City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held November 11, 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 Absent: Art Bruhn Present: Jonathan Frodella, Esq. representing Borough Attorney Ursula Leo ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Wagner reported the DPW will be hiring three new employees. These new hires will replace employees who have left or were promoted. Councilmember Wagner discussed a Business Development Committee event which will take place on November 27th to help promote small business. He asked for a budget of $700.00 to purchase bags to hand out to shoppers with flyers promoting the businesses. Councilmember Wagner also discussed a state grant that small businesses can apply for to help keep them open and successful. Mayor Karr told Councilmember Wagner to speak with Ana Thomas about the funds, but did not believe there would be an issue and said it is a great idea. Councilmember Kelly reported on the “Plant a Tree” program and gave an overview on what it entailed. Cross discussion regarding this program. Councilmember Verga reported on the IT Services survey and the new law regarding Cottage Food Licenses. Cross discussion. Councilmember Verga reported the Borough’s Transcribing Clerk, Maureen Sullivan is out due to medical issues and would like to put something on the consent calendar to approve compensation for Susan Collopy, who is transcribing Shade Tree, Board of Adjustment and Planning Board minutes on her own time. Councilmember Verga reported that she met with several residents who are interested in researching and proposing a sustainability plan for the Borough, consistent with the Master Plan Reexamination Report recommendations. Mayor Karr reported upcoming grants and Councilmember Cortese commented that the new grant writer should be taking care of any future grants. Chief Koroski discussed the LEAP grant. Cross discussion. Councilmember Goddard discussed the RFP for attorney services. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Kelly at 8:03 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2021-140 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:31 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 8:31 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 November 11th 2021 at 8:32 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER Mayor Karr asked for a moment of silence for Irene Selitto. APPROVAL OF MINUTES BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meetings of October 7th 2021 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meetings of October 21st 2021 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Kelly moved: REPORTS Animal Control, October 2021 Police Department, October 2021 Municipal Court, October 2021 Municipal Clerk, October 2021 Animal Licensing, October 2021 Sanitarian, October 2021 Tax Collector, September 2021 Treasurer, September 2021 Resolution 2021-141 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PROPERTY.” Resolution 2021-142 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $1,415,880 BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY.” Resolution 2021-143 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY’S LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT OFFICE 1033 PROGRAM TO ENABLE THE MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT TO REQUEST AND ACQUIRE EXCESS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EQUIPMENT.” Resolution 2021-144 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE.” Resolution 2021-145 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY SERVICES.” The resignation of Maureen McEntee, Morris Plains Recreation Commission, be accepted, effective December 31, 2021. The resignation of Jan McCabe, Morris Plains Recreation Commission, be accepted, effective December 31, 2021. The resignation of Janice Ryan, Morris Plains Board of Health, be accepted, effective December 31, 2021. The Education Foundation of Morris Plains be granted permission to hold a 5K Race in the Borough along the designated route on Sunday, November 14th 2021 beginning at 9:00 A.M. with the Police Department to provide traffic control and notification through Rave Alert and Police  Department Social Media to the affected residents, they will also provide any necessary barricades. Michael Rolph, Lieutenant, Police Department, be granted permission to carry 40 hours (5 days) of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used by March 31st 2022. Borough Council authorize the Borough Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for the Sunrise Drive improvement project. Edward Duffy, 22 Malapardis Road, Morris Plains, be hired as a probationary laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91/per hour, effective November 29, 2021. Robert O’Leary, 21 Lawrence Road, Randolph, be hired as a probationary laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91/per hour, effective November 29, 2021. Christian Votapek, 4 Valley Stream Drive, Morris Plains, be hired as a probationary laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91/per hour, effective January 3, 2022. During the temporary absence of Borough Transcribing Clerk Maureen Sullivan, the Borough will compensate Susan Collopy for preparing minutes of land use boards and Shade Tree Commission at the rate of $22.81 per hour retroactive to October 25, 2021 on a temporary basis. PUBLIC HEARING Soil Disturbance Application-W. Gordillo’s LLC/Chien Hou, 18 Beaver Ridge Road. Mr. Hall indicated that the soil disturbance application is in order and completed and recommends the council approve this application. Moved by Councilmember Verga. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Bruhn Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared this application approved. PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak. Denise Beckman, 58 Old Wood Road, requested an update on the Old Wood Road and Hickory Drive pathway update and requested to be the main contact going forward on any decisions that are made. Mayor Karr referred this discussion to Attorney Frodella. Mr. Frodella stated that any new construction would have to be ADA compliant and the proposed project cannot be ADA compliant. Cross discussion with Mr. Hall, Councilmembers, Mayor and Ms. Beckman. Ms. Beckman also stated she attended the State of New Jersey Trails and Greenways Summit virtually. She will write up a summary and provide it to the Council and would like someone to be a trails and greenway liaison in the Borough. Tina Genest, head of Democratic Committee, 11 Forest Avenue, congratulated Cathie Kelly and Dennis Wagner on their re-election to council. Ms. Genest also explained why members from the Democratic Committee observe council meetings; they are hoping for a better understanding as to how the government works which will help engage more people as volunteers on boards and commissions. Mayor Karr and Councilmember Cortese thanked Ms. Genest. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Public Safety Fire Department Report Chief Rongo reported on the new radios the fire department will now be using as he displayed them to the council. Chief Rongo reported the ladder truck is back from being serviced and that one pump on Engine 3 did not pass. Chief Rongo reported on the upcoming events the Fire Department is involved with including the Menorah Lighting, Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa Firetruck Ride through town. Chief Rongo reported he spoke with Steve Welsh in regards to applying for fire department grants. Mayor Karr thanked Chief Rongo and all of the Volunteers. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski wished everyone a Happy Veteran’s Day and recognized all residents and Morris Plains Police Officers who served in the military. Chief Koroski reported on the Morris County Sheriff’s Hope One van which will be at Stop and Shop on Monday, November 15th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Chief Koroski thanked the Mayor and Council for the resolution regarding surplus purchasing of defense equipment. Mayor Karr reported on the camouflage patches the Police Department will be wearing in November. Public Works Councilmember Wagner reported on the resolution regarding DPW surplus property. Councilmember Wagner reported on leaf season stating that there have been three rounds of leaf pick up with 864 yards picked up to date. Councilmember Wagner reported on the many projects the DPW is working on and thanked them for hanging the banners for the Borough’s Bravest Project. Councilmember Wagner reported on a meeting that he attended with Mayor Karr regarding shared services. There have been ongoing talks and evaluations regarding shared services with surrounding towns. Mayor Karr explained what the shared services will entail and also thanked the DPW for hanging the banners for the Borough’s Bravest Project. Mayor Karr also spoke about various paving projects and requests with the DOT. Engineer Mr. Hall reported on the DOT grant approval to pave Sunrise Drive. Mr. Hall reported on various work projects being done in the borough including M&M, Lennar, Uncle Giuseppe’s at Briarcliff Commons and JMF, American Road. Mayor Karr spoke about the $250,000.00 grant received to pave Sunrise Drive. Cross discussion on the new stop signs at Briarcliff Commons. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Kelly reported on the Recreation Commission meeting and that two Committee members will be resigning at the end of the year. Councilmember Kelly reported on the Veteran’s Day ceremony and thanked all Veteran’s for their service. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Goddard congratulated Councilmembers Kelly and Wagner for their re-election to Borough Council and recognized all the work they have done as well as the work the entire council does as a team to make Morris Plains a great place to live. Councilmember Goddard reported on Wellness Day and flu shots that were given at FastER. She advised the health department is looking to expand the flu shot for residents who are homebound. Councilmember Goddard reported that the rabies vaccination clinic will be held January and that a date is yet to be determined. Councilmember Goddard reported on Teen Center events and Municipal Alliance programs. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Verga reported that retired school teacher, Ginny Hussey, who won “Teacher of the Year for 2019 was nominated and won the State Teacher of the Year and most recently National Teacher of the Year award from the VFW for doing a project with the school children about Veterans. The children of Mountain Way planted a field of poppies today to recognize all Veterans. Councilmember Verga reported on a police ride along she went on with the Morris Plains Police Department in which she learned all about the daily routine and checks the officers do each day. She was also given a tour of the Police Department and all of the different rooms they utilize. Councilmember Verga thanked Chief Koroski. Councilmember Verga reported on the new Cottage Food License the state passed for the sale of home baked goods and also reported on an upcoming meeting with the construction official to go over next year’s budget. Councilmember Verga reported on the website analytics and how many times various pages were accessed. She also reported on an infrastructure bill that is being passed by the House of Representatives which will allow for rebuilding of roads, bridges, rails, clean water, etc. throughout all New Jersey municipalities. Councilwoman Verga gave a thorough update on the history and progress of the zoning evaluation project that originated with the Business Development Committee. The objectives of the zoning project are to explore opportunities to expand permitted business uses in the Borough’s non-residential zones to include more modern business types. To provide updated definitions of businesses uses and to carefully evaluate whether the currently permitted and new uses are appropriate in the various non-residential zones in the Borough. This strategy also aligns with a recommendation from the 2018 Master Plan Reexamination Report that calls for “examining all of the permitted uses in all of the non-residential zones in order to permit more ‘experiential type’ retail.” The project moved to the Ordinance Committee who worked with the Borough Zoning Officer, Planner and Engineer to discuss best practices in thriving local economies and identified business concepts that were turned away from Morris Plains because they would have required a potentially costly and time- consuming use variance. Before any decisions or recommendations to the Council were made about any uses, a draft was shared with the Master Plan Committee of the Planning Board and the Council for additional insights. Councilwoman Verga stated that the effort has been a true collaboration by all parties to ensure that proposed changes will enhance our business economy and help foster the welcoming and thriving business districts that are in the best interest of the people of Morris Plains. Councilmen Wagner and Cortese agreed that the effort will take time, but that it is a much-needed and important update for the Borough. Cross discussing on business and permitted uses in town. 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. 14-2021 AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION, REPEAL AND REVISION OF CHAPTER 13, LAND DEVELOPMENT IN “THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, 1972” SECTION 13-2.1, “DEFINITIONS OF TERMS”; SECTION 13-5.1C SCHEDULE “C” PERMITTED USES; AND SECTION 13-5.7A SCHEDULE “E” OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on October 7th 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 Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Bruhn Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Kelly moved the vouchers for November 11th 2021 in the amount of $13,559,975.33, seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Kelly, Cortese, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Bruhn Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:05 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk