Borough Council

COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 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 - Hess, Lenkowski, Morrisey, Patton, Sinon, and Mayor Roach. Excused absence - President Randolph-Sharpe. Resolution 2023:192 - 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 Councilwoman Hess, second by Councilman Lenkowski, that Resolution 2023:192 be adopted as read. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Motion was made by Councilman Lenkowski, second by Councilwoman Hess to go out of executive session. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Oath of Office for Deputy Police Chief Resolution 2023:193 Promotion of Superior Officers – Whereas, the Borough of Lindenwold has identified a need to fulfill the positions of Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant in the Lindenwold Police Department, and Whereas, Civil Service guidelines have been completed, and Whereas, it is the procedure of the Borough of Lindenwold to promote employees by resolution; and Whereas, Mayor and Council has accepted the recommendation to appoint Lieutenant Robert Helveston to the position of Police Captain, Sergeant Adam Errico to the position of Police Lieutenant, and Patrolman Daniel Conn to the position of Police Sergeant. Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that Lieutenant Robert Helveston be promoted to the position of Police Captain, Sergeant Adam Errico be promoted to the position of Police Lieutenant, and Patrolman Daniel Conn be promoted to the position of Police Sergeant. Motion was made by Councilwoman Hess, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Resolution 2023:193 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Oath of Office for Police Sergeant Motion was made by Councilwoman Hess, second by Councilman Morrissey that the Council Meeting and Executive Session for October 11, 2023 be adopted as presented. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Motion was made by Councilwoman Hess, 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. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 Page 2 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 $4,780,865.37 b. Sewer Report $ 73,718.22 c. Treasurer’s Report $ 146,853.79 First Reading Ordinance 2023-19 Repealing Chapter 14 Contracts & Professional Services AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 14; CONTRACTS, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF LINDENWOLD WHEREAS, the municipal governing body of the Borough of Lindenwold adopted Ordinance 2020-16 on September 9, 2020, which is included as Chapter 14 Contracts, Professional Services in the Code of the Borough of Lindenwold; and WHEREAS, Ordinance 2020-16 was enacted pursuant to the statutory authority granted to municipalities in N.J.S.A. 40A:11-51, permitting municipalities to enact Ordinances limiting the award of public contracts to business entities and/or individuals based upon political contributions; and WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of New Jersey revised N.J.S.A 19:44A-1, et seq., which was signed into law on April 3, 2023, and became effective retroactive to January 1, 2023, which superseded and replaced N.J.S.A. 40A:11-51; and WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of New Jersey formally repealed N.J.S.A. 40A:11-51, effective January 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, Lindenwold Borough Ordinance 2020-16, included as Chapter 14 Contracts, Professional Services in the Code of the Borough of Lindenwold sunset, and was otherwise voided by the Acts of the New Jersey State Legislature, effective January 1, 2023, by virtue of the repeal of N.J.S.A 40A:11-51; and WHEREAS, the governing body of the Borough of Lindenwold has determined that it is in the best interest of the Borough to repeal Chapter 14 Contracts, Professional Services of the Borough Code in its entirety, in that Ordinance 2020-16 is now void as a result of the repeal of N.J.S.A 40A:11-51. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the municipal governing body of the Borough of Lindenwold, that Chapter 14 Contracts, Professional Services, as adopted in Ordinance 2020-16, is repealed in its entirety. This Ordinance shall take effect upon proper passage and publication according to Law. Motion was made by Councilwoman Hess, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Ordinance 2023-19 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. First Reading Ordinance 2023-20 Amending Chapter 276 Solid Waste and Recyclables (Title Only) Motion was made by Councilwoman Hess, second by Councilwoman Sinon that Ordinance 2023-20 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. Second Reading Ordinance 2023-18 Salary Ordinance for UFCW Mayor Roach opened the meeting to the public. There being no one desiring the floor, the meeting was closed to the public. Motion was made by Councilwoman Hess, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Ordinance 2023-18 be adopted as read on second reading. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 Page 3 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 51 AND ORDINANCE #1358, REGULATING THE SALARIES OF THE EMPLOYEES OF UFCW LOCAL 360 OF THE BOROUGH OF LINDENWOLD, COUNTY OF CAMDEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden and State of New Jersey as follows: SECTION 1. The following salaries shall be paid at the time designated to the employees of UFCW Local 360 of the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden and State of New Jersey while in the employ of the Borough of Lindenwold, who hold or are appointed to the positions enumerated below commencing January 1, 2023 and subsequent years thereafter stated: Wages for all employees hired prior January 1, 2013 2.0% 2.25% 2.25% 2.0% 2.0% EFFECTIVE 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 POSITION Deputy Tax Collector I $60,692.27 $62,057.85 $63,454.15 $64,723.23 $66,017.69 Deputy Tax Collector II $59,510.92 $60,849.92 $62,219.04 $63,463.42 $64,732.69 Asst Municipal Tax Collector $49,652.50 $50,769.68 $51,912.00 $52,950.24 $54,009.24 Clerk Typist (Violations) $42,879.76 $43,844.55 $44,831.05 $45,727.67 $46,642.22 Clerk (Code Enforcement) I $45,451.91 $46,474.58 $47,520.26 $48,470.67 $49,440.08 Clerk (Code Enforcement) II $44,165.84 $45,159.57 $46,175.66 $47,099.17 $48,041.16 Library Clerk I $51,661.57 $52,823.96 $54,012.50 $55,092.75 $56,194.60 Clerk Typist (Planning, Zoning) $44,165.84 $45,159.57 $46,175.66 $47,099.17 $48,041.16 Clerk Typist (Public Works) $45,451.91 $46,474.58 $47,520.26 $48,470.67 $49,440.08 Police Records Clerk Typist II $45,022.84 $46,035.85 $47,071.66 $48,013.09 $48,973.35 Wages for all employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 Deputy Tax Collector $54,537.90 $55,765.00 $57,019.72 $58,160.11 $59,323.31 Asst Municipal Tax Collector $48,811.03 $49,909.28 $51,032.24 $52,052.88 $53,093.94 Assistant Tax Assessor $51,818.00 $52,983.91 $54,176.04 $55,259.56 $56,364.75 Clerk I (Tax ) $42,834.64 $43,798.42 $44,783.88 $45,679.56 $46,593.15 Clerk II (Tax ) $45,298.42 $46,283.88 $47,179.56 $48,093.15 Clerk I (Code Enforcement) $42,834.64 $43,798.42 $44,783.88 $45,679.56 $46,593.15 Clerk II (Code Enforcement) $45,298.42 $46,283.88 $47,179.56 $48,093.15 Clerk I (Construction) $42,834.64 $43,798.42 $44,783.88 $45,679.56 $46,593.15 Clerk II (Construction) $45,298.42 $46,283.88 $47,179.56 $48,093.15 Library Clerk I $42,834.64 $43,798.42 $44,783.88 $45,679.56 $46,593.15 Library Clerk II $45,298.42 $46,283.88 $47,179.56 $48,093.15 Clerk I (Joint Land Use/Mercantile) $42,834.64 $43,798.42 $44,783.88 $45,679.56 $46,593.15 Clerk II (Joint Land Use/Mercantile) $45,298.42 $46,283.88 $47,179.56 $48,093.15 Clerk I (Public Works) $42,834.64 $43,798.42 $44,783.88 $45,679.56 $46,593.15 Clerk II (Public Works) $45,298.42 $46,283.88 $47,179.56 $48,093.15 Police Records Clerk I $42,834.64 $43,798.42 $44,783.88 $45,679.56 $46,593.15 Police Records Clerk II $45,298.42 $46,283.88 $47,179.56 $48,093.15 COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 Page 4 Effective January 1, 2023: Additional compensation for each certificate and /or license when passed and completed, added to base salaries: • Technical Assistant to the Construction Official License -$2500.00 annually added to contractual base salary. • Tax License - $2500.00 annually added to contractual base salary. • Bilingual certificate - $1500.00 annually added to contractual base salary. Add to contract Annual Increases • Community Outreach Coordinator - $5000.00 annually added to contractual base salary. • Vacant /Foreclosed Registrations - $5000.00 annually added to contractual base salary. • Street Openings - $2500.00 annually added to contractual base salary. Effective January 1, 2024: • Clerk II Title with annual increase of $1,500.00 per year above the Clerk I rate. SECTION 2. The salaries and wages herein described and specified shall take effect January 1, 2023 and shall apply to all years subsequent therein, unless and until the same have been changed as specified and provided by law. This ordinance shall take effect upon proper passage and publication according to law. 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. Resolution 2023:194-205 Motion was made by Councilwoman Hess, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Resolution 2023:194 -205 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative with the exception of Resolution 2023:200 where Councilwoman Sinon voted in the negative. Motion carried. Resolution 2023:194 Chapter 159 (JAG) Whereas, N.J.S. 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget, and Whereas, said Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for equal amount, and Whereas, the Borough of Lindenwold will receive $15,660.00 in shared funds from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) and wishes to amend its 2023 Budget to include this amount as a revenue. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2023 in the sum of $15,660 which is now available as a revenue from the County of Camden, and Be It Further Resolved that a like sum of $15,660 and the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of: Local Law Enforcement Grant—Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 Page 5 Be It Further Resolved that the Borough Clerk forward two (2) copies of this resolution to the Director of Local Government Services for certification. Resolution 2023:195 Temporary Parking Christmas Parade Whereas, there is a need in the Borough of Lindenwold to institute traffic restrictions on December 1, 2023 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, and Whereas, The Borough of Lindenwold has the authority to close roads necessary under Title 39:4-94.2 in addition to parking restrictions as per Chapter 220 Section 17 of the Code of the Borough of Lindenwold, and Whereas, the Police Department has authorized parking to be prohibited along the even numbered residences of West Linden for December 1, 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm as well as the closing of any streets for the Lindenwold Christmas Parade route from Chews Landing Road to West Park Ave to East Atlantic Ave to West Linden Ave ending at the Lindenwold Library on East Linden Ave. Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold approves the traffic restrictions as submitted by the Lindenwold Police Department. Resolution 2023:196 Cherry Hill Cooperative Pricing Agreement – Techna-Pro RESOLUTION TO UTILIZE THE CONTRACT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND SCHOOL FLASHER EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND SIGNAL MODIFICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS ELECTRIC SERVICE WITH AN OPTION FOR MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION UNDER THE CHERRY HILL COOPERATIVE PRICING SYSTEM IDENTIFIER #37-CHCPS WHEREAS, pursuant to Cherry Hill Township Resolution 2022-10-19, Techna-Pro Electric, LLC (Techna-Pro), 100 Pike Road, Bldg. B-1, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 was awarded a one (1) year contract with two (2) one (1) year renewals upon mutual written consent of Cherry Hill Township and Techna-Pro commencing November 3, 2022 and will include members of Cooperative #37-CHCPS when Resolutions are received by the Township of Cherry Hill; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Cooperative Pricing Agreement, the Borough of Lindenwold hereby requests that it be allowed to participate in the Traffic Signal and School Flasher Emergency Response and Signal Modifications and Miscellaneous Electric Service with an Option for Maintenance and Inspection under the Cherry Hill Cooperative Pricing System Identifier #37-CHCPS described in the Cherry Hill Township master contract; and WHEREAS, The Borough of Lindenwold acknowledges that it has received and reviewed the Agreement in its entirety, and agrees to be bound by its promises, covenants, terms and conditions as well as by any rules and regulation duly promulgated by the Lead Agency (Township of Cherry Hill) and the members of the Cooperative Pricing System; and WHEREAS, The Borough of Lindenwold shall likewise be entitled to all the rights and benefits of a member of the Cooperative pricing System; and COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 Page 6 WHEREAS, The Borough of Lindenwold likewise agrees to the above contract period that shall commence upon the adoption of this Resolution and/or at final execution of a separate contract or purchase order between Borough of Lindenwold and Techna-Pro, for the one year option that terminates November 2, 2023 and the approved second year option between the Township of Cherry Hill and Techna-Pro ending on November 2, 2024; and WHEREAS, the availability of this contract best serves the needs of the Borough of Lindenwold and the governing body recommends utilization of this contract; and WHEREAS, funding is available under Public Works Other Expenses of $59,300.00 and also Capital Ordinance 2023-11 of $72,000.00 for a grand total amount not to exceed $131,300.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, in the County of Camden, State of New Jersey that the Borough utilize the Traffic Signal and School Flasher Emergency Response and Signal Modifications and Miscellaneous Electric Service with an Option for Maintenance and Inspection under the Cherry Hill Cooperative Pricing System Identifier #37-CHCPS for an amount not to exceed $131,300.00, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden, State of New Jersey that the Mayor or designee is authorized to execute such documents consistent with this Resolution and to take such other action on behalf of the Borough in furtherance of this Resolution. Resolution 2023:197 Renew Liquor License 2023-2024 Krish of Lindenwold Whereas, Krish of Lindenwold NJ LLC completed and submitted a new twelve page application and proof of publication due to the untimely filing of the application, and Whereas, the Borough of Lindenwold is now able to renew the pocket liquor license for Krish of Lindenwold NJ LLC, #0422-33-009-007, for the renewal period of 2023-2024. Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the liquor license for Krish of Lindenwold NJ LLC, #0422-33-009-007, is hereby approved for the year 2023-2024. Resolution 2023:198 Cancel Outstanding Checks BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the following outstanding checks be cancelled: Republic Bank Check Date Check # Amount Payee Municipal Court - General Account #1365061 06/07/2021 1097 $1.00 Parrish Middlebrook 03/29/2022 1157 $3.00 Kenneth Dewater 04/29/2022 1162 $100.00 Patricia Thomas 04/29/2022 1163 $30.00 Jesiel Victorino 04/29/2022 1164 $33.00 Jesiel Victorino 07/15/2022 1188 $34.00 Jesiel Victorino 08/15/2022 1195 $34.00 Jesiel Victorino 01/24/2022 1140 $25.00 Kweisi Robertson 10/20/2022 1210 $34.00 Jesiel Victorino COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 Page 7 10/20/2022 1212 $33.00 Estela Garay 11/15/2022 1223 $33.00 Jesiel Victorino 11/15/2022 1224 $33.00 Josue Herman Aquilar 02/09/2023 1242 $34.00 Estela Garay 02/09/2023 1243 $33.00 Jesiel Victorino Municipal Court – Bail Account #1365053 03/21/2021 1393 $58.00 Tatanisha Hood 06/03/2021 1405 $500.00 Lauren Byrum 06/03/2021 1406 $50.00 Bilal Holmes 06/13/2022 1467 $25.00 Yanira Medina 07/06/2022 1473 $10.00 Linda Lvres 08/03/2022 1484 $50.00 Juan Robles 10/07/2022 1494 $500.00 Alondra Martinez Payroll Account # 1365185 01/29/2019 606 $27.25 Colonial Life 01/18/2019 9233 $17.32 Benefits Express 02/15/2019 9298 $17.32 Benefits Express 03/29/2019 9380 $25.32 Benefits Express 08/30/2019 9710 $25.32 Benefits Express 09/27/2019 9760 $15.65 Benefits Express 12/20/2019 9924 $17.65 Benefits Express 01/17/2020 9966 $390.99 Court Officer Canady 11/22/2019 9864 $17.32 Benefits Express 04/24/2020 10114 $17.32 Benefits Express 05/22/2020 10159 $17.32 Benefits Express 06/19/2020 10201 $17.32 Benefits Express General Account # 1364979 12/09/2020 42814 $4,166.63 Jefferson Stratford Hospital 08/11/2021 43552 $1,338.84 United Electric Supply Resolution 2023:199 Budget Transfers BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the following transfers be made to the 2023 Budget in accordance with N.J.S 40A:4-58: From To General Fund Compliance OE $25,500.00 Police S &W 20,100.00 Telephone $10,000.00 Gasoline 10,000.00 Fuel Oil 5,000.00 COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 Page 8 Water 4,000.00 Tax Assessor S & W 4,100.00 Computer Data Processing 8,500.00 Joint Land Use Board OE 4,000.00 Total $45,600.00 $45,600.00 Resolution 2023:200 Post-Retirement Benefits WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold wishes to recognize the retirement of several long term employees, and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold participates in the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program, and WHEREAS, under Chapter 48 employees with the acquired years of service qualify for post-retirement benefits, and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold has received and considered several post-retirement requests for Health Insurance benefits from the following employees: Deborah C. Jackson, Borough Clerk 3 years effective 11/01/23 George Turner, Public Works Supervisor 3 years effective 02/01/24 Richard Kneisler, Mechanic 3 years and 9 months effective 01/01/24 Wilfredo Rodriguez, Truck Driver 3 years 01/01/24 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold to accept the requested retirements and furnish State Health benefits to each listed employee, consistent with their individual requests for retirement benefits. Resolution 2023:201 Treatment Works Approval Application - Lindenwold Board of Education RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF LINDENWOLD AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF LINDENWOLD BOROUGH TO EXECUTE A TWA APPLICATION FOR THE LINDENWOLD BOARD OF EDUCATION WHEREAS, Lindenwold Board of Education has submitted to the Borough of Lindenwold, Camden County, New Jersey, plans and specification for a Sanitary sewer for the Early Childhood Center, which plans were prepared by CME Associates; and WHEREAS, Lindenwold Board of Education is required to apply to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for a Treatment Works Approval and said application has been prepared and submitted to the Borough of Lindenwold for its consent. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, on this 8th day of November, 2023, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the Mayor of Lindenwold is hereby authorized to execute the Treatment Works Approval Application submitted by Lindenwold Board of Education relative to the Sanitary Treatment Works Approval (TWA) Sewer Extension to be constructed in accordance with plans prepared by CME Associates. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 Page 9 Resolution 2023:202 Hiring PT Construction Official WHEREAS, there is a need in the Construction Department to hire a part time Construction Official/Building/Electrical/Plumbing/Fire Inspector to assist with inspections and other related tasks, and WHEREAS, it is the procedure of the Borough of Lindenwold to hire employees by resolution. WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold has reviewed the qualifications of Kevin Bagnell, and is satisfied that Mr. Bagnell maintains the licenses and experience necessary to fill the open position; and WHEREAS, Kevin Bagnell has been recommended by the Supervisor to be hired for this position, and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that Kevin Bagnell be hired to the position of part-time Construction Official/Building/Electrical/Plumbing/Fire Inspector at a rate of $43 per hour. Resolution 2023:203 Chapter 159 Water Resources Planning Management – Storm water Assistance Grant New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater Assistance Grant WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget, and WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for equal amount, and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold will receive $25,000 from the Department of Environmental Protection for Stormwater Assistance Grant and wishes to amend its 2023 Budget to include this amount as a revenue NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2023 in the sum of $25,000 which is now available as a revenue from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of $25,000 and the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of: Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater Assistance Grant BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk forward two (2) copies of this resolution to the Director of Local Government Services for certification. Resolution 2023:204 Local Registrar BE IT RESOLVED by the mayor and council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the following is hereby appointed effective November 1, 2023 as required by R.S.26:8-17: Local Registrar of Vital Statistics - Nadeen C. Randall COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 Page 10 Resolution 2023:205 Deputy Registrar BE IT RESOLVED by the mayor and council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the following is hereby appointed effective November 1, 2023 as required by R.S.26:8-17: Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics - Jessica Ricci Engineer’s Report was presented by Dennis McNulty of Remington and Vernkick. He stated they were awarded the grant for Carver Avenue Improvements and advised that the Bilper Avenue Improvements project has been completed. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to Council. Councilman Morrisey presented the October report from the Fire District including 83 calls, 3 of which were search and rescue. Fire Prevention Open House was held on October 11th. They unveiled plans for the new fire house to be built at new site on Linden Avenue. Plans to close Scott Avenue Station. Smoke alarms still available for homeowners - installation is available. Newest firefighter passed first phase of training. All vehicles are in service. Councilwoman Hess presented the October reports for Public Works, Sewer and the Police Department. Public Works - 749 tons of trash collected and 75 tons of recycling. Sewer - 42 calls for service and 6 emergency calls. There were no injuries or accidents reported. Police – 1,735 calls for service. Councilman Lenkowski congratulated Mayor Roach, Councilwoman Hess and newly elected Councilman Jeremy Jackson on their victory. The Learning Center for Lindenwold schools broke ground and is expected to be ready in 2025. School play Alice and Wonderland showing November 16th – 18th. Lindenwold High School students selling pies for $16 to offset the cost of their senior trip. Councilwoman Patton thanked all who attended the Public Events for year 2023. Wrapped up their final event on October 28th - Trunk or Treat. Possibility of one last event for 2023 – Holiday House Decorating Contest TBD. She presented the Library report for October, which included circulation of books, and DVDs (140), computer usage (102) and new members (7). Councilwoman Sinon congratulated the Mayor, Councilwoman Hess and newly elected Councilman Jeremy Jackson on their win. She advised Seniors that open enrollment for medical coverage ends on December 7th. If assistance is needed refer to website www.medicare.gov or call Camden County Senior Services at 856-858-3220. Camden County Board of Commissioners broke ground for their new building on Lakeland complex – Nutrition Hub. Facility was created to expand upon the County’s growing need for home-delivered meals to residents. The County is estimating by 2025 Nutrition Hub will be serving 300,000 meals per year. Dawn S. Thompson – provided an update on the 2023 Best Practices Inventory – A total of 67 questions are distributed among three scoring categories: Core Competencies, Best Practices and Unscored Survey. The Division has introduced a total of 15 new scored questions to the 2023 Inventory. Each Municipality must receive a minimum score of 29 on the Inventory in order to receive its full Final Aid payment. The Borough of Lindenwold received a score of 32.50 resulting in no aid being withheld - the town will receive the full final aid payment. Mayor Roach congratulated Councilwoman Hess and newly elected Councilman Jeremy Jackson on their win and thanked them both for their support. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 Page 11 Mayor Roach opened the meeting to the public. John McGill, resident, spoke to Council regarding the vicious Pitbull in the area. This animal has attacked a neighbor and his wife is terrified to go outside. Police and Animal Control have been called and he was told there’s nothing they can do. He believes the homeowners are renting out part of the home to the family that owns the vicious dog. He’s questioning whether the homeowner applied for the permits and inspections that are required when renting your property. This vicious pet has him and the neighbors on edge. The Mayor asked the resident stay until the end of the meeting so they can discuss further as there are things in place to take care of this issue. Robin Wright, resident, spoke to Council regarding the same vicious Pitbull in the area. She owns a small dog and is afraid to walk her as she watched a jogger get bit by this same vicious animal. She fears for the children in the area. Another woman who attended the meeting with Ms. Wright stated she’s afraid to let her dog off her deck. Mayor advised he would get with Code Enforcement in the morning and assured the residents that the issue would be handled. Councilwoman Sinon questioned if the residents pets had been bit. If so, she advised them to contact the Health department ASAP. Robin Boyle, resident, advised of a Public Works gate alongside of the access road that leads to her home. She says her neighbor blocks the gate continuously. Where the neighbor parks prohibits her and her family from getting in and out of their property. Neighbor now parks an additional vehicle along the same area (Xfinity work truck). If the issue isn’t resolved by Friday she plans to contact Environmental Protection. She is requesting a “no parking” sign for this gated area in particular. Mayor requested for resident to stay until the end of the meeting to get her contact information so this issue can be addressed with Code Enforcement in the morning. Diane Veteri, resident, addressed the Mayor specifically. She questioned the salary line items for his wife. Mayor informed resident that he is not permitted to discuss anything pertaining to his wife. Resident congratulated Mayor on his new appointment. Resident questioned how Mayor intends to help residents. Roxanne Berger, resident, congratulated the Mayor on his win. She addressed concerns about an article that surfaced in regards to Lindenwold being the 2nd worst place to live. She knows this is not true as home values and school testing scores have increased significantly. She questioned the Master Plan that was implemented in 2017 and asked for an update. She thanked Councilwoman Patton’s Events Committee. She has concerns about the homelessness, mental illness and drug abuse in our town. She asked how we are going to help these individuals. Mayor advised homelessness is handled through the County and VOA. She asked for more information with regards to grants and bonds issued for the new fire house. Mayor advised her to contact the Fire Department directly for this information. She questioned how should could gain access to the 2023 Best Practices Inventory and asked where it was filed. Dawn S. Thompson advised it’s filed with the State - NJ FAST and access can be granted by submitting an OPRA request through the Clerk’s office. She congratulated the Lindenwold Lions on their success. Councilman Morrisey provided resident with upcoming Fire Commission meeting details and advised there is a section of the meeting that is open to the public for any questions she may have. Trevor Shaw, resident, congratulated the winners in the election. Resident thanked Councilwoman Patton on a wonderful Trunk or Treat event. Resident questioned Agenda item Ordinance 2023-19 Contracts and Professional Services. He asked if we were putting this item back in place or repealing it for good. Borough Solicitor advised we are repealing it because Pay-to-Play is now governed by State Law. Resident thanked Ms. Berger for her kind words regarding Homes.com. He also advised residents that OPRA requests can be submitted via email without using the standard request form. Gladys Hardy, resident, thanked Mayor’s office for helping with their mice problem. She advised black boxes have been placed all around the complex. Residents are pleased. They have received trash pickup twice per week and the complex is now emptying their recycling bins. She advised that would continue to attend monthly meetings. Mayor advised Meadowview has agreed to work with the Borough. Resident wanted to thank Tyler from the Construction office for his assistance. She also congratulated the Mayor on his re-election. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, November 8, 2023 Page 12 There being no one else desiring the floor, the Mayor closed the meeting to the public. Motion was made by Councilwoman Sinon, second by Councilman Lenkowski that the meeting be adjourned. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. DATED: November 8, 2023 _____________________________________ Nadeen C. Randall, CMR Acting Borough Clerk