October 21, 2008

Caucus:

Mayor Alexander presented certificates and issued the Oath of Office to Student Council members from Atlantic Avenue, Glenview Avenue and Seventh Avenue schools. Principals Mrs. McGovern and Mr., Sassano were both present a said a few words.

Attorneys George Miller and Dan Gallagher, representing Homeowner’s Association, came before Council to discuss the re-valuation. Mr. Miller and Mr. Gallagher have been retained by the Homeowners Association of Haddon Heights and have also represented individual homeowners with their appeals. Mr. Miller and Mr. Gallagher said they have empirical data that shows that the re-valuation was done wrong; the procedure was correct, but the outcome was not. They will forward their information to Mr. Colavecchio.

Tom Colavecchio acknowledged that a reassessment or revaluation may be done every year; approval from the county and state is required. He does not think the county would approve one right now.

Regular Agenda:

Mayor Alexander opened the 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 5, 2008”.

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

The Borough Clerk explained an issue in the minutes in regards to the approval of the September 16th minutes at the October 7th meeting.

Motion to approve the minutes from the October 7th meeting, as amended, was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald and seconded by Councilman Fetter. All members present voted yes.

Committee Reports:

Councilman Witzig reported for Administration. Report is on file with Borough Clerk.

Councilman Fetter reported that he received the proposed 2009 departmental budgets and he will be working with the CFO. There are a few more departments he needs to meet with. Councilman Fetter will be meeting with the auditor and bond council to review long term finance, and will then report back to council. With the budget cuts we were able to save about $40,000 in TAN interests, which will help improve long term financing. Councilman Shopp asked about the savings in DPW. Fetter said the year-to-date budget is being worked on and final figures are not available as of yet. Deputy Superintendent of Public Works Rich Edelen confirmed that he has enough manpower to do the work that has to be done.

Council President Sheilds did not have the status report from Fire Chief Nick Scardino with her and will bring it to the next meeting. She announced the Run to Remember in memory of Michael Miller will be held this coming Saturday beginning at 8:30am at the Municipal Building.

Council President Sheilds reminded all about the 5K run/walk for Michael Miller on October 25th. The run begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will start shortly after.

Councilman Wentz reported that the Drug Commission met last night. He reminded residents that it is now leaf pick up season. Superintendent of DPW, Rich Edelen, asked that residents do not put out any more brush. They will get back to that later; right now they are just doing leaves. The last day for brush pick up on the east side was the first week of October and the west side the second week of October. Mr. Edelen will maybe plan for brush pick up for the whole month of October next year.

Councilwoman Fitzgerald reported that she has been attending the Black Horse Pike Development meetings. Part of the plans included is to make the crosswalk at McDonalds a more pedestrian friendly area. In the overall scheme of the Black Horse Pike, all will see more dramatic changes. Councilwoman Fitzgerald encouraged residents living on that side of town and business owners to try and attend these meetings. She said the Turnpike exit on the Black Horse Pike will be changed to Benigo Drive.

Regarding the Streetscape Grant, Fitzgerald advised council that 3 signs are included in the grant, but the Historical Society did not like the format used by the State and are therefore agreeing to pay for the 3 signs themselves. She said the signs will be at a height which can be viewed by walkers and will tell of the early development of Haddon Heights and the railroad. A sign will be at the White Horse Pike & Station Avenue as well as on either side of the railroad.

Reporting for the Shade Tree Commission, Councilwoman Fitzgerald said that the borough is investing $2,000 in trees and will be focusing on the White Horse Pike. This will be done next month.

Councilman Shopp reported that at the Economic Development Committee has discussed the possibility of revising the EDC resolution in regards to terms and members; they would like to see it more staggered. Kevin Sheehan will work up proposed changes. The EDC is working on a proposal for W. Atlantic parking and will report to council soon. Councilman Shopp reminded residents that the EDC meets the third Wednesday of every month.

Mayor Alexander called for remarks from the public on New Business agenda items.

There were none.

NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of Ordinances 2008:1283 and 1285. Public hearings and final adoptions scheduled for Wednesday November 5, 7:00pm.

Ordinance 2008:1283 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 213 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Fees. (Increasing late fee from $5 to $10 for payments received after May 1st for dog licenses; increasing cat license fees to: neutered $9.00, unneutered $12.00 and adding late fee of $10 for payment received after May 1st. This increase is due to rising cost of animal control and shelter services which are required by the State.)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1283 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members present voted yes except for Councilman Shopp who voted no.

Ordinance 2008:1285 – An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2007:1234 of the Borough of Haddon Heights, in the County of Camden, New Jersey. (This ordinance is required to change the Period of Usefulness which was incorrect on Ordinance 2007:1234.)

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1285 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Fetter. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2008:1286 – an Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2008:1276 Entitled Fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation to be Paid to the Non Contracted Employee of the Borough of Haddon Heights for the Year 2008.

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1286 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Council President Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:163 – Resolution to Cancel an Outstanding Check in the Trust Fund-Other Account. (Bookkeeping measure to clear a check that has been outstanding for 1 year.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:163 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:164 – Resolution Authorizing a One-Day License for Alcohol Consumption for the Haddon Heights Public Library Fundraiser to Be Held on November 2, 2008. (Wine tasting event being held at Anthony’s Restaurant and sponsored by the HH Library and HH Rotary Club with all profits going to benefit the Library.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:164 was made by Council President Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Fetter. All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:165 – Resolution Authorizing Tax Assessor to Purchase Computer Equipment Utilizing a State Contract. ($2,392 is appropriated in the Technical Grant received from Comcast.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:165 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:166 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Colonial Tree Service in the Amount of $21,075 for the Take Down and Removal of Twenty Trees.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:166 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Witzig. Under roll call all members present voted yes with the exception of Council President Sheilds who voted no.

Resolution 2008:167 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 1st Half of October

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:167 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Shopp. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:168 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for 2nd Half of October

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:168 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members present voted yes; Council President Sheilds voted yes with the exception of Animal Control and Christine Foster Photography.

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

Rickie Roberts, 127 Third Avenue, commented that it would have been appropriate to open to the public after the Homeowners Association attorneys were there. It would have been nice. Mrs. Roberts made reference to a comment Mr. Colavecchio made at the September 2nd meeting. She would like to be present if a meeting is scheduled between Mr. Colavecchio and the HA attorneys. Mrs. Roberts discussed a study she did in regard to voting this past year, particularly down party lines. She also made reference to campaign material that she has recently received, that were very misleading and dishonest. Mrs. Roberts proposed a resolution setting guidelines for elections. Solicitor Salvatore Siciliano explained why that cannot be done. Mrs. Roberts made reference to the solicitors’ bill which has not been paid. She received a copy of the contract, through an OPRA request, and it is very clear to her that contract negotiations are covered in the contract. She asked why we would pay this. Mr. Siciliano explained his contract; what is covered, what is not and why. Discussion ensued between solicitor, council members and Mrs. Roberts regarding the contract.

Audrey DiRenzo, 415 Second Avenue, made reference to the bills and claims that were held up at the last meeting. Councilman Shopp and Council President Sheilds commented.

Roni Olizi, 424 Third Avenue, thanked DPW for their wonderful work at the Fall Festival. She also received literature this weekend. Mrs. Olizi discussed the voting and certain appointments from this year. She also made reference to Mr. Siciliano’s bill.

Bill Lange, 26 First Avenue, stated that the meeting started out nice, with the Oath of Office given to the Student Council members. Mr. Lange told council to listen closely to those words; that is what it’s all about. Things have never been like this before between republican and democrat. He was embarrassed at the last meeting.

Sue McElhatton, representing HHYA, questioned the No Parking signs along W. Atlantic Avenue. She complained that since the borough instituted new no-parking areas this year, it was become more difficult to accommodate parents of athletes and their vehicles at the fields. Police Chief Rich Kinkler explained that the no parking ordinance was approved after his department found that on-street parking has become dangerous in the area near the Barrington border. Chief Kinkler reminded that although residents may have to walk a little further, there is parking available. Council hopes to add new parking spaces near the former Boy Scout cabin at Hoff’s Park. Superintendent of DPW Rich Edelen reported that the fence will be repaired at Memorial Field and there are two (2) trees marked to come down.

Rick DiRenzo, 415 Second Avenue, asked if Council is considering consolidating/merging with any other municipalities. Council responded not at the present moment; everything is departmental.

Jim Mercurio, 301 Highland Avenue, commented on the housing market; how some homes have sold well below the assessed value.

Mark Standring, 208 Fourth Avenue, asked if the HHYA and Soccer Club pay for the use of the fields and also what the recreation budget is. Council President Sheilds responded saying that HHYA pays for all utilities at the ballfields and that the school cuts the grass and Soccer Club pays $25 per family to the Borough.

John Szczerbinski, Construction Official, spoke in regards of the Kings Run project. Last year the previous council adopted a resolution to pay the inspections for the additional work on this project. Mr. Szczerbinski gave a brief background of his staff and the Kings Run project. He asks that the inspectors be paid for their work on this for 2008. Discussion followed between Mr. Szczerbinski and council members in regards to payment. Mayor Alexander suggested that he gather his data and meet with Councilwoman Fitzgerald or Councilman Fetter and discuss the figures.

Mr. Szczerbinski commented that we are still using the permit fee schedule from 1997 and suggested that council seriously think about adopting a resolution increasing permit fees.

Sean Duffy, 1405 Sycamore Street, commented on what a great job Mr. Szczerbinski does in town.

Council President Sheilds ask if the Sons of Italy lease was going to be discussed tonight. Solicitor Siciliano said that the changes have been updated. Councilman Shopp said he is “okay” with it. No formal action on the Lease Agreement was taken at this time.

Motion to adjourn the public meeting was made by Councilman Shopp, seconded by Council President Sheilds. All members present were in favor.

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Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk