City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held November 10, 2022, at 7:32 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 Paul Bastante from Silk City Films introduced himself and gave a brief overview of the film he would like to make in the Borough called “Journey Through Morris Plains” presented by Teri DiGrande of State Farm Insurance and United Tips of Morristown. Mayor Karr asked each Councilmember to ask Mr. Bastante questions at this time. Cross discussion with each Councilmember and Mr. Bastante. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 8:22 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-122 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:26 P.M. Councilmember Cortese moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:26 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 November 10, 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 20, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Kelly, Cortese, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS Police Department, October 2022 Municipal Court October 2022 Animal Control 2022 Borough Clerk, October 2022 Animal Licensing, October 2022 Grant Writer, September, October 2022 Treasurer, September 2022 Tax Collector, September 2022 Resolution 2022-123 entitled, “AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $1,341.360 BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, COUNTY OF MORRIS.” Resolution 2022-124 entitled, “ROTARY CLUB OF MORRIS PLAINS RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 330-22.” Resolution 2022-125 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPOINTING NICHOLAS MOSSEY TO THE MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT.” Resolution 2022-126 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPOINTING MCLEAN LIPSCHUTZ TO THE MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT.” Resolution 2022-127 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPOINTING ANTHONY CARDONIGA TO THE MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT.” Resolution 2022-128 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OF CHRISTMAS TREES AND RELATED ITEMS AT THE V.F.W. POST #3401, ROUTE 53.” The Borough Council approve the membership application of David R. Kitchell, 140 Mountain Way, Morris Plains, as a member of the Morris Plains Fire Department. The Borough Council authorize the release and return of the following Cash Performance Guarantees to Morris Plains Holding UE LLC., 210 Route 4 East, Paramus NJ, pursuant to the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated October 27, 2022: $66,115.00 Cash Performance Guarantee $3,500.00 Cash Performance Guarantee The Borough Council authorize the release and return of the Performance Surety Bond NO. 9303648 in the amount of $31,500.00 to Morris Plains Holding UE LLC., 210 Route 4 East, Paramus NJ, pursuant to the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated October 27, 2022. The resignation of Steven Donnelly, Class II Special Police Officer, Police Department, be accepted, effective November 1, 2022. Tom Silk, Master Senior Operator, DPW to receive donated sick time from the following: Anthony Lagalante, DPW 40 Hours Scott Damiano, DPW 80 Hours Kevin Rongo, DPW 40 Hours  Philip Dattolo, 40 Morgan Drive, Morristown, be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91/per hour, retroactive October 31, 2022. Justin Pittaro, 52 Dogwood Road, Morris Plains, be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91/per hour, retroactive October 31, 2022. Robert Fredette Jr., Livingston, be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91/per hour, effective November 14, 2022. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Jack Bruhn, 61 Grove Avenue, Morris Plains as a member of the Morris Plains Junior Fire Auxiliary. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Patrick Geary, 24 Sherman Avenue, Morris Plains as a member of the Morris Plains Junior Fire Auxiliary. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Dylan Kallis, 1 Beech Drive, Morris Plains as a member of the Morris Plains Junior Fire Auxiliary. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Alex Kosiak, 10 Forest Drive, Morris Plains as a member of the Morris Plains Junior Fire Auxiliary. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Shane Policano, 39 Northview Drive, Morris Plains as a member of the Morris Plains Junior Fire Auxiliary. 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 30, 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 30, 2022, up to 10:30 A.M., in the Council Chambers. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. 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. Ms. June Uhrin, 65 Galway Drive, Mendham, retired Borough Clerk, congratulated Mayor Karr on winning the Mayoral re-election this past Tuesday. Mayor Karr thanked Ms. Uhrin, but stated the results are still unofficial. Suzanne McCluskey, 129 Mountain Way, spoke about the online business directory. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese congratulated all of the new hires and retirees on tonight’s agenda. Mr. Cortese reported the Library shredding event was a success, he also reported on elections, year-end and new State laws. Finally, Mr. Cortese congratulated Nicole Saranita on her position in the Clerk’s Office. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on a meeting with Court personnel in which they discussed the framework for court proceedings. Judge Michael Carlucci recommended in person court sessions when needed. The first in person session will be November 29th. Ms. Verga reported on updating the unauthorized handicap parking fee, she also reported on Fire Prevention inspections and fees. Finally, Ms. Verga thanked Steve Donnelly for his many years of service. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski thanked the Mayor and Council for their support in the hiring of three new police officers, and thanked Steve Donnelly for 17 years of service. Chief Koroski reported on calls, the motor vehicle clinic, auto theft patrol on Route 78 and No Shave November in which Officers are donating to a Morristown Officer diagnosed with cancer. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported on the DPW new hires, leaf pick up, Veterans banners, Election set up and Christmas lights. Engineer’s Report Mr. Hall reported on JMF, American Road and Lennar Clubhouse. He also reported on two Planning Board applications for completeness on November 21st and one Board of Adjustment application for completeness on November 28th. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported that Shade Tree planted new saplings and are caught up on the Ash Tree Borer. Mr. Bruhn reported on Recreation Department’s sports needs for next year, the Bonfire and that the Halloween Parade was a huge success. Mayor Karr reported that plans were submitted for the Community Park snack stand and we will be moving forward with a contractor. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on the 5K for Education Foundation fund raiser and that the museum donated $2,000.00. Ms. Kelly reported on the Teen Center, Municipal Alliance programs, L.E.A.D. and the winners of Dinner with your Family. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported that the SMCMUA will be increasing their rates and the public meeting will be held on December 15th. Mr. Wagner reported that JCP&L will be performing line clearing and tree trimming and he will be in contact with the contractor. Mr. Wagner reported on permits that were issued by the Building Department Annex. Chief Koroski gave an update on the Deer Cull. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS PETITIONS, ETC. None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on October 20, 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. 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on October 20, 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 Goddard. 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 November 10, 2022 in the amount of $4,859,122.61 seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTIONS None. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard 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