June 8, 2005 Minutes

June 8, 2005

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 5, 2005”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilwomen Haven, Wyman, Cortese and Sheilds, Councilmen Witzig and Hamburger. Sherry Switzer sat in for Solicitor John Kearney.

Motion to approve the minutes from the May 17th meeting was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All members of council voted yes.

Mayor Griffith read a proclamation Designating June 2005 as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month.

The Mayor then invited Vladyslava Levchenko to join her up front as she read a proclamation Recognizing Vladyslava as New Jersey National Teenager Sweetheart 2005. Miss Levchenko received a well deserved round of applause. She then gave each council member, the Borough Clerk and Deputy Clerk a cutout of a hand and asked them all to repeat a pledge twice, saying they would choose their words carefully and to treat people with kindness. All of council stood while taking the pledge and applause was offered by everyone in attendance. Mr. & Mrs. Barry, Vladyslava’s parents, showed council an award she received from the President’s Council on Education, stating they were very proud of their daughter and her achievements.

Mayor Griffith called for Committee Reports and the following were presented:

Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven, reporting for the Construction Office, held up a long report and saying that “construction is booming” noting that 36 permits have been issued in the past 2 weeks! She advised everyone that more information regarding the Construction Office, as well as forms, are now available on the website (www.haddonhts.com).

Councilman Donald Witzig, reporting for Public Safety announced that the NJ DOT will be having an open house at the Bellmawr Ballroom on June 13th from 3pm-8pm. He said information will be available about the Rt. 295, Rt. 676 and Rt. 42 road project. He also announced a study that will be conducted regarding the emergency 911 systems. Witzig informed everyone that the next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for June 16th at 7pm.

Council President Trish Sheilds, reporting for Finance said that the estimated tax bills will be printed on Friday and a group of volunteers will be folding and stuffing envelopes for mailing on Tuesday. Sheilds announced that our Municipal Judge Robert Zane has been appointed to the position of Camden County Presiding Judge. Sheilds then said she was contacted by the Athletic Director of the high school regarding a scoreboard. She said that a company called Sports Images would like to present them with a scoreboard for the 8th & High field. No money is involved, as the company will solicit businesses to have their names on the board. Discussion followed regarding zoning.

Councilwoman Andrea Wyman, reporting for DPW said that our workers are fixing potholes around town.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese, reporting for Personnel said that interviews have been conducted by the Borough Clerk, Deputy Clerk and herself to seek a candidate for the vacant Tax Assessor position and after checking references a decision was made to hire Thomas Glock for the position.

Mayor Susan R. Griffith said she received a letter from Mr. & Mrs. Richard Norcross thanking council for naming a street after their son John. Mayor Griffith read the letter in full, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. Regarding a call received from Paul Irwin of Get-Kinetic requesting permission to film a commercial in our town on June 14th, the Mayor said she wants to be sure that no roads will be shut down during the filming. The Clerk was asked to contact Mr. Irwin to get more information about the commercial being filmed.

There were no comments from the Public on agenda items.

New Business:

Note: Resolution 2005:90 was tabled at the last council meeting and remains tabled at this point. Resolution 2005:94 was removed from the agenda before this evening’s meeting.

Resolution 2005:95 – Resolution Authorizing The Issuance and Sale of Tax Anticipation Notes of the Borough of Haddon Heights, Making Certain Covenants to Effect and Maintain the Exemption of Interest on Said Notes From Federal Income Taxation; and Authorizing Such Further Actions and Making Such Determinations As May Be Necessary or Appropriate to Effectuate the Issuance and Sale of the Notes.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:95 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members of council voted yes.

Resolution 2005:96 – Resolution Appointing Thomas G. Glock, CTA to the Position of Tax Assessor. (6/8/05 – 6/30/05 to fill unexpired term of former Assessor)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:96 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2005:97 – Resolution Appointing Thomas G. Glock, CTA to the Position of Tax Assessor for a Four-Year Term. (7/1/05 – 6/30/09)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:97 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2005:98 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for the 1st Half of June.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:98 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members voted yes.

There were no comments from the public.

With no further business to come before council a motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All were in favor.

___________________________________8:20pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk