June 27, 2006 Minutes

June 27, 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 council members were present: Councilwomen Haven, Cortese and Sheilds, Councilmen Shopp, Ottoson and Witzig. Borough Solicitor John B. Kearney was also present.

Motion to approve minutes from the June 7^th meeting was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members of council voted yes.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven reporting for the Construction/Zoning Office said that activity is still high with 34 new permits issued and that the 3 new officials are working out well. She noted that inspections are up to date. On a personal note, she announced that Mengeste Thomas El’s wife had her 1-year checkup today after having a heart transplant last June and reports are that she is doing good!

Council President Trish Sheilds reporting for the Finance Committee said that environmental reports have been received regarding the Devon Landfill and that we should hear something in the near future. She also informed everyone that she is still waiting to hear about State Aid, adding, “hopefully soon”.

There were no remarks from the public on agenda items.

Old Business:

Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinance 2006:1217.

Ordinance 2006:1217 – An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2003:1155 Entitled an Ordinance to Formalize and Standardize the Preparation and the Control of the Municipal Budget.

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2006:1217 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call all members were in favor.

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinances 2006:1218 and 1219. Public hearings and final adoptions will be held on July 18^th at 8:00pm.

Ordinance 2006:1218 – Bond Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of an Ambulance and Related Equipment for the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey; Appropriating the Sum of $130,000 Therefore; Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds or Bond Anticipation Notes of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey, in the Aggregate Principal Amount of Up to $123,500; Making Certain Determinations and Covenants; and Authorizing Certain Related Actions in Connection with the Foregoing.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2006:1218 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Upon roll call all members were in favor.

Resolution 2006:104 – Resolution Authorizing a Raffle License for St. Rose of Lima PTA (car).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:104 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Shopp. All members were in favor.

Resolution 2006: 105 – Resolution Amending Temporary Capital Budget. ($130,000 for the purchase of an ambulance and related equipment).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:105 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Upon roll call all members were in favor.

Resolution 2006:106 – Resolution In Support of Gang Deterrence Package. (A 17-bill package released by the General Assembly and presently awaits Senate committee consideration that will supply municipalities, schools and law enforcement with new tools to mitigate gang violence).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:106 was made by Council president Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. All members were in favor.

Resolution 2006:107 – Resolution of Need. (Required by NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency in relation to the property being purchased by Stanfill for additional senior housing).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:107 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All members were in favor.

Resolution 2006:108 – Resolution Adopting a Length of Service Award Plan (LOSAP) with AIG Valic.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:108 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Upon roll call all members were in favor.

Resolution 2006:109 – Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Bills and Claims for the Month of July.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:109 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll all members were in favor.

Resolution 2006:110 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign the CDBG Year 28 Grant Agreement. (Projects will be ADA Improvements to the men’s room in the Municipal Building and a Senior Citizens Appreciation Day).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:110 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. Under roll call all members were in favor.

Resolution 2006:111 – Resolution Requesting the combining the funds from FY 2003 Transportation Enhancement Project and FY 2005 Discretionary Aid and to Extend the Award Date.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:110 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members were in favor.

Resolution 2006:112 – Resolution, Application and Agreement for State Aid to Counties and Municipalities (Reconstruction of West Atlantic Avenue, Phase 2).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:112 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll all members were in favor.

Resolution 2006:113 – Resolution, Application and Agreement for State Aid to Counties and Municipalities (Reconstruction of Crest Avenue).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:113 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members were in favor.

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

Greg McAdams, 1006 S. Park Avenue posed a few questions to Councilman Gordon Shopp as Chairman of the newly formed Economic Development Committee. He wanted to know why tomorrow night’s Committee would not be open to the public. Councilman Shopp explained that for the next few meetings, the agenda will consist of workshops for the members, consisting of 6-hour courses. Councilwoman Cortese also said that the next 6-weeks will be training sessions. Mayor Griffith said she thinks the public should be allowed to sit and listen. Mr. McAdams suggested scheduling a certain during the committee meetings where the public could ask questions. Solicitor Kearney explained that the committee cannot perform official acts and that Council would have the decision-making authority. Mr. McAdams also suggested that Kevin Sheehan may have a conflict by serving as Planning Board Solicitor and being on the Economic Development Committee. Kearney said the positions actually compliment each other and pose no conflict. Lastly, Mr. McAdams asked Councilman Shopp if he solicited bids for the consulting position. Councilman Shopp said several companies and individuals were interviewed. Mr. McAdams said that Public Solutions does not have a good record, alluding to problems in Westville and Haddon Township. Kearney said that Lou Bezich knows how it works and works hard to get positive results; noting funding received by Barrington and Lindenwold.

With no further public comments to be made, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig.

___________________________________________ 8:30PM

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk