September 7, 2004 Minutes

September 7, 2004

Mayor Susan R. Griffith 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, Chapter231, 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: Councilmen Witzig and O’Toole, Councilwomen Sheilds and Wyman. The Borough Solicitor was also present. Absent were Councilwomen Houser and Haven.

Motion to approve the minutes from the August 17th meeting was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members of council present voted yes.

Mayor Griffith invited Christine Tittermary, a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution to come forward and receive a Proclamation proclaiming September 17 – 23 as Constitution Week. Ms. Tittermary thanked the Mayor and Council for considering this proclamation in honor of the Constitution’s two hundred and seventeen years in existence.

The following Committee Reports were presented:

Councilman Witzig said he was away for a week and asked about a fire at the high school. Mayor Griffith told him it started in a dumpster and went to a shed, reporting that it was put out quickly with minimal damage. Witzig reported a phone call he received thanking him for having the tree trimming stopped when the trees were being butchered a few weeks ago. He then said something about recycling, but noted it would be discussed at the next meeting.

Councilman O’Toole reported that the sweeper has been seen around town. He said he has been getting calls about tree trimming and informed council that the tree foreman is due back to work mid September. He advised the Clerk that any calls regarding street sweeping or tree trimming should be directed to him.

Councilwoman Wyman asked about recycling. Witzig said he got calls asking for weekly recycling. Discussion followed with the outcome being that the topic of recycling will be on the 9/21/04 caucus agenda.

Councilwoman Sheilds said that there has been a problem with people driving around on the soccer field, causing damage. She is looking into Capital Improvement for fencing. She also reported that she attended her last Task Force meeting and said that a decision has been made as to what to present to the School Board at the 9/14/04 meeting. She encouraged everyone to attend so they could be better informed on the matter.

Councilwoman Wyman said she received a notice that the Haddonfield Environmental Commission is holding a bird walk at Crows Woods Pavilion in Haddonfield on September 19^th at 9:00am.

Mayor Griffith reported that the hours for Halloween Trick or Treat and mischief night would be as follows: Curfew on October 30^th & 31^st is 8:30pm for 18 years and under. Trick or Treat hours for Sunday October 31^st are 1:00pm – 5:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm. The Mayor then reported that she received correspondence from 1^st Jersey Mortgage that Haddon Heights has been named Municipality of the Month for November. As such, residents are entitled to apply for a low interest mortgage, a savings in closing costs and no application fee.

With no further reports to be given, Mayor Griffith called for remarks from the public on agenda items.

Mr. Bill Troutman, 1509 Chestnut Street asked if the explanation of ordinances and resolutions could have more detail on future agenda.

Old Business:

Public hearing and final adoption of Ordinance 2004-1178.

Ordinance 2004-1178 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 69 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Licenses, Permits and Fees. (Adds $780.00 fee for Record Reproductions on Disk (tax information sent to search companies).

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public, motion was made to close the public hearing by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All members of council present voted yes. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2004-1178 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

New Business:

Introduction of Ordinance 2004-1179. Public hearing and final adoption will be held on September 21, 2004 at 8pm.

Ordinance 2004-1179 – An Ordinance Amending the Salary to be Paid to the Former Zoning Officer of the Borough of Haddon Heights for the Year 2004.

Motion to introduce ordinance 2004-1179 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:119 – Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayment Due to Successful Appeal. ($192.51).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:119 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:120 – Resolution to Refund Subsequent Taxes Paid by Lienholder.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:120 was made by Councilwoman Wyman, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Upon roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:121 – Resolution Refunding Tax Overpayment for Totally Exempt Property. ($5,727.27).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:121 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Upon roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:122 – Resolution Authorizing Application for a One-Day License for the Octoberfest Beer Garden.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:122 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Upon roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:123 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for the First Half of September.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:123 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Upon roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2004:124 – Resolution Supporting Assembly Resolution No. 191 Encouraging Volunteerism September 11 Through 17.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:124 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All members present were in favor.

Resolution 2004:125 – Resolution Authorizing a K-9 Unit for the Haddon Heights Police Department.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2004:125 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Wyman. All members present were in favor.

There were no general comments from the public.

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present were in favor.

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Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk 8:25pm