February 15, 2005 Minutes

February 15, 2005

Mayor Susan R. Griffith 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 of council were present: Councilwomen Beth Ann Haven, Andrea Wyman, Barbara Cortese and Trish Sheilds, Councilman Donald Witzig. Sherry Switzer filled in for Solicitor John Kearney. Councilman Kenneth Hamburger was absent.

Councilwoman Wyman made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 1^st meeting. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members present were in favor with the exception of Councilman Witzig, who abstained from voting.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven, reporting for the Construction and Zoning Offices, said there have been 24 new permits issued and 10 updates totaling $5,000, with a total construction value of $254,000. She also reported progress with closing out old permits, saying the staff is working to clear up the backlog.

Councilman Donald Witzig, reporting for Public Safety said that Ambulance Chief Zenuk is proceeding with the State to have the license transferred from the Borough to the Ambulance Corps. Witzig reported that he has met with Police Chief Shute regarding promotions, noting that since the retirement of a detective, the department has been working with short shifts.

Councilwoman Trish Sheilds, reporting for Finance said that the 2005 Municipal Budget will be ready for introduction on March 1^st. Reporting for Recreation, she said the old fence at Devon Avenue will be removed this week and a new one installed in the next 2-weeks. She also reported that an individual has expressed interest in starting a flag football league and another is interested in field hockey. Both areas are being looked into to see if there is interest from our residents and their children. Councilwoman Sheilds reported that she attended an Eagle Scout program on the Mayor’s behalf and received a thank-you.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese reporting for Administration said she had a lunch meeting with the staff to go over each of their job duties, saying she would like to meet with quarterly. Councilwoman Cortese thanked the Administrative staff for “a job well done”.

Mayor Griffith announced that tomorrow’s Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper will have a feature story on “The Haddons” (Haddon Heights, Haddonfield and Haddon Township) and that 100 copies will be available to the public.

With no further reports to be made, Mayor Griffith called for comments from the public on agenda Items. No comments were made at this time.

Old Business:

Public hearings and final adoptions of Ordinances 2005-1187 and 1188.

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).

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public regarding Ordinance 2005:1187, motion made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig to close the public hearing. All present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2005:1187 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes. At this point, the Clerk and Deputy Clerk applauded council for their approval!

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

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public on Ordinance 2005:1188, motion made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Haven to close the public hearing. All present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2005:1188 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. Under roll call members present voted yes.

New Business:

Resolution 2005:46 – Resolution Relieving the Tax Collector from the Collection of Taxes with Balances of $10.00 or Less.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:46 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:47 – Resolution Refunding Tax Overpayments. (Block 140 Lot 12 $250 veteran deduction allowed and Block 62.01 Lot 15 $250 senior deduction).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:47 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:48 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Remington & Vernick Engineers for Engineering and Inspection Services Related to the Maple Avenue and Kings Highway Pumping Stations in the Amount of $4,380.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:48 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:49 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 2^nd Half of February.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:49 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:50 – Resolution Appointing Paul Speas to the Position of Non-Compensated Fire Inspector.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:50 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:51 – Resolution Approving Location of Bus Stop Along State Highway Route 30 (White Horse Pike) (Part of Barrington’s streetscape project, they will maintain the bus shelter).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:51 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:52 – Resolution Appointing Municipal Court Judge to Fill an Unexpired Appointment. (Robert Zane)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:52 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, Mayor Griffith called for comments from the public. Mr. Troutman of Chestnut Avenue asked if Resolution 2005:46, that relieves the Tax Collector of collecting balances less than $10.00, meant that people who have balances less than $10 could be in a tax sale? He was told no, the people involved would not be listed in a tax sale.

With no further business to come before council, motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All present were in favor.

________________________________ 8:15pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk