February 17, 2004 Minutes

February 17, 2004

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 newspapers provided by resolution adopted January 3, 2004”.

Under Roll Call the following members of council were present: Councilwomen Haven, Houser and Sheilds, Councilmen O’Toole and Witzig. Borough Solicitor John B. Kearney was also present. Councilwoman Wyman was absent.

Motion to approve the minutes from the February 3, 2004 meeting was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded Councilwoman Sheilds. All other members of council voted yes with the exception of Mr. Witzig, who abstained.

Mayor Griffith read a proclamation designating February 17, 2004 as Jarrod McGee Day to the McGee Family, who joined her at the dais. Jarrod has a rare form of cancer that has been in remission for the past 15 months.

Committee Reports:

Councilwoman Haven reported that she and Tim Daly met with Remington & Vernick to update the zoning maps at no cost to the borough. They will also provide a proposal for a GIS system

Councilman Witzig reported that the safety areas are working very hard. They ambulance squad has had 298 calls so far for this year. The police department has also been very busy and the January report is available.

Councilwoman Sheilds reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee did not meet. A meeting was held with Superintendent Snyder to discuss increased use of the fields by the high school. She stated this was a “tough budget” and thanked Councilman O’Toole for all his work; and reiterated there was no intention of closing the library.

Councilman O’Toole from the Finance Department thanked Councilwoman Sheilds and Councilman Witzig for their help with the budget. He also stated there were no intentions to shut down the library. The money for the library has been approved pending state aid. The final Public Hearing will be on March 16, 2004.

Mayor Griffith thanked Council for meeting with the library. The Borough has always gone over and above what is required for the library.

Mayor Griffith called for public comments on the agenda items.

Jim Alexander, President of the Board of Trustees, thanked Council and the public for their support.

Old Business: Public Hearing and Final Adoption of Ordinance 2004-1165

Ordinance 2004-1165 - An Ordinance Authorizing the Borough of Haddon Heights to Provide Legal Counsel and Indemnification for Officials, Employees and Appointees of the Borough of Haddon Heights in Certain Actions Brought Against Said Officials, Employees and Appointees.

Hearing and seeing no comments from the residents in attendance, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members of Council voted yes. Motion to adopt 2004-1165 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman O’Toole. All members of Council voted yes.

New Business: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 2004-1167 – Public Hearing and Final Adoption will be on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at 8:00 p.m.

Ordinance 2004-1167 – An Ordinance Fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation to be Paid to the Police Chief and Police Captain and Crossing Guards of the Borough of Haddon Heights for the Year 2004.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2004-1167 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Houser. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:46 – 2004 Municipal Budget Introduction. Public Hearing is scheduled for March 16th at 8:00 pm.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:46 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:47 – Resolution Relieving the Tax Collector From the Collection of Taxes with Balances of $10.00 or Less.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:47 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:48 – New Jersey Department of Transportation Resolution, Application and Agreement for State Aid to Counties and Municipalities (Resurfacing Eighth Avenue from Kings Highway to Station Avenue)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:48 was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:49 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for the Second Half of February 2004.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:49 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Houser. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:50 – Resolution Extending Agreement With Office Basics.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:50 was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

With no further business to come before Council Mayor Griffith called for comments from the public.

Pat Sheehy, 213 Second Avenue thanked Council for being so responsive to the community regarding the library.

Fire Chief, Steve Kinky stated the U.S. Fire Act awarded a $36,771 grant to the Haddon Heights Fire Department. Haddon Heights is one of the only fire departments in the state to receive this grant two years in a row.

Mayor Griffith stated there would be three council meetings in March. March 23rd Mayor and Council will re-enact the first council meeting from 1904.

With no further business to come before Council motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Houser, seconded by Councilman O’Toole. All members of Council voted yes.

_________________________________ 8:20 p.m.

Patricia A. Cooper, Deputy Borough Clerk