City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held October 21, 2021, at 7:30 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 Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Art Bruhn Present: Jonathan Frodella, Esq. representing Borough Attorney Anne Mulherne, Esq. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr reported on the Borough’s Bravest Project stating banners are being printed and the first set of brackets are now in. Borough agreed to make a donation towards the project to help with brackets. After brief cross discussion it was decided that a $3500 donation would be made on behalf of the Borough. Mayor Karr reported that he and Ana Thomas met with Steve Welch the new Part-Time Temporary Grant Consultant to discuss and prioritize Grants that the Borough is currently working on. Cross discussion regarding grants. Councilmember Goddard reported the Board of Health has yet to make a final decision on the date of the rabies clinic. Councilmember Cortese reported his Committee will be meeting with the PBA on Monday October 25, 2021 to discuss ongoing contract negotiations. Councilmember Bruhn discussed the possibility of issuing electronic devices to councilmembers for council meeting documents. Cross discussion regarding RFP for attorney and IT. Mayor Karr introduced Anne Mulherne Esq. who discussed the Personnel Procedures Policies Manual and the MEL JIF requirements. Cross discussion regarding the PPPM and Police Department regulations. Councilmember Bruhn discussed Best Practices. Cross discussion regarding Best Practices. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Kelly at 8:08 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2021-136 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:20 P.M. Councilmember Wagner moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:21 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 October 21st 2021 at 8:33 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. 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 Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Art Bruhn Present: Jonathan Frodella, Esq. representing Borough Attorney Ursula Leo APPROVAL OF MINUTES BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive and Conference minutes of Special Meeting, September 23, 2021 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered PRESENTATIONS-Red Ribbon Week Mayor Karr welcomed the new Student Government Council, Borough School, and advisor Lindsey Irwin. Each Student Government Council member introduced themselves and gave a short presentation on Red Ribbon Week. The Student Government Council members are: Sanja Vel, President, RJ O’Reilly, Vice President, Heather Sambrowski, Secretary, Caroline Goddard, Treasurer and Abigail Higgins, Chief of Technology. Mayor Karr asked each Councilmember to provide a brief summary of what they are responsible for as a Councilmember. He also asked the Borough Attorney, Borough Clerk, Borough Engineer and Police Chief to give a brief overview of their roles. He also spoke about his work as Mayor. Mayor Karr then read the proclamation recognizing Red Ribbon Week. Mayor Karr thanked all who attended this meeting in recognition of Red Ribbon Week. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Kelly moved: REPORTS Animal Control September 2021 Borough Clerk, September 2021 Animal Licensing, September 2021 Tipping Fees, August and September 2021 Building Inspector, September 2021 Borough Attorney, Quarterly Report Resolution 2021-137 entitled, “REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT.”  Resolution 2021-138 entitled, “RESOLUTION AMENDING MORRIS PLAINS BOROUGH’S PERSONNEL POLICY PROCEDURES MANUAL.” Resolution 2021-139 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CHRISTMAS TREES AND RELATED ITEMS AT THE V.F.W. POST #3401, ROUTE 53.” The Department of Public Works be authorized to advertise for the position of Laborer. The resignation of Corrine Long, Morris Plains Pool Head Swim Coach, be accepted, effective August 9, 2021. The Morris Plains Police Department be authorized to advertise for the position of Substitute Crossing Guard. The Mayor is authorized to execute Improvements to Grove Avenue Contract 2021.01, Change Order #1, as per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence of October 19, 2021. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Justin Pittaro Jr., 52 Dogwood Road, Morris Plains as a member of the Morris Plains Fire Department. The Morris Plains Police Department be authorized to submit Request for Proposals for Police Off-Duty Detail Management. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak. Denise Beckman, 58 Old Wood Road, a 34-year resident is representing 26 households on Old Wood Road. Ms. Beckman discussed the space between the cul-de-sac on Old Wood Road and Hickory Drive to be upgraded to have a path for walking, bicycle riding, scooter, wheel chair and stroller on the emergency access road. Ms. Beckman has noticed a lot of residents have been using this path more and more every day and noticed wood chips and rocks being dumped there which has caused a hump over the years. The residents would like this upgraded and to also be ADA compliant. Ms. Beckman was denied by the Traffic Committee and was hoping the council and professionals will reconsider. Cross discussion regarding the upgrades with Ms. Beckman and councilmembers. Nancy Critchley, 25 Old Wood Road also discussed wanting an upgrade to the path. If this is, paved there is no maintenance for the road department. Larry Forrester, 12 Old Wood Road resides at the beginning of the road and wanted the council to know the whole road is in support of this upgrade. Kyle Severson, 38 Old Wood Road said, his family uses this path multiple times a week and would love to see it upgraded. Cross discussion regarding water run off due to the height differences from end to end. Fire Chief Kevin Rongo spoke about the upgrade to the path. Chief Rongo and Fire Official Shay met with Ms. Beckman and Ms. Critchley to discuss the path. As of right now the emergency road is not usable and is too soft to be driven on. The firetrucks would sink and get stuck. Chief Koroski stated if the area is made more attractive it will be used by people outside of town and the neighborhood and he is concerned about this issue. Engineer Leon Hall spoke about the ADA requirements. If a ramp/landing area is created stormwater can flow from Hickory Drive and flow down the ramp on Old Wood Road down the street and that is a concern. The storm drains may not be able to handle the extra flow and the ADA ramp will ice up in the winter. Making the path ADA compliant may be a problem and then the Borough will be liable. Mr. Hall believes if the area cannot become ADA compliant it would be a “hard no” to do the upgrades. Susan Siegrist, 58 Old Wood Road, stated the path does not have to be in the same place as the emergency access road. Mayor Karr asked Attorney Jonathan Frodella if the path could be made without making it ADA compliant and Mr. Frodella stated he could not give that answer, but will look into in and get back to the Mayor. Mayor Karr stated Mr. Hall will survey and get back to him with his report for the December meeting. PUBLIC HEARING Soil Disturbance Application-W. Gordillo’s LLC/Chien Hou, 18 Beaver Ridge Road. Mr. Hou did not get a certified 200-foot list from the tax office so the application was deemed incomplete and postponed. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Library shredding event in which 4 ½ tons was shred. Dates for 2022 will be announced in December. Councilmember Bruhn reported the Clerk’s Office is working on the upcoming reorganization meeting, boards and commission, professional service contracts, PPPM and RFP for the attorney. Councilmember Bruhn reported Ana Thomas completed Best Practices and we are compliant. Councilmember Bruhn reported that Ms. Thomas received good rates on the 30-year bond for affordable housing. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese thanked Fire Chief Rongo and Police Chief Koroski for all of their good work. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported on the Fire Department’s ongoing training for its members. He also reported that the fire department has responded to 228 incidents to date. Chief Rongo reported that the Fire Department administrative offices moved into 555 Speedwell in April and thanked the Public Works Department for help with the cleanup. He is hoping to budget for new lighting for 2022. Chief Rongo reported the insurance service office completed their public classification survey in which their rating went from 5 to 4 which will reduce insurance rates and will be a savings. Chief Rongo reported on ongoing equipment testing which will be completed by the end of the year. Chief Rongo reported that the Fire Department received 18 portable and 6 mobile radios from the County and thanked the Mayor and Council for the capital funds to receive 20 radios for members to communicate in town. Chief Rongo also spoke about an issue with a tower that Chris Shay is working on to get fixed. Chief Rongo reported on the Fire Department being a part of the following activities: Easter Bunny, Memorial Day Parade, Touch a Truck, Family Day, Summer Camp, September 11th ceremony, they will also be participating in the upcoming Bonfire, Halloween Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting. Chief Rongo reported on a Tesla vehicle fire class, and several classes and drills that members have taken. He also spoke about operator training and how to use rescue tools when a tree falls on a car. Chief Rongo reported on an upcoming dinner in which a 50 year member, Phil Wilk, will honored. Mayor Karr thanked Chief Rongo for all he does. Mayor Karr also spoke about the 3 to 5 year plan for Fire Department and Police Department budget for Best Practices. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on the prescription drug take back at Stop and Shop on October 23rd and that the Prosecutor’s Office will be in attendance. Chief Koroski reported that the Hope One vehicle will be at Stop and Shop on November 15th. Chief Koroski reported that Officer Ann Marie Ferris is the liaison for the Senior Citizens Group and will be attending all meetings. Chief Koroski reported on a federal reimbursement of $4,00.00 for bullet proof vests and the hope of receiving a reimbursement for body worn cameras which was mandated by the State. Public Works Councilmember Wagner reported on Deer Culling and thanked the bow hunters for their efforts. Councilmember Wagner reported on the meeting with Morris Township for shared services and that our fleet was inspected and awaiting recommendations. Councilmember Wagner reported that leaf season is underway and brush pick up is complete for the year and that the DPW is moving the eye wash station. Councilmember Wagner reported on reviewing contracts that will be up in 2022 and the hope to receive bids for multiple companies. Councilmember Wagner thanked the Beautification Committee for cleaning up and planting bushes on the right side of Borough Hall and that the left side to be completed next week. Engineer Mr. Hall reported on the M&M and Lennar developments in which CO’s (certificates of occupancy) will be requested in the upcoming months. The American, Lennar, will be requesting a CO or the condominium building in January and one for the townhouse building in February. M&M will be requesting a CO for the affordable housing building in late spring early summer 2022. Mr. Hall requested improvements from M&M including sidewalks to Davenport and that the complex must be completed before January for any occupancy to take place. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Kelly reported on the Borough School and Rotary event for the 42nd annual Halloween window painting, 82 windows will be painted by 5th and 8th graders and the Rotary will pick a winner from each grade. Councilmember Kelly reported that the Recreation Department Bonfire on October 23rd and the Halloween Parade will be October 31st. Mayor Karr reported that the Community Garden has donated 1,200 pounds of fruits and vegetables to the Interfaith Food Pantry. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Goddard reported that Wellness Day was a success and is awaiting the final total on how many residents received flu shots. Residents also received blood work and cancer screenings. Councilmember Goddard reported many vendors attended and that Hope One was in attendance and gave training on Narcan which can save a life. Councilmember Goddard reported on the 8th grade Teen Center night in which over 30 students were in attendance. Councilmember Goddard reported on Clean Communities cleanup with the Teen Center. Ordinance & Public Utilities. Councilmember Verga reported the Planning Board approved the ordinance introduced on the ambulatory care center permitted use which will be presented on second reading in November. Councilmember Verga reported on the zoning updates that were reviewed by the Master Plan Committee, Leon and the planner. Councilmember Verga reported there were 19 OPRA requests each in the Construction Office for the months of September and October which took 14 hours each month to complete. Councilmember Verga reported on the Planning Board meeting on October 18th in which an application was received for a subdivision on Hickory Drive; the Board of Adjustment will meet on October 25th for completeness on an application for a garage addition. Councilmember Verga reported October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and Domestic Violence Awareness month and provided an overview on Domestic Violence Awareness month. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, ETC. Mayor Karr advised there are none. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Best Practices VOUCHERS Councilmember Kelly moved the vouchers for October 21st 2021 in the amount of $277,243.15, seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Goddard, Kelly, Cortese, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:45 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk