Rutherford council approves cameras, theater liquor license, $1.8M field work and easement amendment

At its Dec. 9 meeting the Rutherford Borough Council approved several routine but significant measures: a Bergen County Co-Op award for DPW security cameras ($47,025.58); issuance of a consumption license to Native Union Club Inc. for use with theatrical events at the Williams Center under NJSA 33:1-19.7; a Bergen County Co-Op award for Memorial Field Diamond Force softball field improvements totaling $1,795,537.89; and an amendment to an easement with the Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) that will allow the agency to secure a transfer-station parcel and build a perimeter wall while retaining borough access to the salt dome.

Council voted by roll call on each resolution; all passed. Borough Administrator Bob explained the BCUA amendment is required for the authority to receive state and federal funding and begin procurement and construction; the borough must relocate roughly a dozen vehicles from the site by October 2025.

The council also approved several ordinances on first reading: lowering a state-required insurance-registration administrative fee from $100 to $25 for 2025, reauthorizing the rent control board for two years, a code change clarifying sprinkler-system repairs in the tree belt are a homeowner responsibility, and the state-required stormwater control ordinance (with council noting the possibility of strengthening local standards in 2025).

Council indicated further planning-board review where appropriate and asked staff to bring back any technical amendments before final votes.