Borough Council

COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 4, 2024 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, Jackson, Lenkowski, Morrisey, Patton, Council President Randolph- Sharpe and Mayor Roach. Resolution 2024:175- 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, Personnel and Professional Services. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski, that Resolution 2024:175 be adopted as read. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Jackson to go out of executive session. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes a. Council Meeting August 14, 2024 b. Council Meeting September 11, 2024 c. Council Meeting October 9, 2024 d. Council Meeting November 13, 2024 Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that the Council Meeting Minutes for August 14, 2024, September 11, 2024, October 9, 2024 & November 13, 2024 be adopted as presented. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Council Meeting Minutes August 14, 2024 - Council President Randolph- Sharpe abstained. 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. Engineer’s Report 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 2024:176 – 2024:178 Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Jackson that Resolution 2024:176 – 2024:178 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 4, 2024 Page 2 Resolution 2024:176 Budget Transfers BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the following transfers be made to the 2024 Budget in accordance with N.J.S 40A:4-58: From To General Fund Municipal Clerk S&W $54,500.00 Streets & Roads S & W 25,000.00 Telephone $7,500.00 Street Lighting 5,000.00 Accumulate Leave Comp 10,000.00 Fuel Oil 5,000.00 Vehicle Maintenance 25,000.00 Municipal Clerk OE 15,000.00 Streets & Roads OE 10,500.00 Senior Citizens’ Activities OE 1,500.00 Total $79,500.00 $79,500.00 Resolution 2024:177 Additional Compensation Diesel Generator Engineer Certification Additional Compensation Diesel Generator Engineer Certification WHEREAS, a new contract was negotiated between the Borough of Lindenwold and Teamsters on July 28, 2021, and WHEREAS, the terms of the contract include additional compensation for covered employees who hold and maintain additional licenses, and WHEREAS, Mayor and Council believe it to be in the best interests of the Borough to maintain consistency in compensation with non-contractual employees who hold and maintain additional licenses, and WHEREAS, a request was reviewed for two employees in the Department of Public Works who have received a Diesel Generator Engineer Certification which will eliminate the need to hire an outside contractor to service our fifteen (15) emergency back-up generators. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the Borough’s emergency back-up generators will be serviced by Borough licensed employees Frederick Deterding and Ralph Parsinitz. Additional compensation is authorized in the amount of $2,080 each, for both Fredrick Deterding and Ralph Parsinitz, retroactive to November 1, 2024, as compensation for servicing the generators. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 4, 2024 Page 3 Resolution 2024:178 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 2024-28 passed by the Board of Fire Commissioners with the attached Schedule A with the 2025 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. Resolution 2024:179 Authorizing Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Services at the Georgetowne Condominium Association Property WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold received a request on behalf of Georgetowne Condominium Association on November 5, 2024, for the Borough to commence Solid Waste and Recycling Services as of January, 2025; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold commissioned a feasibility study from the Borough Engineers, Environmental Resolutions, Inc., to determine the most effective means to implement Solid Waste and Recycling collection at the Georgetowne property; and WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has recommended the placement of Solid Waste and Recycling dumpsters be utilized at the property; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Lindenwold have considered the request by Georgetowne Condominium Association, and have reviewed the feasibility study and recommendations set forth in the study concerning Solid Waste and Recycling collection at the property. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that the Superintendent of Public Works is authorized to place Solid Waste and Recycling Dumpsters at the Georgetown Condominium Association Property, consistent with the findings and recommendations as set forth in the feasibility study dated December 4, 2024, prepared by Environmental Resolutions, Inc. The Dumpsters shall be placed on the property as soon as practicable on the first week of January, 2025. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Resolution 2024:179 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 4, 2024 Page 4 Resolution 2024:180 Promote Heather Protich to Office Manager Construction/Code Enforcement Office WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold recognizes the importance of effective and efficient office management in supporting its daily operations and overall mission; and WHEREAS, Heather Protich has demonstrated her strong organizational, interpersonal and leadership skills as well as her solid understanding of construction and code enforcement regulations. WHEREAS, the position of Office Manager shall entail overseeing the administrative and operational functions to ensure a smooth workflow and acting as a liaison between the office, municipal departments, and external agencies; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, that Heather Protich is hereby promoted to the position of Office Manager, effective, October 1, 2024 with an annual compensation of $58,000. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that Resolution 2024:180 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Resolution 2024:181 Appoint Nadeen Randall to Municipal Search Clerk WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold has a need to fill the position of Municipal Search Clerk to ensure efficient handling of search requests and related administrative tasks; and WHEREAS, Nadeen C. Randall possesses the qualifications necessary to fulfill the responsibilities associated with this position, including but not limited to conducting searches of municipal records, processing related applications, and providing service to the public; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Borough Council has reviewed and approved the appointment of Nadeen C. Randall to this role; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, that Nadeen C. Randall is hereby appointed as the Municipal Search Clerk with annual compensation of $1,172. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilman Lenkowski that Resolution 2024:181 be adopted as read. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Engineer’s Report – The Borough Engineer was not present for the meeting. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to Council. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 4, 2024 Page 5 Councilman Morrisey – reported on fire department activity, including 72 calls, engine repairs, and progress on the new firehouse, which is delayed until January. Free smoke alarms are still available for residents, and the Christmas parade is on December 6th at 7PM. Councilwoman Hess – shared stats for the month of November for the Police, Public Works, Sewer, and Library Departments. The Christmas Parade begins at 7PM, the Tree Lighting starts on Chews Landing Road at 7:30PM, ending at the library with Santa, hot chocolate, cookies, and hand-made hats and gloves for those in need. Council President Randolph-Sharpe – reported on November Code Enforcement activities, including 92 inspections, 60 violations written and 32 rental inspections. Randolph-Sharpe thanked Pastor Holmes and White Oak Baptist Church for serving Thanksgiving dinner to the seniors. She also mentioned attending the groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting for the Lighthouse of Deliverance Church, and highlighted Pastor Harley’s call for community involvement. Lastly, Randolph- Sharpe recognized Pearl Harbor Day, honoring the 2,400 lives lost and shared a personal story about her father-in-law’s experience as part of the cleanup crew. Councilman Lenkowski – reported that the Lindenwold High School winter concert will be on Wednesday, December 18th at 7PM, and a fun Christmas event in the gymnasium for children is on December 14th at 10AM and 1PM - Santa will be present. Lenkowski warned about scams involving text messages about transactions or bills from Fulton Bank which ask for user names and passwords. Councilwoman Patton – reported that Adventure Aquarium is hosting “Sensory Sundays” on the third Sunday of each month, offering a sensory-inclusive hour for guests with sensory challenges. Patton also mentioned the Lindenwold Moose Lodge’s Toys for Tots benefit concert on December 15th at 10AM - $10 donation. On a personal note, Patton thanked the Lindenwold community for their support after the passing of her father. Mayor and Council expressed their condolences to Councilwoman Patton for the loss of her father, acknowledging they were unaware of her loss and offering their support during this difficult time. Councilman Jackson – urged continued support for the senior congregate center and wished everyone a safe and happy holiday. Borough Administrator – announced that Borough offices will close early at 1PM on Monday, December 16th, for the employee holiday luncheon. Administrator warned residents to be on the lookout for the Grinch. Mayor Roach – The Mayor encouraged everyone to attend the parade and to dress warmly. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to the public. Diane Veteri – resident reported concerns about feral cats, including a cat being poisoned and left near her property, prompting police involvement on Thanksgiving. Resident warned others feeding cats to remain vigilant and noted the contradiction of neighbors complaining about wildlife while leaving food, like pumpkins, outside. Roxanne Berger - resident raised a complaint about a streetlight that’s been out for 1.5 years despite Atlantic City Electric visiting twice, noting the issue is likely with the junction box. Council advised providing the Administrator the pole number to escalate the matter. Additionally, Berger shared that December is dedicated to cancer screenings, which are available regardless of insurance status. Trevor Shaw – resident is collecting donations for dog food and biscuits for veteran residents and will share sign-up details soon. Shaw also raised concerns about two streetlights on US Avenue that have been out since December 2020, seeking clarification on whether the responsibility lies with the county. There being no one else desiring the floor, the Mayor closed the meeting to the public. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 4, 2024 Page 6 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: December 4, 2024 _____________________________________ Nadeen C. Randall, CMR Acting Borough Clerk