City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held May 4, 2023, at 7:34 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 Salvatore Cortese Cathie Kelly Nancy Verga Absent: Art Bruhn Joan Goddard Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr received quotes for coil cleaning the vents and hopes to have this approved at next meeting. All Jenny Craig’s will be closing, including the storefront in Morris Plains. Morris County court regionalization was not supported by the County Commissioners and put on hold, but Morris Plains will look into shared services. Mayor Karr updated on possibly changing health insurance. Councilmember Wagner stated Paul Basante will be conducting interviews in June for his film. Councilmember Wagner updated on banners. Councilmember Verga spoke about liquor license reform and asked for an update on the zoning change ordinance. Mayor Karr said the ordinance is being worked on and we should have a draft soon. Mayor Karr updated on the playground equipment at Simon’s Park and Community Park Cross discussion. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Wagner at 7:47 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2023-68 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:04 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wagner moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:07 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 May 4, 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. Moment of Silence for Tom (Thomas Michael) Connolly resident & member of Recycling Committee for many years. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Wagner moved: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meeting of April 20, 2023 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice vote. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Wagner moved: REPORTS Grant Writer, April 2023 Resolution 2023-69 entitled, “2023 BUDGET EXAMINATION PROGRAM.” Resolution 2023-70 entitled, “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING VENDORS WHO HOLD CERTAIN ALCOHOLIC MANUFACTURING LICENSES TO OFFER SAMPLES OF THEIR PRODUCTS TO PATRONS AT THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS FARMERS MARKET IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW.” Having polled the Borough Council on Friday April 21, 2023, the Police Department was authorized to purchase a police vehicle to replace (Car 4) 2019 Ford Explorer, License Plate #34813MG, Vin#FM5K8AR2KGA17206, which was involved in a car accident and deemed a total loss. The residents of Sanford Court be granted permission to hold a block party on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 2:30pm to 8:30pm, with a rain date of Sunday June 4, 2023 from 2:30pm to 8:30pm. Further permission to have alcoholic beverages be granted. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades. Mohamed Soliman, Part Time Cleaning Maintenance receive $75.00 for cleaning of the Snack Stand for Little League opening day. Chris Mason be appointed as Building Sub-Code Official in the Building Department with a salary of $24,934.00 retroactive to April 1, 2023. Chris Mason, Building Department be approved for inspections under “Weekend and Off-Hour Inspections” at a rate of $68.50 per hour. The Borough Council authorize the release and return of Performance Surety Bond NO. S282645 in the amount of $5,000.00 to M&M at Morris Plains, LLC pursuant to the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated April 25, 2023. Having received quotes to replace lights at the Community Park tennis/basketball Courts from the following: Horan Electric Inc. $5,845.00 Mike Spagnuolo Electrical Contractors $7,900.00 Crotty Electric, LLC $8,300.00 A purchase order be issued to Horan Electric Inc., 9 Kathleen Place, Morris Plains, NJ in the amount of $5,845.00. Ron Kelly, 69 West Hanover Ave., Morris Plains, be hired as Part-time Facilities Coordinator for the Community Center at an hourly rate of $17.51, effective May 8, 2023. Donna Karr, 20 Forest Ave., Morris Plains, be hired as Part-time Facilities Coordinator for the Community Center at an hourly rate of $17.51, effective May 8, 2023. The resignation of Lindsey Fu, Plains Talk Editor be accepted upon conclusion of the May 2023 edition of the newsletter. Having received quotes to replace light fixtures and wiring at 555 Speedwell Ave from the following: Dennis Dondero Electric, LLC $7,825.00 Horan Electric INC $10,300.00  A purchase order be issued to Dennis Dondero Electric LLC, 18 Franklin Place, Morris Plains, NJ in the amount of $7,825.00. Having received quotes to replace and also add additional lighting at Simons Park from the following: Mike Spagnuolo Electrical Contractors $5,400.00 Horan Electric Inc. $9,275.00 Dennis Dondero Electric, LLC No Quote A purchase order be issued to Mike Spagnuolo Electrical Contractors, 69 OakRidge Rd., West Orange, NJ in the amount of $5,400.00. Having received quotes for the 2023 Family Day events and rides from the following: Party Perfect Rentals, LLC $9,905.00 Any Excuse for a Party, Inc. $9,875.00 Real Amusements No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Any Excuse for a Party, Inc. 16 Gloria Lane, Fairfield, NJ in the amount of $9,875.00. The Community Park Pool Employees attached be hired for the Pool Season at the position, salary and date stated for the 2023 season. The Department of Public Works be authorized to advertise for the position of Temporary Summer Help. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Bruhn, Goddard 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 thanked Valerie Dolan and Ana Thomas for attending tonight’s meeting and their work on the budget. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on website updates and activities in the municipal court. The Traffic Committee will be holding their first meeting of the year next week. In the absence of Chief Rongo Ms. Verga gave his report which included information on a joint fire department drill, preparations for the Memorial Day Parade, updates on fire truck repairs and a call to extricate a child from a baby swing. Ms. Verga reported on Lieutenant Michael Rolph’s retirement and thanked him for his 25 years of service. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on April calls and an awards ceremony being held at the next council meeting. Chief Koroski reported on Memorial Day Parade preparations, Drug Take Back and the refurbishment of their kitchen due to a water leak. Mayor Karr thanked Lieutenant Rolph for his 25 years of service and Lindsey Fu for her 10 years being PlainsTalk Newsletter. Public Works In Councilmember Bruhn’s absence, Councilmember Wagner reported on upcoming Memorial Day Parade meeting. Shade Tree received quotes to plant 10 trees to replace trees removed in 2019 and JCP&L planted two trees at Watnong Park. Summer camp, summer enhancement classes and pool registrations are all online. Lastly, pickle ball courts were paved and ready for painting and striping. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Kelly reported the Recycling Center will be closed on May 27 th for the Memorial Day Parade and household hazard waste drop off will be May 20th at Fire and Police Academy. There will be a food safety class on June 20th. Councilmember Kelly reported on Teen Center activities, Earth Day events, Clean Communities and a Municipal Alliance event for parent wellness. Mayor Karr thanked all who participated in Earth Day celebration. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers In the absence of Councilmember Goddard no report was given. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported the street lights on Route 53 by Route 10 overpass are working. There is an outstanding work order for two more lights to be installed on Route 53 and two lights on Wyckoff Way. Councilmember Wagner welcomed Chris Mason as the new Building Subcode Official. Mayor Karr reported on Cavan Markt’s fundraiser for Ukraine scheduled this weekend at the Community Center. 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. 9-2023 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF CHAPTER 22, “TRAFFIC AND PARKING” IN THE “REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, 1972,” WITH THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION 22-11.1, “OVERNIGHT PARKING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES” Councilmember Cortese seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Bruhn, Goddard Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Wagner offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on May 4, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on May 18, 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. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on April 20, 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 Cortese. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Bruhn, Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on April 20, 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 Wagner, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Bruhn, Verga Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Adoption of 2023 Budget Mayor Karr gave a brief overview of the 2023 Budget. The Mayor announced that the meeting was open for a public hearing on the budget. Seeing no one, Mayor Karr closed this public hearing on the budget. Councilmember Cortese moved the adoption of 2023 municipal budget in the amount of $12,046,769.64 Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Bruhn, Goddard Abstain: None Ms. Valerie Dolan, auditor Nisovaccia, made a brief statement regarding the budget. Ms. Ana Thomas, CFO, thanked Ms. Dolan and all of the department heads for all of their help with this year’s budget. Mayor Karr thanked Ms. Thomas and Ms. Dolan for all of their help. Mayor Karr thanked all of the Councilmembers and department heads. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for May 4, 2023 in the amount of $2,223,354.23 seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Bruhn, Goddard Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:06 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk