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MINUTES OF THE BOROUGH OF CLEMENTON CAUCUS MEETING MARCH 11, 2008 AT 7:00PMOPENING: Mayor Mark E. Armbruster called the meeting to order at 7:01PM. OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT ANNOUNCEMENT: Mayor Armbruster announced that the meeting had been posted and advertised pursuant to NJSA 10:4-6, �The Open Public Meetings Act�. ROLL CALL: Jenai L. Johnson, Borough Clerk, called the roll which resulted in the following members present: Mayor Mark E. Armbruster; Councilwoman Carol Andrews; Councilwoman Eva Busch; Councilman Thomas Weaver; Councilwoman Carol Weil. Absent: Councilman Brian Bauer; Councilman William Dougherty. SALUTE TO THE FLAG: Mayor Armbruster led in the salute to the flag. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR FOR A TOTAL TIME NOT TO EXCEED 10 MINUTES FOR ITEMS APPEARING ON THE AGENDA ONLY: Dayle Swanson, Library- Ms. Swanson asked why the Borough was cancelling the balance of the Municipal Alliance Grant. Jodi Kahn, CFO, informed Ms. Swanson that the funding was only able to be used in the year 2007. ENGINEER�S REPORT: Mayor Armbruster announced that due to a death in the family, the Borough Engineer, William Fleming, would not be in attendance at the meeting. DEPARTMENTAL/COUNCIL REPORTS: Gene Richards, Code Enforcement/Zoning- Mr. Richards discussed the list of proposed foreclosure properties, noted that there was one property which he did not recommend foreclosing upon. The property contained a small sliver of property from a residential in Pine Hill. Mr. Richards stated that foreclosing on the property and assuming ownership could create a liability issue for the borough. Solicitor Botcheos confirmed that the discussion was regarding block 137, lot 14, and it was the recommendation of the Code Enforcement Officer to sit on the property? Mr. Richards stated that this was in fact his recommendation. Solicitor Botcheos stated that he was in agreement with Mr. Richards that the Borough should not foreclose on Block 137, Lot 14. Mr. Richards reported that the property owner adjacent to the Signal Hill Property had communicated his willingness to sell the property. Mr. Richards noted that he would need approval from the Governing Body in order to obtain an appraisal. Mayor Armbruster stated that his recommendation would be to make an offer based on the assessed value of the property, minus the cost of rehabilitating the property. Mayor Armbruster stated that the Borough could employ the services of the Tax Assessor, Chick Warrington. It was noted that money could be spent out of the open space fund. Mr. Richards stated that he had received a cost estimate of $13,000 for clean up and clearing of the property. Solicitor Botcheos agreed with the recommendation of getting a reassessment from Chick Warrington. He also noted that if the offer was made and rejected, the Borough could enter into a negotiation phase with the property owner. Mr. Richards was directed to work with Chick Warrington on the matter. David Kunkel, Chief of Police- Chief Kunkel reported that the Solicitor had drafted an ordinance to move the Parks and Playground Chapter into a separate chapter, and also an ordinance authorizing the enforcement on the Signal hill property for off-road vehicles. Chief Kunkel submitted a report to council which detailed the number of residents serviced on Wednesday evening in the Police Department. Chief Kunkel requested permission to eliminate Wednesday Evening hours on the Police side of Borough Hall. Chief Kunkel noted that this would be an immediate cost savings in the budget. Councilwoman Busch stated that this matter would need to be discussed in the Executive portion of the meeting. Mayor Armbruster stated that Council was considering cutting back both Police Clerk positions to 32 hours per week in an effort to cut some costs in the 2008 budget. Chief Kunkel stated that he would rather have on clerk full time (40 hours), with a part time clerk (20 hours), than have both clerks moved down to 32 hours each. It was noted that this cutback would not affect the full time status of said employees. Jodi Kahn, Finance- Mrs. Kahn stated that all of the matters that pertained to her department were listed on the agenda, or would be discussed in the executive portion of the meeting. John Busch, Fire Department- Chief Busch stated that all Fireman would be protected with new gear, but that the fire department would eventually need additional gear. Mel Applegate, Public Works- Mr. Applegate reported that a letter of water shut off had been sent notifying the owners that the water would be shut off on Monday, March 17th for Pine Valley Court Apartments and the Laundromat. JoAnn Watson, Tax Collector- Mrs. Watson stated that she would be sending foreclosure letters to the property owners to offer the option of gifting the land to the Borough of Clementon. Dayle Swanson, Library- Ms. Swanson stated that she had poured her heart and soul into the report submitted regarding the library services to the Borough. Ms. Swanson stated that she had spoken to Councilwoman Weil about the possibility of cutting back her hours in order to decrease the payroll of the library by 20%. Ms. Swanson also stated that the trustees of the library had agreed to contribute toward the operating expenses of the library. Mayor Armbruster stated that a good budget had been developed with almost all requests being accommodated, and no increase in taxes. Mayor Armbruster noted that the governing body had even discussed and considered increasing the library operating hours to increase services to the residents. Mayor Armbruster noted that the Borough was then hit with a decrease in their state funding in the approximate amount of $328,000.00. Mayor Armbruster stated that the Governing Body needed to find a way to balance running a town and making the town affordable to live in. Mayor Armbruster stated that the Governing Body was being set with hard choices and noted that the Governing Body had asked every department to cut their budgets to the bare minimum. Mayor Armbruster stated that he and Council were exploring several options and looking to not cut services in the town. Mayor Armbruster noted that he had been in touch with several of the legislatures regarding the matter. Carol Weil, Councilwoman- Councilwoman Weil stated that a committee had met with five or six of the members of the library board, along with the librarian assistant. Councilwoman Weil stated that the Governing Body had already heard the details included in the packet/report. It was noted that the library representatives had given suggestions to bring down the costs of running the library. Councilwoman Weil stated that the Governing Body had been provided with a copy of the report from the library in order to help them with the decisions that were in front of them. Carol Andrews, Councilwoman- Councilwoman Andrews stated that the spring fling/bunny hop would be held at the school on Saturday, beginning at 12 noon. Councilwoman Andrews stated that pictures would be done with the Easter Bunny, and there would be crafts as well for the children. Eva Busch, Councilwoman- Councilwoman Busch stated that she only had matters that needed to be discussed in executive session. Thomas Weaver, Councilman � Councilman Weaver stated that he had nothing to report, aside from one discussion that needed to take place in executive session. Mark E. Armbruster, Mayor- Mayor Armbruster thanked everyone for their warm thoughts, emails and telephone calls in the loss of his mother. ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Solicitor Botcheos provided a brief summary of the intent of the following two ordinances. INTRODUCTION/FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 2008-08 AN ORDINANCE CREATING A NEW CHAPTER 194 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CLEMENTON ENTITLED �PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS� Mayor Armbruster read by title. Councilwoman Weil motioned to approve on first reading, seconded by Councilwoman Busch and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Busch; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Bauer; Dougherty. INTRODUCTION/FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 2008-09 AN ORDINANCE CREATING A NEW CHAPTER 215 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CLEMENTON ENTITLED �RECREATIONAL MOTOR VEHICLES�. Mayor Armbruster read by title. Councilwoman Busch motioned to approve on first reading, seconded by Councilwoman Weil and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Busch; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Bauer; Dougherty. Mayor Armbruster read the following resolutions by title: RESOLUTION NO. R08-50 CANCELLING THE BALANCE OF THE MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GRANT REMAINING FROM 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,134 RESOLUTION NO. R08-51 AUTHORIZING CONTRACTS WITH CERTAIN APPROVED STATE CONTRACT VENDORS FOR CONTRACTING UNITS PURSUANT TO NJSA 40A RESOLUTION NO. R08-52 AUTHORIZING THE PRIVATE SALE OF BLOCK 145, LOT 16, MUNICIPAL OWNED REAL PROPERTY, PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13(b)(5) Councilwoman Weil motioned to adopt resolutions R08-50 thru and including R08-52, seconded by Councilwoman Andrews and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Busch; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Bauer; Dougherty. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There were no items for discussion of unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION REGARDING DONATIONOF POLICE COPY MACHINE TO CLEMENTON YOUTH ASSOCIATION-Chief David Kunkel requested permission of the Governing Body to donate an old copy machine, formerly used in the Police Department, to the Clementon Youth Association. Councilwoman Busch made the following motion: RESOLUTION R08-53 AUTHORIZING THE TRANFER/DONATION OF ONE MINOLTA EP2080 COPY MACHINE FROM THE CLEMENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT TO THE CLEMENTON YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Weil and hearing none opposed, motion was carried. DISCUSSION REGARDING APPROVAL OF POLICE EDUCATION/TRAINING REQUESTS- Chief Kunkel reported that he had submitted a list of upcoming training and education sessions for various officers in the police department. Chief Kunkel stated that he was seeking approval of these sessions. Mayor Armbruster stated that Council did not need to approve training which would be considered mandatory or everyday training. DISCUSSION REGARDING 2008 BOND ORDINANCES- Mayor Armbruster recommended that all of the capital items that were discussed during the 2008 budget meetings be lumped together. Mayor Armbruster noted that it did not obligate the Borough to enter into these projects, but gave the option of performing them all if so desired. Mayor Armbruster noted that it would be more cost effective to approve all of the funding in a bond ordinance at one time to save costs associated with the bond counsel and preparation of a bond. Councilwoman Andrews requested that Jodi Kahn, CFO, send an email to all of Council listing all of the items currently listed in the capital improvements for 2008 that would be funded by this bond. DISCUSSION REGARDING CDBG APPLICATION- Mayor Armbruster stated that there were three projects that should be considered for the funding: Improvements to the Senior Center Speed Bump Installation on Knight Avenue Signage to be used in the part of town authorized by CDBG Melvin Applegate stated that the bathrooms at the community center needed to be upgraded. Mayor Armbruster recommended that Al Hallworth be consulted regarding the ADA requirements. It was determined that Restroom Renovations, Painting and other various renovations be considered, with Peter Rosini heading the workforce on the project. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Armbruster read the following announcements: The next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2008. The Municipal Alliance Dance was scheduled for Friday night. Councilwoman Busch noted that the dance had a chance of being cancelled due to the fact that the funding for the police attendee had been cut from the budget. It was decided that Officer Shue be scheduled to work the event, with the wages funded by the Municipal Alliance Trust Account. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Bruce Mumi, Historical Museum President- Mr. Mumi stated that there was a security system at the Historical Museum that he would like to give back to the Borough. It was obtained by grant monies. Mr. Mumi also stated that there was a coffee maker that he would like to return to the Borough, as it may be useful at the senior center. Doris Venuti, Library Trustee- Mrs. Venuti stated that she was present for the library discussion and stated that many suggestions had been made in order to save the library. Mrs. Venuti also mentioned that the Governing Body should keep in mind that there are many library visitors that go there for the use of computers and that these people cannot afford to purchase their own computers. Bruce Mumi, Historical Museum President- Mr. Mumi stated that he was bothered by a comment that was made by Council insinuating that serving on Council was a job. Mr. Mumi stated that he sees the council position as a service to the town, and that members of the governing body should not be doing it to support their families. Mr. Mumi stated that the Borough was going thru a crunch and that the Mayor and Council members should sacrifice their salaries to alleviate the budget problems. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Councilwoman Busch motioned to enter executive session at 8:34 PM for matters pertaining to personnel matters, seconded by Councilwoman Andrews and hearing none opposed, motion was carried. Councilman Weaver motioned to re-enter open session at 9:37PM, seconded by Councilwoman Busch and hearing none opposed, motion was carried. NO ACTION RESULTED FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT: Councilwoman Andrews motioned to adjourn at 9:37PM, seconded by Councilman Weaver and hearing none opposed, motion was carried. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Jenai L. Johnson, RMC Borough Clerk |