City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held February 15th 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 Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Cathie Kelly Absent: Dennis Wagner Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr stated Councilmember Wagner is absent due to illness. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 7:32 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-44 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:26 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:26 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held February 15, 2024 at 8:32 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 Verga moved: THAT the minutes of the Conference and Regular Meetings of January 18, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Wagner Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Police Department, January 2024 Municipal Court January 2024 Borough Clerk, January 2024 Animal Licensing, January 2024 Sanitarian, January 2024 Grant Writer January 2024 Animal Control, January 2024 Tax Collector, January 2024 Treasurer, January 2024 Building Inspector, January 2024 Resolution 2024-45 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY FOR THE 2024-2026 SPOTTED LANTERN FLY TREATMENT PROGRAM.” Resolution 2024-46 entitled, “RESOLUTION ENTITLED FIRST LIMO CAR SERVICE, LLC LIMOUSINE DRIVER LICENSE NO. LD1-MS-2024.” Resolution 2024-47 entitled, “ROTARY CLUB OF MORRIS PLAINS RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 341-24.” Resolution 2024-48 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO MORRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM-DAVENPORT VILLAGE.” Resolution 2024-49 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECT FUNDING 2024, PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY ALONG ROUTE 53 – 00048.” Resolution 2024-50 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LOCAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION.” Resolution 2024-51 entitled, “RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, COUNTY OF MORRIS, OPPOSING ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 4/SENATE BILL NO. 50, WHICH PROPOSES TO OVERHAUL THE FAIR HOUSING ACT (“FHA”) IN A WAY THAT IMPOSES UNREALISTIC OBLIGATIONS WITH UNREALISTIC DEADLINES BASED UPON ONEROUS STANDARDS.” Resolution 2024-52 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RESPONSE TO THE STEP 2 PBA GRIEVANCE FILED BY OFFICER FERRIS REGARDING PROMOTION APPEAL AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE IT ON BEHALF OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL.” The Borough Council authorize the release and return of the $20,000 Letter of Credit No. FGAC-20359 to US Home Corp. DBA Lennar, pursuant to the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated February 5, 2024. The Mayor be authorized to sign the Police Departments application for the 2024 Distracted Driving Crackdown Grant.  Having received quotes for 2024 water treatment to Community Park Pond and Watnong Pond from the following: Lake Management Services Community Park Pond $2,094.00 includes NJDEP permit Watnong Park Pond $1,804.00 includes NJDEP permit Princeton Hydro Community Park Pond No Quote Watnong Park Pond No Quote A purchase order be issued to Lake Management Services, P.O. Box 2395, Branchville, New Jersey in the amount of $3,898.00. PUBLIC HEARING Soil Disturbance Application; Sandeep and Nikita Punjani, owner 4 Kosakowski Drive represented by Rosemary Stone-Dougherty, Esq. and Rocco Marrucci, Engineer. Ms. Stone-Dougherty and Mr. Marrucci gave an overview of the construction plans on 4 Kosakowski Drive and the removal and placement of soil. Mr. Ryden indicated that the soil disturbance application is in order and completed and recommends the council approve this application. Moved by Councilmember Verga. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Wagner Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared this application approved. PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak: Jason Hayday, 17 Dogwood Road, showed pictures from the summer where soil erosion was present. Mr. Hayday stated there were not fences or hay bales present and he is concerned these procedures will not take place. Mayor Karr stated the owners have a soil permit from Morris County and have to follow the rules regarding erosion which will be monitored by our Engineer. Attorney Horan stated the pictures are to be labeled P1, P2 and P3 and will be on file in the Clerk’s Office. Frank Mangravite, 35 Janeway Place, spoke about the sewage system from the 1960’s that has been problematic over the years. He requested the system be filmed from Honeywell to Quick Chek so the town can see the condition of the pipes. Mr. Mangravite stated John Signorelli, DPW Superintendent, would also like the system along Sun Valley Way to the railroad station filmed also. Engineer Bill Ryden stated he has to verify the jurisdiction of the lines which may belong to Hanover Township or Morris Township. Mr. Mangravite requested the generator at the pump station on Johnson Road be upgraded to a generator that can run off of the natural gas line on Johnson Road instead of diesel. After super storm Sandy, there was an issue with getting diesel to the generator. Lastly, Mr. Mangravite inquired about sewer reports to the DEP. Mr. Ryden stated he completes a general status report monthly. Mr. Mangravite stated someone in the Borough should receive a copy of these reports. Armann Joshi, Boy Scout Troop 39, is attending tonight’s meeting to obtain 2 merit badges to prepare for becoming an Eagle Scout. Mayor Karr, Councilmembers, Attorney Horan, Engineer Ryden and Clerk Rosanne Denman gave an overview of their duties in the Borough. Mayor Karr thanked Armann for attending the meeting and Armann stated he would like some of the younger scouts to attend a meeting in the future. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance In the absence of Councilmember Wagner, no report was given. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported on a committee meeting with the police chief and Dave Schulz from the Board of Adjustment regarding the expansion of the police station and on the application for the Distracted Driving grant. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on the ARRIVE pilot program in which the Borough Police Department is participating. He also reported on community policing and upcoming Coffee with a Cop to be held in the common rooms at the new Tabor Road and American Road developments. Chief Koroski reported on CPR classes for recreation coaches, police department renovations and the 2024 distracted driving campaign. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported the recent snowstorm kept the DPW busy. He also reported the DPW worked on vehicle maintenance, picked up garbage in parks, painted, did a spring cleanup at Simons Park and brush pick up. Engineer Report Mr. Bill Ryden reported there was a delay on warehouse construction on Route 53 which will now start in the beginning of March. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Goddard reported the new playground equipment at Simons Park has been installed and new equipment for Community Park is needed. She also reported on pricing for fencing around the Pickleball courts, quotes for bleachers at field 2 and drainage issues on field 2. Ms. Goddard reported on partnerships with neighboring entities including Red Oak School using our turf fields and Lakeland YMCA renting the Community Pool for 2 weeks in August during the morning hours. She also reported Arbor Day at Mountain Way School will take place April 26th. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported due to the snow storm recycling pick-up has been rescheduled for this Saturday and the recycling center will be open as usual. Ms. Verga reported the Board of Health now has a town email address, health@morrisplainsboro.org She also reported blood pressure screenings will take place the 2nd Monday of every month at the Community Center and the 4 th Wednesday of every month at the Morris Plains Library. Ms. Verga reported on Municipal Alliance programs, Stage Fun, LEAD, coffee house and Around the World food festival on May 17th. She also reported community clean up is scheduled the week of April 21- April 27th. Ms. Verga reported on the Teen Center Valentine’s Day Dance, and upcoming 6th grade events. She also reported there is a need for Teen Center board positions. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported the Planning Board application for Weichert property, Highline Marketplace, in which phase one was approved. Ms. Kelly reported the seniors meet the 2nd Monday of every month. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Kelly read by title the ordinance entitled: 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. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on February 1, 2024. 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 Kelly 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 Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Wagner Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Karr stated new obligations for affordable housing will take affect in 2025 and he would like to appoint the following to an Affordable Housing Committee: Suzanne McCluskey, Frank Druetzler, David Schulz, Joan Goddard, Cathie Kelly, Ed Buzak, Liz Leheny and Bill Ryden. Attorney Horan stated the By-Laws require a vote. Ms. Goddard stated this appointment should have been announced before the meeting in accordance with the By-Laws. Attorney Horan stated a discussion should be made before appointing a new committee due to limitations as to what can be discussed in public. Committees are appointed by the Mayor with Council approval. Cross discussion Mayor Karr stated he will get the names to everyone so there can be a discussion. VOUCHERS Councilmember Verga moved the vouchers for February 15th, 2024 in the amount of $1,784,764.99, seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Wagner Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 9:33 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-53 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 9:50 P.M. Councilmember Verga moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:50 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk