Borough Council

COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 13, 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, Council President Randolph-Sharpe and Mayor Roach. Resolution 2023:206 - 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 Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski, that Resolution 2023:206 be adopted as read. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski to go out of executive session. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Oath of Office for Captain Helveston & Lieutenant Errico Oath of Office for (3) Police Officers – Sutcliffe, Sperling & Salvador Approval of Minutes Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Morrisey that the Council Meeting and Executive Session Minutes for November 8, 2023 be adopted as presented. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Payment of Bills Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess 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 $2,920,529.44 b. Sewer Report $ 37,552.89 c. Treasurer’s Report $ 147,500.34 Second Reading Ordinance 2023-19 Repealing Chapter 14 Contracts & Professional Services 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 President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Ordinance 2023-19 be adopted as read on second reading. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. 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 2023:207-215 COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 13, 2023 Page 2 Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Resolution 2023:207- 215 be adopted as read, however, Council requested to remove Resolution 2023:212 and 2023:213. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Resolution 2023:207 Authorizing Disposal of Surplus Property WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold is the owner of certain surplus property which is no longer needed for public use; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council are desirous of selling said surplus property in an as is condition without express or implied warranties. NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED by the Borough of Lindenwold, as follows: The sale of the surplus property shall be conducted through GovDeals pursuant to Resolution 2023:48 to participate in the Cooperative Purchasing Program with National Intergovernmental Purchasing Alliance Co. and administered by Sourcewell for the purchase of goods, products and services. The terms and conditions of the agreement entered into with GovDeals, #012821-GDI, is available online at govdeals.com and also available from the Borough of Lindenwold. The sale will be conducted online after publication in the Courier Post and the address of the auction site is govdeals.com. The sale is being conducted pursuant to Local Finance Notice 2021-18. A list of the surplus property to be sold is as follows: 2011 Ford Crown Victoria Vin # 2FABP7BV0BX158144 2011 Ford Crown Victoria Vin # 2FABP7BV2BX158145 The surplus property as identified shall be sold in an as-is condition without express or implied warranties with the successful bidder required to execute a Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement concerning use of said surplus property. The Borough of Lindenwold reserves the right to accept or reject any bid submitted. Resolution 2023:208 Fire Commissioners Compensation WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:14-88 provides that each member of the Board of Fire Commissioners shall receive as compensation such amounts as the Board shall fix, and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:14-88 further provides that the compensation so fixed shall be subject to review by the governing body wherein the Fire District is located, and WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the Borough of Lindenwold has received Resolution 2023-26 passed by the Board of Fire Commissioners with the attached Schedule A with the 2024 Annual compensation. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the Governing Body has reviewed and accepts the resolution and compensation as presented from the Lindenwold Board of Fire Commissioners. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 13, 2023 Page 3 Resolution 2023:209 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 $20,600.00 Telephone OE $12,000.00 Tax Assessor S & W 5,100.00 Computer Data Processing OE 3,500.00 Total $20,600.00 $20,600.00 Resolution 2023:210 Chapter 159 Camden County Law Enforcement Mini 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 $2,500 from the State of New Jersey and wishes to amend its 2023 Budget to include a portion of 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 $2,500 is now available as a revenue from the Camden County Juvenile Detention Center, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of $2,500.00 and the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of: 2023 Camden County Law Enforcement Mini Grant BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be sent to the Director of Local Government Services for certification. Resolution 2023:211 Cancel Taxes RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OR CANCELLATION OF VARIOUS ITEMS, DIVISION OF TAX COLLECTIONS-SEWER COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 13, 2023 Page 4 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 240 Lot 54.01 $2,950.06 ADJUSTMENT: Cancel taxes along with corresponding assessment. Property owner has qualified as a Totally Disabled Veteran/Widow of Totally Disabled Veteran and as such is entitled to tax-exempt status as ordered by the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Resolution 2023:212 Authorize Acceptance of Chief of Police Contract WHEREAS, an Agreement has been prepared between the Borough of Lindenwold and the Lindenwold Chief of Police for January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026, and WHEREAS, this Agreement has been reviewed by the solicitor for the Borough of Lindenwold. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the Governing Body accepts this Agreement as presented and authorizes the signing of this Agreement between the Borough of Lindenwold and the Chief of Police. Resolution 2023:213 Authorize Acceptance of Deputy Chief of Police Contract WHEREAS, an Agreement has been prepared between the Borough of Lindenwold and the Lindenwold Deputy Chief of Police for January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2027, and WHEREAS, this Agreement has been reviewed by the solicitor for the Borough of Lindenwold. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the Governing Body accepts this Agreement as presented and authorizes the signing of this Agreement between the Borough of Lindenwold and the Deputy Chief of Police. Resolution 2023:214 Authorizing Execution of TWA Application AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A TREATMENT WORKS APPROVAL APPLICATION AND RELATED DOCUMENTS FOR THE PUMP STATION #8 REHABILITATION PROJECT WHEREAS, the BOROUGH OF LINDENWOLD has determined that it is in the Borough’s best interest to upgrade Pump Station #8 by abandoning the existing dry well/can; retrofitting the existing wet well to accommodate new submersible pumps, electrical controls, and a pump-mate control system, applying epoxy coating to the existing wet well, installing new discharge piping, installing a trash basket, and removing and replacing concrete slab, concrete sidewalk, chain link fencing and gate; and COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 13, 2023 Page 5 WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requires endorsement by the BOROUGH OF LINDENWOLD for a TWA, as permittee, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the BOROUGH OF LINDENWOLD that its Borough Engineer, Glenn J. Hanson, PE is hereby authorized, on behalf of the BOROUGH OF LINDENWOLD, to endorse the appropriate sections of the Treatment Works Approval application and related documents for the above referenced. Resolution 2023:215 Authorize Salary Increase – Sewer Superintendent WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold has promoted Thomas Pace in the Sewer Department to C3 Operator by Resolution 2023:172 effective October 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, As a result of the promotion and attaining C3 Operator status, Thomas Pace will now assume the responsibility of overseeing and supervising the Sewer Department, and shall be appointed to the position of Lindenwold Sewer Superintendent; and WHEREAS, there exists a shared service agreement between the Borough of Lindenwold and the Borough of Laurel Springs for the maintenance of the sewer system in Laurel Springs, where Lindenwold supervises and maintains the sewer system in the Borough of Laurel Springs; and WHEREAS, there is a need for an Assistant Lindenwold Department of Public Works (DPW) Director; and WHEREAS, there is also a need for a Record Keeper resulting from the Laurel Springs Shared Service Agreement; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold has determined to further increase the work responsibilities of Thomas Pace to include appointment to the positions of Assistant DPW Director, and Record Keeper for the Laurel Springs Sewer Shared Service Agreement. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Borough Council that Thomas Pace shall be appointed to the positions of Lindenwold Sewer Superintendent, Assistant Department of Public Works Director, and Record Keeper for the Laurel Springs shared service agreement for sewer. Thomas Pace shall receive compensation retroactive to October 1, 2023, as a result of the promotion, appointments, and additional employment responsibilities as set forth herein, as follows: Sewer Superintendent (C3 Operator) $90,000 Laurel Springs Sewer Service Agreement – Record Keeping $3,429.72 Assistant DPW Director $10,000 Total Annual Salary $103, 429.72 RESOLUTION 2023:216 – Public Works New Hire – Truck Driver Heavy WHEREAS there is a need in the Public Works Department to hire a Truck Driver Heavy and WHEREAS, it is the procedure of the Borough of Lindenwold to hire employees by resolution. WHEREAS, Brandon Jones has been recommended by the Public Works Director to be hired after the successful completion of his 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 starting on January 2, 2024. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that Resolution 2023:216 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 13, 2023 Page 6 RESOLUTION 2023:217 – Hiring of Sewer Department Laborer WHEREAS, there is a need in the Sewer Department to hire a laborer, and WHEREAS, it is the procedure of the Borough of Lindenwold to hire employees by resolution. WHEREAS, Mike Palma has been recommended by the Sewer Superintendent to be hired after the successful completion of his 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 starting on January 2, 2024. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that Resolution 2023:217 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Engineer’s Report was presented by Dennis McNulty of Remington and Vernick. He stated they were awarded a $275,000.00 grant for a new bikeway connector through Lindenwold Park from Bangor Avenue and extending through the high school field grounds connecting to Burrows Lane. This is in addition to the grant awarded last month for Municipal Aid – Carver Avenue Improvements for $246,218.00. The Bilper Avenue Improvements project has been completed. Submitted Safe Routes to School Federal Aid Application for Carlton Street Sidewalk Improvements for $725,000.00. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to Council. Councilman Morrisey presented the November report from the Fire District including 91 calls, 16 inspections and12 re- inspections. 4 smoke alarms were installed in resident’s homes. Smoke alarms still available for homeowners – contact Fire Department at 856-346-0935. 2024 Budget was introduced – sent to State for approval. Fire District Election in February. Architect presented plans for new fire station – replacing old building on Linden Avenue. Cost $10,565,965.00 financed by 30-year bond. Average assessed value on a property in Lindenwold is $110,514. Homeowner pays $219 per year for Fire District Tax. If Budget is passed, new Fire District Tax would be $338.84 per year. Fire Commission meeting December 18th. Councilwoman Hess asked the Chief and Volunteers of America (VOA) to come in and speak on issues as Patco station. Patco is its own jurisdiction, however Lindenwold police do assist with their challenges. Delaware River Port Authority / Patco Station Chief Cobbs is aware of the homelessness, drugs, mental health issues, etc. and they are on top of it. Contact DRPA with any issues. Chief Cobbs assures us that our safety is key and officers are always in the vicinity. Lindenwold PD has partnered with VOA to help combat some of these issues. VOA provides services and has resources to help the individuals in need. The Mayor thanked the two representatives from VOA that came out to speak about the services they provide. Camden County IMPACT – Immediate Mobilization of Police Assisted Crisis Teams Program consists of 27 police departments in the State and 14 in Camden County. All services are voluntary, however, they pride themselves on building relationships with the individuals and getting them into detox, mental health facilities and emergency shelter services. Reporting from their last fiscal year starting in July there were 136 referrals and 46% of those were successful intakes. The goal is to get the individuals to accept treatment, mental health care and housing. VOA can assist with any social component ie: financial troubles. The Mayor thanked Christina & Monique (VOA representatives) for coming out and asked if they could explain what happens when there is a Code Blue Alert. Office of Emergency Management (OEM) makes arrangements for warming centers and Patco was made an official warming site. The County has funds set aside to help with warming centers. Monique from VOA asked if we could provide a list of any places, ex: churches, etc. that would be interested in participating as a warming site. You may dial 211 for the closest warming center. They are open 24/7. Mayor Roach, again, thanked the Chief and VOA staff for providing us with all this information. Councilwoman Hess then provided Reports the following departments – Police 1,585 calls for service, 50 accidents, 61 community policing, 81 traffic enforcement stops, and 36 criminal complaints. Public Works – tons of trash 763, tons of recycling 83.0, bulk items 248, scrap metal 54, accidents 4 and injuries 1. Lastly, Councilwoman Hess was pleased with the success of the Holiday Christmas Parade. The rain did not stop anyone from having a great time. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 13, 2023 Page 7 Council President Randolph-Sharpe – Confirmed Christmas Parade was very nice. Thanked all volunteers. Special shout out to Lighthouse Deliverance who crocheted hats and scarves for those in need. Council President gave kudos to Miss Gayle for leading this project and thanked all those that weathered the storm. Special thanks to the Fire Department, Brenda, and Public Works for decorating, etc. Council President complimented the VOA for their amazing work. She has personally travelled via Patco for the last 7 years and speaks very highly of their service. Karen & Lavelle are both very- responsive to all needs. She can’t say enough about Lindenwold station. Police officers are there at 8AM clearing out the station and asking for identification if needed. She has never felt threatened at Patco and considers them good neighbors. Her friends at the Surrogate’s office asked that she share that Camden County Board of Commissioners, Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Disabled Services provides free Legal Workshops for seniors and disabled residents in Camden County. Those attending will receive at no cost, a Last Will and Testament, advanced director for healthcare, Living Will and Power of Attorney. All workshops are held at the Camden County One Stop Center at 101 Woodcrest Road #127 in Cherry Hill. If interested in participating, please call 856-571-1316. Winter Fest Ice Skating Rink located at Cooper River Park is open from November 24th through February 25th. The Borough has free tickets which include skates that can be picked up at the Municipal Clerk’s office. President Randolph-Sharpe thanked Dawn our Business Administrator and her sorority – Delta Sigma Theta – NJ Garden City Chapter for the food baskets for two seniors in the Harvest House community. She thanks them for their genericity. Dawn added that she reached out the police department to see if they received any calls for anyone in need. She and the sorority were also able to provide a basket for another family in need. Council President reminded residents of the upcoming Special Election in February. Advised they can contact the Board of Elections for a vote-by-mail ballot. Lastly, she congratulated the new officers and those officers who have maintained their career with us. Additionally, she thanked our Police Chief for his leadership. Councilman Lenkowski - December 14th School #5 Winter Art Show 6:30PM to 7:30PM. December 19th Middle School Winter Concert 6PM to 8PM. December 20th High School Winter Concert 7:00PM to 8:30PM. December 21st School #4 Winter Concert 7:00PM to 8:30PM. Councilman wanted to send a special thanks to the Lindenwold PD and Clementon EMT’s. His wife was in a terrible car accident and they kept her calm and reassured her everything would be alright. He thanks the young men and women for their bravery. They deserve our respect. Councilwoman Patton wanted to remind the residents that the Holiday Decorating Contest is still on-going. There will be prizes for Best Yard, Best Business trophy, Best Door for seniors and Best Apartment. Winners will be announced on December 23rd. For additional info and winners please call or text 856-573-8222. Councilwoman Sinon – wanted to remind seniors that December 19th is the Caregivers Support Group meeting via Zoom from 5:30PM to 6:30PM. South Jersey Gas put out a flyer of all utility assistance programs available. There is a winter moratorium from November 15th through March 15th. Utility companies are not permitted to shut off your electric. Some of the programs include Lye Heat, Page, NJ Shares and the Universal Health Fund. For on-time payments for 12 consecutive months the USF program will wipe away any old/unpaid balances. Camden County OEO offers new windows and water heaters. NJ Comfort Partners help with free energy-savings programs. Mayor Roach – was overwhelmed at the amount of support received from the Police, Fire, Public Works and Council given at the Christmas Parade. He is so thankful for those that donated their time to this endeavor. It was a great feeling of community support and he is so proud to be the Mayor of Lindenwold, he’s proud of what the community has turned into and proud of what our team has become. Dawn S. Thompson – wanted to thank the Police again for all their efforts. She asked residents if they knew Lindenwold had a Grinch in town and we made it to the news. She expressed how our police officers went over and beyond and wanted to thank the Chief for his leadership and for everything our officers do to have fun with our community. The Chief was thankful and reminded us to look for the Grinch on FOX 29 news. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to the public. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 13, 2023 Page 8 John McGill, resident first wished everyone a great holiday season. Resident asked Council if Public Works would be back by to pick up leaves. Mayor advised they always come around for a second pick up and to reach out to Public Works to provide the date they will be back in your neighborhood. Resident then asked about roadways from Gibbsboro Road between White Horse Pike and the overhead train. Mayor advised these roads are being repaved. Resident was glad to hear. Resident wanted to revisit an issue with a home in his neighborhood – says no improvement with occupants. Mayor advised he’s aware of property and aware of the code violations at neighborhood property. Appears homeowner who is a senior is incapacitated and the occupants are taking advantage of him. Owner rented to one occupant and it appears as though she’s moved her entire family in. Mayor assured resident we are working to resolve the issue ASAP. Valerie Carr, resident reported that the mouse issue in her complex seems to be resolved. She reported another issue. Mailbox on Elm Avenue is being removed and wants to know if another mailbox can be put in the vicinity. Mayor suggested resident contact the Post Master and express the need for another mailbox in the area. Mayor believes the Post Master to be helpful and responsive. Trevor Shaw, resident wanted to thank Council, Police and Fire for their hard work. Resident was unable to attend the parade this year but he heard all good things about it. It’s one of his favorite events of the year and wants to thank all departments involved for the work they did. Resident congratulated the officers on their promotions. Thanks everyone involved for bringing the VOA to the Borough to address resident concerns of the town. Appreciates the update. Wishes everyone a great Holiday Season. Special thanks to Councilwoman Sinon for her willingness to share resources and information, and for her eagerness to answer the public’s questions. Wished her well on her future endeavors. 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: December 13, 2023 _____________________________________ Nadeen C. Randall, CMR Acting Borough Clerk