City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held April 20, 2023, at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER “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 PRESENTATION Ellie Falco, Clean Communities Coordinator and Councilmember Cathie Kelly gave a brief overview on Earth Day and handed out awards to groups involved in cleanup around town which included: James Merendino, Morris Pains PBA Local 254, All Seasons Garden Club, Girls Scout Troops 96595, 97792, 96261, 97912 and 96845, St. Virgil’s Appalachian Project, Morristown High School Ice Hockey and Swim Team, Boy Scout Troop 39, Cub Scout Pack 233 and Girl Scout Daisy Troop 98404. Mayor Karr thanked all of the volunteers and groups for their hard work in keeping Morris Plains clean. Ms. Kelly and Ms. Falco spoke about the Earth Day Celebration event being held at the Community Center on Saturday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr spoke about a zoning draft ordinance that will be coming soon to be reviewed by Council from Leon Hall and Liz Leheny. Councilmember Wagner discussed patriotic banners to be ordered that will be displayed in town. Cross discussion. Councilmember Cortese reported Lindsay Fu will be retiring as Plains Talk Editor and the hiring process will begin for her replacement. Mayor Karr thanked Ms. Fu and the tremendous job she has done over the years. Mayor Karr discussed the next steps regarding changing health insurance coverage. Mayor Karr discussed a potential Bike Night with Harley Garden State Harley Davidson that would be held on June 13th, barricading off Merchant Block and getting businesses involved. Cross discussion with Councilmembers and Chief Koroski. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:22 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 April 20, 2023 at 8:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER Notice to members of the Governing Body and Borough Staff: Any use of electronic devices during this meeting shall be used solely for the purposes of Borough business. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Wagner moved: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meeting of April 6, 2023 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice vote. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Bruhn, Verga APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Wagner moved: REPORTS Building Inspector, March 2023 Animal Control, March 2023 Borough Clerk, March 2023 Animal Licensing March 2023 Sanitarian, March 2023 Tipping Fees, February, March 2023 Treasurer, March 2023 Tax Collector, March 2023 Resolution 2023-66 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIACE APPLICATION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING CALENDAR YEAR 2023.” Resolution 2023-67 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIACE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE FISCAL GRANT CYCLE JULY 2020- 2025.” The Program Instructors attached be hired for the Recreation Summer Enhancement program at the position, rate and session date stated for the 2023 Summer programs. Celeste Denman be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a family reunion to be held Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at Community Park Pavilion. The residents of Thompson Way between Layer Drive & Cornine Lane be granted permission to hold a block party on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, with a rain date of Sunday June 4, 2023 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. 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 Improvements to Greenwood Road, Briarcliff Road, Simons Drive, Stony Brook Road, Homer Avenue, Cutler Road, Crestview Court East, Brook Drive South, Mountain Way & Freight Station Walkway/Stairs Contract No. 2023.02 with bids to be received on May 17, 2023, up to 10:00 A.M., Council Chambers Borough Hall. The Police Department be authorized to advertise for the position of Class III Special Police Officer. The Borough Clerk be authorized to advertise for the position of Part-time help – Clerical (Plains Talk Editor). Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga 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 on the upcoming paper shredding event at the library and summer reading stories and petting zoo. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on Local Government Week and reminded residents to check the community calendar on our website for activities. Ms. Verga reported on virtual and in person court, court file retention and expungement cases. Ms. Verga reported on fire department training and status of fire truck maintenance. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on Tuesday’s Walk to School event. Chief Koroski reported on a traffic accident involving a police car and reminded drivers to mover over or slow down when they see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road with their lights on. Chief Koroski reported on an upcoming tour of shelters in town with the Red Cross, drug take back will be on Saturday and the revised awards policy for officers. Chief Koroski reported Lieutenant Michael Rolph’s retirement and walk out will be on Friday, April 28th at 3:30 pm. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported on the retirement luncheon for Woody Stevens and Tom Silk who had more than 60 years combined work at the DPW. Ms. Goddard reported the DPW started work on the pool filter house and bath house, guardrails at Community Park and installation of aerators in Community Park pond. Ms. Goddard reported on a shared services meeting with Morris Township DPW for pesticide treatment. Engineers Report Mr. Hall reported updates on the two Lennar developments and City MD. Mayor Karr reported there will be a May 8th meeting regarding the 1515 development on Route 10. Mayor Karr congratulated Woody Stevens and Tom Silk on their retirement and stated what a great asset they were to the Borough. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported the pool was partially filled to check the drains and filters. Mr. Bruhn reported that two pickle ball courts were paved and fencing will be installed, summer camp and pool registration is online. Little League opening day is April 29th, Arbor Day celebration is April 28th, Memorial Day Parade meeting is next week and Shade Tree has planted and pruned trees. Mayor Karr reported JCP&L will be planting two trees at Watnong Park on April 28th and the Borough received a grant for Simon’s Park playground equipment which will be replaced in late July and the Great Swamp will be giving out free trees. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported the children Walk to School event at Mountain Way School was a success. Mayor Karr reported there will be an increase in recycling bills due to the new developments. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported that JCP&L restored power for two lights near the Route 10 overpass and the remainder of the lights at the overpass will be restored soon. On or about April 26th Chesapeake Bay Helicopters will be in the area working to detect overheated transmission lines or arching lines. Councilmember Wagner reported on building permits issued and planning board update. 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. 7- 2023  AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF LANDS IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY APPROPRIATING $30,000 THEREFORE AND PROVIDING THAT SUCH SUM SO APPROPRIATED SHALL BE RAISED FROM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND BALANCE Councilmember Kelly seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga 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 April 20, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on May 4, 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. ORDINANCE NO. 8-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF THE FEE SIMPLE INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY IDLEWILD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, DESIGNATED AS LOT 7 & 8 IN BLOCK 72.03 ON THE TAX MAP OF THE BOROUGH MORRIS PLAINS, ALSO KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS 60 SYLVAN DRIVE, MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY. Councilmember Goddard seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga 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 April 20, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on May 4, 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 Kelly seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for April 6, 2023 in the amount of $3,125,295.28 seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Wagner at 9:10 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2023-65 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:05 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:05 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk