City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held October 6, 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 Absent: Dennis Wagner Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISSSSION Councilmember Verga discussed the resurfacing of the tennis courts. Cross discussion regarding improvements. Councilmember Goddard discussed the new garbage receptacles along Speedwell Avenue that extends all the way down to Meinke. Councilmember Bruhn requested permission from Mayor and Council for Scarecrows to be placed on telephone poles again this year. All in favor. Councilmember Cortese spoke about a new 2’x2’ stone donated by Don Geary for the 9/11 Memorial representing the victims that lost their lives from Flight 93 in Skanksville, PA. Councilmember Verga spoke about Small Business Saturday and a contest they would like to have for Small Shop Painting involving everyone in the Community. The winner would receive a gift certificate for a town business. Councilmember Verga asked if the Borough would purchase the supplies. Cross discussion and Mayor Karr would like to put this on hold for right now. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 7:45 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-108 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:05 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:05 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held October 6, 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, Executive and Regular Meetings of September 1, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Kelly, Cortese, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Wagner Abstain: None Councilmember Goddard moved: That the minutes of the Conference, Executive and Regular Meetings of September 15, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Verga Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Kelly, Cortese, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Wagner Abstain: Councilmember Bruhn APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS Tax Collector, August 2022 Treasurer, August 2022 Municipal Court, September 2022 Animal Control, September 2022 Resolution 2022-110 entitled, “APPROVING SETTLEMENT ON APPEAL FROM ASSESSMENT DANIEL-10 ASSOCIATES V. MORRIS PLAINS BOROUGH BLOCK 113, LOT 4 1751 ROUTE 10 DOCKET NO: 005753- 2021 MORRIS COUNTY OUR FILE NO: 11,487” Resolution 2022-111 entitled, “REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT” Resolution 2022-112 entitled, “CANCEL UNEXPENDED AND DEDICATED BALANCES OF GENERAL CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS” Resolution 2022-113 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE” Resolution 2022-114 entitled, “RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF STRUCTURE STUDIO REGARDING THE NECESSARY WORK TO REMEDIATE THE SNACK BAR AT COMMUNITY PARK AND AUTHORIZING STRUCTURE STUDIO TO PROCEED WITH THE REMEDIATION” The time of the regularly scheduled Conference Meeting to be held October 20th 2022 be changed from 7:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., for the purpose of interviewing Police Department candidates and that the Clerk provide the proper notice. The resignation of Edward Duffy, Laborer, DPW, be accepted, effective September 30, 2022. The employment of Alexander J. Moglia be permanently terminated effective September 14, 2022.  Having received quotes for a Motorized Bike from the following: Marty’s Reliable Cycle –Randolph $3,127.94 Recon Power Bikes $3,512.00 Policebikestore.com No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Marty’s Reliable Cycle, 1164 Route 10 West, Randolph NJ 07950 in the amount of $3,127.94. Having requested proposals for a walkway along both sides of Route 53/Tabor Road and having received the following quotes: DMC Associates $6,900.00 Borbas Surveying & Mapping, LLC No Quote Lakeland Surveying No Quote That a purchase order be issued to DMC Associates, 6 Carey Avenue, Butler, NJ 07405 in the amount of $6,900.00 and the Mayor authorized to execute “Acknowledgement of Acceptance.” Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Wagner Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak. Ms. Suzanne McCluskey, 129 Mountain Way, asked the Council for permission to hold a special Farmers Market on December 3rd, time to be determined. Cross discussion. All in favor. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese reported on tax collections and the upcoming tax sale on December 7th. Councilmember Cortese reported on the State Anchor program which replaces the Homestead Rebate to include more households. Links will be on our website with the information. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on the increase in traffic, traffic stops and court appearances and fines. Councilmember Verga reported on behind the scenes procedures for online court and that all attorneys need to prepare to conduct online court. Councilmember Verga reported on Fire Department and Fire Prevention activities including training and equipment testing. She also reported the air truck has been active and Engine 3 is now being fixed. Councilmember Verga reported a new volunteers background check has been approved and Chief Rongo is looking into upcoming grants. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on Police Department calls, Coffee with a Cop was successful and Drug Take Back will take place October 29th at Stop and Shop. Chief Koroski reported on Route 202 milling and paving to start and officers will be in place for detours. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported on the new garbage receptacles placed along Speedwell Avenue and that matching flower pots will be placed in the spring. Councilmember Goddard reported that the Business Development Committee reaching out to small businesses regarding Microbusiness Loans which are available to all businesses with an annual revenue less than $1,500,00.00, less than 10 full time employees and in business for 6 months or more. Councilmember Goddard reported on Small Business Saturday preparations and meeting with small businesses regarding various promotions they can offer to shoppers. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported on the successful summer camp and pool season and thanked the employees. Councilmember Bruhn reported on senior exercise class and fall tennis, the upcoming Bonfire and Garage Sale Days. He also reported on the upcoming Halloween Parade sponsored by the Recreation and Fire Department on October 31st from 4:00 pm. and the upcoming volunteer of the year award and the Shade Tree meeting will be October 12th. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on activities at the Teen Center and that chaperones are still needed. Councilmember Kelly reported that Wellness Day was a success and Municipal Alliance Family Dinner was a success with 28 families participating. Councilmember Kelly reported Drug Free Schools Week is October 23rd to October 31st. Ordinance & Public Utilities In Councilmember Wagner’s absence Councilmember Bruhn announced the next Planning Board meeting will be October 17th and Board of Adjustment meeting October 24th. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES Councilmember Bruhn introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 15 - 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $36,000.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY Councilmember Goddard seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Wagner Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Bruhn offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on October 6, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on October 20, 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. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Kelly, Cortese, Verga Nays: None Absent: Wagner Abstain: None ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Bruhn moved Resolution 2022-115, Authorizing a Farmer’s Market to be held on December 3, 2022 Seconded by Councilmember Cortese Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Kelly, Cortese, Verga Nays: None Absent: Wagner Abstain: None NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for October 6, 2022 in the amount of $3,677,378.75 seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Wagner Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn 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 Recorded by Karen Coffey