City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held December 2, 2021, at 7:33 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 Present: Jonathan Frodella, Esq. representing Borough Attorney Ursula Leo ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Verga inquired about the Greenwood Tree contract extension. Councilmember Cortese explained the Jobs 4 Blue resolution. Councilmember Wagner thanked Councilmember Bruhn for his help in organizing the Christmas Tree sale with the VFW. Cross discussion regarding the yearly sale. Councilmember Verga spoke about the IT Services survey and how going forward a tracking system will be in place when service calls are made to IT. Councilmember Verga spoke about the online payment vendor and if there is a breach of data the vendor will not take responsibility. Cross discussion on adding a disclaimer to the payment site and all were in agreement to move forward with online payments given that the outstanding risk level is standard for any company conducting financial transactions online and the vendor has the appropriate certifications and processes in place to prevent breach. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Kelly at 7:45 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2021-146 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:19 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 8:19 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 December 2nd 2021 at 8:33 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 Mr. Paul Waldeck. APPROVAL OF MINUTES BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meetings of November 11th 2021 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Kelly moved: REPORTS Building Inspector, October 2021 Tax Collector, October 2021 Treasurer, October 2021 Resolution 2021-147 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CDBG APPLICATION.” Resolution 2021-148 entitled, “MORRIS PLAINS BOROUGH COUNCIL FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION.” Resolution 2021-149 entitled, “NOFTIO, LLC A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-33-004-003 (IN POCKET).” Resolution 2021-150 entitled, “MORRIS PLAINS 1, LLC A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-33-005-009 (IN POCKET).” Resolution 2021-151 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF A SOIL DISTURBANCE PERMIT.” Resolution 2021-152 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. 2020.A, SHADE TREE WORK TO GREENWOOD TREE EXPERTS, INC.” Resolution 2021-153 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SECOND EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. C2018, MONTHLY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF SEWAGE PUMPING STATIONS TO BOB RYAN ASSOCIATES, INC. T/A CLEARWATER SERVICES.” Resolution 2021-154 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SECOND EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. D.2018, UNIFORM RENTAL AND CLEANING SERVICES TO AMERICAN WEAR, INC.” Resolution 2021-155 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SECOND EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. E.2018, COMPUTER CONSULTING SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES TO THE MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT AND BOROUGH ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES TO ENNOVA SOLUTIONS, INC.” Resolution 2021-156 entitled, “RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION NJSA 40A:4-87 MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GRANT.” Resolution 2021-157 entitled, “FORM OF RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION NJSA 40A:4- 87 DRUNK DRIVING ENFORCEMENT FUND.” Resolution 2021-158 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022.”  Resolution 2021-159 entitled, “REDEMPTION RESOLUTION BLOCK NO. 131 LOT NO. 29 REDEEM 3RD PARTY TAX LIEN#5-19.” Resolution 2021-160 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT FOR POLICE OFF-DUTY DETAIL TO JOBS 4 BLUE.” The Mayor is authorized to sign an application to the Morris County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for Community Center Health and Safety Improvements. The Mayor and Borough Clerk are authorized to execute the Developer’s Agreement between Morris Plains Borough and Tabor Road LLC. The resignation of Mark Allen, Senior Transportation Coordinator, be accepted, effective November 30, 2021. Joseph Kohl, Police Officer, be granted permission to carry 16 hours of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used by March 31st 2022. Nicholas Grawehr, Police Officer, be granted permission to carry 24 hours of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used by March 31st 2022. David Kosakowski, Police Officer, be granted permission to carry 18 hours of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used by March 31st 2022. Jeffrey Hochman, Sergeant, be granted permission to carry over 24 hours of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used March 31st 2022. Brett Cerrato, Police Officer, be granted permission to carry over 18 hours of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used by March 31 st 2022. Kelvin Preciado, Police Officer, be granted permission to carry over 32 hours of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used by March 31st 2022. Michael Koroski, Police Dept. Chief, be granted permission to carry over 36 hours of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used by March 31st 2022. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. 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. Frank Druetzler, 7 Greenwood Road, expressed concerns on the following; 1. Resolution 2021-160 Authorizing Third Party Off Duty Detail Chief Koroski explained this service. 2. Ordinance 18-2021 Fee Schedule Councilmember Verga discussed this ordinance. 3. Homebound residents receiving a flu shots. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Bruhn reported he met with the CFO regarding the salary ordinance. Councilmember Bruhn reported the Clerk’s Office is preparing year end reports, animal license renewals, professional services agreements, contracts and reorganization. Councilmember Bruhn reported on the annual meeting with the Tax Professionals and everything is status quo. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported on a meeting with his committee and the Police Chief. Councilmember Cortese thanked the Road Department for all of their hard work making the town look beautiful and festive. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on the Menorah Lighting and the protocols that were in place to make it a safe event. The same protocols will be in place for this weekend’s Christmas Tree Lighting. Chief Koroski reported on completing year end reports and training. Public Works Councilmember Wagner reported on deer culling. Councilmember Wagner reported that the Road Department is on their 7th round of leaf pickup and have collected 2,504 cubic yards so far. Councilmember Wagner reported that the Garden Club decorated the tubs in town. Councilmember Wagner reported on a shared services meeting with the Canning Group who is assessing the mechanics in the 3 municipalities (Morris Plains, Morris Township and Morristown) to work together. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Kelly reported on the most recent blood drive. Councilmember Kelly reported on the Recreation Commission, “Volunteer of the Year” will be announced next Saturday, December 11th at Borough School; online winter recreation registration is opening in January and there will be no Recreation Commission meeting this month. Councilmember Kelly reported on the Plant A Tree project, the Menorah Lighting and the upcoming Christmas Tree Lighting. Mayor Karr welcomed Recreation Commission Chair Gerry Sittman. Mr. Sittman spoke about the Red Oak School moving to St. Virgil’s School and the work they are doing to make improvements and shared services with Morris Plains fields. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Goddard reported on Teen Center events. Councilmember Goddard reported that Municipal Alliance programs will be moving forward and continuing in 2022. Councilmember Goddard reported that Lt. McKay will no longer be the L.E.A.D Officer and Officer Cerrato will be taking his place. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Verga reported on Building Department analytics that she will share showing inspections from December 2020 thru October 2021. Councilmember Verga reported on panels she attended at the League of Municipalities conference. Councilmember Verga reported on SMCUA meeting regarding revised rates and 2 upcoming JCP&L meetings. Councilmember Verga reported on the progress for printing of new maps for Council Chambers. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, ETC. Mayor Karr advised there are none. 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. 15- 2021 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING SALARIES AND LONGEVITY PAY 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 December 2nd 2021 and passed on First Reading.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 16th 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. Councilmember Verga introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 16-2021 AN ORDINANCE REVISING THE SOIL DISTURBANCE ORDINANCE, SECTION 19-2 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS Councilmember Wagner 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 December 2nd 2021 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 16th 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 Kelly seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. Councilmember Verga introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 17 - 2021 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $112,000.00 FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN’S LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY Councilmember Goddard 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 December 2nd 2021 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 16th 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 Wagner seconded the resolution. Voice vote. Bruhn, Kelly, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nay: Cortese ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Bruhn moved the vouchers for December 2nd, 2021 in the amount of $361,223.66, seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:25 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk