City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held December 16, 2021, at 5:05 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. “NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED BY THE CLERK OF THIS BOROUGH BY PREPARING A NOTICE DATED December 3rd, 2021 SPECIFYING THE TIME, DATE AND PLACE OF THIS MEETING; POSTING SUCH NOTICE ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING AND FORWARDING THE NOTICE TO MORRIS COUNTY’S DAILY RECORD AND THE MORRIS NEWS BEE; AND I HEREBY HAND A COPY OF SUCH NOTICE TO THE CLERK OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS FOR INCLUSION IN THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING, 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 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION None. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Kelly at 5:06 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2021-161 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:29 P.M. Councilmember Cortese moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:29 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 16, 2021 at 8:35 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Kelly moved: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meetings of December 2, 2021 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Kelly moved: REPORTS Animal Control, November 2021 Sanitarian, November 2021 Animal Licensing, November 2021 Municipal Clerk, November 2021 Municipal Court, November 2021 Police Department, November 2021 Building Inspector, November 2021 Tax Collector, November 2021 Treasurer, November 2021 Tipping Fees, October and November 2021 Resolution 2021-162 entitled, “GIFT OF LIFE INC. OF NJ RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 325-22.” Resolution 2021-163 entitled, “K OF C #3495 BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN COUNCIL RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 326-22.” Resolution 2021-164 entitled, “RESOLUTION REGARDING THE CESSATION OF PAYMENT OF DETECTIVE STIPEND TO POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL KELLY AS A RESULT OF HIS REASSIGNMENT TO PATROL DIVISION.” Resolution 2021-165 entitled, “RESOLUTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF DETECTIVE STIPEND TO POLICE OFFICER JOSEPH HEINZ.” Resolution 2021-166 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022.” Resolution 2021-167 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL OPIOIDS SETTLEMENTS.” Resolution 2021-168 entitled, “REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT.” Resolution 2021-169 entitled, “RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION NJSA 40A:4-87 LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND-AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT GRANT.” Resolution 2021-170 entitled, “TRANSFER OF FUNDS.” Resolution 2021-171 entitled, “CANCEL UNEXPENDED AND DEDICATED BALANCES OF GENERAL CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS.” Resolution 2021-172 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT TO GARDEN STATE FIREWORKS FOR FIREWORKS DESPLAY SERVICES.” Vincent Zarrillo, Police Officer, be granted permission to carry 40 hours of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used by March 31st 2022. The resignation of Dario Fenimore, DMD, Morris Plains Board of Health, be accepted, effective December 31, 2021.  Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk, be granted permission to carry 35 hours (5 days) of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used by March 31st 2022. Sarah Thornberry having received her Municipal Court Administrator certification from the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Municipal Court Administrator receive a 5% increase in her base salary retroactive December 7, 2021. RoseMarie Leyhan, Deputy Borough Clerk, be granted permission to carry 14 hours (2 days) of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used by March 31st 2022. Karen Coffey, Board Secretary, be granted permission to carry 35 hours (5 days) of vacation from 2021 to 2022, which shall be used by March 31st 2022. Having requested and received the following quotes to Hydro-Rake Watnong Pond from the following: Black Lagoon Pond Management No Quote Princeton Hydro LLC $9,975.00 Lake Management Sciences $8,933.00 A purchase order be issued to Lake Management Sciences, P.O. Box 2395, Branchville, NJ 07826 for $8,933.00. Annette Young, 113 Glenbrook Road, be granted permission to hold a block party on Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Further permission to serve alcoholic beverages be granted. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades. Lisa Boudreau, 20 Ridgewood Road, Morris Plains, NJ be hired as Senior Citizen Transportation Coordinator for the Morris Plains Borough at the yearly rate of $12,000.00 effective December 20, 2021. John Boudreau, 20 Ridgewood Road, Morris Plains, NJ be hired as Senior Citizen Transportation Part Time Driver for the Morris Plains Borough at the hourly rate of $16.00 effective December 20, 2021. Thomas Effner, 1 Cornine Lane, Morris Plains, NJ be hired as Senior Citizen Transportation Part Time Driver for the Morris Plains Borough at the hourly rate of $16.00 effective December 20, 2021. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None PRESENTATION Mayor Karr presented Mr. Jim Lent, Morris Newsbee, with a key to Borough of Morris Plains. PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Denise Beckman, 58 Old Wood Road, thanked the Mayor, Council, Borough Engineer, and Borough Attorney for all their work on the Old Wood Road cul de sac path. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Senior Transportation position. Councilmember Bruhn reported the Re Organization Meeting is January 6, 2022, 7:00 pm; the Clerk’s Office is working on the meeting, animal licensing and parking permits. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese congratulated Ms. Sarah Thornberry on becoming a Certified Court Administrator. Councilmember Cortese reported on Personnel Changes in the Police Department Detective Bureau. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported Detective Kelly will be returning to patrol and Officer Heinz will move to the Detective Bureau on January 1, 2022. Chief Koroski reported Police Officer Ferris completed the Fire Arms Instructor course and is a Certified Fire Arms Instructor in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey. Officer Grawehr and Officer Kosakowski conducted a CPR class for the Road Department. Chief Koroski reported on the walk trough’s at Uncle Giuseppe’s and Tabor Road Chief Koroski reported on a silver award received from AAA Northeast for Pedestrian and Traffic Safety. Fire Department Report Chief Rongo handed out the 5-year plan for the Fire Department to the Borough Council. Chief Rongo reported there were 14 incidents in December and currently there are 268 for the year, 336 were reported last year. Chief Rongo reported on events the Fire Department participated in; including the Madison Christmas Parade, Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop, the Christmas Tree Lighting and the Poinsettia delivery to widows of former members. Chief Rongo reported on the refurbishment of 2002 engine and the replacement of the apparatus. Public Works Councilmember Wagner reported on the Deer Cull. Councilmember Wagner reported on leaf pick up and the holiday decorations the Road Department and the Beautification Committee put up throughout town. Engineer Report Mr. Hall reported on the various Borough development projects (American Road and M&M, Uncle Giuseppe’s and Cryoport). Mr. Hall reported on the VFW cell tower. Mr. Hall reported on field work, plans and specifications for Sunrise Drive in which a $250,000.00 grant was received from DOT and will be completed in 2022. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Kelly reported on the Boy Scout Court of Honor for Eagle Scout Kevin Soutar and the Christmas Party for the Monday Seniors. Councilmember Kelly gave an update on the blood drives. Councilmember Kelly reported on Basketball Opening Day and the 2020 Volunteer of the Year award. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Goddard reported on the partnership with the County and Generation Pharmacy for flu and booster shots for homebound residents with clinics for boosters at various local locations. Councilmember Goddard reported that the rabies clinic is being held January 8, 2022. Councilmember Goddard reported Dario Fenimore and Janice Ryan resigned from the Board of Health. Councilmember Goddard reported on “Shop Morris Plains Selfie Station” on Speedwell Avenue which was created by the Business Development Committee. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Verga reported on inspections and permits from the Building Department. Councilmember Verga reported on the Planning Board approval for an Urgent Care facility at Urban Edge Shopping Center. Councilmember Verga reported the Business Development Committee continues to brainstorm new ideas and will be issuing a downtown shopping passport in the near future. Councilmember Verga reported on the 2020 census and that the population in Morris Plains increased 11.2% from 2010. 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. 18- 2021 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION AND REPEAL OF CERTAIN FEES SET FORTH IN THE FEE SCHEDULE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, CHAPTER 2, SECTION 2-46, IN THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF 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 December 16th 2021 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 30th 2021 at 7:00 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. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Verga read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 15- 202 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING SALARIES AND LONGEVITY PAY which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on December 2, 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 Cortese. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Verga read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 16-2021 AN ORDINANCE REVISING THE SOIL DISTURBANCE ORDINANCE, SECTION 19-2 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on December 2, 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 Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Verga read by title the ordinance entitled: 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on December 2, 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 Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Verga reported the master plan committee is currently reviewing the zoning ordinance with the objective to open the nonresidential zones to more permitted uses, specifically a microbrewery. Ms. Verga is asking for this ordinance to be expedited for new businesses. Mayor Karr asked if any councilmembers had an objection and there were none. VOUCHERS Councilmember Bruhn moved the vouchers for December 16th, 2021 in the amount of $3,811,453.65 seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Kelly at 9:41P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2021-173 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. So ordered. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:12 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:12 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk