December 6, 2005 Minutes

December 6, 2005

Mayor Griffith opened the meeting with a salute to the flag and a moment of silence for the Parker family who suffered the lost of a son in an automobile accident this past weekend.

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 Have, Wyman, Cortese and Sheilds, Councilman Witzig. Borough Solicitor John B. Kearney was also present. Councilman Ken Hamburger was absent.

Motion to approve the minutes from the November 15^th meeting was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members present were in favor with the exception of Councilwoman Haven who abstained from voting.

Mayor Griffith read a Certificate of Achievement to be presented to Michele Buscarello for her achievement of receiving a final grade of 99 on the Level III principles of Municipal Court Administration. Mrs. Buscarello was unable to attend the meeting, but everyone was impressed with her accomplishment.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven reporting for the Construction/Zoning Office said that 40 permits have been issued. She said that they now have email access and the information is on our website. Councilwoman Haven reported that new software is required by the State that will allow uploading of monthly reports which will then be sent directly to the State offices. She said that Mengeste Thomas El’s wife is still in the hospital after 6 months of recovering from a heart transplant. She said that there are still problems with rejection, but hoped she would be home for Christmas and asked everyone to keep her in their thoughts.

During the Caucus meeting Councilman Donald Witzig reporting for Public Safety said that there is a problem with parking when there is a fire call and that the volunteers sometimes have to park a distance from the station or block someone in. He would like to designate 8 spots to be used for that purpose only.

During the Caucus meeting Council President Trish Sheilds asked Council members to look at the Retiree Benefit brochure that the Borough Clerk prepared and to let her know of any necessary changes. She also said that Ernie Merlino, CMFO/Treasurer wrote a letter to Colleen Kelly from Commerce Insurance, thanking her for her efforts in saving us money in our recent dental and prescription renewals. She also reported that the recent American Red Cross blood drive resulted in savings 237 lives! Lastly, Council President Sheilds thanked the Business Association for their efforts in providing a Santa parade for the kids. She said they did a good job!

There were no remarks from the public on agenda items.

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinance 2005-1203. Public hearing and Final Adoption scheduled for December 20, 2005 at 8:00pm.

Ordinance 2005-1203 – An Ordinance Concerning the Haddon Heights Skate Park and Tennis Courts.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2005-1203 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:166 – Resolution Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:166 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:170 – Resolution Authorizing Pennoni Associates to Apply to the State of New Jersey’s Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund for a Grant for Remedial and Site Investigations for Devon Avenue.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:170 was made by councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:171 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to The Animal Orphanage for Animal Shelter Services for the period of 1/1/06 – 12/31/06. ($4,200, no increase in cost).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:171 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:173 – Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayments. (Duplicate payment made by a title company and mortgage company for the same property, thereby creating an overpayment. Refund will go to the mortgage company).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:173 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:174 – Resolution Requesting Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation (NJS 40A:4-87). (Sets up an appropriation for the $2,000 Buckle Up South Grant received by the State of NJ, Department of Law and Public Safety).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:174 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:175 – Resolution Authorizing Payment to Auto Shine Car Wash in the Amount of $7,400. (Police vehicles washes from 1997 – 2003).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:175 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Wyman who voted no.

Resolution 2005:176 – Resolution Approving a Purchase by the Fire Department Utilizing a State Contract. ( One Motorola portable radio at the cost of $773.63; funding coming from 2004 capital money appropriated to the Fire Department).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:176 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:177 - Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 1^st Half of December.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:177 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

At this point, with no further business to come before council, Mayor Griffith called for comments from the public and the following residents came forward:

Mr. Greg McAdams, 1006 South Park Drive asked for an explanation of the resolution dealing with transfers. It was explained to him.

Sandra Schernagal, 11 8^th Avenue requested that a “no stopping or standing” sign be placed in front of her home. Solicitor Kearney suggested she contact the Police Chief who would know the proper procedure. Councilman Witzig said he would meet with the Chief and hopefully have an answer at the next meeting for her. She stated the same concerns with the parking situation involving Kings Christian School, soon to be Brookfield Academy. She said that now it seems like Kings Christian School is using the area as a pick up spot for kids and then taking them to Cherry Hill. Lastly, she mentioned that there is a new law regarding idling vehicles specific to busses.

Council President asked if everyone agreed with a January 3^rd Reorganization meeting at 6PM? Everyone seemed to agree.

Mayor Griffith announced that there will be an information meeting regarding the soccerfields on Monday, December 12^th at the High School at 6:00pm.

With no further business to discuss, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All present were in favor.

_______________________________ 8:30pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk