April 6, 2004 Minutes

April 6, 2004

Mayor Susan R. Griffith opened the regularly scheduled meeting with a salute to the flag and moment of silence.

She 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 3, 2004”.

Under Roll Call the following members of council were present: Councilwomen Haven, Houser, Sheilds and Wyman and Councilmen Witzig. Borough Solicitor John B. Kearney was also present. Councilman O’Toole was absent.

Motion to approve the minutes from the March 16, 2004 meeting was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded Councilwoman Wyman. All members of council voted yes.

Mayor Griffith read a proclamation designating April as Alcohol Awareness Month.

Committee Reports:

Councilman Witzig reported that the paving on the White Horse Pike has begun. They are getting bids for new computers for the police department. The committee will meet on April 12th to conduct interviews for the DMV police position. Councilman Witzig read the fire, police, ambulance and traffic reports.

Councilwoman Sheilds reported that a ‘quad’ damaged the soccer fields. Police are investigating and a reward system is being worked on. Baseball opening day is April 17th. The stands will be open 5pm-9pm. Pre-Opening day and clean up is April 16th and food will be sold for $2.00. Councilwoman Sheilds also informed Council that the extraordinary aid application has been sent.

Councilwoman Wyman commented on the Spotted Dog Café closing. Councilwoman Wyman has heard the Gala tickets are not selling too well, and asked, “what can Council do”? Mayor Griffith stated that the Centennial Committee has made up flyers and posters that will be mailed out and newspapers are also advertising the event and $60,000 was budgeted for the gala. The cost of the ticket covers the event, food, beverages, tent and three musical features. There will also be trailers with lavatories with air-conditioning suitable for men and women in formal wear. Any money left over will go to the 4th of July Committee. Councilwoman Wyman asked what we will do if all 600 tickets are not sold. Mayor Griffith will discuss with the Centennial Committee tomorrow night. Councilwoman Wyman asked if there had been any concerns regarding the closing of Station Avenue. Mayor Griffith stated that all concerns are cleared up. Everything was addressed and Police and Fire Departments are aware of the final plans. Seventh Avenue will remain open for emergency vehicles.

Mayor Griffith asked Council for their input regarding the Megan’s Law Amendments. Council will pass a resolution of support at the next council meeting. Mayor also received an email from the Borough of Chesilhurst asking freeholders not to close the adult day care center. Joan Moreland was asked to try and get more information regarding the situation. N.J. Conference of Mayors honored Former Mayor August Longo for his work as past Mayor of Haddon Heights and the efforts he has shown in the organization.

Old Business: Public Hearing and Final Adoption of Ordinance 2004-1169

Ordinance 2004-1169 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 69 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Licenses, Permits and Fees (Increases fees for certified copies.)

Hearing and seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All members of Council voted yes. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2004-1169 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members of Council voted yes.

New Business: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 2004-1170 – Public Hearing and Final Adoption will be on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 8:00 p.m.

Ordinance 2004-1170 – Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, NJ Canceling Certain Funded Appropriation Balances Heretofore Provided for Various Capital Projects and Reappropriating Such Funded Appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2004-1170 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:62 – Resolution Approving Public Display of Fireworks

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:62 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:63 – Resolution Designating Recipients for the Camden County Housing Rehabilitation Program and Authorizing Camden County Division of Community Development as Administrative Agent

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:63 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:64 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 1st Half of April 2004

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:64 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

With no further business to come before Council Mayor Griffith called for comments from the public.

Holly Cass, 18 Seventh Avenue, asked council what they would do if all 600 tickets for the gala were not sold; would we subsidize? Mayor Griffith stated that she would address this with the Centennial Committee tomorrow night, but does not anticipate that will happen.

Gregory McAdams, 1006 S. Park Avenue, questioned the amount of money regarding Ordinance 2004-1170 and what it is for. Council responded the $5,000 is for the Library façade, the cement on the front of the building is old. Mr. McAdams also commented on the wonderful turnout last week, stating that he Heritage League did a wonderful presentation.

Bill Kenney, 1944 S. Park Avenue, is sure the gala event will be a great success. Mr. Kenney believes it is irresponsible not to be concerned regarding ticket sales. He also questioned Ordinance 2004-1170.

With no further business to come before Council motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members of Council voted yes.

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Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk