City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held April 3,2025, 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 Art Bruhn Michael Ivey Tyler Pontier Nancy Verga Absent: Bill Houston Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER SWEARING IN OF POLICE OFFICERS Mayor Karr welcomed the new Probationary Police Officers to the meeting and to the Borough. Emilio Eriksen, Probationary Police Officer, Badge #58, was introduced and sworn in. Jake Zelencich, Probationary Police Officer, Badge #59, was introduced and sworn in. Probationary Officers were congratulated and introduced their family members in attendance. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr reported the train station lights in both parking lots were repaired by NJ Transit and the overgrown trees were cut and the playground equipment for Watnong Park should be delivered soon. Councilmember Pontier discussed a 2nd pickle ball court and playground equipment being delivered to Watnong Park. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Cortese at 8:21 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2025-58 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:31 P.M. Councilmember Pontier moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:32 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 April 3, 2025 at 8:34 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 March 6, 2025 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Verga Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Houston Abstain: Councilmember Bruhn THAT the minutes of the Budget Meeting of March 7, 2025 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Ivey Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Houston Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 2025-59 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION TO OBTAIN A LUCAS 3 AUTOMATED COMPRESSION DEVICE COSTING APPROXIMATELY $20,364.” Resolution 2025-60 entitled, “REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT.” Sarah Thornberry be hired as part-time Deputy Court Administrator for the Morris Plains Municipal court at an hourly rate of $40.00 per hour retroactive to March 24, 2025. The resignation of Anthony Cardoniga, Police Officer, be accepted effective April 10, 2025. The Recreation Summer Camp, Pool Employees and Camp Director salaries attached for the 2025 season be approved. Having received quotes to replace lawn sprinklers at the Municipal Building from the following: Regulated Rain Irrigation $4,800.00 Dowd Irrigation $5,750.00 Ecosystems No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Regulated Rain Irrigation, 207 Bee Meadow Parkway, Whippany, NJ, in the amount of $4,800.00. Karen Coffey, Board Secretary, be granted permission to attend the Building Safety Conference in Atlantic City from May 14, 2025 thru May 16, 2025. Michelle Diamond be hired as Recreation Coordinator at an annual salary of $6,000.00 retroactive to March 26, 2025. Melissa Aponte be hired as the new interim Court Administrator for the Morris Plains Municipal court at an annual salary of $70,000.00 effective April 21, 2025. Borough Council authorize the Borough Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for the Northview Drive improvement project, Contract 2026.01. Seconded by Councilmember Pontier Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Houston Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Karr reported the stream cleanup scheduled for Saturday is being canceled due to bad weather and will be rescheduled. The playground equipment for Watnong Park will be delivered soon and the Borough received $250 safety incentive award. Lastly, Mayor Karr reported on the hearing for affordable housing and that a decision should be rendered on Monday. Gerry Sittman, Recreation Commission Chair, 1 Thompson Way, discussed the pay raises for camp counselors, lifeguards, pool managers and swim team coaches. Mr. Sittman feels the pay increase is not sufficient and part time seasonal employees should receive a higher rate of pay. Cross discussion. Mayor Karr stated no one is paid under minimum wage and these increases were approved by the Department of Labor. Kevin Bodnar, 26 Overlook Trail, stated 50% of 1st year counselors do not come back for the 2nd year. Cross discussion regarding camp cost increases to cover salary increases. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Verga reported there is a new Recreation Director, the Clerk’s office has been working on primary election preparations, financial disclosures parking permits, animal licensing and OPRA’s. She also reported on the second budget meeting and Ms. Thomas worked over the weekend to have documents prepared for submission on Monday morning. The budget is being introduced tonight, the public hearing and adoption will be May 1st. Ms. Verga gave an overview of a Film Ready Workshop she attended on March 26th. The workshop discussed the 5 step program to accommodate on location filming and the economic impact for towns. Ms. Verga reported on a seminar Ms. Thomas attended regarding property tax relief for individuals over 65 and the new application the State introduced for residents to fill out for property tax relief, senior freeze and anchor benefits. The state will provide in-person information sessions at various locations. Public Safety Councilmember Pontier reported on the swearing in of 2 officers and welcomed them to the Borough. He also reported on an Avenues in Motion meeting, an upcoming conceptual plans meeting, a traffic committee meeting and the complete green streets policy. Mr. Pontier reported on Memorial Day Parade preparations and a Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) that Chief Koroski is researching which would allow volunteers to help during emergency situations in a limited capacity i.e.: road closures. Mr. Pontier reported the new court administrator that will be starting April 21 st and updated on Fire Prevention inspections and updating an outdated inspection ordinance. He also reported on Fire Department training, the delivery of the new mini pumper and that meters were calibrated on all apparatus. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported the prescription drug take back is April 26th at Stop and Shop and the hazard mitigation survey is on the Police Department website and social media. He also reported in addition to April being Distracted Driving month it is also Autism Awareness month. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported on the new reporting system, training and updated on the number of calls to date. He reported an ongoing PSE&G issue on Stiles Avenue with the new gas vent and residents are calling with the smell of gas. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported DPW serviced Borough vehicles, did brush pickup, patched pot holes, flushed and repaired basins, did street cleaning, baseball field preparations and installed benches at Watnong Park. DPW employees also attended training on MSI for Fast Tack to Safety. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Cortese reported on a Farmers Market meeting and that Shade Tree is still searching for a Forester. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Ivey reported on the MUA recycling contract, the litter at Simons Park and that Clean Communities is scheduling clean ups and will address the Simons Park issues. Mr. Ivey reported on upcoming Municipal Alliance, Teen Center and Board of Health meetings. Mr. Ivey reported on fire department calls and is appreciative of how prepared and ready the members are to answer calls. Ordinance & Public Utilities In Councilmember Houston’s absence, Mr. Pontier gave an overview of ordinances being reviewed by the ordinance committee. He also reported the building department is in final stages of SDL program training. Mr. Pontier reported on upcoming Planning Board, Masterplan Review Committee, Checklist Committee and Board of Adjustment meetings. He also reported on the SMCMUA water main project and that Mr. Houston attended a mandatory planning board webinar for all new members. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES Councilmember Bruhn introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 5-2025 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING IMPROVEMENTS ALONG MADISON AVENUE AND THE CREATION OF A CUL-DE-SAC WITH THE COST OF SUCH IMPROVEMENTS TO BE PAID BY THE OWNERS OF BLOCK 53, LOTS 8 & 11 AND BLOCK 54, LOT 11& 13 Councilmember Verga seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Houston Abstain: Councilmember Cortese Thereupon, Councilmember Bruhn offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on April 3, 2025 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on April 17, 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 Ivey seconded the resolution. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Houston Abstain: Councilmember Cortese Councilmember Bruhn introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 6-2025 AMENDMENT TO SECTION 22-5(a) LIMITING USE OF STREETS TO CERTAIN VEHICLES Councilmember Verga seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Houston Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Bruhn offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on April 3, 2025 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on April 17, 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 Cortese seconded the resolution. Voice vote. All in favor. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Introduction of 2025 Municipal Budget Councilmember Verga moved the approval of the 2025 municipal budget, seconded by Councilmember Pontier. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Wagner Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None VOUCHERS Councilmember Verga moved the vouchers for April 3, 2025 in the amount of $830,025.98, seconded by Councilmember Ivey. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Houston Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Cortese moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:20 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk