City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held July 7th 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 PRESENTATIONS SMCMUA representatives, Laura Cummings, Dave Rutenberg, Esq., Drew Saskowitz, Sophia Dyer and Dave Jones were in attendance and gave a presentation on procedures which included a system overview, water treatment and water supply programs, hydrant preventative maintenance and drinking water reports. Discussions also included upgrades and replacement of meters. Cross discussion with Councilmembers. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 8:17 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-86A titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:28 P.M. Councilmember Kelly 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 8:29 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 July 7, 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 Conference and Regular Meetings of June 16, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS Fire Department, May 2022 Grant Writer June 2022 Municipal Court June 2022 Resolution 2022-87 entitled, “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS TO ENTER INTO THE NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PRICING AGREEMENT.” Resolution 2022-88 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS TO NORTHVIEW DRIVE PROJECT.” Resolution 2022-89 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS TO GLENBROOK ROAD PROJECT.” Resolution 2022-90 entitled, “CANCELLATION OF BALANCES AND OVERPAYMENTS LESS THAN $10.00.” Resolution 2022-91 entitled, “REDEMPTION OF MUNICIPAL TAX SALE CERTIFICATE NO #6-19 ON PROPERTY KNOWN AS BLOCK 194 LOT 4.04.” Resolution 2022-92 entitled “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE APPLICATION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING CALENDAR YEAR 2022.” The Morris Plains Block Dance Committee in conjunction with the Borough of Morris Plains be granted permission to hold a Block Dance at the Speedwell Avenue extension on Saturday, September 3 2022, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M., with a rain date of Sunday, September 4, 2022. Having received quotes to Hydro-Rake Community Park Pond from the following: Lake Management Sciences-LMS. 48 hours over 4 days Equipment Transportation fee Total $6,053.00 Princeton Hydro, LLC NO QUOTE That a purchase order be issued to Lake Management Sciences-LMS, P.O. Box 2395, Branchville, NJ 07826 in the amount of $6,053.00. The Knights of Columbus Council 3495 be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at their annual family picnic to be held Tuesday, August 23, 2022 from 5:00pm to 10:00pm at the Community Park Pavilion. Having received quotes to replace the air conditioning unit, along with adding a Reme-Halo advance environmental air treatment system and installing a Reme- Halo air purification system in return duct at the Borough Annex from the following: Ideal Refrigeration Service $12,500.00 Air Group $19,400.00  Webster Plumbing No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Ideal Refrigeration Service, 642 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 in the amount of $12,500.00. Alexander Joseph Moglia, 14 Locust St., Haskell, be hired as a probationary laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91/per hour, effective July 25, 2022. 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 had no report. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on the BPU Community Energy Grant and on same street parking permits. Councilmember Verga reported that the Police Department vehicle given to the Fire Official is out for graphics. She also reported on Fire Department trainings and the new Police Department bike patrol. Councilmember Verga reported that the funds from the American Rescue Plan to upgrade Fire Department’s Engine 3 were sent and we should receive these funds shortly. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported electric scooters were being used by children going to camp which raised some safety concerns; officers will be going to camp to talk to the children. Chief Koroski updated on Police Department calls and the receipt of applications for the Police Officer positions which are due July 31st. Chief Koroski reported on an upcoming event “Cool Off with a Cop” and also recognized Detectives Rapp and Heinz for a burglary case they have been working on for months that has finally been closed. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported on the Business Development Committee and their 2022 goals. Councilmember Goddard reported that small business grants have been received by some Morris Plains businesses and more businesses can still apply for the grant. Councilmember Goddard reported that Monrroy Design Florist has opened and Woodham Korean BBQ and Kiori Japanese will be opening soon. She also reported on new Division of ABC rules that are limiting events for Breweries. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported the recent Shade Tree meeting was cancelled due to not enough members in attendance for a quorum and that there is a need for additional members. Councilmember Bruhn reported on summer camp, the new roof on pool shed and Fire Department doors being installed. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on a Teen Center event that was held at the pool, Clean Communities volunteers and the distribution of reusable bags. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported that Meineke Mufflers is renting space from Citgo and that Temp Time is leasing more space on American Road. Councilmember Wagner reported that PSE&G is modernizing their distribution system and updating energy grids. He also gave an update on JCP&L. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, ETC. None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 7 - 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $75,000.00 FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN’S LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on June 16, 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 Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Cortese introduced and read the following resolution by title: Resolution 2022-93 entitled, “RESOLUTION OF MAYOR AND BOROUGH COUNCIL AUTHORIZING HE EXECUTION AND RATIFICATION OF MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN PBA LOCAL NO. 254 AND THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Seconded by Councilmember Kelly Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for July 7, 2022 in the amount of $2,461,468.64 seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:05 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk