City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held April 21st 2022, at 7:31 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 resolution on the consent agenda regarding rejecting the tennis court bid. The bid was for $49,000.00 and only $35,0000.00 was allotted for the project. CFO Ana Thomas is going to look into co-ops or a different local vendor. Mayor Karr discussed the two sewer grant resolutions on the agenda which are for the Johnson Road pumping station upgrades. Mayor Karr discussed a meeting with NJ Transit in which they are receptive and understanding of our frustrations with the underpass flooding. NJ Transit will be looking into solutions to the issue. Cross discussion regarding underpass flooding and where the water is routed. Councilmember Wagner discussed the item on the consent calendar regarding banners stating the next step is to pick a design and colors. Councilmember Bruhn discussed that Farmers Market Craft registration that was presented to be posted on the website. Councilmember Bruhn would like the Farmer’s Market expanded and the Business Development Committee to have input on additional vendors, nonprofit organizations and entertainment included. Cross discussion Councilmember Bruhn discussed a possible Eagle Scout project a resident questioned him about that he was unaware of as the liaison for Buildings and Grounds. Another resident was involved in the planning and Councilmember Bruhn feels his committee should be involved and know about upcoming projects. Councilmember Kelly relayed that she was aware of the project, but not included in the tour of the grounds or had any knowledge of the project. Councilmember Kelly told Councilmember Bruhn of an upcoming meeting on Saturday with another Eagle Scout at Community Park and invited him to attend. Councilmember Verga discussed the State changing the Police Department hiring requirements for more diverse applicants to be hired. Councilmember Verga stated Chief Koroski suggested in order to receive more diverse applicants the Borough would have to lower the education requirements from having a 4- year Bachelor’s Degree to a 2 year Associates Degree or Military with 65 college credits. Cross discussion regarding changing the ordinance and the procedure. Councilmember Verga asked about using Police Officers for the Education Foundation 5k run and having to pay overtime to the Officers. Mayor Karr told Councilmember Verga to reach out to the organization to see if they have enough volunteers this year and then Officers would not be needed. Councilmember Verga discussed the criteria requirements for postings to the Borough website, Face Book and email blast. Mayor Karr stated that if it involves Morris Plains students/children the postings are ok. If it involves recreation it should be posted on their website. Cross discussion on various fund raisers which included students/children cannot all be posted on Borough social media. Postings should be limited to Borough organizations. Councilmember Verga discussed the HIPA regulations on the summer camp applications submitted online and the steps taken to make sure the information remains confidential. Councilmember Verga discussed purchase orders for flowers/fruit being ordered for employees and the Borough paying the bill. Mayor Karr stated this has been going on for a long time and it does not amount to much yearly. Cross discussion. Councilmember Goddard asked Attorney John Horan to look into State law regarding this practice. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 8:10 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-60 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:27 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:27 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held April 21, 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 April 7, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS Municipal Clerk, March 2022 Animal Licensing, March 2022 Building Inspector, March 2022 Tipping Fees, March 2022 Grant Report, April 2022 Resolution 2022-61entitled, “RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO FEDERAL COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING TO REPLACE SEWER FORCE MAINS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,504,800.00.” Resolution 2022-62 entitled, “RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO FEDERAL COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING FOR JOHNSON ROAD SEWER PUMPING STATION REPLACEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,680,000.00” Resolution 2022-63, “RESOLUTION REJECTING BID TO REPAIR TENNIS COURTS AT COMMUNITY PARK.” The Borough Council approve the Mayor’s Proclamation declaring April 29 th 2022, Arbor Day in the Borough of Morris Plains. Christopher D’Anna, 71 Sun Valley Way be hired as the Community Park Pool Swim Team Coach at the rate of $3,650.00 for the 2022 season effective June 1, 2022. The Mayor be authorized to execute the Franchise Agreement between The Borough of Morris Plains and Signal Outdoor Advertising LLC dba Insite Street Media for Bus Shelters in the form approved by the Borough Attorney. Having received quotes for Thirty (30) 24x36 light pole banners from the following: Project Graphics $1,421.10 Enrique’s Printing & Signs, LLC $3,450.00 Banners.com $1,899.30 That a purchase order be issued to Project Graphics, 41 Stone Pit Road, Woodbury, CT in the amount of $1,421.10. Having received quotes for Roof Replacement at the Community Park Pool Pump House from the following: Northeast Roof Maintenance $17,680.00 Joseph Doherty Roofing Company $ 6,450.00 High Grade Contracting $15,000.00 That a purchase order be issued to Joseph Doherty Roofing Company, 54 Burnet Road, Madison, NJ in the amount of $6,450.00. Having received quotes for Roof Replacement at 555 Speedwell Avenue from the following: Northeast Roof Maintenance $15,480.00 Joseph Doherty Roofing Company $10,410.00 High Grade Contracting $13,050.00 That a purchase order be issued to Joseph Doherty Roofing Company, 54 Burnet Road, Madison, NJ in the amount of $10,410.00.  Having received quotes to repair plumbing lines at the Community Park Pool from the following: Cullen Plumbing & Sewer $17,100.00 JMC Landscape Contracting $18,050.00 That a purchase order be issued to Cullen Plumbing & Sewer, PO Box 61, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 in the amount of $17,100.00. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. 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. Penny Jones, 3 Coursen Way, discussed recycling and the new upcoming plastic bag law and the ban of plastic straws. Ms. Jones spoke about the town using all recycled paper. Mayor Karr spoke with a town business regarding using recycled paper and the cost was too high. Mayor Karr told Ms. Jones we would continue to look into the change. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese reported the Clerk’s Office is working on OPRA requests, parking permits and food establishment licensing. Councilmember Cortese reminded council, board and commission members to file their Financial Disclosure Statement before April 30th. Councilmember Cortese reported the auditor Nisovaccia has started their annual review and that an ordinance is being introduced tonight approving projects discussed on the budget including an ARP grant to repair the fire truck. Mayor Karr reported the Borough received a 2021 safety incentive from Morris County Joint Insurance in the amount of $750.00 and thanked the employees for working safely. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on website analytics including the number of visits on the home page, agenda page, recreation, tax and construction. Councilmember Verga reported on the online sign up for camp and pool registration including 4 online payments. Councilmember Verga reported on the open rate of 65-70% for the weekly email with 2,532 subscribers. Councilmember Verga reported on an upcoming Fire Department training in which the Council has been invited to attend. This will take place on April 27th and will be held at the Public Safety Training Academy. Councilmember Verga reported on fire inspections. Councilmember Verga reported on a meeting with Chief Koroski in regards to the new State mandates on staffing diversity and the legalization of recreational cannabis. It is legal for Officers to use marijuana and to date there is no universal detection testing device for random employee drug testing. Councilmember Verga reported on a new bike patrol program which will begin in Morris Plains which will help the officers interact with residents. Officer Grawehr will be attending a class on how to safely do a traffic stop and other training. Councilmember Verga reported on various training completed by officers and noted that the Drug Take Back will take place at Stop and Shop on April 30th and reminded everyone that the drop box is always available in our lobby. Mayor Karr reported on National Telecommunicators Week; he sent a letter thanking all telecommunicators who are the true first responders. They answer all 9-11 calls and dispatch the help we need. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW is getting ready for Spring with many outdoor projects which included getting the Little League and Borough School baseball and softball fields ready. Opening Day for Little League is April 23rd. Councilmember Goddard reported on repair work completed at the Community Garden and work being done by the Beautification Committee. Councilmember Goddard reported the Borough School students are working hard on the Willy Wonka play they are performing in May. It will be the first play since covid. Engineer Mr. Hall reported on various Borough development including City MD, Lennar construction at Route 53 and American Road. Mr. Hall reported there were noise complaints of construction beginning at 5:00 am on American Road which has been going on for 6 months. He gave them a final warning and told them they will be fined if it happens again. Mr. Hall reported on Tabor Road LLC, Honeywell, in which the site plan was signed and will be under construction. This will take 10 to 12 weeks to complete. Mr. Hall reported on a NJ DOT meeting regarding the grant received for Route 53 sidewalks and was told there are no major hurdles to obtain the permit. Mr. Hall reported on 1515 Route 10 construction and a meeting with Parsippany Township and Hanover Township Engineers regarding the increase in traffic. Mayor Karr reported on a meeting he had with the Mayors of Parsippany Township and Hanover Township and have come up with a solution that will be turned over to the engineers. Mr. Hall reported on JMF constructing a cul-de-sac at the end of American Road due to Hanover Township wanting a one way at Forest Way. Mr. Hall reported the Speedwell Avenue paving will be 3-4 nights in early to mid-May and to date there is no information regarding the milling and paving of Littleton Road. Mr. Hall reported on the 2 grant resolutions on tonight’s agenda to update the Johnson Road pump house and force main to Tabor Road. Mr. Hall reported bids for Sunrise Drive will be accepted on Tuesday, April 26th. Councilmember Bruhn reported garbage is being blown onto Beech Drive from the American Road construction site and Mr. Hall said he would look into this matter. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Easter Bunny Egg Hunt and thanked everyone on the Recreation Commission for organizing it and the Fire Department for driving the Easter Bunny to 3 locations. Councilmember Bruhn reported that Little League Opening Day is on April 23rd. Councilmember Bruhn reported on a Robert’s Garden Commission meeting in which they walked the grounds and evaluated the trees and bushes. There are plans for more trees and plaques to be placed at each tree. Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Memorial Day Parade Committee meeting and their plans to get ready for the parade. He also reported that the next Shade Tree meeting will take place May 4th. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on the Clean Communities which is run by Ellie Falco. There are many groups and organizations that participate in cleaning up the Borough and any resident is invited to help. Councilmember Kelly reported on a meeting with Mike Laudati, recycling coordinator and the need for year round volunteers for 2 hour shifts. Councilmember Kelly reported the rabies clinic is this Saturday, April 23rd and also reported on Teen Center events. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported on the Board of Adjustment meeting and the application for the Acme property which is being presented for completeness. Councilmember Wagner reported B&C Furniture will be occupying the Crib world location which has been empty for some time. Councilmember Wagner reported the next Planning Board meeting will be on May 16th. He also reported that Cigna Insurance is moving into the Honeywell building and has received approvals to complete interior renovations. Cigna Insurance will be bringing 2,000 employees to this location. Mayor Karr reported that Volunteer Week is April 17th thru April 23rd and wanted to express his thanks and gratitude to all volunteers in the Borough especially the Fire Department and Minute Men First Aide Squad which is 100% volunteer 24/7. 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. 6- 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $410,000.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS in and BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY 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 April 21, 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 Kelly 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 April 21, 2022 in the amount of $1,448,832.89 seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:20 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk