June 1, 2004 Minutes

June 1, 2004

Mayor 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 and Sheilds, Councilmen Witzig and O’Toole. Borough Solicitor John B. Kearney was also present. Councilwoman Wyman was absent.

Motion to approve the minutes from May 18, 2004 meeting was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members present voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Haven who abstained.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven reported that the Personnel Committee has interviewed 3 people so far for the Zoning position. She said that 2 more people would be interviewed next week and hoped there would be a decision by the June 15th council meeting.

Councilman Donald Witzig reported a meeting with Police Chief Shute regarding computer problems, the upcoming retirement of Sgt. Ralph Cuthbert and the possibility of a K-9 Corps. He also reported that he, along with Councilwomen Haven and Wyman have met with Fire Chief Kinky regarding the combining of Barrington and Haddon Heights’ Fire Departments. Kinky advised them that the interest is still there.

Councilman O’Toole reported that recycling is now every week and that brush will be picked up on Thursdays and Fridays for the summer months. On Finance, he reported that the Capital program for 2004 would be put together once the budget is adopted in order to see what money may be available for down payments.

Mayor Susan Griffith reported that the Black and White Gala “was an absolute phenomenal night”! The Mayor thanked all of the Centennial Committee for their hard work. She also reported that she will be meeting with the Engineer regarding several projects and that the skate park is done and we are now waiting for a final inspection and approval from our insurance company before it can be officially opened.

There were no comments from the Public on Agenda Items.

Under New Business the following items were considered:

Resolution 2004:81 – Resolution Authorizing the Risk Management Consultant’s Agreement.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:81 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman O’Toole. All members of council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:82 – Resolution Accepting “Click It Or Ticket 2004” Grant and Authorizing the Mayor and Treasurer to Sign Grant Acceptance Conditions.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:82 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:83 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 1st Half of June 2004.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:83 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:84 – Resolution Approving an Interlocal Agreement with the Borough of Haddonfield for the Purpose of Street Sweeping Services.

Councilman O’Toole said the Resolution should be amended to say $3,200 for one sweep through town, not 5. Everyone agreed to amend the resolution accordingly

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:84 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman O’Toole. Under roll call all members present voted yes for the Resolution as amended.

Resolution 2004:85 – Resolution Approving $3,500 Toward the Cost Of Providing Fireworks for the 4th of July Celebration.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004L85 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:86 – Resolution Authorizing the Community Development Grant Agreement.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:86 was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:87 – Resolution Amending Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual (to include Employee Appreciation Awards).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:87 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Houser. All members present voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, Mayor Griffith opened the meeting for public comment at which time the following residents came forward:

W.L. Troutman, 1509 Chestnut Avenue asked that no more money be released to the contractor for work being done at the American Legion building until the proper work is done. Mayor Griffith said she talked to the Engineer about the problem and assured Mr. Troutman that no further funds will be released until the work is done according to specifications. Mr. Troutman said they “did not do a good job”. He then asked about the Noise Ordinance and Solicitor Kearney explained how it would work.

Terry Chepurny, 6143 Sycamore Street in reference to the High School being evacuated last week due to a teacher finding phosphorus in the lab, said she is concerned because the week before that, the school was evacuated due to a bomb scare. She further explained that at that time, bomb-sniffing dogs were brought in and nothing was found. Her concern was that the dogs did not find the phosphorus in the lab and wanted to know why the substance was not discovered at that time. Councilman Witzig said a teacher was doing an inventory at the time of discovery and found the substance that had been in that location for 12 years, she then moved the substance away from the students. Mr. Troutman said that it could have caused a fire and he was glad it was discovered.

With no further comments from the public, motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Houser, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present were in favor.

_________________________________ 8:23pm

Joan D. Moreland, CMC, Borough Clerk