May 15, 2007 Minutes

May 15, 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, Public Law 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, Councilwoman Barbara Cortese and Council President Trish Sheilds. Borough Solicitor John Kearney was also present. Councilman Gordon Shopp was absent.

Motion to approve minutes from the April 17^th meeting was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All present were in favor. Motion to approve minutes from the May 1^st meeting was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All present were in favor.

Mayor Haven and Councilwoman Cortese each expressed their appreciation of the volunteer efforts put forth by committee and board members. Tonight the Zoning Board members were recognized for their efforts. Certificates were presented to the following board members: Bill Haddix, Chair (6 yrs.), Sue DuPont (since before 1983), Rita Rapa (6-7 yrs.), Dean Doukakis (7-8 yrs.), Jay Jones (3 yrs.), John Schmidt (3 yrs.) and Jim Blanda, (6 mos.). All received a well deserved round of applause.

Mayor Haven read a proclamation proclaiming May 13-19 as Police Week.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilman Donald Witzig, reporting for Administration read the activity report for April. A copy of the report is on file in the Clerk’s office for public review.

Council President Trish Sheilds reported having received approval to proceed with testing the old landfill area behind the tennis courts on Devon Avenue, noting the testing will be started on June 4^th. She also informed council that bids will be advertised for the West Atlantic Avenue project. She also reported that the 4^th of July Committee has contacted Barrington’s committee and that the two have agreed to join forces for the holiday activities. Regarding finances, Sheilds said she is still waiting to hear about our state aid application.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese announced that the Adopt-A-Spot volunteers are focusing on Canon Park this coming Saturday, 9am – Noon. She said they welcome volunteers and suggested they bring a rake, broom, gloves, etc.

Councilman Thomas Ottoson reported that our Fire Department responded to the large fire in Barrington last week. A problem reported about the air tank system is being checked out. Ottoson read the report for April’s police activity. The report is on file in the Police Department for public review.

Solicitor John Kearney advised council members that the Planning Board has approved the application for King’s Run, with the condition that a sidewalk be put by the ballfield on East Atlantic Avenue.

A motion was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese to approve the King’s Run developers request to construct sidewalks along High Street and East Atlantic Avenue adjacent to the Borough’s ballfield in accordance with the Planning Board approval. All council members present were in favor.

There were no remarks from the public on any of the following agenda items.

NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of Ordinance 2007:1235. Public hearing and final adoption will be held on June 19^th at 7:00pm.

Ordinance 2007:1235 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 125, Article II of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled “Nuisances”. (Barking dogs)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2007:1235 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolutions 2007:89 through 2007:94 were voted on with 1 motion to adopt made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:89 – Resolution Cancelling Outstanding Checks in the Municipal Court General Fund. (Annual bookkeeping item.)

Resolution 2007:90 – Resolution to Cancel a Reserve Balance in the Current Fund. (Annual bookkeeping item.)

Resolution 2007:91 – Resolution to Cancel Appropriation Balances in the Grant Fund. (Annual bookkeeping item to cancel the balances. $117.48 goes to surplus.)

Resolution 2007:92 – Resolution to Cancel an Unappropriated Balance in the Grant Fund. (Annual bookkeeping item cancelling a balance of $333.00 in the “Cops in School” program. Funds will be transferred to surplus.)

Resolution 2007:93 – Resolution to Cancel a Receivable Balance in the Grant Fund. (Bookkeeping item cancelling $.01.)

Resolution 2007:94 – Resolution to Cancel a Receivable and Appropriation Balance in the Grant Fund. ($18,705.70 left from Streetscape Phase I project. Will be put into surplus.)

Resolution 2007:95 – Resolution Addressing the 2006 Audit Report and the Proper Use of Purchase Orders. (This item will be in the 2006 Audit report. Sets disciplinary action for Department Heads who do not follow the proper use of purchase orders (encumbering the funds before an item is purchased).)

Motion to TABLE Resolution 2007:95 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All members present were in favor. This resolution will be further discussed with the CFO at the June 6^th caucus meeting.

Resolution 2007:96 – Resolution Regarding Performance Evaluation Forms Used by the Haddon Heights Police Department.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:96 as amended (before motion to adopt) was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2007:97 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills & Claims for May.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:97 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:98 – Resolution, Application and Agreement for State Aid to Counties and Municipalities. ($35,370 towards construction of Historic Railroad Corridor Enhancement project.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:98 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:99 - Resolution Authorizing Refund of Tax Overpayment. (Due to refinancing, sale or duplicate payment a refund has to be made.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:99 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:100 – Resolution Reducing the Haddon Heights School Board Budget by $70,000.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:100 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2007:101 – Resolution Authorizing Emergency Temporary Appropriation. (Public Works overtime and expenses related to April 15^th nor’easter severe storm totaling $7,900.68.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:101 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, Mayor Haven asked if anyone from the public had any questions or concerns. No one came forward.

Mayor Haven advised the public that council was going into an executive session for the discussion of personnel. Motion to close the meeting the public was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members present were in favor.

Closed Session:

Once the public left the room, Mengste Thomas El, the Borough Construction Official joined council for the discussion of King’s Run and who will be performing inspections and entering the permits into the system. Council President Sheilds said she was concerned that our residents will not be getting the service they deserve due to the overload of inspections that will be required and suggested going out for RFPs. Mr. Thomas El said that the inspector’s schedules were flexible and that everyone would be taken care of. Discussion followed.

Mr. Thomas El explained that the foundation work will be starting this coming Monday. After further discussion on matters involving the employees of the Construction Office, workload, schedules, etc., a motion was made to close the Closed Meeting by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All present were in favor. Motion to open the meeting the public was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All present were in favor.

At this point, in an open meeting, Resolution 2007:102 was voted on.

Resolution 2007:102 – Resolution Requesting Approval from the State for a Dedication by Rider for the Fees and Expenses Related to the King’s Run Project.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:102 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All present were in favor.

__________________________________ 8:20pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk