City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held August 15th, 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 Joan Goddard Cathie Kelly Absent: Councilmember Cortese Councilmember Wagner Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Bruhn spoke about “Kona with a Cop" and increased usage of Watnong Park since the installation of the pickle ball court. Mayor Karr spoke about the NJ Transit board meeting in July regarding the flooding of the underpass. Cross discussion. Mayor Karr spoke about the quarterly safety meeting which was attended by our insurance representative who said the meetings are well run with good topics discussed. Mayor Karr discussed a meeting with residents of the Collection regarding the warehouses and landscaping buffers. Mayor Karr discussed switching the date of the next council meeting to September 3rd. All councilmembers were in agreement. Mayor Karr discussed the NJDOT grant in which the borough will receive an allotment of $130,000.00 for the Pedestrian Walkway along Route 53 and Tabor Road project. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 7:42 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-121 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. 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 Bruhn 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 August 15, 2024 at 8:32 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 July 18, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Cortese and Wagner Abstain: Councilmember Goddard PROCLAMATION Mayor Karr introduced Rachel Sackett Putman who is a 4-year ovarian cancer survivor. Councilmember Verga read the proclamation and presented it to Ms. Sackett Putman. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Grant Writer, July 2024 Municipal Court, July 2024 Police Department, July 2024 Animal Licensing, July 2024 Borough Clerk, July 2024 Building Inspector, July 2024 Animal Control, July 2024 Fire Prevention, July 2024 Tax Collector, July 2024 Treasurer, July 2024 Resolution 2024-122 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE MORRIS PLAINS SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR CLASS 3 SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SERVICES.” Resolution 2024-123 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE MORRIS PLAINS SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR SUPPLEMENTAL CROSSING GUARDS SERVICES.” Resolution 2024-124 entitled, “CANCELLATION OF BALANCES AND OVERPAYMENTS LESS THAN $10.00.” Resolution 2024-125 entitled, “CANCELLATION OF TAXES BOROUGH OWNED PROPERTY.” Resolution 2024-126 entitled, “RESOLUTION DECLARING BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS SUPPORT FOR THE JCP&L ENERGIZENJ PROGRAM BPU DOCKET NO. EO23110793.” Resolution 2024-127 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPOINTING FULL-TIME RECORDS CLERK.” Resolution 2024-128 entitled, “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE 2024-2025 CONTROLLED DEER CULLING PROGRAM.” Resolution 2024-129 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE 2024 MORRIS COUNTY TRAIL CONSTRUCTION GRANT APPLICATION.” Resolution 2024-130 entitled, “A RESOLUTION RE-APPOINTING CLASS III SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (SLEO).” The Borough Council approve the Mayor’s Proclamation declaring the month of September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the Borough of Morris Plains. Borough Council authorize the release and return of engineering review and inspection fees in the amount of $564.12 and release $2,500.00 bond to Inframap Corp, P.O. Box 448, Windsor, NJ, for Road Opening #984 per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated June 14, 2024.  The residents of Coursen Way, Mountain Way, Tower Hill Road, Holiday Drive and Stony Brook Drive be granted permission to hold a Block Party at the Coursen Way cul-de-sac on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 4:00pm to 9:00pm, and that further permission to serve alcoholic beverages be granted; and that the Road Department provide 3 barricades at the corner of Coursen Way and Mountain Way. The Borough of Morris Plains be granted permission to hold a Block Dance at the Speedwell Avenue extension on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M., with a rain date of Sunday, September 1, 2024. The Recreation Program Instructors attached be hired at the rate and date stated for the 2024 Fall Recreation Programs. The Morris Plains Republican Club be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at their Annual Picnic to be held Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., at the Community Park Pavilion. Borough Council authorize the release and return of engineering review escrow fees in the amount of $532.74 to DeLuca, 28 Laurel Street, Morris Plains, NJ, for retaining wall per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated August 9, 2024. Ann Bono be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a family picnic to be held Sunday, September 28, 2024, from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., at the Community Park Pavilion. Sabrina Carr, 33 Maple Avenue, Morris Plains, be hired as a lifeguard at Community Park Pool at an hourly rate of $16.00 retroactive to August 5, 2024. The Mayor be authorized to execute the NJDOT documents in reference to the sanitary sewer connection in Route 53 for the Tabor Road Owner, LLC application per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated August 9, 2024. Having received quotes to replace the condenser unit in the conference room at the Community Center from the following: Webster Plumbing & Heating $4,960.00 Ideal Refrigeration Service $5,900.00 Air Group Heating & Cooling $39,300.00 That a purchase order be issued to Webster Plumbing & Heating, P.O. Box 529, Brookside, NJ in the amount of $4,960.00. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Cortese and Wagner Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Bill Greco, 9 Higbie Way, discussed the visibility issue from overgrown grasses on the island in the Kohl’s shopping center heading to Uncle Giuseppe’s or turning towards the liquor store. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance In the absence of Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Bruhn reported Nicole Saranita will be taking classes for the Municipal Clerk’s program. He also reported that block party preparations are underway and that there has been a significant increase in the number of OPRA’s received in the Clerk’s Office. New OPRA legislation takes affect September 3, 2024 Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on calls for the end of July, the 5th annual “Kona with a Cop” and National Night Out which was moved inside the Community Center due to rain. Chief Koroski reported on preparations for the start of the new school year and upcoming “Coffee with a Cop” at The Venue and The Collection. Mayor Karr reported the new maps that Councilmember Wagner and the Borough Engineer worked on were updated and installed in the council chambers. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported the DPW cleaned up from the recent storm, cleaned out storm drains, did two rounds of brush, did vehicle maintenance, cut grass and picked up garbage in the parks. The DPW also fixed the pool fence and gate, hung the new summer banners and removed the old playground at Community Park. Engineer Engineer Bill Ryden reported the capital road projects have been completed and noted Mr. Greco’s earlier concern. He also reported the bids for the Glenbrook Road improvements needs to be awarded before November 30th. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Goddard reported on Downtown Morris Plains bike rack contest and that they will be holding a business roundtable on September 17th. Downtown Morris Plains has been celebrating Morris Plains businesses including Time for a Bagel, Arthur’s, Be Crafted, Bliss and Chocolatine. Ms. Goddard reported the Block Dance will be August 31st, Garage Sale Days October 5th and 6th, Bonfire October 26th and Halloween Parade October 31st. Councilmember Goddard reported on the Farmers Market’s watermelon carving contest that took place on National Watermelon Day and that the Morris Plains Farmers Market was acknowledged in a write up in the Morris County Guide New Jersey. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported the Board of Health did not have a meeting in August, but they issued two advisories regarding rabies and rodent control. Ms. Verga reported on safety railings installed at the Teen Center; job offers, and that online registration is open and the new background check process for volunteers is now online also. Ms. Verga reported on the Green Team and that they are gathering information to apply for the Direct Install and Local Government Energy Audit programs. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported on the new banners, senior citizen meeting, picnic and three volunteers of the year. Ms. Kelly gave an overview of the Interfaith Food Pantry and the Girl Scouts fundraising efforts for their 9 square project. Ms. Kelly reported the final two Community Band Concerts will be August 21st and 28th. 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. 6-2024 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 Councilmember Verga seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Cortese and Wagner Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Kelly offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on September 3, 2024 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on September 3, 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 Bruhn seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Verga moved the vouchers for August 15, 2024 in the amount of $2,316,082.90, seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Goddard, Kelly Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Cortese and Wagner Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 9:15 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-131 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 9:40 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:40 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk