Borough Council

COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING May 11, 2022 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, Lenkowski, Patton, Sinon, President Randolph-Sharpe, and Mayor Roach. Resolution 2022:108 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 Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Resolution 2022:108 be adopted as read. Voice 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. Knights of Columbus presentation of the Officer of the Year-Deputy to Deputy Chief Cavallaro. Deputy Chief Cavallaro is recognized for his 25 years of service to the community and youth of Lindenwold. Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman DiDomenico that the Council Meeting and Executive Session for April 13, 2022 be adopted as presented. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe second by Councilman Lenkowski 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 $2,119,854.33 b. Sewer Report $ 51,441.70 c. Treasurer’s Report $ 12,190.94 Second Reading Ordinance 2022-08 Ordinance to 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 President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman DiDomenico that Ordinance 2022-08 be adopted as read on second reading. 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 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 Council of the Borough of Lindenwold in the County of Camden finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2022 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 1.0% increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $147,020.99 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and, COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING May 11, 2022 Page | 2 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 2022 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 $514,573.47, and that the CY 2022 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. Resolution 2022:109 Cancel Unexpended Improvement Balances Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Resolution 2022:109 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. WHEREAS, certain Sewer Utility Capital Improvement Authorization appropriation balances remain dedicated to projects which now will not be completed; and WHEREAS, it is necessary to formally cancel said balances so that the unexpended balances may be returned to Unappropriated Reserves in the Federal and State Grant Fund; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the following unexpended and dedicated balances of Sewer Utility Capital Improvement Authorization appropriations be canceled as follows: Credited to: Unappropriated Reserves - Ordinance Amount American Rescue Capital Authorized Number Canceled Plan Surplus Debt 2021-16 $ 565,000.00 $ 565,000.00 $ - $ - First Reading Ordinance 2022-09 Appropriation Ordinance An Ordinance of the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden, New Jersey, Appropriating $565,000 for the Acquisition of Various Pieces of Capital Equipment and Completion of Various Capital Improvements in and for the Borough Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman DiDomenico that Ordinance 2022-09 be adopted on first reading, published according to law, with second reading being held at next regular scheduled meeting. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden, New Jersey (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring), as follows: Section 1. There is hereby appropriated the sum of $565,000 (which amount represents funds received by the Borough of Lindenwold ("Borough") from the Federal government pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for the acquisition of various pieces of capital equipment and completion of various capital improvements in and for the Borough including, but not limited to, Municipal Management Software, Digital Signs, HVAC Installation, Reconstruction of Various Roads, Municipal Parking Lot, and Installation of a Dog Park, together with the acquisition of all materials and equipment and completion of all work necessary therefor and related thereto (the "Project"). Section 2. It is hereby determined and stated that the Project set forth in Section 1 is a general capital improvement and is not a current expense of the Borough. Section 3. The capital budget is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency therewith, and the resolution promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing full detail of the amended capital budget and capital program as approved by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, is on file with the Borough Clerk and available for inspection. Section 4. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING May 11, 2022 Page | 3 Section 5. This ordinance shall take effect after final adoption and publication as required by law. First Reading Ordinance 2022-10 Amending Ordinance 2021-15 Capital An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2021:15 of the Borough of Lindenwold, County Of Camden, New Jersey Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that Ordinance 2022-10 be adopted on first reading, published according to law, with second reading being held at next regular scheduled meeting. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. BE IT ORDAINED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden, New Jersey ("Borough") (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring), pursuant to the provisions of the Local Bond Law, Chapter 169 of the Laws of 1960 of the State of New Jersey, as amended and supplemented ("Local Bond Law"), as follows: Section 1. Section 7 of Bond Ordinance 2021:15 heretofore duly adopted by the Borough Council on October 13, 2021 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to provide as follows: "Section 7. The improvements hereby authorized and the purposes for which said obligations are to be issued; the estimated costs of each said purpose; the amount of down payment for each said purpose; the maximum amount obligations to be issued for each said purpose and the period of usefulness of each said purpose within the limitations of the Local Bond Law are as follows: Estimated Down Amount of Period of Purpose/Improvement Total Cost Payment Obligations Usefulness A. Acquisition of Various Replacement $1,475,000 $73,750 $1,401,250 15 years Equipment for the Public Works Department including, but not limited to, a Dump Truck with Plow and Spreader, Mack Rear Load Trash Truck, a Street Sweeper, a Loader and Fuel System, together with the acquisition of all materials and equipment and completion of all work necessary therefor or related thereto B. Various Improvements to Municipal Buildings 500,000 25,000 475,000 20 years including, but not limited to, Acquisition and Installation of Generator for the Police Department Building, together with the acquisition of all materials and equipment and completion of all work necessary therefor or related thereto C. Reconstruction and/or Repaving of Various 205,800 10,290 195,510 10 years Borough Roads, together with the acquisition of all materials and equipment and completion of all work necessary therefor or related thereto TOTALS $2,180,800 $109,040 $2,071,760 Section 2. Section 8 of Bond Ordinance 2021:15 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to provide as follow: "Section 8. The average period of useful life of the several purposes for the financing of which this Bond Ordinance authorized the issuance of bonds or bond anticipation notes, taking into consideration respective amounts of bond or bond anticipation notes authorized for said several purposes, is not less than 15.67 years." Section 3. If necessary or required, the capital budget or temporary capital budget, as applicable, is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency therewith and the regulations promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing full detail the amended capital budget and capital improvement program as approved by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, are on file with the City Clerk and available for public inspection. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING May 11, 2022 Page | 4 Section 4. All other parts of Bond Ordinance 2021:15 not amended hereby shall remain in full force and effect. Section 5. All bonds or bond anticipation notes heretofore issued and now outstanding pursuant to Bond Ordinance 2021:15, and any moneys expended or any expenses incurred pursuant to appropriations made by Bond Ordinance 2021:15, if any, shall be accounted and deemed to have been issued, expended or incurred pursuant to Bond Ordinance 2021:15, as amended by this Ordinance. Section 6. In accordance with the applicable law, this ordinance shall take effect twenty (20) days after the first publication thereof after final passage. Resolution 2022:110 Read the Budget by Title Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that Resolution 2022:110 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A:4-8, as amended by L.2015, c. 95, § 14, 2015, provides that the budget may be read by title only at the time of the public hearing if a resolution is passed by not less than a majority of the full governing body, providing that at least one week prior to the date of hearing, a complete copy of the budget has been made available for public inspection, and has been made available to each person upon request; and WHEREAS, these two conditions have been met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the budget shall be read by title only. Business Administrator provided a presentation to the public on the 2022 Municipal Budget with a $.02 decrease in municipal taxes. At the conclusion of the presentation, she answered several questions from the public including Borough ratables, future Borough projects, traffic signals, and other expenses. Mayor Roach and President Randolph-Sharpe thanked the Administrator for all her efforts. Resolution 2022:111 Adopt 2022 Budget Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman DiDomenico that Resolution 2022:111 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. 1. Appropriations within “CAPS” (a) Municipal Purposes $15,592,149.34 2. Appropriations excluded from “CAPS” (a) Municipal Purposes 1,368,848.51 Total General Appropriations excluded from “CAPS” 1,368,848.51 Reserve for Uncollected Taxes 1,029,174.15 4. Total General Appropriations $17,990,172.00 5. Less: Anticipated Revenues Other than Current Property Tax 7,592,145.01 6. Difference: Amount to be Raised by Taxes for Support of Municipal Budget: (a) Local Tax for Municipal Purposes Including Reserve for Uncollected Taxes 10,398,026.99 The Governing Body of the Borough of Lindenwold does hereby approve the following budget for the year 2022. 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 President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman DiDomenico that Resolution 2022:112-118 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Resolution 2022:112 Cooperative Pricing Agreement with the Hunterdon Co. Cooperative Pricing Syst. WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:1 l-11(5) authorizes contracting units to establish a Cooperative Pricing System and to enter into Cooperative Pricing Agreements for its administration; and WHEREAS, the Hunterdon County Cooperative Pricing System, hereinafter referred to as the "Lead Agency " COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING May 11, 2022 Page | 5 has offered voluntary participation in the New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Alliance # #HCESC-Ser-21- 08(Indoor/Outdoor Signs & Graphics) - a Cooperative Pricing System - for the purchase of goods and services; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden, State of New Jersey wishes to participate in a Cooperative Pricing System for the provision and performance of goods and services in order to realize a savings for the residents. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Governing Body of the Borough of Lindenwold pursuant to the provisions of N.JS.A. 40A:11-11(5) hereby authorize participation in the Cooperative Purchasing Alliance with Hunterdon County Cooperative Pricing System(Lead Agency), and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Governing Body to authorize the Business Administrator to sign any documents necessary for the above agreement. This Resolution shall take effect immediately. Resolution 2022:113 Property Maintenance Lien WHEREAS, the following properties in the Borough of Lindenwold had property maintenance work done by the Lindenwold Public Works for Code Compliance and/or Police Department, and WHEREAS, a lien should be put on the following properties for the cost of performing this work: Invoice Date Block Lot Address Amount 4/19/2022 116 12 118 E. Linden Ave(bulk trash) $256.00 4/19/2022 288.01 4 2405 N. Cuthbert Ave.(bulk trash) $242.00 4/19/22 266 10.02 811 United States Ave.(bulk trash) $217.00 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that a lien be put on the properties. Resolution 2022:114 Proclamation for National Police Week 2022 To recognize National Police Week 2022 and to honor the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy. WHEREAS, there are more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the dedicated members of the LINDENWOLD POLICE DEPARTMENT; WHEREAS, since the first recorded death in 1786, more than 23,000 law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and been killed in the line of duty, including PTLM. Hugh Shannon, a member of the Lindenwold Police Department who was killed in the line of duty on December 24, 1946; WHEREAS, the names of these dedicated public servants are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC; WHEREAS, 619 new names of fallen heroes are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this spring, including 472 officers killed in 2021 and 147 officers killed in previous years; WHEREAS, the service and sacrifice of all officers killed in the line of duty will be honored during the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s 34th Candlelight Vigil, on the evening of May 13, 2022; WHEREAS, the Candlelight Vigil is part of National Police Week, which will be observed this year May 11-17; WHEREAS, May 15 is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day, in honor of all fallen officers and their families and U.S. flags should be flown at half-staff; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that BOROUGH OF LINDENWOLD will observe May 11-17, 2022, as National Police Week, and publicly salutes the service of law enforcement officers in our community and in communities across the nation. Resolution 2022:115 Hire for Public Works WHEREAS there is a need in the Public Works Department to hire additional employees, and WHEREAS, it is the procedure of the Borough of Lindenwold to hire employees by resolution. WHEREAS, the following individuals have been recommended by the Public Works Supervisor to be hired after the successful completion of their pre-employment screening: Truck Drivers: Larry Harber and Robert Surran Maintenance Repairer: Peter Chien THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the above named employees be hired to the position listed after successful completion of the employment screening. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING May 11, 2022 Page | 6 Resolution 2022:116 Refund WaWa Escrows WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold created two escrow accounts as per the Borough Engineer for work to be performed by WaWa Inc. at 625 Chews Landing Road and 421 S. White Horse Pike, and WHEREAS, the work was performed and the charges for the Engineering fees were reconciled by the Construction Department, and WHEREAS, WaWa has authorized Asset Management to request the balance of the escrow fees to be returned. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the amount of $262.50 for the WaWa Engineering escrow for Chews Landing Road and $250.10 for the WaWa Engineering escrow for S. White Horse Pike be refunded to Asset Management as per the authorization. Resolution 2022:117 Hire Part Time Library Clerk WHEREAS there is a need in the Library Department for a part time employee, and WHEREAS, it is the procedure of the Borough of Lindenwold to hire employees by resolution. WHEREAS, Ayanna Curry has been recommended by the Supervisor to be hired after the successful completion of the pre-employment screening: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the above named employee be hired to the position listed after successful completion of the employment screening. Resolution 2022:118 Hire Code Enforcement Trainee WHEREAS there is a need in the Code Enforcement Department for a Code Enforcement Trainee, and WHEREAS, it is the procedure of the Borough of Lindenwold to hire employees by resolution. WHEREAS, Tyler Venuto has been recommended by the Supervisor to be hired after the successful completion of the pre-employment screening: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the above named employee be hired to the position listed after successful completion of the employment screening. Resolution 2022:119 Shared Services with Lindenwold Board of Education Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman DiDomenico that Resolution 2022:119 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold, 15 North White Horse Pike, Lindenwold, New Jersey, and the Lindenwold Board of Education, 801 Egg Harbor Road, Lindenwold, New Jersey, recognize that it is imperative to search for efficient means to reduce spending through creative and innovative ideas and programs which benefit their community, and WHEREAS, the “Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act”, N.J.S.A 40A:65-1 et seq. (the “Act”), authorizes local units of the State of New Jersey to enter into an agreement with any other local unit or units to provide or receive any service that each local unit participating in the agreement is empowered to provide or receive in its own jurisdiction, and WHEREAS, the respective parties have previously joined together authorizing an Interlocal Agreement for Law Enforcement Officers and Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer be assigned to the Lindenwold School District and for the upkeep of the Lindenwold Park. BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the agreement with the Board of Education for the assignment of Law Enforcement Officers and Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer and the upkeep of the Lindenwold Park. Matthew Magill of Remington and Vernick presented the Engineer’s Report with the update to the Reconstruction of Cooper Avenue and the Traffic Signal Analysis. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to Council. Councilman DiDomenico presented the Police Department Report for the month of April that included 2,491 total calls for service. Mayor Roach added that the office for the Fire Department has moved. Councilwoman Hess presented the March report for Public Works including 730 tons of trash collected and 85 tons for recycling. There were no accidents and one injury. For the Sewer Department, the report included 123 service calls. She informed the residents that on April 29 for Arbor Day, the Borough and High School students planted two trees at Public Works. The students did a great job and she thanked Public Works for all their assistance. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING May 11, 2022 Page | 7 President Randolph-Sharpe thanked the Business Administrator for all her hard work in preparing the budget. Next, she presented the April reports for the Construction and Code Office including permits, inspections and violations. She informed the public that the office is extremely busy this time of year and in the process of filling a vacancy. She is hoping the new program to digitize the Construction Office will help improve the various functions. She has accepted to join the Youth Committee for Camden County and looks forward to participating in the program. Councilman Lenkowski announced the successful College Signing Day. High School held the first spring concert since COVID. Graduation is Friday, June 17. The School Board is instituting an anonymous reporting system to help with incidents at the High School. He informed any applicant wishing to use the Borough Park or fields to provide all the information necessary for the Committee. Councilwoman Patton announced the Library is holding their book sale. On May 28, there will be a community yard sale. The Memorial Day Observance will be on Monday, May 30 at 9:00am at the Lindenwold Park. Councilwoman Sinon announced the events sponsored by Camden County for seniors including golf lessons, sessions for stress for Care Givers, program for balance, and a picnic at Lakeland on May 25. Next, she presented the update on COVID with nine new cases in Lindenwold. The CDC has reported that 58 percent of the population has been affected. She also announced a warning for one of the rapid tests that has not been approved by the FDA. Mayor Roach added that he is proud of the all efforts regarding Redevelopment, which shows in the two-cent decrease in taxes. Councilman DiDomenico added that the police will be at the event on Saturday at Drifaway. Mayor Roach reviewed the new public speaking policy. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to the public. Mrs. Porter, resident, informed Council of no improvements regarding her complaints at the Pines. She appreciated President Randolph Sharpe walking the grounds with her. She continued to talk about the trash, snakes and bugs on the property. Donald Anderson, resident, questioned why the Borough cannot clean up the mess and address with the owner. Carol Shook, resident, informed Council of the problems including drug activity, unsupervised children, and loud music behind the Belmont Apartments with the debris ending up on her property. In addition, she wants the Borough to address the speeding on Brighton Avenue. Diane Veteri, resident, questioned the Council activities and salaries with the meetings being reduced to once per month. She questioned Arbor Day since there is no Environmental Committee. Her last question is regarding Ordinance 2019- 215. Rolando Otero, resident, requested information on the vacant lot. Trevor Shaw, resident, thanked Mayor Roach for cleanup locations, the Police Department and Public Works for their support. He commented on the improvement of the concession stand at Carlton Rouh field. He asked questions about the website and the use for News Subscription for events and Welcome Tab, Senior Building, and Dog Park. He also informed Council of a group breaking into cars again and inquiring about improvements for White Horse Pike. Mayor Roach re-opened the meeting to Council. Mayor Roach informed Ms. Shook that he has provided the information to the Police Department about her complaints. Council is reviewing the possibility to rent the Community Center while addressing the issues of liability and damages. President Randolph-Sharpe addressed the issue of duties for Council in addition to the monthly meeting. Regarding the Pines, Code Enforcement has issued violations with a period for the owner to address. She will be meeting with Management. The Borough uses the property channels to address the complaints. Part of the issue is the property behind this location belongs to N.J. Transit who is responsible for maintaining. She responded to the question for the Welcome tab, which is still in the process. However, the new software for the Construction Office has become the priority. She will look into the distribution of events. The Business Administrator addressed the location of the dog park is still for Scott Ave. She informed the resident that a traffic analysis was completed for United States Avenue and White Horse Pike and will be submitted to the state. The Mayor added that Lindenwold has been participating with the state in the study for the past five years for improvements on the White Horse Pike. Mayor Roach responded to the resident regarding the vacant property and the procedure involved. Once completed, a notice will be sent. Councilwoman Hess responded to the resident that there is still a Committee for Environmental to complete projects in town. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING May 11, 2022 Page | 8 Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that the meeting be adjourned. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. DATED: June 8, 2022 ________________________________ Deborah C. Jackson, RMC Borough Clerk