City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held June 17th 2021, at 7:32 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: Cathie Kelly, Council President Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Absent: None Present: Jonathan Frodella, Esq., representing Borough Attorney Ursula Leo, Esq. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr welcomed Mr. Frodella to the meeting. He asked the Councilmembers if they had any information to bring up at this Conference meeting. Councilmember Verga spoke about Morris County trail grants asking if anyone is considering applying this year. Applications are due in by Wednesday, June 30th 2021. She commented on how such a grant could be helpful to the proposal presented by Ms. Denise Beckman at the May 27th 2021 Recreation Commission meeting which was discussed by Councilmember Kelly at the June 3rd 2021 Council meeting. Cross discussion about possibly applying for a grant. Councilmember Goddard offered to work on this and Councilmember Verga said she would help. Mayor Karr spoke about a “Rotary sign” at the intersection of Speedwell and Hanover Avenues. This sign is not correct since it indicates the wrong donor; this was a Boy Scout/Eagle Scout project, not a Rotary project. Rotary will purchase this sign, donate it to the Borough and re- install it at the intersection of Johnson and Malapardis Roads. A new sign recognizing the Boy/Eagle Scouts as the donors will be made and installed at the original site. He also commented on a new sign that was donated for Roberts Garden. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Kelly at 7:40 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2021-84 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. So ordered. Voice Vote. All in favor. Mr. Frodella recommended amending the Executive Session resolution to delete personnel and replace it with collective bargaining agreement negotiations. All agreed to this amendment. At 7:56 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 7:58 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held June 17th 2021 at 8:31 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 June 17, 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 June 17, 2021 will be conducted in person and with REMOTE Zoom meeting and telephone call-in options from off-site locations. 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. 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. 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: June 17, 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 827-8764-4794 Password 049102 The Meeting Agenda and Consent Calendar will be available at www.morrisplainsboro.org Present on Roll Call: Mayor Jason C. Karr Councilmembers: Cathie Kelly, Council President Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Present: Jonathan Fradello Esq., representing Borough Attorney Ursula Leo, Esq. Leon Hall, Borough Engineer Absent: None 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. He also welcomed and thanked Jonathan Frodella, Esq. who is representing Ursula Leo, Esq. at this meeting. Mayor Karr stated this will be the last zoom meeting all future meetings will be in person. He then congratulated all recent school graduates. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Kelly moved: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meetings of May 20th 2021 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. So ordered. Voice vote. All in favor. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Kelly moved: REPORTS Sanitarian, May 2021 Animal Control, May 2021 Police Department, May 2021 Municipal Court May 2021 Building Inspector, May 2021 Borough Clerk, May 2021 Animal Licensing, May 2021 Tax Collector, May 2021 Treasurer, May 2021 Tipping Fees, April and May 2021 Resolution 2021-85 entitled, “RESOLUTION REGARDING PERMANENT APPOINTMENT OF POLICE OFFICER JOSEPH KOHL.” Resolution 2021-86 entitled, “REDEMPTION RESOLUTION.” Resolution 2021-87 entitled, “STANDARDS OF PROMOTION-POLICE DEPARTMENT, SERGEANT.”  Resolution 2021-88 entitled, “STANDARDS OF PROMOTION-POLICE DEPARTMENT, LIEUTENANT.” Resolution 2021-89 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FUNDING MUNICIPAL ALLIANCES.” Resolution 2021-90 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE FISCAL GRANT CYCLE JULY 2020-JUNE 2025.” Having requested and received the following quotes for an ADA compliant pool lift for the Morris Plains Borough Pool from the following: AmeriGlide $8,999.00 Spinlife $7,275.00 Med Mart $9,829.95 A purchase order be issued to Spinlife, 330 West Spring St., Suite 303, Columbus, Ohio 43215 in the amount of $7,275.00. Carl Laskiewicz, 80 Maple Avenue, be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a picnic to be held Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 10:30 am to dusk at the Community Park Pavilion. Nicole Saranita, 189 West Lake Shore Drive, Rockaway, be hired as part time Clerk Typist in the Borough Clerk’s Office at an hourly rate of $19.00, effective June 28, 2021. The Program Instructors attached be hired for the Recreation Summer Enhancement programs at the position, rate and date stated for the 2021 Summer programs. The highlighted Recreation Summer Camp Counselors attached be hired at the position, rate and date stated for the 2021 Summer Camp. The residents of Hillside Court East be granted permission to hold a block party on Friday, June 25, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. to Midnight with a rain date of Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. to Midnight. Further permission to serve alcoholic beverages be granted. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades. The Borough Council authorize the release and return of Bond #72194286 in the amount of $77,456.25 to Commercial Property Managers, Inc. per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated June 15, 2021. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None PUBLIC 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 were no e-mail comments/questions. Seeing no hands raised and no chat messages, he closed this portion of the meeting. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Bruhn reported on the work accomplished by the Clerk’s Office staff, including efforts related to the recent election, various licenses and OPRA requests. Councilmember Bruhn thanked the Department of Public Works (DPW) staff for their assistance with the election-day equipment. Councilmember Bruhn reported on the electric vehicle charging station. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese commented on the support for the Police Department resolutions. Police Department’s Report Police Chief Koroski expressed appreciation for the support on these resolutions. Chief Koroski reported on their preparations for the Family Day event. Chief Koroski reported on a Department of Corrections visit in August to inspect the holding cell facilities. Chief Koroski reported on the in-car and portable radio systems and his work with the organization Edge Pride. Chief Koroski reported on a moving violation incident and how the Borough police officer acted with care and compassion; he has commended this officer. Mayor Karr asked that the Governing Body’s thanks be shared with this police officer. A question was asked about LGBTQ+ training. Chief Koroski shared information about this training. Public Works Councilmember Wagner reviewed the report submitted by the DPW Superintendent. Councilmember Wagner thanked the staff for their work in connection with the charging station, at the Pool and helping with trash collection along parts of Speedwell Avenue. Councilmember Wagner reported on the progress related to the $90,000 shared services grant for equipment and maintenance; five other municipalities are involved in these discussions. Councilmember Wagner reported on the activities of the Beautification Committee, on Go Morris Plains and the small business endeavors. Borough Engineer’s Report Mr. Hall reported on the progress at the various residential and commercial development projects that are ongoing in the Borough, including the VFW cell tower. Mr. Hall reported on a pre-construction meeting pertaining to various Borough locations. Mayor Karr asked for confirmation that the residents in the various locations related to the pre-construction meeting will be appropriately notified of all work and work schedules. Mr. Hall stated they will be notified twice in connection with the road paving activities once for their street and once for Grove Avenue. Cross discussion about the Uncle Giuseppe’s store that is under construction. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Kelly reported that the Farmers’ Market is now open. Councilmember Kelly reported on Scoop Station, Family Day activities and the fireworks. Councilmember Kelly reported on the Borough School graduation and stated that “it was a lovely event.” Mayor Karr reported that Pool is expected to open on Saturday, June 19th 2021 and updated on several last-minute issues. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Goddard said she wants to ensure that all are aware of the Morris Plains Senior Citizen Dial-a-Ride, adding details of what this service offers and how to access it. Councilmember Goddard reported on availability of COVID-19 shots. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Verga reported on the introduction of the ordinance to opt out of cannabis business licenses. The intent is that the Working Group will revisit this issue once more regulations are available. Councilmember Verga reported on the outdoor dining ordinance. Councilmember Verga thanked everyone involved for their help with the Borough website redesign, especially Melissa Gibson and explained what the plans are for the website going forward. Councilmember Verga reported that the mystery of the garbage on Speedwell Extension has been solved. There will be no Planning Board or Board of Adjustment meetings in June, but meetings are scheduled for July. Councilmember Verga reported on a Morris County Pride event at Morris Museum and of Juneteenth, newly-recognized by Congress as the 11th Federal holiday. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, ETC. Mayor Karr asked if anyone had any communications, petitions or anything else to present. Nothing was received by the Clerk. 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. 10-2021 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING BOROUGH CODE § 13-5.2(A)(12.10), ALL ZONES, PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF EVERY CLASS OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES WITHIN 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 June 17th 2021 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on July 1st 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. Mayor Karr thanked the Ordinance Committee and all involved with creating this ordinance for their efforts. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Bruhn moved the vouchers for June 17th 2021 in the amount of $2,240,460.73, seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION None. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wagner moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:05 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk