January 5, 2008
Mayor Scott M. Alexander welcomed everyone to the 2009 Reorganization Meeting. He noted several dignitaries in attendance, among them were Congressman Robert E. Andrews, former Councilman Jack Merryfield and previous Mayors August Longo and Susan R. Griffith. After introductions, Mayor Alexander led the audience in a salute to the flag and a moment of silence.
He then stated, “That in accordance with Section 5 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, 1975, notice of this meeting was posted on the bulletin board designed for that purpose and notice was mailed to the official newspapers provided by resolution adopted by Mayor and Council, January 5, 2008”.
Oath of Office was administered by Edward R. Murphy, Esquire to Kathy Lange, who was accompanied by her family.
Oath of Office was administered by Mayor Scott M. Alexander to Daniel Haggerty, who was accompanied by his family.
After receiving the Oath of Office, Councilwoman Lange and Councilman Haggerty joined their fellow council members.
Please refer to the complete copies of speeches presented by Councilwoman Lange, Councilman Haggerty and Mayor Alexander attached to these minutes.
Congressman Robert E. Andrews wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked Mayor Alexander for his invitation to be here today. Congressman Andrews expressed how grateful he and his family are to live in this community and is honored to serve this area in the House of Representatives. He expressed his deepest appreciation to the many volunteers in this community and appreciates the service that Mayor and Council gives to the town.
“It is the darkest before dawn” said Congressman Andrews. He then said, “These are very difficult times right now and we must be optimistic. To survive, we must have faith and look further than ourselves”. Congressman Andrews stated that all should be inspired by the Fire and EMT volunteers and to also look at Council for true volunteers. They have made a choice and we should be grateful they did. Congressman Andrews wished all a very Happy New Year and received a round of applause from those in the audience.
Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Daniel Haggerty, Trish Sheilds, Rose Fitzgerald, Kathy Lange and Tad Fetter. Lee Wentz was absent.
Under New Business the following items were voted upon:
Resolution 2009:01 – Resolution Appointing Borough Solicitor Robert A. Gleaner, Esq.
Resolution 2009:02 – Resolution Appointing Borough Engineer – Pennoni Associates, Inc.
Resolution 2009:03 –Resolution Appointing Borough Auditor – Bowman & Company, LLP
Motion to adopt Resolutions 2009:01 through 2009:03 was made by Councilman Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call all Council members present voted yes for the above resolutions, with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who voted no to Resolution 2009:01.
Resolution 2009:04 – Resolution Appointing Property & Casualty Risk Manager – Hardenbergh Ins.
Resolution 2009:05 – Resolution Appointing Deputy Borough Clerk – Marie Holcombe
Resolution 2009:06 – Resolution Appointing Deputy Court Administrator – Michele Busarello
Resolution 2009:07 –Resolution Appointing Police Chief Richard Kinkler to Issue Firearms Permits
Resolution 2009:08 – Resolution Appointing Richard Edelen as Shade Tree Project Manager
Resolution 2009:09 – Resolution Appointing Fire Inspector – Judith Reiss
Resolution 2009:10 – Resolution Appointing Fire Inspector – Frank Lafferty
Resolution 2009:11 – Resolution Appointing Fire Inspector – Thomas Daly
Resolution 2009:12 – Resolution Confirming Election of Thomas Daly as Fire Chief
Resolution 2009:13 – Resolution Appointing Court Reporter – Susan Lewis
Resolution 2009:14 – Resolution Appointing Kimberely Kluchnick, Esq. as Prosecutor and Back Up Borough Solicitor
Resolution 2009:15 – Resolution Appointing Public Defender – Gregory De Michelle
Motion to adopt Resolutions 2009:04 through 2009:15 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. Under roll call, all Council members voted yes for the above resolutions.
Oath of Office was administered to the above appointees who were present by Mayor Scott M. Alexander.
Resolution 2009:16 – Resolution Establishing a Community Wellbeing Committee
Resolution 2009:17 – Resolution Establishing a Civic Events Committee
Resolution 2009:18 – Resolution Establishing a Capital Projects Committee
Resolution 2009:19 – Resolution Dissolving the Economic Development Committee
Resolution 2009:20 – Resolution Establishing a Green Initiatives Committee
Resolution 2009:21 – Resolution Establishing the Parks and Recreation Committee
Motion to adopt Resolutions 2009:16 through 2009:21 was made by Councilman Haggerty, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call, all Council members voted yes for the above resolutions.
Introduction of Ordinance 2009:1288. Public hearing and final adoption scheduled for January 20, 2009, 7pm at the Municipal Building.
Ordinance 2009:1288 – An Ordinance Moving the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s Powers, Duties and Responsibilities of the Planning Board
Motion to introduce Ordinance 2009:1288 was made by Councilwoman Lange, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call, all Council members voted yes.
Resolution 2009:22 – Resolution Confirming Attached 2009 Appointments
Borough Clerk read the names of everyone on a committee, including members of the Fire Department and Ambulance Corps.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2009:22 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Fetter. All council members present voted in favor.
Oath of Office was administered to the above appointees who were present by Mayor Scott M. Alexander.
Councilwoman Fitzgerald made a motion to nominate Tad Fetter as President of Council, seconded by Councilman Haggerty. All council members present voted in favor.
Resolution 2009:23 – Resolution Establishing the Duties of Directors
Councilman Haggerty made a motion to adopt Resolution 2009:23, seconded by Councilwoman Lange.
All council members present voted in favor.
Council President Fetter made a motion to nominate the following Directors, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald.
2009 DIRECTOR APPOINTMENTS
Councilman Tad Fetter (Director of Police & Fire, Director of Finance & Budgets)
Councilwoman Rosemary Fitzgerald (Director of Construction & Zoning)
Councilman Daniel Haggerty (Director of Legal, Court & EMS/Amb. Corps)
Councilwoman Kathryn Lange (Director of Parks & Recreation)
Councilman Lee Wentz (Director of Public Works)
Councilwoman Trish Sheilds (Director of Inter Government)
Resolution 2009:24 – Resolution Regarding Rules of Council
Resolution 2009:25 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Interest and Bonds
Resolution 2009:26 – Resolution Setting Interest Rate for 2009
Resolution 2009:27 – Resolution Concerning Haddon Heights Public Library Fees
Resolution 2009:28 – Resolution Authorizing Use of a Cash Management Plan
Resolution 2009:29 – Resolution Concerning Tax Search Clerk – Patricia A. Cooper
Resolution 2009:30 – Resolution Designating Person to Issue Local Improvement Certificates – Joan Moreland
Resolution 2009:31 – Resolution Establishing Official Holidays
Resolution 2009:32 – Resolution Designating Flood Insurance Designee – Joan Moreland
Resolution 2009:33 – Resolution Designating Newspapers for Legal Advertising – Courier Post and the Retrospect.
Resolution 2009:34– Resolution Authorizing the Designation of Newspapers to Receive All Notices of Meetings as Required Under the Open Public Meetings Act – Courier Post and The Retrospect
Resolution 2009:35 – Resolution Authorizing the Fixing of Charges for Notice of Meetings as Required by the Open Public Meetings Act
Resolution 2009:36 – Resolution Designating the Date, Time and Place of Council Meetings for 2009 in Accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act
Resolution 2009:37– Resolution Designating Depositories of Funds for Various Accounts
Resolution 2009:38 – Resolution Adopting the 2009 Temporary Budget
Resolution 2009:39 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims
Resolution 2009:40 – Resolution Appointing a Fund Commissioner and Alternate to the Camden County Joint Insurance Fund (Joan Moreland and Mayor Scott Alexander)
Resolution 2009:41 – Resolution Designating Depositories for Funds
Resolution 2009:42 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Animal Orphanage for the Purpose of Providing Animal Shelter Services
Motion was made to adopt Resolutions 2009:24 through 2009:42 by Councilwoman Sheilds seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call all Council members present voted yes for the above resolutions, with the exception of Councilman Haggerty who abstained from voting on resolutions 2008:34 and 35, due to a conflict of interest.
With no further business to come before Council, Mayor Alexander called for remarks from Council.
Councilwoman Fitzgerald read a letter from St. Paul the Apostle and stressed the importance of family and friends. A copy of her speech is attached in full to these minutes.
Councilwoman Sheilds welcomed Councilwoman Lange and Councilman Haggerty. She thanked them for volunteering and offered to help them.
Councilman Fetter’s speech is attached in full to these minutes.
Mayor Alexander then called for remarks from the public.Ricki Roberts, 127 Third Avenue – 2008 was a year of politics. She is very pleased with what Mayor Alexander, Councilwoman Fitzgerald and Councilman Fetter have accomplished and is very excited for the newly elected officials.
Bill Troutman, 1509 Chestnut Avenue – Wished Mayor and Council a Happy New Year. He commented Ordinance 2009:1288 combining the planning and zoning boards. Mr. Troutman feels it is better to keep them separate. He also questioned what constitutes a quorum and can it be increased. Borough Clerk explained Roberts Rules of Order, stating that we have 7 council members and the majority consists of 4 which can either be the Mayor and 3 council January 5, 2008
Reverend Lynne Manilla from the First Presbyterian Church offered and led the Invocation.
Council President Trish Sheilds welcomed everyone to the 2008 Reorganization Meeting. She noted several dignitaries in attendance, among them were Honorable Lee A. Solomon, Freeholder Director, Louis A, Capelli, Previous Mayors Beth Ann Haven and Susan A.Griffith. After introductions, Council President Sheilds lead the audience in a salute to the flag and a moment of silence.
She then stated, “That in accordance with Section 5 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, 1975, notice of this meeting was posted on the bulletin board designed for that purpose and notice was mailed to the official newspapers provided by resolution adopted by Mayor and Council, January 2, 2007”.
Oath of Office of Mayor was administered by the Honorable Lee A. Solomon to Scott M. Alexander, who was accompanied by his son Andrew, girlfriend Jamie Gregal and son Brian, along with his parents.
Oath of Office was administered by Honorable Lee A. Solomon to both Rosemary Fitzgerald and Tad Fetter, who were accompanied by their families.
Mayor Alexander thanked his family and friends, the homeowners association, fellow residents, Lee Solomon, outgoing Mayor and Councilmember’s, Beth Ann Haven, Tom Ottoson and Barbara Cortese and said it is time for a change. He recapped 2007 and gave an outline for his plan for 2008, which featured People, Process and Assets. He spoke about tax control, how we may manage our expenses and increase revenues. A satisfaction survey is being worked on and will allow residents to make suggestions. Mayor Alexander challenged the County, School and Local entities to keep their budget increases to 3% or under. He will continue to keep the lines of communication open with the county and schools..
Councilwoman Fitzgerald thanked Lee Solomon, her fiancé a former mayor of Mullica Hill, her four sisters who were in attendance along with her children and the Republican Club. Rose’s parents encouraged her to focus on politics and get involved with the town. One of her goals is to keep Haddon Heights desirable for the older residents and newcomers alike. She will work hard to meet those goals.
Councilman Tad Fetter thanked his wife, Joyce for her full support. He stated he grew up as a “navy brat” and that Haddon Heights feels like home. He thanked his parents, who were in attendance, the homeowners association for opening the resident’s eyes and the Republican Club.
Under Comments from Council:
Councilman Shoppe offered congratulations to the new members. He thanked the residents for their attendance and reminded all that participation is needed in order to proceed. He urged all to unite as a community to voice your opinion to solve problems. All views should be encouraged whether for or against an issue. In closing, he urged all to move beyond politics.
Councilwoman Sheilds congratulated the new members of council and stressed a need for unity for the betterment of Haddon Heights residents. She urged Mayor and Council to work together. She will continue to work with respect, integrity and honestly.
The remaining councilmember’s wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilmen Lee T. Wentz, Donald Witzig Gordon Shopp, and Tad Fetter. Councilwomen Fitzgerald and Sheilds were also present.
Under New Business the following items were voted upon:
Resolution 2008:01 – Resolution Appointing Fire Chief – Nicholas Scardino
Resolution 2008:02 – Resolution Appointing Chief of Ambulance Corps – John Zenuk
Resolution 2008:03 – Resolution Appointing Municipal Arborist – Steve Dorsey
Resolution 2008:04 – Resolution Appointing Court Administrator – Catherine Lawson
Resolution 2008:05 – Resolution Appointing Deputy Court Administrator – Michele Busarello
Resolution 2008:06 – Resolution Appointing Deputy Clerk – Patricia A. Cooper
Resolution 2008:07 – Resolution Appointing Deputy Treasurer – Joan D. Moreland
Resolution 2008:08 – Resolution Appointing Professional Risk Manager-Hardenbergh Insurance
Resolution 2008:09– Resolution Appointing Special Projects Engineer-Pennoni Assoc., Inc.
Motion to Adopt Resolutions 2008-01 through 2008-09 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call, all councilmember’s voted yes for the above resolutions.
Mayor Alexander administered the Oath of Office to the appointees.
Resolution 2008:10 – Resolution Appointing the Auditor – Bowman & Company
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:10 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members of council voted yes.
Resolution 2008:11 – Resolution Appointing Bond Council – Parker McCay, PA
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:11 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members of Council voted yes.
Resolution 2008:12 – Resolution Appointing Borough Solicitor – Salvatore J. Siciliano, Esq.
Councilwoman Sheilds made a motion to adopt Resolution 2008-12, seconded by Councilman Wentz.
Under roll call, Councilmen Wentz, Witzig and Shopp and Councilwoman Sheilds voted yes, Councilwoman Fitzgerald and Councilman Fetter voted no. Motion carried.
Resolution 2008:13 – Resolution Appointing Borough Engineer – Remington & Vernick
Councilwoman Sheilds made a motion to adopt Resolution 2008-13, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call, Councilmen Wentz, Witzig Shopp and Councilwoman Sheilds voted yes Councilwoman Fitzgerald and Councilman Fetter voted no. Motion Carried.
Resolution 2008-14 – Resolution Regarding Rules of Council
Resolution 2008-15 – Resolution authorizing Payment of Interest and Bonds
Resolution 2008-16 – Resolution Setting Interest Rate for 2008
Resolution 2008-17 – Resolution Concerning Haddon Heights Public Library Fees
Resolution 2008-18 – Resolution authorizing Use of a Cash Management Plan.
Resolution 2008-19 – Resolution Concerning Tax Search Clerk – Patricia A. Cooper
Resolution 2008-20 – Resolution Designating Person to Issue Local Improvement Certificates – Joan Moreland
Councilman Shopp made a motion to adopt Resolutions 2008:14 through 2008-20, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under Roll Call, all members of council voted yes.
Mayor Alexander administered the Oath of Office to the above appointees.
Resolution 2008-22 – Resolution Confirming the Attached 2008 Appointments.
Mayor Scott Alexander read the names of everyone on a committee, including members of the Fire Department and Ambulance Corps. A motion to adopt Resolution 2008:22 was then made by Councilman Shopp, seconded by Councilman Fetter. All were in favor.
The Oath of Office was administered to the appointees by Mayor Scott Alexander.
Councilman Witzig made a motion to nominate Trish Sheilds as President of Council. Motion was seconded by Councilman Wentz All were in favor.
Freeholder Director, Louis A. Capelli came to the podium to swear in Trish Sheilds as Council President.
Councilwoman Sheilds made a motion to adopt the following Chairmanships and Councilmatic Committees, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members of Council were in favor.
2008 COUNCILMATIC APPOINTMENTS
Administration/Personnel – Donald Witzig (Chair), Rosemary Fitzgerald, Tad Fetter
Finance, Budgets & Grants – Tad Fetter (Chair), Trish Sheilds, Rosemary Fitzgerald
Construction/Zoning – Rosemary Fitzgerald (Chair), Gordon Shopp, Trish Sheilds
Intergovernment – Gordon Shopp (Chair), Donald Witzig, Tad Fetter
Public Safety – Trish Sheilds (Chair), Lee Wentz, Rosemary Fitzgerald
Public Works – Lee Wentz (Chair), Gordon Shopp, Donald Witzig
Parks/Recreation – Trish Sheilds (Chair), Lee Wentz, Tad Fetter
Resolution 2008:23 – Resolution Establishing Official Holidays
Resolution 2008:24 – Resolution Designating Flood Insurance Designee – Joan Moreland
Resolution 2008:25 – Resolution Designating Newspapers for Legal Advertising – Courier Post and The Retrospect.
Resolution 2008:26– Resolution Authorizing the Designation of Newspapers to Receive All Notices of Meetings as Required Under the Open Public Meetings Act – Courier Post and The Retrospect.
Resolution 2008:27 – Resolution Authorizing the Fixing of Charges for Notice of Meetings as Required by the Open Public Meetings Act
Resolution 2008:28 – Resolution Designating the Date, Time and Place of Council Meetings for 2008 in Accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act
Resolution 2008:29– Resolution Designating Depositories of Funds for Various Accounts
Resolution 2008:30 – Resolution Authorizing the Deputy Municipal Court Administrator to Act on Behalf of the Court Administrator in Her Absence
Resolution 2008:31 – Resolution Adopting the 2008 Temporary Budget
Resolution 2008:32 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims
Resolution 2008:33 – Resolution Appointing a Fund Commissioner and Alternate to the Camden County Joint Insurance Fund (Joan Moreland and Mayor Scott Alexander)
Resolution 2008:34 – Resolution Designating Depositories for Funds
Motion to adopt the above resolutions was made by Councilman Fetter, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All were in favor.
With no further business to come before council, Mayor Alexander called for remarks from Council. In addition to congratulations and best wishes for the New Year, Councilman Shopp encouraged active participation in government and pledged to work together for the betterment of the town. Councilwoman Sheilds looks forward to working to bring the community back together. Councilwoman Fitzgerald hopes to see all in attendance today at our regular council meetings.
Under Remarks from the Audience:
Ricky Roberts – 127 Third Avenue offered her congratulations especially to newly elected officials. As an active member of the Homeowners Association, she stated the association will continue in partnership with the town. She expressed her concerned that the positions of borough solicitor and engineer were awarded based on politics instead of fiscal responsibility. Councilman Shopp and Councilwoman Sheilds responded council has options to choose another solicitor/engineer if need be to do a specific job.
Carol Di Medio of 106 Kings Highway said the town needs unity and urged all to work together…Council is not in control, the residents are.
Benediction by Father Cornelius Lambert of St. Rose of Lima RC Church.
With all business conducted, a motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Wentz, second by Councilman Shopp. All were in favor.
To read Mayor Alexander’s speech, click here.
_____________________ 1:15 pm
Patricia A. Cooper, Deputy Borough Clerk
members or 4 council members without the Mayor.
Reverend Father Tanh Pham, Parochial Vicar, St. Rose of Lima Church offered and led the Benediction.
With all business conducted, a motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All Council members present were in favor.
___________________________
Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk