May 2, 2006 Minutes

May 2, 2006

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 newspaper provided by Resolution adopted January 3, 2006”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilwomen Haven, Cortese and Sheilds, Councilmen Shopp and Witzig. Solicitor Kearney was also present.

Motion to approve minutes from the April 18^th meeting was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Shopp. All members voted yes.

Mayor Griffith read a proclamation, proclaiming May 14-20, 2006 will be “Police Week”.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilwoman Beth Ann Haven, reporting for the Construction Department, said that 50 permits were issued in April, and noted that that might be the record high for one month! She also reported that the first week with the 3 new Subcode Officers has gone well.

Councilman Donald Witzig, reporting for Public Safety, said that Blue Ribbons for Police Week could be purchased at the Police Department.

Council President Trish Sheilds reported that the Finance Committee met with Dr. Nancy Hacker and School Administrator Mark Stratton last night to discuss the defeated school budget. She said that Dr. Hacker and her committee have already cut 3 teacher positions. Sheilds said that both groups agreed to cut $40,000 from the school’s budget.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese reported the following Public Works activity for April: 9 trees and 5 stumps were removed; 19 reported sewer blockages – 11 being the homeowners line and 5 preventative maintenances were performed. Regarding recycling she reported that 51.58 tons of paper, 26.64 tons of co-mingled items, 236 yards of leaves and 200 yards of brush were collected. 1.5 tons of cold patch was used to repair potholes.

Mayor Susan R. Griffith reported that the deadline to give Bob Hunter items for the next newsletter is June 1^st. She also reported that the revaluation will be starting very soon and that commercial property will be first, starting in about 10 days, with residential property being done in June. She reported that the Fire Department is working on Welcome Packages that would be given to new residents and that the Department Heads will be putting information together to be part of the package. Regarding recycling, the Mayor reported that Gary Geserick, Supt. of Public Works will be ordering green cans for grass clippings.

Council President Sheilds reported that the Fire Department is starting a program of random house checks. They will be checking fire/smoke detectors and if the inspection is successful, the residents will get a gift certificate for Soprano’s Pizza. If the inspection fails, the Fire Department will fix or replace smoke detectors on the spot!

Solicitor John Kearney said he has been asked by the Ambulance Corps to waive the Borough’s portion of the fingerprinting fee for Ambulance Corps/EMS applicants. Council agreed to add a resolution tonight.

There were no remarks from the public on agenda items.

Old Business:

Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinance 2006:1214.

Ordinance 2006:1214 – An Ordinance Amending 2005:1196 Entitled An Ordinance Fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation to be Paid to the Non-Contract Employees of the Borough of Haddon Heights for the Year 2005. (Amends the Construction Department by separating 3 positions formerly held by 1 employee into 3 positions to be filled by 3 part-time individuals).

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public on Ordinance 2006:1214, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilman Shopp. All members were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2006:1214 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:87 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 1^st Half of May.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:87 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:88 – Resolution Requiring the Governing Body of Haddon Heights to have made an Annual Audit of its books, accounts and financial transactions.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:88 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:89 – Resolution Reducing the Haddon Heights School Budget by $40,000.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:89 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Cortese who voted no.

Resolution 2006:90 – Resolution Amending Resolution 2006:86.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:90 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:91 – Resolution Waiving Local Portion of Fingerprinting Fee for Ambulance Corps Membership Applications.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:91 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members voted yes.

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

Joan Rossler, 107 9^th Avenue complained about the weeds around the railroad and dead tree in front of the Municipal Building. She also noted that the flowerpots are rotting and falling apart and looking bad. Council President Sheilds advised her of the Adopt-A-Spot program that will begin May 6^th. Ms. Rossler advised council that she heard a rumor that the Borough is spending $10,000 to hire someone to promote our town. Council President Sheilds said that $10,000 is in the budget for Economic Development.

John Rayser, 611 W. High Street reminded everyone about the work to be done on Station Avenue this coming Saturday, noting he had about 50 volunteers so far! He advised council that the staging area used by PSE&G is still a mess and would like to see it cleaned up by the contractor. Rayser said he heard that Conrail is selling the train station property. Councilman Shopp said that, “rumor has it that someone may buy it”.

Rose Fitzgerald, 25 7^th Avenue advised council that the bridge and underpass was abandoned when North East Corridor sold the property to Conrail. Regarding the gazebo, she informed council that she was encouraged to move it 4 years ago to the current location by the railroad tracks and has spent a considerable sum of money making repairs to damage done by vandalism. She said she resents the $10,000 put aside when the money could be used to improve the look of the Station Avenue business district, noting the condition of corner garden plots, pots, weeds, etc. She said that for 20 years the Heritage League has contributed their time and efforts to try and keep the gardens presentable. Councilwoman Haven said she needs to hear concerns from residents and noted that the town runs on volunteers! Discussion ensued between Councilman Shopp, Mrs. Fitzgerald and Councilwoman Haven.

Greg McAdams, 1006 S. Park Avenue advised taking a look at the 1 bucket for grass clippings per house because he has a small lot and uses 4 a week! Regarding seasonal sales on the White Horse Pike, he said he does not have a problem with that and noted that the people selling the Christmas trees off the CVS lot were very helpful and nice. Mr. McAdams said he has a concern with the “permanent yard sale” situation at 414 White Horse Pike. In regards to cars parking along the railroad tracks, Mr. McAdams asked if that was a closed issue? Councilman Witzig said the police are taking tag numbers and checking to be sure they are registered to addresses across the street. He once again said how awful the older cars look.

Leah Slemmer, 225 8^th Avenue said in regards to vehicles parking across from 221 East Atlantic Avenue, she knows the people personally and there is a terminally ill family member who lives there and many relatives are coming and going. Ms. Slemmer announced that the Ambulance Corps has joined with the American Legion to celebrate Memorial Day, with a parade beginning at 10am.

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

______________________________ 9:00PM

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk