City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held March 6th 2025, at 7:32 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 Bill Houston Michael Ivey Tyler Pontier Nancy Verga Absent: Art Bruhn Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr discussed a stream cleanup scheduled for April 5th from 8:30 to 4:30 to remove fallen trees and garbage from Granniss Avenue to Central Avenue. Contractors are being scheduled and volunteers are needed. Councilmember Ivey requested a budget summary sheet. Mayor Karr said information is in the budget book everyone received. Cross discussion regarding budget procedures. Councilmember Pontier discussed changing the fire prevention ordinance allowing apartments to be inspected when tenants change. Councilmember Houston stated this is one of the ordinances being reviewed. Councilmember Houston discussed a municipal engagement forum on March 20th hosted by the Morris County Housing Alliance regarding affordable housing. Mayor Karr stated HQM Properties is on the panel who we already have a relationship with, Davenport Village, and feels it is premature to attend. Councilmember Houston discussed grants and a sustainable New Jersey grant for invasive species. Cross discussion. Mayor Karr asked Mr. Houston to find out about the requirements. Councilmember Verga discussed the advisory board for the Farmers Market and an upcoming meeting. She would like to discuss acquiring additional sponsors to fund entertainment and special events. Mayor Karr stated the businesses in town already volunteer and donate money to many other organizations in town including sports teams and the Memorial Day parade. Cross discussion. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Cortese at 7:46 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2025-49 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Pontier. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:35 P.M. Councilmember Verga moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Verga moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:35 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 March 6, 2025 at 8:37 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 Cortese moved: THAT the minutes of the Conference and Regular Meetings of February 6, 2025 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Verga Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA REPORTS Grant Writer, February 2025 Tax Collector, January 2025 Treasurer, January 2025 Police Department, February 2025 Resolution 2025-50 entitled, “EXTENDING THE 2025 BUDGET INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION DATES.” Resolution 2025-51 entitled, “REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT.” The resignation of Sarah Thornberry, Court Administrator, be accepted effective March 20, 2025. The Borough Clerk be authorized to advertise for the position of Court Administrator. Maria Emilia Lopez be hired as Full-Time Cleaning/Maintenance for the Morris Plains Municipal Building, Annex and Fire Department Offices, the Morris Plains Community Center and Morris Plains Teen Center at an annual salary of $38,200.00 pro-rated effective February 24, 2025. Morris Plains Seniors, be granted permission to park approximately twenty-five (25) cars at Community Park parking lot, near the tennis courts, on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 9:00am to 8:00pm while on a bus trip to NYC. Morris Plains Seniors, be granted permission to park approximately twenty-two (22) cars at Community Park Pool parking lot for (7) seven days beginning on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 and returning on Monday, April 7, 2025 while on a bus trip to Nashville. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for Pedestrian Walkway along Route 53 and Tabor Road in the March 13, 2025 edition of the official Borough newspaper, with bids to be received on April 10, 2025, at 10:00 A.M., Council Chambers Borough Hall. Having polled the Council on February 24th, permission was granted for 2 FD members to drive Engine 4 to Morris County Vo-Tech, 400 East Main Street, Denville on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 1:15pm to 3:30pm for a Fire Public Safety class that 2 Junior members are currently enrolled in. The Morris Plains Community Band be granted permission to hold four concerts at Roberts Garden on Wednesday August 6, August 13, August 20, and August 27, 2025 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Brianne Muller, be hired as full time Clerk Typist in the Borough Clerk’s Office at an annual salary of $41,000.00, effective March 10, 2025. The Mayor be authorized to sign the Police Departments application for the 2025 Distracted Driving Crackdown Grant. UDrive, UText, UPay Campaign. The Borough Treasurer is authorized to solicit bids for Contract A.2025, Fireworks Display Services for 2025 with up to two 1-year contract extensions in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-15, with notice to be published in the official newspaper on March 13, 2025 and bids to be accepted on April 9, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. in the Council Chambers . Seconded by Councilmember Houston Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak and seeing no one, he closed this public portion of the meeting. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Verga reported the Clerk’s office completed interviews and Brianne Muller will start on Monday. She also reported the Clerk’s office is working on animal licensing, parking permits, OPRA’s and gave an overview of the quarterly safety meeting. Ms. Verga then gave an overview of budget meeting preparations with the first meeting tomorrow night and the second meeting March 28th and reported on a budget webinar. She also reported the Farmers Market advisory board will have a meeting next week and volunteers are needed. A new business will be opening soon next to Monrroy, LR Alterations. Ms. Verga reported on a Know Your Rights Workshop which discussed understanding immigration policies. Public Safety Councilmember Pontier reported two new police officers were hired and will be sworn in very soon. He also reported on the Police Department Building conceptual plans and on an upcoming traffic committee meeting to discuss the complete streets initiative, roads to be paved, and a grant application for Distracted Driving Enforcement. Mr. Pontier reported on Fire Prevention inspections, past due invoices, the State fire extinguishers code and an ordinance for apartment inspections when there is a change in tenants. He also reported on fire department calls and that the court administrator resigned and the ad is posted for a replacement. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on a traffic committee meeting, Avenues in Motion Transportation forum on March 26th and on March 7th Law Enforcement Night will be held at Mennen Arena. He also reported on calls and motor vehicle stops. Fire Department’s Report Assistant Chief Mark Belles reported on calls for the year, training at the Mt. Tabor Fire Department and a lecture at Whippany Fire Department on leadership. He also reported on the new reporting system for reports that go to FEMA. Public Works In the absence of Councilmember Bruhn, no report was given. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Cortese reported on a Shade Tree meeting and stated there are certain trees DPW cannot take care of due to safety issues, he also reported on a recent wind storm “pruned” a lot of trees in town. Mr. Cortese also reported on the recreation vacant positions, pool registration and upcoming events. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Ivey reported on upcoming Teen Center events and that DPW cleaned up the Teen Center house. He also reported on upcoming Municipal Alliance, Board of Health events, the MCMUA contract renewal is being reviewed and DPW efforts which keep the town running. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Houston reported on an affordable housing meeting; 159 municipalities filed a lawsuit to lower their obligations and gave an overview of the law. Mayor Karr stated the Borough is not against affordable housing it is the density that is being imposed on the Borough. Mr. Houston reported on the Housing and Fair Share plan that will be adopted in June. He also reported a building department employee is taking a TACO course and training on SDL program and that there will be an automotive detail shop moving into the T-Shirt factory building. Mr. Houston gave a Planning Board update; the next Board of Adjustment meeting will be March 24th and there will be an upcoming meeting to review the 2019 checklist and streamline applications. Mr. Houston reported on the SMCMUA water main project and cyber security training. 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. 4-2025 CALENDAR YEAR 2025 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14) Councilmember Verga seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Houston offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on March 6, 2025 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on March 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 Pontier seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Houston read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 2- 2025 BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF VARIOUS ROADS IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $953,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $905,350 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH FOR FINANCING SUCH APPROPRIATION. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on February 20, 2025. 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 Houston 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 Cortese, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Houston read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 3- 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $405,000.00 FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF STILES AVENUE AND PROVIDING THAT THE SUM OF $208,504.00 IS EXPECTED TO BE RECEIVED FROM NEW JERSEY DOT GRANT AND THE SUM OF $88,735.00 IS EXPECTED TO BE RECEIVED FROM THE SOUTHEAST MORRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY WITH $107,761.00 APPROPRIATED FROM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND BALANCE which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on February 20, 2025. 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 Houston stated that the above ordinance as read by title on Second Reading at this meeting be adopted and finally passed. Seconded by Councilmember Pontier. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Verga moved the vouchers for March 6, 2025 in the amount of $2,585,015.53, seconded by Councilmember Ivey. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Bruhn Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Cortese at 9:14 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2025-52 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Houston. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:30 P.M. Councilmember Houston moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Pontier moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:31 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Houston. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk