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May 5, 2009

CAUCUS:

Review of regular agenda – Mayor Alexander

Comments from Borough Auditor and Council President Fetter – Bob Marrone from Bowman and Company gave an overview of the past and current budget. He briefly discussed how the budget and adoption process works. Mr. Marrone thanked the management team, Council President Fetter and CFO Sharon Smith, for providing a budget already put together and he just needed to review it. Haddon Heights is only one of the two towns to submit a complete budget, just in need of review. He discussed extraordinary aid and the basis for it.

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, Tad Fetter and Lee Wentz, Councilwomen Rosemary Fitzgerald, Trish Sheilds and Kathy Lange and Borough Solicitor Robert A. Gleaner, Esq.

Mayor Alexander, Council President Fetter and Chief Kinkler presented Life Saving Medals to Ptl. John Whitman and Sgt. Joseph Downs.

Motion to approve the minutes from 4/21/09 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter. All present were in favor with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who abstained due to her absence at the 4/21/09 meeting.

The following Committee reports were presented:

Council President Fetter reported for the Fire Department. The new squirt truck is being utilized and will be housed in June. Reporting for the Police Department, a full copy of this report is on file with the Borough Clerk. Regarding the Finance Department, Mr. Fetter thanked Mr. Marrone for being here tonight and explaining the budget process. He also thanked Department Heads for all their hard work this year; their work from last year came into fruition this year.

Councilman Haggerty reported for Municipal Court. A full copy of this report is on file with the Borough Clerk. Regarding the Shade Tree Commission, 50 trees have been planted and 50 more will be planted in the fall. There was discussion regarding the process of planting.

Councilwoman Sheilds reported that the Board of Education’s reorganization meeting is this evening.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald reported for Zoning and Construction. A full copy of this report is on file with the Borough Clerk. “Down by the Station” is this Saturday at 10 a.m., rain or shine. There are many festivities planned for the day. Civic Events will meet tomorrow evening. Plans for 4th of July are going well. Reporting for Community Wellbeing, there will be a senior lunch held the 3rd week of June. The memorial to President Obama, Lincoln and the slaves cemetery was memorialized last Friday. Councilwoman Fitzgerald explained the Walmart Grant and Bus shelters resolutions on the agenda for this evening. At the next council meeting Kevin Murphy will present a slide presentation on traffic calming initiatives on Atlantic Avenue. Also in the works, trying to find a spot for the “Sunshine Garden”.

Councilwoman Lange reported for Parks & Recreation and the Historic Commission; report on file with the Borough Clerk. Rivershark tickets sales are slow. Councilwoman Lange will be attending a seminar this Friday regarding criminal background checks for volunteers and people that work with youth. Regarding school finances, their budget did pass. Their reorganization meeting is this evening, at which time the Strategic Plans will also be presented.

Councilman Wentz reported that the annual rabies clinic held April 25th was very well attended.

Mayor Alexander announced that he and his wife have a new addition to their family, a baby boy! Advised that Kelly Santosusso has been hired for the part time Administrative Assistant and she will also be attending classes for registrar certification. Mayor Alexander thanked Council President Fetter and CFO Sharon Smith for their work on the budget. They worked very hard and we’re in a very good spot. He encouraged Council to vote and approve budget this evening. DPW has done a great job at Devon Avenue. Lyons and Son have competed the tree take downs and new stop signs have been erected First-Fourth Avenues at Garden Street. There are new School Board members, their budget was approved; Mayor encouraged Councilwomen Sheilds and Lange to forge relationship with them and maybe we can generate a commission together. Mayor offered Council President Fetter to help with their union; they declined.

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:

Public Hearing and Final Adoption of Ordinances 2009:1302, 1307 and 1308.

Ordinance 2009:1302 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 326 of the Code Entitled Parks & Recreation Areas (Sets restrictions on conduct, hours, permits for use of fields for athletic activities and for special events, disposal areas, and sets violations and penalties for violating any portion of this ordinance.) (**Amendment: § 326-3 J. removed)

Solicitor Robert Gleaner explained amendment.

Motion was made by Councilwoman Lange to bring Ordinance 2009:1302 back to the table, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor.

Rickie Roberts, 127 Third Avenue asked for clarification of what was removed and thanked Council for tabling this ordinance last month and taking the public’s thoughts into consideration.

Councilwoman Sheilds also asked for clarification in two sections.

Motion was made by Councilman Wentz to amend Ordinance 2009:1302, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor.

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

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2009:1302 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor.

Ordinance 2009:1307 – Bond Ordinance for Capital Projects. (Repair/replace Municipal Bldg. roof, renovations to Mayor’s office and Council conference rooms, improvements to underground storage tank, various equipment for DPW including trash cans , signage and hardware, various improvements to the existing sewer system, improvements to parks and recreation fields, acquisition of various pieces of computer equipment and technology)

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

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2009:1307 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter. Under roll call, all members present were in favor.

Ordinance 2009:1308 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 393 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Solid Waste. (Recycling can be placed in one container, but separate from trash; separate container must be used for household trash/garbage. Containers are not to be placed in the street or on the sidewalk. Any bulk materials not in containers (fencing, branches, posts, etc.) shall be cut and bundled in lengths no longer than 48”. For brush or branches, all ends shall face the same direction. No materials, including but not limited to, brush, grass clippings, concrete, or construction materials, may be put out for disposal, that was NOT generated from that location. Landscapers are required to dispose of all brush, clippings, etc. off site. Contractors are responsible for removing all trash and debris generated from construction or repairs from the property.)

There was discussion between Council members and Richard Edelen regarding leaves and landscaper responsibilities.

Motion was made by Councilman Haggerty to change “here to was” and to remove the last sentence of K, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present voted in favor.

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All members present were in favor.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2009:1308 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call, all members present were in favor.

NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of Ordinances 2009:1309 and 1310. Public hearings and final adoptions scheduled for 7:00pm May 19, 2009.

Ordinance 2009:1309 – Bond Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition, Improvements and Materials for Real Property in the Borough of Haddon Heights.

Councilman Wentz asked if Council would see a breakdown of information before adoption. Mayor Alexander advised yes, if we’re not in negotiations at that time. Councilman Haggerty stated that he would like to see more information before adoption in terms of value and how it will work.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2009:1309 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call, all members present were in favor with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who voted no.

Ordinance 2009:1310 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 100, Section 18 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Vehicles and Traffic. (Adds 2 4-way stop intersection at Glenview Avenue and West High Street and Glenview Avenue and Sycamore Street.)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2009:1310 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:113A – Budget – Self Examination

Motion was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald to approve Resolution 2009:113A, seconded by Council President Fetter. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:113B – Resolution Approving that the 2009 Municipal Budget be Read by Title Only. (Budget would have to be read page by page if this Resolution was not adopted.)

Motion was made by Council President Fetter to approve Resolution 2009:113B, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All members present were in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who voted no.

Resolution 2009:117 – Resolution Amending Budget.

There was discussion between Council members. Council President Fetter explained the amendment and stated that this is a beneficial change and we would be using less of our surplus. CFO Sharon Smith explained that it is normal for last minute changes. They just received information from the State and saw that they needed to change some figures.

Motion was made by Council President Fetter to approve Resolution 2009:117, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under roll call, all members present were in favor, with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds and Councilman Wentz who voted no.

Public Hearing and Final Adoption of the 2009 Municipal Budget as Amended:

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter. All members present were in favor with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds and Councilman Wentz who voted no.

Resolution 2009:87 – 2009 Municipal Budget As Amended.

Motion was made by Councilman Haggerty to adopt Resolution 2009:87, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call, all members present were in favor with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds and Councilman Wentz who voted no.

Resolution 2009:114 – Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayment. ($2,496.98 overpayment resulted from either a payment made by resident and title company or due to refinancing.)

Motion was made by Councilwoman Sheilds to adopt Resolution 2009:114, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. Under roll call, all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:115 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills and Claims for 1st Half of May.

Motion was made by Councilman Wentz to adopt Resolution 2009:115, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call, all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:116 – Resolution Appointing Co-Chairs of the Green Initiatives Committee. (Councilman Daniel Haggerty and Councilwoman Rosemary Fitzgerald.)

Motion was made by Council President Fetter to adopt Resolution 2009:116, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:118 – Resolution Requesting Bus Shelters. (The Borough is requesting of NJDOT that 5 bus shelters be placed at: Black Horse Pike, northbound at Prospect Ridge Blvd.; 200 White Horse Pike, eastbound at Station Avenue; White Horse Pike, eastbound at Haddon St.; White Horse Pike, westbound at Station Avenue; and Kings Highway, northbound at White Horse Pike).

Councilwoman Fitzgerald explained that this is a part of the Green Initiatives and there is no cost to the borough, but we are responsible to maintain the shelters.

Motion was made by Councilwoman Sheilds to adopt Resolution 2009:118, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under roll call, all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2009:119 – Resolution Approving the Submission of a Grant Application for Walmart Grant. ($10,000 grant for 3 projects: Green Fair, Green Challenges and Community Education and Outreach. Grant to be administered by the Green Initiatives Committee)

Councilwoman Fitzgerald gave an overview of the grant.

Motion was made by Councilman Haggerty to adopt Resolution 2009:119, 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.

There were none.

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

_______________________________________
Marie Holcombe, Deputy Borough Clerk