City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held February 6th 2025, at 6:31 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. “NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED BY THE CLERK OF THIS BOROUGH BY PREPARING A NOTICE DATED January 31, 2025 SPECIFYING THE TIME, DATE AND PLACE OF THIS MEETING; POSTING SUCH NOTICE ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING AND FORWARDING THE NOTICE TO MORRIS COUNTY’S DAILY RECORD AND THE MORRIS NEWS BEE; AND I HEREBY HAND A COPY OF SUCH NOTICE TO THE CLERK OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS FOR INCLUSION IN THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING, 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 Michael Ivey Tyler Pontier Nancy Verga Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Cortese at 6:32 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2025-38 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:20 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. CONFERENCE MEETING RE-OPENED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Councilmember Houston requested for the Standing Committees to be changed. Mayor Karr stated he wants to keep them the way they are right now. Councilmember Houston stated councilmembers should be co-chairs in different departments to utilize their strengths. Mayor Karr stated he requested for the Standing Committees to be established when the council was full, but was overruled. Cross discussion Attorney Horan stated per the By-Laws, Standing Committees are appointed by the Mayor at the reorganization meeting. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Pontier moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:25 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Ivey. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held February 6, 2025 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. SWEARING IN OF COUNCILMEMBER Mayor Karr invited Councilmember-Elect Michael Ivey to be sworn in. His wife, Kerri, held the bible and his children were present as Mr. Ivey was sworn in. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA REPORTS Grant Writer, January 2025 Resolution 2025-39 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION LIMOUSINE OWNER LICENSE SILVIU ROBERT APOSTU NO. L03-4066-2025.” Resolution 2025-40 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FY26 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, ENFORCEMENT, AND EDUCATION FUND GRAND PROGRAM TO OBTAIN TRAFFIC SPEED CONTROL DEVICES.” Resolution 2025-41 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PROPERTY.” Having received quotes to Hydro-Rake Community Park and Watnong Ponds from the following: Lake Management Sciences 48 hours over 6 days Equipment Transportation fee Total $9,881.00 Aquaclear, LLC 48 hours over 6 days Equipment Transportation fee Total $9,900.00 That a purchase order be issued to Lake Management Sciences, P.O. Box 2395, Branchville, NJ 07826 in the amount of $9,881.00. Having received quotes for a zero turn mower from the following: Fred’s Small Engine Sales, Inc. $15,199.00 Handyman’s $15,238.24 That a purchase order be issued to Fred’s Small Engine Sales, Inc., 11 Burnet St., Livingston, NJ in the amount of $15,199.00. Having received quotes for a plow for the sewer truck from the following: West Chester Machinery $7,100.00 FDR Hitches $7,313.64 A&K Equipment Co. Inc. $7,660.00 That a purchase order be issued to West Chester Machinery, 278 Old Ledgewood Rd., Flanders, NJ 07836 in the amount of $7,100.00. Having polled the council on January 31, 2025 the Mayor was authorized to sign the FBI’s “Nomination of Law Enforcement Officer to Attend the National Academy Program Of the Federal Bureau of Investigation” in which Chief Koroski is nominated. Seconded by Councilmember Verga Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Dave Burrows, 24 Hillview Avenue, discussed parking permits for Hillview Avenue and the regulations requiring residents to purchase a permit to park on their street. He had concerns that the permits show the name of the town and street and that it is a safety issue and described an encounter his daughter had with 2 individuals in the Walmart parking lot. This is safety concern and can the permits be changed to not show the street names? Mayor Karr stated this can be looked into. Councilmember Verga stated the purchase of parking permits is optional and the permit is to ensure people parking on these streets actually live there. Cross discussion. Mr. Burrows then discussed the adverse effects on the neighboring streets when McDonald’s is built. He stated cars go the wrong way on Hillview which is a one-way street and would like speed tables installed, but has been denied in the past. Cross discussion. Nancy Mirabel, 3 Cornine Lane, asked what the process is for changing an ordinance? Mayor Karr stated the ordinance committee reviews and makes recommendations to be changed. The Planning Board and Council have to make sure the change follows the masterplan. Councilmember Houston stated the Council introduces the changes which are then sent to the Planning Board and Masterplan Committee for review. Ms. Mirabel asked if the change can come from a resident? Councilmember Houston replied yes. Laurie Cama, 12 Lindabury Lane, stated unoccupied buildings in town are becoming a concern and wanted to know the process when someone is interested in a property. Mayor Karr stated all inquiries start with the Zoning Officer to make sure it is a permitted use, parking requirements, lighting or variances. Ms. Cama asked if the next step is to go to the Council? Cross discussion with Mayor, Councilmembers and Attorney regarding the process. Pam Dise-Moran, 7 Hillview Drive, echoes what Mr. Burrows stated. Councilmember Verga asked if she was in favor for speed tables? Ms. Dise-Moran stated yes. Mayor Karr said rumble strips were installed on Jim Fear Drive which may be considered for Hillview Avenue. Paul Clolery, 18 Hillview Avenue, inquired about the pedestrian safety resolution. Chief Koroski gave an explanation on the resolution. Mr. Clolery asked about changes to Speedwell Avenue including lights and traffic safety and if the grant money will handle the changes? Mayor Karr said McDonald’s will be responsible for changes approved in their application. The grant money is for flashing beacons and crosswalks at Hillview Avenue and Rosedale Avenue which started before the McDonald’s application. Cross discussion. Jessica Orr, 15 Hillview Avenue, believes the people who don’t live on the street should have permits not the residents and Ms. Orr inquired if Hillview Avenue is a School Zone? Chief Koroski stated it is, but there is a difference between motor vehicle and Drug Free School Zone. More signs can be added. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Verga reported on the job opening in the Clerk’s office, animal licensing, community garden payments, OPRA, parking permits and annual insurance. She also reported property tax estimate cards were mailed to residents and preparations are in place for the upcoming budget meetings. Public Safety Councilmember Pontier reported on the scheduled court cases and new hours for Fire Prevention which provides extra inspections in the morning. He also reported the Fire Department ladder truck has returned, the Fire Department budget, police interviews and that a version of complete streets will be completed. Mr. Pontier reported there will be more traffic committee meetings and conceptual plan meetings for renovations to the police department. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski gave a reported on the police officer interviews and congratulated Sergeant Jeff Hochman on 25 years of service to the Borough. Mayor Karr also congratulated Sergeant Hochman and thanked him for his service. Fire Department’s Report Assistant Chief Belles gave an update on calls and reported they had 14 calls in one day for a gas leak on Glenbrook Road. He also reported on mental stress training that was given to all members. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported the DPW salted and plowed, vehicles were serviced, storm drains cleaned, Christmas decorations were taken down and Christmas trees pick-up has ended. He also reported pallets were dropped off for the bonfire, even though it is very early. Mayor Karr stated pallets cannot be used anymore because the nails from the pallets are left behind which cause flat tires. Mr. Bruhn also reported on repairs at the Community Center, the fence was fixed at the garden after a tree fell and leaves were cleaned up at Community Park. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Cortese reported on a Shade Tree meeting and that someone from the Commission will attend a Council meeting to explain their budget. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Ivey reported on Municipal Alliance and Teen Center events. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Houston reported ordinances are being reviewed by the committee, engineer, planning board and zoning board. Checklist A-G hasn’t been updated since 2019 and is being reviewed. All performance standards are found in our e-code which can be accessed online. There will be a pre-con meeting with McDonald’s and a request will be made for a public session. Mr. Houston reported the next Planning Board meeting will be February 10 th and Board of Adjustment is February 24th. He also reported on the SMCMUA water main project and that the affordable housing obligation number has been countered and submitted. Cross discussion regarding affordable housing. Lastly, Mr. Houston reported on NJLOM training for newly elected officials in which he and Mr. Pontier attended. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Cortese moved Resolution 2025-42 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPOINTING EMILIO J. ERIKSEN TO THE MORRIS PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT.” Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Karr thanked Joan Goddard for her years as a councilmember and gave a brief overview of her accomplishments during her time and presented her with a rocking chair. Ms. Goddard thanked everyone and spoke about her time as a councilmember and stated she will still remain involved. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Houston moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:40 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk