[0:00] Last year we secured a $202,000 grant for our district schools, which brings

[0:06] in over 300 trees to four different schools in our district. We've planted

[0:10] over a thousand trees. We went from a commission that just wanted to plant

[0:15] trees to a highly skilled, highly educated team of people who now plant

[0:22] the right tree in the right place focusing on natives because native

[0:27] environmental work is super important. And we are now entering into

[0:32] reforestation and forest regeneration. Our one team member, Susan Landau, who

[0:37] is not here tonight, I want to do a shout-out to her because she and her

[0:41] husband run our sister organization, Friends of Foote's Pond Wood.

[0:45] Under our umbrella and our support, they have taken a public park that had maybe

[0:51] 12 visitors a week to hundreds of visitors a week and is a go-to place for

[0:56] a lot of people in Morris County now. And it's because of that kind of work

[1:01] that our team is looking to do that in all the tiny forested areas attached to

[1:05] our parks. We cannot do that alone. We need resident support and we need um

[1:11] we need, you know, arm power for that. But I do want to say thank you to our

[1:15] council who not only supports our initiatives with ordinances, but I know

[1:20] many of you have been uh have had wheelbarrows full of mulch and

[1:26] cutting vines and um planting shrubs and doing all kinds of hard labor, which we

[1:32] appreciate. Of course, the mayor supports us, which we are deeply

[1:36] grateful for, and I also want to call out to Ms. Barrick, who I know that you

[1:41] heard me say this last year, but because Ms. Barrick has the ability to see our

[1:46] vision and help us make it happen, that goes a long way to supporting our

[1:52] initiatives. It's a rare quality in an administrator and we are very lucky to

[1:56] have her. I also want to say thank you to our

[1:59] engineering team and our DPW team. We don't do anything without these people

[2:03] on board, and they are the people who normally get complaints. These are the

[2:07] people behind the scenes who help amazing magical things happen for our

[2:11] team. So, thank you so much. We very much

[2:14] appreciate all of you. Thank you. >> [applause]

[2:23] » I'LL RUN DOWN THE LIST. UM

[2:26] FOR THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE Morristown Recreation annual Easter hunt, thank you

[2:29] for all those who were there. I know a bunch of you guys were down there. Great

[2:32] attendance. Yeah, it was a good event. Yep. A little cold, but it was good.

[2:36] » Yeah, a little cold, right? Uh we had the No Kings Rally. Uh shout out to the

[2:40] police department for another job well done in protecting the public's right to

[2:45] um assemble and uh their First Amendment

[2:48] right of free speech. Um and so uh hats off to the organizers,

[2:53] but hats off to our police department uh for the for what they do to protect the

[2:57] public's right. On Monday, the 30th of March, the grand

[3:01] opening of Sabor's Latinas on 91 Morris Street, owners of Chef Freddy's. We had

[3:07] a great great ribbon cutting, and food was everywhere, and the food was really

[3:11] good, so try it. It's pretty good. Um we had a grand opening on the 31st of

[3:16] an ENT and Allergy Associates at 10 Madison Avenue, third floor. I was

[3:21] actually there this morning,

[3:23] and very impressed with with their organization

[3:27] and their uh their

[3:30] doctor-patient communication.

[3:34] Uh so, it's an ENT right right around the corner at 10 Madison. Uh brand new

[3:40] um and Allergy Associates. We had a ribbon cutting April 14th uh today at

[3:46] the uh Shay Tree Garage. Council

[3:50] Chris Russo was there. I got to tell you, I I got to be honest.

[3:54] Did you know it was there? I did not I did not know it was there.

[3:57] Did anybody know about it? >> They were on Malcolm Street for years

[4:01] and I used them on Malcolm Street. They used to be I go to the gym that's right

[4:04] in front of it, so Oh, well, I'll tell you what, you want to get you want to

[4:07] you want to get you need a place to get your car fixed?

[4:10] There's a lot of places to get your car fixed, but I was very impressed with

[4:14] their with their uh way their business is set up. Um it's really cool that the

[4:19] owner is a councilman in uh Morris Plains.

[4:22] Um and it was very nice that the mayor from Morris Plains showed up to support

[4:27] him. Um it was uh really cool. They had some really They do a lot of work. They

[4:31] do old cars. So, if you have old cars, like

[4:34] 70s, 60s, 40s, 20s, um 80s, cuz you know, these cars were

[4:40] built with carburetors and and timing and and belts and all the different

[4:45] things, not like today. Today's cars are all electronic and computerized.

[4:49] Um they fix the old stuff. There was a 70s uh Malibu, um

[4:55] » 72 Corvette >> 72 Corvette. What was the other one they

[4:58] They had an Aston Martin, that's a 2019, so a little newer. Yeah, but they had

[5:00] they had MGs there. They had >> Yeah, so they had uh some really cool

[5:04] stuff. So, hats off to that for those guys uh to keep that business going.

[5:08] It's a new owner after 49 years of one owner um and he bought it and uh so,

[5:14] it's terrific to still have that stuff being in Morristown. It's a service to

[5:19] the community and hats off to uh to uh the Shade Tree Garage on 171

[5:25] Washington under new ownership of Art Bruen from Morris Plains.

[5:30] Upcoming events, Sunday, April 19th, 3:00 to 5:00, South Asian Artists

[5:34] American Exhibit Art Show at MPAC. The event celebrates the rich and diverse uh

[5:39] artistic traditions of South Asia featuring works from local and regional

[5:43] artists across a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, con-

[5:47] contemporary media, uh mixed media. It aims by fostering

[5:51] cultural appreciation and community engagement and artistic dialogue with

[5:55] our town. Uh

[5:57] 25th of April, 9:00 a.m., Arbor Day celebration at Jacob Ford

[6:02] uh park basketball courts. Be there, right? Be there or be

[6:09] be square. I was trying to figure a tree thing with it, I couldn't get

[6:13] April 26th, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 uh 8:00 8:00 a.m. I Yeah, I guess it is 8:00

[6:19] a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PBA's Usually they have it in the evening.

[6:23] So, I hope that's not a misprint. Uh but 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the PBA

[6:29] our police department has their annual cops and robbers car show around the

[6:32] green, really cool. They have lots of cars around the green, so check them

[6:35] out. Um

[6:38] one of a couple of special notes, um retirement of Thomas Text the Group.

[6:43] He started as a firefighter in October 2000 and was promoted to fire captain in

[6:49] 2020 and retired April 1st, 2026 after serving 26 years on our fire department.

[6:55] We wish him uh great success and happy trails in his uh retirement. He's a

[7:00] really great guy um and he will be missed uh the Morristown Fire

[7:04] Department. Um I was going to interrupt Kristen just to remind people

[7:10] of the passing of Michael Rockland. Um

[7:14] and that's uh my neighbor, Patricia Arts' husband.

[7:17] Longtime and valued member of the Kala Club. Um celebration of life at the Kala

[7:21] Club will be Sunday, April 26th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. He's an author,

[7:26] volunteer, uh professor, all around great guy, great

[7:31] neighbor for all the years I've been living on Wetmore. And uh and he will be

[7:35] missed and uh we'll keep their family in our thoughts and prayers uh Uh, as as

[7:41] you know, life is changing always.

[7:45] So, hats off to what Michael Rockland did for our

[7:49] community. He will [snorts] be missed. That's all I have, Council President.

[7:54] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'll move on to the Council Liaison

[7:57] reports. Councilman Abreu. Yes, sir. The Morristown Partnership met on April 8th.

[8:03] The partnership is working with a company called Root to review landscape

[8:07] concepts for traffic islands and pocket parks throughout the town. So, some we

[8:10] looked at some artistic renditions and looks really really nice.

[8:15] Also, I have some pamphlets for for all of Council. Morristown Restaurant Week

[8:19] starts next week. So, April 20th to the 24th, over 40 restaurants participating.

[8:24] There's also an event called Snack, Sip, and Stroll. It's a ticketed $85 event

[8:29] during Restaurant Week, which offers a unique way to explore Morristown's

[8:32] diverse culinary scene. On Monday, April 20th, visit Speedwell Avenue's Chef

[8:36] Freddy's Table, Sushi Lounge, Parkside Tavern, and 1776.

[8:41] And on Wednesday, April 22nd, visit Morris Avenue's

[8:44] End of Elm Town Bar and Kitchen, Non Mexican Table and Tequila Bar, and The

[8:48] Committed Proper. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit

[8:52] morristown-nj.com/restaurantweek.

[8:57] And I have pamphlets for everybody.

[9:05] Councilman Russo. Uh, next Planning Board meeting is

[9:08] scheduled for Thursday, April 23rd, but uh,

[9:11] I don't know if we're going to have anything yet, so we'll see. Time will

[9:13] tell. That's it. Thank you. Councilman Silva. Morris Parking

[9:17] Authority will meet tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. I'll be there.

[9:22] Thank you. We'll move on to regular business, Ms.

[9:25] Kersey. Okay, we have four ordinances for

[9:28] introduction this evening. First is ordinance O-7-2026,

[9:33] ordinance amending and supplementing the code of the Town of Morristown, Chapter

[9:36] 7, Traffic, Section 7-40.2, Handicap parking on streets for private

[9:41] residences to amend the placard number assigned to a dedicated parking space

[9:45] for a a resident of 7 Henry Street. I'll make a motion to introduce

[9:50] ordinance O-07-2026. Second. Are there any comments or

[9:54] questions? On the introduction of ordinance O-7-

[9:59] Excuse [clears throat] me, 2026. Councilman Foster. Yes.

[10:02] » Councilman Iannacone. >> Yes. Councilman Silva. Yes. Councilman

[10:05] Umbriac. Yes. Councilman Russo. Yes. And Council

[10:09] President Pilipchuk. Yes. Ordinance O-7-2026

[10:13] has been introduced properly by title and will be considered further after a

[10:16] public hearing on April 28th. Ordinance number O-8-2026,

[10:21] ordinance amending ordinance amending and supplementing the code of the Town

[10:25] of Morristown chapter 7 traffic, section 40.2 handicap parking on streets for

[10:29] private residences to add a dedicated handicap parking space for a resident of

[10:34] 189 Speedwell Avenue. I'll make a motion to introduce ordinance O-08-2026.

[10:40] Second. Any comments or questions? On the introduction of ordinance

[10:43] O-8-2026, Councilwoman Foster. Yes. Councilman

[10:47] Iannacone. Yes. Councilman Silva. Yes. >> Councilman Umbriac. Yes. Councilman

[10:50] Russo. Yes. >> Council President Pilipchuk. Yes.

[10:53] Ordinance O-8-2026 has been introduced properly by title

[10:57] and will be considered further after a public hearing on April 28th.

[11:01] Ordinance O-9-2026, ordinance amending and supplementing to

[11:04] chapter 13 housing and property maintenance.

[11:07] Make a motion to introduce ordinance O-09-2026.

[11:12] Second. Any comments or questions? On the introduction of ordinance

[11:16] O-9-2026, Councilwoman Foster. Yes. Councilman

[11:20] Iannacone. Yes. Councilman Silva. Yes. Councilman Umbriac. Yes. Coun-

[11:24] Councilman Russo. Yes. Council President Pilipchuk. Yes.

[11:27] Ordinance O-9 has been introduced properly by title and will be considered

[11:31] further after a public hearing on April 28th. The last is ordinance

[11:35] um O-10-2026, an ordinance amending and supplementing

[11:38] chapter 12, building and construction. Make a motion to introduce ordinance

[11:43] O-10-2026. >> Second. Any comments or questions on the

[11:47] introduction of ordinance O-10-2026? Councilwoman Foster? Yes. Councilman

[11:52] Anacone? >> Yes. Councilman Silva? Yes. Councilman

[11:54] Umbriac? >> Yes. Councilman Russo?

[11:56] » Yes. Council President Polipchuk? Yes. Ordinance O-10 has been introduced

[12:00] properly by title and will be considered further after a public hearing on April

[12:04] 28th. We have two ordinances for public

[12:08] hearing and adoption. First is ordinance number O-5-2026,

[12:12] ordinance amending and supplementing the code of the town of Morristown, chapter

[12:15] 7, traffic, section 40.2, handicap parking on streets for private

[12:19] residences, to add a dedicated handicap parking

[12:22] space for a resident of 55 Madison Street.

[12:26] Make a motion to adopt ordinance O-05-2026.

[12:29] Second. At this time, I'll open the floor for a public hearing on ordinance

[12:32] O-5 only. Seeing none, I'll close the public

[12:36] hearing. Any comments or questions? On the adoption of ordinance O-5-2026?

[12:41] Councilwoman Foster? Yes. Councilman Anacone?

[12:43] » Yes. Councilman Silva? Yes. Councilman Umbriac? Yes. Councilman Russo? Yes.

[12:48] Council President Polipchuk? Yes. Motion carries. Ordinance O-5-2026

[12:53] is adopted. Ordinance number O-6-2026, ordinance amending section 2-83.1, fees,

[13:00] of article 15, policies and procedures of chapter 2, administration of the code

[13:05] of the town of Morristown. Make a motion to adopt ordinance

[13:08] O-06-2026. Second. At this time, I'll open the

[13:11] floor for a public hearing on ordinance O-6 only.

[13:15] Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing. Any comments or questions? On

[13:18] the adoption of ordinance O-6-2026? Councilman Foster? Yes. Councilman

[13:23] Anacone? Yes. Councilman Silva? Yes. Councilman Umbriac? Yes.

[13:26] » Councilman Russo? Yes. Council President Polipchuk? Yes. Motion carries.

[13:30] Ordinance O-6-2026 is adopted. There are five resolutions

[13:35] on the agenda this evening. Would any member of council like to pull any for

[13:39] separate consideration? With that, I would ask for a motion to

[13:43] adopt resolution numbers R-85 through R-89-2026.

[13:48] Uh motion to adopt resolutions R-85 through R-89-2026.

[13:53] Second. On the adoption of those resolutions,

[13:56] Councilwoman Foster? Yes. Councilman Hanacone?

[13:59] » Yes. Councilman Silva? Yes. Councilman Umbriac?

[14:02] » Yes. Councilman Russo? >> Yes. Council President Polipchuk? Yes.

[14:05] » Motion carries. Those resolutions are adopted.

[14:09] Thank you, Miss Carey. We have no items under our old business. We have no items

[14:12] under new business. I'll make a motion to adjourn. Second. All in favor? Aye.

[14:17] Opposed? Meeting adjourned.

[14:20] Nicely done. Good job, Margo. Thank you. Thank you.

[14:23] » Do I? I don't have a good

April 14th, 2026 Town Council Meeting

Transcript