City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held September 2nd 2021, at 7:32 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. “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 Salvatore Cortese Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Absent: Councilmember Art Bruhn Councilmember Joan Goddard Present: Fred Knapp, Esq. representing Borough Attorney Ursula Leo, Esq. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Wagner reported on the Department of Public Works shared service meeting. Brief cross discussion about shared services. Councilmember Kelly gave an update on grant projects. Mayor Karr reported that Police Chief Koroski is working on a project to update entry doors, touchless entry; he referred to key fob systems. This applies to the Borough Hall, the Borough Annex and the Community Center. Grant funding may become available for some of this work. Councilmember Cortese spoke about the upcoming Council meetings to conduct police department interviews. These meetings will begin at 5:00 P.M. He thanked the Court Administrator for her efforts in obtaining quotes for the bullet resistant window. Mayor Karr spoke about Borough areas subject to flooding and other issues last night relating to hurricane Ida and shared additional details of the night. Others spoke about their experiences and what they saw. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Kelly at 7:50 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2021-120 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:00 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:01 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held September 2nd 2021 at 8:31 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. Mayor Karr asked all to remain standing for a moment of silence for our fallen heroes. Lieutenant Rolph recited the names and affiliations of the fallen heroes. 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.” Present on Roll Call: Mayor Jason C. Karr Councilmembers: Cathie Kelly, Council President Salvatore Cortese Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Absent: Councilmember Art Bruhn Councilmember Joan Goddard Leon Hall, Borough Engineer Present: Fred Knapp, Esq., representing Borough Attorney, Ursula Leo, Esq, PRESENTATION Live Saving Awards – Police Department Police Chief Koroski introduced himself to all present. He recognized the Morris County Communications Center Director, Michael Peoples, Morris County Director of Law and Public Safety, Scott DiGiralomo and Turner Construction Senior Project Manager Ed Mertz who were in attendance for the lifesaving awards that stem from a medical emergency on June 14th 2021 at the Honeywell property. He recognized Mr. Connor Maher and Mr. Gerry Paternastro, Turner Construction employees who assisted during this medical emergency. Chief Koroski provided details of the life- saving efforts performed at this medical emergency. Police Officers Guild, Preciado and Kosakowski res ponded to the medical emergency and played a key role in the lifesaving efforts. He introduced Mr. Theodore Harris, whose life was saved during this medical emergency. Chief Koroski presented the awards and thanked each one who participated in saving Mr. Harris’s life. He recognized Communication Center employees Senior PST Elizabeth Sanna, Senior PST Kirk Keyes, Senior PST Rachel Snook, Senior PST Ryan Masterson, Senior PST Terrence O’Brien, PST Geoffrey Cox, PST Samantha Egidio, PST Kevin Pineda, PST Sean Grawehr, Patrolman Robert Guild, Patrolman Kelvin Preciado and Patrolman David Kosakowski. Mr. Theodore Harris shared his thoughts. Chief Koroski thanked Mr. Harris for being at this meeting tonight. Mayor Karr asked Mr. Peoples to speak about the operations at the County Communications Center. Mr. Peoples gave a short summary on the responsibilities of the telecommunicators. He asked Senior PST Rachel Snook to speak about the call on June 14th, she gave a brief account of the incident in which she identified several co-workers who were also involved with the call. Mr. Peoples thanked Chief Koroski for his support of the Communications Center and its staff. Mr. Scott DiGiralomo shared his thoughts as requested by Mayor Karr. He thanked the Communications Center staff for all they do. Patrolmen Preciado, Kosakowski and Guild shared their thoughts. Mayor Karr called on Connor Maher and Gerry Paternostro to accept the Borough Council’s commendations and congratulations “on your courageous efforts.” Keys to the Borough were also presented. Mr. Maher and Mr. Paternostro shared their comments on this incident. Mayor Karr spoke to Mr. Harris stating “We’re glad that you’re here.” Police Chief Koroski gave a closing statement and thanked all involved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Kelly moved: REPORTS None Resolution 2021-121 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MASTER SERVICES AND SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT WITH CHARGEPOINT, INC. FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS.” Tim Culver Fire Sub-Code Official, Construction Office be approved for inspections under “Weekend and Off-Hour Inspections at a rate of $43.97 per hour. William J. O’Connor, Substitute Electrical Sub-Code Official, Construction Office be promoted to Electrical Subcode Official at a yearly salary of $12,480.00 effective September 3, 2021 and that he also be approved for inspections under “Weekend and Off-Hour Inspections at a rate of $60.00 per hour. The Building Department be authorized to advertise for the position of Part-time Construction Office Clerk. Rose Marie Leyhan, 23 Pine Blvd. Cedar Knolls, be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a Baptism to be held Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Community Park Pavilion. Having requested and received the following quotes to furnish and install a level 3 bullet resistant window in the Court Administrator’s office from the following: Glass Castle . $5,565.00 Clear Security Systems $7,340.00 Insulgard Security Products No Quote A purchase order be issued to Glass Castle, PO Box 386, Three Bridges, NJ, 08887 in the amount of $5,565.00. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Cortese, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Bruhn, Goddard Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak and seeing no one, he closed this public portion of the meeting. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Public Safety Councilmember Cortese complimented on the excellent job done at tonight’s meeting to honor those who saved Mr. Harris’s life. Councilmember Cortese reported on the aftermath of Hurricane Ida last night and thanked all who performed service above and beyond their normal responsibilities. Police Department’s Report Police Chief Koroski thanked the Governing Body for allowing him to conduct the awards ceremony. He again thanked all who assisted with this medical emergency. Chief Koroski reported that school will be opening September 9th 2021 and on the preparations being made. Councilmembers Kelly and Verga thanked Chief Koroski and the Department and those who assisted with the medical emergency. Thanks were also given to those who dealt with the weather emergency last night. Mayor Karr thanked the Fire and Police Departments as well as the DPW for all their efforts last night during the weather emergency. Public Works Councilmember Wagner reported on the Zero Tolerance initiative school opening signs. Councilmember Wagner reported on crosswalk paintings and gave updates on the Beautification Committee and Go Morris Plains. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Kelly reported on Education Foundation and thanked the Mayor and Council for supporting the Morris Plains Garden Tour. Councilmember Kelly reported there is still time to register for tennis classes on the Community Center website. Councilmember Kelly reported the Town Wide garage sale will be held on October 2nd and 3rd 2021. Councilmember Kelly reported on the recent Kona with a Cop event and reminded everyone of the upcoming Block Dance and the 9-11 remembrance ceremony. Councilmember Kelly reported that Soccer Opening Day is Saturday, September 11th 2021 at Simons Park, 9:00 A.M. Sunday, September 12th 2021 and the Community Pool will hold its “Last Swim of the Season” on Labor Day. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Verga reported on the work being done by the Ordinance Committee. Councilmember Verga reported on a streetlight issue and the quick response by JCP&L to respond. Councilmember Verga reported on constructio n o ffice matters, website traini ng and o nl ine payment. Mayor Karr reported that Cigna Health will be moving into the former Honeywell Headquarters sometime in the spring. He spoke about their proposal for their parking lot expansion. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, ETC. Mayor Karr advised there are none. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Verga read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 12-2021 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 16-2020 CREATING A PART TIME TEMPORARY GRANT CONSULTANT POSITION which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on August 19th 2021. The Mayor announced that the meeting was open for a public hearing on the ordinance. Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the public hearing. Councilmember Verga stated that the above ordinance as read by title on Second Reading at this meeting be adopted and finally passed. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Cortese, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Bruhn and Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed and said it is a position for assistance with all the grants the Borough applies for. Councilmember Verga read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 13-2021 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 22 “TRAFFIC AND PARKING” OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE 17, “ELECTRIC CHARGING VEHICLES” which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on August 19th 2021. The Mayor announced that the meeting was open for a public hearing on the ordinance. Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the public hearing. Councilmember Verga stated that the above ordinance as read by title on Second Reading at this meeting be adopted and finally passed. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Cortese, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Bruhn, Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed stating this ordinance is for the charging stations near the freight station. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Kelly moved the vouchers for September 2nd 2021 in the amount of $1,632,724.08, seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Cortese, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Bruhn, Goddard Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:30 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk