July 20, 2004 Minutes

July 20, 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 newspaper provided by Resolution adopted January 3, 2004”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilwomen Haven, Houser, Sheilds and Wyman, Councilmen Witzig and O’Toole. Borough Solicitor John Kearney, Esq. was present until 8:30pm, and was then replaced by Sherry Switzer, Esq.

Motion to approve the minutes from June 15, 2004 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members were in favor.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven reporting for the Construction Department said that our new Zoning Code Enforcement Officer, Mr. Thomas El, was here tonight and from all accounts he is doing a great job! She also reported that permits for July 2004 have increased by $20,000 over last year’s for the same period, noting that the value of construction has jumped.

Councilman Donald Witzig reporting for Public Safety said that our cell located in the Police Department recently went through an inspection by the Department of Corrections. He said that the only thing noted was a problem with the audio system and that Captain Robert Griffith has already had the problem corrected. The Councilman also said that the Police Chief would like to present the idea of a K-9 program to council at a future caucus meeting, adding that there is money available for the first year and perhaps even for the purchase and training of a dog. Regarding the Fire Department, Witzig reported that the Fire Chief, Mayor and himself met with officials from Barrington regarding joining Fire Departments. He said a feasibility study will be conducted and noted that both departments are interested in the idea of forming one Fire Department.

Councilman Anthony O’Toole reporting for Finance said that there were 2 findings in the 2003 Auditor Report and several items that were for discussion only. He said that one finding was a past due balance for health benefits. O’Toole announced that we would be receiving $50,000 in Extraordinary Aid and $50,000 from the Homeland Security, both of which was used to reduced the tax levy. He then listed the grants that were included in the budget. The Councilman said that the $.034 increase in local taxes equals about $48.00 for a home assessed for $140,000. He then listed the capital purchases included in Ordinance 2004-1177 that was being introduced tonight and explained Resolution 2004:104, saying the Treasurer requested that Resolution 2004:93 be amended to have the cost of the 2 projects listed in Resolution 2004:93 separated as they were being paid for from two separate accounts. Lastly, Councilman O’Toole thanked the Finance Committee for putting the budget together and said he feels they did the best they could do.

Councilwoman Trish Sheilds reporting for Recreation announced that a Ribbon Cutting for the new skate park is scheduled for this coming Saturday at Noon and invited everyone to attend. She also said that volunteers are needed for 2-hour shifts so the kids could use the park. Sheilds then thanked Treasurer Ernie Merlino, Finance Committee Chair Anthony O’Toole for their work on the budget.

Councilwoman Andrea Wyman had no report for Administration/Personnel but brought up a complaint she received regarding the railroad crossing and the weeds and overgrown plants in that area. Discussion followed regarding volunteers who have done work there, including some council members. The Mayor agreed that we can’t rely totally on volunteers. Councilman O’Toole said that the Department of Public Works would be asked to include that area on their maintenance schedule.

Mayor Susan R. Griffith thanked the July 4th and Centennial Committees for their joint efforts this past holiday. She said the parade and picnic were great and the fireworks were outstanding.

With no further reports to be presented, Mayor Griffith called for comments from the public on Agenda Items. The following residents came forward.

Mr. Troutman, 1509 Chestnut Avenue, asked if there was a penalty clause in Ordinance 2004-1171? Solicitor John Kearney said the penalty is included in the general code that provides for a fine up to $500 plus time in jail.

Joe Quigley, 1600 Prospect Ridge Blvd., asked if Ordinance 2004-1171 was replacing Chapter 103 Section 138 of the Code? Kearney said the decimal approach requires us to contact the County, whereas, Ordinance 2004-1171 requires a Borough official to enforce it.

Elizabeth Gunther, 417 3rd Avenue, asked if enforcement for Ordinance 2004-1171 would be by Borough Officials? She was told yes. She said she has called the police and got no response, referring to a party held in her area that went past 1:00am with loud music. Mayor Griffith asked Councilman Witzig to check with the Police Chief.

Leah Slemmer, 225 8th Avenue, regarding Ordinance 2004-1171 said she feels that the hours end too early, noting that now you can’t cut your lawn after 8:00pm. She also noted that a 10-year old kids birthday party goes past that time. Mayor Griffith said she has gotten complaints recently and this ordinance is “a tool for a neighbor with a problem”. Regarding the police not responding to calls, she said she listens to the scanner and hears calls going out and the police responding.

Virginia Applebee, Stanfill Towers resident, also regarding Ordinance 2004-1171 said that there was a party on 4th Avenue that all residents at the back of the building could hear! She said they cut down the noise after midnight. She also complained about the landscapers that work on the businesses behind Stanfill Towers, saying they start at 7:00am and run the blowers and lawnmowers, noting, “it’s loud”.

With no further comments from the public, Mayor Griffith opened the meeting to Old Business and the following items were considered:

Public hearings and final adoptions of Ordinances 2004-1171 and 1173.

Ordinance 2004-1171 – Noise Ordinance. (Between the hours of 9:01pm and 6:59am, certain activities creating noise are not permitted, such as Construction, sound and/or video equipment, landscaping, painting or any activity which produces sound which is audible at the property line. Ordinance also limits hours for Saturdays, 8:01pm – 7:59am and Sundays and holidays (9:01pm – 8:59am). Ordinance will be adopted as amended.

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public portion was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Houser. All were in favor. (NOTE: no residents spoke at this time, please see comments from residents above.)

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2004-1171 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All were in favor.

Ordinance 2004:1173 – Resolution Amending the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Permit Requirements with the Historic District for Certain Minor Improvements.

Hearing and seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2004:1173 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All were in favor.

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinances 2004-1174. 1175, 1176, 1177. Public hearings and final adoptions are scheduled for August 17, 2004, 8:00pm.

Ordinance 2004-1174 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 69 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Licenses, Permits and Fees. ($5.00 fee for certified copy of Domestic Partnership Certificate).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2004-1174 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Ordinance 2004-1175 – Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Canceling Certain Funded Appropriation Balances Heretofore Provided for Various Capital Projects and Reappropriating Such Funded Appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects. (Funds from Capital Ordinance 2001-11-7(1.9) being transferred towards the Third Avenue Project.)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2004-1175 was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Ordinance 2004-1176 – An Ordinance Granting Renewal of Municipal Consent to Comcast of Garden State L.P. to Construct, Connect, Operate and Maintain a Cable Television and Communications System in the Borough of Haddon Heights, New Jersey. (15-year renewal with a 10-year automatic renewal as provided by NJSA 48:5A-19 and 25.)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2004-1176 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Ordinance 2004-1177 – Bond Ordinance for 2004 Capital Projects. ($316,575 to purchase pagers for the Fire Department & Ambulance Corps, Pulse Oximeters for Ambulance Corps, purchase of trash truck, improvements to soccer fields, 8th Avenue resurfacing, purchase of police cruiser, computer equipment and breathalyzers for Police Dept., and improvements to Fire Department’s overhead garage door.)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2004-1177 was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Upon roll call all members were in favor.

Resolution 2004:95 – Resolution Authorizing Agreement with Televue for Public Access TV.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:95 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. Upon roll call all members voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Wyman who voted no.

Resolution 2004:97 – Resolution Authorizing Refund of Tax Overpayments.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:97 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2004:98 – Resolution Confirming that the Governing Body Read Either the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs or Schedule of Finds and Recommendations in the 2003 Audit Report.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:98 was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All members voted yes.

Resolution 2004:99 – Resolution Authorizing the Fire Department to Make a Purchase Utilizing a State Contract. (23 regulator and manifold hoses to be purchased and installed on the buddy breathing SCBA equipment. $12,343.64.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:99 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2004:100 – Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Craig Testing Laboratories, Inc. in the Amount of $570 for the Purpose of Drilling Core Samples of the Third Avenue Resurfacing Project as Required by NJDOT.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:100 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2004:101 – Resolution Approving the 2003 Audit Correction Action Plan.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:101 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilman O’Toole. All members voted yes.

Resolution 2004:102 – Resolution Awarding a Contract for the Purchase of a Thermal Imaging Camera Without Competitive Bidding. (Municipal Emergency Services is the only company that is authorized to carry the Bullard T#MAX Thermal Imaging Camera. Cost $12,509 being mostly by the Aid to Fire Fighters Grant.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:102 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2004:103 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign an Interlocal Agreement With the County of Camden for the Purpose of Animal Control Services.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:103 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members voted yes.

Resolution 2004:104 – Resolution Amending Resolution 2004:93, A Resolution Awarding a Contract to Paramount Enterprises, Inc. in the Amount of $176,762.50 for the Resurfacing of 8th Avenue and Pedestrian Safety Improvements. (Treasurer requested that the resolution be amended, listing the cost of each project separately (8th Avenue resurfacing $121,200. Pedestrian Safety Improvements $55,562.50).)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:104 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2004:105 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for July.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:105 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman O’Toole. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2004:106 – Resolution Approving Raffle License for St. Rose of Lima PTA. (50/50 raffle.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:106 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members voted yes.

Resolution 2004:107 – Resolution Amending the 2004 Municipal Budget. Public hearing and final adoption will be held at a Special Meeting, Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 6:00pm at the Municipal Building.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:107 was made by Councilman O'Toole, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, Mayor Griffith called for public comments. There were none.

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All were in favor.

____________________________________ 9:50pm

Joan D. Moreland, CMC, Borough Clerk