Borough Council

COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, April 10, 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 2024:88 - 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 2024:88 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. 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 – March 2024 b. Sewer Report – March 2024 c. Treasurer’s Report – March 2024 d. Engineer’s Report – April 2024 Second Reading Ordinance 2024:05 Amend Fee Schedule Chapter 150-31 Park and Recreation Use Fees 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 2024:05 be adopted as read on second reading. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Second Reading Ordinance 2024:06 Police Salaries 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 2024:06 be adopted as read on second reading. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. First Reading Ordinance 2024:07 – COLA Ordinance Year 2024 Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Ordinance 2024:07 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. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, April 10, 2024 First Reading Ordinance 2024:08 NJDOT ADA Sidewalk Agreement Motion was made by President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that Ordinance 2024:08 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. Resolution 2024:89 Introduce 2024 Budget BE IT RESOLVED that the following statements and revenues and appropriations shall constitute the Municipal Budget for the year 2024, and 1. Appropriations within “CAPS” (a) Municipal Purposes $ 17,264,479.28 2. Appropriations excluded from “CAPS” (a) Municipal Purposes $ 1,468,049.10 Total General Appropriations excluded from “CAPS” $ 1,468,049.10 3. Reserve for Uncollected Taxes $ 998,483.62 4. Total General Appropriations $ 19,731,012.00 5. Less: Anticipated Revenues Other than Current Property Tax $ 8,692,640.91 6. Difference: Amount to be Raised by Taxes for Support of Municipal Budget: (a) Local Tax for Municipal Purposes Including Reserve for Uncollected Taxes $ 11,038,371.09 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said budget be published in The Courier Post April 24th edition. The Governing Body of the Borough of Lindenwold does hereby approve the following budget for the year 2024. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Morrisey that Resolution 2024:89 be adopted as read. 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 2024:90 – 2024:94 Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that Resolution 2024:90 – 2024:94 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, April 10, 2024 Resolution 2024:90 Promote and Appoint Construction Official WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold hired Kevin Bagnell as the part-time Construction Official/Building/Electrical/Plumbing/Fire Inspector to assist with inspections and other related tasks in the Construction Department by Resolution 2023:202; and WHEREAS, there is a need in the Construction Department to promote and appoint Kevin Bagnell to Construction Official/Building and Plumbing Subcode/Building and Mechanical /Electrical/Plumbing/Fire Inspector effective May 1, 2024 as a result of the retirement of John Holroyd. WHEREAS, it is the procedure of the Borough of Lindenwold to promote and appoint 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 vacancy; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold to promote and appoint Kevin Bagnell to the position of Construction Official/Building and Plumbing Subcode/Building and Mechanical /Electrical/Plumbing/Fire Inspector at a salary of $44,000. Resolution 2024:91 Release Performance Bond - Rita’s Water Ice WHEREAS, Rita’s Water Ice submitted a Performance Bond in the amount of $24,000 for the development project and WHEREAS, Environmental Resolutions, Inc. has completed their review and confirmed all site improvements on the above referenced development have been completed in substantial compliance with the Borough Ordinance Requirements and authorized the release of the aforementioned Performance Bond, and WHEREAS, the Governing Body determined it is appropriate to waive the two (2) year Maintenance Bond requirements due to the limited scope of bondable improvements for this project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the Performance Bond submitted by Rita’s Water Ice for development be released. Resolution 2024:92 NJDOT Sidewalk Agreement AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE BOROUGH ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE PERMANENT SIDEWALK AGREEMENT FOR ADA SOUTH CONTRACT #4, ROUTE 30 SECTION 1, PARCEL E92, BLOCK 116 LOT 1, FEDERAL PROJECT NO. STBGP-0030(360). WHEREAS, the Borough has received and reviewed an Agreement between the Borough of Lindenwold and the State of New Jersey Acting through its Commissioner of Transportation; and COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, April 10, 2024 WHEREAS the State construction Project: ADA South Contract #4, Route 30, Section 1, Parcel E92, Federal Project No. STBGP-0030(360, Block 116, Lot 1, requires Borough property that will be acquired in accordance with the Eminent Domain Act. WHEREAS the improvements will affect Borough sidewalks at 15 White Horse Pike N; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of Lindenwold that the Mayor and Borough Administrator, are hereby authorized to execute documents submitted by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, in relation to Federal Project No. STBGP-0030(360), ADA South Contract #4, Route 30, Section 1, Parcel E92, Block 116, Lot 1; APPROVED by the Governing Body the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden. State of New Jersey at a meeting held on April 10, 2024. Resolution 2024:93 AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE BPU COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION GRANT PROGRAM (CEPI) WHEREAS, a sustainable community seeks to ensure that its environmental, economic, and social objectives are balanced and mutually supportive; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold strives to assure clean land, air and water for current and future generations; and WHEREAS, New Jersey’s 2019 Energy Master Plan: Pathway to 2050 (“EMP”) established that community-level action is necessary to achieve the state’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2050; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has created a Community Energy Plan Implementation Grant Program for municipalities to implement initiatives identified in their Community Energy Plan (“CEP”) or a plan equivalent to a CEP that has been approved by municipal resolution (“Equivalent Plan”); and WHEREAS, the Community Energy Plan Implementation (“CEPI”) Grant Program will help the Borough of Lindenwold to invest in various projects including but not limited to the infrastructure and equipment necessary for implementing solar energy power and electric vehicle charging stations, and to work toward a better environment for all residents by using the State’s EMP as a guide to develop sustainable strategies that increase clean energy production, reduce energy use, and cut emissions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of Lindenwold that the Borough of Lindenwold shall apply for the aforementioned CEPI Grant Program; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Lindenwold Borough will commit to providing staff support for the duration of the Community Energy Plan implementation process, including seeking utility, State, or other available funding to combine with funding requested under the CEPI Grant Program. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Borough of Lindenwold authorizes the submission of the aforementioned Application to the CEPI Grant Program. Resolution 2024:94 Approve Raffle License for Friends of Camden Animal Shelter d/b/a Animal Adoption Center BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that Raffle License #RA662 be approved for Friends of Camden Animal Shelter d/b/a Animal Adoption Center for an on-premises 50/50 raffle and an on-premise merchandise raffle on June 1, 2024 at 501 Berlin Road North, Lindenwold. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, April 10, 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 Fire Department’s activities, including one search-and-rescue call, 43 inspections, 14 re-inspections, and all trucks being in service. Smoke detectors remain available for installation. Awards were presented at their March 16 banquet, including a 75-year service award to Richard McBride Sr., Officer of the Year to Steven Burns, Firefighter of the Year to Mark Wells, and Most Calls for 2023 to Craig Wells. The next fire commission meeting is on June 15 at 801 Scott Ave. Councilwoman Hess – provided updates on the Lindenwold Library, including 15 new members, upcoming events, and the summer reading program. Hess shared activity reports for the police (1,845 total calls, 45 traffic accidents, and 39 criminal complaints) and public works (766 tons of trash and 68.74 tons of recycling collected). Hess announced the placement of VOA boxes to collect travel-sized items for the homeless and encouraged contributions. Additionally, Hess clarified public works services, addressing social media criticism about cleanup efforts, bulk pick-up scheduling, and the use of dumpsters, emphasizing the town’s extensive clean-up and disposal of services for residents. Council President Randolph-Sharpe – reported Code Enforcement activity for the prior month, including 90 CO inspections, 97 violations found, and 588 yearly rental inspections. Randolph-Sharpe announced plans for seminars on powers of attorney, living wills, and free will-writing services in collaboration with the Surrogates Department. A newsletter is scheduled for release before Memorial Day, and she reminded residents about Arbor Day and Earth Day. Randolph-Sharpe emphasized that burning vegetation is illegal, unsafe, and harmful to the environment, urging residents to use Public Works services for removal. Councilman Lenkowski – highlighted that Lindenwold has a street sweeper, a service not common in many communities, and praised its effectiveness. He announced the school play 9 to 5, scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, encouraging residents to attend and support the students. He also provided an update on Early Learning Center construction, noting that major steelwork will be completed by next Thursday, with more contractors expected to arrive afterward. Councilwoman Patton – announced two upcoming events: (1) Love Lindenwold Cleanup Event on April 13 at Lindenwold Middle School, starting at 10AM, with check-in at 9:30AM. The event includes a three-hour cleanup, lunch at noon, and a $40 donation to children’s extracurricular organizations for participating youth under 18. Public Works and the Fire Department will assist. (2) Spring Yard Sale on the same day from 10AM to 2PM at the Lindenwold Moose Lodge. Spaces are $10, and interested individuals can contact Veronica Hearny for more details. Patton encouraged community participation in both events. Councilman Jackson – highlighted Senior Citizens United Community Services (SCUCS), which provides emergency services, housing assistance, in-home care and shared senior living options. Jackson noted this could address issues like the housing challenges, such as rodent infestations. He has pamphlets available and mentioned that SCUCS Director Jennifer Lee will meet with him in the coming weeks to discuss these services further. Dawn S. Thompson – The CFO/Administrator announced the introduction of the 2024 municipal budget, with a public hearing scheduled for May 8. Thompson also shared that Lindenwold received two NJDOT grants: $300,000.00 for Amon Avenue pavement repairs and $200,000.00 for Brighton Avenue reconstruction, with further details to be discussed at the hearing. Mayor Roach – addressed concerns about door-to-door soliciting, noting that it is prohibited by Borough ordinance 199-3. To help enforce this, a new “No Soliciting” decal is now available at the construction office, where residents can register and pick up one per household. The decal includes a warning about fines for violators and has successfully deterred solicitors. Residents are encouraged to obtain and display the decal. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, April 10, 2024 Mayor Roach opened the meeting to the public. Diane Veteri – resident raised concerns about Public Works only allowing one bulk item per pick-up, causing delays, and proposed a homeless shelter in Lindenwold. The council advised contacting Public Works for clarification, and the borough administrator offered to assist directly if issues persist. Regarding homelessness, the mayor explained ongoing efforts with the county, including a new shelter in Lakeland, and emphasized registering individuals with services instead of providing direct aid. John McGill – resident expressed frustration about persistent junk cars, trash issues, and limited bulk trash pick-up, requesting more community cleanup efforts. The mayor and council explained equal trash pick-up policies for renters and homeowners, suggested utilizing Public Works drop-off for bulk items, and encouraged reporting violators for fines to address illegal dumping. Robin White – resident expressed frustration with problematic individual or group causing disruptions in the neighborhood, involving unwanted activities and dogs now having puppies. Resident is frustrated by lack of resolution. Councilman Morrisey – reported seeing a fluid leak from a sewer connection while walking his dog and emailed Public Works about it over the weekend. He was pleased with the quick response, as the issue was addressed by noon on Monday. The mayor responded by highlighting that the workers are on call 24 hours a day. Roxanne Berger – resident reported not receiving responses to emails about using the senior center for outreach services and shared her interest in promoting National Minority Health Awareness Month. The mayor offered the use of borough hall for the demonstration, free of charge, and highlighted its benefits for both residents and borough employees. The council president noted a possible email address issue and offered to provide the correct contact details. Trevor Shaw – resident raised concerns about the Community Center’s inclusivity, the painted train bridge, and ADA accessibility at the library. The mayor and council explained that the train bridge issue has been ongoing for years due to complications with New Jersey Transit and required permissions. They also clarified that the library operates under Camden County, which manages its ADA compliance and board. The resident was informed that the building doesn’t need to be ADA-compliant due to proximity to Camden County’s library. The Administrator reported that New Jersey Transit, through its contractor Intersection, controls advertising on the train trestle and stated that repainting the bridge is not feasible due to the high costs and specialized requirements. The resident suggested pressure washing the trestle to remove outdated advertising. The Administrator acknowledged the request but emphasized that the situation is beyond their control. There being no one else desiring the floor, the Mayor closed the meeting to the public. 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: April 10, 2024 _____________________________________ Nadeen C. Randall, CMR Acting Borough Clerk