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March 16, 2010

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 2, 2010”.

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

Resolution 2010:68 – Resolution Appointing Edward S. Forte, Jr. to Fill A Vacancy on Council.  (Forte will be filling the vacancy created when Tad Fetter had to resign his seat on council due to a job related move out of the country.) 

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:68 was made by Councilman Berryhill, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.  All members present were in favor.

Mr. Forte, joined by his wife Kathy and his 2 daughters, was given the Oath of Office by Albert J. Olizi, Esq.  He was then welcomed to the dais by the Mayor and council members. 

Motion to adopt the minutes from 2/16/10 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman McCollum.    Under discussion, several areas were stated incorrectly according to Councilman Berryhill.  Everyone agreed and minutes will be changed accordingly.  Mr. Forte abstained from voting and all other council members present were in favor of adopting the minutes as amended.

At this point, Mayor Alexander made presentations to the following:

The Mayor and Police Chief Richard Kinkler presented retiring Sgt. Joseph Sack, who was joined by his family, with a gold watch and plaque for his 25 years of service as a Police Officer in the Borough of Haddon Heights.  He received a well deserved round of applause from all present.

The Mayor and Police Chief Richard Kinkler presented a Certificate to Patrolman Jason Volpe who was named Patrolman of the Year (2009).  The Chief said he has shown leadership qualities and good work ethics since the day he started working for the Borough.  He also received a well deserved round of applause.

The Mayor invited the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts to come up front while he read a proclaiming recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.  The scouts were joined by Pack Leader Bill Wagner.

Mayor Alexander and Councilwoman Lange then presented certificates of the St. Rose of Lima Student Council.  The students represented grades 2 through 8.  Once all of the students were up front, they were given the Oath of Office by Mayor Alexander.  Principal Steven P. Hogan thanked the Mayor and Council for recognizing the Student Council.  He also thanked Joann Bonafiglia, who works with the Student Council on various projects.

Committee Reports/Discussions:

Councilwoman Lange reported that plans for the Summer Recreation Program are ongoing and that the application process is now closed.  She said interviews will be held next week.

Lange reported that she is getting quotes to repair the storm damage.

She also reported the following:  1) Fitness At A Certain Age Program is scheduled for Monday April 19th at 7pm in the cabin.  There is no fee for this 1 evening program; 2) Kick off for the 90 Days of Summer Fitness Program like last year  will meet at Cannon Park, 9am Memorial Day to Labor Day; and 3) June 19th is the date set for Haddon Heights Night at the Riversharks ballgame.

Regarding the Safety Committee, Lange said that 7 illegal benches are being replaced.

Regarding Education, Lange reported attending 3 Board of Education meetings in 8 days!  She said it was interesting to see how other Boards of Education are handling their budgets.  She reported that Haddon Heights Board of Education will be interviewing applicants for the Superintendent position.  Regarding the HH Board of Education’s budget, she announced that a public hearing will be held Tuesday, March 30th at 7:00pm.

Councilman David McCollum report for the Local Board of Health, said he attended their meeting and that the Board is making plans for participating at the Fall Festival.

Councilman Berryhill said the Drug Commission is scheduled to have a meeting next week.  He also said it was an honor to have the Governor in town, and was disappointed that he was not made aware of it.

Councilman Forte thanked Albert Olizi for swearing him in and his family and friends for their support.  He said he is doing his part in making an effort to save the taxpayers’ money by using his 20-year old name plate!  Forte said the Borough Clerk told him it would save $16.00 by not buying a new one. 

Remarks from the public on New Business agenda items:

Terry Chepurney, Sycamore Street asked the Mayor about Resolutions 2010:70. 2010:72 and 2010:69.  Regarding Resolution 2010:75, Chepurney said she was against giving a salaried employee overtime and said it sets a bad precedence.    She also said that she had issues with overtime for snow removal and asked the Mayor, why they don’t have more help.

OLD BUSINESS:

Public hearing and final adoptions of Ordinances 2010:1335, 1336 and 1337, 1338 and 1339.

Ordinance 2010:1335 – Ordinance Fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation to be Paid to the Police Captain for 2010.  ($95,774 for 2010.)

Hearing or seeing no public comments on Ordinance 2010:1335, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman McCollum.  All present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2010:1335 was made by Councilman Berryhill, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.  Upon a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2010:1336 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 100, § 11, 13, 25 and 27 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights.  (Will allow parking on New Jersey Avenue, amends loading zones on 7th Avenue and establishes parking for Borough employees and volunteers.)

Hearing or seeing no public comments on Ordinance 2010:1336, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilman Berryhill, seconded by Councilman Forte.  All present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2010:1336 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Forte.  All members present were in favor.

Ordinance 2010:1337 – An Ordinance Establishing Chapter 152 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Borough Buildings, Usage of.  (Sets up definitions for various types of groups.  Effective Retroactive to 1/1/10.)

Hearing or seeing no public comments on Ordinance 2010:1337, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilman Berryhill, seconded by Councilman McCollum.  All members present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2010:1337 was made by Councilman McCollum, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.  All members present were in favor.

Ordinance 2010:1338 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 213 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Fees.  (Sets fees for cabin usage per Resolution 2010:45 effective retroactive to 1/1/10.)

Hearing or seeing no public comments on Ordinance 2010:1338, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilman Forte, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.  All members present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2010:1338 was made by Councilman McCollum, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.  Upon a roll call vote, Councilman Forte, Councilwoman Lange and Councilman McCollum voted yes.  Councilman Berryhill voted no.

Ordinance 2010:1339 - Ordinance Amending Chapter 213 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Fees. (Set fees for Recreation Programs and Summer Youth Programs.)

Hearing or seeing no public comments on ordinance 2010:1339, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Forte.  All members present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2010:1339 was made by Councilman McCollum, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.  Upon a roll vote, all members present voted yes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of Ordinances 2010:1340, 1341 and 1342.  Public hearings and final adoptions scheduled for 4/20/10 at 7pm.

Ordinance 2010:1340 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 59 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Officers and Employees.  (Adding position of Programs Manager)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2010:1340 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman McCollum.  Upon a roll call vote, Council Members Forte, Lange and McCollum voted yes.  Councilman Berryhill voted no.

Ordinance 2010:1342 – An Ordinance amending Chapter 175 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Construction Codes, Uniform.  (amending fees to be in line with surrounding towns.)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2010:1342 was made by Councilman Forte, seconded by Councilman McCollum.  Upon a roll call vote, Council Members Forte, Lange and McCollum voted yes.  Councilman Berryhill voted no.

Resolution 2010:69 – Resolution to Form the Special 2010 Budget Committee. (Committee consisting of the Mayor, Council President and CFO will review and support the current final draft budget being prepared for introduction on April 16, 2010.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:69 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman McCollum. 

Under discussion, Councilman Berryhill said he things we should have a Directorship for Finance and asked the Mayor what the qualifications are and noted that Councilman McCollum has an M.B.A.  The Mayor said that the budget was put together by the CFO, Director of Finance and himself, noting that this was done before former Councilman Fetter resigned.  Berryhill suggested that more eyes should look at the budget and said that based on Department Heads input he has issues with the bond ordinance.  He then asked the Mayor if he would open the committee.  Councilwoman Lange said that the proposed committee will dissolve after the budget adoption.

Under a roll call vote, Councilman Forte and Councilwoman Lange voted yes.  Councilmen McCollum and Berryhill voted no.  Mayor Alexander broke the tie by voting yes.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2010:70 – Resolution Supporting the Assessment and Investigation Study at the Haddon Heights Department of Public Works Facility, Haddon Heights, Camden County, New Jersey 08035. 

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:70 was made by Councilman Forte, seconded by Councilman McCollum.

Upon discussion, Councilman Berryhill said that in accordance with NJSA 40A:12A-6, this should go before the Planning Board.  The Mayor said it is in the Master Plan.  Councilman McCollum said the Master Plan is not a good source.  Berryhill said it needs Planning Board approval first.  Discussion between the Mayor and Councilman Berryhill ensued.  Pennoni Engineer, Richard Lipko said that this funding is for an area that has to be addressed per DEP because it is a hazardous discharge site.  Berryhill asked what the difference was between 2010:70 and 2010:71.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:70, as amended, was made by Councilman Berryhill, seconded by Councilman Forte.  All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2010:71 – Resolution Supporting remediation  at the Former Haddon Heights Sanitary Landfill, Haddon Heights, Camden County, New Jersey 08035. 

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:71 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Forte. 

Discussion followed.  Motion to adopt Resolution 2020:71, as amended, was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Forte.  All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2010:72 – Resolution of the Borough Council of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Authorizing the Submission of an Application to the New Jersey Local Finance Board Pursuant to NJSA 40A:2-26. 

Motion to adopt resolution 2010:72 was made by Councilman Forte, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.  Under a roll call vote, Councilman Forte and Councilwoman Lange voted yes.  Councilmen McCollum and Berryhill voted no.  Mayor Alexander broke the tie by voting yes.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2010:73 – Resolution Appointing Peaches Larro to the Parks and Recreation Committee as a Member At Large.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:73 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Forte.  All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2010:74 – Resolution Appointing the Municipal Housing Liaison for the Borough of Haddon Heights Pursuant to Ordinance 2010:1331.  (Marie Holcombe)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:74 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Forte.  Under a roll call vote, Councilman Forte and Councilwoman Lange voted yes.  Councilmen McCollum and Berryhill voted no.  Mayor Alexander broke the tie by voting yes.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2010:75 – Resolution Authorizing Additional Compensation to Richard Edelen for 64 Hours of Additional Work During the 2009-2010 Winter Storms.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:75 was made by Councilman Forte, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.

Upon discussion, Councilman Berryhill was not for it and said it sets a bad precedence.  The Mayor said the employee is an excellent and dedicated employee.

Upon a roll call vote, Councilman Forte and Councilwoman Lange voted yes.  Councilmen McCollum and Berryhill voted no.  Mayor Alexander broke the tie by voting yes.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2010:76 – Resolution Approving Temporary Budget Appropriation Increase for 2010.  (Audit, office supplies, Fire O/E and vehicle maintenance totaling $26,500.)

Motion to adopt resolution 2010:76 was made by Councilman Forte, seconded by Councilman McCollum.  Under a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2010:77 - Resolution Approving CDBG Projects for 2011.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:77 was made by Councilman Forte, seconded by Councilman McCollum.  All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2010:78 – Resolution Extending Contract for Purchase of Office Paper, Computer Paper and Envelopes.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:78 was made by Councilman McCollum, seconded by Councilman Forte.  Upon a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.  

Resolution 2010:79 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills for 2nd Half of March. 

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:79 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Forte.  Upon a roll call vote, Councilman Forte and Councilwoman Lange voted yes.  Councilmen McCollum and Berryhill voted no.  Mayor Alexander broke the tie by voting yes.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2010:80 – Resolution Amending Resolution 2010:14 Entitled Rules of Council.  (Caucus agenda changed to 1) Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, 2) Moment of Silence, 3) Public Comments, 4) Action Items, 5) Business Discussion and 6) Adjournment.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:80 was made by Councilman Forte, seconded by Councilman McCollum.  All members present voted yes.

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

Roni Olizi, 24 3rd Avenue, said she understands Councilman Berryhill’s thoughts on Resolution 2010:75, but advised everyone that the School Board used 17 people who were paid $98.00 an hour with no overtime.  Mrs. Olizi said that Rich Edelen deserves applause for all he has done over the past few years. 

Councilman Berryhill said he sees how hard people all through the town and his concerns are not directed at Rich Edelen.

John Maguire said he is a vendor who did some concrete work for installing the banner poles for the Borough and asked when he would get his check.  He was told he would have it this week.

Peaches Larro was sworn in by Mayor Alexander.

With no further comments to come from the public, motion to close the public portion was made by councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Forte.   All members present were in favor.

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman McCollum, seconded by Councilman Forte.  All members present were in favor.

____________________________________8:40pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk