City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held May 15, 2025, at 7:30 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 EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Cortese at 7:32 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2025-68 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. 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 Ivey moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:32 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held May 15, 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Cortese moved: THAT the minutes of the Conference and Regular Meetings of May 1, 2025 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA REPORTS Borough Clerk, April 2025 Animal Licensing, April 2025 Police Department, April 2025 Grant Writer, April 2025 Sanitarian, April 2025 Fire Prevention, April 2025 Fire Department, April 2025 Resolution 2025-69 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE APPLICATION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING CALENDAR YEAR 2025.” Resolution 2025-70 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT FOR WEBSITE SERVICES WITH AGILE WEBSITES FOR APRIL 1, 2025 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2026 AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN SAME.” Resolution 2025-71 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT TO GARDEN STATE FIREWORKS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY SERVICES.” Resolution 2025-72 entitled, “RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT OF LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH.” Resolution 2025-73 entitled, “WATNONG POST NO. 3401, A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-31-006-002.” Resolution 2025-74 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS AND THE MORRIS COUNTY MUICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY FOR THE CURBSIDE COLLECTION, TRANSPORT AND MARKETING OF RECYCLING MATERIALS.” Brody Patrick Toye be hired for seasonal help in the Department of Public Works at an hourly rate of $15.58 effective May 19, 2025. Having received quotes for the 2025 Family Day events and rides from the following: Party Perfect Rentals, LLC $15,042.50 DAM Event and Rentals No Quote Lucky Star Amusements No Quote That a purchase order be issued to Party Perfect Rentals, L.L.C. 312 Squankum Yellowbrook Road, Farmingdale, NJ in the amount of $15,042.50. Having received quotes for the 2025 Block Dance from the following: Any Excuse for a Party, Inc. $3,600.00 Party Time Rentals $4,262.40 That a purchase order be issued to Any Excuse for a Party, Inc., 16 Gloria Lane, Fairfield, NJ in the amount of $3,600.00. Having received public bids for Contract 2025.02, for road improvements to Cleveland Avenue, Brook Drive North, Davenport Avenue, Wynwood Road, Beech Drive, Forest Avenue, Forest Court and Sun Valley Way, that a contract be awarded to Cifelli & Sons General Construction, Inc. for their low bid of $722,996.25, subject to the Borough Attorney’s review of the bid documents. The Recreation Summer Camp, Pool Employees and Camp Director salaries attached for the 2025 season be approved. Having received quotes to plaster the Community Park baby pool from the following: Braz Masonry LLC. $15,521.21 Raymond Pool Plastering LLC $18,150.00  That a purchase order be issued to Braz Masonry LLC, 365 Rifle Camp Rd. Suite 223, Woodland Park, NJ 07424 in the amount of $15,521.21. Having received quotes to purchase up to 20 Skip Laurel shrubs for the Court Road pathway from the following: Agway $139.49 each Morris County Farms $187.46 each Cerbos $97.50 each William Schneider $115.00 each That a purchase order be issued to Cerbos, 440 Littleton Rd., Parsippany, NJ 07054 for the quote per shrub not to exceed 20 shrubs. The Recreation Summer Camp Counselors attached be hired at the position, rate and date stated for the 2025 Summer Camp. The Program Instructors attached be hired for the Recreation Summer Enhancement program at the position, rate and session date stated for the 2025 Summer programs. Seconded by Councilmember Ivey Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Rachel Reinhardt, 40 Stiles Avenue, thanked the Council for the Pride Resolution on tonight’s agenda for allowing the flags to be placed around town. Ms. Reinhardt invited anyone who would like to join them and also thanked Chief Koroski for speaking with the students and helping with the flags. Hannah Reinhardt, 40 Stiles Avenue, talked about the importance of Pride Month and the acceptance of individuals who are different. Mayor Karr thanked Hannah and said there was no question that he and the council support everyone. Lee Connor, 2 Tower Hill Road, discussed residential input for development and planning decisions in the Borough and that proactive resident involvement is not present. The community can do better together with informed concerned resident and committed officials for Morris Plains to plan for a more thoughtful sustainable future. Plan Better Morris Plains is a nonpartisan, resident led group with a clear mission to collaborate with town leadership in reimagining the future of Morris Plains. Plan Better MP will promote best practices and a safe sustainable living plan for our future. Ms. Connor spoke about the promises made by the McDonald’s applicant and residents want to be ensured that it is being monitored and want clear and timely updates on the construction. Mayor Karr thanked Ms. Connor and stated there was a meeting with the property owner, their attorney and our Engineer Bill Ryden to clarify what is going to happen on the Friendly’s/McDonald’s property going forward. Demolition is going to take place in 2 to 4 weeks after shut offs from utilities take place and the construction official is going to be informed of what will be happening on the property. The developer’s agreement will be prepared with strict standards and will be followed. Charlie Taubald, 56 Leamoor Drive, expressed the importance of the Pride Flags and support of the LGBTQ+ community and support of individuals to express and be proud of who they are. Mayor Karr thanked Charlie and said he and the council are in support of everyone. Lisa Schroeder, 97 Maple Avenue, discussed Ron Kelly and Planning Board members and the (MLUL) Municipal Land Use Law. Why was there a conflict of interest with Mr. Kelly being an employee and Planning Board member? Cross discussion. Mayor Karr stated it was an error and Mr. Kelly was given a choice of staying a member or an employee. Ms. Schroeder asked about Marianne Steckert being a member on both Shade Tree and Planning Board and asked if that is allowed? Mayor Karr stated she is a Class II member and can be on bother boards and originally it was a typographical error of her class this year. Ms. Schroeder continued to ask questions regarding Mr. Kelly’s appointment. Cross discussion. Paul Collery, 18 Hillview Avenue, requested the bathrooms be unlocked on the 2nd floor for meeting nights. Mayor Karr stated there are public restrooms on the first floor. Jessica Orr, 15 Hillview Avenue, asked if the Centennial logo winner would be announced soon? Cross discussion. Ms. Orr spoke about Ron Kelly and Marianne Steckert’s appointments to the Planning Board and asked what the process is to appoint a new member. Ms. Orr expressed that Mr. Kelly did a wonderful job on the board and listened to residents. Cross discussion. Carolyn Bennett, 19 Dayton Road, thanked everyone who attends the meetings especially the mothers in attendance. Ms. Bennett made a statement regarding understanding of the land use law and learning how things are run in the Borough and that everyone should be respectful to each other. Ms. Bennet expressed concerns regarding the construction at the Friendly’s site and the workers that were there doing asbestos removal and no one could give any information regarding the work being completed. Mayor Karr stated that nothing has been done since the meeting he had recently. Bill O’Conner the construction official will be notified of work that will be done every day. The asbestos work was supposed to be an inspection and they found some around the windows. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Verga reported on a finance committee meeting regarding insurance health plans. She reported on the personnel manual update which is a requirement every few years and certain requirements from the State that need to be updated. Ms. Verga reported the CFO worked on the bond and cap ordinance and the senior and veteran report is due to the county June 5th which would qualify them for a $250 deduction. She also reported the Green Team and Clean Communities combined to do a community cleanup at Stop and Shop. The Green Team is completing an application to receive a local government energy audit through the BPU and had a mulching and weeding volunteer event at the Community Garden. Ms. Verga reported on an upcoming IT meeting regarding cyber security. Public Safety Councilmember Pontier reported that Chief Koroski participated in the Police Unity Tour with Lt. Guild and Sgt. Heinz. He also reported on a Traffic Committee meeting, the solid white lines on Glenbrook Road were approved and a complete and green streets policy will be discussed. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported the onsite accreditation inspection will be May 19th. He also reported on the LEAD graduation and that the appreciation breakfast for the Crossing Guards will be on June 17th. Mayor Karr congratulated Chief Koroski, Lt. Guild and Sgt. Heinz on their participation on the Police Unity Tour. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported the DPW is working on preparations for the parade, vehicle maintenance, picked up garbage in the parks, repaired pot holes, flushed basins, fixed pavers along Speedwell Avenue, mulched, cut grass and prepared planters for the Beautification Committee. He also reported the fields are being prepped for opening day for baseball and the fishing contest. Mr. Bruhn reported DPW employees completed CPR training and some employees are working on CDL training. Engineer Report Mr. Ryden reported the Route 53 sidewalk contract was approved and there will be an upcoming preconstruction meeting. He also reported the Glenbrook Road contract was executed and work will begin after June 22nd and the multi road paving project was approved and work will begin in July. Public Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Cortese reported camp and pool registration has begun. He also reported Downtown Morris Plains would like to setup a lounge area at the Farmers Market and the bike racks will be installed soon. Mr. Cortese reported Shade Tree is replacing trees and to date 15 trees have been planted and more will be planted in the Fall. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Ivey reported on the Board of Health meeting; Wellness Day will be in October at which vaccines for children 6 months and older will be offered. There will be various vendors and the Morris Minute Men will be in attendance for “Touch a Truck.” Mr. Ivey reported on Teen Center events, the parent open house night and Municipal Alliance events. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Houston reported Ordinance 9-2025 is being pulled from tonight’s agenda for review. He also reported on ordinances that will be reviewed and discussions with the fire prevention official regarding an ordinance for ebikes. Ordinance 6-2025 regarding signage on Hillview and Rosedale Avenues was sent to the NJDOT for review. Mr. Houston reported on various inspections, permits issued and a plumbing permit issued for the Friendly’s/McDonald’s site. He also reported the former Acme site is going to be an electric car service center and permits were issued. Mayor Karr stated that this will be a Rivian Dealership going into this site which will be a dealership with repair. This is going to the planning board for minor site plan. Mr. Houston reported on Planning Board and Board of Adjustment updates. Planning Board will be making amendments to the Master Plan. Mayor Karr reported on the NJ Transit upcoming strike information and a meeting regarding the pumps for the underpass which will be upgrading to 50 horsepower pumps and a new electrical box. 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. 7-2025 BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $1,400,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $880,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH FOR FINANCING SUCH APPROPRIATION. Councilmember Verga seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Houston offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on May 15, 2025 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on June 19, 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. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Councilmember Houston introduced the following ordinance and read the same by title and moved that it be passed on First Reading. ORDINANCE NO. 8- 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $130,600.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY Councilmember Ivey seconded the motion. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Thereupon, Councilmember Houston offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, the above ordinance was introduced and read by title at this meeting on May 15, 2025 and passed on First Reading. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that at a meeting to be held on June 19, 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. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. RESOLUTIONS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Houston made a motion to create at Tech Advisory Board to review tech and upgrade improvements necessary to provide a better more accessible experience for the public. Cross discussion. Councilmember Houston moved to create a Tech Advisory Board. Seconded by Councilmember Verga. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Ms. Verga asked about the Business Development Committee and the funds allocated. Mayor Karr stated Mr. Pontier is now on the committee and there is a budget of $2,500.00. Flower pots were bought last year and installing lights to illuminate trees along the avenue this year is possible. Ms. Verga asked if there is a current councilmember on the Centennial Committee? Mayor Karr stated there is not and he will discuss with the chair to have a councilmember added. Mayor Karr stated flag distribution for the parade will be done by the Rotary instead of the Presbyterian Church. Cross discussion. Ms. Verga stated the council will be handing out their own flags. Mr. Houston discussed having an affordable housing public information session in the next few weeks so they are informed as to what will be happening. Cross discussion. Mayor Karr stated there is a Grand Opening for Fashion Nails on Saturday. VOUCHERS Councilmember Verga moved the vouchers for May 15, 2025 in the amount of $308,233.66 seconded by Councilmember Pontier. Yeas: Councilmembers Cortese, Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Houston moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 10:11 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Cortese. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _________________________________ Rosanne Denman, Borough Clerk