City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held January 30th 2025, at 6:00 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 2025; WHICH RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL ON JANUARY 7th 2025, 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: Salvatore Cortese, Council President Art Bruhn Bill Houston Tyler Pontier Nancy Verga Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney Mayor Karr announced we have a vacant councilmember seat and will be going into executive session for interviews. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Cortese at 6:02 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2025-29 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:04 P.M. Councilmember Houston moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Pontier. Voice Vote. All in favor. CONFERENCE MEETING RE-OPENED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Houston discussed a law that was passed in 2021 regarding lead paint in dwellings pre-dated 1978. Discussions took place with the construction official and zoning officer regarding an employee becoming certified or the Borough hire a contractor to conduct the inspections. Mayor Karr stated the fee ordinance would have to be changed to include the inspection fee and asked if there were shared services with another town. Mr. Houston stated the inspection needs to take place every time a new renter is moves in or every 3 years. Cross discussion. Mr. Houston discussed digitizing plans at the building department and will be getting quotes. Cross discussion. Councilmember Verga asked if department heads should be invited to a council meeting to give a budget presentation during the conference session? Cross discussion. Ms. Verga stated the business directory on our website is outdated and Downtown Morris Plains is planning to complete a modernized directory to post on their website and a link should be added to our website to the Downtown Morris Plains directory. She also discussed the AARP Challenge Grant and would like to apply for lighting at the path at the end of Court Road and Beech Drive, to the train station and the 55 and older community on American Road. Ms. Verga discussed hiring a part time QPA or looking into shared services. Ms. Verga discussed the Farmers Market and suggested to have an advisory board/volunteer committee for the new market manager to be overseen by the liaison for buildings and ground committee. The other possibility is to hire a market manager because this is a big responsibility and takes a lot of time to schedule all the vendors for 16 plus weeks. Mayor Karr discussed updating the short term rental ordinance. He asked Councilmember Cortese to follow up with Dennis Wagner regarding the new maps to be hung in council chambers. Mayor Karr discussed amending the parking ordinance regarding trucks, trailers and commercial vehicles and discussed an ordinance for warehouse permitting fees which fall under a new State Statue. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:24 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Pontier. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held January 30, 2025 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. Moment of silence for Sydney Leach, Assistant Direct of Morris County Park Commission and member of Planning Board for over 20 years. TEMPORARY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT Councilmember Cortese moved the following: Resolution 2025-29A entitled, “BOROUGH COUNCIL APPOINTMENT.” Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Michael Ivey was sworn in as a councilmember, term expiring December 31, 2025. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Cortese moved: THAT the minutes of the Conference and Regular Meetings of December 19, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Verga Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Ivey THAT the minutes of the Regular Meetings of December 26, 2024 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Ivey THAT the minutes of the Organization Meeting of January 7, 2025 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Verga Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Ivey APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA REPORTS Police Department, December 2024 Municipal Court December 2024 Animal Control, December 2024, Annual Report 2024 Building Inspector, December 2024 Grant Writer, December 2024 Borough Clerk, December 2024 Animal Licensing, December 2024 Tax Collector, December 2024, Annual Report 2024 Treasurer, Annual 2024 Report Fire Prevention, Annual 2024 Report Resolution 2025-30 entitled, “MUNICIPAL RECYCLING TONNAGE GRANT APPLICATION BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Resolution 2025-31 entitled, “APPROVING SETTLEMENT ON APPEAL FROM ASSESSMENT 520 REALTY MANAGEMENT, LLC V. MORRIS PLAINS BOROUGH BLOCK 27, LOT 28-520 SPEEDWELL AVENUE DOCKET NO: 001600-2024 MORRIS COUNTY OUR FILE NO: 11,974.” Resolution 2025-32 entitled, “HSA MORRIS PLAINS RAFFLE LICENSE NO. 347-25.” Resolution 2025-33 entitled, “RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE FIRE PREVENTION OFFICIAL.”  Resolution 2025-34 entitled, “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING PROCESS AND TESTING FOR APPOINTMENT OF A POLICE OFFICER TO THE MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT.” The Mayor be authorized to execute the Amendment to the Agreement between Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc. and the Borough of Morris Plains incorporating a two- year (24 month) renewal for the period April 1st 2025 through March 31st 2027. The Borough Council approve the membership application of Jake Dodson, 42 Gail Road, Morris Plains, as a member of the Morris Plains Fire Department. Chris Shay, Fire Prevention Official be granted permission to carry 35 hours of vacation time from 2024 to 2025, which shall be used by March 31st 2025. The resignation of Nicole Saranita, Clerk/Typist Borough Clerk’s Office, be accepted effective January 31, 2025. The Mayor be authorized to sign the Police Departments 2025 (DDEF) Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund reimbursement request package from NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety. The Police Department be authorized to advertise for the position of Substitute Crossing Guard. The retirement of Karleen Leahey, Morris Plains Recreation Director and Secretary to the Morris Plains Recreation Commission, be accepted, effective February 20, 2025. The Borough Clerk be authorized to advertise for the position of Recreation Director/Recreation Secretary. The Mayor be authorized to execute three (3) Developer’s Agreements between the Borough of Morris Plains and Tabor Road Owner, LLC., for Block 151, Lot 2.01 that have been approved by the Borough Attorney Pursuant to Planning Board Resolution 23-11. Having polled the council on January 27, 2025, the Borough Clerk be authorized to advertise for the position of Clerk/Typist. The Borough Clerk publish the proper notice of time change for the regularly scheduled conference meeting of the mayor and council of the Borough of Morris Plains to be held Thursday February 6, 2025 from 7:30pm to 6:30pm to interview police officer candidates. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Ivey PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Lisa Schroeder, 97 Maple Avenue, stated Ordinance 14-2023 needs to be revisited and all new uses be more thoroughly analyzed. The ordinance should be frozen until the evaluation has occurred. Attorney Horan stated you cannot freeze an ordinance because once it is adopted it is in effect. The ordinance can be amended at the will of the council. Ms. Schroeder asked how the town can handle the impact of a use if an evaluation was not completed. Mayor Karr stated an evaluation was completed over a two-year period and was a collaborative effort from many committees. Cross discussion. Ms. Schroeder requested drive thru restaurants be removed and to make the process more difficult to merge two properties. Councilmember Houston stated the ordinance is being reviewed. Cross discussion Nancy Mirabel, 3 Cornine Lane, asked if there was a plan to do an air quality study around the McDonald’s site? Engineer Bill Ryden stated the Borough does not perform an air quality test; the developer will perform a baseline. Ms. Mirabel asked who is responsible for code enforcement? Mayor Karr stated we have a zoning officer that works 2 days a week and he does drive around to look for violations and receives phone calls. Joanne Dugan, 31 Canfield Place, asked how McDonald’s can comply with all regulations if they are not operational to receive a CO? Engineer Ryden stated they will receive a temporary CO for their start up and will have to comply with all regulations before the final CO is received. Cross discussion. Joe Amoroso, 20 Dayton Road, asked if the traffic committee can move from an advisory board to an actual committee with regular public meetings? Attorney Horan said the committee cannot be elevated, but he will look into what is governed by State law. Mr. Amoroso asked how the public can make recommendations to the committee? Mayor Karr said recommendations can be made to the police chief or council. Mr. Amoroso asked about a complete streets policy. Mayor Karr stated it is a huge undertaking and not sure if it is do-able. Councilmember Verga stated we can decide as a council to implement a Complete Streets policy and we request that the Traffic Advisory Board study and present suggestions for how to scale Complete Streets for the Borough. She also stated that in order for the engineer to implement Complete Streets design elements, the policy adopted by the council must outline requirements for crosswalks, traffic lights, bike parking, etc. Mayor Karr asked for information to be reviewed by the council. Paul Clolery, 18 Hillview Avenue, asked what happens when McDonald’s doesn’t meet the standards and what the fines will be? Mayor Karr said the standards are in perpetuity and the fines can be given by many different departments. Mr. Clolery asked for a schedule of fines. Cross discussion. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Verga reported the Clerk’s office is working on year end reports, animal licensing, parking permits, solicitor permits and OPRA requests. They also helped to get the FEMA flood map mailing out to affected residents. Ms. Verga reported CFO, Ana Thomas, submitted the annual debt statement to DCA and the Borough paid down $187,389.00 of municipal obligations for 2024 which lowered our debt. She also reported on the 2024 tax collector report, annual financial statement and annual budget. Ms. Verga stated the website is being updated for 2025 and Downtown Morris Plains is working on a new business directory. Public Safety Councilmember Pontier reported on meetings with the Police and Fire Chief. He also reported on the hiring of a new police officer, new vehicles and police department budget. Mr. Pontier reported on public safety and traffic committee meetings, renovations for the fire and police departments and digitizing records and fire prevention inspections. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported the ladder truck will be retuning soon. Chief Rongo reported Right to Know was completed and a new whistle is being researched. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski gave a reported on the resolution for a new officer and new vehicles were delivered in December and are now being outfitted. He also reported on capital budget requests and that year end reports were submitted to the State and County. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported on a fire call at Old Wood Road where there was an odor of gas and the Chief and members went through the entire house trying to find the source of the smell. The homeowners sent a letter of thanks to Mayor, Council and the Fire Department. Councilmember Bruhn reported the DPW plowed and salted during the last storm, picked up garbage in the parks, did vehicle maintenance and tomorrow is the last day for Christmas tree pick up. He also reported on two new vehicles and the procedure for snow removal at The American and The Collection developments. Engineer Report Mr. Bill Ryden reported the Tabor Road warehouses are complete and will receive a CO after administrative items are completed. He also reported on the Route 53 sidewalk project and the updated FEMA maps. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Cortese reported on a Shade Tree meeting and that the commission becoming accredited which will open them up to receiving grants. He also reported on the Recreation meeting, Family Day and Fireworks will be June 28th, and possibly installing a half-court basketball court at the Teen Center. Mayor Karr reported on the parade meeting and the new and exciting ideas for 2025 and 2026. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Verga reported on the rabies clinic, Board of Health meeting, upcoming Municipal Alliance programs, Teen Center events and that an Earth Day event is being scheduled for May 10th. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Houston reported on the Board of Adjustment and Planning Board meetings. He also reported on building permits, inspections and the new SDL program in the Annex. Mr. Houston reported on the SMCMUA water project and affordable housing updates. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES Councilmember Houston introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 1-2025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10-2024 CREATING A CUSTODIAL/BUILDING MAINTENANCE POSITION Councilmember Bruhn seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Ivey Thereupon, Councilmember Houston offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on January 30, 2025 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on February 20, 2025 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 Verga seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Cortese moved Resolution 2025-35 entitled, “RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY COMMITTING TO ROUND 4 PRESENT AND PROSPECTIVE NEED AFFORDABLE HOUSING OBLIGATIONS.” Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Ivey Mayor Karr stated the reduction of proposed affordable housing from 137 units to 106 units is due to available acreage. Dave Schulz explained the process of evaluating each parcel of property the State requesting affordable housing to be built. Some of the parcels were not viable for building and that is how the lower number was decided. Councilmember Cortese moved Resolution 2025-36 entitled, “RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO REQUEST OF HURSTMONT URBAN RENEWAL ENTITY, LLC, FOR SERVICE OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT OF THE SOUTHEAST MORRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY.” Seconded by Councilmember Verga Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Ivey Councilmember Cortese moved Resolution 2025-37 entitled, “RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO REQUEST OF S/K MT. KEMBLE ASSOCIATES LLC FOR SERVICE OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT OF THE SOUTHEAST MORRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY.” Seconded by Councilmember Pontier Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Ivey UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Verga moved the vouchers for January 30, 2025 in the amount of $3,948,771.98, seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Ivey ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Houston moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:02 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk