Mayor >> Mr. Brun >> here. >> Mr. Houston >> present. >> Mr. Ivy >> here. >> Mr. >> here. >> Mr. >> Here. Just for the record, Mr. Cortez is unable to make it with us tonight. If
you would please stand for the pledge of allegiance and pray, please. And then a moment of silence. to the flag and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Almighty God, we ask you bless this
governing body with an abundance of wisdom and understanding so that fulfilling their public trust. Every deliberation will result in actions that will promote the common good and general welfare of all people. Amen. Please remain standing for a moment of
silence for Marty Riley who passed away earlier this week. An army veteran, a Morris PL police officer also with Harding. He's also a member of the Morris men at the age of 65 where he was actively running and a past member of
the board just Thank you. to members of the governing body and burough staff. Any use of electronic devices during this meeting shall be used solely for the purchase of those minutes. Mr. Ivy,
>> I council member Ivy move the minutes of December 18th, 2025 to be approved. >> Is there a second? >> Second by Nancy. All in favor? I abstain. The eyes have it. Approval of
consent agenda. That's right. Resolution 2025-174 entitled Resolution appointing John Euran Esquire as municipal prosecutor. Resolution 2025-175 entitled Burough Morris Plains
Resolution authorizing execution of mediation agreement with fair share housing center regarding fourth round housing element and fair share resolution 2025-176 entitled resolution ratifying the 2026 through 2030 collective negotiation
agreement with PBA local number 254 resolution 2025-177 entitled resolution accepting proposal from Paulus Solalowski and Sarter PC for a schematic design study for the additions and alterations to the existing police department in the
mining. The burough council approved the membership application of John A. Bowman 16 Washington Avenue Morris Plains as a member of Morris Plains Fire Department. The Burough Council approved the membership application of Alexander J. Kosak 10 Forest Drive Morris Plains as a
member of the Morris Springs Fire Department. The mayor authorized to execute MJ change number one as per engineer correspondence for improvements to Glenwood >> having received quotes for installation flight activity park from the following
electric $6720 electric $15,000 that a purchase order be issued to Han electric n place for spring New Jersey in the amount of $6720 Yes, >> Mr. Houston. >> Yes,
>> so just as I mentioned at the last meeting that I give an update on the affordable housing that's going to be required for the burrow. Um, I'm very happy and pleased to announce that we've got that remember down to 2137
which could have been uh detrimental another 700 roughly unit overlay zones there'll be some ordinances and whatnot coming up but this is what the the burrow and the
fair share housing center has agreed And this just came you know finished up on Sunday night. So tomorrow is the deadline for all these towns to meet their requirement. And so we are within those uh deadlines which would not have
been any fault of ours. I'd like to thank the affordable housing committee everybody who was involved. I think it's a major win for the burrow and pretty good shape as far as
everybody also this time I'd like to invite members of the public >> if you don't mind for the public. Um so there's two items uh just real quick. Um so the council see in front of you all you have a package um it's uh 14 pages
uh it represents the updated uh checklist for the applications for planning board and for adjustment over the last as I mentioned over the last year myself um Dave Schultz Mike Bill
Ryden we worked to to revise this we got it from 37 pages to 14 pages um reduce the amount of copies that are required like hard copies of plans from 20 to six. It also provides for digital submission via PDF. Um and it provides
us the entire application. Uh we didn't do a sideby-side comparison although you're welcome to look at the original if you like to um but instead we looked at what's required um based on based on the input um from the professionals as I mentioned also from the zoning board
adjustment and planning board. Um the the administrative process will now be reviewed by the burough engineer not require a meeting to determine completion. Um so uh the this will save the applicant board members and the
bureau time money and speed up the process to review the actual applications. Anything that has to do with waiverss will of course come back to the appropriate boards. Um but what I'd like the council to do is just you know over the holidays take a look at it. Um this will be attached to an
updated ordinance um which I plan to introduce uh beginning of the year but if you have any comments on it like I said the planning board and the zoning board adjustment comments so a little light reading for the holiday season so before you
introduce the run by adjustment so council does it a lot of the council members aren't even familiar at all with any of the procedures I'll say. So I think it would probably be a good idea to
>> Well, this is a this is comprehensive of all the comments, but I can suggest >> no problem. Um but like I said, it will be uh will it will accompany um an ordinance which obviously require action
by by the council. Um raise any comments as we know. >> So what will the >> So all the ordinance because the the checklist are attached to an ordinance. You just have to update the ordinance include the new checklist. >> So that's that's the that's really the
only update >> and you said the board and the review. >> They have they provided comments on the drafts that u we the committee has provided to them.
This is a result of that. This is the final version of it as the mayor suggested. I will send this final version back to the planning board just um so that they can do a final review. But I'd like to do that concurrently with the council as well.
>> Yeah, as I said, the committee was myself, Dave Schultz, uh Mikeia, so the chair of the pling board, chair zoning board adjustment, and Bill. No, it's okay. Yeah. So, we we've been meeting since the beginning here to this project. >> Yep. So, that's all.
>> Um and then the only other thing is just uh the ordinance is going to get read on second reading tonight just to to remind the public. Um ordinance 14 2025 seeks to regulate residential occupancy prohibit boarding and moving in houses in single family zones. occupancy to one
family plus two additional occupants. Requires minimum six month leases and mandate certificate of inspections before each teny purpose is to protect public health and safety. Reduce strain on municipal services, preserve neighborhood character, establish clear
enforcement and inspection procedures. That's going to be on second. Thank you, sir. Moving forward, public invitation for comment. Anybody wish >> you better not say good morning. >> Somebody said good morning. >> So, thank you so much for honoring
tonight. He was my neighbor growing up. Um, I'm going to share a quick story. When I was in kindergarten, first grade, I we had this huge pine tree in my backyard. I climbed it all the way to the top. I couldn't figure a way to get down. Uh Mr. Riley being my neighbor, uh
and my parents coming out, screaming at me to come get down. Said, "Get down. Get down." Mr. Riley came over and said, "Bot glaloo." And I wish S was here because he knows that means dummy in Italian. Get down. And he put a big ladder up. I eventually climbed down. But uh Mr. Riley should be honored. He
was a great man for this town. He was uh great neighbor. So So thank you for doing that tonight. I appreciate that. >> We're going to have the flags out here. >> That's great. >> The police are part of the motorcade
session. >> Oh, that's awesome. >> That's great. Was was this some the chief then? Was he chief of police at one point? Township >> of the township. Okay. >> Chief, >> thank you for doing that. He he really should be honored.
>> Yeah. >> So I you brought up a quick story. I I want this quick story, but when I went to the St. Virgin way back when, probably fourth grade, third, fourth, whatever it was, but he before we had crossing guards, he used to police, right? So he was always the crossing guard there.
>> So I always waited till the end, right? So I crossed at the end of his shift or whatever you time and then he used to drive me home. I don't know who I was. I'm pretty sure he's a bus driver, too. Yeah. Yeah. After retired, he's a bus driver.
>> Yeah. Just um what else? Oh, at the planning committee last week, um Miss McClesy talked about that rightand turn on Hannover and and she asked, you know, what is the county doing about it? But what is the town doing about that?
>> So, when I found out about application that was coming in and um I had my attorney speak with their dedicated property. It's not
private property. So we're in discussions now dedicated this property for a right 10 12 what however many people whatever >> that's the old the old
It's going to be with that driveway that they're closing off. Start there. Hopefully start there and two maybe eight cars maybe six. >> Okay. So, it's not just the gas station. >> Okay.
>> We don't have any dedication from the acne lot to the bur right now where county is going to end up going to grant that property to use. >> Okay. So, so you guys work with the county dot is there
>> right now the attorneys are working. Okay. Okay. And last we have big uh appointments coming up. Is that going to be discussed tonight or that's just
that'll be re whoever's appointed is appointed. >> Okay. >> No. That's the mayor's appointment. >> Okay. >> Merry Christmas, guys. Happy New Year. Thank you for all
us. Um I'm just trying to get some followup clarification in the last meeting brought up um a question about the piles of debris at the friendly site
and Mayor Card you had stated there's like no time limit for the degree to to be removed as long as it's been approved, which I don't know who would approve it. Um, and you characterized it as an active >> well, okay, I'll get to that in a second. And
then also, Mr. Brun had um raised concern about the tarps being removed because of, you know, dust remediation. Um, Mr. Ben, who I was hoping was going to be I think he might be able to answer some of my questions. Um had indicated
that they're not required and that they serve primarily for privacy. Um although Mr. Broom, you know, based off of his professional experience and and from what I've, you know, researched that those are commonly used for dust
mitigation and debris control on top of privacy also. I, you know, I agree with the privacy thing. So I had some questions. Um, has the demolition permit been formally closed out >> because there has been no demolition for two
months and clearly there's not going to be more because it is empty. Um, and that's why I had a question like if it hasn't why has it not been closed out? You know, what is the burough procedures for closing out the demo permit?
>> It's not bur permit inspection. >> So, so when there is a demolition permit for anything in town, they get the permit and then they it does get closed out in
who would do that inspection, there's a zoning, there's like I don't know who >> I don't want to say exactly who be out there to do it. Probably the construction official will be out there. >> Um, >> what comes out of the building >> because there
So, I'm assuming there is no construction permits, you know, that have been issued yet. >> So, I'm not sure how the bureau can define this property as an active construction site when demolition ended two months ago and there was no construction permits.
>> The material I know is going to be used on site whenever anything happens there. So I don't think I'm done speaking for that property owner, but I don't know if that property owner contractors building the building is going to cost a little bit and then bring it back
in the house. >> Okay. Has the bureau verified that that crust material is clean still according to NJ regulations? >> Yes. >> I would say it's part of the permit. So if it has to tested if that's part of
one of the requirements. I'm sure that got done. >> Demolition has you're talking >> I understand but de you said the demolition permit. >> I'm not an expert in that department. You're going to have to send an email over to them and find out what the exact
process is and what is needed. Well, given that two buildings were demolished, crushed, and have been left there uncovered for two months at that site, directly next to a neighborhood, food establishments, schools across the
street, and there's been no medi or mitigation for dust being blowing around the neighborhood or anything that might be in those piles seeping into the ground. >> Requirement
I am requesting formally requesting if it hasn't done been done so already that it is tested according to the NJ's clean fill >> requirements. >> You should send an email to Bill Ryden
and to Bill O' Conor and ask them. >> Well, I know the requirements because I have that all printed out, but I'm not going to get into that. But I want to know if it has been certified as clean fill or what they call beneficial use
determination bud, which it sounds like is what you were saying probably going to be used for. Um, and they each have their own separate requirements, but they definitely have requirements that need to be tested. Um,
and I would like it tested if it hasn't been already. If it has, great. If it's clear, great. I just want to see >> and if it's a requirement would be if it's not I don't know if they will be. So >> um okay um let's see
so given that those windscreen tarps have been removed it doesn't seem like they're ever going back up. Um what is the town doing to control the dust and the visual light? It's a nuisance under
our nuisance laws. code and ordinances. We have, you know, nuisance and unsightly properties and maintenance and I could >> rattle off like two or three things that come to mind. >> Yeah, but I don't know if it particularly applies to what you see
over there. I think ceiling pain, maybe gutters falling down. I don't know exactly. >> It does. It does it does apply um that and it can it cannot be above
the fence height anything being stored. Um and clearly there's nothing that says that they're allowed to store crushed demolition debris >> fresh concrete. >> It's not it's not just concrete. It's everything besides the metal. It could
be lead paint. It could be as because The asbestous testing wasn't completely submitted. It there's many hazardous materials that could be in it. It's not just concrete. It's two buildings that were built back in the 70s or 60s
>> they got rid of, right? >> All right. Listen, >> I'm not trying to argue. I'm just trying to argue the best thing to do is the requirement. >> I'm just trying to get on record if it has been tested or not. Um because if it has not I am requesting that it is
immediately tested. Um also if the building, you know, if there is not going to be construction permits issued in the very near future, what is the burough's plans and
requirements to have that removed? Like are they just going to sit around and I We It may be months. >> Again, I don't have anything in front of me to get your answer. >> That's That's fine. I'm just going to I
would I would I would like to I'm going to email you my questions and instead of myself hunting down the right people, I'm asking you to please >> make sure that it gets to the right people and that I get answers this time because when I sent my letter in
September regarding the asbestous testing and other concerns, crickets. >> Well, there's a difference of opinion on that, but whatever. >> Well, I got no answers. Whatever. >> You you told me to go to the construction uh department, which I had
already had that sent. Uh the only person that responded to me initially was Chief Horski, and I just sent it to him to keep him in the loop. >> And then, you know, I've got >> Conor said that he spoke to you. He was at your house. I mean,
>> a week prior to me, >> send it to me. We'll get you. to proper people. And then we'll get you. >> In closing, I just want to say that the demolition ended two months ago. There's no permits issued for construction. There's huge piles of deb debris
remaining next to my house, the pizza, Dunkin Donuts, the schools across the street, the church across the street. This has been blowing around for two months. it doesn't seem to be a problem to the people that are in charge of making
sure this doesn't happen. Um, and I'm just asking that things are followed by the rules of either our town codes and ordinances or, you know, the New Jersey Uniform Construction Codes
because there's a list of things that I've been reading that doesn't seem like that's being followed. And I'm just concerned it might happen all the time, but I'm not letting it happen by my house and by my neighborhood.
And if I saw it somewhere else and I had concerns, I would bring it up. Also, I'm just asking for some answers and some follow through. We don't have full-time inspectors.
I don't know who's in charge. Like, I would assume the buck stops with you, but who's in charge to make sure all these departments are doing their jobs? >> We have the professionals that are in charge of that. It does not fall under this people. It's Bill O'Connor. He's our engineer and whoever else that they
need from the building department. We have >> we have a contaminant we have a soils engineer. We have for any soil disturbance stuff the counties involved. I mean there's a we'll get you the answers that you need. Send it to me and I'll get you the answers.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> I I spoke with the owner officer today and he is of the impression that which agrees with us that that is not going to stay there indetermination
but that should be solved in the month of January. If they are going if it if the building is to be built then they can use that soil fill and then filling the site like they're planning on if it
fails and application is objective then the design will enforce the removal of that or at least come to the to have that put back there because I didn't get to see the demo plan in time, but the I don't expect that there is a soil mount
on the drawing because last I checked so that zone. So the I think we're just in a little bit of a purgatory here to keep that there in case they do build it because the last thing I think we want to be doing is creating another dusty operation to load them onto 20 dump
trucks to cart them off and then do it again to bring it back up. So if it stays there for a couple more months because the property owner demo the site that's now the demo the demo the demo permit I I assume is done because it's not posted
up um but they can't do anything until the litigation is well they can't but they're assuming not to until litigation is done and they can't do anything with that without a grading plan and the grading plan will be submitted by the McDonald's engineers so McDonald's engineers aren't pushing you for
anything until But my concern is that even if they win in the appeal and it's going to be built, it's not like it's going to instantaneously be gone. >> So, you know, let's be real, it's going to be several months more of it sitting
there. If it is, if they can prove to me that it's been tested >> and there is nothing in that that is a health hazard to any of us, >> then I'll be quiet for a little bit. But if it becomes
this ongoing thing that, you know, they have designs or there's, you know, changes and this and all of a sudden we're in to the middle of the summer and nothing's happened and that's still sitting there. I will not be fine. be able to request that they submit a plan that they get start on that work
immediately. >> But >> you can make a request. >> Um, yes. Everything I'm >> No, they're agreeing. >> You know, I've been trying to educate myself and it seems to me that it's not a demo site anymore. It's not a
construction site. It is a vacant lot. And there are rules for vacant lots in town. And nowhere in those rules does it They can have giant mounds sitting there. Um, it's unsightly. It's it's possibly a
health hazard and just want something something done or proven that we are all safe being next to that going into my yard and into my neighbor's yards and the school and
the restaurants. Thank you. Hi, Julfield. I had a question regarding the right turn lane that you guys were talking about before. So, is there agreement with whoever owns the corner property to make that a right turn lane? Okay. And
the other question I have, this is very minor and but it's just be in my bonnet. Um, I live on Canfield obviously and I have to buy a $5. It's not about the money. It's a principal thing. I have to buy the $5 sticker to put in my car
window so I don't get a ticket for parking on my own street. Okay. I bought the ticket or I bought the sticker last year. Why do I have to buy a new one every year? >> I don't know the ins and outs of that. So, I don't want to speak >> because I mean nothing's changed. It's
same car, same house, same everything. And >> but the color of the stickers that I'm not I'm going to stay out of it because I don't >> because I mean if nothing changes like if I were to buy a new car then I would need another sticker but nothing's
changed and I I don't know that anybody else in town other than those new streets is required to buy parking pass on their own street >> parking stickers my understanding permits. It's a parking permit of sorts.
>> Why do I need a parking permit to park on my own street? >> Because there's no parking on certain streets. So, it's an exception for people who live on the street. Everybody else can't park. You have a sticker. So, >> right. But everybody else in town that
why is it only those streets? Why isn't every >> We did that because of the train station and the post office for an extended period of time on the roads and then you guys the road they are. So it's basically in the area of train
because I have these people that work on street >> right >> yeah why do I have to pay for it every year >> I guess the question is >> and I mean it's not about the Yeah, obviously >> it's also more administrative for us to
>> I mean if nothing changes and like if I were to move and I left that neighborhood with my car and my sticker >> my car is not there with the sticker. So you know what I mean? It's just like >> I might if things don't go certain place but um
it you know it it just seems like you said it's more of an administrative task for you guys. If there's no change to the situation, why make more work for yourself? >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Yeah. >> Moving on to ordinances on second
reading. I have a >> just a quick question on how you enforce dogs and I know I paid $15 and anyone that has a pet knows the most precious thing in the world. So the other day I was walking
Coco and this dog I don't know what she was taking on but this like this thick and she's this big. But and the woman that was holding the dog, I mean, she weighed three pounds and the dog weighed about 50 pounds. And so I I was wondering like, God forbid something happened. Years ago, my neighbors were
saying that there was not some doors and just to see whether or not there were dogs, >> you know. So, how do you gauge like does everybody have the baby shot? And >> so, every few years we have sent people out
checks. So we are not something happens between >> we used to >> we used to every couple of have two people
license here and they would follow up. >> Yeah. So, I'm on the board of Foxwood, so I know everybody. Um, so if some reason I feel that someone's not complying, that's something I can
report, right? Yeah, I know. Everyone doesn't play by the rules. I do. >> No, she would know it. You're welcome to say something to people. I mean, as a Not everybody >> meeting
number 14.5 An ordinance of the burrow of Morris Plains, County of Morris, state of New Jersey, establishing a new chapter 31 to be entitled occupancy of dwelling in the burrow code of Morris plans. Which ordinance was introduced and passed the first reading at a meeting held December
18th, 2025. >> I announce the meeting is open for a public hearing on the see no one. I close the public. I, Council Member Houston, state that the above ordinance as read by title on second reading at this meeting be adopted and finally passed. There
>> second roll call, please. >> Mr. Green, >> yes. >> Mr. Houston, >> yes. >> Mr. Mr. >> Yes. >> I declare the ordinance adopted and finally pass the ordinance that council
Houston spoke of earlier part of the meeting. Moving on to vouchers. >> December 18th, 2025 amount of 3,626,36 approved. >> Is there a second? Second roll, please.
>> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Houston. >> Yes. >> Mr. I move that checklist December 30th, 2025,25. >> Is there a second? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Um, so just with the appointments of the
council, the I'm going to recommend that we keep everybody the same and also recommend Mr. Broom, it's his turn in rotation for council president and try to keep everybody on there for two years.
>> So in the article section, the mayor shall appoint all committees, subcommittees and their respective chairs. Such appointments be accepted to the advice of consent of majority council. The mayor shall discuss his proposed appointments to
council committees for the fourth coming year with the council meeting to be held no later than two weeks prior to the annual meeting referred to article 4 section above. It doesn't say that it's just the council committees. It says all committees and respective chairs.
We can check with their attorney. >> I'm not just talking about all besides it says all committes >> to try to answer this question. the language in the law says that all
appointments here during public meetings and for example like public health and things like that as well. However, in terms of the planning board, the planning board is governed under For those who want to look up the
statute 55D-23 subsection A1 that provides that and everybody's jumping I know on Google but that that provides that
provides that the the all all four classes class one two three and four are appointed by the mayor unless the ordinance provides otherwise there's an ordinance that provides otherwise or you are a chartered form of government. We attorneys refer to as a fault for
government which we are not. We are a burough form of government. So the one appointment that is essentially solely within is that to the governite not under our bylaws and not under the law of
that provided consent council we'd have a problem because that would be trumped under what's known as the supremacy clause. statute. So that's the one one appointment that is sold.
>> So just to clarify one talked about any of the um any of the members that have their their terms are expiring at the end of this year regardless of the class. Those are all right. If you read that statute it
says you know one is the mayor designate three is if there's an environmental commission. I I I don't remember exact I know but four is just about everybody else for lack of a better term and everybody else is also appointed by the mayor
unless again you fall. So I guess my question would be if you discuss that mayor's consent council are there any other appointments that are going to be made
year that would any other appointment or recognition or municipal lines any of those other ones we would have an opportunity to that would be committed
council. Are there any other Everybody's remaining on We need no executive session on this thing. Motion >> a second. >> All in favor?
>> Thank you everybody. Have a happy new year. >> Happy new year everybody. >> Happy new year. Yeah, probably. Yeah, I'm just waiting to hear back from Sergeant Hawkman. I really wanted