December 4, 2007 Minutes

December 4, 2007

Mayor Beth Ann Haven opened the caucus meeting by welcoming everyone.

A discussion on wording in Ordinance 2007:1242 (Pay to Play) ensued. Solicitor John Kearney explained the ramifications of changing the wording as suggested by Mr. Ragonese at an earlier meeting. He said that limiting any holdings of a company would basically eliminate the larger companies from bidding, which could hurt the Borough in return. Councilwoman Cortese said we already had an auditor from a small company and it caused problems. After a discussion, Council President Sheilds suggested that Council adopt the resolution as initially introduced to get something on the books. She noted that amendments can always be made at a later date. Under a “straw poll” 4 members agreed to adopt as introduced, 2 did not.

Mayor Haven asked Borough Clerk Joan Moreland to bring everyone up to date on the PARIS Grant. Moreland explained the process from the beginning and advised Council that she has prepared a narrative, history of the Borough and completed an application, all of which were submitted to the County for inclusion in the grant application being prepared by Maria Efstradiates of the Camden County Records Archives Department. She explained that 17 towns are involved in sharing services with the County of Camden for this purpose and said that everything being worked on now is for the 2008-2009 round of grants. Moreland advised council that Maria Efstradiates and a vendor have been in Haddon Heights and viewed our current record storage system. She advised council that this round of grants is for inventory, labeling, storage, purging and storage of permanent records for all 17 towns.

Under Roundtable, the following reports were made:

Councilman Thomas Ottoson, Public Safety Director advised council members that a proclamation will be on the 12/18/07 agenda for a speeding crackdown 12/7/07 – 1/2/08. Regarding the recent interviews held for the Police Chief position, Ottoson reported that the committee, made up of 3 council members and 3 private citizens who have police experience, were very impressed with the 5 applicants. He announced that the officer chosen will be sworn in on 12/18/07. Regarding the Police Contract, Ottoson said he is still waiting for the final draft. He reported that the Fire Department is meeting with Seagrave this evening regarding a new fire truck. He also reported that EMS held a very nice Annual Banquet this past weekend that he attended. Ottoson also informed council that the EMS is just about ready to present a shared services program with the County to council where HH EMS will be covering for Audubon and Audubon Park. Lastly, Ottoson informed council that 10 contractors attended the mandatory pre-bid meeting regarding replacement of the Library’s roof. He noted that we might have to look at other damage caused by the leaking roof, such as ceiling tiles and damage to other areas.

Councilman Gordon Shopp advised council that he received a letter from Mengste Thomas El stating that he is resigning his positions of Zoning Official, Plumbing Inspector & Construction Official effective 12/31/07. He also said that Mr. Thomas El offered to mentor his replacement to make the transition run smoothly. Mayor Haven asked Councilman Shopp to meet with the Borough Clerk to get the hiring procedure started.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese presented an activity report for DPW for November. A copy of the full report is attached. She also reminded everyone about not placing leaves in the street and explained that leaves that go into the storm water drains cause environmental problems. She reminded everyone that it is not the Borough’s rule, but the State’s and asked everyone to cooperate.

Council President Trish Sheilds, reporting for Finance said that RFP’s for Auditor, Bond Counsel, Engineer and Solicitor are due to the Clerk by noon on 12/11/07. She then advised council that Haddon Heights is among the top 3 towns currently qualified for a $25,000 grant for recycling from the County. She encouraged everyone to help by recycling on a regular basis. Regarding the recent Holiday Parade, she said the parade organized by the Haddon Heights Business and Professional Association was a great event, noting they did a great job. Lastly, Sheilds said that members of the Police Department are trying to spruce up their areas and asked if the memorial for John Norcross could be moved to the foyer where more people will see it. They are also concerned that the glass shelving could be accidentally broken by the many tours of children and people who go through the department on a regular basis. All of council agreed to the relocation of the John Norcross Memorial.

Councilman Donald Witzig reported on the recent Department Head meeting, saying leaf collection and the telephone calls related to it were the main topic. He then read a report of activity from Administration. A copy of the full report is attached.

Mayor Beth Ann Haven advised council that the Engineer has contracted her regarding the delay of the 2007 Road Program (Green Street and Glover Avenue), saying they are concerned about the turn in weather. She said the contractors need 5 consecutive days of temperatures above 35 degrees or above. The contractor will have the areas prepared for winter weather and complete the reconstruction in the spring. Councilman Witzig asked about any increase in cost. The Mayor said the Borough Clerk has received a letter from the contractor stating there would no increase in cost to the Borough and has the letter is on file with the contract. The Mayor noted that the Engineer agrees with the contractor and feels it is in the Borough’s best interest to complete the project in the spring. She then advised council that she received a letter from the Camden County Hero Scholarship Fund thanking council for approving the refund of fees paid for a raffle license.

With no further items to be discussed in caucus, Mayor Haven opened the meeting to formal business.

She asked everyone to stand and salute the flag.

Under Roll Call the following members were present: Councilmen Lee Wentz, Gordon Shopp, Thomas Ottoson and Donald Witzig, Councilwoman Barbara Cortese and Council President Trish Sheilds. Also present was Solicitor John B. Kearney.

The Mayor opened the meeting to the public for comments on agenda items. There were none.

OLD BUSINESS: Public hearings and final adoptions of Ordinances 2007: 1246, 1247 and 1248.

Ordinance 2007:1246– An Ordinance establishing the Salary/wages for the Temporary Position of Acting Police Chief for the Period of 9/14/07 – 11/30/07. ($5,038.00)

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2007:1246 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007:1246 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Ordinance 2007:1247 – an Ordinance Amending Chapter 213 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Fees (increase in dog license fees to $12 for un-neutered dogs and $9.00 for neutered dogs. Becomes effective 1/1/08).

Hearing or seeing no comments from the pubic, motion to close the pubic hearing on Ordinance 2007:1247 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 20097:1247 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Ordinance 2007:1248 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Canceling Certain Unfunded Appropriation Balances Heretofore Provided for Capital Improvements and Reappropriating such Unfunded appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects. ($11,000 from a project that is completed to go towards a 4 x 4 vehicle for the Police Dept.).

Hearing or seeing no comments from the pubic, motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2007:1248 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007:1248 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members voted yes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution 2007:156 - Resolution Creating An Emergency Appropriation.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:156 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call all council members voted yes with the exception of Council President Sheilds who voted no.

Resolution 2007:158 – Resolution Requesting Approval of the Director of the Division of Local Government to Establish a Dedicated Trust by Rider for a Donation Received to Cover the Cost of a Memorial Bench Dedicated to Anthony Di Fulio Pursuant to NJSA 40A:5-29. (State’s deadline to file this is 12/15/07).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:158 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Introduction of Ordinance 2007:1249. Public hearing and final adoption will be held on 12/18/07 at 7pm in the Municipal Building, 625 Station Avenue, Haddon Heights, NJ.

Ordinance 2007:1249 – Ordinance Authorizing Payment for Inspections and Clerical Work Related to the King’s Run Project. ( $35 per inspection for Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Inspectors and $14 an hour for clerical work performed by 2 employees).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2007:1249 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Upon roll call all members voted yes with the exception of Council President Sheilds who voted no.

With no further formal business to come before council, Mayor Haven opened the meeting the public for comments, questions or concerns. There were none.

Mayor Haven announced that council would be going into a closed session for the discussion of personnel and negotiations.

Motion to close the meeting at 7:38PM to the public for the discussion of ongoing negotiations with bargaining units and personnel was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All council members were in favor.

Meeting was opened to the public at 8:27PM with a motion made by Councilman Shopp and seconded by Council President Sheilds. All were in favor.

Motion was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Ottoson to adopt a Resolution Appointing Richard Kinkler to the Position of Chief of Police Effective 12/18/07. All were in favor.

Meeting was adjourned with a motion by Councilman Shopp, second by Councilman Witzig. All were in favor

_________________________________________8:30PM

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk