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May 18, 2010

Mayor Scott M. Alexander opened the regularly scheduled meeting with a salute to the flag and a 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 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, Councilwoman Kathy Lange, Councilmen David McCollum, and Stephen Berryhill.  Borough Solicitor Richard A. DeMichele was also present. Councilman Edward Forte was absent.

Presentation of a plaque and watch was presented to retiring Patrolman Anthony Horneff by the Mayor and Police Chief Richard Kinkler.  Ptl. Horneff was accompanied by his wife and children.  Chief Kinkler thanked Mrs. Horneff and family for supporting Ptl Horneff during his years on the Police force.  He also told everyone present that he did a good job.  Ptl. Horneff said “it was an honor to work for the town”.  He received a well deserved round of applause from everyone present.

At this point, Mayor Alexander called for remarks from the public on agenda items.

A resident from 1635 Sycamore Street said that the trash men are tossing trash containers after empting them and feels it is disorderly.

After a brief discussion, motion to amend the minutes from 4/20/10 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  All present were in favor.  Motion to adopt the minutes as amended was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  All present were in favor.

The following Governing Body reports (Director/Liaison/Representative) were presented:

Council President Fitzgerald reported on the following:

  • She attended a session sponsored by the League of Women Voters on “Running & Winning”.
  • Construction Office revenues for April were $31,938.
  • Zoning Office activated included issuing 11 violation letters, 8 zoning applications were approved, 4 denied and 22 inspections were conducted.  Also, $300 in fees was collected.  There were no court cases in May.
  • Library Board is planning a Garden Tour of 5 properties as a fund raiser for the Library
  • Senior Citizens are meeting every Tuesday at different restaurants in town.  She reported that 17 seniors attended the luncheon held today.  She also reported having been working on picking out furniture for the Senior Lounge at the Community Center.  Fitzgerald said that a group of seniors will be stuffing the upcoming tax bills for mailing to residents.
  • Regarding Green Initiatives, she reported that the Community Garden is up and running.  The Green Initiatives Committee meets the 4th Monday of the month.
  • Bus shelters have been installed through a Federal Grant.  She noted that the outside benches at the bus stops will be left in place.
  • After 2 years, Walk to School will be done again.  She reported that Jennifer Derran will work with her to get this program promoted.
  • The Borough is applying for an Energy Audit.
  • Down to the Station Day was very successful.
  • Business Association is sponsoring 4th Fridays and said they need vendors and volunteers.
  • Independence Day Celebrations will be held July 3rd with a 5K Run, parade, after parade party with a DJ doing a “Rolling Stones Tribute”.  Rain date is July 10th.

Councilwoman Lange’s full report is attached to these minutes.

Councilman Haggerty reported the following:

  • Municipal Court is working hard with higher efficiency.
  • EMS made 69 calls to Audubon, 6 to Audubon Park and 16 Mutual Aid calls.  Response time was 5.79 minutes.
  • Police Department responded to 876 calls, logging 6,738 miles and 49 arrests.  He also reported that Patrolmen Long and Whitman have returned to work after recovering from work related injuries and that Ptl. Long has been transferred to the Detective Bureau.
  • Fire Department responded to 44 incidents in January, 37 in February, 41 in March and 27 in April.
  • Councilman Haggerty reported that there was a public information meeting held regarding tree removal along Rt. 295.  He asked Operations Manager Marie Holcombe to give a report on the meeting.  She said that 6 people were at the meeting and were advised that tree planting will begin in the fall.  Haggerty said that the Shade Tree Commission is concerned about that type of trees will be planted.  Holcombe said that both Roni Olizi and Fred Missimer were at the meeting and seemed pleased.

Councilman Berryhill reported that the Drug Commission is looking for sponsors for the upcoming 5K run.  He held up a shirt from last year showing how the sponsor’s names will be printed on shirts given to all of the runners.  He said they are looking for a $200 donation from each sponsor to have their business printed on the shirts.

Councilwoman Lange added a thank you from Project Prom Chair Adeline Schmidt for money to support the project.  She also reported that the Zumba classes are working out well.

Councilman McCollum had no report.

Mayor Alexander reported on the following:

  • 35 trees have been planted around town.
  • ISO – (Insurance Service Office) is an independent rating agenda which provides free survey audits.  He said we could lower our premiums and that we were rated at “3”, noting we did not have a rating before this.  He said it would lower insurance for construction projects for residents.  He said we will look into getting our rating to a “2” by working on several areas, noting it is good for the Borough.
  • Barr Recreational area parking – 184 spots have been worked on by Chief Kinkler.  The Mayor said the diagram will be on the website for review.
  • The Mayor said wrong information on a legal ad was in the Retrospect and that it will be reprinted correctly.
  • Regarding the trash/recycling removal specifications, the Mayor commended Rich Edelen, Ass’t. Superintendent of Public Work, Marie Holcombe, Operations Manager and Joan Moreland, Borough Clerk for their work on preparing the specifications.  He reported that bids were received and opened and the lowest, most qualified bidder was chosen and the Budget supports the contract.  He advised council and residents present that it will save $641,000 over the next 5 years, with $68,000 saved this year alone.  He announced that recycling days will change to Friday for the whole town.  The Mayor said information will be on the website, E-letter will be sent to business owners and postcards to the residents will be sent. 
  • Mayor thanked Councilwoman Lange and Council President Fitzgerald for efforts with Down by the Station Day, Zumba and Summer Recreation programs.

OLD BUSINESS:

Public hearings and final adoptions of Ordinances 2010:1343, 1344 and 1345. 

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 no- 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.  Chapt. 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.)

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

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2010:1343 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  Upon roll call, Fitzgerald, Haggerty and Lange voted yes; McCollum and Berryhill 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 $30,000 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 $28,500; Making Certain Determinations and Covenants; and Authorizing Certain Related Actions in Connection with the Foregoing.

Fire Chief Nicholas Scardino wanted to clarify that the dollar amount approved for the Command Vehicle covered just the vehicle and not the equipment.  He was told he was correct.

Hearing or seeing no further comments, motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2010:1344 was made by Councilman McCollum, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.  All present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2010:1344 was made by Councilman McCollum, seconded by Councilman Berryhill.  Under a roll call vote all members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2010:1345 –CAP Ordinance.

Mayor Alexander asked CFO Sharon Smith to give an explanation of the above ordinance.  She said that it would establish a CAP if we are under which can be used in the future if we are over the CAP.

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

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2010:1345 was made by Council president Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  Under a roll call vote all members presented voted yes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of ordinance 2010:1346.  Public hearing and final adoption will be held on June 15, 2010 at 7:00pm.

Ordinance 2010:1346 – An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 1273 Regarding Chapter 75 §31 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Pertaining to Compensation, Rates and Fees Paid to Fulltime Officers.  (Traffic control for sites requiring “work safety zone certifications”, other traffic control, and police services on school property).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2010:1346 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman McCollum.  Council President asked Police Chief Kinkler if the amounts were billable.  He said yes, the Borough makes money.  Under a roll call vote all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2010:93 – Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayments (Due to refinancing, the sale of property or duplicate payments by the title and mortgage companies.  Total of 5 refunds is $6,391.28).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:93 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilman Berryhill.  All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2010:94 – Resolution Authorizing the Borough of Haddon Heights Tax Collector to Prepare and Mail Estimated Tax Bills in Accordance with NJSA 54:4-66.3.  (Due to the Camden County Budget for 2010 not being adopted, the Tax Collector is unable to mail the Borough’s tax bills on a timely basis).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:94 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  Under a roll call vote all members present were in favor.

Resolution 2010:95 – Resolution Awarding a Contract for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection with South Jersey Sanitation.  (It has been determined that SJ Sanitation is the lowest most qualified bidder and awarding a contract to them would be in the best interest of the residents.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:95 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  Under a roll call vote Fitzgerald, Haggerty and Lange voted yes, McCollum and Berryhill voted no. 

Resolution 2010:96 – Resolution to Cancel Outstanding Balances in the General Capital Fund.  (Total cancellation of completed projects is $19,656.21).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:96 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  Under a roll call vote all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2010:97 – Resolution Supporting the Click It or Ticket Mobilization of May 24 – June 6, 2010.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:97 was made by Councilman McCollum, seconded by Council President Fitzgerald.  All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2010:98 – Resolution Approving Submission of an Application for Participation in the Local Government Energy Audit Program of the New Jersey Board of Utilities.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:98 was made by Council president Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.   All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2010:99 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills and Claims for 2nd Half of May.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:99 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman McCollum.  Under a roll call vote all members present voted yes.

Mayor Alexander read an explanation of the following 4 resolutions.  He said that the wording used in 2020:70 and 71 was amended by Council members during the March 16, 2010 council meeting, and adopted as amended. He explained that the NJDEP requires that specified wording be in the resolutions.  Resolutions 2010:100 and 101 are rescinding the amended resolutions and that Resolutions 102 and 103 are being adopted with the original, required wording to meet the NJDEP requirements.

Resolution 2010:100 – Resolution Rescinding Resolution 2010:70 Adopted on 3/16/10.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:100 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.  All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2010:101 – Resolution Rescinding Resolution 2010:71 Adopted on 3/16/10.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:101 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Council President Fitzgerald.  All present were in favor.

Resolution 2010:102 – Resolution Supporting Redevelopment Study at Haddon Heights Department of Public Works Facility.  (Former DPW facility).

Motion to adopt Resolution 102 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  Under roll call, all members of council present voted yes with the exception of Councilman Berryhill who voted no.

Resolution 2010:103 – Resolution Supporting Redevelopment Study at Haddon Heights Department of Public Works Facility.  (Former Landfill on Devon Avenue).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:103 was made by Councilman McCollum, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.    Under discussion, Councilman Berryhill said that he got 90 responses that people don’t want redevelopment in that area.  Discussion continued on the survey sent out by Berryhill and McCollum.  Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2010:104 – Resolution Awarding a Contract for the Fuel System for the Services Operations Facility.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:104 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.  Councilman Haggerty asked to give background on this resolution, and said that the Mayor met with residents yesterday, answered their questions and said they were pleased with installing a fuel system at the Services Operations Facility.  Under a roll call vote, all members present voted yes.

With no other business to come before council, Mayor Alexander opened the meeting to the public.

Rick Di Renzo, 415 2nd Avenue asked if the Borough was getting aid from FEMA regarding the winter snow storms.  The Mayor said we are getting $13,000 for the December storm expenses and $5,000-$6,000 for the January/February storms.  Mr. Di Renzo thanked Rich Edelen and the DPW crew for their efforts.  Regarding trash pickup complaints, Mr. DiRenzo was told to call DPW because they keep a log of all complaints and get them resolved with the vendor.

Mr. DiRenzo asked Councilmen McCollum and Berryhill why they voted no on Resolution 2010:95.  McCollum responded saying he did not believe the $641,000 number for savings and said he thinks DPW could do it.   Berryhill said he asked the Borough Clerk to see the bids and that she told him he had to ask the Mayor.  Mayor Alexander explained the bid process.

Regarding the survey, DiRenzo asked Berryhill how he got everyone’s email addresses.  He said he didn’t send them via email. 

Regarding the OPRA requests DiRenzo had submitted, he said he did not get anything from either him or McCollum.  Berryhill said he spoke with the Solicitor on how to respond.  Councilman Haggerty said that the Borough Solicitor is not Council member’s personal attorney.

Richard DeMichele explained the OPRA process, stating he was looking for any liability on the Borough.

DiRenzo said that Emails are to be kept as they are a public record.

Discussion, heated at times, followed between DiRenzo, McCollum, Berryhill, Solicitor DeMichele and Mayor regarding the survey sent out recently by McCollum and Berryhill. 

Tom Ferrese – Mr. Ferrese said he saw the survey and wanted to know who framed it.  Councilman Berryhill said he did.  Mr. Ferrese said that the survey left out anything about Project Garnet, saying he was impressed with the project.  He then said that we have a Mayor who addressed the problem, why did Berryhill not include all the information on Project Garnet?  Heated discussion between Mr. Ferresse and Councilman Berryhill ensued. 

George Wise, 1533 Oak Avenue, wanted to bring something to Council’s attention.  Due to the repaving of the former NJ Division of Motor Vehicle lot, massive water is forced on a neighbor, Knowlton Associates, to the point where they now have damage to their building.  He is looking for the Borough to do something about the situation.

Bill Lange, 21 1st Avenue asked Councilmen Berryhill and McCollum who sent out the survey.  After some consideration and looking at each other, McCollum finally said Jay Jones.  Regarding the heading on the survey and a “candidate for council” name at the bottom, Lange questioned their motivation – was it the town or political?

With no further comments to come before council, motion to close the public portion was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.   All present were in favor.

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Council President Fitzgerald.  All present were in favor.

_______________________________8:55pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk