June 7, 2006 Minutes

June 7, 2006

Mayor Susan R. Griffith opened the 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: Councilwoman Haven, Cortese and Sheilds, Councilmen Shopp, Ottoson and Witzig. Solicitor John B. Kearney was also present.

Motion to approve minutes from the May 16^th meeting was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Shopp. All members voted yes.

Mayor Griffith then asked Vladyslava Levchenko and her parents to join her up front. The Mayor presented a Certificate of Achievement to Vladyslava for her recent crowning as New Jersey’s Jr. National Teenager 2006.

Mayor Griffith read a proclamation regarding Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month.

Representatives from Project Prom were asked to come forward to present Police Chief Ronald Shute and Patrolman Michael Valvardi with a t-shirt and certificate for their involvement with Project Prom. Renee Donahue stated she has been involved with Project Prom for 14 years and noted that she could not do it without the support of Drug Alliance members. She said that the Police have used DWI funds for the past few years and wanted to publicly thank them. They received a round of applause from all in attendance.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven, reporting for Construction/Zoning announced that 42 permits were issued for May, 36 zoning applications have been processed as well as numerous offences being handled.

Councilman Donald Witzig, reporting for Public Safety announced that the complete report of police activity for May is on file with the Borough Clerk, noting that over 1,000 services were rendered by the Police Department staff.

Council President Trish Sheilds, reporting for Finance reported that she, along with Ernie Merlino and 2 of our auditors went to Trenton for a discussion with officials regarding our Discretionary Aid Application. She said they were “sympathic”, but gave no guarantees and suggested they look into shared services.

Councilman Thomas Ottoson reported he attended a DPW meeting with Councilwoman Cortese and that she would explain further.

Councilman Gordon Shopp reported on the newly formed Economic Development Committee. Council President Sheilds ask him if there is a duplication of efforts by hiring a consulting firm and the Borough redoing the Master Plan. He replied, no, and then read a portion of the Agreement showing that it will be a coordination of efforts. Councilwoman Haven asked him how long the contract would be going on. He said it is a strategic process involving looking for funds, etc. Mayor Griffith asked him if the meetings were opened to the public. Shopp responded by saying the committee will be meeting at least 6 times over the summer, hoping to complete the process by the end of the year. He further explained that there are 11 members of on the committee. Councilwoman Haven asked what the advantages were to hiring Public Solutions, Inc. Adeena Sherman-Adams, Co-Chair of the Economic Development Committee explained that they are experts in seeking funding and are in constant contact with legislatures. Solicitor Kearney said that he know of several towns who have received $50,000 grants for studies with their help. Lastly Councilwoman Haven asked Councilman Shopp to keep Council members updated on a regular basis.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese reporting for DPW said there was a lot of activity in May with the removal of 10 trees and 4 stumps; 10 sewer calls answered, with 4 being problems in the homeowner’s line; recycling collection numbers were: papers 65 tons, commingled 35.5 tons, grass 230 yards collected, 215 yards of brush collected and 1 ½ tons of cold patch was applied to pot holes in town. She also reported that she met with Gary Geserick, Superintendent of Public Works and he said the Bellmawr Ecology Center has closed and that leaves and brush now have to be taken to Gloucester Township. She announced that street cleaning has started and that one pass through the whole town will be made this season. Issues brought up at the meeting were scheduling brush pick-up, etc. Cortese said that a letter may be going out to the public regarding placing leaves and brush in the street, noting that it causes problems when it rains.

Mayor Susan R. Griffith reported a recent meeting with Department Heads regarding putting together a welcome package for new residents. She said a lot of ideas came to the table and that a brochure is being worked on providing general information, as well as a welcome letter from the Fire Department.

The Mayor said the revaluation process has started, with the businesses being done first, then residential properties.

She read letters from Haddon Township’s Mayor Park and Commissioners and one from Commissioner Kathy Hogan regarding our donation of skateboard equipment to them for their planned park. The letters stated their appreciation of Haddon Heights’ decision to donate the equipment.

Mayor Griffith reported receiving a letter from Rev. Boyd Fox stating that he is leaving the First United Methodist Church in Haddon Heights at the end of June. His letter specifically thanked “Fireman Frank” (Lafferty) for coming each year to teach the children in the daycare center about fire safety.

The Mayor gave updates on several projects: West Atlantic Avenue, waiting for NJDOT approval; soccer field renovation is ongoing; pedestrian safety project at 7^th Avenue School is underway and we are waiting word from the State regarding Phase II of the Streetscape Project.

With no further reports to be made the Mayor called for remarks from the public on agenda items. There were no comments or questions at this time.

Old Business:

Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinance 2006:1216.

Ordinance 2006:1216 – Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Canceling Certain Unfunded Appropriations Balances Heretofore Provided for Capital Improvements and Reappropriating Such Unfunded Appropriation Balances for Other Capital Project. ($3,400 for a Thrush Circulator for the Borough Library).

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 voted yes.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2006:1216 was made by Council President Sheilds seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members voted yes.

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinance 2006:1217. Public hearing and final adoption will be held on June 27, 8:00pm.

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. (Eliminates Section 2. c. –Conferences, Conventions, Seminars (Schooling). This section is already covered in the Personnel Manual).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2006:1217 was made by Council President Sheilds seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:96 – Resolution of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden and State of New Jersey Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement by and Between the Haddon Heights Senior Citizen Housing Corporation II, a Non-Profit Corporation of the State of New Jersey and the Borough of Haddon Heights for Payment in Lieu of Taxes Relative to the Properties Located at Block 37, Lots 3 & 7, Lot 18, on the Official Tax Map of the Borough of Haddon Heights.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:96 was made by Council President Sheilds seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:98 – Resolution Approving the 2005 Audit Corrective Action Plan.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:98 was made by Councilwoman Cortese seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:99 – Resolution Regarding the 2005 Audit Report and the Proper Use of Purchase Orders.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:99 was made by Councilwoman Haven seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:100 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for First Half of June.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:100 was made by Council President Sheilds seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:101 – Resolution Authorizing Emergency Temporary Appropriation. ($10,000 for Economic Development).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:101 was made by Councilman Shopp seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Upon roll call all member voted yes.

Resolution 2006:102 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Public Solutions in the Amount of $7,500, for the Purpose of Working with the Economic Development Committee on developing a “Main Street” Program.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:102 was made by Councilman Shopp seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:103 –. Resolution Granting Municipal Consent to Verizon New Jersey.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:103 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all council members voted yes.

With no further business to come before council Mayor Griffith called for remarks from the pubic.

Kristen Moody, 2 Glover Avenue expressed concern over the recent abduction and the rooming house in where the suspect lived. She asked what can she do and what can the town do? Mayor Griffith said that she and Chief of Police are working on meeting with the owner. Chief Ronald Shute explained that it was not "abduction”. He also said an arrest was made within 24-hours. The Chief also said the young girl helped with a composite drawing that made the arrest possible. He then said that the Police Department is making too many calls to the rooming house.

Kevin Murphy, 122 7^th Avenue was concerned about pedestrian safety, noting he does a lot a walking around town. He said the town is very walk able, but has seen near accidents. He asked if there was any plan for pedestrian safety. Councilman Shopp said that it will be addressed as part of the Economic Development Plan. He said he has experience in this area and offered his help. Councilman Donald Witzig (Public Safety Director) asked to see Mr. Murphy after the meeting.

With no further comments to come before council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Council President Sheilds seconded by Councilman Shopp. All members were in favor.

Mayor Griffith announced that Council would be going into an Executive Session and that no formal action will be taken tonight.

_____________________________________ 9:05pm

Joan D Moreland, Borough Clerk