City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held March 2, 2023, 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 2023; WHICH RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL ON JANUARY 5th 2023, AND PUBLISHED IN THE MORRIS NEWS BEE AND THE DAILY RECORD; AND BY 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: Dennis Wagner, Council President Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Cathie Kelly Nancy Verga Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Wagner spoke about distributed correspondence from the Zoning Officer regarding Airbnb rentals and changing from a 6-month minimum stay to 90 days. Councilmember Bruhn asked about hiring two new part-time facilities coordinators at the Community Center due to retirements and employees off due to long term illnesses. It was agreed to hire new employees. Councilmember Bruhn spoke about the server that needs to be moved from the Fire Prevention office to the Community Center. Mayor Karr spoke about the Farmer’s Market and requested the Business Development Committee to spearhead. Cross discussion. BDC will head, but requested for the Farmer’s Market to be added under a standing committee. Chief Koroski presented a synopsis of the Police Department budget. Chief Rongo present a synopsis of the Fire Department budget. Cross discussion with questions and answers between Councilmembers and Chiefs. Mayor Karr thanked both Chiefs for their presentation. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:33 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held March 2, 2023 at 8:35 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Wagner moved: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meetings of February 16, 2023 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice vote. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Goddard APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Wagner moved: REPORTS Treasurer, January 2023 Tax Collector, January 2023 Resolution 2023-46 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. B.2021, FIREWORKS DISPLAY.” Resolution 2023-47 entitled, “TRANSFER OF FUNDS.” Derek Schneyer, 63 Mase Road, Lake Hopatcong, be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91/per hour, retroactive February 21, 2023. Evan Ragucci, 5 Maple Ave, Morris Plains, be hired as a Probationary Assistant Mechanic for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91/per hour, retroactive February 21, 2023. Edward Duffy, 22 Malapardis Road, Morris Plains, be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91/per hour, effective March 6, 2023. Andrew Lake, 5 Cross Road, Morris Plains be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91/per hour, effective March 6, 2023. Nicole Saranita having received her Registrar certification from the State of New Jersey as Certified Municipal Registrar receive a 5% increase in her base salary effective March 1, 2023. The Mayor be authorized to execute the Amendment to the Agreement between Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc. and the Borough of Morris Plains incorporating a two-year (24month) renewal for the period April 1st 2023 through March 31st 2025. The Mayor be authorized to execute the Community Development Block Grant Program Grant Agreement between the County of Morris and the Borough of Morris Plains. Having requested and received the following proposals for animal control services for calendar years 2023 and 2024: Animal Control Solutions, LLC 2023 - $16,044.00 or $1,337.00 per month 2024 - $16,800.00 or $1,400.00 per month Parsippany Troy-Hills Township Animal Control No proposal St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare, Animal Control No proposal That a contract in the form approved by the Borough Attorney be awarded to Animal Control Solutions, LLC for a term of two years, 2023 and 2024 in the amounts stated, subject to extension pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-15. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr stated Delta Dental renewed their contract with no increases and the Community Development Block Grant is for upgrades at the Community Center. 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 the budget has been distributed to the Mayor and Counsel by the CFO. He also reported the library will have a shredding event in May, the Clerk’s Office is busy with OPRA’s, licensing and congratulated Nicole Saranita on becoming a Certified Municipal Registrar. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on the annual review of the Court by the vicinage. She also reported on Fire Prevention inspections and various training completed by the Fire Official and the Fire Department. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported that there will be a scheduled walk out on April 28th for Lieutenant Rolph. He also reported on the “Book with a Cop Tour” in which Officers read books to Borough school students once a month. Chief Koroski reported that there is a new procedure and fee for obtaining a firearm, the key access control program is 99% complete and traffic officer success with 70 traffic stops in 48 hours. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported on fire calls, members in classes and member training. He also reported on the Firefighter grant received from the American Rescue Plan for $28,000.00 that will be used for a commercial washer and dryer to clean turn out gear to protect fire fighters. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported on the hiring of four new DPW employees. She also reported on a meeting with the All Seasons Garden Club for placement of planters and soil mixture for plants. Ms. Goddard spoke about the recent Morristown On Stage that she attended and many Morris Plains students performed and won. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported on Recreation indoor pickle ball which was extended to the end of April, tennis courts will be lined for pickle ball and new courts are being worked on at Watnong Park. Mr. Bruhn reported that camp and pool registration will be online, family bingo was a success and cameras at the Community Center need to be upgraded. Mayor Karr reported the Little League Snack Stand has been completed and security bollards were installed. Also, the keyless entry and upgrades to the ventilation system in the Municipal building are almost complete. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on a Teen Center board meeting where past coordinator Ernie Marconi joined and shared good ideas with the group. Teen Center will host a Spring dance and sneaker drive fund raiser. Councilmember Kelly reported on Earth Day celebrations and activities during various dates in April and that she will be receiving help from Ellie Falco and Councilmembers Goddard and Verga. She reported on the Animal Control contract and thanked Ms. Thomas and Mr. Horan for their help. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported on a Board of Adjustment subdivision application approval for the pharmacy and old t-shirt factory and gave an update on building permits. He also reported that three street lights are not working at the underpass and JCP&L is working on resolving this issue. Cross discussion on the lights. Mr. Wagner reported on spotty internet access in areas around town and changing the internet from Optimum to Verizon in the Municipal building due to service issues. 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 5-2023 CALENDAR YEAR 2023 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14) Councilmember Bruhn seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, 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 March 2, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on March 16, 2023 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. Councilmember Wagner introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE 1-2023 BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF VARIOUS ROADS IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $827,200 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $785,840 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH FOR FINANCING SUCH APPROPRIATION. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on February 16, 2023. 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 2-2023  BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF GLENBROOK ROAD IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $370,700 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $120,700 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH FOR FINANCING SUCH APPROPRIATION. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on February 16, 2023. 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 Bruhn. 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. 3 - 2023 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION AND REPEAL OF CERTAIN FEES SET FORTH IN THE FEE SCHEDULE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, CHAPTER 2, SECTION 2-46, IN THE "REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, 1972”. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on February 16, 2023. 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 Kelly. 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. 4-2023 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 27, TOWING, ROAD SERVICE, AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES, SECTIONS 27-6 ENTITLED FEES FOR REMOVAL AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES AND 27-10 ENTITLED VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES OF THE "REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, 1972” TO ESTABLISH THAT A VEHICLE’S FINANCING OR LEASING COMPANY SHALL BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IMPOUNDED FOR THIRTY-SIX HOURS. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on February 16, 2023. 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. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for March 2, 2023 in the amount of $266,959.07 seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:17 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk