March 6, 2007 Minutes

March 6, 2007

Mayor Haven explained the new format of council meetings for the benefit of those in the audience and reviewed the agenda for this evening.

Under roll call the following members were present: Councilmen Wentz, Shopp, Ottoson and Witzig. Councilwomen Cortese and Sheilds. Solicitor John Kearney was also present. Absent was Joan Moreland.

Mr. Andrew Levecchia, Sr. and his associate, Ed Fox were present from the Camden County Improvement Authority. Narrative Descriptions of the project were distributed while they explained the objectives of the coalition, which include development of the Black Horse Pike from Audubon Borough through and including Runnemede. They asked the Borough Council to endorse the plan and participate in the project. Participation would involve sending two representatives to their monthly meetings. There would be no cost to the borough due to grants. Consensus was to go ahead with the project.

Finance Committee Chairwoman Sheilds stated the budget would be introduced tonight with a public hearing scheduled for April 17^th. Council members were e-mailed the budget last week and no one had any questions. As usual, an application for extraordinary aid will be submitted to the state. Councilwoman Sheilds spoke briefly about the cap. At introduction, the local increase will be just over $200 on a property accessed at the new average of $290,000 with the hope that extraordinary aid will reduce the rate.

Councilwoman Sheilds requested that the resolution with regard to sell back of sick time be put back on the agenda for the next meeting.

Library Director, Robert Hunter was present to inform council that the library health benefits went up $10,000 this year. When budgeting in November, it is impossible to know what rates will apply in January, which creates a budgetary nightmare. He requested council take over the payment of health benefits for the library. The Borough Treasurer indicated there was enough money in the budget for this year or they could pay half this year. Discussions will continue at the next caucus with a decision made at that time.

Patrolman Mike Valvardi and Detective Sergeant Richard Kinkler were present to explained the new police evaluation form (which council members had) and how it would impact the promotion process. The consensus was to go forward with this form, with performance evaluations held every six months. A new test would be compiled every three years. Councilman Ottoson was anxious to get the process in motion. Formal action will be at the 3/20/07 meeting.

Councilman Shopp was looking for feedback from a presentation made by Public Solutions in January. Councilman Wentz asked about funding, how much and how often. Councilman Shopp responded there is money in the budget and should be every year. ($10,000) In the future, business owners could be charged. Currently, subcommittees are working on improvements to the website, developing a package for new business owners and compiling a calendar of town events.

Mayor Haven suggested the minutes from Economic Development meetings be posted on the website. A resident suggested a schedule of meetings be included in the Heights Report.

Regarding a complaint about railroad ties being left behind by Conrail, council decided to draft a letter to Conrail, since they have not been responsive to political pressure from our Congressman’s office.

Mayor Haven asked for feedback on the new schedule for payment of bills (currently vouchers are signed and approved once a month). Consensus was it is too early in the game. The topic will be revisited in a few months.

Under roundtable: Councilman Shopp was approached by the zoning officer regarding the property at 101 E. Atlantic Avenue (Old Name-Youth Consultation Services) It is currently class R3 which allows a maximum of 5 occupants; R-2 would be up to 16 occupants. The borough never adopted the BOCA code for property maintenance. Mr. Kearney advised at this point we can adopt the ordinance He’ll look at it and report back next meeting.

Councilman Shopp also asked if any funds would be available to help in the construction office when the new condominiums go up. Shared services with another town to help with inspections or overtime for the existing personnel was discussed. There will be 60-70 units which will take a lot of the inspector’s time. There is a possibility of putting some funds in the current budget. Mr. Kearney will check with the auditor.

Council President Sheilds brought everyone up-to-date on the grants, Devon Avenue, and parking at Glenview School. She also stated that we are in the process of obtaining a command vehicle for the Ambulance Corp through a grant from Homeland Security, which we were led to believe we had lost for not filing the papers on time. This was not the case and there IS a resolution on the agenda tonight. A slight interruption occurred when the buses from the Girls Basketball team drove through town with horns beeping to signal their becoming South Jersey Division 2 Champs.

In closing, she asked if DPW could use high school students part time in the summer to help maintain the fields. Councilwoman Cortese will check with Gary Geserick.

Councilwoman Cortese gave the February DPW report. As a follow-up to vandalism at the Cannon Park, she met with Gary Geserick and electrician, Ted Kitchmire. Ted will replace the lighting and upgrade the electrical box on Station Avenue, and the locks will be replaced. Security is still being discussed. Councilwoman Cortese, a member of the Civic Pride Committee will be e-mailing a copy of the calendar to council for their input.

Councilman Ottoson – Reported the police department is having problems with new Glock guns jamming. They are going back to their old weapons for now until suitable replacements are found. The fire department is looking at grants through Congressman Andrews’s office for a new truck.

Councilman Wentz said the drug commission was hosting a three on three at the High School this month.

Mayor Haven met with newly appointed emergency management coordinator, John Ellis. Free E.M. information is available on the web. Patrolman Robert Long was recognized at the Hero Scholarship Dinner for assisting Mt. Ephraim in an arrest. Mayor Haven read a letter of thanks to the borough from a Bradshaw Avenue resident who was very pleased about the repaving.

Mr. Gregory McAdams of 1006 South Park asked Councilwoman Cortese for assistance in getting a stump removed in front of his property The stump has been there for three years, while trees taken down later have already had their stumps removed. She will contact Gary.

Regarding Economic Development - Mr. McAdams, in the interest of protecting the taxpayers, suggested a town meeting so that all residents would be aware of any action to be taken and costs to them. He sited examples in neighboring towns, where townspeople were blindsided. He suggested the town meeting before final adoption by council.

Ellen Hendry – Employee of the Borough questioned the status of the crossing guards being included in the union (AFSCME) Mr. Kearney said he just received a letter from the union stating they have been certified by PERC and that discussion with regard to union dues should take place with union representatives. Mrs. Hendry responded if they are forced into the union and have to pay dues, they will all quit. Mr. Kearney will report this to the union. Mrs. Hendry also asked for clarification on resolution regarding the sell back of sick time that will be on the 3/20/07 agenda…does it replaced the entire section with regard to sick time. He replied yes.

John Rayser – 611 High Street asked if the new leafer at DPW can be covered by a tarp for preservation instead of being subjected to the elements.

Mr. Rayser also mentioned Adopt-A-Spot’s initial plan was to have various locations throughout the borough beautified. Most of the work last spring was at the railroad station. With some help from DPW they hope to expand this year. No date has been set to start.

Leah Slemmer thanked council for their help getting the grant for the ambulance corp. Treasurer, Ernie Merlino was particularly helpful and she publicly thanked him.

Considered for formal Action:

Resolution 2007:66 – 2007 Municipal Budget. Public hearing scheduled for 4/17/07, 7:00pm

Synopsis will be in The Retrospect on 4/5/07. Complete copies of the budget will be available to the public 4/2/07.

Motion to introduce Resolution 2007:66, was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members of Council voted yes.

Resolution 2007:67 – Resolution Auth. A One-Day License for Alcohol Consumption for St. Rose of Lima Athletic Comm.’s Fundraiser Being Held March 17, 2007.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:67 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All Members of Council were in favor.

Resolution 2007:70 – Resolution Authorizing the Ambulance Corps to Purchase Equipment under the Local Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:70 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call all members of Council voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, Councilwoman Cortese made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All members of Council were in favor

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Patricia A. Cooper

Deputy Borough Clerk 10:05 pm