City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held July 20, 2023, at 7:31 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 Joan Goddard Cathie Kelly Nancy Verga Councilmember Bruhn arrived late at 7:39 PM Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Wagner discussed an ordinance draft for parking and stated the first reading may be in August, he also suggested an audit of parking street signs. Cross discussion. Councilmember Goddard asked Mayor Karr about the Block Dance. Mayor Karr stated Ms. Goddard can meet with him at any time to discuss the event. Councilmember Verga discussed the annual JBWS Christmas party and gave an update on the Energy Plan Grant. Councilmember Goddard updated on the spotted lantern fly grant. Mayor Karr discussed lights that are out at the basketball courts, he also reported on an upcoming meeting with NJ Transit regarding underpass flooding and the 11U Little League State Championship games scheduled for the weekend. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Wagner at 7:43 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2023-106 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 7:55 P.M. Councilmember Goddard moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wagner moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 7:55 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 July 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 July 6, 2023 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice vote. All in favor. So Ordered APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Wagner moved: REPORTS Police Department, June 2023 Animal Control, June 2023 Borough Clerk, June 2023 Animal Licensing, 2023 Building Inspector, June 2023 Tax Collector, June 2023 Treasurer, June 2023 Resolution 2023-107 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE MORRIS PLAINS SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR SUPPLEMENTAL CROSSING GUARDS SERVICES.” Resolution 2023-108 entitled, “CANCELLATION OF TAXES VETERAN EXEMPTION.” Resolution 2023-109 entitled, “P.L. 1994 CHAPTER 72, STATE OF NEW JERSEY.” Resolution 2023-110 entitled, “CANCEL UNEXPENDED AND DEDICATED BALANCES OF GENERAL CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS.” The Borough of Morris Plains be granted permission to hold a Block Dance at the Speedwell Avenue extension on Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M., with a rain date of Sunday, September 3, 2023. The residents of Canfield Place be granted permission to hold a block party on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with a rain date of Sunday August 6, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Further permission to have alcoholic beverages be granted. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades. The Morris Plains Fire Association be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at their Annual Family Picnic to be held Saturday, August 26, 2023, with a rain date of Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., at the Community Park Pool. The highlighted Community Park Pool Employees attached be hired for the Pool Season at the position, salary and date stated for the 2023 season. Alyson Vander Ploeg, 64 Malapardis Road Morris Plains be hired as part time Construction Office Clerk at a rate of $19.00 per hour effective July 31, 2023. Mohamed Soliman, Part time Cleaning Maintenance receive $300.00 for cleaning of the snack stand for the four (4) weeks in June. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. 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. Bill Houston, 80 Glenbrook Road, offered congratulations to Officer Shaw and thanked the PD for their program “Get Caught Doing Something Good.” Mr. Houston inquired about two resolutions on the agenda, Councilmember Wagner re-read the resolutions and gave a brief explanation of both. Mr. Houston asked Councilmember Verga about the future of cannabis licenses in the Borough. Ms. Verga stated the Borough is currently not allowing any, the market is still unstable and that there is no discussion on changing the ordinance at this time. Mr. Houston spoke about grants received for the Borough. Cross discussion on grants. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese reported on library fund raisers and that the Clerk’s Office issued massage licenses, created records disposition requests, issued marriage licenses, block dance preparations, OPRA requests and worked on the shared service contract for crossing guards. Mr. Cortese reported the property tax rate is 2.199% and the due date has been extended to August 31st. He also reported the Department of Community Affairs municipal state aid for 2024 budget was increased to $32,022.00 and also reported on the AARP and Storm Water grants the Borough received. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported the court has been busy with virtual and in person court cases and that the Court Administrator also handles all the weights and measures complaints. Police Department’s Report Lieutenant McKay reported the Borough’s first National Night Out will be on August 1st at the Community Center. He also reported that Officer Ann Marie Ferris is an instructor for the Junior Police Academy and 1/3 of attendees are Morris Plains residents. Lieutenant Mckay reported our newest Officer Nyquan Shaw is undergoing field training, Officer Kelvin Preciado has returned to work and Ciara Holland is adjusting to her new position as records clerk. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported on calls, training and that Engine 3 is 65% complete. He also reported 3 members have completed Fire Fighter II and one member passed Fire Fighter I and that seven members helped at Port Newark with the ship container fire. Chief Rongo reported the radios went down and an ordinance for funds is being introduced tonight. Chief Rongo reported on a training lecture for ion batteries and that all ion batteries should be left outside. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW is getting the fields ready for Little League State Championship games and also moved bleachers. She also gave an update on the Farmers Market which included upcoming vendors, bands, face painting and a booth for young teens/adults in which proceeds will go to a charity of their choice. Engineers Report Mr. Hall reported on the access permit from the DOT for the sidewalk on Route 53, paving projects and the review of a developer’s agreement on Tabor Road Owner LLC. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported on the upcoming recreation summer theater program “Into the Woods”, the annual senior picnic which will be held on July 25th and that summer concerts continue. He also reported quotes are being received for pickle ball nets and shade tree plantings, pruning and removal of stumps. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on Clean Communities, Municipal Alliance and gave an update on the Morris County Division of Health activities. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported new residents should be moving into the affordable housing building at the Collection on route 53 by the end of next week. He also reported on a Planning Board public hearing for M&M property and welcomed new employee Alyson Vander Ploeg to the Building Department. 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. 13- 2023 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $40,000.00 FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN’S LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN 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 July 20, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on August 17, 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. 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. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on July 6, 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, 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 20, 2023 in the amount of $3,316,161.06 seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:18 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk