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November 20, 2007 Mayor Beth Ann Haven welcomed everyone to the caucus meeting. Items discussed were: RFP process for 2008 – Borough Clerk Joan Moreland advised council members that RFPs were ready to go out to our current professionals and would be advertised on our website as well as the Courier Post. She said that she is asking that the proposals be received by noon on 12/11/07 so Council could discuss them on 12/18/07. She was seeking Council’s approval to proceed. All agreed to begin the process. Council President Trish Sheilds asked David Ragonese if he would mind coming forward to go over the changes he suggested to the pending “Pay to Play” Ordinance (2007:1242). He suggested eliminating the possibility of “wheeling” by eliminating “Camden County” in Section 1 (d) to “any” and changing the amount of “$500” to “$300”; and in Section 1(c) eliminate “10% or more” to “any”. He said it is a good ordinance as written, but the suggested changes would “put more teeth in it”. Council discussed the changes and agreed to table the adoption until 12/4/07. With nothing further for the caucus meeting, Mayor Haven opened the regularly scheduled meeting with a salute to the flag and moment of silence for families who have recently lost a loved one. Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilmen Wentz, Shopp, Ottoson and Witzig, Councilwomen Cortese and Sheilds. Borough Solicitor John Kearney was also present. Motion to approve the minutes from 10/16/07 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All were in favor. Mayor Haven asked Pete Hill and Pia Troutman to join her up front to present 6 certificates to Boy’s and Girl’s State delegates. The students who received certificates for their achievement were:, Jeno Pizzaro, Shawn Harper, Jeffrey Pauls, Michael Slelby, Bridget Roney and Laura Betz. The Mayor asked the parents to stand and received a round of applause for their part in influencing their children to strive to do better. The students received a round of applause. Richard Lipko was asked to present an update of the Streetscape Phase II Railroad Enhancement Project. Mr. Lipko explained that the design phase is just about complete and will be sent to the state for their approval. He said that several problems areas of Phase I will also be corrected. He said that due to the grants the Borough received, Phase II will extend to Seventh & Eighth Avenues. Mr. Lipko explained that more landscaping will be done, curbs will be replaced, 11 shade trees will be planted and new lights will be added. He explained that the plans are designed with alternates, just in case the bids come in higher than the money allotted by the grants. Lipko said that a public hearing where the public can come and look at the plans and ask questions will be held around the first of the year. He said the goal is to get the plans filed with NJDOT also by the first of the year to “get in line for the funds”. On another matter, he said that the Business Association would like to resurrect a banner across Station Avenue and they are investigating the matter. Lipko reminded council that years ago, banners were permitted to be across the county road and said that poles were donated by Billows, but bent due to high winds. At this point in the meeting, Mayor Haven called for any questions or comments on agenda items. Rosemary Fitzgerald, 25 Seventh Avenue asked about the 3 properties on Ordinance 2007:1243, asking if the properties in the redevelopment zone could be sold to someone else? Solicitor Kearney responded yes and explained that the plan calls for the redevelopment property to be used for affordable senior housing; he further noted that it would take action by Council to change. Mrs. Fitzgerald then asked how much the 12% PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) would mean to the Borough. Kearney said the property expects to be filled immediately, which would mean about $20,000 to the Borough with 5% going to the County. Fitzgerald was concerned that once the property is deemed a redevelopment zone – it is exempt from local zoning laws. Kearney said that will not be happening here, “no zoning changes are to be made”. Bob Rice, NJ State Police PBA, regarding Ordinance 2007:1246, said Local PBA 328 filed a grievance, which the Acting Chief denied. He said he should not have done that because the grievance involved him. Rice said that “best practice” was ignored and that senior officers were passed by in order to appoint Richard Kinkler as Acting Chief. Kearney explained that we never had the need for an Acting Chief before. Councilman and Public Safety Director Thomas Ottoson advised Rice that he received 4 days notice and took the recommendation offered by former Chief Ronald Shute, and that was to appoint Richard Kinkler as Acting Chief. Rice asked Councilman Ottoson what the plans were to fill the Chief position. Ottoson said a committee has been formed consisting of 3 citizens with police experience and 3 council members to conduct interviews next week. Then they are going to look at the Captain’s position and then patrolmen. Jamie Hasting asked Councilman Ottoson his timetable. Ottoson said next week interviews will begin. With no further comments or questions for council, Mayor Haven and council addressed the following items: Committee Reports: Council Wentz, reporting for the Drug Commission announced that $6,759.10 were the proceeds from the 5K run. He noted that some of the money was donated to the Camden Catholic Project Prom because some of our students attend the school. Councilman Witzig, reporting for Administration read the activity report which is attached to these minutes. Council President Sheilds reported that the 2nd Remediation Plan for Devon Avenue has been filed. She also said that the light poles are bending, repairs/replacement is being looked into. Regarding Finance, Sheilds reported that all departments have submitted their 2008 budgets. She reported that 2 new benches have been purchased by friends and family in memory of a loved one. She said that 1 is in front of Dan White Realty in memory of Dan White, Sr. and 1 in front of Station House Restaurant in memory of Anthony Di Fulio. Councilwoman Cortese presented a report for Public works. The full report is attached to these minutes. She reminded everyone not to place leaves in the street because of the draining problems it causes when it rains. She also said that all holiday events are listed on the website. Councilman Ottoson, reporting for Public Safety, said the Fire Department is working on the specifications for the purchase of a new fire truck. He announced that interview for the position of Police Chief will be conducted Monday and Tuesday evening of next week. He also advised council of an auto accident that resulted in a fatality and asked everyone to keep the Dawson family in their thoughts and prayers. Mayor Haven announced that the Annual House Tour will be December 7th. She also said the Haddon Heights Business & Professional Association has organized the holiday parade for 6:00pm this Friday, where Santa will arrive. The Mayor announced that the Haddon Heights Rotary Club planted 35 trees on November 11th and thanked them for their efforts. Mayor Haven then requested that a yearly amount of funding be put in the budget for trees. She urged everyone to check out the Haddon Heights Historical website, saying there are beautiful photos of the town. Lastly the Mayor congratulated the people who will take office in 2008: Mayor –Elect Scott Alexander and Council members Rosemary Fitzgerald and Tad Fetter. OLD BUSINESS: Public hearings and final adoptions of 3 ordinances. Ordinance 2007:1242 - Pay to Play. Due to the discussion of this ordinance, a motion made by Council President Sheilds, second by Councilman Wentz to TABLE the ordinance. All were in favor. Ordinance 2007:1243 - Redevelopment Plan for Di Martini Properties. With no comments during the public hearing, motion to close the hearing was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All were in favor. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007:1243 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members voted yes. Ordinance 2007:1244 - Tax Abatement Program for Above Properties. With no comments during the public hearing, motion to close the hearing was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All were in favor. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007:1244 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all were in favor. NEW BUSINESS: Introduction of Ordinances 2007:1246,1247and 1248. Public hearings and final adoptions scheduled for December 4th at 7:00pm. Ordinance 2007:1246– An Ordinance establishing the Salary/wages for the Temporary Position of Acting Police Chief for the Period of 9/14/07 – 11/30/07. ($5,038.00) Motion to introduce Ordinance 2007:1246 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members voted yes. Ordinance 2007:1247 – Amending Code Chapter 213 Regarding Fees (Dog Lic.) Motion to introduce Ordinance 2007:1247 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members voted yes. Ordinance 2007:1248 – An Ordinance Re-Appropriating Capital Funds. ($11,000 from an old capital ordinance will be a supplement to the purchase of a Chevrolet Tahoe 4 x 4 for the Police Department). Motion to introduce Ordinance 2007:1248 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call all members voted yes. Resolution 2007:148 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Two Bills. (Nick Falconiero, $210 and Shaleen Bolling-Gonzolez, $237. These items were removed from the bill list at the 9/18/07 formal meeting). Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:148 was made by Councilman Shopp, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members voted yes. Resolution 2007:149 – Refunding the Borough’s Portion of Raffle Fee to the Camden County Hero Scholarship Fund. Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:149 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members voted yes. Resolution 2007:150 – Authorizing Refund of Tax Overpayment. Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:150 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call all members voted yes. Resolution 2007:151 – Authorizing the Refund of Taxes Paid on Exempt Property. Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:151 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call members voted yes. Resolution 2007:152 – Resolution Renewing Contract for Dental Coverage. (No change) Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:152 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members voted yes. Resolution 2007:153 – Resolution Renewing Contract for Prescription Coverage. (No change) Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:153 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members voted yes. Resolution 2007:154 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Accumulated Sick and Personal Days to Ronald Shute. (35 days @ $358.31 = $12,540.85). Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:154 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Lee Wentz. Under roll call all members voted yes, Resolution 2007:155 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for November. Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:155 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members voted yes. With no further business to be handled by Council, Mayor Haven opened the meeting to council members. Councilman Ottoson said he will have a report for the December 4th meeting regarding the library and municipal building roofs. Councilman Witzig reported on the Public Auction held by the Borough Clerk stating that a fire truck, 2 police vehicles and an old van were sold; and that unsold computer (with hard drives removed) were taken to the Camden County’s electronic recycling collection location. Mayor Haven called for comments from the public, the following resident came forward: Mr. Troutman, Chestnut Avenue said that regarding the ordinance recently passed about barking dogs, he fells that 3 days is too long to put up with the noise of a barking dog. He also urged police to “permanently enforce basketball hoops that are in the street”. With no further comments to come from the public, Mayor Haven announced that council will be going into a closed session for the discussion of personnel and bargaining units, were no formal action will be taken. Motion to close the meeting to the public was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All were in favor. __________________________________ Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk |
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