City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held April 17,2025, 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 Bill Houston Michael Ivey Absent: Councilmember Pontier and Verga Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION In the absence of Councilmember Verga, Councilmember Ivey reported Earth Day is coming up and the Green Team will provide a blurb for the weekly email along with a link to information regarding electric vehicles. In the absence of Councilmember Verga, Councilmember Houston asked Chief Koroski if the PD could be more vigilant regarding speeders on Hanover Avenue due to the Route 80 closure. Chief Koroski agreed. Mayor Karr stated the Whippany River Cleanup will be on April 26 th and a tree company has volunteered to remove dead wood out of the stream near Central Avenue and near the bridge. DPW removed other items out of the stream in that area. The grant for the crosswalk for Route 202 and Rosedale Avenue was received. Mayor Karr and Councilmember Houston discussed lead inspections. Mayor Karr has many questions regarding the introduction of Ordinance 7- 2025 and asked for this to be pulled until a later date. He also requested a meeting to discuss his questions with Councilmember Pontier and Fire Official Chris Shay. Cross discussion. Mayor Karr reported the new maps are in, but cannot be hung because they will not roll up. Former Councilmember Dennis Wagner is working to get this fixed. Mayor Karr stated we still do not have an answer from the court regarding our numbers for affordable housing. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 7:43 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Houston. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held April 17, 2025 at 8:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, New Jersey. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER Moment of Silence for John Drake and Lloyd Williams. 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 20, 2025 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Pontier and Verga Abstain: None THAT the minutes of the Budget Meeting of March 28, 2025 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Houston Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Pontier and Verga Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA REPORTS Borough Clerk, March 2025 Animal Licensing, March 2025 Police Department, March 2025 Municipal Court March 2025 Building Inspector, March 2025 Sanitarian, March 2025 Animal Control, March 2025 Treasurer, March 2025 Tax Collector, March 2025 Fire Prevention March 2025 Resolution 2025-62 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING THE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM.” Resolution 2025-63 entitled, “CANCELLATION OF BALANCES AND OVERPAYMENTS LESS THAN $10.00.” The Borough Council approve the Mayor’s Proclamation declaring April 25 th 2025, Arbor Day in the Borough of Morris Plains. The Mayor be authorized to sign the Police Departments application for the 2025 Click it or Ticket Mobilization Department of Highway and Traffic Safety Grant. Having received quotes to waterblast the Community Park baby pool, including plaster removal in preparation for re-plastering, as well as cleanup and debris removal from the following: P. Wingate Services, Inc. $11,000.00 A-L Services $19,400.00 That a purchase order be issued to P. Wingate Services, Inc., PO Box 63, Dublin, PA 18917 in the amount of $11,000.00. Having received public bids for Contract 2022.19, for Improvements to the Pedestrian Walkway along Rt. 53 and Tabor Road, that a contract be awarded to AJM Contractors, Inc. for their low bid of $104,904.00, subject to the Borough Attorney’s review of the bid documents and concurrence from the NJDOT. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for Contract 2025.02, road improvements to Cleveland Avenue, Brook Drive North, Davenport Avenue, Wynwood Road, Beech Drive, Forest Avenue, Forest Court and Sun Valley Way, in the April 24, 2025 edition of the official Borough newspaper, with bids to be received on May 8, 2025, at 10:00 A.M., Council Chambers Borough Hall. The resignation of Justin Pittaro, Jr., Laborer, Department of Public Works, be accepted effective April 25, 2025.  Celeste Denman, 11 Crestview Court East be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a family reunion to be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 1:00pm to 7:00pm at Community Park Pavilion. The Mayor be authorized to execute Contract No. 2023-01 with Cifelli & Son General Contracting, Inc. for improvements to Glenbrook Road. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for Contract 2025.C, for the replacement of the Borough’s tennis courts in the April 24, 2025 edition of the official Borough newspaper, with bids to be received on May 8, 2025, at 10:30 A.M., Council Chambers Borough Hall. Having received bids from Garden State Fireworks and Starfire Corporation for Fireworks Display Services, that a contract in the amount of $24,400.00 be awarded to Garden State Fireworks based on their proposal for 2025 Fireworks Display Services with the potential for up to two one-year contract extensions for 2026 and 2027 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-15. Subject to the Borough Attorney’s review of the bid documents. Cross discussion before the vote regarding the baby pool and Mayor Karr stated Contract 2022.19 is being funded by a grant from Mikie Sherrill’s office and NJDOT. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Pontier and Verga Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Carolyn Bennett, 19 Dayton Road, had a question regarding the milling equipment in the lot at Dayton Road and Speedwell Avenue. It has been there 3 days and she called multiple numbers in the Borough and no one could give her an answer. Mayor Karr stated there has not been a pre-construction meeting yet and we can research and let her know on Monday. Ms. Bennett discussed eCode360, Chapter 29, storage of commercial vehicles. Mayor Karr stated this is private property and it is not being stored and a permit is not required to repave. Ms. Bennett stated she would like to know about upcoming work and will keep her kids away from the area. Mayor Karr stated no permits have been filed. Ms. Bennett discussed the pre-construction meeting and developer’s agreement. Cross discussion with Mayor, Borough Attorney and Engineer. Public is not permitted in pre-construction meetings, professionals only. Ms. Bennett referenced Chapter 13, Section 4, Developer’s Agreement, and would like to be made aware of what is outlined in the agreement. Attorney Horan sated 85% of what is listed in the Planning Board Resolution is listed in the Developer’s Agreement and she can request a copy of the agreement once it is signed. Mayor Karr stated the hours and days of work are listed in our ordinances. Ms. Bennett asked if the public portion of the meeting can be shifted to an earlier time? Mayor Karr stated the public meeting starts at 8:30 pm and every meeting is different and the agenda is followed. Councilmember Houston stated the meetings are a part of the By-Laws. Cross discussion. Lastly, Ms. Bennett discussed a green plastic cover in the grass at Simon’s Park which is not tight and is a hazard. Councilmember Cortese asked Ms. Bennett to send him a picture and he will discuss with DPW. Councilmember Houston asked if when the construction starts can the construction company give an updates to be posted on the website? Cross discussion. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance In the absence of Councilmember Verga no report was given. Public Safety In the absence of Councilmember Pontier no report was given. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported drug take back is April 26th at Stop and Shop and the drop box in the lobby is always available. He also reported on increased enforcement on Speedwell Avenue at the crosswalks at Hillview and Rosedale Avenues and reported the department is preparing for their 6th accreditation. Chief Koroski reported this week is Public Safety Tele Communicators appreciation week and thanked them for all the work they do to keep everyone safe. Mayor Karr also thanked the tele communicators and stated they should receive credit all year long. Fire Department’s Report Chief Rongo reported the March report was completed in the new reporting system. He also updated on calls, Easter Bunny egg hunt, training and walk through with Mount Tabor Fire Department and Greystone Park Hospital. Chief Rongo reported on the live burn training which was excellent. He also reported on vehicle maintenance, gas meters serviced and calibrated, PSE&G resolved the gas smell issue and DPW replaced the back door at the firehouse. Lastly, Chief Rongo reported on a lithium battery fire resulting from an ebike beign charged indoors. He stressed to recharge ion and lithium batteries outside. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported DPW serviced vehicles, patched pot holes, flushed basins, picked up brush, sign installation, baseball field preparations and removed logs from Watnong Brook. DPW also spread woodchips on Borough walking paths and fixed the fence at the pool. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Cortese reported on a Shade Tree meeting and new tree planting for 2025. Arbor Day will be celebrated at Mountain Way School on Friday, April 25th; children will be receiving tree saplings and 35 tree saplings will be available for resident to pick up at the Library. Mr. Cortese reported on a meeting with Nancy Critchley of Beautification at Roberts Garden and thanked her for all the time and effort she puts forth. Mr. Cortese reported on the upcoming Eagle Scout Court of Honor on May 4th and VFW will be hosting a golf outing on June 2nd if anyone is interested. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Ivey reported on the Board of Health meeting where communicable disease reporting and vaccines were discussed. He reported on Teen Center and Municipal Alliance events and the Teen Center events calendar and registration will be finalized soon for next year. Mr. Ivey reported on Clean Communities clean ups and stressed the importance of securing your recyclables on windy collection days. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Houston’s reported Ordinance 7-2025 is being removed from the agenda to review questions with the Fire Prevention Official. Ordinances 5 and 6 are on adoption tonight. He also reported on building department permits and inspections for March and gave a quarterly update. Mr. Houston reported the Planning Board meeting will be April 21st and Board of Adjustment will be April 28th. He also reported on the checklist committee meeting; the application will be refined and more efficient for site plans, sub divisions and variances. Mr. Houston reported on the SMCMUA water main project and reported he attended a Rutgers course for Powers and Duties of Municipal Body. Lastly, Mr. Houston reported he, Mayor Karr, Councilmembers Cortese and Ivey attended the Easter Egg Hunt at Simon’s Park. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Councilmember Houston read by title the ordinance entitled: 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on April 3, 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 Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Houston, Ivey Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Pontier and Verga Abstain: Councilmember Cortese Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Houston read by title the ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 6-2025 AMENDMENT TO SECTION 22-5(a) LIMITING USE OF STREETS TO CERTAIN VEHICLES which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on April 3, 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 Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Pontier and Verga Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. VOUCHERS Councilmember Cortese moved the vouchers for April 17, 2025 in the amount of $3,061,875.38, seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Pontier and Verga Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Cortese at 9:30 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2025-61 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Houston. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 9:40 P.M. Councilmember Houston moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Ivey. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn 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