City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held September 1, 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 DISSSSION EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 7:35 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-104 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 7:45 P.M. Councilmember Verga moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 7:45 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 September 1, 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 August 18, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Kelly, Cortese, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Goddard APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS-NONE Resolution 2022-105 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPROVING CORRESPONDENCE FROM DEVELOPER REGARDING TITLE 39 ENFORCEMENT FOR BLOCK 121 LOTS 1.02 AND 1.03.” Resolution 2022-106 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES. Resolution 2022-107 entitled, “RESOLUTION FOR RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE MORRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL JOINT INSURANCE FUND.” Cody Bubryckie, Laborer DPW to receive donated sick time from the following: Anthony Lagalante, DPW 24 Hours Ana Thomas, Tax Office 70Hours Matthew Osborne be promoted to the position of Senior Truck Driver, in the Department of Public Works, and granted the appropriate hourly increase, effective November 1st 2022. Kevin Rongo be promoted to the position of Senior Master Operator, in the Department of Public Works, and granted the appropriate hourly increase, effective November 1st 2022. Nicholas Mosuriak be promoted to the position of Truck Driver, in the Department of Public Works, and granted the appropriate hourly increase, effective November 1st 2022. The resignation of Timothy Culver, Fire Sub-Code Official Building Department, be accepted, effective September 1, 2022. The Borough Council approve excused absences for Kevin Rongo and Ed Duffy to attend the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association annual convention in Wildwood on September 15 & 16, 2022, as per the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual The residents of Carlyle Avenue and Hawthorne Avenue be granted permission to hold a block party on Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 4:00 P.M. to Midnight, with a rain date of Saturday, October 8th. Further permission to serve alcoholic beverages be granted. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades. The Borough Clerk publish the proper notice for a Special Meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council to be held on October 1, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a rain date of October 8, 2022 at The Farmers Market, Merchant Block. Phil Wilk, 34 Seventh Ave., Mine Hill be hired as Substitute Inspection Official for Fire Sub-code at an hourly rate of $45.00 effective Tuesday September 6, 2022. Amending the hiring of Luis Feliz, 115 Madison St., Paterson from Substitute Part-time Cleaning Maintenance to Temporary Part-time Custodial/Building Maintenance at an annual salary of $18,720.00 prorated to a daily rate of $72 per each day worked. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None PRESENTATION Mayor Karr invited each member of the Morristown American Morris Plains 10-year old All-Star team to come forward and introduce themselves, state who is with them and what position they play along with their favorite part of this winning experience. Players present included: Jack Fitzgerald, Connor Hennessy, Troy Kallio, Joseph LaMorte, Graeme Longo, Charlie Porter, Pennington Pukask, Tyler Sharperson and Eli Webber. Coaches included Billy Andrinopoulos, Derek Pukash, Frank LaMorte and team mom, Shawna Longo. Mayor and Councilmembers congratulated the team. 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 library will be hosting authors via zoom on September 21st and at a later date to be determined. The library is sharing these events with other towns to keep the cost down. Councilmember Cortese reported the shredding event will be November 5th, $7.00 a box at the Library. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on topics discussed at a meeting with the Traffic Committee including new stop signs on Sunrise Drive and American Road and a future crosswalk at Watnong Drive at Granniss Avenue. Councilmember Verga reported that member Don Geary discussed safety issues for residents that would help first responders find homes quicker in an emergency if houses were labeled clearer. Councilmember Verga reported on residential parking stickers being expanded to more streets that have 1 and 2-hour parking limits. New member Joe Amorosa was introduced and will be taking the place of Don Geary. Councilmember Verga reported on fire prevention and the upcoming convention in Wildwood. She also thanked Immunomedics who donated fire equipment. Councilmember Verga reported on inspections of new townhouses that will be rentals. Councilmember Verga reported on the Morris Plains Fire Department’s fire calls and that two volunteer Fire Fighters have completed Firefighter I training. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on Police Department calls and reported that evening patrols are leaving crime prevention paperwork for residents they feel will be targeted (ie: unlocked cars, doors open, no lights on). Chief Koroski reported on the hiring process and that candidates will be presented to the Council for interviews in October. Chief Koroski reported on back to school and zero tolerance enforcement and that crossing guards are ready for school to start. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported that the DPW completed an access road on Oldwood Road and Hickory Drive for emergency vehicles. She also reported that DPW will be refreshing lines and crosswalks and that the DPW is helping All Seasons Garden Club with the tubs along the avenue. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn thanked the pool staff and Gerry Sittman for the pool update. Councilmember Bruhn reported on upcoming Recreation classes and that registration can be done online. Councilmember Bruhn reported the 57th Block Dance will be September 3rd and the next Shade Tree meeting is September 9th and the Recreation meeting is September 22nd. Mayor Karr reported the air conditioning has been completed at the Annex and has electronic air filtration and ultra violet lighting. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on Teen Center Kickoff event for 6, 7 and 8th graders will be September 23rd at the Community Center. Councilmember Kelly reported on the upcoming blood drives, September 4th and 15th. Councilmember Kelly urged residents to be aware of what needs to be recycled and where and on Clean Communities scheduled for a cleanup at Watnong Park. Councilmember Kelly reported the next Board of Health meeting will be September 21st and she completed a webinar on opioid abuse and would like to speak to the Board regarding opioid abuse. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported on two new business’s in town; Woodham Korean BBQ and 4E Fitness. Councilmember Wagner thanked Tim Culver who retired and welcomed Phil Wilk as the Fire Sub Code Official. Councilmember Wagner reported on the installation of a street light on Glenbrook Road at Speedwell Avenue. 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. 14-2022 AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION, AND REVISION OF “CHAPTER 13, 2000 BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE” TO PROVIDE MILITARY VETERANS WHO QUALIFY WITH PREFERENCE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING ASSISTANCE. 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 September 1, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on September 15, 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. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 12-2022 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING PAY GRADES AND FIXING SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on August 18, 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 Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on August 18, 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 Cortese. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for September 1, 2022 in the amount of $88,744.96 seconded by Councilmember Goddard. 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 9:30 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk