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March 17, 2009

CAUCUS:

Review of regular agenda – Mayor Alexander

Mayor Alexander and Richard Lipko from Pennoni Associates discussed and distributed proposals for the Boy Scout cabin. A copy of is on file with the Borough Clerk. The past few months they have been developing plans for renovations. The cabin will be renamed “Haddon Heights Senior Citizens Recreational Cabin.” A $15,000 grant was received from Recreation and Open Space, with the help of Roni Olizi. There is a resolution for CDGB on the agenda for this evening.

Mayor Alexander and Council President Fetter presented a power point presentation on the proposed Municipal Budget.

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: Councilman Daniel Haggerty, Councilwomen Trish Sheilds and Kathy Lange, Council President Tad Fetter and Borough Solicitor Robert A. Gleaner, Esq. Councilman Lee Wentz and Councilwoman Rosemary Fitzgerald were absent.

Motion to approve the minutes from 3/3/09 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Council President Fetter. All present were in favor.

The following Committee reports were presented:

Councilwoman Lange reported for Parks & Recreation and the Historic Commission. A full copy of this report is on file with the Borough Clerk.

Councilwoman Lange asked for permission to receive $100 in advance to have tickets for the Riversharks game on sale at borough hall. Motion was made by Councilman Haggerty to allow Councilwoman Lange $100 petty cash, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Motion carried. All present were in favor.

Councilman Haggerty reported that Municipal Court is working very hard and the staff is doing a great job. There is a resolution on for tonight to begin consolidation with Haddonfield Municipal Court. We are hoping to receive a grant to hire a consultant and perform an analysis. Shade Tree Commission met last night and they are very excited they will be able to plant 50 trees in the spring, with the help of DPW and volunteers. Councilman Haggerty received information from EMS. A full copy of this report is on file with the Borough Clerk.

Councilwoman Sheilds reported that the School Board met last week and this Thursday there will be a budget meeting and on March 31st at 7:00 p.m. there will be a public hearing on the budget. On April 2nd the sixth grade will be hosting a pasta dinner for the high school seniors.

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

Leah Slemmer, 225 Eighth Avenue read a statement which is attached to these minutes.

OLD BUSINESS:

Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinances 2009:1293 and 1295.

Ordinance 2009:1293 – Establish Guidelines for Local Wireless Communications.

Borough Solicitor Gleaner explained the minor changes to A-3 and G-1 and said the modifications were minor and therefore re-advertisement was not necessary.

Motion to Bring Ordinance 2009:1293 back to the table was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. All present were in favor.

Motion to amend Ordinance 2009:1293 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All present were in favor.

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

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2009:1293 as amended was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Council President Fetter. Before the vote, Councilman Haggerty asked if the comments from the Planning Board were included in this ordinance. Mayor Alexander said they were.

Ordinance 2009:1295 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 100 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights. (Stop Intersections)

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

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2009:1295 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All present were in favor.

NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of Ordinances 2009:1296 and 1298. Public hearings and final adoptions will be held on April 7, 2009, 7:00pm in the Municipal Building.

Ordinance 2009:1296 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 393 Section 11 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2009:1296 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All present were in favor.

Ordinance 2009:1298 – COLA Ordinance.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2009:1298 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2009:74 – Resolution Authorizing CDBG Projects for Year 31 (2009-2010) $32,505 (Haddon Heights Senior Citizen Recreation Cabin)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:74 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2009:81 – Resolution Authorizing the refund of Taxes Paid on A Exempt Property.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:81 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. Under a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2009:82 – Resolution rejecting All Bids Received on 1/30/09 for the Historic Railroad Corridor Enhancement, FY 2003 Transportation Enhancement Project.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:82 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:84 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Pennoni Associates, Inc. in the Amount of $4,000 to Rebid the Historic Railroad Corridor Enhancement Project.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:84 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Councilwoman Sheilds asked, “Did they get $4,000 already?” Mayor said “yes, out of grant money”. Under a roll call vote, all members of council present voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who voted no.

Resolution 2009:85 – Resolution for the Feasibility Grant Component Regarding Sharing Municipal Court Functions with the Borough of Haddonfield.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:85 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2009:86 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills & Claims for 2nd Half of March.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:86 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Council President Fetter. Under a roll call vote, all members of council present voted yes; Councilwoman Sheilds voted yes with the exception of payment to Integrity.

Resolution 2009:87 – 2009 Municipal Budget.

Motion to introduce Resolution 2009:87 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under a roll call vote, all members voted yes. Sheilds voted with the stipulation that she has not seen the budget as of yet. Council President Fetter said that the auditors ran into difficulty and that the Borough Clerk will have the budgets tomorrow.

Resolution 2009:88 – Resolution Authorizing Emergency Temporary Appropriation.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:88 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Council President Fetter. Under a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2009:89 – Resolution Authorizing Transfers of Appropriation Reserves.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:89 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2009:90 – Resolution Authorizing Fire Department to Purchase a Motorola Mobile Radio with Accessories in the amount of $3,401.17 Utilizing a State Contract.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:90 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. Under a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2009:91 – Resolution of the Borough Council of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Authorizing the Issuance and sale of up to $107,680 of Special Emergency Notes of the Borough of Haddon Heights; Making Certain Covenants to Maintain the Exemption of the Interest on Said Notes From Federal Income Taxation; and Authorizing Such Determinations as May be Necessary or Appropriate to Effectuate the Issuance and Sale of the Notes.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:91 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

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

Ricki Roberts, 127 Third Avenue stated that she and many other residents are very happy with the second year of budgets and thanked Council President Fetter. Mrs. Roberts asked for clarification on the EMS issue. Councilman Haggerty explained.

Barbara Cortese, 325 Third Avenue commented on consolidating courts. Councilman Haggerty explained.

Several residents spoke regarding the basketball net Ordinance and enforcement; they are very angry. Councilman Haggerty suggested putting this on the caucus agenda for discussion at the next meeting.

Motion was made Councilwoman Sheilds to temporary stop enforcement of Section 400-8 until we find resolution from Council and Zoning Officer, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members of council present were in favor.

Carolyn DiMedio, 106 Kings Highway gave an update on the track situation. Mrs. DiMedio has reached out to many people and they are very supportive of the idea. $209,000 is the bid received for new track. She asked Solicitor Robert Gleaner what needs to be done legally and he advised that he will assist. Mayor Alexander asked if the track would be open to the public. Mrs. Di Medio will make a suggested that an hourly time be established for it to be open to the public.

Bob Eichorn, 2013 Maple Avenue asked for a status on his request asking the borough to add bushes or stockade fence around the borough tank next door to his property. Mayor Alexander apologized and advised Mr. Eichorn that he would speak with DPW Superintendent in the morning to discuss.

Rosellen Gutowski, 1018 Prospect Ridge Blvd., stated that her neighbor has been feeding animals and she has spoken to the Zoning Official and Councilwoman Fitzgerald and asked if Council can help. Solicitor Robert Gleaner suggested that a Municipal Court complaint be filed and then if not settled through Community Dispute Committee, the Court would decide.

Carolyn DiMedio, 106 Kings Highway agrees with Mrs. Roberts statement and thanked Mayor Alexander and Council President Fetter; she respects them and is very proud of them both.

Jim Jenkins, 1804 Bryn Mawr Avenue congratulated Mayor and Council for a terrific job. Some things they have done, have never been done before.

With no further comments from the public, motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Council President Fetter. All council members present were in favor.

_________________________________ 7:27PM

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk