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Publications of Borough Council
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MINUTES OF MARCH COUNCIL MEETING
Roll Call: Councilman Beeman, Councilman Fisher, Councilwoman Hook,
Councilwoman Jones, Councilwoman Lewis, and Councilman Passon were all present. Solicitor Platt arrived at 7:56 PM.
Motion made by Councilman Passon to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from February 5, 2008 and the Working Session Minutes from February 19, 2008. Seconded by Councilman Fisher. All ayes.
Motion made by Councilman Passon to approve the vouchers provided the proper affidavits are attached. Seconded by Councilman Fisher.
BUDGET IS ATTACHED AT THE END OF THESE MINUTES
OPEN TO PUBLIC TO DISCUSS BUDGET AT 7:02 PM:
Judith Vanrell, 6 Nightingale Road, Audubon Park, NJ 08106-discussion ensued regarding the 2008 budget.
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC AT 7:33 PM
Motion made by Councilman Passon to table the budget due to the Governor’s budget announcement. Seconded by Councilwoman Jones. Roll call vote:
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT 7:35 PM:
Steve Banchi- Director of the Board of Health-Discussed Board of Health Issues with Mayor and Council.
Debra Garbrecht-Robbert will be away for the next 4 days. OEM is still doing training.
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC AT 7:38 PM
REPORTS:
Councilwoman Lewis-MPB grossed $1,520.00 in January 2008 and $1,640.00 for February 2008. Bringing the year-to-date total to $3,160.00. Reported that she expected Frank Seney from Remington & Vernick to be present tonight to discuss the upgrades to the MPB.
Councilwoman Jones-Discussed the position of Municipal Coordinator on Aging. She discussed AARP coming into our town next year to do taxes for senior citizens at no charge.
Councilman Beeman-Reported he really enjoyed the meeting with the Camden County Improvement Authority.
Councilman Fisher-Reported that two police officers have been laid off in 45 days in Audubon. The Borough of Audubon is really anxious to renegotiate the police contract.
Solicitor arrived at this time 7:56 PM.
Councilman Fisher-(cont’d)The fire company changed their call number with the county.
Councilwoman Hook-No report at this time due to being ill.
Councilman Passon- Reported that vehicles are driving the wrong way on the Service Road.
Mayor Larry Pennock-Reported that Councilman Passon and himself met with Rosetta Brown of Tippie Toes Day Care. Discussed shared services with Audubon regarding building inspectors and Bellmawr regarding the Tot Lot. Dog Licenses are due March 14, 2008. Reported on grant money for safe school zones and the possibility of speed bumps.
COMMUNICATIONS:
State Registrar of Vital Statistics-Letter accepting approval of the appointment of Dawn Pennock as Registrar of Vital Statistics.
Camden County Board of Freeholders-State of the art 911 communication system.
Professional Property Appraisers-copy of a letter sent to Stephen Kessler regarding property tax reassessment.
Stephen Kessler-quote to perform the residential inspection and measurement services for the revaluation of Audubon Park Borough.
Camden County Dept. of Public Safety and Juvenile Justice-Preliminary Assessment Report for Tippie Toes.
Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority-Notice of CCMUA meetings.
Municipal Clerk’s Assoc of NJ-Seminars at Atlantic City.
NJLM-2008-2009 Legislative Roster will be ready for distribution in March.
State Health Benefits-Information on different plans.
Patty Wilson-sent letter regarding a change in her health coverage.
Camden County Pollution Control Financing Authority-Tipping fees increased beginning March 1, 2008.
T&M Associates-updating their records for 2008. (Survey completed and faxed back.)
State of NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection- Municipal Stormwater Regulation Program.
Lorco Petroleum-report on gallons collected.
Marrazzo & Platt-instructions on how to appeal a decision made by the construction officials.
Debt Acquisition Company of America-Notice of Transfer of Claim.
NJLM-Updating survey publications on different licenses.
Camden County Republican Committee-CC Republican Committee is reorganizing this year.
CDT-quote for reconditioned shredder and typewriter.
Casella Waste-Revenue share (check forwarded to AMHC.)
Rutgers-Municipal Registrar classes.
Marazzo & Platt-Response letter sent by Bowman to Stuart Platt regarding claims and litigations.
Remington and Vernick-NJ Safe Route to School Program.
City of Camden-Advising of a Planning Board meeting.
Camden County-Resolution #9 Office Basics, Paper Mart and WB Mason.
Courier Post-Please disregard previous correspondence regarding requesting building permit information.
Camden County Dept. of Parks-2006 County Recycling Tonnage Rebate.
NJLM-Mayors Fax Advisory regarding the Governor’s Budget Proposal.
DLGS-To Joe Hoffmann-Budget Examination notes for the Borough of Audubon Park.
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission-Safe Routes to School Brochure.
Tri Point General Contracting-Bid to remodel the Hockey Rink.
PMK Group-Spill prevention control & countermeasure proposed amendements
Audubon Park Volunteer Fire Co.-Requesting copy of agenda for coordinating meeting.
Dept. of Health and Senior Services-Registrar information.
Audubon Mutual Housing Corporation-Utility Bills.
Motion made by Councilman Passon to make Dawn and Debbie Notary Publics. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. Roll call vote: Councilman Beeman-yes, Councilman Fisher-yes, Councilwoman Hook-yes, Councilwoman Jones-yes, Councilman Lewis-yes, and Councilman Passon-yes.
Motion made by Councilman Lewis to amend and introduce Ordinance #48 designating handicapped parking on Turtledove and Redwing. Seconded by Councilwoman Hook. Roll call vote:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $50,000.00 OF TAX ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE BOROUGH OF AUDUBON PARK, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY 2008:10
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Audubon Park, County of Camden, State of New Jersey (hereinafter “Borough”), as follows:
WHEREAS, the Borough duly adopted a Resolution authorizing the issuance of a Tax Anticipation Note 2007, Series B in the denominations of $100,000.00 dated November 29, 2007 at the rate of 3.54% per annum payable which was to mature on March 31, 2008; and
WHEREAS, said Tax Anticipation Note was a temporary obligation issued in anticipation of the collection of taxes; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Borough Council have determined to pay down $50,000.00, plus interest in the amount of $1,180.00, and rollover the balance of the aforesaid Tax Anticipation Note and issue a new Tax Anticipation Note in the principal amount of $50,000.00 bearing interest at the rate of 2.30% per annum which is to mature on November 28, 2008; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Resolution is to ratify the execution of the Tax Anticipation Note 2008, Series A by the Mayor, Municipal Clerk, and Chief Financial Officer of the Borough of Audubon Park.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Audubon Park, that it hereby approves, ratifies and confirms the issuance of the Tax Anticipation Note of 2008, Series A, as stated above.
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 Authorizing the Issuance of $50,000.00 of Tax Anticipation Notes of the Borough of Audubon Park, County of Camden, State of New Jersey. Seconded by Councilman Fisher. Roll call vote:
RESOLUTION 2008:11– DEDICATION BY RIDER –
BUILDING RENTAL ESCROWS
WHEREAS, permission is required of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for approval as a dedication by rider of revenues received by a municipality when the revenue is not subject to reasonably accurate estimate in advance; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-39 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve expenditures of monies by dedication by rider.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the governing body of the Borough of Audubon Park, County of Camden, State of New Jersey as follows:
1. The governing body hereby requests permission of the Director of the
Division of Local Government Services to collect, and subsequently refund, security deposits for the use of the Borough of Audubon Park’s Multi-Purpose Building.
2. Such funds received by the municipality to be placed in a specific trust
fund and such trust fund shall be considered a “Dedication by Rider” to the budget of the local unit per N.J.S.A.40A:4-39 for the sole purpose stated above.
3. The Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Audubon Park is hereby directed to forward two certified copies of this resolution to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services.
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 Councilwoman Lewis to adopt the Resolution 2008:11-Dedication by Rider-Building Rental Escrows. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. Roll call vote:
Motion made by Councilman Passon to amend and introduce Ordinance #23 to include stop signs at “C” & “D” Roads and at the Curve on Kennedy Drive. Seconded by Councilwoman Hook. Roll call vote:
Motion made by Councilman Fisher to renew subscriptions to the Retrospect for Mayor, Council and Solicitor Platt. Seconded by Councilman Passon. Roll call vote:
Motion made by Councilwoman Lewis to appoint Dawn as the Deputy Tax Collector. Seconded by Councilwoman Jones. All ayes.
Motion made by Councilman Passon to purchase the paper shredder for $750.00. Seconded by Councilwoman Hook. Roll call vote:
Motion made by Councilman Passon for the Mayor to tentatively discuss a shared services agreement with Bellmawr Public Works regarding upgrades to the Audubon Park Playground. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. All ayes.
Motion made by Councilwoman Lewis to appoint Dennis McCormack at the Senior Coordinator on Aging. He will report to Councilwoman Jones. Seconded by Councilwoman Jones. All ayes.
Motion made by Councilwoman Jones to have the MPB exterminator 4 times per year. Seconded by Councilwoman Hook. Roll call vote:
Motion made by Councilwoman Hook for Mayor Pennock to begin approaching Audubon regarding the Police Contract. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. All ayes.
Motion made by Councilman Passon to table the purchase of frontage pieces for the firemen’s helmets. Seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. All ayes.
RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE FAILURE OF THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED STATE BUDGET FOR THE 2008-2009 FISCAL YEAR TO TREAT PROPERTY TAX RELIEF AS OUR PRIORITY 2008:12
WHEREAS, on February 26, 2008, in Trenton, Governor Jon S. Corzine presented his FY 2009 Budget proposal to a Joint Session of the State Legislature, which proposal now goes to the Legislature, which must pass a balanced budget by the start of the State’s next Fiscal year, which begins on July 1; and
WHEREAS, the proposal, which represents what the Governor called “many unpleasant choices”, calls for the elimination of two Departments of State Government (the Department of Agriculture and Personnel) and the State Commerce Commission, and asks all other Departments to absorb funding cuts, and further calls for sacrifice in a number of other areas, including direct property tax relief, hospital aid, higher education assistance and Medicaid, with the inordinately deep cuts in municipal property tax relief funding; and
WHEREAS, one year after the historic Special Session for Property Tax Reform, which purportedly eliminated the need for a Citizens’ Convention, our property taxpayers will once again be asked for patience, and they will be asked to shoulder more than their fair share of the funding burden; and
WHEREAS, local officials have done so much with so little for so long, that State Budget-makers now believe some can do everything with absolutely nothing; and
WHEREAS, municipal property tax relief will be slashed by $189.6 million; and
WHEREAS, for some municipalities with a population of less than 5,000, there will be no CMPTRA funding this year; for municipalities with a population total between 5,000 and 10,000, this relief will be limited to one-half of the amount received in the State’s 2006-2007 budget; and the $32.6 million distributed according to the CMPTRA formula, which municipalities received last year as 2008 Municipal Property Tax Assistance, is gone; and
WHEREAS, all municipalities will receive level Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief funding, despite the State Law that “requires” annual inflationary adjustments of this (and CMPTRA) funding; and
WHEREAS, last year’s $32 million in Municipal Homeland Security Funding is gone, Special Municipal Aid funding is cut from $153 million to $145.5 – a loss of $7.6 million – from $34 million to $32.3 million, and the $8 million Regional Efficiency Aid Program will not be funded; and
WHEREAS, beyond these cuts, certain municipalities served by the State Police will be asked to contribute $20 million to the State’s General Fund, and Homestead Rebates for Homeowners will be cut by $257 million, and for Renters by $124 million; and
WHEREAS, the Governor’s proposed cuts would be devastating to the Borough of Audubon Park with a large senior citizen population; this would leave Audubon Park next to last ($26.26 per resident as opposed to towns like Teterboro of Bergen County which receives $6,873.17 per resident). Audubon Park has worked hard to comply with Governor Corzine’s wishes over the years and has been a leader in Camden County in Shared Service Agreements with local municipalities. We realize the State’s financial predictament; Audubon Park and other small towns should not be expected to carry the burden of correcting these mistakes.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the governing body of the Borough of Audubon Park calls on its elected representatives in Trenton, Senator John Adler and Assembly members Greenwald and Lampitt, to work with their colleagues in the Legislature and with the Governor to take affirmative action to restore program funding sufficient to honor state statutes and their stated commitment to the cause of property tax relief in all New Jersey municipalities; and be it further
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to Governor John S. Corzine, Acting State Treasurer R. David Rosseau, Senate President Richard J. Codey, Senate Minority Leader Thomas H. Kean, Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce, the Chairs and Members of the Senate and Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, our own Senator John Adler and Assembly members Greenwald and Lampitt and to the NJ State League of Municipalities.
Motion made by Councilman Passon to adopt the Resolution Opposing Failure of the Governor’s State Budget. Seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. All ayes.
Motion made by Councilwoman Hook for the Mayor to send a letter to the residents informing them of the implications of the Governor’s Budget. Seconded by Councilwoman Jones. All ayes.
Motion made by Councilwoman Jones to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 PM. Seconded by Councilman Beeman. All ayes.
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