City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held February 3rd 2022, 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 2022; WHICH RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL ON JANUARY 6th 2022, 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: Joan Goddard, Council President Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Cathie Kelly Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney Mayor Karr welcomed Cub Scout Webelo Troop 233 along with their Den Leader, Tom Battagliese. Mayor Karr along with Councilmembers, Attorney, Chief of Police and Borough Clerk each gave a short description of their job in the Borough. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Kelly and Superintendent Signorelli toured all Borough buildings to see what work needed to be fixed or upgraded fo 2022. Councilmember Wagner discussed the banner prices and designs for the poles on Speedwell Avenue. Councilmember Goddard reported there will be upgrades to the garbage receptacles and planters along Speedwell Avenue and more doggie refuse stations will be added around town. Councilmember Goddard congratulated and wished the Girls’ Basketball team good luck in the upcoming Morris County Championship game on Saturday. Councilmember Verga spoke about 2 grants the Borough can apply for we do not have to match the funds received. One grant is for the Climate Action Plan in which we can receive up to $10,000.00 to go towards the 100% clean energy plan which will take effect by 2050. The second grant is the American Association for Retired Persons which will make the Borough more livable for people of all ages, but especially over the age of 50. Councilmember Verga reported she attended a session at the NJ League of Municipalities conference regarding cable company franchise fees. These fees we receive can be used to join Jersey Access Group which will give the Borough guidance to provide us with important information regarding how to set up cable access for residents. Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Plant- A -Tree program that the Shade Tree Commission is sponsoring . EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 8:14 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-30 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:25 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:29 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held February 3, 2022 at 8:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Goddard moved: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the January 6, 2022 Re Organization minutes be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive and Regular Meetings of January 20, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: Resolution 2022-31 entitled, “MUNICIPAL RECYCLING TONNAGE GRANT APPLICATION BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Resolution 2022-32 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GOVERNORS COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE FISCAL GRANT CYCLE JULY 2020-JUNE 2025.” Resolution 2022-33 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FUNDING MUNICIPAL ALLIANCES.” Resolution 2022-34 entitled, “RESOLUTION ENTITLED FIRST LIMO CAR SERVICE, LLC LIMOUSINE OWNER LICENSE NO. LO1-9383-2022.” Resolution 2022-35 entitled, “RESOLUTION ENTITLED FIRST LIMO CAR SERVICE, LLC LIMOUSINE OWNER LICENSE NO. LO2-1915-2022.” The Borough Council authorize the release and return of soil disturbance Bond No. S-299475 in the amount of $237,740.00 and Bond No. S316895 in the amount of $135,000.00 to M&M at Morris Plains, LLC per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated January 25, 2022. PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak. Cara Parmigiani, 8 Franklin Place. Ms. Parmigiani discussed the posts on social media regarding the Acme property. Ms. Parmigiani expressed she was opposed to the MANE application and is part of the Committee of Caring and part of the Master Plan re-examination and stated that spot zoning is illegal and not appropriate for this space. The property is the primary entrance to town and warehouse space would not be appropriate for this location and was concerned about the long term impact to the town. Mayor Karr expressed that all professionals, committee and governing body members know spot zoning is illegal and said her comment was strong and harsh and he would not permit spot zoning. Mayor Karr expressed there is a lot of misinformation out there. Mayor Karr read past minutes of the council regarding zoning changes and permitted uses. Ms. Parmigiani responded that he is not touching on the target issued. Cross discussing between Mayor Karr and Ms. Parmigiani regarding transparency and Master Plan review. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese reported the upcoming Budget meeting will be in March and Councilmembers should meet with their committees. Public Safety Councilmember Verga thanked everyone in attendance for coming to the meeting and engaging in the Master Plan re-evaluation. The Master Plan Committee is following the Smart Growth Principals guidelines which the Borough follows. Councilmember Verga reported on website updates and that online payments is still being worked on. Councilmember Verga reported on the Needlework Club run by Shaila Joshi, a junior at Morristown High School, their donations go to Jersey Battered Woman, Saint Hubert’s and other various organizations. Councilmember Verga reported on Black History Month and wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year. Councilmember Verga reported she met with the Traffic Committee and discussed the Trans Options plan. Councilmember Verga reported that Court Administrator, Sarah Thornberry, is working on marijuana expungements from 1993 and upgrading the recording software. Councilmember Verga reported she met with Fire Department Chief Rongo and Fire Official Chris Shay and discussed the Fire Departments year-end report and 5-year plan and the possible ordinance for inspections to be completed when there is a change of occupancy in multi-unit apartments. Councilmember Verga reported on a meeting and investigation regarding the need for a full time fire inspector. Lastly, Councilmember Verga thanked Detective Sergeant Bruce Rapp, Officer Nicholas Grawehr and Detective Joe Heinz for representing the Borough of Morris Plains at NYPD Officer Mora’s funeral. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported on mutual aid with surrounding towns. Chief Rongo reported on the number of fire calls year to date and that there were 4 calls the night before between midnight and 5:00 am and the need for volunteers. Chief Rongo reported on department training. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on the passing of resident Evelyn Carroll, 101 years old, who is the mother of long time crossing guard Terry Carroll and mother in law of records clerk, Deann Carroll. Chief Koroski reported that the OEM budget has been submitted to the treasurer. Chief Koroski thanked Officer Vincent Zarrillo for helping an elderly resident and her disabled husband into their home after grocery shopping and for taking the time to help those in need. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported on the background of the Business Development Committee. Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW did a fantastic job of clearing the roads and the recent snowstorm and they are ready for the upcoming ice storm. Councilmember Goddard reported the All Season’s Garden Club will be meeting to discuss 2022 projects and a grant to receive money to plant trees. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported the Memorial Day Parade Committee met and the 36th annual parade will be May 28, 2022 with the hope for more bands and floats. Phil Wilk was honored for 50 years of service to the Fire Department and will be the Grand Marshal. Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Recreation Commission Reorganization meeting and that the Easter Egg Hunt will resume this year. Councilmember Bruhn reported on upcoming Recreation programs and the need for a new Recreation Summer Programs Director. Councilmember Bruhn reported the Recreation Center needs a new copy machine and tennis and basketball court resurfacing. Cross discussion regarding the tennis and basketball court resurfacing. Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Shade Tree Reorganization meeting and that the majority of their budget is taken up by Emerald Ash Borer disease. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported she met with Teen CenterCoordinator,Jake Cahill and Councilmember Goddard and discussed re-establishing the board. Councilmember Kelly reported on the first virtual game night for grades 6, 7 and 8. Councilmember Kelly reported on the Board of Health reorganization meeting and reminded residents to check the Borough’s website for Covid-19 vaccination clinic information. Councilmember Kelly reported on the Education Foundation walk/run event taking place in November. Councilmember Kelly reported on the first Municipal Alliance meeting of the year and updated on Stage Fun performance which will be held March 11th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported on the recent water quality report and the ordinance that is being introduced tonight. Councilmember Wagner reported on the need for a meeting with Annex employees and inspectors and American Road contractors requesting additional inspection days and hours. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES Councilmember Wagner introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 1-2022 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, BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY;” AND SECTION 13-5.7A “SCHEDULE E OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS” AS THE ABOVE PERTAIN TO MICROBREWERIES. Councilmember Goddard seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Wagner offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on February 3, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on March 3, 2022 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 Bruhn seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for February 3, 2022 in the amount of $371,831.06 seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 9:30 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-36 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. So ordered. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:18 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:18 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk