Borough Council

COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING May 12, 2021 Page | 1 Mayor Roach called the meeting to order. Sunshine Law - Notice of this meeting has been duly advertised in compliance with the provisions of the open public meetings law. Please be advised that this meeting will be recorded for possible later playback. Flag Salute Roll Call of Council Members Present: DiDomenico, Hess, Jackson, Sinon, Strippoli, President Randolph- Sharpe(executive only), and Mayor Roach Resolution 2021:100 Executive Session BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the Mayor and Council are now going into closed session to discuss Legal Updates, and Personnel-Contract Negotiations Motion was made by Councilman DiDomenico, second by Councilman Strippoli that Resolution 2021:100 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Sinon to go out of executive session. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. President Randolph-Sharpe excused from meeting. Motion was made by Councilman Strippoli, second by Councilwoman Sinon that the Council Meeting for the Budget Workshop for April 12, 2021, Council Meeting for April 14, 2021 and Council Meeting for April 28, 2021be adopted as presented. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Motion was made by Councilman Strippoli, second by Councilman DiDomenico that all bills that have been properly audited be approved for payment. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. The following reports have been filed and are available in the respective offices for review and will be included in the minutes: a. Tax Collector’s Report $2,025,059.43 b. Sewer Report 75,481.70 c. Treasurer’s Report 8,553.66 Second Reading of Ordinance 2021-06 Exceed The Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits And To Establish A Cap Bank (N.J.S.A. 40a: 4-45.14) Mayor Roach opened the meeting to the public. There being no one desiring the floor, the Mayor closed the meeting to the public. Motion was made by Councilman Strippoli, second by Councilman DiDomenico that Ordinance 2021-06 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. 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 1.0% 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 Council of the Borough of Lindenwold in the County of Camden finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2021 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 Council hereby determines that a 2.5% increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $348,369.68 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and, WHEREAS the 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 final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, in the County of Camden, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY 2021 budget year, the final appropriations of the Borough of Lindenwold shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5%, amounting to $487,717.55, and that the CY 2021 municipal budget for the Borough of Lindenwold 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. CONSENT AGENDA: The items listed below are considered routine by the Borough of Lindenwold and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no formal discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, this item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered separately. Motion was made by Councilman Strippoli, second by Councilwoman Sinon that Resolution 2021:101 to Resolution 2021:106 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Resolution 2021:101 Municipal Alliance WHEREAS, the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse established the Municipal Alliances for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in 1989 to educate and engage residents, local government and law enforcement officials, schools, nonprofit organizations, the faith community, parents, youth and other allies in efforts to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse in communities throughout New Jersey. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING May 12, 2021 Page | 2 WHEREAS, The Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden, State of New Jersey recognizes that the abuse of alcohol and drugs is a serious problem in our society amongst persons of all ages; and therefore has an established Municipal Alliance Committee; and, WHEREAS, the Borough Council further recognizes that it is incumbent upon not only public officials but upon the entire community to take action to prevent such abuses in our community; and, WHEREAS, the Borough Council has applied for funding to the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse through the County of Camden; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden, State of New Jersey hereby recognizes the following: 1. The Borough Council does hereby authorize submission of a strategic plan for the Lindenwold Municipal Alliance grant for fiscal year 2022 in the amount of: DEDR $7,130.00 Cash Match $1,782.50 In-Kind $5,347.50 2. The Borough Council acknowledges the terms and conditions for administering the Municipal Alliance grant, including the administrative compliance and audit requirements. RESOLUTION 2021:102 Proclamation for St. Mark AME Church Whereas, St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church and Reverend Betty A. Clarke will celebrate their 90th Anniversary on Sunday, May 23, 2021; and Whereas, St. Mark was founded by the late Reverend Richard Adams of Pennsauken who rode a bus for as far as $.30 would take him and arrived in Lindenwold, NJ where he found residents interested in starting an A.M.E. church; and Whereas, Services were first conducted in a hall owned by the Blackstone family and membership was acquired in the A.M.E. Conference thus growing the congregation; and Whereas, in 1935, property was purchased on the corner of Walnut and Taylor Avenues and in 1936, construction of St. Mark A.M.E. Church started; and Whereas, the first service was held in November of 1938 for the Home Going of one of the founding members; and Whereas, St. Mark A.M.E. continued to grow and thrive through the years under the spiritual leadership of many devout pastors including Reverend Betty A. Clarke who has been faithfully guiding the members since 1987. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold wishes to honor St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church on their 90th Anniversary, and extend this expression of our esteem and best wishes to the members of this congregation and Reverend Betty A. Clarke on this memorable occasion, offering our congratulations and appreciation for 90 years of faithful service and outreach to the Lindenwold community. Resolution 2021:103 Refund Bond and Escrow WHEREAS, Bruce Kramer submitted a cash bond of $2,397.94 and escrow of $535.00 for 520 United States Avenue in 2010, and WHEREAS, the work was performed and a certificate of occupancy was granted, and WHEREAS, the applicant has requested a refund of the $535 escrow fee and $2,397.94 cash bond. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the amount of $535.00 escrow and $2,397.94 cash bond be refunded to Bruce Kramer as the job was been completed for this project in 2010. Resolution 2021:104 Rescind Resolution 2021:93 WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold issued Resolution 2021:93 for a raffle license for the American Legion Post to be used in Lindenwold, and WHEREAS, the application was not complete, and WHEREAS, the applicant has informed the Borough that a raffle will not be held. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that Resolution 2021:93 be rescinded. Resolution 2021:105 Purchase Of Electricity WHEREAS, Lindenwold Borough has determined to move forward with the EMEX Reverse Auction in order procure electricity for the Local Unit; and WHEREAS, the Local Government Electronic Procurement Act (P.L. 2018, c. 156) (the “Act”) authorizes the purchase of electricity supply service for public use through the use of an online auction service; and WHEREAS, Lindenwold Borough will utilize the online auction services of EMEX, LLC, an approved vendor pursuant to the Act; and WHEREAS, EMEX, LLC is compensated for all services rendered through the participating supplier that a contract is awarded to; and WHEREAS, the auction will be conducted pursuant to the Act. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Lindenwold hereby authorize the execution on behalf of Lindenwold Borough any electricity contract proffered by the participating supplier that submits the winning bid in the EMEX Reverse Auction. Resolution 2021:106 Refund Escrow WHEREAS, Craig Proietti submitted an escrow of $700.00 for 44 Second Avenue, and WHEREAS, the work was performed with a satisfactory inspection for the apron, and WHEREAS, the applicant has requested a refund of the $700 escrow fee. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the amount of $700.00 escrow be refunded to Craig Proietti as the job was been completed and inspected. Engineer’s Report was presented by Anthony Chadwell of Remington and Vernick with updates for an upcoming 2022 NJDOT application, Phase 2 of the Linden Town project is in the design phase and an application will be submitted for a recreation grant for a bicycle path. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to Council: Councilman DiDomenico presented the April Police report including 4,740 total calls. Councilwoman Hess informed the public that she is working with Camden County to hold the Movies in the Park this year. Councilman Jackson provided information on a program that will expunge a criminal record. This program is for offenses in Pennsylvania. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING May 12, 2021 Page | 3 Councilman Strippoli presented the Public Works report including 787 tons of trash collected and 92 tons of recycling. The Sewer Department report included 192 calls for service with one main stoppage. Councilwoman Sinon addressed the upcoming changes from the Governor under her health report. She also updated residents regarding vaccinations for teens. The hours for the Camden County vaccination center has changed but will now accept people without appointments. Also, the County will be holding pop up sites for vaccinations including one on June 15th at Deterdings in Lindenwold from 2:00 to 6:00. On June 5, the Police Department will again hold its Hooked on Fishing event at Lake Worth from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Business Administrator informed residents that the Borough will reopen on May 17 under modified hours. Public Works will resume its normal hours and the Court will accept payments. Court will continue to be through Zoom as per the State but the office will be open to accept payments. Residents will be required to wear masks and social distance. Mayor Roach provided an update regarding the number of cases at 2,100 with 22 deaths. He also announced that this was the last virtual Council Meeting. The next Council Meeting will be open to the public. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to the Public. Diane Veteri, resident, questioned the Rabies Clinic and asked if Council will reconsider. Mayor will review for next year. Sarah Vellner, resident, she commented on the return of the movies in the park and the police department. She questioned the expungement program. The Mayor responded to contact Councilman Jackson directly. She questioned the training for the police department in regards to the community. Councilman DiDomenico responded about police events and the hope for more participation. Mayor responded that these events to interact with the community have been going on for years. She questioned about the spending of the state funds for COVID. The Business Administrator responded that no guidance has been received in regards to these funds. She again questioned the Borough regarding Cannabis. The Mayor responded that matter had already been acted upon. Edward Bryan, representative of Disabled Rights, questioned cannabis. Jaimie Van Sciver, added about medical cannabis. Lorraine Redman, also spoke on medical cannabis. Mayor responded that medical marijuana is controlled by the state statute. Jeffrey Sims, also spoke on medical cannabis. Trevor Shaw, resident, questioned what the Borough is doing to enlist soccer coaches. Councilman Jackson responded about the various organizations he has reached out to. Resident and Council discussed. Resident questioned the update from the Environmental Commission regarding Arbor Day. Resident commented on the recent updates of Channel 192. Nancy DiDomenico, resident, responded that information from Arbor Day will be posted. There being no one else desiring the floor, Mayor Roach closed the meeting to the public. Motion was made by Councilman Strippoli, second by Councilman Jackson that the meeting be adjourned. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. DATED: June 23, 2021 ________________________________ Deborah C. Jackson, RMC Borough Clerk