February 20, 2007 Minutes

February 20, 2007

Council President Trish Sheilds, in Mayor Haven’s absence, opened the regularly scheduled meeting with a salute to the flag and a 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 2, 2007”.

Under Roll Call, the following council members were present: Councilwomen Cortese and Sheilds, Councilmen Shopp, Ottoson and Wentz. Absent were Mayor Haven and Councilman Witzig. Solicitor, John B. Kearney was also present.

Motion to approve minutes from February 6^th as amended was made by Councilman Shopp, seconded by Councilman Wentz.

Council President Sheilds and Councilwoman Cortese presented Certificates of Achievements and administered the Oath of Office to Student Council members from the elementary schools. Achievement Certificates were also presented to members of the Library Board of Trustees.

Council President Sheilds read a Proclamation, “Read Across America”.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilman Wentz read reports from both Administration and the Drug Commission.

Councilman Ottoson announced that tickets for the annual Hero Scholarship Awards Dinner were available from Patrolman Edward Downs. This year, Patrolman Robert Long will be recognized for his part in avoiding a potentially fatal situation in an assist to Mt. Ephraim. His professional handling resulted in no loss of life or injury. Councilman Ottoson read a public safety report and in closing, stated an arbitrator has been named for police contract negotiations.

Councilman Shopp stated a representative from CCBHP Coalition will be at the next caucus to answer any questions. The Economic Development Committee meets the third Wednesday at 7:00 pm at the Borough Hall.

Councilwoman Cortese inspected the Cannon Park lighting in response to a concerned resident. The fixtures have been vandalized. There is a gate around the memorial, however it is not locked. She contacted DPW Superintendent, Gary Geserick and they will be looking into some options to secure the area and have the lighting fixed. Councilwoman Sheilds stated the budget will be introduced at the March 6^th Caucus Meeting.

Under Remarks from the public on agenda items, Mr. William Troutman of 1509 Chestnut Avenue questioned the introduction of the budget at a caucus meeting. He was told it was advertised that action would be taken at the caucus meetings.

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinances 2007:1230, 1231 Public hearings and final adoption scheduled for March 20, 2007 at 7:00pm.

Ordinance 2007:1230 – Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a CAP Bank.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007:1230 as introduced was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2007:1231 – Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2005:1195 Regarding Fees for a Burial Permit. (Per state regulations, $15 to $1).

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007:1231 as introduced was made by Councilwoman Cortese, Seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:50 – Resolution Relieving the Tax Collector from the Collection of Taxes with Balances of $10.00 or Less.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:50 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:51 – Resolution Approving Two Raffle Licenses for St. Rose of Lima PTA

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:51 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:52 – Resolution Authorizing a One-Day License for Alcohol Consumption for Haddon Heights Rotary and Haddon Heights Public Library’s “Wine and Food Tasting Fundraiser” Being Held on March 4, 2007

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:52 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:53 – Resolution Requesting An Extension of a NJDOT Transportation Trust Fund Grant Award.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:53 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:54 – Resolution Requesting a Combination of Two (2) NJDOT Transportation Trust Fund Grant Allotments.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:54 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:55 – Resolution Confirming Appointments for Emergency Management Coordinator (John Ellis, 3 yr. appointment).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:55 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2007:56 – Resolution Appointing Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator (David Mc Williams, 3 yr. appointment).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:56 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2007:57 – Resolution Authorizing Borough Clerk to Send Correspondence Requesting that CDBG Funds from Previous Years be combined. (Curb cuts throughout the Borough).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:57 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:58 – Resolution the Mayor or Council President to Sign Project Description Form for CDBG Program Year 29 (2007-2008). ($31,315 for curb cuts).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:58 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:59 – Resolution Approving 6-Month Extension of the Contract with Office Basics.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:59 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:60 – Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayments. (Due to refinancing, sale of property or duplicate payments).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:60 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:61 – Resolution Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations Reserves.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:61 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:62 – Resolution Authorizing Temporary Budget.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:61 was made by Councilman Shopp, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:63 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for February.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:62 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:64 – Resolution Rescinding Resolution 2006:184

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:64 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under Roll call, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:65 – Resolution Recognizing Bargaining Agent. (I.A.F.F. Local 3249)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:65 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under Roll Call All members present voted yes, including Councilwoman Cortese who stated she was not happy about the union and went on to say that council works hard to make borough employees happy and she was sad about the union.

Under comments from the public Mr. Nicholas Devecchis introduced himself at the liaison for NJ American Water and to contact him with any concerns from our residents. The company is looking to going public in 2007. He expressed an interest in getting involved with community activities (providing bottled water for events, etc). In closing, he stated the company is not moving back to Haddon Heights.

John Rayser – 611 High Street – asked for verification on grant information for W Atlantic from Councilwoman Sheilds. Requested lines be repainted on Station avenue and strongly urged council to keep an eye on construction at the 7^th Avenue School to make sure everything is put back the way it was (curbs, street, etc.) In closing he had some concerns, which were directed at Conrail. Mr. Shopp will get a contact name from the rail road club and have a Conrail representative come to council caucus.

With no further business to come before council, Councilman Shopp made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members present were in favor.

__________________ 7:50 p.m.

Patricia A. Cooper, Deputy Borough Clerk