City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held January 21st 2021, at 7:36 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey and via Zoom. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE “I HEREBY ANNOUNCE AND STATE THAT ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED BY VIRTUE OF A RESOLUTION SCHEDULING THE TIME, DATE AND PLACE OF MEETINGS OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS FOR THE YEAR 2021; WHICH RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL ON JANUARY 7th 2021, AND PUBLISHED IN THE MORRIS NEWS BEE AND THE DAILY RECORD; AND BY THE FORWARDING OF SUCH RESOLUTION TO ALL PERSONS ON THE REQUEST LIST; BY THE POSTING OF SUCH RESOLUTION ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE BOROUGH HALL; ALL OF THE ABOVE ACTIONS BEING IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.” NOTICE OF MEETING MORRIS PLAINS BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2021 WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PERSON WITH REMOTE ZOOM AND TELEPHONE CALL-IN OPTIONS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Morris Plains Borough Council meeting presently scheduled for January 21, 2021 will be conducted in person with social distancing requirements being observed and with REMOTE Zoom meeting and telephone call-in options from off-site locations due to the ongoing State of Public Health Emergency pursuant to the New Jersey Governor’s Executive Orders, COVID-19 public health concerns and social distancing requirements. The meeting will be held at Morris Plains Borough Hall, Council Chambers, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains with a Conference Session at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Regular Session at 8:30 p.m. Formal action will be taken. To comply with the social distancing requirements established by the Governor through Executive Order, the maximum number of persons permitted in the Council Chamber is 25% of the maximum seating capacity, subject to a minimum social distancing requirement of six-feet between all persons. As a result of those requirements, eleven (11) members of the public can be physically present at the meeting in addition to the Mayor, Borough Council, and Borough staff/professionals. Seating for the ten (10) members of the public in the Council Chambers will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve a seat, please call the Borough Clerk at (973) 538-2224. Once the capacity limit has been reached for members of the public who may attend in person, all other members of the public who wish to attend the meeting may do so REMOTELY using the information below for one of the two participation options listed. Any documents that would be viewed or made available to members of the public physically present at the meeting shall be made available in advance of the public meeting for download on the Borough’s website, www.morrisplainsboro.org and made visible during a Zoom video broadcast of the public meeting. The Borough Council will follow its normal protocol for this meeting which means that there will be an opportunity for public comment participation. Residents and members of the public participating remotely will be able to ask questions or comment on the discussion when the public comment section is announced, either by audio and video in the Zoom remote format or by audio in a telephone call-in format. Until the public comment portions of the meeting, members of the public participating remotely will be muted. Once the public portions of the meeting are concluded, members of the public will be again muted. Please note that while muted, members of the public will still be able to hearing the Mayor and Borough Council conducting business. In advance of the remote public meeting, members of the public may submit public comments or questions to the Mayor and Borough Council in written letter form, or by contacting. he Borough Clerk by email at rdenman@morrisplainsboro.org prior to the meeting up until 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. All public comments and questions submitted in advance must include the individual’s name and address. If residents and members of the public encounter problems in submitting questions or comments remotely during the public meeting, they may submit such questions and comments to the Borough Council via email to the Borough Clerk at rdenman@morrisplainsboro.org. Questions and comments must be submitted via email by Midnight on the date of the meeting, in order to be included in the record of the meeting. The Meeting Agenda and Consent Calendar will be available at www.morrisplainsboro.org Morris Plains Borough Council Meeting Time: January 21, 2021 - Meetings typically run two hours Conference Session starts at 7:30PM Regular Session starts at 8:30PM If an Executive Session is needed, the Borough Council will depart the meeting during the Conference Session for a confidential Closed Executive Session and will return at 8:30PM for the Regulation Session. If a second Executive Session is needed during the Regular Session, the Borough Council will depart the meeting during the Regular Session and upon adjournment of the Closed Executive Session will return to the meeting to conclude the Regular Session. There are two options for joining the meeting: 1 - Join Zoom Meeting URL from computer or mobile device with Wi-Fi: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82633676908?pwd=MTRKNEJZSFhLS1FrOW1UUHRkdzJ Bdz09 Meeting ID: 826 3367 6908 Password: 593971 It is recommended that you download the app on your computer or mobile device prior to the meeting. 2 - Dial in by cell phone or landline (audio only): 1-929-436-2866 Meeting ID 826-3367-6908 Password 593971 Present on Roll Call: Mayor Jason C. Karr Councilmembers: Cathie Kelly, Council President Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Absent: None Present: Ursula Leo, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr spoke about the New Jersey Transit generator stating they have begun the permit process. He asked the Councilmembers to contemplate ideas of what the Governing Body can do during April’s Local Government Week. He commented on work being done by Verizon in connection with 5G upgrades in the surrounding area; he stated the Borough does have an ordinance relating to this kind of work, and he will provide more information to the Councilmembers. He believes other municipalities may not have had an ordinance for this kind of work. Councilmember Kelly spoke about Morris Plains Little League and a car wash they would like to hold at the Community Center parking lot for a future event. She will keep the Council updated as the plans are becoming finalized. Mayor Karr said he does not see any problem with the Little League proceeding with their planning for this event. Councilmember Wagner spoke about the HOPE 1 van. He congratulated the County and Sheriff James Gannon on this program, especially during the pandemic. Councilmember Verga reported on the communications survey and and gave an update on specific website issues. Mayor Karr asked Councilmember Bruhn and his Finance Committee to work on the Personnel and Policies Procedure Manual, and to look into cyber risk management as well. He asked Councilmember Kelly and her committee to work on the Community Development Grant. Councilmember Verga was asked to check with JCP&L to determine if there are different street light rates for LED lighting. This would also include lighting in parking lots. Councilmember Cortese said he may have some information about the LED lighting costs. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Kelly: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2021-28 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. So ordered. Voice Vote. All in favor. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned at 8:26 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:30 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held January 21st 2021 at 8:35 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey and via Zoom PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER “I HEREBY ANNOUNCE AND STATE THAT ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED BY VIRTUE OF A RESOLUTION SCHEDULING THE TIME, DATE AND PLACE OF MEETINGS OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS FOR THE YEAR 2021; WHICH RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL ON JANUARY 7th 2021, AND PUBLISHED IN THE MORRIS NEWS BEE AND THE DAILY RECORD; AND BY THE FORWARDING OF SUCH RESOLUTION TO ALL PERSONS ON THE REQUEST LIST; BY THE POSTING OF SUCH RESOLUTION ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE BOROUGH HALL; ALL OF THE ABOVE ACTIONS BEING IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.” NOTICE OF MEETING MORRIS PLAINS BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2021 WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PERSON WITH REMOTE ZOOM AND TELEPHONE CALL-IN OPTIONS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Morris Plains Borough Council meeting presently scheduled for January 21, 2021 will be conducted in person with social distancing requirements being observed and with REMOTE Zoom meeting and telephone call-in options from off-site locations due to the ongoing State of Public Health Emergency pursuant to the New Jersey Governor’s Executive Orders, COVID-19 public health concerns and social distancing requirements. The meeting will be held at Morris Plains Borough Hall, Council Chambers, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains with a Conference Session at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Regular Session at 8:30 p.m. Formal action will be taken. To comply with the social distancing requirements established by the Governor through Executive Order, the maximum number of persons permitted in the Council Chamber is 25% of the maximum seating capacity, subject to a minimum social distancing requirement of six-feet between all persons. As a result of those requirements, eleven (11) members of the public can be physically present at the meeting in addition to the Mayor, Borough Council, and Borough staff/professionals. Seating for the ten (10) members of the public in the Council Chambers will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve a seat, please call the Borough Clerk at (973) 538-2224. Once the capacity limit has been reached for members of the public who may attend in person, all other members of the public who wish to attend the meeting may do so REMOTELY using the information below for one of the two participation options listed. Any documents that would be viewed or made available to members of the public physically present at the meeting shall be made available in advance of the public meeting for download on the Borough’s website, www.morrisplainsboro.org and made visible during a Zoom video broadcast of the public meeting. The Borough Council will follow its normal protocol for this meeting which means that there will be an opportunity for public comment participation. Residents and members of the public participating remotely will be able to ask questions or comment on the discussion when the public comment section is announced, either by audio and video in the Zoom remote format or by audio in a telephone call-in format. Until the public comment portions of the meeting, members of the public participating remotely will be muted. Once the public portions of the meeting are concluded, members of the public will be again muted. Please note that while muted, members of the public will still be able to hearing the Mayor and Borough Council conducting business. In advance of the remote public meeting, members of the public may submit public comments or questions to the Mayor and Borough Council in written letter form, or by contacting. he Borough Clerk by email at rdenman@morrisplainsboro.org prior to the meeting up until 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. All public comments and questions submitted in advance must include the individual’s name and address. If residents and members of the public encounter problems in submitting questions or comments remotely during the public meeting, they may submit such questions and comments to the Borough Council via email to the Borough Clerk at rdenman@morrisplainsboro.org. Questions and comments must be submitted via email by Midnight on the date of the meeting, in order to be included in the record of the meeting. The Meeting Agenda and Consent Calendar will be available at www.morrisplainsboro.org Morris Plains Borough Council Meeting Time: January 21, 2021 - Meetings typically run two hours Conference Session starts at 7:30PM Regular Session starts at 8:30PM If an Executive Session is needed, the Borough Council will depart the meeting during the Conference Session for a confidential Closed Executive Session and will return at 8:30PM for the Regulation Session. If a second Executive Session is needed during the Regular Session, the Borough Council will depart the meeting during the Regular Session and upon adjournment of the Closed Executive Session will return to the meeting to conclude the Regular Session. There are two options for joining the meeting: 1 - Join Zoom Meeting URL from computer or mobile device with Wi-Fi: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82633676908?pwd=MTRKNEJZSFhLS1FrOW1UUHRkdzJBdz09 Meeting ID: 826 3367 6908 Password: 593971 It is recommended that you download the app on your computer or mobile device prior to the meeting. 2 - Dial in by cell phone or landline (audio only): 1-929-436-2866 Meeting ID 826-3367-6908 Password 593971 Present on Roll Call: Mayor Jason C. Karr Councilmembers: Cathie Kelly, Council President Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Absent: None Present: Ursula Leo, Esq., Borough Attorney Leon Hall, Borough Engineer Mayor Karr welcomed all members of the public attending this meeting remotely and provided informational guidance relating to the meeting, including how to participate during all public portions of the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Kelly moved: BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Morris Plains, that the attached reports be accepted and that said reports be kept on file in the Clerk’s Office: REPORTS Sanitarian, December 2020 Municipal Court, December 2020 Animal Control, December 2020 Animal Control, Year End 2020 Police Department, December 2020 Borough Clerk, December 2020 Animal Licensing, December 2020 Building Inspector, December 2020 Tax Collector, December 2020 Tax Collector, Year End 2020 Treasurer, December 2020 Tipping Fees, December 2020 Borough Engineer, Quarterly Report THAT Resolution No. 2021-29 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPLYING FOR A LEAP CHALLENGE GRANT FOR THE SHARING OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT,” be adopted as attached. THAT Andrea and David Glaser, 1 Brook Drive South, be granted permission to hold a block party on Saturday, February 6 th 2021 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Further permission to serve alcoholic beverages be granted. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades. THAT Lauren Pallone Martin, MD, FAAP, 2 Beech Drive, be appointed a member to the Morris Plains Board of Health which term expires December 31st 2024. THAT an adjustment is made to Sherwood Stevens salary as of January 1st 2021 to reflect $41.91/hour as per the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 469 contract. THAT the Borough Council approve the membership application of Tyler C. Shay, 55 Burch Drive, Morris Plains as a member of the Morris Plains Fire Department. THAT the Mayor and Council approve a Filming Permit to be issued to ITV America Inc. for use of a portion of the Borough Hall Police Department and 2nd floor Council Chambers on January24thand the use of Morris Plains Community Center Parking Lot and a portion of Morris Plains Community Center on January 25th 2021. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Verga GREETINGS OF PUBLIC AND INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr opened the meeting to the public for any discussion; he provided detailed information on how the public can participate. There being no e-mail comments/questions and seeing no one, he closed the public portion of the meeting. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Bruhn reported on work being done in connection with the 2021 budget and the first quarter budget meeting. He thanked the Clerk’s Office for their efforts on the Re-Organization Meeting. Councilmember Bruhn reported on current work projects in the Clerk’s Office as well as that of the Finance Committee. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported on the HOPE ONE van and how impressed everyone was. Police Department’s Report Police Chief Koroski reported that most of the Department has received their first COVID-19 vaccinations. Chief Koroski reported on the HOPE ONE van visit and stated that the Police Department will be partnering with them on a future project. Chief Koroski thanked those who stopped by to visit. Chief Koroski reported on the delivery of a new Police Department vehicle, a 2021 Ford Hybrid. Chief Koroski reported on the crime prevention flyer that he spoke about at a previous Governing Body meeting and will be distributed to appropriate members of the public to warn them of the hazards of unlocked cars, garage door being open and related issues. Public Works Councilmember Wagner reported on the start-up of the outdoor dining ordinance. Councilmember Wagner reported on activities of the Development Committee sharing his, Councilmember Goddard’s and Councilmember Verga’s thoughts: (1) discussion about code and ordinance enforcement and (2) shorter process for first starting a Borough business inquiry to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Councilmember Wagner reported on the first Zoom meeting with various businesses, what was learned, creation of a database, accountabilities such as those of landlords, ideas and possible future events, meetings and plans. Borough Engineer’s Report Mr. Hall reported on the various Borough construction/development projects and the 2021 road contracts. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Kelly reported on tree issues relating to Roberts Garden, however, this is not the time of year to accomplish such projects and will re-schedule for the spring. Councilmember Kelly reported that the Shade Tree Commission held its Re-Organization Meeting on January 13th 2021. Councilmember Kelly reported on recent activities of the Recreation Commission, particularly a visit to the Morris Plains Pool complex and fields regarding some work that needs to be done. Councilmember Kelly commented on the HOPE One van visit and the wonderful work they provide to the County and its residents. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Goddard reported on the Board of Health and the issue of getting COVID-19 vaccinations. It is challenging and patience is being asked for. She provided a County hotline telephone number. Councilmember Goddard reported the problems experienced by some seniors and others in the community who are trying to make a vaccination appointment due to lack of internet access. Councilmember Goddard reported on information for upcoming Teen Center activities. Mayor Karr reported on the importance of community outreach in helping residents arrange for vaccination appointments. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Verga reported on the recent Planning Board meeting. Councilmember Verga reported on the HOPE One van stating they also offer free NARCAN training. The training takes about 15 minutes and can be given virtually to groups as well as individuals. Councilmember Verga reported on the communications survey and shared some of the comments received. Councilmember Verga reported on the December 21st 2020 Board of Adjustment meeting in which an application for 49 Dogwood Road was denied and their next meeting will be on January 25th 2021. She requested Mr. Hall give a brief overview of Ordinance 1-2021 addressing Storm Water Control which will be introduced shortly. Mr. Hall provided information about this ordinance as requested and what the process is. Councilmember Verga reported on celebrating the 1920 attainment of the women’s vote last year and now there is a woman Vice President. “Anything is possible.” PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, ETC. Mayor Karr asked if anyone had any communications, petitions or anything else to present. Seeing no one he closed this portion of the meeting. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES Councilmember Verga introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. __1-2021 AN ORDINANCE REVISING THE STORMWATER CONTROL ORDINANCE, SECTION 13-4.16 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS Councilmember Kelly seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Verga offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on January 21st 2021 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on February 4th 2021 at 8:30 P.M. prevailing time in the Municipal Building in the said Borough, this Council will further consider for Second Reading and final passage of said ordinance. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of this Borough be and she is hereby directed to publish and mail the proper notice therefor, including the ordinance, post the ordinance on the Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building and make copies available to members of the general public. Councilmember Goddard seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS 2021-30 Resolution Authorizing Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act for Borough Employees Mayor Karr asked Ms. Leo to provide an overview of this resolution. Ms. Leo stated this Act “has been around since April 1st 2020.” She shared details of how this Act can be used if needed by employees. The timeframe of this Act is extended to March 31st 2021. Councilmember Bruhn read and moved the resolution. Seconded by Councilmemebr Kelly Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Bruhn moved the vouchers for January 21st 2021 in the amount of $3,721,296.67 seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Verga EXECUTIVE SESSION None. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:17 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk