City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held October 20, 2022, at 5:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. “NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED BY THE CLERK OF THIS BOROUGH BY PREPARING A NOTICE DATED October 7th 2022 SPECIFYING THE TIME, DATE AND PLACE OF THIS MEETING; POSTING SUCH NOTICE ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING AND FORWARDING THE NOTICE TO MORRIS COUNTY’S DAILY RECORD AND THE MORRIS NEWS BEE; AND I HEREBY HAND A COPY OF SUCH NOTICE TO THE CLERK OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS FOR INCLUSION IN THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING, 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 Mayor Karr stated that the Council will immediately be going into Executive Session to conduct Police Department interviews. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 5: 01 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-116 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:23 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:23 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 October 20, 2022 at 8:31 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 October 6, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Kelly, Cortese, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Wagner That the minutes of the Special Meeting of October 8, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Kelly, Cortese, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Wagner APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS Police Department, September 2022 Borough Clerk, September 2022 Animal Licensing, September 2022 Building Inspector, September 2022 Sanitarian, September 2022 Borough Engineer, Quarterly Report Resolution 2022-117 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE DMHAS FUNDING INITIATIVE.” Resolution 2022-118 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING.” Resolution 2022-119 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. 2020.A SHADE TREE WORK.” The resignation of Edward A. Easse, Construction Code Official, Building Department, be accepted, effective April 1, 2023. The residents of Glenbrook Road extension and Homer Ave be granted permission to hold a block party on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 3:00 P.M. to 11:00P.M. with a rain date of Sunday, October 30th. Further permission to serve alcoholic beverages be granted. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for Computer Consulting Support and Maintenance Services with bids to be received on Thursday, November 10, 2022, up to 10:00 A.M., in the Council Chambers Borough Hall. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for the Monthly Maintenance and Repair of Sewage Pumping Stations, with bids to be received on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, up to 10:00 A.M., in the Council Chambers. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for the DPW Uniform Rental and Cleaning Services, with bids to be received on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, up to 10:30 A.M., in the Council Chambers. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Timothy R. Costello, 329 Malapardis Road., Hanover Township as a member of the Morris Plains Fire Department. Nicole Saranita, 189 W. Lake Shore Drive, Rockaway be hired as full time Clerk Typist in the Borough Clerk’s Office at a rate of $20.00 per hour for an annual salary of $36,540.00, effective November 1, 2022.  Having received quotes to upgrade the recording software and replace the audio Mixer and laptop in the Council Chambers from: Topp Business Solutions $7,486.00 Business Information Systems, Inc . $13,510.99 Be Secure Alarms No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Topp Business Solutions, 1110 Saginaw Street, Scranton, PA 18505 in the amount of $7,486.00 The resignation of Tracy Scanlon, substitute crossing guard, be accepted, effective October 14, 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 he will speak about Best Practices later in the meeting. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on a meeting regarding the Community Energy Grant. She also reported that the Business Development Committee prepared some resources that will assist small business owners in Morris Plains. Information will be posted on our website highlighting the benefits of opening a business in town. Councilmember Verga reported that Police Department interviews will be conducted this evening. She also reported on attending a press conference where Rep. Sherrill, state legislators and law enforcement officials announced new legislation to combat auto theft and burglary. Councilmember Verga reported that October 9th-15th was Fire Prevention week and that the Fire Prevention Officer attended various schools to speak with the students and staff. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported that paving on Littleton Road has been completed and thanked the residents for their patience. Chief Koroski reported the drug take back will take place October 29th at Stop and Shop. He also reported on the accreditation hearing in which the Police Department was approved and that they have been reaccredited for the fourth time. Chief Koroski reported the new bike will be delivered in a few weeks and hopes to have a bike patrol for the Halloween Parade. Chief Koroski gave an update on Police Department calls, the search for a Class III SELO Officer and that a new detective vehicle has been canceled so they are looking into the next steps. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo thanked the council for accepting their new member this evening and two more membership applications are awaiting background checks. He also gave an update on calls and a recent mutual aid call with Mt. Tabor. Chief Rongo reported on vehicle rescue training with cars that were donated by residents and that the Fire Department completed tower ladder training with a guest trainer from FDNY. Chief Rongo reported on a walk thru of the affordable housing unit on Route 53 and issues that need to be addressed with the building inspector. Chief Rongo reported there was an issue with the fire doors being open at the Community Center at a Power Changes lives event. He also reported on the upcoming Halloween Parade. Public Works Councilmember Goddard congratulated Nicole Saranita on becoming a full time employee; she is a great addition to the Clerk’s office and will continue to grow in her role. Councilmember Goddard reported on the DPW Laborer positions, applications were received and interviews will be conducted. Councilmember Goddard reported that leaves are being collected and updated on the deer cull. Engineer’s Report Mr. Hall reported the foundation is going in for City MD and they hope to have a CO in April 2023. He also gave updates on the developments on Route 53 and American Road. Mr. Hall reported he has approved the Sunrise Drive paving improvements and is awaiting the DOT final inspection. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported the Community Bonfire will be on Saturday October 22nd with activities provided by the Recreation Commission. Councilmember Bruhn reported the next Recreation meeting will be October 27th and Shade Tree will be November 2nd. He also reported the thermostats were reset in the Community Center and Lieutenant Rolph helped fix the security cameras. Councilmember Goddard reported the Halloween window painting will be tomorrow. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on Clean Communities and thanked Ellie Falco (who was in the audience) for all of her work and discussed mini grants available. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported on a meeting he had with the Zoning Officer to discuss new software available for permit issuance, licensing and ordinance enforcement. Councilmember Wagner reported on Chapter 13 (Zoning) issues regarding boarders and Airbnb. He also reported on zoning regulation issues with the R3 zone and will give further updates. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS PETITIONS, ETC. 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. 16 - 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $168,750.00 TO ENHANCE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS AND PROVIDING THAT THE SUM OF $135,000.00 TO BE RECIEVED FROM NEW JERSEY DOT GRANT WITH $33,750.00 APPROPRIATED FROM CAPITAL FUND BALANCE Councilmember Goddard 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 October 20, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on November 11, 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. 17 - 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $21,500.00 FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENT IN THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS AND PROVIDING THAT THE SUM OF $19,401.00 TO BE RECIEVED FROM MORRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) WITH $2,099.00 APPROPRIATED FROM CAPITAL FUND BALANCE 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 October 20, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on November 11, 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. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on October 6, 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. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Cortese reported and gave an overview on Best Practices for 2022. Cross discussion. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for October 20, 2022 in the amount of $510,258.07 seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 9:06 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-120 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:15 P.M. Councilmember Goddard moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. RESOLUTIONS Attorney Horan read a Resolution 2022-121 regarding conditional employment of three Police Officers. Councilmember Cortese moved the motion. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Prior to roll call Councilmember Verga read a statement in support of the hiring of three officers. Cross discussion of support by Councilmembers Bruhn, Goddard and Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Verga, Wagner Nays: Kelly Absent: None Abstain: None Chief Koroski thanked the Council. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:26 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk