City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held May 19th 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 Councilmember Wagner reported that Woodham Korean BBQ cannot be issued a CO until elevator repairs are complete. He also discussed a possible ordinance that would allow approximately 18 additional streets to purchase “same street” residential parking permits and gave an update on the Speedwell Avenue banners. Councilmember Bruhn discussed ordering IPads for Councilmembers to use for council meetings. Cross discussion. Councilmember Bruhn discussed the Farmer’s Market and if Councilmembers and Business Development Committee should have input on vendors, local businesses and entertainment and if a Council liaison should be appointed. Cross discussion. Councilmember Verga discussed the ordinance on the agenda. Cross discussion about the ordinance being tabled for further discussion. Councilmember Verga stated the ordinance would be tabled for discussion at the June 2nd Conference meeting. Councilmember Verga discussed creating a policy for promoting fund raisers on the Borough and community channels. Cross discussion. Councilmember Kelly asked to discuss the Pride Resolution on the agenda. Cross discussion. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:26 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 May 19, 2022 at 8:35 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 Conference and Regular May 5, 2022 meeting be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS Municipal Clerk, April 2022 Animal Licensing, April 2022 Municipal Court, April 2022 Sanitarian, April 2022 Tax Collector, April 2022 Treasurer, April 2022 Building Inspector, April 2022 Resolution 2022-70 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A BUSINESS ASSOCIATE AGREEMENT WITH CODE MONKEYS, LLC AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF HIPAA COMPLAINT SOFTWARE FOR THE BOROUGH’S WEBSITE.” Resolution 2022-71 entitled, “RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE UNION COUNTY COOPERATIVE PRICING AGREEMENT.” Having polled the Borough Council on May 11, 2022, CFO Ana Thomas was authorized to sign the “It Pays to Plug In”: NJ Electric Vehicle Charging Program grant application. The Recreation Summer Camp Counselors attached be hired at the rate and date stated for the 2022 Summer Camp Program. Award of Contract 2022.02, for Improvements to Beaver Ridge Road, Coursen Way, Holiday Drive, Lakeview Drive, Oregon Trail, Rudden Lane, Schoolview Drive, Walsh Way and Freight Station Walkway to D.L.S. Contracting Inc. for their low bid of $517,055.00, subject to the Borough Attorney’s review of the bid documents. Having received quotes to replace the Fire Department garage doors from the following: Close Brothers Overhead Doors, Inc. $11,700.00 Morris County Overhead Door Company $14,070.00 Assured Garage Door Company No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Close Brothers Overhead Doors, Inc., 21 Blackburne Terrace, West Orange, NJ in the amount of $11,7000.00. The Community Park Pool Employees attached be hired for the Pool Season at the position, salary and date stated for the 2022 season. Nick Mousoriak, Laborer in the Department of Public Works be granted a $300.00 annual increase effective May 1, 2022 for the successful completion of the Certified Pool/Spa Operator course. Matthew Osborne, Truck Driver in the Department of Public Works be granted a $300.00 annual increase effective May 1, 2022 for the successful completion of the Certified Pool/Spa Operator course. MPHSA (Morris Plains Home and School Association), be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a Corn hole event to be held Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Community Park tennis and basketball courts. The resignation of Sergeant Christopher Cornine, be accepted effective July 1, 2022, and that the Borough hereby deems Sergeant Cornine’ retirement date of July 1, 2022, to be final and irrevocable, as any rescission or delay of said retirement date would impose an undue hardship on the Borough. 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. Suzanne McCluskey, 129 Mountain Way, asked Councilwoman Verga for information on the ordinance on the agenda. Mr. Horan stated the ordinance is being tabled. Ms. McCluskey asked for the Pride Resolution to be read when introduced. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese reported the PBA contract negotiations have completed and will be presented to the council at the next meeting. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on the VFW Post 3401 installation dinner, website online registrations for camp and pool and the HIPAA compliance software that was purchased for online medical forms. Councilmember Verga reported on fire inspections and National Police Week which recognizes officers lost in the line of duty and hiring of new officers. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported the drug take back event took in 206 pounds of narcotics, prescriptions and over the counter medicines. Chief Koroski reported the exit interview from the Police Department accreditation assessment will take place on Monday June 6, 2022, in the Council Chambers. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo gave an update Fire Department incidents for April which included assisting surrounding towns in structure fires. He also reported on the Easter Bunny event, training and weekly tours of construction sites. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported on a meeting with the Morris County Park Commission regarding the grant received and the next steps. She also reported that the All Season Garden Club and Beautification Committee are planting flower in the tubs on Speedwell Avenue. Councilmember Goddard updated on DPW, sewer maintenance and the Memorial Day Parade. She also reported on the Business Development Committee and a meeting with resident volunteers and the review of 2022 recommendations and future plans. Engineer Mr. Hall reported on various Borough developments including City MD, Route 53 and American Road, Tabor Road LLC, Honeywell. Mr. Hall reported on a meeting with Parsippany and Hanover Township regarding no left hand turn on Johnson Road from 1515 Route 10 and the American Road cul de sac. Mr. Hall reported on the City MD construction. Councilmember Cortese asked about the retention basin on Route 53. Mr. Hall explained the process and what is being done. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported on the upcoming Memorial Day Parade, and Shade Tree and Recreation Commission meetings. He also reported that a new fence and gates were installed at Simon’s Park at the turf field. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on the upcoming blood drive, Teen Center meetings and events. Councilmember Kelly reported on Clean Communities clean up by the Boy Scouts, 8th grade Borough School students, Morristown High School Boys Lacrosse, HSA and Girl Scouts. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported on permits being issued by the Building Department. and on a meeting with Bob Flynn regarding new street lights on Glenbrook Road and Speedwell Avenue and utility poles on Valley Stream Circle. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES Attorney John Horan announced Ordinance 7-2022, Police Department Amendment was discussed at the Conference Meeting and a decision was made to table the ordinance at this time. Councilmember Cortese motioned to table the ordinance. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr announced this ordinance will be discussed further at the next Conference Meeting, June 2, 2022. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Goddard introduced and read the Pride Resolution. Pride Resolution 2022-72 Seconded by Councilmember Verga Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for May 19, 2022 in the amount of $519,162.40 seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:10 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk