City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held June 1, 2023, at 7:33 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: Councilmembers: Dennis Wagner, Council President Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Cathie Kelly Nancy Verga Absent: Mayor Jason C. Karr Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Wagner stated that in Mayor Karr’s absence this evening he was asked to speak about the following; Grant Writer has been asked to apply for AARP grant for $10,100.00 for a crosswalk and sidewalk at Mountain Way. Mayor Karr extended his thanks to Steve Welsh, parade committee members, Police Department, Fire Department and V.F.W. Watnong Post 3401 for their work and participation in the Memorial Day Parade. Councilmember Wagner stated banners were ordered and will be displayed by 3rd week of June. Councilmember Bruhn spoke about the Lava love trailer that was to be removed at Watnong Park is still parked and he would like to move to the next step with the lawyer for its removal. Councilmember Verga asked if the Council has any questions regarding the document circulated by the business Development Committee that outlined recommended changes to the proposed zoning amendments prepared by the Master Plan Committee. Mr. Horan gave a brief overview on the timeline of how the ordinance will be drafted. Cross discussion. Councilmember Verga asked for the resolution on tonight’s agenda to have verbiage changed on the resolution. Mr. Horan agreed with the change of the resolution. Councilmember Goddard gave an update on the Farmer’s Market. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Wagner at 7:58 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2023-79 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:29 P.M. Councilmember Goddard moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:30 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 June 1, 2023 at 8:31 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 None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Wagner moved: Resolution 2023-80 entitled, “WATNONG POST NO. 3401, V.F.W. A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-31-006-002.” Resolution 2023-81 entitled, “DORE ART CORPORATION A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-33-001-003.” Resolution 2023-82 entitled “ANNUAL AUDIT CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN.” Resolution 2023-83 entitled, “RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT OF LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH.” Resolution 2023-84 entitled, “REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT” Resolution 2023-85 entitled, “RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE CANCELLATION OF PRIOR YEAR CHECKS.” Resolution 2023-86 entitled, “NOFITO, LLC. A.B.C STATE LICENSE NO. 1423- 33-004-003 (IN POCKET).” Resolution 2023-87 entitled, “MORRIS PLAINS 1, LLC A.B.C. LICENSE STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-33-005-009 (IN POCKET)” Resolution 2023-88 entitled “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS PROFESSIONAL PLANNER TO DRAFT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BOROUGH’S PERMITTED USES IN ALL NON-RESIDENTAIL ZONES.” Resolution 2023-89 entitled “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF 1 JIM FEAR DRIVE IN THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Resolution 2023-90 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PROPERTY.” The Borough Council approve the membership application of Maxwell S. Annuik, 45 Dogwood Road, Morris Plains as a member of the Morris Plains Junior Fire Auxiliary. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Christian A. Votapek, 4 Valley Stream Drive, Morris Plains, as a member of the Morris Plains Fire Department. The Borough Council approve the membership application of John Coughlin, 56 Burch Drive, Morris Plains as a member of the Morris Plains Junior Fire Auxiliary. Having polled the Council on May 24, 2023, the retirement of Deann Carroll, Full Time Records Clerk, Police Matron and Substitute Crossing Guard, Police Department, be accepted, effective July 31, 2023 and the Police Department be authorized to advertise for the position of Full Time Records Clerk. Borough Council approves police vehicle #4 to be transported to NJ Police Security Expo in Atlantic City from June 26, 2023 thru June 29, 2023. The Recreation Summer Camp Counselors attached be hired at the rate and date stated for the 2023 Summer Camp Program. Having polled the Council on May 22, 2023, that Mark E. Belles Jr., 24 Glenbrook Road, Morris Plains, be hired for temporary summer help in the Department of Public Works at an hourly rate of $14.13 effective May 23, 2023. The Mayor be authorized to sign facility use agreement with the American Red Cross designating the Community Center as our shelter in case of an emergency.  Having received quotes for an eBike from the following: Marty’s Reliable Cycle –Randolph $2,944.95 Recon Power Bikes $3,562.00 Earthspirits.net, Inc. $3,999.99 That a purchase order be issued to Marty’s Reliable Cycle, 173 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960 in the amount of $2,944.95. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Keith Schmitt, 18 Avignon Drive, Morris Plains, as a member of the Morris Plains Fire Department. Having received quotes to clean all coils in duct work at Borough Hall from the following: Air Group $246.50 first hour/$92,50 each add ’l hour not to exceed $4,000.00 Cullen Plumbing Service Inc. No quote Webster Plumbing & Heating No quote That a purchase order be issued to Air Group upon completion of service. The Borough Clerk publish the proper notice of time change for the regularly scheduled conference meeting of the mayor and council of the Borough of Morris Plains to be held Thursday June 15, 2023 from 7:30pm to 5:00pm to interview Police Officer candidates. Mohamed Soliman, Part time Cleaning Maintenance receive $225.00 for cleaning of the snack stand for the three (3) weeks in May. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Verga PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Wagner asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak and seeing no one, he closed this public portion of the meeting. Lee Connor, 2 Tower Hill Road, thanked the Council for the passing of the LGBTQ+ resolution. Cara Parmigiani, 8 Franklin Place, greatly appreciated the LGBTQ+ resolution and allowing the students to place flags at the parks, posting the resolution on the website and in the weekly email. Ms. Parmigiani also spoke about her float for the Memorial Day Parade which was comprised of thrown out reusable items found on the ground around town. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance No report. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on fire apparatus repairs which will extend its life by 10 years; painting estimates are being obtained. Ms. Verga thanked the Fire Department for their participation in the parade and welcomed new members and junior members to the department. She also reported on Fire Department training. Councilmember Verga reported on the retirement of Ms. Carroll who has been a crossing guard for 27 years and records clerk for almost 25 years. Councilmember Verga reported on Attorney General directives between law enforcement and marginalized communities in which training has been completed by the Police Department to safely interact with individuals and thanked Sergeant Guild for being a liaison to the LGBTQ+ community. Morris Plains has a commitment to building connections with all residents. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on May calls. He also reported that National Night Out will take place in the Borough on August 1st. Chief Koroski reported on parade safety and thanked Sergeant Hochman for stepping into the role of keeping everyone safe. He also reported on the hiring process for a Police officer and Deann Carroll’s retirement. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported on DPW preparations for the parade, new flower tubs, the relocating of old flower tubs and garbage cans. Ms. Goddard reported on light replacement for the path between Jaqui Avenue and Trinity Lutheran Church and café lights installed downtown in two alleys with expansion to more areas along Speedwell Avenue. She also reported on pool preparations. Councilmember Goddard reported on the Business Development Committee; outdoor dining resumed and discussions on adding permitted uses for nonresidential zones to welcome new and different businesses. She also spoke about the Farmer’s Market and the new market manage Mike Cocheo; seasoned vendors are returning along with many new vendors and activities. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported DPW weeded Roberts garden and cleaned up the area by the flag pole. He also reported the pickle ball courts are complete, they are waiting for pricing on nets, cracks in tennis and basketball courts that will be filled in, receiving prices on resurfacing and new lighting on the baseball fields has being installed. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on the Teen Center, end of school year celebration; volunteers and donations are needed. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported patriotic banners will be hung along the avenue mid- June and updated on the residential parking permit ordinance. 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 11-2023 BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $1,320,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $320,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH FOR FINANCING SUCH APPROPRIATION. 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 June 1, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on July 6, 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 Bruhn seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on May 18, 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 Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Councilmember Wagner declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for June 1, 2023 in the amount of $99,744.87 seconded by Councilmember Kelly. 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 9:25 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk