October 19, 2004 Minutes

October 19, 2004

Mayor Susan R. Griffith opened the regularly scheduled meeting with a salute to the flag and a 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, 2004”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilwomen Sheilds and Wyman, Councilmen Witzig and O’Toole. Borough Solicitor John Kearney was also present. Councilwomen Houser and Haven were absent due to illness.

Motion to approve the minutes from the October 5, 2004 meeting and public hearing for Disaster Mitigation Plan was made by Councilwoman Wyman seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present voted yes.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilman Donald Witzig reporting for Public Safety, first of all thanked Captain Robert Griffith for his work on the Disaster Mitigation Plan. He noted all the details included in the plan and said he did a great job. Witzig also reported that our cell has passed re-inspection with the necessary items corrected. Regarding the Fire Department, Witzig said that Chief Kinky and the Barrington Fire Chief are going ahead with the plan to join both departments. Councilman Witzig also said that Police Chief Ronald Shute is working on the car wash bill with the owner, paying partial payments each year until the bill is paid.

Councilman Anthony O’Toole reporting for the Construction Department said that permit fees have increased over $8,000 for the same period last year. For Department of Public Works, O’Toole reported that a part time person will be hired for the leaf season and that trees are being worked on. For Finance, Councilman O’Toole said he was looking into health benefits and looking at the upcoming dental plan renewal.

Councilwoman Trish Sheilds reporting for Recreation said that the Soccer Club would have to go out for bids because the quotes they have been receiving for fencing have been between $19,000 and $30,000. She announced that a Skateboard Committee has been formed and they will hold their first meeting this coming Friday at the Municipal Building. Sheilds reported that Channel 19 is up and running within all areas of Haddon Heights. Councilman O’Toole asked if he could put something on there about Haddon Heights looking for resumes for the Construction Office personnel. Councilwoman Sheilds said yes.

There were no comments from the Public on Agenda Items.

New Business:

Mayor Griffith announced that a public hearing and final adoption scheduled for Ordinance 2004-1181 has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 3^rd at 8pm.

Ordinance 2004-1181 – An Ordinance Adopting a Codification and Revision of the Ordinances of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, State of New Jersey; Providing for the Maintenance of said Code; Repealing and Saving from Repeal Certain Ordinances not Included Therein; Establishing a Penalty for Altering or Tampering with the Code; and Making Certain Changes in Previously Adopted Ordinances. (This is the final step of a yearlong process to redo our Code Book. As part of this process, the Code will be available through the Internet and on computer at the Library).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2004-1181 was made by Councilman O’Toole, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:127 – Resolution Certifying that Joan M. Conway is the Surviving Spouse of Thomas J. Conway, Sr. and is Thereby Entitled to Benefits from New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:127 was made by Councilman Witzig seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members of council present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:134 – Resolution of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden and State of New Jersey Adopting the Disaster Mitigation Plan Based on the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:134 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:135 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 2^nd Half of October.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:135 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman O’Toole. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:136 – Resolution Filling Vacancies on the Zoning Board. (Corrine Webb is moving to Florida and Vince Cangelosi is also moving out of town. Alternates Dean Doukakis and Jay Jones are being moved up to fill the vacancies. New alternates will be chosen at the next council meeting.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:136 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present voted yes.

With no other business to come before council, Mayor Griffith called for public comments.

Shaun Dannenfelser, 1410 Oak Avenue asked what the relationship between the Borough and the Fire Department was. The Mayor said that they are not employees, but volunteers. Dannenfelser said he was “confused” and asked why Mrs. Conway got money when her husband passed away if they are not employees of the Borough? Solicitor John Kearney told him that the money received by Mrs. Conway was from the State. He asked about LOSAP and was told the Borough is paying for that. Dannenfelser then asked who were the career employees? He was told Lt. Frank Lafferty and Judy Reiss. He then asked if there was a resolution forming the Fire Department? He was told there was, and it would be on file in the Clerk’s office. He then stated that he was suspended and wanted to know where he stands. He then asked council who would a female firefighter go to regarding a sexual harassment suit, asking “who would they sue, the Fire Department or the Borough?"

Kimberly Downs said she is not a Haddon Heights resident, but her husband is a member of the Haddon Heights Fire Department and asked council “who would she go to to sue because of sexual harassment”? Kearney said that there would have to be an employer/employee relationship in order to sue the Borough.

With no further comments from the public motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All present were in favor.

_______________________________________ 8:55pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk