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July 21, 2009

CAUCUS:

Meeting commenced on Station Avenue in front of John’s Market for the bench dedication to John Johnson for his 90th birthday. Mayor Alexander presented a proclamation to Mr. Johnson. Many residents attended to show their support and refreshments were served.

Review of regular agenda – Mayor Alexander

REGULAR AGENDA:

Mayor Scott M. Alexander opened the regularly scheduled 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: Councilmen Daniel Haggerty and Tad Fetter, Councilwomen Rosemary Fitzgerald, Kathy Lange and Trish Sheilds and Borough Solicitor Robert A. Gleaner, Esq. Councilman Wentz and Borough Clerk were absent.

Resolution 2009:150 – Resolution Appointing Salvatore Giambrone to the Position of Captain of the Haddon Heights Police Department (Effective immediately)

Motion was made by Councilwoman Sheilds to adopt Resolution 2009:150, seconded by Council President Fetter. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:151 – Resolution Appointing Robert Long to the Position of Detective Sergeant in the Haddon Heights Police Department (Effective immediately)

Motion was made by Councilman Haggerty to adopt Resolution 2009:151, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present were in favor.

Oaths of Office were administered by Mayor Alexander to Salvatore Giambrone and Robert Long. Chief Kinkler stated that these are two of the best officers and he cannot think of anyone more deserving for the positions. Captain Giambrone thanked Mayor and Council, the Police Department, family, friends and residents for their support.

BettyAnn Cowling-Carson (Camden County Municipal Alliance Coordinator / Mayor of Magnolia) Susan Griffith, Michael Valvardi, Roni Olizi and Tony Horneff appeared before Mayor and Council to discuss Municipal Alliance grants and answer any questions that may arise.  Ms. Cowling-Carson also commented on the types of programs that are permitted when using the DEDR monies. Council Members had several questions, as they wanted a better understanding of how the Alliances works, the procedures and programs and how Council can help considering we’ll have the new facilities to utilize.

The following Committee reports were presented:

Councilwoman Lange reported for Parks & Recreation and the Historic Commission; report on file with the Borough Clerk.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald reported for Zoning and Construction; reports on file with the Borough Clerk. Mrs. Fitzgerald commented that Zoning Official Ron Newell has made a major impact with violations and the appearance of the town has improved because of him. On August 5th at 7:00 p.m. Steve Dorsey will do a “walk and talk” through the newly improved trail at Hoff’s Park. This will be held annually. Senior Citizens luncheon will be held on August 18th at the Station House Restaurant. At that time there will be a discussion regarding programs for the rest of the year. Regarding Green Initiatives the bus shelters program is moving forward. Councilwoman Fitzgerald explained the resolution on the agenda this evening for a Community Garden. They have found a spot on Glover Avenue and plots will be drawn soon. Regarding Green Initiatives Sub-Committee, they are working on an energy audit and intend to apply for a grant to perform a study on how to reduce carbon footprint. 4th of July was a huge success; great attendance. Mrs. Fitzgerald thanked Mayor and Council, employees, DPW, Police and Fire Departments, Jim Cox, Business Association and everyone else who helped to make it a huge success.

Council President Fetter reported for the Police and Fire Departments; reports on file with the Borough Clerk. Regarding the Finance Department, we have received the certification of tax rate and there were no surprises; it’s exactly how we anticipated. The new rate is 2.553 (down 2.2% from last year) and tax bills were sent out today. We’re ahead of surplus and very pleased with expenditures.

Councilman Haggerty reported for Municipal Court; report on file with the Borough Clerk. The grant application that was made to the State regarding the merger analysis between Haddon Heights, Haddonfield and Audubon was accepted. We will move forward with consultant to see how we can same money. The Shade Tree Commission has been working with PSE&G to make sure the upcoming work on the east side of town is done appropriately; in reference to tree trimming and/or removal. Reporting for EMS, report on file with the Borough Clerk. Councilman Haggerty explained that the resolution on the agenda this evening is to extend the existing lease for the ambulance, two months, until a new contract with EMS.

On behalf of Councilman Wentz, Councilwoman Sheilds commented on the 4th of July run. They had a great turnout, 366 registrants and 361 finishers. School Board meeting will be held August. Planning Board Chairman Tom Ferrese asked her to mention looking at the Master Plan in reference to cell towers.

Mayor Alexander thanked DPW, Police and Fire Departments and everyone that was involved in the 4th of July festivities, it was very nice. Last Friday the Borough purchased the Water Company buildings. Regarding the Cabin, we are waiting on designs from the architect. Mayor Alexander discussed the current Borough letterhead and envelopes. While he appreciates the current design, it is outdated now and recommends upgrading to the 20th century. We have added our logo to the Heights Report and banner and this will align with it.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald commented that she and Councilwoman Lange recently attended a Classic Towns meeting; we’re one of eleven towns classified as a Classic Town. They use the Classic Town logo on everything. We have another year of commitment and we should use it to the max; maybe add another small logo on the bottom of the letterhead and envelopes.

Solicitor Robert Gleaner gave an update on the status of the Ordinance codification. He will have some technical corrections ready for the August 18th meeting.

Clyde Donahue, Esquire came before Council to discuss a property in Haddon Heights in which he represents the resident. Mr. Donahue thanked Mayor and Council for taking the time to hear him. He asks that Council agree to a Confirmatory Quit-Claim Deed for a piece of property that the Borough sold to his client back in 1953. His client has all the original documents except for the deed, which was never recorded with the County. His client is scheduled to make settlement tomorrow. Solicitor Robert Gleaner stated that he has the documents and resolution and Marie Holcombe has looked in the 1953 records to verify this information. Discussion ensued between Council Members and Mr. Donahue. Solicitor Robert Gleaner will draft a resolution that we can discuss later in the meeting.

Motion to approve the minutes from 6/16/09 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who abstained due to absence.

Regarding Resolution 2009:147, Resolution Approving a Community Garden, the fee stated is based on a 20x20 plot. The plots have since been changed to 10x10. The participation fee will be amended in the resolution to: “to be determined”.

With no further reports to be presented Mayor Alexander called for remarks from the public on New Business agenda items.

There were none.

OLD BUSINESS:

None.

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution 2009:144 – Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayments
Motion was made by Councilwoman Sheilds to adopt Resolution 2009:144, seconded by Council President Fetter. Under a roll call vote, all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:145 – Resolution Requesting Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation NJS 40A:4-87
Motion was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald to adopt Resolution 2009:145, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under a roll call vote, all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:146 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills and Claims for July
Motion was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald to adopt Resolution 2009:146, seconded by Council President Fetter. Under a roll call vote, all members present were in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who voted no.

Resolution 2009:147 – Resolution Approving a Community Garden
Motion was made by Councilman Haggerty to adopt Resolution 2009:147, as amended, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:148 – Resolution to Cancel an Outstanding Balance in the Current Fund
Motion was made by Council President Fetter to adopt Resolution 2009:148, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under a roll call vote, all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:149 – Resolution to Cancel an Outstanding Balance in the General Capital Fund
Motion was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald to adopt Resolution 2009:149, seconded by Council President Fetter. Under a roll call vote, all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:152 – Resolution Authorizing the Fire Chief to Make a Purchase Utilizing a State Contract
Motion was made by Councilwoman Sheilds to adopt Resolution 2009:152, seconded by Council President Fetter. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:153 – Resolution Approving the 2008 Audit Correction Action Plan
Motion was made by Councilwoman Lange to adopt Resolution 2009:153, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:154 – Resolution Supporting the Over the Limit Under Arrest 2009 Statewide Crackdown
Motion was made by Councilwoman Sheilds to adopt Resolution 2009:154, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:155 – Resolution Regarding the 2008 Municipal Audit
Motion was made by Councilman Haggerty to adopt Resolution 2009:155, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. Under a roll call vote, all members present were in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who abstained.

Resolution 2009:156 – Resolution Executing a Shared Services Agreement Between Camden County and the Borough of Haddon Heights for the Provision of a Joint Municipal Animal Control through December 31, 2009
Motion was made by Councilwoman Sheilds to adopt Resolution 2009:156, seconded by Council President Fetter. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:157 – Resolution Extending EMS Vehicle Lease Agreement
Motion was made by Councilman Haggerty to adopt Resolution 2009:157, seconded by Council President Fetter. Under a roll call vote, all members present were in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who abstained.

Resolution 2009:158 – Resolution Issuing a Quit-Claim Deed
Motion was made by Councilwoman Sheilds to adopt Resolution 2009:158, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All members present were in favor.

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

David McGee, 301 4th Avenue commented on the “redecorating of the Mayor’s Office” that was included in a recent Bond Ordinance. Council President Fetter explained the budget process and earmarking funds; Council reviews and allocates. He also advised Mr. McGee that he had responded to his email, as opposed to Mayor Alexander, as Finance is his department. Mr. McGee also questioned 2008 vouchers for Tropicana. Marie Holcombe explained that the vouchers were for conferences.

Roni Olizi, 424 Third Avenue commented on the tree trimming on Atlantic Avenue. She has met with PSE&G and Nelson Tree and they are aware of Shade Tree issues here in Haddon Heights. Mrs. Olizi has guidelines that she will distribute to Mayor and Council so that they are aware of what Nelson Tree can and can’t do. She will also draft a letter for Mayor and Council to sign stating what they expect of them.

Jim Cook, 204 Crest Avenue suggests the town obtain a Radio Frequency Engineer to review all cell tower applications that come through the Planning Board. Solicitor informed Mr. Cook that he has spoken to the Planning Board Solicitor, Donald Ryan, and the town is bound by what the State dictates. Mayor Alexander explained that Council did pass a Cell Tower Ordinance in the beginning of the year and we are aware of the need to look into placement of the towers over-all. Discussion ensued between Mr. Cook and Council Members.

Motion to adjourn was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present were in favor.

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Marie Holcombe, Deputy Borough Clerk