Morris Plains the Community of Caring
531 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950     973-538-2224

Mayor & Council

 Borough Form of Government

The Borough of Morris Plains was incorporated by the State Assembly on January 15, 1926 and operates under a Borough form of government. The Borough form of government consists of a Mayor and six council members all of whom are elected at-large. The Mayor is the head of the governing body and is elected to a four-year term. Council members to a three-year term. Each council member is assigned a portfolio of responsibilities by the Mayor.

Meetings

Borough Council meetings are normally held twice a month at Borough Hall (or virtually). Typically, a conference session begins at 7:30 p.m., and the regular meeting begins at 8:30 p.m. There is only one Council meeting in August and three in December.

View the meeting calendar here.

Agenda and Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval. View the most recent agenda and minutes here.

Governing Body

Email members by clicking on their name. Or type first initial, last name @morrisplainsboro.org.

Name/TitleTelephoneTerm Expires
Jason Karr, Mayor973-538-2224 Office
973-214-5265 Mobile
12/31/2026
Cathie Kelly, Councilmember973-722-430812/31/2024
Art Bruhn, Jr. Councilmember973-714-472912/31/2023
Sal Cortese, Councilmember973-984-151212/31/2023
Joan Goddard, Council President973-206-109412/31/2025
Nancy Verga, Councilmember973-451-051212/31/2025
Dennis Wagner, Councilmember973-452-470612/31/2024

Each Council member chairs a sub-committee and is a member of two other sub-committees. View sub-committees below.

Standing Committees

Finance Committee

Chair: Sal Cortese

Members: Cathie Kelly, Joan Goddard

Responsibilities:

  • Borough Clerk
  • Borough Treasurer
  • Borough Attorney
  • Borough Auditor
  • Tax Collector & Tax Assessor
  • Website and Plains Talk
  • Morris Plains Library
  • Elections

Public Safety Committee

Chair: Nancy Verga

Members: Sal Cortese, Dennis Wagner

Responsibilities:

  • Police Department
  • Municipal Court
  • Licenses
  • Juvenile Delinquencies
  • Local Emergency Planning Committee (Liaison)
  • Fire Department & Fire Prevention Bureau
  • Traffic Committee
  • Hwy Traffic & Parking
  • Transportation (Liaison)

Public Works Committee

Chair: Joan Goddard

Members: Art Bruhn, Jr., Dennis Wagner

Responsibilities:

  • Department of Public Works
  • Leaf/Brush Collection & Snow Removal
  • Sewer and Storm Drain Maintenance
  • Roads, Curbs & Sidewalks
  • Maintenance of Public Buildings and Parks
  • Borough Engineer
  • Safety Committee
  • Beautification Committee
  • State & County Highways (Liaison)

Public Buildings and Grounds Committee

Chair: Art Bruhn, Jr.

Members: Cathie Kelly, Nancy Verga

Responsibilities:

  • Public Parks
  • Municipal Grounds
  • Borough Owned Lands
  • Swimming Pool
  • Recreation Commission (Liaison)
  • Shade Tree Commission (Liaison)
  • Patriotic Celebrations
  • Robert’s Garden Commission (Liaison)

Public Health, Sanitation & Sewers Committee

Chair: Cathie Kelly

Members: Joan Goddard, Nancy Verga

Responsibilities:

  • Board of Health (Liaison)
  • Morris Plains Municipal Alliance
  • Animal Control
  • Garbage Collection
  • Sanitation & Sewer Contracts
  • Recycling
  • Clean Communities
  • Teen Center

Ordinance & Public Utilities Committee

Chair: Dennis Wagner

Members: Sal Cortese, Art Bruhn Jr.

Responsibilities:

  • Planning Board
  • Board of Adjustment
  • Zoning Officer
  • Building, Plumbing, Electrical & Fire Sub-Code Officials
  • Ordinances
  • Street lights
  • Electricity, Water, Telephone, Internet & Cable TV

Municipal Office

531 Speedwell Ave
Morris Plains, NJ 07950     
 
Fax: 973-538-8834

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.