April 15, 2008 Minutes

April 15, 2008

Caucus:

1. Mayor Scott Alexander reviewed the regular meeting agenda. There were no questions at this time.

2. Process of Paying Bills – Borough Clerk Joan Moreland explained the process of handling the payment of bills saying that the Department Heads receive the invoices from the vendor and review them. They are then attached to a voucher or Purchase Order and sent to the Finance Office for further processing. The Finance Officer then signs off on each one and at this point the bill is entered in the computer for payment. A list of bills is attached to the bi-monthly resolutions for Council’s final approval of payment. Checks are then issued.

3. Hiring Policies for Temporary Partime Workers – In Councilman Shopp’s absence, Councilman Lee Wentz said that Shopp’s main issue was his concern about hiring back previously laid off men instead of hiring temporary help, saying there was nothing in the Personnel manual addressing this issue. Mayor Alexander said that he and Rich Edelen, Acting Superintendent, decided it was more economical for the Borough to hire temporary help, noting that there would be no FICA, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, expenses, etc. Councilwoman Rosemary Fitzgerald asked if an interested employee who was laid off could register with a temporary agency. She was told they could.

Regular Agenda:

Mayor Alexander opened the regularly scheduled meeting at 7:15pm with a salute to the flag and moment of silence.

He then stated, “In accordance with Section 5 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, notice of this meeting was posted on the bulletin board designed for that purpose and notice was mailed to the official newspaper provided by Resolution adopted January 5, 2008”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilwoman Lee Wentz, Donald Witzig, Tad Fetter, Councilwoman Rosemary Fitzgerald and Council President Trish Sheilds. Borough Solicitor Salvatore Siciliano was also present. Councilman Gordon Shopp was absent.

Motion to approve the minutes from 4/1/08 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:94 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present were in favor.

The following Committee Reports were presented by Council members:

Councilman Witzig, reporting for Administration read the Activity Report which is attached to these minutes. He also reminded everyone that the Free Rabies Clinic will be held April 26^th, 8:30am to 9:30am at the Fire Prevention Bureau.

Councilman Fetter, reporting for Finance said that based on recent changes by the State, he feels it would be smart to table the adoption of the 2008 Municipal Budget. Regarding a memo received from the Tax Assessor, Councilman Fetter advised council that an estimated $160,000 in lost revenue will be realized based on the tax appeals that have been filed, with a potential loss of $7 million in rateables. He noted that he budgeted $60,000. Fetter further explained that the estimate does not include any legal or other fees. Mayor Alexander asked how it will be handled. Councilman Fetter said the Assessor is going to ask some residents to defer their appeal until 2009. He said the article in today’s Courier Post could be good for us because we were so high last year, it will help in net tax rate for residents. He then read excerpts from letters he received from residents regarding the DPW cuts. He said we are loosing $1,000 a day and those salaries and benefits total $400,000.

Council President Sheilds, reporting for Public Safety read the quarterly report for the Fire Department. Complete report is on file with the Fire Department. Regarding the curb ramps that were recently complete, she said the Borough Engineer has completed an inspection of each one and the full report of that inspection is on file with the Borough Clerk.

Councilman Wentz, reporting for DPW said regarding the request for more trash cans around the town, old cans are available and could be repainted. He also said there are pole mounted cans that could be purchased and then passed out information for council members. Regarding Shared Services, Councilman Wentz reported that he has talked with Barrington officials to see if there is anything that can be done and noted that a Citizen’s group will be formed shortly to further look into the matter

Mayor Alexander asked Rich Edelen to come forward to the microphone. Edelen thanked the 8 men who were laid off and wished them luck. He reported that “so far, so good”, temporary help is fitting in. He noted that a busy season is coming up and that all his men are pitching in. He also advised council that Global Temporary Services as been “good to us” and said that he is using 4 to 6 men a day, noting that they do not work full days. He reported that so far, all services have been done. Edelen said that teamwork is needed between residents, council and DPW. He told council that he would like to be able to stop contractors from dumping grass, brush, etc. from other towns. Someone said that the Nuisance Officer may be able to help with this problem. Council thanked Mr. Edelen for his efforts.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald, reporting for the Construction Office said that interviews are continuing and the committee is ready to make recommendations to council tonight in closed session. She then read the report of permits saying that the permit value was $322,544, and noting that January and February figures were up from the same period in 2007.

With no further reports to be presented, Mayor Alexander called for remarks from the public on New Business agenda items.

Kathy Lange, 26 1^st Avenue said she was in favor of Resolution 2008:96 and feels it would be a benefit to the town.

Ted Kitchmire, Chair of the 4^th of July Committee advised council and residents of the planned activities for this year. He said booklets will be distributed to all homes providing information on the activities.

Terry Chepurney, 1643 Sycamore Street, referring to Resolution 2008:93, allowing a one day alcohol permit to the 4^th of July Committee for a beer garden, was more pristine than fireworks.

At this point in the meeting, Mayor Alexander, joined by Police Chief Richard Kinkler and Director of Public Safety Trish Sheilds, presented Proclamations of Achievement awarding Honorable Service Medals to Ptl. Edward Downs, Sgt. Salvatore Giambrone and Mt. Ephraim officer Ptl. Kevin Sullivan. Each officer received a round of applause for a job well done.

Mayor Alexander then asked Council to vote on a resolution appointing a new officer to the Police Department.

Resolution 2008:94 – Resolution Appointing John M. Whitman to the Position of Patrolman for the Haddon Heights. (Patrolman Whitman comes to us from the Borough of Audubon where he was respected by his fellow officers and residents as a mature and knowledgeable officer.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:94 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present were in favor.

Mayor Alexander asked Officer Whitman to come up front and receive the Oath of Office. He received a round of applause from the officers present and residents and was welcomed by Chief Kinkler.

Old Business:

Mayor Alexander opened the meeting to the residents for the public hearing on 2008 Municipal Budget at which time the following residents came forward:

Ricki Roberts, 3^rd Avenue thanked Councilman Fetter for all the work he did on the budget.

Holly Cass, 7^th Avenue asked the following questions: 1) Questioned wages for Tax Assessment are up 45%. Councilman Fetter said that includes the secretary and additional hours for appeals. 2) Clerk’s O/E up 27%. Fetter explained that was due to election expenses and materials. 3) Referring to Unemployment Compensation, she said $100 is not enough. Fetter explained that there is a build up each year and the Finance Officer did not know about the Governor’s cuts or layoffs. 4) Appeals are the same amount as last year’s, $60,000. 5) Mrs. Cass said 43% increase in Code Enforcement and asked if there was enough money in fines to make up the salaries. Fetter said that Eileen’s salary has been moved to the Construction budget, noting that previously it was divided between DPW and Construction. Lastly she said the County Budget’s levy has been cut 5 to 1.

Terry Chepurney, 1643 Sycamore Street asked about the 6 men hired in DPW. Councilman Wentz explained that they are temporary workers, hired per day, as needed to get the job done. She asked the hourly DPW rate. Wentz said $17-$20 per hour. He further explained that we can get help only when we need it. She asked if any claims have been filed by either of the unions yet. She was told no. Mrs. Chepurney then asked how much the severance checks added up to. She was told $31,000.

With no further comments to come before council, motion to close the public hearing on the 2008 Municipal Budget was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All present were in favor.

Motion to TABLE the adoption of the 2008 Municipal Budget was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2008:1258 – An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2007:1239. (Amending Assessor’s salary for 2008 to $35,760.)

Mayor Alexander opened the public hearing on Ordinance 2008:1258. Hearing or seeing no comments, motion to close the public hearing was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All members present were in favor.

Motion to amend Ordinance 2008:1258, lowering the salary to $30,000, was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2008:1258 as amended was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinances 2008:1259, 1260, 1261 and 1262. Public hearing and final adoptions will be held on May 6^th, 8pm.

Ordinance 2008:1259 – An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2007:1234 of the Borough of Haddon Heights, In the County of Camden, New Jersey. (Amends wording only, stating that the Finance Department will receive various technology upgrades. Currently the ordinance reads “Acquisition of various pieces of computer equipment…” and does not state what department will receive the equipment.)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1259 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call vote all members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2008:1260 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey, Canceling Certain Unfunded Appropriation Balances Heretofore Provided for Capital Improvements and Reappropriating Such Unfunded Appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects. ($92.114 for replacement of Municipal Building Roof.)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1260 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call vote all members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2008:1261 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey, Canceling Certain Unfunded Appropriation Balances Heretofore Provided for Capital Improvements and Reappropriating Such Unfunded appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects. ($209,856.19 for improvements to Borough soccer and recreational fields.)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1261 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call vote all members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2008:1262 – Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Canceling Certain Funded and Unfunded Appropriation Balances Heretofore Provided for Capital Improvements and Reappropriating Such Funded and Unfunded Appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects. ($186,802.50 for the closure of Kings Highway Pumping Station.)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1262 was made by Councilman Fetter, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call vote all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:92 – Resolution Canceling Capital Improvement Authorizing Balance. ($17,874.03 from completed capital projects will be appropriated to Capital Improvement Fund or Capital Surplus.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:92 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call vote all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:93 – Resolution Authorizing a One-Day License for alcohol Consumption for the Haddon Heights 4^th of July Festivities Fundraiser to be Held on July 3, 2008. (Fundraiser to be held 7/3, 6pm – 9pm at the Atlantic Avenue Athletic for adults 21 yrs. or older. Raindate is July 5, 2008.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:93 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2008:95 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills and Claims for 2^nd Half of April.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:95 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call vote all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:96 – Haddon Heights Classic Towns Resolution.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:96 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All members present voted yes.

Comments from the public:

Barbara Cortese, 325 3^rd Avenue said her recycling was not picked up today and that she hoped the temporary workers did not overlook it. Rich Edelen said that the temporary workers do not drive Borough vehicles and that he’ll make sure it will get picked up in the morning.

Barbara Robinson, 1432 Chestnut Street said the one-way direction around the high school is not needed. She then reported that kids (teen) were going in the Conrail tunnel this past Saturday night.

Joyce Burns, 308 2^nd Avenue, said there are a small number of appeals, noting that out of 406 people who met with PPA last year, “219 got a discount”.

Carolyn DiMedio, 106 Kings Highway said that 406 households mean more people. She said, “The town is too small for political nonsense”! Regarding the previous comments on money spent on the Mayor’s drug cards, DiMedio said she call the company and explained it is a “coupon”, with no liability to the Borough. She added that the Mayor is not making money off the card. She said she checked with a pharmacy and for 73 days, over $800 has been saved by our residents. She advised council that she received this information in a matter of minutes with a phone call and that she was advised by the pharmacy that a council member had already called with the same inquiry.

John Rayser, 611 W. High Street asked if the decorative lights on the light poles will be coming down. He was advised that the Business Association will be doing it soon. Regarding neon signs, he asked if there was anything on the books. Councilwoman Fitzgerald said that a variance application is required and said she will check it out. She asked Mr. Rayser about his Adopt A Spot program. He reported sending 80 letters and received 2 replies so far, noting that volunteers are in short supply.

David McGee, 4^th Avenue said he wanted to remind residents that “Scott” did not get proper permits for a fence when he moved in. The Mayor said he was lying. Discussion ensued between the Mayor and Mr. McGee. Borough Solicitor Siciliano banged loudly on the table and reminded everyone that this is public meeting and comments should be made in a courteous and orderly fashion.

Bill Lange, 26 1^st Avenue said he has sat through 3-4 council meetings lately and advised council that he teaches high school seniors and that the teens are “more jaded”. He said that people come up to the microphone not to make things better, but to embarrass and belittle people. He then asked, what’s the purpose? Lastly he said, “The political motivation has to stop”.

Jim Jenkins, Bryn Mawr Avenue said he is discouraged by the “political gotcha” and wants to applaud council for staying ahead of the curve. He said we won’t have a tax increase because of tough choices that were made.

Mayor Alexander advised residents that he thinks council has tried – moving the agenda forward. He said the last 100 days has been spent finding out about each other. He said council needs to hear from the public with constructive suggestions, not mean spirited and not trying to hurt people. He also said that council members are not paid and spend a lot of hours in meetings.

Council President Sheilds said that in her 5 years on council, she never made a political decision and listens to all of the residents.

With no further comments to come before council, a motion was made by Council President Shields, seconded by Councilman Wentz to close the meeting to the public for the discussion of personnel issues. All members present were in favor.

______________________________________9:08pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk