City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held May 18, 2023, at 7:32 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 Chief Koroski presented officers with various awards. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Verga stated June is Pride Month and residents would like a resolution of support from the Borough. Mayor Karr stated that a resolution will be adopted allowing families to place flags at the parks as in previous years. Councilmember Wagner updated on banners for Speedwell Avenue. Mayor Karr updated on the zoning draft that was circulated and gave a timeline for the ordinance. Mayor Karr spoke about two items on the agenda regarding Glenbrook Road project being put on hold for the SMCMUA to replace water mains and service connections. The grant received will remain for when the project will be started and the Borough’s portion will stay the same. Any additional costs will be covered by the SMCMUA. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Wagner at 7:56 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2023-71 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:21 P.M. Councilmember Goddard moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:21 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held May 18, 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 May 4, 2023 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice vote. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Bruhn, Goddard APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Wagner moved: REPORTS Animal Control, April 2023 Borough Clerk, April 2023 Animal Licensing April 2023 Sanitarian, April 2023 Municipal Court April 2023 Police Department, April 2023 Tax Collector, April 2023 Treasurer, April 2023 Building Inspector, April 2023 Resolution 2023-72 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS AUTHORIZING THE USE OF AN ONLINE REVERSE AUCTION FOR THE PURCHASE OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SERVICES FOR PUBLIC USE FOR NON- STREET LIGHT SERVICE.” Resolution 2023-73 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF USE OF AN ONLINE REVERSE AUCTION FOR THE PURCHASE OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SERVICES FOR PUBLIC USE FOR STREET LIGHT SERVICE.” Resolution 2023-74 entitled, “ANNUAL REPORT OF AUDIT FOR THE YEAR 2022.” Resolution 2023-75 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CHARGING AND FUELING INFRASTRUCTURE (CFI) DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL SEVEN EV CHARGING STATIONS AT FIVE LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Resolution 2023-76 entitled, “RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL BIDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO GLENBROOK ROAD.” Resolution 2023-77 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTHEAST MORRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO GLENBROOK ROAD.” Having polled the Borough Council on Tuesday May 9, 2023, the Department of Public Works was authorized to advertise for the position of Laborer with Class B CDL required. The Mayor be granted permission to apply for the NJDEP Storm water Grant Application for Tier A municipalities. The Community Park Pool Employees attached be hired for the Pool Season at the position, salary and date stated for the 2023 season. Award of Contract 2023.02, 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 to J.A. Alexander, Inc. for their low bid of $697,777.69, subject to the Borough Attorney’s review of the bid documents.  The following employees to donate sick time to an eligible “Leave Recipient”: Michael Koroski, Chief, PD 40 Hours Joseph Heinz, Detective, PD 24 Hours David Kosakowski, Police Officer, PD 12 Hours Nicholas Grawehr, Police Officer, PD 36 Hours Jeff Hochman, Sergeant, PD 36 Hours Robert Guild, Sergeant, PD 27 Hours RoseMarie Leyhan, Clerk’s Office 21 Hours Rosanne Denman, Clerk’s Office 14 Hours Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. 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 upcoming events at the Library which included the shredding event and summer story time and updated on tax collections, food establishment licensing in Clerk’s Office, elections and A.B.C. licensing. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on a Traffic Committee meeting regarding traffic enforcement mandates, cracking down on cut thru, safety issues regarding Ebikes and scooters and increasing downtown signage. Ms. Verga reported on Fire Department training, service of trucks, mutual aide to various towns and the purchase of a washer/dryer through a State grant. She also reported the Fire Department is prepping trucks for the Memorial Day Parade and that their annual fund drive is underway. Ms. Verga reported on Police Department training and the resolution being adopted for Gun Violence Awareness Day. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on CPR training for soccer coaches, the hiring process for a new officer is underway and traffic enforcement updates. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported the All Season Garden Club and DPW maintain the new flower tubs in town. Ms. Goddard reported on a meeting with Morris Arts that included grant opportunities for the Borough. Ms. Goddard reported café lights were being installed in 2 alleys downtown, she also reported DPW is busy getting ready for the Memorial Day Parade by mulching, trimming trees and painting light poles. Engineer’s Report Mr. Hall reported on Route 53 and American Road developments, flooding at the American Road development which has now been corrected and City MD. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported on the upcoming Shade Tree meeting, new trees being planted and feedback from residents. He also reported on pool, summer camp and enhancement class registration. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on Municipal Alliance programs, Teen Center events, the 2023/2024 Teen Center calendar and the Teen Center is looking for new board member volunteers. She also reported on food handler safety class, food establishment inspections, blood pressure screening at the Community Center and that the Recycling Center will be closed on May 27th. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported new patriotic banners are purchased and will be displayed June. Mr. Wagner reported on the possibility of hiring a temporary part time plumbing inspector. He also reported Wagner reported on the ordinance being adopted and on one that is being worked on regarding Airbnb and short term rentals. 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. 10- 2023____ AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $252,900.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY 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 May 18, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on June 1, 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. 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” which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on May 4, 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 Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS Mayor Karr introduced and read the following resolution by title: Resolution 2023-78 entitled, “Borough of Morris Plains Resolution Declaring the First Friday in June to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day.” Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr thanked those in attendance who came out to support this resolution. Jessica Martucci, 20 Hawthorne Avenue, thanked the Council for their support and gave a brief overview of the nonprofit organization Moms Demand Action. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for May 18, 2023 in the amount of $484,381.67 seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wagner moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:13 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk