City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held March 18th 2021, at 7:31P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey and via Zoom. 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. Present on Roll Call: Mayor Jason C. Karr Councilmembers: Catherine 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 advised he will be meeting with Mr. Kevin Soutar about upgrades to the Community Center WiFi and installing additional microphones in the Council Chambers. Cross discussion about whether everyone’s e-mails are working and related transmission and server issues. Councilmember Verga questioned the removal of barricades on Central Avenue. Mayor Karr said they were removed due to snow and will be re- installed soon and ultimately will be permanent. The County is involved with this. Councilmember Verga gave updates on the Local Government Week activities; Coffee with the Council will be held on Saturday, April 24th 2021 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 P.M. and if more than three Councilmembers plan to attend it will need to be noticed as a meeting. Councilmember Kelly stated she has spoken with the Fire and Police Departments, the Hope 1 Van among others who will participate in the Local Government Week events. Councilmember Verga commented on other plans for Local Government Week, including sharing information and site plan renderings about the major construction developments underway in the Borough. Cross discussion with Borough Attorney Leo about issues relating to groups’ websites, Facebook pages and Borough social media policies. Councilmember Goddard gave updates on the recent Board of Health meeting and possible activities that may be scheduled within the next few months. The Board of Health is considering a rabies clinic in May or June; she provided participation details. At present, it is planned that the prior schedule of a January rabies clinic will be reinstated. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Kelly at 7:53 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2021-41 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. So ordered. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:33 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:42 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held March 18th 2021 at 8:45 P.M. 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 March 18, 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 March 18, 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 at 7:30 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 35% of the maximum seating capacity, subject to a minimum social distancing requirement of six-feet between all persons. As a result of those requirements, fifteen (15) members of the public can be physically present at the meeting in addition to the Mayor, Borough Council, and Borough staff/professionals. To reserve a seat, please call the Borough Clerk at (973) 538-2224. 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 the 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: March 18, 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/82787644794?pwd=MTU5SGlZcDhDY0ZPMWh5ZEZHbk4wZz09 Meeting ID: 827 8764 4794 Password: 049102 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 82787644794 Password 049102 The Meeting Agenda and Consent Calendar will be available at www.morrisplainsboro.org Present on Roll Call: Mayor Jason C. Karr Councilmembers: Catherine Kelly, Council President Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Absent: None Present: Leon Hall, P.E. Ursula Leo, Esq., Borough Attorney Mayor Karr welcomed the members of the public attending this meeting remotely. He provided information as to documents that can be found on the landing page of the Borough website. He gave guidance about the meeting and how members of the public can participate in the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Kelly moved: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meetings of February 18th 2021be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. So ordered. Voice vote. All in favor. Councilmember Kelly moved: 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, February 2021 Animal Control, February 2021 Borough Clerk, February 2021 Animal Licensing, February 2021 Municipal Court February 2021 Building Inspector, February 2021 Tax Collector, February 2021 Treasurer, February 2021  Resolution 2021-42 entitled “RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY EMRGENCY RELIEF PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE 06-2020 TO PERMIT CONTINUED OUTDOOR DINING.” Resolution 2021-43 entitled “RESOLUTION APPOINTING POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL KOROSKI AS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Resolution 2021-44 entitled “MORRIS PLAINS CO-OPERATIVE PLAYSCHOOL RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 319-21.” Resolution 2021-45 entitled “MORRIS PLAINS CO-OPERATIVE PLAYSCHOOL RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 320-21.” Resolution 2021-46 entitled “CANCELLATION OF TAXES VETERAN EXEMPTION.” Resolution 2021-47 entitled “REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT.” The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Watnong Post 3401, be granted permission to distribute Little Red Buddy Poppies at various locations within the Borough of Morris Plains from May 1st through May 31st 2021. Morris Plains Community Band be granted permission to hold a concert at Roberts Garden on Sunday, July 4, 2021, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rain date of July 7, 2021. Morris Plains Community Band be granted permission to hold a concert at Roberts Garden on Sunday, August 8, 2021, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rain date of August 11, 2021. Morris Plains Community Band/North Jersey Composite Band be granted permission to hold a concert at Roberts Garden on Sunday, August 15, 2021, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rain date of August 22, 2021. Permission be granted for the Morris Plains Farmers Market to be conducted Saturdays, June 12th 2021 through October 9th 2021 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, in the Merchant Block and that the Department of Public Works will supply the necessary barricades. The Mayor be authorized to sign Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Municipal Request for Use of Forfeited Funds to enable the Morris Plains Police Department to purchase firearms equipment The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for Improvements to Grove Avenue, Contract No. 2021.01 with bids to be received on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at 10:00 A.M., outdoors in the designated area of the parking lot of the municipal building. Nicholas Mosuriak, Laborer DPW to receive donated sick time from the following: Ana Thomas, Tax Office 70 Hours Alfred Mulligan, DPW 40 Hours The Memorial Day Parade Committee be granted permission to hold its 35thAnnual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 29th 2021. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Councilmember Wagner abstained from Resolution 2021-42 Mayor Karr thanked Ana Thomas and Alfred Mulligan for donating their hours to a fellow employee; a tremendous gesture. He commented on how good it is to begin to see some return to normalcy – the planned Memorial Day Parade and all being present in the Council Chambers tonight for this meeting. PRESENTATION Nicholas Karr, Veterans Flags along Speedwell Avenue Mr. Karr distributed informational material to the Mayor and Council. He introduced those in attendance with him. In November he would like to dress the light poles along Speedwell Avenue with banners to honor the Borough’s veterans and current service members. He described what the banners would have each person’s portrait with name and service information. There will be an opportunity to sponsor a banner for a fee of $200.00. Mr. Karr explained how the sponsorship function would work. Extra finances (beyond costs funds) remaining will be donated to one or more veteran-based charities/organizations. He offered to answer any questions Councilmembers may have and proceeded to do so. Mr. Karr explained how he began to think about this project and why he wants to pursue it and also spoke about the various logistics and requirements involved. Mayor Karr said he believes the Borough could sponsor the bracket portions of the poles for the banners if all Councilmembers agree. Mr. Karr added each kit costs $180. Mention was made of other municipalities that honor their veterans and service members in this way. The consensus of the Mayor and Council was to support this project. Mr. Karr thanked all for their time and consideration. GREETINGS OF PUBLIC AND INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr welcomed members of the public who are attending this meeting remotely providing informational and instructional guidance to the public for this portion of the meeting. No email messages were received for this meeting. He asked if any member of the public would like to speak. Ms. Laurie Fu, 43 Parker Drive, Morris Plains, commended Mr. Karr for his planned project honoring veterans and service members. She thanked the Mayor and Council for approving the Memorial Day Parade for this year. She reminded that Plains Talk can be used to publicize Mr. Karr’s project. Not seeing anyone else wanting to speak, Mayor Karr closed the public portion of the meeting. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Bruhn reported on the work activities in the Clerk’s Office, including Animal Licensing, OPRA requests, marriage licenses, death certificates and the Community Garden. Mr. Bruhn reported on the electric vehicle charging station stating that completion is anticipated by June 30th 2021. Mr. Bruhn reported that the next budget meeting is set for March 26th 2021. Mayor Karr spoke about the Cares Act in which the Borough is expected to receive about $614,000.00. Funds will need to be used by 2024. He has not yet received any guidelines about how the funds can be used. The first payment is expected within about 90 days. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese said he is thankful for funds to be received under the Cares Act. Police Department’s Report Police Chief Koroski reported on the prescription drug take back day scheduled for Saturday, April 24th 2021, from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 P.M. at Stop & Shop. Public Works Councilmember Wagner reported on the Department of Public Works (DPW) Superintendent’s report highlighting specific projects they worked on. Mr. Wagner reported on plans for this season’s Farmers’ Market, including possible food sampling and pet adoptions. Councilmember Wagner reported on an idea that was shared with Councilmember Verga to help encourage shopping/dining at local businesses. Councilmember Wagner reported on a list of available properties/vacancies in the Borough that will be provided to two local commercial real estate brokers. Mayor Karr reported additional information about Cares Act relief for food establishments and restaurants Borough Engineer’s Report Mr. Hall reported on his recent conversation with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) relating to the Route 10 widening project. Additional studies will slightly delay this work. Mr. Hall reported on work being done at the various development projects as well as roadway work. Mayor Karr asked Mr. Hall him to talk about the flood plans and the Route 202 State paving project under the bridge. Mr. Hall reported on flood insurance rate maps and anticipates they will be adopted soon. He also learned that there is now a pause/hold on flood insurance rate increases. Mr. Hall reported the timeframe for the Route 202 paving project is awaiting updated information, but did provide commentary about crosswalk repairs, curbing and concrete pavers. The State has incorporated several of the TransOptions recommendations into the design. Cross discussion on the updating of flood plain maps Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Kelly on Recreation Commission activities including the Easter Bunny’s Firetruck visit on Saturday. March 27th 2021. The Fire Department and the Recreation Commission are sponsoring this event. Councilmember Kelly reported on Pool and Summer Camp plans providing specific details on a number of the activities and opportunities that will be offered. Councilmember Kelly reported on the March 13th 2021 blood drive which had a total of 68 donors; the next drive is on March 25th 2021. Councilmember Kelly thanked Chief Koroski for his assistance with Local Government Week activities. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Goddard reported on matters relating to COVID-19 both on a County level and a Borough level. Councilmember Kelly reported on information about Teen Center and Municipal Alliance activities and also spoke about virtual family cooking classes. Ordinances & Public Utilities Councilmember Verga reported on the street light rates project, including reference to meter boxes. JCP&L will continue their needed-maintenance helicopter patrols through March 24th 2021. Councilmember Verga reported on the planned Local Government Week activities and thanked all volunteers and employees who have helped with planning. Councilmember Verga reported on the Planning Board meeting which was held on March 15th 2021. Councilmember Verga reported on several Congressional designations for the month of March, highlighting that of National Developmental Disabilities Month. 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 None ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS Resolution 2021-48 – “Resolution in Support of the Adoption of Assembly Bills Nos. A5482 and A5483.” Councilmember Kelly moved the adoption of this resolution. Mayor Karr spoke about what these Assembly bills address. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner 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 March 18th 2021 in the amount of $626,191.82, seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Cortese, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Bruhn EXECUTIVE SESSION None. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wagner moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:48 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. ___________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk