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March 3, 2009

CAUCUS:

Review of Regular Agenda - Mayor Scott Alexander

Council President Fetter and Chief Kinkler discussed installing multi-way stop signs on First, Second, Third and Fourth Avenues at Garden Street. The purpose of these signs is to enhance pedestrian safety and an added benefit would be improved traffic flow.

Solicitor Robert Gleaner discussed a letter he received from ACLU regarding Megan’s Law. They are defending the positions of Municipalities to allow more restrictive Ordinances and they are inquiring if we would be interested in filing a brief with the Supreme Court. Chief Kinkler discussed how the towns expand on Megan’s Law.

REGULAR AGENDA:

Mayor Alexander opened the 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: Lee Wentz, Daniel Haggerty, Trish Sheilds, Rose Fitzgerald, Kathy Lange and Tad Fetter as well as Borough Solicitor Robert A Gleaner. Borough Clerk Joan Moreland was absent due to illness.

Motion was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilwoman Lange to approve the minutes from 2/17/09. All members present voted yes.

Fire Chief Tim Daly, Mayor Alexander and Council President Fetter presented Assistant Chief Lafferty his Diploma from the National Fire Academy. Assistant Chief Lafferty attended the four (4) year Executive Fire Officer Course and maintained a 3.0 grade point average. He also wrote a forty eight (48) page report which was adopted by the National Academy and will be published in the Academy Library. Chief Daly praised Assistant Chief Lafferty for doing such a wonderful job. Assistant Chief Lafferty thanked retired Fire Chief Steve Kinky, Principal Jane McGovern, members of the Fire Department and his wife Danielle and daughter Elizabeth.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Council President Fetter reported for Finance. The budget will be introduced at the next Council meeting, March 17th. Hopefully they will know Governor Corzine’s numbers by the end of the day and have a better idea what we’re dealing with.

Councilman Haggerty reported for the Shade Tree Commission. Their first meeting of the year was held on March 2nd and they discussed the bold initiatives they have planned for this year. Roni Olizi from the Commission asked Council to expand their budget this year to $7,500 to allow the planting of 100 trees, purchase mulch and send two (2) people to take the core training course, which costs $100-125/per person. They are hoping to do some tree planting in April and November and would also like to get the children involved in the April planting for Arbor Day. Councilman Haggerty suggested they run an article in our newspaper asking if anyone would like a tree planted between the sidewalk and the curb at their property.

Councilwoman Sheilds reminded all that the Business Association is sponsoring the Easter egg hunt this year and it will be held on April 11th at Hoff’s Park. School Board meeting will be held March 10th. Councilwoman Sheilds questioned Planning Board minutes and Resolutions for new hires.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald reported for Zoning. Full copy of this report is on file with the Borough Clerk. Well Being Committee met and they will be submitting an ad for the newspaper. There does seem to be a desire to start a Senior Citizen’s Club again. A county bulletin with services they provide will be posted on the bulletin board at the Borough Hall and Library. Friday night’s “Great Depression” went wonderful. Green Initiatives met and had a great turnout. Kevin Murphy from the DRVP Commission nominated E. Atlantic Avenue, from Green Street to underpass, for a study. Councilwoman Fitzgerald would like to have Mr. Murphy come and give a short presentation and file with the County for improvements. Councilwoman Fitzgerald also submitted a request for bus shelters on the White Horse Pike. They are free but the Borough must maintain them. Civic Events met and did not have a good turnout. Plans are underway for the parade.

Councilwoman Lange reported for Parks and Recreation, School Board and Historic District. Full copy of this report is on file with the Borough Clerk.

Councilman Wentz reported that the Drug Commission will meet the 3rd Monday of the month. There is no Board of Health meeting this month.

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

Joe Orlando, 1412 Prospect Ridge Blvd., asked Council’s position on a study to do a cost benefit analysis on energy. Fees were discussed. Councilwoman Fitzgerald advised Mr. Orlando that they would need a proposal. Solicitor Robert Gleaner asked Mr. Orlando to email him the information to review.

Terry Chepurny, 1643 Sycamore Street, questioned Ordinances 2009:1294 and 1295. Council President Fetter explained. Ms. Chepurny also questioned where the 3-way stops are at Glenview; they have waited over a year. Chief Kinkler explained that we have to do a study and also need the Borough engineer to certify.

OLD BUSINESS:

Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinances 2009:1293 and 1294.

Ordinance 2009:1293 – An Ordinance Establishing Guidelines for Local Wireless Communications.

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

Motion to TABLE Ordinance 2009:1293 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter. All members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2009:1294 – An Ordinance Amending Chapters 100 and 125 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights.

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

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2009:1294 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present voted yes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of Ordinance 2009:1295. Public hearing and final adoption will be held on March 17, 2009, 7pm at the Municipal Building.

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

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2009:1295 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:72 – Resolution Approving 6-Mo. Extension to Office Basics, Paper Mart and W.B. Mason Contracts (Through CC Cooperative Pricing System)

Motion to approve Resolution 2009:72 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:73 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills & Claims for 1st Half of March

Motion to approve Resolution 2009:73 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter. Under roll call all members present were in favor with the exception of Councilman Wentz who voted no, and Councilwoman Sheilds who voted no on several vendors.

Resolution 2009:75 – Resolution Appointing David Watson as Acting Certified Public Works Manager

Motion to approve Resolution 2009:75 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:76 – Resolution Authorizing Transfers of Appropriation Reserves

Motion to approve Resolution 2009:76 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:77 – Borough of Haddon Heights Temporary Budget Appropriation Increase for 2009 (Permits an increase in the temporary appropriation to provide for the period between the date upon which the budget was scheduled for adoption pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5 and the extended adoption date of the 2009 budget)

Motion to approve Resolution 2009:77 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Council President Fetter. Under roll call all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:78 – Resolution Providing for a Meeting Not Open to the Public in Accordance with the Provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12

Motion to approve Resolution 2009:78 was made by Councilman Haggerty seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present were in favor.

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

Barbara Cortese, 325 Third Avenue, questioned Resolution 2009:75 and Solicitor responded that the DPW employee is an officer; that is why there is a resolution. Mrs. Cortese also asked if anyone looked at the congestion that there will be with the new signs at the high school. Chief Kinkler responded that the main concern is the safety of the children. Police Department will keep an eye on the area.

Bo Hammer, Board of Education President, said that he sent Mayor Alexander a request for more information in the newspaper. Mr. Hammer referenced a letter he received from CMFO Sharon Smith. He responded to her letter and hopes to receive a prompt response in return. Council President Fetter explained to Mr. Hammer and told him the issues are open for discussion.

Bill Troutman, 1509 Chestnut Avenue, thanked Councilwoman Fitzgerald for a great job at Friday evening’s “Great Depression”.

Joe Peters, 1420 W. High Street, said that he would not support anything that will cost more money for gas.

Bob Eichorn, 2013 Maple Avenue, lives right next to the pumping station and is having a very difficult time selling his property with 1000 tank sitting out in the open. Mr. Eichorn showed pictures to Council and asked if the Borough would please look into adding bushes or a stockade fence. Mayor Alexander told Mr. Eichorn that we would look into it.

David Cutts, 1810 Wayne Avenue, stated that any added expense regarding gas would be voted against. Mr. Cutts also questioned what is driving the basketball net Ordinance. Councilwoman Fitzgerald explained that it is a safety issue and they are in the way of plowing and trucks.

Bill Troutman, 1509 Chestnut Avenue, commented that it is a law that basketball nets cannot be put into the cartway.

With no further comments from the public, motion to go into closed session for legal matters was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor.

Closed session: Present were Councilpersons Fetter, Fitzgerald, Lange, Haggerty and Wentz, Mayor Alexander, Deputy Clerk Holcombe and Solicitor Gleaner. Councilperson Shields was absent. Discussion ensued concerning the Siciliano litigation and the contract involving the Property and Casualty Risk Manager. No formal action was taken.

Motion to adjourn the closed session and open the meeting to the public was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter. All members present were in favor.

Motion to settle the Salvatore Siciliano litigation along the lines of Solicitor Robert A. Gleaner’s memo was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present were in favor.

Motion to record public session only and not closed sessions, with minutes of closed sessions to be noted on the regular minutes was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Council President Fetter. All members present were in favor.

Motion to approve Resolution 2009:80, a Resolution Revoking Resolution 2009:04 - Appointing Hardenbergh Insurance as Property and Casualty Risk Manager for Camden County Joint Insurance Fund

was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. All members present were in favor.

Motion to approve Resolution 2009:79, Resolution Appointing G.R. Murray Insurance as Property and Casualty Risk Manager for Camden County Joint Insurance Fund was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present were in favor.

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All members present were in favor.

_______________________________

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk