City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held March 20th 2025, at 7:31 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 Michael Ivey Tyler Pontier Nancy Verga Absent: None Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr thanked the Rotary Club for donating a pergola at Watnong Park and also thanked the DPW for installation. Councilmember Houston distributed ordinances to be updated/amended and would like council to provide feedback. He also discussed the proposal to upgrade the sound equipment in council chambers to record meetings. Cross discussion. Mr. Houston discussed record scanning proposals for the building department documents to be digital which will be a long process but would like it to start this year. Councilmember Verga discussed meeting with a broker for employee health benefits; she is awaiting information and explained that the broker requires a yearly fixed service fee. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Cortese at 7:46 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2025-53 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Ivey. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:31 P.M. Councilmember Pontier moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Ivey. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Houston moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:31 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 March 20, 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Karr stated there is a correction to the minutes of February 20 th under Councilmember Verga’s report and stated the correction. Councilmember Cortese moved: THAT the minutes of the Conference and Regular Meetings of February 20, 2025 with the correction 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 Animal Control, February 2025 Building Inspector, February 2025 Borough Clerk, February 2025 Animal Licensing, February 2025 Tax Collector, February 2025 Treasurer, February 2025 Fire Prevention, February 2025 Resolution 2025-54 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER OCTOBER 2020-2026.” Resolution 2025-55 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FUNDING MUNICIPAL ALLIANCES.” Resolution 2025-56 entitled, “RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT FOR WEBSITE SERVICES TO AGILE WEBSITES FOR ARIL 1, 2025 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2026 AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN SAME.” The Morris Plains Rotary be granted permission to hold “Uncle Frank’s Fishing Contest” on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 7:00am to 10:30am at the Community Park Pond. Thomas Tani 19 Keenan Place be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a wedding celebration to be held Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 11:00am to 5:00pm at the Community Park Pavilion. Friendly Sons of St. Patrick be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a picnic to be held Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 8:00am to dusk at Community Park Pavilion. Having received quotes to replace the transmission in the Fire Department 2017 Chevy Tahoe Chief 2 vehicle from the following: Denville Transmission $6,500.00 w/3yr 50,000-mile warranty TRM Transmissions & Auto $6,500.00 w NO Warranty Schumacher Chevrolet $13,138.58 That a purchase order be issued to Denville Transmission, 370 E. Main Street, Denville, NJ in the amount of $6,500.00. Having received quotes to replace the drain valve at the Community Park Pool from the following: Webster Plumbing & Heating, Inc. $5,900.00 Cullen Plumbing $7,203.00 That a purchase order be issued to Webster Plumbing, 8 W. Main St., PO Box 529, Brookside, NJ in the amount of $5,900.00. Jamie Cooper be hired as part time Recreation Director at an annual salary of $12,000 and Recreation Commission Secretary at an hourly rate of $22.00 an hour in the Recreation Department, effective March 26, 2025.  The Borough Council approve the excused absence of Chris Shay, Fire Prevention Chief to attend the Multi County Fire Prevention Meeting on April 3, 2025 at the Hanover Manor and two educational seminars on May 20 & May 30, 2025 at the Morris County Fire Academy 400 W. Hanover Ave., Morris Plains. Borough Council authorize the release and return of engineering review and inspection fees in the amount of $622.60 to Savina Robertelli, 2 Park Way, Morris Plains, NJ, for Road Opening #1007 per the Borough Engineer’s correspondence dated February 18, 2025. Seconded by Councilmember Verga Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Cortese PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Kathy Pond, 28 Hillview Avenue, is following up on her November 14, 2024 request to amend Article5, 22-5, limiting certain vehicles on certain streets. Ms. Pond would like Hillview and Rosedale Avenues added to this ordinance. Mayor Karr stated it can be discussed at the next traffic committee meeting. Councilmember Houston stated this ordinance will be reviewed. Cross discussion. Kathy Petersen, 19 Kathleen Place, discussed the flood maps being redrawn and the Borough’s letter with the press release containing information. Ms. Petersen stressed that residents are not being communicated with regarding flood zones by FEMA or the State and expressed concerns the new development on Route 53 will create more downstream water flow and flood their properties. Mayor Karr stated DEP approved the building and had the buildings raised to prevent flooding. Engineer Bill Ryden stated this also falls under Stormwater Management, State Statues have to be followed which is approved and mandated by the NJDEP. Ms. Petersen discussed the large tree that feel in Watnong Brook which was visible and she asked who is responsible for trees falling that aren’t visible? Mayor Karr stated the tree will be cleaned up and there will be a stream cleanup on April 5th to remove dead wood and debris from Granniss Avenue to Central Avenue. Mr. Ryden stated it is the property owner’s responsibility if their tree falls in the brook and stated that FEMA is reviewing feedback received from municipalities regarding approval of the updated flood maps. Chief Koroski stated the Hazard Mitigation Plan meeting will be in a couple of weeks and information will be posted on their social media and website. Cherylann Davies, 23 Kathleen Place, discussed the deterioration of the stream walls and is constantly building rock walls and planting ornamental grass in her yard so she does not lose any more of her property. Ms. Davies stated a wall was built, but has since washed away and who is responsible for the upkeep? Mr. Ryden stated the property owner is responsible, the state owns the water, but the land is the residents to maintain. Ms. Davies asked with the new development property being raised 4 to 7 feet can you guarantee no additional Stormwater will come downstream? Mr. Ryden stated he cannot guarantee but construction meets State standards. Mayor Karr stated he is working with 6 other towns on flood remediation and that federal money has been received by Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office to clean, dig out, de-snag and prepare banks to bring depth back. This has not been done for 100 years and will take time Cross discussion. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Verga reported on a Library Association meeting, the services available, including apps, educational opportunities and the next shredding event will be April 22nd. Ms. Verga reported the new Clerk’s Office employee is being trained and they are working on Farmers Market preparations, financial disclosures, primary elections and OPRA’s. She also reported onboarding for new councilmembers with information from Mayor, Council and department heads to help with the process. Ms. Verga reported on website updates, a Plainstalk meeting with the editor and the new business directory that can be accessed through a link to Downtown Morris Plains. Mayor Karr and Ms. Verga expressed the need for pictures of town events to be sent to the Plainstalk editor to be posted in the quarterly newsletter. Public Safety Councilmember Pontier reported Musial Group presented new schemes for expansion of the Police and Fire Departments and a plan for new construction next to the Teen Center. He also reported the Police Department budget is in order, there will be an upcoming Traffic Committee meeting to review a draft of the complete green streets policy, with a possible future resolution and two new officers that will be sworn in at the next council meeting. Mr. Pontier reported the Fire Prevention Official will be attending a multi county meeting and updated on inspections. He also gave updates on Municipal Court, the Fire Department will be taking the Easter Bunny to three locations for the Easter egg hunt on April 12th. Fire Department members participated in the St. Patrick’s Day parade and there will be an upcoming live burn training. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported prescription drug take back will be April 26th at Stop and Shop. CPR training is being offered to Little League coaches and the annual report was completed and forwarded to the State. Mayor Karr thanked Sarah Thornberry, Court Administrator, for all of her hard work over and years and wished her the best of luck moving forward. The County Court will be covering a few days a week and Ms. Thornberry will be working in the evening until a new Court Administrator is hired. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported on the Beautification 2025 budget. He also reported DPW serviced Borough vehicles, painted the basement in the Annex, did brush pickup, repaired the soccer field fence, patched pot holes on Stiles Avenue, and flushed basins. Cross discussion on garbage in front of the Presbyterian Church. Engineer’s Report Mr. Ryden reported bids will be received April 10 for the Pedestrian Walkway along Route 53, the 2025 capital road projects are in design with bids set for Spring, and Stiles Avenue road project is in design for construction in 2026. Mr. Ryden reported on a preconstruction meeting for the renovation at the Weichert building on Littleton Road and reported the Tabor Road warehouses received their CO’s and are ready for tenants. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Cortese reported on the Shade Tree meeting and a pine tree at Watnong Pond that DPW could not remove. He also reported on a trail grant meeting and the grand opening of the Vision Loss Alliance. Mr. Cortese reported on the repair of the valve at the pool, and quotes for repair of the baby pool. He also reported on the new Recreation Director. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Ivey reported on Teen Center and Municipal Alliance events; Family Fitness day will take place April 5th. He also reported on a Board of Health meeting and the need for updated vaccines. Mr. Ivey reported on spring cleanups with Clean Communities and that the recycling contract renewal is being reviewed. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Houston reported on an ordinance review meeting and modifications will be reviewed by the council. He also reported on building permits, inspections, training and new records management software. Mr. Houston reported on the Planning Board and Master Plan Committee review meeting, Board of Adjustment meeting was cancelled, a checklist committee meeting and attendance of a housing engagement forum. Mr. Houston reported on the SMCMUA water main project; residents will be notified in advance of water interruptions. He also reported on a film ready workshop on Wednesday, March 27th and on the upcoming Morristown High School musical and Borough School play. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Houston read by title the ordinance entitled: 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) which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on March 6, 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, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None 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 20, 2025 in the amount of $474,232.96, seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Cortese at 9:40 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2025-57 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Houston. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 10:12 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 10:15 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk