City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held July 18th, 2024, at 7:31 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 Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Cathie Kelly Dennis Wagner Absent: Councilmember Goddard Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Verga discussed the RFP for sanitation collection which is on tonight’s agenda that will include a hybrid option for collection with weekly collection to stay two times a week. Ms. Verga discussed the newly formed Green Team who are looking to recruit up to eight members. They will also be submitting an application to the Clean Energy Program of New Jersey which provides measures to reduce utility costs. Ms. Verga stated she did not receive copies of the tree ordinance on the agenda in enough time to review before introduction and she only received an ordinance on tonight’s agenda at 3:50 pm today and this is not enough time to review. Councilmember Wagner reported a schedule was circulated regarding the time of the year that certain banners should be displayed. He also discussed supporting Energized NJ programs 5-year plan and if all are in agreement we can adopt a resolution. Councilmember Kelly reported the purpose of the ordinance on introduction for storage of privately owned salt is to protect the environment. Councilmember Bruhn discussed the DPW interviews for selecting a DPW employee to attend classes for CPWM. Attorney Horan stated this will be discussed in executive session and formal action will be taken in the public meeting. Councilmember Cortese asked which department cleaning services should be placed under and stated it should be under Buildings and Grounds. Cross discussion. Cleaning services will be moved to Buildings and Grounds and report to DPW. Cross discussion on the cleaning of the bathrooms at fields at Community Park. Mayor Karr stated he will be attending the NJ Transit board meeting with Lieutenant McKay to discuss concerns and put on record the problems Morris Palins is having with the underpass flooding. One new pump was installed on Wednesday and on Friday it rained, no pumps were working and the underpass flooded. The Borough’s resources are being utilized with no support from NJ Transit. Mayor Karr discussed a meeting with the NJ DOT regarding the Route 10 widening from Route 53 to Route 202 and plans will be reviewed once received. Mayor Karr asked Councilmember Bruhn to discuss the spotted lantern fly grant with CFO Ana Thomas. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 7:52 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-111 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:31 P.M. Councilmember Verga moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:32 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 July 18, 2024 at 8:34 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. Moment of Silence for Dale Quinn who was a Borough employee for 30 years as a crossing guard. APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR Mayor Karr appointed the following persons to the office stated and the term specified: Board of Health Sean Keck-Mulligan, Alt. I 2 years Board of Health Kelly Burrows, Alt. II 2 years APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Verga moved: THAT the minutes of the Conference, Executive and Regular Meetings of June 20, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: Councilmember Verga APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Building Inspector, June 2024 Grant Writer, June 2024 Sanitarian, June 2024 Police Department, June 2024 Municipal Court, June 2024 Animal Control, June 2024 Borough Clerk, June 2024 Animal Licensing, June 2024 Fire Prevention, June 2024 Tax Collector, June 2024 Treasurer, June 2024 Resolution 2024-112 entitled, “ANNUAL AUDIT CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN.” Resolution 2024-113 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS TO NORTHVIEW DRIVE PROJECT.” Resolution 2024-114 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS TO GRANNISS AVENUE PROJECT.” Resolution 2024-115 entitled, “REDEMPTION RESOLUTION BLOCK NO. 39 LOT NO, 28 REDEEM 3RD PARTY TAX LIEN.” Resolution 2024-116 entitled, “P.L. 1994 CHAPTER 72, STATE OF NEW JERSEY.” Resolution 2024-117 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION TO OBTAIN A LUCAS 3 AUTOMATED COMPRESSION DEVICE COSTING APPROXIMATELY $20,015.” Resolution 2024-118 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE 2024 MORRIS COUNTY TRAIL CONSTRUCTION GRANT APPLICATION.” Resolution 2024-119 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING.” The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for Improvements to Glenbrook Road (NJDOT Grant) Contract No. 2023.01 in the  August 1, 2024 edition of the official Borough newspaper, with bids to be received on August 28, 2024, at 10:00 A.M., Council Chambers Borough Hall. The AAA NJ Division of Highway Safety grant awarded to the Morris Plains Police Department in the amount of $1,120.00 for pedestrian safety enforcement be accepted. The resignation of Jared Hopping, Laborer DPW be accepted, effective June 28, 2024. The highlighted Community Park Pool Employees attached be hired for the Pool Season at the position salary and date stated for the 2024 season. The resignation of Lorenzo Lagalante, Crossing Guard, be accepted, effective June 24, 2024. Stephanie Osborne, 38 Washington Avenue, Morris Plains, be hired as a full- time Crossing Guard for the Police Department at a daily rate of $69.62, effective September 5, 2024. The Morris Plains Fire Association be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at their Annual Family Picnic to be held Saturday, August 24, 2024, with a rain date of Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., at the Community Park Pool. The Knights of Columbus Council 3495 be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at their annual family picnic to be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the Community Park Pavilion. Having received quotes to re-pave the alleyway at 666-668 Speedwell Avenue from the following: Greik Brothers Paving Inc. $4,500.00 Harrington and Sons $4,615.00 Allocco Brothers Paving No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Greik Brothers Paving, P.O. Box 106, Morris Plains, NJ in the amount of $4,500.00. The Borough Treasurer is authorized to solicit public bids for solid waste collection, transportation and disposal services and collection and transportation services for yard waste and metal appliances, legal notice to be placed in the Morris Newsbee and The Star Ledger on July 25, 2024, and bids to be accepted on September 25, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in Council Chambers. The Borough Clerk be authorized to advertise for Part-Time Custodial/Building Maintenance for the Borough Hall Building and Annex. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard 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 property taxes were reduced this year due to an increase in retables and favorable school tax. He also reported on new software, Gravity Flow, to facilitate background checks and digitize the process. Discussions will continue with the webmaster, police chief and clerk’s office. Tax statements will be mailed at the end of next week. Mayor Karr stated the Borough is financially strong with businesses opening and filling the empty shops and new residents which lowers the tax rate while keeping services the same. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese thanked the police and fire department for continuing to work in the excessive heat. Mr. Cortese reported on a meeting with fire prevention and working with the DCA to clean up outstanding items. Police Department’s Report Lieutenant McKay reported on June calls, community policing events and that the junior police academy graduation is on Friday. Lt. McKay recognized Officer Ferris for all of her hard work running the junior academy with input from Township of Morris of Town of Morristown. He reported “National Night Out” will be August 6th and “Kona with a Cop” will be August 13th. Fire Department In the absence of Chief Rongo, Assistant Fire Chief Mark Belles gave a report on calls and drills. Mr. Belles reported on members attending Fire Fighter 1 and junior members attending the fire training. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported members took the fire truck to summer camp to cool off the campers and thanked the Beautification Committee for watering the plants and pulling weeds during this heat wave. Mr. Bruhn reported the DPW serviced vehicles, pick up garbage in the parks, cleaned basins, spread woodchips, displayed flags during 4th of July, swept streets, picked up brush and spread safety mulch at the pool. Engineer Bill Ryden reported on the capital road projects and updated on the preparations for milling and paving will take place the 2nd to 3rd week in August. Public Buildings & Grounds In Councilmember Goddard’s absence Councilmember Verga reported August 3rd is National Watermelon Day and there will be a watermelon carving contest at the Farmers Market. Ms. Verga reported there will be theater camp performances on July 25th and 26th and there will be a business roundtable presented by Downtown Morris Plains on September 17th. All businesses are welcome to share input. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported on the Board of Health meeting, a food handlers course, family health day, blood pressure checks and the report of one case of pertussis (whooping cough) and that adults should be revaccinated every 10 years. She also reported on a meeting regarding the cat ordinance revision. Ms. Verga reported on the Teen Center interviews for coordinator and supervisor and an upcoming board meeting with new members and they now have a full board. She also reported on the clean communities grant and payments made to groups who conducted clean ups. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported on a visit to the junior police academy, the senior citizen luncheon where 3 women were recognized for all of their volunteering. Ms. Kelly reported on the Girl Scout silver award preparations, a blood bank at the VFW and JCP&L representative sharing proper generator use during outages. Mayor Karr recognized Officer Ferris on receiving the Police Shield Award. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ESTABLISHING A NEW ARTICLE VII, TO BE ENTITLED “STORAGE OF PRIVATELY OWNED SALT” UNDER CHAPTER 18C OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS Mayor Karr stated this ordinance is tabled. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Attorney Horan stated there were some issues with the way this ordinance was written on the advice of the DEP and suggests striking down the ordinance and reintroduce at a later date. Councilmember Kelly read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO: 5 - 2024 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AMENDING CHAPTER 23A "TREES" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on June 20, 2024. The Mayor announced that the meeting was open for a public hearing on the ordinance. Robert McAlear, 2 Maple Avenue, Vice Chair of Shade Tree Commission stated he and other members have a problem with this ordinance including the allowance of removal of street trees less than 2 ½” in diameter. The new town trees planted are under 2 ½” inches which would allow residents to cut trees the town paid $400 each for. There are issues with the language of the ordinance and after reviewing the DEP and NJ Shade Tree Federation videos there is a liaison who can work with municipalities to help with making the ordinance custom to their needs. 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 Wagner. Yeas: None Nays: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared this ordinance has been defeated. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Wagner moved the vouchers for July 18, 2024 in the amount of $2,691,511.02, seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 9:12 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-120 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 9:45 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:45P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk