March 4, 2008 Minutes

March 4, 2008

All members of council were present as was the Solicitor.

1. Review of regular agenda – Mayor Alexander:

Mayor Alexander reviewed the full agenda. There were no questions at this time.

2. Pay to Play Ordinance – Joyce Walker from Center of Civic Responsibility:

Ms. Walker said she was Co-Chair of Camden County Center of Civic Responsibility and commended council for adopting the “Pay to Play Ordinance” and setting the limits in the Model Ordinance. She advised council that Collingswood and Cherry Hill have adopted the same ordinance. She explained that the ordinance also prohibits spouses and children from contributing, noting that “dollars are not the only way to contribute”.

Councilman Gordon Shopp asked if our language controls “wheeling”. Ms. Walker said yes it does, meaning that you cannot contribute more than amounts stated in the ordinance, to local candidates or county political committee.

Council President Trish Sheilds said that Haddon Township is also in the process of adopting the same ordinance. Ms. Walker said that 32 towns have adopted the model ordinance so far, with Cherry Hill being the largest town.

Mayor Scott Alexander asked if the language in the model ordinance will be modified in the future. Ms. Walker said no changes are planned so far, but noted that if the State strengthens the language in the law, then changes to the model ordinance would be made.

Resident Jim Jenkins, 1804 BrynMawr Avenue asked about liability regarding unconstitutionality. Ms. Walker explained that the panel who designed the ordinance, included a retired Supreme Court Judge, and he said it would not place liability on the town that adopted the model ordinance, but, she noted that if wording was modified, they would not have the resources to defend the town. Borough Solicitor Salvatore Siciliano said the ordinance is more for the professionals, such as auditor, solicitor, engineer, etc. Ms. Walker said none of the 32 towns who adopted the model ordinance have not modified the wording.

3. Parking & Signage – Police Chief Richard Kinkler:

Chief Kinkler suggested that stop signs be placed at intersections on 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th Avenues as well as Crest Avenue and Garden Street. He has received reports of speeding and people using those roads as a cut through to Kings Highway, Station Avenue or Clements Bridge Road. He said the same situation occurs on Maple Avenue from the Black Horse Pike to Devon, High Street to 9^th Avenue. He noted that these are uncontrolled areas of town where speeding and traffic flow need to be addressed. He advised council that the engineer would have to 3-way stop signs he is proposing on West Atlantic Avenue at Garden Street as well as Maple Avenue and High Street at 9^th Avenue, and advised council the cost would be about $1,000 for the signs, plus any engineering fees.

Councilman Donald Witzig suggesting installing the signs, but not enforcing them. The Chief said that was not a good idea because it would not take long for people to begin speeding and ignoring the stop signs, knowing they would not be ticketed.

The Chief said currently parking is allowed on both sides of East Atlantic (the hill by Kings run) and that he would like to see no parking on Garden Street to Haddon Street. Council President Sheilds said that the guardrail is being replaced and shrubbery being trimmed back.

He then suggested making the streets around the school as one way to alleviate the traffic congestion for the residents in the area.

The Mayor suggested inviting residents in the area for a presentation made by the Chief and asked Chief Kinkler to look into it. Someone suggested putting information about this in the upcoming newsletter.

Someone on council said that Kevin Murphy, an engineer, has volunteered his services for this project. The chief will contact him, the high school to see what can be done.

4. Letters from Sarah Slemmer and Juliette Rayser – Mayor Alexander:

Mayor Alexander read the letters he received from the two students regarding litter around the town and particularly in the church lot on 7^th Avenue and their concern for the town’s appearance in general. They suggested more trash cans and planting flowers so the town will look pretty.

Council President Sheilds said she met with the Business Association and one idea was to use Eagle Scouts for planting flowers in wooden boxes that would be made by Association President Paul Ciervo, who was an Eagle Scout himself.

Councilwoman Rosemary Fitzgerald suggested trash cans on church lot. Discussion followed and a “Town Wide Cleanup” was suggested.

5. Discuss Optimization of Town Services – Mayor Alexander:

Please refer to the attached power point presentation (presented in .pdf format) attached.

6. Discussion of DPW and Next Steps – Mayor Alexander:

This topic was removed from the agenda.

Due to time constraints, the awards were issued to Detective Robert Long and Patrolman Anthony Horneff. Mayor Alexander, joined by Chief Richard Kinkler and Public Safety Director Trish Sheilds asked Detective Long to come forward. He was presented a Meritorious Service Medal for being named 2007 Officer of the Year by Chief Kinkler for his efforts in assuming detective duties while still being on the street and issuing the highest number of tickets. Patrolman Anthony Horneff was then asked to come forward and was joined by his wife and two daughters. Horneff received an Honorable Service Medal for his actions when a prisoner caused a scuffle and was able to get the officer’s gun. During the ensuing scuffle, Patrolman Horneff got a pen that was on the floor and stabbed the actor in the wrist, causing him to drop the weapon. The award was presented for his actions in gaining control and not causing harm to innocent bystanders or himself. Both officers received a well deserved round of applause.

7. Discussion of State Budget Cuts & Effect on Haddon Heights – Mayor Alexander:

Please refer to power point presentation (presented in .pdf format) attached.

8. Discussion of Zoning Board Member Appointment – Mayor Alexander:

This topic was removed from the agenda.

REGULAR AGENDA:

Mayor Scott Alexander opened the meeting with a salute to the flag and moment of silence.

He 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, 2008”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilmen Lee Wentz, Donald Witzig, Tad Fetter and Gordon Shopp, Councilwoman Rosemary Fitzgerald and Council President Trish Sheilds. Borough Solicitor Salvatore Siciliano was also present.

Motion to approve the minutes from 2/19/08 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members were in favor.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilman Shopp, reporting for the Economic Development Committee, said they meet at 7pm on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month at the Borough Hall.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald, reporting for the Construction Department, read a report of permits issued. 41 new permits were issued last month with a “new construction value” of $429,000. Fitzgerald said that the 2 positions have been advertised, with resumes due 3/7/08.

Councilman Lee Wentz said the Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled and asked that volunteers contact

Council President Sheilds or himself. He also reported that the Drug Commission met last week and are looking for a few new members. Wentz announced that Superintendent of Public Works Gary Geserick is retiring after 35 years with the Borough.

Mayor Alexander wanted to publicly thank Gary Geserick for his 35 years of dedicated service to the residents of the Borough.

The Mayor read a plaque which was presented to Gary Geserick, Safety Coordinator for the Borough. With the efforts of Borough employees, the Class I, 2^nd place reward was presented as part of the Annual Safety Contest along with a $1,000 prize to be used for safety items/training etc.

Council President Sheilds, reporting for Public Safety, read the Police Activity report for last month. The full report is on file in the Police Department. She then reported that the Business Association is holding a Beef and Beer night to raise money for banner poles on Station Avenue. She said the Association also discussed parking issues and businesses staying open Friday nights.

Councilman Tad Fetter, reporting for Finance said that the committee is reworking the budget figuring in the recent cuts made by Gov. Corzine.

Councilman Donald Witzig read last month’s activity report for Administration. He then reported that council is still looking for an Assessor.

OLD BUSINESS:

Public hearing of Ordinance 2008:1251.

Ordinance 2008:1251 – Calendar Year 2008 Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a CAP Bank (NJSA 40A:4-45.14).

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Shopp. All were in favor.

Due to the fact that this ordinance cannot be adopted until the 2008 Municipal Budget is introduced, Mayor Alexander called for a motion to table the adoption. Motion was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All were in favor.

Mayor Alexander called for remarks from the public on New Business agenda items.

Ricki Roberts, 127 3^rd Avenue, asked why ordinances were being introduced for police salaries for 2006 and 2007. She was advised that the police contract has recently been settled and these were for the salary increases from 2006 and 2007.

John Rayser, 611 High Street, asked about the curb cuts, noting some of the curb cuts have cuts in the street. Both the Mayor and Council President said the job was not completed and that those areas would be addressed. Councilwoman Fitzgerald asked if grass was going to be planted in areas that were disturbed. She was told that the areas have to be put back in original condition.

1. NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of Ordinances 2008:1252, 1253, 1254, 1255 and 1256. Public hearings and final adoptions will be held on Tuesday, March 18^th at the regular meeting. Advertisement will be in The Retrospect.

Ordinance 2008:1252 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 100 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Regarding Handicapped Parking.

Ordinance 2008:1253 – An Ordinance Fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation to be Paid to the Represented Uniformed Police Officers in the Police Department for the Calendar Year 2006.

Ordinance 2008:1254 – An Ordinance Fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation to be Paid to the Represented Uniformed Police Officers in the Police Department for the Calendar Year 2007.

Ordinance 2008:1255 – An ordinance Amending Chapter 75 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Police Department.

Ordinance 2008:1256 – An Ordinance Requiring that all Buildings with Elevators in the Borough of Haddon Heights Install Key Securing Equipment.

Ordinance 2008:1257 – Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Canceling Certain Funded and Unfunded Appropriations Balances Heretofore Provided for Capital Improvements and Reappropriating Such Funded and Unfunded Appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects. (Using balances from completed capital projects toward the reconstruction and restoration of the masonry walls at the Borough Library in the amount of $29,469.85.)

Mayor Alexander read the titles of each ordinance. A motion was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds to introduce Ordinances 2008:1252 through 2008:1257. Under a roll call vote all members voted yes.

Resolution 2008:59 – Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayment.

Resolution 2008:60 – Resolution Approving Refund of Street Opening Permit Fee and Deposit. (Homeowner applied for and paid for a Street Opening Permit and required deposit. He has decided not to perform the work for which the permit was required and has requested a refund of the $50 permit fee and $143 deposit paid for Permit #1797.)

Resolution 2008:61 – Resolution to Submit an application to the Camden County Community Block Grant Funding for the Year 30 (2008-2009) for Curb Cuts Throughout the Borough of Haddon Heights.

Resolution 2008:62 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Matthew DiPasquale General Contractors, Inc. in the Amount of $7,800 for the Purpose of Removal and Replacement of Concrete Apron in Front of Firehouse, Rebuilding of Block Wall of Firehouse and Spot Pointing of Block in Rear Wall of Firehouse. (This is the least expensive quote of 3 received by the Chief.)

Resolution 2008:63 – Resolution Approving Change Order for Curb Cut Project. (Final adjustment of as-built-quantities resulting in reduction of contract by $1,621.00.)

Resolution 2008:64 – Resolution Extending the Contract with Office Basics, Paper Mart and W.B. Mason for the Purchase of Copy and Computer Paper and Envelopes, Bid A#20. (Haddon Heights is part of the Camden County Cooperative Pricing System. On behalf of member towns, the County accepts bids on behalf of its members. This Resolution is extending the current contracts with Office Basics, Paper Mart and W.B. Mason.)

Resolution 2008:65 – Resolution Authorizing Fire Department to Purchase 6 Sets of Gear and 1 Turn Out Coat Utilizing a State Contract. (Total cost $13,806.80.)

Resolution 2008:66 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills & Claims for 1^st Half of March.

Resolution 2008:67 – Resolution Authorizing the Tonnage Grant Application for 2007.

Resolution 2008:68 – Resolution Authorizing the Use of GovDeals.com for the Sale of Public Property. (Allows all departments to sell used, no longer needed items without waiting for the annual public auction.)

Resolution 2008:69 – Resolution Extending the Temporary Appointments of John Szczerbinski and Anthony Cimino to April 29, 2008. (Approval has been received by the State.)

Mayor Alexander read the titles of each resolution. Motion to adopt Resolutions 2008:59 through 2008:69 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Upon a roll call vote all members voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, the Mayor called for public comments at which time the following residents came forth.

Jill Franceschini , 408 1^st Avenue said she wrote a letter regarding one-way traffic around the high school. She suggested flipping the parking to the stadium side of the school and don’t allow parking near the gym or cafeteria. She said the majority of the problems occur during the daytime, with kids speeding down 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Avenues. Councilwoman Fitzgerald said “we don’t have a parking problem, but a walking problem”.

Theresa Pietch, 18 1^st Avenue was concerned about the disrespect of drivers in Haddon Heights, noting that she is a bike rider and has been hit by a vehicle. Secondly she asked if he Borough was filing a lawsuit against PPA. Mayor Alexander said we are doing our due diligence by looking at everything because of the revaluation results.

Jim Sheil, Kings Highway, gave council a run down of events from August 2006 when he was informed by his neighbor that they were installing a fence and driveway. Sheil said that both the fence and driveway encroached onto his property. He also noted that as of now, the driveway and fence are still on his property and his neighbor still sits on the Zoning Board. Discussion followed between the Mayor, Mr. & Mrs. Sheil and council members.

Terry Chepurney, 1340 Sycamore Street, said the Board Members should step down if they are not going to comply. Councilman Shopp said a determination will be made after the court proceedings are over. She then brought up parking around the high school, reiterating what previous residents said.

Holly Cass, 18 7^th Avenue asked if council was going to conduct official business in the upcoming closed session. Mayor Alexander said no. She then asked about the drug card that was recently mailed to residents. She asked the cost of the mailing. She was told: $.41 x approximately 2900 households, 6 boxes of envelopes and copies which were done in-house. She was upset with the amount of money spent to mail the cards when there are 6 similar cards already offered by the County. She also asked how a vendor was chosen. She then asked how many appeal forms have been picked up. She was told approximately 200 so far.

Rich Egner, 22 West Atlantic Avenue said he was one of the 407 who met with PPA. He noted that he is still trying to get his records straight regarding the basement. He said they were in the house, did the measurements and gave him a $10,000 cut, but still show a finished basement, which he said he does not have.

John Rayser, 611 W. High Street asked if money for mulch is in the 2008 budget. Council President Sheilds said no, but Eagle Scouts are working on raising money for the mulch. Regarding the Borough’s single stream recycling, Mr. Rayser asked if the trailers we have can be sold. He was told that that is being looked into. Regarding parking, he said that the area around the ballfields on West Atlantic Avenue is really bad. He was advised that the parking issue with Conrail is being worked on by Roni Olizi.

David Ragonese, 603 Sycamore Terrace advised council that he was happy to see them dealing with Pay to Play. He said he proposed an ordinance 2 years ago with “mandatory contribution disclosures”. A few members of council said that was already done.

Mr. Troutman, 1509 Chestnut Street said that the solution for speeding is “rumble strips”.

Jim Jenkins of BrynMawr Avenue said he agreed with the Mayor’s mailing and appreciates all of Mayor and Council’s services.

10:40PM - Motion to close the meeting to the public for the discussion of personnel was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Shopp. All were in favor.

Closed session ended at 11:30pm with a motion to open the meeting to the public made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Shopp. All were in favor.

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Shopp, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All were in favor.

________________________________________11:30pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk

Adjournment