City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held March 17th 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 Cathie Kelly Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Absent: Salvatore Cortese Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr discussed changing shared service committee members. Mayor Karr would like to have Councilmember Bruhn replace Councilmember Kelly on Davenport Committee and Councilmembers Goddard and Cortese to be on Borough School shared service committee. All councilmembers present agreed to changes. Mayor Karr spoke about councilmember committee reports and asked to keep reports specific to their committee. Mayor Karr asked councilmembers to let him know when they have meetings with their sub committees so he is aware of topics. Cross discussion regarding meetings. Councilmember Wagner discussed the pole banners and the ordering of 30 and asked the council if they would like 1 or 2 designs and the cost will be $75.00 to $80.00 per banner. Cross discussion regarding banner design and placement. Councilmember Bruhn discussed the LavaLove dedication of mobile utility shower event being held March 26th and who is responsible for setting up event and cleaning up after. Councilmember Bruhn discussed a conversation he had with facility manager Larry Ripley regarding no pets allowed in Community Center except for service dogs. Cross discussion regarding the event on March 26th and no pets allowed in Community Center. Councilmember Verga discussed the current parking ordinance and that the verbiage should be changed to state non-commercial vehicles on the streets with 3-hour and 6-hour time limit. Cross discussion regarding parking. Councilmember Verga discussed the AARP Grant that she would like to move forward with that will provide $9,700.00 for crosswalks to Roberts Gardens. The seniors should make a wish list of what they would like since this is an annual grant that the Borough can apply for. Councilmember Verga discussed the Community Energy grant that was received and grant writer Steve Welsh reached out with a list of what needs to be put on record at tonight’s meeting regarding the grant. Councilmember Verga asked about the process for changing an employee’s salary mid-year and about budgeting for salaries. Cross discussion regarding budgeting salaries. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 8:15 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-54 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:28 P.M. Councilmember Goddard moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:28 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 March 17, 2022 at 8:31 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 March 3, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered Councilmember Goddard moved: That the minutes of the Budget Meeting of March 4, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS Municipal Court, February 2022 Fire Department, February 2022 Grant Report, February 2022 Treasurer, February 2022 Tax Collector, February 2022 Animal Control, February 2022 Municipal Clerk, February 2022 Animal Licensing, February 2022 Police Department, February 2022 Tipping Fees, December 2021 Tipping Fees, January 2022 and February 2022 Resolution 2022-55 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION TO THE NJ CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM COMMUNITY ENERGY PLANNING GRANT PROGRAM.” The Morris Plains Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at their 100 Year Anniversary BBQ to be held Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 2:00pm to dusk at the Community Park Pavilion. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for Improvements to Sunrise Drive, Contract No. 2022.01 with bids to be received on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, up to 10:00 A.M., Council Chambers Borough Hall. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Kelly, Bruhn, Goddard, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Cortese 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 No report. Public Safety Councilwoman Nancy Verga reported that the Borough of Morris Plains is applying for grant funding to develop a Community Energy Plan. We are interested in pursuing the following strategies: Strategy 1. Reduce Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Transportation Sector 1.1 Adopt Supportive Zoning and Regulations for EV Charging Infrastructure Pass NJDCA’s model ordinance specifying EV charging infrastructure as a permitted accessory use 1.2 Train First Responders on EVs and EV Charging Infrastructure Require training on EVs and EV charging infrastructure for local first responders 1.3 Train Non-Emergency Staff on EVs and EV Charging Infrastructure Initiate training on EVs and EV charging infrastructure for municipal code officials, etc. 1.4 Purchase Alternative Fuel Vehicles Strategically replace gasoline/diesel municipal vehicles with EVs or other alternative fuel vehicles 1.5 Improve Municipal Fleet Efficiency Replace older municipal vehicles with more efficient versions, downsize fleet, improve driver efficiency Strategy 2: Accelerate Deployment of Renewable Energy and Distributed Energy Resources 2.1 Adopt Supportive Zoning and Permitting for Private Solar Provide reasonable permitting standards and procedure for solar developers 2.2 Post Solar Permitting Checklist Provide permitting checklist for solar developers on municipal website 2.4 Train First Responders on Solar Require training on solar for local first responders 2.5 Train Non-Emergency Staff on Solar Initiate training on solar for non-emergency municipal staff such as inspectors 2.7 Buy Renewable Electricity for Municipal Facilities Sign contract with third-party supplier to supply municipal facilities with renewable electricity 2.8 Offer a Solar Employee Benefit Program Offer solar installation discount to municipal employees 2.13 Host a Community Solar Project on Municipal Property Lease municipal rooftop, parking lot, landfill, etc. for installation of community solar project Strategy 3: Maximize Energy Efficiency and Conservation and Reduce Peak Demand 3.1 Upgrade Energy Efficiency in Municipal Facilities Upgrade existing municipal facilities to be more energy efficient utilizing utility/NJCEP incentives Strategy 4: Reduce Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Building Sector 42 Encourage Benchmarking and Commissioning for Existing Buildings Encourage large building owners to track energy usage, improve efficiency of current equipment 4.4 Conduct Outreach Targeting New Construction in the Community Encourage developers to utilize NJCEP's New Construction Energy Efficiency incentive programs If approved, the Borough plans on utilizing the $10,000 grant to: 1) Engage the Municipal Attorney to draft an ordinance specifying EV charging infrastructure as a permitted accessory use. 2) Update the Borough website to provide permitting checklists for solar developers and to publish information concerning the Community Energy Plan. 3) Hire an energy planning consultant to assist in development of our Community Energy Plan. The Process includes assembling a planning team of municipal staff, elected officials, relevant municipal board and commission members, and community volunteers. This planning team assesses the municipality’s needs to find the opportunities for energy resiliency, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. The core of the program development is the Community Energy Plan Work Plan Template. The Template lays out clearly each step required for a municipality to create a Plan. The Process engages the entire community through two or more public meetings to determine the targeted initiatives, as well as a timeline for implementation. Councilmember Verga reported on our new website company, Agile Websites, which allows self-posting and will save the Borough $1,300.00 a year. Councilmember Verga reported that Veteran services that will be in the weekly email and that the court is still working on expungements Councilmember Verga reported on a meeting she had with Chief Rongo and Councilmember Wagner regarding outdoor dining applications that will be sent out and will require fire department signature. Councilmember Verga discussed the need for volunteer fire fighters and the struggle to keep members. Councilmember Verga reported the fire department had 30 incidents in February; 58 for the year and various training completed. Councilmember Verga reported on a fire prevention inspection she shadowed and recent fire inspection statistics. Councilmember Verga reported on police department traffic stop increases and various training. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on Coffee with A Cop that was held at Sunrise Assisted Living and spoke about senior scams and safety while walking. Chief Koroski shared that a 21-year resident approached him stating Chief Koroski responded to a medical call for this individual when he first became a police officer and thanked him. Chief Koroski reported he attended both the Republican Committee and Democratic Committee meetings. Chief Koroski reported on a meeting with Deputy OEM Coordinator, Phil Wilk and are working on a table top exercise from their recent OEM Operations Plan and a full out exercise will be scheduled for next year. Mayor Karr reported on a request for an auditory crosswalk signal on Route 202 and Route 53 near the 9/11 Memorial that Chief Koroski reached out to the NJ DOT to install and it is being installed on Monday. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW is working hard on building the 2 new platforms at the recycling center and Goddard reported on the recent storm where the roads and sidewalks were salted. Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW is getting ready for spring and working on the Little League fields. Councilmember Goddard reported on the Trail Grant in which $34,000.00 was received for design and permit fees to construct paths around Community Park. Councilmember Goddard reported on the All Seasons Garden Club meeting and spoke about future plans and having an event for children which will get their families involved in planting. Engineer Mr. Hall reported Mr. Hall reported on the various Borough development projects (American Road and M&M, and Cryoport). Mr. Hall reported the NJ DOT grant for Sunrise Drive plans were approved last week and receipt of bids was approved on tonight’s consent agenda. Mr. Hall reported underground oil tanks are being removed on Franklin Place which will take 3 to 5 days and traffic will be rerouted. Mr. Hall reported Tabor Road owner received a DEP permit and site plan was approved for 4- acre parking area and work will start at the end of April. Cross discussion regarding the oil tank removal on Franklin Place. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported the Memorial Day Parade Committee will be meeting on March 23rd. The Parade is scheduled for May 28th and the committee is doing a fantastic job. Councilmember Bruhn reported the Recreation meeting will be March 24th and Shade Tree meeting will be April 6th. He also reported the Recreation Department is still looking for a Swim Team Coach. Mayor Karr reported the Borough received a Community Projects grant through Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for over $135,000.00. The money from this grant is to construct paths on both sides of Route 53 from Davenport Village to Foxwood condominiums and across Route 53 to the Recycling Center and continue to Route 10 shopping center where Harley Davidson and Dunkin Donuts is located. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on a Cancer Information webinar hosted by the Board of Health and that the sign up is on Board of Health website. Councilmember Kelly reported the Municipal Alliance program “Diversity and Inclusion” was postponed and rescheduled for April 6th. Councilmember Kelly reported on Clean Communities town wide clean up at the end of April. Councilmember Kelly reported on the Teen Center board meeting held at the Teen Center on March 23rd and the first event at the Teen Center will be March 25th for 8th graders. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported the Annex Department is very busy with both commercial and residential permits and inspections. Councilmember Wagner reported on the need to hire a sub code official. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE 4-2022 CALENDAR YEAR 2022 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14) which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on March 3, 2022. 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 Wagner stated that the above ordinance as read by title on Second Reading at this meeting be adopted and finally passed. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Cortese Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Goddard moved the vouchers for March 17, 2022 in the amount of $3,253,724.78 seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Cortese Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 9:05 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-56 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. So ordered. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 9:45 P.M. Councilmember Verga moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:45 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk