This meeting is called pursuant to the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Law. This meeting of February 5, 2008 called by the Mayor, Lawrence E. Pennock, in the Community Hall at 7:00 PM with the salute to the flag was included in a list of meetings notice sent to the Retrospect and the Courier Post on January 3, 2008, and advertised in the Retrospect on January 11, 2008 and in the Courier Post on January 4, 2008, posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building on January 4, 2008 and has remained continuously posted as the required notices under the Statute. In addition, a copy of this notice is and has been available to the public and is on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.

Roll Call:

Councilman Beeman, Councilwoman Lewis, Councilman Passon were all present. Councilwoman Hook was absent (excused) and Councilwoman Jones was absent (excused). Councilman Fisher arrived at 7:04 PM and Solicitor Stuart Platt arrived at 7:30 PM.

The Mayor announced that “this meeting has been called in accordance with the Sunshine Laws”. Motion made by Councilman Passon to approve the sine a die meeting minutes from 1/2/08. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. All ayes.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to approve the reorganization meeting minutes from 1/2/08. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. All ayes.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to approve the regular meeting minutes from 1/2/08. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. All ayes.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to approve the working session meeting minutes from 1/19/08. Seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. All ayes.

Motion made by Councilwoman Lewis to approve the vouchers provided the proper affidavits are attached. Seconded by Councilman Passon. Roll call vote:
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilwoman Lewis-yes,
Councilman Passon-yes
and Mayor Lawrence Pennock-yes.

Joseph Hoffman from Bowman and Company and Dawn Thompson, CFO were present to discuss the budget. Debra Stasulli, Borough Treasurer/Deputy Borough Clerk was also present.

YEAR 2008

ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK

WHEN THE COLA IS EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 2.5 PERCENT

(N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14)

WHEREAS, the Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S. 40A:4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget to 2.5% unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and,

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A;4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and,

WHEREAS, the Mayor and members of Borough Council of the Borough of Audubon Park in the County of Camden finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2008 budget by up to 3.5 % over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and,

WHEREAS, the Mayor and members of Borough Council hereby determines that a 1.0 % increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $2,555.98 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and,

WHEREAS, the Mayor and members of Borough Council hereby determines that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to the final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and members of Borough Council of the Borough of Audubon Park, in the County of Camden, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY 2008 budget year, the final appropriations of the Borough of Audubon Park shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14, be increased by 3.5%, amounting to $8,945.96, and that the CY 2008 municipal budget for the Borough of Audubon Park be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and,

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and,

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance as introduced be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within 5 days of introduction; and,

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5 days after such adoption.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to introduce the C.O.L.A. Ordinance. Seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. Roll call vote:
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilman Fisher-yes,
Councilwoman Lewis-yes
and Councilman Passon-yes.

Resolution for Deferred School Taxes

RESOLUTION NO. 2008:6

WHEREAS, regulations provide for the deferral of not more than 50% of the annual levy when school taxes are raised for a school year and have not been requisitioned by the school district, and

WHEREAS, the Division of Local Government Services requires that a resolution be adopted by a majority of the governing body prior to the introduction of the annual budget of the year subsequent to the deferral, authorizing an increase in the amount of the deferral, and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Borough Council of the Borough of Audubon Park, County of Camden to increase the amount of the local school deferred taxes by $5,619.50.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Audubon Park, that the amount of deferred local school taxes be increased to $30,603.00.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to introduce the 2008 Municipal Budget. Seconded by Councilman Fisher. Roll call
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilman Fisher-yes,
Councilwoman Lewis-yes
and Councilman Passon-yes.

(See attached)

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT 7:30 PM:

JOHN TIRUSO FROM AUDUBON PARK FIRE COMPANY: Reported 4 calls, 2 drills, the tree burning was a success, and apologized for the miscommunication regarding the rabies clinic.

STEVE BANCHI, DIRECTOR OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH: Reported the Ordinances that apply to the Board of Health are out-of-date and need to be updated. Discussed the steps necessary for the Board of Health Director to take when trying to get residents to comply.

ROBBERT WORRELL, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR: Reported that 8 people are certified. They have 4 new members. Registration for the conference is in May.

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC AT 7:50 PM:

Deputy Borough Clerk Debra Stasulli took over the minutes at 7:50 PM.

REPORTS:

Ms. Lewis-No report at this time.

Mr. Beeman-Very pleased with the office staff. Offices will be painted. Enjoyed the Mayors’ Dinner.

Mr. Fisher-Getting quotes for air packs for the firehouse. Should have spoke to OEM about only sending two people to convention. Reminds everyone to do the OEM classes. Spoke of difficulty getting Comcast on the Telephone.

Mr. Passon-Fence is opened at school and it is being used to cut through school.

Mayor Pennock-Mayors’ Dinner was great. Dates for the movies have been set up. Third Tuesday in March we will have a coordinating meeting: Generating revenue to improve infrastructure in the Borough of Audubon Park. Rosetta spoke with Mayor about the misinformation her employees are being fed from ex-employee’s family members. This has caused most of her problems with making payments. Tentatively scheduled a Mayor’s Dinner at the MPB for September 17, 2008.

Clerk returned at 8:11 PM.

Mayor Pennock (cont’d)-Mentioned the Christopher Pasha Memorial Sign. Discussed hiring Lauretta Brunett as the Dog Census/Government Census Agent for the Borough. Residents at 13 Oriole are having problems with the Electrical Inspector.

Councilman Fisher left at 8:15 PM.

Mayor Pennock (cont’d)-Discussed the Senior and Veteran Property Tax Deduction and the fact that the State is owed $31,250.00 from errors in prior years. The State will continue to audit the Borough until they are satisfied.

COMMUNICATIONS:

Marrazzo & Platt – Professional Services Agreement for 2008.

Bowman & Co. – Engagement Contract for 2008.

NJ Office of the Attorney General – Filling names of municipal engineers and land surveyors.

Camden County Improvement Authority – Request for copies of 2005 and 2006 Zoning Board of Adjustment Annual Reports

State of NJ, DEP – Audit Report for 2006.

NJLM – League publications.

Camden County Dept. of Health – Dog Licensing Procedures, Fees, Vaccination Requirements and Exemptions and Cat Licensing.

Remington & Vernick – Send information to update records.

Birdsall Services Group, Inc. – Engineering and Consultant Firm introducing themselves to the Borough.

State of NJ, Office of the Attorney General – 2008 Campaign Contribution Notice.

NJLM – Visit us at NJSLOM.org. Lists the services they provide.

Camden County, Department of Parks – Requests # of household serviced by the Borough’s recycling program.

State of NJ, Dept. of Community Affairs – Letter regarding course in Land Use Law and Planning.

CC Municipal JIF – Motor Vehicle Record Checks.

JAN Communications – Order shipped.

Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund – DVD “Don’t Do It, Don’t Take it”.

Casella Waste – Revenue Share Check (forwarded to AMHC).

NJLM – updated Borough Information.

Pollution Control Financing Authority – Tipping fees.

PSE&G – Letter advising 2008 construction plans.

Camden County Board of Taxation – 2008 Directory Sheet.

City of Camden – Morgan Village Neighborhood Strategic Plan. Public Hearing February 14, 2008.

Camden County Office of Constituent Services – Updating Camden County Directory.

CC Municipal JIF – Safety Awards Breakfast on February 26, 2008 at 9 AM.

Taylor, Wiseman and Taylor – update information.

AMHC – Utility bills for 12/21/07 thru 1/21/08.

AMHC – Acknowledged receipt of three letters from the Borough. Advised that letters will be forwarded to Corporation’s Attorney.

Comcast – Check for the use of municipal rights-of-way.

Commerce Bank – TAN due 3/31/08..

CDBG – Allocation of funds for Year 30. Must allocate money by March 20, 2008.

Camden County Division of Senior Services – Update information on individual in charge.

ANJEC – 2008 Smart Growth Planning Grants for Municipalities.

Remington & Vernick – FY 2008 NJDOT Trust Fund. Reconstruction of Road A.

William Harvey – Letter requesting approval for the use of the soccer field located at Roads A & B for the purpose of supporting two girls travel teams.

Camden County Dept. of Finance – Reimburse for overtime hours worked during Federal Primary Form.

Remington and Vernick – C271 Policital Contribution Disclosure Form & Business Entity Disclosure Certification per my request.

AIA New Jersey – Update Borough information.

Camden County Dept. of Economic & Workforce Development – Revised Municipal allocations listings for CDBG.

AMHC – Questions regarding the tax bill.

McKernan, McKernan & Godino – Copy of a letter sent to Scott Schreiber regarding the Fire Marshal letter initiated from our Borough.

Audubon Public Schools – Needs assessment regarding drug awareness and programs within our community.

OLD BUSINESS:

Already discussed the Utilities at the school.

NEW BUSINESS: BOROUGH OF AUDUBON PARK
COUNTY OF CAMDEN
STATE OF NEW JERSEY

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH OF AUDUBON PARK TO ENTER INTO AND EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE BOROUGH OF HADDON HEIGHTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING EMEGERNCY MEDICAL SERVICES

WHEREAS, the Borough of Audubon Park is a municipal corporation and body politic duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of New Jersey for the purpose, among others, of insuring the health, safety and welfare of its residents; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Haddon Heights is a municipal corporation and body politic duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of New Jersey for the purpose, among others, of insuring the health, safety and welfare of its residents; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act, N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq., municipalities are authorized to enter into agreements to provide or receive services; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Audubon Park and Borough of Haddon Heights have entered into an Interlocal Services Agreement (hereinafter "Agreement") dated January 2, 2008 providing for emergency medical services and the sharing of costs for such services; and

WHEREAS, it has been determined that the Agreement will benefit the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Borough of Audubon Park.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Audubon Park, that the aforementioned Interlocal Services Agreement is hereby approved; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the Borough of Audubon Park is authorized to implement this resolution and execute any documents necessary in connection therewith.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to adopt the Resolution for Interlocal Services Agreement for EMS between Haddon Heights and Audubon Park. Seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. Roll call vote:
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilwoman Lewis-yes,
Councilman Passon-yes
and Mayor Lawrence Pennock-yes.

OPEN TO PUBLIC REGARDING TRANSFER OF CDBG MONEY TO TOT LOT FROM SCHOOL AT 8:25 PM – NO COMMENTS.

CLOSED TO PUBLIC REGARDING TRANSFER OF CDBG MONEY TO TOT LOT FROM SCHOOL AT 8:25 PM.

RESOLUTION AUTHORZING CAMDEN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT TO REALLOCATE $19,809.00 FROM YEAR 28 FUNDING TO THE AUDUBON PARK TOT

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Audubon Park to reallocate $19,809.00 from Year 28 funding, from Audubon Park School to the tot lot, and

WHEREAS, a consensus vote of the entire Governing Body was conducted and it was unanimous that said funds be reallocated for the tot lot, and

WHEREAS, a hearing has been conducted and any comments will be reflected in the minutes and a copy provided to Camden County Community Development Block Grant.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Audubon Park that Camden County Community Development Block Grant Program representatives are authorized to move said funds

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the appropriate officials of the Borough of Audubon Park are hereby authorized to proceed with any and all necessary documentation, with appropriate signatures thereon, to move said funds.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to adopt the Resolution Authorizing Camden County Community Development Block Grant to Reallocate $19,809.00 From Year 28 Funding to the Audubon Park Tot Lot. Seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. Roll call vote:
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilwoman Lewis-yes,
Councilman Passon-yes
and Mayor Lawrence Pennock-yes.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to introduce ordinance #11 with two changes, increase the fine up to $500.00 and delete the jail time. Seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. Roll call vote:
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilman Lewis-yes,
Councilman Passon-yes
and Mayor Lawrence Pennock-yes.

Motion made by Councilman Beeman to send a donation not to exceed $150.00 to Audubon Fire-Police. Seconded by Councilman Passon. Roll call vote:
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilwoman Lewis-yes,
Councilman Passon-yes
and Mayor Lawrence Pennock-yes.

Motion made by Councilwoman Lewis to send two people to Atlantic City for Emergency Management and cover the cost of lodging. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. Roll call vote:
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilwoman Lewis-yes,
Councilman Passon-yes
and Mayor Lawrence Pennock-yes.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to allow Audubon Soccer to use the Soccer Field at “A” & “B” Roads for Spring Soccer. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. All ayes.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to rent the MPB to the Women’s Club for Kids Bingo Night with only the $50.00 janitorial charge. Seconded by Councilman Beeman.

All ayes. Councilwoman Lewis abstained.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES

WHEREAS, the Borough of Audubon Park has a need to acquire enginering services as a non-fair and open contract pursuant to the provisions of WHEREAS, the Borough Clerk has determined and certified in writing that the value of the acquisition will exceed $17,500; and,

WHEREAS, the anticipated term of this contract is one year; and

WHEREAS, Remington and Vernick has indicated the willingness to provide the engineering services; and

WHEREAS, Remington and Vernick has completed and submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification which certifies that Remington and Vernick has not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate committee in the Borough of Audubon Park in the previous one year, and that the contract will prohibit Remington and Vernick from making any reportable contributions through the term of the contract, and

WHEREAS, the necessary funds will be made available in the 2008 Borough Budget;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough Council of the Borough of Audubon Park authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract with Frank Seney of Remington and Vernick as described herein; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Business Disclosure Entity Certification and the Determination of Value be placed on file with this resolution. and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Borough Clerk will cause to have this resolution advertised in the official newspaper of the Borough.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to adopt the Resolution Authorizing the Award of a Non-Fair and Open Contract for Engineering Services. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. Roll call vote:
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilwoman Lewis-yes,
Councilman Passon-yes
and Mayor Lawrence Pennock-yes.

Motion made by Councilwoman Lewis to have the hallway and offices painted by TriPoint General Contracting for $2,225.00. Seconded by Councilman Passon. Roll call vote:
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilwoman Lewis-yes,
Councilman Passon-yes
and Mayor Lawrence Pennock-yes.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to purchase two badges for the Board of Health not to exceed $150.00. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. Roll call vote:
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilwoman Lewis-yes,
Councilman Passon-yes
and Mayor Lawrence Pennock-yes.

Motion made by Councilwoman Lewis for the Mayor to send a letter to the Assembly people regarding the Electrical Inspector. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. All ayes.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to purchase a digital camera for Board of Health not to exceed $125.00. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. Roll call vote:
Councilman Beeman-yes,
Councilwoman Lewis-yes,
Councilman Passon-yes
and Mayor Lawrence Pennock-yes.

Motion made by Councilman Passon to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 PM. Seconded by Councilman Beeman.

________________________________

DAWN M. PENNOCK, RMC