City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held December 5, 2024, at 7:39 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 Joan Goddard Cathie Kelly Dennis Wagner Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Verga asked if there was an update from the Affordable Housing Committee? Mayor Karr responded no new developments and nothing has been finalized. Councilmember Bruhn discussed a CDL training agreement for DPW employees with Township of Denville. Attorney Horan stated an inter-local services agreement with the Township of Denville and Borough of Morris Plains for will have to be completed and the cost is still being worked out. Cross discussion on hours of training and reimbursement from employees. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 7:48 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-164 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:31 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:31 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held December 5, 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 and Regular Meetings of November 14, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Goddard THAT the minutes of the Special Meeting of November 14, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Goddard APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Sanitarium, November 2024 Police Department, November 2024 Fire Prevention, October & November 2024 Resolution 2024-163 entitled, “K OF C #3495 BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN COUNCIL RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 346-25.” Resolution 2024-164 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025.” Resolution 2024-165 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION REQUESTING GOVERNOR MURPHY TO RESTORE THE MUNICIPAL RELIEF FUND.” Resolution 2024-166 entitled, “RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AMENDMENT OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT (FHA) AS PROPOSED BY THE NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ATTORNEYS (NJILGA).” Resolution 2024-167 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF $292,107.00 IN RELATION TO CONSTRUCTION FEES FOR PERMITS 24-038 AND 24-039.” Resolution 2024-156 which authorized a one-year contract extension for uniform rental and cleaning services be rescinded. Johanna Sailema, 285 Mobus Avenue, North Plainfield NJ, be hired as Part-Time Teen Center Supervisor, at an annual salary of $3,500.00 pro-rated effective December 1, 2024. The Mayor be authorized to sign the proposal between Spatial Data Logic, LLC (SDL) and the Borough of Morris Plains. Anthony Lagalante be promoted to the position of Operator, in the Department of Public Works, and granted the appropriate hourly increase, effective December 1st 2024. Scott Damiano be promoted to the position of Master Operator, in the Department of Public Works, and granted the appropriate hourly increase, effective December 1st 2024. The following employees be granted permission to carry vacation time from 2024 to 2025, which shall be used by March 31st 2025. Sergeant Michael Kelly, Police Department, 24 hours. Officer Nicholas Grawehr, Police Department, 12 hours Officer David Kosakowski, Police Department, 12 hours Officer Anne Marie Ferris, Police Department, 32 hours Lieutenant Robert Guild, Police Department, 32 hours Sigal Rice, Police Department, 28 hours. Matthew Osborne, Senior Truck Driver, DPW, 40 hours  Craig Rolfe, Laborer, DPW, 40 hours Karen Coffey, Building Department 35 hours The Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement between the Borough of Morris Plains and the County of Morris for Traffic Signal Improvements at the intersection of East Hanover Avenue and American Road. The Program Instructors attached be hired at the position, rate and session date stated for the 2025 Winter program. Borough Council authorize the release and return of engineering review and inspection fees in the amount of $811.30 to Robert Azzara, 49 Sun Valley Way, Morris Plains, NJ, for Road Opening #1011 per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated October 29, 2024. Borough Council authorize the release and return of engineering review and inspection fees in the amount of $603.68 to Luis Calle, 62 Maple Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ, for Road Opening #1003 per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated September 26, 2024 Michelle Quick, Court Reporting, LLC be authorized to provide Court Stenographer services at various Planning Board meetings at the contracted rate. Paul Sambrowski be authorized to provide Audio services at various Planning Board meetings at the contracted rate. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Joe Bellomo, 34 Canfield Place, inquired about the process for Planning Board members whose terms are expiring and what the process is to appoint a person to the position. Mayor Karr explained the process. Mr. Bellomo stated a lot is changing in town with low income housing and developments and asked how to recruit new members to boards. Mayor Karr stated residents approach him regarding certain board where they hold an interest. Mr. Bellomo asked if is possible to revisit the ordinance allowing drive through on Speedwell Avenue. Mayor Karr stated anything is possible. Mr. Bellomo read a statement regarding new Planning Board members, new developments, suggestions for recruitment and various topics. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Wagner reported on the contract for Spatial Data Logics and training for the Building Department. He also reported the Clerk’s Office is working on professional service agreements, reorganization preparations, OPRA and Nicole Saranita is now in her third Municipal Clerk course. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese requested the Personnel Procedures Manual to be changed for the Fire Prevention Office hours to be 7:30 to 3:30 instead of 8:30 to 4:30 and for the Police Chief to have a contract. He also reported the Police Department is working on year end reporting, traffic control on Stiles Avenue for the SMCMUA water main project and extra Police presence at Briarcliff Commons for the holidays. Mr. Cortese reported on Fire Prevention inspections. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported due to increase in retail theft there will be extra patrols at Briarcliff Commons for the holiday season. Roxbury PD and Morris County Sheriff’s office will assist with this shoplifting detail. Chief Koroski reported on a Night Out in the Cold sponsored by Homeless Solutions to support homeless individuals. He also reported on a walkability study by Avenues in Motion and updated on police department calls. Councilmember Goddard inquired about who to call and where to send pictures of drones. Chief Koroski stated there is information on the Morris Plains Police Facebook page regarding drones. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported the Fire Department elections are on Friday night, the annual tree lighting is Sunday and the Candy Cane run is December 22nd. He also reported 800 trees were delivered to the VFW for the annual fund raiser and 325 were sold on the first day. Mr. Bruhn reported the DPW winterized the pool, snack bar and bathrooms, 1,880 cubic yards of leaves have been picked up to date, Christmas lights and decorations were hung and placed throughout the town. Engineers Report Engineer Bill Ryden reported on the SMCMUA Stiles Avenue water main project and that the Tabor Road warehouses will be completed in 2 weeks. He also reported on the Tabor Road sidewalk project; plans were submitted to the NJDOT for review last week. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Goddard reported Small Business Saturday and the Winter Farmers Market were a huge success. She also reported Downtown Morris Plains will be hosting a business roundtable on January 27th. Ms. Goddard reported on the Morris County trail grant that the Borough was awarded for design and permitting and that a grant for construction will have to be submitted in the future. Ms. Goddard reported Centennial meetings will continue for the 2026 celebration and that different types of events will take place the entire year. She also reported on basketball opening day and the ribbon cutting at Mountain Way School for the new expansion and playground. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported on a Board of Health Safe Food Handling course being held December 9th open to everyone at the Fire and Police Academy. She also reported the rabies clinic will be January 4th, flu shots are available for homebound residents and the rodent issues are still being monitored. Ms. Verga reported Municipal Alliance hosted a Friendsgiving and had their stage fun production and that scooter safety will be incorporated into a LEAD program. She also reported on Teen Center upcoming events and Clean Communities fall cleanups. Ms. Verga reported on the annual New Jersey League of Municipalities conference and seminars she attended. Lastly, Ms. Verga reported on the ribbon cutting for the newly renovated 520 Speedwell Avenue building. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported on Girl Scout Troop 96845 and the progress for the 9 square being built in the Spring and that Girl Scouts will be attending the next council meeting to present a plan to build a bike rack at the Teen Center for their silver award. She also reported on the completed memorial grave at the VFW and on the SMCMUA meeting for the Stiles Avenue water main project. Ms. Kelly reported the blood bank will be held the 2nd Thursday of the month and will not be held on Saturdays anymore. 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: 9- 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION, AND REVISION OF “CHAPTER 13, TO BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE” TO AMEND THE ZONE FOR 300 TABOR ROAD, BLOCK 101.01, LOT 2.01 AND ADJACENT LOT 1 FROM THE R-2 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE TO THE C-1 HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT. Councilmember Wagner seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Kelly offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on December 5, 2024 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 26, 2024 at 7:00 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 Verga seconded the resolution. Voice vote. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Councilmember Kelly introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 10 -2024 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING SALARIES AND LONGEVITY PAY Councilmember Bruhn seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Kelly offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on December 5, 2024 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 19, 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 Wagner seconded the resolution. Voice vote. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Councilmember Kelly introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 11- 2024 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE PARTIAL AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION AND REPEAL OF CERTAIN FEES SET FORTH IN THE FEE SCHEDULE OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, CHAPTER 2, SECTION 2-46, IN THE "REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, 1972”. Councilmember Bruhn seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Kelly offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on December 5, 2024 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 19, 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 Wagner seconded the resolution. Voice vote. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Councilmember Kelly introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 12 -2024 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING PAY GRADES AND FIXING SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS Councilmember Verga seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Kelly offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on December 5, 2024 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on December 19, 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. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Goddard, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Kelly read by title the ordinance entitled:  ORDINANCE NO. 8 - 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $175,000.00 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 November 14, 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: None Abstain: Councilmember Goddard Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Wagner moved the vouchers for December 5, 2024 in the amount of $2,554,009.87, seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Goddard EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 9:21 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-168 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:30 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:30 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk