October 16, 2007 Minutes

October 16, 2007

Mayor Beth Ann Haven 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 2, 2007”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilmen Lee Wentz, Gordon Shopp, Thomas Ottoson and Donald Witzig, Councilwomen Barbara Cortese and Trish Sheilds. Borough Solicitor John Kearney was also present.

Motion to approve the minutes from the September 18th regular meeting was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All present voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Cortese who abstained from voting.

Motion to approve the minutes from the October 2^nd caucus meeting was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All members were in favor.

Recognitions:

Patrolmen Robert Long and Michael Scardino were asked to come up front and be joined by Acting Chief Richard Kinkler, Public Safety Director Thomas Ottoson and PBA President Chris Kosofsky.

Mayor Haven then read a certificate for each officer and commended them for their efforts. A plaque was presented to them from PBA President Kosofsky.

Patrolman Long was approached by a subject who reported that a man had just been stabbed at the Mt. Ephraim Manor Apartments. He proceeded to enter the apartment complex at which time he found two victims who were being actively stabbed by the offender. Officer Long was able to subdue the suspect by kicking him to the ground and place the suspect in custody. He was successful is defusing a volatile situation without further incident or harm to the victims or assisting officers and was commended for the professional manner in which he handled the incident. Officer Long received a well deserved round of applause from everyone present.

Patrolman Scardino responded to a domestic dispute call in Gloucester City as a negotiator for Zone 5 Critical Incident Team, and found the suspect in the kitchen holding a knife in a threatening manner. He started to talk with the suspect and defused the situation, but the suspect refused to leave the bathroom and said he was armed with a razor. Through is negotiating skills, Officer Scardino was able to get the suspect to partially open the door, thereby, allowing Scardino, along with other officers to make a quick entry into the bathroom and take the suspect into custody without further incident. He was commended for his skills as a negotiator and the professional manner in which he handled this incident. Officer Scardino received a well deserved round of applause from everyone present.

Local Board of Health members and members of the Drug Commission were recognized for their volunteer service to the Borough. All were presented certificates by Mayor Haven and Council President Sheilds.

The Mayor then asked Richard Lipko to come up front. She said that he is the most active volunteer she knows of and noted that he lives in Audubon! Haven explained that he grew up and attended school in Haddon Heights and has always been involved in town activities. She then presented Mr. Lipko with a plaque for being the “Greatest Non-Resident Volunteer”. He received a well deserved round of applause from everyone present.

Proclamations:

Mayor Haven read a proclamation proclaiming October as Good Neighbors Month and encouraged everyone to support their efforts in helping people who are down on their luck.

Student Council Oath of Office

Student Councils from Atlantic Avenue School, Glenview Avenue School and 7^th Avenue School were called up front to receive a certificate from Mayor Haven and Council President Sheilds. The Mayor issued the Oath of Office to each school’s Student Council and photos were taken by parents and teachers. All three groups of students received a round of applause from the audience.

Committee Reports:

Councilman Lee Wentz, reporting for the Drug Commission said that meetings are starting up and the Commission is involved in Project Prom, open gym night and D.A.R.E.

Councilman Donald Witzig reporting for Administration read a report of the public auction held October 13^th and then read the activity report for Administration.

Council President Trish Sheilds reporting for Finance advised everyone that Department Heads are working on their 2008 budgets which are due by the end of the month. Regarding the “Pay to Play” ordinance, she explained that she would like it introduced this evening, with discussions on Mr. Ragonese’s suggested changes at the November 6^th caucus meeting.

Solicitor John Kearney said that Ordinances 2007:1243 and 1244 will be on the next agenda.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese reporting for Public Works reminded everyone that leaf pickup began on the 15^th and will continue until December 17^th and that brush pickup will resume in January.

Councilman Gordon Shopp announced that the Economic Development Committee will be meeting tomorrow night at 7pm in the Municipal Building and that the parking situation along the railroad corridor will be discussed.

Councilman Thomas Ottoson reporting for Public Safety said we are fortunate to have officers like Bob Long and Mike Scardino. He announced that a process for selecting a Chief is in the works and encouraged interested officers to apply. Ottoson said the Fire Truck Committee will be meeting again this week regarding specification for a new fire truck. Regarding solar power, Ottoson said he met with Mike Barbera and looked at some spots that would be appropriate for solar panels and is asking PSE&G for help. He then reminded everyone about the 3^rd Annual Race to Remember being held this coming Saturday and encouraged walkers as well as runners to come out for this great event.

Mayor Beth Ann Haven said she feels this year’s Fall Festival was one of the best and said the Corvette show was a big draw.

With no further reports to be made, the Mayor called for remarks from the public on agenda items. There were none at this time.

OLD BUSINESS:

Public hearings and final adoptions of Ordinances 2007:1239 & 1245:

Ordinance 2007:1239 – An Ordinance Fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation To Be Paid to the Non-Contracted Employees of the Borough of Haddon Heights for the year 2007.

Motion to rescind the motion made at the 9/18/07 meeting that removed the Assessor from Ordinance 2007:1239, was made by Councilman Witzig, and seconded by Councilman Ottoson. All voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Cortese, who abstained.

A motion was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz, to amend the ordinance to correct a typographical error regarding the Plumbing Subcode Official. All present voted yes.

Mayor Haven opened the public hearing on Ordinance 2007:1239, as amended. There were no comments at this time. Motion to close the public hearing was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007:1239 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members voted yes with the exception of Council President Sheilds who voted no.

Ordinance 2007:1245 – An Ordinance Establishing Temporary Appointment Within the Police Department. (Acting Chief position)

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public, motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2007:1245 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. All present were in favor.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007:1245 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call, all members voted yes with the exception of Councilman Witzig who abstained from voting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of Ordinance 2007:1242.

Ordinance 2007:1242 – An Ordinance Regarding “Pay to Play” Law.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2007:1242 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Cortese. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:142 – Resolution Establishing the Mischief Night Curfew Hours and Trick or Treat Hours. (Curfew 8:30pm, Mischief Night (30^th) and Halloween Eve (31^st); Trick or Treat hours (31^st) 3:00pm – 5:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:142 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:143 - Resolution Requesting Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation NJSA 40A:4-87 (Chapter 159). ($1400 received from CC JIF Safety Incentive Award Program was not included in budget. This award must be used for safety equipment/items. Railings will be fabricated and installed at the tennis courts on Devon Avenue).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:143 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2007:144 – Resolution Authorizing the Borough Clerk to Utilize a State Contract for Cell Phone Service for All Departments. (We should be able to save approximately $400 a month).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:144 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members were in favor.

Resolution 2007:145 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for October.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:145 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Councilman Ottoson. Under roll call all voted yes.

Resolution 2007:146 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Bellmawr Truck Repair for the Purchase of a 25-Yd. Used Trash Truck in the Amount of $34,900.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:146 was made by Councilwoman Cortese, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Upon roll call all voted yes.

Resolution 2007:147 – Resolution Promoting Robert S. Long to the Position of Detective. (Filling the vacancy left with Detective David McWilliams retired)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2007:147 was made by Councilman Ottoson, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All members were in favor.

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

Mrs. DiMedio, 106 Kings Highway asked for an explanation of an item in the newsletter regarding the revaluation. John Kearney explained that there is a law which permits Assessor to request a compliance plan when certain areas are 25% off standard ratio. She said she recently sold a commercial property for $615,000 that was assessed at $389,000.

She also asked about Assessor Tom Glock’s raise, stating that council wanted to get rid of him, but reinstated the raise. Kearney explained that a law exists that states that certain employees (Borough Clerk, CFO, Tax Collector, Assessor and Chief of Police) must be given the same increase in salary as everyone else. Mrs. DiMedio said she finds it “offensive that you are rewarding him”.

Ron Lunn, High Street asked where the Assessor was in relation to the 407 people who met with PPA. Mayor Haven said his goal is to get letters out by the end of the month.

Mrs. DiMedio said the Homeowner Association has someone to do an independent appraisal for those who are filing an appeal.

Dan Replogle, East Atlantic Avenue, apologized for his lateness and thanked Mayor and Council for the certificate. Mr. Replogle is a member of the Drug Commission.

With no further comments to be received, motion to close the meeting to the public for the discussion of personnel and contract issues was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All were in favor.

________________________________8:10pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk