| MINUTES OF THE BOROUGH OF CLEMENTON
CAUCUS MEETING MAY 13, 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; Councilman William Dougherty; Councilman Thomas Weaver; Councilwoman Carol Weil. Absent: Councilman Brian Bauer; Councilwoman Eva Busch 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. DISCUSSION OF THE DEFEATED SCHOOL BUDGET: Mayor Armbruster announced that a discussion of the defeated school budget would be taking place, and that the Clementon Board of Education had advertised their meeting for the evening. Mayor Armbruster stated that he had received a review and recommendation report from Todd Saler, the Borough Accountant, and distributed same. Mayor Armbruster turned over the floor to John Bigley, the interim superintendent for the Clementon. Mr. Bigley introduced himself and stated that he was prepared to answer any questions that may be posed by the Mayor and Council. Mr. Bigley stated that the school board had worked hard to keep the budget at a flat line, as opposed to having many peaks and valleys. Mr. Bigley stated that the proposed budget is below what is recommended by the state, and stated that the school board had worked hard to put together a good budget. Mr. Bigley stated that the school board had been mindful of the taxpayers and also what was in the best interest of the tax payers. Mayor Armbruster asked if there were any excessive salary increases, greater than 6% this year. Mr. Bigley reported that there were not, and that contract negotiations had gone smoothly. Mayor Armbruster inquired whether the new superintendent that would be starting in the immediate future would be making a reasonable salary compared to the former superintendent. The board responded that there would be a small increase in salary, which still fell below the average in the area for the position. Joanne Clement stated that in order to finish the heating and airconditioning improvements in the 7th and 8th grade wing, money had been earmarked in anticipation. Mayor Armbruster commended the school board for the time and effort spent putting together a good budget. Mayor Armbruster stated that legislation had been introduced that would move the school board election to November with the General Election, and take the power away from the people in the school budget. Mayor Armbruster read the following resolution by title: RESOLUTION RO8-83 TO CERTIFY THE SCHOOL BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,889,844.00 Councilwoman Andrews motioned to approve, seconded by Councilwoman Weil and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Dougherty; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Busch; Bauer. Councilman Weaver motioned to enter executive session at 7:24PM, seconded by Councilwoman Weil and hearing none opposed, motion was carried. Councilwoman Weil motioned to reenter open session at 7:40PM, seconded by Councilwoman Andrews and hearing none opposed, motion was carried. ENGINEER�S REPORT: William Fleming of Churchill Engineers submitted a written report which consisted of the following: Lincoln Avenue- Mr. Fleming reported that the milling and final paving took place last week and sketches had been provided to the contractor for prices for two additional speed bumps. Mr. Fleming stated that the installation of the speed bumps would be in the area of $5,000.00 to $6,000.00 each. Chief Kunkel stated that approval would be needed for any street that intersected with a county road. Mayor Armbruster asked that Bill Fleming look into smaller speed bumps that would be less expensive. Glenn Avenue Storm Drainage- Mr. Fleming reported that the project had been awarded to TSB Associates and construction was underway. Mr. Fleming noted that he had not yet visited the site. Senior Community Center Roof Replacement- Mr. Fleming stated that the project had been included in the March 2008 Bond Ordinance and the design was underway. Councilwoman Weil inquired as to why a design would need to be done by an engineer if the roof was being replaced in the existing manner. Mr. Fleming stated that the specs need to be made for the project to go out to bid and that there was a possibility that decking would need to be replaced. Mayor Armbruster stated that it was necessary for specs to be developed in order to make the process fair for all potential bidders. Well 11 Emergency Power- Mr. Fleming reported that this project had been included in the March 2008 bond ordinance as well, and that the design is not underway yet. Open Space Inventory Plans- Mr. Fleming stated that he had given Jodi Kahn, the former CFO, revised open space inventory plans for submission to the Department of Environmental Protection and the Borough had not yet received a response. Replacement and Painting of Water Tanks- Mayor Armbruster stated that he had read the contract proposed for the painting and water tank replacement. Mayor Armbruster asked that Bill Fleming add a breakdown of the individual costs involved. Solicitor Botcheos also noted that he had received and reviewed a copy of the contract. Villages at Silver Lake- Mayor Armbruster stated that he had a phone conference with Kevin and Gabe Dimedio. Mayor Armbruster reported that the Dimedios had indicated that they have interested developers for the site, with uses that were not appealing to the Mayor. One such suggestion was COAH housing, which Mayor Armbruster indicated would not fit into the Borough�s plans. Mayor Armbruster stated that the developers wished to propose a variance to use the property for market rate housing, with one and two bedroom dwellings. Mayor Armbruster asked Solicitor Botcheos if it were possible to set a limit on residency by square foot. Solicitor Botcheos stated that an ordinance could be adopted for that purpose, but that he would need to research the matter to find requirements pertaining to such ordinances. Mayor Armbruster stated that the developer would need to go before the planning board with any variances on the property, and the matter would then be referred to the Governing Body. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MINUTES OF THE MARCH 11, 2008 CAUCUS MEETING MINUTES OF THE MARCH 11, 2008 EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilwoman Weil motioned to approve the minutes listed above, seconded by Councilman Weaver and hearing none opposed, motion was carried. DEPARTMENTAL/COUNCIL REPORTS: Gene Richards, Code Enforcement/Zoning- Mr. Richards reported that he had distributed a no parking recommendation report at the last meeting, which suggested that parking be prohibited on Brand Avenue, from the White Horse Pike to Big Lots, on the western side. It was also noted that he recommended prohibiting parking on Reed Avenue, which is a 20 foot wide street. It was briefly discussed and the Borough Solicitor was directed to work with Mr. Richards, along with the Chief of Police in developing an ordinance to implement these recommendations. Mr. Richards noted that he had discovered 8 Borough owned lots that would be beneficial for the Borough to privately sell. Mr. Richards stated that he would send letters to the adjacent neighbors of the lots to see if anyone was interested in purchasing any of these lots. Solicitor Botcheos noted that the matter should be forwarded to the planning and zoning board for recommendation of the sales. Mr. Richards was directed to present the properties in discussion to the Planning/Zoning Board for a recommendation. David Kunkel, Chief of Police- Chief Kunkel reported that he had obtained a state bid price of $23,618.00 from Wornock for a Dodge Durango for the Police Department. Chief Kunkel noted that it would cost approximately $800.00 for painting and $1,500 for the radio equipment, with a total in the approximate amount of $35,000.00. Mayor Armbruster recommended that the Governing Body approve the purchase of the vehicle and not the additional items at this time, until the amount provided in the Capital budget was researched, as the total amount may exceed the amount budgeted for the purchase. Chief Kunkel also stated that he was seeking permission to apply for up to 3 traffic lights with cameras, and that he was recommending installation at Gibbsboro Road and the White Horse Pike. Chief Kunkel stated that it would not be the responsibility of the Borough to handle the tickets, but that the Borough would get the revenue. Chief Kunkel also reported that the court security set up had worked well and requested permission to move the metal detector forward in the lobby area to improve the efficiency of the set up. Council stated that they had no objections to the request. Chief Kunkel stated that the Click It or Ticket campaign would be starting on May 19th. Chief Kunkel also stated that he had done a walk thru at Clementon Amusement Park and everything had come back well for the liquor license transfer. He noted that the Park had submitted a new map with additional locations for the sale of alcohol, one of which he had eliminated prior to his approval. Chief Kunkel noted that he would be keeping up on the ABC enforcement at the park. Councilman Dougherty stated that he would like to meet again with Chief Kunkel regarding the signal hill issues. Mayor Armbruster noted that a public safety committee meeting would be set up in the near future. Joanne Mitcho, CFO- Mayor Armbruster introduced Ms. Mitcho to everyone in attendance and gave a brief overview of the meeting protocol to her. Ms. Mitcho stated that she had called the state and that Jodi Kahn would be removed from the health insurance as of June 1st. Ms. Mitcho also noted that she had looked at the budget document and that $30,000.00 had been budgeted for police vehicles. Melvin Applegate, Provisional Director of Public Works- Mr. Applegate stated that he had gotten a quote for the installation of an opening window in the tax collector office of $1,300.00. Mr. Applegate stated that the Hero�s Park sprinkler system was completed. Mr. Applegate further reported that the small dump truck was out of service. Mr. Applegate stated that he would look into moving money around from different places in his budget to cover the expense of the repair of the truck. Mr. Applegate inquired as to why a light duty policy did not exist at the Borough, and specifically in the public works department. Mayor Armbruster stated that the former Director of Public Works had stated that there was not a need. Mayor Armbruster stated that in the future the decision could be evaluated by a Borough Doctor on top of the employee/workers comp doctor to cover liability to the Borough. Mayor Armbruster also stated that Council could then take the opinions of the doctors under advisement, and decide on a case by case basis based on the information provided whether to allow light duty. Mayor Armbruster summarized that light duty may infact exist, and that the governing body would be capable of providing relief upon request. Joanne Watson, Tax Collector- Mrs. Watson asked if the window could be installed in her office that was previously discussed by Mr. Applegate. Mayor Armbruster stated that if the money were available in the Building and Grounds operating budget, there would be no objection from the Governing Body. It was determined that Councilman Weaver, along with the Building and Grounds Committee would discuss and evaluate the issue with Mr. Applegate and determine if it would be possible. It was noted that the Capital Improvement Money for the Municipal Building renovations could be checked for any available funds. Mayor Armbruster noted that John Busch was not in attendance due to an ill family member. Jack Kuns, Shade Tree Commission- Mr. Kuns started that he was asking for authorization to make a purchase in an amount not to exceed $250.00 for 5 trees that would be planted at the Arbor Day Celebration at Clementon Elementary School. These funds were in the budget for the Shade Tree Commission and he wanted to confirm the availability. Mr. Kuns was advised that the money was in place and that he was able to make this purchase. Mayor Armbruster noted that the remainder of the funds budgeted for the Shade Tree Commission would depend on the amount of state funding cut to the Borough for 2008. Mr. Kuns stated that he was working with Mr. Applegate to set up training that would be at no cost to the Borough for the employees of the public works department. Mr. Kuns was informed that the budget for the shade tree commission currently had $800.00 appropriated for 2008, which was subject to change depending on the actual 2008 budget for the Borough. Carol Andrews, Councilwoman- Councilwoman Andrews stated that Clementon Park tickets were on sale for Clementon Day. Councilwoman Andrews also noted that the Memorial Day celebration was planned for the 26th of May at Heros Park. Thomas Weaver, Councilman � Councilman Weaver stated that he had nothing to report. Carol Weil, Councilwoman- Councilwoman Weil stated that Clean Communities had been a success. She noted that the Environmental Commission had come out and participated and that the dumpsters had been filled. Councilwoman Weil reported that the plans for the next three years of the Municipal Alliance Program were being firmed up. Councilwoman Weil stated that the police department had submitted a Gang Awareness program which looked great. Councilwoman Weil invited anyone interested to submit ideas for 2009. William Dougherty, Councilman- Councilman Dougherty stated that he needed someone who was available during the day to represent the Borough at a meeting with the representative of the Camden Riversharks. He noted that he was having a hard time setting up a meeting time for the plans for Clementon Day with the Riversharks. Mayor Armbruster volunteered to attend a meeting, but stated that he did not want to stay involved in the plans after the meeting. Jack Kuns also volunteered to help by attending the meeting, or in any other way that was needed. It was noted that the Council wished to firm up the plans and send out notifications while school was still in session. ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE NO. 2008-12 AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 51 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CLEMENTON ENTITLED POLICE DEPARTMENT. Mayor Armbruster read by title. Mayor Armbruster 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; Dougherty; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Bauer; Busch. 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. Councilman Dougherty motioned to approve on first reading, seconded by Councilwoman Weil and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Dougherty; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Busch; Bauer. 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 Andrews motioned to approve on first reading, seconded by Councilman Dougherty and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Dougherty; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Busch; Bauer. INTRODUCTION/FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 2008-13 ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES TO ADOPT PERSONNEL PRACTICES AND AUTHORIZING THE PERSONNEL OFFICER TO IMPLEMENT SAID PRACTICES WITH ALL OFFICIALS, APPOINTEES, EMPLOYEES, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF CLEMENTON. Mayor Armbruster read by title. Councilwoman Andrews motioned to approve on first reading, seconded by Councilwoman Weil and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Dougherty; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Busch; Bauer. RESOLUTION NO. R08-76 AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF JOANNE MITCHO TO THE POSITION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER FOR THE BOROUGH OF CLEMENTON TO FILL THE REMAINDER OF THE UNEXPIRED FOUR YEAR TERM, EFFECTIVE MAY 12, 2008. 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; Dougherty; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Busch; Bauer. RESOLUTION NO. R08-77 APPROVING THE PERSON-TO-PERSON TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE NO. 0411-22-002-003. Mayor Armbruster read by title. Councilman Dougherty motioned to approve, seconded by Councilwoman Weil and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Dougherty; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Busch; Bauer. Mayor Armbruster read the following resolutions by title: RESOLUTION NO. R08-78 APPROVING THE LEGALIZED GAMES OF CHANCE APPLICATIONS FOR AMUSEMENT LICENSES FOR CLEMENTON PARK/SPLASH WORLD FOR 2008 RESOLUTION NO. R08-79 APPROVING THE 2008 TONNAGE GRANT APPLICATION RESOLUTION NO. R08-80 AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH THE CAMDEN COUNTY COOPERATIVE MEMBERS AND DEER CARCASS REMOVAL SERVICES FOR THE REMOVAL OF DEER CARCASS, BID A, EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2008 TO APRIL 30, 2009 RESOLUTION NO. R08-81 AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH SENIOR CITIZENS UNITED COMMUNITY SERVICE OF CAMDEN COUNTY (SCUCS) FOR THE SEN-HAN TRANSIT PROJECT FOR SENIOR TRANSPORTATION RESOLUTION NO. R08-82 ADOPTING PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND AN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK FOR THE BOROUGH OF CLEMENTON RESOLUTION NO. R08-84 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE DODGE DURANGO FOR THE CLEMENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM THE STATE CONTRACT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,618.00 Councilwoman Weil motioned to approve resolutions R08-78 thru and including R08-84, seconded by Councilwoman Andrews and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Dougherty; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Busch; Bauer. RESOLUTION NO. R08-85 AFFIRMING THE DISCIPLINARY ACTION SET FORTH BY THE PERSONNEL OFFICER FOR DAYLE SWANSON (3 DAY SUSPENSION) 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. Mayor Armbruster read by title. Councilwoman Weil motioned to approve, seconded by Councilman Dougherty and motion was carried upon the call of roll. Ayes: Andrews; Dougherty; Weaver; Weil. Absent: Busch; Bauer. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There were no items for discussion of unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS: REQUEST TO MOVE MONUMENT FROM THE FIRE HOUSE TO HEROS PARK- Councilman Weaver reported that Robert Moran had requested that the monument honoring Watsontown Fire Co. be moved from the Fire House to Hero�s Park. The Fire Chief had reported that he had no objections. It was determined that the Parks Committee would handle this matter for the remainder, and determine the best location for the monument at Hero�s Park. COMPUTER SERVER EQUIPMENT/MAINTENANCE PROPOSAL- Mayor Armbruster stated that he had spoken to Councilman Bauer regarding the computer equipment and the proposal. Councilman Bauer had indicated that the price was good and determinations needed to be made whether the Public Works Shop computers would be covered also. Jenai Johnson was directed to invite Kenneth Roy to attend the next Council Meeting on May 27th regarding any issues that needed to be addressed for the contract. Mayor Armbruster announced that nominations had been submitted and that Fred Haines had been named as Employee of the Month for the Month of May. Jenai Johnson was directed to invite Mr. Haines to the Council Meeting on May 27th to be acknowledged. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Armbruster read the following announcements: The next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27th, 2008. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Doris Venuti, Library Trustee- Mrs. Venuti asked if a person brought up on disciplinary charges had the right to a hearing. Solicitor Botcheos stated that an employee who is suspended for five days or less does not have the right to a hearing. Mrs. Venuti stated that she would like more advance notice to the library when it is going to be closed. Mrs. Venuti was advised that the Borough had attempted to provide advanced notice, however it was not successful for reasons that he could not elaborate upon. Robert Freiling- Mr. Freiling stated that there existed a section of Hero�s Park which had been designated for use by the American Legion and the Veterans. Council did not have any objections to Mr. Freiling proceeding forward with the installation of the soldier statue at the designated location. Bonnie Allen, Trout Ave- Mrs. Allen stated that there was a ninety degree turn with no indication that the road ended in a ravine. Mrs. Allen stated that she had contacted the Clementon Police Department, the County and the State regarding the matter. Mayor Armbruster recommended that a call be placed to Caren Fishman of the County Parks to make her aware of the issue. Melvin Applegate, Public Works Director, was directed to immediately install a sign at the location to warn motorists of the end of the road. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Councilwoman Andrews motioned to enter executive session at 9:04 PM for matters pertaining to personnel matters, seconded by Councilman Weaver and hearing none opposed, motion was carried. Councilwoman Andrews motioned to re-enter open session at 9:30PM, seconded by Councilman Dougherty and hearing none opposed, motion was carried. NO ACTION RESULTED FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT: Councilwoman Andrews motioned to adjourn at 9:33PM, seconded by Councilman Dougherty and hearing none opposed, motion was carried. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Jenai L. Johnson, RMC Borough Clerk |