City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held December 21, 2023, at 7:32 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.” 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. 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 Councilmember Bruhn reported the website committee he is on along with Councilmembers Goddard and Verga have now completed phase 2 and requested the website go back to the Finance Committee. Councilmember Goddard stated the Business Development Committee also accomplished their goals for 2023 including encouraging the launch of Downtown Morris Plains 501c3 and expanding the offerings at the Farmers Market under new management. Mayor Karr stated he feels the Business Development Committee should continue and asked for volunteers to continue with him as the chairperson. Councilmembers Cortese and Kelly will join Mayor Karr on the committee. Councilmember Goddard requested Downtown Morris Plains be placed under Buildings and Grounds with their chairperson the liaison. Councilmember Verga inquired about Resolution 2023-160. Mr. Horan gave an overview of the lease renewal with Robertelli Limited Partnership parking lot behind Merchant Block. Ms. Verga inquired about the Community Development resolution. Mayor Karr gave an overview of its purpose. Ms. Verga started the discussion regarding salaries and making the Fire Prevention Official full time. Attorney Horan stated salaries are a personnel matter, but discussion can proceed, however, an employee’s name cannot be mentioned, only the position. Ms. Verga distributed documents regarding the Fire Prevention Official position. Ms. Verga stated this discussion has been going on for several years and expressed the importance of making this a full time position. Cross discussion with Mayor and Councilmembers regarding inspections, state statutes and reports that need to be completed by the Fire Official. Mayor Karr said this has been a good conversation on this topic which has never been done with the full Council, however, he still has questions regarding this matter. Mayor Karr said this position should be looked into as a shared service with the County. Councilmember Verga stated the County is not interested and does not have the manpower to take on this roll role in any towns, but she will double check with them. The Borough needs to adopt an ordinance allowing town officials to inspect multi dwelling apartments, which is not a state statue, for the safety of our Fire Department. The Public Safety Committee has expressed support for passing an ordinance to extend fire inspections to include multi-unit dwellings and not just single- and two-family homes upon change of occupancy. While the state does not require inspections of multi-unit dwellings to be conducted by the municipality, we support this for the safety of our residents and fire department members. Cross discussion. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:30 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 December 21, 2023 at 8:31 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT Community Development Representatives: Bob Martin, One Year Michael Bozza, Alternate, One Year APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Wagner moved: REPORTS Police Department, November 2023 Borough Clerk, November 2023 Animal Licensing, November 2023 Animal Control, November 2023 Sanitarian, November 2023 Tax Collector, October & November 2023 Treasurer, October & November 2023 Resolution 2023-155 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024.” Resolution 2023-156 entitled, “RESOLUTION ENTITLED FIRST LIMO CAR SERVICE, LLC LIMOUSINE OWNER LICENSE NO. LO1-9383-2024.” Resolution 2023-157 entitled, “RESOLUTION ENTITLED FIRST LIMO CAR SERVICE, LLC LIMOUSINE OWNER LICENSE NO. LO2-9383-2024.” Resolution 2023-158 entitled, “K of C #3495 BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN COUNCIL RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 338-24.” Resolution 2023-159 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A NON- FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNING SERVICES.” Resolution 2023-160 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF THE LEASE FOR ALL VACANT LAND INCLUDING DRIVEWAY AND ACCESS WAYS FOR LANDS KNOWN AS LOT 20 BLOCK 63 IN THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Resolution 2023-161 entitled, “CANCEL UNEXPENDED 2023 BUDGET APPROPRIATION BALANCES.” Resolution 2023-162 entitled, “REDEMPTION RESOLUTION BLOCK NO. 117 LOT NO. 1 REDEEM 3RD PARTY TAX LIEN.” Resolution 2023-163 entitled, “POLICE DEPARTMENT SALARIES.” Resolution 2023-164 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPOINTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVENUE SHARING COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE.” Resolution 2023-165 entitled, “CANCELLATION OF BALANCES AND OVERPAYMENTS LESS THAN $10.00.” Resolution 2023-166 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, MORRIS COUNTY ADAPTIVE RECREATIONAL PROGRAM.” Borough Council authorize the release and return of engineering review and inspection fees in the amount of $3,473.50 to 900 American Road LLC, Commercial Realty Group, 111 Littleton Road, Suite 100, Parsippany, NJ 07095 per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated December 8, 2023. The Morris Plains Police Department be authorized to submit an addendum to the Request for Proposals for Architectural Services and Plans. The Department of Public Works be authorized to advertise for the position of Laborer with Class B CDL preferred. The following employees be granted permission to carry vacation time from 2023 to 2024, which shall be used by March 31st 2024. Sarah Thornberry, Court Administrator 7 hours. RoseMarie Leyhan, Deputy Clerk 10.5 hours. Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk 21 hours. Nicole Saranita, Clerk’s Office 7 hours. Lieutenant Robert Guild, Police Department 28 hours. Detective/Sergeant Bruce Rapp, Police Department 16 hours. Sergeant Michael Kelly, Police Department 24 hours. Officer Ann Marie Ferris, Police Department 40 hours. Officer Brett Cerrato, Police Department 40 hours. Officer David Kosakowski, Police Department 8 hours. Officer Joseph Kohl, Police Department 8 hours. Officer Vincent Zarrillo, Police Department 32 hours Ciara Holland, Police Records 30 hours.  Sigal Rice, Police Department, 10.5 hours. Ana Thomas, CFO, Tax Office, 35hours. Justin Pittaro Jr., Laborer, DPW, 32hours. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids to replace the Borough’s four-dial Post Clock with bids to be received on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, up to 10:30 A.M., in the Council Chambers. Cody Bubrycki be promoted to the position of Truck Driver, in the Department of Public Works, and granted the appropriate hourly increase, effective December 22, 2023. Seymour Forman be promoted to the position of Assistant Senior Mechanic, in the Department of Public Works, and granted the appropriate hourly increase, effective December 22, 2023. Having received quotes for 2 sets of turnout gear and equipment from the following: Moose Safety Supply $8,310.00 Darley $8,563.68 Skylands Area Fire Equip. & Training $10,026.56 That a purchase order be issued to Moose Safety Supply, 426 Chapman Court, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 in the amount of $8,310.00. Having received quotes for new signs on the Borough Annex Building from the following: Morris Sign Co. $2,350.00 Fast Signs of East Hanover No Quote Loumarc Signs No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Morris Sign Co, 30 Troy Rd., Whippany, NJ in the amount of $2,350.00. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. 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. Marianne Steckert wanted to confirm that Downtown Morris Plains will have a new liaison through Buildings and Grounds? Mayor Karr stated they did not have a liaison previously, but going forward they will be under the Buildings and Grounds committee starting in January. Ms. Steckert thanked everyone for all of their hard work and wished everyone Happy Holidays. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Cortese introduced CFO Ana Thomas and thanked her and Clerk, Rosanne Denman, for all of their hard work this year. Mr. Cortese reported the Clerk’s Office closed 2023 animal licensing, 612 dogs and 132 cats, and are preparing 2024 renewals, Certain Street Parking Permits were mailed and are being processed as they are received, re-organization preparations, OPRA requests and marriage applications. Mr. Cortese reported on the Finance Department and 4 resolutions on tonight’s agenda. Public Safety Councilmember Verga reported the Court Administrator has been busy with trials, and is preparing for many more trials in January. Ms. Verga reported on Fire Prevention inspections, reports, etc. Ms. Verga stated it was an honor to serve as Public Safety Chair and hopes the upcoming liaison continues to pursue Complete and Green Streets as a best practice for the Borough. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo thanked Councilmember Verga for all of her hard work. He gave an update on apparatus’ and he received a denial for AFG Grant and will reapply next year for air packs. Chief Rongo reported on the Santa Tour and would like feedback for next year. He also expressed the importance and his concerns on having a full time Fire Official. Mayor Karr stated the residents and their families missed having the trucks go thru the streets with the lights and sirens. Mayor Karr said this is the first time the Council has talked about the fire official job together and he feels progress is being made and discussions will continue. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski thanked the Council for their support on the need for renovations to the Police Department. He reported additional security and traffic control at the Kohl’s plaza is needed during the holiday season and the department is working on year end and the transition to 2024 with scheduling and budget. Public Works Councilmember Goddard congratulated the 2 DPW employees on their promotions and thanked the DPW for all of their hard work during the most recent rain storm with lots of trees and brush down. She also reported the DPW put up all the Christmas lights, swept the town and are working on police and DPW vehicles daily. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Bruhn reported the Recreation reorganization meeting will be January 17th in which a new chair will be appointed since Jim Davidson has resigned. He also Bruhn reported the Christmas Tree sale sponsored by the VFW and Fire Department was a success and the trees have now sold out. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Kelly reported the Fire Association clothing bin is at the recycling center and the during the Borough Schools Local Government week, Mayor Karr joined her in speaking and answering questions with the 4th grade students. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Wagner thanked Ms. Verga for all of her research and due diligence regarding the Fire Official position he also thanked the Clerk’s Office for work on adding 200 mailings for the same street parking permits in which he has heard positive feedback. Mr. Wagner reported on 2 applications with the Planning Board, Tabor Road Owner and 1625 Route 10, Weichert, which were both approved at the last meeting. The public hearing for 1625 Route 10 will continue over the next 2 meetings. Ms. Goddard asked Mr. Horan if the Council could put in a motion to vote on the Fire Prevention Official job at the next meeting in January? Mr. Horan stated he doesn’t think the Council should commit to making a decision by the next meeting as research needs to continue. Ms. Goddard stressed a decision should be made in January. Mayor Karr stated this decision must be done properly and thoroughly and the Council should not be held to a date and time. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Wagner read by title the ordinance entitled: 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”. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on December 7, 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 Verga. 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. 18-2023 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING SALARIES AND LONGEVITY PAY which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on December 7, 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 Attorney Horan indicated the Council would like to add Downtown Morris Plains under Buildings and Grounds committee which is governed by the By Laws of the Borough and should be memorialized in the By Laws going forward. Mayor and Councilmembers were in agreement. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for December 21, 2023 in the amount of $927,942.21 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 9:13 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2023-154-1 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:17P.M. Councilmember Cortese moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. REGULAR MEETING REOPENED RESOLUTION Attorney Horan read Resolution 2023-167 “SALARIES FOR REGULAR FULL TIME AND PART TIME EMPLOYEES.” Councilmember Cortese seconded the resolution. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wagner moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:30 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk