August 21, 2007 Minutes

August 21, 2007

Mayor Beth Ann Haven welcomed everyone to the joint caucus and council meetings being held at the Atlantic Avenue School.

The Mayor reviewed the items on the regular agenda and asked Sgt. Richard Kinkler to explain Ordinance 2007:1236. Sgt. Kinkler said the underage drinking ordinance closes the loop in NJ Law. He said the State Law covers underage drinking on public property; this ordinance will cover the matter on private property. Sgt. Kinkler also said the ordinance is being introduced at the request of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

Regarding Ordinance 2007:1237, Sgt. Kinkler advised council that this ordinance is being introduced in response to complaints from residents in the area. He said the ordinance will improve traffic flow around Glenview Avenue School and allow a specified and marked area for dropping off and picking up students.

Mayor Haven asked Borough Solicitor John Kearney to explain Ordinance 2007:1238 and Resolutions 2007:128 and 129.

Kearney explained that the mandatory ordinance being adopted by all towns basically prohibits building in a flood zone. He also said maps are on file in the Clerk’s office for public review.

Regarding Resolution 2007:128, Kearney explained that the owner requested to be entered into the PILOT program (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) for the property on the White Horse Pike. He said that the Borough would benefit because the money that comes in from the PILOT would all go to the Borough. Councilman Gordon Shopp asked if this has been viewed and approved by the Planning Board. Kearney said yes and also that they requested that Council adopt the resolution.

Regarding Resolution 2007:129, Kearney he received a call from a realtor regarding a deed restriction on 1302 Keswick Avenue that was apparently filed by the Borough in 1955. The deed was not recorded at the time. The deed restriction did not allow a “welding house” built on the property. The new owner, Mr. Weiler asked that the restriction be lifted which would allow the development of the property. Kearney said the owner would probably need to apply for a bulk variance to build on the property.

The second item on the caucus agenda was the Library Roof – Mayor Haven said with the amount of rain we have had in the past few months, the library roof has been leaking. She said that Councilman Thomas Ottoson will be meeting with Bob Hunter and designers in an effort to get some bids for the work. (Bids were received in 2006 for a new roof and were higher than the funding available for the project).

Under Roundtable, Mayor Haven asked Council members to hold their Committee Reports until the regular meeting. The following members presented reports:

Councilman Thomas Ottoson, reporting for Public Safety cover the following items: 1) Police budget was reduced by $20,000; 2) Retirement party for Detective David McWilliams is on Thursday evening and council members are invited to attend; 3) He believes that new hires could save money currently being spent on overtime; 4) Money has been saved on ammunition; 5) Has met with officials from Barrington regarding Shared Services and that all areas are being looked into; 6) Police contract arbitration is ongoing; 7) Regarding the squirt for the Fire Department, Ottoson said that they are looking into purchasing a used truck that has the squirt attached, thereby saving $35,000 to $75,000; and 8) New ambulance purchased with grant funds is in operation

Council President Trish Sheilds advised council that the Drainage Study results are in their boxes and will be discussed at the September caucus meeting.

Mayor Haven reported the following: 1)Said she was advised to keep trying for the purchase of a new fire truck utilizing grant money, that more money may be available in the future; 2) Walked through the areas prone to flooding with representatives from the County; 3) DPW has changed to lower octane gasoline for all Borough vehicles and has not noticed any problems; 4) Reminded seniors that the deadline for Homestead Rebates has been extended to October 31^st; and 5) Reminded council to attend the mandatory Emergency Management training this Thursday evening.

At this point, Mayor Haven introduced Ernie Merlino, CFO, Tom Glock, Assessor and Kelly Heppe, Camden County Tax Administrator. She welcomed all 3 and said that the State Division of Taxation was also invited and declined.

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:

Mayor Haven opened the regularly scheduled meeting at 7:35PM 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 2, 2007”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilmen Wentz, Shopp, Ottoson and Witzig, Councilwomen Cortese and Sheilds. Borough Solicitor John Kearney, Borough Clerk Joan Moreland and Deputy Clerk Patricia Cooper were also present.

Motion was made to adopt the minutes from the July 17^th meeting by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All were in favor with the exception of Councilman Wentz who abstained from voting.

Motion was made to adopt the minutes from the July 27^th special meeting by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All were in favor with the exception of Councilwoman Cortese who abstained from voting.

Motion was made by to adopt the minutes from the August 15^th meeting by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All were in favor.

The following Bid Reports for bids received on August 16^th were read by Borough Clerk Joan Moreland:

A. 2007 Curb Ramp Program (CDBG Grant)

5 bids received with bids ranging from $ 92,401 to a high of $208,075. The apparent low bidder was Paramount Enterprises. Bid package was complete.

B. 2007 Road Program (Capital funds)

2 sets of specs were distributed. 1 sealed bid was received, presented by Asphalt Paving Systems in the amount of $234,842. Bid package was complete. No action will be taken at this time.

Under Committee Reports the following reports were presented:

Councilman Gordon Shopp reported that the Economic Development Committee will resume meeting on the 3^rd Wednesday in September.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese reporting for the Public Works Department read the activity report for July, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. She said that pick up of grass and brush will continue.

Council President Trish Sheilds reporting for Parks and Recreation will be meeting shortly. She said that 4 large trees at Hoff’s Park are dead and have to be removed by an outside contractor as they are too large for our tree crew to handle.

She reported that work is continuing on W. Atlantic Avenue, although they were slowed down this week with the rain, but, anticipates they will be able to complete the reconstruction job within the 30-day period they proposed. She noted that the contract states the contractor has 75 days to complete the project.

Regarding the 2007 Budget, Sheilds reviewed the handout provided to everyone present. She said the budget being adopted tonight has a 4.5 cent increase and further explained that “this is a bare bones budget” with cuts made in most areas. She also advised those present that we received the highest amount of Extraordinary Aid ($325,000) in the County with the exception of Gloucester City. The complete report is on file in the Borough Clerk’s office for review.

With no further Committee reports to be made, Mayor Haven opened the meeting to the public for comments on agenda items. The following questions/comments were made:

Regarding Ordinance 2007:1237, Lawrence Williams, 1731 Sycamore Street gave council a drawing and letter signed by residents in his block , stating that they are proposing an answer to the congestion and parking problems caused by teachers/workers at the Glenview Avenue School. Mayor Haven asked Sgt. Richard Kinkler to contact Sgt. Marshall Simmons regarding this matter.

Regarding Resolution 2007:128, a resident (name and address inaudible) asked who proposed the idea. Solicitor Kearney said the property owner. He then asked what the benefit is. Kearney said is fills the need to provide senior housing. Councilman Shopp asked why this is coming up now. Kearney said the Planning Board has studied the case and asked that Council adopt the necessary resolution.

Regarding Council President Sheild’s budget presentation, Jeff Mullen, 508 4^th Avenue said the chart did not show Police and Fire Department wages and he has no idea of where the funds are going. Discussion followed. Councilwoman Cortese advised Mr. Mullen that all the information is available; he just has to ask for it.

Also regarding the budget presentation, Janice Burke, 1413 Prospect Ridge Blvd. asked if money has been set aside for the police contract. Council President Sheilds said yes, in the 2006 and 2007 budget.

Regarding the Police contract, Roni Olizi, asked what the difference was between what the police are asking for and what the DPW workers are asking for. Kearney said that AFSCME, has not contacted the Borough as of yet. She asked what happens if there is not enough in the budget to cover the amount of raises and was told by Kearney that a reasonable guess was made.

Rita DiFiori of Crest Avenue asked how much money is charged per student to attend our High School. Council President Sheilds said this question should be presented to the School Board, but, she believes the figure is $10,600.

Regarding the 2008 Road Work, Jeff Hudson, 1308 Sylvan Drive asked what section of Sylvan Drive was being reconstructed. He was advised that the area of Thirteenth Avenue to Glover Avenue is being reconstructed. He said he is on the corner at Thirteenth and advised council that the roadway is crumbling. The Mayor said she would look into his concern.

A resident from 214 2^nd Avenue asked about a PILOT program for seniors. He was advised that seniors who own property are not qualified for the program.

With no further questions on agenda items, Mayor Haven opened the meeting to Old Business.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mayor Haven opened the meeting for the Public Hearing on Resolution 2007:117.

Resolution 2007:117 – Resolution Amending the 2007 Municipal Budget.

John Rayser advised council that he received a letter from Comcast regarding money that will be paid to the town for property relief. Mayor Haven said the Borough also received a letter, but they are not sure what it will mean at the present time or when we will get it.

With no further comments on Resolution 2007:117, motion to close the public hearing was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Lee Wentz. All were in favor.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:117 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Gordon Shopp. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:66 – 2007 Municipal Budget.

Motion to bring Resolution 2007:66 back to the table was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All were in favor.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:66 as amended was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members voted yes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of Ordinances 2007:1236, 1237 and 1238. The Mayor announced that public hearings and final adoptions to be held on September 18, 2007, 7:00pm at the Municipal Building.

Ordinance 2007:1236 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 116 Entitled Alcoholic Beverages of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Regarding Underage Consumption.

Ordinance 2007:1237 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 100 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Vehicles and Traffic

Ordinance 2007:1238 – The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.

Motion to introduce Ordinances 2007:1236, 1237 and 1238 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Upon roll call all members voted yes with the exception of Councilman Shopp who voted no on Ordinance 2007:1237.

Resolution 2007:118 – Resolution Requesting Approval of the Director of the Division of Local Government to Establish a Dedicated Trust by Rider for a Donation Received for Use by the Shade Tree Commission Pursuant to NJSA 40A:5-29.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:118 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:119 – Resolution Awarding a Contract for the Purchase of Copy and Computer Paper and Envelopes to Office Basics, Paper Mart and W.B. Mason as Par of the Camden County Cooperative Pricing System Identifier #57-CCCPS.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:119 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:120 – Resolution Correcting Resolution 2007:114 Approving Raffle Licenses for St. Rose of Lima PTA.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:120 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members voted yes.

Action on Resolutions 2007:121 and 122 will be taken at a later date. Items were removed before meeting.

Resolution 2007:123 – Resolution Awarding a Contract for Handicapped Curb Cuts at Various Locations.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:123 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:124 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills and Claims for August.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:124 was made by Council president Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:125 - Resolution and Application to NJDOT for Municipal Aid for 2008 Road Program.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:125 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:126 – Resolution Approving Change Order for the West Atlantic Avenue Project.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:126 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:127 – Resolution to Control Spending.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:127 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:128 –Resolution of Approval by the Borough Council of Haddon Heights that Block 37, Lot 3 and &, Block 34 Lot 18 is an Area in Need of Redevelopment Pursuant to NJSA 40A:12A-1 et seq.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:128 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:129 - Resolution of Approval to Remove the Deed Restriction in Regard to Block 72, Lot 13.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:129 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, Mayor Haven asked Kelly Heppe, Camden County Board of Taxation Administrator to come forward to address the residents.

Ms. Heppe advised the residents that an “in-depth investigation of our revaluation was done and everything was done properly”. She said with the “human factor, mistakes were probably made and will be corrected, but not this year”. She advised residents that they can appeal next year and every year if they so choose.

Bernie Delguidice, 510 Third Avenue said he expects a Resolution throwing out the new assessments on the September 18^th agenda. He asked Assessor Tom Glock if he received RFPs or RFQs before the contract was awarded to Professional Property Appraisers. Mr. Glock said no. Mr. Delguidice then read a letter (or Email) from Tom Glock to then Mayor Susan Griffith regarding the reasoning for not going out for bids to choose a company to perform the revaluation. Solicitor Kearney explained that the contract was awarded as a Professional Contract and therefore is not required to go out for bids. Mr. Delguidice replied to Kearney “You’re not getting it John”, and said he wants council to hire someone that residents can speak with to, to appeal.

Approximately fourteen (14) other residents came before council expressing their concerns about the difference between commercial and residential, replacing the Assessor, homes in traffic flow pattern around schools and the amount of increases in assessments. Their questions were answered by either Mayor Haven, Council President Sheilds, Assessor Thomas Glock or County Tax Administrator Kelly Heppe.

With no further comments to come before council motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All were in favor.

______________________________ 10:50pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk