January 19, 2010
Mayor Scott M. Alexander opened the regularly scheduled council meeting with a salute to the flag and moment of silence.
He 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, 2010”.
Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Council President Rosemary Fitzgerald, Councilmen Daniel Haggerty, David McCollum, Stephen Berryhill and Councilwoman Kathy Lange. The Borough Solicitor Robert A. Gleaner, Esq. was also present. Councilman Tad Fetter was absent.
At this point, Grace Reisinger of Narberth Avenue presented the Borough with a beautiful oil painting of the railroad station. Council President Fitzgerald said Mrs. Reisinger has been a resident of Haddon Heights for 59 years and is a self-taught artist. The painting presented will be used in one of the Borough’s buildings. Reisinger received a round of applause for her talents and generous contribution.
Motion to approve the minutes from December 15, 2009 and January 2, 2010 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All council members present voted yes with the exception of Councilmen McCollum and Berryhill who abstained from voting on the December 15th minutes.
The following Committee Reports were presented:
Council President Fitzgerald reported that the 2009 value of construction was 20% less than in 2008 and that the fees collected were half of 2008. The value of construction for December 2009 was $701,000. Regarding zoning, Fitzgerald reported that 2 permits were issued, 3 variances approved, 9 complaints were resolved and $50 in application fees was collected. For 2009, Fitzgerald reported that 288 letters were sent out, 113 zoning applications were approved, 27 were denied; 116 complaints were resolved, 60 requests for information were received and $2,000 in fees were collected. She also reported that the senior luncheons at local restaurants have been very successful, with about 60 seniors participating. Fitzgerald advised the public that future dates will be listed in the HH Report.
Councilman Haggerty reported that the Police Department made 986 service calls, 45 arrests, issued 598 summonses and had 5 arrests under the Over the Limit Under Arrest program during 2009. Sgt. Bruce Koch and Ptl. Thomas Schneider received an accolade for the recent GovDeals auction of Borough equipment no longer in use.
Haggerty reported that the Fire Department’s 2009 activity included 46 fire calls, 119 rescues, 41 hazardous conditions, service calls 23, accidental fire alarm calls 89, 1 severe weather call and 410 incident calls. Haggerty also reported that the Department responded to a house fire in Barrington, under the direction of Frank Lafferty as part of mutual aid.
Regarding the Municipal Court survey, Haggerty said there was nothing new to report and that results of the survey will be available soon.
Councilwoman Lange said the Summer Recreation Program is ready to go, with just a few details to remain. She announced that the program will be held June 29 – July 29 on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays from 8:30am-11:30am. She announced that there are staff opportunities available and interested people should contact her. She then said there will be a donation bin at the Borough Hall for gently used games, new crayons, markers, glue, etc. Lange then announced that the Recreation Committee will be meeting on the 21st at the cabin and that Joe Cramp from the High School will be there to discuss mutual concerns.
Lange reported attending a Board of Education meeting on January 12th and said they have surplus over $800,000 – “closer to a million”. She announced that School Superintendent Dr. Nancy Hacker will be resigning in February and that an interim superintendent will be hired. She explained that that position is usually temporarily filled by a retired superintendent. Councilwoman Lange also reported that she spent 4 hours at Haddonfield’s Board of Education meeting noted some interesting items: Their budget process has already started with information being presented to the public through power points, etc. She also said that their teacher’s contract has been settled, putting policies on the line; a new software program for their Library to allow students to look up things betters. Lastly, Lange reminded everyone that March 1st is the deadline to file a petition to run for the HH Board of Education.
Council President Fitzgerald asked why we are not looking to joining with another town now that we need to hire a superintendent. Councilwoman Lange said, due to short notice and budget preparation, it is not a good time, too much to do.
Councilman McCollum, reporting for Inter-Government said that Lou DeAngelo can mediate shared services programs. He said he was concerned about email being sent to a majority of council members. He reported having attended a session put on by the NJ League of Municipalities and noted he has printed material if anyone is interested in looking it over.
The Mayor read a note from Eleanor Gillifilan, thanking the Borough for the Christmas Party provided for the senior citizens at the cabin. He said that Council President Fitzgerald has done a lot to get the seniors together.
With no further reports to be given, the Mayor opened the meeting to those in attendance for comments or questions on New Business items.
David McGee, 301 4th Avenue, asked about Ordinance 2010:1333, particularly the $150, 000 for furniture equipment at the Municipal Building and then asked if anyone could explain the $1.4 million.
Tom Ottoson, 307 3rd Avenue, said he noticed $25,000 for repair of the Municipal Building roof and said it needs a new roof, not another repair. Mayor Alexander explained that the $25,000 is being added to money already put aside for replacing the roof. Mr. Ottoson also asked about Resolution 2010:47. Borough Solicitor Robert A. Gleaner explained that a resolution has to be approved each time that council goes into a closed session. Lastly Mr. Ottoson asked about the Safety Committee resolution, wondering if it is something required by insurance? He was advised that it is required by the Camden County Joint Insurance Fund.
Roni Olizi, 424 3rd Avenue asked what the reason is for a Change Order for $6,418.09. The Mayor explained that the damaged pipe was discovered when digging and that a fence is being moved to create better visibility. Regarding Ordinance 2010:1332, she asked who can use…… The Mayor said that meeting rooms will be free for committee meetings. She asked if the fee to be charged to groups or individuals who want to use the cabin has been approved by DCA, noting that when she filed for the grant, nothing was said about fees. Borough Solicitor said he would look into it. Olizi then asked if HHYA was storing items at the cabin. She was told, “no”. Councilwoman Lange explained to Ms. Olizi that the security deposit is in line with other towns. Olizi then asked who is doing the scheduling and was told Kelly Santosusso at the Borough Hall. Olizi then asked what the stone and gravel was for and said that she had advised the Mayor that someone offered to donate the stone. Council President Fitzgerald said that the stone was also going to be used for access to the back of Hoff’s Park for police vehicles. Ms. Olizi said that CDBG was very specific as to what we could use the grant money for. The Mayor informed her that the CDBG grant was used for the Senior Center, not the cabin. Councilman Berryhill asked Ms. Olizi, "what was the original idea of the grant”. Mrs. Olizi said, meetings, etc, and that there was no mention of fees.
Terri Chepurny, 1643 Sycamore, said that Project Garnet has hit $2 million. Mayor Alexander said “it didn’t”. She said there are unexplainable expenses, rather than a generator for the Fire Department, and spending $5,000 for renovations to the Mayor’s office. She also said she is against drinking at the cabin.
NEW BUSINESS:
Introduction of Ordinances 2010:1331, 1332 and 1333. Public hearing and final adoptions will be announced along with Notice in upcoming Retrospect.
Ordinance 2010:1331 – Ordinance to Create the Position of Municipal Housing Liaison for the Purpose of the Borough of Haddon Heights’ Affordable Housing Program Pursuant to the Fair Housing Act.
(Requirement for COAH)
Motion to introduce Ordinance 2010:1331 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor.
Ordinance 2010:1332 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 326 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Parks and Recreation Areas
Motion to introduce Ordinance 2010:1332 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present voted yes with the exception of Councilman Berryhill who voted no.
Ordinance 2010:1333 – Ordinance Introducing the Bond Ordinance for 2010
Motion to introduce Ordinance 2010:1333 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under a roll call vote, all members present voted yes with the exception of Councilman Berryhill who voted no.
Resolution 2010:35 – Resolution Approving a Two-Year contract with Office Basics for the Purchase of Office Supplies
Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:35 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. All members present were in favor.
Resolution 2010:37 – Rescinding Resolution 2008:97 Entitled “Resolution Appointing Building Sub-Code Official” Appointing a Building Sub-Code Official to a Four Year Term Retroactive To April 26, 2008
Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:37 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor.
Resolution 2010:38 – Resolution Approving Bills and Claims for January 2010
Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:38 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.
Regarding Resolution 2010:38, Councilwoman Lange asked about the basketball league expense and how the event was run. Roni Olizi said the Drug Commission runs the 3 on 3 basketball program and that girls can be on the team. She noted that the girl’s basketball group has never asked the Drug Commission for financial assistance.
Upon a roll call vote Council President Fitzgerald, Councilman Haggerty and Councilwoman Lange voted yes. Councilmen McCollum and Berryhill voted no. The Clerk said “motion passed”. When the voting was over, Councilman Berryhill asked about the vote, 3 yes and 2 no. He was told the motion passed. The topic was discussed for a few minutes. Councilman McCollum asked the Borough Clerk what would happen if the bills were not approved. She said that vendors would be upset because they have performed a service or provided supplies with an expectation of being paid in a timely manner. Councilman McCollum asked he could change his vote to a yes. He was told he could. Final vote was 4 yes and 1 no.
Resolution 2010:39 – Resolution Appointing Frank Lafferty to the Position of Fire Official for a 3-Year Term Expiring 12/31/12
Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:39 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor.
Resolution 2010:40 – Resolution Approving Change Order #1 for the Service Operations Facility and Community Center Renovations in the Amount of $6,418.09
Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:40 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Council President, Councilman Haggerty and Councilwoman Lange voted yes, Councilmen McCollum and Berryhill voted no. Motion carried.
Resolution 2010:41 – Resolution Establishing a Safety Committee
Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:41 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Council President Fitzgerald. All members present were in favor.
Resolution 2010:42 – Resolution Appointing Safety Committee Members
Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:42 was made by Council President Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Haggerty.
All members present were in favor.
Resolution 2010:43 – Resolution Approving Transfer of Appropriation Reserves
Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:43 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Council President Fitzgerald. Under a roll call vote Council President Fitzgerald, Councilman Haggerty and Councilwoman Lange voted yes. Councilman McCollum abstained from voting and Councilman Berryhill voted no. Motion carried.
Resolution 2010:44 – Resolution Approving Temporary Capital Budget
Councilman Haggerty said he feels Resolution 2010:44 should be tabled until the capital ordinance is adopted. The Mayor asked CFO Sharon Smith if that would be okay. She said that she understands we have to introduce the Capital Ordinance and Capital Resolution as the same time. Councilman Haggerty said we need time to discuss.
Motion to table the adoption of Resolution 2010:44 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. All members present were in favor.
Resolution 2010:45 – Resolution Approving Fee Structure for Borough Facilities Rentals
Motion to table the adoption of Resolution 2010:45 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilman McCollum. All members present were in favor.
Resolution 2010:46 – Resolution Certifying the List of Fire Department Volunteers Who Have Qualified for the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) Benefits for the Year 2009.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:46 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Council McCollum. All members present were in favor.
Resolution 2010:47 – Resolution Providing For A Meeting Not Open to the Public In Accordance With The Provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, NJSA 10:4-12
Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:47 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All members present were in favor.
With no further business to come before council at this time, Mayor Alexander opened the meeting to the public for comments.
David McGee, 301 4th Avenue asked for an explanation of the process of awarding contracts for certain amounts and then approving change orders. Councilman Haggerty said that damage was found during the process etc, which caused more work to be done. Discussion ensued between the Mayor, Councilman Haggerty and Mr. McGee. Mayor Alexander asked CFO Sharon Smith if money was available. She responded saying that she would not have signed the availability form if it there weren’t funds available. Mr. McGee said that $171,000 has been spent on the cabin.
A resident from Sycamore Street said she raised money for search and rescue dogs and asked how can we use money for other things?
Police Chief Kinkler said that the Drug Commission actually has 2 core groups, Project Prom and 3 on 3 basketball. He said that grants are written for the core programs and some call for fund raising and other call for a matching portion from the Borough. He said that the Drug Commission needs volunteers.
Councilwoman Kathy Lange encouraged about the new football program.
Audrey DiRenzo, 415 2nd Avenue thanked Councilwoman Lange for going to school board meeting, noting that auditors were also at the meeting and spoke about the surplus. DiRenzo said that there should be more hours for the school board election. Lastly she said that the cabin looked great during the holidays.
John Rayser, 611 W. High Street congratulated Councilmen McCollum and Berryhill and asked the solicitor if he was still here? Solicitor Gleaner said he was until a replacement has been appointed.
Roni Olizi, 424 3rd Avenue, said that the 3 on 3 basketball team does have girls on it and noted that the girl’s field hockey team gets money from the Drug Commission. She also noted that the Christmas decorations on the poles were up wrong for the 3rd year in a row and that the alumni flags have been up for 3 months. She said the alumni flags are only to be up during the football games, and once over, should come down.
Council President Fitzgerald said the decorations looked nice, but thought the wreaths should be turned around. Discussion followed by several council members and Ms. Olizi.
At 8:50pm motion to adjourn was made by Councilman McCollum, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All present were in favor.
Closed session began at 9:05pm in the conference room.
Closed session adjourned at 9:50pm. Meeting was opened to the public at this point.
Discussion between council members regarding the PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) program for PRD. It was decided that wording would be added (“13 COAH certified Affordable Housing”), stay with same PILOT number and PRD needs to pay 2009 4th quarter taxes, less interest.
Ordinance 2010:1334 – Ordinance Authorizing an Amendment to a Tax Abatement Agreement for Block 37, Lots 3 & 7 and Block 34 Lot 18 in the Borough of Haddon Heights.
Motion made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Council President Fitzgerald. All members present voted yes with the exception of Councilman McCollum who abstained from voting.
Motion to introduce Ordinance 2010:1334 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Council President Fitzgerald. All members present were in favor with the exception of Councilman McCollum who abstained from voting.
Resolution 2010:48 – Resolution Authorizing the Waiver of Interest and Penalties on the Taxes Due for Block 37, Lost 3& 7 and Block 34, Lot 18 in the Borough of Haddon Heights.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2010:48 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilwoman Lange. All members present were in favor.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Council President Fitzgerald. All present were in favor.
________________________________________10:05pm
Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk