City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held December 7, 2023, at 7:38 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 Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Cathie Kelly Nancy Verga Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked Ana Thomas, CFO to look into changing the State Health Benefits to another provider due to the increase in health care costs. At this time, we have not been approved and will continue with the State Health Benefits Plan. Mayor Karr inquired about resolution 2023-150 pertaining to the final amount for services. Councilmember Goddard stated the fee should be approximately $20,000.00. Mayor Karr asked if the amount could be capped at $20,000.00 with services to be completed in 6 months instead of 8 months. Attorney Horan stated the 8-month timeframe coincides with the fees. Councilmember Goddard stated the service will start in January and she could recommend 6-month timeframe. Councilmember Verga had questions and comments regarding the introduction of the salary ranges. Ms. Verga requested the webmaster position, which is currently salaried, be paid hourly due to the amount of time the webmaster has been working. Ms. Verga asked for the range to be $25.00 to $50.00 an hour starting at the lower end. Cross discussion. Further discussion between Councilmembers and Mayor regarding all employee salary increases for 2024. Councilmember Verga advocated for increasing the range for the Police Chief salary to be commensurate with the salary of his peers in similar size agencies. Ms. Verga reported the Public Safety Committee had a meeting to discuss the Fire Official position being changed from part time to full time which has the full support of the Fire Association. Making the Fire Official a full time positon will keep the community, businesses and residents safe and the discussion has been ongoing for 2 years and will continue to be discussed next year. Ms. Verga would like the salary range high end be $80,000.00 which would accommodate if the position went full time. Mayor Karr stated the job will have to be posted. Ms. Verga stated jobs were not posted for employees who moved from part time to full time in the past and the positon is appointed by the Fire Association. Mayor Karr stated this is a mayoral appointment. Mayor Karr asked if all were in agreement and all Councilmembers agreed to the change. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Wagner at 8:19 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2023-143 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:31 P.M. Councilmember Verga moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:31 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 December 7, 2023 at 8:33 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 November 9, 2023 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Wagner moved: REPORTS Police Department, October 2023 Borough Clerk, October 2023 Animal Licensing, October 2023 Grant Writer, November 2023 Municipal Court, November 2023 Building Inspector, November 2023 Resolution 2023-144 entitled, “RESOLUTION PROMOTING SERGEANT ROBERT GUILD TO THE POSITION OF LIEUTENANT WITH BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT.” Resolution 2023-145 entitled, “RESOLUTION REGARDING CESSATION OF PAYMENT OF DETECTIVE STIPEND TO POLICE OFFICER JOSEPH HEINZ AS A RESULT OF HIS REASSIGNMENT TO PATROL DIVISION.” Resolution 2023-146 entitled, “RESOLUTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF DETECTIVE STIPEND TO POLICE OFFICER BRETT CERRATO.” Resolution 2023-147 entitled, “RESOLUTION REGARDING PERMANENT APPOINTMENT OF POLICE OFFICER ANTHONY CARDONIGA.” Resolution 2023-148 entitled, “RESOLUTION REGARDING PERMANENT APPOINTMENT OF POLICE OFFICER MCLEAN LIPSHUTZ.” Resolution 2023-149 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024.” Resolution 2023-150 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT FOR EXTRAORDINARY, UNSPECIFIABLE SERVICES.” Resolution 2023-151 entitled, “REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT.” Resolution 2023-152 entitled, “TRANSFER OF FUNDS.” The retirement of Terence Carroll, Crossing Guard, be accepted effective November 20, 2023. The Police Department be authorized to advertise for the position of Substitute Crossing Guard. Michael Gleason, 7 Crestview Court West, Morris Plains, be hired as a full-time Crossing Guard for the Police Department at a daily rate of $67.92, effective December 7, 2023. Michelle Cristiano, 15 Briarcliff Road, be hired as a Substitute Crossing Guard for the Police Department at a daily rate of $87.12, effective December 7, 2023 pending the results of a background check and medical exam. Having polled the Council on November 27, 2023, Michael Johnson, 971 Greenville Road, Wantage, New Jersey, was hired as Acting Plumbing Sub-Code Official at an hourly rate of $45.00 effective November 30, 2023. The resignation of Melissa Perrini, DPW Truck Driver, be accepted effective December 14, 2023.  The following employees be granted permission to carry vacation time from 2023 to 2024, which shall be used by March 31st 2024: Karen Coffey, Annex, 35 hours Susan Collopy, Annex, 35 hours 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 to come forward. Mr. Bill Grecco, 9 Higbie Way, congratulated Sal and Art on being reelected for another term on the Council. He stated that he is the president of the condo board for Venue at the American and asked for an update on the additional lighting for the walking path and snow plowing of the development. Mr. Hall stated the poles requested are not poles that can be used for additional lighting and JCP&L is working on another solution to light the path. He also stated until the project is complete, plowing is the responsibility of the association. The property does not become public for the Borough to plow until the project is completed at which time the Borough’s responsible will be for the roadway only. Mr. Grecco reported there was an issue with cars, not belonging to people in the development, who were parking their cars on the street and walking to the train station. He would like this looked into. Chief Koroski said he will look into this matter. Bill Houston, 80 Glenbrook Road, also congratulated Sal and Art and recognized that it was Pearl Harbor Day. He also congratulated the promoted officers and stated that he has no problem paying an increase in his taxes if they go to salaries for officers, fire prevention position and services to keep the town safe. Mayor Karr thanked Mr. Houston and stated that the Police Department budget has increased $600,000.00 in 3 years which shows that the town is very supportive of the Police Department and Fire Department. Money is spent wisely to keep everyone save. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese reported the Clerk’s Office is working on professional service agreements, preparing for 2024 reorganization, OPRA and marriage licenses. Mr. Cortese reported the tax collector held a tax sale which included 7 SMCMUA liens and 2 tax liens. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported on annual website analytics and the NJ League of Municipalities convention. She also reported on a program called Stay NJ which will give seniors property tax reduction. Ms. Verga is gathering information regarding consolidating court, She also reported on the volunteer Fire Department’s many activities which included attending a funeral for a Kinnelon fire fighter, being called to a fire on Thanksgiving in Mountain Lakes, taking Mr. & Mrs. Clause on the fire truck to the tree lighting and selling trees at the VFW. Ms. Verga announced the 2024 Fire Association Officers and reported on the swearing in of Chief Koroski as the president of the Chief’s Association and gave an overview of the role. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski gave an update on calls and morning checks at the train station. He reported the police department received the silver award from AAA for traffic and pedestrian enforcement and crossing guards. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported on the apparatus and gave an update on the status of engine 3. He also reported on calls and stressed the importance of having a full time fire official to keep the town and fire fighters safe. Public Works Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW hung lights around town, winterized Borough Hall, 9/11 Memorial and Simon’s Park concession stand. She also reported on leaf pick up and gave an overview of the Farmer’s Market and winter market and the significant foot traffic these brought into town. Ms. Goddard expressed her concern for potential new businesses to come into town with the zoning restrictions for certain properties. Engineer Report Mr. Hall reported he had a meeting with Tabor Road Owner LLC regarding water service to the warehouses and office building and that once the developer’s agreement is recorded the site plan can get signed and permits can be issued. Mr. Hall reported on ongoing projects including the construction on Route 53 and American Road and gave an update on the 1515 Route 10 project in Parsippany. Mr. Hall reported we are in receipt of the NJ DOT permit for Route 53. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported that Shade Tree ordered more trees to be planted and Greenwood Tree will be administering the pesticide for lantern flies. He also gave an update on Recreation. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported on Teen Center events and that the rabies clinic will be January 6th. She also reported holiday garbage pickup will be December 26th and January 2nd. and that a clothing bin will be placed at the recycling center which will be a Fire Department fund raiser. Ms. Kelly reported on Municipal Alliance Friendsgiving and a program to volunteer with your pet. She also reported on Small Business Saturday and thanked Downtown Morris Plains for participating and handing out free ornaments. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner welcomed Michael Johnson who will be filling in for the plumbing sub code official. He also reported he received a letter from the senior construction manager from Lennar thanking Karen Coffey for all her help with permits and inspections. Mr. Wagner reported on a Planning Board application for Tabor Road Owner which was deemed complete and an application for 1625 Route 10 which was incomplete for missing information. The information has been obtained and application is up for approval with a public hearing scheduled for December 11th. 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. 17 - 2023 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION AND REPEAL OF CERTAIN FEES SET FORTH IN THE FEE SCHEDULE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, CHAPTER 2, SECTION 2-46, IN THE "REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, 1972”. Councilmember Verga seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly. Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr asked about the Farmer’s Market seasonal $50.00 fee. Ms. Goddard gave an overview explaining the charges. Cross discussion regarding food vendor and non-food vendor fee. Attorney Horan verbally added an amendment to Ordinance 17-2023 to reflect miscellaneous fees and add a seasonal Farmers Market non-food vendor fee of $50.00 Councilmember Cortese moved the amendment. Councilmember Bruhn seconded the amendment. 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 December 7, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 21, 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. Councilmember Wagner introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 18-2023 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING SALARIES AND LONGEVITY PAY Councilmember Cortese seconded the motion. Mayor Karr stated this ordinance is with the changes discussed regarding salary change for Police Chief, Fire Prevention Official and Webmaster. 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 December 7, 2023 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 21, 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. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on November 9, 2023. The Mayor announced that the meeting was open for a public hearing on the ordinance. Seeing no one else, Mayor Karr 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. Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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" which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on November 9, 2023. The Mayor announced that the meeting was open for a public hearing on the ordinance. Seeing no one else, Mayor Karr 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. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. RESOLUTION Councilmember Wagner read Resolution 2023-153 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION DECLARING DECEMBER 17, 2023 ROTARY CLUB OF MORRIS PLAINS DAY.” Councilmember Verga seconded the resolution. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for December 7, 2023 in the amount of $4,530,080.08 seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Goddard EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Wagner at 9:55 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2023-154 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:55 P.M. Councilmember Verga moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wagner moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:55 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk