I aliance to the flag of the United States of America to the for 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 that fulfilling public trust, public immigration action and general welfare, please >> Mr. Mr. Mr.
Mr. Ivy >> Mr. >> Mr. >> Unfortunately, Mr. Cortez and Mr. can't make you with us tonight. Notice to members of the governing body and burough staff and use of electronic
devices during this meeting should be used only for the purpose of borrowing. Um, I'd like to thank everybody for coming out tonight and we're going to start off with uh our Jersey Central Power and Light representative, Mr. Bob Flynn. We're going to put him on first.
We have a power outage that he's dealing with. So, uh, we want to get him back back to his desk so we can get those other residents in another town up and running. >> It's a good thing it's not anyway.
We uh I'd like to have our representatives come in from the water authority or the power company, sometimes from PSG, just to come in, give us an update, let us know what the company's doing, what they're thinking, any upgrades that are coming on, you know, in the near nearer future, what
what we can expect. So, yours, sir. >> All right. Well, thank you for having me. Um, again, as the mayor said, my name is Bob and I've been with Jersey Central now for six years on my seventh. Um my territory is pretty much
everywhere up north that's not but every municipality more specifics county and um it's a very exciting time right now working 15 years ago we are seeing a pretty big
significant investment in infrastructure which is needed all throughout our municipalities. So I think the last time I was here I talked about the was separate from a rap fil
a separate filing for spend over $200 million um grant us around like 90 million to spend. So we did some increased vegetation management as well as uh system upgrades. We've gone back to them. Um it's now I think over it's
two years going to them asking for a You're going to hear that name in the next four years. We we asked for $964 million um to spend to upgrade our infrastructure. Essentially, that would
equate to the average cost of 77 hours would be like $4 extra uh did not approve that initially. Um we had about 18 circuits that had prior to that. So we're in the process of doing that,
but they did in the inter $225 million for us to um and it's a significant upgrade. Again, not getting too far into um essentially all throughout the state have differential
however it's a bit older and um utilize a lot of the smart new technology in the industry. So for example, it's it's not necessarily around this area, but up north in the Springwood and Pocket Lakes and those northern municipalities that I
have, they have different voltages that you guys have here. So as the substations get closer to one another, we have capabilities at both the sub as well as on our distribution equipment to utilize smart technology that can switch customers automatically.
That's not possible. So the big push of energizing is standardized as well as New Jersey. You'll hear a term you heard that before. It's something that he has implemented over the last
five to 10 years. And essentially what that is is um it's automatic switching. So rather than a crew having to roll out, inspect, potentially repairs, we have resilience built into the system
stations or circuits. Um, so that's going to make a really big significant imp. Uh let's say for example you in a storm you hear a tree outside your house takes down you see it break three in front of you neighbor's houses um it makes sense
power you saw it it's wires down transformers down etc a lot of work at the current moment the way we have it this is not every circuit but um the way it currently operates is the other 1500 people on that customer also felt that
treatment loopn technology that we're going to be implementing as well as reclosers and switch gear that we're that we're also putting in the system. The benefit of that is automatic switching. So there's no action by crew. It's automatic. So
it's to the point where your clock will change. And that's that's a pretty big game changer for us. Obviously all these things are great. We have a cat three or four hurricane. It's all out the window. hundreds of thousands
required for it to get that back up. But um so far as we've been implementing it as well as the high priority circuits talked about prior, we're starting to see a lot of positive positive trends in terms
of I feel bad saying I'm a recipient on one of those circuits. I didn't do anything to get there. I just need to which is super treeladen, heavily vegetated. Um, and I'm the last house on my circuit, so I get a special
treatment from the company. Um, but uh there's been a few windtorms that since they've upgraded poles and lines, I have not lost power where I have and you know that may resilience. So, we're very excited about it. Uh,
obviously we would love the 9 million to But um you know two weeks starting to get us there. So there's a pretty big investment happening throughout the city. Mars planes is the recipient of that contractor upgrades that we have
scheduled which is transmission voltage as well as the structures that carry that voltage. And then there's going to be upgrades done at stone sub which means Mars planes which is up towards farms and then
pass that substation's getting built which are essentially internal substations that look like a very it's not a very pretty building but um it keeps our equipment out of the elements which is good. Uh so that's going to be
coming over the next few years. So as we get them cont. It's a good time and there's a lot of recipients every town, every municipality is going to be touched throughout the state to stabilize that. So that's what I have right now, but I'm
happy obviously to take questions from govern body as it's substation. >> Yes, very true. Seems to be problematic >> or tends to be problematic. So I'll just throw up just a couple questions. um LED
light project that a few years ago on the radar for that. Yes and no. I know it's not the best answer, but yes, there's a new administration obviously down. So, we're in conversation with Governor Cheryl's
administration crossroads at the moment where the sodium vapor light distributors are. They understand the future they stop making it. Um so we're now dwindling kind of stock. So we are pushing that conversation at the
governor level to determine how we moving forward. Are we replacing upon failure? Are we proactively replacing but the answer is yes our municipality will convert to le um there are options as well. So it doesn't have to be that bright white light in residential areas.
We do the provider we use excuse me the supplier we use has a 30 watt LED which is similar to a 50 W. >> I did hear that. Is there a timeline for that? I >> I mean they stopped producing them now.
So it's it's at a moment where um it's it's becoming difficult in certain districts to get certain types of. So when that comes up or myself and personal affairs are having conversations
in terms of the last thing we want streets that are I refer to as like a geo pattern. You don't want a bright white LED yellow >> I couldn't deal with that. >> No. Yeah. So good. Um and then just one thing I'm
sure everybody's going to ask you but can we talk about the rates? >> Yes. to to a degree. So, uh obviously I'm not in our race, but uh the governor did put a hold on any implementing increases. So
right now we it's been a number of years since we have recently se >> Can you just tell us the difference PJM and Jersey? >> Oh definitely the difference there.
>> Yeah. So that that need to is obviously with the campaign this 20% increase state of New Jersey operator all the way out west all the way through
triate area etc used to stand for Pennsylvania Maryland circle I think it's 14 states Washington DC um so they operate the grid they set prices and we are no longer in generation JCP first
energy meaning we don't make our energy we buy it from BJM so we unfortunately have to% we bought but you know we don't make electricity unfortunately New Jersey is
very much an importer electricity generation station um we as first energy have a few I think one or two in Ohio but that rate increase that is not
increase that by law we have to customer we have to be transparent it looks like it's our charge it's not so unfortunately I think the first conversation with the president did
that Yeah. Um, thank you very much. Um, just a couple questions. So, you mentioned earlier NJ the purpose of that is to standardize across the state. So, where where does
more current sit on a good voltage or do we need to >> you are between Marunicities that have different central and then to that point you
mentioned um the upgrades of the North So those are going to happen. >> Yes, they're scheduled to begin >> service. And what does that look like for the res
power? What does that do for res? >> No, if it were distribution voltage potentially like my circuit that I talked about before, they did have to take me out for 30 minutes while they switched us to the new equipment. >> Um, this is subtransmission. So, we build in resiliency of the subs to have
multiple feet. So, if you lose a transmission line, you can pull power from a different direction. They won't experience that. >> Okay. >> And if there is We have to by law they release at least I think it's 72 hour notice unless it's an emergency but that's a plan. So people would be notified.
>> Okay. And and that's is it just the impacted customers or is it the entire town that's burrow that is just the impacted customer? It will be impacted and but in my position would be denoted by the municipality. >> Okay. And between those two those two
substations meet all >> I believe. So yeah. >> Okay. Um and then I'm sorry just to miss what what are the upgrades doing? >> So structure upgrades is big one. So obviously those poles those transmission
poles degrade over time. upgrading them to different class strengths as well as potentially um I want to say it's some of the stronger type. So that's going to be the second part of
the project to help with switching customers and not switching customers and providing an alternate. It does happen from time to time, you know,
18 also carry transmission voltage that could have an issue if you lose power from one direction. >> Okay. And and then >> No, it does. It does. It's just better. >> Yeah.
>> [clears throat] >> and more of like reactivity where it's going to turn into more I don't want to say automation that sounds dangerous potentially electricity but it's monitored it's you know we have in March on our DCC distribution control center they monitor levels and equipment at
substation that can operate stuff in the field obviously with communication >> okay and then last question I have is you know we have obviously there's a fair amount of building between what's happening
property center that is going to have a higher drawing. So assuming that the grid is all good handle all that is the expected is there you have
>> yeah so not not an exact percentage but all of the substations are built in to have that kind of adaptability of a day like today where consumption is very low or if you have seven days in a row of 97 with a real field 108. We have the the
resiliency built into the system to handle both of those variables. Um as well as the addition of new businesses it gets into the situation you talk about consumption like data centers facilities where the conversation is a
bit different. You may have to hold a new transmission line etc. Um our company particular line data centers and things like that. But at the moment though, there's not a capacity and in central,
you know, it's really upgrading substations and potentially upgrading voltage certain time, but we keep up. We we're very aware of um who's coming in where we ask for load sheets and things like that. also contain what's either
end of your consumption going to be like so we know to properly um size transformers and things like that and that also happens residential as well. Um we notice a lot of times though we need >> that that's been interesting because we're having people who could
potentially have a regular socket out charging the car not telling us. >> So we're having outages you know occasionally during summertime that happened this year big a lot of people call me amount of power. It's not it's just me and like the transformers
overloaded like there's you told us you added charge this and that. So it is on customers to let us know in terms of the residential but again those transformers you see on your street also have that extra capacity. So just just in the last one I'll ask just to that end right.
I I I didn't even know, right? So, if I go out and buy an electric vehicle and actually um but um uh I how would I know to let the power company know that, you know, hey, I've got this if I don't put a
whatever level two charger in. Is there something on the website or something that you know? >> Not necessarily. a lot of times that it can handle it. It's when you have potentially a whole new street that every resident did and
no one told us it's the regular outlet because the thing is if uh there are any upgrades to customer panel in their house that triggers us to say okay we up 25. >> So it's just general
regular res need to be their house. >> Correct. It's more of like we were finding them on smaller outages showing up and you know seeing a wire burned up to a house and then we go in our inspection we find out what happened. >> Yeah. >> All right. Thank you.
>> Absolutely. And just so everybody does know all the projects that come to the planning board or whatever those projects and actually probably ahead. >> Yeah. And and one last point too about
that is typically we have a system with what's called a serve letter. So if a big business is coming in and their investor group is hesitant, they may ask developer to us which then on site developer say
>> and we sign you know sign something appreciate it. Um uh one thing he said is that the PGM surge New England luckily it's probably the other way around but they have their own NIS ISO uh so even with PGM jumping up the rates 20% we're still far below them
Massachusetts Connecticut we are um what the rates are you aware of any process data center with share of cost of Am I aware of them? >> Yes. I mean because I know some
utilities across the country are starting to investigate how to put more the cost of certif No, not from not an official company. >> Okay. Um, and back to the capacity, I was
pleased to see that Table Road and Hover have a large capacity, much more than I thought. Um, aside from the load sheet, is there any analysis that's being done by your network planners of uh being proactive in growth like the warehouses up the
street could become electrified with semis looking at the hot spot? Um, but I know has some hotspots that help utilities. Yep, >> we do have that. >> Okay.
economic development group oversees that business. It was bigger than Bitcoin mining. We were having people set up places that were miles from transmission lines and they set it up and say we can power if we do it's going
to be a million dollars a mile. So then you know we can connect them or start the conversation basically say there's a spot over here this is right transition tower we can connect to etc. So yeah, those conversations happen
constantly. We understand the growth upgrades and and including it won't affect you know um I found that the energized New proposal had more than 10 million per year to maintain trees outside of way
power lines. Can you explain the program for identifying removing those trees both on property and property? >> Sure. So, uh, typically we move in what's called zone one which is about 10 to 15 ft outside to the left or right of our equipment for our primary distribution. We do not trim around
secondary. So secondary is the voltage that's house primary voltage that's typically our our zone we send out. Um I which is similar to what energy
I mean it was unbelievable how many and still had issues throughout the country. So typically with those it's more of a conversation policy. So it's very much kind of a
custom build process resilities. So we try to work with the customer to find a solution because it only benefits us. We're seeing a real issue on the tree. We're saving hours and thousands of dollars of rest time etc police
coverage adds up these trees. So we look for partnership and that's big municipalities, you know, mayor the government trees obviously I'll try to help if that's a danger that's hugely beneficial. Um, and
sometimes, you know, they may help call, you know, it's a tough curve. You can get the cop for, you know, for an hour. We can help with that. Uh, or, you know, DW. So, we kind of it's a case by case basis, but that's
true. Uh my last question is on the um so the reliability has been an issue for the last probably 10 years with JCPL it's not been the um since or JCPL and any New Jersey utility
doesn't have to disclose the reliability levels for every circuit in its network to the BPU. It does to the BPU but not to the public. Um some other states like Massachusetts have every circuit you can find under every source of national reliability. Um since I can't see that,
uh can you tell us if the Morris plane circuits are um uh performing better than minimum reliability levels? >> Of course, this is we won't get the updates. >> Yes, it is. Typically, municipalities
around this area. Obviously, each storm is different. We'll see. talking about like the Katie and the Sat. >> Oh yeah. >> Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. And typically when I have a high priority used to be called performance circuit um
that's a rotating reliability that's their specific job is they track outages causes solutions to get people closers or tie points between substations. That's something we're constantly doing. I mean it sounds like
you know a lot about utility you understand so it's worth it for us to invest >> I'm glad to see all the money >> oh >> just one quick question he's smarter than me so [laughter] >> um so it which is great. I love the
positivity that's working there to obviously feel that coming out internally. So it sounds like the 200 plus million was an investment into the infrastructure. So that isn't something it sounds like the taxpayers and municipalities should feel afraid of. I mean there there's a cost I just don't
know exact. I know when it was 900 it was going to be around $4 month >> but a dollar you know something more but I can get back to >> I think I can speak for most people
pretty minimal >> okay >> yeah just >> but that was when it was 900 I guess doesn't sound too badpecally to get these upgrades. That sound pretty well needed and deserve most. >> Yeah. And we we do have the lowest rate
of all four. >> All right. Well, thank you. Really appreciate you coming out. Get your family question. So, how would that work if the paper become unavailable and then you talk to
who pays for >> that's what we're trying to figure out question answer because I already know the answer to that question. >> Yeah, >> Jersey Central pays for it. >> Just for context, we had a uh like it's called first energy live event we have
like a big meeting with all the entire team. >> Um that was one question that was asked not so soon as I have it I will be back. We own a lot of our streets, right? >> Yeah. Well, here all the ones on the
streets, you know, in the neighborhood. >> Okay. >> That's the majority. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. But down all the the ones here, they are. But the one even on the >> in
the light >> not the >> Yeah. So we'll see. I mean as soon as we get some more clarity I'm sure big conversations. >> Prior to that it was a uh You decide you
have to elect to do it. It's only >> we did a project >> 10 and then there was no measure with savings or we didn't see savings even though energy savings weedav
>> there was an upfront cost. I think it was around $667 to upgrade or retrofit to another But there's supposed to be a savings on the back end. >> Definitely. So vapor typically for 50 watt would be
like anywhere from like seven bucks a month contribution or company rate meaning more cost installed contribution rate obviously has lower amount pay the lect 50 watt we've noticed in some resial
was a bit too a lot of res. >> I guess my question would be everything. Would you see a savings on that energy bill? >> Yeah, >> that's only if they lowered the bill. >> Right. But again, it's all it's
definitives at the moment. It's all still in the limo state. >> So, we'll get more info on that. Okay. Thank you. >> Any members of the public have a question for Jersey? >> While you're covering your questions, I'll just give Bob some kudos.
Obviously, it's not uh sunny days when I have to reach out for Bob. So, thank you for your responsiveness and always being there. You know, ungodly hours and speak um all throughout storms and major events. So, I do appreciate what you do for us and for the department and
getting our our residents back up as soon as we possibly can. So, I appreciate mutual are very much appreciated. Yeah, we we work well with our municipalities and that's how we like it. We ask for stuff sometimes. We just did I mean the blizzard in central Jersey we had I think like Mammoth
County gave us like 15 plows to help wanted people back on. we can't get to some of these. That partnership is key for us to have. You know, it really it benefits everybody. So, you guys will be great throughout the year. So, we'll continue to have it
for the newer members. Anything I can do, you know, please feel free to reach out to me. Look out for something in a couple months from now. We may start doing uh municipal kind of events at our headquarters to show people our safety trailer. We can actually show
you the equipment how it operates. We want people to be >> I remember the ship trailers for fire department. >> Yeah. If anyone goes to the fire convention where they have PS >> I have one question and one comment. So
what's the update on the move? >> Okay. Yeah. It's I believe scheduled for I think it's 2027 I believe. We'll welcome you with opening. >> Yes. So, sorry if that was not yet made public. Yes. So, we're our our
headquarters [clears throat] in Marstown at 300 Madison. Now, we're moving to the honey building. So, we're in the process of furnishing that and moving a remote DCC up there because there's obviously a lot of communication that we have to get. We're operating.
It was a very specific decision to move to this area. So, >> because of the power because of all Yeah. Yeah. We I mean it's it's also great for me. I grew up to Marstown and I live in Chester, so it's it's office very close. I don't have to drive to home all the time.
>> Does that mean that when the power goes out more expensive than the first? >> They're going to be on generator power. So don't count. >> I'll do my best. Great. >> So, you always do your best and I
appreciate it. Mike says, you've been a great partner and you've been here seven years. I've been here eight years together. Some earlier still crap and the response was crap.
Big change. the phone calls just I'm not sure whatever those calls are helpful partnership working it's just a phone call to either one of us
and and it's mutual so you know some of the trees that taken care of here like you said wires stuff like that. Proactive stuff. We want to be a good community partner. >> They they've turned they've turned the
corner. They're not perfect by any stretch yet, but they certainly turned the corner. It's gotten a lot better. >> We've lost power and now you can count. We we noticed after you say that we we had the best restoration of all four utilities in the state that we have the
loudest municipalities and customers we realiz because of the communication we were lacking. So our department has kind of taken and spearheaded that. We've heard problems from residents account meetings and things like that and convey them to leadership and there's a lot of
changes that have happened not just for electives but also for the regular customer um you know especially the ETR process that's a big one that BP mandated ETR is 24 hours after the store service territory that is the when's
your last customer coming back. >> So someone you know 80% of your town's going to see seven days from now. >> That wasn't popular. >> Not great. We figured that out. So that has been updated. There's now a new team that has what's called user ETRs, meaning, you know, foreman, a crew
member, or someone has physically gotten eyes on the outage to say, six broken poles, you know, however many spans of wire. This is a two-day job. They'll come back, you know, Thursday night at night. But people just need time to plan because we realize during these days, people rooms, they were coming back that
night or the day after. can't have that. So, um, as you said, work in progress. There's a lot of good changes [clears throat] and exciting to see a lot of these these projects throughout my territory. >> I talked a lot. I'm sorry. I
You're the one under the gun tonight, not us, [laughter] >> but we appreciate you. I mean, this is canceled three or four times for various reasons, but it's good to see you here. >> I'll see you walking your dog. >> Yeah, that's right. >> But it's always good to have I'll hang
in the vest area. a couple minutes before >> anybody should be >> uh just a quick update. We talked about it at the last conference. Um we passed that resolution opposing location and
detention facilities in Roxberry and Orange County and the burrow and we had discussed uh should be committee. So just We have had discussions among the council, the mayor, uh the planner and attorneys and we're watching what's
going on right now at the state level. There's a lot of action with the AG and our governor and also what's happening at the federal level. There's some proposed legislation about um not using tax dollars, taxpayer dollars to fund these detention centers. So, we're kind
of taking a conservative wait and see approach before we um you know, spin our wheels and after the legislation that we're hold. And that was you know, that is people's advice. So, we're we're watching it and we just want to let you know that we're still um we're still
keeping our eye on that situation. >> I do have one thing. Um since Sal's not here, I've got something from buildings and grounds. Um so, there's the there's going to be a joint project between between the unification committee and the twin communities to create a community focused spring event. So, it's
going to be a fairy tale or fairy walk event uh using fair houses natural materials. They're looking to have it uh Saturday, May 2nd or May 3rd as a renovate. It's going to be at Watnon Park uh along the pine trees behind the playground over the wooded area at the
back of the park. Uh so, just wanted to bring that up here, see if anybody had any questions, comments on it. Um they're looking to have possible vendors for face painting, butterfly tattoos, games, maybe a live guitar and new music. Um so um if that's what they the
way that they want to move, we'll bring it to the meeting next week uh to get on the the agenda like we did with the uh the fitness festival. Um and the local Girl Scouts are assisting with the house creation, event guide, and parking. Um there's no large tents and
[clears throat] How long are we going to be? >> Uh, probably a couple hours. >> Yeah. >> Oh. Oh, the I think they're going to stay there permanently. >> As long as they can stay up. >> I think the question I had about
think I met with Ellie. She popped in earlier this week to check in some staff. >> Yeah. Um volunteers parking. We'd rather not have that. You know, insurance and liability concerns. So, we'll assign
staff to that. If it's a go, >> it's a it's a come and go kind of event. I don't think it's saying it's not like you spend all day. It's pop in for half hour. So, >> obviously table.
She mentioned that I still want to send you happy to help always. >> Um I do have one thing and this is a um [clears throat] a letter that I'm going to read and it's from Mark Mayor. It was addressed to myself and it really has to do with the Department of Public Works.
So I'm just going to read this out loud. They ask you if I do this. [clears throat] Um, dear Mayor Carr, I'm writing to you today to formally recognize and commend the Department of Public Works for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to our school district. The partnership between our schools and the DPW has become a
cornerstone of our operational success, characterized by a level of professional collaboration that is truly exemplary. It is rare to find two departments that work so seamlessly towards a common goal. And we feel it's important to acknowledge that the DPW shares our deepest core value, ensuring the safety
and wellbeing of our students and the community. The spirit of cooperation we experience with the DPW is remarkable and goes well beyond standard interdep department interdep departmental courtesy. No matter the circumstances or the hour, their team is consist
consistently available to assist us, often pivoting at a moment's notice to address our most pressing needs. Their responsiveness is matched only by their technical expertise. Whether they're resolving complex mechanical failures with our infrastructure or mobilizing heavy equipment for specialized task,
their support is indispensable. What sets the DPW apart is their proactive approaches, collaboration. They frequently identify and address potential maintenance issues on their own on their own initiative, often solving problems before they can impact
our students or staff. From the diligent clearing of our parking lots during inclement weather to the meticulous upkeep of our grounds and mechanical systems, their work ensures that our schools remain safe, accessible, and functional. This level of dedication reflects a genuine investment in the community
infrastructure and a shared responsibility for the environment in which our children learn. We are actually we are actually aware that our school district would be a significant yet a significant disadvantage without this robust partners partnership. This synergy allows us to manage our
facilities with a level of efficiency and care that would be impossible to achieve in isolation. Please know that we never take their hard work, their specialized skills or their can do attitude to on behalf of the students, faculty and board of education. I ask that you please extend our sincere
gratitude and retire leadership and staff for their tireless service and their continued commitment to their students. Marker, superintendent of the schools and Kevin supervisor. So I thought that that was important to read. He did ask me to read
it. We do a lot of shared services with the school together and we do have a fantastic relationship. I think that goes along with the school. This just you know clarifies that really makes a strong point.
I appreciate recognizing That's all I have. So, approval of minutes. I, Council Member Ivy, move the minutes of February 19th to be. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by Nancy. All in favor?
>> I abstain. The eyes have it. Consent agenda reports. Mr. Treasurer January 20 26 reports. Uh, treasurer January 2026. Grant writer
February 2026 Animal Licensing February 2026 resolution 2026-46 entitled authorization to set up a preserve for preliminary CS of Granis Avenue and >> reserve for preliminary costs of Grants
Avenue and Sun Valley Way Road. Sun Valley Way Road improvements for the Bur Morris Plains Resolution 2026-47 titled redemption [clears throat] resolution block number 21 lot number 8 redeeming third party tax lean number
23-00002 0000 resolution 2026-47 entitled transfer of funds the burough clerk be authorized to advertise for the position of facilities coordinator position for up to two candidates Jamie Cooper be approved as a
substitute cleaning maintenance in the community center for up to four hours a week at an hourly rate of $2312 effective February 20th, 2026. After polling the council regime be approved as a substitute cleaning maintenance for the municipal buildings
at an hourly rate of $22 effective February 25th, 2026. The burough clerk will provide notice of regular council meeting scheduled on Thursday, April 16th, 2026 to be moved to Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 due to the special general election to be held
April 16th, 2026. Robert Delo be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a birthday party to be held Saturday, May 30th, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the community park pavilion. 4 E Fitness, 658 Steville Avenue. be authorized to
hold a spring fitness festival Saturday, May 17th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. for up to 10 vendors at 5. The retirement of Seagal Rice Police Chief Secretary be accepted effective August 31st, 2026. Films be approved to film at the Morris
Plains Municipal Building on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Further approval to film on the sidewalk area on Merchant block from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern janitorial be approved as on call temporary clean
pending background check approvals at the following rates. Municipal buildings $200 per visit. Community center $120 per visit. Museum $45 per visit. and car. >> The mayor be authorized to sign the police department's application for the
HTS mobilization 2026 distracted driving crackdown and the Memorial Day parade committee to grant permission for its 40th annual Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 23rd, 202. >> Is there a second? Second. Mr. Houston,
please. >> Mr. Houston, >> yes. >> Mr. Yes. >> Mr. We move on to reports of committees and department. >> Thank you, Mayor. Okay. From the clerk's office, which I forgot the last meeting,
they held their first safety meeting of 2026 with department heads as required by our liability insurance. They're preparing for the special election on April 15th for Congressional District 11 seat vacated by Governor Cheryl and for the primary election on June 7. They're
updating background checks for the DPW and the bureau council. We do that every few years. Uh they're working on open requests parking permits and ongoing animal licensing. I'm surprised to learn that only 89 cats have been licensed in
the council and members have like 10 of those. people. >> There's more cats out there. >> Um, they're working on marriage license certificates and preparing for vendor registration for the season's farmers market.
For the website, I've been working with agile websites on revised contract. Their contract expires March 31st. So, we're looking to renew it. A lot of the work that she's done for 2026 has already been frontloaded into this first quarter. finance the finance office
January treasury report has been prepared and they've also been preparing for the budget meetings the first first of which is tomorrow evening starting at 6 after 6 as part of the budget preparation she prepared the ordinance you see on first reading here tonight it
allows us to increase the budget cap from 2% up to three and a half% if it is advisable and necessary um if it's not appropriated in this budget year that amount can be retained as an exception to the % in either of the next two budget years. She also prepared the
resolutions you see on tonight's agenda. Number 46 sets aside reserve funds for the bur engineer to prepare the design per study for paving bins for Sun Valley and Grand Avenue which get started on those plans. Uh number 47 is redeeming a
third party tax lane. And number 48 allows for a transfer of funds as permitted by state statute from budget lines where funds were unspent in the fourth quarter of last year to other budget lines where there was a shortfall. So in this case there was $100 transferred from the board of
adjustment budget um and 20,000 or so in change from buildings and grounds budget and those funds were transferred to zoning for salary and wages within the shortfall of $100 and to a 20,000 change to the utility in this case is a
community pool utility where funds are short. Um green team met Monday, March 2nd. They've been moving they're moving their meetings uh to the first Monday in March and they hosted at this meeting Tracy Woods from sustainable Jersey. She gave an active they had an interactive
discussion on various energy and grant opportunities including the LGA grant which we're currently in the process of working on um and co-ops for energy aggregation. The green team also to thank our DPW for working on a pre- audit questionnaire for this local
government energy audit grant. It's a lot of tedious paperwork listing details about our burough equipment. So, uh I thank them as well for for helping us with that. Uh I also attended the newly elected training as a refresher. This was a good refresher to me for I last
attended in 2020. Training is sponsored by lead municipalities. probably there was 80 to 100 people there and the sessions included legislation, purchasing, budgeting, labor negotiations, explaining the clerk's responsibilities and the last session
was on dealing with your VA town manager which in most federal forms of government. The governing body is responsible for policy and legislation. And the BA handles day-to-day operations, overseeing staff to make sure the policies are implemented, researching solutions and making
recommendations to the governor body, negotiating contracts, and offer purchasing and responding to residents questions. So, uh, that was interesting to me. Um, share that with us. >> Public safety. >> Thank you, Mayor. Not too bad tonight.
um met with Chief Karaski uh to go over the budget and capital requests recently. Um as mentioned in the resolutions before on March 10th, there will be a film crew here in Morris Plains shooting in and around Burrow Hall and Merchant Block. If you see me there and it looks like I'm trying to
get in the movie, I'm just making sure everyone's working safely. So, no assumptions there. Um Chief Kasi has also made some progress with PSNS, the architectural firm, um helping with possible on-site renovations. We did get some initial numbers. So, uh, council
member Ivy, Mayor Carr, and myself and the bigger conceptual plans committee will be getting together soon to look that over and discuss next steps. The new dispatch vehicle, which we have in our possession, is getting detailed and upfitted. Um, chief will probably know a little bit better than me, but I believe
that should be ready for patrol somewhat soon. Um, Sigal, the chief's executive assistant, has put in her retirement, so we will be um approving posting for her position at the next meeting. if anyone you might know is interested. It's a sounds like a really neat position. Um
there also in January was I won't say a record but over 300 tickets written. So it's nice to see that the traffic unit and everyone's out there making sure if you you know try to act the war when driving Morris planes you can hold. So on the fire front uh I do see a chief
here but I to my knowledge the new mini pumper is about four to eight weeks away. So that's pretty exciting. Going to have a new uh apparatus here soon. I did meet with Chief um Kevin Rango and Fire Marshal Shay again to reco over their budgets and capital requests as
well. I met with fire marshal Chris Shay this week to kind of do a little inventory on his vehicle and all his equipment. It was actually really neat to see all the different things he takes with him to inspections and fires and gave you just a little bit of a better understanding of his job and his day-to-day responsibilities.
The municipal court had their 2026 annual visitation which is done by the New Jersey courts. To just read a couple lines from the report that I thought was really nice. It says the court runs smoothly and the court office and violations bureau are wellmaintained and organized. The court's financial and
administrative records are maintained according to the practices and procedures of the administrative administrative office of the court. And um they also mentioned that they'd really like to thank Miss uh Melissa of Pontai, our um municipal court administrator for her assistance during
the visit. So, thank you very much, Melissa. And the complete green streets committee met last week on the 25th or maybe two weeks ago. And we have finished our draft policy and we'll be circulating that to the council very shortly for questions, comment, and concerns and to uh our attorney John as
well. That's it for me, Mayor. chief. >> Good evening everyone. Just really have to start by recognizing Miss Rice Cigar Rice on her 28 years of service. 28 years is a long time the longest tenure uh police department employee. So it's
really going to be uh some large shoes to fill out an undertaking onward doing. Um but uh wish her well in her retirement. is not going anywhere just yet, but I think they're going to work with Tyler and the rest of the public se on some transitional role uh new
employees. So, we'll start that as Tyler said uh next week, but thank you Mr. Scott for everything you've done become more of a friend and an ally than just an administrative assistant. So, best of luck to her and her retirement down south. Um,
echoing uh Mark Mayor's sentiments on the DPW, they really do continue to do a phenomenal job. Um, we had record snowfall totals or within 10% of record snowfall totals. So, I met with John and Kevin earlier this week and we're submitting for reimbursement. Um, the
way it works is they identify a state of emergency. Uh, borrow identify a certain dollar threshold which we've done um for that. down in the county borders in the state. Hopefully, if we're within that dollar threshold, we might see some FEMA reimbursement for uh the totals
estimation of what we spent in uh employee hours and equipment rates. So, looking forward to to that coming through. Uh unfortunately, due to the snow, we had to cancel our search team meeting, but we've uh reorganized again and we're going to meet March 23rd and
April 22nd, both at the BFW at 7 p.m. You have interest in joining our for some additional training. Uh, contact Lieutenant Robert KD from our department. And lastly is the deer call report. Deer call finished February 21st. Um, in total nine female and six
male deer were harvested this season. So to next year to decrease that deer population. >> That's all I have unless any questions, comments, or concerns. >> I just have a couple things to piggyback on. Are you guys attending police night? Uh, law enforcement night? Yes, law
enforcement night tomorrow night at Men and Arena. We have several officers showing down with some giveaways and some of our equipment. So, we'll be at Men Arena tomorrow. >> I encourage everybody to bring your kids or even you if you're interested in seeing the different agencies and different equipment, everybody in one
spot. It's kind of very interesting. Um 202 traffic, uh if people have not noticed, right, it's gotten a lot worse um as of late, right? Whatever and weekends and whatnot. So we think that there may be a timing issue of couple of
the lights either 53 or Franklin in that area was backing the traffic up in town here. So Mike has reached out to the uh his contact at DOT that handles that sort of thing and hopefully we'll get through [clears throat] and see if we can do
anything with these lights. I was surprised to get an email within 10 minutes of our response which is uh you know usually looking 10 months but again we're gonna have a hope we have site survey um within the next couple weeks. >> Yeah. She responded two or three times here by the way.
>> Um the other thing is I know we uh governor signed an ebike law I'll say. Where does that stand? We still need the ebike ordinance here in the I don't think we're going to need an ebike ordinance, but what that does not cover is e scooters. Um, and you know,
our electric assist bicycles that we have in our bicycle patrol would technically have to be registered and insurance. So, don't worry. We're already working with the clerk's office on, you know, how they're going to go about insuring those and then registering those. Check the motor vehicle commission website. There's nothing on it as of yet. Um, so we may
want to still investigate the idea of doing something with E scooters. Um basically uh you know classifies every E vehicle which used to be classes one, two and three at once and all into one big category almost like mopheads. Um and we need to have a driver's license
15 years of age and you know there's a lot that's pretty cumbersome but uh we'll work through it and try to share as much knowledge as possible with the community. What we're looking to do is more towards the safety end pedestrians and vehicle and ehle.
So I know we brought this up before but I would like you to work with the committee to see whether it's viable. Absolutely. Thank you chief uh public works. Nobody did report.
See nobody. Uh, everybody has a DPW report. We don't have the Burlington near public building on ground. Mr. Cortez is absent. Anybody have a report? See, public health sanitation is driving.
Mayor, uh, so for teen center, they recently had a sixth grade event on the 20th, which went great. Uh, next event coming up will be for the seventh graders, followed by a special all grade event at the end of the month. Uh, Board of Health has not met since we last met.
So, next meeting will be next week, the 11th at 7:30 p.m. Municipal Alliance. Uh, the family fitness day is scheduled for May 30th at the community center. That was a big hit last year. Uh, the vendors include pure bar, chose legacy, TKD, line dancing,
and jazz size, and the background checks are currently in progress to get them on board. The seven habits of highly effective teens is still going on in schools. See, final two sessions will now be on
uh Monday, March 16th and the 23rd at school. And last for uh at the Mount Way school event, um April 10th, uh Billy Pinky, who is Billy the Bat Boy, he writes children books with sports and resilience themes, uh we'll be visiting
and doing an assembly with with the uh with the kids. And I would like to thank Mr. Hour at Mountain Way for helping coordinating this event and running the messaging of the event. Um and then for the only thing I want to do is give a refresher on our recycling center and what they do. So, obviously,
it's at 263 Table Road. Uh, open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday. Um, even when it's 10°, we really appreciate our coordinator for sticking through it when it starts snowing. But he's up there and people did come. So, I'm glad that we
still uh so the same single stream recycles that you can do bring to your street, you can bring up there. Um, so if you're like me and it's too cold to put it out on Monday night and they come at 6:00 in the morning and you're left with a whole bunch of recycling, you can bring them on Saturday. Uh, they have a lot of specialty drop off bins like uh
bins, um, milk crates, large plastic toys, and laundry baskets. Um, electronics, e-waste, so all your Amazon Kindles that have been smashed to bits. The batteries can't go into the uh into your normal garbage. Uh, so we can bring them up there to the e-waste bin. uh
scrap metal that includes uh big cast iron pipes. If you're doing a renovation and you have a big heater that weighs 400 lb, you can bring that up there. Uh brake rotors, they won't take it. They'll just leave it at the bottom of your your driveway. So, don't do that. That made that mistake, too. Um and they used to not take books, but now that we
have that contract with Book Drop, the book drop bin is now available. Um you don't have to remove the covers or anything. You just bring the whole book, put it in there, and if it's in good enough shape, they'll try and reuse it. Um if not, they'll recycle it. And um very important, no trash should
ever be left at the cent. >> It's okay. Ordinances. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um so just a a few updates um on ordinances before I get to that. Um we did have a planning
board meeting earlier this week. Are you gonna talk about >> Okay. Well, we still have the uh >> Okay. She Are you able to to speak about >> Let me do the ordinances. She's going to
speak a little bit. >> Okay. Great. If you want to do it, go ahead. >> No, I I I'll defer to the professionals because Liz did a great job and I don't want to try to put the words out there. >> Happy to do so. Happy to do so. >> That'd be wonderful. Once you get to that point, sorry, the public understands we're doing that. Um, uh,
let's see. So, uh, as far as ordinances go, you will see that there is one ordinance on first reading, uh, which Council Member Berg me mentioned already, uh, is a cap bank ordinance. Um, and it does
effectively, um, establish a cap bank under New Jersey state law. Um, and I'll just part of it, just read part of it here. Uh, the burough council hereby determines that a three and a half% increase in the budget for said year amounting to
$431,27 2787 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the role of government cap law is advisable and necessary. So that'll be coming in first reading tonight. Um
on uh second reading um is ordinance three um otherwise known as the affordable housing ordinance um which uh I'll just summarize it. effectively updates the m municipal definition of affordable housing to align with revised it's called UAC uniform housing
affordability controls um regulations adopted in December 2025 the updated U-Hack standards tighten affordability requirements modify resale and affordability control provisions and align municipal regulations with the state's 2025 to 2035 affordable housing
cycle otherwise known as the fourth round these updates ensure the ordinances remain consistent with current state requirements and maintain compliance. Uh and then ordinance 4-2026 um for overlay zones establishes a new overlay zone in the district and defines
the permit uses within the district along the route 10 uh 53 corridor to accommodate potential uh affordable housing development. That's it's on the agenda for tonight. Um there is also mentioned a couple ago. Um there's a
effectively is known as a checklist ordinance um that's coming. Um the planning board has requested to review that one more time before it gets introduced. So at the planning board meeting uh which is coming up in a couple weeks. Uh we're going to review
that. We're going to answer any questions that they have and hopefully bring it back to the council for introduction and then move it ahead. So again that That ordinance looks to simplify that application process, uh, put a lot of that online, uh, make it
filled with PDFs so it's easier for all applicants. Um, so once we get those questions answered, we we hope to move that forward. Um, and the last thing, just on a personal note, um, you know, I did go to the the 100th anniversary uh,
event. Uh, it was a great event. So kudos to the entire committee uh the mayor is a part of uh putting that together. That was a a wonderful uh event. It was I've never seen the uh the BFW and the um
you know the 10 books were great. It was it was a great event out there. So kudos to the committee team for putting us together. >> It was a great event. Very very well attended. uh not you know shoulder toer so it's
>> bring 300 people >> um just just to clarify with the uh with the ordinances the cap bank that's yearly housekeeping that we do every year strictly for emergencies so I don't want people get or be in the news tomorrow that we're raising stuff up
three and a half% so that's not happen the housekeeping thing gives us the ability if necessary and the other two that are Second reading um uh for our for these are part of our settlement that we have to do as part of our
settlement agree with the fair share housing in New Jersey. I also like to add the lunar um celebration, the lunar lunar celebration at the library um was a success and I
like to thank Mary Cow and Sheila Jane over there at the library for putting that together and I was out of town and I don't know if anybody else went out. >> Um but you know I appreciate them doing that. I hopefully that will become an annual uh annual event there and be a
figure of a year. She's done it now once or twice, but skipped a year for whatever reason, but hopefully we'll be on track that keep that going. Crafts and all kinds of stuff, dancers and
author was there to talk about his book, I believe, and it was a great event. At this time, I'd like to invite any members of the public to step up, take your name and address. I'm Joan Dugan 30, [clears throat]
excuse me. Um, at the February 5th meeting council meeting, we had a discussion, Mr. Gran, about having a public forum with construction with the construction professionals regarding the site after
Mrs. Cir spoke and you said you would uh contact the professionals the next day. You asked for my contact information and you said you would copy me on any communications that you sent out. It's been literally one month today. I haven't heard anything. Did you contact
the professionals and ask them if they'd be willing to come before the public to answer questions? >> So I did contact these are so I guess so to speak. Um, one of the things because I, my
apologies, but I hadn't thought this through the last [clears throat] February 15 that was actually somewhat of an expensive professional build for the time and
labor, you know, that would be somewhat of a bill that this government would have to be. So, I I didn't particularly have authority for the power to put that together because of the funds. However, having said that, I did reach out after
the meeting and I was advised by Mr. Norton that couple of things. One of which to which I I confirmed as best as I could. One of which is that debris can remain on that property if there's an
open. We had a discussion about whether or not how long the shelf life apparently as long as there's some activity that occurs >> there's no activity
>> well but it has to remain I won't say abandoned but for lack of a better word but it has to remain abandoned or no activity >> there is no activity there >> right according to Mr. for a period of one year. So it's if something happens
in one year I I understand I understand your that's what I do. Then two, I was advised that there was a discussion here as I recall about
testing to material concrete. And according [clears throat] to that has to be done only in a limited situation that being prior use on the property. capture that hazardous material
hazardous activity occur on the property. So that particular piece of property fire is not hazardous from that perspective from perspective perspective and according Mr. Norton does not then
trigger a examination or testing. >> Okay. Does Mr. Norton know that three of the samples were never submitted. That there's a list of 23 samples and three are not submitted. >> I I don't I
>> that's a big question because those three samples could have had something in them that was asbestous or a document. I think I'll leave that to other people to talk about, but is there anything else that you say to
not particularly on the testing. He said >> when Joe Morton met when I talked to him to ask similar questions um the prior use when he said the prior use might be something like for example if there was
machine shop that >> so but there any house in this town could have as fast as that building the friendly building was built in the 60s I I'm sure there was asbestous in there >> part of the demolition
of asbestous, >> right? But if they only submitted 20 out of the 23 samples, how do they know the three samples didn't have spec? >> Yeah, they were in there for like 20 minutes. Anyway, um
>> and then and then the other thing that that is apparently at least globally the degree that it's there I
don't I don't want to >> Well, that's why we want them to be That's not my I don't have the um what I can here's what I think I
what I like I like >> listen I gave you my contact information you said you were going to get in touch with me I haven't heard a word I'm not doing any more work you're supposed to do the Okay, this is ridiculous. >> What I was going to ask you to do was to
send me an email with this three sample concern you have. >> All right. It was in one like she already sent me two different emails of mine. >> Right. I've said what I want to say. I just expected to hear from you as you
say that you would keep me. I didn't hear anything. And as a courtesy, I would have expected you to at least say that I can't do what you want me to do. And again, we do what you ask and you do nothing. And that's why we're a great
and frustrated. She also um my question or comment this kind of overlaps a bit so please bear with me in October this just this pertaining to the affordable housing
resolution or whatever ordinance in October of 2024 I attended the council meeting where they voted to change the zoning of 300 road from residential to commercial. At that meeting, it was stated publicly that the location was not desirable for
residential use and if it had remained residential, it could possibly yield four to five homes. The consensus at that time was that the commercial zoning was more appropriate for the site, and I believe most people in attendance, including myself, agreed that that was a
a good assessment. Now, despite those prior terminations and despite the town's long-standing awareness of upcoming affordable housing obligations, the governing body is proposing to reszone the property once again by
adding an overlay to permit four affordable housing units. And correct me if I'm wrong because I'm not good, but um I understand that it's like a five to one ratio that a potential developer could
develop. So those four affordable units could actually result into 20 units. So we are so we have to provide zoning for the potential of a total of 27
Right. Like I I wasn't at the meeting on Tuesday, but they did. >> Yeah. Right. So that's all that we have to do. There's a potential that none of that gets built. There's a potential some get built. There's a potential that all of
it gets built, >> right? >> Uh we have to find properties that would avail building affordable housing. That's that's our responsibility. So the four
to one it could you know they might build one there two but we have the other properties that if somebody wants to cate if somebody wants to put whatever it is 130 units on the the candlewood suite site then our
obligation is done or one of the other pieces of >> we would allow this 300 chamber room for four units. Is it a possibility that a potential I know it doesn't >> there is restrictions in the ordinance that
specify how many units per I think that one is six units per acre on that piece of property >> and it's two acres >> 10 units okay 10 that piece >> and and it says that that is 2 acre property so that's 20 units >> yeah that's
it's a >> so there is a potential for 20 unit >> okay then we just get back to my the book. So, because I'm trying to understand the rationale for adding a residential overlay to this property that was just a year ago or a little bit
over a year determined to be more appropriate for commercial use and I understand that there's a house there right now and it was historically always residential, >> but we have to find property that would that would be >> right. And I'm going to get to that
point. Um, however, you know, Back then, the council had agreed with the presenter that that site was not particularly conducive for residential living. It's an island lot located along an onoff
ramp to Route 10. And so, they approved the change to commercial zoning at that property owner's request based off of that rationale. Personally, I I agree with that decision. Um, so part of my question is, you know, what has changed in the past
year that now makes that same property suitable for residential housing because it seems like it's contradicting the reasoning of why it is built to commercial. the the committee and then the council who approved this doesn't
want 20 units of a multi-story building going in on a res in a residential neighborhood, >> right? You you changed it to commercial because it didn't seem >> Can you explain this then?
>> Would you explain it now? >> Yeah. Can you do that? >> Sure. >> Or answer her question then maybe I'm not explaining. >> Sure. So I um should I >> just just introduce yourself so everybody knows who you are. >> Yes. >> Hi. Hi to everybody who I haven't met before. Kate Keller. I'm a professional
planner with Philips who excuse me. I'm Liz's partner. Um so yes, so I've been involved in preparing this plan. I presented it before the planning board last almost last six eight months ago. But um just to answer your question, um I was not involved in the resoning of this property. I'm obviously very
familiar with this property. I think it's part of this plan. Um my understanding is that at the time first of all last October um the affordable housing legislation was brand new and the town you know we had a little bit of an idea of what was in store but it's a
whole new process. So at that time that zone that property was zoned um believe either R1 or R2. is a single family zone and the un you know and I I would agree this to this day is that it is not necessarily an appropriate place for a
single family or a small subdivision because it requires more land. It requires just different types of living situations. So it was reszoned in 2024 for commercial use and what we're proposing now is to retain that potential commercial use and also add an
overlay that would permit up to 20 units of residential housing. Um, and I I would say, you know, I I think that just my opinion of the site as a planner is that it's not appropriate for single family residential use. But there are just different mechanisms for what what makes it appropriate for this or versus
appropriate for single family. But really what it comes down to honestly is that in terms of the available sites in the municipality, there are not very many. And as far as sites that were considered for affordable housing, um, you know, both our office as the planner
and the council determination that it wasn't it was one of the most appropriate sense >> it is what that is I I mean I obviously don't agree but that's fine I mean uh we can agree to disagree when it comes to
having it commercial or residential and now possibly 20 units instead of one or four or five homes. Um but that takes me back to now my second part of overlapping. um fair car. You know, you
in the past uh couple about two years, maybe a little bit less than that, you had stated to me and my husband that several years ago, the property owner of 415 and 435 Steville Avenue approached you about building possible small
apartment building approximately, I think it was 30 units on what is now the approved site for a double lane drive-thru fast food restaurant. And you told us that you informed that property owner that an apartment project would never be approved. And when we asked
why, you explained that parking or would be probably an issue and additional students to the school would be a negative impact. >> Similar comments were also made during a public meeting when someone from the public asked why the property was being developed with a drive-thru. and you
stated something to the effect the town cannot dictate what a property owner chooses to put on the property which is totally understandable and that there was no other interest in the site besides building apartments. The property owner's attorney even
reiterated this point informally to my husband, myself, and a few other people in the hallway after one of the meetings at the community center. Given that context, I'm trying to understand why a walkable main street property
where there has been expressed interest in residential development was never formally reviewed for housing. While a less desirable site that was recently deemed unsuitable for homes is now being proposed for affordable housing. At the
same time, the Speevil Avenue property owner expressed interest in the building in building apartments. The town already was aware that there was going to be affordable housing obligations forthcoming. And so why was this centrallylo walkable property never
evaluated through the public's planning process for potentially residential use and instead is now moving forward as a juggle drive-thru fast food restaurant despite all the public concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety. Meanwhile, the town is proposing
affordable housing on an island lot on a onoff ramp. Um, it just doesn't make sense. I I I can't make sense of it. My question is, my question basically
getting to it is why was this proposal for apartments on Spiegel Avenue never presented to the town council or the planning board or zoning board for any formal consideration? Why was it dismissed before reaching any appropriate boards that are responsible
for evaluating proposals like that? And and what was the objective criteria applied to making those decisions? And I'm also urging that the council maybe that you know that they consider adding an overlay to the B2 business zone for
affordable housing. Um that's >> well there's there's a couple things. The affordable housing is a statement. >> No, I understand. We are required to to do >> and I have nothing against affordable housing. >> Listen, this the entire council only myself. >> I know you don't. You all agree with,
you know, we have no problems with that. >> Yep. We're the same way. It's the density of the housing that that we're opposed to. Going back to the original thing about that piece of property, they wanted 50 units over there in that in that on that little corner with no parking for anybody. There wasn't even
adequate parking for any of the residents of the at the time for that for that apartment or table. >> But it was never even brought for
discussion. >> No, because the planners and whoever was involved with it at the time didn't want the 50 units of of apartments there on Speedo Avenue with no parking provision for the residents. there was going to be underground parking, double parking where one would have to move to to get
another car in. It wasn't feasible property, >> but I I don't I don't understand the process of if any and this is for any lot anywhere, you know, any commercial property. If a property owner approaches you, you
know, on the street or stops by, you know, and proposes something that they were thinking about like Why doesn't it at least be like, "Okay, well, you can come and speak and the the council or whatever board can shoot you
down or compromise with you about things." >> 100%. But he asked me, I gave the opinion that I don't think that this would pass. It was up to him to do whatever he wanted to do. He could have brought to the council and do whatever he wanted. That's not my decision to
tell him not to. >> Okay. Well, I mean, >> you're not talking apples to apples with affordable housing and something like that. Anyway, that's there was so much time and effort that we put into this
affordable housing going through all the empty lots in town. They wanted to put stuff behind the BFW, but you can't use that piece of property because that's somebody else's property. So, like Kate said, we are limited to the to the areas that we could put affordable housing. I
understand, but Speedville Avenue at the time, Friendley's was it was vacant. >> And this >> the other property next door wasn't vacant. But they sure vacated it when they could put in a fast food restaurant. But I'm just saying that was was that ever considered?
>> No, but at that time, this law just this was signed into law last year. We had a year to do this. No, but we also did that there was going to be some kind of number >> and we have other pieces of property that are dedicated to affordable house
>> that we already do dedicate that we may have to save for the next round that's coming up >> in 10 years. >> In 10 years something in our back pocket for 10 years that might pass. >> Yeah. >> That we're not dealing with.
I'm just confused because 300 tab was said everybody agreed at that meeting it's not a place for people to be living on and now we're saying it is a place that people want in fact more people than that live on >> because the state is telling us that we have to do that
>> the state didn't so you have to you have to find an area to do that >> exactly and that's why I'm urging that you maybe think about an overlay going to be too business own >> maybe in 10 years we'll be able to do this round is is complete.
>> Well, if I may, I think I think it's two separate issues, right? I I think the your your concern is what you're what you're bringing is can the council look at any zone and create it as an open
spot without spot zoning. Understood. But that have really has nothing to do with affordable housing. Right. Your question you're you're asking with this this particular zone where where the proposed McDonald's is going to go. Um, could that be an over could that have
been an overlay zone instead of just >> Yeah, I guess that's part of the question. Yes. >> And it's it's kind of irrespective of the affordable housing. We had to do the overlays to meet the affordable housing requirement as the mayor has said,
right? But your question I think has little to do with affordable housing more about >> well >> because If I understand correctly, I wasn't on the council when that, you know, what you were talking about happened, right, with the um, you know, coming to whoever it was that came and
asked to potentially make it res, right? So, that was prior to any of this stuff, right? But your your question is could it could it be potentially an overlay zone whether it's B2 and resident? >> Yes. >> Understand? >> Um that that is a question that I I
would hope that the council would consider for the future. I didn't know there was going to be around five and 10 years. Um, but I'm also >> a little confused knowing that that property owner was interested in
building some sort of residential and knowing we had obligations. Why was it? I mean, because we could put those four units in that that lot with whatever 20 other
units at full market price. And >> I mean, anything is possible, right? Anything could have been possible. >> It's not if you don't put the overlay or anything. >> I don't think anybody wants to see a three or four story building >> along along the rather than
>> No problem. And I'm the one that lives directly next to it. I would welcome them to our town. They could walk to the the train station, the schools, the the businesses in town. Now, we're going to put them on a little sliver on an onoff ramp to Route 10. I just don't
understand this. >> So, I I'm going to offer just one. I'm going to offer from not not Mars Point specific, which is how the statewide affordable housing law is put into effect and what what what you what's required to have your plan approved by the court. And what that is, one of the
requirements is that you have to in a zone or an overlay zone that has a realistic opportunity for development in the next 10 years. And so one of the things that they look at when they do that is that they look at the density. And by they I mean basically the judge, the courts, the judge have other
planners working for them to help them review the plans. And one of the things they look at is the density of the site. And that goes both ways. So, you know, here the sites are, which I'll get to, is that the sites of Morris Plains are 10 and 20 units to the acre, which is fairly typical for this area right now.
Um, even for a downtown. Um, however, you know, for and I'm not familiar with the proposal that you're speaking of from the prior residential, but and and you know, like like the mayor said, it's it's up to a developer, it's up to a property owner to decide if they want to spend the expense of preparing things,
anything like that. But you know if described that way that is we're talking like a like a what's like a hund I think what's the property about half an acre a little more. >> Yeah. But I mean we're talking over 50 over 75 units per acre and that's really
high to the extent where a court would look at that and maybe even say I don't think this is feasible here because this is so not compliant with your other zoning around it. So it's a little bit of a backwards way to look at it. I know what you mean. You know obviously you think downtown like that's like a walkable area. But just in terms of
both, you know, and most importantly, it's timing. You know, we knew that there was another round coming, but nobody knew what it would look like a year and a half ago. Nobody knew what the numbers would be. Nobody knew until about three months ago. >> And that's what I'm trying to say,
>> right? And so, >> and from and correct me if I'm wrong, I'm sorry. Like the affordable housing doesn't have to be all centrally located in one area. Like we could, you know, if our town only had small parcels to be used, there
could be a couple units here, a couple units, you know, on a different street. Like it doesn't have to be all in one location. It it doesn't. But again, you have to look at the realistic developability of that. And that's just not realistically how things are built
under these standards because it the projects just are not realist like that's why we we do the zoning the way that we think is going to both have affordable units built and also for now to get the cards one thing you know I'm going to talk about this in a little bit
is that you know this this plan that we have for the ordinances that we're proposing here no one is under any obligation to develop any of these sites that are being resold is just an overlay so that is you know, just just just think of it
in that framework. Um, but you know, I just just as the mayor said, you know, these are things that we think about for the last two years, you know, since we've heard the last little about a year and a half since the bill was signed. So, it is it is on the radar, but there are there is a there is a rhyme and
reason for why. >> Okay. I appreciate you explaining. I guess I just won't ever understand the whole rhyming reason, but thank you. Thank you. Everybody, good evening.
>> Um, first, thanks. I want to thank the whole council for everything. Sorry, Tom Battle. B A T A G L I E L C Butler Road. Um, first thanks to you, the entire council for, you know, everything you
guys do, all the dedication you have for our town and so forth. I know it takes a lot of time. Um, tonight as I have a statement here I just want to get through and and um, you know, I think it's maybe building off of
some of the frustration that you you heard here. And um you know I'm I'm hopeful that maybe it you know starts to build into a positive correction going forward because there's been a lot of a lot of negativity. So tonight as a resident of the bureau I want to discuss
an important concern that I believe needs both attention resolved for the future namely the bureau's approach uh to compliance management and ordinance enforcement. And this has nothing to do with the police department. just that I realized I didn't maybe frame certain
things as you were speaking earlier. Um, this is about our ordinances and and code and so forth. Uh, since my family moved to Morris Plains in 2012, our population has grown by roughly 20 to 25% with projections of reaching one-third growth in the coming years.
Commercial activity and burough traffic, as we all know, have have risen as well. Yet, the structure of burrow governance has remained largely unchanged. Some additions to the police and fire department, DPW, and other functions have naturally been put in place at an
operational level, but we still have a part-time council and a part-time mayor that is supported by part-time code officials. We continue to put more and more ordinances on the books as each year passes. Yet, enforcement of these ordinances and broader regulations
appears to be floundering. This council body can create well-intended and beneficial ordinances, but if they're not enforced or enforced with insufficient resources, how effective are they? Recent development proposals, including the Mon Chemical Plant, the
Route 53 warehouses, and most recently the McDonald's double lane drive-thru, have resulted in a surge in interest by residents to have transparency and clarity on decisions that directly impact the barrel. Over the past few months, there have been discussions
about the same non-conformances over and over at council meetings and to and from town officials both on and off the record and accountability is lacking. This direction is of course not only a complete waste of time and undue stress
on various residents as well as town leadership, but most importantly paints a picture of a systemic governance problem. During the McDonald's hearing, the town engineer stated that we should consider the quote compliance by complaint
unquote approach for non-compliances that might emerge during the McDonald's development. While the planning board attorney said that calls regarding non-compliance should be directed to the police department. While I have the utmost respect for everything that our officers in town do, I'm rather certain
that the last thing they want they went through extensive training for was to answer calls about a contract and not doing what they are supposed to do because the town does not have a properly functioning municipal enforcement framework. When the McDonald's application was approved, there were promises that there will be
robust compliance assurance and conformance to all conditions of the application. However, there have already been numerous non-compliances and associated enforcement gaps related to the friendlies and adjacent property demolitions. This is a list of issues I know of or
have heard communicated by residents in council meetings during the last months. Number one, notices of demolition to some residents were not made in the required manner in September. Two, asbestous containing caul was removed without a permit or proper safety controls resulting in a stop work order
and a fine. Number three, three samples that were taken by the asbestous contractor was mentioned by uh Joanne before were not sent to the lab for testing, leaving uncertainty about the presence of asbestous containing tile. And if you don't think that's a big
deal, if there was asbestous in there, they demolish the building and the asbestous becomes frial and release the the local environment. Number four, demolition fencing requirements were not enforced until residents complained. Five, dust
suppression for demolition activity was not used until repeated complaints were made, though there was no enforcement find. Number six, multiple requests for explanation were made about the demolition pile being an eyes sore and potential health threat to the surrounding neighborhood. Mr. Haram
provided his best relay on the response from the town experts, but this was still insufficient and at least partly factually incorrect. Since then, while the barrel leadership has still not succinctly outlined the legality of the demo debris storage, the D has informed us that in fact the
demolition pile mainly arising from the crushed concrete was made without ana application for exemption for the crushing on site. In other words, the contractor crushed material without having permission to do so under New Jersey law.
The D stated that the contractor will be issued a fine for that non-compliance. These are mainly readily visible and basic requirements where compliance and enforcement is failing and all related to only one seemingly simple demolition project that the burrow knew was under a
microscope. Unfortunately, as you would likely agree, if the visible and obvious is not managed well, more complex or invisible surely has similar or worse gaps. And it makes me quite certain that the invisible issues such as noise and air
emissions that I raised during the McDonald's hearings will also have compliance issues without something significant changing in burough processes or structure. The lack of transparency has led residents to spend countless hours navigating ordinances, investigating
issues, and contacting county and state agencies for answers that should come directly from our barrel. When residents must repeatedly raise the same concerns with no meaningful action, burrow governance is not functioning as it should. Part of the problem is
structurally systemic. Part of it is matter of insufficient resources. Regarding the structurally systemic aspect, there was a lot of long-term experience in the bureau with select long-term leaders that were able to achieve many good things over time. And in many respects, that long-term
experience is seen by some to be the guidepost for more planes going forward. But the way things were governed for the last decades cannot be the way things are governed today and for the next decades. All the experience in the world with town processes and governance won't make
things work properly with how this town has grown. Change has clearly started with some of the newer faces up here on our council and boards bringing new visions, perspectives, expertise, and abilities to openly collaborate and
communicate. Continuing to expand the building of a diverse and robust leadership and shifting to more modern and transparent ways of working must continue. Regarding insufficient resources, just because we are a smaller town does not justify not having the resources to
adequately adequately meet the requirements of our well-intended ordinances and regulations. part-time construction and zoning officials alongside a part-time mayor and in our current structure. Ultimately, the Barrow compliance officer may have worked when our
population was half and we didn't have planned double lane drive-throughs on our main street, but with all due respect is clearly insufficient today. Our tax base is substantial, and I'm confident there are ways to reallocate funds to support a more effective governance model. Whether that means
reviewing and restructuring bureau governance, hiring a full-time business administrator as I heard Nancy coincidentally talked about from a recent conference to ensure accountability, expanding code enforcement talk, sorry, expanding code enforcement staff or creating new
avenues for organized volunteer engagement solutions exist. Morris Plains needs to evolve its governance structure and processes for the future. I urge the creation of a working group consisting of an appropriate balance of bureau leadership and potentially
community members to assess how to best achieve governance processes that work and are assured with appropriate resource and structure. Such a pathway could mitigate the lack of transparent processes, an end to the often myopic channels of operation, and an end to
residents having to devote countless hours to interpreting our ordinances, and pressing for assurance that the rules of Morris Plains are upheld. A policy of compliance by complaint is not and should not be the way to govern Morris Plains. So, thank you for
considering these concerns and I greatly welcome if you have any immediate feedback. Otherwise, I look forward to meaningful progress in contributing to a stronger, more accountable future. I'm trying to remember.
We're just here to share a short update about downtown Plains. Um I want to start by saying um we thank uh our past president Austin White, chief on our board. Um we have transitioned to new roles and I will be serving as
president. Um we wanted to let the council know that we intend to host our um annual elimination on October 30th this year. we will be submitting all the the work to do that. Um
we also wanted to share that we are excited to hear more about the business support committee. We are looking forward to um working with you all when you have more information. Um and we have some exciting news that we want to share about some projects for this year
um which we do want to partner with you. So um uh some of those we can share tonight. Some are public art projects that we have been working to fundra for and plan for um and others are um potentially uh gifts that we would like to make to the
town as someone celebration. Um and again we recently also hosted our first community round table. Um with us um and we had some really exciting ideas from local businesses
about ways to collaboratively actually um amplify their impact for the community. So interestingly, we met with um businesses to see how we could support them and they all got together and started talking about how they could pull together to support other
organizations in town. So it was really exciting and um we're working with them to develop a framework for what that could look like. Um and uh Julia has a little bit to share about one of our upcoming. Yes. So I think last time
a couple times ago we talked about the New New Jersey um transitional art project. So Morris planes was chosen as the destination for the 2026 NJ transit um art program which means they're
investing $30,000 into our town um to do an art project of some sort around the train station. And so we met with them last week. They have a pretty standard process of pitching artists um around
different projects. They'll have a jury. They ask a few of us to be on the jury. We would love for a member of council to be on the journey with us. So, we can work with Sur to figure out who that might be unless someone has a different um and
don't all jump at once. Um >> I'm happy to do it. >> Okay. Thank you. Um and um yeah, so they think that through this process they can get something installed late summer, early fall and have kind of a grand
opening in September. So should be really exciting um investment in our town that they're running, they're paying for and >> now that's I know we've discussed this or asked about is it it's inside or it can be anywhere, right? Anywhere on the ground.
>> Yeah, they they like an assessment of the grounds and see where we had the most impact with the least amount of upkeep because while it's like a temporary installation, they want it to sustain over time. >> Um,
>> what was the other thing you said about >> we're working on a number of different initiatives that we hope to move forward with public art? We don't have any of them finalized at this time. So, that's the only Yeah, >> that's right.
Um, we also have a couple of exciting upcoming events for businesses. Uh, this weekend celebration. Um, and next week there will be the um shop networking event which uh I believe the town is co-hosting the event. Uh we're just with
them, but they're doing >> Okay. So, yeah. So, we'll be there with um some of the council members and other some other businesses, we believe. Um so, we just wanted to connect and share an update. And um are excited.
>> Thank you. Congratulations. And thank you to Alison. >> Who else changed on your board? Anybody's position? >> Everybody kind of transitioned to different roles. Our website is up to Good. >> We didn't lose anyone. >> Okay. [laughter] That's good. Thank you guys. >> Thank you. Congrats.
>> I'm a little nervous about Saturday to be honest with you. >> We got to get white teeth. We all got straight. I'm thinking of wearing the fake one. >> Maybe that's Thank you. >> Anybody else?
>> See? No, we move on to introduction of the board. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I, Council Member Houston, introduce the following ordinance and read the safe by title and move that it be passed on first reading. Ordinance 5-2026
calendar year 2026 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank GSA 4A holding 4-45. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by Mr. Roll, please.
>> Mr. Houston, >> yes. >> Mr. Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. I, Council Member Houston, offer the following resolution. Whereas the above ordinance was introduced to read by title at this meeting on March 5th, 2026 and passed the first reading. Now
therefore, be it resolved that the meeting be held on March 19th, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. time, right? Is it 8:30 or 7:30? >> Oh, I'm sorry, >> March 19th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. time at the municipal building in the said
burrow. This council will further consider for second reading and final passage the set ordinance and be further resolve with the clerk of this burrow be is hereby directed to publish and bail the proper notice therefore including the ordinance post the ordinance on the
bullet board of the municipal building and I may copy travel to members and general public is there a second by Tyler all in favor abstain the eyes have We're going to do ordinances on second
reading, but and then there'll be a public uh portion to that as well. But before we do that, Kate, do you want to go over that handout or just over go over the um our >> Yeah, absolutely. I can give a brief
overview. Sure. So, um, some of you may have, uh, watched either in person or, you know, online or however, um, Liz Lady was here at the planning board on, uh, Tuesday, Tuesday night. Um, D crazy everything. Um, Tuesday night to provide
an overview that was the master plan consistency review of these ordinances. So, what we are here to tonight is for second reading and public hearing of two ordinances that are proposed to implement the 2025 or now 2026 fourth
round housing element and fair share plan um to um effectuate that plan and to um comply with both the fair housing act the various state laws and also the settlement agreement with fair share housing center that was um signed in
December just recently. So what this um what basically the result of all of these are is that following the settlement agreement with Fairshare Housing Center, the township um amended what is known as the um realistic development potential. This is the
result of the um kind of the process that we went through about a year ago, which is the vegan land adjustment. And that's something that's done it was done in Mars Plains. It's typically done in, you know, burrows and towns that don't have a lot of of land. And what this does is that the state law allows us to
look at the land that is available and there's certain criteria. You know, you look at certain property classes like vacancies, you look at, you know, whether it has environmental constraints and then essentially assign a realistic density to this land. And what that ends
up with is the the RDP, the realistic development potential. And that is considered to be the number of units that can realistically be provided affordable. So initially um we have got we we had had an RDP of 10 prior to the
settlement during the process of the settlement agreement and during the court process that number was raised to 20 and that is all included in that handout. It's on sheet nine. Um it shows you kind of how we got to that number and then um you know what we have to do
then is we have to meet that number with um some realistic zoning. Um, so that is one of the ordinances that is that is proposed tonight or one of the overlay zones for one lot. So just the way that this way this plan is structured. So go through this real quick and then I'll go
to the actual ordinances themselves. So there's one one lot is proposed to have an overlay on it to address that RDP. That's one of the lots of group handle wood which I'll speak about. And then there's another um there's another factor that has to be met which is
called the unmet need. And that is basically the town's obligation, the prospective need, which was determined to be 106 units. You may recall we got that reduced last year from um you know what the DCA had previously said. We went through another process with that. So basically, you take your 106
obligation, you subtract your realistic development potential of 20, and you're left what's called an unmet need of 86 units. And the way this is new in the new law from last year, but the way that that is met is through um a more
realistic opport opportunities for realistic zone. So these are not projects that we have, you know, these are not projects that we have a concept plan for. There's no current proposal to develop these sites, but we have to put the zoning in place that would allow
them to be built if you know there was a market for it and if that was you know determined to be broken, someone wanted to do that. But as of now, you know, we are under no obligation. The town is under no obligation to have these sites built. They are all just overlays at
this. So that was the result of the settlement agreement which um you know exact that's what we're here tonight to put that zoning in place. So the three sites are um these are all also in the presentation. They are the the one
overlay sorry let me just write this I just want to keep them separate. So there's two overlay zones. One is the um one is the um OBH office business multif family and this
is going to be applied to block 112 lot 2 and block 114 lot 2. Those are the properties that comprise the Sinesta and the vacant lot next to it that is owned by Sinesta. the the those um these zones permit multif family inclusionary
development listing of town houses, apartments and with a 20% set aside and those are maximum density of 20 units per acre. Um the other uh new overlay zone is to be applied to 300 table road
that is the C1 um AH CH multif family ah zone. So that's to block 101 01 lot 2.01. So that's 300 taper. And so that that property would be have all of
the underlying permitted uses for the C1 zone just as it is today. And the same for the OB overlay. So all the OB underlying zone uses would also be permitted there. But it also permits multif family inclusionary development consisting of town houses or other um
apartments with a 20% set aside. And that has a maximum density of 10 units per acre. So, both these have the 20% set aside. And the way that these have been set up is that the maximum number of units that could come from the vacant
semester property to address the RDP is seven. And the number of units that could come from the um Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. So it's it's yes it's seven from the um
seven affordable units from the block 112 lot 2 that's the vacant property next semesta um potential of four units at three table road 300 table road for a date to address the unmet need and potential of 16 units at the 100
Kendallwood drive which is the existing sessa property that's also an overlay that would also potentially address the unmet need. So, those are what the ordinances that are here tonight do. Um, the second ordinance that is here is just really an administrative uh ordinance. We just call it the quoteunquote affordable housing
ordinance, which I know in this whole context you're like, aren't they all affordable housing ordinances? But this one is really just implementing the administrative requirements of the new [snorts] law and of the new rules that have been promagated by DCA. Really, it is everything that replaced COA. So, the
temp the burrow already has a um affordable housing ordinance that was put in place in the town of the last draft. And what this does, it repeals and replaces it. If you were to go through it with a fine tooth comb, which we did, um it's really there's really not that many not that many major
changes. It's mostly slight changes to definitions and changes to the um you know, citations and the law. There's a few things, but everything is really just meant there's nothing different in this in this affordable housing ordinance that is not already in a state law summary. So, all it's doing is
really carrying it over to the burough's ordinances as is required by the settlement agreement and by the judge. So, that's what's here tonight. Um the the two overlays are combined into one ordinance and then the second one is the affordable housing general.
happy to answer any questions [snorts] from the council on this particular >> I have one um so on 300 table road if that ends up in three or four years do we then need to go through this process to find new units to
>> no you do not >> it the overlay would stay in place potentially um you know who know like we can't see exactly for 10 years down the line but You know, there's what we we do what we call a midpoint or the state requires what is called a midpoint review, which is five years in the
process. You really have to do a a big assessment of everything that's gone on. And this is a case where you develop for commercial use the town. No obligation to find another site. That's the Yeah. So that that's what the
unmet need is. It's really like it's you know, you have to provide the opportunity, but you're not obligated because of because of the lack of land. And that that would also apply to the other zones as well, right? Yes. They're
built. So then, you know, just pushing that forward, right? So if those get built as a commercial or whatever they're currently going for, right? Not as public housing. We don't do we need to do anything or we met our we met our obligation because we identified it and
we allowed for the opportunity to happen. because it didn't happen. That's not on us. >> That's that that was the result of the settlement agreement. Yes. Um >> absolutely. I, Council Member Houston, read by title the ordinance title ordinance number
3-2026 ordinance of the burrow of Morris Plains amending chapter 13 quote land development unquote repealing and replacing chapter 13 article 5 subsection 13 quote affordable housing ordinance on quot of the quota of the burrow of wars plains New Jersey which
ordinance was introduced and passed on first reading at a meeting held on February [snorts] 19th 2026 and now the meeting is Open for a public hearing on the ordinance. Seeing no one, I close the public hearing. >> I, Council Member Houston, state that
the above ordinance as read by title on second reading at this meeting be adopted and finally passed. >> Is there a second? >> Second by M. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Houston, >> yes. >> Mr. Ivy, >> yes. >> Mr. Fontier, >> yes. >> Miss,
>> yes. I declare the ordinance adopted and apply. I council member Houston read by title the ordinance entitled ordinance number 4-2026 an ordinance to provide the partial amendment and supplementation of port chapter 13 2000 burough Norris plains
land development ordinance unquote to establish affordable housing overlay zones in burough marsh plains which ordinance was introduced and passed on the first reading at a meeting held on February 19th 2026. I open a meeting for a public hearing.
Anybody wishing to speak, ask a question. Seeing no one, I close the public hearing. >> I council member Houston state that the above ordinance as read by on second reading at this meeting be adopted and proudly passed. Is there a second? Second
roll call, please. >> Mr. Houston, yes. Mr. Ivy, >> yes. >> Mr. Pontier, >> yes. Mr. >> Yes. >> I declare the orders adopted and finally passed. Moving on to resolution. Mr. Ivy, >> I council me council member Ivy move
resolution 2026-49 entitled resolution of the burough council of the bors claims adopting an appropriate marketing plan for the morris plains. >> Is is there a second? >> Second by Mr. Ivy roll over Mr. Roll
call please. >> Mr. Mr. Houston. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ivy Mr. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I council member Ivy move resolution 2026-50 entitled resolution endorsing the amended housing element and parishure
plan be adopted. >> Is there a second? >> Second by Miss Verger. Roll call please. >> Mr. Houston. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Pontier. >> Yes. M. >> Yes. I just want to take a minute to uh recognize the affordable housing
committee that I put together back in 2024 and all the work and the time and the effort that they did put into this uh this unfunded state for this high density housing. Um we started off at
137 affordable units and six almost 700 units multiplied by five which we allowed to build and and we got it down to around 27 so about 130 units um in totalish and
I want you know our professionals um our planner our attorney our special attorney for affordable housing um was really dedicated to this and it's sometimes a unfair uh ring that we were in. We went for settlement agreements
and I tell this story because I was still simply amazed about it in literally 45 seconds and that's literal 45 seconds. We met all our dates uh on time uh everything that we were supposed
to do on time but of course the state in couple instances was not on time with their they're part of the deal. So, this was a big endeavor. I think this is a win uh for the burrow and uh again, we're not
against the affordable housing. We wish we could build [snorts] it all, but we're against the uh the density of the housing and they could change the rules to make it just affordable. I think that would be a a lot better. This is what we the cards that we're handed to to to
play with. And I think the council, the planning board, and the affordable housing committee all did a fantastic job. The clerk's office was getting all the notices out and certified letters and the back and forth of our attorney
to get the ordinances in place and all put together. People really don't realize how big that is. I want to thank everybody. Um we have no history of this part or
>> uh no echo what you're saying. I think um just kind of a a point that was made during the plane is that by by meeting all these guidelines and by adopting these ordinances protects us from trendy but also just to
clarify um something that we we said in planning board meetings um this this and it was said multiple times tonight Kate actually said as well uh this does not mean that there's anything that's going to be built out there right up by 53 it just allows for the potential to do it
as per state law. Um so that's all we have to do is allow the potential. Um if it gets built, we welcome it. Um if it doesn't, we met our so um but yeah, just echoing what the mayor said. Congratulations to everybody who's uh
put hard work into this. Good point. Uh moving on, we have no unfinished business, no new business. We do have some vouchers. Sure. I move that the checklist dated March 5th, 2026 in the amount of 2,425,544
$55422 be approved. >> Is there a second by Mr. Pontier? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Houston, >> yes. >> Mr. Mr. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> We do need an executive session for a couple of updates. be resolved by the burough council of the burough of Morris Plains on 5th day of March 2026. The mayor and burough council shall meet executive session from which the public shall be excluded
to discuss matters as soon B7 and B8 time when the matter is discussed paragraph can be disclosed to the public as soon asable after the final resolution matter. Very good.
>> Is there a second? >> All in favor? >> Obstain. The eyes. If anybody wants to take one of those handouts, please