City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held May 16th, 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 Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Cathie Kelly Dennis Wagner Absent: Art Bruhn Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Kelly spoke about summertime banners to hang from the posts along Speedwell Avenue. Cross discussion. Councilmember Verga gave an update on the Board of Health ordinance on cats and the current cat population problem on Franklin Avenue. Cross discussion. Mayor Karr stated the ordinance has been successful, but pockets pop up. Cross discussion on Board of Health suggestions to amend the current ordinance and nuisance complaint language. Mayor Karr spoke about an application and letter of support for solar panels on 900 American Road which will benefit power for the affordable housing building. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 8:02 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-89 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:31 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wagner moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:31 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held May 16, 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 May 2, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Borough Clerk, April 2024 Animal Licensing, April 2024 Grant Writer, April 2024 Municipal Court, April 2024 Police Department, April 2024 Animal Control, April 2024 Building Inspector, April 2024 Tax Collector, April 2024 Resolution 2024-90 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE BPU COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION GRANT PROGRAM FOR PURCHASING HYBRID VEHICLES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND SENIOR TRANSPORTATION.” Resolution 2024-91 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE BPU COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION GRANT PROGRAM FOR EV CHARGING STATIONS LOCATED AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER AND WATNONG PARK.” Resolution 2024-92 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE VERDIN COMPANY FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF THE BOROUGH CLOCK FOR $27, 686.00. Resolution 2024-93 entitled, “THE PUPPY RESCUE MISSION RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 343-24.” Having polled the Council on May 8, 2024, Deann Carroll, 44 Old Wood Road was hired as Police Records Clerk at an annual salary of $29,000.00 pro-rated effective immediately, not to exceed 3 months and the Police Department was authorized to advertise for the position of Police Records Clerk. Craig Rolfe, 7 Juniper Drive, Cedar Knolls, be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91 per hour, effective June 3, 2024 pending the results of a background check. Roy Chavez-Orellana, 2 Martin Luther King Ave, Morristown, be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at a rate of $21.91 per hour, effective June 3, 2024 pending the results of a background check. Morris Plains Community Band, be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a band picnic to be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Community Park Pavilion.  Zachary Szelc, 39 Canfield Place, be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a graduation party picnic to be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Community Park Pavilion. The Recreation Summer Camp Counselors attached be hired at the rate and date stated for the 2024 Summer Camp Program. The Program Instructors attached be hired for the Recreation Summer Enhancement program at the position, rate and session date stated for the 2024 Summer programs. The Community Park Pool Employees attached be hired for the Pool Season at the position, salary and date stated for the 2024 season. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for demolition of three structures located at 1 Jim Fear Drive, with bids to be received on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, up to 10:30 A.M., in the Council Chambers. Friendly Sons of St. Patrick be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a family picnic to be held Sunday June 9, 2024 from 8:00am to dusk at Community Park Pavilion. Celeste Denman be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a family reunion to be held Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 1:00pm to Dusk at Community Park Pavilion. Anthony Lagalante, Senior Truck Driver in the Department of Public Works, be granted a $300.00 increase in his base salary prorated May 16, 2024 for the successful completion of Introduction to Electrical Trades at Morris County School of Technology. Nick Mosuriak , Truck Driver in the Department of Public Works be granted a $300.00 increase in his base salary prorated May 16, 2024 for the successful completion of Introduction to Electrical Trades at Morris County School of Technology. Having received public bids for Contract 2024.02, for Improvements to Lealand Road, Cedar Avenue, Laurel Street, Hillside Court East, Allen Place, Wyckoff Way, Jaqui Avenue, Sun Valley Way and Freight Station Ramp, that a contract be awarded to D&L Paving Contractors, Inc. for their low bid of $564,106.37, subject to the Borough Attorney’s review of the bid documents. Steven Zattor, 26 Karla Drive, Whippany, be hired for seasonal help in the Department of Public Works at an hourly rate of $15.13 effective May 20, 2024. The period of time for the Borough to accept applications for the positions of Teen enter Coordinator and Teen Center Supervisor shall be extended through July 12, 2024. The Community Park Pool Administrative Employees attached be hired for the Pool Season at the position, salary and date stated for the 2024 season. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None Mayor Karr stated Councilmember Bruhn and Chief Koroski are absent this evening. PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Gerry Sittman, 1 Thompson Way, wanted to extend his thanks and appreciation to Chief Koroski and the Morris Plains Police Department for their participation in the funeral of retired Police Chief Steve Gallagher. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Wagner reported the Clerk’s Office is working on OPRA requests, food establishment licenses and election preparations. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported the Police Department will be conducting “Click it or Ticket” starting Monday, parade preparations are underway and National Night Out at Community Park will be on August 6th. He also reported the Police Chief’s vehicle will be ready next week, all fire trucks are operational and a recent call with the architect regarding the Police Department expansion. Public Works In Councilmember Bruhn’s absence, Councilmember Goddard reported the DPW is working on parade preparations, added topsoil to the flower tubs for the Garden Club, and prepared Watnong Park for the fishing contest. Engineer Report Mr. Ryden reported once the contracts are approved by the Borough Attorney for the various road project, the contract will be awarded and a preconstruction meeting will be scheduled. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Goddard reported on a call with Councilmember Verga and the Morris County Park Commission regarding a trail grant that will be resubmitted. She also reported on the Farmers Market and an upcoming breakfast with Provident Bank, their biggest sponsor. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported on a Board of Health meeting; the County will be hosting a Family Health Day at the Community Center on June 15 th where health screenings and lead screenings will be available. She also reported on health inspections, the possibility of 2 new board members and discussed an amendment to the cat roaming ordinance. Ms. Verga reported on upcoming Municipal Alliance and Teen Center events and new board member meeting. Ms. Verga reported on a meeting with the Morris Township Transportation Advisory meeting regarding best practices for the design of streets to include scooters, bikes, and wheelchairs and for all to have the same degree of equality. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported on a Planning Board application for completeness that will be moved to the June meeting. She also reported the Girl Scouts received approval from the Girl Scout Council for a project at Simons Park that they will share with the Council at a future meeting. Councilmember Goddard reported on the Girl Scout Awards banquet. 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. 4 - 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $665,000.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY Councilmember Cortese seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Kelly offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on May 16, 2024 and passed on First Reading.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on June 6, 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. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Wagner moved the vouchers for May 16, 2024 in the amount of $2,141,837.86, seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:00 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk