24 March 2008 - Regular Meeting

(Mark's Comments / Annotations are in Red)

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

  2. PLEDGE - SILENT PRAYER

  3. ROLL CALL (Mayor North, Councillors Alloway, Fields, Volkert,  Brunton, Perno present. Councillor Waldron absent)

  4. PUBLIC

        Speakers:

Mr. Robert Disch

    1.    Concerns with Maple-Chapel demolition

            - sidewalks on Maple & Chapel are blocked by fence

                - Button for walk sign to cross at intersection is also blocked

                - pointed out Chapter 20 of code, regarding demolition of buildings and adjacent sidewalks

            Ms. Fields discussed issue - Bill Joseph (building inspector) has inspected the area. Will be directed to do so twice a week.

                Note: Within a few days of this discussion, the fences were relocated to allow use of sidewalks, and access to button for walk sign.

Ms. Gail Ford.

    1.    Questions regarding Maple-Chapel proposed tax abatement

            Mr. Higgins (solicitor) replied that this is a "hybrid" arrangement due to redevelopment zone - includes a PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes)

            There was additional discussion back and forth, including discussion of Chestnut Station townhomes.

    2.    Ms. Ford wished to make several points concerning Walt Sikorski's departure

                - He has been a borough employee sine he was 17 years old

                - He always had good reviews

                - There were no warnings of any problems with his performance

                - His not being reappointed as Code Enforcement Official and Zoning Officer is not fair

            There was brief discussion back and fort with Mayor North on some particulars. Mayor North could not comment on some points because it is a personnel issue.

  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AUGUST 27 and SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 (Approved 3-0, with Mr. Perno and Mr. Brunton abstaining, as they were not on Council then)

  2. OLD BUSINESS (none)

  3. NEW BUSINESS

  1. RESOLUTION - R08-35 REFUND MARRIAGE FEES CHARGED IN ERROR (This is the second R08-35. You will find this as R08-35(II) on the resolutions page. Approved Unanimously)

  2. RESOLUTION - TEMPORARY EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION BUDGET (R08-36. Approved unanimously)

  3. RESOLUTION - BUDGET TRANSFERS FOR THE 2OO7 APPROPRIATION RESERVE BUDGET (R08-37. Approved unanimously)

  4. RESOLUTION - FEES FOR PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS PROGRAM (R08-39. Approved unanimously)

  5. PROCLAMATION - CLICK IT OR TICKET

  6. PROCLAMATION - WALTER SIKORSKI

  7. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION - ABANDONED PROPERTY (O08-01. First reading. Discussion regarding who maintains the list. Article II Section 2.2 was amended to designate Code Enforcement Official in place of Tax Collector as official to designate qualified rehabilitation entities. Approval of First Reading was 5-1, Mr. Brunton dissenting. Reason for Mr. Brunton's "NO" vote - Lack of time to understand the breadth of effect, limits of authority and limits on actions allowed. Mr. Brunton refuses to support any measure while he does not have a clear understanding of these elements.)

  8. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION - CHESTNUT STATION TOWNHOUSES (O08-02. As this had been introduced before (last year), it had to be proposed & seconded by Councilors sitting at that time. Mrs. Fields proposed; Mr. Volkert seconded. I questioned enforceability of the "no group home" clause in the letter of agreement from Conifer Realty. Mr. Higgins answered that it was "most likely" enforceable. There was a First Reading move to adopt, with changes incorporating terms of agreement with Conifer. Approved Unanimously.)

  9. RESOLUTION - COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH CAMDEN COUNTY FOR CDBG (R08-38. Approved unanimously)

  10. RESOLUTION - CDBG PROJECT ALLOCATION FOR YEAR 30 (R08-42. Approved unanimously)

  11. F.W. GRIGG POST #68 MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE IN WELLWOOD PARK (5/26/08) (American Legion post requested use of the park for the annual Mermorial Day observance. Approved Unanimously. Councilor Patti Fields will represent the Council at the event)

  12. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION - MAPLE/CHAPEL TAX ABATEMENT (O08-03. First reading. No discussion. Approved unanimously)

  13. RESOLUTION - APPOINT CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL (R08-40. While pointing out that he was not personally commenting on Mr. Schmidt's ability to learn the job of Code Enforcement Official over time, Mr. Brunton wished to have his concerns regarding the appointment to this post of an inexperienced individual with no background in construction be on the record. Resolution approved unanimously)

  14. RESOLUTION - APPOINT ZONING OFFICER (R08-41. Mr. Brunton pointed out his same concerns here as with R08-40. Resolution approved unanimously)

  15. DISCUSSION - COAH THIRD ROUND CERTIFICATION (Gist of discussion was that borough will hold off taking any action until the 3rd round COAH is finalized - it is currently in court)

  1. PAYMENT OF PETTY CASH BILLS (R08-43. Approved unanimously)

  2. ANNOUNCEMENTS

        Read Across America activities will be April 15. All Councilors who can possibly participate are urged to do so.

        Volunteer Night is April 4 at the Community Center, 7-10 pm

        The borough was awarded $7713 for Drug Alliance

  1. ADJOURNMENT (8:30)

 

 

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