March 1, 2005 Minutes

March 1, 2005

Mayor Susan 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 members of council were present: Councilwomen Beth Ann Haven, Andrea Wyman, Barbara Cortese and Trish Sheilds, Councilman Donald Witzig. Solicitor John Kearney was present. Councilman Kenneth Hamburger was absent.

Councilwoman Wyman made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 15^th meeting. Motion seconded by Trish Sheilds. All members present were in favor.

Mayor Griffith issued the Oath of Office to the Student Councils from the Atlantic Avenue and Seventh Avenue Schools.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven, reporting for the Construction and Zoning Offices, said there have been 23 new permits totaling $3700, with a total construction value of $183,000. She also reported the Code Enforcement Officer has been doing a good job following up with residents regarding snow removal.

Councilman Donald Witzig, reporting for Public Safety, said there have been computer server problems at the borough hall. When all is complete we will have two new servers. The Police Department is working on promotions and discussing hiring a new Police Officer after promotions.

Councilwoman Trish Sheilds, reporting for recreation, said the fencing at Devon Avenue would be installed when the weather breaks. Reporting for finance, she said we are applying for the extraordinary aid and copies of the budget are available in the Library.

Councilwoman Andrea Wyman, reporting for Public Works, said that an employee returned to work after being out on disability for some time. Public Works did a great job with the snow removal.

With no further reports to be made, Mayor Griffith called for comments from the public on agenda items. No comments were made at this time.

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinance 2005:1189 – 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. (Using money left over from completed projects towards the cost of 2 new servers).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2005:1189 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:53 – Resolution Describing Projects to be Funded by the Camden County Community Development Block Grant Program. ($2,000 toward Senior transportation and the balance of $34,000 to be used for curb cuts in town).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:53 was made by Councilwoman Shelids, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:54 – Resolution Supporting the Passage of Senate Bill S-1023 and Assembly Bill A-1835 Requiring the State to Reimburse Municipalities for the Exemption of Disabled Veterans from Payment of Property Taxes.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:54 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:55 – 2005 Municipal Budget. Public hearing and final adoption will be held on April 5, 2005 at 8:00pm. Synopsis will be in the Retrospect on March 24^th. Copies of the full budget will be available in the Tax Office.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:55 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Haven. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:56 – Resolution Encouraging Residents to Learn About School Bond Issues and to Vote on the School Bond Referendum on March 8, 2005.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:56 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:57 – Resolution Authorizing Emergency Temporary Appropriations.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:57 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:58 – Resolution Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations Reserves. (Transfers will be made from various departments to cover the shortfall in vehicle maintenance and gasoline).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:58 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:59 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills and Claims for 1^st Half of March

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:59 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2005:60 – Resolution Authorizing Mayor to Sign Interlocal Service Agreement with the Haddon Heights Board of Education for the Provision of Tel View Services of Channel 19.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:60 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, Mayor Griffith called for comments from the public. Mr. McAdams of S. Park Avenue had questions regarding the budget. He was told that comments regarding the budget should be mentioned at the next meeting.

There were no further comments from the public. Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All present were in favor.

____________________________________ 8:10pm

Patricia A. Cooper, Deputy Borough Clerk