Borough Council

COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, March 13, 2024 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, Jackson, Lenkowski, Morrisey, Patton, Council President Randolph- Sharpe and Mayor Roach. Resolution 2024:78 - 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 2024:78 be adopted as read. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess to go out of executive session. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Resolution 2024:79 Promotion of Superior Officers Whereas, the Borough of Lindenwold has identified a need to fulfill the positions of 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 Sergeant Anthony Pizzo Jr. to the position of Police Lieutenant, and Patrolman Dustin Dilger to the position of Police Sergeant. Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that Sergeant Anthony Pizzo Jr. be promoted to the position of Police Lieutenant, and Patrolman Dustin Dilger be promoted to the position of Police Sergeant. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that Resolution 2024:79 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Oath of Office for Police Lieutenant Oath of Office for Police Sergeant Approval of Minutes a. Council Meeting December 13, 2023 b. Council Meeting December 27, 2023 COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, March 13, 2024 Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski that the Council Meeting Minutes for December 13, 2023 & December 27, 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 – February 2024 b. Sewer Report – February 2024 c. Treasurer’s Report – February 2024 d. Engineer’s Report – March 2024 Second Reading Ordinance 2024:01 Revisions to Sewer Ordinance – Section 260 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 Councilwoman Hess that Ordinance 2024:01 be adopted as read on second reading. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Second Reading Ordinance 2024:02 COLA Ordinance 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 2024:02 be adopted as read on second reading. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Second Reading Ordinance 2024:03 Amend Fee Schedule – Chapter 150-34 Compensation for Off-Duty Enforcement Officers 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 Councilwoman Hess that Ordinance 2024:03 be adopted as read on second reading. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Second Reading Ordinance 2024:04 Amend Fee Schedule – Chapter 150-29 Charges for Sewer Service 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 Councilwoman Hess that Ordinance 2024:04 be adopted as read on second reading. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. First Reading Ordinance 2024:05 Amend Fee Schedule Chapter 150-31 Park and Recreation Use Fees Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Ordinance 2024:05 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 2024:06 Police Salaries Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that Ordinance 2024:06 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. 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 2024:80 – 2024:87 COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, March 13, 2024 Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that Resolution 2024:80 – 2024:87 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Resolution 2024:80 Emergency Management Committee WHEREAS, there is a need for members to the Emergency Management Committee for the Borough of Lindenwold. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, New Jersey that the following be and are hereby appointed as members to the Emergency Management Committee: Craig Wells OEM Coordinator Steven Burns Deputy Coordinator /Emergency Operations Center/ Alert Warning & Communications Richard Paul Jr. Shelter, Reception and Care Jonathan Holroyd Damage Assessment Justin Mastalski Law Enforcement Robert Helveston Emergency Public Information / Evacuation Philip Beeler, Jr. Fire and Rescue Brett Hoag Hazardous Materials David Venuto Emergency Medical Thomas Pace Public Works John Brady Resource Management Resolution 2024:81 ENTERPRISE FLEET - 2024 Ford F-250 DPW and 2023 Ford Police Utility Vehicles RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF LINDENWOLD AUTHORIZING FLEET MANAGEMENT AND LEASING FROM ENTERPRISE FLEET MANAGEMENT PURSUANT TO MASTER INTER- GOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH SOURCEWELL WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold participates in the Cooperative Purchasing Program with the National Intergovernmental Purchasing Alliance Co. and administered by Sourcewell for the purchase of goods, products and services; and WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Borough of Lindenwold to execute a contract with Enterprise Fleet Management to place an orders for (1) - 2024 Ford F-250 XL 4x4 and (7) 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility as there is a significant time lag in production; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold received the following proposals for the leasing and management program with an amount not to exceed $535,000 with the equity lease agreement made payable over a period of five years according to the following schedule. P1440907 – (1) 2024 Ford F-250 4x4 – Public Works Department Year 1 - $13,637, Year 2 – $12,253, Year 3 – $12,253, Year 4 – $12,253, Year 5 – $12,251 COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, March 13, 2024 P1503945 – (7) 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility – Police Department Year 1 - $122,724, Year 2 – $86,513, Year 3 – $86,513, Year 4 – $86,513, Year 5 – $86,511 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the appropriate Borough Officials are hereby authorized to execute the Contract for fleet management and leasing subject to submission of documentation and Notice as required by New Jersey Law. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. Resolution 2024:82 Mercantile Late Fee AUTHORIZING A GRACE PERIOD FOR LATE FEES CHARGEABLE PURSUANT TO ORDINANACE 199-21 WHEREAS, Ordinance 199-21 Late Fees, provides that any license not renewed on or before January 31 annually shall be subject to a late fee; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold believes it appropriate to delay the charging of Late Fees incurred pursuant to Ordinance 199-21 until March 15, 2024, for licenses renewed, or to be renewed, as required in Section 199 of the Borough Ordinances. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that Late Fees chargeable pursuant to Borough Ordinance 199-21 shall be held in abeyance, and such late fees shall be chargeable commencing March 15, 2024, for any license as required pursuant to Subsection 199 of the Borough Ordinances. Resolution 2024:83 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: P.D. TRUCK 2001 CHEVROLET PICK-UP POLICE 1GCEK14T01E296958 MG-45665 #1 2020 FORD F-150 4x4 P.W. 1FTFW1E50LKE08607 36222-MG #26 1970 FORD TRACTOR P.W. C278494 MG-616W #27 1996 TARCO BIG-T VAC P.W. MCD20ZS46514FM01 MG-26247 COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, March 13, 2024 #40 2020 FORD F-150 SUPERCAB SEWER 1FTEX1E55LKD45996 32143MG #41 1980 GMC VAN TV TRUCK SEWER TPM35A3503126 MG-937N #45 1992 BYPASS TRAILER SEWER 16MG11221NDO17852 MG-26242 #46 1989 MOWER TRAILER SEWER PT0612041189U0107 MG-32564 #47 1989 PORTABLE GENERATOR TRAILER SEWER 95C846217 MG-59KZ #51 1995 FORD F-800 DUMP TRUCK P.W. 1FDYF80E7SVA47300 MG-7885 #52 1995 FORD F-800 DUMP TRUCK P.W. 1FDYF80E9SVA46301 20081-MG #72 2007 FORD F-150 PICK-UP SEWER 1FTRF12W97KD32689 MG-76877 #73 2007 FORD F-150 PICK-UP P.W. 1FTRF12W57KD32690 MG-76879 #D-8 2011 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE 2FABP7BV2BX158145 D28-AFV PL1 2011 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE 2FABP7BV0BX158144 K56-AEX Old Phone System BOROUGH Old Plows & Parts P.W. Portable Welder P.W. Old Bed of truck #84 P.W. Walk behind mower P.W. 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 2024: 84 Authorize Acceptance of the Captain of Police Contract WHEREAS, an Agreement has been prepared between the Borough of Lindenwold and the Lindenwold Police Captain 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 Police Captain. Resolution 2024:85 Award Sewer Pump Station#8 Rehabilitation Project WHEREAS, the Borough Clerk did advertise for and receive bids on March 5, 2024 at 2:00PM. for the Sewer Pump Station #8 Rehabilitation, and WHEREAS, the Certificate as to Availability of Funds is annexed hereto, and WHEREAS, Addendum A is a list of the bidders, and WHEREAS, Environmental Resolutions, Inc. has recommended that the contract for the Sewer Pump Station #8 Rehabilitation be awarded to Level-1 Construction, Inc. as the lowest responsive bidder with a Base Bid in the amount of $325,000. 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: COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, March 13, 2024 1. The contract for the Sewer Pump Station #8 Rehabilitation be awarded to Level-1 Construction, Inc., 980 Coles Mill Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094 lowest responsive bidder for the Base Bid amount of $325,000. 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. ADDENDUM A Name Base Bid Level – 1 Construction, Inc. $325,000.00 B&H Contracting, Inc. $400,000.00 Sovereign Consulting, Inc. $421,000.00 JVS Industrial & Commercial Contractors, Inc. $489,000.83 Brayco, Inc. $990,000.00 Resolution 2024:86 Budget Transfers BE IT RESOLVED by Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the following transfers are made to the 2023 Appropriation Reserves: Budget Account From To Sanitation/Recycling S&W 60,000 Police OE 40,000 Compliance OE 25,000 Accumulated Comp OE 125,000 Total 125,000 125,000 Resolution 2024:87 Waive Sewer Utility Fees WHEREAS, the Lindenwold Board of Education has requested a waiver of the sewer utility connection fees associated with the Lindenwold Early Childhood Center Sewer Connection Application, and WHEREAS, this request has been granted to other Lindenwold organizations that rely on funds from Lindenwold tax payers. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the sewer utility connection fees associated with the Lindenwold Early Childhood Center Sewer Connection Application be waived for this project. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, March 13, 2024 Engineer’s Report – The Borough Engineer was not present for the meeting. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to Council. Councilman Morrisey – reported on the following: Fire Commission Election Results: On February 17, voters approved the 2024 fire district budget (408 to 148), a proposal to build a new fire station (331 to 201), and elected Frank DeLuca as Commissioner (326 to 211). The Reorganization meeting on March 5 included officer appointments, committee selections, and approval of the 2024 public meeting schedule. The next meeting is March 18 at 7:30PM at 801 Scott Avenue. Veterans Affairs Medal Ceremony: Scheduled for April 11 at 11AM at the Carlton Rue Veterans Center. Homeward Bound Animal Shelter Events: Pet Food Pantry – March 16, 11AM to 1PM – additional food for pets. $1.00 Dog Adoptions through March 17. Spring Fling: March 23, 12PM to 5PM at the Animal Adoption Center on Berlin Rd, with vendors, food trucks, and pets available for adoption. Councilwoman Hess – provided updates on the following departments: Public Works: Collected 695 tons of trash, 263 bulk items, 42 scrap metal, handled 38 sewer service calls, 14 stoppages, and 13 emergency calls. Police Department: Responded to 1,754 service calls, traffic accidents 30, and community policing 107. Hosting “Recognize, Educate, and Change” (REC) event on March 14 at Lindenwold High School gym from 6PM to 9PM. Library: 3,637 patrons and 21 new members. Easter craft on March 21 at 4PM – registration required. Book sale from April 10-13. Spring cleanup and Earth/Arbor Day craft event in April. Girl Scout Troop meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 5:30PM. Council President Randolph-Sharpe – reported the following: Code Enforcement for February: 120 CO inspections, 6 smoke inspections, 95 violations found, 94 abatements, 10 tickets issued, 53 rental inspections, 7 foreclosures and 74 resident communications. Spring-Summer Newsletter: Scheduled to go out before Memorial Day, departments are submitting content. Volunteer Opportunities: Literacy tutor positions available for English, Math, Reading and workshops. Veterans Discount Guide: Brochures available listing businesses offering discounts to veterans. Women’s History Month: Honoring women’s contributions with the theme “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” Randolph-Sharpe shared quotes and historical highlights celebrating women’s achievements. Councilman Lenkowski – reported on the following school updates: Ongoing HVAC and generator projects at School #5. Construction progress at the Early Child Learning Center. Received $18,126.94 for Local Schools grant and multiple ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) grants. Anticipated flat tax rate for the school budget. New football coach, Scott Nair appointed. School Play 9 to 5 scheduled for April 11-13. Councilwoman Patton – honored the late Lt. Michael Murphy, a 25-year veteran of the Lindenwold Police Department, Firefighter, Moose Lodge member, and community mentor. Patton highlighted Lt. Murphy’s lasting impact on Lindenwold and expressed gratitude to his family. A tribute from Congressman Donald Norcross was mentioned and Councilman Morrisey presented the family with a Proclamation. Councilman Jackson – announced a community yard sale on June 8 (rain date June 9) and another on October 5 (rain date October 6). Plans are underway for two movies, two concerts, and a car show this summer with dates to be finalized next month. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to the public. John McGill – the resident reported ongoing issues at 405 Stone Road, including neglected and loose dogs, excessive noise, trash, and abandoned property. The mayor acknowledged prior violations and promised to follow up with the code official. The chief encouraged reporting incidents to aid enforcement and noted a limit of three dogs per household in Lindenwold. The mayor and chief advised resident to call Animal Control and the Police when issues occur. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, March 13, 2024 Jamie Porter – the resident has lived at The Pines for nearly 50 years and describes severe and ongoing issues with her apartment complex. She reports rodent infestation, with mice in her stove, bedroom and throughout her apartment, leaving droppings and urine that have made her and her dog sick. Despite hiring a private exterminator for $2,500, the problem persists, and the management’s extermination efforts have been ineffective. Ms. Porter also highlights neglected grounds maintenance, with overgrown grass, skunks, and debris left untouched for months. Ms. Porter is frustrated with rising rent, poor living conditions, and a lack of responsiveness from management, urging action to address these issues. Samantha Creitz – the resident is a volunteer with the high school’s Varsity Club and theater mom. Requesting assistance from the Borough in two key areas: 1. Youth Soccer Program: Ms. Creitz highlighted the community’s interest in youth soccer, noting that local kids frequently play soccer in the parks, and parents are supportive. She asked if the Borough could help spread the word, via newsletters or websites, to recruit coaches and organizers to restart the program. The Council President suggested leaving contact information to include on the Borough’s website to help recruit coaches. 2. Theater Program Support: Ms. Creitz mentioned interest in expanding the theater program to provide more opportunities for students. Additionally, she shared details about the Drama Club’s upcoming Easter Bunny Lunch and Egg Hunt fundraiser on March 23rd, with proceeds going toward senior scholarships. The Mayor asked for a flyer to be emailed to Council President Randolph-Sharpe and Councilwoman Hess so it could be shared through the Borough resources like the library and the website. Additionally, Ms. Creitz noted the high school’s willingness to collaborate on initiatives to enhance youth sports and address community needs, aligning with the Park and Recreation Committee’s efforts. Mrs. Murphy – a member of the McNally family with deep roots in Lindenwold, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community for its unwavering support, especially following the passing of her Uncle Murph. She acknowledged: (1) Chief McCarthy and the Police Department for their exceptional service. (2) Councilwoman Patton for her dedication in helping the family secure a proclamation for her uncle after three years of effort. (3) Various community members and organizations, such as the Deterding market and Moose Lodge, for their continued kindness and efforts. Mrs. Murphy commended the community’s work ethic and support, emphasizing that such unity and compassion are rare and deeply appreciated. Joe Amadeo – the resident inquired about a junkyard located at Georgetowne and Chews Landing Roads. Solicitor added the junkyard has three pending court citations. The judge granted a 60-day extension for the owner to clear the property, but compliance appears to be lacking. Further inspections are planned for early April, and noncompliance could result in fines up to $1,000 per day. Mayor added the owner is attempting to relocate the junkyard to Cherry Hill but has faced setbacks, including losing a contract. The Borough is actively pursuing the matter with thorough documentation, including aerial photos, to enforce compliance. Ed Hankin – manager of the property at 125 S. White Horse Pike (Lynnebrook Gardens), inquired about why the sewer department stopped cleaning the sewer line running through the property, a service previously done every three months. He also mentioned concerns about potential abandonment of the line. Mayor advised Mr. Hankin to contact the sewer department directly for faster clarification. Borough Solicitor provided Mr. Hankin with a direct contact – Mr. Pace at the sewer department for further assistance. Tristin Moody – Mr. Moody attended his first council meeting and inquired about: (1) Council Meeting Schedule: The Mayor confirmed meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 6PM. (2) Job Fairs: The Borough has hosted job fairs in the past but not recently. (3) Entrepreneurs and Investors: The Mayor stated there is no specific place in the borough where they typically congregate. There being no one else desiring the floor, the Mayor closed the meeting to the public. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, March 13, 2024 Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski that the meeting be adjourned. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. DATED: March 13, 2024 _____________________________________ Nadeen C. Randall, CMR Acting Borough Clerk