City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held October 17, 2024, at 7:30 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 Salvatore Cortese Joan Goddard Cathie Kelly Dennis Wagner Absent: Art Bruhn Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney EAGLE SCOUT PRESENTATION Alex Kalfoglou gave an overview of his Eagle Scout project. The project is to build a new mock grave at the VFW Post 3401. The project was approved by the VFW Commander. Cross discussion with Mayor and Councilmembers. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Cortese discussed compensation time for employees. Mayor Karr stated everything is in the Personnel Procedures Manual. Cross discussion regarding comp time and hours of work. Mayor Karr reported the new Rotary clock is being delivered approximately November 7th but we do not have an installation date yet. Mayor Karr discussed the two SMCMUA applications for water service and main extensions in Harding Township for two new construction projects. All Councilmembers were in agreement to deny the request. Mayor Karr stated we are waiting on a disconnect for 1 Jim Fear Drive and will be conducting a walk thru with the demolition company. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Goddard moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:20 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held October 17, 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. Mayor Karr congratulated Morris Plains Presbyterian Church on their 150th anniversary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Verga moved: THAT the minutes of the Conference, Executive and Regular Meetings of October 3, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: Councilmember Goddard APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Sanitarium, September 2024 Municipal Court, September 2024 Police Department, September 2024 Building Inspector, September 2024 Animal Control, September 2024 Animal Licensing, September 2024 Borough Clerk, September 2024 Animal Control, September 2024 Treasurer, September 2024 Tax Collector, September 2024 Resolution 2024-149 entitled, “RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT NO. B.2024, FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION, TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES AND DESIGNATED RECYCLABLE MATERIALS COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO SUBURBAN DISPOSAL INC.” Resolution 2024-149 entitled, “APPROVING SETTLEMENT ON APPEAL FROM ASSESSMENT YULIANO, DENISE/TRUSTEE V MORRIS PLAINS BOROUGH BLOCK 72, LOT 12-49 DOGWOOD ROAD REAR DOCKET NO: 008276-2022 MORRIS COUNTY OUR FILE NO: 11677.” The Borough Council approve Chief Koroski to use his Borough issued Police Department vehicle out of State form October 18th-October 22nd while attending the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference in Boston, MA. Borough Council authorize the release and return of engineering review and inspection fees in the amount of $481.70 to Luis Calle, 62 Maple Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ, for Road Opening #1001 per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated September 3, 2024. Shane Kelly, 233 Malapardis Road, Morris Plains, be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at an hourly rate of $21.91, effective October 15, 2024. Alexander Holover, 1 Forest Drive, Morris Plains, be hired as a Probationary Laborer for the Department of Public Works, at an hourly rate of $21.91, effective November 1, 2024. Having received quotes to install electrical outlets at the corner of Malapardis Road and Littleton Road from the following: Horan Electric $3,900.00 Mike Spagnuolo Electrical Contractor $4,200.00 Esposito’s Electric No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Horan Electric, 9 Kathleen Place, Morris Plains, NJ in the amount of $3,900.00. The Highlighted Program Instructor attached be hired for the Fall 2024 Morris Plains Recreation program at the position, rate and date stated.  Having received quotes to excavate driveway and road for sewer repair and patch asphalt driveway and street at 36 Central Avenue from the following: Webster Plumbing & Heating $11,200.00 Harrington Construction $16,150.00 Greik Brothers Paving No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Webster Plumbing & Heating, P.O. Box 529, Brookside, NJ in the amount of $11,200.00. The Borough Clerk publish the proper notice of a Special Meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council to be held Thursday November 14, 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm to enter into executive session to discuss matters relevant to attorney- client privilege regarding the Borough’s affordable housing obligations. Michael Johnson be appointed temporary Acting Sub-Code Plumbing Official in the absence of James Gonroski effective October 31, 2024. The Mayor and Borough Council be authorized to submit Request for Proposals for Animal Control Services. Having solicited public bids for Contract No. B.2024, Solid Waste Collection, Transportation and Disposal Services and Designated Recyclable Materials Collection and Transportation Services, that a contract be awarded to the sole responsible and responsive bidder, Suburban Disposal Inc. for Option#1, a five- year contract commencing on January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029 for the prices set forth in its bid proposal and the Mayor and Clerk are authorized to execute the contract. This contract is awarded through a fair and open process pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 and is subject to and contingent upon the availability and appropriation annually of sufficient funds as may be required to meet the extended obligation for succeeding contract years. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Bill Houston, 8 Glenbrook Road, asked if there would be another blurb explaining the affordable housing. Mayor Karr stated yes there will be, but nothing has been finalized. Mr. Houston asked for the process to be explained. Mayor Karr stated some things are attorney client privilege and that is why it is done in executive session. Updates will follow. Clorinda Landi, 94 Littleton Road, read a statement from Governor Murphy regarding affordable housing with comments from officials who supported the legislation. Ms. Landi stated our services will be burdened and no solar panels are installed on new construction and wants to know if the Borough is joining the lawsuit? Mayor Karr stated we are in receipt of information on the lawsuit, but no decision has been made. There are pros and cons for the suit and a lot to consider. Carolyn Bennett, 19 Dayton Road, discussed pedestrian safety and what the town can do with the piles of bagged dog poop on the vacant lot? Mayor Karr stated DPW installed additional garbage cans along Speedwell Avenue and can monitor the area. The town cannot maintain private lots, but can have the zoning officer reach out to property owners. Ms. Bennett asked what residents are supposed to do to maintain sidewalks, overgrown bushes and damaged concrete. Mayor Karr stated sidewalk repair is the responsibility of the homeowner and we cannot maintain bushes etc. on private property. Ms. Bennett, Chief Koroski and Mayor Karr discussed sidewalk safety and pending plans. Ms. Bennett stated she has pictures and videos of license plates of vehicles that do not stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Chief Koroski said an officer has to witness, but Ms. Bennett can make a report. Mayor Karr is hoping Avenues in Motion will come back to town to conduct another walkability study. Ms. Bennett asked what the process is for council members on boards. Mayor Karr stated these are Mayor’s appointments. Jill Cecere, 11 Dayton Road, asked if the McDonald’s project goes through and does not go as smoothly as they are saying, what will the procedure be? Mayor Karr said they will have to adhere to the developer’s agreement and the Zoning Officer, Police Department or Health Department can step in if necessary. Councilmember Goddard stated the County Board of Health inspects establishments and reports monthly and can issue fines. If you see something, report it. Andrew Wolfe, 44 Parker Drive, asked when the affordable housing presentation will take place. Mayor Karr stated it will be after the New Year. We do not have numbers yet, but preliminary numbers are roughly 111-127 units’ times 5 totaling 650 units. Mr. Wolfe, Chief Koroski and Mayor Karr discussed crosswalks. Mayor Karr stated we will apply for a grant from AAA for more crosswalk funding. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Wagner thanked Ana Thomas for all of her hard work on Best Practices and reported the Morris Plains Library will be planting a tree and dedicating it to Lloyd Williams for six decades of leadership, guidance and devotion to the library. Councilmember Wagner reported the construction office will have a 3rd Vendor demonstrate a computer program to digitize the permit process. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported the drug takeback is October 26th at the Stop and Shop, yield signs were hung at the train station parking lot exit and gave an update on fire prevention inspections. He also reported the fire department mini pumper was ordered, fire hoses were tested and ladders will be tested next week. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on deer culling and the police hiring grant, signs for safety and attending the Morris County National Coming Out and Community Day. Mayor Karr reported the yellow flashing light on Hanover Avenue at American Road and traffic cameras were installed and the police department is wearing pink patches for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo gave an update on calls, pumps tested, and that the ladder truck will be serviced and tested. He reported that fire prevention visited the schools to teach students about fire safety and help raise awareness. Chief Rongo reported it is very dry and to be careful with fire pits and the Halloween parade will be the 31 st. Clorinda Landi, 94 Littleton Road, asked about the delayed green light on Littleton Road at Malapardis Road to see if it can be changed to a shorter delayed green. Crossed discussion Engineers Report Mr. Ryden reported on the Route 53 warehouse project and the hope for a CO at the end of November. He also reported on the $130,000.00 NJDOT grant for Route 53 sidewalk project and the next step will be submitting plans to NJDOT for review. Public Works In the absence of Councilmember Bruhn, no report was given. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Goddard reported on a community park trail grant that we are 1 of 7 municipalities being considered for the 1.3 million dollar grant from Morris County. She also reported Downtown Morris Plains will hold the 2nd annual Pumpkin Illumination and over 30 businesses entered the pumpkin carving contest and all can vote for their favorite. She also reported the Farmers Market ended and will be back for a winter market on November 30th in coordination with Small Business Saturday, the bonfire will be October 26th, pickle ball will be inside from October 1st to April 25th. Councilmember Goddard reported the goats will be back in June and September of 2025. She also reported the Roberts Garden Commission holds two meetings a year in which they assess all of the trees and the Beautification Committee planted seedlings behind the Community Garden. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported fees were discussed at the Board of Health meeting, Wellness Day had many great vendors, the flu shot is available for homebound residents and bids are to be received for animal control services. She also reported on Municipal Alliance programs, Teen Center events and that the Recycling Committee had their annual meeting and discussed businesses reporting their recycling tonnage and not separating garbage and recycling. Councilmember Verga reported on educating residents on how to store and dispose of lithium ion batteries and the dumping of materials not permitted at the recycling center. She also reported on the trash collection contract and that Clean Communities clean ups have been scheduled. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported on a Shade Tree meeting where the draft tree ordinance was discussed. Ms. Goddard thanked Nancy for all of her hard work researching garbage collection contract. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Wagner gave an overview of Best Practices. The Borough is in compliance with the State. Presentation-Request for zoning change-300 Tabor Road Rosemary Stone-Dougherty and Planner Alexander Dougherty of A.Y. Strauss discussed a request for zoning change at 300 Tabor Road. They are requesting for the property to change from a R2 zone, residential, to a C1 zone, commercial. They gave an overview of the property and why it should be commercial. If it does not become commercial there is the possibility that 4 to 5 residential homes may be built on the property. Cross discussion with Mayor and Councilmembers. Mayor Karr asked for a vote for the zoning request change to be moved forward to the Planning Board. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None VOUCHERS Councilmember Wagner moved the vouchers for October 17, 2024 in the amount of $1,477,680.77, seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: Councilmember Goddard ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:49 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk