City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held February 1st 2024, 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 2024; WHICH RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL ON JANUARY 4th 2024, 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: Nancy Verga, Council President Art Bruhn arrived at 7:34 pm Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Cathie Kelly Dennis Wagner Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Verga spoke about the upcoming Community Challenge Grant and asked for ideas on what the grant could be used for. She also stated the Community Energy Plan is at the next phase to apply for grant money. This money can be used for additional EV charging stations at Community Park and Borough Hall or for hybrid or electric police vehicles. Councilmember Verga requested to answer questions posed at the last meeting about the Fire Prevention Official position as the Council is ready to vote on that issue. Mayor Karr stated a vote cannot be made at this time. Cross discussion. Attorney Horan stated a Councilmember can make a motion for a vote. Councilmember Bruhn read a statement in regards to the history and support of the Fire Department. Councilmember Wagner stated salary discussion needs to be in executive session. Attorney Horan stated this conversation is to make a part time position full time and does not include parameters to discuss salary or specific personnel, which would need to be discussed in executive session. Attorney Horan asked if the motion on the table is to make Fire Marshall a full time position? Ms. Verga replied yes. Further Cross Discussion Mayor Karr stated dedication of the Fire Department that is given by the volunteers is outstanding. Councilmember Bruhn read a statement in regards to the Borough form of government. Attorney Horan asked Ms. Verga if the motion she presented is to make the fire inspector position full time is on the table. Ms. Verga replied yes. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Wagner Nays: Kelly Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr stated the vote was premature. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 8:18 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-35 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:40 P.M. Councilmember Goddard moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:40 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 February 1, 2024 at 8:42 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 None. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Treasurer, December 2023 Resolution 2024-36 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GOVERNORS COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE FISCAL GRANT CYCLE OCTOBER 2020-JUNE 2025.” Resolution 2024-37 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FUNDING MUNICIPAL ALLIANCES.” Resolution 2024-38 entitled, “RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT THE MORRIS PLAINS COMMUNITY ENERGY GRANT.” Resolution 2024-39 entitled, “MUNICIPAL RECYCLING TONNAGE GRANT APPLICATION BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Resolution 2024-40 entitled, “HSA MORRIS PLAINS RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 340- 24.” Resolution 2024-41 entitled, “RESOLUTION ADOPTING A TEMPORARY CAPITAL BUDGET FOR 2024.” Resolution 2024-42 entitled, “RESOLUTION AMENDING THE EXISTING ‘PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL,” OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, DATED JANUARY 2024, WITH AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION THREE: PAID AND UNPAID TIME OFF (PAID HOLIDAYS) OF THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK”. Michael Allatta, 8 Drake Way, Morris Plains be hired as Part-time Deputy Court Administrator at the hourly rate of $30.30, effective February 2, 2024. Jared Hopping, 96 MacCulloch Ave, Morristown be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91 per hour, effective February 5, 2024 pending the results of a background check. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick be granted permission to parade through a portion of the Borough on Saturday, February 17, 2024 and that the Police Department provide the necessary support. Ron Young, 113 Glenbrook Road be granted permission to hold a block party on the Glenbrook Rd. extension from the intersection at Homer to Central on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 10:00A.M. to 1:00P.M. Further permission to serve alcoholic beverages be granted. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades. 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, February 28, 2024, up to 10:30 A.M., in the Council Chambers. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak: Frank Mangravite, 35 Janeway Place, stated the process to make the Fire Official position full time has been slow. John Claffey, 12 Mayfair Road, reported he had an issue with a home in the neighborhood, 11 Mayfair Road. His neighbor is renting a single family home and it appears the tenant is constructing rooms in the basement and placed an ad on Facebook to rent other rooms in the home. There have been no permits obtained and it is a safety issue. Mayor Karr stated he was notified by the residents and had the Deputy Clerk send out the Landlord Identity Statement, spoke with the Zoning Officer and Fire Official who were unaware of construction. The owner came to Borough Hall to file the Landlord Identity Statement this afternoon and contacted Chris Shay for inspection to make an appointment. The same tenant has been there since 2019. His wife passed away and her cousin has moved in with her children. The owner has also talked to the tenant about removing the Facebook post and it has been removed. Steve Flanagan, 15 Mayfair Road, said he does not have an issued with the tenants or owner of the home, but is concerned about the ad on Facebook and has seen many people roaming around the property. Mr. Flanagan is sure there are zoning laws for a single family home and these laws need to be enforced. Mayor Karr stated it has been reported, but nothing has been seen. Mr. Flanagan asked if there could be spot inspections? He is worried about space heaters being used; their houses are very close. Matt Scollante, owner of 11 Mayfair Road apologized for all of the trouble and agreed with everything that was stated. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Wagner reported 407 dogs and cats were licensed in January, 95 parking permits were issued. He also reported on a meeting with the CFO and both the annual debt and annual financial statements were filed and the budget workshop meetings are in March. Mr. Wagner reported the tax collection rate for 2023 was 99.29%. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported February is Black History Month. He also reported on a meeting with the Police Chief, Traffic Committee issues and a meeting with Downtown Morris Plains. Mr. Cortese explained why the hiring of a part time court administrator is on the agenda and the stated the new Personnel Policey and Procedure Manual was distributed. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on a public safety meeting and 2024 budget and plans. He also reported he has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Boy Scouts of America. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported the DPW worked on vehicle maintenance, collected trash in the parks, completed Christmas tree pick up, did pothole repair, removed Christmas lights and painted inside town buildings. He also reported the 4 antique lights by the Fire Department bay doors were removed by the DPW and will be refurbished by a company in Livingston. Mr. Bruhn reported a new DPW employee was hired and that two DPW employees will attend electrical school. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Goddard reported on the kick off of the 2024 Farmers Market season. She also reported pool registration for Community Park Pool will be open on March 1st and DPW will start preparations for the pool season and the hope is to have the pool open earlier this year. Ms. Goddard reported the first Memorial Day Parade meeting was held last week. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported the MUA hazardous waste drop off dates were announced, she also reported on a meeting with the CFO regarding the sewer contract and that the cost increase for sewer treatment will be going up due to new homes in town. Ms. Verga reported the sanitation contract for solid waste is expiring this year and information on bidding the contract will be going out. She also reported on an upcoming Municipal Alliance meeting, community clean up in April, the Teen Center Valentines Dance and that there is a shortage of Teen Center Board members and chaperones. Ms. Verga reported on the Community Energy Grant plan. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported on mandatory training she attended for new Planning Board members and an upcoming storm water ordinance that needs to be filed with the State in March. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES Councilmember Kelly introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE 1-2024 BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF VARIOUS ROADS IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $684,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $649,800 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH FOR FINANCING SUCH APPROPRIATION. Councilmember Verga seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly. Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Kelly offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on February 1, 2024 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on February 15, 2024 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 Wagner seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Wagner moved the vouchers for February 1, 2024 in the amount of $1,405,903.00 seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 9:20 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-43 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:02 P.M. Councilmember Goddard moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:02 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk