City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held February 16th 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 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Kelly gave an update on the Community Development Block Grant submitted by the Grant Consultant. Councilmember Wagner discussed the noise ordinance in regards to landscape machines and weekend hours of operation. Cross discussion on this matter. Councilmember Goddard reported on the Business Development Committee. Councilmember Verga explained the resolution on tonight’s meeting for a 1-month extension with Gov Unity. The website committee would like to hire Agile Websites and inquired if the council was comfortable with the new agreement with Agile. Cross discussion. Councilmember Verga discussed the AARP grant and what improvements would be completed. Councilmember Verga discussed the Ordinance which pertains to parking on certain streets in town and if that can be extended to all residents. Cross discussion included safety issues. Councilmember Bruhn discussed shared services agreements with surrounding towns. Cross discussion regarding shared services traffic changes. Councilmember Bruhn discussed new tasks that have been asked of employees and push back from employees not wanting to take on the new tasks. Cross discussion. Councilmember Cortese gave an update regarding PBA contract negotiations. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 8:13 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-37 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:17 P.M. Councilmember Wagner moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:17 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held February 16, 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: That the minutes of the Executive and Regular Meetings of February 3, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS Animal Control, January 2022 Sanitarian, January 2022 Police Department, January 2022 Fire Department, January 2022 Municipal Court, January 2022 Animal Licensing, January 2022 Municipal Clerk, January 2022 Grant Writer, January 2022 Building Inspector, January 202 Borough Engineer, Quarterly Report Resolution 2022- 38 entitled, “RESOLUTION ADOPTING A TEMPORARY CAPITAL BUDGET FOR 2022.” Resolution 2022-39 entitled, “HSA MORRIS PLAINS RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 327- 22.” Resolution 2022-40 entitled, “PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MORRIS PLAINS RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 328-22.” Resolution 2022-41 entitled, “PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MORRIS PLAINS RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 329-22.” Resolution 2022-42 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EXTENSION OF THE WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH MIBS INC. D/B/A GOVUNITY WEBSITES FOR A PERIOD OF ONE MONTH THROUGH MARCH 31, 2022 AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN SAME.” Resolution 2022-43 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A REVISED DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS AND MORRIS PLAINS HOLDING EU, LLC.” Permission be granted for the Morris Plains Farmers Market to be conducted Saturdays, June 11th 2022 through October 8th 2022 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, in the Merchant Block and that the Department of Public Works will supply the necessary barricades. The Memorial Day Parade Committee be granted permission to hold its 36thAnnual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 28th 2022. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Andrew T. Downs, 71 Maple Ave., Morris Plains as a member of the Morris Plains Fire Department. Mary Bowers, Morris Plains be granted permission to hold a walk to raise money towards a fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in the Borough along the designated route on Sunday, February 27th 2022 beginning at 11:00 A.M. with the Police Department to provide traffic control and notification to the affected residents, and any necessary barricades provided. Having received quotes for 2022 water treatment to Community Park Pond and Watnong Pond from the following: Lake Management Services Community Park Pond $1,803.00 includes NJDEP permit Watnong Park Pond $1,533.00 includes NJDEP permit Princeton Hydro Community Park Pond $2,975.00 includes NJDEP permit Watnong Park Pond $2,550.00 includes NJDEP permit  A purchase order be issued to Lake Management Services, P.O. Box 2395, Branchville, New Jersey in the amount of $3,336.00. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. 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 and seeing no one, he closed this public portion of the meeting. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese reported on the temporary capital budget and the two ordinances that will be introduced this evening for road improvements. Councilmember Cortese reported the Annual Debt Statement was filed January 21st and the Annual Financial Statement was filed January 31st. Councilmember Cortese reported the tax collection rate is 99.29%. Mayor Karr reported Leon Hall will be attending a meeting with Congresswoman Sherrill regarding flood mitigation. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on a meeting with Chief Koroski and Ralph Rotando, Traffic Committee Chair. Councilmember Verga reported on a Public Safety Committee meeting and the 5-year strategic plan and 2022 budget. Councilmember Verga will be meeting with Chief Rongo regarding the Fire Department budget and reported on a Fire Department grant for safety rope. Councilmember Verga reported the Court Administrator is working on marijuana expungements which are ongoing with the decriminalization of marijuana and getting quotes for new court recording software. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported on the grant for the safety rope bail out system which will assist fire fighters to escape out of a window if needed during a fire. Chief Rongo reported on a condemned house on Harrison Avenue where the utilities had not been turned off. This poses as a potential danger for fire fighters if responding to a call at the location. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on the 5-year strategic plan for the Police Department. Chief Koroski reported on the grant for body worn cameras in which the Borough was reimbursed approximately $40,000.00. Chief Koroski reported the new vehicle should be delivered by the end of February. Mayor Karr spoke about the hybrid vehicle that was ordered and that the existing hybrid vehicle uses less gas and more miles which helps the environment. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW is getting ready for Spring including work that is being completed on the American Road, Teen Center, Trinity Lutheran Church, The Buckley Way and painting that has been done inside. Councilmember Goddard reported on an All Seasons Garden Club meeting; they are looking for new members and in the future may do classes on how to assemble dish gardens and planters. Councilmember Goddard reported on a meeting with Nancy Critchley from the Beautification Committee and the upcoming meeting being held on March 2nd and invited all to join. Councilmember Goddard reported on the Business Development Committee and the 2022 recommendations that was shared with Mayor and Council. They are moving forward on the website and would like to expand to more committee membership, recruit volunteers who are passionate about our downtown, engage relationships with small business owners, attract new business by networking. The Committee would like to have a welcoming business environment including pedestrian traffic, biking, communications, and arts and create a small guide to present to potential business owners and realtors. The Committee would also like to add a component to small town events. Engineers Report Mr. Hall reported on the various Borough development projects (American Road and M&M, and Cryoport). Mr. Hall reported he is still waiting for the status of the Sunrise Drive paving project from the NJ DOT. Mr. Hall reported M&M wanted to eliminate the screening around the rooftop equipment at the affordable housing unit which is a zoning requirement. Mr. Hall asked for a rooftop inspection and the equipment did not comply with the original plans that were approved. Mr. Hall stated they will have to submit new plans for approval. Mr. Hall reported on the approval of a road opening permit for the previous Morris Plains T Shirt Factory on Franklin Road for 2 rather large tanks to be removed. A preconstruction meeting will take place with the Police Department to address the traffic concerns. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Shade Tree reorganization meeting and updated on the Ash tree issues which uses most of their budget each year. Councilmember Bruhn reported tree work that will be completed this year including a list of trees to be cut down, fertilizing and planting. Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Plant a Tree program. Councilmember Bruhn reported the Morris Plains Basketball Association will be sharing the gym at Red Oak School (St. Virgil’s). Councilmember Bruhn reported the Recreation committee is actively interviewing candidates for pool manager and summer recreations program director. Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Memorial Day Parade Committee’s next meeting will be on February 23rd. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on the upcoming Covid19 vaccine and booster clinic being held on February 22nd at the Community Center. She also reported homebound residents can receive vaccinations and the information is on our website. Councilmember Kelly reported the Morris County Board of Health is holding a food handlers class at the Community Center on June 4th. Councilmember Kelly reported Chopt Salad opened on February 9th and on February 8th they had a soft opening event where all proceeds were donated to Interfaith Food Pantry. Councilmember Kelly reported the rabies clinic will be held April 23rd at the DPW garage. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported on a zoning regulation issue in the R3 Zone and the possible revision to parking permit ordinance. Councilmember Wagner reported on future upgrades to the Annex building including carpet and furniture. 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. 2- 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $685,000.00 FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF VARIOUS ROADS IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $285,000.00 FROM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND AND $400,000.00 FROM CAPITAL FUND BALANCE Councilmember Verga 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 16, 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 Kelly seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. Councilmember Wagner introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 3- 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $330,000.00 FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF SUNRISE DRIVE AND PROVIDING THAT THE SUM OF $250,000.00 IS EXPECTED TO BE RECIEVED FROM NEW JERSET DOT GRANT WITH $80,000.00 APPROPRIATED FROM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND BALANCE Councilmember Cortese 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 16, 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 Verga 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 16, 2022 in the amount of $2,003,221.51 seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 9:10 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-44 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. So ordered. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 9:40 P.M. Councilmember Wagner 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 9:45 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk