October 2, 2007 Minutes

October 2, 2007

Mayor Beth Ann Haven welcomed everyone to this work session.

She then presented Certificates to Webloes for their volunteer efforts of planting mums at the Borough Hall. The scouts who received certificates were: Hunter Hoilien, Matthew Dyson, Matthew Powell, Ryan Bonner, Nicholas Rojek, Billy Emmerling, Alec Gromen and Matthen Twardziak.

The Mayor read a proclamation proclaiming the week of October 7^th – 13^th as Fire Prevention Week and then presented it to Assistant Fire Chief Frank Lafferty.

Angelo Fatiga from Pennoni Associates presented a report on the Devon Avenue Site Remediation Project. He said this report concerns the former landfill site behind the tennis Courts. He noted the concern was that the landfill was improperly closed. Fatiga explained that 55 borings were installed and findings showed that less than 1’ of covering was over the area. Mr. Fatiga said the State would accept a 2’ covering and continuation of water monitoring. Regarding the next phase of the site remediation, Fatiga said that determination has to be made of the horizontal and vertical contamination. When asked the time frame for the completion of the remediation, he said that there is a 3-month window for the State to review the report, about 1 month to secure grant money for the project; he anticipated starting in early spring 2008. Lastly, he stated that he did not find anything that was not expected and that there were no surprises.

Library Roof: Councilman Ottoson said he met with Mike Burns and Mark Magrino regarding the Library’s roof and those specifications are being prepared. He said he hopes to go out for bids in about a month.

Atlantic Avenue Research ( EDC and Public Safety Traffic and Parking Committee: Councilmen Shopp reported that the committee is working on a solution. Councilman Thomas Ottoson reporting that they are looking into a permanent parking permit to be added to the existing parking policy and hiring an officer to enforce parking. He also said that grant money may be used for hedges, trees, fences, etc. Mayor Haven said she knows Conrail has leased some of their property for parking (Ex: Steele’s property on West Atlantic Avenue), but would like to pursue a long term lease for parking purposes. Regarding the joint grant that provides $600,000 to be shared between Barrington and Haddon Heights, the Mayor said she would like to create a gateway to downtown for King’s Run.

Review of Items for 10/16/07 Regular Meeting:

Public hearings and final adoptions:

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.

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

Resolution (number will be assigned) – 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.

Proclamations:

October – Good Neighbors Month

Proclamations of Achievements – Patrolmen Robert Long & Michael Scardino

Recognitions – Local Board of Health and Drug Commission

Mayor’s presentation of plaque to a special volunteer.

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Roundtable:

Council President Trish Sheilds asked how to undo the motion made and adopted at the last meeting removing the Assessor from the 2007 Salary Ordinance. Solicitor John Kearney said a motion to remove amendment would be needed. Motion should be made and seconded by the same people who originally made the motion.

Councilman Donald Witzig, reporting for Administration, read an Activity Report from the Borough Clerk, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. He also announced that a public auction will be held October 13^th at noon at the Fire Department.

Council President Sheilds thanked Craig Huber and Angelo Fatiga for their report and reiterated that the soccer fields are safe for play. She then asked the Borough Clerk for an update on the Borough’s Nextel phones.

Joan Moreland said that Acting Chief Rich Kinkler, Assistant Fire Chief Frank Lafferty and herself met with Mark Morgan from FM Technology regarding switching our Nextel phones to a State Contract. She explained that the move would save the Borough approximately $400 a month, with no change in service or numbers. An inventory of phones is currently underway and the change will probably take place in December.

Sheilds then reminded everyone about the upcoming Fall Festival to be held this coming Saturday.

Councilwoman Barbara Cortese, reporting for Public Works, went over the items in the recent newsletter including dates for brush and leaves. She asked everyone to review the newsletter for deadlines and pick-up dates. Cortese also said that single-stream recycling is going well. She then read the Activity Report for September, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.

Councilman Gordon Shopp, reported that a Task Force was formed after the last council meeting to look into the revaluation concern and will consist of 3 members of council (Barbara Cortese, Donald Witzig and himself), 2 people from Homeowner Association. He noted that Jennifer Hampton, a member of the Homeowner Association who originally wanted to be on the Task Force, has decided not to be. He later said. “he really wants representation from the whole community and will be involved as long as the Task Force remains non-political and is an open and honest forum”.

Councilman Thomas Ottoson, reporting for Public Safety, said the Public Safety Committee met regarding promotions and Chief for the Police Department. He announced that specifications are just about ready for the purchase of a fire truck and bids will be requested soon. He reported having gone to a seminar on solar power last week. He said financing was a topic and that they are looking for towns to look for a private company that will do everything, then lease to the towns.

Public Comments:

John Rayser, 611 W. High Street thanked council for the West Atlantic road work and said that now cars are speeding down the nicely paved road. He was advised that speed humps are to be installed in the area of the ballfields. He was also concerned that rain water would run under the road surface then freeze. Mr. Rayser asked what is being done with the workers who used the trailer now that single-stream recycling is in operation. Councilwoman Cortese said they are working on trees. He asked if the full savings could be on the next report.

Councilwoman Cortese said that DPW employees work hard to keep the town free of leaves/brush, but as soon as they complete pick up from the street, someone rakes and puts more out! She also asked that leaves/brush not be put into the street, noting that rain causes the leaves/brush to block the storm drains.

Mr. Troutman, Chestnut Street, suggested a “Leaf Fairy”, someone to go around and give notices to people who put leaves in the street or after the truck has passed. The second time, they would be billed. He reminded council that Woodbury has a program that is very successful.

A resident from 22 West Atlantic asked council if they were aware that a young boy on a bike was hit by a car at Station and 7^thAvenue (no one heard about this). He suggested that residents be asked to trim bushes at corners to aid in better visibility. Regarding the revaluation, he asked if Tom Glock’s time could be charged back to PPA. Solicitor Kearney said no, noting we are not spending additional money.

_____________________________________8:25pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk