February 7, 2006 Minutes

February 7, 2006

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 3, 2006”.

Under Roll Call the following members were present: Councilmen Shopp and Witzig, Councilwoman Cortese and Council President Sheilds. Councilwoman Haven and Councilman Hamburger were absent. John B. Kearney, Solicitor was present.

Motion to approve the minutes from the January 17^th meeting was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Shopp. All members present voted yes.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Council President Trish Sheilds, reporting for Finance, said that her committee has been meeting about the 2006 Budget and have been trying to keep the numbers down. She also announced that the 2006 Budget will be introduced at the first meeting in March.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese notified everyone of the schedule for the 4^th of July celebration. She said fireworks would be on the 3^rd, parade and activities on the 4^th. More information will be available, as the time gets closer.

Mayor Griffith called for remarks from the public on agenda items. There were none at this time.

Old Business:

Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinance 2006:1205.

Ordinance 2006-1205 – An Ordinance Requiring Grading Inspections. (Requires any development projects within the Borough which involve grading or disturbing of surface dirt of more than 500 sq. ft. shall require a review of the proposed plan and an inspection prior to and as a condition of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy).

Hearing or seeing no comments, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All present were in favor. Motion to adopt Ordinance 20065-1205 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members present were in favor.

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinance 2006:1206. Public hearing and final adoption will be held on February 21, 2006, 8:00pm.

Ordinance 2006-1206 – An Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a CAP Bank.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2006-1206 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members of council present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:40 – Resolution Relieving the Tax Collector from the Collection of Taxes with Balances of $10.00 or Less.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:40 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members of council present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:41 – Resolution Granting Veteran’s Deduction for 2005.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:41 was made by council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:42 – Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayments.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:42 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:43 – Resolution Approving a Raffle License for St. Rose. (50/50).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:43 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:44 – Resolution Approving a Raffle License for St. Rose. (Vacation).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:44 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:45 – Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Unused Sick Days to Two Employees Who Retired on 12/31/05. (Paul Helmes and Richard Robinson).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:45 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:46 – Resolution Extending the Contract for the Purchase of Copy Paper to Office Basics, Paper Mart and Ricoh Corporation for One Month. (We are part of the Camden County Cooperative Pricing Group; the County will be receiving bids on February 7^th. The County will receive bids on 2/7/06 and will advice the towns of the outcome).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:46 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members of council present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:47 – Resolution Authorizing Transfer of Appropriations Reserves.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:47 was made by Councilman Shopp, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:48 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for First Half of February.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:48 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2006:49 – Resolution Amending Resolution 2006:35. (Incorrect wording was used on Resolution 2006:35. Transfers are from reserves with excess funds, not the O/E budget).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:49 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

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

Bill Troutman, Chestnut Avenue commented on Resolution 2006:45 saying it was “expensive” and then asked council members if they have considered not paying? Councilman Shopp said the policy should be reviewed. Solicitor Kearney explained, “that there were different rules back then”. Mr. Troutman said it is a burden on the taxpayers and hoped they would reconsider.

With no further comments to come from the public, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members present were in favor.

_________________________________

Joan D. Moreland, CMC, Borough Clerk