1. CALL TO ORDER - PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT (7:30 pm)

2. PLEDGE - SILENT PRAYER

3. OFFICIAL SWEARING TO OATHS OF OFFICE

4. ROLL CALL (Mayor North, Councillors Alloway, Fields, Waldron, Volkert,  Brunton, Perno all present)

5. PUBLIC

A. PUBLIC

Speakers:

Mr. Ryan Hummel.

    1. He briefly discussed the fire company He is the new president.

Ms. Gail Ford.

    1. Questions regarding PNC Bank purchase.

        a. Purchase does include parking lots. Borough is looking at reselling lots.

        b. Financing most likely via bond ordinance

        c. Purchase agreement is signed.

            i. Close end of Jan. or early Feb.

            ii. Contingent on financing

    2. Status of the data packet regarding Bartine (Chase) house

        a. Requested that mayor ask HPC to answer her letter

            i. Councillor Waldron will check with HPC attorney, and discuss at next HPC meeting

Mr. Marvin Gaskill

    1. Requested update on Maple Chapel

        a. Plan is in process of being signed

        b. Agreement of sale has been signed

        c. Borough is closing with developer 28 Feb.

        d. Construction will start in spring

Mr. James Moore

    1. Discussed Camden Catholic-donated chairs to be installed at the borough, and cost of moving and installing the chairs

Mr. Paul Sohler

    1. Stated he is "extremely disappointed" over Mr. Walt Sikorsky not being reappointed as Code Enforcement / Zoning Officer

        a. Mayor stated (unequivocally) that decision was not politically motivated

B. ENGINEER'S REPORT

Mr. Joe Brickley introduced himself as new engineer. Stated he is looking forward to working with the borough

6. CORRESPONDENCE

A. NJDOT REJECTION OF GRANT APPLICATION - TRAIL EXTENSION AND INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT

B. FEE AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN ARRIVING FROM PROFESSIONALS (four are in - awaiting two. Review will occur when all are in)

C. RENEWAL COST FOR HEALTH PLAN (this year there is a 23% increase in cost over last year)

D. HEALTH STATUS OF LISA DONAHUE (not discussed)

7. COUNCIL REPORTS

Ms. Fields:

    Provided 2007 Planning Board report (download)

    Provided Monthly Code & Zoning report

    Provided 2007 EMS report

Mr. Waldron:

    Provided Monthly Shade Tree Commission report

    Provided 2007 Shade Tree Commission report

    Provided 2007 Public Events report

    Provided 2007 report on Community Center

        Greater than $20,000 in rental revenue; $14,000 in expenses

    Brief discussion of current Newsletter production difficulties

Mr. Brunton

    Provided 2007 Highway Department report (download)

    Provided 2007 Health Department report (download)

    Provided monthly Highway Department report (download)

    Provided monthly Health Department report (download)

Mr. Volkert

    Provided Monthly Fire report

    Provided 2007 Fire report

        171 Fire calls in 2007

    Provided 2007 sewer report

Mr. Alloway

    Provided monthly Police report (download summary)

    Provided 2007 summary report

        OEM received older Police radios

    Provided Court Summary

        Credit card system will be up in February

8. ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

Mr. Fry provided 2007 summary report (download)

9. OLD BUSINESS

10. NEW BUSINESS

A. FINANCIAL REPORTS

B. APPROVE HIRE OF COURT REPORTER AS EMPLOYEE - ELAINE BENEDETTI (Approved unanimously)

C. RESOLUTION - APPOINTMENT OF MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE COORDINATOR FOR 2008 - WAYNE BAUER (R08-21 - Approved unanimously)

D. RESOLUTION - APPOINTMENT OF REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS - JOHN FRY (R08-18 - Approved unanimously)

E. APPOINTMENT TO BOARD OF HEALTH - DR. ADAM GILLIS (Approved unanimously)

F. RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM CONTRACT (R08-19 - Approved unanimously)

This allows the Community Center to continue to be used for the seniors' hot meal program. At the end of 2007 the Salvation Army discontinued their operation of the meal program. This program is NOT administered OR paid for by Merchantville Borough.

G. RESOLUTION - ADOPT HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR 2008 (R08-22 - Approved unanimously)

11. PAYMENT OF BILLS (R08-20 - Approved unanimously)

12. ANNOUNCEMENTS

    1. Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) Seminar is being held 23 Jan in Collingswood. There is a $250 insurance savings for EACH elected official who attends.

    2. Bowman & Company Budget Seminar evening of 29 & 30 January (attend one evening)

    3. A family on Center raked all the leaves in the circle and in front of the school. Borough will send a letter of thank you for their community spirit.

13. PRIVATE SESSION (subjects: personnel & contracts)

14. ADJOURNMENT (9:22 pm)