City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held November 9, 2023, at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. “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—arrived at 7:32 P.M. Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Cathie Kelly Nancy Verga Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION None. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Wagner at 7:32 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2023-136 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:33 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:33 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 November 9, 2023 at 8:35 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 October 5, 2023 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Councilmember Wagner moved: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Executive, Conference and Regular Meeting of October 19, 2023 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Wagner moved: REPORTS Grant Writer, October 2023 Building Inspector, October 2023 Municipal Court, October 2023 Animal Control, October 2023 Resolution 2023-137 entitled, “RESOLUTION AMENDING MORRIS PLAINS BOROUGH’S PERSONNEL POLICY PROCEDURE MANUAL.” Resolution 2023-138 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OF CHRISTMAS TREES AND RELATED ITEMS AT THE V.F.W. POST #3401, ROUTE 53.” Resolution 2023-139 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE T-MOBILE HOMETOWN GRANT PROGRAM FOR $35,933.50 TOWARDS THE TEEN CENTER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.” Resolution 2023-140 entitled, “CANCELLATION OF TAXES VETERAN EXEMPTION.” Resolution 2023-141 entitled, “FORM OF RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION NJSA 40A:4-87 2023 SPOTTED LANTERNFLY PROGRAM GRANT. The resignation of Meghan Houston, Morris Plains Recreation Commission, be accepted, effective December 31, 2023. Mark Karr, 10 Cutler Road, Morris Plains, be hired as a Substitute Crossing Guard for the Police Department at a daily rate of $87.12, effective November 9, 2023 pending the results of a background check and medical exam. Michael Gleason, 7 Crestview Court West, Morris Plains, be hired as a Substitute Crossing Guard for the Police Department at a daily rate of $87.12, effective November 9, 2023 pending the results of a background check and medical exam. The Mayor and Borough Clerk are authorized to execute the Developer’s Agreement between Morris Plains Borough and Tabor Road Owner LLC. The Morris Plains Police Department be authorized to submit Request for Proposals for Architectural Services and Plans. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Verga PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak to come forward. Allison White, 8 Forest Court, gave an update on Downtown Morris Plains and thanked all that were involved in their first event, Pumpkin Illumination, in which they received positive feedback. She also noted that Small Business Saturday is November 25th. Bill Grecco, 9 Higbie Way, thanked the Council for addressing the light and signage on Hanover Avenue and American Road. He also thanked the Council for their efforts in getting the path lit up. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese reported the library is scheduling a Hanukkah Celebration. He also reported that a tree was planted and dedicated to Lois Recio for all of her volunteer service at the library. Mr. Cortese reported the Clerk’s Office worked on elections, professional services agreements, League of Municipalities conference and OPRA requests. He also reported the Finance Office worked on Chapter 159 for Spotted Lantern Fly grant, AARP grant and that a tax sale will be held December 6th. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on the Community Energy Plan grant and upcoming opportunities for additional grants. She also reported on a Complete Streets Summit she attended on November 1st and Best Practices for pedestrian mobility, not just automobiles. Ms. Verga updated on Municipal Court and Fire Prevention fee changes. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported officers will be participating in No Shave November for cancer research. He also reported on October activities and that 54 pounds of narcotics was dropped off during Drug Takeback. Chief Koroski reported on the RFP that was approved on tonight’s agenda and thanked all of our Veterans for their service. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW completed brush pick up for the year and hydro raking at Watnong Pond. DPW also winterized the Little League Snack Stand, hung the Veterans flags and snowflakes. Ms. Goddard reported the winter Farmers Market will be December 2nd, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, all vendors will be returning along with special vendors. She also reported the winter market will have an open mic for holiday caroling and Provident Bank will be holding a toy collection at the winter market and also at their location on Speedwell Avenue. Engineer Report Mr. Hall reported on Route 53 and American Road developments. He also reported the Kohl’s/Uncle Giuseppe’s shopping center requires 4 way stop plaques on their stop signs. Mr. Hall reported a preconstruction meeting is scheduled for Tabor Road Owner LLC on November 21st and construction will start in December. He also reported the receipt of a grant from NJDOT in the amount of $208,000.00 to pave Stiles Avenue, however, SMCMUA is replacing water mains, therefore, paving will not be scheduled until Summer 2026. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported the annual Bonfire, the Halloween Parade and window painting were all a success. He also reported representatives from Borough sports teams attended the last Recreation meeting and reported their needs and requests for donations for next year and that the next Recreation Commission meeting is November 16th and Shade Tree will be December 4th. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on Animal Control and the Wellness Fair. She also reported on a Teen Center event, the grant application resolution that was approved on tonight’s agenda. Ms. Kelly reported on the Morris County Veterans recognition event. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner reported on ID badges for inspectors and sub code officials. He also reported the New Jersey League of Municipalities convention is next week. Mr. Wagner reported on new software to streamline permit issuance and on the parking ordinance being introduced this evening and thanked everyone involved in the process which started over a year ago. 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. 15 - 2023 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $65,000.00 FOR LOCAL RECREATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS AND PROVIDING THAT THE SUM OF $65,000.00 TO BE RECEIVED FROM NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LOCAL RECREATIONAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT Councilmember Verga 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 November 9, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 7, 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 Kelly seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. Councilmember Wagner introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 16-2023 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION AND REVISION OF SECTION 22- 10 “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES” SECTION 22-12, "PARKING LIMITED DURING CERTAIN HOURS," AND SECTION 22-13, "RESIDENT PARKING EXEMPTIONS" OF CHAPTER 22, "TRAFFIC AND PARKING" IN THE "REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY 1972" Councilmember Bruhn 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 November 9, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 7, 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 Cortese seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for November 9, 2023 in the amount of $4,321,404.51 seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Wagner at 9:21 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2023-142 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 9:56 P.M. Councilmember Cortese moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:56 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk