September 2, 2008

Caucus:

Mayor Alexander welcomed everyone to tonight’s meeting. Mayor discussed the road improvement projects for 2008 and recommended that Council approve the resolution for Pennoni to go ahead with the project before winter begins. Rich Lipko stated that by late October they would go out for bids and the work would be completed by the end of November, early December. Councilwoman Sheilds asked Todd Day of Remington & Vernick why his prices are higher. Mr. Day claims that he did not realize he was up against a competitor, it was a ball park estimate and that he did not have time to go out to the site. Discussion ensued between Todd Day, Councilwoman Sheilds and Mayor Alexander. Mayor Alexander reminded all that these are both independent companies and have both provided estimates on this project. The borough has not invested in infrastructure in years. This project has been delayed long enough and the work needs to be started now, before the winter begins. Mayor Alexander feels very comfortable these two estimates are comparable. Reports attached.

Councilman Fetter introduced Tax Assessor, Tom Colavecchio. Mr. Colavecchio gave his professional background in his experience working with revaluation companies and as a Tax Assessor. He then went on to discuss the revaluation from 2006; what went wrong, steps taken to try and correct the problems, explained the tax shift and what can be done to avoid a repeat next time. A copy of Mr. Colavecchio’s report is attached. Mr. Colavecchio called for questions from the public.

Ricky Roberts, 127 Third Avenue made some corrections to Mr. Colavecchio’s statements. Mrs. Roberts asked what can be done to correct the problem since we cannot sue Professional Property Appraisers. She stated that the taxpayers will be overpaying for the next five years and that the town needs to be balanced. Mrs. Roberts said she is very grateful to have Mr. Colavecchio here in town and that she will take his advice.

Bill Lange, 26 First Avenue asked about the five year wait Mr. Colavecchio had mentioned and questioned if PPA had a performance bond and if we could go after that. Mr. Lange also asked for clarification regarding the tax shift and had inquired about the revaluation completed for 2008 in Haddonfield.

Caroline DiMedio, 106 Kings Highway spoke about the overpayment of taxes and stated that PPA did not do their job. Mrs. DiMedio also questioned the commercial properties in town.

Dan Haggerty, 1023 High Street asked Mr. Colavecchio if he has looked into the percentage of properties that are undervalued and if they are in certain areas.

Jim Jenkins, 1804 Bryn Mawr Avenue thanked Mr. Colavecchio and Mayor & Council for helping to clear up a lot of confusion. He asked Mr. Colavecchio to clarify what he meant in his statement about the tax rate and accepting this position.

Review of Regular Agenda – Mayor Scott Alexander

REGULAR AGENDA:

Mayor Scott M. 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 and Trish Sheilds. Gordon Shopp was absent. Borough Solicitor Salvatore Siciliano was present.

Motion to approve the minutes from the August 19th meeting, with corrections, was made by Councilman Wetnz, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present voted yes with the exception of Councilman Witzig who abstained.

Committee Reports:

Councilwoman Fitzgerald reporting for the Construction/Zoning Office read the activity report which is on file in the Construction Office.

Councilman Wentz reported read the DPW activity report for July, a copy of which is on file with the Borough Clerk.

Mayor Alexander recognized Borough Clerk Joan Moreland for her success and accomplishments in her career.

Councilwoman Sheilds reported for Public Safety, read a letter addressed to Chief Kinkler regarding a benefit event to be held at Haddon Lake Park Dell. Letter attached. Councilwoman Sheilds also mentioned that Borough Employee Judy Bitner’s husband has passed away and asked for donations from Council for the Sunshine Fund.

Councilman Fetter reported he has a new addition to his family, a baby boy! Councilman Fetter will begin meetings to pre-plan for 2009.

Councilman Witzig reported for Administration. Activity report attached.

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

Debbie Chepurny, 1643 Sycamore Street commented on Ordinance 2008:148.

OLD BUSINESS:

Public hearings and final adoptions of Ordinances 2008:1276, 1278, 1279 and 1280.

Ordinance 2008:1276 – An Ordinance Fixing and Determining the Salaries, Wages or Compensation to be Paid to the Non-Contracted Employees of the Borough of Haddon Heights for the Year 2008. (3% increase).

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public present, motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2008:1276 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present voted yes.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2008:1276 was made by Councilman Fetter, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Sheilds who voted no.

Ordinance 2008:1278 – An 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. ($10,000 from a completed project being transferred to the replacement of roof for Municipal Building project).

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public present, motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2008:1278 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present voted yes.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2008:1278 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2008:1279 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 100, § 13 and § 20 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Entitled Vehicles & Traffic. (Changes in the current ordinance to allow for access of fire and ambulance apparatus to the Kings Run area and improve pedestrian safety).

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public present, motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2008:1279 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Fetter. All members present voted yes.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2008:1279 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2008:1280 – 2008 Capital Projects. ($378,552 for Capital Projects including: removal of underground storage tank, rehabilitation of Municipal Building restrooms, miscellaneous equipment for Police Department, Municipal Building roof replacement, various road improvements, improvements to parks and recreation fields, purchase of signs and related hardware, renovations of front steps at Library building, computers for public access at Library and outdoor book return for Library).

Hearing or seeing no comments from the public present, motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2008:1280 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. All members present voted yes.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2008:1280 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. All members present voted yes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Introduction of Ordinance 2008:1281and 1282. Public hearings and final adoptions are scheduled for September 16th, 7pm.

Ordinance 2008:1281 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 100, Section 14.1 of the Code of the Borough of Haddon Heights Regarding Parking. (New section being added to Chapter 100 entitled No Parking Without a Permit for Delivery Vehicles).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1281 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Fitzgerald. All members present voted yes.

Ordinance 2008:1282: 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. ($12,447.40 from a closed project is being transferred to the Road Improvements program).

Motion to introduce Ordinance 2008:1282 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Fetter. All members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:147 – Resolution Approving Change Order #2 for the 2007 Road Program Contract with Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. (Change order is the result of a final adjustment of as-built quantities and lowers the contract by $11,071.44).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:147 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:148 – Resolution Awarding a Contract to Special Projects Engineer Pennoni Associates, Inc. for the 2008 Road Program Project. (Contract amount will be $42,457 and includes all engineering and inspections related to the project).

Motion to TABLE Resolution 2008:148 was made by Councilwoman Sheilds, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members present voted yes with the exception of Councilwoman Fitzgerald and Councilman Fetter who voted no.

Resolution 2008:149 – Resolution for Renewal of Membership in the Camden County Joint Insurance Fund. (Annual requirement of all member towns).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:149 was made by Councilman Witzig seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:150 – Resolution Authorizing Payment of Bills and Claims for August.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:150 was made by Councilwoman Fitzgerald, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:151 – Resolution Requesting Approval of the Director of Local Government Services to Establish a Dedication by Rider for Affordable Housing Trust Fund Pursuant to NJAC 5:97-8:1 et Seq. (Seeking approval from the State to set up an account for funds received in relation to affordable housing development).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:151 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilwoman Sheilds. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:152 – Resolution Eliminating Deputy Borough Clerk Job Descriptions/Duties from Patricia A. Cooper. (As part of the reorganization of Administration, Patricia A. Cooper will be assuming all the duties and title of Tax Assistant).

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:152 was made by Councilman Witzig, seconded by Councilman Wentz. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

Resolution 2008:153: Resolution of the Borough Council of the Borough of Haddon Heights, County of Camden, New Jersey, Authorizing the Submission of an Application to the New Jersey Local Finance Board Pursuant to NJSA 40A:2-26. (This is required because we are delaying the principal payment on the anticipated bonding of capital projects. The Auditors and Bond Counsel have confirmed that this is in the best interest of the Borough. Timing is critical as the Local Finance Board only meets monthly and this has to be scheduled for the October meeting.)

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008:153 was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Fetter. Under roll call all members present voted yes.

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

William Troutman, 1509 Chestnut Avenue asked that the poison ivy, dead trees and shrubs be removed on Devon Avenue, between swim club and soccer fields.

Jeff Hudson, 1308 Sylvan Drive questioned why Resolution 2008:148 was tabled. That section of the road is in very poor condition and is very disappointed to see that it’s been put off again.

Ron O’Malley, 1321 Sylvan Drive thanked Mayor and Council for considering doing the work on Sylvan Drive. For five years has tried and nothing has been done. Cannot comprehend why Resolution 2008:148 has been tabled when two estimates were received.

Mayor Alexander agreed the work needs to be done and now there will be at least a two week delay. Two estimates were received.

Councilwoman Sheilds stated that it was not fair to the paid engineer, Remington & Vernick and that he should be given the correct information to submit his estimate.

Dave Cutts, 1810 Wayne Avenue stated that in regards to Resolution 2008:148 the process seems to be fair. He feels that the tone between Mayor and Council is very embarrassing to the residents to hear these arguments.

Motion to adjourn the public meeting was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members present were in favor.

Motion to close the meeting to the public for the discussion of personnel was made by Councilman Wentz, seconded by Councilman Witzig. All members present were in favor.

____________________________________________11:15PM

Joan D. Moreland, Borough Clerk