December 19, 2006 Minutes

December 19, 2006

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

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, 2006.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilwomen Cortese, Sheilds and Haven, Councilmen Witzig and Ottoson. Solicitor John Kearney was also present. Mayor Susan R. Griffith and Councilman Gordon Shopp were absent.

Motion to approve the minutes from December 5th was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All members present voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Haven who abstained from voting.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven gave her end of the year report on the Construction Office stating that the position of Nuisance Officer will be looked at for next year. She mentioned the outstanding issue of temporary seasonal stands. Activity for the year was: 166 zoning applications, 113 applications approved, 112 complaints were handled and 484 construction permits were issued for a total value of $96,000. Councilwoman Haven said the building has gone through much needed renovation with the inside and outside being cleaned and painted, new carpeting in the office area and file cabinets were added and organized with Marie Holcombe’s help. She also mentioned that new software has been added to link with the state for monthly reports as required.

Councilwoman Haven said that is her last meeting and thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve the residents of Haddon Heights for the past 3 years.

Councilman Donald Witzig reported a water leak in the Chief’s office caused damage that is being handled by the insurance company. Regarding vehicles, he reported that 2 cars have been repaired and are now on the street again and that the Chief will be purchasing an SUV utilizing a State Contract.

Council President Trish Sheilds read a thank you note from Mayor Susan R. Griffith for funeral flowers sent for her husband, retired Captain Robert A. Griffith who passed away on November 21, 2006.

There were no remarks from the public on agenda items at this time.

Old Business:

Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinance 2006:1228.

Ordinance 2006:1228 – An Ordinance Amending chapter 75 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights. (Regarding job performance evaluations to be completed by the Chief and other related matters).

Hearing or see no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2006:1228 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2006:1228 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

New Business:

Ordinance 2006:1229 – Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Canceling Certain Funded Appropriation Balances Heretofore Provided for Capital Improvements and Reappropriating Such Funded appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects. (Using money from a completed project for improvements to Borough’s fuel tanks).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2006:1229 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members voted yes. Public hearing and final adoption are scheduled for January 16^th at 8:00pm.

Resolution 2006:179 – Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayments. (Due to refinancing, sale of property or duplicate payments made).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:179 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:180 – Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for a SHARE
Grant in the Amount of $20,000).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:180 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:181 – Resolution Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:181 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:182 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 2^nd Half of December.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:182 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:183 – Resolution Regarding Health Benefits. (Effective 1/1/07, all new hires will only receive medical benefits for themselves. Coverage for spouse and dependents will be made available by the Borough at the expense of the employee by means of payroll deduction.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:183 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Upon roll call all members of council present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:184 – Resolution Regarding Amendment of Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:184 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members of council present voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, Council President Trish Sheilds read a statement regarding Mayor Susan R. Griffith. The statement was as follows:

“Unfortunately, but understandably everyone here this evening is aware that Mayor Susan R. Griffith has given her resignation as of December 31, 2006.

The Mayor is not able to be here this evening, but I feel it fitting to say a few works.

You never know what others have on their plates until you have to walk in their shoes, but I have gotten a little taste of what being the Mayor of Haddon Heights entails and I can honestly say – they are some mighty big shoes to be filled when the Mayor officially steps down.

Susan is a very strong lady, and I mean lady. Susan has been a volunteer for this Borough as Councilwoman, Council President and Mayor for the last 8 ½ years. She has taken pride in representing out town. It hasn’t always been easiest – but she has had a lot of joy!

The Mayor is a true leader in every sense of the word. She has treated everyone with the utmost respect. She might not have had the answer the resident was looking for, but always tried to help in any way she could. Nor would she forget. We could be working on a project and she would interject, “Oh, you remember the resident on such and such street, maybe this could help them”. The people of Haddon Heights always came first and she has handled all situations with grace.

I know many of you here tonight have known Susan for many more years than I, but I feel privileged to be able to have worked with her for the last 3 years. I know when I got elected, Susan was not jumping for joy – but we have worked well together and I will miss that. I think we both knew there was more kinship brewing when we kept showing up with either the same outfit or same colors during my first year!

Everyone says, why do you do this, it’s such a thankless job – but I know Susan did not do this for thanks – Susan was the Mayor with a heart and our hearts go out to her right now and always. Bob, Susie and Bridgette gave her to us for 8 ½ years and Susan and Bob wanted to go out together! This is the way Susan can fill her plan with Bob, and we thank them all for everything”.

Council President Sheilds presented a plaque to Outgoing Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven commending her for 3 years service as a Council Member. Haven received a round of applause from council members and residents in attendance.

At this point Council President Sheilds invited the public to come forward with any questions or concerns.

Roni Olizi, 424 3^rd Avenue asked who decided that the Centennial, Activities and Decorations Committees would be combined. She also asked why the topic was not talked about in public. Olizi stated that she was a founding member in 1996 when a committee was put together to plan for the Borough’s Centennial celebration. She then asked council to leave the Centennial Committee alone.

Jackie Parisi, 506 11^th Avenue said she is a member of the Centennial Committee and is a little confused as to what council wants the group to do. She asked for clarification of her membership, noting that she feels they are being “dumped on”. Councilwoman Cortese said that nothing is going on with either the decorations or activities groups for several years. Ms. Parisi said a phone call before the letter went out would have been appropriate.

John Rayser, 611 W. High Street asked what committees were joined with the Centennial Committee. He was told activities and decorations comprising about 4 people.

Rayser said he attended last night’s Economic Development meeting and heard some good ideas, but encouraged them to use volunteers whenever possible. He asked about the Guiderail replacement and was informed that it would be replace, in kind, by the builders of the proposed senior development. Regarding leaf pick up, Mr. Rayser suggested recycling every other week during leaf season.

Ted Kitchmire, 4^th Avenue, said he was going to suggest that the 4^th of July Committee could use help by volunteers. He said there would be festivities the night before and a parade on July 4^th. He announced that the committee meets the 2^nd Wed. of every other month, 7:30pm in the Mayor’s office.

Roni Olizi, in regard to the $20,000 SHARE Grant, asked who was going to be doing the study. Councilman Ottoson said they are currently looking into different companies to see which one would be the best qualified for the job.

John Schmidt, 1357 Chestnut Avenue said he is on the Centennial Committee and has never been informed of meeting dates and wants to be.

Jackie Valvardi, 514 11^th Avenue, said they meet the 2^nd Wed. at 6pm in the Mayor’s Office and all meetings have been listed on the Borough calendar. To Council, Mrs. Valvardi said, “again, just as a courtesy, the joining of 3 committees should have been handled differently.”

With no further comments to come before council, motion to close the public portion was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All present were in favor.

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All present were in favor.

_____________________________ 8:40pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk