City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held June 6th, 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 Absent: Dennis Wagner Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney PRESENTATION Chief Koroski presented officers with various awards. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked for availability of the Council to attend the Morris County Lifetime Achievement Awards honoring Chief Koroski. Mayor Karr stated the T- Mobile grant was not approved, but we received a grant for playground equipment at Watnong Park for $68,000.00. Councilmember Verga stated she wants to move forward with the Code of Conduct and get it distributed to the Boards. Ms. Verga asked for input on the cat roaming ordinance and spoke about who is responsible for revaccinating the cats in the current colonies. Councilmember Kelly stated the summer banners have been ordered. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 7:59 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-94 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:22 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:25 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held June 6, 2024 at 8:30 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 16, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Wagner Abstain: Councilmember Bruhn APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Municipal Court, May 2024 Police Department, May 2024 Borough Treasurer, April 2024 Resolution 2024-95 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE APPLICATION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING, CALENDAR YEAR 2024.” Resolution 2024-96 entitled, “DORE ART CORPORATION A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-33-001-003.” Resolution 2024-97 entitled, “JO-LYN LIQUORS, INC. A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-44-003-003.” Resolution 2024-98 entitled, “WATNONG POST NO. 3401, A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-31-006-002.” Resolution 2024-99 entitled, “NOFITO, LLC A.B.C. STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-33-004-003 (IN POCKET)” Resolution 2024-100 entitled, “KRIS INVESTMENTS, LLC A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-44-002-007” Resolution 2024-101 entitled, “Morris Plains 1, LLC A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-33-005-009 (IN POCKET)” Resolution 2024-102 entitled, “REDEMPTION RESOLUTION BLOCK NO. 11 LOT 2.01 0REDEEM 3RD PARTY TAX LIEN” Resolution 2024-103 entitled, “RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT OF LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH.” The Morris Plains Community Band be granted permission to hold five concerts at Roberts Garden on Wednesday August 7, August 14, August 21, and August 28, 2024 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute Contract 2024.02 to D&L Paving 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 in the amount of $564,106.37. Having polled the council on May 22, 2024, Mirela Alvarez, 250 Johnson Road, be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a birthday party to be held Sunday, May 26, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Community Park Pavilion. The highlighted Recreation Summer Camp Counselors attached be hired at the position, rate and date stated for the 2024 Summer Camp.  The employment of Steven Zattor 26 Karla Drive, Whippany, for seasonal help in the Department of Public Works at an hourly rate of $15.13 effective May 20, 2024 be rescinded. Matthew Hoeman, 6 Northview Drive, Morris Plains, be hired for seasonal help in the Department of Public Works at an hourly rate of $15.13 effective June 10, 2024. Having polled the council on May 20, 2024, DPW employees Christian Votapek and Andrew Lake were granted an excused absence while attending Fire Fighter I class from June 10, 2024 through July 12, 2024, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Matt & Stephanie Osborne, 38 Washington Avenue, be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a Birthday Party to be held Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 1:00pm to 4pm at Community Park Pavilion. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Michael P. Dugan, 31 Canfield Place, Morris Plains, as a member of the Morris Plains Fire Department. The highlighted Community Park Pool Employee attached be hired for the Pool Season at the position, salary and date stated for the 2024 season. Having received quotes to replace existing restroom plumbing fixtures at the Community Park pool from the following: Kosakowski Plumbing & Heating $12,735.00 Webster Plumbing $12,780.00 Cullen Plumbing $12,990.00 That a purchase order be issued to Kosakowski Plumbing & Heating, 5 Forest Drive, Morris Plains, NJ in the amount of $12,735.00. Jake Cahill, 9 Cleveland Avenue be hired as Summer Camp Director in the Recreation Department at the rate of $8,615.13 for the 2024 season. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Wagner Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Bill Grecco, 9 Higbie Way, was accompanied by Luis from the Plaza Diner. Mr. Grecco inquired about the Memorial Day Parade book regarding ads and donations and stated the Plaza Diner did not receive correspondence. Mayor Karr stated the donation/ad letters are mailed to all businesses, there was no oversight and he will make sure the Plaza Diner’s letter is hand delivered next year. Mr. Grecco then inquired about food trucks at the Farmers Market stating he feels they take business away from eateries in town on Speedwell Avenue. Councilmember Goddard stated no food trucks are scheduled to date, but there are 19 weeks of the Farmers Market and may be scheduled. The food trucks are not the intention of taking business away from storefronts on Speedwell Avenue; they are to increase foot traffic during the summer when many residents are away on vacation. Dave Kosakowski, 6 Drake Way, inquired about the construction on Route 53, the conservation easement and low water pressure on Drake Way. Mayor Karr offered to sit with Dave and the residents of Drake Way to go over any concerns. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance In the absence of councilmember Wagner no report was given. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported the Click It or Ticket awareness enforcement was successful. The Police Department is preparing for Family Day and Fireworks and National Night Out. Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Mark Belles gave the Fire Department report in the absence of Chief Rongo and updated on calls and the assists the fire department has been providing to surrounding towns. He thanked the council for approving two DPW workers who are also Fire Dept. members to attend fire school and reported two junior volunteers will also be attending school this summer. Police Department Chief Koroski thanked the Mayor and Council for allowing him to recognize his officers earlier this evening. He reported on calls, foot patrols at the train station, Click It or Ticket and the ARRIVE program. Chief Koroski reported on the placing of Pride flags with students and the annual Torch Run. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn’s reported the Department of Public Works completed preparations for the Memorial Day Parade, serviced vehicles, mulched the center of town, trimmed trees, ground stumps and made pool preparations. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Goddard reported Family Day and Fireworks is June 29th and in July summer concerts will take place at Roberts Garden. Ms. Goddard reported on the first Centennial Committee meeting, a Downtown Morris Plains meeting and the Pickleball fence was installed at Watnong Park. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported the next Board of Health meeting is June 12th and reported Family Health Day, sponsored by Morris County, is June 15th and will provide many screenings including lead. Ms. Verga gave updates on the cat issue on Franklin Avenue, and reported on 0 the Municipal Alliance budget, programs and LEAD graduation. Ms. Verga reported on Teen Center programs, job postings, Pride flags placed at Borough Hall and the trash collection contract, which will be going out to bid. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported the SMCMUA drinking water quality report is posted. Ms. Kelly reported transmission line inspections will be conducted by JCP&L starting next week. Ms. Kelly reported the Eagle Scout project Max Hamilton presented was not feasible. Max changed his project to refurbishing the APC, Armored Personnel Carrier, in front of VFW Post #3401 which is almost complete. Councilmember Goddard reported on the event which honored Rachel Sambrowski for all of her years as a Girl Scout Leader. Councilmember Kelly gave an overview of all of Ms. Sambrowski’s accomplishments. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES on second reading Councilmember Kelly read by title the ordinance entitled: 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on May 16, 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, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Wagner Abstain: Councilmember Bruhn Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for June 6, 2024 in the amount of $2,693,894.67, seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Wagner Abstain: None Councilmember Goddard read RESOLUTION 2024-103 “RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH” ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:24 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk