City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held August 18, 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: Salvatore Cortese Cathie Kelly Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Absent: Joan Goddard, Council President Councilmember Art Bruhn (arrived 7:32 pm) Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr stated the 10U Baseball Team will be at the next Council meeting. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 7:33 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 August 18, 2022 at 8:33 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Kelly moved: That the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meetings of July 21, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Kelly moved: REPORTS Police Department, July 2022 Municipal Court July 2022 Sanitarian, July 2022 Animal Control, July 2022 Borough Clerk, July 2022 Animal Licensing, July 2022 Building Inspector, July 2022 Tax Collector, July 2022 Treasurer, July 2022 Borough Engineer, Quarterly Report Resolution 2022-100 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE 2022-2023 CONTROLLED DEER CULLING PROGRAM.” Resolution 2022-101 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FIREFIGHTER 2022 GRANT AGREEMENT FOR EQUIPMENT.” Resolution 2022-102 entitled, “RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION OF THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL’S SPECIAL CONDITIONS ON LIMITED BREWERY LICENSES.” Resolution 2022-103 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT FOR EXTROARDINARY UNSPECIFIABLE SERVICES.” The resignation of Sean Rice, crossing guard, be accepted, effective August 31, 2022. Cody Bubryckie, Laborer, be granted the $1.00 per hour increase for receiving his Class B, CDL License, effective July 28, 2022. The residents of Coursen Way, Mountain Way, Tower Hill Road, Holiday Drive and Stony Brook Drive be granted permission to hold a Block Party at the Coursen Way cul-de-sac on Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 4:00pm to 9:00pm, and that further permission to serve alcoholic beverages be granted; and that the Road Department provide 3 barricades at the corner of Coursen Way and Mountain Way. The Morris Plains Fire Association be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at their Annual Family Picnic to be held Saturday, August 27, 2022, with a rain date of Sunday, August 28, 2022 from 4:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., at the Community Park Pool. Celeste Denman, 11 Crestview Court East be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a birthday party to be held Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 1:30pm to 6:30pm at the Community Park Pavilion. Kathryn Cecala, 60 Maple Ave be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a birthday party to be held Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Community Park Pavilion. The Police Department be authorized to advertise for the position of Class III Special Police Officer. Cody Bubryckie, Laborer DPW to receive donated sick time from the following: John Signorelli, DPW 40 Hours Seymour Forman DPW 16 Hours  The Morris Plains Community Band be granted permission to hold an additional Concert at Roberts Garden on Wednesday August 31, 2022 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Sheila Jain, 39W. Hanover Ave, Morris Plains, be hired as a Crossing Guard for the Police Department at a daily rate of $66.59, effective September 1, 2022. Residents of Walsh Way (West of Oregon Trail) be granted permission to hold a block party on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a rain date of Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Further permission to serve alcoholic beverages be granted. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades. Having received quotes to replace the 3.5 Ton Condensing unit, at the Community Center, Jim Fear Dr., Morris Plains from the following: Ideal Refrigeration Service $5,900.00 Air Group $6,241.56 Webster Plumbing $13,300.00 That a purchase order be issued to Ideal Refrigeration Service, 642 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 in the amount of $5,900.00. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Goddard Abstain: None SWEARING IN OF POLICE DEPARTMENT SERGEANT Mayor Karr invited Michael Kelly and his family to join him for the official swearing in ceremony. Sergeant Kelly introduced his family and thanked everyone for giving him this opportunity. Photographs were taken. 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 tax bills were mailed. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported there have been 11 payments made online for taxes. Councilmember Verga reported on an upcoming Traffic Committee meeting. She also reported the Fire Department ladder truck has been repaired and is back in service and that the American Rescue Plan resolution on tonight’s meeting for the Fire Department in the amount of $75,00.00 is to purchase equipment. Councilmember Verga reported on Kona with a Cop and Universal Oneness Day where members of the Police Department and Council received Rakhi bracelets from the organization H.S.S.U.S. Councilmember Verga reported on Police Department training and Borough employees completing Cyber training. Councilmember Verga reported on the Business Development Committee and the brewery resolution adopted at tonight’s meeting. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski updated on Police Department calls and stressed for residents to lock their cars due to a rise in vehicle thefts and entering homes to retrieve keys. Chief Koroski reported on interacting with residents at the new developments and urging them to sign up for RAVE alerts. He also reported Hope One will be at the train station on September 8, 2022 and all are welcome for Narcan training. Chief Koroski reported on active shooter training held at Borough School and reported on back to school “Zero Tolerance Initiative” for school roadways and increased enforcement. Mayor Karr reported the DPW has re striped crosswalks. Public Works In the absence of Councilmember Goddard no report was given. Engineer’s Report Mr. Hall gave an update on the American Road cul de sac. He reported on Sunrise Drive improvements and paving, and on construction at The Collection and City MD. Mr. Hall reported on the Johnson Road service road and that the train station walkway has been completed. Cross discussion with Mayor and Council. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Little League concession stand and said that pool numbers have been up from last season. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on recycling and that shredded paper must now be thrown in garbage not recycling. Councilmember Kelly reported on Clean Communities, and that the Teen Center is in need for parent volunteers. Councilmember Kelly reminded everyone the Block Dane is September 3rd. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported the DPW hung the banners on Speedwell Avenue. Councilmember Wagner reported on permits issued from the Building Department and the Board of Adjustment application was deemed complete for the Acme property and the hearing will commence on Monday. 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. 12-2022 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING PAY GRADES AND FIXING SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS Councilmember Bruhn seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Goddard Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Wagner offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on August 18, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on September 1, 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. Councilmember Wagner introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 13-2022 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 22, TRAFFIC AND PARKING, SECTION 22-7 ENTITLED STOP INTERSECTIONS OF THE "REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, 1972” TO INCLUDE A PORTION OF AMERICAN ROAD AND THE INTERSECTION AT SUN VALLEY ROAD AND SUNRISE DRIVE. Councilmember Verga seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Goddard Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Wagner offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on August 18, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on September 1, 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 Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on July 21, 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 Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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.” which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on July 21, 2022. Attorney John Horan presented an amendment to remove a term in one section and add another section which was administrative and did not need an amendment to be published. Councilmember Verga moved to adopt the amendment. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Goddard Abstain: None 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 Cortese. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on July 21, 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 Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on July 21, 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 Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for August 18, 2022 in the amount of $3,896,502.29 seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Goddard Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:00 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk