City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held April 15th 2021, at 7:30 P.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: Fred Knapp, Esq., representing Borough Attorney Ursula Leo, Esq. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr welcomed Mr. Knapp and thanked him for attending on behalf of Ms. Leo. Councilmember Kelly reported that the Recreation Commission’s next meeting will now be held on Thursday, April 29th 2021 instead of on Thursday, April 22nd 2021. Councilmember Kelly clarified a previous statement regarding the Memorial Day Parade stating that no sports teams or scout groups will be marching. Some Borough School band members will perform at the Roberts Garden memorial service and Troop 39 will march. Councilmember Kelly reported Local Government Week plans. Councilmember Wagner reported on Department of Public Works (DPW) equipment that will be on display at the Local Government Week event. Cross discussion about the Little League activities that will also be happening throughout the day at Community Park on Saturday, April 24th 2021 Councilmember Goddard reported on a recent Board of Health meeting and advised of a rabies vaccine clinic planned for Saturday, May 22nd 2021 with a rain date of June 5th 2021. This clinic will be held at Community Park. Mayor Karr has received verbal confirmation for the $150,000 DPW grant in connection with the purchase and shared services of large equipment. The Open Space property at Trinity Lutheran closed on April 5th 2021. A COVID-19 reimbursement payment of approximately $46,000 was recently received from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). He thanked all who prepared the necessary documentation to obtain this payment. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Kelly at 7:53 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2021-57 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. So ordered. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:30 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:30 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held April 15th 2021 at 8:32 P.M. the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey and remotely 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 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 April 15, 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 April 15, 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: April 15, 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: Fred Knapp, Esq., representing Borough Attorney Ursula Leo, Esq. Leon Hall, PE 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. He welcomed Mr. Knapp to the meeting and thanked him for attending on behalf of Ms. Leo. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Kelly moved: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meetings of March 18th 2021 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. So ordered. Voice vote. All in favor. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Budget Meeting of March 26th 2021be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. So ordered. Voice vote. All in favor. 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 Municipal Court, March 2021 Animal Control, March 2021 Police Department, March 2021 Borough Clerk, March 2021 Animal Licensing, March 2021 Building Inspector, March 2021 Sanitarian, March 2021 Tipping Fees, January, February and March 2021 Borough Attorney, Quarterly Report Resolution 2021-58 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, MORRIS COUNTY ADAPTIVE RECREATIONAL PROGRAM.” Resolution 2021-59 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPROVING SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY.” Resolution 2021-60 entitled, “RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RECOGNIZING NJ LOCAL GOVERNMENT WEEK, APRIL 18-24, AND ENCOURAGING ALL CITIZENS TO SUPPORT THE CELEBRATION AND CORRESPONDING ACTIVITIES.” Morris Plains Community Band be granted permission to hold their “Second Annual Morris Community Band Festival” at Community Park on Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rain date of Sunday, June 13, 2021. The Mayor be authorized to sign the Police Departments application for Body Worn Camera Grant Program. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for Improvements to Dogwood Road, Hillside Court West, Oakwood Court, Lindabury Lane, Freight Station Walkway and 555 Speedwell Avenue Parking Area, Contract No. 2021.02 with bids to be received on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., outdoors in the designated area of the parking lot of the municipal building. Borough Clerk be authorized to advertise for the position of Part-Time Clerk Typist in the Clerk’s Office. The Borough Clerk publish the proper notice for a Special Meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council to be held on April 24, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Community Park lower parking lot. The Borough Council approve the Mayor’s Proclamation declaring April 30th 2021 ARBOR DAY in the Borough of Morris Plains. The Community Park Pool Administrative Employees attached be hired at the position, rate and date stated for the 2021 pool season. The Recreation Summer Camp Programs Director attached be hired at the rate and date stated for the 2021 Summer Camp Program. Having requested and received the following quotes for Hydro-Rake at Watnong Pond from the following: Black Lagoon Pond Management No Quote Lake Management Sciences $8,933.00 Princeton Hydro $9,950.00 A purchase order be issued to Lake Management Sciences, P.O. Box 2395, Branchville, NJ, in the amount of $8,933.00. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None 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. Seeing no one wanting to speak, Mayor Karr closed the public portion of the meeting. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Bruhn reported on work being done in the Clerk’s Office which includes financial disclosure reports, primary election preparations, OPRA requests, parking permits, animal licenses, marriage applications and licenses and death certificates. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese spoke briefly. Police Department’s Report Police Chief Koroski spoke about Public Safety Telecommunicators Week which began this past Monday, April 12th 2021; they are “the unsung heroes of our profession.” He thanked them for all they do for the Borough. Chief Koroski reported on Prescription Drug Take Back event which will be held at Stop & Shop on Saturday, April 24th 2021 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Chief Koroski reported on issues relating to the body-worn cameras grant. Mayor Karr also thanked the public safety dispatchers for their work. Public Works Councilmember Wagner reported on work recently completed by the DPW staff including field maintenance work, installation of new bleachers, spreading of infield clay, power washing/cleaning of the pool prior to repainting and the Beautification Committee’s wish list. Councilmember Wagner reported on the Go Morris Plains table he will be manning during the Local Government Week activities. Councilmember Wagner reported on work projects of the Beautification Committee. Borough Engineer’s Report Mr. Hall reported on the American Road Lennar development construction progress; the various curbing projects in the Borough and the status of work being done at the M & M site on Route 53, including that the Lennar curbing work is 100% complete. Mr. Hall reported there will be a pre-con meeting on Monday, April 26th 2021 in connection with the Uncle Giuseppe’s supermarket. Mr. Hall reported on the work at the cell tower at the VFW. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Kelly reported on the Boy Scout Troop 39 campout scheduled for this weekend at Community Park. Councilmember Kelly encouraged the Councilmembers to stop by on Saturday afternoon to say “Hi” to the campers. Councilmember Kelly reported there are 150 campers for Summer Camp and 30+ for the Teen Camp. Pool membership continues to increase and Pool work continues; she thanked all who are working to be sure the pool will be ready to be filled. Councilmember Kelly reported on summer theater camp, the Memorial Day Parade which is being held on Saturday, May 29th 2021 and COVID- 19 protocols for the Parade. Councilmember Kelly reported on the work being done to identify trees in Roberts Garden for a map to be developed and the new sign at Watnong Park along with activities planned in connection with it. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Goddard commended all those responsible for the Watnong Park sign which is quite beautiful. Councilmember Goddard reported on Municipal Alliance and Teen Center events. Councilmember Goddard reported on Board of Health vaccination efforts for Borough homebound residents as well as assistance available from the State. Councilmember Goddard reported that a Rabies Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd 2021 (rain date on June 5th 2021) and will be held in the upper parking lot near the Pool. More details will be announced over the next several weeks. Ordinances & Public Utilities Councilmember Verga spoke about the upcoming Local Government Week event sharing information about equipment to be on site and informational displays. Councilmember Verga reported on issues relating to utilities, including that the JCP&L helicopter patrols are complete and tree trimming is beginning. Councilmember Verga reported on ordinance-related matters such as a minor site plan change, outdoor dining and cannabis business licenses. Councilmember Verga reported that the website committee met this week and among other work, the home page was finalized. Councilmember Verga reported on efforts to allow for online credit and debit card payments. Councilmember Verga reported that Construction Office is very busy and updated on various Planning Board applications. Mayor Karr spoke about the various grant information that is now available and asked that the Councilmembers work with their groups to determine if these grants could be helpful to the Borough. 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 None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Bruhn moved the vouchers for April 15th 2021 in the amount of $3,272,227.90, seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION None. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:05 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ___________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor ________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk