City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held July 6, 2023, at 7:37 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 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr spoke about the Little League State Championship games which will be held at Brian Fluery Field and that preparations are underway for the games. Councilmember Wagner spoke about the new banners on display and possibly making the transition to Fall banners. Cross discussion. Councilmember Bruhn reported Roberts Garden Commission is looking for someone to update the landscape plan for Roberts Garden on current software with the hopes of finding a volunteer. Cross discussion. Mayor Karr stated that a police car and various miscellaneous items were sold at auction. Councilmember Verga reported that fire department radios went down and they had no internal radio communications and will need to be upgraded. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Wagner at 7:53 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2023-99 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:13 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 8:14 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held July 6, 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 June 15, 2023 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice vote. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Wagner moved: REPORTS Grant Writer, June 2023 Sanitarian, June 2023 Municipal Court June 2023 Resolution 2023-100 entitled, “CANCELLATION OF BALANCES AND OVERPAYMENTS LESS THAN $10.00” Resolution 2023-101 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS TO STILES AVENUE PROJECT.” Resolution 2023-102 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS TO NORTHVIEW DRIVE PROJECT.” Resolution 2023-103 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE DMHAS YOUTH LEADERSHIP GRANT.” Resolution 2023-104 entitled, “STANDARDS OF PROMOTION-POLICE DEPARTMENT, LIEUTENANT.” Resolution 2023-105 entitled, “STANDARDS OF PROMOTION-POLICE DEPARTMENT, SERGEANT.” Borough Council authorize the release and return of engineering review and trench inspection fees in the amount of $727.52 to Ecuatoriana & Sons, 12 Mills Street, Morristown, NJ, for Road Opening #980 per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated June 9, 2023. The resignation of Lori Monica, Part Time Construction Clerk, building department be accepted effective July 7, 2023. The Borough Council authorize the release and return of the following Cash Performance Guarantees to U.S. Home Corporation D/B/A Lennar, pursuant to the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated June 19, 2023: 1. Building 3 at the Collection: $5,000.00 lot grading. 2. Building 14 at the Collection: $5,000.00 irrigation. 3. Building 16 at the Collection: $5,000.00 irrigation. 4. Building 13 at the Venue: $5,000.00 landscaping. The Borough Clerk be authorized to advertise for the temporary position of Part-Time Construction Office Clerk in the Building Department. Mayor Karr be approved to submit a grant application for the T-Mobile Hometown Q2- 2023 grant. Jake Cahill, 9 Cleveland Avenue be hired as Summer Camp Director in the Recreation Department at the rate of $8,405.00 for the 2023 season. Michael Barlotta, 23 Glenbrook Road be hired as Recreation Summer Camp Senior Counselor at the rate of $15.55 an hour for the 2023 season. Having received quotes for Caterpillar (CAT) C49R Auto Ride-on Sweeper, 49” Cleaning Path from the following: Global Industrial $12,999.95 Buy-Supply Corp. $15,870.50 Neobits Inc. $16,249.94  That a purchase order be issued to Global Industrial, 11 Harbor Park Drive, Port Washington, NY 11050 in the amount of $12,999.95. Ciara Holland, 54 Kahdena Road, Morristown, be hired as Records Clerk for the Police Department at an annual salary of $37,270.80 effective July 7, 2023. The highlighted Community Park Pool Employees attached be hired for the Pool Season at the position, salary and date stated for the 2023 season. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None SWEARING IN OF POLICE OFFICER Mayor Karr welcomed the new Probationary Police Officer to the meeting and to the Borough and delivered the Oath of Office to Nyquan Shaw. EAGLE SCOUT INTRODUCTION Saehan Lee, Troop 39, 104 James Street, Morristown, introduced himself and stated he was attending our council meeting to earn a badge. Mayor, Councilmembers, Police Chief, Borough Attorney and Borough Clerk each gave a description of their duties. PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak. Sandra Bailey, 68 Glenbrook Road, spoke about a neighbor who has not cleaned their yard or cut the grass which is an ongoing issue. Mayor Karr stated he and the Zoning Officer are aware of the situation and the Zoning Officer will be contacted next week. Bill Houston, 80 Glenbrook Road, asked how the grant application on the agenda will be used. Mayor Karr stated this grant will be used for renovations on the Teen Center house. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese reported the Clerk’s Office is working on food establishment license, parking permits, animal licenses and marriage applications. Mr. Cortese reported the Library will start story time and crafts this Saturday and they are partnering with Panda Express for 50% of dinner sales to be donated to the Library on July 15th. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported the Morris County Communications Center was recognized as an accredited center by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatchers for performing above and beyond the standards. She also reported the Fire Department was on fire watch during the fireworks, additional members completed Fire Fighter II training and the Fire Department was dispatched to numerous calls during the heavy rain storms. Miss Verga reported on the Traffic Committee downtown signage audit and thanked the Police Department for their participation in Family Day with bike patrols and for the Farmers Market barricade set up each week. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on the mobile DMV Clinic that will help seniors with obtaining new real ID licenses or registrations. He also reported on the pedestrian crossing enforcement detail on Speedwell Avenue, 22 summons issued, and an officer had to attend special training for this detail. Chief Koroski reported that Morris Plains will be having their first National Night Out, August 1st, at the Community Park. He also reported the Police Department will be handing out Scoop Station gift cards for residential children who are caught doing something good. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported on the Farmers Market and thanked all involved for making it a success including the new Manager Mike Cocheo and the Clerk’s Office. Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW installed new banners, did sidewalk work on various roads and installed a new railing at the pool. She also reported the playground equipment was dismantled at Mountain Way School to prepare for the addition and a dangerous slide was removed form Community Park. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported the next Shade Tree meeting will be July 10th. He also reported on Family Day and that the fireworks were fantastic as usual. Mr. Bruhn reported the pool will be having senior aquacise classes and Roberts Garden summer concerts are starting in July. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported attending a food handler’s safety course and inspections in June. She also reported the Teen Center is in need of volunteers for the board and an upcoming clean up in a park. Ms. Kelly reported blood drives are continuing. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported Downtown Morris Plains launched their debut at the Farmers Market on June 24th and their website is up and running. He also reported on the resignation of Lori Monaco in the Annex and wished her well. Mr. Wagner reported the Route 53 affordable housing unit residents should start moving in on August 1st. and that an application for completeness for 4 apartment buildings public hearing will be on July 17th. Mr. Wagner reported the SMCMUA annual drinking water quality report has been published. Mayor Karr thanked all Borough departments and volunteers for their work on Family Day to make it a success. 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. 12 -2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF THE FEE SIMPLE INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE ESTATE OF CHARLES THONUS, DESIGNATED AS LOT 9 IN BLOCK 185 ON THE TAX MAP OF THE BOROUGH MORRIS PLAINS, ALSO KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS 1 JIM FEAR DRIVE, MORRIS PLAINS, 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 July 6, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on July 20, 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 Goddard seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 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. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on June 1, 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 Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for July 6, 2023 in the amount of $1,181,425.74 seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Goddard ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wagner moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:02 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk