City Council

THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY JULY 25, 2017 7:30PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Council President Bancroft called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT STATEMENT “The Provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act have been met. Notice of this meeting, Resolution 2017-16, was posted on the Official Bulletin Board in City Hall, published in The Burlington County Times on January 16, 2017, emailed to the Camden Courier Post, filed with the Municipal Clerk, on January 10, 2017, and was mailed to all persons requesting and paying for same.” Read by Council President Bancroft. FLAG SALUTE Mr. Bancroft led in the Flag Salute. ROLL CALL Present Mayor: Randy H. Miller Council President: Robert H. Bancroft Council Members: Lawrence F. Carlbon Robert E. Lowden, Jr. Mark A. Schwedes Robert D. Thibault Solicitor: Thomas J. Coleman, III Raymond/Coleman/Heinold, LLP Administrator/Director of Public Safety: Richard A. Wolbert Deputy Municipal Clerk: Elaine B. Kennedy, RMC/CMC APPROVAL OF MINUTES July 11, 2017 Regular Session Minutes MOTION - Councilman Schwedes made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, second by Councilman Carlbon. Ayes – Lowden, Thibault, Bancroft. Nays – None. Motion Carried. CLEAN COMMUNITIES AWARD PRESENTATION Councilman Carlbon presented the winners of the clean up. Jackie explained the clean up contest, i.e. cleaned up litter, painted rocks, painted storm drains. Several of the children spoke about their projects. Mayor Miller presented each of them with an appreciation award. 1 PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY President Bancroft opened the meeting to public comment on the agenda items. There was none. MOTION – Councilman Thibault made a motion close Public Comment on agenda items only, seconded by Councilman Carlbon, and unanimously carried. INTRODUCTION ~ ORDINANCE 2017-08 ~ FIRE OFFICIAL INSPECTION FEES MOTION – Councilman Thibault made a motion to introduce Ordinance 2017-08, with public hearing to be held August 8, 2017, seconded by Councilman Schwedes. Councilman Thibault asked if this as an adjustment, to which Mr. Wolbert responded that it was and has not been adjusted since 2004. Ayes – Carlbon, Lowden, Schwedes, Thibault, Bancroft. Nays – None. Motion carried. ADOPTION 2017-87 – AWARD OF EMS SERVICES (POSTPONED FROM 7/11/17 MEETING) MOTION – Councilman Thibault made a motion to adopt Resolution 2017-85, naming Endeavor Emergency Squad, seconded by Councilman Carlbon. Councilman Schwedes stated they did not get the information they requested. Mr. Wolbert explained that they sent their balance sheet, which he shared with Councilman Schwedes. Councilman Thibault explained that it is difficult anytime Council is brought into a situation like this. The squad had been exemplary until recently. The vote is regarding a failed leadership. Councilman Schwedes has mixed feelings. Council looked at the decline in responses. Some of the 30 members are life members. Councilman Lowden added that his heart is with Beverly Emergency Squad; however, there has been inaction for at least five (5) years. During some of the comments two weeks ago, council heard passion. Councilman Lowden advised that he spoke to no other council members; however, he has to vote for Endeavor. Ayes – Carlbon, Lowden, Schwedes, Thibault, Bancroft. Nays – None. Motion carried. RESOLUTION 2017-91 ~ AUTHORIZATION FOR ERI SERVICES RE: NJ AMERICAN WATER COMPANY BEVERLY STATION UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK CLOSURES & AST MOTION – Councilman Thibault made a motion to adopt Resolution 2017-91, seconded by Councilman Schwedes. Councilman Thibault asked what AST was, to which Mr. Wolbert responded that it is above ground storage tanks. There is still money in Bond Ordinance 2011- 08. Councilman Carlbon asked if there would be more work in addition to the $9500.00, to which Mr. Wolbert replied that this is for environmental engineering only. There will be extra cost to remove the tanks. Ayes – Carlbon, Lowden, Schwedes, Thibault, Bancroft. Nays – None. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS There was none. 2 NEW BUSINESS PURCHASE OF TRASH RECEPTACLES  Barco Products – 12 @ $13,942.83 (includes shipping). Councilman Carlbon explained that these are the receptacles that are already together and have the signs on them (trash/recycling). RESOLUTION 2017-92 – PURCHASE OF TRASH RECEPTACLES MOTION – Councilman Carlbon made a motion to adopt Resolution 2017-92, seconded by Councilman Thibault. Councilman Thibault asked if this was grant money paying for these trashcans, to which Mr. Wolbert reported it was. Councilman Schwedes asked about the recycling, to which Councilman Carlbon responded that we are responsible for our own. We will have to dump them ourselves. Ayes – Carlbon, Lowden, Schwedes, Thibault, Bancroft. Nays – None. Motion carried. BILL LIST Approval of the July 25, 2017 Bill List MOTION – Councilman Thibault made a motion to approve the bills from the bill list, seconded by Councilman Lowden. Councilman Schwedes questioned the Willingboro Vet bill, to which Mr. Wolbert responded there were two animals and this is covered by the dog account. Mr. Thibault questioned the H.A. DeHart bill. Mr. Wolbert explained it was for a new tailgate for the Public Works truck. Ayes – Carlbon, Lowden, Thibault, Bancroft. Nays – None. Absent – Schwedes. CORRESPONDENCE  DOT executed agreement for Beverly Road Improvement Program $205,000.00. Read by Mayor Miller. Mr. Wolbert advised Council that this will finish Magnolia and alleviate the drainage problem. REPORTS Mayor – Mayor Miller Council – Councilman Thibault stated that Council does not want to be involved with squad issues; however, they must look at what is best for the residents. He thanked Endeavor for being there. Councilman Carlbon apologized for not acknowledging his wife when addressing Clean Communities. Councilman Schwedes had nothing at this time. Councilman Lowden advised Council that the Planning Board meeting for July has been canceled. Administrator/Public Safety Director – Mr. Wolbert reported the body cams are in and the officers are starting to use them. Mr. Wolbert advised that he and the Deputy Municipal Clerk would be interviewing this Thursday evening. We are working with the solicitor on ordinances for a five-year tax abatement, mercantile licenses, site triangle, and the DEP ordinance. Professionals – Mr. Coleman had nothing at this time. 3 PUBLIC COMMENT Please state you name and address clearly for the record. Kraig McLaughlin expressed his disdain with City Council. He spoke of the history of the Beverly Squad. Beverly could not make the 90% call responses as required in the RFP; however, he felt that no one could meet that. The Squad is setting up a scholarship. Ken Gasser, captain of the Beverly Squad asked Council where they were when the ambulance was out. He stood firmly behind the Chief and apologized to his squad. He advised Council they were not coming back. MOTION – Being no further public comment, Councilman Thibault made a motion to close public comment, seconded by Councilman Lowden, and unanimously carried. Motion carried. EXECUTIVE SESSION – NOT ADOPTED ADJOURNMENT Councilman Thibault made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Schwedes, and unanimously carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elaine B. Kennedy, RMC/CMC Deputy Municipal Clerk 4