City Council

Minutes of the Conference Meeting of the Borough Council held June 19, 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: Art Bruhn Bill Houston Michael Ivey Tyler Pontier Nancy Verga Absent: Salvatore Cortese Present: John E. Horan, Esq., Borough Attorney ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Noel Musial Sr. and Noel Musial Jr. from the Musial Group gave a presentation for either an addition on the Municipal Building or a new construction at 25 Tabor Road for the Police Department. Various schemes were displayed and the projected total cost was discussed. Cross discussion with Mayor Karr, Councilmembers, Chief Koroski and the Musial Group. If the Borough decides to move forward, a referendum would be placed on the November General Election for residents to vote. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 8:17 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2025-75 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Ivey. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 8:35 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Houston. Voice Vote. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Conference Meeting be adjourned at 8:38 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Pontier. Voice Vote. All in favor. ______________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor _____________________________ Rose Marie Leyhan, Deputy Borough Clerk Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held June 19, 2025 at 8:38 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. PRESENTATION Chief Michael Koroski presented the following awards to Officers: Jake Zelencich-Military Service Award Emilio Eriksen-Education Award and Military Service Award Mclean Lipshutz-Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Nyquan Shaw-Distinguished Service Award Peter Rolph-Chiefs Accommodation for 5th Accreditation Chief Koroski and Mayor Karr expressed their sincerest thank you and service to the Borough. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Verga moved: THAT the minutes of the Conference and Regular Meetings of May 15, 2025 be approved. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Cortese Abstain: None Councilmember Houston asked for Resolution 2025-85 to be removed and reviewed by the Shade Tree Commission. Mayor Karr stated the deadline for this grant is June 30th. The Resolution can be moved to be discussed. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA REPORTS Borough Clerk, May 2025 Animal Licensing, May 2025 Sanitarian, May 2025 Police Department, May 2025 Tax Collector, April 2025 Treasurer, April 2025 Fire Prevention, May 2025 Resolution 2025-76 entitled, “ANNUAL REPORT OF AUDIT FOR THE YEAR 2024.” Resolution 2025-77 entitled, “DORE ART CORPORATION A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-33-001-003.” Resolution 2025-78 entitled, “JO-LYN LIQUORS, INC. A.B.C. LICENSE STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-44-003-003.” Resolution 2025-79 entitled, “NOFITO, LLC A.B.C. STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-33-004- 003 (IN POCKET)” Resolution 2025-80 entitled, “KRIS INVESTMENTS, LLC A.B.C. LICENSE, STATE LICENSE NO. 1423-44-002-007.” Resolution 2025-81 entitled, “MORRIS PLAINS 1, LLC A.B.C. STATE LICENSE NO. 1423- 33-005-009 (IN POCKET).” Resolution 2025-82 entitled, “ANNUAL AUDIT CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN.” Resolution 2025-83 entitled, “AUTHORIZATION TO SET UP A RESERVE FOR PRELIMINARY COSTS OF NORTHVIEW DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Resolution 2025-84 entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE T-MOBILE HOMETOWN GRANT PROGRAM FOR $50,000.00 TOWARDS THE WATNONG PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT PROJECT.” Resolution 2025-86 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FOR THE COPS HIRING PROGRAM.” Resolution 2025-87 entitled, “TRANSFER OF A POLICE MOTORCYCLE FROM THE CITY OF ELIZABETH TO THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Resolution 2025-88 entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS AUTHORIZING THE USE OF AN ONLINE REVERSE AUCTION FOR THE PURCHASE OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SERVICES FOR PUBLIC USE OF NON-STREET LIGHT SERVICE.” Resolution 2025-89 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF USE OF AN ONLINE REVERSE AUCTION FOR THE PURCHASE OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SERVICES FOR PUBLIC USE FOR STREET LIGHT SERVICE.” Resolution 2025-90 entitled, “RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE 2025 HOUSING ELEMENT AND FAIR SHARE PLAN.” Resolution 2025-91 entitled, “REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT.” Borough Council approves a police vehicle to be transported to NJ Police Security Expo in Atlantic City from June 22, 2025 thru June 26, 2025. Having polled the council on May 22, 2025, Giovanni Cortese, was granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a Birthday Party held Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Community Park Pavilion. Audrey Eapen be hired as a Substitute Crossing Guard for the Police Department at a daily rate of $90.00, retroactive to May 29, 2025. The residents of Walsh Way (West of Oregon Trail) be granted permission to hold a block party on Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a rain date of Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Further permission to serve alcoholic beverages be granted. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades. The residents of Hawthorne Avenue, Homer Avenue, Carlyle Avenue, and Sunset Road be granted permission to hold a block party on Saturday, September 13 th 2025 from 4:00pm to Midnight, with a rain date of Sunday, September 14 th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Further permission to serve alcoholic beverages be granted. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades. The Department of Public Works be authorized to advertise for the position of Laborer with Class B CDL preferred. MG Car Club Central Jersey Centre, be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a club picnic and barbecue to be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Community Park Pavilion. Having received quotes for goats to graze the invasive species at Community Park from the following: NeighborHood Farm, LLC $1,650.00 Green Goats Rhinebeck $9,000.00 Crescent Nar Farm $4,500.00 That a purchase order be issued to NeighborHood Farm, LLC, 167 Buttermilk Bridge Road, Asbury, NJ in the amount of $1,650.00. Craig Rolfe, Laborer, be granted the $1.00 per hour increase for receiving his Class B, CDL License, retroactive to May 16, 2025. Shane Kelly, Probationary Laborer be promoted to the position of Laborer in Department of Public Works and be granted the $1.00 per hour increase for receiving his Class B, CDL License, retroactive to May 27, 2025. Mark Belles, Probationary Laborer be promoted to the position of Laborer in Department of Public Works and be granted the $1.00 per hour increase for receiving his Class B, CDL License, retroactive to June 3, 2025. Having received the minutes of the Board of Health from May 14, 2025, approved at the meeting June 11, 2025, the resignation of Carole Howell has been accepted effective May 31, 2025. Sean Keck-Mulligan be hired as Board of Health Secretary at an annual salary of $8,500.00, prorated, effective June 1, 2025. Thomas Effner, be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a first birthday party to be held Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Community Park Pavilion. Daniel Vander Ploeg, be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a family reunion to be held Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 10:00 am to dusk at the Community Park Pavilion. Having received quotes for Police Department 100th Anniversary Badges from the following: SymbolArts LLC $3,503.16 Point Emblems $3,917.81 Smith & Warren $4,700.00 That a purchase order be issued to SymbolArts LLC, 6083 S 1550 E, Ogden, UT in the amount of $3,503.16. Morris Plains Seniors, be granted permission to park approximately twelve (12) cars at Veterans Park Baseball Field parking lot on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm while on a bus trip to NYC.  Robert Fredette, be granted the $1.00 per hour increase for receiving his Class B, CDL License, retroactive to June 17, 2025. Having received public bids for Contract 2025.C, for the repair or replacing two tennis courts at the Morris Plains Community Park, that a contract be awarded to Green Valley Group, Inc. for their low bid of $49,710.00 and that the Mayor be authorized to execute the contract. The highlighted Community Park Pool Employees attached be hired for the Pool Season at the position salary and date stated for the 2025 season. The Borough Treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for the construction of a tennis wall within the Borough of Morris Plains, Contract 2025.D in the Morris NewsBee, 2025 edition of the official Borough newspaper on July 10, 2025, with bids to be received on August 6, 2025, at 10:00 A.M., Council Chambers Borough Hall. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Cortese Abstain: None Mayor Karr asked if the goats are here now or later in the summer? Mr. Bruhn stated they are here now. Mayor Karr thanked Carole Howell for over 40 years of employment and dedication as the Board of Health Secretary. Mayor Karr made a statement regarding emails to Councilmembers. Emails cannot be sent to every Councilmember in one email being that they cannot respond to these emails due to the Sunshine Law. One email can be sent to the Clerk’s Office and asked to be distributed to the Councilmembers. Lastly, Mayor Karr congratulated Larry Ripley on his award for 15,000 pints of blood donated and 25 years building this program. PUBLIC INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION Laurie Cama, 12 Lindabury Lane, requested a follow up on Ordinance 14-2023, Section 13-5.1C, permitted uses regarding drive thru restaurants. Ms. Cama stated she was told the removal of permitted uses could be done after reorganization, but it is now June and nothing has been revised. Mr. Houston stated the ordinance is large and he has not had enough time to review it. There are a number of items that need to be looked at, go through the Council then referred to Planning Board which will take time. Ms. Cama stated she knows this is a huge undertaking and would like a target date as to when this can be achieved and completed. Mr. Houston stated he understand the concerns and will put milestones together to look at different parts of the ordinance. Mayor Karr stated if changes are to be made it should be done all at once not piece meal. Cross discussion. A change may trigger something else to be changed. Mr. Houston stated we can look at the ordinance in sections, discuss and make changes. He will have an action plan by the July meeting. Jessica Orr, 15 Hillview Avenue, read an email from Ron Kelly that was sent to Andy Brewer and questioned why he did not get a response from him. Ms. Orr stated she wants to understand the process and why wasn’t he made aware he couldn’t hold 2 positions when he was hired? Mayor Karr stated it fell thru the cracks and Ron was a true asset to the Planning Board, but could not continue due to the conflict. Carolyn Bennett, 19 Dayton Road, thanked the council for allowing the public to speak. She addressed the disrespect of others when someone is speaking. Ms. Bennett had questions regarding Ron Kelly and leadership roles. Cross discussion. Mayor Karr stated he will email Ron Kelly to go over his options on being a Planning Board member or an employee. Joann Dugan, 31 Canfield Avenue, asked what options Mr. Kelly was given? Mr. Horan stated this cannot be discussed at the council level due to active litigation and a motion challenging board members which was brought to superior court. Cooper Johnson, 51 Sun Valley Drive, passed out a timeline regarding Marianne Steckert and Ron Kelly positions on boards. Mr. Horan reiterated that this cannot be discussed at this council meeting. Sue Riccardelli, 9 Cutler Road, asked if there was an update on flood remediation which was supposed to take place in April. Mayor Karr stated the hopes this will take place in August after the rainy season. Portia Levasseur, 17 Diana Road, gave an update on Downtown Morris Plains progress and events. There will be a Business Development Committee meeting on July 1st and the business directory is updated with a link on the Borough’s website. She also updated on the bike rack installation, the Farmers Market, a virtual social media session, business round table on August 11th and the annual pumpkin illumination will be October 24th. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS Finance Councilmember Verga reported on a meeting with Mayor Karr and CFO Ana Thomas regarding healthcare. She reported on the electric utility online auctions and the audit. Ms. Verga reported the Clerk’s office is worked on elections, marriage applications, death certificates, food establishment licenses and OPRA’s. She also reported on a meeting with IT regarding cyber security and password security. Public Safety Councilmember Pontier reported on the Musial Group presentation and 7 that applications have been received for the CERT program. He reported on OEM training, 100th anniversary PD badges, attendance at the security expo, approval to receive a motorcycle to be used for community policing and the crossing guard thank you breakfast. Mr. Pontier reported on Fire Department calls, drills, pumps were tested, upcoming 4th of July parade in Brookside and the 50/50 fundraiser. He also reported on Fire Prevention inspections and the one-year review of the full time official. Mr. Pontier reported on the Special Olympics Torch Run, in person court, the annual Mock Trial and Family Day. Police Department’s Report Chief Koroski reported on the LEAD graduation and the event at Funplex hosted by Municipal Alliance. Upcoming Police Department events will be Kona with a Cop and National Night out on August 5th. Chief Koroski reported on Police Academy graduation and the CERT program. Public Works Councilmember Bruhn reported on the goats at Community Park. He also reported the DPW completed vehicle maintenance, picked up garbage in the parks, cut grass, planted trees, cut dead trees, mulched and repaired a guardrail. Engineer Report Mr. Ryden reported on the Tabor Road sidewalk project and that road projects have been pushed back due to rain. New start date will be mid-July. Public Buildings & Grounds In the absence of Councilmember Cortese, no report was given. Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Councilmember Ivey reported on the Teen Center step up nights and that the 2026 registration is upcoming. He also reported on Municipal Alliance events and their plans for the new year. Mr. Ivey reported on the Farmers Market and that the Health Department Wellness Day is scheduled for October 18th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Mayor Karr reported the Rotary donated a TV to the Teen Center and Ms. Verga thanked the Municipal Alliance chairperson for a great project graduation. Ordinance & Public Utilities Councilmember Houston reported the Verizon poles on Mountain Way were repaired and that a positive response has been received regarding the issue on Route 202. He also reported on ordinances regrading frontage, off-street parking and room and boarders are being reviewed. Mr. Houston reported there has been no response from the DOT regarding ordinance 6-2025 and an ordinance regarding Ebike batteries is being discussed with the Fire Official. Mr. Houston reported the Construction office software system has been updated and inquired if cloud storage can be added. Cross discussion. Mr. Houston reported fines for 415 and 435 Speedwell Avenue need to be satisfied before work can continue and an orange construction fence will be installed for demolition. He also reported on the new Rivian service center at 329 Speedwell Ave, the warehouses do not have tenants and the Weichert property will be applying for demolition permits. Mr. Houston gave an update on affordable housing and that the Housing Element Fair Share Housing was adopted. There was an affordable housing information session and the hope is for 10 units to be built behind the recycling center on Route 53 and Route 10. Mayor Karr reiterated he and the Council are not against affordable housing it is the density. Mr. Houston reported on a Board of Adjustment meeting and the checklist review committee update. Mayor Karr reported the cell service outage on Route 202 and Malapardis Road. Introduction of Ordinances None. Ordinances on Second Reading Councilmember Houston read by title the ordinance entitled: 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. which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on May 15, 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 Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier and Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Cortese Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. Councilmember Houston read by title the ordinance entitled: 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 which ordinance was introduced and passed on First Reading at a meeting held on May 15, 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 Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier and Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Cortese Abstain: None Mayor Karr declared the ordinance adopted and finally passed. RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Bruhn moved: Resolution 2025-85 entitled, “BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE WILLIAM J. PORTER COMMUNITY TREE PROJECT AWARD TO PURCHASE AND PLANT SHADE TREES AT MOUNTAIN WAY AND SYLVAN DRIVE WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF MORRIS PLAINS.” Cross discussion with Ron McAlear, 2 Maple Avenue, spoke about the location and type of trees to be planted. Seconded by Councilmember Ivey Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Cortese Abstain: Councilmember Houston NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Pontier discussed Complete and Green Streets and the request for an advisory committee to start the process. Transportation options. Jim Hunt, 44 Jaqui Avenue, stated this is a safety issue and ways to make the roads, paths and trails safer. Looks at the many ways people are traveling. VOUCHERS Councilmember Verga moved the vouchers for June 19, 2025 in the amount of $3,359,450.46 seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Cortese Abstain: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Councilmember Verga at 10:41 P. M.: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Resolution 2025-92 entitled “Executive Session” be adopted. Seconded by Councilmember Ivey. Voice Vote. All in favor. At 11:50 P.M. Councilmember Bruhn moved that the Executive Session be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Houston. Voice Vote. All in favor. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Verga moved: The Borough of Morris Plains and its representative is hereby authorized and directed to solicit applications both externally and internally for the position of Borough Clerk/Borough Registrar and Personnel Director beginning on June 23, 2025 and continuing through July 7, 2025, and the posting shall comply with the New Jersey Pay and Benefits Transparency Law. Seconded by Councilmember Bruhn. Yeas: Councilmembers Bruhn, Houston, Ivey, Pontier, Verga Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Cortese Abstain: None ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Houston moved that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 11:55 P.M. Seconded by Councilmember Ivey. Voice Vote. All in favor. _____________________________ Jason C. Karr, Mayor ________________________________ RoseMarie Leyhan Deputy Borough Clerk