City Council

Minutes of the Re-Organization Meeting of the Borough Council held January 6th 2022, at 7:06 P.M. in the Morris Plains Community Center, Multipurpose Room, 51 Jim Fear Drive, Morris Plains, New Jersey. Mayor Karr called the meeting to order and read the following notice: 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.” PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, PRAYER AND MOMENT OF SILENCE Mayor Karr asked everyone to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Karr opened with a moment of silence for all who were lost in 2021. He welcomed Rev. Michal Falgowski from Saint Virgil’s of Morris Plains who presented the invocation. Larry Ripley asked everyone to join in singing the Star- Spangled Banner. Mayor Karr recognized the many Officials, past and present, in attendance and offered thanks. INTRODUCTION AND OATH OF OFFICE Borough Attorney – John E. Horan, Esq. Mayor Karr welcomed Mr. Horan and his family and administered the Oath of Office. Mr. Horan gave a brief presentation stating he is very pleased to join the Borough and will assist it in any way he can. STATEMENT OF DETERMINATION OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk, read the following statement: “A Statement of Determination of the Board of County Canvassers, relative to an election held in the Borough of Morris Plains in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, for the election of certain municipal officers for the municipality on the 2nd day of November, 2021. The said Board does determine that at the said election: Name Office Term Catherine E. Kelly Borough Council Three-Year Term Dennis Wagner Borough Council Three-Year Term Were duly elected to the office and for the term above set forth. I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a truthful and correct statement of the determination of the Board of Canvassers therein mentioned and witnessed whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 15th day of November 2021.” INTRODUCTION AND OATH OF OFFICE OF COUNCILMEMBERS-ELECT Mayor Karr invited Councilmember-Elect Cathie Kelly to be sworn in. Her husband, Bill held the Bible and was sworn by Mayor Karr as a Councilmember. Mayor Karr next invited Councilmember-Elect Dennis Wagner to be sworn in. His wife, Marjorie held the Bible as he was sworn in by Mayor Karr as a Councilmember. Present on Roll Call: Mayor Jason C Karr Councilmembers: Cathie Kelly, Council President Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Borough Attorney Leon Hall, Borough Engineer ADDRESS BY MAYOR JASON C. KARR Good evening, tonight at our annual Reorganization Meeting I will report on 2021 accomplishments and share our goals for 2022. In 2021 the Borough received $327,350.90 of the allocated $654,701.81 from The Local Fiscal Recovery Fund American Rescue Plan. Of the first payment, $28,503.63 was used for Covid-19 charges and supplies; $112,000.00 has been allocated to date for upgrades to our Municipal Buildings. We will be dedicating these funds to Borough properties and parks as well as upgrades that benefit health and safety. The Governing Body continues to work on and improve the Borough’s infrastructure. In 2021 we paved Grove Avenue, Dogwood Road, Hillside Court West, Oakwood Court, Lindabury Lane, 555 Speedwell Avenue parking area, Freight Station walkway and Route 53 from Route 202 to the town boarder and Speedwell Avenue from the Municipal Building past the railroad station underpass. Moving forward into 2022, the approved paving projects are for Sunrise Drive in which a grant of $250,000.00 was received from the NJ Department of Transportation, Schoolview Drive, Coursen Way, Beaver Ridge Road, Holiday Drive, Oregon Trail, Walsh Way, Lakeview Drive, Rudden Lane and there will be more concrete sidewalk work at the freight train station. In addition, the State and County will continue the paving project on Speedwell Avenue and 202 through town. The American, on American Road, which Lennar, the builder of 96 townhomes and 60 condominiums continues erecting units and anticipates CO’s in early spring. Also, on the same project, you will see the 125 unit apartment building being built. On the M&M property on the west side of Route 53, Lennar is building 139 townhomes and continues the site work for their portion with units being constructed. M&M in addition to continuing site work for their apartments, retail/restaurant space and hotel components of the development, a building permit for the Affordable Housing building was issued, and you will see the building shell standing now. The last large project on the east side of Route 53 is over 500,000 Sq.Ft. of flex space on the old Johnson & Johnson parcel. The developer continues to demolish the older existing building and address conditions of approval included in the Developer’s Agreement. As for the Acme and Friendly’s properties, there have been encouraging signs of interest and will continue to actively work with and attract interested parties. The beginning of 2021 the new Borough website was launched. This new site is easier to navigate with more, useful information and an online payment option will be coming soon. The site is capable of expanding with more options being available to residents. There are many forms, employee email addresses and phone numbers, business directory, ordinances and much more. An Outdoor Dining Ordinance was adopted in August 2021 to permit outdoor dining in Morris Plains from April 1st to October 31st each year. Outdoor dining became very popular during the Covid-19 Pandemic and continues to be popular which prompted the Governing Body to discuss and adopt an ordinance making it possible for businesses to offer outdoor dining to their patrons. I know this helps to keep businesses thriving and patrons to have the option to be outside. In addition, the Governing Body made the decision to keep all fees the same for 2022. There will not be an increase this year for activities such as pool membership fees and permits. Our business friendly Community of Caring welcomes the following businesses that opened in 2021, Scoop Station, Howard Hanna Rand Realty, Sisters Nail Salon, Abby’s Consulting, TEAM, First Light Home Care and Med Pro Health Care, SSI People, Las Leyenda’s de Mexico Restaurant and Alpha Graphics. We are anticipating the opening of the following businesses in 2022; Uncle Giuseppe’s, an Italian specialty store, along with Chopt and Crumbl Cookies, will open in the Kohl’s Shopping Center. The Planning Board recently approved a City MD Urgent Care Facility in the same shopping center. Woodham Korean BBQ will open downtown on Speedwell Avenue and Cigna Insurance which will occupy nearly 200,00 square feet of office space in the existing Honeywell Building. We cannot wait to welcome these to our town. There is a lot of development in our small town and I would like to thank the Building Department Inspectors and Building Department Staff for keeping up with all of the daily tasks that go into opening a new business or living unit making all construction safe. Many residents, as well, are doing construction to their homes now and the inspectors are busy doing inspections in both residences and commercial buildings. A few of our businesses celebrated milestones in Morris Plains this year. Bergelt Opticians celebrated 49 years, Morris Plains Shoes celebrated 41 years and Time for a Bagel celebrated 25 years. Congratulations! And please remember to patronize these and all our small and local businesses. The Business Development Committee that was formed in October 2020 consisting of Councilmembers Dennis Wagner, Joan Goddard and Nancy Verga. The mission is to develop a partnership between our small business owners, various Borough officials and our Governing Body hoping to expand our thriving downtown and strengthen the business economy of our Borough. To date, the Committee has created an online business directory for our website, held meetings where small business owners were invited to discuss their issues and concerns as well as ways in which the Borough can help improve their business. The Committee has reached out to the small businesses with PPP loan and American Rescue Plan information to use for initiating critical economic relief. They have initiated a re-evaluation of permitted uses in our business district zones which will provide opportunities for more diverse and modern businesses in our Borough. Recently, the Committee sponsored a small business Saturday event where residents were encouraged to pick up a shopping bag filled with promotional material and coupons from participating small businesses. Thank you for all of the work you are continuing to do for our small businesses and town. Two Electric Vehicle Charging Station were installed and activated in the parking area on the Merchant Block. Two spaces are designated for this charging station with a limit of 2 hours which should provide vehicles with a full charge, thus allowing for patrons to shop or dine at our businesses while charging. The Borough has been informed about receiving a trail grant from Morris County Park Commission for Community Park trails for design and permitting phase in the amount of $34,081.08. This year we welcomed the return of many of our annual traditions. The Memorial Day Parade was well attended, even though it was a little damp, Borough School and Morristown High School Graduations, Family Day and Fireworks, the Block Dance, Bonfire, Halloween Window Painting, Halloween Parade, Hanukah Lighting and Gelt Drop and Christmas Tree Lighting returned and flourished. During Family Day a celebration was held for our new Fire Truck. I was happy to see many residents and families enjoy the festivities and fireworks. Also, this past summer we re- opened the Community Pool and it was a huge success. Watnong VFW Post 3401 made a moving tribute to our fallen Veterans, active military and first responders by hosting a “Field of Flags” at the corner of Route 53 and Route 202. This was a beautiful sight and I would like to thank the VFW members who made this possible. This was truly a beautiful way to honor all of our local heroes. Another project that was introduced this year was the Borough Bravest Project. This project allowed friends or family members to purchase a picture banner of a veteran to be displayed during the month of November along Speedwell Avenue. This project was a huge success and the opportunity to purchase more banners will be coming in the near future. This is another great way to honor heroes and what a beautiful sight seeing these banners as you drive or walk on Speedwell Avenue. Thank you to my son, Nicholas Karr, for spearheading this project and to Commander John Titterton of the VFW Post #3401 and to the Morris Plains Road Department for hanging the banners and to Melissa Gibson for many of the behind the scene tasks and to all of the donors who participated. Thank you again. I would like to recognize Larry Ripley and the ten (10) volunteers, all Morris Plains residents, of the Morris Area Community Blood Program. This program has been established since the late 1960’s and this past year they held 23 blood drives collecting 1427 pints of blood which is a new record. Thanks to all the volunteers and donors for all their efforts during Covid . Congratulations Jim Myers on being named Morris Plains Recreation 2020 Volunteer of the Year. Jim has been a volunteer as either a coach or board member for the past 19 years. Jim’s dedication and hard work in both of these roles has made the youth sports programs a success. Congratulations and thank you Jim. In 2022 the Morris Plains Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will be celebrating their 100 th anniversary. Congratulations and thank you for all you do throughout the year for Morris Plains and supporting the Fire Department. Volunteer Fire Fighter, Phil Wilk, was recognized in October 2021 for 50 years of continued service to the Morris Plains Fire Department. Thank you Phil for all of your dedication to Morris Plains and thank you to all of our 100% volunteer 100% of the time fire department. The Morris Minute Men celebrated 80 years in 2021. The Morris Minute Men provide an excellent service to our community and surrounding towns and all appreciate their efforts and quick response when an emergency occurs. On June 14, 2021 the Morris County Communications Center received 9-1-1 calls from Honeywell Corporation with a report of an unconscious man. Morris County Telecommunicators guided bystanders to perform CPR until the Morris Plains Police and Morris Minute Men showed up. Police Officers Sergeant Robert Guild, Officer David Kosakowski and Officer Kelvin Preciado arrived and took over CPR and applied an AED to the victim. Thanks to the efforts of all individuals involved the gentleman survived. Sergeant Guild, Officer Kosakowski, Officer Preciado, civilian Conner Maher and civilian Gerry Paternostro along with Morris County Telecommunicators received lifesaving awards from Morris Plains Police Chief, Michael Koroski. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. The Community Garden was successful again in 2021with over 100 gardeners. Between 1,200 and 1,500 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables were donated to the Interfaith Food Pantry. Thank you gardeners. During 2021, the Borough experienced the retirement of numerous volunteers: Janice Ryan, Board of Health Dario Fenimore, Board of Health Jan McCabe, Recreation Commission Maureen McEntee, Recreation Commission Charlie Diamante, Pool Manager Corrine (Cecala) Long, Marlins Swim Team Coach We thank them for their countless hours, ideas, commitment and passion for our community. One thing that continues to make our Borough unique is the dedicated volunteers who keep “The Community of Caring” working. Anything that interests you, we have a position. This includes playing in the Community Band for all ages; the Morris Plains Volunteer Fire Department that you can join at age 14; the Morris Minute Men First Aid Squad that boys and girls can join at the age of 16; our Museum for those who enjoy history, the Garden Club, Beautification Committee and Clean Communities Program, for those who enjoy the outdoors; and the many sports groups and scouts. We can always use volunteers and there is something for all ages and interests. They all do a spectacular job; and our residents appreciate all that they do, whatever it may be. On behalf of the Borough Council, I wish thank all of the many volunteers on boards, commissions, committees and all citizens for your commitment to our town. This is what makes it truly special. We thank you for your continued trust in us. We are always available and always welcome your thoughts. I would like to welcome to the Community of Caring, John Horan, our former Prosecutor and now our Borough Attorney. I would also like to welcome Chirag Mehta, our new Prosecutor. Congratulations and Good luck to both of you. At this time on behalf of the Borough Council and myself, I would like to sincerely thank every one of our dedicated, hardworking employees for everything they contributed during another difficult year. All the adjustments they made to keep Morris Plains moving forward does not go without a heartfelt thank you. To our Police and Fire Departments, thank you for everything everyone has done to keep every resident safe and protected 24 hours a day all year. To the respective Chiefs, thank you for keeping your departments safe and guiding your members through this past year with all the challenges thrown at you in a professional way, without skipping a beat or missing any call for service. To the DPW, John Signorelli and Leo Mulligan, residents never saw a day missed with your department. Work has been performed without hesitation and you and your department have continued to make our town look terrific. Grass was cut, decorations put up, leaves picked up and roads cleared of snow. Nothing stopped in Morris Plains. As to all our essential workers, health care workers and first responders, everyone went above and beyond and continue to do so every day. They do their best to keep us all safe and healthy! I encourage everyone to sign up for the Morris Plains Email Alert and Smart911. Links may be found on the Borough’s website. This will enable you to keep up with the happenings of Morris Plains and will assist First Responders in the event of an emergency. In closing, I am excited to have shared with you the current status of Morris Plains and some of our achievements. The Boroughs’ year ahead looks bright with a flourishing shopping mall, welcoming new tenants in large existing commercial properties and welcoming new commercial, residential and businesses to our community. These accomplishments are direct results of dedicated individuals and knowledgeable planning for both short and long term. The Council and I will continue to work hard this year and years to come to keep Morris Plains moving forward and remain the “Community of Caring” that we all know, respect and love. I would like to leave you with a quote by Winston Churchill, “Success is not final; Failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” Have a Happy Healthy New Year, God Bless You and God Bless America. Mayor Jason C. Karr ELECTION OF PRESIDENT OF BOROUGH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 2022 Councilmember Kelly placed in nomination the name of Councilmember Goddard as Council President for the year 2022. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. There were no further nominations and the Mayor closed the nominations asking for a vote. Roll Call Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Goddard Mayor Karr congratulated Council President Goddard. APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR Mayor Karr appointed the following persons to the office stated and the term specified: Office Name Term Planning Board Frank Druetzler, Class II One Year Planning Board Dennis Wagner, Class III One year Planning Board John Bezold, Class IV Four Years Board of Adjustment Dan Rizos, Alternate 2 Two Years Board of Adjustment Bob Webster Four Years Board of Adjustment Shaji Eapen Four Years Board of Adjustment Frank Druetzler Two Years Shade Tree Commission Rosemary Dougherty Five Years Recreation Commission Mandy Markt Five Years (to fill the unexpired term for Eleanor McCabe) Recreation Commission Amy Gervasio Five Years Humane Law Enforcement Sgt. Jeff Hochman One Year Officer Humane Law Enforcement Det. Mike Kelly One Year Office Board of Health Angie Mckinlay Three Years Board of Health Mary Beth Soutar One Year Roberts Garden Nancy Critchley Three Years PRESENTATION OF BADGES TO FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Mayor Karr presented badges to the following Officers of the Department for the year 2022: Chief Kevin Rongo Chief 1 Bob Webster Chief 2 Robert Keller Engineer Donald Underhill Assistant Engineer Dan Ubertaccio Fire Prevention Chief Chris Shay Mayor Karr congratulated all the officers of the Fire Department. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Goddard moved that Resolutions 2022-1 through 2022-27 be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. No. 2022-1 By-Laws No. 2022-2 Planning Board Representative No. 2022-3 Standing Committees No. 2022-4 Appointments No. 2022-5 Notice of Meetings No. 2022-6 Adequate Notice of Meetings No. 2022-7 Request for Notice of Meetings No. 2022-8 Minutes of Meetings No. 2022-9 Conference Meetings No. 2022-10 Depositories for Borough Funds No. 2022-11 Authorizing Officers to Sign Approved Checks No. 2022-12 Delinquent Taxes and Tax Installments No. 2022-13 Professional Services No. 2022-14 Execution of Vouchers No. 2022-15 Designating Official Newspaper No. 2022-16 Fixing Holidays - Borough Employees No. 2022-17 Fixing Holidays - Police Officers No. 2022-18 Council Appointments No. 2022-19 Temporary Appropriations for Operating Purposes No. 2022-20 Waiving Interest on Delinquent Taxes for Senior Citizens No. 2022-21 Waiving Interest on Delinquent Taxes for Disabled Persons No. 2022-22 Authorizing Tax Collector to Process Property Tax in Amount Less Than $10.00 No. 2022-23 Authorizing Borough Clerk to execute Hold Harmless Agreements No. 2022-24 Time Capsule - Morris Plains Library No. 2022-25 Time Capsule – Community Park No. 2022-26 Civil Rights Policy No. 2022-27 Enforcement Guidance Under Civil Rights Roll Call Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Mayor Karr presented an award to the Ladies Auxiliary celebrating their 100th Anniversary. Mayor Karr presented Superintendent of Morris Plains School District, Mark Maire with a Borough Key and congratulated him on his accomplishments. Mayor Karr presented the Annual Community Service award. This award is given to an individual or group “WHO HAVE MADE A NOTABLE CONTRIBUTION OVER A SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD OF TIME FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE COMMUNITY OF CARING.” He presented the award to Phil Wilk for 50 years of continuous service to the Borough of Morris Plains, Police Department and Fire Department He will also be the Grand Marshal of the 2022 Memorial Day Parade. Mr. Wilk thanked everyone for this wonderful recognition. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO APPOINTEES Mayor Karr asked all who have been elected or appointed to office to stand, state their names and repeat the Mayor’s words for the oath. He asked all those who took the oaths of office to sign the appropriate forms. MEETING OPEN FOR REMARKS AND COMMENTS BY CITIZENS Mayor Karr opened the meeting to the public. BENEDICTION Mayor Karr welcomed Rabbi Boruch Benjaminson of Chabad Torah Center of Morristown who gave the benediction. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wagner moved the Reorganization Meeting be adjourned at organization 8:22 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk