Borough Council

COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, August 9, 2023 Page | 1 President Randolph-Sharpe 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. President Randolph-Sharpe asked for a moment of silence to remember Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. Roll Call of Council Members Present: Morrisey, Patton, Sinon, and President Randolph-Sharpe Excused absence: Councilwoman Hess, Councilman Lenkowski and Mayor Roach. Resolution 2023:149 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 Councilman Morrisey, second by Councilwoman Sinon, that Resolution 2023:149 be adopted as read. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Motion was made by Councilwoman Sinon, second by Councilman Morrisey to go out of executive session. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Motion was made by Councilman Morrisey, second by Councilwoman Sinon that the Council Meeting and Executive Session for July 12, 2023 be adopted as presented. Roll call vote was in the affirmative with President Randolph-Sharpe abstaining. Motion carried. Motion was made by Councilwoman Sinon, second by Councilman Morrisey 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 $1,758,907.67 b. Sewer Report $ 152,905.82 c. Treasurer’s Report $ 108,552.68 First Reading Ordinance 2023-16 Amend Chapter 386 Sanitary Standards Motion was made by Councilwoman Sinon, second by Councilman Morrisey that Ordinance 2023-16 be adopted as read 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. WHEREAS, the Mayor and Municipal Governing Body of the Borough of Lindenwold wishes to ensure consistency in its provisions and to protect the health and welfare of its residents, and WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey has enacted new legislation, and WHEREAS, after a careful review of the Lindenwold Codes, an amendment is needed to address Part II Health Legislation of the Lindenwold Codes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Mayor and Municipal Governing Body of the Borough of Lindenwold, to amend as follows: Article II Nuisances § 386-7 Conditions and acts declared to be nuisances. The following specific acts, conditions and things are each declared to be or may become public health nuisance and are prohibited: F. Burning – repealed (see Chapter 100) V. Beehives. (1) Permitting or allowing of beehives to be less than 150 feet from any adjacent building occupied by human beings except that of the owner. This section shall not apply to the breeding or keeping of honeybees, or any action related thereto, as proscribed in N.J.S.A. 40:48-1.5. W. Smoke – repealed (see Chapter 100) This ordinance shall take effect upon proper passage and publication according to law. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, August 9, 2023 Page | 2 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 Councilwoman Sinon, second by Councilman Morrisey that Resolution 2023:150 to 158 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Resolution 2023:150 Rental Property Inspection Fees WHEREAS, Ordinance 250-1, et seq. of the Borough of Lindenwold Code mandates Periodic Inspections of Residential Rental Properties to occur at least once each year; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold was notified that Summit Place is required to be inspected by the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs in 2023, and WHEREAS, Residential Rental Properties are exempt from Borough Inspections as required by Ordinance 250- 1, et seq., in years when they are subject to Inspection by the Department of Community Affairs; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold has received the annual inspection Rental Inspection fees in advance for year 2023 in the amount of $9,960.00 for Summit Place. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, that a refund be issued to Summit Place in the amount of $9,960.00 for annual Rental Inspection fees received for year 2023. Resolution 2023:151 Re-Appoint Class III Police Officer WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold has identified a need to fulfill the position of Class III Police Officer in the Lindenwold Police Department, and WHEREAS, Civil Service guidelines have been followed, and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold appointed Thomas Brennan to the position of Class III Police Officer under Resolution 2022:150, and WHEREAS, the Police Department has requested the Thomas Brennan be re-appointed to this position. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that Thomas Brennan be re-appointed to the position of Class III Police Officer. Resolution 2023:152 Award Repair for Pump Station #3 Whereas, the Borough of Lindenwold, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:34-6.2 (B) (3) may, by Resolution and without advertising for bids, purchase any goods or services through The North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Pricing System; and Whereas, the Borough of Lindenwold desires repair of Pump Station #3 19.6HP Fairbank Morris Submersible Lift Pump to factory conditions through The North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Pricing System Contract # B331-6 ; and Whereas, The North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Pricing System has been awarded the contract of the repair of Pump Station #3 19.6HP Fairbank Morris Submersible Lift Pump to factory operating conditions; and Whereas, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Lindenwold recommend the utilization of this contract on the grounds as the best means available to make these repairs; and Whereas, of the repair of Pump Station #3 19.6HP Fairbank Morris Submersible Lift Pump to factory operating conditions shall not exceed the amount of $10,000 ; and Whereas, funding for this resolution is available from the Borough of Lindenwold Sewer Department Sewer Capital Account; and Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the mayor and the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden and State of New Jersey as follows: 1. The borough of Lindenwold hereby authorizes the purchase of the repair of Pump Station #3 19.6HP Fairbank Morris Submersible Lift Pump to factory operating conditions through The North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Pricing System Contract # B331-6 2. The total fee also authorized for this contract shall not exceed $10,000 without prior written approval from the Borough Council. 3. The Mayor, Borough Clerk and/or such other officials as is necessary and proper are hereby authorized to execute documents necessary to implement this resolution. 4. A copy of this resolution shall be provided to the Borough Treasurer and The North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Pricing System for their information and guidance. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, August 9, 2023 Page | 3 Resolution 2023:153 Amend Resolution 2023:108 for Extel Communication WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold awarded Extel Communication for a hosted telephone system with voice and data services for all Borough municipal buildings; and, WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold is part of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey Cooperative Pricing System under Resolution 2023:48; and, WHEREAS, Extel Communications is authorized under the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey Cooperative Pricing System, (ESCN) CO-OP 19/20-30 for this type of system; and WHEREAS, after Extel Communications evaluated and reviewed the current system, additional costs are needed for the installation and hosting services under a five year contract with a revised amount not to exceed $230,000. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold authorizes the revised amount for the contract with Extel Communications for a hosted telephone system with voice and data services. Resolution 2023:154 Award FY2023 CDBG-Bilper WHEREAS, the Borough Clerk did advertise for and receive bids on August 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. for the FY2023 CDBG Improvements to Bilper Avenue, and WHEREAS, the Certificate as to Availability of Funds is annexed hereto, and WHEREAS, Addendum A is a list of the bidders, and WHEREAS, Remington & Vernick Engineers has recommended that the contract for the FY2023 CDBG Improvements to Bilper Avenue be awarded to Asphalt Paving Systems, lowest responsive bidder for Base Bid 1, with the amount of $214,600.00. This contract is to be awarded contingent upon the approval of the solicitor and the monies being available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that: 1. The contract for the FY2023 CDBG Improvements to Bilper Avenue be awarded to Asphalt Paving Systems, P.O. Box 530, Hammonton NJ 08037 lowest responsive bidder for Base Bid 1 with the amount of $214,600.00. This contract is to be awarded contingent upon the approval of the solicitor and the monies being available. 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately. Resolution 2023:155 Refund Permit Fee WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold received an application for a permit for a HVAC Installation for 425 Seventh Ave. from Hutchinson Plumbing Heating Cooling, and WHEREAS, the fee was submitted to the DCA, and WHEREAS, the customer canceled the work with Hutchinson Plumbing Heating Cooling, and WHEREAS, the applicant has requested a refund due to the work cancellation, and WHEREAS, Hutchinson Plumbing Heating Cooling is entitled to receive a refund of 80 percent of the fee. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the adjusted amount of $104.00 be refunded. Resolution 2023:156 Authorizing Transfer or Cancellation of Various Items, Division of Tax Collections-Sewer BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold in the County of Camden that the Tax Collector is hereby authorized to make the following adjustments to the tax records of the Borough of Lindenwold. IDENTIFICATION: 2023 TAXES Block 96 Lot 6 $6,218.29 Block 183 Lot 6 $8,125.49 Block 185 Lot 2 $4,911.66 ADJUSTMENT: Cancel taxes along with corresponding assessments. Property owners are qualified as Totally Disabled Veterans/Widows of Totally Disabled Veterans and as such are entitled to tax-exempt status as ordered by the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Resolution 2023:157 Authorizing Transfer or Cancellation of Various Items, Division of Tax Collections-Sewer BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold in the County of Camden that the Tax Collector is hereby authorized to make the following adjustments to the tax records of the Borough of Lindenwold. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, August 9, 2023 Page | 4 IDENTIFICATION: 2023 TAXES Please see attached listing for detail ADJUSTMENT: Cancel taxes along with corresponding assessments. Properties are now owned by the Borough of Lindenwold and as such are entitled to tax-exempt status. Resolution 2023:158 Approve Event for White Oak Baptist Church WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold received a request from White Oak Baptist Church located at 901 E. Maple Avenue for an event, and WHEREAS, This event is scheduled for August 18, 2023 from 6pm to 9pm, and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold has the authority to close roads necessary under Title 39:4-94.2, and WHEREAS, the Police Department has reviewed this request to determine the safety for the residents and the vehicular traffic. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold approves the traffic restriction as submitted by White Oak Baptist Church for the closing of Holland Avenue for the event. Resolution 2023:159 Appoint Housing Inspector III Motion was made by Councilwoman Sinon, second by Councilman Morrisey that Resolution 2023:159 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. WHEREAS, Tyler Venuto was hired as a Code Enforcement Trainee under Resolution 2022:118, and WHEREAS, Tyler Venuto has successfully completed the Trainee period, and WHEREAS, Tyler Venuto has been recommended to the position of Housing Inspector III. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the above named employee be appointed to the position of Housing Inspector III as of June 1, 2023. Engineer’s Report was presented by Dennis McNulty from Remington and Vernick. He stated that the Municipal Parking Lot Improvements would start next Monday. The goal is for the project to be completed by the September Council Meeting. New Jersey Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the Safe Routes to School Program. The Business Administrator asked for information regarding the parking lot to update the residents on the Borough website. President Randolph-Sharpe opened the meeting to Council. Councilman Morrisey presented the report from the Fire Commission, which included 94 calls. The Commission is currently waiting on delivery of a new command vehicle. Delivery has been delayed due to factory recalls. Councilman Morrisey welcomed a new member to the department. Smoke alarms are still available for homeowners by contacting the Fire Commission. Councilwoman Patton provided the July Library report, which included 172 books and DVDs, circulated. She encouraged the residents to go to the Borough Website for the final two movies and concert. For history, she presented a report of Lindenwold builder Peter Parker who built several buildings including homes on Chestnut Avenue and the first firehouse. He also created the innovated technique of pre-cut lumber that was transported to the work sites. Councilwoman Sinon informed the residents of the availability of Farmer Market Gift Cards for seniors and the guidelines. For the Health Department, a new variant of COVID has been spreading with an increased number of new cases. This may be attributed to the heat and air conditioning. In addition, she provided an update on RSV. The FDA has approved a vaccine for seniors and children. These vaccines will be available at CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens in the fall. She informed the residents of another fraud when you charge your phone at a free charging station, including airports. The FBI is aware that hackers have introduced malware in order to steal financial data. It is recommended that you carry your own charger and USB cord. President Randolph-Sharpe presented the July Police Report, which included 1,897 total calls for service. For the Public Works report, there were 756 tons of trash collected and 83 tons of recycling. No injuries were reported. There were 30 calls for the Sewer Department. She thanked the Police Department and Fire Department as well as everyone who participated at National Night Out. She heard there was a fantastic turnout with everyone enjoying themselves. President Randolph-Sharpe read the thank you card that was received from a recent retiree. Next, she shared her experience regarding the trip to Washington, DC with five children from Lindenwold after the weeklong program with the Camden County Sheriff’s Department. She still was able to participate despite the passing of her father. She expressed that the trip was amazing, The group attended all the Memorials, Arlington Cemetery, museums, and swimming. She also COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, August 9, 2023 Page | 5 informed the residents on an update to the murder of a young Lindenwold resident, Maribely Lopez, and the conviction of her assailant. She thanked Mayor and Council and all who expressed their condolences on her loss. President Randolph-Sharpe opened the meeting to the public. Joann Engels, resident, informed Council of the first female Eagle Scout, Faith Martinelli. She informed Council regarding the upcoming ceremony. Her project was two raised flowerbeds for the butterfly garden at the Lindenwold Pre- School. She requested that action be taken regarding the speeding on Cottage in her neighborhood. She spoke of different incidents that have occurred. Borough Solicitor responded that the Police Department would be notified. Gladys Hardy, resident, again spoke to Council regarding the mice issue at Meadowview. Resident asked if any action was taken. She spoke of the rental increases. She asked about the ordinance, which repealed rent control in Lindenwold. She questioned notification to residents and about increases. She also requested assistance with a loose dog in the complex which she reported. This dog continues to be allowed to run loose. Borough Solicitor addressed the designation as a condominium, which limits the authority of the Borough. The Borough Solicitor and resident discussed the situation. President Randolph-Sharpe reviewed the history regarding rent control. Borough Solicitor responded as to the process of ordinances. Borough Solicitor advised to contact the animal control officer if she sees the dog loose again. Pastor Cedric Holmes, White Oak Baptist, spoke of working together with the community to address the needs including clothing and furniture in addition to food. He spoke of the upcoming Vacation Bible School and the block party at the end to celebrate. President Randolph-Sharpe responded that the Police reviewed and approved request. Kelly Porter, Stratford, spoke of the request that was made for an annual day to recognize Michael Murphy who was a former police officer. President Randolph-Sharpe responded that she would look into this. Councilwoman Patton responded that she received an email with the information. Diane Veteri, resident, questioned the application for a grant for lantern flies. She expressed her concern over the divide at National Night Out. Trevor Shaw, resident, presented Council with several questions starting with the location of Pump Station #3. The Public Works Supervisor will be contacted for the exact location. He questioned the changes listed in Ordinance 2023:16, which the Borough Solicitor responded that it was updated as per state law. Resident questioned obtaining the traffic studies. President Randolph-Sharpe responded to resident as to what organization may have documents, for example New Jersey Department of Transportation. She will look into the matter. The resident thanked the Police and Fire Department for National Night Out. He requested updates on the Community Center, basketball court, Business Symposium, and update on website. Business Administrator responded on the location of Pump Station #3 at Aston Martin. The study for White Horse Pike and United States Avenue is waiting on NJ Transportation. President Randolph-Sharpe provided an update on efforts to coordinate a health fair in Lindenwold. She also expressed her efforts to try to bring the businesses together. The cost for the basketball court has significantly increased but progress is being made for the additional funds. Resident and President Randolph-Sharpe discussed the overpass on Gibbsboro Road. Joe Amodeo, resident, questioned a resolution. Borough Solicitor responded the resolution was to appoint an officer as the Lindenwold School Resource Officer. Valerie Carr, resident, questioned the two recycling bins filled with trash at Meadowview. President Randolph-Sharpe responded that the Public Works Supervisor would be contacted. Motion was made by Councilman Morrisey, second by Councilwoman Sinon that the meeting be adjourned. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. DATED: September 13, 2023 ________________________________ Deborah C. Jackson, RMC Borough Clerk