November 21, 2006 Minutes

November 21, 2006

Council President Trish Sheilds 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 3, 2006”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilwomen Haven, Cortese and Sheilds, Councilmen Shopp, Ottoson and Witzig. Borough Solicitor John B. Kearney was also present. Mayor Susan R. Griffith is still on leave of absence.

Motion to approve the minutes from the November 8th meeting, as amended in Caucus, was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All members present were in favor.

Committee Reports:

Council President and Finance Director Trish Sheilds announced receiving a letter from NJ Department of Transportation that the Borough has been approved for a $152,000 grant for West Atlantic Avenue. She also announced that approval has been received from the State to proceed with the design phase of the Streetscape Phase II Project.

There were no remarks from the public on agenda items.

Old Business: None

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinance 2006:1228. Public Hearing and Final adoption will be held on December 21, 2006, 8:00pm.

Ordinance 2006:1228 – Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2005:2190.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2006:1228 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006-169 – Resolution Requesting Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation NJSA 40A:4-87.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:169 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All members voted yes.

Resolution 2006-170 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 2^nd Half of November.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:170 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006-171 – Resolution authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayment due to Camden Co. Board of Taxation Stipulation.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:171 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:172 – Resolution Authorizing Payment to Robert A. Griffith for Accumulated Sick and Vacation Days.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2006:172 was made by Councilwoman Haven, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2006:173 – Resolution Rejecting All Bids Received for the Library Roof Replacement.

Motion to a adopt Resolution 2006:173 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members voted yes.

With no further business to come before Council, Council President Sheilds called for comments from the public.

John Ciarrocchi, 1545 Sycamore Street asked for information regarding the proposed Senior Citizen Housing. The Borough Clerk took his phone number and advised him that the Planning Board Secretary would let him know when the project is being presented to the Planning Board.

John Rayser, 611 W. High Street, asked about leaf collections around the schools, stating that the piles of leaves cause a parking problem and that leaves are not supposed to be put in the street. Councilwoman Haven thanked John for his cleanup efforts this past weekend around the train station. Councilwoman Cortese advised him there is information on a $500 grant available for cleanup projects in the recently distributed “Camden County Recycler”. Mr. Rayser suggested putting the leaves at DPW and once the collection is done for the season, have them transported. He was advised that we cannot do that because we cannot meet DEP requirements for a permit, such as space.

Roni Olizi, 424 3^rd Avenue asked the Borough Clerk the RFP process for the Streetscape Project’s design phase and who approves the contract. After the Clerk explained the process, Mrs. Olizi asked Council not to give the contract for Phase II of the Streetscape Project to the lowest bidder. Regarding leaf pickup, Mrs. Olizi suggested getting more equipment for DPW, noting that the equipment is “pretty pathetic for the amount of taxes we pay”. Mrs. Olizi then asked Council about the Economic Development Committee, namely what it is doing. Councilman Shopp said he had information that he would send to her, then gave an overview of the activities so far. She questioned the need for the committee and eminent domain.

Hearing or seeing no further comments from the public, Council President Sheilds advised the public that Council will be returning to an Executive Session for the further discussion of personnel and legal matters. She also said that no formal action will be taken.

Motion to adjourn the 8:00pm meeting was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All were in favor.

Motion to go into an Executive Session closed to the public was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Shopp. All members voted yes.

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Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk 8:25 p.m.