March 16, 2004 Minutes

March 16, 2004

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 newspapers provided by resolution adopted January 3, 2004”.

Under Roll Call the following members of council were present: Councilwomen Haven, Houser, Sheilds and Wyman, Councilmen O’Toole and Witzig. Borough Solicitor John B. Kearney was also present.

Motion to approve the minutes from the March 2, 2004 meeting was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded Councilwoman Houser. All members of council voted yes.

Committee Reports:

Councilwoman Haven said she has not received any comments back regarding the Remington & Vernick proposal. She would like to set up a meeting for a demonstration.

Councilman Witzig reported that the police department would like to do something to alleviate high school crowds on the streets. The police department is having a lot of computer problems. They are looking into new computers. They will also be interviewing for an addition policeman paid by the grant.

Councilwoman Sheilds commented on the skate park meeting last week. Soccer is also looking for 3 on 3 tournaments.

Councilman O’Toole reported that we have received $25,624.74 in state aid. We are also requesting Extraordinary Aid. If there are any questions from department heads regarding Resolution 2004:61 they should speak with him to discuss. Mr. O’Toole would like to meet with department heads in May to review their spending. Gary is on vacation and Paul Helmes will be acting in his place if there are any public works issues.

Mayor Griffith reminded everyone of the March 23rd re-enactment of the first council meeting from 1904. Sue Young sent a thank you note for the flowers received from Mayor and Council at her father’s funeral. Haddon Heights Heritage League will have a 100 yr. birthday celebration at 2:00 on Sunday, March 28th at the high school. All are welcome to attend. Mayor Griffith spoke with Ernie Merlino regarding estimated tax bills to avoid going out for TANS this year. Collector, Andrea Penny submitted a letter of estimated costs for the additional billing, and she voiced her concerns for the confusion this would cause senior citizens. CFO Merlino said the net savings would be approximately $12,000. Mayor Griffith suggested we try it for one year.

Old Business: Public Hearing and Final Adoption for Resolution 2004:46 – 2004 Municipal Budget and Ordinance 2004-1168

Resolution 2004:46 – The 2004 Municipal Budget

Mayor Griffith opened the meeting for a public hearing on the 2004 Municipal Budget. Hearing and Seeing no comments from the public motion to close the meeting was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded by Council woman Haven.

Mayor Griffith announced the adoption of the 2004 Municipal Budget would be tabled until we hear about Extraordinary Aid. All members of council were in agreement to table.

Ordinance 2004-1168 - Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, NJ Canceling Certain Funded Appropriation of Balances Heretofore Provided for Various Capital Projects and Reappropriating Such Funded Appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects

Hearing and seeing no comments from the residents in attendance, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members of Council voted yes. Motion to adopt 2004-1168 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilman O’Toole. All members of Council voted yes.

New Business: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 2004-1169 – Public Hearing and Final Adoption will be on Tuesday, April 6, 2004 at 8:00 p.m.

Ordinance 2004-1169 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 69 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Licenses, Permits and Fees (Increased fees for additional copies of certified birth, death and marriage certificates to $5.00 – Offsets costs for state required safety paper)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2004-1169 was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:56 – Resolution Declining Participation in the State’s Early Retirement Plan

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:56 was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:58 – Refund Subsequent Payment to Lien holder (Subsequent paid by two lien holders)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:58 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:59 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 2nd Half of March

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:59 as amended (agreed in caucus to pull the bill for Total Systems in the amount of $3,640.00 until a meeting could be arranged to discuss charges and the contract). Motion made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members of Council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:60 – Resolution Authorizing Application for a One Day License for Alcohol Consumption For the Centennial Gala Celebration

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:60 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call Councilman Witzig and Councilwoman Wyman voted no. All other members of Council present voted yes.

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

Mr. Bill Troutman, 1509 Chestnut Avenue commented in response to a discussion regarding a banner to be added to the flagpole outside of the borough hall stating “One Nation Under God” and suggested Council should look into flag protocol.

Mrs. Sue Schultz, 24 Eighth Avenue questioned the status of the renovations for Kings Christian School. Mayor Griffith responded that the renovations would begin sometime in July after school breaks for summer recess, as requested by the school. Mrs. Schultz also asked if the proposed budget includes weekly recycling. Any possibility the Borough could hire extra part time help so that recycling could be done weekly rather than bi-weekly. Councilman O’Toole will look into.

Barry Gertsman, Cherry Hill addressed Mayor and Council regarding a Municipal Court complaint. Mr. Kearney will look into that complaint.

Steve Kinky, 1219 Keswick Avenue stated that there was misinformation given regarding the budget. Mr. Kinky would like Council’s input regarding the consolidation status of Haddon Heights and Barrington. Mayor and Council agreed to set up a meeting and advertise it in the newspaper. The Fire Department received a letter over five weeks ago that stated the fire department would get a $36,771 grant, of which 90% would be from the federal government and 10% from the Borough (about $3300).

John Rayser, 611 W. High Street asked Council if the speed trailer would be out soon. He would like one on W. Atlantic Avenue and also commented that the yield to pedestrian signs should be put out consistently.

Matt Konopka, 11 Tenth Avenue, commented that weekly recycling would be more convenient. He also would like to see a police officer at the intersection of Station Avenue and both sides of Atlantic Avenue. The traffic is terrible and people do not stop for the pedestrians.

With no further business to come before Council motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members of Council voted yes.

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Patricia A. Cooper, Deputy Borough Clerk 8:35 pm