February 19, 2008 Minutes

February 19, 2008

CAUCUS MINUTES:

Mayor Scott M. Alexander welcomed everyone to the Caucus meeting and then called Student Council Members from Atlantic Avenue School and 7^th Avenue School up front to receive Oath of Office. The students were also presented with certificates by the Mayor and Council President Trish Sheilds.

The Mayor then reviewed the regular meeting agenda.

Assistant Fire Chief Frank Lafferty, joined by Chief Nick Scardino presented an explanation of “Knox Box” key system and proposed ordinance. Lafferty informed council that there are 9 buildings in town with elevators and said that in an emergency, they may have to gain access to the elevator and cannot carry all the keys for every building. He explained that there would be no cost to the Borough, as the business owner would be responsible for installing a “Knox Box” at the cost of $200-$250. It was noted that the Library has an elevator and would therefore be required to purchase a “Knox Box”.

Review of DPW Analysis – Mayor Alexander advised everyone that he and Councilman Tad Fetter have been looking at work flows for the Public Works Department and that the Superintendent, Gary Geserick has been involved in the process. He said he will have more information in a few weeks.

Council President Trish Sheilds presented information on GovDeals.com stating that Police Chief Kinkler and Officer Bruce Koch have been looking into the program that is similar to EBay, but is only for government entities. She said there are no fees, and would allow a minimum bid and picture of the items to be sold. Sheilds noted it would be good for police vehicles that could be placed for bid rather than having them sit around until the next auction and for items specifically intended for official police use.

REGULAR AGENDA:

Mayor Alexander opened the regular meeting with a salute to the flag and moment of silence.

He 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, 2008”.

Under Roll Call the following members were present: Councilmen Lee Wentz, Donald Witzig, Tad Fetter and Gordon Shopp, Councilwoman Rose Fitzgerald and Council President Trish Sheilds. Borough Solicitor Salvatore Siciliano was also present.

Regarding the minutes from February 6^th, Councilman Wentz requested that 2 changes be made. The Borough Clerk noted the changes. Motion was made by Councilman Wentz made a motion to approve the February 6^th minutes, as amended. Motion was seconded by Council President Sheilds. All were in favor.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilman Witzig said that he and the Mayor have been conducting interviews for the Assessor position. He also reported that Dr. Karen Galli is the newest member of the Local Board of Health and will be sworn in later this evening.

Councilman Fetter, reporting for the Finance Committee, said the Finance Committee is finalizing the budget numbers and that they have met with the auditors.

Council President Sheilds, reporting for Public Safety, reported that the Police Department has 2 candidates for the Captain position and 2 for the Sergeant position and that interviews will be conducted on March 10^th. She then reported that bids for the new fire truck are due March 12^th and that the Chief and members of the Department are dismantling the squirter from another truck in an attempt to save the Borough money. Sheilds also reported that the HH EMS has presented the Interlocal Agreements to Audubon Park for their Mayor to sign. Sheilds said that the number of calls has increased, noting that last year there were 111 billable calls and 52 so far this year.

Councilman Wentz reported that the Environmental Committee should be meeting next week.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald, reporting for the Construction Department said that she is still working on permanent replacements for Construction Official and Plumbing Subcode Official. She asked the Borough Clerk to contact the state regarding extending the acting appointments put into place January 1^st.

Councilman Shopp announced that the Economic Development Committee will be meeting tomorrow at 7:00pm.

Council President Sheilds said she was contacted by a Barrington Council Member asking if we would like to join them for fireworks and parade celebrating July 4^th. She said they will be meeting to discuss the topic in the upcoming future. She explained that the location on Devon Avenue and Rt. 295 is not a safe location for the fireworks. She also said that $5,000 has been budgeted for the 4^th of July parade.

OLD BUSINESS:

Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinance 2008:1250.

Ordinance 2008:1250 – Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Canceling Certain Unfunded Appropriations Balances Heretofore Provided for Capital Improvements and Reappropriating Such Unfunded Appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects. ($14,732.46 remains after 2 capital projects have been completed, which is being re-appropriated for the purchase of turn out gear for the Fire Department.)

Hearing and seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2008:1250 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2008:1250 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call vote all members voted yes.

Mayor Alexander called for remarks from the public on New Business agenda items. There were no comments at this time.

NEW BUSINESS:

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinances 2008:1251. Public hearing and final adoption will be held on Tuesday, March 4th at the regular meeting.

Ordinance 2008:1251 – Calendar Year 2008 Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a CAP Bank (NJSA 40A:4-45.14).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1251 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call vote all members voted yes.

Resolution 2008:52 – Resolution Certifying the List of Fire Department Volunteers Who Have Qualified for the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) Benefits for the Year 2007.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:52 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Upon roll call vote all members voted yes.

Resolution 2008:53 – Resolution Approving Interlocal Agreement Between the Borough of Audubon Park and the Borough of Haddon Heights for Emergency Medical Services to Be Provided by Haddon Heights EMS.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:53 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call vote all members voted yes.

Resolution 2008:54 – Resolution Authorizing a One-Day License for Alcohol Consumption for the Haddon Heights Public Library and Haddon Heights High School Scholarship Fundraisers to be Held March 2, 2008 at Kunkel’s Seafood and Steakhouse.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:54 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All members were in favor.

Resolution 2008:55 – Resolution Appointing a Substitute Construction Official and Zoning Official and a Plumbing Sub-Code Official. (John Szczerbinski, Construction & Zoning Official. Anthony Cimino, Plumbing Sub-Code Official. Both are certified and have been approved by the State to fill these appointments for 60 days (until March 1^st).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:55 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Upon roll call vote all members were in favor.

Resolution 2008:56 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 1^st Half of March.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:56 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call vote all members voted yes.

Resolution 2008:57 – Resolution Authorizing Transfers of Appropriation Reserves.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:57 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Upon roll call vote all members voted yes.

Resolution 2008:58 – Resolution Appointing Karen Galli, DPM to the Local Board of Health. (Dr. Galli is being appointed to fill the unexpired term of Denise Brahms, which term expired 12/31/09).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:58 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All members were in favor. Oath of office was administered to Dr. Galli by Mayor Alexander.

With no further business to come before council Mayor Alexander called for comments from the public.

Joan Rossler, 107 9^th Avenue asked Councilman Shopp if the Economic Development Committee meetings were open to the public. He advised her they were. Mrs. Rossler said notice was not on the website. Councilman Shopp advised her and the public in attendance that the Economic Development Committee meets the 3^rd Wednesday of each month, at the Borough Hall at 7PM.

Roni Olizi, 424 3^rd Avenue asked about the breakage on newly installed curb ramps. Council President Sheilds responded saying that inspections have not been done yet, but all curb ramps that need repair will be fixed. She also said there is a 2-year guarantee on the workmanship of the ramps.

With no further comments from the public, Mayor Alexander announced that council will be going into a closed session for the discussion of personnel and legal matters. He also said that no formal action will taken tonight.

Motion to close the meeting to the public was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All were in favor.

______________________________________7:55pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk