Due to the continuance of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Borough of Bergenfield will be implementing the following procedures effective Wednesday, April 1st.
MUNICIPAL OFFICES & FACILITIES
Municipal Offices - Physical public access to all municipal offices (including Borough Hall, and the Public Works Office) will remain suspended until further notice.
a. The public lobby of the Municipal Building will be open to the public weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. No more than two (2) people shall be allowed in the lobby at one time and must maintain social distancing at all times.
b. All offices are open and Municipal Staff will be available during this time to answer questions and concerns from the public via telephone and email, however no will be allowed anywhere but in the lobby near the Police Department.
c. All residents and property owners are encouraged to utilize our online payment options for taxes.
d. The Bergenfield Municipal Court sessions scheduled for April have been postponed and all cases will be rescheduled. For more information, please call (201) 387-4055, ext. 2.
e. Emergent matters of the Police Records window (such as alarm permits, dumpster applications and request for discovery) will be handled at the Police Department Dispatch window. Residents are advised to call the Police Record Room (201) 387- 4000 in advance by phone and a mutual schedule time for pick up will be provided to you.
Building Department & Fire Prevention Bureau - Permit application drop off and pick up will take place at the window near the Tax Collector’s office located in the main lobby. Please call (201) 387-4055 ext. 4 to arrange for an appointment. Please note that you must schedule an appointment in order to obtain your permit and to make payment.
- Telephone screening for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to all appointments and inspections will be occurring.
- The Borough will be erring on the side of caution and the inspectors will be using discretion following the current DCA guidelines issued on March 24th when entering dwellings and interacting with individuals. Only essential contractors, homeowners, or authorized representatives necessary for the completion of any inspection shall be on site during such inspection in an effort to limit unnecessary contact. In some instances, inspections may be conducted electronically through the use of applications such as Facetime or Zoom.
- All non-essential inspections by the Building Department and Fire Prevention Bureau are suspended through April.
- Residential Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, and Fire Extinguisher inspections for resale and rental of residential dwellings for Closings scheduled on or after April 17 will not be scheduled until May 1st. In some instances, inspections may be conducted electronically through the use of applications such as Facetime or Zoom.
- Any Residential Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, and Fire Extinguisher inspections for resale and rental of residential dwellings for Closings scheduled before April 17 will occur, however; only one realtor, homeowner, or authorized representative shall be on site during such inspection in an effort to limit unnecessary contact. In some instances, inspections may be conducted electronically through the use of applications such as Facetime or Zoom.
Department of Public Works – Physical public access to the Public Works Office will be suspended through at least Sunday, April 19th.
- BULK Garbage has been cancelled for the month of April.
- All offices are open and Municipal Staff will be available during this time to answer questions and concerns from the public via telephone and email, however no in office visitation will be permitted for the duration without a scheduled appointment.
- Permit application drop off and pick up will be available by appointment only. Please call (201) 387-4055 ext. 3 to arrange an appointment.
- The recycling center will hours will remain in effect as scheduled.
- All other DPW operations such as trash and recycling will in remain in effect as well.
Recreation – All Recreation facilities remain closed until further notice.
- All organized sanctioned recreation activities such as basketball, baseball, softball, soccer is suspended until further notice.
- For appointments with Recreation, please call Recreation Director Ed Volmer at 201-387-4055 ext. 9
Bergenfield Public Library
- The Bergenfield Public Library will be closed tentatively until further notice.
- The library has recently launched the Bergenfield Public Library's "Virtual Branch," featuring access to all of our free e-collections, our weekly Children's and Teen virtual programming schedule, information about research databases to assist you with school projects, access to our remote ESL and Museum Pass programs and more!
- You may still return items in our book drop located at the Library.
- There will be no fines on Bergenfield items during this time.
Senior Transport & Medical Transport
All routes of the Senior Transport Van are suspended until further notice.
Public Meetings
- The April 6th Zoning Board meeting has been cancelled.
- All Committee meetings have been cancelled until further notice.
- The Planning Board meeting scheduled for Monday, April 20th will be held as scheduled remotely. Details on how to view and participate will be provided shortly.
- The Borough Mayor & Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 21st, will be held as scheduled remotely. Details on how to view and participate will be provided shortly. In advance of this meeting, please email Borough Administrator Corey Gallo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or concerns you may have or wish to address. Understanding that the public’s right to communicate with its elected officials is important, the hearing of citizens comment portion will be limited.
Overnight Parking
- Overnight Parking will be suspended through Sunday April 19th. Please comply with all other parking statutes and ordinances, as they will remain in effect and will be strictly enforced. Any parking-related questions can be directed to the Bergenfield Police Department at (201) 387-4000.
All information provided is subject to change as this pandemic evolves. Residents are advised to monitor the Borough’s website and online social media for updates. While we realize that changing normal routines, cancelling events and not seeing friends can be disruptive and upsetting, we are taking CDC recommendations very seriously and urge you to do the same.
Website
For the most up to date information please refer to www.bergenfield.com. There you will find 3 subsections:
- Updates & Notices – Here you will obtain current updates and information on Small Business loans,
- Recent Important Downloads – Here you will find all the Executive Orders created since the inception of COVID-19, information on mortgage payment relief, and resources on where one can get assistance.
- CDC website with the most up to date information pertaining to this pandemic
The Borough understands the public’s concerns about COVID-19 and the Health Department is working closely with the NJDOH and the CDC to monitor and respond to the situation.
The Health Department reminds the public to practice proper hygiene:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and remember to throw the tissue into the trash.
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Stay home if you are sick
- The CDC has identified older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease are at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness.
- Social distancing at all times
- Stay at home unless it is absolutely essential.
That is why the CDC recommends that people at higher risk follow the measures cited below:
- Stay at home as much as possible
- Stock up on supplies, food, and prescriptions.
- Take advantage of the many delivery options in our community.
- When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often.
- We are committed to staying connected to our older residents during this health emergency and have taken the steps to make regular calls to our most vulnerable seniors at home. We will also stay in contact with regular updates via phone or email.
- Symptoms to monitor include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you experience any symptoms, please contact your medical care provider.
- We strongly urge all residents to take all necessary precautions to prevent the community spread of COVID-19. We cannot over emphasize the importance of limiting social contact while the Borough and the School District restrictions are in place. Taking the necessary precautions and remain mindful of restricting person-to-person contact should be foremost in our day-to-day lives for the time being.
