City Council

Minutes of the Re-Organization Meeting of the Borough Council held January 5th 2023, at 7:0 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. Mayor Karr called the meeting to order. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, PRAYER AND MOMENT OF SILENCE Mayor Karr asked everyone to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. National Anthem was sung by the Borough School Choir lead by Choral Instructor, Laura Quinn. Mayor Karr opened with a moment of silence for all who were lost in 2022. He welcomed Chaplain Plummer Williams of V.F.W. Post #3401, Morris Plains who presented the invocation. Mayor Karr called the meeting to order and read the following notice: “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 2021; WHICH RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL ON JANUARY 7th 2021, 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.” Mayor Karr recognized the many Officials, past and present, in attendance and offered thanks. STATEMENT OF DETERMINATION OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk, read the following statement: “A Statement of Determination of the Board of County Canvassers, relative to an election held in the Borough of Morris Plains in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, for the election of certain municipal officers for the municipality on the 8th day of November, 2022. The said Board does determine that at the said election: Name Office Term Jason C. Karr Mayor Four-Year Term Joan Goddard Borough Council Three-Year Term Nancy Verga Borough Council Three-Year Term Were duly elected to the office and for the term above set forth. I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a truthful and correct statement of the determination of the Board of Canvassers therein mentioned and witnessed whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 8th day of November 2022.” INTRODUCTION AND OATH OF OFFICE Mayor – Jason C. Karr Borough attorney John Horan administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Karr. Mayor Karr introduced and thanked his family in attendance. Mayor Karr thanked all who supported him. INTRODUCTION AND OATH OF OFFICE OF COUNCILMEMBERS-ELECT Mayor Karr invited Councilmember-Elect Joan Goddard to be sworn in. Her husband, Stephen and daughter, Caroline accompanied Ms. Goddard as she was sworn in. Mayor Karr next invited Councilmember-Elect Nancy Verga to be sworn in. Her husband, John and children, Joe and Natalie accompanied Ms. Verga as she was sworn in. Present on Roll Call: Mayor Jason C Karr Councilmembers: Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Cathie Kelly Joan Goddard Nancy Verga Dennis Wagner Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Borough Attorney Leon Hall, Borough Engineer ADDRESS BY MAYOR JASON C. KARR Good evening, tonight at our annual Reorganization Meeting I will report on 2022 accomplishments and share our goals for 2023. In great feat, the Borough received its second installment from The Local Fiscal Recovery Fund American Rescue Plan in 2022. With this second installment of over $327,000 of the allocated $655,000, there are many highly anticipated upgrades approaching. Of the first installment, $28,503.63 was used for Covid-19 expenses; $112,000.00 has been allocated for upgrades to our Municipal Buildings for door security and contactless entry. We’ve dedicated funds to Borough properties and parks as well as upgrades that benefit health and safety. $89,000 has been allocated for pool repairs, leaving $98,000 for playground upgrades in 2023. New air conditioning and air purifiers were installed in the Annex building and $75,000 allocated for thermostat controls, HVAC upgrades, along with electronic and ultraviolet air purifiers in the Municipal building. The Borough allocated $200,000 from the fund to refurbish the Fire Department’s Engine 3 to extend the life of the apparatus 10 years. In addition the Borough allocated an additional $52,400 for needed computers, additional covid expenses, and salary for our grant writer. In 2022, the approved paving projects were Schoolview Drive, Coursen Way, Beaver Ridge Road, Holiday Drive, Oregon Trail, Walsh Way, Lakeview Drive, Rudden Lane, and Sunrise Drive in which a grant of $250,000.00 was received from the NJ Department of Transportation, and there was more concrete sidewalk work completed at the freight train station. In addition, the State and County continued the paving projects to include Speedwell Avenue from Hanover Avenue to Route 53 and continuing on Route 202 to Route 10. Also, Route 53 was paved through the Borough to Route 10. At the end of 2022, two new pickleball courts at Watnong Park were approved. The work has started and is expected to finish in the Spring. All of this was accomplished without incurring any new debt, but rather fully funding these projects. In 2023 the Borough again will be as aggressive as possible to continue infrastructure upgrades. We have eagerly applied and received a grant from the N.J. DOT in the amount of $250,000 for Glenbrook Road upgrades and paving the entire length. A full list of approved roads and projects to be completed will soon be announced and will be found on the Borough website, Plainstalk and via email alert. The American on American Road continues to see construction. The builder of 96 townhomes and 60 condominiums, Lennar, continues erecting units and the Borough has issued 54 CO’s to date. Also, on the same project, you will see the 125-unit apartment building nearing completion and CO’s soon to follow. On the M&M property on the west side of Route 53, Lennar is building 139 townhomes and continues the site work for their portion, resulting in 65 CO’s issued to date. In addition, M&M is continuing site work for their apartments, retail and restaurant space, and the hotel components of the development. An Affordable Housing building has been completed and a CO has been issued there. The last large project on the east side of Route 53 will be under 500,000 Sq.Ft. of flex space on the old Johnson & Johnson parcel. The developer has completed the demolition of the former building and continues addressing conditions of approval included in the Developer’s Agreement. The new owners have amended their site plan and have received Planning Board approval. As for the Acme, Friendly’s, and Collin’s properties, there have been no encouraging signs of interest, but will continue to actively work and attract interested parties. The continuation of new businesses opening in Morris Plains has continued this past year with the opening of 16 new businesses. Our business friendly Community of Caring welcomes the following businesses that opened in 2022 - Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace, Crumbl Cookies, Chopt Creative Salads all occupy space in the vibrant Kohl’s shopping center; Cryoport, Morris Plaza Pharmacy, Live Urgent Care, Monrroy Florist, also joined in Morris Plains along with Evernorth, a branch of Cigna, which employees nearly 2,000 employees and occupies 200,000sq ft of the Honeywell Building on Route 53. Tokyo Ramen, Woodham Korean BBQ, 4E Fitness, F45 Fitness, Kiori Japanese Restaurant, Meineke and under new ownership, The Plaza Diner have also brought great food, opportunity, and convenience to our town. We are anticipating the opening of the following businesses in 2023; B & E Furniture along with Morris Plains first microbrewery, Autodidact Brewery and a new Indian Restaurant along Route 10 and City MD in the Kohl’s Shopping Center. There is and has been a tremendous amount of development in our small town and I would like to thank the Building Department Inspectors and Building Department Staff for keeping up with all of the daily tasks that is involved in opening a new business or living unit to make all construction safe. The staff at the Building Department are also seeing many of our residents as they begin and complete construction on their homes, while the inspectors are simultaneously executing inspections in both residences and commercial buildings. The new Borough website was launched in the beginning of 2021. This new platform is easier to navigate with more useful information and an online payment option which is now available for taxes and many activities. The site is still capable of expansion with more options being available to residents. There are many forms, employee email addresses and phone numbers, meeting dates and minutes, business directory, ordinances and much more that can be found here. The Planning Board and Council have received a draft of updated and modern uses for all of our non- residential zones from the Master Plan Committee. This is a document that has been over a year in the making and may be introduced late in the first quarter or early second quarter of 2023. This will only help the Borough and business going forward, and one of the largest upgrades to our zoning in 20 years. The Borough has been informed about receiving a trail grant from Morris County Park Commission for Community Park trails and paths for the design and permitting phase in the amount of $34,081.08. The Borough also received over $136,000.00 in federal grant funding for sidewalks and walking paths along Route 53 near Foxwood and our Recycling Center connecting residents to Route 10 corridor. This year we welcomed and enjoyed all of our annual traditions. The Memorial Day Parade was one of the largest ever and yes the rain held off until the end. The Borough School and Morristown High School Graduations, Family Day and Fireworks, the Block Dance, Bonfire, Halloween Window Painting, Halloween Parade, a bigger and better Hanukkah Lighting and Gelt Drop with a fire juggler and Christmas Tree Lighting were enjoyed. I was happy to see so many residents and families enjoying the festivities, especially after an unprecedented start to this decade. This past summer the Community Pool was a huge success with many new families, members, events and memories made. Our Watnong VFW Post 3401 once again made a moving tribute to our fallen Veterans, active military and first responders by hosting a “Field of Flags” at the corner of Route 53 and Route 202 which increased by more than 50 this year. This is a beautiful sight and I would like to thank the VFW members who made this possible. This was truly a beautiful way to honor all of our local heroes. Another project that continued and expanded by 13 entries this past year was the Borough Bravest Project. This project allows friends or family members to purchase a banner of a veteran to be displayed during the month of November and our Memorial Day Parade along Speedwell Avenue. This project is a huge success and the opportunity to purchase more banners will be coming each year in the future. This is another great way to honor heroes and what a beautiful sight seeing these banners as you drive or walk on Speedwell Avenue. Thank you to my son, Nicholas Karr, for spearheading this project and to Commander John Titterton of the VFW Post #3401 and to the Morris Plains Road Department for hanging the banners, also to Melissa Gibson for many of the behind the scene tasks and to all of the donors who participated. Thank you again. A special congratulations to Cavan Markt on being named Morris Plains Recreation 2022 Volunteer of the Year. Cavan is the youngest recipient ever to receive this honor at the age of 8. Cavan with his own initiative and help from his brother, raised funds for a playground and collected necessities for children and families in Ukraine. Cavan also distributed Ukrainian flags to Borough resident’s doors for donations and spent several hours and days at the Farmer’s Market. Cavan deserves all our support with a round of applause. Congratulations and thank you Cavan. Volunteer Firefighter, Russ Haas, was recognized in June 2022 for 50 years of continued service to the Morris Plains Fire Department. Thank you Russ for all of your dedication to Morris Plains and thank you to all of our 100% volunteer 100% of the time fire department. During 2022, the Borough experienced the retirement of a few volunteers: Pearl Law, Shade Tree Commission Steve Rosenstein, Chairman, Shade Tree Commission Lucia Galdi, Shade Tree Commission Jack Cox, Board of Adjustment Don Geary, Traffic Committee We thank them for their countless hours, ideas, commitment and passion for our community. One thing that continues to make our Borough unique is the dedicated volunteers who keep “The Community of Caring” working. Anything that interests you, we have a position. This includes playing in the Community Band for all ages; the Morris Plains Volunteer Fire Department that young men and women can join at age 14; the Morris Minute Men First Aid Squad that again, young men and women can join at the age of 16; our Museum for those who enjoy history, the Garden Club, Beautification Committee and Clean Communities Program, for those who enjoy the outdoors; and the many sports groups and scouts. We can always use volunteers and there is something for all ages and interests. They all do a spectacular job; and our residents appreciate all that they do, whatever it may be. On behalf of the Borough Council, I want to thank all of the many volunteers on boards, commissions, committees and all citizens for your commitment to our town. This is what makes it truly special. At this time on behalf of the Borough Council and myself, I would like to sincerely thank every one of our dedicated, hardworking employees for everything they contributed throughout the year. All they do to keep Morris Plains moving forward does not go without a heartfelt thank you. To our Police and Fire Departments, thank you for everything everyone has done to keep every resident safe and protected 24 hours a day all year. The Fire Department received 4 new volunteer members and 5 junior members. To the respective Chiefs, thank you for keeping your departments safe and guiding your members through this past year with all the challenges thrown at you in a professional way, without skipping a beat or missing any call for service. To the DPW, John Signorelli and Leo Mulligan, residents never saw a day missed with your department. Work has been performed without hesitation and you and your department have continued to make our town look terrific. Grass was cut, spectacular decorations put up, leaves picked up and roads cleared of snow. Nothing stopped in Morris Plains and it has never looked better. The Borough grew in 2022 with many new employee additions, including 3 new police officers, Anthony Cardoniga, McLean Lipshutz, Nicholas Mossey, 4 new DPW employees, Philip Datollo, Robert Fredette, Justin Pittaro, Christian Votapek, full-time clerk typist, Nicole Saranita, and part-time construction office clerk, Lori Monica. As to all our essential workers, health care workers and first responders, everyone goes above and beyond and continues to do so every day. Each and every one does their best to keep us all safe and healthy! I encourage everyone to sign up for the Morris Plains Email Alert and Smart911. Links may be found on the Borough’s website. This will enable you to keep up with the happenings of Morris Plains and will assist First Responders in the event of an emergency. In closing, I am excited to have shared with you the current status of Morris Plains and some of our achievements. The Boroughs’ year ahead looks bright in welcoming new commercial, residential and businesses to our community. These accomplishments are direct results of dedicated individuals and knowledgeable planning for both short and long term. The Council and I will continue to work hard this year and years to come to keep Morris Plains moving forward and remain the “Community of Caring” that we all know, respect and love. We are always available and always welcome your thoughts. My plan for the Borough is to once again fully fund out capital projects so as not to accrue future debt and pay down current debt further. Open space will continue to be on our radar, as open space is important to all of our residents. Uses of open space will always be important and taken into consideration when making these decisions. We have funded our police department by investing in new officers, hybrid vehicles - two so far which is a direction we will continue to follow, and supplies them with equipment they need to stay safe, keep the residents safe, and help combat our current vehicle theft epidemic with the installation of a new license plate reader and video cameras in strategic locations in Morris Plains. Two more will be installed in the near future. We have funded our Fire Department as mentioned earlier, and also equipped them with new radios, turnout gear, and equipment - again to keep everyone safe. We have accomplished this and more while lowering our residents' 2022 municipal portion of taxes on average of $43. In 2023, the Borough will be faced with substantial increases in healthcare cost to the tune of over 20% and increases in pension costs of 10% as mandated by the State with little time to prepare. We will handle this problem moving forward in the best way possible and we are obviously against and upset about these increases. I would like to leave you with a quote by Steve Jobs “If you are working on something you really care about, you didn’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” Have a Happy and Healthy New Year, God Bless You, Morris Plains and God Bless America. Mayor Jason C. Karr ELECTION OF PRESIDENT OF BOROUGH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 2023 Councilmember Goddard placed in nomination the name of Councilmember Wagner as Council President for the year 2023. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. There were no further nominations and the Mayor closed the nominations asking for a vote. Roll Call Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Wagner Mayor Karr congratulated Council President Wagner. APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR Mayor Karr appointed the following persons to the office stated and the term specified: PLANNING BOARD Frank J. Druetzler Class II 1 year Ron Kelly, Class IV 4 years Suzanne McCluskey Class IV 4 years BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Lisa Cortese 4 years Dave Schultz 4 years Dan Rizos Alternate I 2 years Bart Cianciotta Alternate II 1 year To fill the unexpired term of Dan Rizos which expires 12/31/23 RECREATION COMMISSION Paul Sambrowski 5 years Meghan Houston 5 years SHADE TREE Frank Druetzler 2 years To fill the unexpired term of Pearl Law which expires 12/31/24 Marianne Steckert 3 years To fill the unexpired term of Lucia Galdi which expires in 12/31/25 Robert McAlear 5 years ROBERTS GARDENS Magie Walsh 3 years BOARD OF HEALTH Mary Beth Soutar 3 years Pam Nelson 3 years HUMANE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (HLEO) Sgt. Jeffrey Hochman 1 year Det. Michael Kelly 1 year ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Wagner moved that Resolutions 2023-1 through 2023-27 be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. No. 2023-1 By-Laws No. 2023-2 Planning Board Representative No. 2023-3 Standing Committees No. 2023-4 Appointments No. 2023-5 Notice of Meetings No. 2023-6 Adequate Notice of Meetings  No. 2023-7 Request for Notice of Meetings No. 2023-8 Minutes of Meetings No. 2023-9 Conference Meetings No. 2023-10 Depositories for Borough Funds No. 2023-11 Authorizing Officers to Sign Approved Checks No. 2023-12 Delinquent Taxes and Tax Installments No. 2023-13 Professional Services No. 2023-14 Execution of Vouchers No. 2023-15 Designating Official Newspaper No. 2023-16 Fixing Holidays - Borough Employees No. 2023-17 Fixing Holidays - Police Officers No. 2023-18 Council Appointments No. 2023-19 Temporary Appropriations for Operating Purposes No. 2023-20 Waiving Interest on Delinquent Taxes for Senior Citizens No. 2023-21 Waiving Interest on Delinquent Taxes for Disabled Persons No. 2023-22 Authorizing Tax Collector to Process Property Tax in Amount Less Than $10.00 No. 2023-23 Authorizing Borough Clerk to execute Hold Harmless Agreements No. 2023-24 Time Capsule - Morris Plains Library No. 2023-25 Time Capsule – Community Park No. 2023-26 Civil Rights Policy No. 2023-27 Enforcement Guidance Under Civil Rights Seconded by Councilmember Goddard Roll Call Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None PRESENTATION OF BADGES TO FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Mayor Karr presented badges to the following Officers of the Department for the year 2023: Chief Kevin Rongo Chief 1 Bob Webster Chief 2 Mark Belles Engineer Donald Underhill Assistant Engineer Tyler Shay Fire Prevention Chief Chris Shay Mayor Karr congratulated all the officers of the Fire Department. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Mayor Karr presented the Annual Community Service award. This award is given to an individual or group “WHO HAVE MADE A NOTABLE CONTRIBUTION OVER A SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD OF TIME FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE COMMUNITY OF CARING.” He presented the award to Lieutenant Michael E. Rolph. Lt. Rolph will also be the Grand Marshal of the 2023 Memorial Day Parade. Lieutenant Rolph thanked everyone for this wonderful recognition. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO APPOINTEES Mayor Karr asked all who have been elected or appointed to office to stand, state their names and repeat the Mayor’s words for the oath. He asked all those who took the oaths of office to sign the appropriate forms. MEETING OPEN FOR REMARKS AND COMMENTS BY CITIZENS Mayor Karr opened the meeting to the public. Penny Jones spoke about recycling and how Morris Plains is wonderful with recycling. BENEDICTION Mayor Karr welcomed Reverend Danielle Baker, Saint Paul’s Church, Morris Plains, who gave the benediction. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved the Reorganization Meeting be adjourned at organization 8:05 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk