City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held October 3, 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: Joan Goddard Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr reported on an upcoming meeting with SMCMUA, the creating municipalities and their attorneys regarding two requests for extension of service in Harding Township. He also reported on the SMCMUA Stiles Avenue project which will start in February or March and that a meeting will be held with the affected residents. Mayor Karr discussed the lights along the walking path from the American along Beech Drive. Mayor Karr shared that insurance costs through the state health benefits plan are going up almost 17% for everyone. Mayor Karr spoke about a meeting regarding a proposed bill for municipalities to allow small businesses to work from home. Councilmember Verga reported two bids were received for trash collection and the contracts are being reviewed. She also discussed an affordable housing presentation given by Morris Township and inquired if we have an agenda for our upcoming affordable housing meeting? Mayor Karr stated we do not have an agenda and the discussion will take place in executive session. Ms. Verga stated we need to educate the public. Mayor Karr agreed, but stated right now we are discussing strategy and when we have the correct information and numbers it will be shared with the residents. Mayor Karr distributed copies of a letter received regarding a zoning change request that will be discussed at a future meeting and if approved it will move to the Planning Board. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 7:41 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-144 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 7:50 P.M. Councilmember Kelly moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 7:51 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 October 3, 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 Conference, Executive and Regular Meetings of September 19, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Dennis. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Grant Writer, September 2024 Fire Prevention, September 2024 Resolution 2024-145 entitled, “REDEMPTION RESOLUTION BLOCK NO. 33 LOT NO. 1 REDEEM 3RD PARTY TAX LIEN.” Resolution 2024-146 entitled, “DEDICATED TRUST BY RIDER FOR STORM RECOVERY PER P.L. 2013 C.271 AND N.J.S.A. 40A:4-62.1” Resolution 2024-147 entitled, “KNOCK OUT OPIOID ABUSE DAY OCTOBER 6, 2024.” The Mayor be authorized to execute the NJDOT sewer connection permit documents on Route 53 for the Tabor Road Owner, LLC application. The Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the Addendum to the Labor Agreement between the Borough of Morris Plains and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 469 for the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026. Mark E. Belles Jr., 24 Glenbrook Road, Morris Plains, be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at the appropriate hourly, effective October 4, 2024. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Daniel Conway, 3 Greenwood Road, had questions regarding his OPRA requests and questions for the Council regarding the application for a drive thru restaurant on Speedwell Avenue. Mr. Conway is requesting communications with the applicant and councilmembers. He would like to know why the zoning was changed and if it was due to Covid, does everyone feel this way? Attorney Horan stated Mr. Conway’s first OPRA was too broad, therefore, it was denied and the records custodian will answer the October 1st requests in the appropriate manner. Most of the information requested is attorney client privilege. This is a pending Planning Board application and information lies solely with the Planning Board and the council cannot compromise the Planning Board by answering questions. Mr. Conway stated he is asking about the application and the B2 zone change that was made and the council has the right to answer if this change was made due to Covid. Mayor Karr stated that is one of the reasons for the change. There were many reasons for the changes and to try to attract new and fresh businesses to the Borough. The zones and uses had not been changed in 25 years. Mr. Conway asked if the zone was changed specifically for Acme property. Mayor Karr stated it was not planned for anyone. Cross discussion regarding the Master Plan reevaluation. Mr. Conway stated he feels council meetings should be televised because everyone is busy with work and family and may not be able to attend in person. Joe Bellomo, 34 Canfield Place, wants to know what the town is doing to prepare for the possibility of McDonalds coming to town? Mayor Karr stated he cannot answer because the application is in the middle of the hearing and does not know what the outcome will be. Cross discussion regarding the property of the proposed drive thru. Mr. Bellomo asked again what the town is doing to prepare for this establishment? Mr. Horan stated the application is in the hands of the Planning Board and he believes they will attach conditions to the site. Mayor and council do not have jurisdiction to answer questions. Mayor Karr stated the zoning changes made were what was best for the Borough and not a particular neighborhood. Mr. Bellomo asked who is currently responsible for the cleanup of the property because it is a mess. Mayor Karr stated the owner is responsible and a call will be made to the Zoning Officer regarding cleanup. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Wagner reported the Clerk’s office is working on the annual NJ League of Municipalities Conference, Health care open enrollment and many OPRA’s. He also reported the Tax office will be mailing out added assessment bills next week, and the Finance office is working on retro pay for DPW employees and best practices. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported on a Coffee With a Cop event, the upcoming bonfire, Halloween parade and Pumpkin Illumination and the Police Department ordered a hybrid vehicle. He also reported on fire inspections and a Traffic Committee meeting at which ideas to combat speeding were discussed. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on a successful Coffee With a Cop, the prescription drug take back is October 26th at Stop and Shop and the lobby drop box is always available. He also reported on Don’t Block the Box on Hanover Avenue and research is being done for an ordinance for micro mobility vehicle safety. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported the DPW collected brush, closed the pool, replaced sidewalks on Diana and Glenbrook Roads, and preparing for leaf season and want to purchase a pusher for snow. He also gave an update on employment status at the DPW and reported on a Beautification meeting and the goats are back in town to eat invasive plants/weeds. Public Buildings & Grounds In Councilmember Goddard’s absence, Ms. Verga reported the Pumpkin Illumination will be October 25th; Small Business Saturday, the winter farmers market will be November 30th, and October 12th is the last market for the season. She also reported that Downtown Morris Plains will be announcing the bike rack contest winner at the Pumpkin Illumination. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported the Board of Health meeting is October 9th, Wellness Day is October 12th. Flu shots, blood pressure screenings and Narcan training will be available. Ms. Verga reported on Teen Center events including 8th grade hand print night, A Municipal Alliance program at Morristown High School for juniors and seniors and Stage Fun is November 15th. Ms. Verga reported two bids were received for trash collection; there was an increase, but also an increase in pickups and no change in service. She also reported Clean Communities cleanups are being scheduled. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly gave an update on the tree ordinance and she will be attending the October 7th Shade Tree meeting. Ms. Kelly reported on an Eagle Scout project at the VFW to construct a memorial grave site. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Kelly read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. _7_-2024 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AMENDING CHAPTER 22, ESTABLISHING NEW ARTICLE 17, TO BE ENTITLED “DON’T BLOCK THE BOX” which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on September 19, 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 Cortese. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Karr reported he was asked to be a member of the Strategic Planning Committee for Morris School District to work on a 5-year plan and discussed a meeting. VOUCHERS Councilmember Wagner moved the vouchers for October 3, 2024 in the amount of $667,659.23, seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:20 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk