February 1, 2005 Minutes

February 1, 2005

Council President Trish Sheilds opened the regularly scheduled meeting 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 5, 2005”.

Under Roll Call the following members were present: Councilwomen Haven, Wyman, Cortese and Sheilds. Solicitor John B. Kearney was also present. Mayor Griffith, Councilmen Hamburger and Witzig were absent.

Motion to approve minutes from the January 18^th meeting was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. All members present were in favor.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven reported that the Construction office staff is currently going through a backlog of files that need closing. She anticipated that it will take one month to complete.

Councilwoman Andrea Wyman said that the Department of Public Works did an “excellent” job removing the snow. She said she received a very nice letter complimenting the men for a job well done. Councilwoman Wyman asked that the letter be included in full as part of the minutes.

Council President Trish Sheilds, reporting for Recreation, said that the fencing around the McCullough Field on Devon Avenue should be decided on soon. Regarding the Finance Committee, she reported that they will be meeting with Department Heads again next week and also said the Municipal Budget will be ready for introduction at the February 15^th meeting.

The Council President called for comments from the Public on Agenda Items. There were no comments at this time.

Old Business: None

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinances 2005-1187 and 1188. Public hearings and final adoptions will be held on February 15, 2005 at 8:00pm.

Ordinance 2005:1187 – Capital Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey, Appropriating Certain Moneys in the General Capital Fund Balance (surplus) for the Payment of the Costs of the Acquisition of an Electronic Sealer for the Borough Clerk’s and Tax Collector‘s Office. (This will replace a sealer from 1904 that has been difficult to use due to its age).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2005:1187 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2005:1188 - Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget and Appropriation Limits and to Establish a Cap Bank. (NJSA 40A: 4-45.14).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2005:1188 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:41 – Resolution Refunding Tax Overpayments. (Block 134 Lot 18 $250 senior deduction allowed and Block 64 Lot 10, overpayment of 4^th quarter by mortgage company).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:41 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call, all members voted yes.

Resolution 2005:42 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Animal Orphanage, Inc. for Animal Shelter Services. ($4,200 for the year 2005, no increase from last year).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:42 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. Under roll all, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:43 – Resolution Appointing Pamela Driver to the Library Board of Trustees as the Mayor’s Alternate.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:43 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All members present voted yes. At this point, Council President Sheilds issued the Oath of Office to Mrs. Driver. Mrs. Driver received a round of applause from those in attendance, including her 3 daughters!

Resolution 2005:44 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to EDCON Associates for Consulting Services Related to the Haddon Heights and Barrington Fire Department Merger. (Each town will pay $5,000).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:44 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:45 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 1^st Half of February.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:45 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

With no further business to come before council and no comments from the public, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All members present were in favor.

_____________________________________ 8:08pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk