Mayor & Council

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON October 16, 2024 - 7 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Madison was held on the 16th day of October, 2024. Mayor Conley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., in the Committee Room of the Hartley Dodge Memorial, Kings Road, in the Borough of Madison. STATEMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT The Borough Clerk read the statement pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act: “In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting of the Council was provided by transmitting a copy of the meeting notice to the Madison Eagle and Morris County Daily Record, posting a copy on the bulletin board at the main entrance of the Hartley Dodge Memorial, and filing a copy in the office of the Clerk, all on January 12, 2024. This Notice was made available to members of the general public.” ROLL CALL The Borough Clerk called the roll and the following acknowledged their presence: Mayor Robert H. Conley Council Members: Rachael Ehrlich Robert Landrigan Eric P. Range Thomas Haralampoudis Melissa Honohan John J. Forte Also Present: Raymond M. Codey, Borough Administrator James E. Burnet, Assistant Borough Administrator Elizabeth Osborne, Borough Clerk Marina Stinely, Esq. for Matthew J. Giacobbe, Esq. Borough Attorney AGENDA REVIEW There was approval of the Regular and Executive Agenda. READING OF CLOSED SESSION RESOLUTION Mr. Range moved: RESOLVED, that the meeting be adjourned to an Executive Session to consider the following matters: MINUTES FOR APPROVAL (1) September 23, 2024 Date of public disclosure 60 days after conclusion, if disclosure required. PERSONNEL MATTERS (4) DEPUTY COURT ADMINISTRATOR Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 IT DEPARTMENT STAFF UPDATE P/T OFFICE ASSISTANT – PUBLIC SAFETY ELECTRIC UTILITY SUPERINTENDENT Date of public disclosure 90 days after conclusion, if disclosure required. CONTRACT MATTERS (1) ELECTRIC PURCHASE Date of public disclosure 60 days after conclusion, if disclosure required. LITIGATION MATTERS (2) DREW UNIVERSITY COUNCIL ON LOCAL MANDATES Date of public disclosure 60 days after conclusion, if disclosure required. Seconded: Ms. Ehrlich Vote: Approved by voice vote RECONVENE IN COUNCIL CHAMBER Mayor Conley reconvened the Regular Meeting at 8 p.m. in the Council Chamber with all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Range moved approval of the Executive Minutes of September 23, 2024. Ms. Ehrlich seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous voice call vote recorded. Mr. Range moved approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 23, 2024. Ms. Ehrlich seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous voice call vote recorded. GREETINGS TO PUBLIC Mayor Conley made the following comments: Mayor Conley asked for a moment of silence for the passing of Madison residents Mrs. Roberta Dunne and Dr. Stanley Von Hagen Anniversary Ron Meyer, Chief Lineman, Electric Utility Department will celebrate his 25th year on October 4th. Employee of the Month for March Brianna Diamond - For updates and improvements in the Court. Mayor Conley read the following Proclamation Proclamation of the B o r o u g h o f M a d i s on Proclaiming PAGE 2 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 MAASA RED RIBBON WEEK October 23-31, 2024 WHEREAS, alcohol and drug abuse affect individuals, families, and communities across the nation; and WHEREAS, it is imperative that visible, unified efforts by community members be launched to prevent drug abuse; and WHEREAS, Red Ribbon Week offers citizens the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to drug-free lifestyles; and WHEREAS, Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated in communities across the nation from October 23-31; and WHEREAS, businesses, government, law enforcement, media, health care providers, religious institutions, schools, and other community-based organizations will demonstrate their commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles by wearing red ribbons and participating in drug prevention activities; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Madison, along with the Madison Alliance Addressing Substance Abuse (MAASA), further commits its resources to ensure the success of Red Ribbon Week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert H. Conley, Mayor of the Borough of Madison, on behalf of the governing body, do hereby proclaim October 23-31, 2024 as Red Ribbon Week, and encourage residents to participate in drug prevention education activities, not only during Red Ribbon Week, but also throughout the year, making a visible statement that we are strongly committed to a drug-free lifestyle. ________________________________________ Robert H. Conley, Mayor October 16, 2024 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Public Safety Mr. Range, Chair of the Committee, made the following comments: Members of the Madison Police Department want to thank everyone who visited and was involved in the planning of Bottle Hill Day. There is a lot that goes into the planning and the security and I would like to give special thanks to Lt. Plumstead, Cpl. DiRocco, and the rest of the MPD planning committee. We also thank our partners at the Morris County Sheriff’s Department, Morris County Prosecutors Office, United States Department of Homeland Security, and East Hanover Police Department who provided us with coverage. Thanks to Lisa Ellis, Michael Pellessier, our Borough Administration, Mayor Conley and Council, and all who made this day a great one. The Madison Police remind all visitors and attendees of events held at the Madison Recreation Complex (MRC) to please keep vehicles off of the grass. The department has received numerous complaints regarding vehicles parked on PAGE 3 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 the grass. Overflow parking is at Madison High School. For the month of September, the fire department responded to 206 calls. This included 76 fire calls and 130 EMS calls. Eighty two people were transported to the hospital. At the Fire Department’s annual dinner on October 4th Lt. Evan Webb was awarded career firefighter of the year. Lt. Webb was instrumental in helping to get the EMS Division up and running. Volunteer firefighter Joe Gilmore was awarded volunteer firefighter of the year. FF Gilmore dedicates a lot of time to the fire department and is a big part in helping to get new volunteers. The Fire Department had a busy day at Bottle Hill Day and enjoyed cooking at the car show and giving tours of the fire trucks. The Fire Chief and Captain Joseph Longo of the Police Department attended the Reliability First Tabletop exercise on October 9th. The exercise was regarding safety and security of the electric infrastructure during a large-scale event. Captain Longo and Chief Wickman were able to talk about fire and police operations to the NJ Board of Utilities, PJM and several NJ utility companies. The Fire Prevention Bureau has started Fire Safety visits at the elementary schools and preschools to coincide with Fire Prevention Month. Preschoolers and Kindergarteners are getting visits with a fire truck and Captain Blair is doing fire safety presentations for the older children. There were 16 home sale smoke/CO inspections performed. There were 54 fire prevention inspections performed as well. And from the Municipal Court, part time Violations Clerk Adrian Morales is being promoted to full time Deputy Court Administrator. Adrian joined the Madison Joint Court in May and has become an asset to the court. Finance and Borough Clerk Ms. Ehrlich, Chair of the Committee, made the following comments: In the beginning of the 2023, the Borough switched health insurance providers from the New Jersey State Health Benefit plan to the North Jersey Municipal Employee Benefits Fund. The state plan had increased by over 20% that year and the new provider was increasing about half as much. Our health insurance plan pricing came in earlier in the week and is expected to go up approximately 15%, which is still below this year’s increase for the State Health Benefits Plan. Other insurance costs are going up as well. The Borough is a member of the Municipal Excess Liability Morris County Joint Insurance Fund. Our policy with the JIF covers Workers Compensation, General Liability, Environmental Liability, Property, Equipment Vehicles, Employment Practices, Cyber Insurance, as well as coverage for volunteers and the governing body. Our bill for 2024 was $1,142,198 million and that cost is anticipated go up approximately 10% next year. This Monday the Borough will make a semi-annual debt payment of $1,682,112.50. These bonds were first issued in 2008, then refunding bonds were issued in 2014 so we could benefit from a lower interest rate. The projects funded by this debt include the new public safety complex, prior renovations to Borough Hall and a new fire truck. We have five more years of payments on this debt. The Borough paid $1,645,362.50 on principal and interest payments for municipal debt. This is for bonds that were initially issued in 2008 to pay for the building of public safety, the renovation of Hartley Dodge and for a new fire truck. Yesterday, the Borough also paid the Madison Board of Education their monthly payment, which was $4,067,724.67. The Finance Department is working on the annual NJ Division of Local Government Services Best Practices Check List. We anticipate reporting results of this exercise at the next Council meeting. The Tax Collector recently held the annual tax sale. One lien was placed on a property due to unpaid 2023 utility and property taxes. The Tax Collected also mailed out Added/Omitted tax bills last week. These bills PAGE 4 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 account for any increase in the value of a property that hasn’t yet been billed. Examples include taxed due to an addition or new construction. The 4th quarter added amount is due on Nov 1st with a 10 day grace period, and should be paid in addition to the bill you already received this summer. The Collector’s office can help with any questions regarding the bill itself, but anyone with questions about the value of the added assessment should call the Tax Assessor’s office. The Tax Collector’s office would also like to remind residents that the deadline to file this year’s PTR, or “Senior Freeze”, form is October 31st. Please give them a call or stop in if you have any questions. Public Works and Engineering Mr. Landrigan, Chair of the Committee, made the following comments: The Department of Public Works is out picking up leaves. Piles should be put on the curb with no sticks, rocks or trash mixed in. They will continue to work their way around town until all leaves are picked up. The Department has ordered a new hybrid truck. The Sewer Department is doing routine jetting of the sewer lines, check Rosenet.org for updates. The Public Works Department is getting a lot of tree inspection request since the recent storms. The Borough’s vendor is working on the list weekly. Utilities Mr. Haralampoudis, Chair of the Committee, made the following comments: From the Electric Utility Department, upon the retirement of Electric Utility Superintendent James Mattina, and upon the recommendation of the Administration, Lineman Vincent Patti will be considered for the position. A new lineman position will be advertised. The Department has completed installation on new pads at the Cook Avenue Parking lot and will install historic light fixtures. From the Water Department, annual hydrant flushing continues. Residents are encouraged to run the tap if they experience discolored water. MeterTech has replaced water meters throughout the Borough with approximately 100 new meters left to install. Resident can schedule an appointment by calling the Utility Department. Community Affairs Ms. Honohan, Chair of the Committee, made the following comments: Thank you to all our event sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and borough employees who helped make Bottle Hill Day 2024 one for the record books. The weather was perfect, and all who visited had a great time! We are already looking forward to the 60th Anniversary of Bottle Hill Day in Madison, which will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The Madison Farm & Artisan Market is open for business every Saturday through December 14 in the Prospect Street Parking Lot from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. Please check out all the great new and returning vendors, great music, and a sense of community. The next regular meeting of the Downtown Development Commission will be held on October 17th at 7:15 pm in the 2nd Floor Committee Room in the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building. The public is invited to attend. The Chamber of Commerce is offering a seminar to discuss the compliance and impacts of the Corporate Transparency Act. All are welcome to join us on Thursday, October 17th, at 8:00 am at Affinity Federal Credit Union, 18 Elmer Street in Madison. Check out the family-friendly scarecrows creatively decorated by local businesses, which will be displayed on Waverly Place from October 16th through November 1st. The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce 2024 Halloween Parade PAGE 5 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 & Magic Show is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th, from 12:30 pm – to 3:00 pm. Children, their parents, and guardians are invited to attend a Halloween costume parade followed by a magic show and trick-or-treating in the downtown business area. Trick or Treating will not be permitted before the end of the magic show. The Chamber and the DDC are presenting a new event called the Rose City Dog Day & Parade this fall. It will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Please contact Karen at MadisonChamber@gmail.com or Lisa Ellis at DDC@rosenet.org for more information regarding sponsorships or the event. At the Madison Community Arts Center, over 50 paintings by area artists from the Debarry Studio in Florham Park are being displayed through November 25th. Gallery hours are posted on the MCAC website, and the paintings can be viewed informally before and after the center's events. On Friday, October 18th, The Film Society of Summit will be screening Food and Country, the groundbreaking film examining the precarious state of America’s food system. There will be two viewings at 4:00 and 8:00 pm. The monthly new music showcase, Come Original, will take place on Saturday, October 19th, at 7:30 pm. On Sunday, October 20th, from 1-5 pm, nationally celebrated Shakespearean actor Randall Duk Kim and his wife Annie Occhiogrosso will continue working with a company of professional actors on a project called Discovering Lear, which will be a working through of the play King Lear from an actor’s standpoint. Shakespearean scholar and FDU professor emeritus Harry Keyishian and Ellen Barry, the former Managing Director of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, will assist them. The event is free of charge. A brand-new improv comedy group– Too Old for That– will present their very first show on Wednesday, October 30th, at 8 pm. The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey will present a free concert on Sunday, September 27th, at 4 pm. Madison-based Jazz vocalist Brynn Stanley will present her monthly Monday night Jazz show, Madison’s Most Requested, on September 28th at 7 pm. Health Mr. Forte, Chair of the Committee, made the following comments: The Madison Health Department is offering influenza vaccines to homebound or uninsured residents. Please contact the Health Department to schedule an appointment. All residents are encouraged to get the flu vaccine before Halloween, as well as COVID vaccines. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS - None INVITATION FOR COMMENT (1 of 2) Mayor Conley opened the meeting to the public for their opportunity to ask questions and make comments on those items listed on the Agenda only. Mayor asked that, upon recognition by the Meeting Moderator, each person give his/her name and address in an audible tone of voice, for the record. He/she shall limit his/her statement to three (3) minutes or less. Since no member of the public wished to be heard, the invitation for discussion was closed. AGENDA DISCUSSIONS 10/16/2024-1 2024 CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE Mr. Burnet provided information regarding recently completed capital projects including the Dodge Field Accessible Playground, Milling and Overlay projects on PAGE 6 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 Knollwood Avenue, Longview Avenue, and Valley Road, and the near completion of the Cook Plaza Parking Lot. Mr. Burnet also noted that the new motor and pump installed at the Well B pump station will allow the Well to produce water flow for years to come. ADVERTISED HEARINGS - None INVITATION FOR COMMENT (2 of 2) Mayor opened the meeting to the public for their opportunity to ask questions and make comments on any subject. Mayor asked that, upon recognition by the Meeting Moderator, each person give his/her name and address in an audible tone of voice, for the record. He/she shall limit his/her statement to three (3) minutes or less. Charles Cortney; Morris Place, noted his home in Madison for sale and that he now resides in Union County. He received a mail-in ballot for the November election from both Morris and Union Counties. Mr. Cortney cut up his ballot from Morris County, and thanked the Mayor and Council for their hard work. Maryjane Lundt; Highview Terrace, noted the large attendance at Bottle Hill Day and thanked Director of Business Development Lisa Ellis. Ms. Lundt displayed a post card signed by many attending Bottle Hill Day, asking to Save the Forest for the next generation. Joe Basralian; Chatham, NJ, member of the Friend of the Drew Forest, noted the signatures around the tree on the post card presented by Ms. Lundt are similar to the animals in the forest and noted our dependence on clean air, Since no other member of the public wished to be heard, the invitation for discussion was closed. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES The Clerk made the following statement: The ordinance scheduled for introduction and first reading tonight will have a hearing during the meeting of November 13, 2024 in the 2nd Floor Council Chamber of the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building, Kings Road, in the Borough of Madison at 8 p.m., or as soon thereafter as practical, for further consideration and final adoption. Said ordinance will be published in the Madison Eagle, be posted at the main entrance to the Borough offices and be made available to members of the public requesting same, as required by law. Mayor Conley called up Ordinances for first reading and asked the Clerk to read said ordinance by title: ORDINANCE 31-2024 ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 113 OF THE BOROUGH CODE ENTITLED ‘HOUSING STANDARDS’ REGARDING LEAD-BASED PAINT INSPECTIONS WHEREAS, pursuant to P.L. 2021, c.182, all municipalities are required to inspect every single-family, two-family, and multiple-rental dwelling located within PAGE 7 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 the municipality on a recurring basis and at tenant turnover for lead-based paint hazards; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, as follows: SECTION 1: Chapter 113 of the Borough Code, entitled “Housing Standards” shall hereby be amended and supplemented, as follows, to create the following section: Sec. 113-14 Lead-based paint inspections. a. Required initial inspection. The owner, landlord and/or agent of every single-family, two-family, and/or multiple-dwelling unit offered for rental shall be required to obtain an inspection of the unit for lead-based paint hazards within two years of the effective date of the law, or upon tenant turnover, whichever is earlier. b. Required recurring inspection. After the initial inspection required by Borough Code, the owner, landlord and/or agent of such dwelling unit offered for rental shall be required to obtain an inspection of the unit for lead-based paint hazards every three years, or at tenant turnover, whichever is earlier, except that an inspection upon tenant turnover shall not be required if the owner has a valid lead-safe certification. c. Standards. Inspections for lead-based paint in rental dwelling units shall be governed by the standards set forth in N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.1 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 55:13A- 1 et seq., as may be amended from time to time. Inspections will be done by appropriate Borough personnel and/or representatives or certified private Lead evaluation contractor. d. Exceptions. A dwelling unit in a single-family, two-family or multiple- rental dwelling shall not be subject to inspection and evaluation for the presence of lead-based paint hazards or for the fees for such inspection or evaluation if the unit: (1) Has been certified to be free of lead-based paint; (2) Was constructed during or after 1978; (3) Is in a multiple dwelling that has been registered with the Department of Community Affairs as a multiple-dwelling for at least 10 years either under the current or a previous owner, and has no outstanding lead violations from the most recent cyclical inspection performed on the multiple dwelling under the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," N.J.S.A. 55:13A-1 et seq.; (4) Is a single-family or two-family seasonal rental dwelling which is rented for less than six months duration each year by tenants that do not have consecutive lease renewals; or (5) Has a valid lead-safe certification issued in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16(d)(2). PAGE 8 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 e. Remediation. If lead-based paint hazards are identified, then the owner of the dwelling shall remediate the hazards through abatement or lead- based paint hazard control mechanisms in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16(d). Upon the remediation of the lead-based paint hazard, Borough personnel or designee, as may be applicable, or the owner’s private lead inspector, shall conduct an additional inspection of the unit to certify that the hazard no longer exists. f. Certification. If no lead-based paint hazards are identified, then the Borough personnel or designee or the owner’s private lead inspector shall certify the dwelling as lead-safe on a form prescribed by the Department of Community Affairs, which shall be valid for two years and shall be filed with the Borough Clerk. The appropriate Borough personnel or designee shall maintain up-to-date information on inspection schedules, inspection results, tenant turnover, and a record of all lead- free certifications issued pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:17. g. Requirements. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16(e), property owners shall: (1) Provide evidence of a valid lead-safe certification and the most recent tenant turnover to the Borough of Madison at the time of the cyclical inspection. (2) Provide evidence of a valid lead-safe certification to new tenants of the property at the time of tenant turnover and shall affix a copy of such certification as an exhibit to the tenant’s lease. (3) Maintain a record of the lead-safe certification which shall include the name or names of the unit’s tenant or tenants if the inspection was conducted during a period of tenancy. h. Fees. (1) Notwithstanding any other fees due pursuant to Borough Code, a fee in the amount of $425.00 shall be paid for each lead-based paint inspection for all apartments and $550.00 for all single- family and two-family residential houses. Said fee shall be dedicated to meeting the costs of implementing and enforcing this subsection and shall not be used for any other purpose. Alternatively, a dwelling owner or landlord may directly hire a private lead evaluation contractor who is certified to provide lead paint inspection services by the Department of Community Affairs to satisfy all requirements in which case no additional Lead- Based Paint inspection fee shall be paid. (2) The fee for the filing of a lead-safe certification or lead-free certification shall be $25. (3) In a common interest community, any inspection fee charged shall be the responsibility of the unit owner and not the homeowners’ association, unless the association is the owner of the unit. PAGE 9 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 (4) Any charges incurred by the inspector in the course of the inspection and dust testing of the unit shall be the responsibility of the unit owner and not the homeowners’ association unless the association is the owner of the unit. i. Violations and Penalties. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.19, the penalties for a violation of Article shall be as follows: (1) If a property owner has failed to conduct the required inspection or initiate any remediation efforts, the owner shall be given 30 days to cure the violation. (2) If the property owner has not cured the violation after 30 days, the property owner shall be subject to a penalty not to exceed $1,000 per week until the required inspection has been conducted or remediation efforts have been initiated. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict or inconsistent with any part of this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent that they are in such conflict or inconsistent. SECTION 3: This ordinance shall take effect after passage and publication as soon as and in the manner provided by law. SECTION 4: In the event that any section, part or provision of this ordinance shall be held to be unenforceable or invalid by any court, such holding shall not affect the validity of this ordinance as a whole, or any part thereof, other than the part so held unenforceable or invalid. Mr. Range moved that Ordinance 31-2024, which the Borough Clerk read by title, be adopted. Ms. Ehrlich seconded the motion. There was no Council discussion, and the motion passed with the following roll call vote recorded: Yeas: Ms. Ehrlich, Mr. Landrigan, Mr. Range, Mr. Haralampoudis, Ms. Honohan, Mr. Forte Nays: None CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS The Clerk made the following statement: Consent Agenda Resolutions will be enacted with a single motion; any Resolution requiring expenditure is supported by a Certification of Availability of Funds; any Resolution requiring discussion will be removed from the Consent Agenda; all Resolutions will be reflected in full in the minutes. Mr. Range moved adoption of the Resolutions listed on the Consent Agenda. Ms. Ehrlich seconded the motion. There was no Council discussion and the motion passed with the following roll call vote recorded: Yeas: Ms. Ehrlich, Mr. Landrigan, Mr. Range, Mr. Haralampoudis, Ms. Honohan, Mr. Forte Nays: None PAGE 10 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 R 276-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING APPOINTMENT OF ANTHONY AMMIRATO TO THE POSITION OF TRUCK DRIVER IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, the Director of Public Works and the Personnel Director recommends that an offer of employment be made to Anthony Ammirato for the position of Truck Driver in the Public Works Department; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council agrees with this recommendation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Madison in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, as follows: 1. The Personnel Director shall make an offer of employment to Anthony Ammirato for the position of Truck Driver in the Public Works Department. 2. The Personnel Director is authorized to hire Anthony Ammirato for the position of Truck Driver in the Public Works Roads Department upon receipt of satisfactory results of physical and back assessment and drug/alcohol test, effective immediately, at an annual salary of $56,996.00 in accordance with the appropriate collective bargaining unit contract. R 277-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF A PUBIC WORKS DEPARTMENT VEHICLE UNDER EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NJ ESC CO-OP#65MCESCCPS - ESCNJ 23/24-11 WHEREAS, the Borough of Madison desires to award a contract for the purchase of a Public Works Department vehicle under the New Jersey State Contract program; and WHEREAS, the purchase of goods and services by local contracting units is authorized by the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-10, et seq.; and WHEREAS, Nielsen of Morristown, Morristown, NJ, has been awarded Educational Services Commission of NJ ESC Co-op #65MCESCCPS - ESCNJ 23/24-11; and WHEREAS, the Director of Public Works has recommended that the Borough Council utilize this contract for purchase of a 2024 Jeep Wrangler for the Public Works Department as follows; under contract NJ ESC CO-OP #65MCESCCPS - ESCNJ 23/24-11, one 2024 Jeep Wrangler; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has attested that funds are available in an amount not to exceed $50,227.13 for this purpose, which funds are available in Ordinance 28-2024. PAGE 11 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, as follows: 1. A contract for the purchase of a Public Works Department vehicle and accessories in the amount of $50,227.13 is hereby approved. 2. The Borough Administrator is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the Borough to execute a purchase order and contract to Nielsen of Morristown, Morristown, NJ, for the purchase of a Public Works Department vehicle and accessories at a total price not to exceed $50,227.13, in a form acceptable to the Borough Attorney. R 278-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GREEN ACRES ENABLING RESOLUTION AND APPLICATION (1417-04-009/MRC) – ($700,000.00) WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Program (“State”), provides loans and/or grants to municipal and county governments and grants to nonprofit organizations for assistance in the acquisition and development of lands for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes; and WHEREAS, the Madison Borough has previously obtained a Green Acres grant of $4,875,000 from the State to fund the following project(s): #1417-04-009 Madison Borough Open Space Acquisition WHEREAS, the State and the Borough of Madison intend to increase the Green Acres funding by $700,000, to increase Green Acres funding to a total of $5,575,000.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Borough Council of the Borough of Madison, THAT: 1. The Mayor (title of authorized official) of the above-named body or board is hereby authorized to execute an agreement and any amendment(s) thereto with the State known as Madison Open Space Acq. and; 2. The Borough agrees to provide its matching share to the Green Acres funding, if a match is required, in the amount of $5,575,000.00, and; 3. The Borough agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations in its performance of the project. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately. R 279-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AND HOI TIN KONG AND HUI TANG, BLOCK: 2502, LOTS: 20.01 & 20.02 PAGE 12 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 WHEREAS, Hoi Tin Kong and Hui Tang, owners of certain property in the Borough of Madison designated as Tax Block 2502, Lots 7 & 8 on the current Tax Map of the Borough (the “Property”); and WHEREAS, the Owners obtained from the Madison Borough Board of Adjustment approvals for subdivision of the property at 20 Sampson Avenue, Block 2502, Lot 20, which is to be subdivided and other site improvements on the Property by Resolution adopted on May 21, 2024, which provided for execution of a Developer’s Agreement with the Borough. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and the State of New Jersey, that the attached Developer’s Agreement between Hoi Tin Kong and Hui Tang, Owners and the Borough of Madison is hereby approved subject to the approval of the Borough Attorney, and the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the Borough to execute the Developer’s Agreement. R 280-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING USE OF A PORTION OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX BY VASIL I.D. TRAINING , LLC FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT INSTRUCTION WHEREAS, the Madison Police Chief has recommended that the Borough Council authorize courtesy use of a portion of the Public Safety Complex for use by Vasil I.D. Training , LLC for defensive driving instruction ; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator recommends that Council approve this request. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that Vasil I.D. Training, LLC is authorized to use a portion of the Public Safety Complex for defensive driving instruction. R 281-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING USE OF A PORTION OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX BY FAIRLEIGH DICKENSON UNIVERSITY FOR GRADUATE COURSES WHEREAS, the Madison Police Chief has recommended that the Borough Council authorize courtesy use of a portion of the Public Safety Complex for use by Fairleigh Dickenson University for a graduate level college course; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator recommends that Council approve this request. PAGE 13 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that Fairleigh Dickenson University is authorized to use a portion of the Public Safety Complex for a graduate level college course. R 282-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON APPROVING PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION STATUS FOR TAX BLOCK 911, LOT 8 EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2025 FOR WARTIME SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY WHEREAS, the owner of Tax Block 911, Lot 8 of the taxing district of the Borough of Madison is a citizen and resident of the State of New Jersey, who served in the United States military in time of war; and WHEREAS, the owner of Tax Block 911, Lot 8 of the taxing district of the Borough of Madison has been honorably discharged from the United States military and has been found by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to have a 100% service-connected, permanent disability; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30 provides that the dwelling house of any citizen of this State, who is honorably discharged from active military service in time of war and is declared to be 100% permanently disabled by the United States Veterans Administration or its successor, shall be exempt from property taxation; and WHEREAS, the Borough Tax Assessor has determined that the property owner is eligible for the tax exemption beginning September 26, 2024, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that Tax Block 911, Lot 8 shall be exempt from property taxation because the owner of the property is a disabled veteran who satisfies the requirements of N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30. R 283-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON APPROVING TEMPORARY SIGNS FOR THE MADISON EAGLE CHRISTMAS FUND WHEREAS, the Madison Eagle Christmas Fund has requested permission to put up temporary signs advertising the annual Madison Eagle Christmas Fund campaign; and WHEREAS, the signs would be located at various intersections and public property, commencing on November 21, 2024 and removed by December 30, 2024. PAGE 14 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that the request of the Madison Eagle Christmas Fund to put up temporary signs as described herein from November 21, 2024 to December 30, 2024, is approved. R 284-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON APPROVING THE ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARADE SPONSORED BY THE MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024 WHEREAS, the Director of Business Development has requested permission to hold the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce annual Halloween Parade and Magic Show on Saturday, October 26, 2024; and WHEREAS, the parade will begin at 12:30 p.m., and proceeded on a route approved by the Madison Borough Police Chief, said route beginning at the Hartley Dodge Memorial to Green Village Road to Main Street turning onto Waverly place and finishing at the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building; and WHEREAS, the Police Chief recommends approval of this request. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris, and State of New Jersey, that the request of the Madison Chamber of Commerce to hold their annual Halloween parade in Madison on Saturday, October 26, 2024, as described herein is hereby approved, subject to any safety requirements that are imposed by the Madison Police Department. R 285-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON APPROVING THE ANNUAL ROSE CITY DOG DAY & PARADE SPONSORED BY THE MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE MADISON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024 WHEREAS, the Director of Business Development has requested permission to hold the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and Madison Downtown Development Commission’s first annual Rose City Dog Day & Parade on Saturday, November 2, 2024; and WHEREAS, the parade will begin at 11:00 a.m., and proceed on a route approved by the Madison Borough Police Chief, said route beginning at the Hartley Dodge Memorial to Green Village Road to Main Street turning onto Waverly place and finishing at the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building; and WHEREAS, the Police Chief recommends approval of this request. PAGE 15 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris, and State of New Jersey, that the request of the Madison Chamber of Commerce and the Madison Downtown Development Commission to hold their first annual Rose City Dog Day & parade in Madison on Saturday, November 2, 2024, as described herein is hereby approved, subject to any safety requirements that are imposed by the Madison Police Department. R 286-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON PROMOTING ADRIAN MORALES TO THE POSITION OF DEPUTY COURT ADMINISTRATOR WHEREAS, the Personnel Director and Joint Municipal Court Administrator have recommended that Adrian Morales be appointed to the position of Deputy Court Administrator; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council agrees with this recommendation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey that Adrian Morales is hereby appointed to the position of Deputy Court Administrator of the Madison Joint Municipal Court, to be compensated at $56,000.00 annually. R 287-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON APPOINTING JENNIFER DALEY TO THE POSITION OF PART-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT WHEREAS, the Personnel Director has recommended the appointment of Jennifer Daley to the position of part-time Office Assistant shared by the Police and Fire Departments, at the rate of $27.00 per hour; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council agrees with this recommendation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris, and State of New Jersey that Jennifer Daley is appointed to the position of part-time Office Assistant shared by the Police and Fire Departments at the rate of $27.00 per hour, contingent upon a successful background check and motor vehicle records check. R 288-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING A CHRISTMAS TREE SALE AT DODGE FIELD NOVEMBER 23, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 21, 2024 WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Madison has requested permission to use a portion of Dodge Field, November 23, 2024 through December 21, 2024, Monday PAGE 16 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 through Friday, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., to hold a Christmas Tree Sale; and WHEREAS, the funds raised will be dedicated to supporting their charitable and community initiatives; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator has recommended that such permission be granted; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council agrees with this recommendation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that the Rotary Club of Madison is hereby given permission to use a portion of Dodge Field, November 23, 2024 through December 21, 2024, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., to hold a Christmas Tree Sale, subject to such safety requirements as may be directed by the Madison Police Department and/or Fire Department and adequate insurance coverage indemnifying the Borough from liability. R 289-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON APPOINTING VINCENT PATTI AS ELECTRIC UTILITY SUPERINTENDENT WHEREAS, Electric Superintendent Jim Mattina has announced his plan to retire effective November 1, 2024; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator has recommended that Vincent Patti be appointed as Electric Utility Superintendent effective November 1, 2024; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council agrees with said recommendation; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council has agreed that Vincent Patti shall serve as the Electric Utility Superintendent at an annual salary of $155,000.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that Vincent Patti is hereby appointed as Electric Utility Superintendent effective November 1, 2024, to be compensated at an annual salary of $155,000.00. R 290-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON ACCEPTING DONATION FROM THE FORMER MASONIC LODGE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PAGE 17 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 WHEREAS, the former members of the Madison Masonic Lodge have generously offered to donate $5,000.00 for the purchase of Knox Boxes and other fire equipment for use by the Madison Fire Department; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council has concluded that it would be in the best interest of the Borough to accept the donation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison in the County of Morris in the State of New Jersey that the Borough accepts the donation of $5,000.00 for the purchase of Knox Boxes and other fire equipment for use by the Madison Fire Department. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough of Madison expresses its gratitude to the members of the Madison Masonic Lodge. R 291-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON APPROVING JACOB HENRY PERKINS TRUST DISBURSEMENT WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator recommends a grant from the Jacob Henry Perkins Trust (hereafter Perkins Trust) on behalf of E. H., a Borough resident; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator has advised the Borough Council that E. H. meets the criteria for a Perkins Trust grant; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council has determined to approve the request for a Perkins Trust grant for a security deposit in the amount of $2,255.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that a grant is hereby approved from the Perkins Trust in the amount of $2,255.00, for the benefit of E. H., to be disbursed by the Finance Department. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS On motion by Mr. Range, seconded by Ms. Ehrlich and carried, the following vouchers of the Borough of Madison were approved for payment, and the supporting documentation of said vouchers was made part of the Supplemental Minute Book. Current Fund $999,462.64 General Capital Fund 16,760.67 Electric Operating Fund 567,657.43 Electric Capital Fund 89,160.00 Water Operating Fund 35,713.64 Water Capital Fund 57,457.50 PAGE 18 OF 19 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2024 Trusts 120,486.78 Total $1,886,698.66 The following roll call vote was recorded approving the aforementioned vouchers: Yeas: Ms. Ehrlich, Mr. Landrigan, Mr. Range, Mr. Haralampoudis, Ms. Honohan, Mr. Forte Nays: None NEW BUSINESS - None ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Osborne Borough Clerk Approved October 28, 2024 (EO) PAGE 19 OF 19