City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held December 1, 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 Mayor Karr discussed the Fee Ordinance that will be introduced at the next Council meeting. Cross discussion with Recreation Chair Gerry Sittman on pool membership fees. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 7:49 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-129 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:30 P.M. Councilmember Goddard moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:30 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 December 1, 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 November 10, 2022 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Kelly, Cortese, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Goddard moved: REPORTS Sanitarian, October 2022 Building Inspector, October 2022 Treasurer, October 2022 Tax Collector, October 2022 Grant Writer, November 2022 Resolution 2022-130 entitled, “AUTHORIZING THE MORRIS PLIANS POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY’S LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT OFFICE 1033 TO ENABLE THE MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT TO REQUEST AND ACQUIRE EXCESS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EQUIPMENT.” Resolution 2022-131 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2023.” Resolution 2022-132 entitled, “RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION NJSA 40A:4-87 MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GRANT.” Resolution 2022-133 entitled, “RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION NJSA 40A:4-87 LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND-AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT GRANT.” Resolution 2022-134 entitled, “RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID PROPOSAL OF ENNOVA SOLUTIONS, INC. TO FURNISH AND DELIVER COMPUTER CONSULTING SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES TO THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES.” Resolution 2022-135 entitled, “RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID PROPOSAL OF BOB RYAN ASSOCIATES, T/A CLEARWATER SERVICES TO PROVIDE MONTHLY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF SEWAGE PUMPING STATIONS FOR THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Resolution 2022-136 entitled. “RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID PROPOSAL OF AMERICAN WEAR, INC. TO PROVIDE UNIFORM RENTAL AND CLEANING SERVICES TO THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Resolution 2022-137 entitled. “RESOLUTION SUPPORTING FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH A GRANT PROGRAM TO FUND STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS TO COMBAT AUTO THEFTS.” Ann Marie Ferris, Police Officer, be granted permission to carry 36 hours of vacation time from 2022 to 2023, which shall be used by March 31st 2023. Peter Rolph, Sergeant, be granted permission to carry 40 hours of vacation time from 2022 to 2023, which shall be used by March 31st 2023. Nicholas Grawehr, Police Officer, be granted permission to carry 12 hours of vacation time from 2022 to 2023, which shall be used by March 31st 2023. Borough Council authorize the Borough Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for improvements to Glenbrook -2023 NJDOT Municipal Aid.  Borough Council authorize the Borough Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and NJDOT access permit for sidewalk improvements to Tabor Road/Route 530 project. Borough Council authorize the release and return of engineering review and inspection escrow in the amount of $751.27 to The American at Morris Plains, LLC, 80 S. Jefferson Road, suite 202, Whippany, NJ for Road Opening #977 per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated September 20, 2022. William Ellis, 4 Crestview Court West., Morris Plains, be hired as a Substitute Crossing Guard for the Police Department at a daily rate of $85.41, effective December 2, 2022. Kelvin Preciado, Police Officer, Police Department, to receive donated sick time from the following: Robert Guild, PD 21 Hours Sigal Rice, PD 7 Hours Michael Rolph, PD 40 Hours Peter Rolph, PD 12 Hours Michael Koroski, PD 40 Hours Ann Marie Ferris 12 Hours Having received quotes to excavate Watnong Park for Pickle Ball Court from the following: Greik Brothers Paving $13,000.00 Bruin & Sons $14,500.00 Luigi Opipari Landscaping & Masonry $16,000.00 That a purchase order be issued to Greik Brothers Paving, P.O. Box 106, Morris Plains, NJ in the amount of $13,000.00. Having received quotes for repairs to the Little League Concession Stand from the following: J. Falcone Mason Contractors $17,400.00 Luigi Opipari Landscaping & Masonry $17,700.00 Levato and Sons $21,085.00 That a purchase order be issued to J. Falcone Mason Contractors, 101 High Street, Randolph, NJ in the amount of $17,400.00. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None SWEARING IN OF POLICE OFFICERS Mayor Karr welcomed the new Probationary Police Officers to the meeting and to the Borough. Anthony Cardoniga, Probationary Police Officer, Badge #55, was introduced and sworn in. McLean Lipschutz, Probationary Police Officer, Badge #56, was introduced and sworn in. Nicholas Mossey, Probationary Police Officer, Badge #57, was introduced and sworn in. Probationary Officers were congratulated. Probationary Police Officers introduced their family members in attendance. PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak. Mr. Bill Houston, 80 Glenbrook Road inquired about the items on the agenda, quotes for the Little League Concession Stand and Watnong Park Pickle Ball Court. Mr. Horan gave an overview on the procedure for bids. Cross discussion. Ms. Maryann Steckert, 17 Jaqui Avenue, inquired if the Council has reached a decision on making a film for town. Mayor Karr said a decision has not been made. Ms. Steckert requested more information on resolutions that are on the agenda because they are hard to understand what they are for. Mayor Karr stated that information is given when ordinances are introduced and resolutions are only read by title. Cross discussion. Ms. Linda Delap, 46 Sun Valley Way, requested more information on Resolution 2022-130, acquired of military equipment. Chief Koroski explained the program. Craig Moran, 7 Hillview Avenue, inquired about parking citations received when parked in front of his home. Mr. Horan stated discussions on this issue hae been ongoing. Cross discussion. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese reported the Clerk’s Office has been working on Professional Services Agreements and the Finance Office is going out for bond notes on the Fire Truck. Mr. Cortese reported there will be a tax sale on December 7, 2022. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on the NJ League of Municipalities Conference in November and a meeting to discuss the future energy plan for the Borough. Ms. Verga reported the first in person court session has been delayed, she also reported on fire inspections, the Police Department resolution and the hiring of the new Officers. Ms. Verga thanked the hiring committee for all of their work. Ms. Verga reported on sick time donation to an injured Officer. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on new building access and security which will include fobs for Borough offices. He also reported the Christmas Tree Lighting will be this weekend and the Menorah Lighting will be December 18th and also gave an update on the deer cull. Chief Koroski reported on the new hires and thanked the Council for all of their support. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported on the NJ League of Municipalities. She also reported on the hiring of 3 new DPW employees and that leaf collection is ongoing. To date, 2,848 yards of leaves have been collected. Ms. Goddard reported that the DPW is decorating for the holidays and read reflections regarding the decorated tree on Grannis Avenue and Mountain Way. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported the next Shade Tree meeting will be December 13th and the Recreation meeting will be December 8th. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on the Municipal Alliance Friendsgiving and thanked Ms. Pam Moran for organizing it. Ms. Kelly reported on animal licensing for next year, rabies clinic and children’s vaccinations. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner thanked the Master Plan Committee for their report on permitted uses. Mr. Wagner reported on two Board of Adjustment applications. Mr. Wagner reported on Small Business Saturday and a grant available for capital improvements for small businesses. Mr. Wagner reported on a Resident Advisory Group meeting in November to add a business component to Borough events. Mayor Karr thanked Councilmember Kelly for making and donating of all the wreaths in Borough Hall and congratulated Councilmembers Goddard and Verga on winning another Council seat term. 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. 18 - 2022 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING SALARIES AND LONGEVITY PAY 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 December 1, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 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. Councilmember Wagner introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 19-2022 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 22, TRAFFIC AND PARKING, SECTIONS 22-2 ENTITLED PENALTY AND 22-33 ENTITLED HANDICAPPED PARKING OF THE "REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, 1972” TO ESTABLISH $250.00 AS THE PENALTY FOR IMPROPER HANDICAPPED PARKING. 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 December 1, 2022 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 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 Verga seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. Mayor Karr stated this Ordinance is an update from a previous antiquated ordinance to update the fine for violating handicap parking. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilmember Wagner discussed the movie and the discussion with Paul Bassante and the steps to move forward. Mayor Karr asked the status of the Community Park Trail Grant. Councilmember Goddard updated on the process for the grant. Mayor Karr and Councilmember Bruhn discussed the Shade Tree budget for new trees. NEW BUSINESS Attorney John Horan discussed an Ordinance that was adopted in May in which Schedule A had a minor clerical error that did not show warehouses are a permitted use in L1 zone. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for December 1, 2022 in the amount of $799,385.05 seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Goddard, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Goddard at 10:22 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2022-138 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:40 P.M. Councilmember Verga moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:45 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk