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February 2, 2010

1. Roll Call

2. Business Discussion:

A. New Business:

i. Resolution 2010:49 - Appointment of Rick DeMichele to Borough Solicitor.

ii. Resolution 2010:50 - Payment of Bills & Claims for 1st Half of February.

Caucus:

i. Borough Energy Audit Grant - Council President Fitzgerald

ii. Proposal from Blue Sky Power, LLC - Council President Fitzgerald

iii. Alcohol Use in Cabin - Councilwoman Lange

iv. Wine Vendor License - Councilwoman Fitzgerald

v. Borough Facility Fees - Councilwoman Lange

vi. US Census Update - Councilman McCollum

vii. 2010 Capital - Mayor Alexander

Under roll call, the following council members were present:  Council President Rosemary Fitzgerald, Councilman Daniel Haggerty, Councilman David McCollum, Councilman Stephen Berryhill, and
Councilwoman Kathy Lange.  Councilman Tad Fetter was not present. 

The following new business items were addressed by council members:

Resolution 2010:49 – Appointment of Rick DeMichele to Borough Solicitor.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:49 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. 

Discussion between Councilman Berryhill and the Mayor ensued.  Berryhill asked why a second Request for Proposals (RFPs) was done and why DeMichele was picked and not others.  Mayor Alexander said Rick DeMichele has Municipal experience, engineering background, noting it would be helpful with the ongoing projects, and that he feels comfortable with him.  Berryhill said that Mr. Albano, one of the people who submitted an RFP, has 25 years municipal experience in Runnemede, Magnolia and other towns.  He also said that Olizi has municipal experience and that DeMichele has no experience as Municipal Solicitor.  The Mayor said he was uncomfortable with Albano and did not like his style or demeanor.  Berryhill asked the Mayor if Rick DeMichele held the position of President of the Camden County GOP.  Mayor Alexander said, “ I don’t know?”.

With no further discussion regarding this matter, a roll call vote was taken with the following results:  Council President Fitzgerald, Councilman Haggerty, Councilman McCollum and Councilwoman Lange voted yes.  Councilman Berryhill voted no.  Motion passed.

At this point Mr. DeMichele joined council at the table and he was welcomed by the Mayor and council members.

Resolution 2010:50 – Resolution Approving the Payment of Bills and Claims for 1st Half of February.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:50 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.

Roni Olizi, 424 3rd Avenue asked if there was a bill list available.  The Mayor asked the Borough Clerk and she said, not for the public, but that the complete agenda is on the website.

Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Council President Fitzgerald reported on items i and ii stating that she is Chair of the Environmental Committee and that the committee is divided into 10 sections.  She said that we need to do an energy audit for the Borough, noting there is money in the 2010 budget for this purpose.  She passed copies of a grant application to council members and said that 75% of the cost for the audit would be refunded by NJ Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and that if recommendations is implemented; the other 25% would be refunded to the Borough.  She advised everyone that conservation can often save more money than buying solar lighting, etc. 

Regarding Blue Sky, Fitzgerald said they would like to give the Borough a proposal for solar panels on the Municipal Building and Services Operations Facility roof.  This item is on hold for now.

Councilwoman Lange, reporting on item iii, said that currently Chapter 386 does not allow use of drugs and alcohol in park areas.  She proposed an ordinance amending the chapter, making it clear that alcohol can be in the cabin as long as the proper application for use and Hold Harmless Agreement are filed before the event.  She said that many people came up to her during the House Tour saying the cabin is a nice venue for small parties, showers, weddings, etc.   Councilman Berryhill asked about the possibility of getting an insurance policy from the renter to cover the event.  Councilwoman Lange said the Hold Harmless Agreement would take care of that concern.  She noted that the form has been approved by our Risk Manager.  The Mayor said that according to our former Solicitor and Risk Manager, the Hold Harmless Agreement is great.  Councilman Haggerty suggested that the renter provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the Borough as additionally insured.  Berryhill offered to help Councilwoman Lange on this matter.  She asked if we should wait until all things are checked out.  The Mayor said to check on the items mentioned and then move forward.  Councilmen Berryhill and Haggerty (both attorneys) will check on alcohol use at the Cabin, Community Center and Municipal Building.  Berryhill stated another item of concern – is that you have to expect that people will walk outside with their drink.  Haggerty said that has to be addressed.

Item iv was postponed due to Fred Messimer not being present.

On items v, Councilwoman Lange said she met with Marie Holcombe, Operations Manager and Melissa Bovera, Deputy Borough Clerk and came up with proposed rental fees to be charged.  She handed out the list to council members.  She said the deposit will be refunded if no damage is done.  Councilman Haggerty said he is concerned about the terms of grant and if we can rent the building.

Councilman McCollum, regarding item vi said the 2010 Census form will have just 10 questions.  He said that a Census Committee was suggested by the Census Bureau and asked if council thought we needed to form a committee.  He noted that school funding is not determined by the census.  He said that the money granted to the Drug Alliance does depend on census data.

Regarding item vii, Councilman Haggerty asked the Mayor if all items on the 2010 Capital Ordinance were new debt.  Mayor Alexander said yes.  In response to a question from Haggerty regarding item c., the Mayor asked Deputy DPW Superintendent to join council at the table.  He was asked about the $40,000 item.  Edelen responded that it would cover repair of small areas of roadwork, curb lines and replacement of storm sewers.  He noted that it costs $8,000 each is the cost for storm sewers.  The Mayor was also asked about the $25,000 for the Municipal Building roof.  He explained that that amount is being added to money already allotted for the job. 

Several council members asked about the $151,000 for furniture and other items.  The Mayor suggested that council members contact Marie Holcombe for details on the furniture for the Services Operations Facility and Community Center as she handled it all.  He said he would send a breakdown of the HVAC for the Library as well as information on the Services Operations Facility furniture once he speaks with Marie Holcombe, the Architect and Engineer.

Discussion followed on that item as well as all the other items in the Capital Ordinance.  Discussion also ensured regarding Project Garnet, the new Capital Request format that Department Heads are to follow, furniture costs for Services Operations Facility and Community Center and notice to council members of items in Capital Ordinance.  With several council members speaking at one time, the following comments were heard by the Borough Clerk:

On the Capital Ordinance:

Item E – Rich Edelen explained this is for a new large lift at the cost of $7,200 which will hold 99% of our DPW vehicles.  He also said this item includes removing tanks from old DPW area.

Item D – Edelen said this is for stop signs, traffic signs and new poles to meet State requirements.

Item F – Sewer line repair and replacement.

Item H – This is the 2nd step to put a wall along the creek.

Item I – Digital Tax Maps $73,488 includes developing files and license for software and hardware.  Mayor Alexander said he would forward everyone information on this item.  He explained that the digital maps will be useful in a lot of Borough departments and gave the following schedule:  2010 maps to be revised; 2011 revaluation; 2012 approvals and 2013 revaluation will be implemented.

Item K – Discussion on communications tower at the Fire House.  Haggerty said he was told it was just used for the star during the holidays.  He is going to check to see if this item can be taken off the Ordinance.

Item M – Berryhill said Chief Scardino said this item would cost about $16,000.

Councilman McCollum said he was against doing the Temporary Capital Resolution for 100% of the costs.  The Mayor said he feels we have to do a 100% resolution.

With no further comments to come from council members, motion to adjourn was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  All were in favor.

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