City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held July 21, 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 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr stated Leon Hall, Engineer and Liz Leheny, Planner are here to discuss an ordinance on introduction with the Council during Executive Session. Councilmember Wagner stated a work order was placed for the new street light and the banners are being delivered this week. Mayor Karr reported that the Borough will receive $32,023.00 from the State for next year’s budget for a portion of energy tax receipts that have been collected for years and not received. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 7:34 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-94 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:26 P.M. Councilmember Goddard moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:26 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held July 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, Conference and Regular Meetings of July 7, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS Police Department, June 2022 Sanitarian, June 2022 Animal Control, June 2022 Borough Clerk, June 2022 Animal Licensing, June 2022 Tax Collector, June 2022 Treasurer, June 2022 Building Inspector, June 2022 Resolution 2022-95 entitled “P.L. CHAPTER 72, STATE OF NEW JERSEY.” Resolution 2022-96 entitled “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE MORRIS PLAINS SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR CLASS 3 SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SERVICES.” Resolution 2022-97 entitled “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE MORRIS PLAINS SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR SUPPLEMENTAL CROSSING GUARD SERVICES.” Resolution 2022-98 entitled “A RESOLUTION PROMOTING OFFICER MICHAEL KELLY TO THE POSITION OF SERGEANT WITH THE BOROUGH MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT.” Having polled the Borough Council on July 8, 2022, the Morris Plains Community Band be granted permission to hold four concerts at Roberts Garden on Wednesday August 3, August 10, August 17, and August 24, 2022 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for Improvements to the HVAC system at the municipal building with bids to be received on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, up to 10:00 A.M., Council Chambers Borough Hall. Luis Feliz, 115 Madison St., Paterson, be hired as Substitute Part-time Cleaning Maintenance at the rate of $20.00 per hour, maximum of 18 hours weekly, effective August 1, 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 reported the Clerk’s Office is working on OPRA’s, animal licensing, marriage applications and Block Dance preparations. Councilmember Cortese reported the Municipal Building cleaning maintenance employee will be on an extended vacation and a replacement will be hired on tonight’s consent agenda. Councilmember Cortese reported they are holding story time at the Library, an upcoming shredding event and petting zoo will possibly be scheduled for the fall and tax bills will be mailed. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on Fire Prevention inspections, training and OPRA requests. She also reported the Fire Department had training with Morris County Emergency Services Unit form Morris County Sheriff’s Office. Councilmember Verga reported on the Morris County Junior Police Academy graduation and the grand opening event at EverNorth and thanked Officers Grawehr and Zarrillo for attending. Police Department’s Report Lieutenant McKay reported Car 5, hybrid, is in service. Kona with A Cop will take place on August 16th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at all the town parks. Lieutenant McKay reported on recent motor vehicle thefts where cars were unlocked with keys inside and reminded everyone to make sure to lock your cars. Lieutenant McKay reported on the application process for the hiring of Officers and that the deadline for receipt of applications will expire in a week. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported on the Community Garden and that donations were made to the Interfaith Food Pantry from garden plots. Councilmember Goddard reported the new planters and garbage cans for Speedwell Avenue were ordered and should arrive in the Fall. Engineer’s Report Mr. Hall reported on paving projects timeframes. Mr. Hall reported on Tabor Road LLC which included night time lighting and water filter testing. He also reported on M&M site water filtration repair and upgrades. Mr. Hall reported that Hanover Township requested a cul de sac on American Road which will instead be a one way going into Morris Plains instead of a cul de sac. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported on the “Pearl Law Tree” dedication ceremony. Pearl has been very active in the Borough for over 50 years on various boards and commissions. Councilmember Bruhn reported on the ash tree borer and that many trees are being removed due to the disease. He also reported on an upcoming walk thru at the Community Center to create a wish list of items to be fixed or replaced. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on the Clean Communities Committee and that the Board of Health Wellness Day will be October 1st. Councilmember Kelly reported on blood pressure screenings at the Farmers Market and that a Health Educator will be handing out packets of SPF, chapstick and UV bracelets at both the Farmers Market and the Borough Pool. Councilmember Kelly reported on a recent coyote sighting in Morris Plains and that residents should visit our website for more information regarding coyotes. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported on recent upgrades to the heating and air conditioning unit at the Annex building and also gave updates on the Business Development Committee. Councilmember Wagner reported on the Master Plan amendment and the ordinance being introduced tonight for the property at Weichert to allow more types of mixed businesses including recreation facilities, drive thru and medical buildings. Mayor Karr reported on the grand opening of EverNorth at the Honeywell building, 115 Tabor Road which will bring 2,000 employees to the facility. EverNorth, Global Aerospace and Honeywell occupy this space making it 90% full. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, ETC. None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 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. 8- 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $200,000.00 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 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 July 21, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on August 18, 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 Bruhn seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. Councilmember Wagner introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 9 - 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION AND REVISION OF “CHAPTER 13, 2000 BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE” SECTION 13-2.1, “DEFINITIONS OF TERMS”; THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION, AND REVISION OF SECTION 13- 5.5 “HOTEL AND SPECIFIED USE OVERLAY ZONE”AS APPLIED TO THE L-2 ZONE ONLY; AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW SECTION 13-5.5.1 ENTITLED “L-2 MIXED-USE COMMERCIAL USE OVERLAY ZONE” ON CERTAIN PROPERTIES IN THE “L-2 RESEARCH LABORATORY DISTRICT” IN THE BOROUGH AS SET FORTH ON THE REVISED ZONING MAP ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT A, AND AMENDING SECTION 13-5.1B, ZONING MAP, RELATING TO THE “HOTEL AND SPECIAL USE OVERLAY ZONE” AND THE “L-2 MIXED- USE COMMERCIAL USE OVERLAY ZONE.” Councilmember Verga 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 July 21, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on August 18, 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 Goddard seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. Councilmember Wagner introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading . ORDINANCE NO. 10-2022 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18, POLICE DEPARTMENT, SECTION 18-11 ENTITLED SPECIAL POLICE OF THE "REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, 1972” TO INCREASE THE HOURS OF WORK AND AMNED THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF CLASS THREE SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. Councilmember Verga 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 July 21, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on August 18, 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. Councilmember Wagner introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading . ORDINANCE NO. 11-2022 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 22, TRAFFIC AND PARKING, SECTION 22-4 ENTITLED ONE-WAY STREETS DESIGNATED OF THE "REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, 1972” TO INCUDE A PORTION OF AMERICAN ROAD. Councilmember Cortese 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 July 21, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on August 18, 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 Bruhn seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for July 21, 2022 in the amount of $442,793.86 seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:15 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk