--------- 2025 and published in the Morris Newsby and the Daily Record and by posting of such resolution on the BS board in the Bur Hall. All the above actions be in accordance with NJSA 1046. Mayor Carr Mr. Cortez present
Mr. Ivy present Mr. Present. Um, I just have a couple things for conference. The Musco, we get a warranty from Musco Lighting. They do the lighting over at the ball fields on at
Community Park, the Little League. Um, part of that warranty is after the 10-year warranty, they come in and replace the lights. I believe this year they're replacing the Ron Brown lights, 42 lights, the uh ball field. Believe they got delivered and will be being
installed this week, I think. Not sure the exact install date, but getting all new lights over there. That's worthwhile. Purchase price. We we pay for a warranty after 10. It's
a 10year warranty. And so we pay for that. Good. I think it's a good thing. Um, and the the other thing I don't know, I can't remember whether I brought this up at the uh at the last meeting with the New Jersey Transit, they're
going to be raising wires uh because of the size of the rain uh train cars that will be coming through. um F rail cars and the two places in Morris Planes that they'll be doing is the handover avenue
bridge and then the bridge out on route 10. There'll be no structural work. Uh it'll just be uh raising of the wires. However, they do that underneath the bridge. There's not enough clearance that's required for them to do that work. Uh they have a whole process
through the New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. I was on a Zoom meeting with them and the other mayors who were effects uh earlier this month and um just gave us an overview of the project and what they're going to end up
doing and all that sort of stuff. The PowerPoint that was uh given to us is also in the clerk's office. If anybody wants to see that, just ask Ros. That's all I have. While you're on that topic, they built a new dog house there by the Those pumps
are operational. The pumps are operational. There's two new double the size horsepower pumps that were that were there. The previous ones up more. Yeah, they were 25 horsepower. Now 50
horsepower. Um they had to extend the size of house obviously to accompany the pumps. The only thing that has to be done there uh is the upgrades to electrical. I think it's 24 They have to upgrade that for to 480, but the pumps
are working. The 480 is just more of a backup type of So, but that's the only other thing that has to be done. Nancy came by tonight and said under the bridge was bone dry. Bone dry. Rainy. I was just going to say tonight's a good
Listen, S I'll take bone dry. Don't argue with it. All right. So, it's a good test. Race has been 100 years there. Me and you in that side of the woods. This has been a hundred years in the making. So, let's hope it is remains dry. So, we're
looking forward to a heavy rain here. [Music] Anyway, that's all I have tonight. Oh, good. Yeah. The only thing I have is uh the Morris Plane Soccer Association um is uh having their opening day on Saturday, but that wasn't all I was going to
mention. Um if anybody's using Simon's Field um and you move the the soccer goals, they're just requesting that you put it back. People have been bringing them over to the basketball courts and just takes a lot of time and effort to move them back to where they're supposed to be prior to all the practices. So
that's back and they still move. Oh my god. So I went to do chains and concrete footers and you have a grease gun. Put grease around the whole arch.
battery. Kids are kids. We used to carry picnic tables down little 202, right? Good old days, I guess. Okay. Not today, Mayor. Good.
Yeah. Two things. First is just a question about kids because today I happen to be walking by Simon's park when school got out and I don't know a lot about turf fields but the kids took their little bikes and they were riding all around on the turf field. Chase them out. Okay. So I didn't want to do that because I was looking because there were
sign that says no bikes and I didn't see a sign. So I was like I'm not going to be that mom that's yelling at somebody else's kids. But I do I didn't know that if it was a rule or not. So I didn't it's on there. No field. When I go, I stand in the middle of the field. I says, "Guys, stop. Give me the ball.
Get these bikes out of here. You can play again." And I just sit in the middle of the field. They're just running around. Okay. So, good to know. I see that after school is like a prime time apparently for that. But the other thing I wanted to mention
is that we are continuing the discussion that we had about uh the meeting format. And so, a little more work. The the mayor was kind enough to get I guess the clerks to help out um agendas from other towns so we could see what's going on all across Mars County. So you want to
just take to the resolution of the agenda and we'll pass it down. Um so what I'm passing out is a copy of a sample meeting agenda that we could discuss and I'll and I'll I'll tell you how we arrived here. Looking at what
goes on in Mars County across the board, about um onethird of the towns don't mention on their agenda a specific time for closed session. A third of them hold it before the meeting, similar to what we were doing, but they schedule it.
They'll say 6:30 is executive session and 7:30 is start time for the regular meeting. Um and about half about another third that's correct there hold it after the public session which is what we were uh requesting. Um it's important to know
also the times of the meeting that Mars Plains is the latest for the 8:30 start for the regular session. There are two two Mars PL Mars County towns that have an 8:00 start. Uh 19 start at 7 p.m. and
um nine municipalities start at 7:30 p.m. Two actually start before 7. One is at 6:30, one is at 6. Um so, you know, we're we're at the end of that and we had a request from the public, you know, consistently to make the meetings
earlier so they're easier to get to and you get to do all the things you have to do before you get to bed. and um also to encourage public attendance and participation during sessions that are open to the public including the conference session. So instead of having people we do want you to sit in on our
conference sessions. So if you come and hear the council discussion instead of having you leave the room and then come back whenever possible we would like to hold our executive sessions at a different time so we're not having the public have to leave. So a more of a seamless flow in the meeting. Um so what
we came up with here was is um this agenda that I passed out to the council members where we have the uh call to order pledge of allegiance, the mayor notice of open public meetings act, the roll call which
we just had and then we approve minutes and instead of having a separate conference session because we saw that in other towns they don't actually call it conference they have discussion during their regular meeting. So build it into the agenda. So start the meeting of agenda items after we approve the
minutes would be presentations by guests. Sometimes we have like the MUA come in or JCPNL to give a presentation that would have to be approved in advance by the clerk's office and and the governing body and if that was on the agenda that would be published and then we would have council mayor
discussion in to replace the conference se separate conference session that we advertise. Uh then we would have our consent agenda and ongoing report with standing committees of the council public comment which um I think we recommend that it moves after the
council reports. So if anyone has questions about the council reports or anything that was in the consent agenda, it gives you an opportunity to kind of have a little more context about what you want to ask about or for clarification of. Then we have introduced collection of ordinances.
ordinances on second resolutions um unfinished business vouchers. Then we could go into executive session and then if needed, if we take action, if we want to take action from something that came out of our executive session, we would have to come out of executive session
and have an item under new business that we introduce and take action on before we adjourn. Now, the disadvantage that we've heard about having uh executive session at the end of the meeting is that a lot of times the room's empty. executive. So, we'd be taking we could
possibly be taking action on something without the public present to hear it live. Um, now hopefully we'll have uh official meeting recordings so that information will be quickly available soon after the meeting so you can see what business was conducted. We don't
expect volunteers to stay if our executive session is late in the evening or something like that. Volunteers that are currently recording our meetings on on behalf of the public now. Um, That was kind of where we landed. And the 7:30 start is what's recommended. And
that's based on feedback from the council as well because while we do have some towns that will have like an executive session at 6:30 and then they start their regular meeting at 7:30, that sounds great, but we have young uh and older people who are still working
and need to, you know, finish their kids practices or dinner with the family before they come to the meeting. We don't want to make, you know, participating in local government something that's restrictive to people who are working and active. So, we want to make it as inclusive as possible. So,
7:30 was kind of where we landed. And I just want to u see if the council has any the mayor and council have any thoughts on this latest proposal? Does I have it? I have a couple here. Okay. And this is really
I just got 3:00. Yeah, I'm not saying no I would move five and six. Okay. Do business of the meeting when you have people sitting here like, you know, we
had Mr. Delgado here. He he had to leave and he came up from the shore where he's done. So, a lot of people travel. So, I know it's only two seconds usually, but I would just switch those. So, good presentations. have to roll call before approval.
Um, and then uh new business. I don't know because some of this stuff when you come out of executive session may not necessarily be new business. That could be old business. So you can move new business after maybe
unfinished business. One of those switch those around. So I just it's currently there in our agenda, right? So I think This is a good time to correct it if it Yeah. I mean, I just, you know, we're not coming out of executive
session. You may take action in the executive session, but it's not necessarily business, right? But the way you explained it is we would come out and we may have to. Yeah. But that again may not necessarily
just put old and new business together or something. Some towns don't even say anything. They just say executive session adjournment. Do we need to There's no there's no legal requirement any for example and I'm I I'll refer real quick before I forget to do this.
We should mark the uh draft agenda that that council member just handed out as A1 for identification purposes. We should do that because we're we're in conference. We're addressing it and it's an exhibit. Um, and the minute should
reflect that it's A1 and we should keep a copy of that wherever we ordinarily would keep documents that arise after the public meeting. This way, if it's ever there's ever an open request or someone wants to look at, it's it's identifiable and we can locate. Uh, just for the record, the the resolution that
council member Verga u circulated. We can mark that as A2 for identification purposes, but I want the record to reflect that that's deliberative materials of council at this present moment. Therefore, not discoverable. That's not a public document, not not open, so to speak, for
lack of a better word. But I just wanted to identify those documents. Now, having done that, I want to turn my attention back to A1. And in in reference to A1 in and section 17, uh, Council Member Burger proposes new business if needed. Um, based on the colloquy here tonight
between the mayor and council member Berga just just so that we understand our legal obligations we don't have to have anything to 17 it would be acceptable to have 16 um if we move this around whatever may be but but if 16 remains executive session there's nothing at least legally speaking that
would prohibit us from making adjournment number 17 we can always take action after executive session we just announce it prior to going into executive session and then we'd have to make the appropriate motion to We're not required that new business there and it may make it a little bit uh isn't that in this is that in the
statement already for executive action well yeah I mean we may take action a lot of times we say we don't know when it may be or you know we've come back you know technically under under open public meetings act too ju just so that the council's aware I have said this in the past we really when when possible when you go into
executive session you're supposed to alert the public as to what you're discussing and to the extent that you can without breaking any of the executive session conferences or conferences and then you you are also you know to advise that at some point you may take formal action. So for
example you may say ladies and gentlemen we're going to executive session for purposes of discussing personnel because we're having an issue with acts but don't get into it and then at some point we may take formal action thereafter. That's the appropriate way to handle but for the limited purpose of what's being
discussed here tonight there's no requirement that we have number 17 on this proposal ageneral or any the public would know ahead of time that we may take action after the right before we go into Right. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cut you off. No, no, you're fine. I kind of know
that. So, so we'd say we're going in executive session for purposes of B7. Okay. Well, we all know what B7 is, right? But, but then it's to discuss a personnel matter because we're having an issue with this, you know, pay of a certain employee, not naming
names, not getting into it. that that's appropriate and we may take formal action which puts the public on notice that we may be in executive session for two minutes. We may be in two for two and a half hours but when we come out based on what occurs in executive sessions we may take formal action. the
the legal obligation to do that, just so you understand, is that this way, I'm not suggesting anybody would, but if there is a member in the audience that leaves for executive session and their and their interest may be peaked or triggered or they want to hear it as a taxpayer, they have the right to wait and then come back after executive
session and then we're not when we come out of doing all these actions that nobody saw coming or anticipate. I know it's I I know it's probably form over substance. I I like the fact that the 17 is there because It lets the public know that we may be doing something after executive
session. I like I like the point that it's there. It's it's you know okay they see 16 and then they say a German so say why am I staying here because they're going to go right to a German. No, we might be doing something. We might not and we might but I like the fact that they're they're
aware that something may happen. So what happened in examples is they actually had like a little statement at the bottom of the agenda that said just that instead of having it be number 17, it just said after executive session, the council may or may not take action on
items discussed. Something like to that effect, which I think would be good. But to your point, mayor, where would you like to see new business? Unfinished business then new business or new business then unfinished business. But I did say after, you know, John eloquently is I I did put not
necessarily. So you don't need to necessarily have it in there period, but just keep I agree. Or or or you could do executive session and then afterwards unfinished and this theoretically new business and move it around that way. This way you're not
caught up if this is taking an action but it's not necessarily new action. Just my opinion, I would rather have it there for maybe the one time that you use it. I know we don't use it often. A lot of these things we don't use often. Unfinished business we don't often use. Right. But sometimes we do. Sometimes you do, right? So I'd rather
have them in there. So well the thing is you want a resident say you know I read the agenda. It said uh executive session and then German. So I didn't think there was something in between there. Whereas now look there might be something in between there. Maybe it may not. I like that at the bottom. Okay. I'm fine with that as long as
And I think I try to make a habit of saying that. You do. Whatever it's on. But they see it and they know it. The other thing to John's point, thank you for reminding me about that was a lot of the sample agendas that you provided, Mayor did list the topics that were going to be discussed in executive
session. So those were published on Tuesday when people get their initial draft agenda, what the topics that were to be discussed in executive session, and they were, you know, fairly specific, you know, a lawsuit with Verizon or something like that or uh, you know, so I can provide some examples
and maybe we could consider trying to identify those possible so we could have them on the actual agenda. Um and then okay so then we move on to the resolution. So um yeah any other
I'm not saying I want to pass discuss any other comments on the So I I do have just a question. So I I I appreciate what you've done Nancy. I think this is great work right or the committee or you know whatever but it's uh it's great. Um I my only question is
with the um the public comment I agree that it should be after standing committees and the council. My only question is, you know, should we consider perhaps maybe doing it after the ordinances, right? Because then we're introducing ordinances now because right now I'm the one that does it, but
myself and the mayor make a point of explaining what the ordinances are, you know, when we're introducing them. But a lot of times we'll we'll introduce it. We'll do it on second reading and then if the public has questions about what we just did, right? That's that's the only reason I'm thinking maybe we do public comment after that, right? So
that they can, hey, what did you just do? what is this ordinance about? Right? So I would suggest moving 10 after 12. So I don't know whe I mean on second I guess I guess on first I get I mean the first ordinance we just
pass it right through without explanation. My suggestion would be to do that in council mayor discussion to like mention that we're going to be introducing the women's and you could do it there. Okay. Okay. I mean, I do Yeah, we do it during I do it currently during the reports and scanning committees, but yeah, we could do it before. But but
Johnny, actually, you're right. Mayor, you brought it up as well, right? Yes. Part of what we read is we now open it for public comment, right? So, I think I think sometimes that might get lost. Yeah. Because it's formality, but so the first one was really just an
introduction really. Yeah, theory you could pass an ordinance on first reading and then vote it down on the second based on the public comment and what you now consider at the public here. So I know it's rare usually especially
you know can be rare but I think that's really the theory on that concern public okay no at least they get that opportunity on second right so they will be heard and and and at that point if what they say is persuasive enough and it may be then
has the opportunity to say, "Oh, thank you for calling that to our attention." And then vote the ordinance. You're not hand ting. The public wouldn't have that ordinance when you introduce it anyway. They don't have they wouldn't be able to read or it's not out
until it's published right here. I think that's a little premature, but I mean, yeah, that's true. You could discuss it. You don't know to introduce it, right? Yeah, I like the I mean, I'm new enough
where I I trust the people that have the more experience just about flow and the order of the numbers and everything. So, um I like the earlier start time. I think it makes sense to be able to invite the public in at a more convenient time and have a little more interaction. And yeah, I really
appreciate all the work you did. I'm sure you and the mayor was not easy to pull all this from 19 different townships and municipalities. So, 30. So, um I appreciate the work and I Thank you for that. It's a range of transparency from that
have they have almost nothing on their agenda to like super detailed. Right. Right. Kind of interesting. Um something the mayor highlighted too on the copies that he prepared in the folder for me was the public comment
time limit on public comment per person meeting. Um that we do have one. It is but it's just not well it's not on the agenda. and we have enforce it and we don't enforce it. So I guess there's you know if that's something
that people want to discuss we have to discuss that separately. Is there is this something we want there was actually it usually ranged between three and five minutes on all these other agendas and they one actually had a limit of 30 minutes for public comment period total. So I I don't think that
would be very that I have concerns about no disrespect to whatever town that may be but I I I mean if it's council's wishes to limit the the time frame. You certainly can do that. I mean, a lot of towns follow
Robert's rule of border, which is where these time frames come from. But I I I almost would say I will disallow council to limit the the amount of talk. This is a public meeting and if every single res wants to come and speak, they should have that opportunity. If we're here for three days, we're just here for three
days. And I know as council, you know, I mean, we never want I I don't think I ever have done that. The only I do bring that up, Nancy, and I know it's been an ordinance and we've had that, you know, forever, but people don't know about it, right? So, if
somebody does have, you know, your 3 minutes is up or 5 minutes up, whatever it is. Then they're going to say, "Well, where is that?" You know, or how come we didn't know or whatever. So, that's the only reason I raised that question. Okay. My only reaction that is I I agree with
you. It is it is there. Um I think that if if we're going to do that, I think we need to at the beginning of public session. Well, it has to be written on the agenda. It's written on the agenda. Right. No, I understand that. But I think outside of writing for some reason, we
haven't done it because I don't think we need to currently, right? But if for some reason the council decides that we need to, my personal feeling is that we should announce it not just in writing, but announce it at the beginning of public session saying you have time. Yeah. That way the public's very very aware. But we haven't we haven't
had a need to do it. I'm not saying we should do it. I'm just If that happens, that's what but we already have it on the book. It's on the books. So something it can't be picking and choosing then either right yes or nobody or if it's if it's already on the books I
suggest put it on here so that we don't whatever it is what however well I mean it's currently not on the agenda and we have it in place so we could just keep doing that. But then somebody was I didn't know how come you
cut me off and last week somebody went on that's well I guess the first decision we have to make is something that we want to enforce it's correct I think you have to have something you have to have some sort of a mechanism I
don't know what that is you can make it 15 minutes you can make it 10 minutes whatever you have to have some sort of a mechanism but I think the point is we already have it right it's already there but just And I don't know that that necessarily needs to change, right? Because it's
already written. Again, you may not have an instant. We may not have had one for 100 years, but you may have one in three years, right? That you're going to say, "Oh, we're going to enforce it on this person." Not well, that that's kind of my point is that we take off the books.
We wouldn't enforce it per person. We would do it for the entire public session. who would say that at this public session the public is limited to three minutes regardless of who it is that speaks right can only speak it's whoever comes we got like a big crowd there you have
to say that it's like like tonight I don't think it has to be a blanket like everyone lining up out the door to tell us how bright we are we have to keep but there has to be a guideline right we can't just arbitrarily decide one day today it's going to be three tomorrow it's going to be seven the next
I think mayor your point we have to figure books right we refer to first we have to figure out where is it written because I've seen it but it must be in the in the I don't have it in front of me you're like you can't
I right to council member Houston's point I mean there's I don't think there's anything wrong with putting on the agenda public portion residents to limit it to five minutes each and then saying when you submit you
know ladies and gentlemen now to pass be mindful there is a five minute time uh time you know limit but we're willing if if able to to give you a little more time whatever may be so I think it's some of those things there's language Nancy
right there's language in there to allow every member here, right? Uh ample time to speak, but if there's one person here that wants to speak, then I don't think you have to enforce the five minute rule. If there's 30 people, maybe you'd have to, right? Correct. By merely putting it on the
agenda and making that announcement. Doesn't mean you're now anti. You can always just turn a blind eye to it and have it there and let people talk for an hour if they'd like. If that if you're comfortable with that, that seems to be working. The time limits generally are
are are put on by public bodies for two reasons. One, when you have a hot topic and there's 600 people that come to to to you know, if you let everybody talk for 20 some minutes, do the math. So that's where that time limit come from. And then the second time, you know, to
you do it in case you have somebody being super unruly or something like that. It gives you an ability to kind of enforce have an enforcement mechanism there. I know we've never thankfully ever needed to use it, but that's one of the other pieces I guess of wisdom as to why this time. But mainly it's because
if there is a hot topic and everybody wants to be heard, there's just a practical problem that you can't and then once you let the first person speak for 45 minutes, guess what? Now everybody's going to speak for 45 minutes and that becomes contagious and then it just goes on and on. So that's why you have generally have these time
limits. But by putting it on there, you don't handcuff yourself. And like council member Houston says, it also advises the public that needs out there. Like it's we're doing arbitrary. I think the important point there is that we're not we're not trying to limit
what the public wants to say, but we're just trying to make the meetings efficient. Right. So um yeah, I I think it's kind of a we reserve the right to implement this. I said there's an on there, you know,
whatever it says. I don't know, but it does say in there about giving ample times that everybody is at the meeting, something along those lines, but there is a three or five I think that's important to make sure that everybody in the room is hurt. So
if it's 10:00 and somebody has to leave, they have to go to train early in the morning and they have to turn that 45 minutes. That's a very good point. So that's something we could discuss. Um the other thing I wanted to say is about this resolution is that we say whenever
possible regular meetings of the governing body start at 7:30 that's one of the changes that I would make and I think I sent an email that whenever possible
got started so regular meetings of the governing body the start here after executive session shall be excluded shall convene following the approval of vouchers and then I added unless majority of the council approves convening executive
session is that something we could do or you don't want to do that keep it keep it at the end we have police interviews at 6:00 and we're going to have to separate for that separate but your regular meetings are
okay so we'll take out We'll take out that that cloth as well. Okay, those are the things I wanted to remind everybody. So that's the other point I did want to make. So when you do these interviews and whatnot, we've started at 5:30 or
whatever and that gives us all the way until 8:30 sometimes, right? So you have to think about that as well. Starting that's a whole hour that you know I much
earlier 5:30. Yeah, that's not possible, but to change every meeting to have every meeting start at 8:30 because we have to do that once a year, once every couple years. We might want to just have a special meeting to think about have a special meeting and we'll just do
that. That all depends on Yeah, I agree. I agree. I think um you know those occasions that have to kind of take it on a case by case basis and see how it works and if it if it doesn't work and people can't make it then you
know we can revise it but I think the proposal you have here I think I think makes sense for most for most right I think we have to go what makes this is the most hard but it happens
okay so what I'd like to do is give everyone some examples of things we could include on our list of executive topics just so you have those ideas in your head of what are the things that are okay to say on the agenda and also
send you along um what was the other thing we just talked about doing the post post executive session yes what to say about com time on public com whatever is written is the time limit
that we'll have but you know you know the town or the phrase that I Yep. So we'll propose some text that we can include on the front of every agenda that says public will be limited to whatever. Okay.
Okay. Right in there. Right with it. Okay. All right. Thank you for your time everybody. Of course. Bill. Uh yes, Mr. Mayor. Just um two well really just one thing for for
conference. Um so the uh the ordinance that you you or the draft that you gave me last meeting uh the occupancy of dwelling. Um I do have just a couple questions about it. Um I can go over now if you like or you know we can do it
offline but um okay just to you know just want to make sure that we're looking at all the the processes and understanding how it's enforced and all that kind of stuff. So um if we could do that sometime maybe next week or something that'd be great.
So yeah. Yeah. Okay. Yep. Whenever you have time. Yeah. Yeah. We'll get to that. Great. Excellent. Um and uh My only question is the other question, sorry, the resolution that we have on the agenda tonight, 2025112,
which is the uh uh resolution for the public question about the uh building construction police department building. I know in the in the resolution it doesn't it doesn't say it, but I know we discussed having a public session to discuss all that. This is just really
for the county. Okay. This is okay to the county. Has nothing to do with what will happen over the process. Okay. So, this is just a this just gets it on the ball formality to get on the ball. Got it. Understood. Okay. Thank you very much. That's all I have.
Need an executive session. resolution number 2025-108 executive session be resolved by the burough council of Morris Plains on the 4th day of September 2025 the mayor and the bural council should meet in executive session from which the public
should be excluded to discuss matters as committed pursuing NJSA 10 semicolon 4-12 subsections B8 B8 the time in the matters discussed pursuant to paragraph one here hereof
can be disclosed to the public is as soon as packable after the final resolution of the opposite matter is there a second second all in favor I opposed abstain. The eyes have
it. We're going into executive session. We'll be returning by 8:30. They were Part: 2
trust his governing body with an abundance of wisdom and understanding so that in fulfilling their public trust every deliberation will result in actions that will promote a common good and general welfare for all the people of Mars Plains. Amen. Notice the members of the governing body
and burough of staff any use of electronic devices during this meeting shall be solely used for the purpose of burough business and excused tonight is councilman broom is out of state and uh
Mr. Cortez is feeling under the weather. Um, approval of minutes, please. I move that the minutes of conference, executive, and regular session of August 21st, 2025 be approved. Is there a second?
Second by Mike. All in favor? I have it. Concent. I move that the following reports be approved. police department July 2025 and grant writer August 2025 and
resolution 2025-109 entitled the Eric C. Foundation raffle license number 350-25. Resolution 2025 1110 entitled resolution for renewal of membership in the Mars County Joint Insurance Fund. Resolution 2025-11
entitled resolution renaming Court Road Park to Centennial Park Block 191, Lock 5. Resolution 2025-112 entitled resolution authorizing a public question be placed on this year's general election ballot regarding the expenditure of public monies for an
improvement to the municipal building police department building and/or construction of the new police department building resolution 2025-114 entitled resolution accepting the proposal from John Morgan Thomas landscape architects PC for
architectural services for ed pool the burough council approves The mayor's proclamation declaring the month of September ovarian cancer awareness month in the burrow of lost plains. Award contract 2025.01 improvements to Styles Avenue to
Stanzali Construction LLC for their low bid of $373,518.50 subject to the burough attorney's appeal of the bid documents and concurrence from the NJ. The resation of Jacob Kahill, teen center supervisor, be accepted effective
September 10th, 2025. The resignation of Courtney Welsh, substitute crossing guard, be accepted effective August 27th, 2025. The Burough Council approved the excused absence of Kevin Rondo, chief delegate for the Morris Plains Volunteer Fire Department to attend the New Jersey
State Fireman's Association annual convention in Wildwood on September 11th and 12th, 2025 as per the personnel policies and procedures manual. The Bar Council approved the excused absence of Chris Sheay, fire prevention official relief association delegate for the Morris Plains Volunteer Fire
Department to attend the New Jersey State Fireman's Association annual convention in Wildwood on September 11th and 12th, 2025 as per the personnel policies and procedures manual. Christians be hired as deputy clerk
pending background check approval at an annual salary of $50,000 effective September 15th, 2025 probate. The bureau treasurer be authorized to advertise for the receipt of bids for the installation of light poles and wiring on the path from the Morris
Plains train station to the venue at American Road within the Burrow of Morris Plains contract 2025. in the Morris News B 2025 edition of the official Barrow newspaper on September 11th, 2025 with bids to be received on
October 1st, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Council Chambers Bur Hall. The residents of the American be granted permission to hold a cars and coffee event on Sunday, September 28th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The DPW will provide the necessary barricades and cones for a portion of
American Road. Is there a second? Second by bill. Roll call, please. Mr. Houston. Yes. Mr. Ivy. Yes. Mr. Pontier. Yes. Miss. Yes.
I'd like to invite members of the public to speak up and state your name and address. Hey, good evening everyone. How are you? 22 Stony Brook Road. Um, just want to say welcome back to school. Hope
everyone had a great summer. Um, since I've been here, I have a bunch of questions. Um so let's start with the ordinance 6-2025 um which is an amendment to section 22-5A
limiting the use of streets to certain vehicles. Um section two of the amendment states that the burrow of Morris Plains will recognize all signs bearing the message truck four times excluded. Is there a time frame for when we can expect to see the signs? So that ordinance was introduced and passed.
Street signs were ordered before we got any DOT approval. Okay. So, and that includes all the streets on that. I don't remember what what the streets were. This was I think I don't remember. There were two streets. It's Hillview
and Rosedale that were added to the uh to the streets that already exist. Any streets that lead to a road that's not ours, like the road right here, we needed permission to have those signs put up. So we're essentially waiting for them to give us permission to put those signs up.
So I'm actually specifically asking about Dayton Road there as well. So Dayton I believe Dayton already existed in the ordinance. Correct. Correct. Yeah. So um I I don't know if the sign
was ordered for that or not, but that was already existed. It wasn't amended in the uh the updated ordinance. So I'm not sure, Mr. Mayor, if we can do a I'm not even sure that's a ton road. I'd have to look at the restriction. We have to see whether
approval. It's on there. I assume so. But you know what they say when you assume, right? So I guess my next question is if these two were added, why were the other streets that were on here not also included in that in signs?
Right. I believe the ordinance says that sign is supposed to go for any of those streets that are restricted, right? Correct. So again, as the mayor said, right, if the sign isn't already there, we'd have to check with D to see what
they're maybe. Okay, we have to check. Sure. Do we know order? Was it just the two or was it the additional eight on the the top of my head, I don't I don't
know. It was $6 or $800 for the signs for the street. I'm assuming again that was just those two due to the new answer for you. Um earlier this year there was some also discussions about revisiting ordinance
14-2023. That is um specifically regarding potential amendments to the list of permitted uses which specifically I'm asking about drive-through restaurants in the P2 business zone. Um has there been any update on this? Has there been
on this? Uh there there has not um been any update on it um other than that I've looked at it but I haven't I haven't uh moved any of it forward. So, but it does I did make that statement. I
did make that promise. So, I do need to to do that. Thank you. Sure. Um, so is there any update on the remaining building um at the proposed McDonald
site? Um, you know, I know that the fire department used it for some training purposes. Um, but the building now has broken windows, scattered glass, and it's exposed to I believe that there was a rumor that there were kids flying over there throwing rocks or something into
the building. Um it's become both an eyesore and a safety concern. Um and particularly worried about potential for animals and as I mentioned children. Is there any information or timeline you could share? Um the last I heard they're waiting for a letter from the cable company to be
disconnected or that it was disconnected. That was the last I've heard of that. I don't know. Do we know? And that includes the building in the back. That's the little condo building, right? Okay. You have to check the building.
Okay. And Jess, I can look into that because that's under my so I can check the stat or anything like that. My last question um
is about the engagement of town experts um by my observation certain members failed to provide the town with sound and strategic guidance relevant to ordinance 14-23 um and McDonald's applications hearing which resulted in the debacle that's
been playing out for the last year. Um specifically with better strategic guidance the ordinance could have been written in such a way that would have kept Donald in the first place. In addition, due to a lack of understanding basic attorney client privilege, residents were inappropriately silenced
during the planning board hearings. These oversightes created legal exposure for the town and I believe as do many sitting in the audience tonight that the above examples are sufficient reasons to explore engaging different experts for 2026. Is what is the current process if
there is one for selecting experts and is the public allowed to set the candidates? that planning board, right? Um the any any experts or any professionals
that are retained by planning board are retained solely by the planning board. That's that's solely within the jurisdiction planning board themselves. Usually at their annual reorganization meeting they appoint their aggressions. Um if you want to be heard on that you should go to planning board meeting
heard session. Um and I'm sure they'll take your your comments give due regard to but in terms of your second question the public does not have any direct input on in other words there's no like blocking mechanism or
something that you could do to stop that. That's if the planning board hires their own individuals, the most the residents could do is seek to deter on that and and give your opinion on that. But you you don't have to say direct saying that nor could you want to do
but the town council does approve the what the planning board sets up. No, the planning board has sole jurisdiction. Okay. So that's questions. Anybody else? Good evening. My name is Frank Russell
and uh I'm here uh I have a couple questions on the and statement on the uh advertisement for uh I guess work on the municipal building. Um
is there going to be a different location? Is there a proposed different location for the police department? And where is that? You want me to answer? You want to answer? So, uh, the location is next to the teen
center in between the 911 and the teen center or renovation here at this building or renovation here. What is the cost? It ranges from 7 something million here to nearly 13 million 13 million there.
Okay. Um, that seems to be the rumor going around anyway. But here's my statement. Let me give you a little history of the property. The properties there were bought for open space. Uh, because naturally had a playing
field, made a teen center with one of the houses. The other houses were demolished. Uh, we we at the time we we didn't put it on the Rossi, which is the recreation open space inventory. However, once you
accept Green Acres money, purchased land goes on the Rossy. Mars Plains has used Green Acres money. Thus, open space is protected. At the beginning of this year, the open
space and recreation element of the master plan was adopted. It included all the properties on Route 53 owned by Mars Plains that they were open space.
You also adopted a housing element and fair share plan. The Route 53 property is not listed as vacant or buildable. Fair Share Housing, as you all know, is
contesting your current plan and you have made great progress with that plan and you have gotten acceptance of the first stage. However,
do not. It is not the time to fumble the ball. I ask that you respectfully, the council, resend that resolution and speak to your housing attorney for
advice on this before a small error becomes a large error. Thank you very much. Sorry. Size 15 shoes. Is that what it'll do for you?
Bill Greco Nigway way. Mr. Mayor, council members. Chief, I just have one question and it may have already been addressed at some point, but the Hanover Avenue to Speedwell,
has it ever been thought to put a right turn only lane from Hanover to Speedwell? Has that ever been discussed? Yeah, it's it's been discussed numerous times by the burrow and county people. Um, ago.
There was a proposal by the county to do that and never followed through with it. There is a u an application that's going to be coming to the planning board for that corner piece of property and that's going to be one of the things
that's going to be discussed is dedicating a portion of that property for the right. So we try all the time to get that whether it pans out the county does that. We'll see in the future whether Is there anything that the residents of
Mars Plains can do to I mean you can certainly write your write the commissioners and advocate for it for sure. You know they don't have we don't have the property yet. Well, aren't there easements? There are some easements there currently. Yes. But we still need a
larger portion of property. Understood. And you and those the lots themselves are basically just parking lots for and the laundromat. Yeah. So, we're really not disturbing. Some people say you're not, other people
say you are. So, okay. We'll uh we'll see where it all goes, you know. So, just an interest. Thank you. Thank you very much. How come every time you come here we're spending money? I don't get it. Well, because this is why we pay taxes. We're
putting nice lights over there. Everything. Thank you, Mayor. We appreciate that. Good. Well worth it though. Thank you, sir. Hi, Bill Chance. Maybe two questions. Um, understanding on the affordable housing effort is that August 31 was a
deadline for anyone to challenge our plan. Was there any challenges come through or did we sail through that? So, uh, we did get a, um, a memo from our affordable housing attorney that attorney, so really can't talk to him about that right now. So, there'll be
some information coming out. I I'll say shortly, but shortly. Okay. Uh, second question on the um, uh, the again the police department uh, referendum. How exactly is that going to be worded? Is that going to be like you
have a you can pick either this option or that option or you guys going to pick an option and we vote yes I don't have it in front of me to use the wording it gives a range of money really I don't have it in front of me but it doesn't have various options what it does have is a global
the question is century should do do you hereby authorize burough council to spend between seven I don't want to say number but but for purposes of to follow on mayor's rep somewhere between 7 and $13
million uh to to to uh either renovate or construct a new building and based upon the response to that the council's going to use that guidance to then figure in other words if it's an overwhelming yes then maybe the council will be guided
accordingly if it's 5149 that may that may have a factor but to answer your question it's just going to we're just gauging the temperature to spend somewhere between 7 million and 13 million. That's all. Thanks.
Lisa Schroeder 97. I promise not to get unruly or require the time. Um I wanted to take an opportunity to pro to provide a short update from Plan Better Morris Planes. Plan Better Morris
Planes recently sent out its first newsletter which was also sent to each of you and the mayor. In that newsletter, we highlighted that the New Jersey Department of Transportation has expressed concerns about the McDonald's project on Speed Well in its initial
review. Specifically, the DOT expressed major concerns about traffic impact, the safety of children at nearby schools, and the increased risk of rear end collisions at an already busy intersection. These comments were relayed to the McDonald's traffic
engineer in a letter dated July 14th that can be obtained by submitting an OPER request. These comments are notable and validating because these are the same concerns that were expressed by many residents at the planning board hearings in November and December. We're grateful that the DOT is exploring the
safety and traffic impact of the proposed McDonald's. And these are matters that really should have been explored more more fully before the planning board. We therefore urge the bureau to conduct its own independent traffic study and not solely rely on the
report of the McDonald's hired traffic expert to develop a deeper understanding of the potential impact a double drive-through fast food chain will have on our downtown. Likewise, we also urge the bureau to conduct a detailed traffic assessment for each permitted use under
ordinance 14-2023. To the public's knowledge, no such deep assessment was undertaken by the planning board planner when the ordinance was being drafted by the planning board. The issues around McDonald's along with other controversial planning decisions are the reason that plan better Morris planes
exists and is asking for public education and participation in land use decisions as well. as a timely review of ordinance 14-2023 and of the Morris planes master plan. But to be clear, while McDonald's may have been a catalyst for plan better
Morris clients, our group's aims transcend the McDonald's matter. The McDonald's application simply helped to shine a light on the various planning deficiencies that exist in our town. So with that, we look forward to continued collaboration with each of you, our elected officials, on these matters.
Thank you. When did you send that email? Uh, it went out maybe a week or so ago. I never we can be sure that it gets forwarded along. I don't know. Maybe it
got stuck in. Yeah, just Okay. Thank you. Carolyn address. Yep. 19 Day. I have a question. Well, I have two
things. One, a comment. I think uh for something you brought up, Nancy, at one of the meetings around social media page not getting enough traction. So just a suggestion I think if whoever runs it reshares a post as the story that
automatically appears first in followers um thing. So anyway my remember my reminder to tell you that or send an email and let you know because it's a quick thing that they can do to just make sure people are seeing those posts
without paying anything. Is there a way to block comments on that? don't want comments. I think you can. Yeah, I think you can make it so nobody can um comment or share, but they might be able to like like your story. I know that if you post your Facebook
story, it appears like first for people um and there's no rhyme or reason, I don't think of them. Anyway, so um we talked there was feedback that I received about the fact that our social
media our social media pages are not like people don't see them the burl the bur there's not enough posts um people don't see them they get buried and what you know what are we doing to enhance post more often so Caroline's making a suggestion by making a story
instead of post it would show up on people's feeds like yeah I mean I get the one was right they've been doing a lot lately yeah they have their own
ours particularly doesn't have a lot of heavy traction. So more I I can send all that ideas like that all yours. Um and then I had questions which maybe are more appropriate directed to you but I saw recently the I think it was like a
crosswalk track. I don't know the right words but he's saying that the police pedestrian safety detail. Yes. Yes. Much more than I guess. Are you able to just share like quick what that is? is what the object you're going to get. It's my it's in my report. I can certainly give it to you now if you
like. That's okay. No, we can wait until the proper form. I guess my I sat there in the Duncan parking lot with my son and we watched it because something exciting. Well, I only saw the um officer going across not to Hillview,
the other one in front of Providence Bank. Sure. And there were cars that were not stopping at the crosswalk, but the officers that I think were set up to pull over said vehicles were occupied with other vehicles. So, I would just be
curious to know how many people actually went through the crosswalk and didn't get pulled over because I think those types of numbers would be helpful for the town to like keep tabs of. Um, so I don't know if that's in your report, but that was one question I had. and then if they also did the same thing on the other crosswalk because I know
they're only a few feet apart but that crosswalk is high mind top of mind for people so I was just curious that was it moving forward seeing no one else move on to finance
Okay. Thank you, Mayor. In finance, the clerk's office has did a lot of work on the 60th annual block dance, which sounds here. I'll say it was a huge success. The music, amusements, petting zoo, and refreshments were a big hit. And I know
that our burough staff from the clerk's office to DPW to police all worked really hard on that and the volunteers including the Rotary Club and others and more than 24 businesses and individuals who donated prizes help make the block party a fun evening for everyone. The
clerk's office also remained busy with their regular marriage processing marriage applications. It's a busy wedding season. Um, licenses for that, death certificates, food vendor licenses, and completing requests. Um, they're now preparing for the also for
the 911 memorial service coming up and final interviews were held with the for the deputy clerk position, which is on our consent agenda today. Hire our CFO tax collector, Anna, has been training a new employee, the assistant to the tax collector. We're happy to have Frankie
on board. Um, also completed and mailed the delinquent tax notices for the third quarter. We had only 98 delinquent taxpayers so far in the quarter. Uh out of more than 2400 households, so pretty good North Plains pay on time. The
library has updated hours now that summer hours are over. Starting Monday the 8th, they will be open again on Mondays from 12:00 to 5. And on Friday, instead of closing at 3 as they did in the summer, they'll be open till 5. And on Saturdays, they're open 10 to 2.
They're also going to have a Wednesday story time for the littles starting on September 17th at 10:30 a.m. with Jane Guyger, who's a resident here. Uh she's a former principal. She's going to be doing stories, crafts, and snacks. And they're doing they're trying majong
lessons at the library. So, they sold that out, but they're stay tuned for another session because it's been popular. and they're looking into offering a crochet class from another resident who with a skill willing to share for free for fourth to sixth graders. So, that's being discussed. Hopefully, that'll be out there soon for
everyone. Um, and when you stop by the library, remember that they do collect donations for the interfaith food pantry and a toys and books for children in rural Jamaica. They also asked that I mention again the Centennial Committee that they would be
happy to host an event on the grounds or in the library or a display in their glass case that they have inside for the centennial if that's of interest. The green team will be meeting on Monday, September 15th. They're we'll be discussing an update to our application for a local government
energy audit. We submitted all of our bills that were required to the BPU and uh we'll be discussing next steps for that. They'll also be discussing um whether they can research recommendations for the 2018 master plan re-examination
report that recommendation was to research preparing a green building and environmental sustainability element of the master plan. So not that they would uh be the experts on this but just to do some leg work in case it was it was needed they could you know share some
information that they have researched so that we're going to be discussing that and um tonight we have a resolution for ovarian cancer awareness awareness month which touched my family but I also want to recognize that September is suicide
awareness month um and I highly recommend that people take something called first meal health first aid training if you see it available. It's training for anyone similar to a first aid class. It's for anyone who wants to be able to help someone in a mental health crisis. It's excellent training
and um it's a good way to handle and possibly save a life. So, thank you. Public safety. Thank you, Mayor. I'll be a little briefer tonight. Uh as we all know, school is back in session. So, our crossing guards are out working hard
keeping our kids safe and reality all pedestrians. With that being said, I know Sergeant Hawkman was out on the motorcycle today pulling lots of people over. So, if you speed and Morris planes around our kids, getting a ticket. Um, we are the chief uh police department,
there we go, is actively interviewing for the open position. To my knowledge, there are six candidates that they are interviewing. So, at that point, uh, chief and the leadership will make a determination. Is someone worth pursuing or do we sort of expand the search, so to say? Um, Chief K also probably have a
bigger report than me, but it's going to be start start to look into some of those public sessions and open houses getting ready to discuss the what we've been talking about the possible renovation here versus the uh new department there. He'll also talk about uh what Caroline said, the pedestrian
kind of crosswalk thing they had going on. It sounded really neat and uh I I'm kind of sad I missed it. I was hoping to be there on the complete and green streets front. I met with Jim Hunt today. Him and I are going to be the co-chair of that committee. uh made a plan really for the next six months and
they're going to send an email out this weekend to everyone on the committee and hoping to have our first meeting in two weeks. Uh fire department still having a record number of calls, well over 300 calls for the year. They were doing a couple drills and working with some of the apparatuses out there this week.
They're constantly purchasing odds and ends, making sure everything is up to date. And it's uh just kind of fun watching them get to do all those things. I promised my daughters I'd take them to the firehouse soon to to see all the fun stuff going on there. So, Chief Rango said we can come by. And um Chief
Rango and Fire Prevention Chief Chris Shay will be at the fireman's convention September uh 11th and 12th this month. Wish them luck there. Spoke real quick today with fire prevention chief Chris Shay. As always, really busy as I've mentioned before. He goes to a lot of the calls that the fire department gets
as well. So, he's just all over the place all the time. And um Jason and I representing the business development committee met with downtown Morris Plains last week. Talked about collaborating on events, sort of future events coming up, what each other's roles can be, and really what we can do
to support each other moving forward. And uh as mentioned, that's about it for me. I'll let uh chief give a report as well. Thank you. As Tyler mentioned, it's back to school today. So, we're asking for the public's help to keep our students and especially slowing down in our
school zones, observing the traffic control devices, paying attention to our school crossing guards and their direction, and obviously watching the uh the buses, flashing lights, and the arm that comes out to protect the kids. Uh we did have a a good amount of effort today and stopping vehicles for, you
know, violations to our schools. So, we're going to be doing that throughout the first few weeks of school until everyone gets used to the kids being back out across the heavily traveled pedestrian uh school population. So, please um work for that. Uh on Tuesday, we did our pedestrian crossing
enforcement detail. Um the safety detail um issued 35 summones. 20 of eight of those were for uh failing to stop the pedestrians in a crosswalk. So the way the detail works is two officers, one acts as a uh mock pedestrian and he's
not cheating in any way. He's wearing high viz yellow um shirt so you should be able to see him and the other officer monitor. They lay out a specific segment of roadway um and measure that out. So cars within X amount of feet should be able to clearly see the pedestrian in the roadway. Uh you know there's a lot
of other distractions inside the motor vehicle. Uh the other officer that's with the decoy acts as a spotter and then we have four other officers stopping cars. So in total between Granis Avenue and Mountain Way where we did uh 21 vehicles did not stop in we
did Malipartis near uh Community Park. travel now from uh the housing units over there over to uh our park. Uh 27 vehicles did not stop for pedestrian crosswalk and on speed wall at Rosedale it was 42 vehicles that did not stop. So
90 total that did not stop for pedestrian. We're happy to report though just as many uh vehicles did stop for pedestrian and cross folks. So, and as you mentioned, Miss Bennett, there were several vehicles that we could not get to, but overall good effort, especially right before school to uh increase
awareness about the visibility of the crosswalk. We did email DOT two or three weeks ago. We still have not received a response on where we stand with the rapid flashing beacons that are supposed to go at the intersection there. Um, just wanted to touch on Blumb Road and
the other resurfacing projects. Thank you everybody for your cooperation. was uh quite a bit of effort to uh get all those roads done in a timely fashion for school and that was our request that all the roads get uh improved before school began. Um you will notice on Glenrook Road um and again with all our roadways
that especially Glenburg that major third fair through town that that fresh pavement does tend to increase speeds um without all the potholes and uh the interruptions from when they laid the new water line. Um we did increase uh uh some roadway designs over there. You'll
notice the double yellow line which is required by the New Jersey manual on uniform traffic control devices. We also added white shoulder lines or fog lines are sometimes referred to to make the roadway appear more narrow. That tends to uh decrease the speeds of the
roadway. So with the double yellow line, um yes, you can turn left over the double yellow line into your driveway. You don't have to go around the block to come back to your driveway on the right hand side. and the five lines shoulder lines. Yes, you can park up against the
curbway. It's just a an image to try and decrease the speeds. Um Lumber Road, we have done our traffic surveys is uh one of our uh most sped upon roadways. So, we're trying to do some things over there to calm the traffic down, especially being right in major schools.
Um and in regards to the uh the resolution that's on this evening supporting um the public question that will go to vote um in November, as all you know, this is a growing burrow burrow and in turn uh the PD has grown as well. When I first took over as chief of police 5 and a half years ago, we
were 17 police officers. We're now 19 police officers in addition to special police officer Ralph. That complements our staff. So, uh, the building is starting to, uh, burst through the seams a little bit, as we say, with all the equipment and technology and and storage that we need to have here. So, um, a
request was made for building improvements and was submitted to the burough council, uh, in a comprehensive, uh, strategic plan that I submitted to the council in February of 2022, uh, noting necessary upgrades to our processing room, upholding area. Um, as
you may know, there's some public engagement issues and privacy concerns when you come into the main municipal building and maybe you're here to report being the victim of an offense or you're a witness to an offense uh with the general public crossing through the same path. Um, and then as well as uh
internal external spatial constraints that we experience with vehicles and equipment and and staff and locker rooms, things of that. So, uh, as I'm extremely aware of everybody's concern and interest with construction and improvement in the burough, we will hosting two town and old style meetings.
I have yet to schedule those, but one will be late September and one in October as well as uh some social media campaigns that express wary uh desires of improvements both in the municipal building and the police department as well as open houses. You can come tour
the PD. There's that Wizard of Oz effect. You don't know what's behind the curtain. So, um, for the next three council meetings, which are September 18th, October 2nd, and October 16th, and we'll be in the building from 5:30 until conference session starts at 7:30, willing to give any member of the public
a tour of the facility. And then as well, we're going to be on on Saturday, September 20th from 1:30 to 3:30. I'll be here in the afternoon to again invite the public in to see um some of the officer safety concerns that I share and again the spatial constraints. So, without uh any further questions,
comments, or concerns, want to take any questions. Anybody can I ask one question? Sure. How did Wait, am I allowed to? I really should come up and state your name and address again, please. Carolyn Bennett, 19.
How do you choose the crosswalks for the pedestrian? So, we vary. This is the third time we've done that through aa grant. So, we bring officers in on overtime to staff that many officers. No, we're going to get that volume of um vehicles not adhering to the pedestrian law. So, we
bring officers in on overtime. So, we've done uh Speedball at Hillview. We've done Speed Well at Rosedale. It's just a matter of us varing the locations that we do. So, um we are going to do continue to do them and we will certainly hit, you know, Rosedale Hillview Rose Speed as well. So, that it's more than once a year and
the time of day can change. Yeah, we've done it in the uh morning hours. We've done it in the evening hours. We we varied our times just to try to catch especially the busier, you know, traffic times that the vehicles are out on the roadway. So, okay. No, that's all good to know. And
um if you ever want a stroller for the decoy, happy to lend you one. And my comment before when I was saying that cars were missed, obviously there's an issue because of how many people you just quoted. I also thank you guys though for doing that because hopefully it's a wakeup call for these people
because it's obviously problems. I made I made the point to my staff that the dismounted patrols and dismounted uh motor vehicle enforcement effort because if you stop a you know do detail with a single officer in a car they may stop one or two cars in a 30 minute time span between you know 10 15 minute traffic
stop. If we get a few officers out doing this amount of detail for, you know, this period of time, we can stop a great number of vehicles and also it makes a greater impact when people see us out. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Chief. Uh public works.
Somebody has a report for him. Nobody. We'll move on to uh public buildings. S has left us. So, I don't think anybody has a report for him. public health sanitation and sewers. Thank you.
Um board of health and teen and municipal alliance didn't have meetings in the last few weeks. Uh the board of health will have a meeting next week. So I'll be able to report on that as the next meeting. Um teen center we wanted to recognize and thank Jay Kahill for his uh his years on on teen center for
uh he just resigned as a teen center supervisor. Um he's had the strong hand in developing the teen center and turning into the program that it is. We thank him for all his years of service there. Uh the clean communities grant. Uh so right now there's about $20,000
that are available for us to use. And as anybody has seen that we do a lot of the uh the community cleanups, whether it's at in Simon's Park or at Robert's Garden in the woods, uh there's just not enough people to and luckily not enough litter to burn down uh that amount of grant. Um
and also uh I also wanted to that this is going to tie into later. It's very disjointed. I apologize. Um George Jacobs, uh Grace and Liam and Bumma, those are some uh young people in town uh who cleaned up trash in the wooded area along that way
before school started. Uh so we appreciate their initiative. And after having them identify that it's been a problem, we're going to utilize the clean communities grant to really focus on that area to provide a permanent solution. Um, and also in addition to that, I'm going to be developing a spend
plan to better utilize the funds uh throughout the bureau. Uh, I'll be discussing my plan with the committee uh this coming week and have a proposed plan to discuss with the council uh during conference section uh at the next meeting. Ordinances and public.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, first I want to say to the chief as a resident of Glenbook Road, um, I appreciate everything you guys are doing there. Um, I think uh the line striping and everything is is great. I think it uh we we've definitely seen an impact right
and the reduction of speed of cars uh going in front of you know our house especially because a lot of kids going to school right walk right in front of our house. So I know you and Lieutenant Gild were out there uh I think it was before the lines were were stripped um
and uh that that I know you pulled over a number of folks that were uh not obeying the speed limit as well. So, uh, you know, appreciate everything you guys are doing. I think that the improvements are much needed. So, um, as far as, um,
uh, let's see, the construction office. So, uh, Mayor Carr, excuse me, alerted alluded to earlier. Um, there is a an application uh, for the Rivian um, service center. Uh, that's going to
be in front of the planning board. Um that's going to be PB1-25 which is going to be um looked at September 15th which is uh Monday at 7:30. Um the application is for minor change of use of bulk variance. Um so the the
planning board will be be reviewing that. Uh and then there we're also going to further discuss the updated application process uh which is intended to um uh basically make make the application process easier for for all
applicants residents uh you know commercial and residential as well. Um so that that was discussed at the last planning board meeting. Um there was some requests made by planning board members for more information which has been provided. So hopefully at the next pling board meeting we can uh review
that and they can provide their uh their input on there. Um the zoning board uh they didn't have a meeting in July and August. They do have a meeting scheduled for September 22nd uh here in this room. Um and then uh as the mayor alluded to
earlier uh there the for update there there was a um there was a a challenge that was filed but about all we can say about that at this point, right? So, we have to we have to see see see what that is as the attorney's review. Um, and
just uh, you know, just a note on the ordinances. Um, I do want to say to the public that uh, I do appreciate you all um, holding me accountable uh, because as a chair of the ordinance committee, it is my job uh, to review those ordinances. Um, some of them come to me
from members of the council, the mayor. Uh, some of them come to me from the public. There's there's other ones that I need to as well. Um, they're all important. Um, and it's very difficult sometimes to prioritize them. Um, but I know that ordinance 1423 is is is a hot
button thing. So, I appreciate everybody constantly coming up reminding me. Um, and uh, as I said before, um, you know, I I I've made a promise to to review it and um, I need to stick to that. So, I I appreciate that. The public doing their
part. So, thank you. That's all I have. M. Good. Thank you. We have no introduction of ordinances. None on second reading. No resolutions. No unfinished business. We do have vouchers. M. Okay. I move that the voucher is dated
September 4th, 2025 in the amount of 2,314,128.35 be approved. Is there a second? Second. Second by Tyler. Roll call, please. Mr. Houston. Yes, Mr. Yes,
yes, yes. We have no need for an executive session. new business I I think just came up um point that former mayor Dler brought up about
that parcel of land is kind of interesting and I think really we should uh have our affordable housing attorney look at that and uh some sort of determination for
for that resolution we set up to the and put up. That would be the recommendation. I call our ral housing attorney tomorrow and verify
what what to be done or what the next steps are. Um I do. So the Mayor Dler was here earlier this evening and at the public portion raised some concerns regarding this referendum
resolution and his concerns to which I think should be considered um based upon his knowledge of Morris plates which is certainly significant and more so the rest of mine. But he raises
tonight a couple of questions that again first time I'm hearing about them this evening, but but they they need to be considered. One of which is that apparently based upon his knowledge of Mars Plains, the property over by the teen center may have some green acres money restrictions on that that piqu my
interest. Um because uh that that is probably something we should look into. Um, and again based upon his extensive knowledge of the burough, I'm going to assume all that's true and we'll see what what effect that may have. Uh, Mayor Trestler also raised a concern about fair share housing and affordable
housing issues. Um, candidly, we have separate affordable housing council who Mr. Boozak who who is probably my eyes the best affordable housing attorney in New Jersey. So, I'll let I'm going to I'm going to contact Mr. Boozak. I'll I'll flush out some of these concerns
that may dress Dresser raised once I get my hands around them better and speak to Mayor Drestler about that and then we'll see. He did raise even heing mayor Drestler the the idea of of rescending this resolution tonight that I have
hesitancy doing and I have hesitancy doing because the resolution itself and I want everybody to understand this especially council the the resolution itself tonight that we passed in the consent agenda is merely what we refer to as an enabling resolution. What the
resolution does this evening is it at least provides the authority or the authorization to the county to the board of elections to place the question referendum question on the ballot. Now, the question that's going to go in the ballot, I spoke about this a little
earlier, is whether or not the residents of Mars Plains here um authorize the expenditure somewhere around, and again, the numbers are rough, 7 to$13 million for either the renovation to the existing police building or to the
construction of a new uh police building over by the teen center. Now, Mayor Dresser's concerns here tonight are that if you again that if we seek to construct a new building over by the team center, we may be running a foul of some affordable housing concerns, which is again something I will flush out with
uh with Mr. Boozak, our affordable uh housing council. But why I don't think we need to resend the resolution or recall it is because again, it's merely an enabling resolution. And if it turns out down the road, again, who knows where the referendum is going to end up
in November, that's why we're doing it. But it's conceivable that the residents come back and overwhelmingly say no to the question. And then all of this is, I guess, to the extent it's error would be harmless error. On the other side of the coin, if it comes back overwhelmingly yes, we I think keep our eye on the ball
to the extent that it really gives this council two options. the, for lack of a better description, $7 million option to renovate the existing building that's here or the $13 million option to go over to the teen center. Now, if it turns out we can't go over to the teen
center uh because of affordable housing or green acres money, again, I don't know that that's true. I haven't speak. Um, we still have the option if council based upon the feedback we get on the referendum question and on the ballot still has the right to then do this $7
million option. That's the renovations to the building that are current that's currently here. I don't want to resend the resolution because if we resend the resolution, we have a problem because again, it's an enabling resolution with the board of elections and we may not ever get the referendum on the ballot
period. Um, and I don't want to do that because once that ship sails, we can't bring that back to port. Um, but what I do think we should do and and certainly based upon Mr. Drez's history here in the burough, give this very strong regard and look into it because again,
it may turn out down the road that we can't do this um, based upon affordable housing concerns, which again I I don't want to beat that horse, but I got to speak to Mr. I don't want to tie this resolution up tonight for the reasons I've set forth here on the record. Um, but I will advise the council that we
should consider these comments very seriously and take a look at it and make sure that uh that you know what we do we do and it may turn out we can't do the the new construction at that location for affordable housing concerns but at least let's get there and get this resolution done so that we don't have
the problem on the back end that now we have no referendum. I don't want to do that. I I but but again we do need to flush out these concerns. I appreciate him being here tonight and advising that because again his understanding of the history far exceeds mine. Um and we'll
see where where it ends up but uh at least for now I want to stay. Mayor, can I share a comment on this as well? Yeah. So again this the property between the 911 memorial and the teen center was just a proposed idea from the architectures viewpoint architecture
standpoint. Um, we could use any parcel of flat land. So, uh, the idea that this was the identified exact location. Aesthetically, I think it would look beautiful, but if we're going to run into concerns with, you know, other pitfalls for the burrow, um, we can, you know, go back to the drawing board
forward on that. You know, there's other opportunities for us potentially throughout the burough to build this. Um, to Mr. R's point I I would hate to see the two and a half years of progress between several different council people and chairpersons and uh you know indepth
um research by myself and others um and some expenditures to to to flush it down at this point in time. Well, I think that's what what Mr. Rand is saying that to keep the ball rolling and we'll see where it all goes. Just a question. So during um when the
when the mutual group that's who you hired um did they did they do any sort of assessment there that we know of that would uh maybe address Mr. concerns as far as you're looking at the deed restrictions, what have you. No, they just saw the size of the property and
said, you know, it could what we propose for an offsite building and it's not just again the police department. We're talking about a public CT complex with, you know, potentially a fire department bay and, you know, some added increased uh uh benefits for the burrow. Um, but that would fit that parcel there. So,
but nothing beyond that. So, they were just looking at, as you said earlier, just the the pure architecture of the building, not necessarily the piece. box that you could work there could work other places potentially too.
One one of the suggestions I would have though going forward is is as the the members of council chief and and all other relevant officials um discuss this issue between now and November. You may want to note when you have your
meetings, you have your discussions that the option of 13 million may, if that's what ultimately happens, may or may not happen over at the teen center. Um, that's a suggested place, but not a place that's set in stone. I think that
that would now based upon Mayor Dressman's comments be important to just note because just you don't want to give false information. Chief, the wording that we submitted to the wording that we submitted to the county
clerk for the referendum, did it include a location? It did not. That's what I thought. All right. So, that's what John get back to us or whatever. I do want to invite everybody to the 911
memorial on 911 at 10 o'clock at our memorial. And the speaker that we have this year is standing right here with us daily. She's going to be explaining her story and uh her and her wife's story actually right couple thousand other
people I guess but very interesting story that they've written a book about and play and some other kind of stuff. So please join us there for that service. Uh is there Is there a motion to adjourn?
So there second. All in favor? I thank you very much everybody for coming out. Have a good day.