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October 20, 2009

 
CAUCUS: 
 
Mayor Scott M. Alexander reviewed the regular agenda items. There  was no business to be discussed in caucus.
 
REGULAR AGENDA:
 
Mayor 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: Tad Fetter, Daniel Haggerty, Trish Sheilds, Lee Wentz, Kathy Lange and Rose Fitzgerald.  Borough Solicitor Robert A. Gleaner was also present.
 
The Mayor asked members of Cub Scout Pack 163 – Webelo 1 Den 3 to come up front to receive their certificates for their efforts of planting mums outside the Municipal Building. The 7 members of Webelo 1 Den 3 were working to achieve their citizenship badge which required volunteering their services for the good of the town and to attend a meeting of the Governing Body. They did the work under the direction of their Den Leader Gene O’Donnell. All of the boys received a well deserved round of applause when the Mayor thanked the boys for their civic duty.
 
Mayor Alexander then presented certificates to Atlantic Avenue School, Glenview Avenue School and, 7th Avenue School students who have served on their respective Student Councils. The students received the Oath of Office from the Mayor and a well deserved round of applause from the many parents and grandparents present. Mrs.
 
Motion to approve minutes from the October 6th council meeting was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald , seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members of council were in favor.
 
The Mayor called for Committee Reports at which time the following reports were presented:
 
Council President Fetter said he gave a full report at the last meeting, but advised everyone that several thefts have occurred in the 100 block of 7th Avenue. Regarding finances, Fetter said they look good and he is in the process of setting up the 2010 budget.
 
Councilman Haggerty reported that the Municipal Court study is going well and that they will be meeting with our Court Administrator this week. 
 
Councilwoman Fitzgerald reported that plans are underway to clean up the Lippincott woods behind Hoff’s Park for Make A Difference Day on November 24th between 9:00am and Noon and encouraged people to volunteer to make a difference. Also on November 24th, Fitzgerald announced that the HH Business & Professional Association will be sponsoring a hayride to the pumpkin patch from Noon to 3:00pm.
 
For the Green Initiatives Committee, she reported that Walk to School Day was successful with the participation of FedEx.  They had one of their trucks there and showed the kids how to properly cross a street when there is a parked truck in the vicinity. Councilwoman Fitzgerald also reported that the Goodwill truck was packed when it was at DPW for a day. She reported that the Town Garden is progressing, and talked to the Senior Citizens today at their meeting.
 
Councilwoman Lange reported that she has met with all the sports groups and schools regarding having a schedule for all groups so all teams get to use the fields, noting that the Youth Football Program is new. She reported that the Field Use & Facility form has been revised and distributed to all the groups and schools. She asked the Mayor who was in charge of the large town calendar. Mayor Alexander said Rich Lipko, and she advised council that the groups would like to have their various sign up days on the website. 
 
Lange reported that Andrew Bailey, a local resident, has been named as a candidate for American League Rookie of the Year. Bailey plays baseball for the Oakland A’s.
 
She reported that she is looking into information on summer camp and summer recreation programs, noting that there are many regulations, such as having to have a medical person on site, number of hours programs are allowed, etc. She said that now having the newly renovated Log Cabin available with a bathroom will be a big help.
 
Councilwoman Lange advised everyone that the HH Historic Preservation Committee will begin its 25th Anniversary. Lastly, Lange thanked Rose for her park in getting the Walk to School Program up and running and that she was happy to see St. Rose of Lima School involved this year.
 
Mayor Alexander announced that he has been advised at the Borough is receiving $195,000 for the 2010 Roadwork Program from the State Department of Transportation, which means we can work on more roads. He reported that the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony went well with about 50 people in attendance. He thanked the Fire Chief for sending someone in his place and the Police Chief for attending along with other Department Heads, noting it was a nice turnout. The Mayor advised everyone that the Streetscape is just about done with banner poles being installed in front of the post office. Rich Lipko said he has a punch list and then all work will be completed. Mayor Alexander reported that he met with representatives of the County regarding Station Avenue Flooding. The County reported that the manhole covers looked good, but pipes could be larger. The County will be doing work on Station Avenue in the near future.
 
Councilwoman Sheilds and Councilman Wentz did not present a report.
 
With no further reports to be made, Mayor Alexander called for remarks from the public on New Business agenda items.   
 
Karyn Errington, 1645 Sycamore Street read a statement, which questioned the reasons for the $40,751.50 change order, work on Lippincott Lane, expenses for Pennoni, expenses for Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and signs. She said that gas was not needed in the log cabin. Regarding the Senior Center, she asked what if they don’t use it; do we have to return the grant money? Regarding the water company building, she read that “we took it off their hands”.
 
Mayor Alexander responded to her concerns, first he said that we received a grant in the amount of $180,000 for 2008 Roadwork and there was money leftover which was used for Lippincott Lane. Regarding her comment on the Senior Center, the Mayor said she misspoke about the Senior Center – that it is not in the log cabin, but is a room dedicated for the use by senior citizens. At this point she turned her back and sat down. The Mayor asked her if she has read about Project Garnet on the website, noting that Project Garnet is all positive and a plus for the residents of Haddon Heights.
 
Councilwoman Lange said there is no gas fireplace insert in the log cabin and she advised Ms. Errington that the cabin’s bathrooms can be used for summer and recreation programs and provide shelter in the event of summer thunder storms. Councilwoman Fitzgerald said that we don’t have the land to build a community center/senior facility like other towns. She said, “This is the best thing we have done in years!” and it is in a good location.
 
Rich DiRenzo, 2nd Avenue asked when Project Garnet was started. The Mayor said about 1 year ago. DiRenzo then asked when the Master Plan was done. The Mayor responded by saying 25 years ago. Mayor Alexander said that Rich Lipko volunteered to be the Project Manager for Project Garnet and thanked “all for their part”.
 
Councilwoman Fitzgerald said her husband was on council and in the 1980’s the Sunshine law came about. She explained that bids were accepted for the Master Plan. She said there were strict rules regarding the firm hired to develop the Master Plan and that no firm within 25 miles of Haddon Heights was not allowed to bid. She said, “nothing was done behind doors”.
 
Roni Olizi, 424 3rd Avenue said the cabin needed to be fixed, noting it is in a great historic area. She said that volunteers worked on the cabin the week before the dedication, saying that Rich Lipko was painting as well as Rich DiRenzo, the Mayor and other gentleman. 
 
With no further comments to come from the public, the Mayor opened the meeting up to Old Business.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
 
Public hearing sand final adoptions of Ordinances 2009:1323 and 1324. 
 
Ordinance 2009:1323 – An Ordinance Fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation to be Paid to Certain Sub-Code Official Employees of the Borough of Haddon Heights Effective October 1, 2009. (All Sub-Code Officials (Plumbing, Fire, Electrical and Building) shall be paid $25 an hour beginning 10/1/09. Estimated hours per week 10-11 hours for Building Sub-Code Official, 5-6 hours weekly for the others.)
 
Hearing and seeing no comments regarding Ordinance 2009:1323, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All council members voted yes.
 
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2009:1323 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter. Upon a roll call vote, all council members voted yes.
 
Ordinance 2009:1324 – An Ordinance Amending Bond Ordinance 2007:1234, as Amended by Ordinance 2009:1314, and Ordinance 2008:1262 of the Borough of Haddon Heights, in the County of Camden, New Jersey. (Amends the capital budget to include $38,600 for various improvements to the Borough’s sewer utility system.)
 
Hearing or seeing no comments regarding Ordinance 2009:1323, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under a roll call vote, all members voted yes.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
 
Resolution 2009: 197 – Resolution Approving a One-Day Social Affair Permit for St. Rose of Lima School Alumni Group. (Beef and beer to be held on 11/21/09.)
 
Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:197 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All members voted yes.
 
Resolution 2009:198 – Resolution Approving a Change Order #1 for the Haddon Heights Recreation Cabin Improvements. ($27,650 net increase for cabin improvements due to a change in scope of the job.)
 
Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:198 was made by Council President Fetter, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under a roll call vote, all members voted yes.
 
Resolution 2009:199 – Resolution Approving Change Order #1 for the Lippincott Lane Widening Project increase of $40,751.50 for the widening of Lippincott Lane due to change in scope of project.)
 
Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:199 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter. Under a roll call vote, all members voted yes.
 
Resolution 2009:200 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 2nd Half of October.
 
Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:200 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Upon a roll call vote, all members voted yes.
 
Resolution 2009:201 – Resolution Approving a Raffle License for Haddon Heights Project Prom.
 
Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:201 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who abstained from voting.
 
Resolution 2009:202 – Resolution Authorizing Payment to General Code for the Codification of 32 Ordinances in An Amount Not To Exceed $7,000.00.  
 
Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:202 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. Under a roll call vote, all members voted yes.
 
Resolution 2009:204 – Resolution Appointing Chester A. Dirkes to the Position of Electrical Sub-Code Official to Fill an Unexpired Term. (Term expires 12/31/09).
 
Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:204 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members voted yes.
 
Resolution 2009:205 – Resolution Appointing James J. McHugh to the Position of Plumbing Sub-Code Official to Fill an Unexpired Term. (Term expires 12/31/09).
 
Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:205 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Fetter. All members voted yes.
 
Resolution 2009:206 – Resolution Appointing Ralph R. Jones to the Position of Fire Sub-Code Official to Fill an Unexpired Term. (Term expires 12/31/09).
 
Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:206 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members voted yes.
 
With no further business to come before council, Mayor Alexander opened the meeting to the public for comments or concerns.
 
Rich Lipko said that regarding the cabin, there is still work to be done and will be taking volunteer’s names tonight.  Councilwoman Lange asked Mr. Lipko if he had a wish list that could be put on the website. He said painting has to be done, furnishing, etc.
 
With no further comments to be made Mayor Alexander called for a motion to adjourn. Motion was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Council President Fetter. All members were in favor.
 
Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk