City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held May 2nd, 2024, at 7:33 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 Wagner discussed Positive Pathways Counseling request for funding. They are a non-profit organization that provides mental health services to adolescents residing in Morris Plains who attend Morristown High School. Mayor Karr stated there is a contribution every year and Municipal Alliance also contributes. Councilmember Goddard stated Downtown Morris Plains Pumpkin Illumination will be held on October 25th and have been in contact with Chief Koroski. Downtown Morris Plains will present the event to the Council in a few months. Councilmember Bruhn discussed the retirement of Assistant DPW Superintendent, Leo Mulligan, and the need to hire 3 new DPW employees instead of 2 and would like approval from the Council. Cross discussion and Council gave approval. Councilmember Bruhn discussed the upcoming fishing contest and concerns about Watnong Park Pond where it was being located to. Cross discussion. Mayor Karr stated landscaping has been completed by the Rotary at the new Rotary sign on Route 53 and would like more banners ordered for Speedwell Avenue for the summer. Councilmember Goddard discussed Idlewild Pool and the next steps. Cross discussion regarding prices on upgrades needed at the pool. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 7:41 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-81 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:32 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 8:32 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held May 2, 2024 at 8:37 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, Executive and Regular Meetings of April 4, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. 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 April 18, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmembers Cortese and Goddard APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: Resolution 2024-82 entitled, “2024 BUDGET EXAMINATION PROGRAM.” Resolution 2024-83 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FY25 CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING PROGRAM SPONSORED BY CONGRESSWOMAN MIKIE SHERRILL FOR THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS JOHNSON ROAD SEWER PUMPING STATION REPLACEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,999,200.” Resolution 2024-84 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FY25 CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING PROGRAM SPONSORED BY CONGRESSWOMAN MIKIE SHERRILL FOR THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS REPLACE SEWER FORCE MAINS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,790,586.” The resignation of Ciara Holland, Police Records Clerk be accepted, effective May 3, 2024. The retirement of Alfred L. Mulligan, Assistant Superintendent, Department of Public Works, be accepted, effective October 1, 2024. Kevin O’Keefe, 77 Mountain Way, Morris Plains be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91 per hour, effective May 3, 2024. The Borough Council approve Officer Vincent Zarrillo’s request for Family Medical Leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and use accumulated paid leave during this period. Jessica Dobson Photography be granted permission to take family photos at Roberts Garden on Saturday, May 4th from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. The Mayor be authorized to sign a contract with the NeighborHood Farm, LLC for targeted goat grazing at Community Park for June in the amount of $1,650.00. Riley Camoia of Mt. Olive Township, be approved as a summer intern in the Police Department effective May 5, 2024.  Having received quotes for the 2024 Family Day events and rides from the following: Party Perfect Rentals, LLC $9,737.50 Any Excuse for a Party, Inc. $10,005.00 Lucky Star Amusements No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Party Perfect Rentals, L.L.C. 312 Squankum Yellowbrook Road, Farmingdale, NJ in the amount of $9,737.50. The Morris Plains Rotary be granted permission to relocate “Uncle Frank’s Fishing Contest” which is being held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 7:00am to 10:30am from Community Park Pond to Watnong Park Pond. Having received quotes for the 2024 Block Dance from the following: Any Excuse for a Party, Inc. $3,500.00 Party Time Rentals $3,775.00 That a purchase order be issued to Any Excuse for a Party, Inc., 16 Gloria Lane, Fairfield, NJ in the amount of $3,500.00. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. 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 and seeing no one, he closed this public portion of the meeting. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Wagner reported the budget will be adopted this evening and thanked Ana Thomas for working with everyone throughout the year. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported on meetings with the architect regarding the expansion of Borough Hall/Police Department. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on medical calls, foot patrols, motor vehicle crashes and bike patrol. He also reported 87 pounds were collected at the drug take back. Chief Koroski thanked Ciara Holland for her time working as the police records clerk. Councilmember Bruhn commented on and appreciated the interaction Officer Shaw had with the students while attending a Teen Center event. Mayor Karr reported the Library shredding event was very successful. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported on a Beautification meeting and the wonderful job the members are doing maintaining 22 spots in the Borough. He also reported a request by the Garden Club to mow the area on the left side of Littleton Road near Braircliff Commons where they would like to create a pollinator garden. Mr. Bruhn reported the DPW serviced vehicles, cut grass, planted trees, collected brush and worked on the pool. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Goddard reported Downtown Morris Plains is holding a bike rack design contest and the winner will be announced in the Fall. Discussions with DPW, zoning officer and insurance needs are in progress. Downtown Morris Plains is looking for volunteers; please reach out if you are interested. Councilmember Goddard reported summer camp registration opened April 29 th and there is a target date of June 15th to open the pool. She also reported due to numerous requests the baby pool area will now be opened at 11:00 am. Councilmember Goddard reported on the Shade Tree’s Arbor Day presentation at Mountain Way School at which the Borough Beaver was in attendance. Mayor Karr announced the Borough Beaver will also be in this year’s Memorial Day Parade. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported on the Earth Day event at the Community Garden where weeding and mulching the pathways took place and thanked all the groups and volunteers who were involved. She reported on Municipal Alliance activities and that the next Board of Health meeting will be May 8th. Ms. Verga reported the jobs have been posted for Teen Center Coordinator and Teen Center Supervisor, board members and chaperones are still needed and there is an upcoming meeting with new board members. She also reported the bulk waste contract is expiring at the end of this year and RFP’s will be sent out to bid on the next contract. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported on a Film Ready Workshop which can bring economic benefits and attract companies to the Borough. Pictures can be submitted which will be reviewed to be used in movies and on location filming. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. NEW BUSINESS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Adoption of 2024 Budget Mayor Karr gave a brief overview of the 2024 Budget. The Mayor announced that the meeting was open for a public hearing on the budget. Seeing no one, Mayor Karr closed this public hearing on the budget. Councilmember Wagner moved Resolution 2024-85 entitled, “ADOPTION OF 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET” in the amount of $12,940,840.64 Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Ms. Valerie Dolan, auditor Nisovaccia, made a brief statement regarding the budget. Ms. Ana Thomas, CFO, thanked Ms. Dolan and all of the department heads for all of their help with this year’s budget. Mayor Karr thanked Ms. Thomas and Ms. Dolan for all of their help. Mayor Karr thanked all of the Councilmembers and department heads. Councilmember Wagner thanked Tracy Rooney for all of her support and stated the user friendly budget will be posted online. VOUCHERS Councilmember Wagner moved the vouchers for May 2, 2024 in the amount of $73,901.85, seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Goddard EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 9:11 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-86 titled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 9:30 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. REGULAR MEETING REOPENED RESOLUTIONS Resolution 2024-87 entitled, “RESOLUTION AMENDING THE POSITION OF FIRE PREVENTION OFFICIAL OF THE BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION AND/OR CHIEF OF THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU TO A FULL-TIME POSITION” moved by Councilmember Bruhn, seconded by Councilmember Goddard Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Resolution 2024-88 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPOINTING CHRISTOPHER SHAY TO THE FULL-TIME POSITION OF FIRE PREVENTION OFFICIAL OF THE BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION AND/OR CHIEF OF THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU” moved by Councilmember Wagner, seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: Councilmember Kelly Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:36 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk