May 6, 2008

Mayor Scott Alexander opened the caucus meeting at 7:00pm.

The Mayor, joined by Council President Sheilds and Police Chief Kinkler presented a Proclamation of Achievement to Detective Robert Long.

Review of regular agenda – Mayor Alexander reviewed the regular agenda items, there were no questions from council at this time.

Station Avenue Parking – Mayor Alexander presented a power point presentation regarding a plan for improving parking issues for the businesses and their customers. After the presentation 18 people consisting of members of council, Police Chief, business owners and residents commented on the plan.

After the Mayor’s presentation, council members discussed the issue, bringing up the following points: Councilwoman Fitzgerald said that the Police Department warnings worked! Councilman Shopp said it was a good plan but felt it was not a full non-partisan approach and asked why the Mayor did not come before the Economic Development Committee (EDC). He also said he felt it fell short of the needs of the people, businesses, etc. and urged council not to adopt the ordinance yet. Mayor Alexander said he felt that EDC should take the project over. Councilwoman Fitzgerald said that the ordinance was precipitated by the Chief’s notices. She also said she found a study done in 1985 in her basement and feels that something should be done soon to attract business in the former 5 & 10 building. Councilman Shopp said that not all the businesses are on board at this point.

Roni Olizi, 424 3rd Avenue, said that EDC is not a regulating committee and that the Mayor is transparent by giving this presentation tonight. She also said that she hopes this is the beginning of a bigger and better plan.

Tom Ferrese, Chairman of the Planning Board said he looked at the Master Plan and said the EDC should be looking at the Master Plan, and then try to make it work. Regarding parking, Ferrese said the town should encourage parking because it is important to the town. Regarding the Mayor’s plan, he said it is a “no brainer”; the warnings worked and is in accordance with the Master Plan.

Council President Sheilds said Councilman Shopp worked hard on the EDC and that EDC should *not be part of this. She also said the ordinance should be introduced tonight with further discussion at the next meeting.

*Corrected at the 5/20/08 meeting to read “EDC should be part of this.”

Mayor Alexander said his plan is the result of receiving back 26 surveys from the business community.

Mr. Ferrese said if the plan is good for businesses, then it is in line with the Master Plan. He also said that the Planning Board is the official “planner” and feels the plan should be presented to the board.

Councilman Shopp said that EDC combines the Planning Board, Historic and business owners and is non-partisan, showing respect to the communities viewpoints.

Police Chief Richard Kinkler reported working with the Mayor, Councilman Shopp and business owners. He said a plan is definitely needed according to the business owners. Council President Sheilds asked about the Kings Highway businesses, noting that there is “not too much enforcing in that area at the moment”.

Mr. Ferrese noted that there are 20 spaces in the PNC Bank lot with 5-6 cars parked there. He said the Master Plan calls for co-sharing parking spaces. Councilwoman Fitzgerald said she spoke with representatives from the Heart House and apparently their employees use the PNC lot.

The Mayor and council took their seats on the dais and opened the meeting to the public for comments on the proposed parking plan.

Ricki Roberts, addressing Councilman Shopp, said the issue of partisanship is a big part. She said the robust plan presented by the Republicans is not being supported by the Democrats. Councilman Shopp responded by saying he “already said it was a good plan!” Further discussion between Roberts and Shopp ensued.

Terry Chepurney suggested bumping the 2 hour to 3 hour for lunch traffic. She also mentioned that there is a lack of handicapped parking spots. She also suggested an ordinance enforcing parking between the lines, which ends up taking 2 spots.

John Paul, a businessman at 500 Station Avenue said the businesses like the plan.

Bob Taylor from Taylor Made Memories said it is a good plan and should solve the problem.

Dr. Steve Markus owner of Center for Dentistry said he applauds the Mayor and his committee. He said some of the recent problems could have been due to the paving of the Haddon S & L lot because their employees had to use the east lot. Regarding partisanship, Dr. Markus stated that “nothing gets done with partisanship – look at Washington, DC”.

Mayor Alexander asked Chief Kinkler to respond to some of the comments. The Chief said they don’t like to write tickets and the reason for the ordinance is to support the businesses and he would like to see parking consistently enforced. He noted that he appreciates the efforts of Councilman Shopp, Councilman Wentz and the Mayor for their work on this issue.

George Manlove of 1st Avenue said he has lived here for 14 years and has always had a problem parking and said he feels more signs are needed as to where to park and the hours. He encouraged council to “get it done”.

Jim Jenkins of Bryn Mawr Avenue, addressing Councilman Shopp, said the EDC has been in operation for 2 years and nothing has happened to date. He then asked Shopp, “What has EDC done?” In response, Councilman Shopp asked Mr. Jenkins to come to an EDC meeting noting that the Chief will be going to a meeting to discuss signage. He also said that it is not perfect; everything has not been done due to other issues taking up a lot of time, such as the revaluation.

Dave Cutts of 1810 Wayne Avenue said that as a citizen, he is “flabbergasted at the way this has been handled tonight” and said that it appears to him that some people were not consulted. He said it should not be ramroded through.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald said the ordinance is only going to be introduced tonight and a public hearing is scheduled for the May 20th council meeting.

Kathy Taylor of Taylor Made memories, 510 Station Avenue, said that 2 hours is inadequate and that the plan looks good. Councilwoman Fitzgerald asked if all businesses on Station Avenue got the survey. Mrs. Taylor said she was not sure, but was happy that something is going to be done.

There were no further comments to be heard at this time regarding the proposed parking plan.

School Budget Process & Status Discussion – Councilman Tad Fetter read some statistics from an article and that that Dr. Hacker feels there is a different perspective from people with kids versus senior citizens. Council President Sheilds said they have looked at both sides; and the school board met the Mayor’s challenge of increasing the budget no more than 3%. They could live with the proposed $20,000 cut due to not having any retirements and the fact that energy costs were down due to the mild winter. Councilwoman Fitzgerald asked Councilman Fetter if there was anywhere else cuts could be made. He responded by saying he was not an expert after 2 weeks of review and asked if they’ve done enough with their budget. He said it is great that they met the Mayor’s 3% challenge, but feels they could go lower. Councilman Shopp said he was comfortable with current cut presented. Councilwoman Fitzgerald said she was disappointed, they met the challenge, but budget was voted down for the past 6 years and said they should do more campaigning before the election. Mayor Alexander asked the Borough Clerk to put a resolution on tonight’s agenda to cut $20,000 from the school’s budget. (Resolution 2008:108).

With nothing further to discuss during the caucus meeting, Mayor Alexander opened the regular meeting.

REGULAR AGENDA:

Mayor Alexander opened the regular meeting at 8:40pm 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 5, 2008”.

Under Roll Call the following council members were present: Councilmen Lee Wentz, Donald Witzig, Tad Fetter and Gordon Shopp, Councilwomen Rosemary Fitzgerald and Trish Sheilds. Borough Solicitor Salvatore Siciliano was also present.

Motion was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Witzig to approve the minutes from the 4/15/08 and 4/26/08 special meeting. Under roll call all members voted yes with the exception of Councilman Shopp who abstained from voting on the 4/14/08 minutes and Councilwoman Fitzgerald who abstained from voting on the 4/26/08 meeting.

The following Committee Reports were presented at this time:

Councilman Witzig reporting for Administration read the activity report which is on file with the Borough Clerk and also reported that 28 cats and dogs were inoculated against rabies the free clinic held April 26th.

Councilman Fetter reporting for Finance said that 40 appeals have been filed with a $3 million dollar lose in rateables.

Council President Sheilds reporting for Public Safety said that an ordinance forbidding obscene material to be on display in stores will be on the 5/20/08 agenda for introduction.

Councilman Wentz reporting for DPW read the activity report for April, a copy of which is on file with the Borough Clerk. He reminded the residents to recycle their cardboard. He advised council that the Drug Alliance has chosen a small company to do the timing of the 5K race and said they will be looking for volunteers to help out.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald reporting for the Construction/Zoning Office read the activity report which is on file in the Construction Office. She then read a Press Release stating in part that 3 people were hired for the partime positions of Construction Official and Plumbing Official, both of which are licensed positions and a Zoning Code Enforcement Officer/Nuisance Officer. She reported that the men were hired after extensive interviews conducted by Council President Sheilds and herself over a period of time. The Mayor commended both for their efforts in this matter. Lastly, Fitzgerald said she met with the Shade Tree Committee regarding a regular budget item and program for tree replacement throughout the town on an annual basis.

Councilman Shopp said that the DPW Committee has some issues to bring up regarding the upcoming recycling contract. He expressed concern with not going with the lowest bidder. Solicitor Siciliano said the law states the “lowest, most qualified bidder”. Councilman Shopp said there should have been a rating system in place. Discussion followed regarding the specifications, term etc. The Solicitor confirmed that solid waste is not recycling material.

With no further reports to be presented, Mayor Alexander opened the meeting up to the public for comments or questions on New Business Items at which time the following residents came forward:

Ricki Roberts, 127 3rd Avenue said the reason some people were upset about the $20,000 cut to the school budget was that although the school board met the Mayor’s 3% challenge, they did not cut their budget; instead tuition was raised for Barrington and Lawnside students. She said a sharper look should be taken during bad times. Mrs. Roberts said she got a copy of a detailed budget and saw increases in salaries for positions not covered by a bargaining unit. She said she feels as though the school could do better and should “look a little closer”.

Mr. Troutman, 1509 Chestnut Avenue said he was on a committee to look a school budget over some years ago and managed to cut $1.5 million without cutting instructional positions. He said they don’t need an Assistant Superintendent, or as many secretaries or a curriculum advisor. He suggested “getting rid of extracurricular activities” and don’t waste time on $20,000 cut.

Joe Peters, West High Street, said he was a 14 year resident and has a daughter who graduated from HHHS in the top 10% of the class. He encouraged Council not to cut the school budget.

Dave Cutts, 1810 Wayne Avenue said he agreed with Mr. Peters, saying that if “we start messing with school system, it would be bad for kids and property values”. He noted that the school budget met the Mayor’s challenge and then some and said he feels a curriculum advisor is a necessary position.

Roni Olizi, 414 3rd Avenue said that the last census showed that 49% of Haddon Heights children go to other school systems and noted the small percentage of voters who actually voted on the budget. She said that Council’s obligation to the residents is to cut the budget.

Craig Huber said he is a School Board member said the last thing to cut back on is education and encouraged Council to do their best.

With no further comments to come before council, Mayor Alexander opened the meeting to Old Business:

OLD BUSINESS:

Public hearings and final adoption on Ordinances 2008:1259 through 2008:1262.

Ordinance 2008:1259 – An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2007:1234 of the Borough of Haddon Heights, In the County of Camden, New Jersey. (Amends wording only, stating that the Finance Department will receive various technology upgrades. Currently the ordinance reads “Acquisition of various pieces of computer equipment…” and does not state what department will receive the equipment.)

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public on Ordinance 2008:1259, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All members were in favor. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2008:1259 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Ordinance 2008:1260 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey, Canceling Certain Unfunded Appropriation Balances Heretofore Provided for Capital Improvements and Reappropriating Such Unfunded Appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects. ($92.114 for replacement of Municipal Building Roof.)

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public on Ordinance 2008:1260, motion to close the public hearing was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members were in favor. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2008:1260 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Upon roll call all members voted yes.

Ordinance 2008:1261 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey, Canceling Certain Unfunded Appropriation Balances Heretofore Provided for Capital Improvements and Reappropriating Such Unfunded appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects. ($209,856.19 for improvements to Borough soccer and recreational fields.)

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public on Ordinance 2008:1261, motion to close the public hearing was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members were in favor. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2008:1261 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call Council members Wentz, Witzig and Shop voted no. Council members Fitzgerald, Fetter and Sheilds voted yes. Mayor Alexander broke the tie by voting yes. Motion passed.

Ordinance 20081262 – Ordinance of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey Canceling Certain Funded and Unfunded Appropriation Balances Heretofore Provided for Capital Improvements and Reappropriating Such Funded and Unfunded Appropriation Balances for Other Capital Projects. ($186,802.50 for the closure of Kings Highway Pumping Station.)

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public on Ordinance 2008:1262, motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members were in favor. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2008:1262 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members vote yes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of Ordinances 2008:1263 and 2008:1264 adoptions will be held on May 20th, 7pm.

Ordinance 2008:1263 – An Ordinance fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation to be Paid to the Represented Uniformed Police Officers in the Police Department for the Calendar Year 2008.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1263 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call vote all members voted yes.

Ordinance 2008:1264 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 100 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Vehicles and Traffic.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1264 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members were in favor.

Resolution 2008:102 – Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Overpayment. ($1,468.83 overpayment resulted from refinancing, sale of property or duplicate payments by both the title and mortgage companies for 1003 Sycamore Street.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:102 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call vote all members voted yes.

Resolution 2008:103 – Resolution Approving Payment of Bills and Claims for 1st Half of May.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:103 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call vote all members voted yes.

Resolution 2008:104 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Global Staffing for Temporary Labor. (Sealed bids were received by the Borough Clerk on 4/29/08. 2 bids were received. Global staffing was the lowest most qualified bidder at $10.30 per hour.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:104 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call vote Councilmen Wentz, Witzig and Shopp and Council President Sheilds voted no. Councilwoman Fitzgerald and Councilman Fetter voted yes. Motion was defeated.

Resolution 2008:105 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Republic Services for the Purpose of Recycling Pick Up.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:105 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call vote Councilman Wentz, Councilwoman Fitzgerald, Councilman Fetter and Councilman Shopp voted yes. Councilman Witzig and Council President Sheilds voted no. Motion passed.

Resolution 2008:106 – Resolution Canceling Reserves.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:106 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. Under roll call vote all members voted yes.

Resolution 2008:107 – Resolution Authorizing the Cancelation of Capital Improvement Authorization Balances.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:107 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members voted yes.

Resolution 2008:108 – Resolution Reducing the 2008 – 2009 School Budget by $20,000.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:108 was made by Councilman Shopp, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call Councilmen Wentz, Witzig and Shopp and Council President Sheilds voted yes. Councilwoman Fitzgerald and Councilman Fetter voted no. Motion passed.

With no further business to come before council Mayor Alexander opened the meeting to the public for comments or concerns.

Fred Missimer said he was a member of the Shade Tree Commission asked council to review his proposal for tree replacement. He said the trees are part of out self image and does not involve much money. He thanked council for their consideration. Council President Sheilds said that in the years she has been on council, no one from the Shade Tree Commission has presented a budget. Ernie Smith, a member of the Rotary said he has planted many trees and the members are getting older by the year.

Roni Olizi, 424 3rd Avenue advised council that between 2002 and 2006 there were $50,000 in grants received and trees were planted. She said that we need to keep a canopy of trees, noting that most of the existing oaks will be lost due to some type of fungus. She also informed council that the BPU has informed PSE&G that all trees in easements have to be cut down and that there is to be a 12’ diameter around wires and poles. Mayor Alexander asked Mrs. Olizi what do they want to see done. Mrs. Olizi said that the Rotary plants 30 trees a year and we should not be depending on them each year because they are a small group. Councilwoman Fitzgerald said there is $2,000 in the budget this year for trees.

Mr. Hammer, 312 2nd Avenue said he is on the Board of Education and is a parent and feels that education and trees enhances the quality of the town and increases property values.

Ricki Roberts of 127 3rd Avenue said that her words were “twisted” and that she did not mean for anything instructionally to be cut from the school budget. Councilwoman Fitzgerald said she was not part of the committee regarding the school budget defeat, but felt that $20,000 was not what the public meant. She felt it could have been tweaked more.

Mr. Troutman, Chestnut Avenue said he was not against education, but the sports programs.

With no further comments to come before council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilman Shopp, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members were in favor.

_____________________________10:00pm

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk