City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held March 21st 2024, at 7:35 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 Dennis Wagner Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Verga reported a draft update to the code of conduct for staff, Volunteers and Program Participants has been circulated. Mayor Karr reported new planters have been order for Speedwell Avenue to replace the current metal planters and the hose at the Community Garden is being extended to where the new trees were planted. The Whippany River Regional Improvement received $500,000.00 from Mikie Sherrill for phase 2 along the Whippany River. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 7:40 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-62 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:32 P.M. Councilmember Cortese moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:32 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 March 21, 2024 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 Verga moved: THAT the minutes of the Budget Meeting of March 1, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Councilmember Verga moved: THAT the minutes of the Conference, Executive and Regular Meetings of March 7, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Police Department, February 2024 Sanitarian, February 2024 Animal Control, February 2024 Building Inspector, February 2024 Borough Clerk, February 2024 Animal Licensing, February 2024 Tax Collector, February 2024 Treasurer, February 2024 Resolution 2024-63 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FY25 CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING PROGRAM SPONSORED BY SENATOR CORY BOOKER FOR THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS JOHNSON ROAD SEWER PUMPING STATION REPLACEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,999,200.00.” Resolution 2023-64 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FY25 CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING PROGRAM SPONSORED BY SENATOR CORY BOOKER FOR THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS TO REPLACE SEWER FORCE MAINS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,790,586.00.” Resolution 2024-65 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE T-MOBILE HOMETOWN GRANT PROGRAM FOR $32,733.50 TOWARDS THE TEEN CENTER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.” Resolution 2024-66 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT FOR EXTAORDINARY UNSPECIFIABLE SERVICES.” Resolution 2024-67 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT FOR WEBSITE SERVICES TO AGILE WEBSITE FOR APRIL 1, 2024 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2025 AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN SAME.” Resolution 2024-68 entitled, “CANCEL UNEXPENDED AND DEDICATED BALANCES OF GENERAL CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS.” Resolution 2024-69 entitled, “REDEMPTION RESOLUTION BLOCK NO. 194 LOT NO. 14 REDEEM 3RD PARTY TAX LIEN.” Resolution 2024-70 entitled, “CANCELLATION OF BALANCE AND OVERPAYMENTS LESS THAN $10.00” The authorization to issue a purchase order to Park Warehouse, 7495 W. Atlantic Ave., Suite #200-294, Delray Beach, FL in the amount of $8,278.94 for their low quote of $8,278.94 for bleacher upgrades for Community Parks be rescinded. Having received quotes for bleacher upgrades for Community Parks from the following: Park Warehouse $14,777.91 Gopher $20,788.03 Ben Shaffer Recreation $18,715.42 A purchase order be issued to Park Warehouse, 7495 W. Atlantic Ave., Suite #200-294, Delray Beach, FL in the amount of $14,777.91. The resignation of Philip Dattolo, Laborer DPW be accepted, effective March 27, 2024. The (DPW) Department of Public Works be authorized to advertise for the position of Laborer. Having received quotes for pickle ball court fences from the following: All Fence Company, LLC $7,480.00 Bergen Fence $7,998.00 Troy Fence No quote That a purchase order be issued to All Fence Company, LLC 26 Emmett Avenue, Morristown, NJ in the amount of $7,480.00. Having requested and received quotes for a two (2) year maintenance contract for the Borough generators from the following: Genserve Quarterly Inspections $265.00 per visit per unit Work Rate – Reg Hrs Mon/Fri $245.00/hr Weekends & Evenings $368.00/hr $490/hr Sunday w 4hour minimum Emergency Work Rate Same as above-Based on time of day Kraft Power Quarterly Inspections $250.00 per visit per unit Work Rate – Reg Hrs Mon/Fri $150.00/hr Weekends & Evenings $225.00/hr Emergency Work Rate $285.00/hr Auriemma Electric No Quote A purchase order be issued to Kraft Power, 241 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ at the amount stated. Ella Seborowski, 7 Orchard St., Morris Plains, be appointed a volunteer Student Intern in the office of the Finance Department, May 20, 2024 through June 19, 2024. Borough Council authorize the release and return of engineering review/inspection fees to the following applicants in the amount stated per the Borough Engineers Correspondence: Sunrise Assisted Living $400.80 Miller Espinosa (Road Opening Permit#959) $38.83 DCI Homes $40.24 Franceska Ecker $685.44 Brian Sebak (Road Opening Permit#937) $6.50 Donald Geary $618.30 The Mayor be authorized to sign the Police Departments application for the 2024 Click it or Ticket Mobilization Department of Highway and Traffic Safety Grant. Permission be granted for the Morris Plains Farmers Market to be conducted Saturdays, June 8th 2024 through October 12th 2024 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a Holiday Market scheduled for November 30, 2024 in the Merchant Block and that the Department of Public Works will supply the necessary barricades. That Summer Harrison, 2 Maple Ave be appointed to the Roberts Garden Commission to fill the unexpired term of Maggie Walsh which expires 12/31/2025. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Dave Kosakowski, 4 Drake Way, discussed the tree removal project on Route 53 adjacent to Drake Way. He wanted to know the plan for the replanting of the area, the route for tractor trailers and use of Jake Brakes when the warehouses open. Mayor Karr state the Shade Tree is involved with replanting of the trees which will be completed once the front is regraded. In regard to Jake Brakes there can be an ordinance in the future, however, Route 53 is a State road. Sydney Demezzo, 123 Mountain Way, reported on a feral cat problem in the area of Mountain Way and Franklin Place. In one week Ms. Demezzo trapped 11 kittens and 5 cats. She is working with Animal Control Solutions to have the cat’s TNR and paid the $55.00 fee. Ms. Demezzo asked to consider an ordinance that would allow a TNR program in the Borough and submitted sample ordinances from other towns who have TNR program. Mayor Karr stated this is the first he is hearing of an issue and the Borough has tried TNR program in the past and it was problematic. Mayor Karr asked Ms. Demezzo to give copies of the ordinances to the Borough Clerk. Councilmember Verga stated this was discussed at the last Board of Health meeting and they are not opposed to changing the ordinance as this is a Best Practice for controlling the problem. Cross discussion. Heather Buchma, 41 Franklin Place, is working with Ms. Demezzo and agrees that something needs to be done and quickly to get this issue under control. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Wagner reported the Clerk’s Office sent out pool applications, parking permits and is buy preparing for the Primary Election. He also reported on the 2nd budget workshop meeting and stated that user friendly budgets are on the Borough’s website. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported on meetings with the Fire Chief and Police Chief and Coffee with a Cop is on March 23rd. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported on calls for the year, mandatory training that was completed, fire house cleanup, apparatus and equipment review, training with Mount Tabor Fire Department, the Morristown parade and grants. He also reported on the passing of Pearl Law who was on Ladies Auxiliary for 60 years. Chief Rongo reported on new OSHA guidance and also reported the fire whistle fell from strong winds in February. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on CPR training for baseball coaches and Law Enforcement Night at Mennen Arena. He also reported on upcoming drug take back and senior meetings. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported the DPW serviced vehicles, collected garbage at parks, completed upgrades to 555 Speedwell Avenue and the Teen Center. He also reported on drainage upgrades to Field 2, tree trimming, and preparing the Little League snack stand and bathrooms. Engineer Report Mr. Ryden reported on the capital road projects and that the Tabor Road project is underway and soil will be moving soon. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Goddard reported ash trees were removed at 8 homes and residents expressed their desire to plant new trees. She reported Downtown Morris Plains is looking for board members and help with events and that they met with Evernorth Corporate Community Outreach. Ms. Goddard reported the Easter Bunny will be arriving on the fire truck to 3 locations on Sunday, March 24th, registration for Community Park Pool is open and summer camp online registration is opening April 22nd. Woodham Korean BBQ was rated top 19 Korean BBQ in the State. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported the Board of Health conducted an immunization audit on the Co-Op Playschool and 6th grade and they were in compliance. She also reported on food establishment inspections and a meeting with convenience stores regarding a banned ingredient in energy drinks and that April 1-April 7th is National Public Health Week. Ms. Verga reported on Municipal Alliance Stage Fun, Mental Health First Aid and Around the World Food Festival. She also reported on Teen Center events and DPW completed repairs and removed outdated furniture and broken items from the house. Teen Center is looking for board members. Lastly, Ms. Verga reported this month is Woman’s History Month. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported on the Planning Board meeting in which the Weichert resolution was adopted. 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 NO. _3-2024 AN ORDINANCE REVISING THE STORMWATER CONTROL ORDINANCE, SECTION 13-4.16 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS Councilmember Verga seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner 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 March 21, 2024 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on April 18, 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 Councilmember Kelly read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE 2-2024 CALENDAR YEAR 2024 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14) which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on March 7, 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, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Wagner moved the vouchers for March 21, 2024 in the amount of $497,916.77, 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 9:32 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-71 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:00 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:00 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk