April 24, 2007
By Deanna Speck, Borough Clerk
Apr 24, 2007, 19:30
GENERAL COMMENTS – Commissioner’s Meeting – April 24, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in Room 102 of the Borough Hall and the announcement of Public Meetings was read by Commissioner Colombi. After the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence roll call was taken. Commissioner Colombi, Commissioner Rochford and Commissioner Borden were present along with the Borough Administrator, the Borough Solicitor, the Assistant to the Administrator/Deputy Clerk and the Borough Clerk.
Commissioner Rochford made a motion to waive the reading of the minutes from the April 10, 2007 meeting. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Borden and was passed with a unanimous vote.
Once Ordinance 2007-11, amending Code Chapter 107 entitled Fees, was introduced for second reading, Commissioner Colombi stated that this to include a fee paid to the Borough for the Mayor or Deputy Mayor to conduct marriage or civil union ceremonies. This change is required by the Department of Local Government Services. In the past this fee was paid directly to the Mayor or Deputy Mayor, but now must be put through the Borough’s financial books before being paid to the person officiating at the ceremony. Commissioner Colombi then opened the public hearing on this ordinance. As there were no questions Commissioner Rochford made a motion to close the public hearing, which was seconded by Commissioner Borden. The motion was passed by a unanimous vote. The ordinance was then adopted on second reading by a unanimous vote.
Once Ordinance 2007-12, amending Code Chapter 69 entitled Animals, was introduced for second reading, Commissioner Rochford stated that this is to increase the amount charged for both dog and cat licensing. It was noted that the last time the State changed the maximum fee to be charged for the dog license was in 1978 and the Borough’s last increase in fees was 1987. This current increase is to cover the deficit in the animal fund caused by increases in the cost of services to be paid by the fund. The Borough Administrator noted that the dog licensing fees are increasing by $4 and the increase for the cats is $3. Commissioner Colombi then opened the public hearing on this ordinance. As there were no questions, Commissioner Rochford made a motion to close the public hearing. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Borden. The motion was passed by a unanimous vote. The ordinance was then adopted on second reading by a unanimous vote.
Once Ordinance 2007-13 introducing the second reading of a general capital bond ordinance in the amount of $725,000 was announced, Commissioner Rochford explained that this is for a range of items such as recreation improvements, the acquisition of Public Works equipment, improvements to the Borough Library and certain drainage improvements. Commissioner Colombi opened the public hearing on the ordinance. As there were no questions Commissioner Rochford made a motion to close the public hearing, which was seconded by Commissioner Borden. The motion was passed by a unanimous vote. The ordinance was then adopted on second reading by a unanimous vote.
Once Ordinance 2007-14 introducing the second reading of a water and sewer utility bond ordinance in the amount of $1,120,000 was announced, the Borough Administrator explained that this is for various water and sewer utility improvements, including utility work for the 2007 road program, a water main replacement on Sylvan Lake Avenue, pump station improvements on Grove Street, as well as system wide infiltration and inflow improvements, which are all paid for through the Water and Sewer fund and may be done without having to make a down payment. Commissioner Rochford opened the public hearing on the ordinance. As there were no questions Commissioners Rochford made a motion to close the public hearing, which was seconded by Commissioner Borden. The ordinance was then adopted on second reading by a unanimous vote.
Once Ordinance 2007-15 introducing the first reading of an amendment to Code Chapter 65 entitled Alcoholic Beverages was announced, Commissioner Borden explained that this is a technical amendment to bring our ordinance back in line with the State Statute. The statute states that the fines are $250 for the first offense and $350 for subsequent offenses. It was further noted that this ordinance provides the Court may suspend or postpone for six months the driving privileges of the defendant. If the defendant is under the age of 17 when sentenced then the six month suspension on their driving privileged would begin after they reach the age of 17. Commissioner Colombi announced that the public hearing on this ordinance will be held in two weeks at the May 8, 2007 Commissioner Meeting.
All resolutions were passed unanimously with the following questions and/or comments.
On Resolution 2007-04-24-083 awarding a professional services contract to hire an architect for the Mabel Kay Accessibility Project, Kirk Peterson, 214 Lakeview Avenue, asked on which side of the building the elevator would be placed. Commissioner Colombi replied that it would be put on the Acme parking lot side. Mr. Peterson then recommended that the sidewalk back to that entrance should be done in brick since the building is in the Historic District. He also commented that the current downspout in that area may cause icing problems in the winter. Although Commissioner Borden voted yes to this resolution he stated that he is not committing to the cost for this project.
Commissioner Colombi announced that the Earth Day proclamation will be presented at the event this Saturday. There will also be a dedication of the Crows Woods Pavilion on Sunday, April 29th. She further noted that the pavilion is being dedicated in honor of Chizzy Evans, who donated $25,000 for improvements to Crows Woods.
The fourth grade students from Elizabeth Haddon School were asked to stand, introduce themselves and ask any questions they might have. Those in attendance were Thomas Gosse, 40 North Drive; Abby Czerniecki, 77 Chews Landing Road; Madison Castellano, 409 Elm Avenue, Katie Koontz, 640 Farragut Avenue; and Brendan Yavoski, 216 Avondale Avenue. Mr. Yavoski stated that he lives across from the playground at the Lizzy Haddon School and he hears loud noises from there late at night, such as drums playing and firecrackers. He also stated that other classmates have told him the same thing. Commissioner Borden replied that the Police Chief is here tonight and will follow up on this. Commissioner Rochford commented that a curfew ordinance has recently been adopted, which states that children under the age of 18 are to be off the streets by 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and by 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Mr. Yavoski then asked what was being done about the recent vandalism that is occurring. Commissioner Borden replied that the police are trying to stay on top off this and encouraged everyone to contact the police should something happen.
The public comment portion of the meeting was then opened by Commissioner Colombi.
Mr. Peterson suggested that a reminder notice be placed in the newspaper stating that fireworks are illegal, especially around the holidays. Commissioner Borden replied that this will be followed up on. Mr. Peterson then stated that he’s heard of two sightings of coyotes in the Crows Woods area recently. Commissioner Borden replied that Crows Woods is periodically patrolled by the police, but that he will have the Police Chief look into this. He also stated that the Borough’s Animal Control Officer will be contacted if there is a sighting.
Commissioner Rochford commented on the recent School Board election in which their budget was defeated by a very narrow margin. He stated that there is a press release available on the subject. There is a Board of Education meeting on April 26, 2007 at which this will be discussed, as well as a Commissioner Work Session on April 30, 2007 at which this subject will be on the agenda for discussion. A meeting is also being scheduled between representatives of both Boards to discuss recommendations. The Commissioners must pass a resolution listing their recommendations by May 21, 2007. Commissioner Rochford noted that the School Board Budget had an increase of less than 4% over last year. Due to new state regulations the Borough’s budget will also have a 4% cap next year. All residents are encouraged to make their recommendations to both Boards. Lastly, Commissioner Rochford noted that the State Aid for Haddonfield Schools is approximately 7%, although other districts get up to 50%. He firmly stated that this discrepancy needs to be fixed.
Gwen Thornton, 152 Kings Highway West, asked the Commissioners for help on the situation regarding the traffic signal at Kings Highway West and West End Avenue, as this issue is impeding her ability to sell her house at this time. This problem has been caused by the Contractor not finishing the work appropriately at this signal and results in her not being able to get a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for her property. A temporary CO had to be issued which enabled her to move into this home a few years ago and now she would like to sell and move, but cannot get the CO that is needed at settlement. She stated that she has been placed in the middle of this situation, which has been caused by the Contractor. She asked the Commissioners to divide the issue so that she can get the appropriate documentation for settlement. Commissioner Borden suggested that a bond be posted to cover the costs of the work to be done on the signal, then a CO could be issued. He further noted that they cannot over-ride the Construction Official in this matter. The Borough Solicitor indicated that he spoke with the Construction Official and was informed that if there was a deposit into an interest bearing account at the time of settlement to guarantee the work will be done, then the CO could be issued. He further noted that the Borough is also in the middle of this situation caused by the Contractor not completing this work that is required by DOT. He stated that the Construction Official cannot violate the State Statute and issue a CO when this work has not been completed. Lastly he suggested that the homeowners sit down with himself, the Construction Official and the Contractor soon so that this can be worked out.
Tony Yavoski, 216 Avondale Avenue, asked if another temporary CO could be issued. The Solicitor replied that the new buyer is not willing to accept anything less than a full CO.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Speck
Borough Clerk
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