MINUTES OF THE BOROUGH OF CLEMENTON
CAUCUS  MEETING
JUNE 10, 2008 AT 7:00PM


OPENING:  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 William Dougherty; Councilman Thomas Weaver.
Absent: Councilman Brian Bauer.
Councilwoman Carol Weil arrived at 8:20PM.

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: There were no comments from the public.

ENGINEER�S REPORT: 
William Fleming of Churchill Engineers submitted a written report, which has been filed in the appropriate fashion. Mr. Fleming reported on the following items contained in his report:

Lincoln Avenue NJDOT Municipal Aid Project- Mr. Fleming stated that the milling and final paving were complete for the Lincoln Avenue Project. Mr. Fleming also stated that  a second payment had been requested and that he had submitted paperwork to the Mayor and Council for authorization of a final change order. Mr. Fleming noted that the change order was actually for a negative amount and was subtracting from the total appropriated for the project.
Mr. Fleming requested that both the change order and payment number two be approved at the meeting by resolution.

2009 NJDOT Municipal Aid Project Applications- Mr. Fleming reported that project applications were due by June 20, 2008 and needed to be filed through the SAGE system, protected by password. Mr. Fleming stated that the Borough had submitted Brand Avenue and Silver Lake Drive for the project applications. Mayor Armbruster suggested that a meeting be set up with the 4th district legislature to find out why monies were not received for the projects that were submitted last year. Mayor Armbruster stated that the meeting should consist of himself, along with another council member, William Fleming and Assemblywoman Sandra Love. Mayor Armbruster stated that he would coordinate the meeting. William Fleming stated that he would need the password for the SAGE system in order to submit the NJDOT Municipal Aid Application online as required. Mayor Armbruster stated that he had the password and would provide it to William Fleming. Mayor Armbruster noted that Melvin Applegate had recommended that the Silver Lake Project be the first priority item on the submission for 2009 Aid Application.

DEPARTMENTAL/COUNCIL REPORTS:
Gene Richards, Code Enforcement/Zoning- Mr. Richards stated that notices had been issued to residents (red tags on doors) to mandate the cutting of grass and maintenance of property.
Mr. Richards also reported that while he was on vacation, he had received 38 voicemails regarding the increased traffic problem created by parking of patrons of Clementon Lake Park. Mr. Richards stated that the owners of businesses in the area would be posting signage informing that unauthorized vehicles would be towed from the property. Mr. Richards noted that it was necessary for the signage to contain the name of the tow company.
Solicitor Botcheos noted that an ordinance could be adopted to allow the police department to enforce motor vehicle regulations on private properties, such as in parking lots, to allow the vehicles to be towed by the Police Department tow companies.
Mayor Armbruster noted that it was necessary to find some type of remedy to the current parking and traffic problems created by the Clementon Lake Park traffic. Mayor Armbruster stated that patrons of the park were attempting to avoid the $6.00 parking charge and parking on residential streets, thus prohibiting the residents from parking in front of their own homes. Mayor Armbruster stated that parking permits for the residents on weekends may help alleviate the problem. Solicitor Botcheos stated that this could be imposed, and signs would be erected on the designated streets notifying the public that parking was authorized by permit only. Councilman Dougherty stated that there was also an issue of garbage and littering from the park participants. Councilman Dougherty stated that he had witnessed large amounts of litter strewn all over the streets surrounding the park, where the park patrons had apparently left the litter behind. Solicitor Botcheos recommended that the Borough request that the park provide someone to patrol the streets and address the littering issue. Mayor Armbruster stated that he had not been impressed with the performance of the new park owners. Mayor Armbruster also noted that the image of Clementon Lake Park is directly correlated with the image of the Borough by outside visitors. Mayor Armbruster reported that Chief Kunkel had suggested the possibility of allowing cars to park in the Clementon Lake Parking lot, and making payment for the parking when departing. Chief Kunkel believed that this could possibly help alleviate the backed up traffic being created by the line of cars waiting to enter and pay for parking. Councilwoman Andrews recommended that a meeting be scheduled with the park and the issues that had been addressed at the meeting could be addressed and possibly rectified.
Mayor Armbruster stated that an existing outdated ordinance was still in place that allowed Clementon Lake Park to avoid submitting site plans for any improvements in the �Park�, other than a building with a roof. Mayor Armbruster stated that this did not allow much oversight from the Borough construction department and noted that Council may want to consider changing the existing ordinance to allow for more oversight from the Planning/Zoning Board for improvements within the confines of Clementon Lake Park. Mayor Armbruster stated that the existing ordinance allows the park to be outside the jurisdiction of the height limits established by the Borough. Mayor Armbruster also noted that there was a possibility that there was not adequate parking for the amount of people attending the park. Solicitor Botcheos stated that the Borough would need to employ the services of a planner to establish a formula to be included in the new ordinance. Mayor Armbruster stated that it would be beneficial to the borough to make changes in the existing ordinance at the current time, while the Borough was also revising the Master Plan.
It was the determination of the Governing Body that Chief Kunkel and Gene Richards would work together to make a plan for permit parking on the Clementon Lake Park traffic affected residential streets. It was noted that a determination would need to be made as to which streets would be included in the permit parking. An ordinance would be drafted by Solicitor Botcheos to authorize the permit parking plan after plans were firmed up by Chief Kunkel and Mr. Richards.


John Busch, Fire Chief- Chief Busch stated that the roof situation at the Fire Hall was getting worse. Mayor Armbruster stated that the roof repairs/replacement needed to be moved to the top of the priority list.

JoAnn Watson, Tax Collector- Mrs. Watson stated that she had submitted a resolution for review by the Governing Body regarding a request from a tax search company for a weekly export of files. The exported files would include the billing and balance files for water, sewer and taxes. Mrs. Watson stated that the program exists in the Edmunds computer program. Mayor Armbruster stated that his main concern was the extra work created by this request since the request asked for a weekly submission. Solicitor Botcheos suggested that the fee be increased and set at a slightly higher number, and directed Mrs. Watson to inform the requestor that the yearly fee would be $750.00. Mayor Armbruster asked if that fee needed to be set by ordinance. Solicitor Botcheos stated that if additional companies submitted a similar request, a fee could be set by ordinance. Mrs. Watson was directed to relay the request for the $750.00 fee, and if the tax search company agreed, a resolution could be done at the following meeting authorizing the acceptance of such payment for the export of the requested files.

William Dougherty, Councilman- Councilman Dougherty stated that the county was moving forward with the bike path. Councilman Dougherty stated that he had nothing further to report.

Eva Busch, Councilwoman- Councilwoman Busch reported that she had some issues to discuss regarding the Princeton Avenue playground. Councilwoman Busch stated that she had notices much vandalism of the gazebo at the location, including broken spindles, and spindles that were missing and had not been replaced. Councilwoman Busch stated that she had been informed of inappropriate activity happening at the location as well. Mayor Armbruster stated that he had been told by an adjacent property owner that the park was being used for sexual behavior and underage drinking. Councilman Dougherty stated that the only answer to the issue was increased police patrol and presence at the park. Mayor Armbruster stated that the Governing Body had the authority to set policy for the police department, although daily operations fell under the direction of the Police Chief. Mayor Armbruster suggested that policy be set by the Governing Body requiring patrol of the park every fifteen minutes. Councilwoman Busch stated that she had not been informed of the missing spindles by the Public Works Director, and that she had noticed that the missing spindles were not replaced by the Public Works Department. Mayor Armbruster recommended that the pavilion be moved to a location behind the Borough Hall building, near the butterfly garden. Mayor Armbruster stated that the pavilion could be more closely monitored, and noted that the pavilion would gain much use at that location by Borough employees, court attendees and could even be used for weddings performed at Borough Hall. Mayor Armbruster stated that he had received numerous complaints regarding issues with the public works department duties such as emptying trash receptacles and brush pickup. Mayor Armbruster noted that there were residents who had brush set out for pickup for over a month. Mayor Armbruster stated that the Council may need to give the Director of Public Works a list of priorities that need to be addressed.
Councilwoman Busch stated that a dance was scheduled for Friday Evening at the fire hall, and stated that she needed confirmation that the building was safe for the event considering the issues with the roof. Mayor Armbruster suggested that the Borough purchase low grade ceiling tiles in order to replace the existing damaged tiles, as well as the tiles that were removed due to damage. It was noted that there were gaping holes in the ceiling where the damaged tiles were removed. Councilman Weaver was directed to relay the request to Melvin Applegate, and to ensure that tiles were purchased for replacements at the fire hall.
Mayor Armbruster stated that the drop ceiling in the fire hall may eventually be replaced after the roof issues were addressed. Mayor Armbruster also stated that the large speakers currently in the building should be removed if safely possible by the public works department.
Councilwoman Andrews asked that the Employee of the Month nomination be moved to the Council meeting, and the award be moved to the Caucus meeting, which is attended by the department heads. Jenai Johnson stated that this would not be a problem.

Thomas Weaver, Councilman � Councilman Weaver asked Chief Busch if there were lights that were broken at the fire hall. Chief Busch stated that the fire department was down to 25% lighting in the engine room. Chief Busch noted that the lighting was the old high wattage transformer bulbs that were becoming obsolete. It was noted that it would cost approximately $30 per section to upgrade the transformers in the lighting fixtures. Mayor Armbruster directed Chief Busch to have enough of the bulbs replaced to allow for adequate lighting in the engine room. Chief Busch asked William Fleming if there were any existing requirements that he was aware of regarding mandatory lighting requirements for an engine room at a fire hall. Mr. Fleming stated that there were no requirements that he was aware of, but that he would research to see if any requirements existed. Mayor Armbruster stated that the lighting would need to be addressed/upgraded in the long run. Chief Busch commented that the floor was also in poor shape in the engine room.  Chief Busch stated that the concrete was fine, but the striping and paint was not.

Carol Andrews, Councilwoman- Councilwoman Andrews reported that she had spoken to Melvin Applegate, and coordinated the pickup of brush and the delivery of Clementonian Newsletters.

Mark E. Armbruster, Mayor- Mayor Armbruster reported that he had received notification from Sherri Schweiter, the Municipal Prosecutor, that she would be submitting her letter of resignation from the Borough and taking a full time position in Cherry Hill. Mayor Armbruster stated that the resignation letter, as well as a letter of recommendation were forthcoming. Mayor Armbruster stated that the Governing Body should get someone in place for the July court sessions.
Mayor Armbruster stated that he had been contacted by Lou Capelli of the Camden County Parks regarding the elimination of the midnight shift of the Park Police. Mayor Armbruster stated that they had received very few calls on that shift. Mayor Armbruster also noted that the local police usually get dispatched and respond to the local park calls anyway.
Mayor Armbruster continued by reporting that he had gotten a call from a resident recommending that the governing body meetings be aired on Channel 19. Council did not indicate any interest in airing the meetings on Channel 19. Councilman Dougherty stated that he had attended a seminar which had discussed the exact topic, and it was found that �showboating� by meeting attendees was significantly increased.
Mayor Armbruster stated that Council President Eva Busch would be representing him at the Overbrook and Clementon School graduations, as he would not be able to attend.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
MINUTES OF THE MAY 13, 2008 CAUCUS MEETING
MINUTES OF THE MAY 13, 2008 EXECUTIVE SESSION
MINUTES OF THE MAY 27, 2008 COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES OF THE MAY 27, 2008 EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilwoman Andrews motioned to approve, seconded by Councilman Weaver and hearing none opposed, motion to approve the minutes as listed above was approved.






ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS:
SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING
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 and opened the hearing to the public. Hearing no comments from the public, Councilman Dougherty motioned to adopt on second reading, seconded by Councilwoman Andrews and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Busch; Dougherty; Weaver. Absent: Bauer; Weil.

SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING
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 and opened the hearing to the public. Hearing no comments from the public, Councilman Dougherty motioned to adopt on second reading, seconded by Councilman Weaver and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Busch; Dougherty; Weaver. Absent: Bauer; Weil.

SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-13 ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES TO ADOPT PERSONNEL PRACTICES AND AUTHORIZING THE PERSONNEL OFFICER TO IMPLEMENT SAID PRACTICES WITH ALL OFFICALS, APPOINTEES, EMPLOYEES, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF CLEMENTON. Mayor Armbruster read by title and opened the hearing to the public. Hearing no comments from the public, Councilwoman Busch motioned to adopt on second reading, seconded by Councilwoman Andrews and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Busch; Dougherty; Weaver. Absent: Bauer; Weil.

Mayor Armbruster read the following resolutions by title:
RESOLUTION NO. R08-93 AUTHORIZING A STAGGERED MONDAY THRU FRIDAY WORKWEEK, TOTALING 32 HOURS PER WEEK, FOR THE POSITION OF COURT ADMINISTRATOR AND DEPUTY COURT ADMINISTRATOR EFFECTIVE JUNE 10, 2008, WITH A PRORATED SALARY FOR THE SAME

RESOLUTION NO. R08-94 APPOINTING JOANNE MITCHO AS THE FUND COMMISSIONER FOR THE CAMDEN COUNTY JOINT INSURANCE FUND FOR 2008

RESOLUTION NO. R08-95 APPROVING THE PLACE-TO-PLACE TRANSFER OF CLEMENTON LAKE OPERATIONS LIQUOR LICENSER NO. 0411-33-002-004

RESOLUTION NO. R08-96 TO CANCEL RESOUTION NUMBER R08-71

RESOLUTION NO. R08-97 TO CANCEL YEAR END PENALTY FOR CLOCK 137, LOT 2, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 116 BLACKWOOD ROAD

Councilwoman Andrews motioned to adopt resolutions R08-93 thru and including R08-97, seconded by Councilwoman Busch and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Busch; Dougherty; Weaver. Absent: Bauer; Weil.




Mayor Armbruster read the following additional resolutions by title:

RESOLUTION NO. R08-98 AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR MOUNT CONSTRUCTION, RESURFACING OF LINCOLN AVENUE

RESOLUTION NO. R08-99 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT NUMBER 2 TO MOUNT CONSTRUCTION FOR THE RESURFACING OF LINCOLN AVENUE, BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION BY CHURCHILL ENGINEERS

RESOLUTION NO. R08-100 AUTHORIZING WILLIAM FLEMING OF CHURCHILL ENGINEERS TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION FOR NJDOT MUNICIPAL AID 2009 FOR SILVER LAKE DRIVE AND PARK BOULEVARD

Councilwoman Andrews motioned to approve Resolution R08-98 thru and including R08-100, seconded by Councilwoman Busch and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Busch; Dougherty; Weaver. Absent: Bauer; Weil.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS  There were no items for discussion of unfinished business.

NEW BUSINESS
REQUEST FROM POLICE CHIEF TO ADVERTISE FOR CROSSING GUARD POSITIONS FOR 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR- Jenai Johnson stated that Chief Kunkel was requesting permission to advertise for crossing guard positions for the upcoming school year. There were no objections from council and the request was approved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Armbruster read the following announcements:
The next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.
  
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
There were no comments from the public.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: Councilwoman Busch motioned to enter executive session at 8:16 PM for matters pertaining to personnel matters, seconded by Councilman Weaver and hearing none opposed, motion was carried.

Councilwoman Weil arrived at 8:20PM

Councilwoman Andrews motioned to re-enter open session at 9:02PM, seconded by Councilwoman Weaver and hearing none opposed, motion was carried.

ACTION AS A RESULT OF CLOSED SESSION
RESOLUTION NO. R08-101 AUTHORIZING THE FULL TIME PERMANENT HIRING OF PETER ROSSINI TO THE POSITION OF LABORER IN THE DEPARMTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS IN THE BOROUGH OF CLEMENTON
Mayor Armbruster read by title. Councilwoman Andrews motioned to approve, seconded by Councilman Weaver and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Busch; Dougherty; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Bauer.




ADJOURNMENT:
Councilwoman Busch motioned to adjourn at 9:04PM, seconded by Councilman Weaver and hearing none opposed, motion was carried.
      RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
     


      Jenai L. Johnson, RMC
      Borough Clerk
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