City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held April 7th 2022, at 7:33 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 Mayor Karr discussed the recent underpass flooding and an upcoming meeting with New Jersey Transit. Mayor Karr reported Bob Flynn of J.C.P. & L. will be attending the May 5th, 2022 council meeting conference session and Laura Cummings from S.M.C.M.U.A. will be attending the June 2nd, 2022 council meeting conference session. Councilmember Bruhn asked for clarification on the permitted zones from the ordinance which is being introduced tonight. Mayor Karr stated that there are no changes; just the addition of a B-5 zone which is the first step if there will be Master Plan recommendations. Councilmember Bruhn inquired about the Power Changes Lives trailer and if they ever presented insurance to cover the trailer that is being stored on Borough property? He did not want the Borough or its residents responsible for damages. Mayor Karr stated they did not require insurance and they will be liable if any damage happens when on Borough property. Cross discussion with Attorney Horan regarding their responsibility on damages. Councilmember Bruhn then inquired if their boxes were moved from the DPW garage and was told it was not known if they were moved. Councilmember Verga inquired about a report at the end of the year to see what fees residents incurred for making payments online and to re visit the online pay option at that time. Councilmember Verga discussed a tracking report from IT services on issues reported. Mayor Karr stated this does not fall under Public Safety and all IT service issues should go through the Finance chair. Website inquiries should still fall under the Website Committee. Councilmember Verga discussed a meeting with Chief Rongo regarding volunteers for the Fire Department and that Boonton Township’s volunteers are made of 80% of DPW employees. Chief Rongo will look into the framework of how this was established. Cross discussion on sending employees to the academy. Councilmember Verga discussed the Fire Inspector in need of a vehicle to conduct inspections. Lastly, Councilmember Verga discussed Local Government Week and if anyone had any ideas to do an event. Cross discussion. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 7:46 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-57 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:10 P.M. Councilmember Cortese moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:10 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 April 7, 2022 at 8:3 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 March17, 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 25, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS Building Inspector, February 2022 Grant Report, March 2022 Animal Control, March 2022 Municipal Court, March 2022 Police Department, March 2022 Resolution 2022-58 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF CRANFORD.” Resolution 2022-59 entitled, “CANCELLATION OF BALANCES AND OVERPAYMENTS LESS THAN $10.00.” Chris Mason, 12 Lenape Drive, Montville, be hired as a Temporary Part-time Building Inspector in the Building department at the rate of $38.50 per hour effective April 8, 2022. Essam Aboshelbaya, 4102 Hampton Court, Randolph receive a $50.00 weekly salary increase as Cleaning/Maintenance for the Fire Department Administration Offices, 555 Speedwell Avenue retroactive to February 1, 2022. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for Improvements to Beaver Ridge Road, Coursen Way, Holiday Drive, Lakeview Drive, Oregon Trail, Rudden Lane, Schoolview Drive, Walsh Way and Freight Station Walkway. Contract No. 2022.02 with bids to be received on May 12, 2022, up to 10:00 A.M., Council Chambers Borough Hall. Having received quotes for the 2022 Family Day events and rides from the following: Party Perfect Rentals, LLC $10,970.00 Any Excuse for a Party, Inc. $8,995.00 Real Amusements No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Any Excuse for a Party, Inc. 16 Gloria Lane, Fairfield, NJ in the amount of $8,995.00. The resignation of Pearl Law, Shade Tree Commission, be accepted, effective immediately. Lori Ruda, 8 Westerly Avenue, Madison be hired as part time Construction Office Clerk at a rate of $18.50 per hour effective April 18, 2022. The Ladies Auxiliary of the Morris Plains Fire Association be granted permission to hold their annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale on the Fire House ramp, Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 8am to 2pm. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, 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 the budget will be introduced tonight and thanked Ana Thomas and everyone involved. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion event in which Councilmembers and the Mayor attended at Borough School. This event was successful and had a panel of residents including an interracial family, a disabled parent and transgender police officer which helped attendees understand the importance of extending a sense of belonging and welcome. Councilmember Verga reported on the Municpay contract being signed and is an online vendor allowing a convenience for residents to pay online for pool membership and in the near future camp programs. Councilmember Verga stated there is a 2.65% or $3.00 (whichever is greater) to the vendor which is incurred by users and you can only use a credit or debit card for payment. Councilmember Verga reported on a meeting with Court Administrator Sarah Thornberry to discuss the decline in court income. Ms. Thornberry explained that the State no longer allows for charges for contempt of court if someone misses their court time and other factors include the pandemic, police officer’s changes in motor vehicle stops and warrants are no longer issued for nonpayment of fines. Councilmember Verga reported on reviewing plans for 115 Tabor Road with the Fire Official and now has a better understanding of what he looks for on the plans and what is need for construction. Councilmember Verga reported on the resolution approved tonight to join the Cranford Police Department Cooperative Pricing System which will be used to purchase a new police vehicle and the hybrid vehicle ordered has not been delivered yet due to shortages. Councilmember Verga reported on the Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy for grades 9 to 12 applications will be available and will teach law, fire, EMS and emergency management. This program is run by the Sheriff’s Office and County Department of Law and Public Safety. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported April 30th is drug take back at Stop and Shop from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and both prescription and over the counter medicines can be dropped off. Chief Koroski reminded everyone of the box in the Municipal Building lobby where medicine can also be dropped off. Chief Koroski reported on an Officer, who wanted to remain anonymous, that helped a young citizen at the train station who was having a family issue. This Officer contacted the family and gave the child money from his own pocket to take an Uber home. Chief Koroski reported there were 2808 calls for service in March; 57 call were medical, 54 were foot patrol, 23 non injury motor vehicle crashes, 3 DWI arrests, 417 motor vehicle stops and 185 radar traffic enforcement details. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported there were 26 incidents in March and 87 for the year. Chief Rongo reported on a large brush fire on Northview Drive to Sun Valley Way. Chief Rongo reported the air truck is back in service and has been used two times and is working well. Chief Rongo reported Engine 3 is at the DPW garage getting brake work and the adjustor came out to assess the damage to the ladder truck. Chief Rongo reported on the 2nd quarter drill schedule and the hopes that some of the governing body can attend and the County is expanding the text message alert system. Mayor Karr stated he appreciates all the work of the fire department volunteers and police department. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW finished the platform at the recycling center and they look amazing. Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW is getting the fields ready for Little League and softball and painted the snack bar to get everything ready for opening day. Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW is getting the pool ready and 2 employees will be attending pool chemistry training to be used a backup if the pool manage is not available. Councilmember Goddard reported she has been getting calls regarding yard waste and grass pick up. Grass will be picked up on Wednesdays in a covered container, no leaves, sticks or twigs or you can compost in your backyard. Brush pick up which is the last Monday of April, May, June, July, August and September. It is recommended to have your brush out by Monday, but DPW drives through town 2 times the week of pick up and if you have an outside contractor cut down bushes or trees it is their responsibility to remove the debris. Please visit our website for information and review Ordinance 17A Article 3 regarding yard waste. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported the pool will be open June 25, 2022 through September 5, 2022 from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm and this year you can pay online for membership. Councilmember Bruhn reported on an interview with a potential swim team coach and that summer camp registration starts April 18th. Councilmember Bruhn reported Family Day vendors have been hired and the next Memorial Day Parade Committee meeting will be April 20th. Councilmember Bruhn reported the Easter Bunny will be arriving by fire truck on April 9th with a rain date of April 10t. He will be a Borough School at 12:00 pm, Mountain Way School at 12:30 pm and Community Park at 1:00 pm and each location will have an Easter Egg Hunt. Councilmember Bruhn reported the Shade Tree meeting was April 6th and they can apply for a $2,500.00 grant and are reviewing ideas in which the grant can be used for. Mayor Karr reported Peal Law is resigning from the Shade Tree Commission in which she was a member for many years. Pearl is over 90 and was still participating in meetings and checking trees around town. Thank you Pearl for all of your many years. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on the recent blood drive and on Teen Center events. Councilmember Kelly reported there were 5 calls from Animal Control in March. There were 3 positive Covid19 cases, the flu is very active in Morris County right now. Councilmember Kelly reported the rabies clinic will be April 23rd and there are currently over 80 registrants. Councilmember Kelly reported on attending a Board of Education meeting with other governing body members and Mayor Karr who presented Superintendent Mark Maire with a key to the Borough for all of his exemplary work to the Morris Plains School District. Mayor Karr stated this was held over from the reorganization meeting that Mr. Maire had to leave early due to weather. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner welcomed the two new employees hired this evening to work in the Annex Department. Councilmember Wagner also welcomed the new residents that moved into the new townhouses on Tabor Road and American Road. Councilmember Wagner reported on the Business Development Committee meeting with the Vice President of Business Development Morris County Chamber of Commerce Craig Schlosser. The committee looks forward to working with Mr. Schlosser to revitalize our downtown business district. Councilmember Wagner reported the next Planning Board meeting will be April 25 th and there will be an upcoming meeting with Chief Koroski to discuss a possible revision to parking permit ordinance. 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. 5-2022 AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION, AND REVISION OF “CHAPTER 13, 2000 BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE” TO RENAME A PORTION OF THE EXISTING B-1 BUSINESS DISTRICT CURRENTLY ENCOMPASSING BLOCK 34, LOT 13; AND BLOCK 33 LOTS 9 AND 10 TO THE NEW B-5 BUSINESS DISTRICT. ALL EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PROVISIONS FOR THE B-1 BUSINESS DISTRICT SHALL APPLY TO THE NEW RENAMED B-5 BUSINESS DISTRICT. SPECIFIC SECTIONS AMENDED INCLUDE: SECTION 13-4.14(C)(VIII); SECTION 13-4.14C(2.2)(D)(II); SECTION 13-5.1(A)(1); SECTION 13-5.1B; SECTION 13-5.1(C); SECTION 13-5.1(D); SECTION 13-5.2(A)(9); SECTION 13-5.2(A)(10)(10.7); SECTION 13-5.2(A)(12)(12.1); SECTION 13-5.2(16)(16.1); SECTION 13-5.2(B)(1)(1.3); SECTION 13-5.7(D)(4); SECTION 13-5.8(C); SECTION 5.8(C)(1)(1.1); SECTION 5.8(C)(1)(1.1)(e); SECTION 13-5.8(C)(3)(3.1); SECTION 13-5.8(C)(4); AND SECTION 13- 5.8(C)(7). Councilmember Kelly 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 April 7, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on May 5, 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 Introduction of 2022 Municipal Budget Councilmember Cortese moved the approval of the 2022 municipal budget and provided specific details for General Appropriations Within Caps, Municipal Purposes ($10,741,418.00); Appropriations Excluded from Caps, Municipal Purposes ($3,818,765.32); Reserve for Uncollected Taxes ($1,675,907.96); Total General Appropriations ($16,236,091.28) less anticipated revenues other than current property tax ($4,698,503.15) and the difference – the amount to be raised by taxes for support of municipal budgeting including reserve for uncollected taxes ($11,537,588.13), seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for April 7, 2022 in the amount of $2,029,195.65 seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:13 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk