznrtlysTexkCwWzqoYMGJPH5o8EL65i3skXsOOwOcVpr1Ii0YQnjEGiO4ckuYCPeSzXrGi6YD5onr6UD9TjKl5196CkJs17yaPxQGrrukK273s9SHfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","RutherfordNJ","date","2025-05-12T00:00:00Z","article","The Mayor and Council introduced an ordinance to replace the borough’s flood plain chapter and adopt new flood-hazard maps, and on second reading approved several ordinances including amendments to council bylaws and capital and bond ordinances.

Missy, the borough clerk, read the flood ordinance title by title. The text would repeal and replace chapter 37 of the borough code, adopt a new flood-hazard map and designate a floodplain administrator. A motion to pass the ordinance on first reading and advertise it according to law was made and seconded; councilmembers voted yes on the roll call to introduce the ordinance.

Borough officials described the flood ordinance as required to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Borough Administrator Bob Kekoleski said the state agencies reviewed the document: “The current ordinance that we have on the books, is not totally compliant with the National Flood Insurance Program … This has been reviewed and approved by DEP before introduction,” he said.

On second reading the council approved an ordinance amending chapter 5 (administrative code) to memorialize council agenda procedures and an ordinance providing funding for various capital purposes that appropriates $130,000. The council also approved a bond ordinance authorizing various capital improvements and authorizing the issuance of $3,610,000 in bonds or notes toward a $3,800,000 appropriation.

Each ordinance on second reading was moved, seconded and passed by roll call. Council President McGowan and councilmembers expressed support for updating bylaws and capital authorizations; the capital and bond ordinances drew some public questions about itemization and debt-service impacts, which borough staff offered to follow up on with detailed breakdowns.

What’s next: The flood ordinance will be advertised according to law and return for final adoption at the second reading public hearing; adopted capital and bond ordinances will proceed with project implementation and financing steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mayor/Council Meeting - May 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council introduced an updated flood-hazard ordinance to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program and New Jersey DEP guidance, and passed on second reading: amendments to council bylaws, a capital ordinance appropriating $130,000 and a bond ordinance authorizing $3.8 million in improvements.","taxTitle","Rutherford, Bergen County, New Jersey","taxId",70404,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6049573,"Council adds and approves Chamber sublease for Rutherford train station office",2414,452000,2866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3510145-05ff2d2a69e38e63171d8326eb8aa910&start=452&end=2866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3510145-05ff2d2a69e38e63171d8326eb8aa910/thumbnail_452000.jpg","/articles/6049573/Rutherford/Bergen-County/New-Jersey/Council-adds-and-approves-Chamber-sublease-for-Rutherford-train-station-office","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6049573-bdc1abde17834701a4bf6ea6b310a9df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178123&Signature=TCAe-J6QHpRSOxW4HnDaDkBgRuB4tycXfAdYX2iQNo6AaVHK3U7Zx7WvqrP2JGhUmCvc5~V2MAJSofd6cYKbAGRjSJ4MJ~ZiyIVRu-jbOJFe8xKcZjGF~Z1HTxBZ4~vEjk9NP34rg0TVKhE0xF2MfPd8y5kCS1yr-ofpJ-Ka1BJ00pxqS~VrnLaSOiaXt9wfzxzw8xecPRmt2FlYsgZPoV5DQL~BwLbJ1gDMkJHXNFz5~-RNhJnf9z8vBMhBsngTQoZDyCeSBdnYRhYeriZBQUUq~bocACrjdQqXcu2SFOOxTzuzZCvEpBH~sXtFD5VOM-Wb019NV~rIkTmPubPUvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mayor and Council added to the consent agenda an authorization to execute a sublease with the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce for the westernmost part of the train station; the consent resolution was subsequently approved in the omnibus consent vote.

Dan Meredith, representing the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce, told the council the Chamber would maintain a staffed office at the train station, use volunteers and interns to provide visitor information, and program the space for community events such as art displays and historic exhibits. “We intend to clean it up, keep the windows clean,” Meredith said, describing plans to make the train station a visible, welcoming information hub for visitors.

The addition of the sublease item (agenda addition described by the borough clerk as item E) was announced earlier in the meeting and the clerk said the item would be placed on consent. Later, during the consent vote, the council approved all consent items in a single motion; the roll call recorded approval for the consent packet with one recorded abstention related to regular meeting minutes only.

Why it matters: The Chamber said a staffed downtown presence at the transit hub would support businesses by directing visitors to local shops and by programming the space for business promotion and community activities. Meredith emphasized volunteer staffing and planned public programming.

What’s next: With council approval of the consent agenda the sublease authorization was enacted; borough staff and the Chamber will finalize lease documents and coordinate building cleanup and schedule for public use.","Council added authorization for a sublease with the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce for the westernmost part of the train station to the consent agenda; the Chamber’s representative described plans to clean and activate the space and the council approved consent items that included the sublease authorization.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6049578,"Engineer outlines multi-use field, Leisure Lane improvements and Prospect Place paving from PSE&G",177,139000,316000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3510145-05ff2d2a69e38e63171d8326eb8aa910&start=139&end=316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3510145-05ff2d2a69e38e63171d8326eb8aa910/thumbnail_139000.jpg","/articles/6049578/Rutherford/Bergen-County/New-Jersey/Engineer-outlines-multi-use-field-Leisure-Lane-improvements-and-Prospect-Place-paving-from-PSEG","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6049578-3cd1f602491f4dccce7298820fef1c72/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178124&Signature=hreQdXIQ-1lK6mhDQXIvvJnWnXfg~UVJJ2O1lMLA992cWovlJuHp3UbZKstUSUXu5kWaBBWZtW4OZpD-VHqmr5N8oAJ93L9BudadDfecqNUwm4J2oliwc4cJfBNHJBut3wgFbjd9aE4gHu8MrBUB2qeBJtfCelacpjHGx3i5yUl47apxzPLsT2-JfE-zmt7EDOmm4FoRmjromaVbFiuqyFLuupyu~FUz7MOxu9NWZ-RK6jadpqvOvTCPreaE0ARPhWlA09KUAUx9U1uAbcY7qjBw9ma3423i725oXMI6VANSetr658FavBhIIwCpHVV67FnF1svaI3gvW5c1AwNMRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Borough Engineer Augie provided project updates on parks, playgrounds and roadwork, saying the borough is preparing a fall bid for the Diamond 3 multi‑use field and scheduling work to coordinate with school calendars.

“We're preparing for a fall bid, winter construction,” the engineer said about Diamond 3, which is the field north of Diamond 4. He said the borough also plans improvements on Leisure Lane, including pathways and a proposed outdoor fitness court to be situated between the multi‑field and Diamond 4.

The engineer reported the Wallis Field playground replacement is finished and that the borough submitted its MS4 tier A annual report for the 2024 reporting period two weeks earlier.

On roadwork, he said the borough met with the contractor at Beech Street and that the road program will begin with Sylvan and proceed through the program list; he reported coordination with PSE&G for paving. “PSEG is gonna give the borough essentially a free road this year. That'll be Prospect Place, North Of Union Ave,” the engineer said, describing a PSE&G arrangement to cover paving where they had allocated tonnage.

Augie said Lincoln Park's gazebo is in production and the borough will follow up with the vendor for a delivery timeline. He also announced a May 31 ribbon-cutting with Senator Sarlo for a completed project.

Council members asked for clarity on Leisure Lane sequencing. Council President McGowan and the engineer said initial improvements and pathway work are expected before fall and that the fitness court might be installed either as a standalone project this summer or as an alternate to the larger multi-field.

What’s next: The engineer said the borough will collect quotes, coordinate schedules around schools and provide a construction timeline to council once vendors and contractors confirm dates.","Borough engineer reported a fall bid and winter construction plan for the Diamond 3 multi-use field, summer pathway and possible fitness court work at Leisure Lane, completion of Wallis Field playground replacement, restart of the 2024 roadway improvement program and coordination with PSE&G to pave Prospect Place at no borough paving cost.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6049583,"Rutherford council adopts 2025 municipal budget; residents question revaluation and pilot agreements",34,1427000,1461000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3510145-05ff2d2a69e38e63171d8326eb8aa910&start=1427&end=1461","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3510145-05ff2d2a69e38e63171d8326eb8aa910/thumbnail_1427000.jpg","/articles/6049583/Rutherford/Bergen-County/New-Jersey/Rutherford-council-adopts-2025-municipal-budget-residents-question-revaluation-and-pilot-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6049583-c6b63c18d8c2d3fe881ea3b1b276d08d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178124&Signature=TVMRSMVLVWiZXSVu0fuNuni8XVVTPzXxNiP3~C0-ySI5RlT1sXa6jrejsMR-v~Te81Ill98b5aHQ5OjkcyYAQKsYbfDb8xYOTOeZ~1mePQ5TqSl~XHtkeFcdnvRplXiuz~MTQg9LOGjNG~Npmocl5CSf92OE4c9n8ANfBs3wZi62nWbx9lhrAFwgmmQMSqBpr1neDXMUhUueZzaZdl8cYF26ZnBlM7bU6rLQiB-pkguEnrWELVt7i4iKIg0DARl5nZ6UIdR16sagkyfPbv8Lo6INLk~QcBBpRkp2Feox7UKCXq0O1HxQMxmgtUtqoYcPouVXx3cUiER4w5ztJp0ESw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rutherford Mayor and Council adopted the borough’s CY 2025 municipal budget after voting to authorize a self-examination of the budget and then to adopt it.

Council President McGowan moved resolution 122 authorizing a self-examination and resolution 124 adopting the CY 2025 municipal budget; both motions passed on roll call. “Thank you,” McGowan said after the votes.

Why it matters: Members of the public asked how the municipal budget interacts with school budgeting and raised questions about property valuations, pilot (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes) deals and the borough’s debt load.

Resident Frank Wilson questioned the timing of budget hearings, saying he could not attend the separate Board of Education session and asked the borough not to grant additional PILOTs without stricter review. “Please don't give any more pilots out for these reasons,” Wilson said, citing a 2017 Board of Education demographic study he said projected only six students from a prior development and arguing that developer PILOTs do not cover school costs.

Borough Administrator Bob Kekoleski responded that previous owners of 51 Union Avenue had an approved plan but never executed a redeveloper's agreement or a long-term tax-exemption (a PILOT), so the new owner had to restart the process. Kekoleski said, “Those two documents were never executed, never approved by this governing body.”

Kekoleski and CFO Gordon Stettler addressed property valuation and revaluation: Kekoleski said borough assessed values rose by about $6 million since the prior year and that Bergen County Tax Administration has ordered a revaluation to be completed in time for 2027 if possible; he warned staffing and vendor supply constraints could make that schedule challenging.

Residents also raised debt-service concerns. Frank Wilson and others cited figures from public records showing rising debt-service balances from about $22 million in 2020 to figures in the mid‑20 millions in recent years; borough staff said year-end accounting and timing of paydowns affect the headline numbers and offered to provide a detailed debt schedule and an itemized capital breakdown to residents.

Actions recorded: Resolution 122 (self-examination) and resolution 124 (adoption of CY 2025 municipal budget) were moved by Council President McGowan and approved by roll call vote. The council also moved resolution 126 (authorizing the tax collector to prepare and mail estimated tax bills) and 127 (hiring entry-level police officers) during the meeting.

What’s next: Borough staff agreed to provide residents with itemized capital and debt schedules and to continue discussions about PILOTs and the revaluation timeline; no changes to the adopted CY 2025 municipal budget were made during the meeting.","Council approved a self-examination and adoption of the CY 2025 municipal budget; residents raised concerns about timing with the school budget, property revaluation status and long-term debt increases; borough administrator said the borough’s assessed value rose $6 million and that a county-ordered revaluation is planned for completion aiming at ",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6049587,"Rutherford council debates temporary short-term rental licenses for FIFA 2026 events",752,3599000,4351000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3510145-05ff2d2a69e38e63171d8326eb8aa910&start=3599&end=4351","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3510145-05ff2d2a69e38e63171d8326eb8aa910/thumbnail_3599000.jpg","/articles/6049587/Rutherford/Bergen-County/New-Jersey/Rutherford-council-debates-temporary-short-term-rental-licenses-for-FIFA-2026-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6049587-946480380273705fcb2417d0db2e10e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178124&Signature=AIWH-QChJIq8tYFVXTKqCFXhKGszf3sOTXRrl4uBtZ2SQPmwafHsp8ZiC2CEOfhIKrAcUbwpv7NKuxo1~rbmozFPJsV-497vB8SDfbmoWfod7ONmYHD9edC5GIb1bXf3LgQtrXRB8y~wZwtconQJJEw3GCcLPM791S0YP-u8H6DP4wwkJpnEERHyYD8SrqrH7AAUs7YNpsugDmUPmRrUMD0LQjdNBDLAZtG~KQFD0v40UU1sV7C0-czEoI7jyg1JNbwikR1ujV1WkSV2sLuSgCSDvBXEKG3s22aOSqjC7MrchPVsVNlAyGpa5GFhXpQCv7eFhppq8uM5bospSTi96Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmember John Erico proposed that Rutherford permit short-term rentals for two months next summer to accommodate visitors for FIFA 2026, saying the rentals would be limited and regulated.

“Short term rentals, which we define as a property rental of less than 30 days, have been not permitted in Rutherford,” Councilmember John Erico said, laying out a proposal to allow licensed whole-home rentals for June and July 2026 with inspections, owner-only applications and minimum-stay requirements.

The proposal’s nut graf: Erico said a temporary licensing regime would give the borough an enforceable framework, let officials inspect properties for safety and allow the borough to collect fees rather than having residents rent “by ask forgiveness, not permission.” He noted urgency because platforms typically allow listings a year in advance.

Councilmembers and residents focused on enforcement and neighborhood impacts rather than the economic upside. Councilmember Guzman said public safety must be the priority and asked that the police chief and borough administrators review operational implications. “My concern … would be the having the professional opinion of safety for our residents,” Guzman said.

Other councilmembers said regulation is preferable to an unregulated market that might already emerge. One member said limiting rentals to entire homes (not rooms), limiting who may apply, setting a minimum stay and tying licensing to inspections would reduce neighborhood disruption.

Resident Dawn Agliano urged the council to reconsider the town’s short-term rental ban, saying such rentals helped local businesses and provided housing flexibility during past events. Dan Meredith, representing the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce, said a temporary change could support regional traffic to town and give the Chamber a chance to promote local businesses.

Councilmembers requested that staff and public-safety officials produce a draft licensing ordinance and implementation plan with details on fees, inspection requirements, neighbor notification and enforcement before any vote. Erico said a prior draft licensing ordinance exists and he will circulate a proposed framework for review.

The council did not vote on a change; members directed follow-up work and asked Erico to return with a draft and input from the police chief and borough administrators.

Looking ahead: Councilmembers said they want neighbor-notification options and clear enforcement paths included in any proposal, and they emphasized acting quickly if the borough wants listings to be available a year before the event.","Councilmember John Erico proposed a two-month, licensed short-term rental program for June–July 2026 to allow whole-unit rentals during World Cup events at MetLife Stadium; councilmembers and residents raised safety, enforcement and neighbor-notification concerns and asked staff for a draft licensing plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council advances flood-hazard ordinance and adopts bylaws, capital and bond ordinances on second reading

Council adds and approves Chamber sublease for Rutherford train station office

Engineer outlines multi-use field, Leisure Lane improvements and Prospect Place paving from PSE&G

Rutherford council adopts 2025 municipal budget; residents question revaluation and pilot agreements

Rutherford council debates temporary short-term rental licenses for FIFA 2026 events