April 3, 2007 Minutes

April 3, 2007

The monthly caucus meeting was opened by Mayor Beth Ann Haven at 7:00pm. Council members present were: Council President Trish Sheilds, Councilmen Lee Wentz, Donald Witzig, Thomas Ottoson and Gordon Shopp. Solicitor John Kearney was also present. Councilwoman Barbara Cortese was absent.

A discussion on benefits for Library employees was continued from the March caucus meeting. Bob Hunter, Director of the Library, went over the history of the library, dating back to the 1920’s. He informed council members about how much is would cost the Borough if the library was closed, versus paying for employee benefits. The examples used by the County Librarian were Bellmawr and Haddon Township. The amount the Borough would have to pay the County so our residents could use one of the County libraries would have been more than if the Borough picked up the cost of benefits for the current 3 employees and 1 retiree.

Council members discussed the matter, and asked Bob Hunter a few questions. All present agreed to pay for ½ of the cost of benefits (medical, prescription, dental & vision) for 2007 and pick up the full amount beginning 2008. Council President/Finance Director Trish Sheilds said that $20,000 is in the budget for this year. Solicitor Kearney said the Library Board of Trustees would have to approve this move.

Ted Kitchmire, Co-Chair of the 4^th of July Committee advised council that the 4^th of July festivities will be moved to the ball fields at 8^th & Atlantic Avenues. He also said that the HHYA has agreed to join the committee’s efforts in having a fun field day for all ages and they will open the snack pavilion that day. He told council that different activities are being planned for kids of all ages and asked council to let him know of any ideas they may have.

Kitchmire then asked council’s permission for a Beer Garden. Discussion followed on the location of the beer garden and preventions so underage teens would not be served. He said different colored bracelets would be issued for different events, including the beer garden. Council approved the Beer Garden and thanked him and his committee for their efforts.

Mayor Haven explained the upcoming renewal of the County wide contract for the marketing of recyclables. She explained that it is a 5-year agreement that all Camden County towns are part of.

A social permit was approved for the Berndorf-Narducci Scholarship Fund. The wine tasting event is being held at Anthony’s Restaurant on April 19^th.

The Mayor asked Council President Sheilds to explain Resolution 2007:79 that has been added to tonight’s agenda. Sheilds said the Resolution for Emergency Notes is being done as the result of a cash flow study done by CMFO/Treasurer Ernie Merlino. She said the study showed that the Borough is “really short” and will need the money in the upcoming weeks for bills due and payroll. She noted that tax collections were down by about $212,000 from this time last year.

At this point the following topics were discussed during Roundtable:

Councilman Gordon Shopp brought up the topic of permit fees for the new construction related to King’s Run. Solicitor Kearney said that other towns facing new development have raised the salaries of the inspectors. It is estimated that $60,000 will be collected for the permits according to Kearney. Discussion followed between all council members. Kearney suggested using a 3^rd party to perform the inspections. Mayor Haven asked Councilman Shopp to meet with our current Construction Office staff and report the findings back to council.

Councilman Donald Witzig said the Mayor has asked him to coordinate Department Head meetings with the Borough Clerk and attend in her place.

Council President Trish Sheilds informed council of the following issues: 1) Estimated tax bills will be going out in June for payment in August reflecting the new assessments. She noted that this really helped the cash flow in the past. 2) She said the DEP inspection of underground tanks showed contamination and fined the Borough $45,000. Gary Geserick, Supt. of DPW met with County officials and brought the fine down to $10,000, payable quarterly beginning May 1^st. 3) Sheilds said the library roof leak is ongoing and suggested going out to bid on both the library roof and municipal building roof, possibly saving money. Bob Hunter informed council that Mark Magrino, a Haddon Heights resident, prepared the specifications for the library roof as a favor to him. After a short discussion it was decided that Mark Magrino would be invited to come to the May 1^st caucus meeting to discuss this further. 4) Lastly, Sheilds reported that the Capital Budget will be ready for next month’s meeting.

Councilman Thomas Ottoson brought up the following issues: 1) Councilman Ottoson referred to a memo regarding Police Department Promotion Testing. He said it is council’s decision of which way to go, testing or just interviews. Ottoson said he will meet with Chief Hayden of Berlin Township on Friday. He suggested using the old ordinance for filling the sergeant position. 2 council members were leaning not to test.

Mayor Beth Ann Haven brought the following items to council’s attention: 1) An FAQ pamphlet regarding the school’s budget is available at the Library. 2) She reported receiving a letter from NJDOT regarding the milling project on the White Horse Pike. Haven said the Clerk sent a letter asking them for more information and to request that they notify residents before the work begins. No response has been received as of yet. 3) The Mayor said she received a letter from NJ American Water that residents will see a $1.29 increase in their monthly water bills, meaning a 13 ½ % increase. 4) Mayor Haven reported receiving 3 traffic complaints recently. She said that Councilman Ottoson, Chief Shute and herself will be meeting to look into what responses can be given to the residents and come up to long-time solutions.

Borough Clerk, Joan Moreland, advised council that some of the employees would like to have a memorial to Robert Griffith. She explained that the group is adopting the planting area in the front of the Municipal Building, right of the steps facing the building, and have been actively seeking quotes from 3 landscapers in town. She said a birdbath would be part of the plan as well as a plaque. All of council present agreed and thought it was a nice idea.

At this point, Mayor Haven opened the meeting to the Public. Mr. Troutman, 1509 Chestnut Avenue said he heard about the gun problem the Chief was having and suggested that the problem may be in the way the guns are held when shooting.

The following Resolutions were adopted:

Resolution 2007:77 – Resolution Authorizing a One-Day License for Alcohol Consumption for Bendorf-Narducci Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:77 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Shopp. All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:78 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and Borough Clerk to Sign an Interlocal Services Agreement Between the County of Camden and Borough of Haddon Heights.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:78 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:79 – Resolution of the Borough Council of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of up to $269,200 of Special Emergency Notes of the Borough of Haddon Heights; Making Certain Covenants to Maintain the Exemption of the Interest on Said Notes From Federal Income Taxation; and Authorizing Such Further Actions and Making Such Determinations as May Be Necessary or Appropriate to Effectuate the Issuance and Sale of the Notes.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:79 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll all members present voted yes.

With no further comments to come from the public, meeting was adjourned with a motion by Councilman Wentz, second by Councilman Witzig. All present were in favor.

________________________________________8:30pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk