November 15, 2005 Minutes

November 15, 2005

Mayor Susan R. Griffith opened the regularly scheduled meeting with a salute to the flag and moment of silence.

She 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 5, 2005”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilwomen Wyman, Cortese and Sheilds, Councilmen Hamburger and Witzig. Sitting in for Solicitor Kearney was Sherrie Schweitzer. Councilwoman Haven was absent.

Motion to approve the minutes from the November 1^st meeting was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members present voted yes, with the exception of Councilwoman Wyman, who abstained.

Committee Reports remained unchanged from the caucus.

Mayor Griffith called for remarks from the public on agenda items.

David Ragonese, 603 Sycamore Terrace thanked the Mayor for her courage in putting a resolution on the agenda regarding eminent domain. He cited instances where municipalities have taken properties and given to developers, displacing the residents. Mayor Griffith interjected that at caucus, council discussed the resolution and had some concerns about it. A decision was made to table for tonight with further consideration given at the next meeting (12/6/05)

Old Business:

Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinance 2005:1201

Ordinance 2005:1201 - An Ordinance Canceling Certain Funded Appropriation Balances Provided for various Capital Projects and reappropriating such Funded Appropriation Balances for other Capital Projects

Hearing or seeing no further comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All present were in favor.

New Business: Introduction of Ordinance 2005:1202 by Title Only. Public Hearing and Final Adoption will be held prior to 12/31/05.

ORDINANCE 2005:1202 – An Ordinance Amending the Salary Ordinance for the Police Chief and Captain for 2005

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2005:1202 by title only, was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call, all members present voted yes.

RESOLUTION 2005:164 – Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign the “Amendment/Modification Form regarding the FY 2005 Stormwater Grant.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2005:164 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Hamburger. Upon Roll call, all members present voted yes.

RESOLUTION 2005:165 – Resolution Supporting Assembly Bill A4392 Regarding Eminent Domain

Councilman Witzig made a motion to table Resolution 2005:165, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All members of council present were in favor.

(To be further considered 12/6/05)

RESOLUTION 2005:167 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills and Claims for 2^nd half of November. Councilwoman Wyman made a motion to adopt Resolution 2005:167, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All members of council present voted yes.

RESOLUTION 2005:168 – Resolution Designating the Highest Maximum Hourly Rate to be Paid to Certain Foreman. (DPW Foremen Paul Helmes, Rich Robinson and Frank Spadea, jr. will receive the maximum hourly rate of $21.45 retroactive to October 1, 2005

Councilwoman Wyman made a motion to adopt Resolution 2005:168, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All members of Council present voted yes.

RESOLUTION 2005:169 – Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayments.

Council President Sheilds made a motion to adopt Resolution 2005:169, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members of Council present voted yes.

There were no comments from the public.

With no further business to come before council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Hamburger.

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Patricia A. Cooper

Deputy Borough Clerk 8:15 pm