August 16, 2005 Minutes

August 16, 2005

Council President Trish Sheilds opened the regularly scheduled meeting with a moment of silence and salute to the flag.

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 5, 2005”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilwomen Wyman, Cortese and Sheilds, Councilmen Hamburger and Witzig. Mayor Susan R. Griffith and Councilwoman Haven were absent.

Motion to approve the minutes from the July 19^th meeting was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All were in favor.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilman Donald Witzig reporting for Public Safety said that there is a resolution on tonight’s agenda to transfer the licenses to the HH Ambulance Corps. He also reported that the survey related to the merger of Haddon Heights and Barrington Fire Departments will be provided to council in the beginning of September.

Councilman Kenneth Hamburger reporting for Intergovernment gave a report on the status of the improvements being made at various Haddon Heights schools, noting that work is ongoing at all locations.

Councilwoman Andrea Wyman reporting for Public Works said that Haddon Heights suffered badly during last weeks storm. She commended the Department of Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department and Ambulance Corps for their efforts. Wyman said the costs related to the storm were $15,000 and because there is no funding available an emergency appropriation will be adopted later this evening. Councilwoman Wyman announced that DPW employees are working diligently to get all of the brush picked up and asked the residents to be patient. Councilman Witzig said that the decision not to pick up recycling material last week was solely decided by the DPW.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese said that certificates will be issued tonight to members of the 4^th of July Committee for their efforts in making the past 4^th of July celebration one to remember!

Council President Trish Sheilds reporting for Finance said that the Borough received a check in the amount $20,000 representing a Technology Grant from Comcast. She also reported that Phase II of the Streetscape is underway, with a public hearing scheduled for the September 6^th Council meeting. Council President Sheilds gave an update on the work being done by PSE&G on Station Avenue. She said the mains were deeper than PSE&G expected, holes have been backfilled and paving will be done after a 45-day “settling” period. She noted that once school begins, PSE&G would not begin work until after 9am and quit before Station Avenue gets busy with school traffic in the afternoons.

Council President called for remarks from the public on agenda items.

David Ragonese, 603 Sycamore Terrace asked if he could have a copy of the minutes from the last meeting. He was given a copy by the Borough Clerk.

At this point in the meeting, Council President Sheilds asked representatives from Commerce Bank and the Library Board of Trustees to come forward. Joe Treddenick, Regional Vice President and Adena Sherman-Adams, Manager of the Haddon Heights Branch presented Jim Alexander, Chairman of the Library Board of Trustees and Suzanne Barr, Secretary of the Board with 3’ x 6’ mural duplicating the large one hanging in the Haddon Heights Branch of Commerce Bank. Council President Trish Sheilds joined the group. Robert Hunter, Library Director was the person who gave Commerce Bank the original photo that was used for the mural that hangs in the bank. The mural will be hung in an appropriate location at the Library.

Council President Sheilds and Councilwoman Cortese presented Certificates of Appreciation to members of the 4^th of July Committee for their efforts in having a wonderful 4^th of July celebration. The following members were present to receive their certificates: Sherrie Lee Collings, Ted and Becky Kitchmire (Chairs), John Rayser, and Mike and Jackie Valvardi. Members of the committee who were unable to attend the meeting were: Jim Cox, Wayne Grear, Chuck Walter, Chris Walter, Ted and Amy Jo Reynolds, Betsey McLeester, Maria Crisostomo, and Tom Gardine

Old Business:

Public hearings and final adoptions of Ordinances 2005-1195 and 1196.

Ordinance 2005:1195 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 213 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Fees. (Adds late fee for dog and cat licenses, amends required fee for State fingerprint investigation and eliminates fee for Zoning Variance Guide Book.)

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All were in favor. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2005:1195 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Ordinance 2005:1196 – An Ordinance Fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation to be Paid to the Non-Contract Employees of the Borough of Haddon Heights for the Year 2005. (2% increase. $40.00 stipend for certain employees who are required to come in at night for court or meetings has been added to base salary at the rate of $40.80 per night).

Motion to TABLE was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All were in favor. The Ordinance, with amendments, will be advertised in full in this week’s Retrospect. Public hearing and final adoption is scheduled for September 6^th at 8:00pm at a regularly scheduled Council meeting.

New Business:

Resolution 2005:94 - Resolution Awarding a Contract to Pennoni Associates, Inc. to Complete the Work Necessary for a Matching Grant. (Environmental Committee received a grant for $2,500 for the purpose of consulting services relative to conducting a Preliminary Assessment for the Devon Avenue landfill. Three quotes were received; Pennoni Associates, Inc. was the lowest, most qualified bidder).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:94 was made by Councilman Hamburger, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:122 – Resolution Refunding Tax Overpayment. (Overpayments occurred during settlement of 2 properties; total of $41.94 to be refunded).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:122 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:123 – Resolution Authorizing Purchases Utilizing State Contract. (Fire Department is purchasing an Airmation Exhaust Capture System from Air Technology Company under State Contract A8810 at the cost of $44,856.00. Funding for this purchase is through a grant).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:123 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Hamburger. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:124 – Resolution Requesting Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriations. (Money received after the Budget was in process. This resolution is requesting that $75,000 be added to the budget as a special item of revenue).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:124 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:125 – Resolution Requesting Approval of Item of Revenue and Appropriation. (Same as above. Resolution is requesting that $6,884.16 be added to the budget as a special item of revenue).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:126 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:126 – Resolution Requesting Approval of item of Revenue and Appropriation. (Same as above. Resolution is requesting that $7,222.21 be added to the budget as a special item of revenue).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:126 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:127 – Resolution Creating an Emergency Appropriation. (Expenses directly related to the severe storm on 8/8/05 will be paid now by means of a loan. Loan will be paid no later than 12/31/06. Expenses will be appropriated in next year’s budget).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:127 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:128 – Resolution for Renewal of Membership in the Camden County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:128 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:129 – Resolution Ratifying the Payment of Selected Claims. (Certain bills had to be paid before this meeting. The Code established a procedure wherein the Treasurer has the authority to issue checks without council approval in order to have the bills paid in a timely fashion. This resolution ratifies the payment of checks to the HH Bd. Of Ed., Camden Co. Treas., HH Library, Bowman & Company and Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield).

Motion to adopt Resolution 129 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:130 – Resolution Modifying the Payment Scheduled to the Haddon Heights Board of Education. (This will change the currently quarterly schedule to a bi-monthly schedule at the School Board’s request).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:130 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:131 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills and Claims for August.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:131 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:132 – Resolution Awarding a Contract for Computer Maintenance to United Computer Sales and Service, Inc., in the Amount of $8,020. (Current contract expires 9/1/05. This contract will be for 1 year and will cover all computers in the Borough, excluding the Library).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:132 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Hamburger. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2005:133 – Resolution Regarding State Licenses Held by the Borough of Haddon Heights. (HH Ambulance Corps).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:133 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilman Hamburger. All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:134 – Resolution Regarding Insuring the Haddon Heights Ambulance Corps, the Haddon Heights EMS and any other Affiliated Organization Providing Emergency Medical Services.

Resolution 2005:134 was amended in the caucus meeting to add leasing information. (Two (2) ambulances will be leased by the Corps at $1.00 for 3 years.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:134 with the amendments was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

With no further business to come before council, Council President Sheilds called for comments from the public and the following residents came forward:

John Rayser, 611 W. High Street asked about Resolution 2005:94. Council President Sheilds explained that the resolution approved payment of $2,500 for engineering services related to the Devon Avenue landfill, noting that it was the Borough’s portion of a matching grant. He then questioned the previous money spent on this same project. Councilwoman Wyman said the previous reports did not have enough information for us to be able to use the location for recreational purposes and that further study is needed. Mr. Rayser asked, “What happened to the $26,000 spent on the previous study”? Wyman responded that “we received a box of papers” and that they were not received before the $2,500 matching grant was applied for. Solicitor Kearney said it was more like “let sleeping dogs lie” and that the box did not include any information on whether the land could be used or not. Mr. Rayser suggested that before money is released to Pennoni, look through the box. Someone mentioned that it was another company that did the original study.

Chief John Zenuk, Haddon Heights Ambulance Corps thanked this year’s council and last year’s council members for their support. Councilwoman Cortese congratulated their efforts on becoming a paid squad.

David Ragonese, 603 Sycamore Terrace asked how the school’s construction projects are being affected by the insolvency of the SCC? Councilman Hamburger said we are not responsible for school actions, but said School Administrator Mark Stratton told him that it would be finished.

Regarding the Homeland Security Grant, Mr. Ragonese asked if the Borough received grant money? Solicitor Kearney said the Borough received $75,000. Mr. Ragonese said that he read that the Borough of Haddon Heights and Barrington would be sharing grant money designated for transportation safety. Kearney said the only transportation money he is aware of is $300,000 that was received by Gloucester for that purpose.

Mr. Ragonese said that 2 meetings ago he told council that the Borough was not in compliance with their own Cash Management Plan. He then presented the Borough Clerk with an analysis he prepared for council’s review, stating he wanted a response from the Council and Solicitor. The Borough Clerk told everyone that copies would be in their boxes in the morning.

With no further business to come before council, motion to adjourn this meeting and go into an Executive Session was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All members present were in favor.

_________________________________ 8:45pm

Joan D. Moreland, CMC, Borough Clerk