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April 20, 2010

Mayor Scott M. Alexander opened the regularly scheduled meeting with a salute to the flag and moment of silence. Mayor Alexander also took a moment to recognize that it was the fifteen year anniversary of the death of Policeman Norcross.

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 Council designed for that purpose and notice was mailed to the official newspaper provided by Resolution adopted January 2, 2010.”

Under Roll Call the following council members were present:  Council President Rose Fitzgerald, Councilman Daniel Haggerty, Councilman Edward Forte, Councilwoman Kathy Lange, Councilmen David McCollum, and Stephen Berryhill.  Borough Solicitor Richard A. DeMichele was also present.

Joan Moreland, Borough Clerk, was absent due to the School Board Election taking place.

Public Comments on agenda items only:

David Magee – 301 Fourth Avenue – Mr. Magee had a question regarding Resolution 2010:87 and he asked that Councilwoman Lange respond. Mayor Alexander and Councilwoman Lange addressed the question and gave a more detailed explanation.

Tom Ottoson – 307 Third Avenue – Mr. Ottoson had some questions regarding cost analysis. Councilwoman Lange informed Mr. Ottoson that she spoke with Tax Assessor, Tom Colavecchio, and she gave Mr. Ottoson a brief explanation of her understandings. Councilman Berryhill stated that he spoke with two (2) Senator Aids and that he would like more information before making any determinations. Mayor Alexander reminded the Council Members and residents that the vote is in fact a vote on a referendum.

Audrey DiRenzo – 415 Second Avenue – Ms. DiRenzo made her thoughts clear on the issue of county vs. town and stated that she is in favor of the least amount of county control in regard to taxes.

Carolyn DiMedio – 106 Kings Highway – Ms. DiMedio stated that she is not in favor of county control in regard to taxes and she also said that she thinks Tax Assessor, Tom Colavecchio, is a “gem.”

Tom Colavecchio, Tax Assessor, spoke about Senate Bill 458 and he also gave insight to his experience and knowledge regarding the issue of county vs. state.

Theresa Chepurny – 1643 Sycamore Street – Ms. Chepurny stated that she appreciated Mr. Colavecchio’s integrity.

Councilman Haggerty made a motion to close the public portion of the meeting, seconded by Councilman Berryhill. All Council Members who voted were in favor.

Motion to adopt the minutes from 3/16/10 was made by Councilman Forte, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.    Under discussion, several areas were stated incorrectly according to Councilwoman Lange.  Everyone agreed and minutes will be changed accordingly.  Ms. Fitzgerald and Mr. Forte abstained from voting and all other council members present were in favor of adopting the minutes as amended.

Hearing no comments, Councilwoman Fitzgerald made a motion to close the public hearing portion of the meeting, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All Council Members who were present voted in favor.

Old Business:

Ordinance 2010:1333 – 2010 Capital Items – Councilman Haggerty made a motion to adopt the Ordinance, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald.  Under a roll call vote all members who were present voted in favor with the exception of Councilman Berryhill and Councilman McCollum, who voted no.

John Rayser – 611 High Street – Mr. Rayser requested a breakdown of the capital items and he also mentioned that he has concerns about safety issues in regard to the fuel tank at the Service Operations Facility.

Donna Betz – 610 High Street – Ms. Betz commented that she is concerned because the fuel tank at the Service Operations Facility is not required to be regulated on a regular basis. She requested that an informal meeting take place to discuss the issue further. Mayor Alexander assured the resident that the fuel tank is in fact safe and that experts have approved the use of the fuel tank. Mayor Alexander also agreed to have an informal meeting to discuss the issue further.

Robert McKane – 1202 Sylvan Drive – Mr. McKane commented that the fuel tank does in fact have an alarm system that will recognize any spills and that the fuel tank is safe.

Fire Chief, Nick Scardino, mentioned that the firemen on duty will comply with the hours of operation in regard to the use of the fuel tank.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald made a motion to close the public comment portion, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All Council Members who were present voted in favor.

Ordinance 2010:1342 – Construction Fees – Councilman Haggerty made a motion to adopt the Ordinance, seconded by Councilman Forte. Under a roll call vote, all members who were present voted in favor with the exception of Councilman Berryhill who voted no.

Committee Reports/Discussions:

Councilwoman Fitzgerald provided a Zoning Report and she mentioned several upcoming events that will take place in the near future. May 8, 2010 is recognized as National Train Day and along Station Avenue there will be a sidewalk sale, book signings, and store grand openings. On July 3, 2010 Haddon Heights will celebrate Independence Day including a live DJ from Rome. October 9, 2010 from 10:00am to 4:00pm the Borough is hosting a Revolutionary War Solider Encampment in Camden County Park across from the Hinchman-Hurley House.

Councilman Haggerty spoke about Shade Tree Commission and informed the Council Members and residents that thirteen (13) ball shaped, hearty looking trees were planted over the weekend and that there are about twenty (20) or so trees left to plant. Councilman Haggerty also mentioned that there have been many trees taken down in Hoff’s Park. Mayor Alexander and Shade Tree Commission will be meeting with NJ DOT to discuss solutions. Councilman Haggerty continued his report stating that the EMS’s current response time is within 5.79 minutes and there have been 113 billable cases.

Councilman Berryhill informed the Council Members and the public that the Drug Commission has met twice and they are working alongside the author of the book “Extraordinary You” to develop programs for elementary students.

Councilwoman Lange reported that the Summer Recreation Program is ongoing and the interview process is almost complete having final hires by May 1, 2010.  Councilwoman Lange also mentioned that at the baseball field the fence in right field was repaired and the old bleachers were replaced with new ones. Since the weather is getting warmer, a request was made at the Community Forum that the high school track would be open for residents.

Councilman Forte did not have anything to report.

Councilman McCollum briefly spoke about the change happening in regard to health benefits for Union and non- Union workers. Complete report is on file in the Borough Clerk’s office.

Mayor Alexander informed the Council Members and the public that Haddon Heights received a $4,000.00 grant for the Click It or Ticket program. Also, the Mayor shared an email from a happy resident who had an Easter event at the newly renovated Cabin.

Mayor Alexander presented a power point presentation introducing the Haddon Heights 2010 Municipal Budget. CFO, Sharon Smith, and Auditor, Bob Marrone, from Bowman and Company were in attendance and commented on the presentation.

New Business:

Ordinance 2010:1343 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 213 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Fees and Chapter 152 Entitled Building, Usage of.  (Setting fees for rental of Community Center at Civic/Non Profit Organizations $75/hr for resident and $100/hr for non- resident; Social Events $100/hr for resident and $125/hr for non-resident; and Fee-Based Events $125/hr for residents and $150/hr for non-residents.  Chapter 152 will be amended to include Hours of Events – events in Borough owned buildings rented by residents or civic/non-profit organizations must be concluded by midnight.)

Councilwoman Lange made a motion to introduce the Ordinance, seconded by Councilman Forte. Under a roll call vote all Council Members who were present voted in favor with the exception of Councilman Berryhill and Councilman McCollum who voted no.

Ordinance 2010:1344 – Bond Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of a Command Vehicle for the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, NJ; Appropriating the Sum of $25,800 Therefore; Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds or Bond Anticipation Notes of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, NJ, in the Aggregate Principal Amount of Up to $24,510; Making Certain Determinations and Covenants; and Authorizing Certain Related Actions in Connection with the Foregoing.

*Note: Ordinance was amended. The amount was changed to $30,000.00

Councilman Forte made a motion to introduce the amended Ordinance, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under a roll call vote all Council Members who were present voted in favor.

Ordinance 2010:1345 – COLA Ordinance to be provided by Bowman & Company

Councilwoman Lange made a motion to introduce the Ordinance, seconded by Councilman Forte. All Council Members who were present voted in favor.

Resolution 2010:82 – Authorize Execution of Right-of-Way Agreement Between Haddon Heights and Fiber Technologies Networks, LLC to Permit the Installation, Use and Maintenance of Telecommunications Facilities within Public Right-of-Way for Purposes of Providing telecommunications Services.

Councilman Forte made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All Council Members who were present voted in favor.

Resolution 2010:83 – Resolution Approving Fee Structure for Community Center Rentals.  (Approves fee structure for rental of the Community Center as set forth in Ordinance 2010:1343 as well as setting midnight as designated time when all functions must be concluded.)

Councilwoman Fitzgerald made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Councilman Forte. Under a roll call vote all Council Members who were present voted in favor with the exception of Councilman Berryhill and Councilman McCollum who both voted no.

Resolution 2010:84 – Resolution in Opposition of Senate Bill S-458.  (This bill would have the Counties take over the duties of Tax Assessor, Tax Collector and Council of Health.  Local tax payers will not receive the level of service they are accustomed to.)

Councilman Forte made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All Council Members who were present voted in favor with exception of Councilman Berryhill and Councilman McCollum who both voted no.

Resolution 2010:85 – Resolution Increasing 2010 Temporary Budget.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Councilman Forte. Under a roll call vote all Council Members who were present voted in favor.

Resolution 2010:86 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills and Claims for 2nd Half of April.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.  Under a roll call vote all Council Members who were present voted in favor with the exception of Councilman Berryhill and Councilman McCollum who both voted no.

Resolution 2010:87 – Resolution of the Borough Council of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of up to $2,693,000 of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2010, of the Borough of Haddon Heights; Making Certain Covenants to Maintain the Exemption of the Interest on Said Bonds From Federal Income Taxation; and Authorizing Such Further Actions and Making Such Determinations as may be Necessary or Appropriate to Effectuate the Issuance and Sale of the Bonds. 

Councilwoman Fitzgerald made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under a roll call vote all Council Members who were present voted in favor with the exception of Councilman Berryhill and Councilman McCollum who both voted no.

Resolution 2010:88 – Resolution to Affirm the Borough of Haddon Heights’ Civil Rights Policy With Respect to All Officials, appointees, Employees, Prospective Employees, Volunteers, Independent Contractors, and Members of the Public That Come Into Contact With Municipal Employees, Officials and Volunteers.  (This is to be in compliance with JIF/MEL insurance coverage requirements.)

Councilman Forte made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All Council Members who were present voted in favor.

Resolution 2010:89 – Resolution Authorizing Execution of Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the Borough of Haddon Heights and Camden County Uniformed Fire Fighters Association International Association of Fire Fighters Local #3249.

Councilman Forte made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. All Council Members who were present voted in favor.

Resolution 2010:90 – Introduction of 2010 Municipal Budget.  Public hearing and final adoption set for June 15, 2010 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Building.

Councilman Forte made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under a roll call vote all Council Members who were present voted in favor.

Resolution 2010:91 – Resolution Rejecting All Bids for the Project Entitled “Fuel System for the Service Operations Facility.”

Councilman Forte made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under a roll call vote all Council Members who were present voted in favor.

Public Comments:

John Rayser – 611 High Street – Mr. Rayser commented on Ordinance 2010:82. He mentioned that while running wires he hopes that the trees will not be damaged. Mr. Rayser also mentioned that on Station Avenue the lights are not all lit up and it does not look nice.

David Magee – 301 Fourth Avenue – Mr. Magee asked why the Rules of Caucus have changed. He wanted to know who was responsible for deciding to have public comment at the beginning of the caucus meetings.

Janice Bergbauer – 1413 Prospect Ridge Blvd. – Ms. Bergbauer mentioned that at caucus meetings she prefers to have public comments after the Councils’ discussions.

Margaret Lafferty – 315 Eighth Avenue – Ms. Lafferty mentioned that there is a lot of traffic on Eighth Avenue due to DPW’s move and also that at Hoff’s Park teenagers are not behaving and are not sharing the equipment with the younger children.

With no further comments to come from the public, motion to close the public comment portion was made by Councilman Forte, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  All Council Members present voted in favor.

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Forte, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.  All Council Members present voted in favor.

____________________________________10:25pm

Melissa Bovera, Deputy Borough Clerk