March 20, 2007 Minutes

March 20, 2007

Mayor Beth Ann Haven 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 2, 2007”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilmen Lee Wentz, Thomas Ottoson and Donald Witzig and Councilwoman Barbara Cortese. Solicitor John B. Kearny was also present. Council President Trish Sheilds and Councilman Gordon Shopp were absent.

Motion to approve the minutes of the February 20^th and March 6th meetings was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All members present were in favor.

Mayor Haven and Councilwoman Cortese presented Certificates of Appreciation to the Historic Preservation Committee Members. The Mayor said the work of the volunteer members of the Historic Preservation Committee was to preserve and protect the history of Haddon Heights and she commended the members for their efforts. Robert Hunter, Rosemary Fitzgerald, and Ken Funkhouser thanked the Mayor for her comments and the certificates. Carol Larro, John Cappelli and Joan McCracken were unable to be present.

Dr. Nancy Hacker, Superintendent. of Schools presented an overview of the 2007-2008 school budget. She told council members and the public present that the preliminary budget in the amount of $19,163,469 includes an 8.65% increase over last year’s. She further explained that the interest earned on the bond referendum is included in the increase. Dr. Hacker said that 9% of the revenue comes from the State, with an increase of $51,000 in State Aid over last year. She informed council and the public that $10,600 is paid by Lawnside and Barrington for each student that attends Haddon Heights schools.

Dr. Hacker said the budget represents a tax levy in the amount of $10,476,834, noting that that amount is 55% of their revenue. The tax impact will be $135 increase over last year, based on the average home assessment of $291,000.

She said several partime teachers were added to meet the needs of an increased student population. They have also added security cameras in an effort to curb crime and added new technology in the school’s renovated areas. Lastly, Dr. Hacker urged everyone to come to the High School’s Library on Tuesday, March 27^th, 7pm for a public information session on the complete budget. She also encouraged everyone to vote on the budget, April 17^th between the hours of 2pm-9pm. Some of the council members asked questions which were answered by Dr. Hacker. Mayor Haven thanked Dr. Hacker for coming out tonight to give council an update on the budget.

Committee Reports:

Councilman Donald Witzig, reporting for Administration read a report of activity for the month of February. The complete report is attached to these minutes.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese, reporting for Public Works asked residents not to rake their leaves to the curb during spring cleanup, but to place them in bags at the curb for pickup. She explained that the leafer is in storage until the fall. She also announced that brush pick up will be starting soon and asked everyone to refer to the calendar for the schedule and also noted that street sweeping will be done throughout the town once the weather clears. Councilwoman Cortese reported that the ball fields are cleaned up and ready for the season to begin. A full copy of activity for the month of February is attached to these minutes.

Reporting on the Civic Pride Committee, Councilwoman Cortese announced that an Easter egg hunt will be at Hoff’s Park on March 31^st at 10am. She said that anyone who would like to volunteer could meet there at 9:30am. Cortese said a Calendar of Events for the year has been prepared and that copies would be available in the Tax Office and Library as well as being on the website and in the newsletter coming out in April.

Councilman Thomas Ottoson, reporting for Public Safety said the Fire Department is looking into 2 types of squirt trucks. Ottoson commended Leah Slemmer for her efforts in following up with the paperwork for the new command vehicle in order to meet the deadline. Regarding the Police Department, Councilman Ottoson read a report of activity for the month of February. He also said that a Ordinance was being introduced tonight regarding promotions. He reported that work will being on filling the positions of Captain, Sergeant and Patrolman.

Mayor Beth Ann Haven thanked Chief John Zenuk and Leah Slemmer for getting the grant money spent before the deadline!

In regards to the presentation made at the March 6^th caucus meeting, the Mayor reported receiving a letter that the proposed work on the Black Horse Pike will involve a local match in the amount of $30,000 from Haddon Heights, correcting what was presented at the March 6^th meeting, when council was told there would be no financial commitment required from the Borough.

Mayor Haven reported receiving a letter for Mayor Bernie Platt, thanking our Fire Department for their response to the large fire at Chili’s and Porterhouse Steak House

Mayor Haven opened the meeting to comments from the public on agenda items. None were made at this time.

Old Business:

Public hearings and final adoptions of Ordinances 2007:1230 and 1231.

Ordinance 2007:1230 – Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a CAP Bank.

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing for Ordinance 2007:1230 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All council members present were in favor. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007:1230 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2007:1231 – Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2005:1195 Regarding Fees for a Burial Permit.

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2007:1231 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All present were in favor. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007:1231 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinances 2007:1232 and 1233. Public hearings and final adoptions scheduled for April 17, 2007 at 7:00pm.

Ordinance 2007:1232 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 75 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Regarding Police Evaluation Procedure.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2007:1232 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2007:1233 – An Ordinance to Adopt the BOCA Maintenance Code as an Alternative Property Maintenance Code.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2007:1233 by title only was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:68 – Resolution Authorizing Mayor to Endorse NJDEP Treatment Works Application and NJDEP Bureau of Safe Drinking Water Application. (Both are required for the housing project on East Atlantic Avenue).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:68 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2007:69 – Resolution Certifying the List of Fire Department and Ambulance Corps Volunteers Who Have Qualified for the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) Benefits for the Year 2006.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:69 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2007:71 – Temporary Budget.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:71 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2007:72 – Resolution Authorizing Preliminary Costs Related to Station Avenue Flooding.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:72 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:73 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Remington & Vernick Engineers for Work Related to the Station Avenue Flooding Project.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:73 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2007:74 – Resolution Amending the Personnel Manual. (Paragraph 9, page 35 and paragraph 15, page 25, both regarding sick days. Employees will not be able to accumulate sick days from year to year, but will be able to bank accumulated sick days accumulated prior to December 31, 2006 and sell back those sick days at time of retirement or separation based upon the salary rate in effect in 2006).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:74 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2007:75 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills and Claims for March.

Motion to approve Resolution 2007:75 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:76 – Resolution Adding a Command Vehicle to Lease Agreement Authorized by Resolution 2005:134. (Lease between the Borough and Haddon Heights EMS.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:76 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, Mayor Haven opened the meeting for public comments.

Robert Hunter, 213 2^nd Avenue reminded council about the Haddon Heights Business & Professional Association’s Open House being held at Kunkel’s tomorrow night.

With no further comments from the public, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Ottoson.

______________________________________7:40pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk