City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held December 19, 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 Art Bruhn Salvatore Cortese Cathie Kelly Dennis Wagner Absent: Joan Goddard Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr gave a drone update stating that little to no information has been provided by the White House or State of New Jersey. He also reported on the new preliminary flood maps from FEMA and DEP, the new Rotary Clock that has been installed and the list of roads to be paved in 2025 which are: Cleveland Avenue, Davenport Avenue, Brook Drive N., Forest Avenue, Forest Court, Beech Drive, Wynwood Road and Sun Valley Way. Ms. Verga reported on a Community Change grant which was decided not to pursue due to the amount of work involved for a small grant amount and the difficulty of being chosen. Mr. Wagner reported on a Community Center room use application for a nonresident to use the center for a Special Olympics young athlete program. All agreed for the applicant to use the center as it is for a good cause and our Police Department is actively involved in Special Olympics Torch Run. Ms. Verga reported the Shade Tree Commission has requested additional funds, their budget is $96,700.00 for the year and there are no checks and balances balances on the contractor's recommendations or reports provided to the Council on how the funds are spent. She also reported the Shade Tree forester is also the owner of Greenwood Tree and feels this is a conflict of interest. Cross discussion on providing funds. Cross discussion on the tree ordinance. Mayor and Councilmembers are in agreement to not provide additional funds and work can wait until next year. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 7:59 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-169 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:30 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:30 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held December 19, 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 and Regular Meetings of December 5, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Verga moved: REPORTS Municipal Court, November 2024 Building Inspector, November 2024 Animal Control, November 2024 Borough Clerk, November 2024 Animal Licensing, November 2024 Tax Collector, November 2024 Treasurer, November 2024 Resolution 2024-170 entitled, “APPROVING SETTLEMENT ON APPEAL FROM ASSESSMENT MACK-CALI V. MORRIS PLAINS BOROUGH BLOCK 171, LOT 1-250 JOHNSON ROAD DOCKET NOS:013724-2018; 000686- 2019; 000514-2020; 000463-2021; 000125-2022; 000154-2023 MORRIS COUNTY OUR FILE NO: 11,487.” Resolution 2024-171 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025.” Resolution 2024-172 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FIVE- YEAR EXTENSION OF THE LICENSE AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT FOR DAVENPORT VILLAGE, 260 TABOR ROAD.” Resolution 2024-173 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TITLE 39 MOTOR VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT FOR 185, 201 AND 221 TABOR ROAD KNOWN AS BLOCK 151, LOTS 2.011, 2.012 AND 2.013 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUEST OF THE PROPERTY OWNER.” Resolution 2024-174 entitled, “RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING RALPH ROTANDO AS MEMBEROF THE SOUTHEAST MORRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY.” Resolution 2024-175 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, MORRIS COUNTY ADAPTIVE RECREATIONAL PROGRAM.” Resolution 2024-176 entitled, “TRANSFER OF FUNDS.” Resolution 2024-177 entitled, “RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEM OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS-LOCAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT GRANT.” Resolution 2024-178 entitled, “CANCEL UNEXPENDED 2024 BUDGET APPROPRIATION BALANCES.” Resolution 2024-179 entitled, “REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT.” Resolution 2024-180 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LOCAL RECREATIONAL IMPROVEMENT 2025 GRANT APPLICATION.”  Maria Emilia Lopez, Part-Time Cleaning Maintenance receive $21.00 an hour for cleaning of the Community Center and Teen Center in the absence of Mohamed Soliman. The Mayor be authorized to sign the licensing agreement between Spatial Data Logic, LLC (SDL) and the Borough of Morris Plains. The following employees be granted permission to carry vacation time from 2024 to 2025, which shall be used by March 31st 2025: Officer Anthony Cardoniga, Police Department, 12 hours Officer Kelvin Preciado, Police Department, 32 hours John Signorelli, Superintendent, DPW, 40 hours Kevin Rongo, Acting Assistant Superintendent, DPW, 40 hours Roy Chaves, Laborer, DPW, 40 hours Seymour Forman, Assistant Senior Mechanic, DPW, 32 hours Robert Fredette, Laborer, DPW, 24 RoseMarie Leyhan, Deputy Clerk, 7 hours Ana Thomas, CFO, Tax Collector, 35 hours Nicole Saranita, Clerk’s Office, 28 hours Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk, 35 hours Mayor be authorized the execute a contract with Animal Control Solutions, Inc., to Provide Animal Control Services to the Borough from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. Ms. Verga asked for Resolution 2024-174 be moved to #13 Resolutions on the agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Laurie Cama, 12 Lindabury Lane, spoke about her concerns over Ordinance 14- 2023 allowing drive thru restaurants on Speedwell Avenue. Ms. Cama would like this reversed so other properties do not come in with applications including a drive thru and stated the town residents made it clear they would rather have an empty lot instead of a drive thru. Mayor Karr stated the ordinance can be reviewed in 2025. Jill Cecere, 11 Dayton Road asked if the budget can be increased to allow one to two more officers in town for the McDonald’s property? She stated that she will be calling the police department every day during demolition and construction if she sees something not being done properly. Ms. Cecere inquired about the garbage and the broken fence that she has reported several times and said the property owner should be held accountable. Mayor Karr stated the DPW cleaned up the garbage and the outskirts of the property. Joe Bellomo, 34 Canfield Place, expressed his disappointment to the Mayor on his vote for the McDonald’s property and asked Chief Koroski if he had any comments to the board regarding the application? Chief Koroski answered yes. Mr. Bellomo stated board members should not fall asleep during meetings and he urges for a change in 2025. Bill Grecco, 9 Higbie Way, wished everyone a Happy Holiday season and he will be going to Florida. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance No Report. Public Safety Councilmember Cortese reported the Police Department will be receiving a new hybrid vehicle tomorrow and Car 4 is being repaired after being struck by a drunk driver. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on the deer cull and year end reports. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported on yearly calls and stated that 99 were mutual aid. The 2025 elections were held and Chief Rongo announced the officers. He also reported the Fire Department brought Santa and Mrs. Claus to the tree lighting, the Santa tour will be held on Sunday and the annual Hanukah Gelt Drop will be on December 29th. Chief Rongo reported a Police Department vehicle was moved from the Police Department to the Fire Department and is being used by Chief 2. He also gave an update on Fire Prevention including inspections and fees collected. Mayor Karr congratulated Mark Belles on his retirement of 36 years at the Morris County Communications Department. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn stated the Fire Department was built in 1941 and the black lanterns on the side of the bay doors were sent out to be repaired and will be rehung and lit. He also reported the DPW serviced vehicles, cleaned leaves at all Borough properties and decorated the town for the holidays. Councilmember Bruhn reported the township of Morris helped pump out the wet well on American Road and the Beautification Committee will start up again in the Spring. Public Buildings & Grounds In the absence of Councilmember Goddard, no report was given. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported on a Board of Health meeting; the rabies clinic will be January 4th, Dr. Werner will be the Borough’s Vet for 2025 and there has been an uptick in RSV, flu, Covid and walking pneumonia. She also reported there will be free screenings for woman that do not have healthcare and gave an update on Municipal Alliance programs. Ms. Verga read a statement validating the residents who came together these last few months showing their support of the Borough and stated there should be accountability and transparency going forward with leadership. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Kelly reported the Girl Scouts will reschedule their presentation for the bike rack silver project. She also reported on the Community Band holiday concert and the annual tree lighting. Ms. Kelly reported there is pending legislation opposing the DEP tree ordinance which controlled tree removal and replacement. There will be an updated ordinance in coming months. Carolyn Bennett, 19 Dayton Road, missed the public portion of the meeting and Mayor Karr allowed her to speak. Ms. Bennett stated at the time she received the certified mailing regarding the 2023 zone change ordinance she did not read the mailing. She also stressed there should be a better way to be informed of a significant change in town that will affect the quality of life for residents. Mayor Karr stated agendas are posted on our website, advertised in the local newspaper and hanging in Borough Hall. Ms. Bennett stated she did not understand the letter. Attorney Horan stated Ms. Bennett could have contacted a lawyer, contacted the Borough Clerk or even reach out to him with questions. Ms. Bennett stated her child has asthma and is concerned about air quality during construction and would like to be informed if something significant will be happening during construction. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Kelly read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 10 -2024 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING SALARIES AND LONGEVITY PAY which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on December 5, 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 Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Kelly read by title the ordinance entitled: 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”. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on December 5, 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 Wagner. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Kelly read by title the ordinance entitled: 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on December 5, 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 Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Verga requested to table the following resolution, seconded by Councilmember Kelly Resolution 2024-174 entitled, “RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING RALPH ROTANDO AS MEMBEROF THE SOUTHEAST MORRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY.” Yeas: Councilmembers Verga, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Wagner Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Wagner moved the vouchers for December 19, 2024 in the amount of $2,174,435.95, seconded by Councilmember Kelly. Yeas: Councilmembers Wagner, Bruhn, Cortese, Kelly, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Goddard Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 9:23 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2024-181 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Goddard. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:34 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Wagner. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Kelly moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:55 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk