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December 1, 2009

CAUCUS:

Mayor Alexander went over the items on the regular agenda.  There were no questions for him at that time.

REGULAR AGENDA:

The Mayor opened the regular 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 3, 2009”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present:  Council President Tad Fetter, Daniel Haggerty, Trish Sheilds, Lee Wentz, Kathy Lange and Rose Fitzgerald.  Solicitor Robert Gleaner, Esq. was also present.
 
Motion to approve the minutes from the 11/17/09 meeting was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by.
Councilman Haggerty.  All members present were in favor with the exception of Councilwoman Fitzgerald who abstained from voting due to her absence on 11/17/09.

Mayor Alexander, joined by Council President Fetter and Pete Hill from the American Legion Post 149 presented certificates of recognition to Teague Brody-Carney, William Dollarton, Colton Dempsey and Marcus Tutt who participated in the Boy’s State Program at Ryder College.  He was then joined by Pia Troutman from the American Legion Post 149 who presented certificates to Elizabeth Packi and Dayna Hovern for their participation in the Girl’s State Program at Georgian Court.  Mr. Hill said that he was impressed by the quality of students to chose from and that these students were chosen because they are scholars and also for their leadership skills, citizenship qualities, and good character.  The students received a well deserved round of applause from the Governing Body and residents present.  Mr. Hill then asked the parents to stand up and they also received a round of applause.  Mayor Alexander asked the students why they were interested in government.  Dayna Hovern said she is interested in what affects her family and friends.  One of the young men said there were great seminars every day and seemed particularly interested in the one where a Medivac helicopter was on site and the pilot explained what they do every day. Mayor Alexander then congratulated the students.

At this point the Mayor called for Committee Reports and the following were presented:

Councilman Haggerty reporting on the Municipal Court said the study is continuing and that the people involved in getting the facts together said that cooperation between them and the court personnel has been excellent.  He note and that the study should be completed at the end of the year.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald reported for several departments:  Construction – she said the activity is up from this time last year and that the value of construction is $213,231.  Regarding Zoning, she reported that 25 violations have been issued and $75 was collected in fines.  She noted there are 3 court cases pending.  For the Senior Citizens, Fitzgerald said they are meeting at a “Community Table” at different restaurants in town for good food and good conversation.  She noted that the upcoming dates are listed in the resent Heights Report.  She also reported that the Green Initiatives Committee has discussed the community garden and heard a speaker on solar energy who will write a proposal for the Borough Hall and Community Center so we can get prices for installing solar panels on those 2 buildings.  Councilwoman Fitzgerald reported attending the NJ League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City, saying she attended a seminar on Solar Energy and one on Foundations in Local Government, which she found interesting.

Councilwoman Lange, reporting for Parks and Recreations said the fall sport programs are completed.  She announced that the 8 and 9 year olds football won the championship in their district, noting this is the first year for the program.  Lange said the HHYA will be sponsoring a basketball program, no further details available at this time.  She was happy to report that the Board of Education has agreed to present her with quarterly reports on field maintenance so we can see the actual costs of maintain the fields in town.  Regarding the Summer Program, she and Barbara Hoff Robinson asked that gently used board games be donated for use in the program.  Councilwoman Lange said that the cabin will be on the house tour and people will be allowed to come in free of charge.  She thanked Rich and Dyane Edelen for providing and handing the garland around the windows.  Lastly, she reported attending a Grant Writing Seminar at the NJ League of Municipalities Conference which she really got a lot of information from; noting that there is another one being offered in February which she would like to attend.

Mayor Alexander thanked the Haddon Heights Business & Professional Association for the recent parade and lights on Station Avenue.  He then thanked the DPW workers for their great efforts during leaf season.  He reported attending the pre-construction meeting for the Services Operation Facility today, noting that about 20 people attended and the contractors are ready to get started.  He reminded everyone about the House Tour which is this coming Friday from Noon – 3:30pm and 6:00pm – 10:00pm.  He also said a banner has been hung over Station Avenue advertising the annual event.

With no further reports to be presented, the Mayor called for remarks from the residents on New Business Items.

Mr. Troutman of Chestnut Avenue asked for more explanation on Resolutions 217 and 220.  The Mayor explained that 217 is authorizing the Borough to sell items no longer in use by means of an online auction with GovDeals.  He said that Kevin Sheehan will give an explanation of 220 before the vote.

OLD BUSINESS:

Public hearings and final adoptions for the following Ordinances:

Ordinance 2009:1325 – Ordinance Amending Bond Ordinance 2008:1262, As Amended by Ordinance 2009:1234, and Bond Ordinance 2008:1280 of the Borough of Haddon Heights, in the County of Camden, New Jersey.

Hearing and seeing no comments from the public on Ordinance 2009:1325, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald.  All were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2009:1325 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  Under a roll call vote all members voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds and Councilman Wentz who both voted no.

Ordinance 2009:1328 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 100 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Vehicles and Traffic.  (Adds “T” intersections to Green Street at 3rd, 4th Avenues and West Atlantic Avenue, Garden Street at Crest Avenue and West Atlantic Avenue, Lippincott Lane/West High Street at 7th Avenue, Maple Avenue at St. Martins Avenue, West High Street at Guyer Drive, 11th Avenue at Glover Avenue, 3rd and 4th Avenues at High Street, Green Street at North Park Avenue Lippincott Lane at West Atlantic Avenue, Sylvan Avenue at Glover Avenue and West Atlantic Avenue at Green Street.)

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public on Ordinance 2009:1325, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds.  All were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2009:1328 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Council President Fetter.  All were in favor.

Ordinance 2009:1329 – An Ordinance Regarding Amendment to Chapter 393-4 Unlawful Dumping.  (Adds brush, leaves or grass clippings to the items in which it will be unlawful to dump on any vacant lot, street, alley, driveway, sidewalk, curbing, parkstrip or any other public or private property.)

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public on Ordinance 2009:1329, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Council President Fetter.  All were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2009:1329 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  All were in favor.

NEW BUSINESS

Introduction of Ordinance 2009:1330.  Public hearing and final adoption will be held December 15, 2009, 7:00pm in the Municipal Building.

Ordinance 2009:1330 – An Ordinance Fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation to be Paid to Certain Non-Contracted Borough Employees of the Borough of Haddon Heights for the Year 2010.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2009:1330 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Council President Fetter.  All were in favor with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who voted no.

Resolution 2009:216 – Resolution Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:216 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald.  Under roll a call vote, all members voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds and Councilman Wentz who voted no.

Resolution 2009:217 – Resolution Authorizing the Online Sale of Surplus Personal Property No Longer in Use.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:217 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  All were in favor.

Resolution 2009:218 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 2nd Half of November.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:218 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter.  Under a roll call vote, all members voted yes.

Resolution 2009:220 – Resolution Endorsing the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan as Adopted by the Haddon Heights Planning Board.

Mayor Alexander invited Kevin Sheehan, Esq. , the Borough’s Counsel on COAH (Council On Affordable Housing) issues to come forward and explain Resolution 2009:220.  Mr. Sheehan explained the process to date, which began in 2006 when Kings Run came to town.  He explained that from 2006 to 2008 COAH amended the regulations, requiring 1 affordable home for every 8 built.  The Planning Board amended the Housing Element, which is in the Master Plan, to conform to the current COAH regulations.  He explained that some towns have to build affordable homes – 6 per acre, but we have an accessory apartment program, whereby existing apartments can be made affordable for a 10 year period.  Councilwoman Sheilds asked, “what if new Governor makes changes?”  Sheehan said it has happened before, but our existing credits will remain intact.  Someone asked, “whose obligation”….  Sheehan said the Planning Board had to adopt the Plan and then it goes to the Governing Body for endorsement, in the form of a Resolution.

Solicitor Gleaner said, “ he attended a COAH Seminar at the League of Municipalities Convention in Atlantic City and a State Senator who was speaking there reported that he anticipates major changes to the COAH program which will be good for the towns." 

Sheilds asked Tom Ferresse, Chair of the Planning Board about attached garages and carriage houses – if they went through.  Mr. Ferresse said yes it id, attached garages and carriage houses are excluded from the regulations.  He said the key issues regarding the Housing Element Plan is, 1) allows diversity by spreading units throughout the town instead of one section, and 2) it is a “good plan”.

Councilwoman Lange asked who determines what the low to moderate incomes are.  Mr. Sheehan said COAH does.

The Mayor said that according to the 2000 census data, we have plenty of people in town who would qualify.  He also said that we are required to appoint a current employee to the position of Municipal Housing Liaison, which will be addressed at an upcoming meeting.

The Mayor and Council thanked Mr. Sheehan for the explanation.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:220 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  Upon a roll call vote all members voted yes.

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

Terry Chepurny, Sycamore Street, said the Police were “wonderful”, noting that Ptl. Whitman came out after a call about the trash around a neighbor’s home.  She said the owners had been away for an extended time and trash was all over the property.  She said that Ptl. Whitman came out and actually helped pick up the trash and then came back to be sure everything was okay.  She said she wanted people to know what a wonderful Police Department we have and thanked Ptl. Whitman for his actions.

At this point, Mayor Alexander advised the residents that council would be going into a closed session for the discussion of a personnel matter.  Motion was made to adopt Resolution 2009:221 by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  All members were in favor.  (8:00pm)

At approximately 8:20pm, motion was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Council President Fetter to open the meeting to the public.  All were in favor. Councilman Haggerty went out of the office and downstairs to be sure there was no one from the public waiting.  Seeing no one, the meeting open continued in the Mayor’s office. 

The following Resolutions were voted upon:

Resolution 2009:222- Resolution Approving Early Retirement for Eileen Pollock in Accordance with the Single Coverage Benefits Package Set Forth in the Appropriate Documentation.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:222 was made by Councilman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter.  Under a roll call vote, all members voted yes.

Resolution 2009:223 – Resolution Approving that the Interview Process Begin for the Hiring of two (2) Partime Positions in the Construction Office.  (The advertisement will be placed on the website and in The Retrospect.)

Motion to approve Resolution 2009:223 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  Under a roll call vote, all members voted yes.

With no further business to come before council, motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds.  All were in favor.
      

_________________________________8:40pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk